rammy news V PRESCOT CABLES 22.10.13
TONY CUNNINGHAM AND THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL After a couple of successful knock-out victories over the last seven days, it’s back to the bread-and-butter tonight, as we welcome our old friends from Merseyside, everyone connected with Prescot Cables. Incidentally, may I say how pleased I was when, some time ago, the club reverted to it’s traditional name of “Cables”, having had a spell as boring old “Town”. I love unusual names, and don’t recall any other club having the suffix of Cables in their title, so well done to those who voted it back! We’ve had some battles with tonight’s opponents over the years, and whilst we may feel that we are going into this one on the back of a good run of form, come 7.45 tonight, it’s all start again. Cables will give us a tough game. NEW FANS As our crowds continue to grow, I’ve heard of a couple of occasions when we seem to be attracting supporters from the league club just on our doorstep. Things have gone woefully awry down at Gigg Lane over the last couple of years, and it gives me no pleasure to say so. My introduction to football was via my Grandad, as a seven year old, when he first started to take me to watch the Shakers. I’ve followed them ever since, and even during my days with a couple of other non-league clubs, I’ve always turned up to support them whenever possible. Indeed, I have had a season ticket there for over 50 years, and this season is no exception. I think I’ve used it twice so far! Going back some eighteen years, Bury was my main focal point when it came to watching soccer, but Ramsbottom United’s acceptance into the North West Counties League took my attention, and I occasionally ventured down to what was then a totally different Riverside ground to see what the standard was like. It couldn’t have been too bad, for as the months rolled by, I found myself coming along on a more regular basis. From being a Bury supporter who occasionally watched the Rams, along with other non-league teams, I have moved on to become a fervent Ramsbottom United supporter, who also goes to watch Bury whenever possible, along with any other non-league game I can fit in. I hope that the newer followers of the Rams, be they Bury fans or supporters of any other club, eventually end up like myself. The pleasure of following a team like Ramsbottom United is much more rewarding than following the bigger clubs. I would never discourage people from supporting the Burys of this world – goodness me, I still do it, and in the main, am proud to do so – but the warmth of the nonleague game, for me, is hard to beat. For those here tonight who are not regulars, may you enjoy the experience, and hopefully we’ll see you back here on a more regular basis. Enjoy your non-league football!
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 Editor: 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 Brooks 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
best squad ever Welcome to the HWRS to everyone involved at Prescot Cables. We've had a really positive October so far picking up some excellent well deserved victories. The football we have played at times has been scintillating and we're starting to look like our old selves. Saturday’s win was quite surreal, being 3-0 up after 7 minutes wasn't something we were expecting but the way we went after them so early in the game was very positive. Prescot have had a decent start to the season with some excellent results. We know what to expect from them and if we don't show them the respect they deserve we could be on the end of a drubbing. Me and Bern were chatting at the weekend and both agree that the present squad is as good as we have ever had, the additions of Owen, Billy and Tom have been first class as well as the 'next' group of youngsters coming through. Tommy Toth, Matt Warburton, Callum Smith and Matty Prickett were all outstanding against LR in the Lancs Trophy on Wednesday night and with Luke Bradbury injured and young 16 year old keeper Jake Chadwick also being involved recently the future looks very bright for the football club. The crowds recently have been outstanding. To have over 350 on Saturday helped inspire the way the lads are playing and we hope the 'locals' will keep supporting the team. Thanks for the support it has been immense and we hope to continue to provide a 'quality' brand of football. Jonno
Worksop Town arrived at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for the first ever meeting of the two clubs, but departed not knowing what had hit them. The Rams simply blew their more illustrious opponents apart with a brand of scintillating football that thrilled the appreciative large crowd. The home side raced into an unassailable three goal lead in the first seven minutes, as the visitors were pushed onto the back foot, where they stayed for most of the ninety minutes. After just three minutes, Jon Robinson outpaced his marker down the left before firing in a low cross which Tom Brooks neatly tucked away, to give the Rams an early advantage. They could not have envisaged that within a further four minutes they would have trebled that lead. Two minutes later, Phil Dean sent in an
identical cross which Ben Gathercole in the Town goal somehow fumbled, leaving Robinson with the easy task of flicking the loose ball home. Barely had the excitement calmed down, when Dominic Smalley won the chase for a loose ball in the area, and he calmed beat the disbelieving Gathercole to put the home side in dreamland. Credit to the visitors, despite the score-line, they showed they were up for a fight, and on 21 minutes managed to reduce the arrears. A two-on-two break saw Jack Muldoon race down the left-wing before sending over a perfect cross for Leon Mettam to convert at the far post. Brooks headed a Smalley cross over as the home side continued to attack, whilst at the other end, a dangerous through ball saw Mettam round Grant Shenton in the home goal, only to be denied by some frantic defence.
