Colne 0 Ramsbottom United 1 NWCFL First Division: ON a freezing cold evening at Holt House, the Rams warmed up the atmosphere with an excellent away performance against a difficult Colne side.

After suffering a dip in form in recent weeks it was vitally important the Rams returned to winning ways and they did in style.

An impressive defensive display complemented the battle in midfield, won mainly through a superb individual display from Adam Kozlowski.

Manager Derek Egan recalled Matt Edgington in favour of Matt Walsh, and despite having a relatively quiet first half the flying winger did not disappoint during the remainder of the match.

Both sides looked eager to gain control in the early on and the referee was having trouble keeping both sets of players under control.

Ramsbottom skipper Matt Raywood was the culprit of a number of hard challenges, although eventually the tempo quietened down.

The home side created the first opening when a cross from Jason Heffernan was met inside the penalty area, but the header flew harmlessly wide of Mark Andrews' left hand post.

The Rams were struggling to keep hold of the ball and were guilty of poor service to their two front men.

But Michael Saunders never gave up and chased everything, constantly putting the Colne defenders under pressure, denying them both time and space to clear the ball.

Another half chance went begging from a Gavin Cooper cross, the result being the same with the ball crashing into the hoardings wide of the upright.

As the half progressed, the visitors looked more and more likely to score, although the final ball was too often lacking sufficient quality to test a well drilled Colne defence.

Eventually Ross Baxter in the Colne goal was tested with a stinging drive from Edgington that he fumbled but grasped at the second time of asking.

The second half was a much more entertaining affair as the Rams enjoyed the advantage of playing down the slope.

Edgington consistently beat the Colne right back and delivered quality crosses that for the most part were being dealt with by Richard Close and Craig Whittaker.

However, a moment of misfortune and the terrier-like approach adopted by Saunders enabled the livewire to nip in front of the last defender before slipping the ball through Baxters legs.

As he was about to pull the trigger, Baxter made a last ditch attempt to retrieve the ball but he only succeeded in toppling Saunders to the ground, leaving the referee no other option but to award a penalty.

Bernard Morley then confidently slid the ball into the bottom corner sending Baxter in the opposite direction to give the Rams the lead.

On a number of occasions the Rams were able to get beyond the Colne defence, but again the final ball was disappointing.

Ewan Purcell was looking particularly sharp up front alongside Saunders, but despite successfully holding the ball up, his eye for goal was a little wayward.

After soaking up an extended period of pressure, the Rams almost doubled their lead on 80 minutes when an inch perfect cross from Edgington found Raywood at the back post, but he was unable to keep his header on target as the ball flew high over the crossbar.

This was a guilt edge chance for the Rams' captain and his own disbelief that he had missed the opportunity was clear as he walked away, head in his hands.

Colne made a double substitution in an attempt to change the pattern of the game, but solid displays from the defensive trio of Robertson, Blackley and Frost enabled the Rams to see out the game without conceding a goal.

Colne's only serious effort was a spectacular one that appeared to be destined for the top corner, but Andrews was well placed to pluck the ball out of the air.

This was a much better performance from the Rams as they begin March looking to close the gap on St.Helens Town.

Both attack and defence looked much sharper despite the difficult conditions and they will look forward to a repeat display on Saturday when Trafford make the trip to the Riverside, kick-off 3.00pm.

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

Christopher Boothman