01 Ramsbottom United v Curzon Ashton

rammy news V CURZON ASHTON 17.08.13

EDITORIAL - Richard Isaacs Good afternoon and welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for the opening Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One North game of the 2013/14 season and we welcome to our visitors today from Curzon Ashton F.C. We hope that you enjoy your time with us and have a safe journey back home later.

Well, here we are again then! Another season commences with hope, expectation and wonderment of what is going to happen over the next eight months. One thing is for sure, it will be as exciting, if not more so, than the previous years and the Rammy following will continue to grow should things continue to flourish on the field under Bernard and Anthony’s expert guidance. We have come a long way in a short space of time but there is certainly not stopping and admiring the view!

Of course, when a season starts, every club in the land has the same ‘trophy-lifting’ vision and one such club will be, as always, today’s visitors from just down the M60. Curzon Ashton are often listed in dispatches as the team to follow and whilst sitting just outside the playoffs last season (much like ourselves in the end!), hope is high on Tameside that things will be different this time around and, in fact, in the early pre-season betting, they, like us, are heavily fancied behind Darlington and Northwich. So today’s game will be a very difficult season opener and, as we saw last season, Curzon secured the double over us with a 4-3 win here (Kristian Dennis scoring all four) while just a single goal separated the sides at Curzon.

As you can probably see from this Page no.1, we have a brand new look to the programme for the 2013/14 season. I hope you like it!

Rob Moss has stepped up and taken on the design and I believe he has done a superb job. If you have any comments, please do let me know.

Unfortunately, work commitments keep me from the game today—I will be at Edgbaston for Twenty20 finals day. But, no doubt, I will have a sneaky eye open checking the scores ……

C’MON RAMMY!!!!!!!!!!

Richard

President: J Smith Chairman: H Williams Secretary: G Shuttleworth Treasurers: H Williams, C Woolfall Committee: C Woolfall, A Edmundson, G Lay, D Wolfenden, K Topping Life Members: FA Rothwell, L Read, A Whalley, F Rothwell, J Wolfenden, P McSherry, A Mcleod Programme Editors: R Isaacs, P Newhouse, R Moss Hospitality Manager: I McCool Catering Manager: S Fletcher Team Managers: A Johnson, B Morley First XI Coaches: J Hunter, G Moses, D Green Physio: K Richardson Recent Honours: NWCFL Champions 2011/12 Premier Runners Up 2010/11 2nd Div Champions 96/97 2nd Div Trophy 95/96 Bolton Hospital Cup Winners 2005/06. 2006/07, 2007/08 The Harry Williams Riverside, Acre Bottom, Ramsbottom, Lancashire Tel: 01706 822799 www.rammyunited.co.uk

bring it on!

ready to go

Good afternoon and welcome back to the HWRS for the opening game of the season and it’s a welcome also to Curzon Ashton for what will be a really good opening game to the 2013/14 season.

Well, after 55 days or so of pre-season, everyone is busting to get started and the whole squad is very excited to get the proper league season off and running.

I think pre-season has gone well in the main.

It’s not been perfect but we have changed things round a bit this year with some games against much tougher opposition from different levels - Colne, Manchester United XI, Trafford and Airbus UK Broughton to name but four. We have had it tough but performance wise, we have had our best showings on the pitch since we have been in charge and in terms of preparation for the season, it has been bang on. The squad is strong enough and naturally everyone wants to play but we, as managers, are going to have to manage it well because everyone wants a shirt. But we have tried to build a squad to cover every eventuality and make sure we are not struggling if injuries and/or absences come about.

We have made a couple of signings in the closed season with Adam Morning coming back from Skelmersdale and Tom Brooks joining up from Radcliffe. Owen Roberts has also signed up but he has a niggle at the moment and won’t feature today while young 18-year-old Tommy Toft is joining us from Bury, who was on a three-year pro contract at Gigg but with the shake up has been released. He’s been excellent in preseason and we are pleased to have him. Unfortunately, Matty Russell has decided not to join us after all.

In some places, we are up amongst the favourites to win the league. Well, we finished sixth last season so some people are going to think that but Curzon are listed as second favourites so today is going to be a really good game. I am flattered that we are up there and doesn’t bother me because, at the end of the day, we are a good side.