get in there!
penalty number one as Robbo is tackled from behind
7-2
Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 19th October 2013 Att: Rammy Goals: Brooks (3,52), Robinson (5), Smalley (7), Dean (34 pen, 35), Hulme (90) Worksop Goals: Mettam (21), Muldoon (88 pen)
penalty number two as Dom Smalley is felled
Brooks then saw his angled effort cleared off the line only for Owen Roberts to fire in a superb effort that sailed inches wide of the far post. On 28 minutes, as the Rams took a quick free-kick, Robinson went down near the referee, who immediately produced a red card for Town defender Laurence Gaughan. Ten-men Worksop came close to reducing the arrears just after that when a Phil Roe free-kick came back having crashed against the bar, and Danny Warrender, in attempting to clear the danger, came within a whisker of putting the ball into his own net. The ball then broke to Dean, who raced goal-wards to be frustrated by Gathercole who tipped his fierce drive over the bar. A Warrender cross ricocheted off Billy Priestley and sailed wide before the home side re-instated the three goal advantage. On 35 minutes Roberts crossed to the far side of the box for Smalley to nod the ball back in. Robinson was in the process of controlling it as he was up-ended by Patrece Liburd. Dean took the penalty, and although it was initially saved, he raced in to plant the rebound firmly home to give the home side a 4-1 advantage. As the second half began, Roberts was in the thick of the action. He first sent in a tantalising cross which just evaded the on-rushing Robinson, then he raced into the box before unleashing a shot that sailed just wide of the post. Then, on 52 minutes he played in a perfect through ball for Brooks, who calmly side-stepped the keeper before sliding it into an empty net. 5-1. A Warrender through ball next found Brooks, but as he attempted to loft it over the keeper, it flew harmlessly wide. The one-way traffic continued, as
Worksop finally accepted their fate. A Grant Spencer free-kick came back off the post, before another dangerous cross from Roberts found Robinson, but his header went straight to the keeper. Brooks went close to claiming his hat-trick as he hit the post before being part of a double substitution. Worksop then had a glorious chance to add to their score. In a rare attack, Conor Higginson found himself in acres of space on the left, but with only Shenton to beat, he screwed his effort wide. On 74 minutes, Smalley’s fine run into the area was stopped illegally, and up stepped Dean to net from yet another spot kick to make it 6-1. Two minutes later he could have notched the seventh, but he was just off target from 20 yards. Substitute Jordan Hulme then went racing into the left hand side of the box only to see his goalbound shot blocked, before the home side conceded a penalty themselves two minutes from time. Warrender’s slight trip on Higginson as he was racing across the edge of the penalty area, gave Muldoon the opportunity to net a consolation, which he did. Not to be outdone, the Rams came back to notch the final goal of the game themselves. In injury time, the over-worked Gathercole parried from Tommy Toth, but Hulme was on hand to pounce and knock in yet another for the rampant home side. This was a five-star performance, showing the Ramsbottom United side at it’s very best. Great work ethic, and excellent passing movements, that had the opposition chasing shadows for most of the afternoon. The 7-2 score-line in no way flattered them.
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TONY’S NON-LEAGUE TEASERS 1 Which club took Southport’s place in the Football League? 2 Which now-defunct club used to play at Grundy Hill?
3 Saffron Walden Town shares it’s nickname with which Tameside non-league club? 4 In 2001 Langney Sports changed their name to what?
5 Upon gaining promotion to the Welsh Premier League, Airbus UK’S ground was deemed not fully compliant, and were forced to play their early home games where? 6 Which club has the nickname “The Cards”/
7 Name the three non-league clubs whose grounds are within a goal-kick of one another in south Blackpool. 8 Which Skrill Premier ground is based at Nympsfield Road?
