AN improved performance from the Rams was rewarded with a well-deserved three points that brought an end to a series of disappointing results.

Prior to kick off Vince Overson was able to select his line-up from an almost full strength squad, the returning Liam Boden, signed from Trafford, the most notable addition to the team sheet.

The Rams started brightly and took the lead after only six minutes when Lee Buggie's inviting cross to the near post was met by Iain Dyson's bullet header.

Buggie and Gareth Gardiner continued to cause the Atherton left back problems, and it was only a matter of time before the second goal was scored.

The reliable Matt Swailes duly delivered on 12 minutes following a deep cross from Dyson that Swailes forced home from close range.

The match however, was not one-way traffic and Atherton reduced the arrears on 22 minutes after a defensive blunder from Jordan Rispen let Mark Jones in to beat Paul Horridge to the loose ball, and fire home into the empty net.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED...2

ATHERTON COLLS...1