12 Ramsbottom United v New Mills

rammy news V NEW MILLS 09.11.13

TONY CUNNINGHAM AND THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for this afternoon’s Evo-Stik League fixture against our good friends from New Mills. We’ve had many memorable games against the Millers over the years, and whilst they may be slightly disappointed by their somewhat inconsistent form this season, history tells me that we could be in for another cracker today.

A warm welcome,also, to League Secretary Angie Firth and the Evo-Stik representative who are down here today to present the “Club of the Month” award for October…and what an October it was too!

A pleasure to welcome you both, and the club is very grateful to be receiving such a prestigious award. The lads have certainly deserved it with their performances on the pitch. Did we really begin the season with four straight defeats?!!!

PROGRESS The award is further proof of the progress made here in Ramsbottom.

Whilst this is mainly down to the performances of the management team and the players, we should not ignore all the hard work that has gone on off the pitch over the last few seasons.

The ground continues to improve, with the addition of the cover at the Railway end. PR-wise, things have never been better.

Already this season we have been featured on BBC television, and had two of our matches broadcast live over the radio, at Barrow and Blyth Spartans.

The programme looks very professional as does our new website. Even the Bury Times seems to have finally given us our own spot, although they are still some way off the wonderful Rossendale Free Press!

Add to that the fact that crowds have more than doubled. Indeed, when we had 355 on for the Worksop game, we didn’t bat an eyelid. Two years ago, we had the FA Cup down here, much publicity, including a feature in the Daily Express, and local rivals Salford City as visitors. We were delighted to see a crowd that was less than 355 for that game. Progress, indeed.

Let’s hope we can continue this upward spiral, and hopefully the entertainment provided by Bernard and Jonno’s team will continue to tempt the local football fans to venture down here in the months ahead.

SAD When our game against Ossett Albion was called off, I ventured down to see one of my favourite teams, Droylsden. Oh dear!

They lost on home soil 10-0 against AFC Fylde, yet after 45 minutes, the Bloods were only one goal down, and down to ten men. Indeed, they were every bit as good as the Coasters!

A late first half goal seemed to open the floodgates, as eight more went in during an embarrassing second half.

Very sad to see, although I gather the players there are not getting paid, which will probably explain the turnover of 55 players so far this season!

Credit to their controversial owner, Chairman and manager Dave Pace, who on radio last week stressed that he would not enter administration and reform a new club. He was on the receiving end of that as his company did £275,000 worth of work at Chester City and received not a penny when they went under. He is determined to repay all the debt, and has so far cleared £190,000. He only has another £280,000 to go!

He’s held his hands up and accepts full responsibility, which is of great credit to him.

Just one question. How can a club which struggles to attract 300 supporters to home games possibly run up debts of £480,000?

Aren’t you glad we’ve got our Harry here?!

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 afternoon and welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for this afternoon’s clash, where we welcome the players, officials and supporters of New Mills.

We have over the years had closely contested games against the Millers, going back to our Northwest Counties days and we are expecting today to be no different, other than hopefully seeing us come out on top this time.

Since last time out at home, when we achieved what turned out to be a tremendous victory over Worksop Town in the FA Trophy, we have really hit the road running. Firstly we visited Harrogate Railway Athletic, where we came home with a welldeserved three points and a clean sheet, which is always pleasing against a side who are in good form. This was followed by what i can only describe as an unbelievable day from start to finish. Not only were the odds stacked against us by having to travel up to a side placed in the playoffs in the league above, but to have the coach breakdown on the side of the motorway, not have chance to stretch our legs due to lack of time, to face a very hostile home crowd, the inclement weather conditions resembling a monsoon for the second half, and to top it off have ten men for a good part of the second half made it one of those victories that will live long in the memory... as will the trip home where the lads, lets just say 'let their hair down a little'! A reward for all the hard work that goes on each week in the club.

And then came Darlington’s first home defeat in two seasons, as we did the double over the team that started the year hot favourites for promotion! It doesn’t come much better than this!

