Droylsden downed by leaders Ramsbottom

BetVictor North West: Droylsden 0-3 Ramsbottom United

Ramsbottom stayed top of the league after a comprehensive victory and clinical finishing at the Butchers Arms.

Two goals by Josh Hmami and a strike from Ruben Jerome secured the points for the visitors.

There was little to separate the teams in the first half with the swirling wind around the ground probably being the winner before Hmami collected the ball just outside the box after a one two with Nic Evangelinos weaving past three Droylsden defenders to score past Nathan Wolland on 36 minutes.

Jerome made it two four minutes into the second half, Andy Langford misreading the bounce of the ball to give the striker a clear strike on goal.

Travis Boyle making his debut for the Bloods forced his way into the box but his shot was easily saved by Tom Stewart in the Rams' goal.

The visitors were denied twice by Wooland, the keeper saving from close range from Evangelinos and palming away a long range shot from Jamie Rother.

Droylsden made Twitter changes Kyle Wych replacing the injured Keano Deacon and Faustin Makela replacing Demell Cumberbatch.

However Hmami got his second and sealed the three points for the visitors on 72 minutes rising above the home defence to head home a corner.

The Rams came close to a fourth, Evangelinos failing to get a touch from a Luke Thompson cross.

Deep into added time, Stewart saved well from Boyle to deny Droylsden a consolation goal.

By Nigel Barlow