BATTLING Ramsbottom United as left a freezing Halesowen Town empty handed on Saturday despite putting in a decent display in the 2-1 defeat.

They controlled large segments of the match but were unable to sustain their promising performance over the full 90 minutes.

The Rams went with five in midfield and Shelton Payne up front on his own. And the mobile striker tested Daniel Platt with a couple of early shots that the Halesowen keeper did well to palm away.

But midfielder Reece Hales was able to find space to prompt attacks for the home side and a lack of inches at the back meant aerial balls into the Rams 'box presented some heart-stopping moments.

Halesowen eventually opened the scoring on the hour when Hales curled a free kick in off the post from 25 yards.

The Rams' response was immediate. Slight of foot from Payne in the box induced a rash challenge and he got up to slot home the resulting penalty.

A deflected shot from the Rammy goalscorer almost gave them the lead but their defence began to creak at other end and Kenyon Reffel headed in the winner eight minutes from time.

Rammy face fellow Premier Division strugglers Colwyn Bay on Saturday before their rearranged league cup tie at home to Warrington Town on Tuesday.