Please get behind the lads again and enjoy the game - Glenn

unbelievable!

new mills

today’s visitors

Jamie Baguley – experienced midfielder who started his second spell at Church Lane in the summer. Jamie played against New Mills last season for Radcliffe Borough and can include Clubs such as Altrincham, Manchester United, Stockport County, FC United of Manchester, Leigh RMI and Salford City on his playing CV. Peter Collinge - An agile and highly rated goalkeeper who signed in the close season from Chorley. A terrific shot stopper and good communicator, Peter played for Bury, Clitheroe, Accrington Stanley, Leek Town, Mossley, Curzon Ashton and Stocksbridge Park Steels earlier in his career.

He ended the 2012/2013 Evo Stik NPL campaign on loan at Ramsbottom United as cover for the injured Grant Shenton.

Daniel Douglas-Pringle – After making a handful of appearances at Blue Square Bet Premier side Hyde FC early last season, former Manchester City and Bury trainee " Dougy" celebrated his return to Church Lane in style by scoring five times against Garforth Town in mid-November 2012.

Gigg Lane in the summer of 2013 and made his first appearance for The Millers as a late substitute in September's FA Cup tie at Warrington Town.

Carlos Meakin - After deciding to seek pastures new in the summer, Carlos re-signed for the Club after a short spell at Nantwich Town. Carlos initially joined The Millers from Woodley Sports in October 2006 and has proved to be an inspirational signing. He has finished as leading scorer in all of his seven seasons at Church Lane and has amassed ten hat-tricks within that same period. As well as picking up a full compliment of North West Counties Football League medals, Carlos sits fourth in the all-time list of leading goalscorers.

Rhys Nevins – A former Jamaican youth international, Rhys returns to semi-professional football following a three year break. Rhys had a previous spell at Church Lane during the Club’s North West Counties days.

Michael Fish - Proven goalscorer who joined The Millers in October 2012 from NPL Premier Division side Stocksbridge Park Steels. Michael has also played for Stalybridge Celtic, Curzon Ashton and Mossley.

Martin Parker – joined New Mills from fellow NPL Division One North side Radcliffe Borough. Supporters will probably best remember Martin, who has also represented FC United of Manchester in recent seasons, from his spell at Glossop North End where he was a non-playing substitute for their trip to Wembley in The FA Carlsberg Vase Final against Whitley Bay in May 2009.

Tico Gavi-Mihedji - Youngster who made his bow at Warrington Town in The First Qualifying Round of this season's FA Cup. Equally at home in either defence or midfield, Tico was a member of Manchester United's Academy programme before moving into Stockport County's youth system. Tico has subsequently played non-league football for Hendon, Aylesbury and Stockport Sports.

Hector Pinera – Spanish midfielder who was recommended to the first team management by former FC United of Manchester player Carlos Roca. Hector, whose previous registration was with Club Deportivo Praviano in Spain , officially signed for The Millers in September and subsequently made his debut as a substitute in the home game against Farsley.

Daniel Grimshaw – versatile midfielder who marked his signing from FC United of Manchester in the perfect manner by scoring the winner on his debut against Ossett Albion in The FA Trophy Preliminary Round in mid-September 2012.

Jamie Rother – An industrious midfielder / forward whose consistent level of performances saw him scoop Salford City’s Player’s Player of the Year award last season. Jamie, who scored for Salford against New Mills in February 2013, can count Oldham Athletic, FC United of Manchester, Oldham Boro, Bacup Borough and Rossendale United amongst his former Clubs.

James Hampson - popular ex Oldham Athletic striker who made his bow in an amber and black shirt as a late substitute against Cammell Laird in early November 2012. James signed from Manchester League side Avro FC for whom he had scored thirteen goals in twelve appearances earlier in the season.

Danny Shaw – Defender who arrived at Church Lane during the close season. Danny, who played for Radcliffe during the last NPL Division One North campaign, joined the The Boro from Chadderton in August 2012.

