RAMMY boss Vince Overson was left scratching his head once again after seeing his side comfortably beat Unibond first division side Rossendale United 4-2 on Tuesday night at Dark Lane in a friendly.

"I just wish we would play with the same attitude in the league," he said.

"Things we've been working on in training - closing the opposition down while being hard to break down ourselves - we did naturally.

"Going forward we are possibly the best in the league, we always look like we can score, but we seem to sit back once we're in command, that's something we have to change. We need to develop a mental mean streak.

"It's all down to attitude because they are all good players.

"We have to develop a ruthless streak, not so much physically as mentally, we have to have the same mental drive in the 85th minute as we have in the 25th minute."

On target for the Rams were Gareth Gardiner, Matt Swailes, Danny Hayes and midfielder Chris Ridehalgh from Overson's previous club, division two side Padiham, along with team-mate Mark Derbyshire.

The run-out has left Overson in confident mood for tomorrow's League Challenge Cup quarter-final clash with second division Great Harwood Town at the Riverside, but then he's confident going into every game.

"It's our mental approach I'm concerned with at the moment,' he said.

"I'd love to be able to sit back and say, 'Away you go lads,' but I know more than anyone that our work ethic needs attention.

"The players have to push themselves, they have to deny the opposition possession, because without the ball you can't do anything.

"They have to push themselves harder and in turn pressure the opposition, close them down and not let them play."

Missing tomorrow's game are cup-tied striker Lee Buggie and long term casualties Mark Brown and Luke Hardman.

"They are a young side lacking in experience but they have plenty of pace and we will have to match their workrate," said Overson.

"We go into the game as favourites and we know what that's like, it's a banana skin waiting to be stood on and I want to make sure we avoid it at all costs."

The Rams will be holding a Sportsmans Dinner on Friday 30 April at Ramsbottom Cricket Club, starting at 7.30pm. Guest speaker will be ex-Chelsea player and Coventry manager John Sillett and the jokes will be provided by Ricky Livid. Tickets are priced £25 and companies are invited to sponsor a table for 10, cost £250.

For more information contact Malc Holt on 01204 883085 or 07761 828487.