Rammy on a role to cut the gap on league leaders

Having won 2-1 at FC St Helens on Saturday, the Rams followed up with an impressive 3-1 win against the play-off chasing Manchester outfit.

Prior to the start, league officials awarded talented Brad Rose the ‘goalkeeper of the month- prize.

As for the game, if not a ‘must win’ one for the Rams, then it was not far off.

The opening minutes of probing saw, the visitors, in white, proving real menace, A move down the left found surprising space as a was only dealt with as Rose raced from his goal line for a timely block.

The let off was short lived however as West remained up field. They fashioned a looping cross from the left and found striker Ben Elliot who headed into the net to the delight of the travelling supporters.

Buoyed by their breakthrough fashioned a series of further chances before Rams battled to get back into their game and the winning of several corners.

Following one of them, seventeen minutes, Jacob Holland-Wilkinson got to the byline on the right before planting a low cross into the box - met and controlled by Maine Walder. He took a touch before firing a hard low shot through a ruck of players and past Bayleigh Bessant in goal to give the Rams an equaliser and further crank the atmosphere from a noisy home crowd.

The first half was played out at a pleasing tempo in the air and for much of the time with referee Abdullah allowing the game to flow and leading, in turn, to plenty of incident.

It was some surprise as the game reached half time with the score level at one -one. News however filtered in that title rivals Wythenshawe were ahead and a five-point gap reemerging.

As the game resumed, Rams were quick out of the blocks and moved down the left looked to have been broken down. Tom Walker went down as the home side took free kick around him which saw the visitor still finding their shape as Rams advanced down the left. A low cross was watched by everybody except Jacob Holland -Wilkinson at the far post who nudged the ball across the line and into the goal. With many assuming it would be disallowed, Didsbury urged the referee to consult with her assistant. This happened and the goal allowed to stand.

The home crowd was in fine spirits by now - and even better was to follow.

Minutes later Harvey Hayhurst received the ball on the left before embarking on a trademark jinking run and then cutting in and creating space. He fired a delightful bending shot which flew past Bessant and nestled into the far corner of the net, which billowed to receive it.

In reaching double figures Hayhurst is enjoying a remarkable season for someone playing in defence wing back for much of the time.

The crowd was in fine voice by now and though Rams had squandered a number of two goal leads, but street wisdom was in evidence as they kept things simple.

West brought on a series of substitutes to bring fresh energy and Steve Wilkes responded with the introduction of Luke Barlow who bolstered the impressive Wilson in central defence.

There was still a threat from West, not least a flashing effort and a powerful shot which just cleared the bar, but a late rally but Rams were able to repulse with sure handling by Rose calming players and fans alike.

Following six minutes of injury time the referee’s whistle resounded to a roar which may have been heard throughout the town.

Rams prevailed and news came in that Wythenshawe had drawn. Their lead, at the top which stood at twelve points a few weeks ago, has now been whittled down to only one point, albeit with a game in hand.

With eight games to play, Rams have hit a vein of form just at the right time and go again with rivals Chadderton in town on Saturday.