A HARSH sending off tipped the scales in Ramsbottom's favour in this full-bloodied encounter.

The home side had battled well and missed a great chance to take the lead on eight minutes when Eddie Stanford saw his close range shot blocked by Rams goalkeeper Martin Campbell.

Instead it was United who went in front after 22 minutes when a curling free-kick by Stephen Mainwaring was nodded home by Liam McManus.

Nelson struck back on the stroke of half-time when a long diagonal pass by Kieron Hopkinson released Stanford on a left wing run and he finished with a well placed shot to level the scores.

The evenly balanced game swung the Rams way on the hour when Darren Wright held back Steve Maden as he forced his way through a crowd of players in the Nelson penalty area.

After Wright had been given his marching orders, Stephen MacDonald drove in the spot-kick to restore the Rams' lead.

Nelson fought hard with some good attacking play in the closing stages but stout defending from the visitors was enough to grab the three points.