FLIXTON 1 RAMSBOTTOM UTD 5 THE blustery conditions were far from perfect and it was fast and furious in the opening stages with neither side able to get the ball down.

The passing was poor with little invention, but gradually Ramsbottom improved and were far more of a threat than Flixton who looked like a side down at the wrong end of the table.

Ramsbottom's first serious attack saw Flixton keeper Lee Swanson beat away Russell Brierley's goal-bound shot and defender Tony Morris was inches over with a header from Phil Porter's corner kick.

The Flixton attack never threatened Keith Neild's goal and the nearest they came to opening their account was when Rams' central defender Mike Smith almost headed past Neild as he defended a left wing cross.

Fortunately for Ramsbottom the ball flew behind for a corner kick.

On 37 minutes Ramsbottom took the lead when Chris Brookes' free kick deceived Swanson and dipped under the crossbar.

Three minutes after the restart Steve Orrell fired in a second after Chris Willcock laid the ball back to him.

Midfielder Neil Wallace then got in on the act with his first goal of the season and on 61 minutes Brierley added a fourth via the penalty spot after Willcock had been brought down.

Flixton then pulled a goal back through Paul Lamb but on 82 minutes Brierley's superb volley with Willcock again the provider completed the rout.

The win made it five in a row for the Riversiders who entertain Great Harwood Town tomorrow night (Tuesday) kick off 7.45pm.