An early first half goal from Daniel Edwards condemned Ramsbottom to another away defeat against Colne at the Sovereign Play Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The winger latched onto a big goal kick from keeper Hakan Burton who collected his second assist in as many games for the hosts and Edwards slotted it through the legs of the on rushing Tom Stewart.

An extremely scrappy first half with both teams having just a handful of chances between them. Both teams really struggled to get the ball down on the ground and that really had a massive impact on the game with the high wind getting behind everything that each team did. The wind was either holding the ball up or making passes out of play and subsequently neither team could build up any momentum.

Rammy were in desperate need of inform Billy Hasler-Cregg who was unable to play against his old team due to an agreement both clubs had reached before he joined the Rams. The visitors were also without February player of the month John Murphy who was unavailable for the fixture and without these two it was always going to be an uphill battle.

Ramsbottom came out for the second half slightly more lively testing the Colne keeper on a few occasions but to no avail.

However, it was the home side who had the best chance of the half again when a shot from close range forced Stewart into action, the Rams number one didn’t just produce a magical first save but he also bounced up to keep the second effort out as well.

The away side continued to get balls into the box but there was never anybody there to turn it goal bound.

A very scrappy game from start to finish with the ball in the air far longer than it was on the ground really sums up the match. Neither team created too many opportunities but the hosts were just the more clinical on this occasion with their fifth minute winner.

Ramsbottom’s next game is on Tuesday 22nd March when they take on promotion pushing Workington at The Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

Photos by Jake Horrocks.