A HARD fought yet deserved victory enabled Ramsbottom to gain another three points in their quest for a top three place.

After an inadequate first-half display, the Riversiders showed what they are capable of during the second period and were unfortunate to only have a solitary Bernard Morley goal to show for their efforts.

However, Ramsbottom had goalkeeper Mark Andrews to thank for a clean sheet after another stunning display.

After a quiet opening in which both sides were guilty of giving the ball away, the home side threatened on 13 minutes when Andy Lundy hit a low shot that Andrews palmed away.

Moments later, the Rams almost grabbed a goal against the run of play when James Hoyle delivered an inviting cross that Lee Southwood almost diverted into his own net. The Trafford skipper had his goalkeeper to thank for pulling off a top drawer save to tip the looping ball on to the crossbar.

Scott Weir and Lundy both fired efforts at Andrews but the Ramsbottom stopper was up to the task.

Michael Saunders was then denied for the visitors, but for the remainder of the half it was Andrews who was the busier of the two goalkeepers, while Ramsbottom were hampered by an injury to Gareth Brooks, who was stretchered off.

After words of wisdom from manager Derek Egan, the Rams set about their task in the second half with much more panache and determination.

Captain Matt Raywood, Adam Kozlowski and Saunders tested the Trafford stopper. Eventually the pressure on the home goal told and the deadlock was broken on 64 minutes when Raywood delivered an inch perfect cross that Morley met at the back post to nod beyond the despairing dive of Campbell.

A picture perfect goal to end a superb passage of play

that the Rams had dominated and deservedly had something to show for their

efforts.

A free header in the closing minutes that was directed straight at Andrews was all the hosts had to show for a disappointing end to the night.