WHAT have Ramsbottom United and Michael Owen got in common? - Micky Saunders!

The Rams' diminutive pocket exocet scored the goal that beat high-flying Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night, and manager Derek Egan agreed it was not dissimilar from the one scored by Real Madrid's latest signing during Euro 2004.

"Matty Raywood crossed from the right and Micky Saunders' finish was absolutely fantastic, it was similar to Michael Owens' goal against Portugal," he said

"If Micky can add that type of clinical finishing to his game we might not be able to hold on to him for long.

"He's now scored four goals in six games, which is a great return, but I think he can still improve his finishing

"The amount of chances we've created in those six games he should have scored even more."

Tuesday's win over Fleetwood moved the Rams up three places to sixth, which is just fine by Egan.

"I think we've done enough to be up there and to stay up there," he said.

"At this stage of the season I haven't got a problem with not being top of the league, in fact I'm quite pleased that we are not."

"The top teams are going to beat each other, and in turn get beaten by the teams in the middle. I'm convinced we can compete with and take points off the top teams, it's the mediocre ones that concern me."

Against Fleetwood it was his team talk at the break that seems to have done the trick.

"I said to them at half-time that we could win and if we didn't they would regret it," he said.

"The front two had to stop them getting possession by pressuring their defence, which they did, that denied Porter and Catlow the ball, which in turn limited their chances on goal."

The only real negative to come out of the win was the red card Matt Edgington received, against which the club are going to appeal.

"He was punched on the head and it's left him with a three inch cut," said Egan: "he's not a fighter, which made it all the more surprising when it was him that was sent off."

It was not the first red card the Rams have picked up this season and it has already had an effect on team selection.

"Liam Denning's due to come back from suspension at the end of the month, but we lose Bernard Morley for two weeks from Monday, so we need to make sure we have the midfield players to come in."

Also on Tuesday inspirational midfielder Adam Kozlowski limped out and is doubtful for Saturday's FA Vase home clash with Shotton Comrades.

"Adam suffered a kick just below his shin pad which resulted in heavy bruising in between his ankle and shin and we had to replace him," said Egan.

"He's been outstanding for us, when he gets the ball he runs past people with power and pace, he has tremendous strength on the ball.

"We are looking to get him back for Tuesday night, hopefully he'll have recovered by then."

Also missing Saturday and Tuesday will be Chris McKay and Gareth Brooks, although Egan has brought in Shaun Spence, who can play centre-back, left-back or left midfield.

Ewan Purcell, who can play up front or midfield, should also be back in the reckoning after recovering from a knee injury.

As for Saturday's opponents, Egan admitted he's in the dark.

"I know absolutely nothing about Shotton, so we'll just have to see what happens.

"It's always nice to play in a cup competition, but our main focus is the league, which we return to on Tuesday night with a trip to Squires Gate."