RAMSBOTTOM are up to second place in the Vodkat Premier League after a 4-1 thumping of bottom of the table Ashton.

Three goals in the space of nine minutes either side of half time sealed victory for the in-form Rams.

Struggling Ashton caused their high-flying hosts problems in the opening 40 minutes until when Gary Stropforth fired home a wonderful free kick.

Within four minutes of the restart it was game over as Dominic Smalley blasted in number two before Phil Dean – a constant menace throughout the game – teed up Lee Gaskell to make it 3-0 in the 49th minute.

Player/boss Anthony Johnson wrapped up the win when he rose to head home late on.