Ramsbottom United’s ten match unbeaten run came to an end with a narrow defeat at the hands of Premier Division side FC United of Manchester.

In front of another large crowd at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, the visitors upped their game after an even first half, to deservedly move into the second round of the League Cup.

FC took the lead with the first meaningful attack of the game after ten minutes. Home keeper Grant Shenton stopped a close range volley before Astley Mulholland reacted quickest to the loose ball to blast it home from six yards out.

The lead lasted a mere three minutes.

A right wing corner from Owen Roberts was met perfectly by Billy Priestley who planted a firm header into the back of the visitors net.

Minutes later, the Manchester team were fortunate when a high free-kick into the area bounced off the head of a defender, only for Jon Worsnop in goal to flick the ball over from just under the bar.

In a half of few chances, Tom Greaves weaved his way along the edge of the Ramsbottom penalty area, before firing in an angled effort that sailed wide of the far post.

The second half began with the first chance to the Rams. Phil Dean raced down the left before sending in a cross that sailed over the heads of two team-mates but bounced to allow Jordan Hulme to dive in to head the ball at the far post, but his attempt sailed harmlessly over the bar.

Shenton made a fine save from Greaves to keep the score level, then a free-kick from the edge of the box was headed over by the wall for a corner.

From that corner, FC scored what proved to be the match-winner.

The ball was flicked on and Mike Norton turned to fire home from close range.

The curse of New Mills struck again as the Rams were made to settle for a draw against the Millers on Saturday. In 10 attempts, Ramsbottom United have still to notch a single victory against New Mills, and despite looking likely to break the duck, failure to convert a number of chances, and a late equaliser maintained the unwanted record.

The deadlock was broken in the 38th minute when man-of-the-match Danny Warrender finally claimed his reward for an industrious afternoon. He was on the end of a Spencer corner, and confidently nodded the ball past a couple of defenders on the line.

The Rams could claim to have been denied what looked like a perfectly good goal. A surging run down the right by Jordan Hulme, saw him play the ball forward. Brooks, standing in an offside position, let the ball roll forward, and Hulme raced on to fire home, but the goal was disallowed. The failure to convert came back to haunt the home side and with 15 minutes to go, a high free-kick was mis-handled by Shenton, and in the ensuing melee, Daryl Weston scooped the ball home from close range to level the score.

The Rams venture in the FA Trophy continues away to Skrill North side Worcester City on Sunday, kick off 3pm.