RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 2, ST HELENS TOWN 1: Rams produced an excellent performance to gain a vital three points in a top of the table clash against St.Helens.

However, despite dominating for the majority of the match they were reliant on a winning goal scored in the dying seconds to seal victory against a side that were totally outplayed by the on form Ramsbottom youngsters.

On this performance the Rams will have no problems in securing a top four finish and this result enabled them to close the gap on both the Merseyside outfit and Newcastle Town currently occupying second spot.

Derek Egan made a difficult decision in his selection by leaving top marksman Michael Saunders on the bench, but this proved inspired as the combination of Matt Edgington and Adam Cook on the flanks caused the visiting full backs all sorts of problems.

Despite dominating the opening half, the hosts were disappointed to leave the field level at half timel.

After nine minutes Purcell gambled on a poor back pass to Paul Dahl and went close and it soon became clear that St.Helens were struggling to come to terms with the passing and moving of Ramsbottom.

Purcell made up for his earlier miss after 17 minutes when he flicked the ball into the far corner beyond the dive of Dahl, following excellent work from Cook on the left wing.

After terrorising Craig Cunningham the left sided player delivered an inch perfect cross to the near post and Purcell was on hand to finish.

The home side continued to dominate with Cook looking dangerous on each occasion he received the ball, only the final product was denying the Rams further goals.

As the half came to an end the visitors were awarded a lifeline when the referee awarded a highly dubious penalty.

The St Helens striker appeared to have lost control of the ball and although he collided with John Blackley, the referee deemed the Rams defender to have impeded the striker, thus resulting in a spot kick that Jordan Milson converted with ease.

In the second half, the confidence within the home camp was still clearly on show as the Rams looked eager to regain the initiative.

The introduction of Saunders in place of Walsh increased the pressure on the visiting defenders and it only appeared a matter of time before the second goal arrived.

However, the match appeared to be destined for a draw until deep into added time the Rams mustered a vital winner.

The ball was put wide to Edgington and after beating David Nolan he cut into the penalty box and fired the ball towards goal.

Unfortunately for the visiting goalkeeper he fumbled the ball into the path of Purcell who fired the ball into the net from close range.

This was a morale boosting victory for Ramsbottom and they will hope that they can push on towards the end of the season in a bid to claim what would be a well deserved top three position.