RAMSBOTTOM registered a well-earned 3-2 victory against promotion hopefuls Fleetwood Freeport in NWCL Division One.

The Rams the lead on 19 minutes through Chris Willcock after Chris Brookes had battled his way past two defenders.

On 28 minutes the Rams doubled the lead through Brookes, who hit an unstoppable shot past Tony Clewes from 25 yards.

Five minutes before the interval Freeport were lucky to escape going further behind when Phil Porter's shot beat Clewes only to be cleared off the line by a defender.

The first half ended with Fleetwood having their best spell of pressure but good defending by Ramsbottom kept their two-goal advantage in tact. Three minutes into the second half, Fleetwood pulled a goal back when Kevin Barnes scored with a crisp finish.

Ramsbottom now had to battle to stay in front as the visitors stepped up a gear. It was end to end stuff with Rams skipper Andy Grimshaw again in fine form.

Further goals looked on the cards but it wasn't until the 80th minute that Russell Brierley restored the Rams' two goal advantage.

Three minutes into stoppage time former Accrington Stanley striker Stuart Diggle scored for Fleetwood.