RAMSBOTTOM United manager Mark Fell reckons his side paid for missed opportunities after Mossley ended their unbeaten start to the Evo-Stik North campaign on Saturday.

And after going down 2-0 at Seel Park, the Rams followed that up with a 2-1 defeat at Kendal Town on Tuesday in another match they had chances to win.

“It’s obviously a very disappointing result for us after a good start,” said Fell after the Mossley defeat.

“Credit to Mossley, they outworked us and frustrated us. The first goal is soft, not picking up from a set play and then we’ve had three great chances towards the end of the first half.

“Not converting any of those has hurt us.”

Mossley began the contest the brighter side and gave the visitors’ defence an early examination with goalkeeper Martin Fearon being called into action to deny home skipper Tom Dean from a well-flighted set piece.

The Rams did not heed the warning and on 17 minutes a Jack Tuohy free kick found its way to the back post where Jamie McLellan headed the hosts into a deserved lead.

 Ramsbottom improved as the half wore on and Max Hazeldine had the clearest chance five minutes before the break, shooting straight at the keeper after being sent clean through.

Mossley defended resolutely as the Rams pushed for an equaliser at the start of the second half and the home side looked a threat on the break.

They eventually doubled their lead midway through the second period when a strong run and cross from the impressive Liam Ellis found Elliot Harrison, whose close-range shot gave Fearon no chance.

Frustrations were building as the Rams struggled to find a way back into the game and Greg Daniels was sent off in stoppage time after picking up his second yellow card.

The Rams did their best to get back to winning ways at Kendal on Tuesday night, battling back after conceding an early goal from Conor Gaul to go into the break level.

Bradley Roscoe equalised just before the half hour and Rams had plenty of chances to add a second goal before Stuart McDonald scored the winner for the home side 13 minutes from time.