RAMSBOTTOM United won ‘ugly’ to maintain their promotion hopes.
In a game that wasn’t pretty to watch, the Rams sealed all three points thanks to John Blackley’s header just before the break.
Rock bottom Abbey Hey, who have won just three times all season, gave Ramsbottom a real battle and co-manager Anthony Johnson was relieved with the win.
He said: “We got dragged down to their level after the first 20 minutes but Abbey Hey had a good go at us and they worked hard.
“But I have no problems with us digging deep and getting ugly wins. “And on the plus side, it’s three points and a clean sheet.”
Ramsbottom bossed the early exchanges with Blackley, Bernard Morley and Jon Robinson all going close.
But they had keeper Tommy Allen to thank for a string of fine saves - twice denying Wayne Welbeck, brother of Manchester United striker Danny.
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