rammy news V OSSETT ALBION 29.10.13
TONY CUNNINGHAM AND THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium (weather permitting!) for today’s league fixture against our good friends from Ossett Albion, and I’d like to welcome everyone who has made the journey over the hill. A quick look at the league table will have this game down as a home banker. Albion are struggling at the bottom whilst we have won our last six games in fine style. Obviously a home win then? Not likely! We’ve been there before, and on many occasions have slipped up, so we will have to be at our best tonight to gather the three points. The game in Yorkshire last month was a close affair. We had looked set for an easy victory early on there, but the Albion produced a fighting display to see us grateful for the final whistle as we gained a narrow 2-1 win. However, there is no doubt that we go into the game in excellent form, as the latest 4-0 result in Harrogate on Saturday will confirm. Unfortunately we were thwarted in our attempt to make it a seven game winning run when the heavens opened above Ramsbottom last Tuesday. An afternoon pitch inspection was called off as the pitch seemed perfectly sound, but at 6.15, the weather turned nasty. An almighty downpour, accompanied by thunder and lightning, lasted non-stop for 15 minutes. When it did desist, it left a pitch covered in water that was finding great difficulty in draining away. Having spent some time looking for an improvement, the referee had no option other than to call the game off, which was very disappointing, but ultimately the right thing to do.
WELL-TREATED On welcoming everyone from Ossett tonight, it had me thinking about the reception we receive at various grounds. Graham was not available for the away game, so I took on the Secretary’s role, and I have to say, the Albion officials were amongst the most welcoming I have experienced. I was looked after from the minute I arrived, so I hope our treatment of them tonight is as well received. It is not always the case, alas, for on our travels, we do venture to some places where the organisation is, shall we say, not up to standard. Naturally, I shall refrain from naming the culprits, but to me, the whole essence of the non-league game is the camaraderie and warmth of those involved with it’s running. When we went up to Barrow recently, the reception was superb. My old mate, Sid Blain, was in charge of the hospitality there, and it could not have been better. Sid enjoys his food! His idea of looking after visiting officials reflects his taste in life! There are a number of clubs I enjoy visiting. Padiham, New Mills, Prescot Cables, Bamber Bridge and Clitheroe easily slip to mind. In our NWCFL days, I looked forward to our regular trips to Abbey Hey, Congleton Town , Barnoldswick Town, and Glossop North End, all as a result of their warm welcome. That’s not to say that clubs I haven’t mentioned don’t deserve a pat on the back, but there are a handful which, should we never visit again, I won’t be too upset. But I suppose that non-league football is all about being made to feel welcome. Can the same be said about the professional game? 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
Good evening and welcome to the HWRS for our league game against Ossett Albion. I would like to welcome all the officials, players and supporters of 'Albion' and hope you enjoy your stay and have a safe journey home. We of course have already played Ossett Albion once this season with the game being at their place, which we won 2-1 thanks to a couple of goals from Lee Gaskell. It was actually our first win of the season after we had lost the first four games. We have since been on a terrific run which has seen us climb from the foot of the table up into the top half playing some very good football en route. Once again the travelling army of Rammy fans where out in big numbers for the game at Harrogate on Saturday and once again were treated to an excellent result. Skipper Andrew Dawson (knee), Owen Roberts (holiday) and Jordan Hulme (work) were all missing from the squad so Pilky made his first start for a while whilst young Jake Chadwick (GK) and Matty Prickett (recalled from Colne) were drafted into the squad. Kelvin Lomax also made his debut and had a very good game at right back. He has just returned from playing in Australia after leaving Hyde at the end of last season. He also has played well over 150 games in the football league for Shrewsbury, Rochdale and Chesterfield but is probably more remembered for his time at Oldham Athletic where he was an ever present in their team. At 26 he still has ambitions to return to the pro ranks so for us to be able to sign him is a huge coup for the football club. Back to tonight's game, we know it will be a hard battle against a team who have beaten one of the form teams Mossley recently and got a point with New Mills so we need to show them the respect they deserve. We have the matter of a big FA Trophy match at Blyth Spartans on Saturday but tonight game is so much more important as we need the 3 points to keep in touch with the top 5. We have been excellent at home so far and we intend on keeping that run going. Please continue to get behind the lads and we will repay you with the usual high work rate and passion. - Jonno
great support
today’s visitors
ossett albion
Richard Tracey – Player Manager - Experienced former professional with Sheffield United, Rotherham United, Macclesfield and Carlisle United. Richard has an excellent scoring record wherever he has played. Appointed player manager early in 2013. Adam Muller – Assistant Player Manager – Adam is an experienced striker who has also played for Worksop Town, Guiseley Ilkeston Town Eastwood Town, Farsley & Buxton. Kevin Quinn – Defender / Coach – Irish born defender, Kevin is now in his third season with the club, joining when he moved to the area to take up a teaching post at Ossett School. A well respected central defender who can also play at right back. Adam Rhodes – Goalkeeper – A product of Albion’s youth policy, Adam secured his first team spot early in 2013 following some excellent performances. Has committed his future to the Albion despite interest from a number of clubs. Steven Nicholson - Defender – An experience defender who for a number of years captained Emley FC. He is also a former manager of Wakefield FC. Signed last season from Farsley FC.
