Prized scalp is big trophy for Rams (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Prized scalp is big trophy for Rams

10:35am Monday 1st October 2012 in Sport

Ramsbottom United marched in to the next round of the FA Trophy following a well-deserved victory over one of non league football’s iconic names.

A double strike by Jon Robinson in the first half and an early Lee Gaskell effort but the Rams on their way to a memorable victory.

A match between the Rams and the Vics would have been unheard of, but such has been the progress of the East Lancashire club – along with the demise of their Cheshire rivals – they are now competing on a level footing.

But that is not to detract, from another accomplished performance from the Rams.

They were 2-0 up within 13 minutes and despite threats of a revival when the visitors twice pulled the lead back to a single goal, the victory was comfortable and deserved.

With influential skipper Andy Dawson out with an ankle injury, the Rams welcomed back his defensive partner, Ian Flannery, for the first time this season, and he was inches away from giving them an early lead with a close range header. However, it took just seven minutes for the deadlock to be broken. Gaskell weaved his way into the penalty area from the left wing, before creating space and firing home from 15 yards.

Just six minutes later, the lead was doubled. Jon Robinson, who had a fine game throughout, got on to the end of a Dominic Smalley cross to round off a move he started.

Robinson almost snatched another a couple of minutes later when he cleverly turned on the edge of the box, but he fired over.

Northwich had a chance to pull a goal back in the 22th minute from the spot but Grant Shenton produced a fine save to deny Lee Dodgson.

The visitors hit the crossbar moments later but all the action was at the other end – with Flannery and then Phil Dean striking the woodwork.

But against the run of play, Victoria pulled one back when Dodgson was successful with his second spot kick.

But a two-goal cushion was restored when Robinson headed home just before the break.

The visitors closed the gap again on 66 minutes when Barry Shuttleworth put through his own goal.

Chances fell at both ends but the Rams made the game safe 13 minutes from time when Ryan Moore blasted the ball home to seal an highly entertaining tie to keep Ramsbottom’s FA Trophy adventure alive.

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