Ramsbottom bounced back from two successive defeats to beat Colne 2-0 in the Vodkat Premier Division.

Mark Sharples converted Barry Shuttleworth's cross to give the Rams the lead shortly before half-time.

Andy Dawson doubled the advantage seven minutes after the break when he headed home from Phil Dean's corner.

Colne's hopes of taking something from the game were dashed when Sam Hayes was sent off just after the hour for a second bookable offence.

"We're delighted with the win, and it was good to bounce back after two defeats," said Ramsbottom joint player-manager Anthony Johnson.

"All the other teams chasing promotion picked up points, so it was an important three points for us."

Colne manager Nigel Coates added: "We missed two glorious chances in the first half before they scored.

"I was very disappointed with the second yellow card that led to the sending off, as I thought it was a good challenge. After that we never looked like getting back into it."

Barnoldswick moved ahead of Ramsbottom into fourth on goal difference with a 3-1 win at Runcorn Linnets. Aaron Hollindrake, Robbie Smith and Paul Barrett were on target for Town.

Squires Gate staged a late comeback to earn a 2-2 draw at Congleton Town.

Rossendale's poor run continued with a 4-2 defeat at home by St Helens, with Lee Knowles grabbing both Rossy goals.

A late goal from Haydn Paul wasn't enough to salvage a point for Bacup as they lost 2-1 at Glossop, while a Chris Ridehalgh goal was Padiham's only consolation in their 3-1 loss at Winsford.

In Division One, AFC Blackpool moved to the top of the table thanks to a 4-0 win over Runcorn Town.

AFC Darwen's interest in the Vodkat Division One Trophy was ended with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Norton United.

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