Maine Walder’s free-kick on the half hour proved the difference as Ramsbottom United edged a hard-fought encounter with fellow promotion rivals Padiham at the HWRS on Saturday afternoon.
A first home league win against their near rivals since all the way back in 2009 was a blood and thunder encounter with a healthy crowd that saw both sets of supporters make their presence felt with noise, flags and paraphernalia in abundance and demonstrated that the soul of football is very much alive in the North West of England.
The home team started with purpose, keeping the ball on the deck and trying to get in behind a resolute red-shirted Storks defence. The visitors absorbed the pressure and countering with a series of dangerous throw-ins from former Ram, Lee Pugh.
At times the encounter was bad-tempered and threatened to boil over. And on 16 minutes Padiham’s Pa Jenkins was shown a straight red for a high challenge.
The Rams used the extra space to good effect with Luke Sephton firing an arcing shot just over.
Padiham looked to have weathered the storm but, on the half hour, the home side won a free-kick wide on the right. It was whipped in at pace by Walder before evading everyone and bouncing up past keeper Matthew Hamnett and into the far corner.
The Rams continued to go forwards and were good value for the 1-0 half-time lead.
After the break, they strung together some promising moves - but at times the finish was hurried and efforts were fired over or wide, with Brad Rose rarely troubled.
Another flashpoint came on the hour when Luke Barlow was adjudged to have deliberately handled the ball after being pushed in the back and received a second yellow. Barlow’s incident-packed hour saw him lead the team out as captain, marshal the rearguard, sustain a nasty head injury and end up being dismissed.
Rams stuck to the task in hand and started to regain the initiative. Prompted by the standout Walder, they kept the ball under control and moving with lovely passing triangles as Holland- Wilkinson and he combined as they moved forwards with purpose.
The best home effort another powerful strike by Walder which curled just over for what would have been a goal-of-the-season contender.
The visitors continued to pose a threat although Rams fans were relieved to see Pugh, with his disruptive throws a potent weapon, make way as the visitors opted for more height up front. The Rams held firm to manage out the match for the win.
With rivals Wythenshawe stuttering, the three points gained may yet prove to be crucial come April. The season is turning into a classic with twists and turns aplenty. This was a much-improved performance following the midweek disappointment and was reflected in wholehearted acclaim at the end as the Rams ran across to celebrate with their supporters.
Ramsbottom sit second as March arrives, nine points behind the leaders – but with two fewer games played. They go again on Tuesday with Litherland the visitors under the lights.
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