Ramsbottom United 1-1 Litherland REMYCA

Ramsbottom faced table propping Litherland at home under the lights on Tuesday evening, a glorious spring-like day led to a green pitch prepared by hard working volunteers. Litherland, clad in red, are enduring a torrid time this season, going through three managers but notched an impressive four-one victory at the weekend.

Rams brought Louis Jeanne into the centre of defence as Barlow headed to the bench and Rick Whittingham replaced Richie Baker in midfield as they struggled in the early stages to get their rhythm going.  A long-range free kick was comfortably dealt with by Filandras.

The game developed into a slow burner as Rams failed to turn the visitors defence and with a couple of substitutions involving the hobbling Wilson and Whittingham with Richie Baker taking charge of midfield with his short snappy passing, noticeably upping the tempo.

With half time beckoning it looked as though the defiant Filandros would be beaten.  Rams were awarded a penalty with Hayhurst bursting into the box before being felled.

Jacob Holland Wilkinson, the bulk of whose goals were scored before Christmas, confidently picked up the ball to take the spot kick. Filandros plunged leftwards where knees and chest combined to keep out the rather tame effort - and ensure no score at the break.

The second half started with the Rams full of intent; Richie Baker instrumental in many of the moves and Hayhurst showing remarkable energy and supporting the attack as Rams created a series of chances. The best of which saw Holland Wilkinson blasted a powerful effort goalwards which was hacked off the line with Filandros for once beaten.

Rams were into their rhythmic stride, and, on other days, it would have been three of four as Filandros produced a series of remarkable reflex saves.  One of them saw his clawing the ball off the line as a goal appeared certain. It looked impossible to beat him as the tension ratcheted up,  

On eighty-one minutes a rare breakaway by Litherland saw them switch the ball to the left before directing it low into the box where it was hooked past Rose by the hard-working O’Callaghan for an astonishing lead.

Rams responded as the atmosphere cranked up and won a series of corners and free kicks.  In the final minute of normal time Maine Walder produced a cross which plummeted downwards to be met by the head of Barlow who directed it into the net for the deserved equaliser and the delight of the massed fans behind the goal.

The match entered Injury time with a cacophony of noise from the terraces as the ultras urged their team on. Their team responded as the ball was driven low into the box and, with blue shirts everywhere, stabbed goalwards and in to send the home fans into raptures. The celebrations continued for some time before it was realised the assistant had his flag raised and that the goal – and the two points it represented – would not count.  The mood suddenly changed to one of disappointment.

There was nearly time for Litherland to fashion a chance of the Rams losing concentration but that would have been a step too far as the end game ended in a one one draw - the only real victors being rivals Wythenshawe.

The game represented everything that live football should be with passion, commitment and skill in the northwest of England. The Rams gave everything and in other games would have won quite comfortably full credit to the Filandros and an astonishing series of saves which kept his side from a rout.