30 Ramsbottom United v Kendal Town

rammy news V KENDAL TOWN 05.04.14

TONY CUNNINGHAM AND THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for the latest “massive” game as the end of the season draws ever closer. A special welcome to all who have made the trip down from that wonderful county of Cumbria, and we trust you enjoy your stay with us. The same, of course, goes to today’s match officials.

Two successive draws have hardly been what we were looking for, but two points instead of six we will have to take. The game at Burscough was quite a bore if I’m honest. Trying to write the match report took a fair bit of imagination. By half time I’d written down just three “highlights”! The pitch was poor, which always affects our lads, as we play a game more suited to a flat surface, but I suppose the fact that homeless (by their own choice) Formby share the Linnets pitch, doesn’t help.

The game on Tuesday was a tough one. Farsley had had a bit of a wobble, but to be honest, their first half performance suggested anything but. The fact that we were only one goal in arrears at half-time helped, and we certainly took the game more to them in the second half, with an equaliser more than deserved. Neither side would have wanted just one point at quarter to eight, but the news that Lancaster had been beaten brightened us up afterwards. It really is turning out to be a tremendous race for the play-off spots (Curzon, to my mind, are already up). It really is in our own hands. After today, three of the last four games are against sides chasing the play-off spots, like ourselves. If we manage to grab the points away at Farsley next Saturday (we really need a big following there, and knowing our supporters, I’m sure they’ll turn up in large numbers) and make home advantage count against Warrington and Bamber Bridge, then we will have earned the right to compete in the end of season lottery. There is still so much to play for. Don’t you just love football at this level!!!

Mind you, it’s not just this Division that looks like heading for a nail-biting finale. The Premier Division is just as fascinating. Chorley looked odds on not too long ago, but they’ve been through a bad patch allowing FC United, on a terrific run of ten successive wins, to overtake them, before regaining pole position midweek. AFC Fylde are also on a long unbeaten run and they, along with Worksop Town, who looked dreadful down here earlier in the season, will be waiting to pounce should FC and Chorley have a late stumble. Even unfancied Ashton United are hanging on in there, although goodness knows what has happened to Skelmersdale United. Having played so well for so much of the season, their recent results are more in line with relegation. Whoever doubts the validity of the play-offs really should be questioning such thoughts. They are the best thing to have happened to football in decades.

UNFAIR SURELY? Driving home from Burscough last Saturday, I tuned in to Radio Manchester, and they handed over to the Travel bulletin.

“Delays on the Altrincham to Bury line”, they announced, “Due to a points failure at Old Trafford”.

Blimey, even Metrolink’s having a go at David Moyes now!

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

Firstly I’d like to welcome all the players, supporters and officials of Kendal Town for this enormous game.

The last two results have been desperately disappointing for us, not least the one at Burscough where we really failed to get out of the blocks. Both games were going to be difficult as Burscough and Farsley set out to disrupt our game and stop us from playing our kind of football. We call them ‘blocking teams’; they’re pretty good players, but they thrive on being well organised and strong rather than being creative and playing football.

We’ve had trouble with this kind of team, but we’re getting better at dealing with them, and just need to make sure that we keep our work-rate up and show 100% commitment on the pitch.

I’d like to thank the supporters for sticking with us through the last couple of pretty horrible matches, and for giving us the badly needed support, particularly on Tuesday night when the Rammy Ultras created a great atmosphere, even though there was a European game on the telly.

As Jonno said in the newspaper last week, all the games are cup finals now. Dropping points in the last two just ups the pressure for the lads to perform and get the results. We know that we’re capable of doing this, and we need you to continue to give us the encouragement to get this club into the play-offs. Today is a cup final; let’s all get together, make a load of noise, and get Rammy solidly entrenched in one of those playoff spots.

