IT just wasn't Nantwich Town's day on Saturday.

Despite a spirited performance, the Dabbers were left cursing their luck as Ramsbottom United picked up a 2-0 victory.

Manager Dave Cooke pulled off another coup before kick-off with the signing of former Alex star Mark Gardiner who resigned as Leek Town boss on Thursday night.

Gardiner, 34, slotted in at left-back to give the young Dabbers some experience and they certainly looked on top by the interval with Danny Collins going closest to breaking the deadlock.

Nantwich continued to edge the action but were stung on 70 minutes as the home side went in front through a dubious free-kick.

A leveller seemed likely but fortune smiled again on Ramsbottom who sealed victory in a 'hand of god' style incident five minutes from time.

"I don't often complain about officials but their first goal came from a free-kick that never should have been given and the second was clearly handball," blasted Cooke.

"The lads played really well and deserved something from the game."

It looks tough for the Dabbers over the next few days as they entertain two high-flyers in Mossley on Saturday and Prescot on Tuesday night.