Ramsbottom United progressed through to the third round of the Macron Cup after Oscar Radcliffe’s 90th-minute header settled a back-and-forth tie with Prestwich Heys on Saturday in favour of the home side.
The visitors started brightly, putting together several dangerous moves involving Mwarino Doro and the impressive Takura Sambezi.
It was no surprise when they took the lead after 12 minutes, albeit in a semi-comedic manner. Returning central defender Scott Sephton had not played together with goalkeeper Brad Rose for nearly a year. As both left the ball for each other, Prestwich’s Louis Holt nipped in to place the ball over Rose and into an open goal for the easiest of finishes.
To their credit the Rams took the blow on the chin and 10 minutes later, they gained the equaliser. A move down the left, led to a low cross into the box. It appeared to have been blocked - but the ball spun clear and was prodded past Lee White by the predatory Luke Sephton.
Ramsbottom took the lead with arguably an even stranger goal than the first for Heys. A Maine Walder corner on 28 minutes saw a high delivery, coupled with a formidable swing and dip under the bar, that eluded attackers and defenders alike. White appeared to get a glove on it, but its spin and swerve took it through his hands and into the net.
Prestwich remained undaunted and continued to create attacking moves. As half time approached, the pace and drive of Sambezi, who tormented the home side throughout, led to his advancing down the left to deliver a fine cross. It was met once more by the leaping Holt, who directed it past Rose to deservedly bring the visitors’ level.
Supporters of both sides were enjoying a free flowing, pulsating game of cup football.
The restart led to a series of fouls and flailing limbs resulting in a series of stoppages – breaking the rhythmic play which characterised the first half.
Rams kept pressing, but with Sambezi and Doro lively the counter they had to be alert at the back.
As the game entered the closing minutes and the prospect of penalties, Rams demonstrated the class they have with a dramatic finale.
Harvey Whyte recovered from a knock to his face, and as the game entered stoppage time did well dig out a cross from a difficult situation on the left. Oscar Radcliffe charged into the box in support and produced a majestic leap and emphatic header which bulged the goal netting and sent the vociferous home fans into raptures.
It was hard on Prestwich who worked so valiantly to make the contest such an entertaining one as the home side defended the lead and played out the closing minutes.
It was to some relief the final whistle went for another in the series of ‘3-2’ scorelines characterising Rams’ recent results.
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