Come On You Rams!

bernard

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 22nd Feb Tues 25th Feb Sat 1st Mar Sat 8th Mar Tues 11th Mar Sat 15th Mar Tues 25th Mar Sat 29th Mar Tues 1st Marh 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 A H A H H A H A H 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 Padiham OSSETT TOWN Prescot Cables CAMMELL LAIRD HARROGATE RAILWAY New Mills PRESCOT CABLES Burscough FARSLEY 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 4-1 2-2 3-0 0-2 5-0 3-2 5-2 1-1 1-1

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 73 165 228 271 172 192 305 136 175 101 215 184

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 Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton Shenton * Fearon Fearon Fearon

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 Warrender Warrender 1 Smalley + Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Pilkington Pilkington

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 Roberts Roberts Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington # 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 Spencer Spencer Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth + Stopforth Stopforth

Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson Dawson + Robinson Priestley Dawson Dawson Dawson * Warrender Warrender Dawson * Dawson Warrender Warrender 1 Warrender Warrender 1 Warrender Warrender Warburton * Warrender 2 Warrender Lomax Warrender # Edghill + Toth Warrender 1 Warrender Lacy Lacy Warrender * Warrender Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Warrender Warrender Warrender Warrender Warrender Warrender Warrender #

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 Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley

Morning * Morning + Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley 1 + Smalley # Smalley Smalley Smalley * Smalley Smalley Smalley 1 Smalley Prickett Smalley 1 Smalley 1 Smalley Smalley Smalley Toth Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley 1 Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley * Spencer 1 + Spencer Spencer 1 Spencer 1 Spencer * Spencer 1 * Spencer Smalley + Smalley Spencer * Spencer Hulme Spencer Spencer * Spencer * 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 2 + Robinson + Spencer Spencer Spencer * 1 Spencer + Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Burton Burton Burton Burton Burton Burton 1 Burton * Green Pilkington Pilkington 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 Gaskell 1 Gaskell Gaskell 2 Gaskell + Gaskell * Gaskell 3 Gaskell 3 # Gaskell # Gaskell

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 Hulme 2 * Hulme * Hulme Hulme Denham + Green + Howson 1 Howson Howson #

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 Dean 1 Dean 1 Dean Dean Dean Dean Dean Dean 1 Dean *

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 Toth + Toth Toth + Toth * # Toth # Toth Toth Toth Spencer * 1

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 Green * Green * Green * Green # Roberts + Hulme + Green + Krue 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 Morley Warburton Morley Johnson + Nuttall * Morley * Burton * Hulme * Hulme +

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 Johnson Bradbury Johnson Morley Morley Johnson Hulme # 1 Green # Krou #

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 Chadwick

Pugh

TONY’S NON-LEAGUE TEASERS 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Which team in senior non-league football was the first to be relegated this season?

Under what name did today’s visitors play for many years?

What nationality is our recent recruit Cedric Krou?

Which current Warrington Town player was previously manager at Colwyn Bay?

Former Bury keeper Cameron Belford currently plays for which Skrill Premier team?

What is his relationship to that club’s manager?

From which town do NWCFL club Norton United come from?

Which club plays at Kingfield?

Which former Kendal Town boss was recently sacked by Northwich Victoria?

In which League do the wonderfully-named Esh Win-ning play?

ANSWERS: 1. Droylsden 2.Netherfield 3.French 4.Jon Newby 5.Tamworth 6.He’s the manager’s son 7. Stoke-on-Trent 8. Woking 9. Lee Ashcroft 10. Ebac Northern League

1.

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5-3

Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 25th March 2014 Att: 101 Rammy Goals: Gaskell (36,62,73), Howson (43), Hulme (87) Prescot Goals: Kusaloka (14), Haines (45), Howard (90)

six goals in two games has Lee Gaskell finding religion

100 not out!

5-3

Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 25th March 2014 Att: 101 Rammy Goals: Gaskell (36,62,73), Howson (43), Hulme (87) Prescot Goals: Kusaloka (14), Haines (45), Howard (90)

Those who chose to stay at home and watch the Manchester derby missed out on a treat, as Ramsbottom United and Prescot Cables served up an eight-goal feast. Despite the heavy conditions, both sides began the game at a pace that rarely eased up throughout the ninety minutes, and during that time the Rams hit a couple of landmarks.

