Willcock's winner

RAMSDBOTTOM made a strong start and Barry White should have done better when Chris Willcock's through ball opened up the Glossop defence but the former Colne midfielder shot weakly providing an easy save for home keeper Darren Royle.

On seven minutes the Rams took the lead when Phil Porter jinked past a couple of defenders before playing the ball into the six yard box where Willcock applied the finishing touch.

Glossop hardly got a look in as Ramsbottom surged forward in search of a second goal. Royle did well to tip over Willcock's shot and then he saved from Neil Wallace after the big defender's 20 yard run took him within striking distance.

Danny Goodall got in on the act with a first time shot that flew off the defender and cleared the North End crossbar. As the game progressed and the heavy pitch started to cut up good football was impossible and the first half ended with Ramsbottom well in control but only the one goal to show for their efforts.

The second half started with Ramsbottom almost getting a second when substitute Darren Bowman got in a superb cross that somehow eluded everyone. Glossop battled on and looked much livelier than in the opening 45 minutes and Ramsbottom keeper Keith Neild was tested on two or three occasions.

With the game reaching its final five minutes Ramsbottom thought they had doubled their lead when Russell Brierley headed home Willcock's cross but an assistant referee's flag ruled the strike offside.

A couple of minutes later Willcock was brought down inside the box and when Royle saved Brierley's penalty kick the Rams' frustrating afternon was complete. In the end though it was still three points although the winning margin could and should have been far greater than that early goal from Willcock.