RAMSBOTTOM United made it four wins from their last five matches in Evo-Stik First Division North after claiming a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Brighouse Town on Saturday, writes Paul Cropper.

New 22-year-old forward Darrhyl Mason fired in the opener for Rammy just after the break, capping a man-of-the-match display on his debut after signing from Mossley in midweek.

And Mark Fell's men did a professional job to close out the game, starving the visitors of opportunities before Ryan Salmon made the points safe with a penalty two minutes from time.

Brighouse started the day seven points clear of Rammy in the table, but while they showed spirit to push the hosts all the way Martin Fearon was never troubled in the home goal.

The manager looks to be enjoying something of a golden run in the recruitment stakes, with Mason's dream introduction following on from the promising debuts of Accrington Stanley loanees Reagan Ogle and Nathan Webb the previous week.

Both Ogle and Webb put in effective performances again on Saturday, but it was Mason this time that really stood out.

Quick, energetic and mobile, he linked well with Andrew Bell and was a constant threat on the Brighouse goal.

His contribution was complemented by a rock-solid effort from the back four, while Dean Stott and young Joe Rathbone showed calm assurance to control the centre of midfield.

So effective was the midfield pairing in bridging defence and attack, while also bringing the wide men into play, that Brighouse were forced to rely on long, hopeful balls that were easily dealt with by the Rams' back line.

That is not to suggest the win was anything other than hard earned.

Brighouse were determined throughout but could not muster the artistry to find their way to goal.

In fact, the two shots – one from a penalty – that gave Rams the win were the only efforts on goal managed by either team.

Both teams moved the ball quickly and pleasingly in the opening half but the nearest either came to scoring was a vicious 25-yard shot from Stott that whistled just past the post.

The shooting chance was set up by a neat cut-back from Mason, who went on to break the deadlock three minutes into the second half.

A low cross from Ollie Crankshaw caused confusion in the Brighouse defence and the ball fell to Mason, who controlled it, possibly with his hands, before firing into the roof of the net from six yards.

The referee was unsighted but after seeking advice from his assistant let the goal stand, much to the chagrin of the visitors.

Brighouse responded forcefully but Luke Thompson and Paul Linwood stood firm at the heart of the Rammy defence to ensure Fearon was well protected.

And Salmon made no mistake when offered the chance to kill off the game, rolling in his spot kick after Max Hazeldine had been tripped in the box.

The win moved Rammy up to 11th, just five points outside the play-off places with games in hand of most of the clubs above them.