RAMSBOTTOM fielded the same side who hammered Winsford United four days earlier but their rollercoaster season continued as they slipped to their seventh loss in 14 games.
Rams dominated the first half, Russell Brierley had a goal-bound shot deflected early on and Atherton keeper Cyril Sharrock made a block from Dave Roach's powerful drive.
Nick Fisher put Atherton in front two minutes after the restart and only two brilliant saves by Keith Neild prevented Ramsbottom from going further behind.
On 74 minutes United drew level through Russell Brierley. A goal line clearance by an Atherton defender and a missed chance by Brierley prevented Ramsbottom from grabbing the lead.
Just when it looked that the game was going to end all square the Ramsbottom defence left Paul Vandenburg in acres of room and the substitute raced away to fire past Neild.
RESULT: RAMSBOTTOM UTD...1 ATHERTON COLLIERIES...2
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