RAMSBOTTOM failed to shake off bogey side Alsager Town as they were knocked out of the League Challenge Cup.

Out of their three matches against them this season, Ramsbottom have lost by the same result on all three occasions.

But the home side got off to a dream start following a nice move between Bernard Morley and Matt Edgington after just four minutes.

The ball was played inside to James Hoyle and after being shown a sight of goal he unleashed an unstoppable 25-yard drive that flew into the back of the net off the inside of the post.

But the visitors failed to buckle under early pressure and quickly reasserted their authority on the match by creating a series of half chances, with Mark Grice causing the home defence problems with his aerial prowess.

Steve Grocott's fierce drive tested Dryden on 20 minutes but the keeper was well placed to tip the ball around the post.

Minutes later the hosts almost extended their lead when Matt Edgington created an opening after soaring beyond the Alsager full back, but his low shot was unfortunately deflected beyond the near post with stopper Rob Powner struggling.

After Paul Ireland fired a warning shot to the Rams with a dangerous cross, it was no surprise when the equaliser arrived on 26 minutes. A curling corner caused a mix-up in the Ramsbottom defence and Brotherton was once again well placed to poke the ball into the bottom corner.

Ramsbottom were forced onto the back foot for a second time when Grice ran through onto a long punt and calmly lobbed the ball over Dryden.

Alsager threatened to run riot as they continued to press forward and only a last-ditch tackle from Bill Robertson stopped Ireland from firing in a third Alsager goal.

Derek Egan's side almost levelled on half-time when Morley poked a loose ball inside the penalty area towards goal but Powner was able to palm it round the post.

Both Ian Verow and Peter Heler will feel a little aggrieved after failing to finish the tie when presented with sights at goal.

But the result was finally sealed on 75 minutes when substitute Phil Parkinson was found unmarked inside the 18-yard box and he made no mistake by slipping beyond Dryden.