Ramsbottom United 1, Newcastle Town 1

RAMSBOTTOM did local rivals Rossendale United a massive favour last night by denting Newcastle's title hopes with a battling draw at The Riverside.

United started where they left off in their last game at Mossley with a piece of kamikaze defending which presented the visitors with a goal after just 40 seconds.

From the kick off Mike Langhorn was dispossesed in midfield, the ball was knocked forward and Mike Smith's indecisive header fell to Dean Cunningham who lobbed the advancing Jon Parrott.

United got themselves back into the game but strong defending by the visitors gave nothing away. On 22 minutes Town had a close call when Russell Brierley's header beat keeper Chris Holmes but came off the top of the crossbar. Then Danny Goodall fired in a low drive that flashed just wide.

In a rare breakaway at the other end, Parrott needed to be at his best to save from dangerman Darren Twigg.

But it was the Rams who continued to force the pace in the second half with Langhorn prominent down the left.

Holmes made an excellent stop from Goodall then, as the game entered the final 10 minutes, the home side finally got the break their neat approach play deserved when David Yorke-Robinson was felled in the area and Russ Brierley stepped up to hammer home the spot kick.