rammy news V CLITHEROE 26.11.13
TONY CUNNINGHAM AND THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL It was good to get back to the bread-and-butter of League action on Saturday, and didn’t we return in style?! It had me wondering if that was the most complete performance during Bernard and Jonno’s tenure? We have had some superb performances over the years, too many to recollect, but I felt the quality of the football on Saturday was outstanding. The movement of the players was spot-on, and their control in all kinds of situations was first-class. Perhaps my lasting memory will be that of Dominic Smalley racing forward with the ball at tremendous pace in the 90th minute! The whole fitness of the side had them looking as though they could have played on until midnight. I realise that being 7-1 in front gives one the extra incentive, but the all round performance of the team was superb. Even Grant in goal, with hardly anything to do all afternoon, produced two stunning saves in quick succession at the end to deny a bedazzled Burscough a late consolation. We have a few games in hand over most of the teams in the league, and whilst it is generally accepted that points in the bag are more important, if we can continue in this vein, then the play-offs must surely be in sight. NEXT UP Of course, our visitors tonight will be hoping to nullify these ambitions as they arrive at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium on the back of a 4-0 trouncing of our neighbours from Radcliffe on Saturday. So two teams meet tonight in fine form. Let’s hope for a highly entertaining game and just reward for those who turn their backs on the seemingly never-ending diet of televised football, to be here tonight watching real football. We’ve enjoyed many games against Clitheroe over the years, and the two clubs have many close associations. I mentioned a few weeks ago, how certain clubs and grounds always appeal to me. Ten days ago I ventured to one of my favourites, Barnoldswick Town, and I have to say, Clitheroe features in my list of places I always enjoy visiting. So as I look forward to another trip there later in the season, I welcome everyone connected with the club to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium tonight. TAMESIDE WOES Two other clubs I have always enjoyed visiting are Hyde and Droylsden. Oh dear! These two Tameside neighbours are experiencing nightmare campaigns so far. As we prepare to enter December, they both remain winless. Hyde did remarkably well last season in their first taste of Conference Premier football, but this time round they appear to have no hope of extending their tenure to three seasons. I caught them a couple of times last year, but have still to venture down to Ewan Fields this season, but hopefully I will manage it, and hopefully I’ll catch them on a good day. As for Droylsden, it doesn’t seem too long since they were there also. The cost of playing at such a level has come back to bite them, and their free-fall shows no sign of ending. They will probably be in this Division next season which is very sad. I don’t like to see any “local” sides struggling, and wish both clubs a healthier future. 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
After a really strong October saw us pick up the Evostik ‘Team of the Month’ award, November is currently going just as well. The defeat in the FA Trophy at Worcester was disappointing, but we’ve bounced back with a couple of fantastic wins - most notably Saturday’s 7-1 trouncing of Burscough. That game just goes to show the fantastic strength we have in the squad, with Wiz, Robbo and Brooksey all starting on the bench! Today will be an extremely tough game as Si Garner and his lads are going great guns
up the road in Clitheroe. Their results over the last month read very much like ours, with just the one defeat to New Mills (we drew 11 with them) so we’ll need all the support you can muster today if we are to get some more points on the board. By the way, thanks for the fantastic support over the last few weeks. We’ve had some really long journeys, particularly Blyth and then Darlington mid-week, and it’s always brilliant to turn up and see the same old faces on the touch-line. Keep up the good work! - Bernard
TON-UP Team Loyalty amongst players at any level of football appears to be a thing of the past, and especially so in the non-league game. How refreshing, then, to report on one club which could field an entire team of players who have all completed over 100 appearances for the side. That side is Ramsbottom United of the Evo-Stik League Division One North. Joint-player-managers, Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson were appointed by Chairman Harry Williams in the summer of 2009, after a number of indifferent seasons in the North West Counties League. Their tenure began with a 5-0 away defeat at Newcastle Town, which hardly augured well. Little did they know that Town were to embark on a 30 game unbeaten run as they raced to the title that season. From that soul-destroying start, the new management duo put a side together that climbed the table and eventually finished in