9 Which club vacated it’s long-established base at St Georges Road this summer?
ANSWERS: 1. Wigan Athletic 2 Horwich RMI 3 The Bloods (Droylsden) 4 Eastbourne Borough 5 Conwy United 6. Woking 7. AFC Blackpool, Squires Gate, Blackpool Wren Rovers 8 Forest Green Rovers 9 Worcester City 10. Bradford Park Avenue
10 Paddy Kenny signed for Bury from which non-league side?
today’s visitors
prescot cables
Nick Culkin - Goalkeeper and coach Age: 35 Signed for Premier League club Manchester United in September 1995, from York City while still in the club's youth system where he spent 5 years. During this time he was also loaned to Hull City, Bristol Rovers and Livingston. In 2002 he moved to QPR where he spent 3 seasons. Overall he played 93 league matches, three FA Cup matches, and seven League Cup matches. Culkin retired from professional football in April 2005 due to a long-standing knee injury.Culkin came out of retirement after signing for Northern Premier League Division One North team Radcliffe Borough in August 2010. During the 2011/12 season, Nick Culkin was placed in the NPL 1st Division North team of the Year. He remained at Radcliffe until October 2012 and then he joined Prescot Cables in November. John Beattie - Full Back Age: 18 Joined in September from Ashton United. Jon Lynch - Left Back / Midfield Age: 19 Product of Wigan Athletic Academy release in summer 2013. Joined Cables in September 2013 having spent pre season at Chorley and Stafford Rangers. Ryan Eiselt - Defender Age: 19 Recruited from Hyde FC having spent a short period in pre season at Lairds joined Cables towards the end of pre season making an instant impact. Evostick experience with Garforth on loan last season serving him well in his new Club, stepping into the departed Liam Hollett’s shoes at the heart of the defence. Anthony Shinks - Defender (Vice Captain) Age: 22 Joined in October 2012 from Marine FC where he had made several first team appearances. Enzo Benn - Defender / Midfield Age: 24 Former Vauxhall Motors player joining Prescot from Cammell Laird in November 2012. Also played at Worthing FC, having come to Liverpool to study from his home town of Brighton. James McCulloch (aka Kirk) - Midfield (Team Captain) Age: 23 All action Midfielder who returned to Cables at the end of 2011/12 season after a short time with Burscough FC.
Phil Bannister - Midfield Age: 19 19 year old central midfielder who came through the academy at Bolton Wanderers before joining Morecambe FC youth and reserves set up. Currently on loan from AFC Fylde. Rob Doran - Forward / Midfield Age: 22 Powerhouse forward/midfielder joined cables at the start of pre season from Marine’s reserve team. Adapting well to the step up in Leagues. Carl Furlong - Forward Age: 36 Vastly experienced local based Centre Forward signing for Cables In December 2012. Former Clubs, many and varied including - Wigan Athletic, San Pedro (Spain) Altrincham, Droylsden, Northwich Vics, Kendal, TNS, Colwyn Bay and honorary captain of team BONG!” Connor McCarthy - Forward Age: 18 Youth player broke through to first team in early April Making debut against Mossley. Liverpool County FA youth team representative. Issac Kusaloka - Forward Age: 22 Summer recruit on loan from AFC Fylde. Previous loan experience at Clitheroe, and also NW Counties experience at Squires Gate. Striker with blistering pace and a love for over head kicks ! David Powell - Manager Took over a much depleted squad in the summer of 2012 after most of the previous seasons squad left for pastures new. With the support of the loyal Club players rebuilt the squad throughout the season and guided the team to a most respectable 17th place finish. The UEFA B Licensed coach joined Cables from Ashton United, where he has spent the last two seasons as first team coach and Head of Player Development. The appointment represents a return to a management role for Powell who previously guided Wigan based Ashton Athletic from the local leagues into the First then the Premier Division of the North West Counties League during a four year stint. Ged Murphy - Assistant Player Manager Age: 34 Vastly experience Midfielder joined cables from Kendal at the start of last season after several successful seasons at Ashton United. Previous Clubs include Stafford Rangers, Droylsden, Altrincham, Nuneaton, since his release from Oldham Athletic. Appointed to player manager role at the end of September.
