RAMSBOTTOM United’s unbeaten run came to an after losing 1-0 at Colne on Tuesday night, writes Charley Rattan.

The team and fans made the short hop along the M65 in confident mood following an impressive 13 points from five games -including Saturday’s 4-0 win against Burscough - which saw them move to the top of NWCL Premier Division.

In contrast, they were facing a Colne side who went in to the game with just one point - but it turned out to be a night of frustration and disappointment for team and supporters alike.

Rams started brightly and opened the Colne defence, a large gap appeared - but no shot was thrashed goalwards - as unnecessary touches led to the danger being cleared.

Colne took the lead on the half hour mark. A well-worked corner, driven to the far post - another hard low cross back across the box and then a third which hurtled past Rose in the Ramsbottom goal.

Just before half time, Colne very nearly doubled their lead. A powerful shot appeared to be heading towards the top corner before an arcing and an acrobatic gloved hand from Rams best player, Rose, pushed the ball onto the bar, and it flashed away.

Despite no substitutes being made the Rams did improve markedly in the second half, albeit from a very low baseline. The ball began to be played to feet and they did create some fluid moves - without causing too much anxiety for the home defence.

Then, a second key moment. A lifeline was handed to visitors on the hour. A free kick, which many thought was outside the box, was deemed by the linesman to be inside - and thus a penalty.

Oumar Kamara, just on a substitute for the out-of-sorts Chingwaro - and scorer in two previous games - hit it hard and low. Unfortunately, the keeper guessed right and made a fine save.

Feelings that it was wasn’t to be the Rams night intensified with a series of niggles, and the Rams seemed to run out of ideas, When the net was found the ref had already blown for an infringement. Colne could even have added to their lead with a couple of dangerous breakaways towards the end.

The North West Counties League is a brutal competition. 46 games over a season, with only one team guaranteed promotion at the end.

“Surprised and disappointed with the players attitudes, especially in the first half,” said Rams boss Steve Wilkes.“Everyone knows that in this league there are no easy games.

“Credit to Colne, they wanted it more than we did. It’s a reality check for the players and management.

“I’ll take some of the blame as we made four changes from Saturday, but certain players needed a rest.

“We’ve started the season well, so we put the Colne game behind us and prepare for another tough game on Saturday.”

The Rams host Lower Breck on Saturday.