A short trip to the pleasant tree-fringed Arbories ground above Padiham for Ramsbottom United on Tuesday, writes Charley Rattan.

The Rams had taken a mauling on this very ground last Boxing Day, falling to a heavy defeat and, given the Rams had lost at Longridge on Saturday, a case of re-establishing their high-flying credentials was top of the list.

Tinker came in for Wilson as Steve Wilkes otherwise fielded a welcome settled side and playing in red. There as little indication in the first quarter as to what was to come with the ball in the air for much of it. A dangerous in-swinging Padiham corner producing a header just over the bar on ten minutes

Then came a breakthrough. After twenty minutes Andy Teague set the tempo in driving through a ball which allowed Hoyle to accelerate on the halfway line. Though closely marked, he kept it under control, advancing towards the box. He then had the presence of mind to produce a hard low shot across Hamnett and into the corner to stretch the traditional-style netting much to the delight of the healthy contingent of Rams fans gathered behind.

A couple of minutes later things got even better for a team who were starting to find their rhythm. The passing game was kicking in, and this time it was Oumar Camara who was found in the box. Cámara, unsighted, with his back to goal, and closely marked, swivelled to bury the shot past a surprised keeper and into the net, in one lovely fluid movement.

On 37 Minutes full back Hayhurst charged down the left flank to pick a hard low cross, which Luke Sephton was able to read, took in his stride and calmly side-footed it home.

The Rams were starting to look now like they were, league - leaders. Those questioning whether they were the real deal on Saturday were given an emphatic answer as the team found its rhythm and produced the Total Football evidenced against Burscough and South Liverpool this season - but on an opposition ground.

Just before the break right back Oscar Radcliffe burst down the wing, got to the byline to drive a beautiful, hard cross that flashed across the face of the goal. There merest nudge, and the ball would have been in the net.

Other chances fell to Luke Sephton and Camara again as the Rams could easily have gone in at the break five goals to the good.

However three goals up at halftime, and the Rams were turning on the style. The were in the ascendancy and playing with a certain swagger. The team, however, shipped three second half goals a few days earlier at Longridge and plenty of effort would be needed after the break.

The Rams managed the game well however, with substitutes on both sides appearing around the hour mark and giving Padiham some fresh legs.

The half was brought to life after 67 minutes by Padiham with a sensational strike from distance. The ball fell to Freddie Machell outside the box and his thunderbolt flew past Rose via the underside of the bar. Even the Rams fans at the other end of the ground applauded the effort, such was its quality

Would Padiham find a second and make it a nervous finish? The Rams had other ideas and maintained their composure to keep the ball moving through smart passing and movement.

They were rewarded after 77 minutes with a rather soft penalty. The referee judged that Rio McEvoy was tugged back in the box. Substitute Rob Wilson stepped up to shoot hard and low into the goal to restore the three-goal advantage.

The Rams knew the game was won and there was a chance for a cameo for a couple of the substitutes. One of them, Kudo Chingwaro, was unlucky when his clever goal bound shot was deflected and squirmed just wide of the post.

Overall, some lovely football and a deserved win on the road to put the hoodoo of the last two away games behind them. The hugs and high-five celebrations enjoyed as much by the players as their delighted fans.

Manager Steve Wilkes was understandably delighted.

"First and foremost, that was for the fans who turned up on Boxing Day last season.

So pleased with the reaction from Saturday.

"We had a good chat with the players in the dressing room before the game. We know Padiham would be a tough place to go to on a Tuesday night, but the first forty-five minutes was probably the best forty-five of the season.

"The chances we created, the goals we scored and Matt the Padiham keeper made at least two brilliant saves, so we were on the front foot from the off.

"I was also pleased with how we dealt with the second half. We knew Padiham would come at us, but apart from a world-class strike, they never caused us any issues.

"Like we've said all season, we enjoy the win and now prepare for Glossop on Saturday"