A late Bill Robertson goal rescued a vital point for the Rams against a Trafford side that looked set for victory after scoring midway through the second half.

In a tight encounter the Rams can consider themselves fortunate to emerge with a point, after the visitors created a number of clear-cut chances after opening the scoring.

However, determination and persistence denied Trafford victory and the Rams a share of the spoils.

Chris Mackay returned to the starting line-up as manager Derek Egan reverted to a more conventional formation with two wingers and two up front.

The first half was a disappointing and uneventful affair with both sides struggling to gain control of a hard fought midfield encounter.

The visitors almost made an early breakthrough, however, when a snapshot from inside the penalty area was well held by Ramsbottom keeper Mark Andrews.

This was an early warning for the Rams but after this half chance, Andrews was largely untroubled for the remainder of the half.

Although Ewan Purcell and Michael Saunders were working tirelessly up front, Matt Edgington was once again the most likely to cause the visitors problems, however, he too was largely anonymous except for one moment of magic after 32 minutes.

After picking up a pass from fullback Gareth Brooks he beat two defenders before cutting inside where he failed to seriously test Martin Campbell in the Trafford goal.

This sparked the Rams into action and moments later Edgington fired a powerful drive wide of the post with Campbell motionless.

The Rams made a positive start to the second half and Purcell was presented with a glorious chance on 69 minutes, when a mix-up inside the Trafford area allowed the striker to nod the ball towards the bottom corner.

But former Ramsbottom defender Colin Bulwich was well placed to clear off the line with Campbell well beaten.

Trafford then introduced Liam Dickinson and he went on to change the pattern of the game in favour of the visitors.

An innocuous through-ball from Haydn Eames found Dickinson in space and after cutting infield from the right he unleashed a stunning drive that nestled in the far corner beyond Andrews' despairing.

On a number of further occasions they succeeded in getting beyond the last defender but failed to beat an impressive Andrews.

John Blackley can consider himself a little fortunate to have not conceded a penalty as he looked to have pulled a Trafford player back inside the penalty area.

Trafford's frustrations continued when Graham Vaughan soared past Brooks and Blackley before firing a low drive towards the bottom corner, but Andrews was able to use his outstretched hand to tip the ball onto the post.

As the clock ticked towards the 90 minute mark the Rams started to throw everyone forward in search of a dramatic equaliser.

Eventually, Bernard Morley's persistence paid off when he beat Trafford fullback Brad Howard and delivered a perfect cross for Robertson to power home a header into the top corner on 89 minutes.

With a tough run of matches in front of them it was important the Rams remained unbeaten in order to maintain their league position as the critical part of the season comes to fruition.

The Rams face another top-of-the-table clash when they host St.Helens Town at the Riverside this Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

RAMSBOTTOM: Andrews, Raywood, Frost, Kozlowski, Robertson, Blackley, Edgington, Purcell, Saunders, Morley, Brooks. Subs: Walsh (for Saunders), Mackay, Cook (for Edgington).