Harvey Hayhurst marked his 100th Ramsbottom United appearance with a brace of goals as the Rams swept aside AFC Liverpool 4-1 in the NWCFL Premier Division at the HWRS on Saturday afternoon.
The visitors battled from the outset and did well to prevent any early Rams breakthrough. The first quarter of the match was rather scrappy with the ball in the air and bouncing around with Liverpool matching the home team’s work rate and endeavour and fans wondering whether a tricky afternoon may lie ahead.
Any apprehension proved unfounded, however, as the Rams midfield started to bring the ball down and wrest the initiative with accurate ground passing - with moves straight from the training ground linking Tom Walker, Richie Baker, Sephton and Finlay Wallbank.
The breakthrough came from a corner. The Rams were quick to the second ball and, as the corner was played short, it looked as though the visitors had regained the ball but Rams swarmed around them to win it back. Eventually it came through to Maine Walder, lurking on the edge of the box; he took aim and fired it past the impressive Ben Barnes to give the Rams a deserved lead.
As the half unfolded the Rams stuck with their effective passing game and it was no surprise when the second goal arrived.
Again, it came from a corner from which Rams moved the ball around the box - with Rob Henry’s coaching drills in evidence as Hayhurst’s volley from the edge of the box found the bottom corner.
Two-goal leads have not always led to success for the Rams this season, but any lingering doubts were allayed as early as the second minute after the restart. Hayhurst escaped down the touchline on the left and swung in a deep cross which was controlled by Jacob Holland-Wilkinson. The confident striker had no hesitation in crashing the ball high into the net for Rams’ third and maintain his impressive start that has already made him a firm crowd favourite.
Rams were playing exhibition football at times but an isolated raid saw the visitors on the counter attack drive forwards to strike Brad Rose’s post.
The Rams’ fourth goal saw Hayhurst motor into the box before producing a hard angled shot across the keeper which nestled inside the far post. Minutes later he made way to prolonged applause with two goals and an assist as Steve Wilkes ensured his match-winning contribution was recognised.
Further substitutions gave valuable minutes to returning players, including skipper Andy Teague.
Deep into injury time AFC Liverpool did find a way through after the ball once more hit the right-hand post but this time the follow-up was fired in by Elliott Taylor.
The supporters enjoyed total football fully underlining the Rams’ strong position as second in the table with 19 points from eight games.
Next up is another home fixture, against Stockport Town on Saturday.
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