RAMSBOTTOM and Nelson shared the points in this East Lancashire derby.

The opening 20 minutes saw Nelson camped inside the Rams half as they applied much of the pressure but the home side stood firm.

And it was with their first real foray upfield the Andy Feeley’s side took the lead on 27 minutes.

Midfielder Chris Jones received the ball just outside of the Nelson area and after taking on two defenders, he hit a low shot to Billy Carrington’s left, giving the keeper no chance.

The goal came against the run of play but it was just the tonic the Rams needed as they started to play some good football that caused Nelson all sorts of problems.

In the 35th minute, Andy Sensale ran at the Nelson defence and played a delightful ball into the area where an unmarked Jones was inches away from connecting and what would have certainly been the Rams second goal of the afternoon.

The second half saw Nelson come out with purpose and they deservedly equalised early into the half when forward Chris Ogunyode found time inside the Rams area and he unleashed a tremendous shot that deceived debutant Steve Dryden in the Rams goal.

Alex Mugan and Sam Heap, who was carried off with 10 minutes left after an innocuous challenge, went close for Nelson but the sides had to settle for a point.