STEVE Mainwaring grabbed the only goal of a drab game to prolong Ramsbottom's good run of form in North West Counties Division One.

Defences were well on top in a match of few chances at School Road.

It was in the second-half that both sides managed to carve out clear-cut opportunites.

Shaun Couch missed the best opening for Squires Gate, his stretching volley from 10 yards out going wide on 72 minutes.

Just four minutes later, Rams wide-man Mainwaring bagged the winner, volleying home from a corner to give his side their third successive league win.