rammy news V FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 12.11.13
200 not out
phil dean
Yet another game against New Mills that we failed to win! We’ve played them a total of ten times and never beaten them - and Saturday was on the back of eight straight wins! We did everything we needed to, scampering around in midfield and closing them down, while moving the ball around well ourselves. We just failed to find the back of the net from the many chances we created - some days this just happens, and hopefully it won’t happen again too soon! It’s nice to see FC United returning to the Harry Williams Riverside. I’m sure many of our supporters and theirs have good memories of their first visit so early on in their new club’s history; it was a
huge and extremely vocal crowd that day, and it’d be nice to see some decent numbers for tonight’s match. After the shenanigans on the team coach to and from Blyth Spartans we must have been the only club in the draw hoping for a lengthy away trip. Let’s just say that “What goes on the bus stays on the bus!” and hope that we manage to make it back from Worcester City with a full compliment of players on Saturday evening! The Blyth Spartans trip began with the coach breaking down on the M62, only to be replaced by one without a toilet!! Suffice to say that it all went downhill from there! Enjoy the game - Glenn
TONY CUNNINGHAM AND THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for tonight’s Doodson Sports (League) Cup first round tie against FC United of Manchester. We’d like to welcome everyone from the “new” club, who, although they currently play down the road at Bury’s Gigg Lane ground, will no doubt come from many corners of the Greater Manchester county, and probably beyond. The club’s only previous visit to Ramsbottom resulted in our alltime record crowd, although I’m sure that today’s attendance will be much more modest! I just wonder how many other clubs can claim that a visit from FCUM has resulted in their highest ever attendance? Must quite a few, so when we welcomed the disillusioned Manchester United supporters’ team into our realms, it was a very worthwhile exercise. I was representing the Rams at the North West Counties League AGM when the newly-formed club made their plea for acceptance. It was unanimously carried, and their progress since then has been well documented. They certainly sailed through the first three divisions before stalling a little at Evo-Stik Premier level. The crowd base, whilst down somewhat from the early days, is still at a figure that most non-league clubs could only dream of. It was a brave decision by all involved to turn their collective backs on top level football. Personally, as regular readers will know, for me it would have been the easiest decision in the world, but for those used to going to Old Trafford, the change must have been startling. The reasoning behind it was totally understandable. Top level (and increasingly just below that mark) football in this country has been hi-jacked by foreigners. Not just players, but coaches, and, as FCUM will testify, owners. Grand, traditional English institutions now in the hands of foreigners whose knowledge of the game and understanding of the heritage is scant at best. In fact, it could be argued that the Premier league is merely a world-wide competition that just happens to be played in England at the homes of once-proud English clubs. So I am fully in agreement with the feeling of revolt that must have persuaded so many genuine football supporters to turn their backs on such a situation. I just wish more people would open their eyes to the damage that is being done to football in this country. Sky may well be to blame for instigating the money-obsessed thinking that to any working class person is quite revolting. But those same working class people continue to tip up their hard earned cash to feed the avaricious nature of mainly foreigners, who will no doubt in time return home without a bye-your-leave to the fans who have contributed to their wealth. Not for me. The Football League represents top level football in England, as far as I am concerned, and whilst I still maintain an interest in the game there, I would not swap the closeness, warmth and camaraderie of the non-league game. No doubt the supporters of FCUM now feel the same, and will be looking forward to finally having a stadium they can call “home”. Building has now, at last, started on the Moston site, and I wish them well when they finally settle in there in August. 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
today’s visitors
fc united
“The club set up in protest to Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of Manchester United” is a statement often used to describe FC United. But while there is no doubt that FC would not have happened without the American megalomaniac’s invasion, it was the catalyst, the final straw, but not the sole reason. The material theft of a Manchester institution, forcibly taken from the people of Manchester, was the tip of a pyramid of destruction, with changing kick-off times for the benefit of television, soulless all-seater stadia full of ‘new’ supporters intent to sit back and watch rather than partake in the occasion, heavy handed stewarding and ridiculously priced tickets propping it all up. By May 2005 some supporters had had enough. The failure to prevent Glazer and repeat the successful repulsion of Rupert