FC St Helens 1-2 Ramsbottom United

Rams had to dig deep but first half strikes from Jacob Holland-Wilkinson and Richie Baker, the latter direct from a corner kick, proved just enough for all three points.

We relish the chase! So said legendary Rangers Manager Bill Struth and it was Ramsbottom United’s opportunity to see whether that was the case at FC St Helens on Saturday.

Rams came into the game, second in the table, six points behind the leaders, knowing that they needed a win to keep the pressure on the team above.

After a tentative opening in which the closest Rams came was a guided header by Luke Sephton which was tipped over the bar, that move was countered by several chances created by the red clad ‘stripes’ exciting the home fans.

On 23 minutes came a moment which will long live in the memories of those lucky enough to have been there. Harvey Hayhurst escaped down the left before driving in a fierce low cross. With back to goal Holland-Wilkinson’s touch killed it instantly as, in the same sinuous movement, he swivelled and then crashed a sublime drive which beat home keeper Joe Mason at the near post. 

The young striker is back to his imperious best, with the strike arguably better than the sensational effort he conjured up at AFC Liverpool a few days previously.

As the game unfolded and prompted by Tom Walker, Maine Walder and Skipper Richie Baker, the Rams looked full of running although a number of moves broke down or the final shot evaded the post. Mason the home keeper seemed troubled by crosses with a Walder corner causing panic in the home defence as he failed to reach it.

FC St Helens continued to battle. Sometimes it wasn’t particularly pretty as the ball went in the air, but the work rate was excellent.

As half time approached the Rams won a corner on the on the left. It was swung in high by Baker as the ball then arced and dropped. Mason in goal could only get a fingertip to the ball as it sailed over him and into the back of the net. The visitors celebrated as Mason shouted out in frustration as, not for the first time this season, Rams had scored directly from a corner.

So, Ramsbottom went into the break two goals to the good but knowing they had squandered such positions before.

The second half proved something of a contrast as blue shirts were forced to defend deeper and deeper – with occasional breakaways providing minimal relief as they didn’t seem interested in seeking a third.

FC St Helens upped their tempo and were holding their heads in disbelief when a close range header was tipped on to the crossbar – an extraordinary save by Rams ‘keeper Brad Rose. A few minutes later he was called into action again by forcing a goal-bound header over the bar, with chants of ‘England’s number one’ from the Ultras gathered behind the opposite goal.

A series of substitutions for the home side saw renewed home energy as the Rams struggled to break out or even find passes as the ball went up in the air and a state of siege developed.

In the last ten minutes the Stripes threw everything forward and in one bizarre move appeared to have pulled one back when a spectacular overhead kick following a right-wing cross found the far corner the net – only to be chalked off by referee, Titus Tresidder, who, to general incredulity, awarded a penalty instead.

Rams reprieve was short-lived as it was dispatched past Rose to give the home side their deserved breakthrough.

The last ten minutes weren’t easy watching for the Rams faithful, especially given their underwhelming record. This time, however, marshalled by the impressive Macauley Wilson and Walder, they were able to hold firm.

The win, a vital one at a crucial stage of the season, became a scrap in the end but brings the Rams to 81 points. They sit three points behind leaders Wythenshawe when it was twelve just a couple of weeks ago.