SKELMERSDALE UTD 3 RAMSBOTTOM UTD 0

RAMSBOTTOM crashed out of the FA Vase with a resounding defeat at Skelmersdale United.

Despite having much of the possession it soon became clear that the visitors were lacking a target man to link with Michael Saunders, who had no

joy all game against the experienced defensive partnership.

After a crushing defeat in their previous game and also seeing their opponents put five past Lancaster City in midweek, there were mixed feelings over the possible outcome of the match.

Could the Rams return to winning ways or would Skelmersdale continue to seemingly score goals at will? The performance appeared to reflect the latter of these statements as only a sterling display from goalkeeper Mark Andrews kept the score respectable.

The pattern of the game emerged in the opening seconds when Skem's Carl Osman tested Andrews with a fierce shot destined for the bottom corner.

Further hesitation between Bill Robertson and Andrews gave Osman another chance on 10 minutes but the keeper was equal to the task.

However, from the resulting corner another poor clearance found Michael Cole and his teasing cross was nodded into the back of the net by Lee Thompson, who added to his impressive tally of 22 goals already this campaign.

The Rams eventually began to get to grips with the pace of the game but, despite having plenty of

possession, all they had to show for their efforts were half chances for Bernard Morley and Adam Cook.

The home side increased their advantage on the stroke of half-time through an unmarked Osman.

Skelmersdale continued to exert their authority in the second half but Bill Robertson went close to reducing the deficit on 67 minutes with a powerful header that was cleared off the line.

Stuart Rudd sealed the win for Skelmersdale as he calmly lobbing the advancing Andrews on 87 minutes.