Danny Hewitt – left sided player who joined in the summer of 2013 from North West Counties League side Abbey Hey. A graduate from local football, Danny won Abbey’s Player’s Player of the Year in 2011/12.

Daryl Weston – Equally comfortable in either defence or midfield, Daryl has played for Stalybridge Celtic, Ashton United, Curzon Ashton and Mossley where he was voted Supporters Player of The Season in 2008/2009.

Dalton McLaughlin - Signed from Stockport Sports, Dalton is a graduate of Bury's youth system. A creative, hard working midfield player, Salford born Dalton was released from

Jacob Wood – Defender who arrived at Church Lane from Radcliffe Borough on the eve of the 2013/14 Division One North season.

EDITORIAL - FROM THE DUGOUT After Saturday’s gutsy victory against Blyth Spartans in the FA Trophy and a very testing yet enjoyable coach journey the changing room couldn't have a greater buzz about it. The boys are eager to get some league games played whilst we are in such good form and with our momentum carrying us in a hope to propel us up the league to where we feel we should be sitting .

We was still without Owen Roberts for Saturdays game but this was due to family and work commitments keeping him from playing rather than injury.

I did explain the absence of Andy Dawson in last weeks programme but as the games were called off I'm presuming no one would have seen it so are unaware of what his injury is.

He suffered 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 this week but we are looking at a potential lengthy absence with what looks like a cartilage and ligament 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.

I have seen Andy a few times since this and the swelling has reduced and a lot of the fluid has drained away but unfortunately he still substantial pain and is unable to fully straighten his leg. Hopefully the scan will establish the problem there and give us a prognosis for when he may return.

Apart from Andy and Phil Edghill we have no new injuries and everyone appears to be in good shape. Obviously following on from the Blyth Spartans game Phil Dean will have a one match suspension to see out which may fall on our next FA Trophy game where we have drawn Worcester City away.

The FA Trophy draw created a lot of excitement within the team and staff and we are all feeling very positive and optimistic about our chances of progressing in the cup even if it is against higher league opposition. Not only that but our team get overly excited about a good coach trip, I cant divulge much more than that about the much discussed coach trips but all I can say is seeing is believing.

Hopefully the next time I write I'll not only have good news about Daws but we will also be talking about two good wins in the league.

- Katy

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TONY’S NON-LEAGUE TEASERS 1 Which club’s wonderful old ground (now sadly demolished) was called Kingsway?

2 Which other club currently ground-share’s with them at the new stadium?

3 Tamworth’s nickname comes from the name of the ground.

What is it?

4 Which former Accrington Stanley and Blackpool player currently plays for Wrexham?

5 In which town does Vauxhall Motors play?

6 What is the nickname of Padiham?

7 Which league is celebrating it’s 125th anniversary this season?

8 Which other pyramid non-league club plays in Barrow, Cumbria?

9 Which two clubs gained promotion to the Football League last season?

ANSWERS: 1. Bishop Auckland 2. Darlington 1883 3. The Lamb Ground 4. Brett Ormerod 5. Ellesmere Port 6. The Storks 7. The Northern League 8. Holker Old Boys 9. Mansfield Town and Newport County 10. Simon Garner

10 Which former Ramsbottom United player has recently taken over as manager of Clitheroe?

Ramsbottom United returned to the north-east for the second time in five days, and once again came home victorious.

After success in the F.A. Trophy, it was back to League action as they ventured to Bishop Auckland, temporary home to former Football League side Darlington, as the Rams completed the double over their more illustrious hosts.

The home side started the brighter, with the Rams looking out of sorts during the first fifteen minutes.

Although the first chance if the match fell to Jon Robinson who nodded Grant Spencer’s free-kick wide in the fourth minute, the home side responded in determined fashion.

