Ramsbottom United 1-0 Padiham

Maine Walder’s free-kick on the half hour proved the difference in this hard-fought encounter with fellow promotion rivals Padiham at the HWRS on Saturday afternoon. A first home league win over our near rivals since all the way back in 2009.

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. On sixteen minutes Padiham’s Pa Jenkins was shown a straight red for a high challenge.

Rams used the extra space to good effect with Luke Sephton firing an arcing shot just over the bar and with Whittingham also shooting over as another flowing move opened the space.

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 Maine Walder before evading everyone and bounce up past keeper Matthew Hamnett and into the far corner of the net.

The breakthrough came in front of the massed fans behind the goal and who erupted with delight. Walder’s teammates also mobbed him in celebration.

Rams continued to go forwards and were good value for the one nil half time lead.

As the match restarted Padiham showed why they had once headed the table as 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 a period of intense to and from on the half line saw Luke Barlow 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 rear guard, 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 Ultras urged their team on with sometimes quirky melodies revolving around seagulls, pasties, and a longing for the summertime. The best home effort another powerful strike by Walder which curled just over the crossbar 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 Lee Pugh, with his disruptive throws a potent weapon, make way as the visitors opted for more height up front. Nerves evident from the home fans in the final minutes as 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.