rammy news V HARROGATE RAILWAY 15.02.14
TONY CUNNINGHAM AND THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium this afternoon and a special welcome to everyone who has made the journey over the hill from Harrogate Railway Athletic. No doubt, revenge will be on their minds after our comprehensive victory at Station View earlier in the season, but we view every game as a huge challenge, so let’s hope for an afternoon of high entertainment.
MADE IT I wonder how many of us regarded the play-offs, so tantalisingly snatched from us last season, as a pipe-dream this time round? The horrendous start to the campaign, followed by the news that three points were, at some stage, to be deducted, probably made anywhere in the top half of the table an ambitious target. Well, last weekend, we slipped into those top five positions on a truly memorable run of results. The victory at Lancaster made it just two defeats (one unjust at Bamber Bridge, and one deserved at Cammell Laird) in twenty three games. Some record! And one which has allowed us to shoot up that league table into the coveted spots. The secret now, of course, is to stay there. It’s going to require the same level of consistency. Warrington Town, and Curzon Ashton seem certs for two of those spots, although I have to be honest and say that neither side has particularly impressed me this season. Farsley are an unknown quantity, for despite the fact they have played more games than the others, they have gained the points with a consistent run, so they will probably clinch the third place. The reincarnation of former Football League side Darlington, were everyone’s pre-season favourites. They have the support and financial clout to sail through this Division, but so far have not had it all their own way (and we haven’t helped them much!) They should have enough to stay in the top five. Which leaves just one other play-off spot up for grabs. I know there is still much to be played for, and, as always, one team will lose form whilst another will arrive almost un-noticed. Our main rivals, at this point in time, appear to be Bamber Bridge and Lancaster City. So it’s almost like a mini-league for us between now and the end of April. We need to keep this amazing run going. I said at the end of August, that every side has a bad spell at some point in the season, and half-jokingly, added that we were getting ours out of the way early. Let’s hope I was right! Whatever happens, the fact that this Rammy side has dragged itself up by it’s bootlaces despite the negatives, proves, once again, just how much character there is in this team. Getting into the top five was the ambition. Staying there is now the target. ARTIFICIAL I see that the Conference has voted down a proposal to allow 4G pitches in the competition. Maidstone, looking for promotion from the Ryman League had asked the Conference to debate the issue, but the ultimate vote went against any such move. Hardly surprising, as the Conference are the bridge between the majority of non-league and the Football League. Their sole aim, it would appear to me, is to groom clubs so that they are ready to make the move up to the “92”. If the “92” don’t embrace artificial surfaces, then what is the point of the Conference doing so? Many of us remember the early examples at the likes of QPR, Preston North End and Hyde United. They were not good! But that’s over 30 years ago. Artificial surfaces have improved beyond recognition. So much so that International and European matches have been staged on them. The Football League will at some point accept them as standard. The conservative elements within the game will continue to repel such progress. But it will inevitably happen, and for me, the sooner the better. The advantages, as Maidstone, and a handful of other clubs will gladly point out, completely outweigh the luddite attitude currently adapted by many charged with looking after the good of the game. Sadly, for the Maidstone’s of this world, they will remain frustrated until the light is finally seen. Enjoy your non-league football!
President: J Smith Chairman: H Williams Secretary: A Cunningham 07973 416580 Matchday Secretary: A Edmundson 07875 566261 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 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
Saturday 15th February Bamber Bridge v Cammell Laird v Clitheroe v Curzon Ashton v Darlington v Kendal v Mossley v Ossett Albion v Rammy v Wakefield v Warrington v
Burscough Radcliffe New Mills Farsley Lancaster Padiham Northwich Prescot Harrogate Salford Ossett Town
jonno
First and foremost, a big welcome to the players, management, staff and supporters from Harrogate Railway. Hopefully the trip over to the red rose county treated you well and you enjoy the game, result apart of course (Sorry Tony). This is our first Saturday home game in four weeks, the last being the 8-0 win against neighbors and friends Radcliffe Borough. Three consecutive away Saturdays pitted us with very tough opponents and on the whole with the six points taken from nine we have to be reasonably happy. The Cammell Laird game stands out as the only blip on that record. We of course were very disappointed with the defeat, especially finding out the day before that we had the three points deducted. What was very pleasing was the response we got from the lads on the Tuesday night at home to Ossett Albion. We impressed on them how important it was to bounce back straight away after a defeat so that we could 'get back on the horse'. We needed to be patient and at half time we knew that if we upped the tempo our quality would shine through in the end. Saturday saw us travel to sixth placed Lancaster City in what was the proverbial six pointer, again we knew this was going to be a tough game. Their manager was at the game against Ossett and he had been telling the press how they knew how we were going to play and that they wanted revenge for the 6-0 defeat they got off us earlier in the season. Our game plan was the same as it always is, play to win. You see so often now that managers set their teams up not to lose or to try to stop the opposition, which I feel can play into your opponents hands. I felt we we were very disciplined throughout the game especially in the second half when we controlled it very well despite the horrendous conditions. It was a great team performance and one that Bernard and I huge satisfaction from. I have to say also that the support was the best I have seen from the traveling Rammy army. The noise was superb and you could see from the players’ celebrations after the goals that it is very much appreciated and needed. It's an old cliche but you were definitely the twelfth man on Saturday and deserve a huge congratulations on your own performance. Well done. Billy Miller and his staff have done wonders at Railway, they have some very good results this season against higher opposition and are having a good season so far, so we know that we are going to have to be at our best to get anything from the game. We have signed Scott Burton over the last couple of weeks and he was involved in all three of last week’s games making telling contributions in all of them. He's a tenacious ball playing central midfielder and will compliment Gary and Joel perfectly. He is already loving it here and once again that comes down to you supporters in getting behind the team. Enjoy the game. - Jonno
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 4th Jan Sat 11th Jan Sat 18th Jan Sat 25th Jan Sat 1st Feb Tues 4th Feb Sat 8th Feb Sat 15th Feb Sat 22nd Feb Tues 25th Feb Sat 1st Mar Sat 8th Mar Sat 15th Mar Sat 22nd Mar Tues 25th 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 A H H A A H A H A H A H A H H 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 Northwich Victoria MOSSLEY RADCLIFFE BOROUGH Clitheroe Cammell Laird OSSETT ALBION Lancaster City HARROGATE RAILWAY Padiham OSSETT TOWN Prescot Cables CAMMELL LAIRD New Mills FARSLEY PRESCOT CABLES 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 4-1 3-2 2-2 0-2 3-1 1-2 5-2 4-3 3-1 8-0 4-2 2-1 2-0 3-1
254 100 192 309 238 212 73 129 127 173 396 677 241 103 241 64 69 355 124 298 899 292 464 341 106 229 192 167 233 301 181 248 341 176 371 344 373 73 165 228
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 Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton 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 Dean Dean Lomax Toth Lomax Lomax Lomax Fitzgerald * Hulme 1 Hulme 1 Hulme Hulme Hulme 1 Hulme
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 Roberts Roberts Roberts Roberts Pilkington Roberts Roberts # Roberts Roberts Roberts 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 Stopforth # Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth + Stopforth Stopforth 1 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 Warrender Lomax Warrender # Edghill + Toth Warrender 1 Warrender Lacy Lacy Warrender * Warrender Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington
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 Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley 1 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 Smalley Smalley Smalley 1 Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley * Spencer 1 + Spencer Spencer 1 Spencer 1 Spencer * Spencer 1 * Spencer
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 2 + Robinson + Spencer Spencer Spencer * 1 Spencer + Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Burton Burton Burton
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 * Gaskell 1 Gaskell 1 Gaskell 1 Brooks * Gaskell + Gaskell * Gaskell 2 Gaskell 1 Gaskell 1 Gaskell 2 # Gaskell Gaskell Green + 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 # Hulme * Hulme 2 Pilkington Hulme # Green # 1 Green Green + Green 1 Green + Denham Denham 2 Denham Denham # 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 Spencer 1 Spencer # Dean + Dean Dean Dean Dean 2 Dean # Dean # Dean 3 Dean * Dean + Dean Dean 2
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 Toth # Toth # Toth Warburton + Warrender Toth Toth Toth Toth Toth Toth Toth Toth # 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 * Pilkington + Pilkington + Brooks Bradbury Edghill * Pilkington + Brooks + Brooks Reece # Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Fitzgerald * Warburton * Green
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 + Brooks * Brooks Robinson + Smith # Brooks + 1 Edghill Robinson * Hulme * Firzgerald Lacy * Reece Green + Bradbury + Morley
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 # Warburton Johnson Hulme # Gaskell * Johnson # Brooks * Spencer 1 # Denham 1 + Denham 1 + Reece + Morley Morley Smith Johnson
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 Bradbury Morley Edghill Chadwick Chadwick Johnson Edghill Reece # Johnson Green # Green * Morley
TONY’S NON-LEAGUE TEASERS 1. Sacked Kidderminster boss Steve Burr has recently been installed as the new manager of which Skrill Premier club? 2. Name the home ground of Ossett Albion. 3. What colours do Leek Town play in? 4. Hyde’s first win of the season took place at which club? 5. In which county do Mickleover Sports play? 6. Stafford Rangers appointed which former Altrincham manager as their new boss? 7. Which is the only club to have won both the FA Cup and the FA Amateur Cup? 8. Name Lincoln’s non-league club other than Lincoln City. 9. In which League do Shildon play?
ANSWERS: 1. Chester 2. Dimple Wells 3. Blue and White 4. Welling United 5. Derbyshire 6. Graham Heathcote 7. Wimbledon 8. Lincoln United 9. Ebac Northern League 10. Stalybridge Celtic
10. Who plays at Bower Fold?
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Wiz scored one, set-up one, and was wrongly awarded Jordan’s goal - a good day at the office
another fun day out 1-3
Giant Axe 8th February 2014 Att: 228 Rammy Goals: Gaskell (40), Dean (72,90) Lancaster Goals: Connerton (59)
lancaster’s centre-back tries desperate measures to foil Jordan
Lee Gaskell wrong-foots the defender, again
delight on the touchline as wiz scores Rammy’s third
1-3
Giant Axe 8th February 2014 Att: 228 Rammy Goals: Gaskell (40), Dean (72,90) Lancaster Goals: Connerton (59)
Victory over high-flying Lancaster City saw the Rams overhaul their opponents and gain a foothold in the play-off places for the first time this season. And that despite a horrendous start to the campaign, hardly helped by the recent three points deduction. However, since moving up to the Evo-Stik League, United have met former Conference side Lancaster four times, and on each occasion they have comfortably disposed of the challenge. The latest trip on a cold, wet and miserable afternoon in north Lancashire allowed the visitors to gain another deserved three points as their excellent run continued. With the wind and rain at their backs, the Rams dominated the opening 45 minutes to such an extent that they gained ten corners as opposed to their opponent’s single corner kick. From the off, the visitors intentions were obvious as they took the game to their higher-placed hosts. Scott Burton was inches wide following a third minute corner, with Grant Spencer hitting the side netting moments later. On eight minutes, Spencer fed Lee Gaskell, but his fierce drive from 25 yards sailed straight into the arms of the home keeper. A trademark Owen Roberts free-kick, on 20 minutes, was gathered at the second attempt with Gaskell and Jordan Hulme on hand should the ball have run loose, as the assault on the home side rarely lessened. The first goal eventually arrived after a long 40 minutes. Hulme fed Phil Dean on the left and, after beating his marker, he put over a cross which Gaskell met, and the striker hammered it into the roof of the net. It was the least the visitors deserved after almost constant pressure, with the only surprise being a lack of reward for the dominance. The second half, with the Rams now facing the ferocious conditions, was more of an even affair. Lancaster, obviously relieved to be just a single goal in arrears, had more of the ball, but it took a dreadful back header from the Rams’ skipper, Danny Warrender, to gift them an equaliser on 58 minutes. The defender, who otherwise had a fine game, totally misjudged Grant Shenton’s position, and his header sailed wide and beyond the custodian, allowing Jordan Connerton the ideal opportunity to slot home a leveller. The Rams continued to battle, and eventually gained their reward on 72 minutes. Another dangerous run down the left by Dean saw the winger fire in a cross which was flicked on by Hulme at the near post, and in off the far post to regain the Rams slender advantage. As the minutes ticked down, the home side threw everything at the Rams defence, but they successfully countered everything before grabbing the points-clincher two minutes into time added on. With Hulme having squandered an ideal opportunity minutes earlier, when he beat the offside trap but delayed his final shot too long, Dean made sure from a similar position. With City pushing up, Dean was able to take advantage of the additional space, and despite his first effort being blocked by the home keeper, the bounce fell kindly to Dean who managed to net the Rams third, much to the delight of his teammates and the vociferous Rams following in the crowd. The overall performance of the Rams, especially in the first half where it was virtually one-way traffic, gained them a much deserved three points, extending their fine run to just two defeats in twenty-three league games.
