15 Ramsbottom United v Burscough

rammy news V BURSCOUGH 23.11.13

TONY CUNNINGHAM AND THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium this afternoon, and can I say how refreshing it is to return to the bread-and-butter of league action after three successive games in different knock-out competitions.

Having disappointingly gone out of the Doodson Sport (League) Cup and the F.A. Trophy, we finally managed to make progress with the third competition, the Lancashire F.A. Trophy by disposing of Padiham on a bitterly cold night last Tuesday.

Today we welcome our old friends from the west of the county, Burscough, and everyone associated with the former F.A. Trophy winners.

The villagers may not be enjoying quite the run they were hoping for so far this season, but the fact that they ventured to the Tameside Stadium on Monday and gained a creditable point against high-flying, and unbeaten Curzon Ashton indicates that we are in for quite a challenge this afternoon.

The fact that we are back in league action is relevant, because, along with the afore-mentioned Curzon, we have played the least number of league games in our division to date.

This, of course, is mainly down to our cup runs, so we mustn’t complain too much, but it does make for slightly disappointing viewing when you look at the table.

Hopefully we can return to the fine form that we were in before the break for the knock-out competitions, and start to move towards those play-off spots.

VOTE FOR RAMMY! Below is correspondence we have received from Mike Bayly, which is self-evident.

I am currently in the research stage of a proposed book entitled "100 British Football Grounds To Visit Before You Die" (working title). As part of this process, I am encouraging supporters to vote for their five favourite British football grounds and have written a supporting programme article explaining what the project is about and how to vote.The article can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/sy3l2rxh5dha4am/100%20Grounds%20Pro ject%20Article.docx Now I remember doing an article listing my ten favourite grounds and why, some years back for the wonderful “Groundtastic” magazine. I can probably remember most of the ten, but if I were to list my current five, I can’t help wondering if they would have been previously included?

I seem to remember Rhyl and Workington were amongst my favourites then, but not too sure they would be now.

Thinking caps on. I already have my first three in mind, but the other two will need some sorting out!

So, go on, have a go by sending your favourites through to Mike, with the idea, of course, to get the wonderful Harry Williams Riverside Stadium in there.

Far fetched?

Well, we’ve already been on radio and television this season.

Why not featured in a book?!

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

We welcome Burscough to the Harry Williams Riverside for this afternoon’s clash which sees us back in league action after three cup games in three different cup competitions in the last week.

It was good to get back to winning ways on Tuesday night against a Padiham side that had come to the Riverside early on in the season and left with the three points. A 4-1 victory in the end was fairly comfortable and was really pleasing. We don’t usually single out individuals but a special mention must go to young Jake making his full debut after just turning 17 on what he can look back on as a fantastic first game in Rammy colours.

The game itself started a little slowly for us but we expected that having made a few changes. Once we had settled, the football we played at times was pleasing on the eye and we were made-up with the overall performance. I must also mention jordy scoring his hatrick, giving Jonno and Bern a real selection headache for today.

Squad-wise we are still missing Daws who had his scan this Monday and should know the results in 7 to 10 days, so fingers crossed he'll be back in a Rammy shirt sooner than we all thought. Edgy is back in light training and will be getting games out on loan over the next week or two, so hopefully he'll be back involved soon as well. Apart from that we are looking strong.

I hope you enjoy the game today and hopefully we can get the result we need to start climbing the table again.

Thanks again for your great support. coyr - Glenn

today’s visitors burscough

Tim Horn – Goalkeeper. Tim signed for the club towards the back end of the 201112 season. After being released by Wigan Athletic, Horn spent two seasons at Glen Hoddle’s Academy in Spain.

Phil Quirk – Defender. Phil was born in nearby Ormskirk and is now one of the longest serving player amongst the current squad. Phil was a product of the Preston North End academy.

Joe Camozzi – Defender. Joe signed for Burscough at the start of the 2011-12 campaign. He was signed from Prescot Cables but has also played for Fleetwood Town and Northwich Victoria. He also spent time at the academy of Dutch side Roda JC. Liam Dodd– Defender. A solid, skilful and no nonsense defender. Spent time on loan last season at Bootle.

