NIC Evangelinos scored all four goals as Ramsbottom United took a huge step towards guaranteeing a play-off spot, seeing off Droylsden 4-0 in a routine win.

The Rams made a lightning-quick start and were ahead

after just six minutes.

Jamie Rainford was brought down by Droylsden keeper Chris Thompson, and

Evangelinos converted the resulting spot-kick, sending Thompson the wrong way.

Clearly enjoying their football in the spring sun, Rammy scored a second soon after. Eddie Moran delivered a pin-point cross from the right for Evangelinos who saw his initial attempt hit the wood work, but he smashed home the rebound from close range.

After the early blitz from the home side, they were nearly pegged back as Droylsden were denied a goal by the

official. Chris Rigby’s free kick was spilled by Sam Ashton and the ball trickled over the line, only for referee Matt Scholes and his officials to call a foul on the Rammy keeper.

Soon after, Evangelinos completed his hat-trick, which took a grand total of 11

minutes.

He did so in style, with a free kick that bounced off the

underside of the bar.

Numerous opportunities were then missed for the Rams to add a fourth.

Rainford fired wide after a cross-field ball from Moran and Tom Kennedy’s set piece attempt was beaten away by Thompson as Droylsden managed to keep the score at 3-0.

The home fans were cheer-ing again early in the second half as Rammy were awarded a second penalty.

Lugsden was brought down by Thompson and Evangelinos tucked away his second penalty, once again sending the keeper the wrong way.

As the afternoon drew to a close Chris Willcock’s side claimed a third penalty but substitute Iyrwah Gooden’s loud appeals were quickly waved away.

The Bloods could have earned a consolation when Ashton palmed away a Liam Caddick shot, Domaine Rouse slicing the loose ball wide of the open goal.

But it was a comprehensive win for third-placed Rammy, and Willcock said: “In the first half we were very good, back to our best from a creativity point of view. We created a number of good chances and scored some very good goals.

“In the second half we took the foot off the gas and didn’t play with the intensity I would have liked.”