46 Ramsbottom United v Stockport County

rammy news v STOCKPORT COUNTY 13-12-14

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Good afternoon and welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium. I hope everyone who has travelled from Stockport has had a pleasant 23 mile trip.

I've got to start by saying that this is the tie I personally wanted, STOCKPORT COUNTY at home. What I brilliant draw for our small football town to be mixing it with such an illustrious club. Anyone outside of Rammy might think we're just playing another non-league club that's only one division above us BUT the history of each club is what makes it so exciting for us.

When Ramsbottom United decided to become a semi-professional club in the mid 1990's Stockport County were enjoying the most successful part of their history. A second place finish (to my team Bury) in the old second division to get them promoted to what is now the Championship,. ey also reached the semi-final of the league cup in the same year. County then spent five years in the Championship until relegation in 2001-2002, at which time Rammy were still playing games against Abbey Hey and Haslingden.

Although Stockport have suffered fairly recently with relegation they are also still one of the best supported clubs outside of the Premier League in the North West.

What also makes this such a special tie is that the current manager at Stockport is the first manager I played under in semi-pro football and a man who had a very big influence on my career, Alan Lord. Not only has he turned their fortunes around but in a day where managers are all too quickly forced out of jobs due to expectation he is a legend there. A top man and I can't wait to see him today!

Also Grant Spencer and his brother Scott are both in the opposing squads.

Richie Baker who plays in the middle of the park could come up against one of his best pals Gary Stopforth and also Tunji Moses is at Stockport who played a game for us during our NWC championship winning season.

Today is about pitting our wits against a massive non-league club and about thoroughly enjoying the day.

Please get behind the boys in what is sure to be a fabulous occasion.

Come On You Rams!

johnno

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tony cunningham and the wonderful world of non-league football Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium. I’d like to extend a special welcome to today’s match officials and, of course, everyone connected with Stockport County for what we hope will be an entertaining and enjoyable contest.

Let’s be honest….not too long ago, the prospect of little ol’ Rammy playing the might of County would have had us all being carted off! Such has been our rise over the last six years that such a fixture has become reality.

OK, so it’s not just about ourselves. It is well documented the troubles and trauma that County have suffered over the same period of time. e Brendan Elwood/Dave Jones era must seem years away to the County fans, but I remember watching County gain promotion at Gigg Lane with a couple of thousand of their fans celebrating wildly. en came that magnificent league victory over Manchester City. Crazy, isn’t it, that not too long ago our opponents were facing Manchester City, yet today they face the Rams. How frustrating the last few years must have been for these fans. e one redeeming aspect is that at least Stockport County are still in existence. It did seem that their very future was in doubt

at one time, so I’m glad that the club is still with us.

Of course, we know manager Alan Lord well, as he’s brought teams to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium on many occasions over the years. He certainly knows the non-league scene, and I have no doubt that under his guidance, County will soon claw their way back up the Divisions and regain their rightful place in the Football League.

I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for our visitors. When I was a youngster (I know, I know!) I used to work in Manchester. At the time Vic Barnard was Chairman at Edgeley Park, and he used to have them playing home games on a Friday night under the banner of “Go-Go-County”. I used to finish work around 5 o’clock and meet up with a couple of pals. We’d have something to eat at a café near where the Printworks now is, before heading over to Piccadilly Railway station to catch the train to Stockport. ere we’d follow County in what was a rather ramshackle stadium at the time, before heading back into Manchester and a club or two into the early hours of Saturday morning.

Happy days! ...and so on to today.

Our supporters will obviously have noticed quite a few changes today.

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Not Stockport’s first visit to the Riverside - a pre-season friendly in 2013 saw Rammy take on County

Naturally, we apologise to any who has had to change their usual matchday routine, but we’ve had no choice as the Police have been involved in our staging of the match. e original fear was that we would have to make it all-ticket, but the time constraints resulted in an acceptance that it would not be very practical. So it’s pay-on-the-gate, even though other changes have had to be implemented.

Segregation is not something we are used to here, but so be it. Again, those who enjoy the usual freedom of moving ends – a great tradition in non-league – will have to forego that pleasure, as will those who normally use

the car park. Once again, we can only apologise for the frustration that parking in the town will have caused. Yet, if we are to embrace the progress made by the team on the pitch, we have to accept that off it a certain amount of disruption will follow.

