AFTER a disappointing performance against Clitheroe on Boxing Day, this was a chance for the Rams to put a much needed three points on the board against a team they had beaten two weeks previously.

The Rams paraded new on-loan striker Glyn Barker from Stalybridge Celtic and it was he who on 18 minutes played a fine through ball to play strike partner Mark Fitton through on goal.

However, his powerful shot was saved by the legs of Skelmersdale goalkeeper Robbie Holcroft.

The Rams continued to press forward and were looking the more likely to score, but against the run of play it was Skelmersdale who grabbed the first goal.

An unusual mistake by the Rams skipper Mark Brown allowed Skelmersdale's leading marksman Stuart Rudd to steal the ball from him and his powerful shot from 18 yards gave Simon Marsh no chance.

The Rams nearly shot themselves in the foot again. Liam Bowden's reckless challenge on the edge of the box gave Skelmersdale a free kick. Marsh produced a fingertip save.

The Rams were continuing to have plenty of the ball and Glyn Barker up front was leading the line well.

Liam Bowden nearly caught Holcroft out from fully 35 yards, but his shot drifted just wide of the post.

The Rams came out for the second half in a positive mood and on 50 minutes were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. However, Lomax's effort flew high and wide of the target.

On 64 minutes a long hopeful ball over the top caught the Rams' defence on the backfoot and Rudd's pace took him half a yard clear. His shot took a deflection which deceived Marsh and gave him his and Skelmersdale's second goal.

The Rams now had it all to do and within five minutes they got back into the game through on-loan striker Glyn Barker. He cut in from the left and scored with an excellent shot low down to the keeper's left.

The game was now end to end stuff with the Rams searching for an equaliser and Skelmersdale looking to hit them on the break.

The Rams' Chris Clarke went close on 84 minutes, his shot from 30 yards just shaving the upright. The game ended with Skelmersdale defending well enough to secure a win, but this is another game the Rams should not have lost. Odd mistakes are being punished and it is these which must be eradicated if they are to climb the league.

The next game is against Newcastle Town at home on Saturday in the Worthington Challenge Cup quarter-final.