Rammy came into this game full of confidence after beating Trafford last time out in a five goal thriller. However, a first half goal from Jack Bannister was the difference between the two sides in this one.
The hosts started the game on the front foot applying pressure to the Rams goal from the first minute but there wasn’t anything to really trouble goalkeeper Harry Turner in the open stages.
The visitors began to grow into the game, slowly creating their best chance of the half on 20 minutes when Donaldson set Murphy free down the right hand side but the Rams wide man couldn’t keep his shot down and it flew over Watson’s goal.
The home side responded instantly when ex-Rammy man Mason Fawns hit the post from close range giving their opponents a scare. Mossley continued to pile on the pressure winning a flurry of corners and it only looked like a matter of time before they would finally break the deadlock.
Harry Turner was forced into making two unbelievable saves on 35 minutes to deny the hosts from point blank range in quick succession. However, all his hard work was undone just one minute later when Bannister latched onto a rebound that had rattled the crossbar and the hosts were deservedly in front.
This looked to be the wake up call that Ramsbottom needed as Fitzgerald went close on 38 minutes with a beautifully struck volley and then on 41 minutes Henri Ogunby was brought down inside the penalty area following a mazy run to give his side a lifeline. It was Ben Halfacre who stepped up to take the spot kick but he blasted over from 12 yards meaning his side went into the break a goal down.
Both sides started the second half with more purpose and intensity with Mossley going close through Clee and then the Rams stinging the gloves of Watson through Ogunby. Harry Turner came to Rammy’s rescue once again on 58 minutes when he made a sensational save after a lovely struck effort from Sass.
On the 69th minute the away side made their final two substitutions as Creech came onto replace Halfacre and Aaqil Campbell came on for his debut to replace James Murphy. Creech made an impact on the game and on 83 minutes he danced past two defenders in the final third to put himself through on goal but a cynical challenge from Shane Killock on the edge of the box halted him in his tracks. There were shouts for a red card but the referee opted for a yellow to the displeasure of the Rams faithful.
Despite the best efforts of the Rammy lads in the closing stages of the game they were unable to find the equaliser and Rammy started the new year off with a defeat.
Main photo (via Twitter): Stu Houghton
• The thoughts of Assistant Manager Martin Parker can be heard below:
