Nantwich Town’s dreams of playing in the FA Trophy final are over after Ramsbottom United won 3-1 at the Weaver Stadium in the second qualifying round, writes Richard Scott.
In-form Mark Winslade scored his second goal in a week for the Dabbers.
But it came after strikes from Tom Williams, Phil Dean and Grant Spencer had won the game for Ramsbottom.
Nantwich manager Danny Johnson welcomed back Terry Smith, who played his first goal for Nantwich since the game at Kings Lynn at the start of September, while Steve Jones was on the bench.
The visitors took an early lead on five minutes, when a free kick was whipped in by Grant Spencer and Williams steered the ball past Smith.
Nantwich thought they were level almost instantly when a cross from Burns found Winslade, who knocked the ball past Grant Shenton, but the offside flag was up.
Winslade had another excellent game up front and could have had the Dabbers level on nine minutes, when a nice through ball by Burns found his strike partner.
Despite being forced wide he managed to hit a shot but it was straight at the keeper.
The Dabbers had their best chance on 16 minutes, when Burns was brought down just outside the area.
The former Manchester United youngster took the free kick, but it was saved by Shenton.
Soon after Kosylo crossed to Bailey, who headed inches over Shenton’s bar.
It was 2-0 to Ramsbottom on 38 minutes, when the referee caused confusion after the linesmen gave a free kick.
As the players lined up, Ramsbottom took a throw in and the ball was crossed into Dean, who volleyed past Smith.
The first chance of the second half came when Winslade teed up Burns, but his strike was straight at Shenton.
A minute later a quick free kick from Pepper found Burns, who turned in the box and hit a shot which was palmed away.
The visitors got a third when the ball hit the referee and stayed in play, allowing them to break. Jordan Hulme rounded Smith before Spencer was able to tap in.
Nantwich sub Steve Jones, who had come on for Kyle Blake, hit a volley just wide of the goal.
The Dabbers had one back on 68 minutes. Andy White broke down the line before hitting a cross into the area, which found Winslade who slid home from inches out.
As Nanwich looked for another goal to really get back into the game, Smith had to be alert to make two fine saves.
In the last few minutes Ian Howard had a volley from distance over the bar.
The final chance fell to Steve Jones, but his free kick went just wide and with that went the Dabbers’ chance of progression.
Nantwich are next in action on Saturday as they visit Belper Town on Saturday.
Nantwich Town: Smith, Disney, White, Blake, A.Jones, Bailey (C), Kosylo, Pepper, Burns, Winslade and Howard. Subs: Pearson (on for Pepper), Clayton on for Burns, Sheehan, S.Jones (on for Blake) and Dowling.
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