RAMSBOTTOM crashed out of the FA Vase in the first preliminary round in the North East.

The Rams made a good start and took a deserved lead on 11 minutes, Steve Brennan latching on to Russell Brierley's header to race clear and lob the advancing Lenny French.

Brennan was inches away from a second abut with the game in first half stoppage time, Chester le Street equalised with a header from Steve Leadbetter after an unbelievable piece of refereeing.

A Ramsbottom player accidentally ran into the back of the referee as he contested the ball with a Chester le Street player. The referee then awarded a free kick to the home side, the ball was played into the Rams penalty area and Leadbetter headed home.

Five minutes into the second half with Ramsbottom clearly upset with referee Smith's decision the County Durham side went in front through Neil Maddison.

Two minutes later following a corner kick on the right Andy Blowers header struck the underside of the crossbar and an assistant referee ruled the ball had crossed the line.

A fourth goal by Phil Sowerby completed Ramsbottom's miserable afternoon and dumped them out of the FA Vase at the first hurdle.

RESULT: CHESTER LE STREET...4 RAMSBOTTOM UTD...1