AFTER Ramsbottom's emphatic 7-0 win last week, they were expecting a much tougher test against eighth-placed Congleton.

After a nervy start, the home side opened the scoring on 12 minutes and Carl McCoy's left wing cross found Glyn Barker unmarked in the box and he made no mistake from 10 yards as he volleyed past Matthew Conkie.

The Rams continued to press forward in search of a vital second, but Congleton's defence stood firm.

At the other end, the Rams' defence gave away too many needless free kicks in dangerous areas, but Congleton failed to capitalise on any of them.

Doni Clarke then went close for the Rams three minutes before the break but his shot was well saved by Conkie low to his right.

Congleton came out for the second half with all guns blazing and within two minutes had grabbed the equaliser through Dave Shaw, following good work down the left by Jonathon Jones.

Simon Marsh had to be at his best to deny Jones a second and then Chris Burke to salvage a point for the home side.

The Rams gave away possession too easily but were unlucky not to snatch a winner through McCoy with seven minutes to go.

Clarke then broke the offside trap but Conkie raced off his line to force him wide.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED...1 CONGLETON TOWN...1