he Rams two new young loan signings, full back Reagan Ogle and left winger Nathan Webb made an instant contribution to the fortunes of an injury depleted side.  Both scored but their impact on the game, in particular Nathan Webb's went well beyond adding their names to the scoresheet.

Blackburn Rovers loanee Josh Askew was voted Ramsbottom United's "Player of the Month" for December by the club's supporters.

In the end this was a tale of two penalties - one coolly put away by Adam Kay to claw the Rams level on the hour, the second a superb save from Martin Fearon with just five minutes left to keep the Rams level.  In truth if that had gone in the Rams, devoid of a cutting edge, would have returned empty handed which would have been a harsh judgment on a courageous defensive effort which on balance merited a point.

The recent run of results for the Rams might suggest that this was an unlikely outcome but local derbies often defy form.  In truth though a defeat to this kind has been in the offing for several matches.  That is to take nothing away from the spirited performance by Colne who were worthy winners and in no way flattered by the margin of victory.

The hardy group of supporters who worked all Saturday morning to get the pitch fit for play were rewarded by a battling performance which saw the Rams grab all three points and leap-frog their opponents into 11th position.  And the Chairman had the bonus of a bumper crowd fuelled by postponements elsewhere which would have been at least a 100 less had the game had to be rearranged.  So after a busy and challenging week there is a strong case to be made for all round contentment.

Ramsbottom United picked up a useful three points on a rare Friday night fixture at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, against a Kendal Town side who edged the first half, but fell away during the controversial second period.

Whatever its outcome, an abiding image of the 2016/2017 Rams season will be young Josh Askew arms outstretched in front of the travelling and adoring fans having just scored the winner with his last touch in his last match in the last moments of a topsy-turvy game.  The young full back, his loan spell now completed will be sorely missed.

What a difference three days makes.  On Saturday a 1-1 draw away was received with a roar of positive approval.  Last night the same result, albeit against a team lower in the league and down to ten men for the last 50 minutes or so, drew only grunts of frustration, anger and disbelief from the travelling fans who again were out in support in good numbers.  Mark Fell and his players need to be asking themselves some searching questions as to what went wrong in a game which the Rams had in firm control but which in the end was only going to have one winner - and that was not the visitors.

Ramsbottom United co-manager Paul Fildes has decided to leave the club due to personal reasons.  Mark Fell will now take sole charge of the team.