time stands still as goal number two sneak inside the Lancaster post
1-3
Giant Axe 8th February 2014 Att: 228 Rammy Goals: Gaskell (40), Dean (72,90) Lancaster Goals: Connerton (59)
On a bitterly cold night, Ramsbottom United welcomed struggling Ossett Albion to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium. The side from west Yorkshire were bottom of the table and looking likely relegation candidates, but fought for their lives as they stood firm to repel everything the Rams could throw at them. After a score-less first half, joint-manager Anthony Johnson observed “These are the kind of games when you have to be patient. We’ll carry on taking the game to them and hope that they eventually tire. If they do, we’ll probably score two or three”. Prophetic words. For almost an hour the home side failed to pierce Albion’s rearguard, but once they managed it, another goal followed in quick succession. Despite much of the possession, clear-cut chances were at a premium for the Rams. Billy Priestley was inches over the bar following Grant Spencer’s hanging cross, before a run down the right by Spencer saw him skip past Albion keeper Adam Rhodes. His cross into the middle found Chris Denham in front of an empty goal, but a defender’s desperate lunge sent the ball wide for a corner. Against the run of play, Ossett almost snatched the lead when Ben Brooksbank found space in the area, but his shot rebounded back into play off the foot of the post. Rhodes was on hand to deal with a Spencer freekick, whilst Owen Roberts, from a similar position, used the swirling wind to his advantage as he sent the ball in and over everyone in the area, but, unfortunately for him, it also cleared the crossbar. Darren Green saw his angled drive palmed away by Rhodes as the first half ended goal-less. The Rams continued their patient build-up, and a fine cross field move involving Jordan Hulme and Spencer, saw the former unlucky to see his shot blocked, before Spencer fed Phil Dean on the left hand side of the area, but Rhodes managed to deflect the goal-bound shot over the top. The pressure finally paid off after 58 minutes. A low ball in from the right beat everyone, but as it was returned from the left hand side, Spencer was in the right place to tuck it home from close range, to finally make the breakthrough. Three minutes later, and it was, in effect, game over. Hulme played a delightful one-two with Green, before blasting the ball home from the edge of the box, giving Rhodes no chance. Ossett continued to defend in numbers, whilst relying mainly on breakaways, but those forays into the Rams half rarely looked like producing a goal. As the Rams continued to have most of the possession, Hulme, Spencer and Green all attempted to increase the lead, but in the end those two quick-fire goals were sufficient to gain all three points, against a team that look anything but relegation certainties. In the two games against the Albion, the Rams have had to be at their best to gain all three points, but this was a game that proved that perseverance can pay off.
