Nelson staying constant
● Carl Nelson CYCLING DEREK SCHOFIELD ON Sunday, Longridge Rotary Club hosted the third round of the North West cyclocross series on a new course at Chipping showground and, despite heavy rain, provided an excellent days racing for all age groups.
Rossendale riders continue to perform well and U10 girl, Elsie Haygarth scored her third victory running to confirm her clear lead in the series.
In the youths race, Charlie Parkinson of Waterfoot was racing in only his third CX event and finished a fine 21st, despite a puncture forcing him to work his way back through the field.
Maisy Vasic was just two places further back and second U16 girl, with Katie Taylor third in this class.
In the V40 event, Dave Haygarth overcame his relatively disappointing result from Northwich to finish third, the win taken by Rob Hope of fell running fame.
Carl Nelson, also of Helmshore, retained his consistency in the combined V50/Ladies race with another top 20 finish, five places in front of the strong riding Mick Taylor, who has had a great start to this year’s series.
Graham Wright took second in the V65 class.
This weekend, the series moves on to the fast flowing course at Heaton Park. ● ● Jerome Wright, who opened the scoring, displays his usual trickery in the midfield against Colwyn Bay at the weekend ● Scorer of the third goal, Grant Spencer in action RAMSBOTTOM UTD ....... 3 COLWYN BAY ................... 0 JON HASLAM
RA M S B O T TOM United clinically despatched Colwyn Bay in the FA Trophy Preliminary Round as the home side made it seven wins from nine home games this season at The Riverside Stadium.
The home side started the match full of confidence and got the perfect start on 10 minutes when a Greg Daniels inswinging free kick was flicked home by the head of Jerome Wright who registered his seventh goal of a hugely impressive campaign.
The Rams increased their lead shortly afterwards when a good passing move released the outstanding Kyle Brownhill whose powerful left footed drive from the edge of the penalty box beat Cooper to give the hosts a merited two goal advantage.
With 15 minutes on the clock the scoreline could have been even more conclusive after an excellent run and cross by Wright found Daniels whose shot fractionally missed the target.
Colwyn Bay were finding it difficult to create any meaningful goal scoring chances as the home side looked more likely to increase their lead with the left hand side of Brownhill and Wright looking a particular threat to the visitors from North Wales.
The Rams dominance was such that it took Colwyn Bay 33 minutes to have their first attempt at goal when an Andrews shot sailed over Danny Taberner’s crossbar.
Ramsbottom had the better of possession as the half drew to a conclusion with Alex Meaney impressing in his first start of the season and fellow midfielders Eddie Moran and Dean Stott pulling the strings in a stirring showing for the home side resulting in Colwyn Bay being second best in the midfield battle.
The second period began with the visitors making a change as they sought to change the complexion of the game and indeed fashioned their clearest chance when a cross from the Bay right found an unmarked Rainford who blasted over the bar when well placed.
This was a reminder to the home sides defence that the contest was still alive and the impressive Bradley Roscoe and Luke Thompson, who, incidentally was making his 50th appearance for the Rams, were being kept busy as Colwyn Bay looked to reduce the arrears.
As the match approached the hour mark the conditions were worsening as the rain continued to fall, the home side made two substitutions with Grant Spencer replacing the hard working Ben Richardson and Jamie Rother replacing Meaney.
The Rams completed the scoring on 72 minutes when a sublime piece of skill on the edge of the box from Wright created some space before sliding the ball to Spencer whose first time shot flew high into the net to give the home side an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Home keeper Taberner was called on to make a couple of smart saves low down and a free kick flew narrowly over the bar as ● Jamie Rother battles for possession against the Colwyn Bay defenders
‘We showed an ability to contain at 2-0 then hit quickly on the break’
the visitors sought to impact on the scoreline but the Rams defence stood firm with an excellent performance at right full back from Liam Brownhill worthy of note.