After Howard is sent off for arguing

for Bacup as last week’s hero Charlie Howard became this week’s villain by collecting two ridiculous yellow cards within seconds of each other by arguing with the referee over the position of a United free-kick.

A re-shuffle by Bacup manager Lee Barrett was needed as the home side were rocking. McInnis and Humpheries had been superb all game in the heart of the Borough defence but were undone on seventy minutes as United penetrated again to finally take the lead.

Bacup rallied and time ticked away and United looked like they had done enough but Bacup forced a 90th minute free kick on the corner of the United box. Again Siddle’s delivery was pinpoint and left-back Isaac Custic slid in at the back post to level.

Bacup now pressed for a winner and won a corner in the 93rd minute. The delivery was good and made for a mad scramble but United eventually cleared their lines as the final whistle went.

Barrett said: “Both teams played the occasion rather than a game of football. A local derby brought out the ugly side of of the teams which was not helped by a heavy pitch. We need to focus on what we can do and let the referee do his job and not let team mates down by picking up silly red cards.”

Bacup’s next game is on Friday 17th November away against Stockport County. ●● VOTED for by the supporters, the Ramsbottom United Player-of-theMonth for October is Sam Heathcote.

Initially signed as a defender, Sam has been used as an emergency striker, and from his four appearances throughout the month, netting four goals, a pretty impressive return from someone more used to playing in defence.

That sort of strike rate must pose a question or two for manager Mark Fell! Sam was presented with his prize, donated as always by Irwell Works Brewery, before the 3-0 win over Stalybridge in the Integro League Cup.