BOTT ON THE SPOT AS BLUES CLAIM A POINT

Blues claimed a point from their first ever trip to Ramsbottom United in a 1-1 draw.

Both teams were in form going in to the game as Leek were unbeaten in six, whilst the Rams had only suffered two defeats in 20 games.

Neil Baker was forced into one change with Tim Grice's niggling knee injury seeing him sit this one out with Aaron Bott taking his place.

It was Bott who almost put Blues ahead after just two minutes, but his shot from twelve yards whilst under a challenge and off-balance went just wide of the post.

Town had most of the possession early on so it was somewhat against the run of play when the home side went ahead in the 16th minute.

A cross field ball was headed on to Jamie Rother who found himself through on goal and fired home low past Danny Roberts.

Blues responded with two efforts from Rob Stevenson, the first taken on the turn went just wide of the post. The second on 38 minutes from 20 yards clipped the crossbar.

Four minutes before the break the Rams the referee took centre stage when he showed Ramsbottom striker Reuben Jerome a straight red card whilst the ball was not in play.

Most in the ground were bemused at the decision but it transpired the player had kicked out at Blues defender Jack Sanders.

Despite that setback the Rams almost doubles their lead on the stroke of half-time when Jamie Rainford found himself through on goal but Roberts was out quickly to make a terrific block.

Eight minutes after the break Town were awarded a penalty when Anthony Donaldson raised his hand and made contact with the ball in the area,

Aaron Bott stepped up and made no mistake from the spot for his 13th goal of the season.

In the 65th minute Stevenson had a shot that clearly struck a defenders arm, however the referee decided this was ball to hand and waved away appeals for a penalty.

The game became scrappy late on with no clear chances for either side and it seemed as though both sides seemed content with the point.

Given Ramsbottom's recent record and the fact that Blues had come from behind this was understandable and from the home side's perspective playing a half with ten men would have left them content with a share of the spoils as well.

Line-up:

1. Danny Roberts
2. Niall Green
3. Lewis Short
4. Marc Grocott
5. Billy Sass-Davies
6. Jack Sanders
7. Niall Maguire (16. Jordan Johnson, 70)
8. Billy Reeves
9. Aaron Bott,
10. Dan Trickett-Smith (15. Sam Hall, 83)
11. Rob Stevenson

Unused subs: 12. Scott Lycett, 15. Charlie Walford, 17. Jessy Bavanganga

Yellow cards: Niall Maguire, Lewis Short

Attendance: 220