A VITAL promotion battle appeared to be going the way of the Rams until disaster struck in the last five minutes.

With the game entering time added-on, the Lancastrians were 2-1 up, but when the final whistle blew five minutes later, they had surrendered all three points, as the home side struck twice.

To make matters worse, when the team trooped off, it was to find out that the other four sides involved in the play-off battle had all won, leaving a very down-crest Ramsbottom dressing room.

The day started well for United when Lee Gaskell put them ahead after only five minutes and although Aiden Savory levelled seven minutes later they stayed in control.

Jordan Hulme restored the lead before the break and as the clocked ticked into stoppage time all was well.

But the defence dozed twice in the added five minutes as Adam Priestley and Ross Daley took full advantage to win the match.