Within the first minute Billy Priestley was unlucky to see his header clear the bar and other early efforts from Owen Roberts from 25 yards and debutant Steve Howson, who saw his shot deflected for a corner, set the tempo as the Rams looked to gain an early advantage.As it was, that advantage went, against the run of play, to the visitors after 14 minutes. A break down the left saw the ball pumped into the middle, and as the Rams’ defenders tried desperately to get back into position, Isaac Kusaloka found space to drill the ball home past another debutant, goalkeeper Martin Fearon from 15 yards. Moments later Kusaloka almost doubled the lead when he dispossessed Danny Warrender as the defender ran across goal in an attempt to clear the danger, but this time he fired wide.

The game, though, was generally controlled by the Rams, and Howson had a header from a corner deflected for another, whilst an excellent move involving Roberts and Grant Spencer ended with Lee Gaskell hammering the ball inches wide of the post.Howson, who was having a fine debut, twice saw his headers denied, one glancing wide with the other cleared off the line.Prescot, although under a fair bit of pressure, looked dangerous themselves, and Kusaloka fired another opportunity wide as he broke into the box on the right hand side.

Ramsbottom’s superiority finally told in the 37th minute, and a landmark moment it was too.Lee Gaskell raced on to a through ball in the inside-left channel and whipped the ball home from 15 yards to score his 100th goal for the club. A feat marked by the holding up of “100 GASKELL” posters by the supporters!

A minute later, Phil Dean’s clever flick and volley saw Richard Mottram in the Cables goal produce an excellent save, whilst the custodian had to be alert two minutes later to push away a fierce drive from Spencer.

On 43 minutes the Rams took the lead. A fine run by Dean down the left saw him play the ball behind the defence to Howson who powered home a pile-driver from the edge of the area to notch his first Rammy goal.There was still time, however, for Cables to draw level, as with the final play of the first half, Craig Haynes met the ball at the near post to head in off the upright.

The pace continued unabated in the second period, and a further four goals followed.Gaskell saw his header saved by Mottram before Howson hooked over a Spencer free-kick.Then came a bout of pressure from the Merseysiders. A terrific free-kick from Phil Howard shook the bar and rebounded back into play, then a speculative lob from outside the area almost caught out Fearon, but the stopper was able to tip the ball over the bar.

Against the run of play, the Rams then took the lead. Again it was Gaskell, who met a Spencer cross from the left perfectly to plant a firm header home from 12 yards. Gradually the home side regained the upper hand, and Dominic Smalley was unlucky to see his shot from a half-cleared corner sail inches over the bar.On 73 minutes came the goal of the game as Gaskell completed his hat-trick in spectacular fashion. Joel Pilkington fired over a cross from the right, and Gaskell produced a magnificent overhead kick to slam the ball into the back of the net with Mottram rooted to the spot.

The next landmark arrived three minutes from time. Jordan Hulme found space on the left side of the area, before turning and slotting home across the keeper and in at the far post. That was the 100th league goal of the campaign with seven games still remaining. Prescot still found time to snatch a last minute consolation, as Howard fired home having been fed down the left, and it was no more than the visitors deserved for playing their part in what was a terrific advert for non-league football.

jay farnworth

tom gibson

today’s mascots

Rammy United Supporters Club would like to invite entries for our inaugural ‘Design A Flag’ competition.

A winning design, as selected by Bernard and Johnno, will be manufactured and prelast match of the season. The second, third and fourth placed entrants will be provided with a small subsidy should they decide to get their flag made themselves. We will also help with producing print-standard artwork.

