Maine Rd 0 Ramsbottom Utd 3

FREE SCORING Ramsbottom took their goal tally to 12 goals in three games -- and sealed their second successive win in the NWCL Division One.

Manager Ken Bridge said he expected his side to get something out of this one after a stunning performance against high flying Mossley last Saturday -- and the Rams didn't disappoint even without their two new signings Matt Holt and Chris Willcock.

The Rams opened their account on 13 minutes when Darren Bowman's cross was met by Russell Brierley whose powerful header went in off the crossbar -- his17th of the season. And Brierley then turned provider, he latched onto a wayward back pass before he laid the ball off to Steve Orrell, who found the empty net with ease.

Maine Road made a determined start to the second half but were unable to break down the Ramsbottom defence with Mike Smith outstanding.

United had to wait until 70 minutes to get the third goal.

Maine Road keeper Andrew Merrick could only parry Grimshaw's drive and Bowman pounced on the rebound to slot the ball home.