RAMSBOTTOM United have been ordered to replay their North West Counties League Challenge Cup quarter-final against Great Harwood Town.

The Rams won 2-1 in the original fixture on January 24 but goalkeeper Graham Bennett has been ruled ineligible because he was signed on loan from a higher division club.

Bamber Bridge stopper Bennett was drafted in as emergency cover for the game because United had two goalkeepers, Paul Horridge and Steve Lyons, who were cup-tied.

They received special permission to break the seven-day rule on signing players before a cup tie, but manager Vince Overson claims they weren't made aware that he couldn't be from a higher division.

He said: "We went through the proper channels and were told to sign a goalkeeper that wasn't cup-tied, which we were very grateful to the league for.

"But now they've said that because he's from a higher division we have to play them again. We're not happy but we'll get on with it.

"We have about 740 other games to play this season so I don't know where we'll fit it in but we'll get on with it."

Exaggeration aside, Ramsbottom do have an alarming fixture backlog, still having 20 more Division One gamest to fit in this season. Only Congleton Town, who are still in the FA Vase, have played less matches in that division.

"It's been a nightmare," said Overson. "You want a run of games to get things right but we have no continuity.

Despite a heavy pitch, Ramsbottom should avoid another postponement tomorrow when Skelmersdale United arrive at he Riverside for a NWCL Division One game.