So, if you’d like to have a go, then get tinkering in Microsoft Paint, Adobe Illustrator, or with your crayons/felt-tips and see if you can come up with something that suitably represents the Rammy Family. We’ll be looking for something simple, bold, unique and clever, not the usual stuff, so feel free to get really creative. You can also enter multiple designs if you’re on a roll.

Entries must be received by the 20th of April and can be emailed to: qy@dr.com If it’s a hand-drawn entry then please call Rob on 07944 038512 and we can organise some way of picking it up.

Good luck!

DESIGN A FLAG

This clash between two aspiring promotion contenders ended, perhaps predictably, as a draw, with both sides dropping an invaluable two points as a result. It could, however, be regarded as a point each gained as one of their rivals, Lancaster City, slipped to a defeat on the same night, as the challenge for a top five spot hots up.This was a game where both defences came out on top, with clear-cut chances at a premium, and both goals coming from long-range.

Farsley started the brighter with Simeon Bambrook heading a left-wing cross over the bar in the fourth minute.The visitors took the lead after just ten minutes when Robbie O’Brien took a chance from 30 yards, as he latched on to a loose ball to fire an unstoppable volley in by the far post. A cross fom Matty James proved just too high for the stretching Aiden Savory, whilst Savory was inches off target having been threaded through by Bambrook, who saw his free-kick from 25 yards minutes later,sail wide.

At this point, the visitors were in command, with very little being seen of the Rams forward line.

Gradually the home side began to assert themselves, with defender Danny Warrender looking the most likely to snatch an equaliser.

He headed over an Owen Roberts corner before racing for goal and planting his shot from outside the area just wide of the target.Lee Gaskell was inches away from heading home a perfectly flighted cross from Joel Pilkington before a Phil Dean snapshot fell straight into the arms of Tom Morgan in the Farsley goal.

The visitors trooped off with a deserved interval lead having stifled the Rams normal expansive game with some quick closing down and a determination to put their promotion challenge back on track after a recent inconsistent run.The second half saw the pendulum swing more to the home side.

Billy Priestley headed a Gary Stopforth free-kick high over the bar, and substitute Jordan Hulme took the ball down well in the area but Morgan was equal to his effort. Hulme then won the race with Morgan on the left hand side of the area, but as he scooped the ball goalwards, he was unfortunate to see it cleared off the line.

Moments later, on 74 minutes, parity was restored.Some clever footwork from Grant Spencer saw him skip along the edge of the box before playing a one-two with Gary Stopforth, and then firing home a firm drive from the edge of the area.It was just reward for a more determined second half performance from the Rams, but the visitors almost snatched a late winner when the ever-dangerous Savory found space in the box only to watch on as Martin Fearon in the home goal did just enough to deflect his attempt inches wide of the far post.

Right at the death Savory again went close, but another deflection took the ball the wrong side of the upright, and the final whistle sounded with the honours even.The sides meet again in west Yorkshire next week, and on this showing, another close encounter can be expected as the race for the play-offs could well stretch to the final Saturday of the season.

1-1

Victoria Park 1st April 2014 Att: 184 Rammy Goals: Spencer (74) Farsley Goals: O’Brien (10)

Ramsbottom United contrived to throw away two valuable points as they conceded a late goal at Victoria Park. With 90 minutes up, and holding a slender one goal lead, an unsuccessful appeal for offside allowed Burscough to grab a point in a poor game.

On a difficult pitch which did neither side any favours, clearcut chances were hard to come by as both sides appeared to cancel each other out. It took 20 minutes before the first strike on goal arrived, and then the Rams’ Gary Stopforth side-footed his effort wide. At the other end, minutes later, Danny Smith was equally off target from 20 yards, whilst the closest either side came to a goal in the opening half-hour was from a cross from Danny Warrender that veered goalwards, but thankfully for Tim Horn in the home goal, it sailed inches over the bar.

Two late efforts from the visitors could have opened the scoring. A free-kick from Grant Spencer found Steve Howson at the back post, but he looked on in despair as his attempt crashed back into play off the foot of the post. Stopforth then sent in a pile-driver with the last action of a poor first half, but Horn was the equal of it.

