THIS was a game that did not reflect the difference between the two sides and their respective positions in the NWCL Division One, as table toppers Prescot must have been confident in securing all three points from mid-table Ramsbottom who have struggled to put a consistent run together.

However, there wasn't much to choose between the two sides from the off.

Prescot were first to put together a meaningful attack on the sixth minute when the visiting forward evaded Ramsbottom's Smith lunging tackle to fire wide into the side netting.

United soon struck back through an excellent chance from debutante forward Carl Lomax, recently signed from Congleton Town. A quick throw-in by full back Porter provided Lomax with the space to carry and shoot resulting in an excellent save by the Cables keeper.

It was a keeping error in the other half that provided the Merseysiders with their next opportunity. Paul Horridge, the Ramsbottom custodian, was judged to have handled outside the box as he attempted to halt the Cables forward. Unfortunately for Prescot, the goalbound shot from the subsequent free kick was well defended and sent Ramsbottom on the attack.

This time midfielder Brown was the provider with a perfectly executed pass to slot in Lomax with an opportunity to score but the resulting shot was wide of the post.

As half time closed in, both sides created opportunities to break the deadlock, but none of these chances caused either goalkeeper any great concern.

This certainly wasn't a game of two halves, with the second half starting as the first had finished with both teams defending tightly and neither giving any ground.

It wasn't until the 54th minute when once again the sprightly Lomax provided himself with a one-on-one chance with the keeper, but the Prescot man proved to be the winner making an excellent save from Lomax's attempt.

United's midfielder Franks was the next to rue a missed opportunity. He fought his way through the Prescot defence only to miss two chances with an initial shot and a rebound which was cleared off the line by the Cables' defender.

With the clock ticking down it was clear to see that neither team were going to break the deadlock.

RAMSBOTTOM...0 PRESCOT CABLES...0