But we have got five massive games to start with but, if we have aspirations to win the league, we have to beat them so we may as well get them out of the way early doors.

Starting with this game, we go to Ossett Town, who have strengthened in the summer then to Warrington before a local derby with Padiham before we get Northwich Victoria and then Darlington, who are the hot favourites to win the league. That’s the hand we have been dealt, lets get them out of the way and then examine where we are after that. It is just like the end of last season where we played some big game - we have to go out and get a result.

Today’s match against Curzon will be a tough one. They have lost their top goalscorer and their goalkeeper in the summer but they did the double over us and they are a very good side, regardless of who has gone. They, like us, are itching to get into the play-offs, they have a very good manager and they will be right up there.

One thing is for sure though, the Rammy lads are looking forward to it. Everyone wants to just get on and play some proper football and we are ready for another exciting year.

Enjoy the game, we will look forward to seeing you over the coming weeks and months.

- Jonno

airbus UK dawson takes flight Ramsbottom United completed their pre-season preparations with a narrow win against Welsh Premier League Airbus UK in a well-balanced match at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

The visitors, who had just competed in the Europa league after finishing in the runners-up spot, opened brightly, with Lewis Short going closest to opening the scoring, but he failed to keep his effort down.

Phil Dean raced down the left for the home side before slamming in an angled drive which flew into the side netting.

On 13 minutes the Rams had an amazing letoff when four close range attempts were hacked off the line before Grant Shenton, in goal, pulled off a first-class save and was relieved to see the follow-up sail over the bar.

On 18 minutes, the hosts took the lead. A disputed free-kick on the right was hurled into the crowded penalty area, where Tom Brooks ducked to send his header just inside the post.

At the other end Glen Rule was on the end of a fine move before placing his shot just too high, but Rule it was who levelled the scores on 28 minutes. Slack marking allowed him time to find space in the box, and as the ball arrived from the right, he promptly dispatched it from ten yards out.

Another fine run from Dean was thwarted when his final shot was blocked, whilst for Airbus, Jay Owen hit the target but Shenton was equal to it.

The game continued to swing from end to end in the second half. Rule saw his volley blocked, before Adam Morning was inches off target with a fine curling shot from the corner of the penalty area.

Airbus upped the pressure with danger man Rule slamming a fierce drive goalwards which Shenton did well to cover with Chris Budrys ready to pounce. Short again went close with a low angled drive, before Steve Jones netted from close range only for the linesman’s flag to chalk it off..

Shenton again had to be at his best to deal with a long-range effort from Tom Field, before Mark Drew chanced his arm at the other end, only to be wide of the target.

The home side nudged in front on 67 minutes.

A Gary Stopforth corner on the right found captain Andy Dawson near the far post and his header found the gap to restore the Rams lead.

Airbus replied with a perfectly timed through ball for Jones, but Shenton came bravely out of his goal to smother the ball at the on-rushing forward’s feet.

The Rams attacked again down the right, with Jon Robinson laying the ball back to Dominic Smalley. His goalbound shot took the slightest deflection to earn the home side another corner.

Ryan Wade should have done better for the Wingmakers, when he raced into the area, but drove his shot wide of the far post, whilst the visitors had keeper James Coates to thank as he denied Smalley again after he had been played in down the left.

Shenton dealt with another good effort from Airbus full-back Sam Hart to preserve the slender lead, as the whistle blew on a good runout for both sides ahead of the new campaign.

2-1

Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 10th August 2013 Att: 115 Rammy Goals: Brookes (18), Dawson (67) Airbus Goals: Rule (28)

Tony Cunningham and the Wonderful World of Non-League Football

Right, the ground’s been spruced up, new players signed to replace those moving on, pre-season friendlies complete…..sounds as though we are just about ready to start the new season.

And so we are!

Off we go again, and having enjoyed our fourth successive improvement under the leadership of Bernard and Johnno, the anticipation down here at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium is very much one of “let’s go one better than last year” when that cruel late, late goal denied us an opportunity to compete in our very first play-offs.

Naturally, with the vast majority of previous seasons’ squad still with us, our supporters have every right to feel confident.

