AFTER 27 days without match action, the Rams finally managed to get out on the pitch in the Doodson Cup on Tuesday night

The repercussions of the enforced lay-off, in terms of league fixture congestion are still to be felt, but things could not have gone better for new joint managers Jon Robinson and Phil Edghill’s first game in charge.

Despite five of the rebuilt squad being cup-tied there was still sufficient performances on display to offer realistic optimism for the future against a team currently top of Evo-Stik Division One North.

For the first 15 minutes of the game there was a strange empty feeling on both the pitch and terraces following the departure of joint managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, and that was not helped by the visitors taking the lead after nine minutes when Godwin Abadaki forced home at the far post following some weak defending down the Rams’ right flank.

It was inevitable that the Rams would take some time to get going but when Tom Brooks seized on Northwich defensive indecision in dealing with a hopeful high ball down the middle to fire home from the edge of the box things began to settle down and for the rest of the game the hosts were the better side.

They could count themselves unfortunate not to have gone into the half-time break in front. Brooks’ darting diagonal runs offered promise but were too often denied by the flag, Lee Gaskell flashed a delicious near-post header marginally wide and on 45 minutes Kyle Harrop crashed a 30-yard drive against the underside of the bar after a lightening break down the right by Osebi Abadaki.

Ian Bennett was growing into a forceful and controlling presence in the middle as the Rams took a firm grip on the game.

On the hour a quick short free-kick found Bennett in space on the edge of the box and his swerving shot into the top corner gave Dave Smith no chance.

No doubt with the trip to Buxton in mind Bennett and Brooks were withdrawn shortly after and the loss of the Rams two most influential players on the night, together with some tiring legs, let Northwich back into the game.

For the last 20 minutes the Rams were forced back but kept their shape, defensive composure and their feet in the tackle.

The visitor’s attempts at an equaliser were already petering out when a surprise snap shot from the corner of the box from Malachi Slaven dipped viciously in front of Smith and flew in under his body, as the Rams booked their place in the quarter-finals and a home tie with Harrogate Railway Athletic.