I suppose we must ask ourselves, would we rather be facing the likes of Stockport County and FC United of Manchester or (with respect to them) Abbey Hey and Cheadle Town?

Despite the inconvenience, I think I know the answer to that one!

Enjoy your non-league football!

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“Scott is class - fast, strong, and can score and he really likes a laugh� - Grant on Scott

the Stockport side of the pairing - striker Scott Spencer

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the spencer brothers midfielder grant vs striker scott in the tale of two brothers Despite all their years in football today will be the first time that brothers Grant and Scott Spencer have ever played competitively against one another. According to mum Lyn the banter started from the moment the FA Trophy draw was made, though she’s a little torn as to which team she’ll be supporting.

“I know that it’s going to be a little strange, “ she told us. “I really can’t imagine how it’s going to feel watching my two lads go head to head. roughout the years we’ve had very exciting times with both of them. We are very proud of them on and off the pitch and are really looking forward to today’s game.”

“We usually speak to each other before and after every game,” Grant told us, “and Scott’s results are the first I check at the final whistley. We will travel to the game together today as we still live close, but whether we will speak or not I don't know!”

Both brothers were turned toward football at a very early age as their dad Paul played for Cheadle Heath Nomads, taking the lads along to training almost as soon as they could

walk. Older brother Scott (25) then headed off to Oldham Athletic from age 10 through to about 17 before signing for Everton for the huge fee of £220,000. He remained at Everton for three years and then turned to non-league with a variety of clubs, most notably Hyde with whom he scored 50 goals in just over 100 games, taking the club to promotion.

Grant’s progression was similar to his brother’s, joining childhood idols Manchester City aged 5 before heading to Stockport County where he remained for six years up to age 12. He then joined his brother at Oldham for a couple of years before transferring to Bolton Wanderers for £100,000 aged just 14.

“We knew from an early age that they were both talented footballers,” said mum Lyn. “Just like me and Paul, they have always been proud of each other's achievements and have always supported each other.”

“As the older brother I ended up involved in the football first,” Scott told us, “but Grant was an amazing little lad - as soon as he could walk, at about nine months or so, he was flying around with the ball at his foot and no-one could get it off him.”

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“As Scott was older than man he was always a bit ahead - when I was little I always used to get stuck in nets to let him practice shooting,” joked Grant, “that’s why he’s the striker! ough as the younger brother I think it was ultimately easier for me as he was closer to the top which was great and benefitted me more, especially when I was at Oldham as I used to train with his team.

“Dad was a really good player too, though more of a grafter than being naturally gifted - he’ll kill me for saying that!”

We asked both lads what was their most memorable moment in football so far, who has had the biggest influence on their careers, and what hopes they have for the future...

Scott - “Winning the league with Hyde United has to be the biggest achievement in my career so far, and also the most memorable. ey’re a great set of lads down there, and there’s nothing better than lifting that trophy at the end of the season, particularly if you’ve played your part in getting it. I’d really like to be part of a Stockport County team that achieves the same and gets our club promoted back nearer to where it belongs.

“As for thep erson who’s had the greatest influence on me I have to say Gary Lowe, who had a lot of faith in me and my ability. He’s a great fella. “e future looks really promising at the moment - I have just started a job at Currentbody.com, a health and beauty technology company, so realistically I want to be part of that company and the way it’s moving. In

addition to that things are going well at Stockport and I’d like to hope that we can be pushing for promotion by the end of the season.”

Grant - “I’m going to sound corny and probably get a bit of stick, however I’m going to say Bamber Bridge last season just tipped playing at Anfied infront of the full kop - both experiences that are really unforgettable! “e biggest influences on my career are these two fantastic managers at Rammy. When I left Bolton I was in tatters really and football was the last thing on my mind. Over the last three years Johnno and Bernard have helped get my enthusiasm back for the game.

I love the way that they let me do more or less what I want if things are going well, but also respect that they aren’t afraid to chuck a jug of orange juice at me if I’m not playing well.

