The Rams went down to a first Peterborough League defeat since April 2007 the previous weekend at the hands of Rutland Rangers – but normal service was quickly resumed.

Steve Robson claimed a hat-trick as Taylor's men overcame Alconbury 5-1 at Cricketfield Lane to re-establish their Premier Division title credentials.

The chuffed boss said: "I am more than happy with the way the lads performed. We needed to get back on track at the first opportunity and we did exactly that.

"We got after Alconbury early on and produced a very good performance."

Daniel Edwards and Adam Taylor also found the net in a match that came complete with some action that wouldn't have looked out of place on the small screen.

Manager Taylor claimed the double dismissal of his keeper Lloyd Turner-Potter and Alconbury frontman Gary Gibbs – which followed a John Reddell goal for the visitors on the stroke of half-time – resembled something straight out of one of the nation's best loved programmes.

He added: "Their lad charged into the net to try and get the ball back and got involved in a bit of handbags with our keeper.

"It looked like something out of Strictly Come Dancing but the referee gave them both their marching orders.

"We ended up with striker Jamie Darlow in goal and he managed to keep himself a clean sheet which is not bad."

Ramsey are three points adrift of leaders AFC Fletton but do have the luxury of a game in hand.

Ian Rudd's table-toppers romped to a 9-0 rout of lowly Crowland with Stuart Eason and early substitute Danny Wilder both banging in hat-tricks. Andrew Bradley (2) and Danny Steward also got in on the act as the city side completed a third of their season in smashing style.

Boss Rudd has already turned his attention to some crucial games a few weeks down the line. He said: "Last season we lost 1-0 at home to Crowland so this result highlights the progress we are making.

"We have got to keep picking up points because we have some tough matches looming. We've got Ramsey, Deeping Sports and Moulton Harrox in successive weeks soon and they will be three massive tests."

For Crowland it was a case of going back down to earth with a bump after registering a first victory of the season the previous weekend.

Manager Peter Harrison said: "We've had some bad performances this season and this is right up there with the worst of them."



WHITTLESEY are fast becoming the meanest men in the Premier Division.

Paul Humphries' side kept a sixth clean sheet in 10 games this season when running out 4-0 winners at Uppingham.

Matt Heron broke the deadlock and Garry Jackson doubled the lead before the interval. Further goals from Peter Fox and Rob Speechley left boss Humphries eyeing a jump into the top four.