BOTTOM side Ramsbottom finally won their first match under new managers Andy Grimshaw and Jimmy Clarke - their first in 12 games - and they deserved it against fourth-in-the-table Skelmersdale.
The Rams made a lively start to the NWCL Division One game, Colin Bulwich going close from 25 yards in the 12th minute. They then took the lead on 32 minutes when a free kick taken by Mark Brown was headed on by Ged Walsh.
It was only half cleared to debut boy Mark Fitton whose shot was saved by Holcroft, but the ball broke loose and Bulwich was first to react to steer the ball into the net.
The game was evenly matched but the Rams increased their lead on 40 minutes. A quick break out of defence left Bulwich with acres of space in midfield. He played a fine ball out to the right wing to Carl Lomax, who advanced down the wing and delivered a pinpoint cross which was turned into the net by Scott Weir.
The second half started with the Rams going close again, Lomax heading just over from a Carl McCoy cross. Against the run of play, Skelmersdale grabbed a goal back on 55 minutes, John Brownrigg turning the ball into the net after some slack defending by the Rams.
It would have been easy to panic at this stage of the game, but to their credit bottom of the table Ramsbottom kept to the game plan. They were looking more solid in midfield where Chris Clarke was making his debut and never looked like losing their lead.
In fact on 68 minutes they should have increased their lead. Scott Weir was presented with a clear run on goal but he made a complete hash of his shot when it would have been easier to slip the ball to the unmarked Lomax.
Weir again went close on 77 minutes, Holcroft producing a first class save to pusy the ball round the post. On 83 minutes a fine run by Lomax ended with him being fouled on the edge of the box. Holcroft produced another fine save to keep out a Mark Brown effort.
This was a fine performance from the Rams against a strong Skelmersdale outfit.
Mark Fitton and Chris Clarke making their debut can be well pleased with how they performed.
Ramsbottom's next home game is on Saturday in the third round of the Worthington Cup against Great Harwood, kick off 3pm.
RAMSBOTTOM UTD...2
SKELMERSDALE UTD...1
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