Steven Thompson raced upfield and planted a shot just wide of Rams’ keeper Grant Shenton’s post, whilst a mix-up in the visitors defence had Danny Warrender coming to the rescue to head behind from a corner. From the kick another attempt at goal flashed by the other post.

On 13 minutes, the Rams began to get their act together as Jordan Hulme headed wide, then a melee in the home area saw a number of close range efforts blocked.

Phil Dean raced down the left wing before hammering home a drive that had home custodian Peter Jameson at full stretch to turn the ball round for a corner.

The game was now end-to-end with both sides racing at the opposing defences.

The deadlock was finally broken on 31 minutes when a clearance from Shenton was cleverly brought down by Lee Gaskell on the half way line. He fed the ball out to Dean who raced towards goal. As he advanced into the area he fired in an angled drive which Jameson completely misjudged, and the ball finished up in the back of the net.

Robinson fed Dominic Smalley whose shot also hit the back of the net, but the linesman’s flag had indicated offside before the ball left his foot.

Another Smalley cross caused confusion for Jameson who fumbled the ball, but he managed to redeem himself with a fine save from Dean’s follow-up.

Dean was causing all sorts of problems down the left, and the half ended with the Rams just about deserving to be in front.

The visitors looked the more composed side in the second period, and whilst chances may have been at a premium, the Rams easily dealt with whatever the home

0-1

Heritage Park 6th November 2013 Att: 899 Rammy Goals: Phil Dean (31) Darlington Goals:

an unforgettable week

side tried, whilst at the other end Dean and Robinson could both have extended the lead.

A moment of farce arrived on 69 minutes when Smalley was chopped down just outside the penalty area. Out came a yellow card quickly followed by a red, brandished at the home defender. At which point the referee was surrounded by protesting team-mates who persuaded the official to consult with his linesman. When all the furore had died down, the red card was rescinded, and a yellow issued to another player, as the match official apparently

had chosen the wrong target!

When the free-kick eventually took place, Dean fired inches over the top.

With time ticking down, the home side finally moved up a gear as the visitors sat a little further back. But despite the additional pressure, the rearguard rarely looked like being breached, and the final whistle blew on another fine victory for the Lancastrians.

This now takes the winning run to eight games in all competitions, as the move up the table towards the play-off places continues.

spectacular warrender winner 0-1

Croft Park 2nd November 2013 Att: 298 Rammy Goals: Warrender (47) Blyth Spartans Goals:

Ramsbottom United travelled up to Northumberland for their first-ever meeting with renowned non-league giants Blyth Spartans.

Starting the day as massive underdogs against a side battling for promotion to Skrill North, the Rams not only returned home with an unexpected win, but did so in style, with a result that flattered the more illustrious home side.

In a game that started under blue skies, but had the players drenched as the weather turned decidedly nasty, the visitors always looked comfortably in control as they started off on the front foot.

As early as the sixth minute Grant Spencer beat the offside, but his cross was eventually cleared.

Lee Gaskell was presented with a glorious chance when the home keeper made a hash of a clearance, but the striker fired straight at the relieved custodian.

On 20 minutes, Phil Dean was tripped just outside the box, but, after dusting himself down, he fired the free-kick just wide of the target.

Moments later, another free-kick was pushed away following a foul on Joel Pilkington, then Dominic Smalley swivelled on to a clearance but his shot from 30 yards careered over the bar.

The Rams almost took the lead from an unusual source. Keeper Grant Shenton, assisted by the wind sent down a long kick that beat the Spartans defenders, but sailed just wide of goal.

Gaskell and Jon Robinson both had chances before the home side finally made a foray into the Rams area, but the visiting defence dealt with any danger, as the half closed goal-less but having been dominated by the Lancastrians.

The second half kicked off in appalling weather, but the visitors soon lightened the gloom with what

proved to be the only goal of the game.

On 48 minutes, Danny Warrender fired in from 25 yards out, leaving the home keeper stranded, and the ball flew into the net off the foot of the post.

