Ramsbottom United 0 Newcastle Town 5

UNITED crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season at the hands of title-chasing Newcastle Town as their top gun Darren Twigg smashed a hat-trick for the visitors.

The scoreline equalled the Rams worst defeat in their four seasons in the North Western Trains League.

On the 15 minute mark United missed a great chance to go in front when an excellent move opened up the visitors' defence but Russell Brierley's shot was well blocked by diving Newcastle keeper Chris Holmes.

Minutes later, Martin Hulme's fierce goal -bound volley struck a defender with Holmes beaten, and at this stage the Potteries side looked distinctly second best.

The Newcastle defence dug in, got their midfield operating and began to create both pressure and chances.

Top striker Darren Twigg got clear but Ramsbottom keeper Paul Horridge produced an excellent diving save. The influential Neil Pestridge then put in a right wing cross for Twigg to head the visitors in front.

Twigg became the provider on 40 minutes when he played the ball to Dean Cunningham who scored from ten yards.

Sadly for the Rams, they went three behind before the break, Twigg scoring from the penalty spot after Cunningham had been brought down.

Ramsbottom started the second half looking for an early goal and Steve Brennan's determination got him past three defenders before he brought a good save from Holmes, and for a few minutes Ramsbottom forced high-flying Newcastle on to the defensive.

United's fate was sealed however when Newcastle made it 4-0 again through that man Twigg.

Substitute Dave Sutton rounded off the Rams' nightmare with a fifth after Horridge failed to hold another shot from Twigg.

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