RUSSELL Brierley took his tally to 21 goals for the season with a hat-trick against local rivals Great Harwood and former Rochdale striker Jamie Taylor chipped in with two in this NWCL Division One fixture.

Denis Underwood's side went behind on eight minutes when Taylor cashed in on a hesitant Great Harwood defence to score from six yards.

Town should have drawn level when Andrew Proctor skied the ball over the Ramsbottom crossbar and Ramsbottom doubled their lead on 26 minutes when Russell Brierley looped a header over Harwood keeper Darryl Sloane.

At the other end Kris Trippier headed over from Graham Lightbown'scross.

United made it three on 49 minutes when Brierley headed on for Taylor to beat Sloane with a delightfully floated shot.

They added a fourth on 56 minutes when Brierley was left with a simple tap-in after Sloane could only parry shots from Steve Sheil and Brad Franks.

The visitors almost pulled a goal back when Trippier's header flew past the far post.

But, on 70 minutes, Taylor was tripped in the penalty area and Brierley duly scored from the penalty spot for number five.

RESULT: RAMSBOTTOM UTD...5 GREAT HARWOOD ...0