RAMSBOTTOM UNITED ...2 ST HELENS TOWN ...1

RAMSBOTTOM'S caretaker boss Ged Walsh made only a few changes to the side which impressed in last week's Lancashire Marsden Cup win over UniBond side Barrow.

The only enforced change was the debut of goalkeeper Paul Eatock, on loan from Chorley, after Mark Molyneaux left to take charge of Salford City.

The Rams dominated the early play with several corners won in the opening minutes, however the Saints were allowed to get into the game with a period of disjointed play ensuing.

St Helens' star striker Terry Anderson was having some success againt the Rams defensive pairing of Rispen and Bulwich but the final product was

generally weak.

The visitors did have the ball in the back of the net on two occasions, one being disallowed due to a marginal offside decision and the other ruled out because Anderson failed to keep the ball in play before crossing to Andy Varns.

Before the break, an injury to the referee resulted in him being replaced by a spectator who was a part-time official.

The second half was much more lively and took a deserved lead on the hour when a great cross from

Gareth Gardiner found Matt Swailes, who rose majestically to power a header into the bottom corner.

St Helens clawed their way back into the match and following a mix-up at the back on 69 minutes, Rispen's attempted pass was intercepted by Varns, who ran through and slotted the ball past the onrushing Eatock.

An Ian Dyson thunderbolt crashed against the crossbar and bounced to safety with three minutes to go then, deep into injury time, the Rams were awarded a throw-in adjacent to the six yard box.

Enter long throw expert Mark Stewart - recently picked up from Clitheroe - who launched the ball into the area and 'super-sub' Danny Heys pounced to bury the ball into the bottom corner.

But only time will tell if this result, along with the win over Barrow, will influence the choice of manager.