The second half wasn’t much better as neither side appeared capable of hitting any sort of form.

Jordan Williams was denied for the home side as a late challenge resulted in him putting a good chance over the bar, before the visitors finally broke the deadlock on 63 minutes.The ball was played around the penalty area by a number of Ramsbottom players before Phil Dean picked his moment to swivel and fire home just inside the far post to give the visitors the lead.

A minute later the Linnets were reduced to ten men when the referee felt Joe Comozzi’s fall on the ball, with the resultant handling,l was harshly deemed a red card offence. Spencer sent the resultant free-kick over the wall but also over the bar, whilst at the other end wild shots from Mike Brown and James Short sailed well wide of the target.

Burscough substitute Jack Laird would have been disappointed to see his 82nd minute close range drive parried round for a corner by Martin Fearon, but Laird had the last laugh.With the 90 minutes showing on the clock, he chased a through ball down the right wing. With the Rams defenders hopefully appealing for offside, the linesman kept his flag down, and as Fearon came out to narrow the gap, Laird clipped the ball over the top of him and into the unguarded net to earn his side a share of the spoils.

It was probably no more than they deserved, but this was a game quickly forgotten as the highlights were few and far between. Another point in their quest to remain in the top five for the Rams, but the two points thrown away could prove vital come the end of April.

1-1

Victoria Park 29th March 2014 Att: 215 Rammy Goals: Dean (63) Burscough Goals: Laird (90)

TODAY’S VISITORS - KENDAL TOWN

Danny Macdonald – Goalkeeper signed from Lancaster City, Danny is a young keeper with potential to progress up the divisions.

Ross Lloyd – Defender, Strong athletic right back who has signed after previously being with Northwich, other clubs include Blackpool and Runcorn Linnets.

Kevin Brown – Defender, returned to the club after a lengthy lay off with injury, Browny is a fans favourite, previously with Bamber Bridge and Clitheroe.

Ricky Mercer – Defender, returns to the club after 8 years having enjoyed success at Fleetwood and Fylde, Ricky will bring a wealth of experience with him. A firm favourite with the mincakes fans.

Danny Coid – Midfield, Danny has been appointed club captain this season; he has a wealth of experience having played over 275 games for Blackpool before ending his fulltime career at Accrington, already a favourite with the mintcake fans.

Jack Smith – Left Back, Jack has re-joined the club after playing in America, he previously played at Sheffield FC when released by Lee Ashcroft 2 seasons ago.

Rob Wilson – Midfield, Rob signed from Lancaster last season, he is a good passer of the ball and he is looking to establish himself in midfield.

Warren Beattie – Midfield, Signed from Northwich Victoria, Wazza is a box to box player who will also get his share of goals, now in his second spell with the club.

Maison McGeechan – Tricky centre forward who scored 9 goals in 18 games last season, Maison was previously with Bolton Wanderers.

Zach Clark – Forward, now I his 3rd spell with the club Zach has excellent feet and pace, he is sure to cause defences problems this season.

Danny Mitchley – Forward, signed from Alty after scoring 10 goals in 12 games while on loan last season, Danny has signed a contract with the club.

Sefton Gonzales – Forward, 6ft 4” he will cause problems with his aerial ability, Sefton is also very good on the deck, and he will be looking to establish himself this season Martin Grundy – Midfield, ever present under Eddie last season, Martin is a 100% player who never lacks commitment.

Danny McGahan, Defender, a local lad who has played a lot at right back last season, Danny has been hampered by injury and will be looking to make the position his own.

Mike Rushton- Forward, Mike has a wealth of experience having played at Barrow and Kendal previously, he can play either wing or up front.

Colin Watson – Midfield, Previously with Manchester Utd and Plymouth, young attacking midfielder who is catching the eye this season.

