Ramsbottom Utd...2

Mossley...2

A MUCH improved performance was needed against third-placed Mossley if the Rams were to avoid another defeat.

On paper Mossley were regarded as a much tougher nut to crack but it was clear from the start that the Rams were in a far better frame of mind.

The early play was end-to-end on a hard lively pitch. Mossley went close on a couple of occasions from set pieces and Rams' Glyn Barker headed narrowly over after a great cross from Carl McCoy.

Rams keeper Simon Marsh had to be on his toes on 35mins, turning a Matthew Cross free-kick over the bar for a corner.

The remainder of the first half was a tense and often scrappy affair with both sides having their fair share of the ball without really causing much of a threat.

Simon Heaton arrived late into the six-yard box and headed in to put the Lilywhites 1-0 up and they increased their lead three minutes later.

Hilton's goal kick travelled 70 yards and was headed out wide by Carroll to Cross, who flighted a great ball to the back post, where Carroll had advanced unmarked and headed easily past Marsh.

From the restart the Rams went on the offensive and were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out. Gareth Gardner took the kick and drilled the ball past Hilton to drag the Rams back into the game on 61mins.

They then surged forward looking for an equalizer and it was Gardner again who turned provider, going past two defenders before delivering a cross to the far post, where Scott Weir volleyed the ball back across goal and Glyn Barker powerfully turned the ball into the net.

It was Barker's 16th goal since his arrival in December. He has been somewhat of a revelation in his strike role.

Mossley could now see their title advantage disappearing before their eyes and, on their sporadic attacks forward, they were leaving gaping holes at the back which the Rams were looking to exploit.

On one of these attacks, Mossley were awarded a dubious penalty on 82mins.

The Mossley Player handed the task of beating Simon Marsh, who had previously saved his last five spot kicks, was Tony Corrall.

He was to go the same way as the previous five and Marsh clocked up number six, saving low down to his right.

And Ramsbottom could have stolen a late victory. They had five against two in the last third of the pitch but, after a misplaced pass, the chance was gone.

On Saturday, the Rams travel to Abbey Hey, kick-off 3pm.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Marsh 7, Bowden 6, Dyson 7, McCoy 6, Walsh 8, Bulwich 6, G. Gardner 7, C. Clarke 7, Barker 7, Weir 7, Fitton 6. Subs: Goodhall 6, Donoghue, Burke (not used).