It was no more than the Rams deserved, as they continued to press the home defence.

A Dean cross was tipped over by the keeper, with Warrender heading over from the subsequent corner.

A long range effort from Gaskell had the keeper retrieving the ball at the second attempt, before a succession of corners finished with a Spencer free-kick. He launched this into the area and straight into the net, but for some unknown reason the linesman raised his flag and it was chalked off.

On 71 minutes, the visitors were reduced to ten men when Phil Dean was stupidly dismissed for foul and abusive language, leaving his teammates with a potential battle on their hands.

Fortunately that did not happen, as the ten men continued to take the game to the hosts.

Robinson was inches wide from extending the lead following another free-kick, and as the minutes ticked down, the home side finally put pressure on the Rams defence during the four minutes of added time. The defence stood firm however, to deservedly preserve the slender lead and advance to the next stage of the knock-out competition.

Proof that the victory was well deserved came from Spartans manager Tom Wade who commented after the game “ It has to be said as well that Ramsbottom were the better side, full of well organised experienced players, simple as that. They were miles better than some of the sides we play at our level and deserved to win.�

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 Sat 2nd Nov Wed 6th Nov Sat 9th Nov Tues 12th Nov Sun 17th Nov Tues 19th Nov Sat 23rd Nov Tues 26th 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 Tues 28th Jan Sat 1st Feb Tues 4th 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

H A A H H H A A H A H A A A H A H H A A A H H A H H H A A A H A H H A A H H A H A H 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 Blyth Spartans FA Trophy Darlington 1883 NEW MILLS FC UNITED Doodson cup Worcester City FA Trophy Padiham Lancs Trophy BURSCOUGH CLITHEROE Kendal Town (Doodson Sport Cup) Curzon Ashton WAKEFIELD Bamber Bridge SALFORD CITY FARSLEY Padiham Northwich Victoria MOSSLEY RADCLIFFE BOROUGH Clitheroe Prescot Cables Cammell Laird OSSETT ALBION 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 1-0 1-0

ATT 254 100 192 309 238 212 73 129 127 173 396 677 241 103 241 64 69 355 124 298 899

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 Shenton Lomax Shenton Lomax

Pilkington Pilkington * Pilkington * Pilkington Roberts * Roberts * 1 Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Pilkington Pilkington Hulme

Stopforth + Drew Drew + Drew + Stopforth + Pilkington Morley + Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth # Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth # Gaskell 1 Stopforth # Stopforth # Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth

Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson + Robinson Priestley Dawson Dawson Dawson * Warrender Warrender Dawson * Dawson Warrender Warrender 1 Warrender

Hulme Hulme Hulme Spencer * Robinson Robinson Robinson Robinson * Robinson Flannery # Flannery + Warrender Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Warburton Priestley Priestley 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 Smalley Smalley

Spencer Spencer Stopforth Stopforth Spencer Spencer Spencer # Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer * Spencer Toth Spencer Spencer # 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 + Robinson + Robinson

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 * Gaskell * Gaskell

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 Dean Dean 1

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 + Toth Brooks * Toth Johnson

Gaskell # Gaskell # Spencer + Johnson + Edghill + Prickett Johnson Brooks # Prickett Toth + Toth Toth # Toth Toth Toth # Toth Priestley * Toth # Prickett # Hulme + Brooks

Toth Toth Toth Brooks 1 # Drew Toth Toth * Bradbury # Morley Toth Brooks * Prickett Dawson # Morley Morley Morley Morley Morley Spencer # Gaskell * Chadwick Morley Warburton

Bradbury Bradbury + Bradbury Roberts Warburton Morley Warburton + Prickett Toth+ Hulme Edghill Edghill Johnson Edghill Pilkington Warburton Dawson Robinson Chadwick Johnson Johnson Smith

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

1-2

Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 10th November 2012 Att: 371 Rammy Goals: Robinson (26) Mossley Goals: Madeley (2), Mather (33)

Ramsbottom United’s players were left scratching their heads wondering just how they had allowed the league leaders to leave the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium with all three points after staging their own version of the Alamo in front of an impressive gate of 371.