Liam Duff – Defender. Liam joined this season from nearby Marine. A solid centre back who also likes to attack from set pieces.

Paul Williams – Defender. Also an accomplished midfielder, Paul has great skill and can read the game well. Williams has also played for Leigh Genesis, and a move up the football pyramid could be on the cards.

Phil Clarke – Midfield. A solid centre midfielder who has great vision and a keen eye for a pass. Formerly with Hednesford Town.

Darren Brookfield – Midfield. Began his career at Southport where he was a highly considered member of the PASE scheme. He left Haig Avenue to join local side Marine where he became a popular and integral member of the squad. Darren can play either central midfield or on either wing.

Chris Tyson – Midfield. Chris is the club captain and previously played for local side Bootle. Tyson is a strong central midfielder with good technical ability.

John Connolly – Midfield. Signed in pre-season from local side Formby. A steady central midfielder.

Allan Collins – Midfield. A winger who has devastating pace, bags of energy and good ball control.

Louis Mayers – Forward. Signed in the summer and is one of the best prospects of the squad. Has already scored a couple of crackers in a green shirt. Was previously with Bamber Bridge and Squires Gate.

Liam Caddick – Forward. Liam could well prove to be the signing of the season.

Has a real eye for goal and is a tricky player with speed. Was previously at Buckley Town.

Niall Cummins – Forward. From the Isle Of Man, Niall is a prolific goal scorer who signed from AFC Blackpool at the back end of the 2011-12 season. Niall’s goals will be key to Burscough’s season.

Mark Beesley – Forward. Mark is Burscough born and bred and spent notable time in the Football League with Chester City and Cambridge United among others.

Derek Goulding – Manager. Derek is in his second spell at the club. He was the youth team manager at the time of Burscough’s 2003 FA Trophy win. He stepped up to the First team manager job where his first stint lasted six years. During this time he masterminded a famous FA Cup 1st round Proper win over League One side Gillingham.

EDITORIAL - FROM THE DUGOUT For the observant I wont be at the game today as my little sister is getting married. I will however be in the vicinity of the match at the reception so if anything very, very serious happens you may see me streak on the pitch in a bridesmaid dress (not for the faint hearted)!

After Tuesdays victory against Padiham in the Lancashire Cup the boys were glad to be back to winning ways and are hoping to forge ahead from here and get some good results in the league to propel us up the table.

There were a lot of changes to the side on Tuesday but these were predominantly because it was the second game in as many days and there were a couple of players who still felt tired in their legs.

Not only this but we have a great contingency of young players, who are excelling in the North West Counties, who not only relish the chance to play for Ramsbottom but who are also more than capable of competing at this level.

Jon Robinson was missing to rest his ankle, which he has ongoing treatment for, and Danny Warrander didn't start the game for similar reasons. Phil Dean was missing due to suspension but will be eligible to return for todays game. The other changes as previously stated were strategic to allow some of our other players to get a game and this shows strength in our squad and faith that the players who might not be starting every game are still more than able to come straight into the game and compete.

Matthew Warburton had to be substituted during the Padiham game due to a tight hamstring but apart from this everyone else who played came through the game unscathed. In other news Andy Dawson had his scan this week and is awaiting the results which should hopefully come through next week.

The beady eyed fans amongst us may have noticed that Phil Edghill was named on the bench for the Padiham game. Whilst he is working on his fitness levels he is now in a position where he should be able to play on his injured ankle with minimal pain and risk of re-injury. It has been a long road back for Phil so you may only see him come off the bench to feature for the first few weeks until he builds his conditioning back up, fingers crossed all goes well this time. Apart from that we are fighting fit and looking forward to the challenges ahead.

- Katy

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TONY’S NON-LEAGUE TEASERS 1 Dave Anderson, a regular on the BBC Non-League Show manages which club?

