THE Rams picked the perfect time to score their first league victory of the season, and in doing so ended Clitheroe's perfect start to the campaign.

There was never a hint of the 7-0 drubbing that Clitheroe handed out to their opponents in April, as the visitors found themselves 3-0 in front with less than an hour played.

The league leaders fought back with two late goals before being reduced to ten men, and the Rams survived a nervy last few minutes to take all three points.

Ramsbottom opened the scoring after just seven minutes when Greg Brickell fired home a superb shot from the edge of the area, but having made a habit of going behind to early goals this season, Clitheroe again used this early shock as the required wake-up call.

Barrie Hart was unlucky to see his well-struck free kick hit the post on 10 minutes, and moments later Neil Spencer also saw a header hit the woodwork.

The Rams doubled their advantage on 17 minutes when Danny Heys beat his marker to the ball to fire home from close range.

Matt Swailes and Luke Hardman then both had great opportunities for the visitors, but Swailes saw his shot well saved and Hardman volleyed over the bar.

Clitheroe had a chance on the stroke of time, but as Gary Jackson broke through on goal, Mark Andrews was quickly off his line to block the striker's shot.

Lee Sculpher's side knew their seventh straight NWCL Division One win was out of reach when Ramsbottom scored their third just before the hour mark.

It was tapped in at the far post by an unmarked Ian Dyson, after the ball had somehow found its way through a crowd of players.

Minutes later the Blues gained a lifeline as Gary Jackson applied the finishing touch following a goalmouth scramble.

Lee Cryer reduced the deficit further on 73 minutes as he directed a Chris Whittingham shot into the net.

But as Clitheroe pushed forward for an equaliser they left space at the back and Matt Swailes and Mark Brown could both have sealed victory for the Rams.

With time running out, Clitheroe's Hart was sent off following his second yellow card and Ramsbottom held out for a much-needed victory.

CLITHEROE...2

RAMSBOTTOM UTD...3