fourth position. The following campaign was even more successful as they clinched the runners-up spot. Only one side gained promotion, however, and for their third season, they targeted top spot and automatic promotion to the Evo-Stik League. After another highly entertaining nine months, the title was won, and amongst great celebrations at the newlynamed Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, Ramsbottom United reached the highest point in their 46 year history. The first season at the new level provided yet more entertainment for the ever-growing band of supporters in the town. With one minute of the last game of the season remaining, (away to Champions Skelmersdale United), the Rams looked like clinching a play-off spot. A late, late goal knocked them down to sixth, and agonisingly they missed out on the end-of-season lottery. Anthony and Bernard are now into their fifth season in charge, and having enjoyed some cup success, now aim to catch up on missed League fixtures, as they once again target a place in the play-offs. Throughout their reign, a number of players have stayed for the ride. Indeed, they have been a major part of the success story, as not only has the camaraderie kept them at the stadium, but the entertaining and expansive style of football has been another reason. Now the Rams have a full line-up of eleven players who have all notched up 100 or more games for the side. Winger Phil Dean is on 203 (162 + 41subs), midfield dynamo Joel Pilkington has turned out 191 times (176 + 15), influential skipper Andy Dawson 176 (172 + 4), and raiding winger Dominic Smalley 170 (141 + 29) Legendary striking duo Jon Robinson has notched 157 appearances (143 + 14) and Lee Gaskell 148 (121 + 27) Reliable keeper Grant Shenton can count 152 games (151 + 1), whilst the management duo have taken to the field 275 times between them, Bernard Morley 148 (135 + 13), and Anthony Johnson 127 (104 + 23). Completing the line-up are competitive defender Danny Warrender with 108 appearances (none from the bench) and midfielder Grant Spencer 101 (88 + 13). On the bench, and fast approaching the magical three figure number are towering, but currently injured defender Ian Flannery 93 (90 + 3) and influential midfielder Gary Stopforth with 87 (86 + 1), and both could finish the season also passing the 100 mark. How refreshing, in an age when players seem prepared to move for an extra fiver, to see such an example of loyalty from so many players, to both the club and their managers.
today’s visitors clitheroe
Simon Garner - Player manager. 31 year old left sided midfielder, with a distinguished pedigree at the highest level of non-league. Numbers Fleetwood, Halifax, Stalybridge, FC United and Chorley amongst his previous clubs. Started his playing career at Clitheroe as a 19 year old, having two other return spells. One of the famous Shepshed away team. Putting his first foot on the managerial ladder. Ryan Parr – assistant manager. No nonsense centre back, who came to Clitheroe from Great Harwood Town, before moving to Fleetwood for a spell. Came out of retirement to play at Shepshed. Jason Jones – a tough tackling, midfielder in his pomp. Scorer in the Clitheroe FA Vase quarter final at Chippenham. Jason has been focussing on the coaching side of his game. Andrew Dawber – 18 year old goalkeeper signed on loan from Accrington Stanley. Has already caught the eye of Manchester United coaches. Josh Ollerenshaw – Giant 23 year old Cumbrian goalkeeper, signed on loan from Fleetwood Town. Keith Wedge –25 year old right back who signed at the start of the season from Runcorn Linnets. Always looking to surge forward. Club captain. Warren Bellew – stylish 23 year old left back recently signed from Skelmersdale United. Previously Runcorn Town’s player of the year in 2012. Will James – at 19 years old, Will is already one of the club’s longest serving players. Previously on Blackburn Rovers books, he also represented Wales at U17 level. Centre back but equally happy at full back or in midfield. Ben Cartwright – 19 year old centre back recently signed. Ross Dent – 19 year old, tough tackling midfielder with an eye for goal. Clitheroe lad. Scott Byrom – Padiham based 19 year old midfielder. Sports science student, recently signed from local league football. Athletic midfielder, improving every game. Andy Griffiths – 20 year old midfielder signed from Skelmersdale United Chris Dykes – 23 year old midfielder, enjoys surging down the flanks. Previously played for Chorley and Leigh Genesis. George Wysocki – 20 year old previously on Halifax’s and Goole’s books. Equally at home at centre back or in the middle of defence. Danny Smith – Pre-season signing from Atherton Collieries, his predatory instincts in front of goal are already clear. Lloyd Dean – Forward who moved from Garswood United to Skelmersdale United, before signing for the Blues. Pacy striker with an eye for goal. Scott Bakkor – 19 year old forward, signed on contract this season after shining at the end of the 2012/13 season. Pace, skill and a goal threat, one to watch. Ade Wainwright – 17 year old centre forward recently signed on loan from Fleetwood.