But so too will the fans of many other clubs.

Our visitors today, Curzon Ashton are perennial favourites, and gave us a torrid time last season. They, like ourselves, are up their amongst the bookies favourites, so as we welcome everyone concerned with the Nash this afternoon, we know we can expect a tough ninety minutes.

STRANGE CONNECTION Of course, our new secretary could not have planned this fixture better.

When Malcolm Holt resigned from the post at the end of last season after nine years with us, I was more than a little concerned that we may not be able to fill his boots.

I need not have worried. Malcolm did a first-class job, but in his place we now have the vastly experienced Graham Shuttleworth, who has slipped effortlessly into the secretary’s chair.

Graham was, for many years, secretary of …. Curzon Ashton.

He also lives, and is a councillor, in Oldham, and those of you who have not been down for the pre-season games will notice the new clubhouse now residing on the triangular grassed area in front of the dressing rooms.

Work is on-going before we open up this great new facility. It previously resided at Oldham Athletic’s ground where it operated as an executive lounge on the Broadway side of the ground. Due to the building of a new stand there, it was deemed no longer required, and we are delighted to have received it.

So we have a new secretary from Oldham, and a new clubhouse from Oldham.

I seem to remember when we erected floodlights, they too came from the Watersheddings ground of Oldham Rugby League club.

Now I know our good friend down the road has decided to broaden his horizon by renaming the club Bacup and Rossendale Borough (appropriately BARB for short!), you don’t think we’re likely to go down the same road by becoming Ramsbottom and Oldham United do you?

THANKS As usual, much work has gone on throughout the closed season. We offer our thanks to everyone who has come down to give Harry and the two Jacks a hand.

Also a big thank you to you, the supporters. Our gates have doubled in the last couple of years, and this has enabled the club to continue to develop.

Averaging almost 250 last season, how about pushing for an average of 300+ this campaign?

Let’s keep promoting the Rams and keep this club going forward.

And let’s look forward to another year of great entertainment.

Enjoy your non-league football!

TONY’S NON-LEAGUE TEASERS

1 Which side plays at the wonderfully-named “Dripping Pan”?

2 Name the town that has four clubs operating in the non-league pyramid, but only one of which actually plays in the town 3 What is the nickname of Weymouth?

4 Who was the manager who led Mossley to Wembley for the FA Trophy Final over 20 years ago?

5 Who did Danny Johnson replace as Nantwich Town manager this summer/ 6 Which club did Johnson leave to move to the Dabbers?

7 How many times have Barnet been relegated from the Football League?

8 True or false? Northern League club Ashington once played in the Football League 9 What is the nickname of Bamber Bridge

10 What colours do GAP Connahs Quay Nomads play in?

this week’s matches Sat 17th August 2013 Clitheroe v Farsley FC Darlington 1883 v Warrington Town Harrogate Railway v Salford City Lancaster City v Cammell Laird Mossley v Kendal Town New Mills v Burscough Northwich Victoria v Padiham Ossett Albion v Bamber Bridge Prescot Cables v Ossett Town Radcliffe Borough v Wakefield Ramsbottom v Curzon Ashton Mon 19th August 2013 Curzon Ashton v Radcliffe Borough

Tues 20th August 2013 Bamber Bridge v Darlington 1883 Burscough v Northwich Victoria Cammell Laird v New Mills Farsley FC v Prescot Cables Kendal Town v Ossett Albion Ossett Town v Ramsbottom United Salford City v Clitheroe Wakefield v Mossley Warrington Town v Lancaster City Weds 21th August 2013 Padiham v Harrogate Railway

Answers: 1 Lewes 2 Northwich 3 The Terras 4 Bob Murphy 5 Jimmy Quinn 6 Ashton United 7 Twice 8 True 9 The Brig 10 White shirts and Black shorts

Curzon Ashton FC was formed in 1963 following the amalgamation of two clubs, Curzon Road and Ashton Amateurs. The newly formed club joined the Manchester Amateur League, winning the title twice and finishing runners-up in their first three seasons.

A step forward took them into the Manchester League, and after a period of consolidation a string of honours followed in the early 1970's, amongst them runners-up in both the First and Premier Divisions, twice in respect of the latter.

