RAMSBOTTOM embarked on a remarkable second half comeback after going 2-0 down against Skelmersdale.

Both sides had early chances with David Yorke-Robinson unlucky to see his free kick strike the crossbar.

Skelmersdale's best chance fell to Jason Rudd but the highly rated striker missed the target.

Ramsbottom survived some concerted pressure and goalkeeper Paul Horridge, deputising for the injured Allan Fairbrother, made a couple of very good stops.

With the game just beyond the half hour mark Skelmersdale took the lead via the penalty spot. Rudd made no mistake after a Rams defender handled inside the box.

On 43 minutes the visitors went two in front when Brian Hatton ran clear and gave Horridge no chance at all with a clinical finish.

Steve Brennan replaced the injured Paul Williams at the start of the second half and he soon caused Skelmersdale a few problems as Ramsbottom looked to get back into the game.

With just 25 minutes remaining Brennan's cross found Yorke-Robinson who hammered the ball into the back of the net from 20 yards. The Rams pushed forward and the visitors had a couple of chances on the break but Horridge was quick off his line to save with his feet.

Substitute Steve Orrell went very close with a back header that flew past the far post then on 83 minutes Brad Franks' through ball was latched on to by Jamie Taylor who cut in from the right before cracking the ball past the advancing Robbie Holcroft to make it two apiece.

Ramsbottom now had the West Lancashire side on the ropes and two minutes from time completed a marvellous second half comeback when Taylor grabbed the winner to leave fourth place Skelmersdale shell shocked and pointless.

RAMSBOTTOM UTD...3 SKELMERSDALE UTD...2