RAMS STORM INTO MACRON QUARTERS
Tom Hoyle completes his hattrick at Adie Moran Park on Friday night.
Tom Hoyle’s hattrick capped off a clinical display from the Rams as a first half five-goal blitz eased us through to the quarter finals at Prestwich Heys.
The Macron cup on a Friday night, and a potentially tricky test for the Rams as they faced a Prestwich Heys side struggling in the league. However, manager Steve Wilkes chose a strong side in the wake of last weekend’s postponement.
The opening few minutes were scrappy with the ball punted out for a never-ending series of throw-ins by the red clad home side but after 8 minutes, came a portent of was to come.
An incisive through ball was flicked on by Rhys Turner and was taken in his stride by Tom Hoyle who controlled it, took a couple of places and then calmly slipped it past Louis Hood in the Prestwich goal for an excellent finish in front of a healthy travelling contingent.
Encouraged by the breakthrough the Rams midfield found their rhythm with Josh Tinker and Dave Lynch combining well and with strong running support play from the wingbacks Harvey Hayhurst and Oscar Radcliffe.
It was no surprise when the second goal arrived on 26 minutes, as another Rams attack was dramatically halted by a foul on the edge of the box. The referee indicated it was inside, and thus a penalty. Harvey Whyte calmly stepped up to smash the ball past Hood to double the Rams lead.
Wave after wave of blue attacks followed and the inevitable third goal arrived just seven minutes later.
It was another well worked team effort with the interlinking midfield creating a series of short incisive passes picking their way through the Prestwich defence before the ball was played hard and low across the box to find Hoyle who calmly controlled it before and burying a shot into the net.
The shell-shocked home team, to their credit, continued their passing style but the youthful looking home side was getting a footballing lesson as blue shirts swarmed everywhere.
More Rams dominance followed with an effort from Harvey Whyte, following a driven through ball, which crashed against the bar, and a vicious free kick from Maine Walder which swerved so much, keeper couldn’t hold it despite being well positioned. Unfortunately, there was no Rams player to tap it in.
Tom Hoyle scored a hat-trick away at Burscough in September and was looking unplayable this evening with his strong off the ball running and movement along the front line proving a nightmare for the youthful Prestwich side.
His third duly arrived after forty minutes finishing another flowing which finding Hoyle slightly further out this time but his powerful drive found the far corner of the goal, much to the delight of the Rams fans behind it.
Just before half time another move evolved along the right as Oscar Radcliffe drove down the touchline and fired in a cross in which Hayhurst couldn’t quite control. The Rams kept the ball alive and Hayhurst stayed up front as it was recycled with a repeat hard low cross from Radcliffe which once more found Hayhurst who guided the ball into the net for five nil.
The perfect first half performance by the Rams, who were looking devastating every time they came forwards. As for the home team the message in the dressing room must have been we’ve lost the first half let’s not lose the second.
Prestwich did come out with more intent after the break and there was much more in attack from the hosts. Brad Rose became more involved with the Rams content to manage out to the game with a number of substitutes coming on for game time, but they managed the remaining 45 minutes with a couple of half chances to keep their followers entertained.
The game finished five nil to the Rams, and it is they who go through to the quarter final of the competition and the possibility of silverware to show for what is increasingly an excellent and entertaining season.
Overall, a performance of power and precision by the Rams which left the home crowd commenting that they are the best team seen at their stadium this season.
Manager Steve Wilkes was delighted with the performance: “A really professional performance which saw us produce our best football of the season in the first half.
“The lads were relentless from the start and to go in at half-time winning 5-0 just shows how well we played.
“I can’t remember a time in my 28 years of being a manager winning 5-0 at half-time.
“Cup matches are all about getting through the game and we did that very well.
“Attention now turns back to the league and we look forward to another tough game on Saturday at Stockport Town.”
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Rose, Radcliffe, Hayhurst, Teague (Winstanley 67), Meadowcroft, Walder (Ogunby 81), Lynch, Tinker, Turner (Evans 67), Whyte, Hoyle (Camara 60) Not used: Baker
Att: 232
