RAMSBOTTOM UTD 2 FLIXTON 1

RAMSBOTTOM continued their charge up the NWCL Division One table with their fourth successive league win after a dream start.

A blistering drive from Darren Bowman gave the Rams the lead after just 28 seconds, the former West Brom midfielder hitting the target from 20 yards out after being set up by Russell Brierley.

Flixton hardly got a look in as Ramsbottom went for a second goal. Driven on by skipper Andy Grimshaw who had a fine game in the centre of midfield, the Rams went two up on 20 minutes. Brierley's deep cross from the right was headed home by Steve Orrell.

Wayne Briddon should have made it three on 25 minutes when he shot wide of the target with the goal at his mercy. That let off seemed to give the Manchester side encouragement and they finished the half by giving Ramsbottom some defending to do.

Flixton reduced their arrears on 53 minutes when Keith Anthony got a slight touch on a free kick from just outside the area, his header sneaking in off Keith Neild's left hand post.

The Rams struggled to reproduce their first half form after the interval and were relieved when the final whistle blew.