RAMSBOTTOM United’s third straight foray into Yorkshire saw them take on the recently-formed Ossett United for the first time and they brought home a point from a 1-1 draw.

The visitors threatened early on, with one chance poked wide by Anointed Chukwu, Ossett responding with Corey Gregory denied by Rammy keeper Tom Stewart.

The hosts opened the scoring on 15 minutes when a well-worked move found Huddersfield loan youngster Andrew Ijiwole, who delivered an inviting cross perfectly into the path of the onrushing Nick Guest who headed in at close range.

The goal boosted Ossett’s confidence and the Rams’ defence was severely tested, with Stewart called on twice in quick succession to deny Elliott Harrison and Tom Greaves.

Ramsbottom drew level just short of the half-hour mark when a Tom Kennedy corner wasn’t dealt with by goalkeeper Brett Souter and the ball found its way to Burnley loanee Teddy Perkins, whose well-struck effort from an acute angle flew into the far

corner.

It was the visitors’ turn to enjoy a good period and Souter had to fling himself acrobatically to stop long-range efforts from both Iyrwah Gooden and Mason Fawns.

And towards the end of a very watchable first half a Gooden cross-cum-shot glanced off the crossbar and Nic Evangelinos produced another effort on goal, which the Ossett keeper plunged down low to save.

Rammy began the second period in the same manner they had ended the first, though both sides fashioned efforts at goal in rapid succession.

Gregory forced Stewart into a fine low save and a Fawns attempt was parried away by Souter at his near post.

With the match finely poised the hosts – 6-0 winners in an FA Cup tie in midweek – began to exert some pressure on the Rammy

defence.

Guest fired an effort narrowly wide and the Rams rearguard had a stiff examination, Stewart showing good handling skills to relieve the pressure on the defence on numerous occasions.

As the encounter edged towards the final 15 minutes the Rams continued to toil, with Chukwu looking increasingly isolated up front.

Greaves – who once played one game for Rammy on loan – had been well shackled by the visitors’ defence but managed to get a shot away that had Stewart stretching to save it.

The remaining minutes were safely negotiated by Chris Willcock’s men, despite a late flurry of corners.

Resolute defending and some wayward finishing from Ossett kept the scores level and the two sides had to settle for a point apiece, a fair result on the balance of the 90 minutes’ play.

The point gained means Ramsbottom closed the gap on BetVictor League North West leaders Workington, and their thoughts now turn to Saturday’s FA Cup tie away to National League North side Gateshead.

n Ruben Jerome has been named the season’s first player of the month – voted for by the Rammy fans – after a productive first couple of weeks of the campaign.

The former Warrington Town striker netted four times in the five games played during August as the Rams got off to a good start in the league.

Jerome was presented with his prize, a case of beer from Northern Premier League sponsors Bowland Brewery.