Luke Durham – Wide Midfield – Luke joins the club from Northern Counties East club Pontefract FC, having previous experience at Harrogate Town, Harrogate Railway and Selby Town. Dale Kelly – Striker – A former member of Albion’s U19 squad, Dale rejoined the club last season following a short spell at Stocksbridge Park Steels. Craig Tonkinson – Midfield – Energetic young midfielder. Joined this season from Farsley FC. Niall O’Brien – Midfield – An experienced midfielder signed last season from Ossett Town. Sam Jackson – Defender – Returned to the club recently following a spell in Australia playing for Shepparton United. Sam Robinson – Striker – Young striker who broke into Farsley’s first team last October, scoring on his second appearance for the club. Ben Jones – Striker – An experienced striker who has signed from Farsley FC. Missed most of last season due to injury.
Will Hayton – Defender – Solid left back who broke into the first team at the end of last season following some excellent performance with the Reserves. Made his first team debut at Trafford.
Macauley Parkinson – Defender – Currently on loan from Guiseley, 17year old Macaulay is an imposing and impressive defender who has already attracted much attention. He spent much of that season on loan at Evo-Stik Division One side Ossett Town.
Stefan Holt – Defender – Club Captain, now in his third season at the club, Stefan is a Right Back or Central Defender who has had experience with Barnsley. Voted player of the year in both of his first two seasons.
Sam O’Neill – Defender – Originally from Worcester and now living in Leeds, Sam is a no nonsense defender who recently had trials at Guiseley, he has had experience in the Southern League with Bishops Cleeve FC.
Tyrone Gay – Defender – Now in his second season, Tyrone is a solid no nonsense central defender. Has made the No 5 shirt his own. Has also had experience at Ossett Town.
Darol Lucas – Midfield – A former Ossett Albion U19 player Darol is a skilful midfielder with an eye for goal. Has also played for Ryton FC in the Northern League. Rejoined the club recently from Glasshoughton Welfare.
Henry Owen – Defender – Now in his 2nd season at Albion, Henry is a 21 year old from Oxford who is currently studying at Leeds University. He has played for Oxford United at both youth and reserve team levels. He has also had experience with Banbury United and North Leigh. Alex Metcalfe – Midfield – Talented 18-year-old midfielder who is on dual registration with Harrogate Town. Has also had youth experience at Bradford City, Hull City and Millwall.
Danny Walsh – Midfield – Central midfielder signed recently from Frickley Athletic. Made over 250 appearances for the Blues between 2006 & 2011. Andy McManus - Defender – A solid central defender re-signed recently following a spell in local football due to family commitments. Andy has had experience at both Ossett Town and Wakefield.
EDITORIAL - FROM THE DUGOUT Well after last weekends amazing victory against Worksop in the FA Trophy and then getting a great result in the league against Harrogate the mood in the changing room is buoyant and one of hope that this is just the start of our progression to push us up the league. We had Owen Roberts and Jordan Hulmes missing for the Harrogate game. Neither player was injured and both had family and work commitments which kept them from playing. We did have had a huge injury setback this week with Andy Dawson suffering what appears to be a serious knee injury. He had a slight twinge in his knee in the first half of the Worksop game but it didn't give him any pain and he appeared to run if off. He put a little ice on it after the game to try to prevent any swelling and everything seemed to be ok. Unfortunately he woke up on Sunday with severe swelling around the knee and a lot of fluid in situ. He attended his doctors and has managed to get a scan on it next week but we are looking at a potential lengthy absence Andy Dawson, with what looks like a cartilage and ligout of action ament problem. He has previously had his crutiate ligaments repaired in this knee so we have everything crossed that it isn't as severe as this. Since seeing Andy on Tuesday and again on saturday the swelling has reduced in the knee and a lot of the fluid has drained away but unfortunately he still substantial pain and is unable to fully lengthen his leg. Hopefully the scan will establish the problem there and give us a prognosis for when he may return. Apart from Andy all our boys are in good shape with no new injuries and are feeling good for the big games coming up. We have no upcoming suspensions and feel we are in a good position to put out a strong team not only in tonight's league fixture against Ossett but also against Blythe Spartans this weekend in the FA Trophy. Hopefully the next time I write I'll not only have great news about Daws but also I'll be talking about another great week or results in all competitions.
