THIS was a must-win game for NWCL Division One bottom club Ramsbottom 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 escape when Russell Brierley's cross passed across the gaping goal with no one to apply the finishing touch.

And on 34 minutes David Yorke-Robinson should have put the Rams in front when he shot wide with just the keeper to beat.

Seconds later Abbey's Andy Walker fired high with the goal at his mercy and, two minutes before the break, Rams star Carl Lomax wasn't far away with a low drive.

Ramsbottom almost grabbed the lead on 46 minutes when a Yorke-Robinson cross caused panic in the goalmouth but again no one could apply the finish.

The visitors took the lead on 52 minutes when Johnson crossed low into the box and Warren Brierley diverted the ball past his own keeper.

Ramsbottom's frustration showed on 65 minutes when Andy Grimshaw was sent off after an off-the-ball clash with Abbey's Greg Taylor. A couple of substitutions failed to improve the 10-men's fortunes as the Rams suffered their fifth defeat in six league outings.

RAMSBOTTOM UTD...0

ABBEY HEY...1