Ramsbottom United held to draw after missing late penalty

The team was led by Oscar Radcliffe, celebrating his 200th game in a blue shirt.

Travelling fans were eager to see how Rob Henry’s team would fare against the West Lancashire side, playing in all green and featuring former Rams midfielder Tom Walker.

Brooklyn Bailey started alongside Gareth Hill up front following last week’s cameo at Glossop, with newcomer Jeffry Edos Ono slotting in alongside Matty Cleary in central defence as the Rams quickly found their rhythm with fluid passing and movement and the ball staying on the ground—which hasn’t always been the case this season.

The visitors matched the home side for endeavour and work rate and created a number of early chances, the best of which was hooked wide of keeper Joshua Scurr’s goal on eight minutes, to his and the home crowd’s relief.

As the match developed, further opportunities were created, with Gareth Hill having the best of them.

He created space to fire in two low shots from the edge of the box which were both on target but dealt with by Scurr at full stretch.

Charnock too had their moments and looked dangerous, especially when the Rams moves broke down and with the team out of shape.

A number of promising Charnock moves resulted in a series of corners which forced the Rams to defend as they got ever closer and George Kenyon, in goal, and Matt Cleary managed to marshal the team, which stood firm.

Nil-nil at halftime was a good reflection and a pleasing outcome for the travelling fans who increased their noise as the match resumed with Mungo Jerry inspired melodies alternating with praise for Captain Radcliffe.

Their team responded with a marked increase in tempo and, on fifty-three minutes, a well-weighted ball from Bailey found Matt Dudley heading towards goal.

Dudley instantly controlled the ball well before taking it forwards and then placing a firm low shot to beat Scurr as it nestled in the net to give the Rams the lead.

Stung, Charnock responded, and the Rams were grateful for Kenyon for making a fine save moments later as the home side looked to get back on level terms.

They didn’t have to wait long, as on fifty-nine minutes, Charnock fashioned a move down their left and fired in a cross.

It looked to have been dealt with by the Rams defence, but a shinned clearance presented the ball to defender Spencer Bibby—who took a touch before shooting past Kenyon and into the net for the equaliser.

Urged on by their bench, the visitors remained positive and the match became an even, end-to-end contest.

With ten minutes remaining Ramsbottom had a marvellous chance to take the three points as a surging run by substitute William Bould led to him being upended in the box and the referee awarding a penalty.

Having already scored, Dudley took the responsibility, but Scurr dived full length to his left to keep out the otherwise textbook spot kick—and keep the scores level.

Both teams hit the woodwork in the closing minutes as the game played out for a draw.

With the perspective of a half-full glass, the Rams played with panache, energy and purpose with Rowan Chambers and Jack Sowerby linking well, and as a team, have much improved from the rudimentary style evident earlier in the season.

Statistically however, and for the second time on the road in eight days, Ramsbottom allowed a hard-won lead to evaporate with four points slipping from their grasp.

As we enter a crucial part of the season, promising performances need to be converted into wins to help climb the table in this transitional season.

Manager Rob Henry gave his views of the performance.

“A frustrating game in which we should have taken maximum points.

We missed really good chances in the first half, limiting the opposition to very little and should have gone into the break in front.

We started the second half really well.

Scored a fantastic goal.

Then needed to seize the momentum and take the game away from the opposition.

Being clinical in those moments when we are in the ascendancy, seems to be an issue at the moment and killing games off.

We are disappointed with the goal we conceded, the build up to it and then George (Kenyon) will feel he can do much better.

Then we miss a glorious chance at the death with the penalty save, and Matt’s header from six yards that hits the bar.

Our general play today was good, we played some good football and created chances, but we just need to be better in both boxes.”