GREAT HARWOOD TOWN 0

TEN man Ramsbottom boosted their hopes of a top four finish in FNWTL Division Two with a one-goal win over local rivals Great Harwood Town.

Town, in the bottom half of the table, faced a rampant Rams who had enjoyed a seven-goal mauling of Abbey Hey on Saturday.

United boss Ken Bridge made three changes, with Dave Roach and Russell Brierley out injured and Danny Goodall missing the game through work commitments.

And it all seemed to be going wrong for the Rams when, on 16 minutes, defender Mike Smith was sent off following a foul on Neil Ottley, who although 20 yards out, was clear on goal.

Minutes later Ramsbottom had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when David Yorke-Robinson looked to be brought down inside the Harwood area.

Town had their chances, their best when United keeper Jon Parrott tipped Warren Peake's cross over the crossbar.

There was little to choose between the sides and it seemed destined to end in a draw.

But, with just eight minutes remaining, Langhorn got forward down the left flank and delivered a low cross which Yorke-Robinson steered home from six yards.

In the closing minute a goalmouth melee provided Harwood with a chance to equalise but the final shot cleared the United crossbar.

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