EDITORIAL - FROM THE DUGOUT There’s no column from Katy this week as she spent Saturday afternoon at her little sister’s wedding, as snapped by our roving Paparazzi photographer in the cricket club carpark!
Pilkie suddenly remembers that Gary Stopforth’s goal celebrations are the real reason he doesn’t score very often!
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TONY’S NON-LEAGUE TEASERS 1 Which club took Nelson’s place in the Football league?
2 Which club’s former ground was called New Writtle Street? 3 Who is the manager of AFC Liverpool?
4 Which club has the delightfully-named Sewer End?
5 Which league was the late Brooks Mileson involved with?
6 Former Bury striker Andy Bishop is currently playing for which Skrill Premier club? 7 Zamaretto once sponsored which senior non League? 8 AFC Telford boss Liam Watson took up the post after resigning his position at which club? 9 Barwell FC is situated in which county?
ANSWERS: 1 Chester 2 Chelmsford City 3 Paul Moore 4 Barnoldswick Town 5 Northern League 6 Wrexham 7 Southern League 8 Southport 9 Leicestershire 10 The Seasiders
10 What is the nickname of Prestatyn Town?
burscough battered!
7-1
Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 24th November 2013 Att: 229 Rammy Goals: Warrender (8,45), Gaskell (38), Pilkington (38), Spencer (53,66), Dean (73) Burscough Goals: William (27)
Ramsbottom United produced a stunning performance of attacking football to blow away their visitors from west Lancashire. The score-line in no way flattered the home side, as they even had the luxury of missing a penalty as, as they turned in a performance of fast and skilful football to totally outplay Burscough. Joel Pilkington had fired an early warning shot when his effort sailed just over the visitors bar, but the onslaught started in the eighth minute when Danny Warrender found room in the area to power home a header from an Owen Roberts corner. Lee Gaskell should have doubled the lead just two minutes later when a perfect cross from Dominic Smalley set him up, but he scooped the ball over the bar. A further two minutes on, Gaskell successfully fought for a ball that looked like going out of play, but his close range effort was blocked for a corner. Smalley then fired in a low drive that Tim Horn in the Burscough goal somehow managed to scramble over the bar, as the one-way traffic continued apace. Grant Spencer fired just over from 25 yards, followed by Owen Roberts and Gaskell twice, as the home side continued to raid an over-worked defence. So it was something of a surprise when, after 27 minutes, with their first sniff of goal, Burscough grabbed an equaliser. The ball fell kindly for Jordan Williams, six yards out, and he turned to place a drive across the face of goal and in by the far post. That was as good as it got for the visitors, as the rest of the afternoon returned to the one-sided fare that had been enjoyed for the first 25 minutes. Jordan Hulme fired just over the bar, whilst Gaskell placed a close range header from Smalley’s cross wide of the post. The onslaught continued, and eventually turned into goals, as the Rams fired in three before the break to ensure that the points would remain at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.
