Ramsbottom’s last chance for the title, says Lawson

Mar 21 2013 Ormskirk Advertiser

DEFEAT against Skelmersdale United would land a damaging blow to Ramsbottom United's title hopes, according to Tommy Lawson.

The Skem manager insists the Manchester side must pick up three points on Saturday in order to keep their fading championship dreams alive.

United extended their lead over Ramsbottom at the top of the Evo-Stik First Division North with Tuesday night's win at home to Bamber Bridge.

Lawson's side are 14 points clear at the summit and hold a game in hand over their closest rivals.

A double strike from Josh Hine helped Skem to the midweek win and sets the side up for three testing games in the next week.

Following the visit of Ramsbottom, United entertain Trafford before heading to Salford City next weekend for a run of games Lawson has labelled as "significant".

And the Skem boss believes the impact of another win for his side in two days' time has the potential to shatter Ramsbottom's hopes.

"A win or draw for us would be disastrous for them," said Lawson.

"Let's be brutally honest about it, if they have got any aspirations to win the title then they have got to come out and try and win the game on Saturday.

"They can't afford to let another game slip. They have got to win the game.

"We know what to expect from them and the type of team they are.

"If we win then it will become very, very difficult for them to scratch it back, if we are being realistic. We've got 11 games still to play and there are 33 points to be fought for. We have come through the first game in a block of four which we identified as being “significant”.