EDITORIAL - FROM THE DUGOUT Well after the amazing result against Worksop in the FA Trophy the boys were really buzzing with the way they performed and the overall result. It's amazing how a result like this can make players forget any niggles or Injuries that they were carrying or worrying about and also make everyone else forget about our mixed fortunes this season so far. Although we have no new players missing from selection due to injury the physio room is always busy before the game with the same three or four players, along with two or three other players who drop in depending on if they have a small problem or need a rub. On Saturday I had Andy Dawson in who needed both ankles strapping, then a hamstring and back massage. Danny Warrender came in for both his ankles strapped and Jon Robinson came in for an ankle strapping and a back rub. These are all things which I do every game without fail for these three players and is what needs doing to get our 'strong warrior type players' through every game. These are the treatments warrior at right-back, Danny Warrender which these players get week in week out to get them through a single game and which they just accept they have to do to enable them to play without re-injury. This is the commitment our guys go through and which everyone should remember, win or lose! On a different note I also saw Phil Edghill on Saturday for some ultrasound on his injured ankle. As stated in last week’s programme, Phil is having some timeout from playing and is seeking consultation from a specialist as to why his ankle is still not healed. Following on from this I am pleased to tell you that Phil has been able to get a scan on his ankle this week so hopefully we will have more of an idea of his prognosis soon. I will keep you posted. - Katy
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 Tues 17th Sept Sat 21st Sept Tues 24th Sept Sat 28th Sept Tues 1st Oct Sat 5th Oct Tues 8 th Oct Sat 12th Oct Weds 16th 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 Tues 19th 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 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
H A A H H H A A H A H A A A H A H H H A H A A H H A H H A A A H A H H A A H H A A H A A H A A A H A H A H
OPPOSITION CURZON ASHTON Ossett Town Warrington Town PADIHAM AFC Liverpool - FA Cup NORTHWICH VICTORIA Ossett Albion Stocksbridge - FA Cup Stocksbridge - FA Cup Mossley DARLINGTON 1883 Barrow - FA Cup Radcliffe Borough Warrington Town FA Trophy LANCASTER CITY Wakefield ATHERTON LR Lancs Trophy WORKSOP FA Trophy 1Q PRESCOT CABLES Harrogate Railway Athletic OSSETT ALBION (FAT 2Q) Darlington 1883 NEW MILLS FC UNITED Doodson cup Cammell Laird Padiham Lancs Trophy BURSCOUGH Kendal Town (Doodson Sport Cup) Curzon Ashton WAKEFIELD Bamber Bridge SALFORD CITY FARSLEY Padiham Northwich Victoria MOSSLEY RADCLIFFE BOROUGH Clitheroe 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
RES 1-3 0-2 0-1 1-2 5-0 2-2 2-1 2-2 3-0 4-3 3-0 0-3 1-1 2-1 6-0 3-2 3-1 7-2
ATT 254 100 192 309 238 212 73 129 127 173 396 677 241 103 241 64 69 355
STARTING ELEVEN Shenton Warrender Shenton Warrender Shenton Warrender Shenton Warrender Shenton Warrender Shenton Warrender Shenton Warrender Shenton Warrender Shenton Warrender 1 Shenton Warrender Shenton Warrender # Shenton Hulme + Shenton Warrender Shenton Warrender Shenton Hulme 1 Shenton Hulme Shenton Hulme Shenton Warrender
Pilkington Pilkington * Pilkington * Pilkington Roberts * Roberts * 1 Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts
Stopforth + Drew Drew + Drew + Stopforth + Pilkington Morley + Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth # Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth # Gaskell 1 Stopforth # Stopforth #
Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson + Robinson Priestley Dawson Dawson Dawson * Warrender Warrender Dawson * Dawson
Hulme Hulme Hulme Spencer * Robinson Robinson Robinson Robinson * Robinson Flannery # Flannery + Warrender Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Warburton Priestley
Morning * Morning + Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley 1 + Smalley # Smalley Smalley Smalley * Smalley Smalley Smalley 1 Smalley Prickett Smalley 1
Spencer Spencer Stopforth Stopforth Spencer Spencer Spencer # Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer * Spencer Toth Spencer
Robinson # Robinson Robinson Robinson Gaskell 2 Gaskell Gaskell 2 Gaskell Gaskell 1 Gaskell Gaskell Gaskell Gaskell * Hulme Robinson 1 + Robinson 1 + Smith 2 Robinson 1+
Brooks 1 Brooks # Gaskell # Gaskell Brooks # 1 Hulme Hulme Hulme # Roberts * 1 Roberts Robinson * 3 Robinson Robinson + Brooks Brooks 2 Brooks * Brooks 1 Brooks 2 *
Dean Dean Dean Dean # Dean 1 Dean 1 Dean * Dean 1 Dean Dean 1* Dean Dean Dean Dean + Dean Dean 1 Gaskell + Dean 2
