RAMSBOTTOM failed to take their chances as NWCL Division One high flyers St Helens stole the points at the Riverside.

With just two minutes on the clock, St Helens had a real let-off when David Yorke-Robinson's shot had goalkeeper Phil Wood beaten but was deflected behind for a corner kick by a defender.

Having survived that early shock, the Saints took the lead on five minutes, former Rossendale striker Paul Heavey heading home a right wing cross. Both sides had chances but the visitors looked the more dangerous and increased their lead on 31 minutes.

Rams keeper Martin Campbell failed to hold Lee Cooper's shot and Heavey had an easy task in slotting the ball home from close range. After going two behind Ramsbottom failed to seriously threaten the St Helens goal and the first half ended with the Merseysiders well in control.

Ramsbottom showed far more purpose at the start of the second half and Wood was the busier of the two keepers saving from Langhorn and then a fierce drive from Steve Brennan.

As the game progressed St Helens were content to sit on their two goal lead and with Ramsbottom becoming less and less effective the game reached a boring conclusion.

RESULT: RAMSBOTTOM UTD...0 ST HELENS TOWN...2