1978/9 saw Curzon become founder members of the Cheshire League Division Two, winning promotion at the first attempt, but again just missing out on the title, on this occasion by just two points.

The first season in the top flight was celebrated with the club's then finest moment when they became the first North West based club to reach the semi-final stage of The FA Vase. Their dream of a final was however quickly diminished, losing both legs 2 - 0 to Stamford, with the home tie producing a then record attendance of 1,800.

Curzon once again became founder members of yet another competition, the North West Counties League (NWCL), in 1983/4 with the merger of the MWCL Cheshire League and Lancashire League, as part of the non-league pyramid. The club was placed in the First Division and in 1986 National Park was "illuminated' following the installation of floodlights, in preparation for what they hoped would be an opportunity to join the Northern Premier League (NPL), a feat which they achieved in 1986 by joining the First Division.

Managers then quickly came and went with Steve Waywell being their fourth appointment in the space of 12 months when he was appointed in October 1987. Such were the on-field problems that relegation was only avoided when the League was expanded from 19 to 22 clubs. Waywell remained with the club until February 1993.

Almost a decade on (1996/7) and further problems, on and off the field, beset Curzon.

Terry McLean was handed the reins at the start of the season, only to resign in September. Changes in the boardroom brought with it more unrest within the club, and Dave Denby was placed in charge of team affairs, with Ged Coyne as his assistant. Denby remained until just after the New Year. Coyne took charge on a temporary basis (a position which was made permanent at the end of the season) but he was unable to halt the clubs slide and with it relegation.

If relegation wasn't enough, the club received a "double-whammy' when they were placed in the Northern Counties East League (NCEL) following a meeting of the Northern Joint Liaison Committee, a decision which not only shocked officials of the club but many others connected with football in the region.

An appeal to the National League System sub-committee, supported by the Northern Premier League but opposed by both the NWCL and NCEL, proved fruitless, and so the club became the first to be moved in this way since the pyramid system was introduced.

The much anticipated difficulties followed, and the club ended the season one place above the bottom club. The mistake was recognised and the NCEL Management Committee assisted the club in supporting their move back to the NWCL for the start of season 1997/8.

The club remained in the Second Division until under the guidance of Joe Murty they gained promotion at the end of season 1999/2000, although Murty was relieved of his duties in June 2000, and Gary Lowe was appointed.

Lowe led the club to the Final of the Worthington League Challenge Cup in his first season, losing to Formby on penalties.

today’s visitors

curzon ashton

curzon ashton today’s visitors

Almost a decade of discussions with Tameside MBC officials about a new ground it finally became a realisation when agreement was reached for the club to vacate National Park, spending season 2004/05 at the home of Stalybridge Celtic, before moving into their magnificent Tameside Stadium for the start of season 2005/06.

The ground was formally opened on 8 September 2005 by Sir Alex Ferguson for a game in which Manchester United provided the opposition.

Despite repeated attempts to return to the NPL they had to wait until season 2006/07 to benefit once again from the re-structure of the pyramid system to return from whence they came, a season which also saw them end their NWCL campaign as the "nearly' team, ending the season as runners-up in the League, D-Zine League Challenge Cup Finalists and emulating the team of 1980 by reaching the Semi-Final of The FA Carlsberg Vase, only to lose out to the eventual winners, Truro City.

The D-Zine League Challenge Cup Final, which took place at the Tameside Stadium, was played in front of a reported record crowd for the competition of 3,210 against FC United of Manchester.

Season 2007-2008, and the first back in to UniBond League, saw the club reach the promotions play-offs after leading the First Division North for most of the season.

Unfortunately they were knocked out of the play-offs by Skelmersdale United.

In the 2008-2009 season the club reached the Play-off Final but were beaten by Newcastle Blue Star who then resigned from the UniBond League in late June. The season will be remembered for the clubs magnificent FA Cup exploits when reaching the Second Round Proper of the competition where they were beaten 2-0 away at Kidderminster Harriers after beating Exeter City 3-2 at home in the First Round Proper.

