FULL TIME: Dramatic comeback seals a point for Spartans at Ramsbottom

In association with:

ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant

Ramsbottom United 3-3 Blyth Spartans
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League
Harry Williams Stadium
Thursday 19th March 2015
Attendance: 234

A remarkable late comeback from Spartans secured them a deserved point at Ramsbottom United. Two late goals from defender Ryan Hutchinson and a second goal of the night for Dan Maguire wiped out a two goal deficit against a dogged, energetic and determined Rams outfit.

A quiet opening to the game saw neither side really threatening until the seventeenth minute when the hosts took the lead. A simple long ball in behind the Spartans back four released Rams player manager Jon Robinson in on goal and he made no mistake as he held off the challenge of Ryan Hutchinson to fire home past Nick Thomson.

The Rams almost doubled their lead just minutes after taking the lead through ex-Manchester City youngster Donal McDermott. Again Spartans were caught by a ball over the top, this time on the left and McDermott burst into the area but the alert goalkeeping of Thomson allowed the keeper to close down the winger and clear to safety.

With ten minutes to go until the break Spartans had two big chances to equalise, both falling to Matthew Wade within seconds of each other. Captain for the night Stephen Turnbull took a corner from the right that found Wade but the midfielder saw his ten yard header saved by Rams keeper Grant Shenton. The rebound fell back to Wade but his follow up was cleared off the line by Kyle Harrop, who then cleared the ball to safety.

A largely uneventful first half came to an end with neither side creating any more real chances of note, with both sets of wingers looking dangerous running at their men without really create. Understandably both sets of players looked lethargic given the hectic schedule they have been forced to play recently.

Within four minutes of the restart Tom Wade's side were level. A well worked move allowed Stephen Turnbull to swing a ball out to the right to birthday boy Arran Wearmouth, who provided a sublime cross into the area that found the head of Dan Maguire and the little striker made no mistake from eight yards.

The hosts should have retaken the lead five minutes after Maguire's equaliser. A free kick from the right by George Bowyer found the unmarked McDermott, who lashed over the bar from eight yards out. Moments later he made no mistake and did gave the Rams the lead as he latched on to a brilliant crossfield ball by Kyle Harrop before smashing across Nick Thomson and into the far corner.

Their lead was extended twenty minutes into the half with another goal of the highest quality. Rams centre back Mark Ayres found some space on the left hand side of the Spartans area and curled a wonderful right foot curling effort into the top right hand corner of Thomson's net.

With fourteen minutes left Spartans began to apply pressure to the hosts goal. Michael Richardson swung a cross in from the left that caused problems for Rams keeper Shenton and he could only parry the ball to Ryan Hutchinson. The centre back smashed the loose ball goalwards but Shenton recovered sufficiently to block the effort and hold on to the ball.

Tom Wade's side thought they have managed to get a goal back as a cross from Robbie Dale was deflected towards his own goal by Lee Neville. Goalkeeper Shenton pounced on the loose ball with Spartans appealing that it had crossed the line but referee and assistant were unmoved.

With four minutes remaining a goal from Ryan Hutchinson sparked a remarkable passage of play. A cross into the area fell to Matthew Wade and he forced Shenton into a good save but the Rams keeper couldn't hold on to the ball and Hutchinson smashed home the rebound.

Just a minute later Spartans had an equaliser with Maguire's second goal of the night. Ash Davis, who had caused issues for the hosts defence, managed to drive a shot from the edge of the area that Shenton again failed to hold. Maguire was alert enough to pounce on the rebound an force the ball over the line to the delight of the travelling Green Army.

That was enough to snatch a draw for Spartans and the impact of Ash Davis has to be seen as key to gaining the point. On the night a draw was probably just about a fair result but the home side will rue a crazy minute that ultimately cost them three valuable points.

Spartans now return home for their fourth game in eight days as Stourbridge make the trip to Croft Park.

Ramsbottom United:

Shenton, Harrop, Neville, Burke, Ayres, Bowyer, Williams (Brooks 25), Kuba-Kuba, Robinson (Hartley 83), Gaskell, McDermott

Subs not used:

Hartley, Heron, Edghill, Bennett

Goals:

Robinson 17, McDermott 54, Ayres 65

Spartans:

Thomson, Hawkins, Nicholson, Watson, Hutchinson, Stp Turnbull, Rivers (Davis 75), Lynch (Richardson 66), Maguire, Wade, Wearmouth (Dale 65)

Subs not used:

Stv Turnbull, Hooks, Davis

Goals

Maguire 49 and 87, Hutchinson 86

Referee:

Thomas Kirk