THE Rams deservedly lived to fight another day in the FA Vase after a stirring North-east battle ended all-square . . . and with both sides down to 10 men!

The home side hardly got a look in for 20 minutes and David Yorke-Robinson missed a clear opening when he tried to lob keeper Grant Wilson.

On the half hour mark Tow Law were lucky to survive as Martin Hulme robbed a defender 20 yards out, moved forward to hit a low drive that cannoned off Wilson for yet another corner kick. Ramsbottom had to dig in and skipper Warren Brierley, Neil Wallace and Dave Roach were all magnificent as Tow Law turned the screw in their search for the lead. On 78 minutes Ramsbottom went in front and it was leading scorer Russell Brierley who turned Martin Hulme's low shot past a helpless Wilson. The visitors' delight lasted just four minutes with substitute Nigel Bolton equalising when he got the final touch following a goalmouth melee.

Five minutes away from extra time the Rams were reduced to 10 men when Danny Goodall was sent off for a second cautionable offence. However, 10 minutes into the extra period, they had Hague sent off.

As both sides tired, chances started to appear but Ramsbottom showed tremendous spirit to hang on for a well deserved replay at Ramsbottom tomorrow evening.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.