Season 2009-2010 the club reached the Playoffs for the third consecutive season but were again beaten in the semi-finals by the eventual winners Colwyn Bay, they also reached the League Challenge Cup Semi-Final but were beaten 2-0 by Boston United.

Season 2010-2011 Another successful cup run saw Curzon reach the First Round Proper of the FA Trophy for the first time in their history, eventually losing at home to Altrincham in a re-played game after the original game had to be abandoned due to a power failure with Curzon outplaying their Conference opponents and leading 2-1 at half-time. Once again the club reached the Play-offs for the fourth consecutive season and were again beaten by the eventual winners Chorley. This was the final season for manager Gary Lowe who called it a day after eleven seasons at the helm. The club appointed John Flanagan as Gary Lowe’s successor and would start the 2011-2012 season building a new team.

In his first season in change John Flanagan took the club to the Play-off Final where they were beaten by Witton Albion. Making the Play-off Final in his first season in change was tremendous achievement but the most significant accolade was finishing the season in the clubs highest ever league position finishing second to AFC Fylde. This achievement can only be matched if we gain promotion at the end of the 2012-2013 season which is also the club fiftieth year having started life in football in 1963.

Season 2012-2013 Last Season the First Team ended the season in a respectable seventh position in the EvoStik First Division North narrowly missing out on a Play-off place. On the bright side they reached the Final of the Doodson Sports Cup where they were beaten by Premier Division Champions North Ferrby United on penalties.

The first seven penalties in the shootout were saved, which must be a record.

fixtures and results 2013/2014 DATE Sat 17th Aug Tues 20th Aug Sat 24th Aug Mon 26th Aug Sat 31st Aug Sat 7th Sept Tues 10th Sept Sat 14th Sept Sat 21st Sept Tues 24th Sept Sat 28th Sept Tues 1st Oct Sat 5th Oct Sat 12th Oct Tues 15th Oct Sat 19th Oct Tues 22nd Oct Sat 26th Oct Tues 29th Oct Sat 2nd Nov Wed 6th Nov Sat 9th Nov Tues 12th Nov Sat 16th Nov Sat 23rd Nov Sat 30th Nov Wed 4th Dec Sat 7th Dec Sat 14th Dec Sat 21st Dec Thurs 26th Dec Sat 28th Dec Wed 1st Jan Sat 4th Jan Sat 11th Jan Sat 18th Jan Sat 25th Jan Sat 1st Feb Sat 8th Feb Sat 15th Feb Sat 22nd Feb Sat 1st Mar Sat 8th Mar Sat 15th Mar Sat 22nd Mar Sat 29th Mar Sat 5th Apr Sat 12th Apr Sat 19th Apr Mon 21st Apr Sat 26th Apr

OPPOSITION RES ATT STARTING ELEVEN CURZON ASHTON Ossett Town Warrington Town PADIHAM L’POOL/CHEADLE(FAC) NORTHWICH VICTORIA Ossett Albion (Stocksbridge) (FAC1Q) Mossley DARLINGTON 1883 CLITHEROE Radcliffe Borough Warrington Town (FATprel) Wakefield LANCASTER CITY (WORKSOP) (FAT1Q) PRESCOT CABLES Harrogate Railway Athletic OSSETT ALBION (FAT 2Q) Darlington 1883 NEW MILLS FC UNITED Doodson cup Cammell Laird BURSCOUGH Kendal Town (Doodson Sport Cup) Curzon Ashton OSSETT TOWN Bamber Bridge SALFORD CITY FARSLEY Padiham Northwich Victoria MOSSLEY RADCLIFFE BOROUGH Clitheroe WAKEFIELD Lancaster City HARROGATE RAILWAY (Doodson Sport Cup) Prescot Cables CAMMELL LAIRD New Mills (Doodson Cup SF) Burscough KENDAL TOWN Farsley WARRINGTON TOWN Salford City BAMBER BRIDGE

