Prescot Cables 0 Ramsbottom United 3

Ramsbottom United returned from Merseyside with another three points in the bag, courtesy of a determined performance on a poor pitch, as the chase for the play-off places continues.

Not having had a good record at Valerie Park over recent seasons against their hosts and their tenants AFC Liverpool, the Rams put such memories behind them with an efficient 90 minutes and deservedly picked up the points.

United took the lead in the 27th minute when Gary Stopforth returned a half-cleared ball back into the box, and Lee Gaskell rose highest to beat Mottram to the ball and glance in the opening goal.

Two minutes later, it was two. This time a well-worked short corner routine found Grant Spencer on the left-hand corner of the penalty area, and he floated an inch-perfect cross over the defenders to an unmarked Gaskell who had the simplest of tasks of nodding the ball home, unchallenged, from close range.

The Rams finished the half the stronger and added a third goal a minute before the break when Scott Burton scored his first for the club with a blistering volley from the edge of the area.

The Rams had chances to extend their lead after the break – Jordan Hulme wasting a late chance – but victory keeps their play-off hopes alive.