A History of Kendal Town

The club's origins arise from the K Shoes company: employees at the firm's Netherfield factory were encouraged to form a football team which was originally formed as Netherfield AFC at the end of the First World War. They were provided with land near to the factory at Parkside Road, where the club resides to this day, and began to compete in local leagues.

In 1945 the club had joined the semi-professional ranks by joining the Lancashire Combination League. For the first time in its history Netherfield AFC played against Football League opposition when nearly 10,000 people watched the two FA Cup ties against Barrow. Netherfield AFC was soon established as a major club by taking the Lancashire Combination Championship in 1949 and again qualifying to meet a football league side, Gateshead in the FA Cup. Cup success was quickly becoming a tradition as in the following year, 1950, over 15,000 people watched Netherfield AFC take on Watford in the second round of the FA Cup. In 1955 Wrexham were visitors to Parkside Road in the FA Cup and had to settle for a 3-3 draw. By the time Grimsby Town visited in 1956 it had been the 5th time in 8 years that Netherfield AFC had reached the first round stage of the FA Cup. Over 5,000 local people turned up to watch the Third Division leaders beat Netherfield 5-1, a then record crowd, more than 500 more than the previous year's tie against Wrexham.

The following year, 1956, saw Netherfield winning the Combination Cup, a trophy they won again five years later in 1961. Once again Parkside Road saw FA Cup action as Football League side Chesterfield were held to a draw in 1963.

2005/6 saw the Kendal's most successful season for 40 years as they achieved a promotion for the first time in their history to the Unibond Premier League. The run-in to the end of the season was a nail-biting one and Kendal missed out on automatic promotion by a single goal difference on the last day of the season. The play-off semi-final was won and in the final at Parkside Road former Manager Peter Smith popped up to score the winner in the last minute against Gresley Rovers to seal a famous promotion.

After a fine start to the 2006/7 season in the Unibond Premier League, reality kicked in for Kendal Town. After a series of poor results, both in the league and in cup competitions manager Tony Hesketh resigned for personal reasons, to be replaced in late November 2006 by club captain Lee Ashcroft. The club hovered around the relegation zone for some time, but managed to avoid relegation. The highpoint of the season for the club was when Preston and England football legend Sir Tom Finney was persuaded to be club President: Sir Tom when a teenager had actually been turned down as a player by the club.

The 2007/8 season was one of consolidation in the Unibond Premier League and saw the club finish in mid table. The following two seasons were Town’s best in the Unibond Premier League, so far: manager Lee Ashcroft’s team was now a force to be reckoned with in the league, and secured two play off places in a row, but finally going down in the semi finals each time; firstly at Ilkeston in extra time; then in 2009/10 season they were beaten at Bradford Park Avenue.

Last season saw the mintcake finish 7th 5 points off the play-offs after a difficult winter put pay to Towns chances.

Saturday 5th April Bamber Bridge v Northwich Curzon Ashton v Prescot Darlington v Radcliffe Lancaster v Farsley Ossett Albion v Burscough Padiham v Cammell Laird Rammy v Kendal Salford v New Mills Warrington v Clitheroe Tuesday 8th April Mossley v Northwich Prescot v Bamber Bridge Radcliffe v Padiham

Saturday 12th April Bamber Bridge v Clitheroe Burscough v Mossley Curzon Ashton v Warrington Darlington v Padiham Farsley v Rammy Kendal v Harrogate Northwich v New Mills Ossett Albion v Radcliffe Ossett Town v Lancaster Wakefield v Prescot

RAMMY IN EXILE - RICHARD ISAACS

Good afternoon one and all, hope everyone is keeping well.

Ooooooh, it’s squeaky bum time! Two draws in a row has made the last five games really tense and absolute must wins and don’t we know it! Five games that will make or break our season and either set up an epic May or an empty one!

It is right now that I wish I was still living up there and able to watch every game! My cheering continues loud and strong from my distance away. On Tuesday night, I was driving back home from a day in the Sky studios to play pool, keeping tabs when I could on the Twitter feed and anxiously watching on.