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TONY’S NON-LEAGUE TEASERS 1 Name the manager that led Hyde into Conference National. 2 Which club had he previously managed for twelve years?
3 Who is the manager of the England C (non-league) team?
4 Which club suffered the first automatic relegation from the Football League in 1986? 5 Which club replaced them from non-league? 6 Which club plays at Throstle’s Nest?
7 Which league do Workington Town play in?
8 Forest Green Rovers owner changed the club’s colours to green shirts this season (not surprisingly!) What colours did they previously wear?
9 Burscough and Kings Lynn share the same nick-name. What is it?
ANSWERS: 1. Gary Lowe 2. Curzon Ashton 3. Paul Fairclough 4. Lincoln City 5. Scarborough 6. Farsley 7. Rugby football League (Skrill North side, Workington FC, are often called “Town”) 8 Black + white stripes 9. Linnets 10. Clapton
10 Which club plays at the wonderfully-names Old Spotted Dog ground?
Ramsbottom United’s fine run continued in north Yorkshire with a comprehensive victory over a side that had started the day above the Rams in the table. Another fine display of attacking football added four more goals to a run that has seen the rampant Rams notch 23 in the last five games. Phil Dean almost opened the scoring on seven minutes but he hit the side netting. Just ten minutes later, the visitors nudged in front. Some good interplay between Dean and Gary Stopforth saw the latter lift the ball into the box where Dominic Smalley was on hand to rifle the ball into the top right hand corner from 15 yards. The home side looked to regain parity, but their finishing let them down, with their closest effort seeing a free-kick saved by Grant Shenton in goal. The Rams should have doubled the lead when an excellent ball in from Smalley landed perfectly for Tom Brooks, but the striker inexplicably turned the ball over the bar from just a couple of yards out. Brooks and Stopforth both went close before, on 35 minutes, the second goal did arrive. Stopforth provided the perfect ball down the middle, which cleared the heads of two defenders, allowing Jon Robinson to collect, round the keeper and slide the ball
home. Robinson could have doubled his tally when he gathered a cross from the right by Brooks, but he delayed long enough for the keeper to clear the danger. A free-kick from Grant Spencer fell nicely for Billy Priestley, but the home custodian managed to bundle the ball out for a corner In the last minute of the first half, the Rams put the game beyond their hosts when Smalley was upended in the box by Mike Morris. Dean gleefully hammered the ball into the bottom left hand corner from the 12-yard spot to make it 3-0. The second half began at a slower pace, but on 56 minutes Shenton produced a superb double save to deny first Dan Thirkill then Colin Hunter as the home side desperately strived to find a way back into the match. On 70 minutes, any Harrogate fightback became academic as the Rams added a fourth. A great run down the left from the halfway line by Dean saw him drive into the box and send in a cross-cum-shot which dropped into the net over keeper Eric Grimes. contd...
Dom Smalley brought down for a penalty
cruising up to tenth
Jon Robinson rounds the keeper to score
contd... Dean was denied a hat-trick when minutes later he bundled the ball home at the second attempt, but the referee chalked it off for hand-ball. On 80 minutes the hosts went down to ten men through injury, when all their substitutes had been used, and it got worse on 86 minutes when manof-the-match Dean was subjected to a crunching tackle from Joel Dixon who was promptly shown a red card. Another fine display from a Ramsbottom United team playing some excellent attacking football in a run that has brought six consecutive victories.