SUBSTITUTES

66/7: Parks Cup Runners-Up 67/8:Parks Cup Runners-Up 67/8: Kenyon Cup Winners 71/2: Cornall Cup Winners 72/3: Bolton Combination Div One Champions 74/5: Bolton Hospital Cup Winners 76/7: Bolton Combination Premier Division Champions 76/7: Bolton Combination Open Cup Winners 79/80: Bolton Combination Jackson Cup Winners 81/2: Bolton Combination Jackson Cup Runners-Up 82/3: Bolton Combination Second Division Cup Runners-Up 82/3: Bolton Combination Second Division Runners-Up 83/4: Bolton Combination Open Cup Winners 84/5: Bolton Combination First Division Runners-Up 84/5: Bolton Boys Federation Under-16’s League Champions 85/6: Bolton Combination Jackson Cup Runners-Up 85/6: Bolton Boys Federation U18’s League Runners-Up 85/6: Bolton Boys Federation U18’s Jubilee Cup Winners 86/7: Lancashire FA Under-18’s Cup Winners 86/7: Bolton Boys Federation U18’s Jubilee Cup Winners 86/7: Bolton Boys Federation Under-18’s League Champions 87/8: Bolton Combination Open Cup Runners-Up 90/1: Manchester League Division One Cup Winners

90/1: Manchester League Division One Champions 93/4: Yorkshire Cup Runners-Up 93/4: Bury & Radcliffe Junior Under-16’s Cup Winners 93/4: Bury & Radcliffe Junior Under-16’s Champions 94/5: Gylchrist Cup Winners 94/5: Manchester Festival of Football Runners-Up 94/5: Manchester County FA Youth Cup Winners 94/5: Bolton Boys Federation Jubilee Cup Winners 94/5: Bolton Boys Federation Cup Winners 94/5: Bolton Boys Federation Premier League Champions 95/6: North West Counties Division Two Cup Winners 96/7: North West Counties Division Two Champions 97/8: North West Counties Reserve Division Cup Winners 98/9: Bolton Hospital Cup Winners 98/9: North West Counties Reserve North Champions 2000/01: Bolton Bys Federation Jubilee Cup Runners-Up 01/2: Bolton Boys Federation Premier League Champions 01/2; Bolton Hospital Cup Runners-Up 05/6: Bolton Hospital Cup Winners 06/7: Bolton Hospital Cup Winners 07/8: Bolton Hospital Cup Winners 10/11: North West Counties Division One Runners-Up 11/12: North West Counties Division One Champions

rammy club honours

gary

stopforth

uniteds clash wiz delivers 2-4

Harry Williams Riverside 8th August 2013 Att: 710 Rammy Goals: Dean (1), Brookes (15) Manchester Goals: Lawrence (22,37,58), Barmby (63)

HUGE CROWD SEES RAMMY TAKE ON MUFC U21S Ramsbottom United’s penultimate pre-season friendly saw the arrival at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium of a youthful Manchester United squad for a game that attracted a crowd of 710, the third highest in the club’s history. And they were treated to a night of high entertainment with a collection of superb goals.

Manchester’s new recruit Guillermo Varela could not have had a worse introduction to English football, as Rams winger Phil Dean outpaced him down the left before firing home a stunning effort from the corner of the box after just 58 seconds.

Dean then sent over a tantalising cross which evaded the on-rushing Smalley as the home side started well.

At the other end, an angled drive from Joe Rothwell was tipped over

by Grant Shenton, before the Rams doubled their lead on 15 minutes. Mark Drew’s fine through ball found Tom Brookes, and he turned before lashing it past Keiron O’Hara to give the home side an impressive early two goal advantage.

Manchester came back, and on 22 minutes a trip by Jon Robinson had the referee pointing to the spot, and Tom Lawrence stroked home the penalty to half the arrears.

The visitors were now adapting to the conditions and it was no great surprise when they levelled the score. A cross from the right found Lawrence who, at the second attempt managed to force the ball past Shenton.

Manchester had two good chances to take the lead before the break, as Lawrence set up Varela but he fired over

the bar, then an Andy Dawson back header was seized upon by Jack Barmby only to see Shenton deny him by forcing his shot round the post.

The home side almost regained the lead in the 47th minute when a fine run by Brookes saw his effort parried by O’Hara, only for Dean to drill the rebound wide.

A fine passing move by the visitors almost caught the Rams out, but the final ball from Rothwell sailed over the bar.