Dan Warrender opens the scoring
On 37 minutes, Smalley fed Hulme down the right, and his inch-perfect cross allowed Gaskell to side-foot the ball home from close range. Two minutes later, a mirrored goal made it three. This time Roberts sped down the left before sending in a tempting low ball which had a number of Ramsbottom players race in. Joel Pilkington arrived first and slid the ball home, much to his delight. With the referee looking at his watch, another corner, this time from Spencer, again found Warrender, and he bundled home his second and the Rams fourth of a fruitful first half. There was no respite for the visitors as the onslaught continued throughout the second 45 minutes. On 47 minutes, Hulme saw his well-placed header from a Spencer free-kick, turned round by Horn, and minutes later an audacious 30 yard lob from Gaskell clipped the top of the bar with Horn well beaten. On 54 minutes it was five. Spencer found space on the left, and his curling shot did the rest as Horn was once again beaten. A free-kick from Roberts beat the wall, but once again had the over-worked Horn scrambling it to safety as Ramsbottom produced some exhibition football, that was a delight to watch. Hulme was unlucky to see his perfectly executed volley from as Smalley cross sail into Horns arms, but on 66 minutes the keeper could do nothing to prevent the sixth goal going in. The ball fell to Gaskell in midfield, and he raced goal-wards before flicking the ball into the path of Spencer who made no mistake from 15 yards. A triple substitution almost notched a seventh. Jon Robinson, with his first touch, had his feet taken from him by Horn, who was lucky to escape without a card, but fellow substitute Phil Dean, with his first touch, blazed the spot kick high and wide. Horn then had to dash out of his goal, and as the ball broke to Smalley, he launched it towards the empty net only to see it curl inches wide of the far post. On 74 minutes, Dean atoned for his penalty miss when he fired home from the corner of the box to complete the scoring. A late flurry from the visitors almost created a consolation, but Grant Shenton, who had a quiet afternoon in the home goal, produced two superb close range stops in quick succession from Liam Caddick and Mark McLaughlin. The final whistle blew on a stunning performance from a Ramsbottom side still full of running after an exhaustive ninety minutes, and a result that served as a warning to those clubs higher in the table who have played more games than the Rams. On this evidence, the play-offs are certainly within the Rams’ grasp.
Jordan Hulme about to cross for Lee Gaskell
The Ramm
my 100 Club
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 Sat 7th Dec Tues 10th 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 1st Mar Sat 8th Mar Sat 15th 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 H 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 Curzon Ashton Chorley Lancs Trophy WAKEFIELD Bamber Bridge SALFORD CITY FARSLEY Padiham Northwich Victoria MOSSLEY RADCLIFFE BOROUGH Clitheroe Prescot Cables Cammell Laird OSSETT ALBION Lancaster City HARROGATE RAILWAY Prescot Cables CAMMELL LAIRD New Mills Burscough KENDAL TOWN Farsley WARRINGTON TOWN Salford City BAMBER BRIDGE
RES ATT STARTING ELEVEN 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 7-1
254 100 192 309 238 212 73 129 127 173 396 677 241 103 241 64 69 355 124 298 899 292 464 341 106 229
Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Chadwick Shenton
Warrender Warrender Warrender Warrender Warrender Warrender Warrender Warrender Warrender 1 Warrender Warrender # Hulme + Warrender Warrender Hulme 1 Hulme Hulme Warrender Lomax Lomax Lomax Lomax Lomax + Lomax Toth Lomax
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 Roberts Roberts
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 # 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 * Warrender 2
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 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 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 Pilkington 1 +
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 + Gaskell 1 *
Brooks 1 Brooks # Gaskell # Gaskell Brooks # 1 Hulme Hulme Hulme # Roberts * 1 Roberts Robinson * 3 Robinson Robinson + Brooks Brooks 2 Brooks * Brooks 1 Brooks 2 * Brooks * Gaskell * Gaskell Gaskell Brooks Gaskell + Hulme 3 Hulme #
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 Spencer 2