0-4
Station View 26th October 2013 Att: 124 Rammy Goals: Smalley (16), Robinson (35), Dean (45 pen, 70)
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 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 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 Harrogate Railway Athletic OSSETT ALBION Blyth Spartans FA Trophy 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 4-0
ATT 254 100 192 309 238 212 73 129 127 173 396 677 241 103 241 64 69 355 124
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 Shenton Lomax
Pilkington Pilkington * Pilkington * Pilkington Roberts * Roberts * 1 Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Pilkington
Stopforth + Drew Drew + Drew + Stopforth + Pilkington Morley + Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth # Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth # Gaskell 1 Stopforth # Stopforth # Stopforth
Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson + Robinson Priestley Dawson Dawson Dawson * Warrender Warrender Dawson * Dawson Warrender
Hulme Hulme Hulme Spencer * Robinson Robinson Robinson Robinson * Robinson Flannery # Flannery + Warrender Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Warburton Priestley Priestley
Morning * Morning + Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley 1 + Smalley # Smalley Smalley Smalley * Smalley Smalley Smalley 1 Smalley Prickett Smalley 1 Smalley 1
Spencer Spencer Stopforth Stopforth Spencer Spencer Spencer # Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer * Spencer Toth Spencer 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+ 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 * Brooks *
Dean Dean Dean Dean # Dean 1 Dean 1 Dean * Dean 1 Dean Dean 1* Dean Dean Dean Dean + Dean Dean 1 Gaskell + Dean 2 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 Toth * Gaskell +
Gaskell # Gaskell # Spencer + Johnson + Edghill + Prickett Johnson Brooks # Prickett Toth + Toth Toth # Toth Toth Toth # Toth Priestley * Toth # Prickett #
Toth Toth Toth Brooks 1 # Drew Toth Toth * Bradbury # Morley Toth Brooks * Prickett Dawson # Morley Morley Morley Morley Morley Spencer # Gaskell * Chadwick
Bradbury Bradbury + Bradbury Roberts Warburton Morley Warburton + Prickett Toth+ Hulme Edghill Edghill Johnson Edghill Pilkington Warburton Dawson Robinson Chadwick Johnson
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
Ramsbottom United returned down the M6 with their sixth away victory to date in the League, having decimated a shell-shocked Lancaster City outfit. Having fired blanks in the last two matches, the Rams forwards were positively rampant as they hammered five past the Dolly Blues defence whilst keeping yet another clean sheet, their sixth in the last seven league games. Although the home side had the ball in the net after just five minutes, the offside flag cancelled out the effort, and from then on it was virtually one-way traffic as the visitors took the game to their more illustrious hosts. With Grant Spencer and Phil Dean creating a constant source of danger down either wings, the home defence struggled to keep the visitors at bay. A Spencer corner was headed clear, before Lee Gaskell beat the offside trap but delayed a little too long allowing McDonald in the home goal to clear the danger.
0-5
Giant Axe 3rd November 2012 Att: 220 Rammy Goals: Gaskell (21 pen, 28), Robinson (38,43), Ayres (89)
Another through ball for Jon Robinson was then plucked off his toes by McDonald, who must have sensed that a long afternoon was ahead of him. He was beaten for the first time from the penalty spot after 21 minutes when Gaskell hammered the ball in after Spencer had been brought down in the box. A high ball bounced just too high in front of the onrunning Dean, but the Rams pressure paid off again on 28 minutes. Dean, yet again, chased the ball down the left before crossing for Gaskell to notch his and the Rams second from close range as he buried the ball into the top of the net. A one-two between Robinson and Dean created space in the box but the diminutive winger’s effort sailed wide. On 35 minutes, Dean, who was tying the home side’s defence in knots, raced down the left towards the six-yard box, before crossing for Robinson to stretch out his leg to divert the ball home for the third.
A fourth almost came following more intricate work by Robinson and Gaskell, but a minute before the break the game was effectively over as a contest. Dominic Smalley raced down the right to be fed by Spencer, and as he reached the by-line, he put in a low cross for Robinson to convert by the near post. The Rams left the pitch for the half-time break to rapturous applause from their usual healthy number of supporters whilst the home side looked totally downcast. Lancaster came more into the game in the second period, and on 58 minutes could have reduced the arrears. A trip in the box resulted in the second penalty award of the afternoon, but Grant Shenton, who had been a virtual spectator in the first half, dived to his left to pull off a great save. Substitute Kuba-Kuba should have opened his account for the club when he chased a Gaskell ball, but his shot went disappointingly wide, whilst Dean
brought out a first-class save from McDonald as the Rams continued to press the home side. Dean fired a free-kick into the wall, then Smalley joined in the fun, but, having raced into the area, he fired his shot well over the bar. A rare effort from the home side came from a freekick at the other end, but Shenton again pulled off an excellent save as he craved yet another clean sheet. Dean and Kuba-Kuba were both close to adding to the scoreline before Mark Ayres finally did so two minutes from time. McDonald saved well from a corner, but as the ball was played back into the area, Ayres was on hand to nod it in to complete the rout. A fine all round performance lifted the Rams into the play-off spots, and they can now look forward to testing themselves in what should be the game-ofthe-day next Saturday when they entertain leagueleaders Mossley at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.