I won both of my frames (for a change) but kept on looking as we trailed 1-0 for much of the time. Our team was winning easily – pool team that is – but I was continually paying little attention to the action on the baize!! My fist pump on seeing Spenno’s goal was maybe a little bit too vociferous!!!

But it is another point to the collection and keeps us in fourth place. Yes, some of the teams below have games in hand but what do you prefer – points in the bag or games in hand? It is yet another magnificent season for the Rams and keeps us on the edge of our seats.

As a ‘far off’ supporter, I am absolutely delighted with Rob’s new ‘toy’ … rammy.tv! Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Obviously, I used to do interviews at the end of the games that I was at but they were few and far between so to have videos of the matches and interviews after EVERY game keeps me and other distant fans well versed in what is going on.

Just how far has our club come?!? It is superb that we are making strides like this as the whole club gears up for what might be. There is a chance that we could be promoted, have our club publicised everywhere, including on Sky Sports News every day in terms of league tables, results and fixtures as well as featuring prominently in the Non League newspaper etc. That would be wonderful publicity for our little club, wouldn’t it? So, lets get right behind the lads … and roar them onto glory.

One little bit of news from down here in the sandy south (apparently, we are so tropical down here that we get sand storms from the Sahara!!!!!). Last night, at my pool match, I was injured! Yes, injured. And how … I was hit above the eye by a rogue cue ball hit fiercely on a break off shot!!!

It could only happen to me!!!!!

See you at the Warrington game on Easter Saturday – can’t wait.

C’MON YOU RAMS ……….

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Phil Dean

“Ifans adore t h e here and thI’atm’s plthaeyinreason g so well,,

Many an opposition right-back wakes up in the middle of the night having nightmares of Wiz running at them. Gary Stopforth’s shouts of “Go At Him, Wee Man!” accompany supporters shuffling forward in their seats, expecting something special, and the free-scoring winger hasn’t failed to deliver this season. Roving Reporter Liam Smith caught up with the notably less sweary Phil Dean, and asked him some of the burning questions.

You’ve been a key part of the Rammy team for a while but what do you do away from football?

P – I sell flooring (carpet, laminate), that type of thing. I got the job through Jonno originally, The Then manager is involved at Rammy, so it was never any problem getting time off work for games.

You’ve had yourself a very good season this year, do you think it’s your best?

Yeah it’s definitely my best. It’s helped a lot because this is the best squad we’ve had since I’ve been at the club.

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Rumour has it you’re “an angry little man” when on the field! What’s it like out on the field for you?

I have no idea who said that ha-ha! It’s a lot easier when your winning but when you are losing it can get the better of you and it’s easy to overreact a situation.

Phil Dean

Phil Dean Bacup’s very own David Moyes, complete with his harem

I can imagine, is it difficult working a full time job while trying to put a footballing career together?

If I worked hard when I was there it probably would be! I’d say I put more effort into football than I do my job and “football career” ha-ha!

You never know, Ambition wise do you think a higher division side is a possibility for you in the future?

I don’t know to be honest. I’ve never been at a pro club so Rammy is the highest level I’ve known. I think I’ve done ok when we’ve played Worksop FC, Stockbridge etc.

You’ve always impressed! You’ve become one of the fan favourites at the club, do you like the fans here?

It’s hard not to; we’ve got great fans who make it a top atmosphere to play in front of. I adore the fans here and that’s the reason I’m playing so well in my honest opinion.

How did you get into football as a kid?

I played with my older brother a lot. We always used to play on our street, the neighbours even got a petition together and sent it to the council to stop us playing!!

Every street has a spoil sport! Who did you grow up supporting?

My brother’s got season tickets at city. I used to support United when I was younger but I don’t bother with anyone now.

Although you don’t follow them anymore are you Moyes in or out then?

Think the only way United could have got worse would have been to appoint Brent Peters!

