RAMSBOTTOM hot shot Russell Brierley scored five goals to take his tally to 16 for the season as United got a much-needed confidence boost when they hit Winsford for six in the NWCL Division One.

Brierley started his rout after just three minutes following a defensive mix-up.

Winsford enjoyed some early possession but failed to trouble keeper Keith Neild in the Ramsbottom goal whereas Neild's opposite number Matthew Conkie did well to keep out two strikes from David Yorke-Robinson and Brierley.

Three minutes before the interval Brierley put Ramsbottom two up after good play involving Jamie Taylor and Yorke-Robinson.

Six minutes into the second half Taylor delivered a great cross into the six-yard box which Winsford failed to clear and Yorke-Robinson rifled a stunning drive into the back of the net from 17 yards.

Brierley's pace was a real problem for the Cheshire side and on 57 minutes Conkie brought in headlong just inside the box. Conkie escaped with a yellow card and Brierley completed his hat trick from the penalty spot.

Phil Porter and Yorke-Robinson pressurised the Winsford defence, Porter gained possession and played a square ball to the unmarked Brierley who picked his spot for number five.

With just over 15 minutes remaining Brierley headed past Conkie from Danny Goodall's pinpoint cross to make it 6-0.

The final 15 minutes failed to produce any further goals with inspirational keeper Neild making two outstanding saves to deny Winsford any consolation.

RESULT: RAMSBOTTOM UTD...6 WINSFORD UTD...0