2-0
Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 4th January 2014 Att: 165 Rammy Goals: Spencer (58), Hulme (60) Ossett Albion goals:
hulme on form
RAMMY IN EXILE - RICHARD ISAACS
Good afternoon one and all. I am not at today's game ... I have transferred my cold and wet (in placed flooded) Southampton home for the colder and snowier climes of Washington DC and Baltimore for the next week. Roll on 10am when I can get myself to my computer or my iPad to watch the Twitter feed and keep abreast of all that is happening at today's game. And what is this that I hear about the Lancaster City game ... Rammy fans SINGING!!!! Absolutely fantastic - long may it continue. I have been really buoyed by the activity of the website forum over the last few days or so and the amount of people saying how proud they are to be Rammy fans. And I love our new hashtag on Twitter as well ... #RammyLove. As I have said before on this page and when I was editor of the programme, when I first started watching the Rams, we were lucky to get 100 people show up on most weeks and the only singing that was going on was from Harry's tea urn. Now to hear that 20-30 of our brethren have bunched together with various renditions of "Ohhhh Rammy United" amongst others is absolutely outstanding and I can't wait to get up again and be able to join in with a few "YOUUUUUUUUUU RAAAAAAAAAAAAAMS"!!!! I was watching a rugby game on Saturday (an instantly forgettable match between Havant and Gravesend in London Division 1 South) and had my phone on the go with the Twitter updates, letting my dad know what was happening who was sat behind me. I let him know that on the first update that Rammy were 1-0 up and a Gravesend supporter, who was sat next to me, said "is that Ramsgate football team?" No, it bloody isn't!!!! People just do not get my fascination with the Rams down here. Naturally, I am a Southampton supporter, being from and living in the city (I know that is something of an oddity up there on the red side of Manchester). But I am as passionate and take more pleasure out of what 'my team' from 242.7 miles away from my home than I do three minutes and 1.3 miles away. Of course, I want Southampton to flourish and do well in the Premier League but I haven't been to watch them this season at all while I have seen a good half-dozen Rammy games this year - including Clitheroe and Cammell Laird a week or so back. Bernard and Jonno, Glenn and Darren, Katie and the players have created something what words cannot really do justice to my queryful friends down here. AFC Totton is the non-league club of choice down here as well as high-flying Eastleigh. But, for me, neither of those float my boat. There is just something that pulls me in at Rammy - the great friends, the good times watching, the camaraderie and the fun. Give me that anyday!
today’s visitors harrogate
MANAGER: BILLY MILLER Billy is a keen sportsman who thrives in a team environment and is involved a great deal with Football Coaching and Development. He took over the reins at Liversedge in November 2010 and although on a tight budget managed to keep them in the NCEL Premier Division. A happily married man with 2 children. BROMLEY, Stephen (Striker) Stephen recently signed from neighbours Knaresborough Town. A striker who has a proven record of knowing where the net is. Has been a useful addition to the squad already with a hattrick already to his name CARTMAN, Nathan (Striker/Midfielder) Nathan is back for his third spell at Railway. Played mostly in a wide position last time he was down at Station View but has found his right position up front whilst playing for Liversedge under Billy Miller. Was top scorer for them with 17 goals 2 seasons ago and will be looking for more of the same in his new midfield role. Nathan was virtually an ever-present last season and was chosen by his fellow players as their ‘Player of the Year’ for 2012/13. CROOK, Peter (Goalkeeper) Peter has just recently signed on for Harrogate Town and is also dual registered with Harrogate Railway Athletic. A confident young shot stopper that was originally a youth player at Scunthorpe United. Peter has also played for Ossett Albion, Barton Town and Ilkley Town. DIXON, Joel (Midfielder/Defender) Joel has recently signed from Frickley Athletic. A versatile player who can play either in defence or centre-midfield HUNTER, Colin (Midfielder/Defender) Born in Harrogate Colin started his career at Harrogate Railway many years ago. He then moved to Guiseley and has played for Hednesford, Gainsborough Trinity, Leigh RMI, Morecambe, Harrogate Town, Ilkeston Town and North Ferriby Utd before signing back at Rail from Buxton. More clubs than Nick Faldo. HUNTER, Lawrence (Wide Midfielder) Lawrence has recently joined us from Curzon Ashton. He made his debut for Harrogate Railway against West Auckland in the FA Cup. His previous clubs include Garforth Town and Goole. IBRAHIMI, Fatlum (Midfielder) Fatlum played most of his football in season 2012/13 with Harrogate Railway Reserves and Academy. Has forced his way into the first team this season with some impressive displays in the middle of the park KIDD, Greg (Midfielder) Greg signed for us at the start of last season but unfortunately due to work commitments could only play a handful of games for us. This season he’ll be looking to force his way into the starting line-up. A wide player who can play either side
