ANY hopes of a run in the FA Vase were short-lived after Ramsbottom slipped to a disappointing defeat.

The Rams had more than enough possession during the 90 minutes to have won the tie - but a lack of penet-ration up front ultimately proved fateful against a well-organised team from one league lower in football’s pyramid.

After a spirited start by the visitors, the Rams took control but Dominic Small-ey, Mick Morrison and Mark Drew all failed to convert first half chances.

Joel Pilkington was inches away from giving the Rams the lead 10 minutes after the restart when his acrobatic overhead kick was inches wide. Two minutes later, Staveley created their first real chance but Damms fired over when clean through.

But in their very next attack they took the lead when Fox, who appeared to be in an offside position, flighting the ball perfectly beyond Grant Shenton.

Rams rallied and Morrison was denied by a last-ditch tackle and Anthony Johnson fired over the bar four minutes from time.