RAMSBOTTOM United go into tomorrow night's match home to Trafford on a high after winning a thrilling match at home to Glossop North End at the weekend to move up to third place in the Evo-Stik North table.

Manager Mark Fell praised his players for the "character, heart and determination" they showed to bounce back after Glossop levelled to make it 2-2 with less than 15 minutes to player.

But they bounced back immediately, with substitute Max Hazeldine putting the Rams back in front before setting up Jamie Rother for the fourth a minute from time.

"Our second-half performance was an absolute pleasure to watch, it just took us a while to adjust to their style," said Fell.

"Ben Deegan caused us problems early on as we struggled to deal with the second phase and runners off him, but we made some adjustments and it nullified that, then we came to life.

"There's no doubt we dominated the second half and when they scored for 2-2 I felt it was unjust.

"But once again we showed character, heart and determination.

"Max changed the game from the bench to scored the third and help set up the fourth.

"It's a big big win for us, confidence is high, but we won't get carried away and we will need to raise our game again against Trafford on Friday." 

Ramsbottom went into the match unbeaten but were given an early shock when Courtney Meppen-Walter put the visitors ahead from the spot on seven minutes.

Glossop threatened to add to their lead with Jude Oyibo, who was tripped after a raid into the Rammy box to earn the penalty, posing a constant threat.

As often happens, when one side do not take their chances the opposition takes advantage and on 37 minutes a strong run down the left flank from the impressive Kyle Brownhill resulted in a low shot finding the bottom corner to level for Rammy.

The home side ended the first half on top and continued in the same vein after the break.

They took the lead on 52 minutes when Greg Daniels sent in a pinpoint cross from the right and Jerome Wright planted a perfectly placed header past the despairing dive of the Glossop keeper.

The match remained finely balanced and Glossop levelled on 76 minutes when substitute Billy Hasler-Cregg embarked on a mazy run before his shot hit the post and fell kindly for Deegan to tap in.

Not to be deterred, the home side retook the lead when a long throw from Wright was flicked on for Hazeldine to head home.

And with the clock ticking towards the 90, a Meppen-Walter header was cleared off the line before the excellent Tom Brooks won a crunching challenge and set up a devastating counter attack. Hazeldine passed to Daniels, who laid the ball on a plate for the tireless Rother to secure all three points.