Rams managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley made wholesale changes to the team, as is the usual practice in pre-season games, but the visitors then gained a strangle-hold on the match with two superb goals.

On 58 minutes, Lawrence completed his hattrick with a stunning strike from 20 yards out.

His shot zoomed over the out-stretched arms of Shenton before dipping inches under the bar to give Manchester the lead.

Five minutes later, the Reds sealed victory with an almost identical strike.

This time, Jack Barmby controlled the ball 25 yards out and repeated the trick, as once again his powerful drive sailed over Shenton and dipped just under the bar.

Adam Morning raced through the defence at the other end, as the Rams attempted to regain a foot-hold in the match, but his final shot was held by O’Hara, then the same player sent in a long-range free-kick from the right that missed the far post by inches.

Reds substitute Jack Rudge saw his pile-driver clear the Rams bar by inches, as the visitors looked comfortable as the game played down.

So Nicky Butt’s men gained a 4-2 victory on a night of high entertainment, with the large crowd acknowledging the efforts of both teams. It was an ideal run-out for the Rams as they look forward to their second season in the Evo-Stik, which begins on the 17th August with a home game against Curzon Ashton.

LEAGUE NEWS The draw for the Preliminary Round and First Round of this seasons Doodson Sports League Cup have been made by members of the League Board.

PRELIMINARY ROUND Ties to be played Tuesday 3rd September subject to FA Cup Replays Lincoln United v Wakefield FC Loughborough Dynamo v Rainworth Miners Welfare Mossley v Padiham Newcastle Town v Market Drayton Town FIRST ROUND Ties to be played Tuesday 12th November unless otherwise stated Barwell v Coalville Town Belper Town v Ilkeston FC Burscough v Warrington Town Carlton Town v Buxton [13th Nov] Chasetown v Market Drayton Town or Newcastle Town Darlington 1883 v Blyth Spartans [13th Nov] Droylsden v Frickley Athletic Gresley FC v Eastwood Town [11th Nov] Goole AFC v Farsley FC Grantham Town v Bedworth United Harrogate Railway Athletic v Stocksbridge Park Steels Kendal Town v Chorley Kidsgrove Athletic v Halesowen Town Lancaster City v Bamber Bridge Marine v Ashton United Mickleover Sports v Matlock Town Mossley or Padiham v AFC Fylde Nantwich Town v Leek Town New Mills v Rushall Olympic [11th Nov] Northwich Victoria v Trafford Ossett Albion v Scarborough Athletic Prescot Cables v Skelmersdale United Radcliffe Borough v Clitheroe Ramsbottom United v FC United of Manchester Romulus v Stafford Rangers [11th Nov] Salford City v Cammell Laird Sheffield FC v Ossett Town Stamford v Lincoln United or Wakefield Sutton Coldfield v Rainworth Miners or Loughborough Dynamo Whitby Town v Brigg Town [13th Nov] Witton Albion v Curzon Ashton Worksop Town v Kings Lynn Town [13th Nov] All ties to be played to a conclusion with penalties after 90 minutes.

[Note no extra time]

COMING UP...

At last, the start of the season—so here is the first few fixtures to get you in the mood …..

OSSETT TOWN v RAMSBOTTOM UNITED Tuesday 20 August 2013—7.45pm kick-off Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One North WARRINGTON TOWN v RAMSBOTTOM UNITED Saturday 24 August 2013—3.00pm kick-off Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One North RAMSBOTTOM UNITED v PADIHAM Bank Holiday Monday 26 August 2013—3.00pm kick-off Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One North RAMSBOTTOM UNITED v A.F.C.Liverpool or Cheadle Town Saturday 31 August 2013—3.00pm kick-off FA Cup Preliminary Round RAMSBOTTOM UNITED v NORTHWICH VICTORIA Saturday 7 September 2013—3.00pm kick-off Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One North Our first two away days are over to West Yorkshire and down the M62 to Warrington …. and here is how to get there!

