SKELMERSDALE UTD...0

RAMSBOTTOM UTD...1

THE eagerly anticipated first match under the new management team of Vince Overson and Ged Walsh was a trip to Burscough's Victory Park to play Skelmersdale who are awaiting the development of a new stadium.

Not only was this Overson's first game in control it also marked the debut of former Shakers striker Lee Buggie following his move from Salford City.

The first half was played at a frantic pace with both teams looking to capitalise on any mistakes by the opposing defences.

The first notable clear cut chance fell to Lee Thomjpson of Skelmersdale but his weak shot fell kindly for Paul Eatock in the Rams goal.

Straight from Eatock's clearance, Ian Dyson unleashed a crossfield ball that David Beckham would have been proud of, to Chris Clark who was in acres of space.

His low drive found the bottom corner of the net to give the Rams a welcome early lead after only ten minutes.

David Dugdale had a chance to equalise within minutes but his effort looped wide.

Buggie looked very lively up front for the Rams and was linking well with co-striker Matt Swailes.

Indeed, the new man had the next chance to double the advantage after 16 minutes but his snapshot from the edge of the box drifted just wide of the upright.

Another Iain Dyson special crashed against the underside of the bar after 26 minutes but bounced away to safety although it did prove to the Rams supporters how much the players wanted to impress their new manager on the touchline.

Another chance in the dying seconds of the first half fell to Dyson after another quality cross from Clark on the left but his guided header crept inches wide of Holcroft's goal.

In the last few matches the Rams have come out even stronger in the second half and this match was no exception.

Chance after chance fell to a veriety of Rams players, the only disappointment being the failure to tuck the ball into the net.

Credit must be given to the Skelmersdale keeper because he did pull off a number of shots on target including a rasping drive from Luke Hardman that was deflected onto the post.

Swailes, Dyson twice and substitute Danny Heys were all guilty of failing to hit the target but it was the Rams who were exerting all the pressure and not the 'home' team looking for an unlikely equaliser.

However, the most blatant miss of the night has to go down to Jordan Rispen who dragged his shot wide of the empty goal following a mix-up in the Skelmersdale defence.

It was possibly hard to miss the goal than actually score and only he will know how he failed to hit the target!

With minutes left on the clock the Rams were almost made to pay for they're missed chances when substitute Warrilow was put though but his shot was well saved by the reliable Eatock.

All in all it was a very impressive performace from the Rams who will look to continue their form in coming weeks when faced with more cup action, notably against Gedling Town next Saturday (December 13).

Powerful performances from the midfield duo of Clark and Dyson were the highlight for the Rams although this was a sign of them playing more as a team and not just as individuals.

On the other hend Skelmersdale were not the best side Ramsbottom will play all season and without their star man and leading goalscorer Stuart Rudd were a very poor outfit. Maybe there is a case that 'one man makes a team'. Man of the match: Chris Clark.

RAMS: Eatock 7, Raywood 7, Brown 7, Rispen 8, Stewart 7, Hardman 7, Gardiner 7, Dyson 9, Buggie 8, Swailes 7, Clark 9. Subs: Heys (for Gardiner) 7, Not used: Bulwich and Smith.