COLNE THROUGH IN THE FA TROPHY
Colne secured another FA victory with a 3 – 1 away win at near neighbours Ramsbottom. Colne started on the front foot and after 3 minutes Gonzales played in Harris who saw his low shot turned round the post by the home keeper. The home team’s first chance of the game came on 29 minutes when Jerome’s smart shot was saved by Hakan Burton’s foot at the expense of a corner. Somewhat against the run of play the home team took the lead on 37 minutes when a whipped cross from Peter Dornan was headed home by Nic Evangelinos. Before half time Colne had the chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Joe Coveney, Sefton Gonzales stepped up but saw his shot saved by keeper Stewart.
The Reds started the second half brightly and were awarded a second penalty for handball by Lugsden, after good interplay between Pugh and Harris, which was confidently converted by Will Harris. The Reds almost scored 3 minutes later when good build up play down the right saw Azam’s inviting centre turned over his own bar by a despairing defender.
Only 6 minutes later and Colne took the lead when a Deveney corner caused pin ball in the Rammy penalty area and as Donaldson kept the ball alive it eventually landed at the feet of Gonzales who swivelled and shot home. The Reds made the game safe on 71 minutes when substitute Billy Hasler-Cregg took advantage of hesitancy in the home defence from a long Burton clearance to nip in front of the keeper and lob the ball home.
Colne were firmly in the driving seat and Hasler-Cregg won the ball in midfield and drove past the covering defender only to see his shot hit the post and ricochet to Harris who could not convert. As Colne comfortably played the game out the home team were reduced to 10 men when Reuben Jerome was sent off for a late challenge on Donaldson.
FULL TIME RAMSBOTTOM 1 COLNE 3
The Reds will know their next opponents on Monday with the next round to be played on Saturday 26th October.
The Reds will prepare next week with no scheduled game as they build up to their FA Cup 4th Qualifying tie away to Conference North side Gateshead on Saturday 19th October with a 3 o’clock kick off.