2 In which league do Biggleswade Town play?

3 Connor Jennings is on loan at Macclesfield from which League Two club?

4 Who is the manager of Stockport County?

5 True or false? Bury Town play in the Manchester League.

6 Who knocked Gillingham out of this year’s F.A. Cup?

7 What is the relationship between the manager and goalkeeper of Tamworth?

8 Who replaced Dave Hockaday as manager of Skrill Premier Forest Green Rovers?

9 What was the name of Radcliffe Boro’s ground before they moved to Stainton Park?

ANSWERS: 1 Harrow Boro 2 Calor Premier 3. Scunthorpe United 4. Alan Lord 5. False, they are from Bury St. Edmunds and play in Ryman Premier 6 Brackley Town 7 Dale and Cameron are father and son 8. Ady Pennock 9 Bright Street 10 Vikings

10 What is the nickname of Goole AFC?

burscough

today’s visitors

The 2006/07 season was Burscough F.C`s Diamond Jubilee and one of the ways the club marked the event was by playing in a predominantly white kit with a specially designed badge. The season was one of the most succesful in history when the Linnets won the Unibond Northern Premier Division and the Lancashire Co-Op Trophy, formerly the Lancashire Junior Cup, for the first time in 40 years when neighbours Marine were defeated. The league success was only confirmed after a thrilling climax.

On the last day of the season the Linnets won at A.F.C. Telford United in front of nearly 6,000 fans.

The victory meant they overhauled the New Bucks Head side at the top of the table and won the title on goal difference by just 1 goal from Witton Albion. Further and final success came when Unibond First Division champions Buxton were defeated 3-1

in the Peter Swailes Memorial Shield to round off a great season and confirm Burscough as Treble Winners.

In their first season in Conference North, Burscough finished in a very creditable 8th position but manager Liam Watson and many of the players departed during the close season. Assistant manager Joey Dunn took over as manager.in July 2008, but was replaced by Andy Mutch at the beginning of October. Burscough finished next to bottom of the league and were relegated back to the Unibond Premier with Andy Gray taking over as manager for the start of the 2009-10 campaign.

The season was completed under difficult circumstances after chairman Chris Lloyd stood down and withdrew all funding. The Supporters Club accepted the raising of funds to complete the seasons fix-

tures, and were successful in this objective.

During the close season the ground was sold to Chequer Properties Ltd who in turn leased the ground back to the football club at a peppercorn rent, at the same time the property company purchased Chris Lloyd’s majority shareholding, but did not wish to be involved with the day to day running of the football side of the business, and asked Frank Parr to return as chairman and form a committee to carry out these duties.

New Chairman Gary Wright appointed at the end of the 2010-11 season to oversee the temporary move to groundshare with local neighbours Skelmersdale United. The groundshare however would be short-lived, and the club would move back to Victoria Park half way through the season.

One of Wright's first major decisions during his

tenure was to find a replacement for manager Chris Stammers, who's tenure ended with his resignation after a poor start to the 2011-12 season. After many applications, former manager Derek Goulding would make a return to the club.

Goulding started to galvanize the side during the season, but his efforts would not be able to stop the inevitable, and despite a promising end to the season the Linnet's were relegated from the NPL Premier division.

August 2012 would see renewed optimism for Burscough. It would see the Supporters Club get back on board and help in the rebuild of the club.

Goulding would spend the summer rebuilding the team on the pitch, and a hard working Football Club committee would start to rebuilt the club off it.

Ramsbottom United returned to winning ways and progressed in the Lancashire F.A. Trophy at the expense of near-neighbours Padiham on a bitterly cold night at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

On a bone-hard pitch, the visitors started brightly when Louis Mayers raced down the right before planting a shot across the face of goal and wide.

A series of corners followed before young home keeper, Jake Chadwick, making his debut, blocked a close range effort from Ben Allen.

Ashley Carter the saw his close range shot diverted for a corner as Padiham looked to take control early on.

On 13 minutes, the Rams almost took the lead in comical fashion. A half-clearance fell to Jordan Hulme on the edge of the box. He managed to get his head to the bouncing ball, and sent it back towards an empty net. Sean Davis, the Padiham keeper, scrambled back to claw the ball out from the goal-line.

The game moved from end to end, with Hulme, usually playing in defence or midfield, looking dangerous in a rare performance in attack. Whilst he was unlucky in the first half, the second half certainly belonged to him.

Tom Brooks thought he’d grabbed the lead for the home side when he nodded home a free-kick, but he was denied by the linesman’s flag, and Grant Spencer tried his luck from 30 yards, but was well wide.

