RAMSBOTTOM United’s tough run continued with their ninth and 10th defeats of the Evo-Stik North season this week.

Mark Fell’s men produced a spirited display at home to league leaders South Shields on Saturday before being edged out 3-2.

And they fell to a sucker-punch at play-off hopefuls Droylsden on Tuesday night, hitting the woodwork twice before conceding a last-minute goal to lose 1-0.

The two defeats saw Rammy lose further ground in the table, falling to 15th place, six points outside the play-offs.

Fell was understandably disappointed after their latest set-back, especially as new stopper Matty Johnson, brought in on loan from Everton to replace the injured Danny Taberner, was rarely tested in a match they dominated for long periods.

“It was another tough one to take,” said the Rams boss.

“But I’ve said that too often already this season.

“We’ve hit the woodwork twice and Matty Johnson hasn’t had a save to make – then we switch off for 10 seconds in the 92nd minute and we’re beaten.

“I can’t fault the lads’ effort, we just need to be more clinical. The tide will turn and someone will be on the end of a good hiding.”

Phil Dean saw an early effort hit the post against Droylsden, while Greg Daniels had a couple of chances well saved.

Jerome Wright fired an effort into the side netting at the start of the second half as the Rams began in encouraging fashion.

Both Kyle Brownhill and Sam Heathcote had attempts for the Rams that missed the target and the deadlock was almost broken with 17 minutes remaining when a Wright corner bounced around the area before Brownhill’s toe poke hit the bar.

Sadly for the Rams, Droylsden scored with their first decent chance in stoppage time when a left-wing cross to the far post was headed into the opposite corner by Lewis Daly.

It continued some cruel luck for them Rams, who deserved better against the leaders on Saturday.

Sam Heathcote scored both Rammy goals in the defeat, firstly on 64 minutes to give them hope following earlier strikes from the visitors’ Louis Storey and Jamie Holmes, then again on 77 minutes, after Carl Finnigan had netted the visitors’ third.