Murdoch in 1998 resurrected a ‘last resort’ idea from that previous campaign and the FC United wheels were put in motion. A group of individuals determined to continue the fight formed a steering committee and FC United of Manchester was delivered. FC United secured a ground share with Bury FC at Gigg Lane and successfully applied for membership of the North West Counties Football League. The fledgling club made its debut in division two at Leek CSOB. From that rain soaked competitive debut in August right through to the end-of-season party in April which saw more than 6,000 people turn up to see the Reds lift the title, an unbelievable amount of fun was had at every game. There were unforgettable days, such as Blackpool where Bloomfield Road saw its biggest away following for 20 years when more than 4,000 Reds made the seaside trip. The club even had an end of season Euro away to Germany to face FC Lokomotiv Leipzig. The quest began for a second successive promotion and FC recorded 12 straight wins before Salford City stopped them setting a new record. That defeat was one of only two in the league in another thrilling campaign that gave them more great days out including two victorious mini-derbies against Manchester City fans’ club Maine Road. The League Cup was a refreshing sideshow and the 2-1 victory in the final over Curzon Ashton at their own Tameside Stadium was the second season’s cherry to bring the club a league and cup double. With the league and cup double secured, FC then made a raid on the UniBond Division One North title as well as entering the FA Cup for the first time. After a disappointing start to the season, the Reds fought back against the backdrop of a succession of injuries, suspensions and a criminally ridiculous fixture pile up which saw
United playing every other day to find themselves in the promotion play-off places. After clinching the UniBond President’s Cup with a 2-0 victory over Radcliffe Borough, United missed out on the league title by just one point to Bradford Park Avenue. The Reds were a side full of confidence though and they beat Bamber Bridge 3-2 in the play-off semi-final to set up a showdown against Skelmersdale United. After falling behind early on, the Reds battled back to a 4-1 win sealing a place in the UniBond Premier and a hat-trick of promotions. In the 2011-12 season the reds once again performed one of their trade-marked late surges and made it into a play-off spot, albeit in the aftermath of Northwich Victoria’s run-in with the league. They triumphed away at Chorley in the semi-final, thanks to two great goals, including a long distance lob from Mike Norton and the 2,000 reds who made the journey were beginning to think the improbable was to become reality. However, after the final was moved to a Sunday on police advice, United couldn’t repeat their Chorley heroics and they went down 1-0 in the very last minute at old adversaries Bradford Park Avenue and therefore missed out on promotion in the final of the play-offs for the second consecutive season. Off the pitch there have been just as many highs and lows. After gaining planning permission for a stadium in Newton Heath, the birthplace of Manchester United, and raising nearly £1.5m towards the project, hearts were broken when Manchester City Council had to cancel the proposal due to the government cuts. Despite the huge disappointment, the club and the council managed to resurrect the scheme with a new destination being announced as Moston, in the north of the city. There is a long way to go yet, with many obstacles to overcome, but due to hard work and dedication to fulfilling FC’s founding principle of being there to benefit the communities of Manchester and beyond, hopes are still high that the club will begin next season in their own ground. On the pitch last season, FC made it to their third successive play-off final following a scintillating semi-final win at home to Witton Albion. Many fans’ player of the year Matthew Wolfenden scored a contender for goal of the season from the centre circle, as United held off a feisty Albion to set up a final against Hednesford Town, who beat Fylde on penalties. United could not repeat the semi-final heroics, as Town were deserved winners at their own ground and they can now look forward to this season in Conference North, while FC will have to hope it is fourth time lucky.
Dave Birch Was skipper of the 2012 Conference North Champions Hyde FC before moving to FC United. Previously to his spell at Hyde, Dave was a member of the Curzon Ashton side that also contained Mike Norton and Adam Jones. A tenacious midfield player, Dave has also played in the back four for FC United as well taking over in goal once when James Spencer picked up an injury.
Greg Daniels Signed from Macclesfield Town at the start of the 2012-13 season, Greg has proven that he has an eye for an important goal. Although he can operate out wide, his best position is arguably playing down the middle of the pitch. Has found himself coming off the bench and will be looking to be involved in more starting line ups. Rhodri Giggs Is in his second spell with the club after rejoining following a spell as player manager at Salford City. Has made almost 70 appearances for the club in his two spells but injury has been a major part second time around and Rhodri has been used mainly as an impact substitute late in the game where he has made some valuable contributions.
