IF FOOTBALL matches were played over 90 seconds rather than 90 minutes, Ramsbottom would probably have won this entertaining match.

Chris Clark returned to central midfield for Colin Bulwich but his determination did not rub off on his team-mates and the Rams' defence capitulated at the hands of mediocre opponents.

The match started optimistically for the Rams, with Robbie Smith setting up Ian Dyson to fire in a powerful finish after only a minute.

But Newcastle were handed a lifeline when the referee awarded a dubious penalty just after the half-hour, which Scott Dundas calmly slotted home.

Newcastle put pressure on the Rams in the second half and added to their tally on 53 minutes through Lennon.

The visitors were given a chance to redeem themselves after Danny Goodall was brought down inside the penalty area, and the referee had no other choice but to award a second spot kick. But Lee Buggie had his effort palmed round the post.

This was a real blow for the Rams and Kiely sealed the victory after 88 minutes with a neat finish into the top corner of the net.

Only Mark Stewart and the rest of the defence will know how Kiely was allowed to turn three defenders and get away a shot that found its way past Lyons in the Rams goal.

The managerial qualities of Vince Overson will surely be tested in the coming weeks, especially with a series of home matches to look forward to. Nine goals conceded in three games is just not good enough and with much tougher matches ahead, radical changes will need to be made if the Rams are to challenge for any honours come the end of the season.

A football pundit once said: "If you keep a clean sheet you won't lose" a quote that Vince Overson should seriously take note of.

Man of the match was Ian Dyson.

NEWCASTLE TOWN ...3

RAMSBOTTOM UTD ...1