66/7: Parks Cup Runners-Up 67/8:Parks Cup Runners-Up 67/8: Kenyon Cup Winners 71/2: Cornall Cup Winners 72/3: Bolton Combination Div One Champions 74/5: Bolton Hospital Cup Winners 76/7: Bolton Combination Premier Division Champions 76/7: Bolton Combination Open Cup Winners 79/80: Bolton Combination Jackson Cup Winners 81/2: Bolton Combination Jackson Cup Runners-Up 82/3: Bolton Combination Second Division Cup Runners-Up 82/3: Bolton Combination Second Division Runners-Up 83/4: Bolton Combination Open Cup Winners 84/5: Bolton Combination First Division Runners-Up 84/5: Bolton Boys Federation Under-16’s League Champions 85/6: Bolton Combination Jackson Cup Runners-Up 85/6: Bolton Boys Federation U18’s League Runners-Up 85/6: Bolton Boys Federation U18’s Jubilee Cup Winners 86/7: Lancashire FA Under-18’s Cup Winners 86/7: Bolton Boys Federation U18’s Jubilee Cup Winners 86/7: Bolton Boys Federation Under-18’s League Champions 87/8: Bolton Combination Open Cup Runners-Up
SUBSTITUTES Drew + Warburton Warburton * Edghill * Pilkington * Bradbury Toth * Roberts + Flannery # Hulme # + Pilkington + Edghill + Brooks * 1 Edghill + Edghill * Edghill + Dean Hulme 1 + Toth * Toth Toth Toth Smalley * Toth Warrender *1 Toth
Smalley * Smalley * Brooks # Morley Bradbury # 1 Edghill Prickett Flannery * Morley Brooks * 2 Brooks * Brooks * Hulme + Gaskell * Gaskell + Pilkington * Smalley + Pilkington Gaskell + Brooks * Johnson Robinson * Spencer # Hulme * Gaskell + Robinson *
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 # 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 Chadwick Chadwick Warburton Bradbury Dean 1 #
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 Chadwick
90/1: Manchester League Division One Cup Winners 90/1: Manchester League Division One Champions 93/4: Yorkshire Cup Runners-Up 93/4: Bury & Radcliffe Junior Under-16’s Cup Winners 93/4: Bury & Radcliffe Junior Under-16’s Champions 94/5: Gylchrist Cup Winners 94/5: Manchester Festival of Football Runners-Up 94/5: Manchester County FA Youth Cup Winners 94/5: Bolton Boys Federation Jubilee Cup Winners 94/5: Bolton Boys Federation Cup Winners 94/5: Bolton Boys Federation Premier League Champions 95/6: North West Counties Division Two Cup Winners 96/7: North West Counties Division Two Champions 97/8: North West Counties Reserve Division Cup Winners 98/9: Bolton Hospital Cup Winners 98/9: North West Counties Reserve North Champions 2000/01: Bolton Bys Federation Jubilee Cup Runners-Up 01/2: Bolton Boys Federation Premier League Champions 01/2; Bolton Hospital Cup Runners-Up 05/6: Bolton Hospital Cup Winners 06/7: Bolton Hospital Cup Winners 07/8: Bolton Hospital Cup Winners 10/11: North West Counties Division One Runners-Up 11/12: North West Counties Division One Champions
rammy club honours
GRAHAM SHUTTLEWORTH After three successive cup fixtures it was good to get back to league action and especially in such emphatic style which took minds off the chill in the air! Comments such as 'the 4-3-3 formation doesn't provide cover for the full backs'; 'we got overrun in midfield with that formation'; 'our defence was poor'; 'we couldn't defend in the 6 yard area' were all heard, and the debate continued over the social media network. Sadly, there was no comment that Ramsbottom were simply too good for them, which really was the top and bottom of it. This was the same club who lost to league leaders Warrington Town (9 Nov) by the only goal of the game; beat them 3-0 three days later in the Doodson Cup and came away with a share of the points at second placed Curzon Ashton (18 Nov). So what formation was played in those games? Doubt that it would have been any different to that on Saturday. Burscough were of course just the one point behind us before kick-off so it's good to put some daylight between us and those below as the team strive to make their way up the table and start to have others looking over their shoulder as we make up for the games lost due primarily to the two good cup runs we've all enjoyed. I find the league quite amazing at the moment when you take into account that from 9th place down only ourselves and Northwich Vic's have a positive goal difference, while Harrogate Railway in 8th have a zero difference. Of the 12 clubs above us only THREE have a better goal difference, so we have much to look forward to in the week ahead. