Ramsbottom produced a terrific performance to take maximum points from Atherton LR and move up to second in Division One.

The Rams were unlucky not to take the lead within the first two minutes after Steve MacDonald saw a speculative shot cannon back off the post thanks to a finger tip save by Craig Clarke.

And there was some controversy on eight minutes when the Rams thought they had taken the lead by claiming the ball had crossed the line from a McManus flick. However, the assistant linesman and referee failed to give the goal.

But the Rams eventually took the lead on 22 minutes when Pearson whipped in a delightful cross that was met by the onrushing Steve Maden who crashed the ball home from six yards giving the keeper no chance.

And the Rams all but killed the game off in the 30th minute when Walker's cross was headed back to Liam McManus by Johnson and he headed home.

Sean Pearson made it 3-0 to the Rams after 53 minutes and it should have been four when Paul Walker was upended in the box but MacDonald's penalty was well saved.