CHRIS BROOKES scored his second goal in successive games following his return to the Riverside as Chris Willcock and Russell Brierley also netted to give Ramsbottom another fine victory.

From the first whistle the Rams took a hold of the game and the pressure told after 19 minutes.

Steve Orrell played the ball to Chris Brookes, he battled his way past a couple of defenders before pulling the ball back to Chris Willcock, who beat Tony Clowes from 12 yards.

After that early success, Ramsbottom played some great football as they went in search of a second goal. It was no surprise when they got it in the 28th minute.

Brookes gained possession 25 yards out before cracking a blistering, right-foot shot past Clowes.

Phil Porter was desperately unlucky not to score when he received the ball from Russell Brierley, his goal-bound shot beat the Fleetwood keeper only to be hacked away to safety by a defender. The visitors, whose physical approach had made no impression on United, finsihed the half on the attack, but Ramsbottom held firm to keep their two-goal advantage intact.

Three minutes into the second half, Freeport pulled a goal back when top scorer Kevin Barnes found himself in space on the left and scored with a good finish, shooting into the bottom corner.

Ramsbottom failed to reproduce the form they had shown in the opening 35 minutes, and Fleetwood, now just a goal behind, made sure they knew they had a game on their hands.

The Rams, with skipper Andy Grimshaw leading by example, didn't panic and kept a grip on their game and with 10 minutes remaining restored their two-goal advantage.

Willcock outhought the Fleetwood defence when he allowed the ball to run to Russell Brierley, who strode forward and, under pressure from a couple of defenders, hit a superb shot across the advancing Clowes and into the bottom corner.

With three minutes of stoppage time played former Accrington Stanley striker Stewart Diggle scrambled home a second Fleetwood goal, but by then it was too late to deny Ramsbottom a well-earned victory against a strong and experienced Freeport side.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Nield 6, Wallace 8, Langhorn 7, Smith 8, Morris 7, Grimshaw 8, Brookes 7, Porter 7, R Brierley 8, Willcock 8, Orrell 7. Substitutes: White (for Wallace 80 mins), Cameron (for Orrell, 85 mins). Not used: Heyes.

The Rams have released midfield man Wayne Briddon due to work commitments. He is set to play for North West Counties Division Two side Castleton Gabriels nearer his home.

Tomorrow Ramsbottom travel to Flixton and on Tuesday night next week (March 20) they entertain Great Harwood at the Riverside (kick-off 7.45pm).