GREAT HARWOOD TOWN 0, RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 0: A failure to convert chances and an inspired goalkeeping performance prevented the Rams from catapulting themselves into a top three league position for the first time since the turn of the year.
Hopes were high they would produce a resounding victory over bottom of the table outfit Great Harwood Town, but it never materialised and they were forced to settle for a point.
The Rams were missing the influential Adam Cook and Ewan Purcell, with Alex Frost and Michael Saunders being given another chance to impress in their absence.
Both sides struggled to make an early impression and it wasnt until the 14th minute that Matt Edgington hit a dipping drive that Town goalkeeper Bobby Harris tipped around the post.
On 27 minutes a counter attack from the home side created confusion in the Rams' newly formed defensive partnership of Bill Robertson and Frost.
The ball was blasted across goal, finding Dennis Hill who fired in a powerful drive, with only a spectacular clearance from Rams skipper Matt Raywood preventing the ball from crossing the line.
As the half neared its conclusion Adam Kozlowski picked up a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area and hit a swerving shot that appeared to be flying into the top corner, only for Harris to pull off another classy save.
The second half was a similar affair, although in terms of possession and goalmouth action the Rams were a dominant force.
On 59 minutes Edgington powered another effort towards goal that Harris comfortably dealt with, despite pressure from Saunders.
Moments later Saunders failed to hit the target with the keeper in no-man's land.
Bernard Morley then reacted quickest to a hopeful through-ball and after beating Harris to the ball he pulled it back into the path of Saunders, who uncharacteristically fluffed his chance.
On 73 minutes substitute Matt Walsh slipped the ball to Morley, who blazed his shot high over the crossbar from eight yards.
Frustration was clearly evident when Kozlowski received his second caution of the game and with only ten men, the Rams efforts petered out into disappointment.
CHRIS BOOTHMAN
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