Tom Greaves Broke FC United fans hearts back in 2012 when he scored the winning goal for Bradford Park Avenue in the last minute of extra time in the play-off final. Signed for FC in Jan 2013 and found the net 11 times in 24 appearances, including a screamer against Stafford Rangers at Gigg Lane on his debut. Had two spells with BPA as well as playing for Guiseley, Woodley Sports, Bridlington and Ossett Town. Adam Jones Centre-back and fan favourite who leads by example, as dangerous at the top end as he is effective in defence. Missed out on the end of last season with a leg injury and will be looking to make up for that this year.
Astley Mulholland Pacey forward who can play on either flank or down the middle, has changed a few games with his speed and has scored vital goals in the play-off semi-finals in the past two seasons.
Lee Neville Is our left back, when not defending he’s going all out in attack. A firmly established part of the first team, Neville is another player who is just as good going forward as he is in defence.
Mike Norton FC United’s number nine has a never say die attitude that has made him popular with the fans. Second on FC’s all time goal scorers list, just 24 goals behind the record at the start of the season. Charlie Raglan Centre-back Raglan is a new signing after several seasons at Hinckley United, had a brief spell at Nantwich Town before signing for the Reds in the summer.
James Spencer The big man between the sticks is one of the most popular players in the team, his passion for the game and the club is second to none. Dean Stott The new club captain is one of the first names on the team sheet and is just as effective in midfield or defence, takes a good penalty as well. Matthew Wolfenden Top scorer last season, Wolfie is one of United’s key players. Not only does he score but his contribution to his team mates is also a key factor, making just as many as he scores.
Chris Worsley Former FC Halifax, Hyde and Curzon Ashton midfielder signed for the Reds over the summer. Manager Karl Marginson called him an excellent signing and believes he could add something extra to the team.
Jon Worsnop Experienced ‘keeper Worsnop waited patiently for his chance last season, but once he got into the team a string of great performances kept him in the starting XI for our great end of season run. Jerome Wright United’s record appearance maker came back home last season after a year at Chester and re-announced himself as one of the most popular players in the club’s history with another great season in the number ten shirt.
today’s visitors fc united
Financial F inancial Planning For Designed F or YOUR YOUR LIFESTYLE F For or a confidential initial xpense one to one at our eexpense please contact us... on 01706 822622
advice@northernstarifa.co.uk advice@nor thernstarifa.co.uk
P rofessional F Professional Financial inancial Planning here in Ramsbottom. Ramsbottom.
Northern Financial Nor thern Star F inancial Management Limited 52 Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, Lancashire,BL0 9HX
TONY’S NON-LEAGUE TEASERS 1 In which town does Marine play? 2 Ex-Liverpool player Steve Heighway began his career at which current Evo-Stik League club? 3 Name the colours that Leek Town play in. 4 Which club did John Coleman manage before joining Accrington Stanley? 5 Which club’s former ground was called Jackson Avenue? 6 What is the nickname of Matlock Town? 7 Which former West Ham United player currently manages Braintree Town? 8 Which Northern League club is recognised as winning the first “World Cup”? 9 Gillford Park FC changed their name recently to what?
ANSWERS: 1. Crosby 2. Skelmersdale United 3. All Blue 4. Ashton United 5. Nantwich Town 6. The Gladiators 7. Alan Devonshire 8. West Auckland Town 9. Celtic Nation 10. Carlisle
10 Where are they based?
will we ever beat new mills?
1-1
Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 9th November 2013 Att: 292 Rammy Goals: Warrender (38) New Mills Goals: Weston (75)
The curse of New Mills struck again! In ten attempts, Ramsbottom United have still to notch a single victory against the Millers, and despite looking likely to break the duck, failure to convert a number of chances, and a late equaliser maintained the unwanted record. The Rams came into this game on the back of an eight match winning sequence, but past history dictated that were that run to be ended, then the Rams jinx side, New Mills, would most likely do so. And so they did. Yet for much of the game, the home side was in charge. On a foul day which saw many other local games postponed, the regular downpours made for a heavy pitch, so it was to the credit of both sides that such a surface did not prevent a whole-hearted game with plenty of effort and willingness to play the game in the right way. Both sides kept the ball on the ground, and the workrate of both teams was commendable. Grant Spencer had the first chance after just two minutes, but he was inches over from the edge of the area. New Mills showed that they were there to make a game of it, with both Dan Grimshaw and Rico Colulo firing in efforts at the home goal. Spencer sent in a free-kick that was headed over by Lee Gaskell, whilst at the other end a tempting cross from Dan Hewitt missed a couple of his on-rushing team-mates by inches. Spencer fired another free-kick just wide of the target before Danny Warrender and Dominic Smalley combined down the right, with the latter sending over a great cross that was snatched off the head of Gaskell.