Spencer was also denied with half-time approaching as he raced through only to

see Davis make the save.

Dominic Craig had a chance to give the Storks the interval lead as he ghosted into the area, but he placed his shot over Chadwick’s bar.

Chadwick, who was having a confident debut, denied Allen again early in the second period, before an inspired substitution finally led to the first goal.

Danny Warrender came off the bench on 56 minutes, and his first taste of the action was to win a corner.

The corner was partially cleared out to the Rams’ left hand side, where Spencer sent over an in-curling cross, and Warrender bent down to nod home past the keeper from close range.

Two minutes later, the Rams doubled the lead.

Spencer, making his 100th appearance for the club, played Hulme into the area, and he confidently fired past Davis from 15 yards.

On 68 minutes, Hulme was again in the right spot just inside the area and he grabbed his second and the Rams third goal in a devastating ten minute spell.

A late rally from the visitors saw Craig net a consolation on 83 minutes when he had time and room in the box to fire home, but the last word belonged to Hulme, who notched his hat-trick in the last minute.

The 4-1 score-line may seem a little harsh on Padiham, but it is the Rams who move into the next round on the back of a much better second half display.

jordan on fire!

4-1

Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 19th November 2013 Att: 106 Rammy Goals: Warrender (57), Hulme (61, 67, 89) Padiham Goals: Craig (83)

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 1-2 0-3 4-1

ATT 254 100 192 309 238 212 73 129 127 173 396 677 241 103 241 64 69 355 124 298 899 292 464 341 106

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 Shenton Lomax + Shenton Lomax Chadwick Toth

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

Stopforth + Drew Drew + Drew + Stopforth + Pilkington Morley + Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth # Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth # Gaskell 1 Stopforth # Stopforth # Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Pilkington 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 Warrender Warrender Warburton *

Hulme Hulme Hulme Spencer * Robinson Robinson Robinson Robinson * Robinson Flannery # Flannery + Warrender Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Warburton Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley 1 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 Toth Smalley Smalley

Spencer Spencer Stopforth Stopforth Spencer Spencer Spencer # Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer Spencer * Spencer Toth Spencer Spencer # Spencer Spencer Spencer + Hulme # Spencer Pilkington

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 * 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 Brooks Gaskell + Hulme 3

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 # Dean * Pilkington Spencer

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 * Smalley * Spencer # Toth Hulme * Warrender *1 Gaskell +

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

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 Chadwick Warburton Bradbury

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

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

this time last season Ramsbottom United bowed out of the League cup on a cold night in west Lancashire.

Two early goals settled the match, despite a fightback from the visitors which saw the deficit halved and the woodwork struck twice.

A mistake from the usually-reliable Andy Dawson saw Mark Ayres commit a foul on the edge of the box after just two minutes. Phil Clarke lifted a perfect free-kick round the wall and into Grant Shenton’s top left hand corner to give the home side an early boost.

At the other end, joint-manager Anthony Johnson, making a rare start, was just wide from 20 yards before Lee Gaskell raced through only to see his fine effort beat the keeper but rebound back into play off the post.

On 16 minutes Burscough doubled their lead. A through ball found Niall Cummins in acres of space, and he finished confidently past Shenton.

A minute later, Shenton had to be alert to prevent a third, as he dived low to his right to smother an effort from Liam Caddick, as the home side looked intent on finishing the game off as early as possible.

Gradually, however, the Rams began to assert themselves.

A Jon Robinson cross-cum-shot was inches away from being converted by Johnson, whilst a Danny Warrender long-range pile-driver was deflected for a corner from which Bernard Morley swivelled well in the area only to see Tim Horn produce a save in the home goal.

A dangerous cross from Phil Dean was gratefully headed behind by a home defender, before Jordan Hulme raced into the box, beat a couple of players but watched as his shot could only target the side netting.

The visitors had finished the first half the stronger, but the game could and should have been beyond them within six minutes of the restart.

Cummins was twice on the end of fine Burscough moves, but on both occasions he swept his shots over the bar when a goal looked likely.

The Rams almost made him pay for his misses.

