RAMSBOTTOM United manager Mark Fell believes his players should not be overawed by the challenge of playing at Evo-Stik Premier leaders Shaw Lane in the next round of the FA Trophy after dispatching Colwyn Bay 3-0 on Saturday.

The Rams extended their fine home record this season to seven wins from nine matches as they dispatched the North Wales side in front of 282 fans to make it through the preliminary round of non-league's premier cup competition.

First-half goals from Jerome Wright and Kyle Brownhill put Rammy well on their way and they shut the game down in the second half before substitute Grant Spencer rounded off the scoring.

Fell said: "First half was what we are all about, we moved the ball quickly, pressed in numbers and deservedly were 2-0 up at the break.

"What we’ve been guilty of before is not pressing on and extending our lead, but we showed an ability to contain Colwyn at 2-0 then hit them quickly on the break.

"We scored three excellent goals and it gives us chance to go and have a real go at Shaw Lane at the end of the month."

Rammy made the perfect start after Wright flicked home Greg Daniels' 10th-minute corner to register his seventh goal of the season.

Fell's men increased their lead shortly afterwards when a good passing move released the outstanding Kyle Brownhill whose powerful left-footed drive from the edge of the penalty box beat Colwyn keeper Matt Cooper to give the hosts a merited two-goal advantage.#

With 15 minutes on the clock the scoreline could have been even more conclusive after an excellent run and cross by Wright found Daniels whose shot fractionally missed the target.

The Rams' dominance was such that it took Colwyn Bay 33 minutes to have their first attempt at goal, but it sailed harmlessly over the bar.

Alex Meaney impressed in his first start of the season for Ramsbottom, while fellow midfielders Eddie Moran and Dean Stott pulled the strings to win the midfield battle.

The visitors tried to make a game of it in the second half and Jamie Rainford sounded a warning for Rammy after blasting a good chance over the bar when well placed.

Experienced wide man Spencer came on as Fell tried to sure up the result, and he completed the scoring on 72 minutes, rifling a first-time shot into the top corner after good work from Wright to set him up on the edge of the box.