Dan Warrender heads Rammy’s goal
Jordan Hulme came close to opening the scoring when his cross floated towards the goal, needing keeper Peter Collinge to flick the ball over for a corner, from which the unmarked Warrender saw his header safely nestle in the arms of a relieved Collinge. At the other end, Shenton had to be alert to make a fingertip save from Michael Fish, as both sides continued to show great desire despite the elements. On 38 minutes, the deadlock was broken when man-of-the-match Warrender finally claimed his reward for an industrious afternoon. He was on the end of a Spencer corner, and confidently nodded the ball past a couple of defenders on the line. Spencer fired in yet another free-kick, this time straight at Collinge, before Kelvin Lomax reacted quickest to block a shot from former Rams player Steve Maden, as the Millers looked to go in at the break on level terms. As it was, they should have gone in two behind. In the last minute Gaskell found space down the right, but instead of opting for goal he squared it to Tom Brooks, who hit the bar from ten yards out. Brooks might well have added to the score five minutes after the restart, but following great work from Phil Dean, his
effort was diverted for a corner. From the kick, Brooks was once again denied, this time by the custodian. The Rams could claim to have been denied what looked like a perfectly good goal. A surging run down the right by Jordan Hulme, saw him play the ball forward. Brooks, standing in an offside position, let the ball roll forward, and Hulme raced on to fire home, but the linesman, incorrectly raised his flag against Brooks, and the goal was disallowed. Millers hard-working skipper, Daniel Douglas-Pringle was inches away with a pile-driver, whilst at the other end, Gaskell had three opportunities to add a second, but on each occasion he was unable to find the net. The failure to convert came back to haunt the home side. With 15 minutes to go, a high freekick was mis-handled by Shenton, and in the ensuing melee, Daryl Weston scooped the ball home from close range to level the score. Both sides upped the pressure in the final minutes in search of a winner, but it was not to be, as the Rams superb run came to an end, but a point apiece was probably just reward for two sides who put on a fine show despite the appalling conditions.
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 1-1
ATT 254 100 192 309 238 212 73 129 127 173 396 677 241 103 241 64 69 355 124 298 899 292
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 Shenton Lomax
Pilkington Pilkington * Pilkington * Pilkington Roberts * Roberts * 1 Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Pilkington Pilkington Hulme Hulme
Stopforth + Drew Drew + Drew + Stopforth + Pilkington Morley + Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth # Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth # Gaskell 1 Stopforth # 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 Warrender 1
Hulme Hulme Hulme Spencer * Robinson Robinson Robinson Robinson * Robinson Flannery # Flannery + Warrender Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Warburton Priestley 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 Smalley
Spencer Spencer Stopforth Stopforth Spencer Spencer Spencer # Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer * Spencer Toth Spencer 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 *
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 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 Dean #
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 Toth Robinson *
Gaskell # Gaskell # Spencer + Johnson + Edghill + Prickett Johnson Brooks # Prickett Toth + Toth Toth # Toth Toth Toth # Toth Priestley * Toth # Prickett # Hulme + Brooks Pilkington +
Toth Toth Toth Brooks 1 # Drew Toth Toth * Bradbury # Morley Toth Brooks * Prickett Dawson # Morley Morley Morley Morley Morley Spencer # Gaskell * Chadwick Morley Warburton Chadwick
Bradbury Bradbury + Bradbury Roberts Warburton Morley Warburton + Prickett Toth+ Hulme Edghill Edghill Johnson Edghill Pilkington Warburton Dawson Robinson Chadwick Johnson Johnson Smith Roberts #
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
