MANAGER Vince Overson could not heap enough praise on his Ramsbottom United players after his first week in charge produced impressive back-to-back wins.

A 1-0 success away to Skelmersdale, followed by the 4-1drubbing of Curzon Ashton in the NWCL Challenge Cup second round at the Riverside, have made for a dream start to his tenure in charge of the Rams.

"I have to admit I'm more happy with the performances than the results," said a delighted Vince, looking forward to tomorrow's home fixture with Gedling Town in the FA Vase third round.

"It was a tremendous effort away to Skem and Curzon are not a bad side, but the way we've conducted ourselves over the last few games has been superb.

"We've dealt with the pressure, we've got up and down the pitch as a unit, we've worked hard and the commitment and professionalism has been outstanding.

"We've been very tight at the back and going forward we've looked like we could score from any area of the pitch."

As if the situation on the pitch wasn't good enough, Overson had an unexpected bonus in striker Lee Buggie's decision to forsake the chance of joining neighbours Radcliffe Borough to remain at the Riverside.

"I talked to him and told him that if he stayed he would enjoy his football, but that I understood if he wanted to move on.

"So I was delighted when he turned around and said he wouldn't be moving to Radcliffe and that he was staying with Rammy.

"He had an important decison to make and he made it, fortunately for us he made the right one.

"He is a real asset to the team and I think the deciding factor was that he is enjoying his football again

"His attitude is first class - he turned up on Saturday to train even though he was cup-tied and couldn't play."

The 22 year old striker agreed terms with the Boro boss Kevin Glendon but had a re-think and decided to stay.

Glendon said: "Lee changed his mind after sleeping on it and stated he was happy at Rammy.

"I wish him the best of luck and hope he does well for Rammy and of course himself."

And with the Rams still involved in three cup competitions (FA Vase, Lancashire Marsden Trophy and NWCL Challenge Cup), Overson has plenty to be happy with

"It's very exciting and it can only help our league form. The cup competitions are a welcome break from the pressure of the league games.

"Don't get me wrong, cup football has a pressure all of it's own, but it's a different kind of pressure in that it is a one-off and you have to get a result on the day.

"But if we can carry that approach over into our league form we will soon start to climb the table, three points mean more than going through to the next round of a cup.

"Tomorrow we've got Gedling Town and we've got a few injuries - Hayes (groin), Gardiner (foot) and Clark (knee) - so we'll just have to wait and see.

"However, we are confident we can win, although we are more than aware that these kind of games, where you are the big favourite, are always fraught with danger.

"But the big difference is the attitude and desire they have, now Ged and I have to make sure there is no complacency."

Nottinghamshire side Gedling, whose ground is also called the Riverside, currently lie 8th in the Northern Counties East League, first division.

Last Saturday they drew 3-3 at Pontefract Collieries.

The Rams have been drawn at home against Nelson - date to be announced - in the next round of the Lancashire Marsden Trophy.