The match presented an opportunity to start the new year on the right track: Anthony Cooper’s northerners were looking to blow the cobwebs off the festive period and avoid an upset, whereas D&D were hoping to secure an underdog first division scalp.
With a point to prove, it was D&D who had the first chance of the game when the Ramsey defence was caught in possession. Forward Sam Tipper ran through and perhaps found himself with more time and space than expected, therefore he was unable to finish past goalkeeper Harley Christian.
The next phase of play was an onslaught of Ramsey pressure, with an absolute flurry of corners which brought out the best and the worst of both teams.
A comedic goalmouth scramble reminded us of the joys or woes (depending on the observer) of Manx football, but also some fantastic saves from D&D keeper Will Gavin which were an acrobatic delight on the eye.
Ramsey dominated the ball but D&D were still in the game and looked dangerous on occasion - they probably would have hoped to have punished Ramsey for their lack of defensive discipline, but instead it was Ramsey who looked most likely to score.
The ever-lively Jack Gilbert looked as if he was certain to score when he found space in the D&D box but his resulting shot flew over the goal without testing the keeper.
However, the breakthrough arrived after 22 minutes and it came from another former RYCOB man, Robert Moreton, who scored direct from a corner. It was to D&D’s disappointment after defending so resiliently to that point.
The Douglas outfit looked as if they might score an equaliser and even had a penalty shout turned down by referee Willie Cowley.
This frustration of a missed opportunity soon turned to anger as Ramsey scored with their next attack when a hopeful ball from the wing was poorly defended and the clinical Jamie Moffatt pounced to score his first of the game and double the lead before the end of the half.
The inclusion of Michael Simpson after the interval for the northerners was a horrid sight for D&D as the Ramsey man was a constant outlet and threat. Despite this, D&D remained firm but could not muster meaningful attacks themselves.
The dreary second half was filled with crossfield passes on the large Bowl pitch and a lack of clinical offence in the final third - it was as if both teams had accepted the inevitable outcome of the game.
Despite D&D’s best efforts in defending, this stalemate was broken after 65 minutes with another corner which found its way short to Liam Cooper and his precise cross found Simpson who finished with great composure on the volley.
Spectators didn’t have to wait too long for more goals as Moffatt secured a perfect hat-trick, with his second and third goals coming only a minute apart.
Another set-piece from the left-hand side found Moffatt clear within the six-yard box, allowing a free chance at a header with the ball just clearing the line.
His hat-trick goal on 70 minutes was the best of the lot when the forward took down a cross on his chest and powered the ball past D&D’s Gavin to put the game well and truly to bed.
Despite further chances, notably from birthday boy Dylan Pickles for Ramsey, the score remained at 5-0. In the end the quality of Ramsey proved the difference but it wasn’t through a lack of trying for the Division Two side.
Gavin in the main was to thank for the score not being more and their defence was tough to break down, but ultimately tired legs and an end product saw Ramsey into the next round of the FA Cup.
Check out the results here
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