North West Counties League Division One

Ramsbottom United...2

Warrington Town...0

AFTER the superb home victory against Maine Road on Saturday, Ramsbottom were hoping to kick-start their season with another victory at home against high-flying Warrington.

Unlike last Tuesday's demoralising loss against Salford City, Utd were able to string together back-to-back wins that should give them the confidence to go on and make a push for the top half of the table.

The Rams started brightly enough against third in the table Warrington who looked a well-organised and hard-working side.

Last season's Second Division champions constantly put nine men behind the ball and packed their penalty area, making life difficult for the Rams.

The opening 20 minutes failed to produce a clear chance, although Phil Porter got in a good volley that keeper Neil McCormack couold only palm away.

United produced some very good football but still the visitors kept their shape and looked dangerous on the break.

Steve Orrell was wide of the target with a difficult diving header and Steve Brennan's strike from the edge of the box was charged down by a Warrington defender. On the stroke of half-time Danny Goodall turned the Warrington defence inside out, but his low cross into the goalmouth was a fraction behind David Yorke-Robinson who still managed to get a foot to the ball that looped under the crossbar and Warrington survived.

The Rams had the better chances in a keenly contested first period, but the visitors defended well, rode their luck at times and looked menacing on the counter attack.

Ramsbottom's pressure continued at the start of the second half, but it was Warrington who got in the first serious strike when Keith Nield showed his quality with a good stop from Andy Teague's swerving free-kick from all of 25 yards.

On 56 minutes a brilliant build-up involving Porter, Brennan and O'Shaugnessy saw Porter lay the ball in to Russell Brierley who was desperately unlucky to see the ball bobble up in front of him and his shot ended way off target.

Still the well-organised Warrington side refused to be drawn out, but Orrell got in a good header to test McCormack.

Then, on 62 minutes, Orrell found Yorke-Robinson, who ghosted past two defenders before unleashing a spectacular, low drive that gave McCormack no chance whatsoever.

Four minutes later Ramsbottom added a second when central defender Neil Wallace burst forward carrying the ball 25 yards before finding Brierley on the edge of the 18-yard line and the Rams leading scorer turned to crack a first time shot that again left McCormack helpless. Two down Warrington now pushed forward more than at any time in the game and with five minutes remaining, Neild denied the visitors a vital way back into the match with a stunning save from striker Mike Haverin.

With five minutes of stoppage time added, the big keeper's save was crucial in allowing the Rams to run the clock down with a two-goal advantage, for had Haverin's hot gone in it could well have been a nail-biting finish.

Rams claimed a hard-fought win, and three points were just reward for their patience going forward, and concentration to repel Warrington's counter attacks.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Nield 7, Porter 7, Goodall 7, Thomas 7, Wallace 8, Cameron 7, Brennan 7, O'Shaughnessy 8, R Brierley 7, Orrell 7, Yorke-Robinson 7. Substitutes: Rhodes (for Porter 79 mins), Morris (for Thomas 84mins), White (for Yorke-Robinson, 84mins).

The Rams are away to Unibond Premier Division side Whitby in the FA Cup second qualifying round tomorrow. If a replay is needed it will be at the Riverside on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm). If not United are away to Curzon Ashton in the league.

The next home league game is on Friday October 5 when Mossley are the visitors (kick-off 7.45pm).