After an evenly fought first half, the home side virtually laid siege on the Mossley goal during the second 45 minutes, but somehow failed to make the breakthrough. As a result the visitors from Tameside cemented their place at the top of the table, but will probably not face a more severe test all season.

With defensive lynchpins Ian Flannery and Mark Ayres out through injury and suspension, it was a welcome return for centre half and captain Andy Dawson after a seven week layoff, but it did not take the visitors long to exploit the weakened back line. Just two minutes had elapsed when a through ball fell at the feet of Madeley.

With the home defence appealing for offside, the linesman’s flag stayed down, and Madeley turned and rifled the ball home to give Mossley the early advantage in what was always going to be a tight game.

The Rams soon recovered from the early shock, with Phil Dean, Gary Stopforth and Grant Spencer all going close to an equaliser, as the home side began to assert themselves.

Not that Mossley were prepared to sit back, for they produced a number of dangerous moves as the game flowed from one end to the other.

Madeley was presented with a chance to double the lead as he raced goalwards, but the on-rushing Grant Shenton denied him.

After 26 minutes, the home side deservedly levelled.

A period of sustained pressure saw Lee Gaskell denied when his clever volley was hacked off the line, but within seconds the ball had been returned into the area, and Jon Robinson was on hand to fire home from ten yards to restore parity.

It was no more than the Rams deserved,

yet just seven minutes later, they were behind again.

Mossley pushed up, and a ball floated out to the left saw full-back Mather in acres of space, and he confidently beat Shenton at his near post to make it 2-1.

Ramsbottom went all out for an equaliser, as Gaskell hit the outside of the post and Spencer watched as his free-kick went agonisingly the wrong side of the post.

At the other end, Coppin lashed in a low drive, which, fortunately for the home side, took a wicked deflection off his team-mate Gorton, and deflected wide.

So an evenly matched first half saw the advantage stay with the visitors, but the Rams served notice of their intentions within seconds of the second half starting.

Phil Edghill’s close range effort seemed certain to level the scores until it was hooked off the line by some desperate defending, then on 50 minutes, Gaskell was felled in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Gaskell dusted himself down, but saw his penalty well saved by Pearson in the Mossley goal.

Within three minutes Gaskell was rejoicing at making amends for his miss, but as he celebrated with the crowd, he failed to notice a raised flag for offside.

In a rare foray up front, Madeley was once again denied by Shenton, but most of the play was taking place in the Mossley half.

Spencer saw his snap-shot held by Pearson, before the Hyde loanee then fed Robinson in the box, and his chip was again hacked away on the line, much to the frustration of the home side’s supporters.

The game continued to flow one way, but try as they may, the Ramsbottom forwards failed to dent the resilient Mossley rearguard, and the final whistle blew much to the relief of the league leaders.

No points, but a performance that offers much encouragement, and confirmation that this Ramsbottom United team is very much at home in this level of football.

this time last season

GRAHAM SHUTTLEWORTH It is a pleasure today to be in a position to sincerely welcome the EvoStik League secretary, Angie Firth together with Clive Timmins from league sponsors Bostik UK Ltd who are here to present the 'Team of the Month Award' for the Evo-Stik Division One North for the month of October.

With 7 games played and only the draw at Radlcliffe spoiling what would otherwise have been a perfect return it is a well deserved recognition for Jonno, Bernard, their backroom team and all the players.

The opening 10 minutes against Premier outfit Worksop Town alone deserved special mention, but then again who can forget the 6-0 defeat of the then unbeaten Lancaster City less than two weeks earlier!

November hasn't got off to a bad start either with a win over yet another Premier side, Blyth Spartans in the FA Trophy which sees us travel to Worcester City in the next round on 16 November.

