THIRTEEN bookings suggests a fierce encounter between Ramsbottom and Atherton but in truth silly challenges were the order of the day in this NWCL Division One clash.

Atherton received seven and the Rams six and this took up most of the match with neither side able to break the deadlock.

The home home side gave notice of their intentions from the opening whistle and a culmination of late and rash challenges brought Ramsbottom half a dozen free kicks. And it was from a free kick that the Rams almost took the lead, central defender Mark Thomas' downward header bouncing over the crossbar with LR keeper Steve Powell beaten.

The only threat on the Ramsbottom goal being an overhead kick from Paul Dean that flew well wide of the target.

In the second half both sides made substitutions as they looked for that elusive goal.

Neither keeper was brought into serious action although Ramsbottom went close with a stinging cross shot from Chris Lomas and substitute Aaron Scott's goal-bound drive struck an Atherton defender before going wide of the left hand post.

The Rams have taken four points from their opening two encounters.

Tomorrow night at the Riverside, the Rams will now meet Woodley Sports, kick off 7.45pm. This alteration is due to advertised opponents Flixton being involved in an FA Cup replay.