Ramsbottom United tasted victory for the second time in a week on Saturday.

The Rams followed up their 3-2 home win against Marine last Tuesday with a convincing victory against Stamford at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

Visitors Stamford had begun the campaign well, but could have no complaints about the score as the Rams thoroughly deserved this victory in the first ever meeting between the two clubs.

The home side took the lead in the 10th minute. Steve Howson rose above the defenders to power home a header from Grant Spencer’s corner.

On 30 minutes, the visitors were back on level terms. Phil Dean was harshly adjudged to have committed a foul just outside the box, and although his yellow card looked tough, the resultant free-kick proved even worse. Nathan Fox’s kick was way off target but Michael Built stuck out a leg and sent the ball past a wrong-footed Grant Shenton in the home goal.

Hulme had a good shout for a penalty before seeing his fierce drive parried by Richard Knight in the Stamford goal.

Stamford came out for the second half in more determined mood, and took the game to the home side in the early minutes. However, the Rams regained the lead on 59 minutes.

Osebi Anadaki, who is quickly becoming a firm crowd favourite, skipped down the right before planting the ball inch-perfect for Hulme to head home.

On 74 minutes, it was game over. Some excellent trickery by Hulme saw him lay the ball across for Dean who had all the time in the world to pick his spot from 15-yards out to extend the lead to 3-1.