RAMSBOTTOM United’s first relegation in their 50-year history was confirmed this week with back-to-back defeats to Colywn Bay and Matlock Town.

Rock-bottom Rams were consigned to play next season in the Evo-Stik First Division North following Tuesday night's 2-0 loss at home to Matlock, which left them 18 points adrift of safety in the Premier Division with only five games remaining

Relegation capped off a nightmare anniversary season on and off the pitch, after the club's ground was hit by serious flooding on Boxing Day.

The Harry Williams Riverside Stadium was heavily damaged and left Rammy unable to play at home for a number of months.

Niall McManus tapped home a deflected free-kick to put Matlock ahead after nine minutes and Danny Holland doubled their lead a minute later with a towering header.

Ramsbottom were unable to conjure a fightback to save their season in a second half void of any chances.

Colywn Bay thrashed Rammy 4-1 on Saturday as the away side struggled to handle striker Jack Kelleher, who scored a hat-trick.

Ramsbottom conceded early on yet again when Kelleher, on loan from Morecambe, beat goalkeeper Grant Shenton inside his near post after only 44 seconds.

Kelleher made it two from the spot before Stephen Wilson’s header saw the home side go 3-0 up within half an hour.

Alex Meaney pulled one back for Ramsbottom before half-time, but Kelleher completed his hat-trick and Colywn Bay’s rout from the spot in the second period.