RAMSBOTTOM celebrated a morale-boosting win over UniBond First Division outfit Radcliffe.

The NWCL Division One side made a bright start and it took a fine tackle by Boro defender David Bean to prevent Russell Brierley from getting a strike on goal.

It was end to end stuff with Radcliffe knocking the ball around well, David Yorke-Robinson had a great chance to put the Rams in front, but he delayed his shot too long while Rams keeper Keith Neild was grateful to see Jody Banim's strike fly past the far post.

At the 30 minute mark, Radcliffe started to get on top and Tom Beech fired wide from a good position. Five minutes before the break Ramsbottom had a real let-off as Beech rounded Neild but lost his foothold with the empty net beckoning.

As the first ended Boro keeper Danny Hurst made a tremendous stop to keep out Steve Brennan's fierce drive.

At the start of the second half Ramsbottom made three substitutions and on 49 minutes grabbed the lead when Russell Brierley scored from close range following some excellent play by Phil Porter.

Both sides made numerous substitutions and Ramsbottom's young keeper Danny Caldwell made two fine saves to deny Kissock and Simon Kelly.

In the final minute only an excellent save from Hurst prevented Brennan from doubling Ramsbottom's lead.

A good run out ahead of the Rams opening Division One game next Tuesday at home to Fleetwood.

RAMSBOTTOM...1 RADCLIFFE B...0