RAMSBOTTOM United fell to their second cup defeat of the week at Workington Town on Tuesday, but again pushed a team above them in the non-league pyramid all the way.

They went one better than Saturday's FA Trophy heroics, this time holding their Evo-Stik Premier Division opponents to a 2-2 draw after normal time before losing the first-round Integro League Cup tie 4-2 on a penalty shootout.

The home team, who are eighth in the Premier, made eight changes from the side that won 5-0 at Stourbridge at the weekend, making it difficult to judge the strength of the Rams performance.

But bearing in mind the visitors were themselves not all full strength and the fact they had come a comfortable second the last two times they had played at Workington, this display should be seen as further evidence the Rams are a team on the up.

Joint managers Mark Fell and Paul Fildes, who made a cameo appearance from the bench, can feel vindicated that their vision for the team and principles are bearing fruit.

A rejigged defence initially showed some uncertainty and in the early stages it took some desperate blocking and tackling to prevent Workington taking a firm grip of the game.

But gradually the Rams settled and it was disappointing when just past the half hour a number of opportunities to clear a home attack were declined, giving Joe McGee the chance to open the scoring for Workington.

Earlier in the season might have triggered a collapse, but the Rams now have the resilience and belief to bounce back.

Just a minute later, Ollie Cronkshaw was fouled in a dangerous position and Gareth Seddon, on as an early substitute, fired in the resulting free kick to equalise.

The Rams grew in confidence and from there on in they were more than a match for the hosts.

On the restart Bradley Roscoe saw a rising shot turned over the bar but then somewhat against the run of play Workington regained the lead.

Vulnerability to the quick counter attack remains an Achilles' heel, and the home side capitalised in the 55th minute when Elliott Newby turned the ball in at the far post following a fast break.

But Seddon again restored parity five minutes later with a real poacher's goal that spoke volumes for his ability and experience. The striker collected and controlling the ball under pressure in the box, before firing across the keeper and into the bottom corner.

Seddon had a chance to win it before the end of normal time, but the ball got trapped under his feet when he was in a good position to score, and Workington made Rammy pay with a clinical display in the shootout.