A late Harvey Hayhurst goal ensured Ramsbottom United remain top of the North West Counties Premier Division table after a 2-1 victory over AFC Liverpool on Tuesday night.

Ramsbottom were ahead after only two minutes when a marauding attack saw Hayhurst fire home from 10 yards following an incisive cross from Luke Sephton.

The opening 20 minutes brought a style of attacking football no opposition could have prevented, where the home side had numerous chances. Immediately after Hayhurst’s opener, an in-swinging delivery from Radcliffe was met perfectly by Tom Hoyle, but the bar came to AFC Liverpool’s rescue.

He was again unfortunate in front of goal when AFC keeper David Parkinson kept out a third attempt, this time unable to beat the keeper after turning centre-back Owen Fisher-Jones inside out.

Raj Uppal also came close with an effort wide, while Adam Moorcroft was alert to deflect a Radcliffe cross behind for a corner.

The fixture was quickly turning into déjà vu for Steve Wilkes’ side as the half progressed. As with previous weeks, however, they conceded a soft goal with an equaliser in the 28th minute. From a Ramsbottom corner, Philip Stafford’s men drew level from a wicked counter-attack with Tom Beckett converting a Dan Mahaffy cross.

The game turned on its hinges after the leveller with the visitors enjoying the lion’s share of possession, their best effort for Elliott Taylor who sliced his strike into the stands.

Despite Harvey Whyte firing a free-kick against the post at the end of the first half, the overall scoreline was reflective of the first half’s play.

The second half failed to live up to the same level of excitement with clear-cut chances few and far between.

A point was looking the most likely result up until Hayhurst scored the winner in the 80th minute.

From the left-hand side, the wing back’s effort trickled on to the post then over the line. With substitute Maine Walder reinstated to the side after injury, his return gave Hayhurst license to frequent to an advanced forward role - a move the number three then took full advantage of.

Buoyed by Hayhurst’s winner, manager Wilkes expressed his delight as the Rams went five points clear, although did admit his side need to be more clinical in front of goal.

He said: “We started on the front foot and could have been two, three nil up early on. If we started putting the ball in the back of the net a bit more often that would certainly help.

“On the other hand, they were one of the toughest teams we have played all season, so I am happy to come away with three points.

“Thank goodness this hectic period is nearly over; the schedule has been ridiculous. We had to play in our away kit tonight as the home one isn’t even dry after Saturday.

“It is not just the players; all our staff have had to work above and beyond recently. We have played every week since the start of July.

“It is a completely different level to this time last year. Let’s go again in the FA Vase this coming Saturday against Euxton Villa.”