“As to the future,” continued Grant, “I can’t really answer that because I have no idea. If I’m being honest then I’d say that I had expected us to have a quietish season this time around, I though that we might just have found our level, but from what we’ve achieved already this season I can see that we are capable of playing at this level and even higher and higher again!

We have a fantastic set of lads here and the combination of good cop bad cop really gets the best out of us all.”

And so on to today’s match, and the fascinating battle between the wunder-kind Spencer brothers as they take the field in the first round of the FA Trophy. Good luck lads, and may the best Rams win!

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“Grant has great technique and skill, and he can put a dead ball exactly where he wants it� - Scott on Grant

the Rammy side of the pairing - midfielder Grant Spencer

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stockport county the big boys roll into town Established in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, in 1890 the name was changed to Stockport County to reflect the town gaining County Borough status. After winning the Lancashire League in 1900, the County gained admittance to the Football League, drawing their first match 2-2 away to Leicester Fosse (now Leicester City). After finishing in the bottom three in their first four seasons, County failed to gain re-election in 1904 and so spent a season in the Lancashire Combination; they won the League at the first time of asking and made an immediate return to the professional ranks. County would be proud Football League members for more than a century.

Joining the League meant the club soon outgrew their ground behind the Nursery Inn on Green Lane in Heaton Norris and, in 1902, they moved south of the River Mersey to Edgeley Park, then home of Stockport RLFC. County have played there ever since.

Hatmaking was an established industry in north Cheshire & south-east Lancashire by the 16th century. By the late 19th century Stockport had become a national centre for the trade, and by 1900 County's nickname of 'e Hatters' had became synonymous with the club Having played in a variety of kit colours in the club's early years, usually a variation on blue & white, County switched to white shirts and black shorts from the '30s until the mid '60s. roughout this period they were often referred to as the Lilywhites.

In 1965 flamboyant chairman Vic Bernard, as part of his GO GO GO COUNTY revolution, reintroduced the Hatters' famous royal blue strip; colours they still adopt today. e club stayed in the 4th Division doldrums until the turn of the 90s, when Uruguayan manager Danny Bergara turned the Hatters into regular top-of-the-table challengers.

Promotion came in 1991, and was followed by four visits to Wembley in two years - twice in playoff finals, twice in the Football League Trophy. Unfortunately County lost on each occasion.

Following Bergara's departure in 1995, Dave Jones took charge and gave the club its most memorable season. In 1996/97, the Hatters won four games against Premiership opposition, including a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough in the League Cup semi-final - unfortunately, the tie was lost 2-1 on aggregate. Other runs in the FA Cup and League Trophy meant County played almost 70 games that season, and finished 2nd in the Second Division - the large amount of games almost certainly costing them the title.

After Jones' departure for Southampton, County consolidated in the First Division until relegation in 2002. What followed was a largely downward spiral back to the bottom division, twice finishing a season on just 26 points, and by Boxing Day 2005 County were well adrift at the bottom of the Football League.

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Tunji Moses in action against Brackley Town a couple of weeks ago

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stockport county In came former player Jim Gannon as manager, who led the team to a remarkable run of form and, with an incredibly tense 0-0 draw on the final day against Carlisle, eventual safety. is was followed by a promotion push in 2006/07, when County memorably set a new professional record of 9 consecutive wins without conceding. But promotion was just out of touch, with a playoff place being denied by Bristol Rovers in the dying minutes of the season despite County winning 5-0 at Darlington.

at success finally came the next season.

After finishing fourth, Gannon's side beat Wycombe in the semi-finals followed by a thrilling 3-2 win over neighbours Rochdale, finally ending the club's hoodoo at Wembley.

Unfortunately, the Hatters couldn't build on that success and went in to administration before the final game of the season at Brighton. In 09/10 administration took its toll, and County finished on a new record low of 25 points and were relegated back to the bottom flight.

26-year-old Burnley lad Richie Baker, a freescoring midfielder

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Defender Stephen O’Halloran getting stuck in against Brackley

In the summer of 2010 the club was taken out of administration by a group of local business people, ensuring the club’s survival. However, fortunes took a downturn on the pitch and the Hatters finished bottom of League Two, meaning that they would compete outside the Football League for the first time since 1905.

