THIS was a must win game for bottom of the table United, who faced an Abbey Hey side fresh from an 8-1 FA Vase win on Saturday.

On six minutes the Manchester side had a lucky escsape when Russell Brierley's cross beat the keeper, but passed across the gaping goal with no-one on hand to apply the finishing touch.

The vistors responded by forcing a corner kick, but Dale Johnson headed high over the top.

Play was frantic with neither side creating much, but on 34 minutes David Yorke-Robinson should have put the Rams in front when he shot wide from eight yards with just keeper Liam Higginbottom to beat.

Seconds later Abbey's Andy Walker also missed a gilt-edged chance when he fired high and wide with the goal at his mercy.

On 40 minutes Russell Brierley was brought down 20 yards out, but the Abbey Hey defensive wall charged down the number nine's free-kick.

Two minutes before the break Carl Lomax wasn't far away with a low drive from the edge of the box.

Ramsbottom, who had never looked in any danger in the first half, almost grabbed the lead on 46 minutes when Yorke-Robinson's cross caused panic in the goalmouth, but again no-one could apply the finish.

The visitors took the lead on 52 minutes when Johnson shrugged off Carl McCoy's challenge before crossing low into the box where Warren Brierley, in attempting to clear, diverted the ball past Simon Marsh.

The Rams tried desperately to get back into the game and their frustration showed on 65 minutes when Andy Grimshaw was sent off after an off the ball clash with Abbey's Gregg Taylor.

A couple of substitutions failed to improve the ten men's fortunes as Ramsbottom went down to their fifth defeat in six league outings.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Marsh 7, Yorke-Robinson 7, Langhorn 7, McCoy 6, Walsh 7, W Brierley 7, Grimshaw 6, Franks 6, R Brierley 6, Lomax 6, Brown 6. Substitutes: Orrell (for LOmax, 75 mins), Goodall (for Franks, 81 mins). Not used: Blore.

Tomorrow the Rams entertain Woodley Sports (kick-off 3pm) and on Tuesday night next week Warrington Town visit the Riverside (kick-off 7.45pm).