MORRIS, Michael (Central Defender) Signed for Billy just before the start of the season and is now a permanent player in the centre of the Railway defence. Mike has played most of his football during his time with the Army. PARKES, Simon (Midfielder) Simon has been at the club since he was 6 years old. Very competitive and never likes to lose. Comfortable on the ball and reads the game well. Has had his injury problems over the last couple of years but is now fully fit and will now be looking to consolidate his position in the centre of midfield. RADCLIFFE, Craig (Defender/Midfielder) Craig joined Harrogate Town in August 2011 after a very successful trial period at the club. Starting as a youth player at Middlesbrough, he was loaned out to Durham City during the 2005/2006 season. Cambridge City would be his next club in 2006 and Craig would go onto make over 130 appearances. Towards the end of his stay at The Lilywhites he was loaned out to Bury Town where he made a further 10 appearances and scored 1 goal. A very cultured player, Craig has a great range of passing and a fierce shot on him. Craig joined Bradford Park Avenue for a three month loan spell in September 2012. Craig is now duel signed with Harrogate Railway for season 2013/14 THIRKELL, Dan (Defender) Dan is a product of our Junior Section. Dan has been at the club since he was 8 years old baring a 2 year spell at the Scarborough Academy. Captain of the Railway Academy at Centre-Half but looks comfortable on the right for the 1st eleven. He’s matured over the last few years and has now reverted back to the centre of the Rail defence. Has captained the 1st team in 2012/13 in the absence of Jon Maloney. WOOD, Simon (Defender) Simon was one of several players signed from Liversedge at the start of season 2012/13 whilst under the managership of Billy. Although it took a while for him to settle Simon has now made the right-back spot his own with some strong performances as the season wore on. YOUHILL, Rob (Wide Midfielder) Rob is duel signed for Harrogate Railway and Harrogate Town this season. He scored one or two vital goals for ‘The Rail’ last season whilst on loan and is hoping to cause a few defences problems with his pace and skill with his second stint at Station View. ASSISTANT/PLAYER: LEE ASHFORTH (Goalkeeper) Lee is not an unfamiliar figure at Railway. He played in goal for us for 3 seasons several years ago. ‘Ash’ has also played at several clubs at both NCEL & Unibond level and is now alongside Billy as his Assistant. Lee has several Coaching badges and is also involved with Billy in Football Coaching & Development.
The club was formed in 1935 by workers at the Starbeck LNER depot and joined the local Harrogate League with some success and won the British Railways National Cup in 1946. They borrowed £1,500 from the LNER and more than 300 workers contributed one old penny per week to repay the loan. This money secured ownership of the current Station View site. The 1950s saw the club progress through the West Yorkshire League to the Yorkshire League and they made the second round proper of the FA Amateur Cup in 1953, going out 3-2 at Harwich & Parkstone, a special train conveying supporters to the tie. Sadly the loco sheds closed in 1959, subsequently affecting finances as many of the workers, and players, had to leave the area. In 2002 after a bewildering qualifying competition, the many who travelled to Berkshire witnessed a 2-1 win at Slough Town in the first round proper of the FA Cup. The lowest-ranking club ever to reach the second round were drawn at home to Bristol City, top of the second division, the highest-ranking club in the competition at that stage. This was a fairy-tale tie. What’s more, Railway opted to play the game at home. Temporary stands adorned Station View, Sky TV beamed the game around the globe and the club was the focus of the football world for a couple of hours in December 2002. Bristol City were made to fight for their 31 win, Steve Davey netting with 17 minutes to go, but once
again an injury-time goal sealed Railway’s fate In 2008 the league form proved to be rather erratic but Railway finished well clear of the relegation zone in the end. Incredibly, another mighty FA Cup run dominated and the little club from Yorkshire reached the second round proper for a second time. A battling home victory over then unbeaten rivals Harrogate Town was the undoubted highlight of the qualifying rounds before Blue Square side Droylsden were sent packing 2-0 in the first round. Mansfield Town came to Station View on a soggy Sunday and BBC Match Of The Day screened the game live this time, complete with Ray Stubbs. Mark Lawrenson and Jonathan Pearce. Mansfield won 3-2 but not before two second-half goals from Danny Davidson gave them late scares. The 2012-13 season started with ex-Liversedge manager – Billy Miller and his assistant ex-Railway favourite Lee Ashworth in charge. Although most of the players were from a league below it was a struggle to start with but things came good with a brand of football that hadn’t been seen at Station View for some time and by the end of the season Rail had finished in 18th position with a total of 41 points – well clear of the relegation zone. In addition Harrogate Railway finished with the best Discipline record not only in the Northern part of the League but in all 3 Evo-Stik leagues.