During 2011, Liverpool-based businessman Tony Evans headed up a consortium of new investors in the club, who appointed former German international Dietmar Hamann as manager.

However, following the consortium’s failure to take charge, Hamann’s squad struggled in the league and in November he was replaced by former manager Jim Gannon. e size of the task ahead of Gannon was even bigger than the one in 2006, and the team initially continued to struggle but

found resurgent form in Spring. Safety was secured with a 1-1 draw at home to Braintree, allowing the Hatters to enjoy a peaceful summer for the first time in four years.

However, that stability didn't last long and in 2012-13 more financial issues off the pitch restricted the squad on it. With his team in the lower half of the table, Gannon was sacked in January 2013 and replaced

by Bosnian coach Darije Kalezic.

Unfortunately results got worse, and with County staring at relegation he was replaced by former Gateshead manager Ian Bogie, but he too could not stop the slide.

A 4-0 defeat to Kidderminster Harriers saw Stockport County relegated to the Conference North, meaning the Hatters would be playing regional football for the first time since 1905.

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points total

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stockport county meet the hatters

Danny HURST e experienced stopper enjoyed a successful season at Southport last year, where he also established himself as number one. But despite being offered a new deal at Haig Avenue, the 33 year-old jumped at the chance to join Stockport County.

Steve Scott HOWSON DUXBURY A pacy full-back with a wicked delivery and ability to beat a man, Duxbury attracted the attention of a number of Football League clubs after a stellar first season with County.

But the 19 year-old penned a new deal in the summer with Lord's new-look side and In action against Belper Town season in a similar vein.

Photostarted Courtesythis of Ken Allsebrook

Mark LEES Sandwiched between spells at Curzon Ashton and Altrincham, Mark spent a number of years at Stalybridge building a formidable defence at Bower Fold. is season has seen Lees form part of a strong trio at the back, and the PE teacher in training has proven to be a popular figure.

Jordan FAGBOLA Cedric KROU First signed on a free transfer from Rochdale in 2012 and promptly won County’s Young Player of the Season. e powerful centrehalf already has well over 50 starts for the Hatters and provides a solid challenge to the more experienced players at the heart of defence.

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Chris CHURCHMAN e Lytham-born youngster took his chance when given a run out in the team last season, scoring a screamer in a 5-1 win at Gainsborough. Going on to feature regularly towards the end of last season, Chris is one who will be up there for most improved this season.

Steve O’HALLORAN HOWSON Stephen Having lost Sean Newton in the summer, manager Ian Bogie moved swiftly to plug the gap at left-back by signing Stephen from Nuneaton. e former Irish international can also play at centre-half if required. 25-yearold Stephen started his career at Aston Villa.

Danny GREGSON Standing at 6’5”, Gregson is a Myerscough man and made it to England’s College Squad in 2011 alongside Alex Kenyon. A spell at Lancaster City succeeded six years spent at the Everton Academy.

Kristian DENNIS Cedric KROU e 23-year-old is a headline writer’s dream having earned a reputation as a real menace for defenders during his time at Curzon Ashton in 2012. Kristian was the top goal scorer in English football last year netting no fewer than 46 goals for the Blues. Previously on the books of Macclesfield Town.

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stockport county meet the hatters

Richie BAKER Baker made 200 appearances for Bury and Barrow in a career that’s varied from League One to the Conference North. e Burnleyborn attacker seems to have been around for years, but at 26 years old provides some much needed experience.

Steve HOWSON Nathan WOOLFE Lightning quick winger, Woolfe arrived at Stockport in the summer having spent a number of years on the non-league scene.

He scored 11 goals as Hednesford Town secured promotion to the Conference North before opting to join County.

Scott SPENCER A stint at Hyde, where Scott fired in the goals for the Tigers on a regular basis, preceded this striker’s arrival at Edgeley Park - and the experienced forward is still missed up the road. After a steady start to his County career, he impressed with his work-rate.

Brother of Ramsbottom’s Grant Spencer.

Jamie MILLIGAN Cedric KROU ‘Captain Milligan’ signed for County halfway through last season, linking up with fellow veteran Phil Jevons, and the two quickly formed an ‘assist/goal’ partnership. e 34year-old committed himself to one more year at the club.