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We set off on our travels after this evenings game and don't return home until 14 December. We head off to Kendal on Saturday who have seen the return of Craig Dootson filling the number 1 shirt. It was Dootson who stood between us and three points way back on 24 August when we played Warrington Town. Hopefully the much travelled stopper will not be in such good form as he was that day! 7 days later and it is the big test of not only matching but beating Curzon Ashton at the Tameside Stadium. The way the table looks at the moment Curzon must be odds on favourites for the title, but there's a long, long way to go and favourites have fallen before after being well ahead at this stage of the season. It's another Lancashire fixture three days later and a testing trip to the home of Chorley in the Lancashire FA Co-operative Challenge Trophy. The Magpies are going well in the Premier League so it will without doubt be a good test to see how far we have come. For those making the journey I can tell you that the admission prices on the night are: £6.00 adults; £4.00 concessions (60+, 16-21 year olds) and under 16's £3.00. A Semi-Final place beckons! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After our BBC Radio world broadcast experience at the FA Trophy game at Worcester City the Evo-Stik League is once again making the news. My former club, Curzon Ashton, are the only team from the top eight tiers of football to remain unbeaten this season, and as such they were named Radio 5 Live's 'Team of the Day' on Saturday. Now wouldn't it be nice to go there and knock them off their pedestal! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “I don’t believe skill was, or ever will be, the result of coaches. It is a result of a love affair between the child and the ball.” Roy Keane (*1971: former captain of Ireland and Manchester United)
RAMMY IN EXILE - RICHARD ISAACS Well, here we are again - another home game! Good evening everyone, hope you are all well. In my little world, at least I have Ramsbottom United to keep me sane. Having watched ... no, that should be endured ... four nights of watching England's cricketers turn in quite an abject performance against Australia in Brisbane in the first of the Ashes Tests Down Under, collapsing in a heap and making Mitchell Johnson and co look like Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson in their pomp, at least I have Rammy United to keep my spirits up. And they certainly did that on Saturday with a masterful display in disposing of Burscough 7-1. It is incredible to consider that having scored just twice in our opening four games, we have now scored 61 goals in the next 22 - an average that is not far off three goals a game (2.772 if you want to be precise!!!!) and 11 goals in the last two games after the Worcester City defeat in the FA Trophy. I was pleased to see that Worcester City had a home game in the next round against AFC Telford United ... at least it wasn't away somewhere close to me down here in the deep south!!! Sorry, I digress! Just what is incredible about our club was the tweets sent out by the managers and the coaches and the follow up article from Tony with regards to the fact that we can field a full eleven players who have played over 100 times for the club. Yes, 100 appearances for Ramsbottom United. It is truly unheard of. That sort of statistic just does not happen in non-league football and I would love to know if many other clubs can boast such a fact. But isn't that just fantastic that those eleven players - top quality each one - have not been enticed to a "promised land" of more money, higher standard of football and all the bells and whistles that goes with it. Why? Why would they do that? It's the same reason that we come back time and time and time again. Rammy United is a family. The managers, coaches, players and supporters are all one. As are the committee and, of course, Harry. You see that when we go away to games, I saw it perfectly at Worcester City and the coach journey home from Blyth Spartans is something of Rammy legend now! Look at our squad of players. We have Grant Shenton, Danny Warrender, Gary Stopforth, Joel Pilkington, Jonno and Bernard, Phil Edghill, Robbo and, of course our recent new signing Kelvin Lomax ... all of whom have played extensively at a much higher standard and could easily play at that standard again should they choose to make that choice. But do they? No - they want to play their football with Rammy United and that is what makes this club just the great pull that it is! And still, whenever I mention my affiliation to Rammy when down here (I did so at Gosport and Fareham Rugby Club on Saturday while watching their game and keeping an eye on the Twitter), they just took the 'you-know-whats'!!!! Well, they should be used to non-league football down in those parts with Gosport Borough in the Conference South and Portsmouth in (Non)League-Two!!!! Can't wait for the Curzon Ashton away game, the next game that I will be able to attend. And I had a thought about that game - whilst not quite the same as the FC United trip on the Rammy Rattler for the game a few years back, but you can now get the Metrolink Tram from Bury to Ashton and there is a stop just at the top of the road where Curzon play. Now, that would be fun to be on ......... Anyway - off to the pub quiz. YOUUUUUUUUU RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMS !!!!!!!!! - Richard
