Stalemate in round one

was no obvious sign of the two sides plying their trade in different divisions.

With the conditions worsening and with the rain slanting down the Rams had their first effort at goal when Nic Evangelinos went on a purposeful run towards the edge of the Workington box but his left footed effort failed to trouble Taylor in the home goal and with almost 40 goalless minutes played neither side had forced the opposing goal keeper into serious action.

After the restart, and with the wind in the Rams’ favour the visitors began the second half positively and within ten minutes had without question the best opportunity of the match when Evangelinos found himself advancing in on goal after a goal kick had held up in the wind but the winger’s shot was smothered by Taylor in the home goal.

Minutes later the away side again showed their ever increasing attacking threat when a sumptuous threaded pass from Jamie Rother connected with the run of Evangelinos in the left hand channel but again the Workington rearguard were on hand to block the promising attack.

With Ramsbottom United never having won at Borough Park, the home side were finding it difficult to fashion any chances that could be categorised as clear cut, in a rare moment of concern for the visitors around the hour point a corner was cleared to the edge of the penalty area but the resultant effort flew over the top of the crossbar.

Travelling supporters showed their mutual appreciation of each other’s efforts in challenging circumstances.