A depleted Winsford United were knocked out in the first preliminary round of the FA Cup following a disappointing 3-1 loss to Ramsbottom United.

The visitors from the division above, were unable to progress first time around as Winsford ground out a 3-3 draw in a thrilling match whilst playing the majority of the game with 10 men.

It was Winsford who had the first real chance of the game as the Ramsbottom defence misjudged a long ball and gave Dean Clarke a chance to shoot but he was off-balanced and his shot bobbled just wide of the post.

On the 24th minute, Ramsbottom took the lead through their striker Ruben Jerome with a wonderful volley from around 20 yards out leaving Winsford’s stand-in goalie Dane Rigby helpless.

Winsford still had chances after a poor backpass would have given Sam Madeley a tap-in if it wasn’t for an excellent recovery by the Ramsbottoms 'keeper Tom Stewart.

On the cusp of half time Ramsbottom found themselves a man down when full back Harry Norris was given a straight red card for a late and dangerous challenge on young Winsford forward Joe Duckworth.

Winsford United fans were going into the break fairly optimistic as although not the best team, they'd still had some chances on the counter and now the man advantage.

Unfortunately, it didn’t quite turn out how those Blues fans would have wanted.

Despite the red card, Ramsbottom were completely on top, and their dominance was rewarded when a long ball led to a mix up between Winsford goalkeeper and defender meaning Ramsbottom striker Jerome could tap in his and Ramsbottom's second of the game on 68 minutes.

The game was put to bed on 77 minutes after Jerome got his hat-trick from an excellent header.

However, in the dying minutes Winsford United right back Damian Skolorzynski gave the large crowd something to cheer with an absolute screamer from over 25 yards.

A frustrating night where, had injuries not taken their toll on the depleted squad, the result may well have been different.

However, in front of a crowd of over 350 (the largest for a while) Winsford will be kicking themselves after not making the most of the opportunity of the extra man and just not coming out firing in the second half.

Man of the Match: Damian Skolorzynski