this time last season
GRAHAM SHUTTLEWORTH October is turning into a very good month so far with the only hiccup being the 1-1 draw at Radcliffe Borough on the 1st, and the team have managed to record 14 goals while conceding just three in the league, with the cup fixtures showing 12:4. Taking into account the 6-0 demolition of Lancaster and the 7-2 hammering of Worksop Town and who knows what award may be coming the way of Jonno and Bernard! It's a record that will certainly take some beating this month, but Ossett Albion will no doubt be looking to make sure they spoil any potential party. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The three points that returned our way after Saturday's trip into the White Rose County enabled us to move up four places in the league table to 10th, overtaking our hosts Harrogate in the process. I don't know how many of you acquired a programme at the game on Saturday but the headline following their 4-0 win over Padiham a week earlier read: 'Rail Record Their Highest Win Of The Season Against Newcomers Padiham' A quick check on their results to date shows that our win is their heaviest defeat of the season. I wonder what headline that will produce! It's far too early of course for people to start talking about who will win the league, despite the obvious healthy position both Warrington Town and Curzon Ashton find themselves in. I think that many would be astounded after our two meetings this season to actually believe that Warrington could be where they are! There are plenty of games to go and points to be won. we need November to replicate October - so no pressure then! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It's back to cup action next weekend and a trip to Blyth Spartans, the first of two journeys to the north east within five days, subject of course to there being no replay required. The Spartans are going well in the Premier League, lying in 6th position, but with a zero goal difference, 25/25 from 16 games, it clearly shows that they are not setting any records, and after their 1-3 defeat at home on Saturday they will be smarting, but clearly vulnerable. I am sure that Worksop Town came to the HWRS in the last round confident against the 'minnows' and hopefully the Spartans will make the same mistake. The lads know that they can perform against the best and there is no better opportunity to do so once again than this game. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On things not Rammy related and nearer to home: Altrincham have announced they have safeguarded the Skrill North club’s future for the next 34 years after securing an extension to their lease at their J.Davidson Stadium until 2047. Alty are assured of at least another three decades at their iconic home at Moss Lane after successfully applying for an extension to their long-standing agreement with landlords Trafford Borough Council. Stockport County are due to host a group of potential investors at their next home game against AFC Telford. A delegation from China, organised by County’s former marketing manager Steve Bellis, are set to visit Edgeley Park for the game on November 2. And to complete a trio of news from Cheshire Conference sides, this from Stalybridge Celtic: In the week between the departure of Jim Harvey and the arrival of Keith Briggs, there was a gap that needed filling for training, and it was taken by Manchester United Legend, the one and only, Paul Scholes. Paul volunteered his services to help the lads train while awaiting the appointment of the new gaffer, asking only that it be kept quiet whilst he helped. Every single one of the players appreciated this and kept it under wraps.
RAMMY IN EXILE - RICHARD ISAACS Good evening everyone. Hope all is well and you are continuing to love our great form as much as I am - even from this far distance. Well, I am writing this from a café/bar on Bristol Temple Meads station after an enjoyable day at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for the opening day of the Rugby League World Cup, featuring two games - Australia defeating England (well it had to happen sometime in some sport or another) and then Italy beating the home side Wales. It was a really great day, especially as the roof was closed and it made the atmosphere just that much better. It really makes you think that the new Wembley missed a massive trick by not putting a roof on. The opening ceremony, with lights and fireworks worked so well in the enclosed stadium but had natural light come through, it wouldn't have been the same. But I am going to have a gripe and this is another reason why I enjoy nonleague football .... safety measures!!!! With me being on my Slimming World diet (lost 1 and a half pounds this week by the way), I had a packed lunch of a salad in a Tupperware box, some cooked meat and some fruit as well as a bottle of water. I got to the gate where they checked my bag ... and confiscated