TWO goals from Russell Brierley helped Ramsbottom to a comfortable win over First North Western Trains League Division One strugglers Cheadle Town.

Brierley was the provider for Ramsbottom's first as they took the lead after 13 minutes when Orrell turned in a cross from close-range.

The home side dominated the early exchanges with Brennan in particularly causing panic in the Cheadle defence with his raids down the right flank.

Cheadle caused few problems for the Rams rearguard and with Dave Roach and Neil Wallace always in command, debutant goalkeeper Gary Stones was never troubled.

Ramsbottom should have increased their lead on 35 minutes when Brierley set up Brendan O'Shaughnessy, only for keeper Troy Whittle to produced a fine diving save. But two minutes before the break they grabbed a second, Jamie Ramplin's spectacular 35-yard drive leaving Whittle helpless as the ball rocketed into the top corner.

And 30 seconds later the points were in the bag as Orrell won the ball on the edge of the visitors penalty area and found Brierley, who curled his shot inside the far post to make it 3-0.

Ramsbottom took their foot off the pedal in the second half but still went close a couple of times before Stone was called in to action for the first time when he saved well from Steve Denny.

Neil Simpson did pull a goal back with a low shot into the bottom corner but Ramsbottom introduced all three substitutes and regained control to add a fourth in the last minute.

Brierley was pulled down inside the penalty area and picked himself up to drive home his second of the evening.

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