North West Counties League Division One

Squires Gate...2 Ramsbottom Utd...1

RAMSBOTTOM United's five-match unbeaten run came to an end when they travelled to the coast to take on relegation rivals Squires Gate.

The Rams made just one change to the team that put Atherton to the sword last Saturday with Dale Fielding coming in for Dave Gardner.

The game started at a frantic pace with tackles flying in from both sides. The Rams had the wind blowing into their faces in the first half, but it was a long ball by Matt Raywood that nearly caught Squires Gate out.

His pass found striker Glyn Barker, who controlled the ball instantly and sent a shot cannoning off the underside of the bar before it bounced to safety.

The hosts were awarded a free-kick on the left in the 14th minute and Paul Paynter floated the ball in for Phil Thompson to head just over with Ramsbottom keeper Simon Marsh, for once, well beaten.

Squires Gate went close again in the 23rd minute when Paul Ryan's wind-assisted effort from fully 30 yards out hit the top of the bar.

Ramsbottom then went close after good interplay down the left saw Doni Clarke's through ball find Gareth Gardner unmarked on the edge of the box. His powerful shot struck the outside of a post with Summerfield in the home goal glued to the spot.

The Rams started the second half looking much the better team.

They had most of the possession, but as often happens, Squires Gate broke away in the 56th minute and Paul Ryan found his strike partner Scott Sugden in acres of space.

Sugden finished clinically to put the home side 1-0 ahead.

Ramsbottom equalised in the 61st minute. Gareth Gardner robbed Stuart Bingham in midfield and played the ball through to Fielding.

The speedy winger was on to it in a flash and went on to coolly lob the advancing Summerfield to make it 1-1.

On 68 minutes Gareth Gardner went close, volleying just wide after good work by Doni Clarke.

The Rams were now well on top and Fielding and Barker both went close, but things were about to take a turn for the worse for Ramsbottom.

Along ball from Craig Blinkthorn found Ryan in plenty of space and although he looked to be at least 10 yards offside he was allowed to go on and coolly slot the ball past Marsh.

Trouble flared with at least six Ramsbottom players confronting a linesman with the result that Doni Clarke and Jordan Rispen were sent off for showing dissent, leaving the nine-man Rams facing an uphill task.

A draw would have been a fair result and the depleted United side fully deserved an equaliser. However, it was not to be.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Marsh 7, Raywood 7, Rispen 7, Dyson 7, Walsh 7, Bowden 7, G Gardner 7, D Clarke 7, Barker 7, Fitton 7, Fielding 7. Substitutes: Bulwich 6, Weir 6, McCoy 6.

Ramsbottom have a friendly at home to UniBond Premier Division side Hyde United tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).