ON their return to home soil, Ramsbottom convincingly secured three vital points.

After numerous chances, the home side eventually opened the scoring on 28 minutes through Ewan Purcell.

Throughout the remainder of the opening half the home side created numerous chances but the second goal didn't arrive until just after the hour mark when Bernard Morley fired a stunning left foot drive that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.

Purcell grabbed his second on 77 minutes after pouncing on substitute Matt Walsh's incisive pass.

The victory was sealed on 82 minutes when Morley capped a fine individual performance by curling the ball into the top corner from 25 yards.

and it was only a matter of time before the second goal was scored.

Michael Saunders was denied by the goalkeeper but Adam Kozlowksi was given a great chance but his low drive was

>somehow cleared off the line by Chris Collins. The half time whistle went

>with the home side content with their overall performance but realising that

>the second goal would be vital before their could relax.

>

>The second half was much of the same with Ramsbottom threatening to run

>riot. A speculative effort from Bill Robertson flew inches over the angle of

>bar and post. Moments after the hour mark the lead was doubled

The home team were

>producing an excellent display of football and only a fine performance from

>Morris in the Squires Gate restricted the Rams from building up a cricket

>score! Even the introduction of three substitutes from Egan did not disrupt

>a splendid display, one of which supplied an inviting cross for Purcell to

>seal his hat trick but his out-stretched leg was unable to poke the ball

>home from six yards.

>

>The Ramsbottom faithful were treated to an excellent grass-roots game of

>football and this display typified why the Rams are considered as potential

>challengers come the end of the season. Both defence and attack performed to

>a high level and the return of Purcell appeared to help with his aerial

>threat linking well with the flair and pace of Michael Saunders. With other

>results going in favour of the Riverside outfit an assault on the top three

>will surely be the next challenge for Derek Egans men! They face a trip to

>Trafford on Tuesday evening with a 7.45pm kick-off.

>

Ramsbottom United 4 Squires Gate 0

>

>Ramsbottom United Team (Ratings out of ten)

>1. Mark Andrews (7)

>2. Matt Raywood (8)

>3. Gareth Brooks (8)

>4. Adam Kozlowski (9)

>5. Bill Robertson (8)

>6. John Blackley (8)

>7. James Hoyle (7)

>8. Ewan Purcell (9)

>9. Michael Saunders (8)

>10. Bernard Morley (9)

>11. Chris Mackay (9)

>

>Subs: Matt Walsh (8) replaced Michael Saunders

> Todd Hayes (7) replaced James Hoyle

> Chris Skarrett (7) replaced Gareth Brooks

>

>Squires Gate Team

>1. Ben Morris

>2. Chris Collins

>3. Dave Rhodes

>4. Nick Horne

>5. Alex Rawson

>6. Stuart Bingham

>7. Marshall Holding

>8. Jamie Skeock

>9. Steve Longworth

>10. Dave Hankin

>11. Ian Bilsborough

>

>Subs: Phil Brown not used

> Mick Tracey replaced Dave Hankin

> Jamie Hastings replaced Ian Bilsborough

>

>Match Report

>

>Man of Match: Chris Mackay