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
SUBSTITUTES Drew + Smalley * Warburton Smalley * Warburton * Brooks # Edghill * Morley Pilkington * Bradbury # 1 Bradbury Edghill Toth * Prickett Roberts + Flannery * Flannery # Morley Hulme # + Brooks * 2 Pilkington + Brooks * Edghill + Brooks * Brooks * 1 Hulme + Edghill + Gaskell * Edghill * Gaskell + Edghill + Pilkington * Dean Smalley + Hulme 1 + Pilkington
Gaskell # Gaskell # Spencer + Johnson + Edghill + Prickett Johnson Brooks # Prickett Toth + Toth Toth # Toth Toth Toth # Toth Priestley * Toth #
Toth Toth Toth Brooks 1 # Drew Toth Toth * Bradbury # Morley Toth Brooks * Prickett Dawson # Morley Morley Morley Morley Morley Spencer # Gaskell *
Bradbury Bradbury + Bradbury Roberts Warburton Morley Warburton + Prickett Toth+ Hulme Edghill Edghill Johnson Edghill Pilkington Warburton Dawson Robinson Chadwick
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
3-0
The Harry Williams Riverside 13th October 2012 Att: 283 Rammy Goals: Gaskell (18), Flannery (31), Robinson (79)
The Rams, once again, showed that they have nothing to fear as they begin to get accustomed to life in the Evo-Stik League. Against a Prescot Cables team that has enjoyed their football at this level for many years, the home side dominated the game and deservedly gained all three points before the Division’s best crowd of the day, 283. It was also deemed to be “Non-League Day” as a result of the lack of fixtures in the top two tiers, and amongst a number of ground-hoppers present were some who had made the journey up from Sussex and Kent, just to see the game and make a swift return home on Saturday night. There was much for them to enjoy. As early as the fourth minute the Rams almost took the lead. A fierce drive from Phil Dean was only parried by Longrigg in the Prescot goal, but desperate defending prevented Lee Gaskell from prodding home the loose ball. Within a minute Phil Edghill had tested Longrigg, whilst moments later Jon Robinson headed a Grant Spencer free-kick over the bar. Gaskell had another attempt thwarted by the over-worked Longrigg, but he could do nothing to stop the home side snatching the lead on 18 minutes. A perfectly lobbed ball from Gary Stopforth saw Gaskell scampering between two defenders, and as the keeper came out, the Rams leading scorer calmly slipped the ball beneath his diving body and in by the far post. A fine cross ball from Robinson found Spencer on the right wing, and as he raced past his marker, he placed a low cross in to the box which the Cables defence did well to clear. Robinson fired in a 30 yarder to test the custodian before the pressure finally resulted in a second goal. On 31 minutes, a left-wing Spencer corner fell perfectly for Ian Flannery who poked the ball home from six yards out, for the simplest of finishes.
Spencer went looking to extend the lead as he cut into the area, but his angled drive cleared the cross bar. The Rams suffered another defensive injury, following the loss of influential skipper Andy Dawson, when Mark Ayres was on the end of a clumsy tackle. He played on for a few minutes before admitting defeat, and he was replaced by Dominic Smalley. For the visitors, Rimmer sent a powerful header straight at Grant Shenton in the home goal, and the keeper had to deal with a low shot from Thomas, but most of Cables’ efforts came from long range, and created little difficulty for the stout home rearguard. There were claims for a penalty early in the second half, when Phil Dean appeared to be nudged off the ball, but the referee was having none of it, then Stopforth burst into the box, but lost his balance as he shot, and the ball flew harmlessly wide. The visitors almost halved the deficit on 54 minutes when a free-kick nestled by the far post, and Shenton had to move quickly to smother the danger. Shinks brought a save out of the home keeper when his effort was palmed round for a corner, from which Edwards failed to connect powerfully enough with a header and the ball cleared the far post. Prescot certainly looked livelier in the second period, restricting the home side’s chances, but a third goal on 79 minutes killed the game off. A fine cross from the right found Robinson in acres of space and he planted a header wide of Longrigg to ensure the three points stayed at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium. Further chances fell to Dean and Spencer as the home side saw out the game with little to worry about. A sunny afternoon and a well-deserved three points proved to be just reward for the large crowd, and confirmation, if it were needed, that Ramsbottom United have found their feet and look more than comfortable at this level.