For the second successive match, Ramsbottom United lost 2-1 in a game which, for the most part, they controlled. However, for all their endeavours, most of their attacks were snuffed out on the edge of the box, as they failed to trouble Tom Read in the home goal. The visitors had joint-manager Anthony Johnson making a rare appearance up front, as leading scorer Lee Gaskell complained of feeling unwell before kick-off. Danny Warrender and Mark Ayres were both serving suspensions, whilst Ian Flannery remains injured. The Rams still had a team strong enough to enjoy the majority of the possession throughout the game, but the home side made the most of their limited opportunities, whilst the visitors struggled to open up the opposition’s defence. Both sides looked capable of playing decent football, and so it proved. Neat play by both sides made for an entertaining 90 minutes, as play tended to swing from end to end. Phil Dean sent in a testing cross in the first minute, while Whight responded at the other end with a shot that Grant Shenton did well to turn aside. Jon Robinson was denied from close range by Read, and Andy Dawson saw his header from the subsequent corner, held by the custodian. Shipton should have done better when he received a cross from the left but the Trafford forward blazed the ball high over the bar. At the other end, Robinson saw his angled drive turned round for a corner, before a brilliant double save by Shenton kept the scores level. A Grant Spencer free-kick cannoned off Robinson straight to the keeper, as the visitors constantly threatened the home goal, as highlighted by the fact that they had twelve corners in the first half, but rarely did the pressure look like being converted into goals.
Four minutes from the break, the deadlock was finally broken, but it was Trafford who snatched the lead. A fine through ball found Michael Oates scampering past Dawson, and as he kept control of the ball, he lashed it past Shenton to score his 23rd goal of what is proving to be a very constructive season for the former Mossley striker. Trafford began the second half buoyed by the goal, and began to take the game to the visitors, but gradually the Rams began to re-assert themselves, with Gary Stopforth, Mark Sharples and Dawson all looking for an equaliser, but on each occasion the ball went well wide. A low cross from the left evaded everyone in the Trafford box, but as Dominic Smalley came racing in at the far side, he blasted high over the bar. However, on 69 minutes, Smalley made amends. He raced down the right hand side of the box, and as the ball came through to him, he sent over an inch-perfect cross for skipper Dawson to head back across goal and in at Read’s left-hand post for the equaliser. Alas, the joy was short-lived. Trafford regained the lead just two minutes later, in somewhat comical style, although the Rams weren’t laughing. Two miscued efforts on goal seemed to be the saving of the visitors, but the second effort landed kindly for Luke Heron on the left of the box, and he fired home an unstoppable shot to regain the one goal advantage. Dean had a good run and shot as the minutes ticked down, but for all their efforts, the Rams failed to find a clear path to goal, and for the second Saturday running, had to be content with having enjoyed the majority of the play, but their lack of decisive finishing had again left them emptyhanded.
this time last season
2-1
Shawe View 17th November 2012 Att: 218 Rammy Goals: Dawson (69) Trafford Goals: Oates (41), Jackson (71)
GRAHAM SHUTTLEWORTH
Take your pick: - only a Mickey Mouse Cup; - we can concentrate on the league now; - what a waste of time and effort. Comments often used when a supporter witnesses their team 'depart' from either league or county cup competitions, with those views often confirmed by the below average attendances in many cases, but you can well bet supporters will turn out in force should their team reach the Final, and who can blame them! I can appreciate the position of the supporters, and after all the pound in the pocket can only be spent once, and certainly in our case after trips first to Blyth and four days later to play Darlington, who could blame them for having a night in, especially with a trip to Kidderminster on Saturday to pay for. But I am sure that both teams tonight will not subscribe to any such thoughts, but will put their all into taking that next step forward to the Final, and I am sure that it will be a contest that all will enjoy, whatever the result of vies after the 90 minutes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ So finally our visitors have their own ground to look forward to taking up occupancy in within the next 12 or so months. It will certainly be the end of a long saga and although there has been, and no continues to be, objections to the development, I believe that once many of the residents can see for themselves who clubs at our level can support youngsters and take them off the streets. It will be interesting to see how they develop both on and off the field and I for one wish them luck on both scores. