Clitheroe...0, Ramsbottom Utd...0

THE Rams were playing their third away game within the space of five days and as 0-0 draws go, this was a highly entertaining game.

The local side were without Smith, Langhorn, Blore and Porter, all defenders and missing through injury.

Having already been beaten at home twice this season by Clitheroe, the Rams were playing for more than the three points, local pride was also at stake.

From the kick-off they were immediately on the front foot.

Crisp passing and good movement almost resulted in an early goal as Phillips received the ball on the edge of the box, but his shot was just to high.

The hostile Clitheroe support were silenced in the opening 20 minutes of the game, but gradually found their voice as the home side came more and more into the game.

The threat of full back Mark Stewart's long throws down the left, initially caused the Rams' defenders problems and on one occasion caught them out as he launched one into the box and into the path of striker Spencer's run, but his finish lacked precision.

England Fire Brigade's number one, Paul Horridge, dealt with everything that came his way admirably, the only thing he missed all night was failing to spot a kid behind his goal with a Laser pen, who kept repeatedly shining the implement in his eye and on one occasion the game had to be stopped as Horridge required treatment.

It was obvious from the start that the tempo was not going to change, as both sides went at it again hammer and tongue. Both sides had width when needed and with both sets off midfielders supporting, surely it wouldn't be long before the deadlock was broken.

Brennan beat his marker on the right and cut the ball back to the edge of the box were the onrushing Franks unleashed a shot that went high and wide, Franks blaming the same kid who had floored Horridge in the first half with his Laser pen, despite the fact the young lad had been ejected from the ground some 30 mins earlier!!!!!!

As Ramsbottom pushed for the winner they nearly left the back door open as Whittingham broke free of the defence and homed in on goal.

As the towering sight of Horridge came to meet him, he rushed his shot and Horridge blocked with his body. The ball broke to Brown who played Lomax down the left. As he crossed, Yorke-Robinson ran into the box and was inches away from connecting and giving the Rams the lead.

With five minutes remaining on the clock, Clitheroe won a free-kick. The ball was played into the box and prompted a free-for-all.

The ball was played wide and as the cross came in it was met by the head of Rishton, who's looping header sent the ball towards goal.

The ever improving Sheil was on hand to clear the danger as he headed off the line under the challenge of two Clitheroe players.

So the Rams third draw in a row and their second 0-0 draw, but unlike Monday's lack-lustre performance at Abbey Hey, this was a much better display and looked more positive against a team that are hard to beat on their own ground.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Horridge 7, Goodall 7, Woodford 7, Sheil 7, Brennan 7, YORKE-ROBINSON 8, Brown 7, Franks 7, Phillips 6, Brierley 6, Lomax 6. Substitutes: Lewis (for Brown, 80) 6, Orrell (for Lomax 85) 6. Not used: Chandler.

Ramsbottom's next game is at home tomorrow to Atherton L.R. (kick-off 3pm). This is followed by the Rams' final home league game on Tuesday against Flixton (kick-off 7.45pm). On Thursday April 11, the Rams entertain Tempest Utd in the Bolton Hospitals Cup (kick-off 7.30pm). Reduced admission prices apply for this game.