last season
this time
GRAHAM SHUTTLEWORTH Ramsbottom United 7 - 2 Worksop Town: If I am to be honest, then I must say that I never saw that coming, and I doubt that few did! The Worksop defence, to say nothing of their officials and travelling support, must have wondered what hit them after going three down in opening 7 minutes, and they never managed to live with what Rammy had to offer over the 90 minutes - in fact you could say the Tigers got mauled (ok, corny, but you think of something better first thing on a Sunday morning!!!) We even managed feature in The FA round-up (Margate took the lead with their 9-4 away win at Trafford Park) with their '.... although Ramsbottom cruised through ....' comment. I am sure that the team were buoyed by the great turn out once again, and contrast that with the totally woeful 48 who watched the Cammell Laird v Curzon Ashton encounter, and you will understand what I mean, even more so when you consider that this figure includes club officials from both sides! But allow me to leave this short piece with the opening paragraph from the Worksop Guardian: 'Tigers came home from Ramsbottom United with their tails between their legs on Saturday, after a record FA Trophy defeat.' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There's no time for the players, or supporters, to bask in the glory of Saturday, as it's back to the 'bread-and-butter' of the league campaign this evening as we welcome everyone connected with Prescot Cables. Three points tonight could see us move up from 14th position to 9th, putting us on the same number of points as Harrogate Railway Athletic, making our trip their on Saturday that little bit tastier! With Cables just the one point behind us as we kick-off we should be in for another outstanding fixture. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hinckley United bit the dust this week with liabilities in excess of ÂŁ1m. Exactly how any club can be allowed to amass such debt is really beyond my comprehension. I for one am not surprised as to what has happened having had dealings with them at one of my previous clubs some 5/6 years ago. They had problems then and clearly carried on the long spiral downwards. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And finally, a mention for the younger players who performed so admirably in the Lancashire Challenge Trophy last Wednesday night, the only negative being the injury sustained by Luke Bradbury in the pre match arm-up. It is always good to see youth players come through the ranks and I am sure that they have a bright future here at the HWRS. Their performance has earned us the right to host Padiham in the Second Round which will take place on Tuesday 19 November, and I very much look forward to seeing those same youngsters (subject to selection of course Jonno/Bernard!) taking us a step closer to the Final - so no pressure then! - Graham
RAMMY IN EXILE - RICHARD ISAACS Good evening all, hope you all are well and are enjoying our superb upturn in form. What was all the worrying about early in the season??? This is much more like it - six against Lancaster and then SEVEN against a higher league opposition who had been going quite well. There was never any fear really, was there (ahem!!!). It was interesting on Saturday as I watched the Twitter feed of our 7-2 demolition of Worksop Town in the FA Trophy whilst watching a very dull rugby game between Portsmouth and Old Colfeians (a bunch of London Old Boys School jazzers network - Colfeians, not Portsmouth!!!) that I had a very intriguing thought. On Saturday, Champions League elect Southampton (we are fourth, you know!!!) were playing some mid-table outfit from Stretford called Manchester United in the Premier League at 'The Theatre of Dreams TM'. And it made me wonder ... if I was still living up there, where would I have gone? To Old Trafford to watch Saints along with 70,000 others ... or to the HWRS to watch Rammy with 300+ spectators? I have had this question tested a number of times before and, back many years ago in the first year of Bernard and Jonno's tenure, I toddled off to Oldham Athletic to watch Saints play in League One. Saints won the game but I went up to Rammy afterwards to find out we had lost 3-2 to Alsager Town. My great feeling of joy at Saints win was soured by knowing Rammy had lost. And it was then that I realised that there was only one place I would go and that is continue to follow the Rams. Saints have played in the area on many occasions but I haven't been worried at all about missing it ... I would much rather watch the Rams. And even though I would have missed the terrific 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Saturday, I could watch extensive highlights on Sky Sports (plug for the paymasters!) or the rubbish highlights on Match of the Day but I would have been