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PILKINGTON CLASS
a sensible goal celebration with Grant Spencer
29-year old Joel Pilkington was one of Bernard and Jonno’s very first signings at Rammy, having played with them at Clitheroe, and the hard-working midfielder has been a permanent fixture in the squad for the last five years. We caught up with him last week and asked some of the burning questions about his time as a professional at Burnley, and what it’s like being Rammy’s “Senior Professional”. Let’s start with how you got into football. Were you a late starter or was footy in your blood? I used to play at school, and then when I was about eight or nine I went with my friends to a holiday football session that Burnley were running over summer at their training centre at Gawthorpe Hall. My dad ran a few local teams and my brother was a player too so I’d played quite a bit. Burnley asked me to come back to the evening sessions and picked me up from there. So you spent the next few years playing for Burnley? I did. Right through to just before my 21st birthday I was with Burnley. I spent three years as a YTS and then just over two years on a pro contract with them. I was only young, but managed to get on the first team four times before a change of management meant that the opportunites weren’t the same as they had been. During my second pro season I realised that I wasn’t really getting anywhere with Burnley and decided to look elsewhere. I’d tried a few clubs to see if I could get a trial, but it was really difficult. A lot of clubs were struggling because of the ITV Digital situation and they couldn’t afford to risk money on younger players. Steve Cotterill recom-
mended a trial with Valur FC in Iceland, so I went over there for a week. It looked good on paper, and they offered me a car, apartment, contract etc, but something about it didn’t feel right. They had great plans, but I wasn’t sure whether it’d work out so I came back to England and started doing a bit of coaching work with my dad while continuing to look around for a club. Was that when the non-league scene came knocking on the door? Yes. I got talking to ex-Burnley player Tony Ellis, who suggested I go and try a few games at Hyde. I did the pre-season and then carried on training with them, but struggled to get into an already established lineup. I then moved over to Mossley to get a regular game and in my first season there we found ourselves promoted. The next season wasn’t so hot and the manager and most of the players left when we found ourselves relegated. During that time I was working for Blackburn Rovers and Burnley doing some coaching in schools. After Mossley I spent half a season at Chorley and then about eighteen months at Clitheroe where I met Bernard and Jonno. When Jonno mentioned that they were both considering the management job at Rammy and asked whether I’d be interested in joining them, I jumped at the chance, and five years on, I’m still here! How did you find the switch from full-time professional to having to do a day job as well as play footy? It was a bit of a shock at first, having to go to work all day and then come home to training, but I learnt a professional attitude while I was at Burnley, and your body definitely adjusts.
PILKINGTON CLASS
“beautifulI'vfamie gotly. Noa
matter what life brings, you've got to be grateful for what you've got,,
our favourite photo of the season: Gary Stopforth celebrating Pilkie’s goal with some third degree assault
“I’mThetheladssenijoorkeprothat because I turn up with my boots clean! ,, PILKINGTON CLASS
In theory football is now more of a hobby than a job so it should be harder to get myself out for runs and so on, but I have no problem. My wife Jaimie is really supportive too. We’ve been together eleven years and baby Ruby is just five months old so there’s a lot of life going on at the moment, but it doesn’t impact too much on my football. The most awkward thing is work getting in the way, and about the time Ruby was born I started a new job working shifts for the ambulance service. You can’t really start a new job and in your first week say, “By the way, I can’t work these shifts cos I’m playing footy,” but I’ve explained and they’re being really decent about my playing for Rammy. Given that you’re 29 and an ex professional, do the lads look to you for wisdom and advice? No! If anything they take the micky and call me the “senior pro” - mainly because I turn up with my boots clean! Also, when I’m on the bus I always keep my kit on and, although I like a drink, I’m always very well behaved.
Pilky gets down and dirty with clitheroe’s Will James
At Rammy you’ve been a jack of all trades, playing in midfield for a couple of seasons, with a spell at right-back and then centre-back. Where’s your natural position, and do you feel that your versatility gets you overlooked a bit? I was originally a full-back and occasionally centre-half, but during my second year of YTS the coach suggested I have a go in midfield, so I could see a bit more of the ball. It took me a while to settle in there as you’re learning new skills, but I loved it. While I’ve been here I’ve played all over, but I just want to play football.