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Turning to this coming Sunday and the prospects of the team creating another upset in the FA Trophy, the admission prices are as follows: adults £12.00, concessions £8.00, 16-21 year olds £5.00, under 16 £3.00 These are their usual Skrill Football Conference North admission prices, and those for who may use sat nav system, the post code of the ground is DY10 1NB Another defeat on Saturday for Worcester leaves them bottom of their league with just 9 points from 14 games played, but before we get too excited, they are just two points behind Barrow and we know from recent experience what they are capable of - even if one or two major decisions went their way! Worcester also lost their keeper Jose Viega through injury with 20 minutes to go, and within a minute conceded the first of two goals. Should the scores be level after 90 minutes then the replay will be at home on the following Tuesday which will mean the postponement of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy fixture with Padiham, which, subject to confirmation, will be played the following midweek, with our rearranged game against Clitheroe once again being cancelled. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Those fixtures which we have 'lost' due to either progress in the cup competitions or the weather will now be played on the following dates: Tue 26 Nov - Clitheroe (home) Tue 26 Jan - Prescot Cables (home) Sat 1 Feb - Cammell Laird (away) Tue 4 Feb - Ossett Albion (home) No date has yet been allocated to the home fixture against Ossett Town. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And finally, for those who witnessed what happened to the play who was, or wasn't, sent off in our game at Darlington, here is an official explanation: If the Referee has initially cautioned the wrong player he is allowed to stay on the field of play as long as play has not restarted therefore he is not incorrect in Law.
RAMMY IN EXILE - RICHARD ISAACS
Good evening everyone, hope you are all well. Weather and ground permitting, tonight sees us face another club from a higher division - this time, our local neighbours (for the time being anyway) from FC United of Manchester. The ground took quite a pasting on Saturday as we, once again, couldn't beat our nemesis New Mills as they grabbed a 1-1 draw. But it was the weather that marked the day ... so if anyone asks why I moved back down south again, I will refer them all to my very cold feet and very wet coat for reference. However, I had a terrific day of it and can't wait for my next one. Which sadly isn't today!! I am down in London today 'celebrating' my bosses departure from our department with a team meeting, drinks and a curry at his favourite establishment. Could he not have looked at the Rammy United fixture list and seen we had a game!?!?! So what's where I'll be tonight ... but, if the game survives, then I will be watching from afar. Saturday just furthered my great enjoyment of coming and being involved with Rammy. I was in the bar until gone 8pm, chatting and enjoying the great camaraderie that we have - from Harry all the way to the players and the supporters. But, and it made me think even more, the first person I saw as I walked into the ground - apart from Sophie on the gate .... nice to see a bit of glamour on the gate at last .... was Matthew Edgington and it was nearly four years ago that he was moronically beaten on the streets of Manchester. It was so good to see him still very much involved and around the scene at Rammy, despite his footballing career being cruelly taken from him by two people who are still very much involved in their sport just down the road in Whitefield. Where is the justice in that? Matt is doing well, considering, but I will never forget seeing him in Hope Hospital shortly after the attack. That vision will stick with me for all eternity so to see him taking an active part in life, as best he can, is really good. Sadly, November 2009 is a date that all Rammy followers won't forget. I hope he is proud to see just what has happened at Rammy - as proud as we all are. Long may it continue. See you all on Sunday down in Kidderminster for the Worcester City game. All the best.. C'MON RAMMY!!!!!!!!!!!
