Ramsbottom United co-manager Anthony Johnson admitted he was ‘gutted’ for his players after crashing out of the Vodkat Challenge Cup.

The result between the top two teams in the Vodkat Premier League did not reflect the game as the Rams more than matched the leaders.

Newcastle took the lead through a 25-yard strike from Daniel Skelton in the 25th minute.

With the Rams pushing forward looking to get back in the game, Town hit them with a double whammy through Matthew Platt and Jordan Johnson.

The Rams pulled a late goal back through Barry Massey.

“I am gutted for the lads,” said Johnson. “We had them under the cosh but we lost by our own downfall.”