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Chris SHARP 28-year-old son of former Everton legend Graeme Sharp, Chris was at Motherwell with Alan Lord and Jim Gannon back in 2009. e former Hereford man is ordinarily deployed on the wing.

Ian ORMSON e teenage stopper from Runcorn kept four clean sheets last season before losing his place in the starting eleven at the start of this year. e 19-year-old England C prospect made his debut for the club in the FA Cup.

Steve GlennHOWSON BELEZIKA

Alan LORD Cedric KROU

Camden-bord defender Belezika began his career down the road at Oldham Athletic.

Depite working his way through the youth setup, Glenn made only four first-team appearances in the Football League for the Latics. Seeking first-team opportunities, he joined County in the summer.

Managerial posts at Cheadle Town, Warrington, Atherton Collieries and Atherton LR preceded Alan’s ten years coaching and scouting behind the scenes at Stockport. ‘Lordy’ stepped up to the manager’s job just over a year ago and the 65-year-old looks to be doing a pretty decent job of it.

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from the darkside darren comer reports on the latest rammy ultras adventures Having never rode a cock horse to Banbury Cross or anywhere else for that matter, I decided against this mode of transport and booked myself on the supporters charabanc for our recent F.A Trophy jaunt down to Oxfordshire to take on Banbury United. So at 9.30am a couple of weeks ago I found myself boarding the coach armed only with a rucksack containing the Ultras flag, a latex rams head, vuvuzela, a 4-pack of beers and a couple of Mrs Darkside’s lovingly prepared sausage and brown sauce muffins. Poor Mrs Darkside had promised her friend that she would help on her stall at Hawkshaw Christmas Fair that day thinking Rammy would be at home, and not realising that our cup progress would alter that fact and mean she would have to miss the game.

A few minutes later, a full coach was heading down the lane and off on another adventure. With the Rammy Rocket being a sell out for the game I opted to sit with Clive, and just behind Dave Coote and Young Jake, which I pretty soon realised was a mistake when Dave started to tell us about the trip he planned to take to Birmingham the following day. It was not that this was so bad in

itself, but with Clive being a fellow bike fanatic it meant I would have to endure the trip listening to them swapping tales about life on the open road and showing each other pictures from their mobile phones.

Luckily, there were plenty of others to talk to about non-motorbike issues. Included on the coach were Boogie Bus debutants, Tony, Angie (Mrs Carlsberg) and the drum banging Ethan (Carlsberg Junior). e further South we travelled, the sunnier the weather became, and by the time we arrived in Banbury at 12.30 the sun was shining and the Ultras were ready for another adventure.

After a quick picture outside the coach with supporters, players, manegement and Harry (see later on in the programme), we were on our way down a little dirt path away from the ground and into town. We had arranged to meet up with Ste, who had brought a car full from Bacup, in the town centre’s Weatherspoons, although we did not stay too long there. Not only did they have just two members of staff working on a busy Saturday afternoon, they also served the worse beer any of us have tasted all season (and we have tried many, believe me).

We then made our way down back towards the ground, stopping only for a couple more pints while sitting outside in the sunshine.

On the way back we passed a barbers called e Shearing Shed which was the cue for me to put on my rubber rams head for a few photo opportunities.

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Yours Truly having a lovely time on the Town End at Banbury

Once we were inside the ground I was pleased as it was a typical old-school, non league one (with seats painted by our very own, Rob). After a quick pint of Puritans Smooth, the clubs own brand bitter, and quite a tasty one at that, it was onto the terraces to welcome the lads out. With Young Jack and Ethan banging the drum and myself and Andy Massey on vuvuzela duties, like some cut-price Motown tribute act, it was quite a raucous welcome!

As we were attacking the covered terrace in the first half the Ultras gathered there and we had plenty to cheer about. From the first few minutes Rammy were on the front foot and it seemed only a matter of time before we scored. is came on 5 minutes when Robbo pounced in the area to make it 1-0, and we never really looked in trouble from then on. No disrespect to Banbury, but they were one of the poorest teams we have faced this season.

