LANCASHIRE FA MARSDEN TROPHY

SQUIRE'S GATE 2 - RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 1

(aet: 90 mins 1-1)

WHILE this may seem a shock result to many people, Ramsbottom lost out to a young Squire's Gate side who they failed to match for effort, determination and will to win.

The Blackpool side, leaders of the North West Counties League Division Two and 1-0 winners at UniBond side Chorley in the first round, were delighted to add the Rams' scalp to their achievement list, with the winning goal coming two minutes from the end of extra time.

There wasn't much to remember from a game in which the home side took the lead in the 23rd minute. Rams' central defender Mark Thomas turned Scott Bradford's low cross into his own net.

Ramsbottom never seriously threatened in the remaining 22 minutes of the first half and, at the break, the big question being asked was 'Where was a goal going to come from?'

In the opneing minutes of the second half, United did show some urgency, but it was Squire's Gate who had the best chance when Dave Paynter fired high and wide with just Jon Parrot to beat.

With the game entering its final 20 minutes, Ramsbottom produced some excellent play, with Paul Cameron and Phil Porter combining on the right.

Cameron switched the ball out to Darren Bowman on the left, Bowman got to the bye-line before pulling the ball back to Chris Willcock who rifled a fierce shot into the roof of the Squire's Gate net.

The 90 minutes ended without any further scoring and, five minutes into extra time, Mark Thomas was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Ramsbottom's ten men looked to have earned a replay, but with just a couple of minutes remaining, what can only be described as naive defending gifted Squire's Gate the winner.

The ball was given away on the halfway line, Paynter made swift progress down the right and, with two defenders backing off, he delivered the ball into the box.

It finally came out to skipper Paul Thompson who thumped home a low shot from the edge of the box.

In the final minute, Ramsbottom's miserable night was complete when they were reduced to nine men, Danny Goodall seeing red along with Squire's Gate Paynter after a a flare-up.

The Fylde coast has never yielded United much success, but their overall team performance against the Squires can only be described as inept with too many players abdicating their responsibilites and turning in below par performances.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Parrot 6, Porter 6, Goodall 5, Smith 5, Thomas 5, Wallace 7, Bowman 6, Grimshaw 6, Willcock 6, Orrell 5, Cameron 5. Substitutes: White (for Bowman 115 mins). Not used: J Bowman, Nield.