Ramsbottom United began their new season with a hard-fought draw against Litherland REMYCA in challenging conditions.
The match took place at Litherland's home ground. With both teams eager to start the season positively, the stage was set for an intriguing encounter, albeit marred by a bone-hard pitch that made fluent football difficult.
The visitors took the lead in the seventeenth minute when Gareth Hill capitalised on a corner that was only partially cleared by the home defence. Rising highest in the penalty area, Hill nodded the ball into the net, giving the Rams an early advantage. They nearly doubled their lead shortly after when new signing Christian Mukoko's flick over the REMYCA goalkeeper narrowly missed the target, sailing inches wide of the far post.
As the first half progressed, the home side began to find their rhythm. Ramsbottom's goalkeeper, Reece Trueman, was called into action several times, making crucial saves to keep his side ahead. However, just before half-time, the home side levelled the score. In the forty-fourth minute, a corner from the right caused chaos in the Rams' defence, allowing Dylan Westerside to steer his header home, sending both teams into the break on equal terms.
The second half saw the Rams take control of possession but struggle to create clear-cut chances. Despite their dominance, the visitors found it difficult to convert their possession into goals. Both teams had half-hearted penalty appeals that were dismissed by the referee, and the game continued to lack the quality expected from a season opener.
As the match drew to a close, the Rams came closest to securing a win in stoppage time, with a close-range header brilliantly saved by Litherland's goalkeeper, Klearchos Filandras. Moments later, a powerful drive from the home side flew narrowly wide of the Rams' goal, ensuring the match ended in a stalemate.
Manager Rob Henry reflected on the match, acknowledging the challenges posed by Litherland's direct style and the poor pitch conditions. He noted, "A frustrating day not allowing us to be able to impose ourselves on the game with our football and ask more questions of the opposition. However, the group showed their togetherness and spirit and battled hard ensuring we took something from the game in really difficult conditions."
Ramsbottom United will look to build on this point as they prepare for their next fixture against Trafford on Tuesday.
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