Somehow, the score remained 1-0 at half

time and we retreated back to the bar to check the half time scores and give our hoarse throats some lubrication for the second half. ere were, quite rightly, some glum faces wearing the red and yellow of Banbury, and our half time chat seemed to focus on missed chances and how the next goal would be a decisive one. Andy Worsick had kindly got me a chicken and mushroom pie along with his own half time order, and once in my hands we made our way back out hoping for more of the same in the second half.

As soon as we got back out it seemed like a totally different Banbury we were watching as they started an attack that ended in a heart stopping, goal mouth scramble. is lasted for all of two minutes before Rammy started to take control again and pretty soon Monsieur Krou was rising above the Banbury defence to majestically put us two goals to the good.

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from the darkside darren comer reports on the latest rammy ultras adventures “We’re Having a Party When Cedric Scores” began to ring loudly around the Spencer Stadium and I doubt very much if we would be in trouble with Trading Standards for that description.

We were on the open terrace for the second half and as the darkness descended and fog began to gather, it was more like fiesta time for the Ultras with our drum, vuvuzelas and our singing and dancing. We were soon being watched, from an adjoining field, by a herd of Friesians who I Imagine had not heard so much noise for a long time (luckily, we were separated from the herd by a large wire fence). Fair play to the steward who was stood with us at this end of the ground, and who took our “We’ll Stand on your Wall, We are the Rammy, We’ll Stand on your Wall” song in as good spirit as it was intended.

Less than 10 minutes after Cedric had got the party started we were three up through a typical Whizz goal and Banbury were down to 10 men, and to use an old cliché, if it had been a boxing match the ref would have stopped it.

Pughie would probably have

wished the game had been stopped there to avoid his late red card, but nothing at this point was going to dampen the mood. e Rams were through to the First Round and setting us of dreaming of maybe getting Stockport County at Home (as if that would happen, eh). e celebrations at the end, both on and off the field, demonstrated the true passion this club has, and the special relationship between the players, staff, Uncle Harry and us, the supporters. is was especially summed up by Shents who on the final whistle applauded the Banbury fans behind his goal (apparently, quite a bit of banter was going on between them). He then proceeded to run to the fans, hurdled the perimeter wall like a modern day Spring Heel Jack, and proceeded to bang the drum, carrying the beat for another chorus of Harrys Going to Wembley, His Knees Have Gone All Trembly (By the way, Keith Moon is no longer the craziest drummer I have ever seen).

When we got back to the bar, full of happy faces of blue and white, the talk turned to who we could get next and trying to work out how the days results in the league would affect our play-off chances. I got talking to an old bloke in a Liverpool scarf, seemingly from Banbury, about the glory days at Anfield and, after a few minutes down Memory Lane, he took out a little diary and began to show it me. It was full of Liverpool legends

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A short tea-break from the vuvuzela-tooting

autographs and also included the more than legendary Bill Shankley’s, which really made my day.

By 6.00 p.m. the Rammy Rocket started the long journey home with Shents leading the singing with “Everywhere We Go”, and Bernard handing out the beers.

Before long our heroics had gone nationwide and the BBC got in touch with Jonno to see about doing an interview a little later. So, little ol’ Rammy United, the village team, the tiny team (hello Darlo) were going to be featured on the NonLeague Football Show on BBC Radio 5Live and Jonno would be heard by a nationwide audience. It was bit weird when the interview actually went ahead as I have heard many of these on various sports shows, but never actually been witness to one. Luckily for me, I was only a couple of seats behind Jonno and,

despite not hearing the questions, I could get the general idea of what was being said (You can listen online and I must say our manager came across really well, as he always does on these occasions). is however was just the warm up act as next on the bill was Burnley’s answer to Kenny Rogers, Mr Gary Stopforth, who treated us to his rendition of “e Gambler”. e only downside to this is that Mrs Darkside was not there as she makes a great Dolly Parton and I’m quite partial to a bit of “Islands in the Stream”.

I’m not sure how anyone can follow this for on-board entertainment, but rumour has it that Uncle Dave Morley and Paul ‘Whizz’ Dean have got Sonny and Cher’s, “I’ve Got You Babe” lined up for Kings Lynn away next week.

As always, it was a great day out!

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tony’s teasers 1.

What links today’s opponents with last year’s Conference champions Luton Town?

2.

Which Evo-Stik league side moves to a new ground this month?

