RAMSBOTTOM came so close to netting a maximum-points haul from their trip to big-spending opponents Prescot.

Among the Merseysiders' midweek captures was the Accrington Stanley striker Billy O'Callagan.

But after a tentative start, with play concentrated in midfield, both goals came under threat with Russell Brierley and Steve Orrell testing Prescot's keeper David Poole. At the other end long range efforts from Brian Fairbrother and Eddie Taylor brought Mike Kelly into action.

With 10 minutes played Martin Hulme's free kick clipped the Cables' crossbar with Poole well beaten. Minutes later a fine diving save by Kelly kept out Lee Riley's downward header.

However, he could do nothing on 15 minutes when Chris Stanton found the top corner with a spectacular drive from 20 yards.

Although a goal behind, Ramsbottom looked the better side.

Three minutes before the break the Rams were level when Russell Brierley out-jumped two defenders to head home Hulme's cross.

Then, 10 minutes into the second half Ramsbottom looked to have taken the lead, Danny Goodall back headed Jamie Ramplin's free kick across the six-yard line and Russell Brierley again soared above the Prescot defence to send his header into the back of the net only for an assistant's flag to cancel out the strike.

The Ramsbottom defence looked rock solid with Dave Roach and Neil Wallace keeping Peter Cumisky and O'Callagan in check.

The home side's main threat came from set pieces and they also had a goal ruled out when Riley pushed Scott Fairhurst before bundling the ball into the net following a corner on the left.

With 15 minutes left the injured O'Callagan left the action and his replacement. In the closing stages Ramsbottom finished the stronger of the sides.

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