Dudley’s acrobatic opener and Rose’s miracle save seal Ramsbottom win

City of Liverpool visited the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium in Ramsbottom in bright sunshine on Saturday. For the home side to remain in the running it was something of a must win encounter.

Rams kicked off and immediately advanced down the left, the cross was swung in and pawed up and away by Liverpool keeper Bayleigh Passant – but with no great distance and its trajectory was read by Matt Dudley. 

Not for the first time this season Dudley, back to goal, produced a dramatic overhead kick which found the net via a glance off a defenders boot. Later, timed at fourteen seconds, it must be a contender for the fastest ever goal scored at the ground.

City of Liverpool has endured a torrid time since the Rams had won eight nil at their Burscough residency back in November with the auguries giving rise to some of the traditional songs from the terraces as the fans anticipating what may lie ahead.

The Rams responded, initially playing eye-catching football, passing across the back. Debutant Macauley Wilson slotted in seamlessly – but it soon became clear the fluidity and total football wasn’t quite there. Driven through balls were a touch heavy and passes went out of play, relieving the pressure on the visitors playing in a stripy grey kit but retaining their trademark purple socks.

Rams, with plenty of possession, were passive with it and lacked the energy of usual wing-backs Hayhurst and Radcliffe. They became reduced to creating isolated chances, but Liverpool’s shape had recovered after the early shock. The nearest Rams came to extending the lead came when Jacob Holland-Wilkinson fired in a fierce shot from a promising position but it headed over the roof of the small railway end terrace.

With Liverpool showing a few signs of intent, the match reached half time with the home side ahead and their fans hoping they could impose themselves in the second half.

An early Rams attack saw the ball flashing around the area and just needing a touch for the second goal, but the final effort was just wide of the post. In response, early substitutions from the visitors brought fresh legs and they started to play some attractive football.  Gradually they started to move the ball forwards and win a series of free kicks around the home box.

Midway through the half it looked as though the equaliser had arrived.

A corner was only half cleared and smashed towards goal, taking a deflection from Matt Dudley. Defying the laws of physics Brad Rose, already on the move in anticipation, produced an astonishing arcing airborne save to claw the ball from behind him and then in the same movement, use its ferocity to force the ball upwards and over the bar and to safety.

The moment defined the match as much as Dudley’s overhead strike in the opening seconds.  Perhaps his vivid motorway maintenance coloured kit should remain a permanent feature.

Rose’s remarkable save saw confidence transmit itself throughout the team as Steve Wilkes brought on a series of substitutes. Terry Cummings impressed with strong and direct running and his buzzing around the edge of City box as Rams once again posed a belated threat.

On one occasion he created space and his body shape set for firing a shot – before he unselfishly laid the ball to the side believing a corner flag visit the best way of preserving the lead.

Rams did see out the game and what was perhaps an unconvincing performance. On the positive side to keep a clean sheet and, for the second time this season, a Dudley overhead kick won the points against a side managed by Richard Brodie. Newcomers Macauley Wilson and Finlay Cross-Adair both made solid contributions and Terry Cumming late cameo must surely make him a contented for a staring place.

Despite the reverse City of Liverpool went across to their fans who applauded their efforts and better days, surely, ahead.  Rams’ fans surely wish them well as their team ground out an all-important result to gain three points and keep the pressure on the two teams above.