Ramsbottom Utd 2 Colwyn Bay 1

RAMSBOTTOM continued their march towards the lucrative prospects of the FA Cup first round proper with a well-deserved win over Unibond League outfit Colwyn Bay.

Credit must go to both sides for providing an action packed match.

The Rams entered the match being able to field the same team as their previous match, a feat never achieved previously this season, but the faith shown by manager Derek Egan was rewarded with the performance.

After a tense opening the hosts settled when Ewan Purcell struck a left foot shot that seemed destined for the top corner but former Rams keeper Ian Willcock was able to gather comfortably.

Minutes later, the Welsh outfit were given the perfect opportunity to open the scoring when Stewart White slipped the ball in behind the Rams defence, but Calvin Davies failed to beat keeper Steve Dryden from inside the box.

The Rams continued to press forward in search of a breakthrough but on several occasions failed to provide the killer pass when faced with well-worked chances until Adam Cook scored on the stroke of half-time.

Willcock's return to the Riverside was not a happy one as he allowed the ball to squirm out of his grasp and over the line.

Ramsbottom came out for the second half all guns blazing and scored again within seconds of the restart.

An incisive pass found Matt Edgington, his perfect cross fell kindly inside the box and Shaun Spence calmly beat Colwyn skipper Neil Coverley to the ball before drilling into the top corner of the net.

This seemed to spark the Unibond team into action and they began to show glimpses of their prowess. The constant threat of Davies forced the Rams defensive duo of Robertson and Blackley to be at their very best.

But just after the hour mark, a long ball caused confusion for the Rams rearguard and Davies was on hand to easily beat Dryden to the ball before slotting into the empty net.

The Rams were virtually camped inside their own half for the next 15 minutes, although Purcell continued to impress by holding the ball up well and linking in both Spence and Buggie.

Dryden prevented a replay as he saved well from Davies.