RAMSBOTTOM United are riding high in fifth place in the Evo-Stik Premier table after following up Saturday’s 4-2 win at Ilkeston by holding league leaders Curzon Ashton on Tuesday.

The creditable performance could have ended with an even better result after Grant Spencer put Rammy in front just after the hour.

But the table-toppers equalised 10 minutes later through Matthew Warburton and Rammy were forced to see out the remaining 20 minutes with only 10 men.

Curzon dominated possession for long periods without ever being able to muster concerted pressure against a well-organised Rams defence that benefited from the return of Gary Stopforth and an increasingly confident central-defensive pairing of Steve Howson and Cedric Krou.

A mis-placed shot from Jordan Hulme was the only clear-cut chance of the opening half, although Grant Shenton was forced into one smart save on the stroke of half time.

The introduction of Scott Burton for Tom Williams helped push Rammy further upfield in the second half and they were rewarded when Hulme won the ball in the penalty box and squared for Spencer to open the scoring.

Osebi Abadaki had a shot tipped over moments later as the home side pushed for a priceless victory.

But the superiority was short-lived as, on 71 minutes, Warburton curled in a 25-yard free-kick.

Lee Pugh then picked up his second yellow card of the match moments later and Rammy were forced back but they defended resolutely to see out the game.

They showed similar resolve to pick up all three points from their first ever trip to Ilkeston.

Such was the visitors’ dominance that the score-line flattered the home team.

All the goals came in a pulsating second half.

Krou headed in a trademark long Pugh throw to open the scoring three minutes after the break, and Burton added a second from the spot on 57 minutes.

Almost immediately, Ilkeston reduced the deficit through a Che Adams strike.

But they barely had time to celebrate before Hulme latched on to a Krou mis-kick to slot the ball home.

The see-saw spell continued as, on 72 minutes, Dominic Smalley put through his own net, but all hopes of a comeback for the home fans were finally snuffed out when Williams turned home an Abadaki cross to notch up his first goal for the club.

Rammy’s next match is at Frickley Athletic on Saturday.