Lots of the lads I was with at Burnley quit the game when it didn’t work out there, but I’ve always just wanted to play, and play every game. It probably is a bit of a disadvantage if you can play in a number of positions and it is disappointing when you get left out of the team, but there are always reasons for that happening and you just have to get to training and prove that you’re up to the job, there’s no more that you can do. With the fantastic squad we’ve got at Rammy, if you miss a match through injury, suspension or work commitments then you’re in danger of losing your place, and that’s just a fact of life with a team that’s chasing promotion. How do you get on with the Rammy fans? Do they give you stick or are they supportive? Once you’re on the pitch you’re so busy concentrating that they could be shouting any kind of abuse, but in my experience Rammy’s fans have been nothing but kind to me; I don’t really seem to get stick. What I can tell you though is that it’s fantastic to have such big crowds. When you’re getting crowds that would be amongst the highest in the league above, you know that you’re doing something right. For all of us, the attendances are really encouraging, and it makes you really look forward to pulling on the Rammy shirt every week. ...and finally, did it hurt when Gary Stopforth assaulted you when you scored against Burscough? I’ve seen that photo and it looks like my head’s going to come off! Celebrations like that definitely make you think twice about scoring again.
EDITORIAL - SUPPORTERS CLUB
Congratulations, we did it again! Our away support was once again huge at Lancaster City, and virtually every photo I took of the action had rows of Rammy fans in the shot. Yet again we came pretty close to outnumbering the home fans, and it was great to see just a little bit of schooling together; the rammy family - baaaaa particularly those on th’Rammy Carabanc who made such a racket throughout the match. This is what we want at Rammy, and we need to get it going behind each of our goals at the Riverside. Have a couple of scoops and get your singing voices out, as we’re now clawing our way into that play-off zone at last, and might just see Rammy gazing down the pretty intimidating barrel of yet another promotion! We’re going to need to keep practising the singing, just incase we end up facing Darlington in the play-offs so we can make sure we give a good account of ourselves on the terraces while our team teach them how to play footy on the pitch! The Rammy Family is really starting to gain members left, right and centre, and if you haven’t had the pleasure of the away experience yet then make sure you hop into the car for the twelve mile trip up to Padiham next Saturday. It’s a lovely little ground, with really friendly people, and it’s going to feel like a home game, so make sure you get yourself there! It’ll also be good to see Sharpy, Keiran and the rest again, particularly if we get some revenge for the 2-1 defeat early in the season. The postcode for your satnav is BB12 8LE, but you barely need it. If you follow the A56 up to the M65, and carry straight on at the roundabout then you’re more or less there. Turn right onto Blackburn Road at the traffic lights, then left at the mini roundabout onto Holland Street. You’re probably best trying to park around those side streets as the ground is only about 50 metres up and we reckon your chances of getting into the carpark are pretty slim. We hope you like the new bits and bobs that we’ve put in the programme. It’s been jiggled around a bit to try and get some more content in - a few more photos from the matches as well as the player feature that we’ve just introduced. Next season we’re hoping to do something slightly different with the advert printing so that the production costs are lower, making it cheaper to print more copies, but also giving us a chance to add a few extra pages. It means quite a bit of work, but it’d be nice to keep the programme improving as our club improves. We’d also like to see more people reading the programme, whether it’s online (www.issuu.com/rufc) or the print version. Despite editing the thing, I’ve never really been one for buying programmes (they’re normally full of crap) so I’m keen to make this one into something that it’s worth spending your hard-earned money on. Watch this space!
Managers: Anthony JOHNSON Bernard MORLEY
Grant SHENTON Joel PILKINGTON Owen ROBERTS Gary STOPFORTH Danny WARRENDER Billy PRIESTLEY Grant SPENCER Scott BURTON Lee GASKELL Jordan HULME Phil DEAN Tom TOTH Darren GREEN Andy DAWSON Dominic SMALLEY
Manager: Billy Miller
Peter CROOK Dan THIRKELL Lawrence HUNTER Simon WOOD Michael NORRIS Simon PARKES Rob YOUHILL Alex METCALFE Nathan CARTMAN Joel DIXON Colin HUNTER Fatlum IBRAHIMI Craig RADCLIFFE Greg KIDD Stephen BROMLEY Michael JORDAN
Referee: James Wilson Assistants: Wade Smith and Terry Ratcliffe Next home game: Tuesday 25th February 7:45pm, Rammy v Ossett Town