1996 Ford Escort starter wont turn over

For a while now occasionally maybe one in 150 starts or so the starter was dead but to rectify this I simply turned off the car and turned it back on and the starter kicked over and all was good. 2 days ago it all stopped. No matter how many times I turned it off and on it wouldnt turn over the engine. Thinking the starter / solinoid went bad took them to advanced auto who tested them and both were fine. So I brought the starter back to the car replaced it and still no go. While I was there they asked about the starter relay I purchased one and replaced it (11 bucks who cares if it needs it or not) I then cleaned the battery cables and checked for loose wiring ect. Found no corrosion nor loose connections anywhere. I am at a loss as to what to check next and correct things to get. Thinking it may be neutral safty switch? Or blown fusable link(didnt see one but doesnt mean it isnt there)? Or a possible bad ignition switch? Though I still get power to the relay when I turn the key to start as the relay does click once when it engages. What should I be checking and in what order. I do need the car tomorrow night for work. Edit: ok checked the battery its low charging it. But why wouldnt the starter just engage and turn over slowly like older model cars.