RAMSBOTTOM United claimed an FA Trophy victory over a Blyth Spartans side who once faced Blackburn Rovers in the third round of the FA Cup.
Ramsbottom have been named as the Evo-Stik First Division North club of the month for their recent fine form and secured a seventh successive victory in the Trophy tie in the north east.
Blyth were beaten only 1-0 by Blackburn in the FA Cup four years ago and play in the Premier Division – a league higher than Ramsbottom.
But the visitors could have taken the lead in bizarre fashion as keeper Grant Shenton almost emulated Stoke stopper Asmir Begovic’s weekend goal. His wind-assisted clearance sailed over his opposite number but drifted just wide of the post.
The second half started in appalling weather and Ramsbottom’s goal came in the 48th minute as Danny Warrender’s 25-yard strike went in off the post.
Ramsbottom had to play out the final 19 minutes with 10 men after Dean was dismissed for foul and abusive language, but they were able to hold out to reach the third qualifying round.
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