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Rams looking for the goal-den touch     By Marc Higginson

NEIL Hart reckons he is a goalscorer away from turning Ramsbottom United into a team that can challenge the big guns of the North West Counties League.

The lack of a cutting edge proved to be Rammy's downfall on Monday after they failed to build on Saturday's victory over Atherton LR with a 1-0 defeat by promotion-chasing Salford City.

The Rams dominated possession in both matches, and Hart admits it is frustrating seeing all his team's impressive build-up play come to nothing.

"We did very well in both games in terms of performances," said Hart. "It was nice to beat Atherton on Saturday, but I was disappointed we got beat against Salford when you consider how well we played.

"We created numerous chances but just couldn't score. Their goal was nobody's fault because the lad put it in from 35 yards.

"I have to be happy with the way we bossed the game against a side second in the league, but we need to find an out-and-out goalscorer and the lads we have got need to show more composure and belief.

"We are panicking a bit in front of goal and it is costing us big time at the moment.

"The deadline to sign players before the end of the season is Friday, so we are looking to sign a striker before then. He might not be ready to go straight into the first team, but he will put pressure on the current lads we have got. It's just really hard to find players at this stage of the season."

Hart was particularly impressed with the way his side dealt with Atherton LR, who have just signed five players from Conference North side Leigh RMI.

"We matched them for endeavour and then our quality came through," said Hart. "I am really pleased with the performances of certain players.

"Matty Kay has come in and done really well in the last three games, while Colin McAllister and James Lester have struck up a good partnership at the back. I have put our skipper, John Blackley, in a midfield role and he has excelled in it so there are plenty of positives."

United are back in action on Saturday when they host Formby, before they entertain Colne three days later.