3.

What colours do Spalding United play in?

4.

What stopped play in the recent Caernarfon Town v TNS Welsh cup tie?

5.

Which Evo-Stik League club plays at Harrison Park?

6.

Which club did Hartlepool United play against in last week’s FA Cup tie?

7.

Which non-league side knocked Coventry City out of this year’s FA Cup?

8.

To which club has nelson Mota moved from Ramsbottom United?

9.

From which club have we recently re-signed Tom Brooks?

10.

Who plays at e Brewery Field?

Live the corporate dream!

From £25 per person you can watch the match in the comfort of Rammy’s corporate suite, nibbling on prawn sandwiches and sipping champagne.

Phone Scott to book your company into the plush corporate lounge: 07576 390762 ANSWERS: 1. Both are nick-named e Hatters 2. Stamford 3. Blue with yellow trim 4. A collapsed perimeter wall behind one goal. 5. Leek Town 6. Blyth Spartans 7. Worcester City 8. Darlington 9. Curzon Ashton 10. Spennymoor Town

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Matlock v Rammy Comemmorating the 1914 Christmas Truce

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If your face is featured then congratulations, you’ve just won yourself a cup of tea and a Mars Bar courtesy of Rammy United Supporters Club. Visit the tea bar now to claim your magniďŹ cent prize!

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grant shenton shouting from between the sticks Just three league defeats since August, and and just one defeat in the last fifteen - if ever we were best placed to take on the might of Stockport County, this is it.

Would you agree?

Most definitely. We are playing well and even in the games where we might not be playing the best we're not getting beaten, which is the sign of a good team. I think at home we are strong so it's going to be a great game..

Although Stockport have suffered a rough few years, this still feels to all of us like an enormous game, though still a winnable game. How do the lads feel?

It's as much a big game for us as it is for you the fans and one all the lads are really looking forward to. I remember when I was in my second year at college and Paul Gerrard, who was involved with Stockport at the time, spoke to me about having a trial there and that was a huge deal for me.

Now, six years on and I'm playing the same team in the FA trophy for the same team I joined not long after college. All the lads are looking forward to it and you will see that today.

Can you talk us through the goals at Matlock on Saturday, and had it felt like we had the game won?

Our goal was the type

that we don't score much of - a long throw and a brave lunge from Tom. We could have had a few more if not for some questionable decisions from officials and a good save from my opposite number. eir goal was a well taken finish after a little bit of luck - Ste had won the first header and it hit Ceders on the back of the head before falling perfectly for their lad to smash in from 12 yards or so.

We heard this week that Lee Gaskell has gone to Warrington Town, citing it as a "great opportunity". Now that they're no longer in the FA Cup, after losing to Gateshead on Sunday, we feel that he's made a monumental mistake. What did he say to you all about leaving, and were you surprised?

I was very gutted to find out the news about Lee going because he is a great player as we all know. It was his decision to go as he didn't think he was getting the game time he deserved but that's football.

We move on as team and I wish him all the best for the future where ever he may end up.

We gathered from your face that you enjoyed the win at Banbury, and you do a better job than Ethan at banging the drum - was it an enjoyable match for you and are you likely to be joining us on the terraces again any time soon?

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I was over the moon with the result. It was a long coach journey, not the best pitch, and against new opposition the 3-0 win was the perfect result.

I'm a football fan so I know how you all feel as for most parts of the game I'm as much a spectator as all of you. I sing along to all the songs apart from Carlsberg’s give me an R! We need to knock that on the head. (Sorry pal) but if we win you can expect me in the crowd yes!

With our progress in three cup competitions we are now five games behind leaders Skelmersdale. Do you think that the fixture backlog that comes with this kind of success is a problem, or does it help to make teams under-estimate us due to our deceptive league position?

It's good to still be in the cups because we've never been in this position in terms of cup runs. I think it can only help us - the more games we play the better because games are far better for us than nights of or running up the rake! With the underestimating us I think maybe yeah - I remember Cammel Laird sneaking into the play-offs in our first season in the north division. All we have to do is beat eleven men on a football pitch one team at a time. ere will be difficult games and it’s not going to be easy at times but we are all confident of doing well.

