It was an afternoon of celebrations at Ramsbottom United as manager Steve Wilkes was presented with a signed shirt to commemorate the fantastic achievement of managing 1,200 matches, writes Tony Cunningham.

As if to do the gaffer proud, the team followed up with a five star performance to cap a memorable day as the Rams ran out 5-1 winners against Litherland REMYCA.

Eager to follow up the impressive win against in-form Lower Breck on Tuesday, this was a performance to banish the recent poor run, with the much-changed Rams looking full of running and confidence.

Indeed, the game could have hardly begun better, for within just 13 minutes, the hosts were two goals to the good.

A move down the right after just six minutes, involving Finn Bartram and Luke Sephton ended with the ball being bundled in at the far post by youngster Luke Thompson.

Seven minutes later and a superb cross from the right by Oscar Radcliffe was helped on by Sephton past Jack Reynolds in the way goal.

A couple of attacks from the visitors were repelled, but the home side continued to march forward with confidence. Reynolds had to be alert to punch clear another attempt from Sephton, while Jackson wriggled his way along the by-line before the Remyca defence managed to snuff him out.

Radcliffe went on a marauding run which ended with him firing inches wide, and it did seem like the visitors were desperately attempting to hold back the onslaught.

This they managed, and in so-doing gradually worked their way into the game, and following a corner, James Hamil managed to poke the ball home in a goalmouth scrummage to halve the deficit.

After the break and following an early scare, Rammy grabbed a third in the 62nd minute when a tempting cross in from the right was converted by Matty Birchall.

Kayle Power brought out the best in Reynolds as his fierce drive was tipped over, a feat repeated when Radcliffe had a go. In between, a thunderous volley from Birchall crashed against the bar and away to safety.

It was a matter of how many at this point, and on 78 minutes, Sephton was alert enough to latch on to a ball near the by-line, and he cleverly sneaked round the keeper and planted in number four.

Birchall was denied on 89 minutes by a stunning close range save, but he wasn’t to be denied as a minute later, he latched on to a high clearance from keeper Hamer, and cleverly lobbed the ball over Reynolds to notch the Rams fifth.

“Probably the most complete performance so far this season," said a delighted Wilkes ahead of tonight's derby clash at Bury.

“Every player worked hard for each other and that’s what we’ve needed for a while.

“It was a fantastic team performance. The players were asked to back up Tuesday’s win, and they did that in some style.

“Not a bad way to celebrate 1200 games as a manager!”