On 62 minutes, midfielder Sam Howell, making his debut, came on from the bench, and almost immediately linked up well with Hulme on the right, and a perfect through ball found Morley. He con-

1-2

Victoria Park 27th November 2012 Att: 75 Rammy Goals: Morley (63) Burscough Goals: Clarke (2), Cummins (16)

trolled the ball before firing home an angled drive off the inside of the far post, to reduce the arrears.

Having the majority of the possession, it looked like a matter of time before the equaliser would come. On 79 minutes, it so nearly did when a cross from Dean fell perfectly for Gaskell. Howeever, his close range effort bounced back off the bar and Howell could only nod the rebound wide.

At the other end, Will Jones and David Lynch were

both denied in quick succession by a mass of Rammy defenders, before a last gasp shout for a penalty to the visitors fell on deaf ears as Gaskell went down in the box.

So despite having much of the possession, those two early goals were the undoing of a Rams side that must now concentrate on getting their league form back on track, starting with a trip to Ossett Albion on Saturday.

Billy Priestley in action against Worcester City

RAMMY IN EXILE - RICHARD ISAACS Good afternoon everyone ... warm enough for you?!? You should be down here in the tropical south - we are off to the beach!

Ok, maybe not!

So, this is a league game, is it? I think I remember what they are - you play for 90 minutes and there is no extra time? And if you win, you get points? Ah yes, that will be it. It's been so long since we last played one, you have to try and remember what the regulation is. Cup games are great fun - as we saw at Worcester/Kidderminster last weekend but the bread and butter is the league and we are 'down' in 14th as I type this but have a plethora of games in hand to fit in somewhere along the line.

I got home in good time on Sunday evening - in time to win the pub quiz at the Old Farmhouse in Totton. But safe in the knowledge that we had had a good day, only ruined a touch by (a) us losing 3-0 when we had plenty of the game, (b) the silly stewarding and ground regulations and (c) 'that' unbelievable PA announcement. OK, OK, he would have seen it as a bit of harmless fun, a bit of a joke, probably at the expense of his own team who have hardly been pushing up trees this year.

But it was completely unnecessary and I know that many of our excellent support (we can be very proud of our away support you only had to look around to see how many of us had made the journey down/up) took offence at it. I spoke to the culprit after the game - he didn't care. I spoke to their Chairman ... who did care! I know that Graham spoke to their secretary as well and there was plenty of comments at the ground and on Twitter as well. There was a message on there from a supporter of Worcester City who said it was being taken up at board level. Good!

We are very fortunate to have an excellent PA announcerin Tony (even if his selection of music is absolutely bobbins!!!!!) and he would never dream of saying anything like what they did on Sunday. Their role is to make announcements about the game goalscorers, substitutes, time added on, even that pies are being sold in the tea bar (PS, as Rammy are getting more professional these days, should our Tea Bar be renamed "The Club Restaurant"?!?!) .... that's all that needs to be done! Simple as that.

Anyway - thats enough of that. Didn't ruin the day too much! I was watching Rammy - that's good enough for me.

And, once again, that question raised its head on Tuesday night again. What would I have done ... stayed in the warm and watched Southampengland on the TV or frozen me plums off watching the LFA Trophy game? Sorry plums .... you would have been frozen!!!!! No question at all - why on earth would I stay in to watch that lot?

That's enough from me - I will be watching a rugby game somewhere today but will be cheering on from afar.

YOUUUUUUUU RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMS!!!!!!!

- Richard

THIS WEEK’S MATCHES Saturday 23rd November Bamber Bridge v Wakefield Clitheroe v Radcliffe Curzon Ashton v Kendal Darlington v Ossett Town Harrogate v Prescot Lancaster v Northwich Ossett Albion v Cammell Laird Padiham v New Mills Rammy v Burscough Salford v Farsley Warrington v Mossley Tuesday 26th November Rammy v Clitheroe Warrington v Curzon Ashton (Doodson Cup): Sheffield FC v Ossett Town

