Barlick and Rammy draw after late drama

Manager Rob Henry brought in Tom McCann, whilst the impressive Michael Ibeto, Charlie Cox and Rowan Chambers kept their places as the Rams played in their change colours of red and black.

A couple of showers provided a slick surface to a rapidly re-greening pitch which suited the Rams' passing style, as they demonstrated the art of controlling a game.

From the outset, the Rams were determined, well-organised, fluid, and with good balance in attacking down both flanks.

Clear-cut chances remained at a premium, however, with confident handling by home keeper Whittingham keeping a number of searching crosses out and preventing follow-ups from any loose balls.

At the other end, Reece Trueman made a fine full-length diving save to keep out a long-range drive on the break from the home side.

The nearest to a Rams breakthrough came when wing-half Oscar Radcliffe advanced a promising position with one improvised shot from a cross just eluding the near post.

A driven freekick by Jack Sowerby had the home defence backpedalling with Whittingham having to claw the ball from under the bar after coming off a defender.

It was Barnoldswick Town who came out of the break much more determined in the second half, and they pressed higher, causing problems for the Ramsbottom defence and the Rams' passing game evaporating with hit-and-hope clearances as the ball bounced at waist height, replacing the controlled possession which had proved effective before the break.

The best chance was again created by the standout Radcliffe who advanced down the right before firing a low cross which just needed a touch for the opener.

The game became more attritional, which led to a turgid passage of play where both midfields sought to wrestle control.

It looked as though the game was heading for a stalemate, with a nil-nil finish a likely scenario.

Then, with just two minutes left as the Rams probed, a loose pass left them committed and out of shape.

The home side sensed the opportunity with a quick breakaway on the left, and the ball was brought into the danger area where skilful footwork saw Ryan Bolton curl it past Trueman and into the top corner for a fine finish and one met with glee by the home crowd.

It was surely the winner.

Rams’ fans felt that sinking pit-of-the-stomach feeling as time ebbed away and the prospect of a third successive defeat imminent.

Deep into injury time, the visitors battled forward and won a freekick on the corner of the box.

Sowerby drove it deep to the far side of the six-yard box where it was headed square.

Its path was read by Gareth Hill, who crashed it in to bulge the netting and cause a roar of appreciation and relief from the Rams ultras gathered behind.

The fact that it was Hill, with his sixth goal in five games, returning to haunt his former team, made the moment poignant - silencing the noisy home crowd - and sparking joy in the away end and providing the moment to break the jinx of the last couple of games.

The match finished moments later, and the resilience shown by Henry’s team bodes well as the Rams battled hard for a point which was the very least they deserved.

Boss Henry reflected on the game.

“A frustrating night for us.

"I think the first half we played some good stuff," he stated.

"We controlled the game for large parts, but we’ve got to be more clinical with the chances we create.

"The most frustrating thing for us is that in the final third, we didn’t make the most of those opportunities.

"Second half, they came out with a bit more blood and thunder.

"They were certainly more aggressive in their pressing, and we had to manage that.

"We got caught with a bit of a sucker punch late on, but I’ll give credit to the lads for their character as they never gave up.

"We get a goal, and we nearly get another one late on!

"We go to Atherton on Saturday, and they are quite a strong outfit.

"We go back to the drawing board, we’ll address issues and try to improve.”