THIS WEEK’S MATCHES Tuesday 26th November Rammy v Clitheroe Warrington v Curzon Ashton (Doodson Sport Cup): Sheffield v Ossett Town (Lancashire FA Trophy): Barrow v Bamber Bridge (Liverpool County Cup): Burscough v Prescot St Helens v Cammell Laird Friday 29th November New Mills v Salford City
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
Left-wing Phil Dean
rammy squad
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 I’ve just been looking through Tony’s article on the players who’ve reached 100 games for Rammy. As supporters it’s fantastic to be able to turn up for the first game of the season to see the same faces as finished the previous campaign, and I think we owe a debt of gratitude to the lads for sticking with Rammy for so long. The fans of no other club have this kind of loyalty and their managers have to try and piece a new team together at the start of each season. A great bonus from having such player loyalty is the way the team can click so wonderfully on the pitch. It was very satisfying watching the bemusement of Burscough as our short, sharp passing ran rings round them on Saturday, with the odd long ball swept across field to switch the play. After a strong performance against Curzon Ashton midweek, they really knew they were being utterly out-played by a team who worked as one; and you just don’t get that at other clubs, at any level. It was also a real pleasure to see the diversity of players on show, with the battlers in the middle, the big strong lads at the back, the tricky wingers, and combination of strength and ‘show pony’ up front. We even had half the A-list on the bench! What a brilliant squad! It’s easy to forget just how young some of these lads are too, as they’ve been at Rammy for such a long time in footballing terms. I’ve said it many times over the last couple of years or so, and I’ll say it again - what we have at Rammy is the best football I’ve ever seen, played by the most dedicated squad of players, and managed by the best backroom staff that football has to offer. It’s one thing being Martinez or Moyes, picking from a squad of multi-million pound primadonnas week-in week-out, but it’s another thing entirely to encourage this amount of devotion and quality from lads who play for £20 a game after spending the day selling carpets, building scaffolding or cleaning windows. As a supporter, it’s a real honour to follow the lads around, and to photograph what’s going on so that we can look back in our old-age at the tremendous memories we will have of Rammy under Jonno and Bernard. I believe we still need to keep telling our friends, colleagues and relatives about Rammy. 229 was a good attendance on Saturday given the freezing weather, but that number needs to be up round the 300 before we can look at progressing to the higher levels. We need the lads to have the funds and we need the local area really behind the team. Everything else is in place now, we just need those numbers through the turnstiles. The new flyers will arrive with us in the next couple of days (6000 of them!) and I’ll have a box-load at our match against Wakefield in a couple of weeks. They’ll have the details of our Boxing Day match against Salford, the Farsley one on the 28th, and the Mossley game on 11th January. It’d be nice to get them through as many letterboxes as possible, so if you’re able to spare an hour then please speak to me (with the camera), Katie (selling Golden Goals), or email me on qy@dr.com Thank you.
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: Simon Garner
Josh OLLERENSHAW Keith WEDGE Warren BELLEW Will JAMES Ben CARTWRIGHT Scott BYROM Daniel WILKINS Ross DENT Aden WAINWRIGHT Scott BAKKOR Chris DYKES Simon GARNER George WYSOCKI Danny SMITH Lloyd DEAN Charlie COLLINGE
Referee: Nicholas Barnard (Warrington) Assistants: James Eadon (Warrington), Andrew Worthington (Altrincham) Next home game: Saturday 14th December 3pm, Rammy v Wakefield