IT was a performance Ken Bridge would have been proud of.

Just 24 hours after the funeral of the highly popular and most successful manager in Ramsbottom United's history, his team was back in action in a NWCL Division One away game at Leek CSOB.

It was an emotion-charged day and, by the interval, the Rams had stormed into a three goal lead with two from Russell Brierley and one from Chris Wilcock.

The home side got a goal back after the interval before Brierley completed his hat-trick.

The start striker then left the field to avoid aggravating a slight groin strain and saw replacement Mark Heyes bag the fifth.

Leek got a late second goal.

United's star performer nomination went to centre back Neil Wallace.

Tomorrow night, the Rams entertain Glossop North End with three goal Brierley facing a fitness test.