Nantwich Town earned a resounding 4-1 victory away at nine-man Ramsbottom United, writes Richard Scott.
The Dabbers secured their second successive away win thanks to second half goals from Alex Meaney, Vinnie Mukendi, Mark Winslade and an Adam Pepper penalty.
Ramsbottom ended up with only nine men on the pitch following the dismissal of Jon Robinson and Jordan Hulme.
Nantwich, playing in their red away kit, started the game brightly and in the first couple of minutes had a chance as Mukendi hit his cross come shot over the bar.
Hulme had the host’s best chances of the half, but his shots were unable to beat Terry Smith in the Dabbers goal as the hosts looked to use the wind behind them to their advantage.
Ramsbottom did take the lead on 21 minutes. They broke out quickly after Grant Shenton saved Max Harrop’s effort, and the swift counter-attack found Hulme, who crossed for Robinson to head past Smith.
Winslade and Pepper had chances to pull the Dabbers level but neither could find away past Shenton.
On 35 minutes Adam Jones hit the bar with a header following a Harrop corner kick.
Ramsbottom United could have been 2-0 up when a free kick found Dominic Smalley but his header went over Smith’s cross bar.
The second half started with Smith having to be on hand to make two crucial saves to keep the score at 1-0.
On 49 minutes, Danny Johnson was forced into a change as Adam Jones went down holding the back of his leg. Shaun Dowling came on to make his debut for Nantwich.
And two minutes later, the Dabbers were level when Mukendi played in Meaney and he forced his way into the area before slotting the ball home past Shenton, much to the delight of the Dabbers faithful behind the goal.
The goal brought confidence to the visitors who took control, and seven minutes later they took the lead.
An Adam Pepper free kick was floated in towards Mat Bailey who headed the ball on and Mukendi was on hand to turn it into the net.
Just after the hour mark, Nantwich were 3-1 up when Harrop was able to break down the wing before his cross found Winslade and the debutant forward scored.
On 65 minutes, Ramsbottom were reduced to 10 men when Robinson was involved in an off the ball incident. The referee stopped play, consulted his assistant, and then showed the red card to the Rams goalscorer.
Nantwich sealed victory with two minute to go. Harrop got through the defence and was brought down by Shenton, giving away a penalty.
Pepper took the spot kick and sent Shenton the wrong way.
Two minutes into injury time, Ramsbottom’s Hulme was also sent off for a second bookable offence.
Nantwich are next in action this Saturday August 30 as they welcome Frickley Athletic to the Weaver Stadium, kick off 3pm.
Nantwich Town: Smith, Wilson, White, M.Jones (capt), A.Jones, Bailey, Mukendi, Pepper, Winslade, Harrop and Meaney.
Subs: Dowling (on for A.Jones), Blake (on for Meaney), Johnson, Bramall and Lewis (on for Mukendi)
(pic by Simon J Newbury Photography)
Recent Comments