IT has taken a few years but Ramsbottom have finally got their man when they snapped up goalkeeper Allan Fairbrother.

Former boss Ken Bridge had once tried to tempt the six foot five goalie to the Riverside a few years ago but travel put Fairbrother off.

But new boss Mike Kelly heard he had moved into the area and wasted no time in plucking him out of the West Lancs League and putting him into the Rams side.

"Ken was always renowned for getting good keepers and he is certainly a good one," said Kelly.

They have also added midfielder Karl Brown to their squad, a one-time colleague of David Beckham and Paul Scholes in the Manchester United youth team.

It is Brown's second spell at Rams after his first ended when he broke his leg. He had been playing at NWCL Division Two leaders Stand but was struggling to get a game.

"I think their loss is our gain," said Kelly. "He just needs to get match fit."

Kelly has also been full of praise for formr Rochdale player Jamie Taylor who has slotted nicely into a Rams side who have won four on the trot - including a good win over third placed Prescot Cables this week.

"He is a busy kid, has a great touch, and he too just needs to get fully fit and then he will make an even bigger impression here."

After disposing of Prescot, next up is a visit from another one of the high flyers Kidsgrove.

"They are always a strong side but I would rather be playing them away from home as we have won three on the trot away!"

"Our attitude seems to have changed from early on in the season. If we had gone 1-0 down as we did against Prescot we would have lost 3-0 but instead we kept battling and scored a last minute goal to win 2-1. We are coming off the pitch knowing we deserve to win."