BRIDGES CROSSED AND BURNT

27th August 2023 - Worsborough Bridge Athletic 0 v 3 Ramsbottom United - A trip across the moors was had early doors.  We left the leaking skies of Stockport and arrived in Hoyland one hour later whereupon we visited one of our mates for a brew, a catch up and a walk.  The walk was decent enough with a few fungi, insects, flowers, birds and galls all named and shamed.  A coffee break was grand and the downpour to close meant we had to make a dash for a lift and make sure we kept to our schedule.  After a short rest me and the missus bid our farewells and arrived at a sunny Worsborough Bridge to pay our dues, have a gypsies and perch the rears in anticipation of some FA Cup action.  We did acquire a brew, my cup of cha was adequate, the lasses hot chocolate lacked milk and was akin to a cup of sewerage - it was poured away with great disappointment.  Whilst watching the warm-up I checked around the ground to see if any waterpipes were connected to the shit-laden sea of the Blackpool coast - it seemed Barnsley had its own supply of turd water after all.

The game began at 2pm, the opening 2 minutes saw me amend my prediction for a draw and go for an away win, Worsborough didn't look to be up for this and this is what duly transpired.

The start was quiet enough but Ramsbottom looked more controlled and eventually won a dubious corner.  The ball was delivered with good pace but the strike-force was lacking and no early shocker was had.  A move soon after saw 4 quick passes lead to a cross into the Worsborough box with No 8 (Pa Jenkins) pulling the trigger and looking disappointed to see the ball fly wide of the mark.  Another smooth move mere moments later saw No 11 (Kida Chingwaro) out wide, post a fine ball to No 9 (Matthew Dudley) who put his belfry on the leather and sent the globe, once again, shy of the strike-zone - it really should have been the opening goal.

From here the home team scrambled and won a free-kick in the far corner of the pitch.  The ball was sent into the danger area, No 8 (Conor Glavin) popped up at the back stick but his headed attempt was easily gathered by the gloved guardian.  As matters progressed a certain balance was disrupted when the hosts were robbed of possession.  No 7 (Henri Ogunby) was the thieving blighter and he duly advanced with purpose.  The resident No 1 (Brett Souter) left his line to quell the threat but the wannabe marksman stayed cool and slotted the ball into the awaiting onion bag.  0-1 it was with the hosts now looking at a long afternoon of footballing labour.

The Rams had their peckers up, although The Briggers had a rare sortie forth that ended with a shot off target and a offside decision just in case.  The game started to throw-up all manner of midfield mistakes but, more often than not, any loose ball was won by the guests.  No 9 (Luke Francis) for the resident ranks though nearly earned himself some 'assist'  points when he collected, swiveled and played the ball to No 7 (Harley Holt) who let fly a screamer that just wouldn't stay on line - it was a ruddy good effort deserved of more.

Matters became more competitive as time ticked on with Worsborough rising to the task.  Francis had a pop but his effort was closer to decapitating a flasher in the local country park than hitting the back of the net.  In return No 10 (Conal Gallagher) blazed a punt but only found the awaiting keepers midriff.  As the half wore down Ogunby for Rammy tried a cheeky in-box flick that didn't come off and even though the travelling blues stayed on top, that second goal wouldn't come.

We stayed put for the break, I noted that the recent hot chocolate that we poured away had given rise to a few fungal specimens and several flies that had partook of the said liquid were now lying on their backs, twitching with the final throes of life.  By heck that was a close call! These Yorkshire folk must have some tough constitutions.

After a snack and a banana we watched as the teams reappeared and expected the away win to be cemented in stone.  Rammy applied some good early pressure, a bit like a fat masseur squeezing one's testicular bag.  The first move forth came from a throw in with a delicious cross ensuing, Chingwaro at the back post nodding back and No 9 (Matthew Dudley) arriving just in time to stretch a shank and poke the ball home.  The lead was doubled, it looked like the match was won already.

Worsborough Bridge responded with a few forays forward that were lacking in vision and apical threat.  Ramsbottom held firm, won a free-kick that Dudley twatted over - I think the time for more creativity was upon us.  No 11 (James Woodhouse) was working up a good lather for the home lads but when released he delayed the shot and allowed the defender to block with relative ease.  More attacks came at each end, the only snag was an unwillingness to shoot on sight.

A few corners came, a yellow card and some chances went begging.  Some argy-bargy was unnecessary and not helping the home team's cause. Eventually Rammy moved forth with purpose with the eye-catching Chingwaro on the ball and looking to make a difference.  A pass and the ball was pinged skyward.  As the globe fell Chingwaro waited, lashed at the perfect moment and sent the ball home to bag his sides 3^rd and grab the goal of the game.  It was a choice moment as this player had really impressed with his display today.

Now the game began to wind down, the puff was running out of matters and the result was settled. A Rammy free-kick saw No 6 (John Black) look to add icing on the cake but the shot was wide of the mark.  A shot out of the blue nearly raised the roof (and a few erections no doubt) when a 30+ yard sizzler took the paintwork of the underside of the bar and yet somehow stayed out of the goal.  Cripes that would have been a beauty.  As the final seconds dwindled no further shake-ups came and when the referee blew there could be no complaints from either team.  Ramsbottom United's No 11 (Kuda Chingwaro) was the Man of the Match for me, a player with good feet, neat control, some solid composure and a willingness to work forward - the goal was a deserved bonus too.

We buggered off home at the final peeps, this had been a lovely visit although matters were marred at the end when I saw the local ambulance service carrying out a stomach pump on a guy gibbering away and uttering the words 'No, No, No - not the fuckin' liquid Cadburys again' - now I wonder what that was all about?

FINAL THOUGHTS - A grand ground to visit and one I hope to return to again in the near future, preferably after a good walk at Worsborough CP and some local tea and cake.  The home team though were outclassed today and lost too many 50/50 balls and didn't work as a force especially at the strike end of the park.  I am sure today was not reflective of how the season is going and I did note several players busting a bollock throughout the game and playing with undying fervour.  If composure is had and work on player awareness is concentrated on then the future may be a little more rosy than many may think.  Ramsbottom United seem a different prospect than the team I saw lose by 4 goals to a very efficient Wythenshawe FC.  They hold the ball well, battle in all areas and read the game with insightfulness.  The main area to work upon is making sure opportunities are taken and when they have a side on the ropes they duly pummel them into complete submission.  Despite being on top for most of this game they failed to bury matters early on.  A shock goal by the opposing force could so easily have brought unnecessary pressure.  Having said this, I reckon Rammy are capable of a good cup run and will only get better as the season unfolds - I am sure I will catch them again, hopefully in the next round of the cup (the fingers are crossed).