TOP scorer Russell Brierley took his tally for the season to 31 with a four- goal brace.

On 20 mins the tireless Steve Brennan picked up a flick down the right flank, raced clear of his marker to deliver a cross which was met by Brierley, whose first time shot looped up into the air and into the net.

On 30 mins Ramsbottom went 2-0 up when Brad Franks carried the ball forward and split the defence with his through ball for Brierley, who made no mistake from 12 yards.

With half time approaching Abbey Hey pulled one back but the Rams made it 3-1 after 55 mins, a quick throw by Mike Langhorn into the feet of Carl Lomax saw the striker neatly feed his partner Brierley whose exquisit first touch took him away from his marker and home in on goal for his hat trick and 30th goal of the season.

On 65 mins, Lomax again fed his strike partner Brierley who smashed the ball into the net from 20 yards. Lomax was rewarded after 68mins with a goal, as Brierley become the provider. Another ball down the left from Langhorn found Brierley who crossed into the area and there to meet it was Lomax with a diving header.

RAMSBOTTOM...5 ABBEY HEY...1