RAMSBOTTOM UTD...4 CURZON ASHTON...1

North West Counties Football League

First Division

REVENGE was sweet for the Riverside outfit who returned to winning ways with a crushing home victory over Curzon Ashton, following a 4-0 reversal at Curzon only a few weeks ago!

Returning to the starting line-up was goalkeeper Simon Marsh, who after being the Rams' 'player of the year' last season, has only managed one other appearance in a Rams' shirt this campaign.

However, Marsh's return appeared to spark confidence into the rest of the team, especially in the defence, which has been under criticism from supporters in recent weeks, following a disastrous run that has seen the team concede 34 goals nine matches.

Elsewhere, manager Vince Overson chose to rest Lee Buggie and opted for a more solid looking midfield with Liam Boden partnering Chris Clarke in the centre of the park.

The Rams were put under immediate pressure from the visitors when a mis-timed challenge gave David Birch the chance to test Marsh with a free kick from 25 yards.

Birch curled the ball towards goal and Marsh was forced to expertly tip it onto the crossbar.

The Rams quickly asserted their presence on the field and despite failing to hit the target with presentable chances, always looked the more dangerous to open the scoring.

On 22 minutes the deadlock was broken when a clever pass found Michael Saunders, but he was hauled down inside the area with only David Fish to beat.

After the referee only cautioned Simon Kay for the reckless challenge, Chris Clarke stepped up and although his initial spot kick was saved his follow up was smashed beyond Fish into the net.

Curzon responded well and were given a glorious opportunity to equalise when Gareth Gardiner needlessly dragged down Andrew Watson.

Last season Marsh pulled off a string of penalty saves and he did not disappoint this time, brilliantly palming away Nick Fisher's spot kick.

Curzon opened the second half in search of an equaliser and although creating clear-cut chances, a mixture of poor finishing and Marsh kept the Rams in the lead.

On 50 minutes the Rams thought they had doubled their advantage when a Danny Goodall cross was fired home by Saunders, but the assistant referee quickly raised his flag to indicate offside.

Just after the hour mark Saunders was again unlucky when he was not awarded another penalty after being clearly pulled down.

From the resultant corner Ged Walsh headed wide when free inside the six-yard box.

However, the Rams deservedly extended their lead on 74 minutes through prolific striker Matt Swailes.

After he was put clean through by a Saunders pass, the big striker calmly slotted under the onrushing Fish.

A frantic final few minutes was set up when Curzon pulled a goal back through Nick Fisher lobbing Marsh, but these worries were soon eased with the inspirational introduction of Lee Buggie.

On 90 minutes a cunning lob over Fish made the score-line 3-1, and with the final kick of the game, another incisive through ball enabled Buggie the chance to repeat the goal and he calmly lobbed into the top corner.

RAMS: Marsh, Raywood, Rispen, Walsh, Goodall, Smith, Clarke, Boden, G.Gardiner, Saunders, Swailes. Subs: Buggie...

CHRISTOPHER BOOTHMAN