RAMSBOTTOM UTD 2 ST HELENS TOWN 4

RAMSBOTTOM'S 15-match unbeaten NWCL Division One run came to an end at the hands of fellow title challengers St Helens.

The Rams took the lead on nine minutes when Russell Brierley found Chris Willcock who chipped the ball over a defender for Chris Brookes to leave Wood helpless with a perfect finish.

On 37 minutes, the Rams increased their lead when Bowman's cross found Brierley who steered the ball past Wood to make it 2-0 at the interval.

Four minutes into the second half, Willcock's goal-bound shot was blocked by Wood's feet. The save turned out to be a turning point for St Helens who went to the other end and immediately pulled a goal back through Chris Quirk.

On 55 minutes St Helens drew level when a rare mistake by Keith Neild presented Terry Fearns with a gift goal. Neild's clearance went straight to the St Helens striker who lobbed the ball back over the Rams keeper.

A third Saints goal looked certain and on 63 minutes Fearns' diving header put St Helens in front.

Ramsbottom threw on a third striker in Mark Heyes for the final 15 minutes and the gamble almost paid off in the 89th minute when Heyes battled his way past two defender only to see his well-struck cross shot beat Wood, but finish a couple of inches beyond the post.

With just seconds remaining, substitute Lee Cooper raced away to score number four in what had been a remarkable second half comeback by St Helens.