WARRINGTON TOWN F.C. Address: Cantilever Park, Common Lane, Latchford, Warrington, WA4 2RS Directions: The nearest motorway is the M6 and you would leave at J20 signposted Warrington/Lymm. Enter Warrington and follow signposts for A50(Warrington). Once entering Warrington carry on down Grappenhall Road crossing the swing brige on the Manchester Ship Canal. Once across the bridge turn left immediatly and continue straight and the ground will appear on the left as you approach.

photo courtesy of Jon Bennett

OSSETT TOWN F.C. Address: Ingfield, Prospect Road, Ossett, West Yorkshire, WF5 9HA Directions: Exit the M1 at junction 40, and follow the signs towards Ossett B6129. Left into Dale Street, sign posted Town centre. At crossroads (Silvestri`s restaurant on right) turn left and ground is on the right. Parking can be found behind the bus station. From Wakefield Westgate train station take 116,117,126 or 127 to Ossett.

Ground is opposite Ossett Bus Station.

rammy squad Joint Manager and midfielder Bernard Morley

Joint Manager and striker Anthony Johnson

Coach Glenn Moses

Coach Darren Green

Coach John Hunter

Goalkeeper Grant Shenton Physio Katie Richardson

Centre-back and Captain Andy Dawson Right-back Dan Warrender

Right-back Jordan Hulme Centre-back Ian Flannery

Left-back Joel Pilkington Midfielder Mark Drew

Midfielder Grant Spencer

Midfielder Phil Edghill

Midfielder Gary Stopforth Left-wing Phil Dean

Right-wing Dom Smalley

Striker Tom Brookes

Striker Jon Robinson

Striker Lee Gaskell

Midfielder Tom Toft Striker Adam Morning

EDITORIAL - Supporters Club I’m really looking forward to this season for a whole load of different reasons.

We have a new, extremely accomplished and professional secretary in Graham Shuttleworth who seems to know his stuff. Add to that thefantastic new clubhouse which will no doubt become a real asset to the club, both financially and in creating much more of a home atmosphere for us all. We also have that handful of extra quality players that our squad needed last season to take things on to a higher level. The pitch and ground are, as ever, looking amongst the best in non-league football, and we’re hoping to make a few changes to the Supporters Club this year to get things really moving off the pitch.

This year’s big incentives to join the Supporters Club include the top-quality window/car sticker that lets you advertise your love of Rammy to all and sundry! As if that’s not enough, we’ve also run off a limited edition enamel badges that could be worth hundreds of pounds in years to come!

We’re hoping to get a few events organised this year too, in order that fans can get to know each other, and the players. Given the increasingly large numbers of us that are trekking to away games, and the growing attendances at home, we’d like to do a bit more this season. If you’re interested in getting involved then please say so when you fill in the membership form.

As ever, it’s likely that we won’t be able to sell membership before halftime (so we don’t spoil Harry’s raffle takings), but if you’d like to pop along to the teabar during halftime then you should find us there for the next few games. It’s a bargain £6 for membership, and we hope you’ll help support us. Virtually every penny of last year’s membership fee went into promoting Rammy, and I like to hope that we played a big part in making us the most supported teams in the league.

£6

Enamel Badge + Car Sticker + Supporters Club Membership

Managers: Anthony JOHNSON Bernard MORLEY

Grant SHENTON Danny WARRENDER Joel PILKINGTON Gary STOPFORTH Andy DAWSON Ian FLANNERY Dominic SMALLEY Mark DREW Jon ROBINSON Lee GASKELL Phil DEAN Grant SPENCER Phil EDGHILL Jordan HULME Owen ROBERTS Matthew RUSSELL Matthew WARBURTON Adam NUTTALL Tom TOFT Tom BROOKES Adam MORNING Sam HOWELL Callum SMITH

Manager: John FLANAGAN Assistant: Ian NEVISON

Richard BENNETT Hakon BURTON Ashley CRANK Connor HAMPSON Nicholas HAUGHTON Jonathan HUNT Lawrence HUNTER Graham KAY Matthew KAY Simon LAKELAND Chris McDONAGH Scot METCALFE Christopher ROWNEY Samuel WALKER Dean WARBURTON Andrew WATSON Ryan WATSON Simon WOODFORD Jordan WRIGHT Christopher YOUNG

Referee: Richard Abson (Chester) Assistants: T Ratcliffe (Stockport), P Gibbon (Northwich) Next home game: Monday 26th August 3pm, Padiham