more annoyed that I had missed the Rams smashing seven past Worksop! It is why - much to my sister's chagrin - that I now say that Ramsbottom United are my number one team, ahead of the big guns aiming for the Champions League. Why do I say that? It's because you feel so much more part of the family here, rather than just being a number in the big world of the Premier League. The differences between the two are huge but I would much rather be here, instead of paying ÂŁ50 to watch that level of football, plus everything else that goes with it. The plastic supporters of the 'big clubs' really are not for me ... give me the real thing any day. I cannot believe I am actually saying that as it would not have been something I would have said less than 10 years ago but I'm hooked. Oh and by the way - Bury were playing in Portsmouth on Saturday! 'Pompey' won 1-0 (sadly!) but I would have rather watched The International Paint Drying Championships than watch that level of non-league football!!!! (said to wind up my Portsmouth-based friends). Anyway, that will do for me tonight. You can be sure that I will be watching on a computer/phone/iPad/something tonights game. And, no doubt, shouting C'MON RAMMY!!!!!!!!! - Richard
THIS WEEK’S MATCHES Monday 21st October Curzon Ashton v Salford
Tuesday 22nd October Clitheroe v Northwich Mossley v Lancaster Radcliffe v Harrogate Rammy v Prescot Wakefield v Burscough Warrington v Cammell Laird Wednesday 23rd October Darlington v Padiham
Saturday 26th October Burscough v Bamber Bridge Cammell Laird v Curzon Ashton Farsley v Radcliffe Harrogate v Rammy Lancaster v Darlington New Mills v Clitheroe Northwich v Mossley Ossett Town v Warrington Padiham v Kendal Prescot v Ossett Albion Salford v Wakefield
rammy squad Joint Manager and midfielder Bernard Morley Joint Manager and striker Anthony Johnson
Coach Darren Green
Coach Glenn Moses
Coach John Hunter Physio Katy Richardson
Coach John Hunter
Goalkeeper Grant Shenton
Right-back Jordan Hulme
Centre-back and Captain Andy Dawson Right-back Dan Warrender Right-back Dan Warrender
Right-back Left-backJordan Owen Hulme Roberts Centre-Back Left-backBilly JoelPriestley Pilkington
Midfielder Tom Toth Midfield Joel Pilkington
Midfielder Grant Spencer Midfielder Midfielder Phil Phil Edghill Edghill
Midfielder Gary Stopforth Left-wing Phil Dean
Right-wing Right-wing Dom Dom Smalley Smalley Striker Tom Brookes
Striker Jon Robinson Striker Lee Gaskell
Striker Matty Warburton Midfielder Tom Toth
Striker Luke Bradbury Striker Adam Morning
EDITORIAL - SUPPORTERS CLUB
There were a few things that were really special about Saturday’s crowd. When I first started coming down to Rammy matches, the supporter-base was very much old boys shuffling in for something to do on a Saturday; possibly to get out from under their wife’s feet for a couple of hours. You could feel that most folk weren’t really supporting Rammy - they were exiled Bury/United/Burnley fans who hadn’t been to a higher-level game for a good long while and just wanted to watch a match on a Saturday afternoon. I remember saying to Katie, when we began the Supporters Club, that as Rammy begins to experience some success, we would see a gradual shift in the demographics of the supporters, and would also start to see people becoming ‘real supporters’. What we saw in large numbers on Saturday was proof of a fan-base that is starting to really evolve, becoming younger and younger, and at the same time much more loyal. Our fans are also really starting to genuinely support the team; getting to know the players and feeling a growing affinity with them. There were loads of younger men as well as women and children at Saturday’s match, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those of us who’ve been coming for a while... and indeed the old boys, who aren’t just shuffling in anymore, but are starting to really look forward to watching their team play football. I even saw a couple of kids asking Billy Priestley for his autograph. This is the kind of stuff that we need to carry this club into a really bright future, and I’d like to congratulate every one of your for the part you’re playing in making Rammy into a really special club.
Managers: Anthony JOHNSON Bernard MORLEY
Grant SHENTON Danny WARRENDER Owen ROBERTS Billy PRIESTLEY Gary STOPFORTH Andy DAWSON Dominic SMALLEY Grant SPENCER Jon ROBINSON Phil DEAN Lee GASKELL Tom BROOKS Phil EDGHILL Joel PILKINGTON Jordan HULME Tom TOTH Matthew PRICKETT
Manager: David Powell
Adam REID Enzo BENN Jon LYNCH Ged MURPHY Anthony SHINKS Rob DORAN James McCOLLOCH Phil BANNISTER Carl FURLONG Connor McCARTHY Callum HOCTOR John BEATTIE Isaac KUSALOKA James CAIRNS Ryan GRATTAN Mike SMITH
Referee: Bob Roberts (Leyland) Assistants: James Shepherd (Preston), Keith Martin (Preston) Next home game: Tuesday 29th October 7:45pm, Ossett Albion