THIS nine goal encounter provided the neutrals with terrific entertainment but the Rams have got real problems having now conceded 13 goals in their last three games.

Russell Brierley gave the NWCL Division One side a great start with a goal after just three minutes and when David Yorke-Robinson added the second on 11 minutes Ramsbottom looked well set to take the three points.

On 21 minutes Brierley had the ball in the net again but the referee brought play back and awarded a free kick on the edge of the box for a foul by a Maine Road defender.

Failure to allow the advantage became even more crucial when two minutes later the Manchester side pulled a goal back from a Jock Russell penalty.

On the hour Paul Wadsworth equalised via the underside of the crossbar and with 15 minutes remaining Yorke-Robinson's free kick put Ramsbottom back in front.

On 78 minutes Philip Osborne ran clear to again level matters and two minutes later Ramsbottom failed to defend a corner kick on the left and Wadsworth put Maine Road in front for the first time.

On 83 minutes Danny Goodall got on the end of Dave Roach's deep cross to make it 4-4.

In the final minute Russell won the game for Maine Road with his second of the night.

RESULT: MAINE ROAD...5 RAMSBOTTOM UTD...4

The Rams are in FA Cup first round qualifying action on Saturday when they welcome Ashtington to the Riverside.