Quick fire: DOB: 3/9/91 Fav Food: Chicken Fav Holiday: Perth Fav song: Smiths – This charming man.

Fav Drink: Red stripe (Bet Owen Roberts says protein shake!)

Night in with the misses or night out with the lads: Silly question! Night out with the lads!

EDITORIAL - SUPPORTERS CLUB

The rammy.tv adventure has begun!

We used some of the Supporters Club cash to get hold of a little Panasonic camcorder, get ourselves the web address rammy.tv, and get filming. Liam Smith, a young lad who works on Bury FC’s website team, has come on board and offered to help with some of the media stuff. He’s provided the text for this issue’s interview with Phil Dean, and will be helping out with the filming when Bury aren’t at home. Sadly, they’ve been at home for all three of our matches this week, which has meant that I’ve ended up doing the filming - which is bloody hard work, it has to be said. If you know anyone who’d fancy sitting for 90 minutes holding a camera before hanging around for 40 minutes or so interviewing players then please point them in my direction because I’m Not Enjoying It! It also means that I don’t get to take any photos for the paper or for this programme, which is a bit of a pain too. It’s a job that’d suit someone interested in doing some kind of media or journalism course I reckon, which is why Liam was keen to get involved. The pay, like every other job down at Rammy is nowt, but they’ll enjoy it... honest.

The plan for rammy.tv is for us to get interviews with players and show highlights from all of our games. We’ve already uploaded highlights from our last three matches (if you can call what we got at the Burscough game ‘highlights’) along with interviews with Bernard, Jonno, Spencer, Gaskell and Howson. We did an interview with Pilkie and Billy, but when we played it back we found that we couldn’t understand a word that Billy was saying cos of his accent. We’ll grab him again before the end of the season and ask him to talk a bit slower for us (I blame it on the big tub of Haribo that was making him a bit hyper). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I’d like to say a big thankyou to everyone who took flyers to distribute on Tuesday night. The more you kind people take, the less legwork we have to do over the next couple of weeks. We’re getting very close to achieving a 250 average gate over the season, which I think we can all be extremely proud of. I think we need that up around 300 to hold our own at the next level, and I think that should be our main aim next time out.

I know that the whole jester hat, drum banging garbage will get on the nerves of a few people at Rammy (me included), but the more we get the atmosphere boucing, the more likely we are to encourage people along to games, retain them and, let’s be honest, retain decent players. A number of the lads I’ve spoken to have said just how important the Rammy family is to their loyalty and to their performances. Just imagine how easy it would make Jonno and Bernard’s job if they can say to prospective players, “The pay may be crap, but we get 300 fans at every game, and they bang drums and sing their heads off.”

So please bear with us on the whole drum thing. We’ll keep it to big games at the moment (assuming we can find someone to hit the thing) and will stick it behind the goal where it’s only annoying the ‘Rammy Ultras (up the Ramsbottom!)’.

One last thing: rammy.tv - go and have a look!

Managers: Anthony JOHNSON Bernard MORLEY

Martin FEARON Joel PILKINGTON Owen ROBERTS Gary STOPFORTH Danny WARRENDER Billy PRIESTLEY Grant SPENCER Scott BURTON Lee GASKELL Steve HOWSON Phil DEAN Dominic SMALLEY Jordan HULME Tom TOTH Darren GREEN Cedric KROU Lee PUGH Andy DAWSON Grant SHENTON Jon ROBINSON

Manager: Dave Foster

Danny MACDONALD John ROSS Callum HOCTOR Warren BEATTIE Ricky MERCER Jack SMITH Craig CARNEY Danny COID Danny MITCHLEY Ricardo EGIDI Rob WILSON Colin WATSON Olie MATHIESON Gary BASTERFIELD Aaron FLEMING Mike STRINGFELLOW

Referee: Mark Cunliffe Assistants: Andrew Telford, Christopher Thomson Next home game: Saturday 19th April 3pm, Rammy v Warrington Town