RAMSBOTTOM United hot shot Russ Brierley has been named NWCL player of the month for March.

The 28-year-old -- who won the award back in December -- grabbed 10 goals in eight games to take his tally to 30 for the season.

Ramsbottom won six games to boost their chances of winning NWCL Division One and hope to continue their good run at home to Prescot Cables tonight.

"I knew I'd had a good March," said Brierley, who works as a financial consultant. "But I didn't expect to win player of the month so soon after last time.

"It was a good month personally and for the club. It has been an up and down season with games being called off and then the death of Ken Bridge but March saw us get into a routine and now we are beginning to believe we could do it.

"We are enjoying ourselves and the finishing post is in sight. Things are getting a little bit tense because we have realised it could happen.

"But the team spirit is fantastic, there is such a good atmosphere at the club. I think some other teams, who pay bigger wages, couldn't possibly have the team spirit we have. That is our strength."

Brierley, who is from Bury, has played at the Riverside club for six years and knows that this could be the club's best ever season. "We can't get promoted because we didn't apply but I think there is going to be one big party at the end of the season whatever happens, because we have done so well.

"But the ball is in our court. We still have to win our games in hand and there are still 13 games to play. We will be playing three games a week from now until the end of the season."

The league have insisted that the season finishes on May 5, giving Ramsbottom under a month to complete their fixtures.

"They have said we can't extend the season but if we have any more games called off we'll have to. They can't have us playing a match in the morning and then one on the afternoon."

Brierley scored 39 goals last term and is looking to improve on that tally.

"That is a personal goal but the main thing is to score goals for the team. If the team wins and I don't score I'm happy."

Ramsbottom's main rivals for the NWCL Division One title are Rossendale, and the two teams are set for an Easter Monday showdown.

"We beat them 3-0 at Christmas so they will be looking for revenge. They have a quality squad."

Clitheroe, Ramsbottom's other main rivals for the title, travel to Newcastle Town tonight.

Strugglers Great Harwood play Skelmersdale United at Accrington Stanley's Crown Ground.