RAMSBOTTOM manager Mike Kelly says he was the happiest he has ever been after a game in the wake of the Rams' 3-2 win at St Helens.

The Rams came from a goal down to win the NWCL Division One game against one of the title hopefuls.

And Kelly says it was one of the best performances he has seen from his side.

"I was very happy, probably the happiest I have been after a game of football," he said.

"It is not so often you restrict St Helens to the long ball game.

"They're a good side and they will be there or there abouts at the end of it I am sure.

"We were up for it and we played them off the park. We conceded in the first and last minutes and apart from that it was just us and their keeper keeping the score down. He had an excellent game.

"It was nice to be able to sit down and relax for a change - apart from the last couple of minutes."

The Rams - who had a disappointing season by their standards last year - have a new look side with former player Andy Grimshaw back in the side and former Manchester City pro Scott Thomas and new signing Mark Brown orchestrating things from midfield.

"They make us play. Some of the goals were excellent."

But Kelly knows all that will mean nothing come 3pm tomorrow afternoon when they take on lowly Chadderton from the NWCL second division in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup.

"One swallow doesn't make a summer and Tuesday's game is history now," he said. "Chadderton are in the second division but you can go and beat the best sides in the league and then get beat of the worst a week later.

"That happened to us too many times last season although I don't think it will with this side. We are vastly improved this season.

"You have to adapt to different conditions and the team I pick will be able to. It won't be much different to the one that played on Tuesday although Warren Brierley is out with a toe injury."

Ramsbottom will receive £1,000 if they win on Saturday to add to £500 received after the win in the Extra Preliminary round.