EDITORIAL - FROM THE DUGOUT
After the highs of the last few weeks and the run of results which we have been on, Saturday was a big disappointment for everyone not only because we feel that we are more than capable of beating them but also because we know how much it would have meant to everyone at the club to finally beat New Mills after struggling to get a result against them for the last few seasons (the one nil loss at their place, when we battered them, is one which particularly sticks in my throat). Regardless of this we maintain our unbeaten run and the whole team still feels very positive. The weather on Saturday was horrific and a terrible pitch for our 'speedy wingers' leaving a few of our players feeling heavy-legged today. Regardless of this we will get them in for a massage to break up any lactic acid and loosen up stiff legs allowing everyone recover for tonight's game with FC United. Andy Dawson had his appointment this week for his scan but unfortunately he was unable to have it and has to return next week to be scanned to find out the full extent of his knee injury. Fingers crossed for good news and I'll keep you all posted as soon as I have an update. Phil Edghill came for ultrasound on Saturday and reported his prescribed rest period has allowed his ankle pain to settle down, he is continuing to do his rehabilitation and ultrasound so we are hoping he may be fit to resume training in a matter of weeks. Apart from these two all our players seem free from injury. Owen Roberts has returned from his holiday and is available for selection and although Joel Pilkington missed the Darlington game due to work commitments he is also back in the squad tonight. Phil Dean will see out his one match suspension which he picked up for the straight red he received at Blyth Spartans against Worcester in the next round of the FA Trophy. Hopefully the next time I write we will have good news about our captain and more excitement from the cup. - Katy
EDITORIAL - SUPPORTERS CLUB
So here we are, yet another cup game! I wonder if the lads will be complaining at the end of the season about the huge number of games that we have to play... as well as doing the day job of window cleaning, plumbing, building scaffolding or laying driveways! Chelski‘s poor players moan about the length of the season and they only join in the FA Cup at the third round - I’d imagine that most of them don’t even know there’s a third extra preliminary round! I suppose the big difference is that we’re not here for the money, we’re here because we love football. Over the last few years we’ve finished the season wanting more footie, wanting to go again! Even when we got the playoff spot snatched in injury time at Skem, we were all up for going again by Sunday afternoon. Many of our players could easily cut it at a higher level than Rammy are currently playing, but they’ve all, to a man, turned that down. Adam Morning and Simon Garner wandered off, but could we say that either was really a Rammy player? I think that between them they probably only made five appearances. The rest of our lads have become Rammy through and through, and Wiz was the latest Rammy Legend to achieve 200 games for the club last week. I think that as a supporter, I’m enjoying what’s been going on here over the last 3-4 seasons more than I’ve ever enjoyed my football before, and the number of supporters that turn up week-in week-out to watch FC United as well as Ramsbottom United is testimony to the draw of real, proper football that’s played at 3pm on Saturday (or 7:45pm on a Tuesday as is the case tonight). When all but the very highest level games are played out before half-empty stadiums, it’s no surprise that attendances at our level are increasing and increasing. And BT can stick their pay-per-view! Most importantly for us though, our team are playing some of the most fantastic footie that I’ve ever seen. It really struck me, watching the highlights of Darlington v Rammy on youtube, that the way our lads move the ball about is awe-inspiring. Yes we do struggle when the opposition pitch up with some of that congested, midfield battle, Northwest Counties football, like the Cammell Lairds, New Mills and Curzon Ashtons of our division, but if we come up against a footballing side, no matter how decent, we can really hold our own. So tonight is another big chance to show our mettle against higher league opposition. FC United will no doubt have more about them than Worksop, and I expect tonight to be a tough challenge, but if we can travel all the way up to Blyth and bag a win then there’s no reason we can’t progress tonight, and again on Sunday at Conference side Worcester City in the FA Trophy. These are exciting times at the club, and I’m sure you’ll join me in telling the players just how appreciative we all are of the huge part they all play in it. We’ve all grown to know and love Wiz, Dom, Robbo, Pilkie, Jordan... is there any need to list the lot? Even the new additions like Owen Roberts, Kelvin Lomax and Billy Priestley are rapidly becoming part of the family, while we keep one eye on how The Old Boys up at Padiham or Ayresy at L.R. are getting on. So tell your friends about the great things going on here, and tell them to tell their friends. We’re starting another big advertising campaign in the run-up to Christmas, with the target of a huge attendance for the local derby against Salford City on Boxing Day. Just one little whinge... I’ve said it before, and I’d like to say it again - stop running off before the end! There was a steady shuffle to the exits on Saturday, and it really gets my goat! Stop it!
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
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: Karl Marginson
Jon WORSNOP Liam BROWNHILL Lee NEVILLE Sergio RODRIGUEZ Tom DAVIES Amjad IQBAL Matthew WOLFENDEN Greg DANIELS Mike NORTON Tom GREAVES Matthew WALWYN Callum BYRNE Astley MULHOLLAND Rhodri GIGGS Dave BIRCH Dean STOTT Andy PEARSON
Referee: Tom Neild (Holmfirth) Assistants: Jason Knowles (Huddersfield), Samuel Barrott (Huddersfield) Next home game: Rammy v Padiham 7:45pm Tuesday 19th November