Cammel Laird 2 Ramsbottom United 1

THE elements were not on their own in an attempt to disrupt this fixture, for a couple of curses arrived at the Kirklands Ground on a miserable afternoon, in more ways than one.

The Rams had just picked up the award of “Club of the Month” for January for their fine run of victories. On the first day of February, they lost.

The hosts were presented before the game with an award based on their excellent disciplinary record. They had five players booked and one sent off. It was one of those afternoons.

The visitors defended against a fierce gale in the first half and did well to repel the Lairds – and created chances themselves with Lee Gaskell’s header clipping the top of the bar. But Cammel scored just before the break through Jamie Henders to convert.

However, the Rams levelled two minutes after the restart when Gary Stopforth pounced on a loose ball to score.

That joy was shortlived when three minutes later Cammel regained the lead through Craig Cairns.

Gaskell had a great chance to level in stoppage time but missed the target.