NINE man Ramsbottom United tasted defeat for the first time under boss Chris Willcock as they suffered a 3-2 home reverse to Runcorn Linnets in the Evo-Stik West.

The visitors, riding high in the table, took the lead against a Rams side who are certainly in the play-off hunt despite this defeat, when Kyle Jacobs was adjudged to have committed a foul and Louis Corrigan stepped up to score.

Tom Kennedy brought the home side level with a super free kick midway through the half but within two minutes Runcorn reclaimed the lead through Peter Wylie.

Rammy were dealt a blow early in the second half when Kyle Jacobs was sent off but Willcock's men hauled themselves level with a penalty of their own as Nialle Rodney converted after Nic Evangelinos was brought down in the box.

The Rams were reduced to nine men with 13 minutes to go when Kieran Lugsden was sent off for his reaction to a challenge and the visitors capitalised and scored the winner on 79 minutes when Freddie Potter headed home.

Elsewhere, Colne picked up a battling point in a 1-1 draw with Chasetown.

The Reds got off to a great start when Alex Curran’s 25 yard free kick found a gap in the wall and was deflected in by Simon Nangle after only five minutes.

Colne might have extended their lead five minutes later when an end-to-end move led to Matty Morgan shooting over.

The home side came more into the game and levelled seven minutes into the second half when Luckie headed home.

Brad Lynch and Curran had chances to find a winner for the Reds but they had to settle for a point.

Clitheroe were beaten 3-2 at home by Market Drayton Town conceding an 88th minute winner.

Jacob Ellis put the Blues in front but the visitors hit back to lead 2-1 midway through the first period.

Lewis Sugden levelled from the spot with 13 minutes remaining but Drayton stole the points late on.

In the Hallmark Security League First Division North, Elliott Pond hit a first-half hat-trick as Darwen beat Ashton Town 4-3.

The two sides shared six first half goals, three of them Pond's, before Daniel Taylor scored the winner on the hour.

Nelson collected a 2-2 draw away at Carlisle City with Gareth Hill and Dylon Meredith on target for the Admirals.

Bacup Borough claimed an away win over Daisy Hill with first half goals from Matthew Dell and Ryan Bellamy enough to earn them a 2-1 success.

Barnoldswick's Premier League clash with Charnock Richard was called off due to a waterlogged pitch while Padiham were without a fixture.