Circumstances have dictated that I write these notes ahead of our trip to Darlington (subject to the weather of course!) for what should be as entertaining a game as it was at the back end of September, and another win there will surely speak volumes for the turnaround in our season to date. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The question of when and if to arrange a pitch inspections has started to raise its head again with the recent wet conditions, and experience shows that you can never get this exactly right, and please everybody, and here's my personal experience Example 1: At a previous club I, yes me, spent a Saturday morning on a ground getting it prepared for a North West Counties game that afternoon.

I had my doubts but I was as satisfied as I could be that the pitch was playable. It had been prepared, marked out and it looked good. Formby had arrived as had the match officials who within minutes called the game off due to one area of the ground being declared frozen.

It cost the club match officials expenses, the visiting teams travel cost and others, in this case supporters, unnecessary travelling time! A hard lesson was learned.

Example 2: On the same pitch, this time for a reserve game, we were extremely concerned that the referee felt the pitch was playable. In our opinion and that of our opponents it wasn't, but he insisted the game went ahead.

The ground cut up so badly that it never recovered that season. The referee made a quick exit at the 90 minutes and never took a game again on our ground - his decision not ours, but we would have welcomed him!

Example 3: After being assured by my opposite number (there was a severe heavy frost in our area) we made the trip to the Staffordshire area to find on arrival that the grass verges outside the ground were covered in, yes, a heavy frost!

The players coming away from the ground said the playing surface was frozen solid and the match referee had already left the ground. It transpired that the secretary had based his pitch assessment on the condition of his garden! It cost his club. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Another club is in financial trouble with Premier side Eastwood Town not being in a position to fulfil their league fixtures.

Their website shows that there is a sum of ÂŁ168,000.00 tax liability under question. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And finally, from one of Sunday's newspapers comes this snippet from Romania: Steaua's Gabriel Iancu - frozen out of the side following last month's 1000,00e fine for "unsportsmanlike behaviour" - both punishments "directly ordered by owner Gigi Becall, by phone from prison".

RAMMY IN EXILE - RICHARD ISAACS Good afternoon everyone, hope you are all well. In fact, I can find out for myself today as I am up and watching this game and I am so looking forward to it too! Its been a while since I had my last Rammy fix.

It's a truly amazing time to be involved with Rammy after seeing our club today receive the division's club of the month for October. What an amazing transformation from the despair we endured at the start of the season and now we find ourselves in a great position to move up and up the table.

I am a very relieved man! Following our brilliant win at Blyth Spartans - made even better considering the team coach broke down on the way to the far north-east - we were paired against Conference North strugglers Worcester City in the next round away. Now, I am pretty sure that Ramsbottom United have never played a competitive match anywhere south of Birmingham. And certainly never within a couple of hours drive from my Southampton home. So, imagine my great excitement when I saw this ... only to realise that I couldn't actually go had it been arranged for the Saturday.

The reason? I am an official guest of the Rugby Football Union at the game between England and New Zealand at Twickenham on the same day, being treated to lunch, black tie dinner with the teams afterwards and all-round alickadoos. While I am very much looking forward to the HQ experience, I was so disappointed that a Rammy match that is as close to home as this is would not have seen me there.

However, my disappointment has been saved as I didn't realise that Worcester City ground share with Kidderminster Harriers and the Conference side have a game on the Saturday - so we have been moved to the Sunday. AND I CAN GO!!!!!!!! Absolutely brilliant - will travel up from London after the Twickenham fun and frolicks and I get to see the lads again. Race you back to our respective homes!!!!!

And so, on to today and its a game against our old NWCFL foes New Mills. It was about twelve months ago that I cursed the name of New Mills and walked around like a zombie in a shopping mall in Florida.

Walking through the arcade, I was watching the Twitter updates of the scores from the game at Church Lane and, from what I was reading, the Rams were on fire! Even the Millers account was saying how fortunate they were.

