IT was all about the points rather than the performance as Ramsbottom returned to action.

Both sides looked out-of-sorts following a weather-affected barren spell with the Rams playing for the first time since losing 3-2 to New Mills on January 12.

And it proved to be a game to forget with the home side doing just enough to secure the points and complete a 2-1 double over their west Yorkshire visitors.

Even an early breakthrough – Lee Gaskell rising to head home in the 11th minute – failed to raise the entertainment stakes.

Wakefield rarely troubled the home defence but on 38 minutes they sprung a surprise by conjuring up an equaliser when Caldon Henson fired beyond Grant Shenton.

But their joy was short-lived as four minutes later the Rams regained the lead when Gary Stopforth was fouled in the area and Phil Dean hammered home the resulting penalty.

After the break, Shenton had to dive full length to keep out a well struck free kick while Gaskell hit the bar as Ramsbottom took the points despite a below par display.