(Lancashire Trophy): Barrow v Bamber Bridge (Liverpool Senior Cup): Burscough v Prescot St Helens v Cammell Laird Friday 29th November New Mills v Salford Saturday 30th November Burscough v Ossett Albion Cammell Laird v Padiham Farsley v Lancaster Kendal v Rammy Mossley v Darlington Ossett Town v Harrogate Prescot v Clitheroe Radcliffe v Warrington Wakefield v Bamber Bridge

Goalkeeper G

Right-back Kelvin Lomax

Centre-back Dan Warrender

Right-wing Dom Smalley

Midfielder Grant Spencer

Striker Jon Robinson

rant Shenton

Left-back Owen Roberts

Centre-Back Billy Priestley

Midfielder Gary Stopforth

Striker Tom Brookes

rammy squad Left-wing Phil Dean

Midfielder Tom Toth Midfield Joel Pilkington

Midfielder Phil Edghill Striker Jordan Hulme

Striker Lee Gaskell Centre-back and Captain Andy Dawson

Joint Manager and striker Anthony Johnson Joint Manager and midfielder Bernard Morley

Coach Glenn Moses Coach Darren Green

Physio Katy Richardson

rammy squad

EDITORIAL - SUPPORTERS CLUB

My apologies if you read the programme online, but I’m going to reproduce the column I wrote on Tuesday, because for some reason we lost four pages from the print version, this one included: Oh what great memories of watching higher-level football came flooding back as we visited Aggborough, the home of Kidderminster Harriers, and temporary stomping ground of our FA Trophy opposition, Worcester City.

First of all, having to pay to park my car, with all the nearby streets all having “No Football Parking” signs on their walls. It reminded me of those heady days going to places like the Reebok Stadium, finding yourself hemmed into a ‘Visitors Parking’ lane with traffic cones, only to discover when you get to the front of the queue, that they want £12 from you to park, and the only other option is to get out, move the cones, and park three miles away!

Then came the long walk around the ground to the turnstiles, that meant missing the first couple of minutes of the game. Then the £12 to get in! I promised that we’d let the turnstile operator into the replay for just £7, but a sense of humour obviously doesn’t bother turning up at Squirrel Premier grounds.

Pies? £4, though they do have something for us puffy vegetarians, so some credit to them for that. A cup of tea was also a relative bargain at just £1.50 (I wonder how many bags they put in their urn!).

Changing ends at halftime seemed to cause a bit of consternation for the stewards, and I wasn’t allowed into the other end to take photos unless I had a pass from reception, for which I was required to walk all the way back round the ground to get my ID. And then the entertaining little episode with the stewards, as we all congregated in ‘Naughty Corner’.

Gaskell was adjudged to have brought down one of their players, which ended up with a bit of fun on the pitch, with the standard vocal contributions from the assembled Rammy fans. Johnno was doing that thing where he puts his arms out wide, and Jocker was running along the touchline to tell the linesman about his dubious parentage. George’s booming voice joined in from row G, with a selection of Andys chipping in from the back row of the stand. Pretty standard stuff, if the truth be told.

The Squirrel Premier equivalent of a baton charge ensued, with four stewards being sent over to the ‘Naughty Corner’, to make sure that Little Katie didn’t upset the linesman by standing too close, or that Jocker didn’t vault the barrier in nobbut his underpants (or whatever they were expecting him to do).

In an otherwise disappointing second-half, the reactions of the four (and occasionally six) stewards to a handful of friendly Lancashire women, old boys and kids was a definite highlight, and almost worth the £12 we had to stump up to pay for them to come along.

Oh thank heavens tonight we get back to some proper football, where you’re allowed to stand up, ‘interact’ with the officials, and generally enjoy being a part of stuff. My days of watching footy as though it’s on the telly are well and truly over!

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: Derek GOULDING

Tim HORN Phillip CLARKE James SHORT Paul WILLIAMS Liam DUFF Darren BROOKFIELD Connor ROBERTS John CONNOLLY Mark BEESLEY Liam CADDICK Luke ROBINSON Alex RUSSELL Mark McLAUGHLIN Alex NWACHUKWU Michael JENSON

Referee: Sam Mulhall (Northwich) Assistants: Paul Kenny (Northwich), Peter Gibbon (Northwich) Next home game: Tuesday 26th November 7:45pm, Rammy v Clitheroe