Of course, we all know what happened - after all, we have NEVER beaten them! Played 9, Won 0, Drawn 1, Lost 8 is the record as it stands. So is today the day? I flippin' hope so!!!! We need to lay that particular ghost to rest.

Finally, for today, I want to congratulate our Twitterati Andy Worsick on his outstanding achievement of reaching 'target' with Slimming World. As a fellow SW'er, I know how hard it is so to reach your goal is a fantastic achievement and an inspiriational one for those who are struggling a little bit ... although as I write this, it is my birthday so I am possibly allowed a little bit of leeway this week.

C'MON RAMMY ..... as you will hear today!!!!

Cheers - Richard.

THIS WEEK’S MATCHES Saturday 9th November Bamber Bridge v Harrogate Clitheroe v Ossett Town Curzon Ashton v Farsley Darlington v Northwich Kendal v Prescot Mossley v Cammell Laird Ossett Albion v Salford Radcliffe v Padiham Rammy v New Mills Wakefield v Lancaster Warrington v Burscough Monday 11th November (Doodson Cup): New Mills v Rushall

Tuesday 12th November (Doodson Cup): Burscough v Warrington Goole v Farsley Harrogate v Stocksbridge Kendal v Chorley Lancaster v Bamber Bridge Mossley v Fylde Northwich v Trafford Ossett Albion v Scarborough Prescot v Skelmersdale Radcliffe v Clitheroe Rammy v FC United Salford v Cammell Laird Sheffield v Osett Town Witton Albion v Curzon Ashton Wednesday 13th November (Doodson Cup): Darlington v Blyth

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

Goalkeeper Grant Shenton

Right-back Kelvin Lomax

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

Left-back Owen Roberts Centre-Back Billy Priestley

Midfielder Tom Toth Midfield Joel Pilkington

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

Striker Jordan Hulme Striker Matty Warburton

EDITORIAL - SUPPORTERS CLUB

Well, what can you say about recent performances

by The Mighty Rams? To beat Blyth Spartans with just ten men, and then hot favourites Darlington on their own patch on a Tuesday night! All this after the woeful start that brought on the early-season wailing and gnashing of teeth! If you missed the Darlington match and haven’t already, then I’d seriously suggest going to watch the highlights that someone uploaded to youtube. The way Rammy moved the ball around was incredible, better than most of the league football I’ve suffered in recent times! I think it just goes to show that as well as having a squad of decent players, teams need time to really gel - something that most of football seems to forget.

I’ve just clicked ‘order’ on another big batch of flyers for the club.

We’ve got a decent run of home games coming up, and although stuffing flyers through letterboxes is quite a bit of leg work, it’s definitely the best way to evangelise the Rammy message. With the Bury Times not doing a great job for Ramsbottom all round and, although the coverage is fantastic, I’m not convinced a huge number of Rammy people read the Free Press, flyers are the only way to make everyone aware of things at the club.

What I’ve done this time, because lithograph printing bigger numbers works out cheaper, is leave a gap to overprint fixtures (the yellow bit in the picture above). We can then distribute the flyers over the next few months, just running it through the printer to put in the latest fixtures. It’s cost about £60 for 5000, which seems a really good price.

Obviously 5000 is a pretty big number, so please give me (Rob) a shout if you’re willing to spend half an hour posting them through letterboxes: email qy@dr.com or call 07944 038512.

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: Roy SOULE

Peter COLLINGE Tico GAVI-MIHEDJI James FAIRBROTHER Jacob WOOD Martin PARKER Daniel SHAW Lewis CHALMERS Hector PINERA Michael FISH James HAMPSON Danny HEWITT Dalton McLAUGHLIN Jamie BAGULEY Daniel DOUGLAS-PRINGLE Daryl WESTON Melford KNIGHT Carlos MEAKIN Daniel GRIMSHAW

Referee: Thomas Kirk (Altrincham) Assistants: Andrew Coop (Altrincham), Ian Jones (St Helens) Next home game: Rammy v FC United, 7:45pm Tuesday 12th November