the water! The reason ... "it might be thrown at someone and cause injury". WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So it is ok for me to have a large Tupperware box with salad in, two frozen cool blocks etc, but I can't have a sealed bottle of water?? Ahhhh, but I could buy a bottle of water - transferred to a plastic cup - for £2.50 inside the stadium. It all becomes clear now, eh. And was there ever likely to be any kind of incident which involved throwing water bottles? Or even salad Tupperware boxes? God no!!!! And that is why I enjoy the friendliness, comfort and enjoyment of watching Rammy. It would be the same story at Twickenham, St.Mary's (3rd in the Premier League as I write leaving those lowly Manc clubs in our wake!!!!!) or any other big stadium. But never, I hope anyway or Harry has read this and is going to start charging £2.50 for bottled water next time out, that it never happens at our great club. Keep up the great work lads ... I'm up in a week or so so I want to see us winning! All the best - Richard
THIS WEEK’S MATCHES Monday 28th October Curzon Ashton v Padiham Harrogate Railway v New Mills
Wednesday 30th October (Durham Senior Cup): Darlington v Sunderland RCA
Tuesday 29th October Clitheroe v Mossley Farsley v Burscough Kendal v Northwich Ossett Town v Wakefield Prescot v Lancaster Salford v Cammell Laird Warrington v Bamber Bridge
Saturday 2nd November (FA Trophy): Blyth Spartans v Rammy Northwich v Mossley
rammy squad Joint Manager and midfielder Bernard Morley Joint Manager and striker Anthony Johnson
Coach Darren Green
Physio Katy Richardson
Coach Glenn Moses
Coach John Hunter Coach John Hunter
Goalkeeper Grant Shenton
Right-back Kelvin Lomax
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 Jordan Hulme Midfielder Tom Toth
Striker Luke Bradbury Striker Adam Morning
EDITORIAL - SUPPORTERS CLUB
Once again Rammy are right up there at the head of the average attendance table... well, not strictly at the head, because Darlington are getting ridiculous-sized crowds, but if you take them out of the equation then we are there! What this means for the club is that we’re managing to more than hold our own at this level, and can start properly looking at rising through the non-league ranks. We’re competing against big spending clubs that are getting crowds of 50-100 week-in week-out, which is an utterly unsustainable way to approach football, as shown by the large number of clubs that are going to the wall as the weeks go by. Some, such as Northwich, seem to claw their way back onto the lower rungs of the ladder, while others just quietly disappear into oblivion as in the sad demise of our local neighbours Rossendale United, with their long and illustrious history. What our large and steadily growing attendances mean for our onthe-pitch exploits is that Robbo and Bernard can not only afford to keep together the first-rate squad that we currently get the pleasure of watching every match, but also that they can bring in other, fantastic quality players. Who can deny that the signings of Owen Roberts, Tom Brooks, Billy Priestley, and now professional standard right-back Kelvin Lomax (below) have taken Rammy’s squad to a level it’s never achieved before? The ground is also looking better than it ever, with the valuable addition of the Railway End roof giving us potentially two ‘home’ ends, even when it’s lashing down with rain. The diverse and accomplished squad also means that we are making decent headway in the valuable FA cup competitions, which must make the club treasurer think ‘ker-ching!’. I reckon we’re up to about £17,000 in prize money in the FA Cup and FA Trophy so far, and in with a shout at a bit more if we manage to see off Blyth Spartans on Saturday (perhaps that’s quite a big ‘if’). So I think that it’s only right that our fans take their share of the credit for the Boogie Bus that this particular stage of Rammy’s history is becoming. If we continue to do our bit, telling friends about the great things that are going on at Rammy, while turning up week-in-week-out to cheer on the lads, then this club will progress to bigger and better things, with us along for the ride. Keep up the good work, and keep boring all your mates with tales of Rammy’s exploits!
Managers: Anthony JOHNSON Bernard MORLEY
Grant SHENTON Kelvin LOMAX Danny WARRENDER Owen ROBERTS Billy PRIESTLEY Gary STOPFORTH Dominic SMALLEY Grant SPENCER Jon ROBINSON Phil DEAN Lee GASKELL Tom BROOKS Phil EDGHILL Joel PILKINGTON Jordan HULME Tom TOTH Matthew PRICKETT Andy DAWSON
Manager: Richard TRACEY
Adam RHODES Stefan HOLT Sam JACKSON Henry OWEN Tyrone GAY Patrick McGUIRE Darol LUCAS Alex METCALFE Adam MULLER Dale KELLY Luke DURHAM Sam ROBINSON Craig TONKINSON Macauley PARKINSON Danny WALSH Ben JONES Steve NICHOLSON Adam HAYTON
Referee: Ian Siddall(Worsley) Assistants: Karl Bardsley (Oldham), Peter Darby (Stalybridge) Next home game: Saturday 9th November 3pm, New Mills