Are you looking forward to Christmas with Noah, and do you know what Father Christmas might be bringing him this year?

I'm very excited for Christmas as is Noah.

He's getting too much if you ask me, but he is his mummy's little boy. I have talked Father (Mother) Christmas into get him (me) a few toys that I used to play with as a kid, so it’s win win. His first pair of boots have been ordered also to go with his golf clubs from last year!

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rammy in exile sky sports statto richard isaacs Whatever happened to the days when we looked forward to playing teams in various Cup competitions like (and with no malice or disrespect) Staveley Miners Welfare, Shotton Comrades or Washington IKEA?! Today, we welcome, to our humble little town, a Football League club of 106 years standing up to and including the 2011 season in the shape of moderate local 'rivals' Stockport County.

Yes, you don't read that incorrectly - today's match in the FA Trophy is Ramsbottom United vs Stockport County!

When Ramsbottom United was formed, in 1966, Stockport County won the Fourth Division of the 1966/67 Football League to secure promotion alongside Southport, Barrow and Tranmere Rovers (a north-west take-over it seemed that season). e Rams, in that very same season, were taking their very first steps in the Bury Amateur League.

And therefore we have yet another of those 'pinch yourself it's happening' moments in the history of the club. Not only in the first round of the FA Trophy for the first time, not only have we had our longest trip south ever, not only are we in the play-off positions of the Northern Premier League but we are now playing host to a club of Stockport's standing and everyone is truly excited. It was just 1,778 days ago - or just 4 years, 10 months and 13 days ago - that Stockport County played at St Mary's Stadium against my

'other team' - Southampton in League One. e Saints won 2-0 with a goal each from Rickie Lambert - now an England international - and Papa Waigo. Wow! Now that really does make you sit up and think!

I did have to laugh a little bit on Wednesday last week while I was at the Sky studios working on England finally winning a cricket one-day international against Sri Lanka.

When I am working on a game, I try and use Twitter quite a bit, using my @RVISkyStatto account, which is reserved normally for random cricket statistics. On this occasion, I tweeted that "England's revised target will be 236 to win" following some very heavy rain in Hambantota.

Along with a few retweets from my trusty Indian and Pakistani followers (of which I have quite a few), came a little response from Jack Byrne, a very sporty chap who lives in Reading but follows our visitors today as well as Bath Rugby (it seems from his account).

And for the first time, my relationship with Rammy came to someone's attention...

Jack Byrne @jackbyrne91: “@RVISkyStatto more chance of Ramsbottom beating us in the FA Trophy first round Richard! #ComeonCounty” Of course, England did manage to win the game to which I responded to Jack with a simple #ahem #youuuuuuRams !

And that, for me, was another sure sign of just how far we have come as a club - that even a single Stockport County supporter knows who we are! Or even cares who we are!

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Another great away day having a sing at Banbury in the FA Trophy

Unfortunately, I am not going to be at the game today as I will be back in the studio for a 4.30am start this morning for the sixth of this mammoth series. We will be off air at about 1pm or so but Rammy is slightly further up the motorway network that Banbury was a couple of Saturdays ago and with the same timings being applied to this game - unless anyone would like to hire me a helicopter and get me to the ground in time, then I will be glued to our Twitter feed when I get back home to Southampton this afternoon.

I was really pleased to have finally put the demons of my 'we never win when I watch' curse to bed when I saw us play at Banbury United in the last round. To use a term of one of our fine commentators when he was a former England coach "we flippin' murdered 'em". It could have been double figures - much like Banbury dished out to some unsuspecting team in their local cup competition later in the week. If it wasn't for their keeper, it would have been a true

mauling but, yet another terrific day out and just an hour and 20 minutes home for me... more of the same please, I like being home and, as it happened, in bed by 8pm after being up all night. ere was a little bit of disappointment that the first round of the FA Trophy was not a nationwide affair as I was rather hoping for something a little further south (maybe an away game against Eastleigh, Gosport Borough or, even better for my journey home, Basingstoke Town at the Soccer AM Stadium - yes, it is really called that!). But, here we are with the game against Stockport and I cannot tell you the pride that I have for my club, our Rammy United as we continue to increase our support and increase our presence. It makes all those freezing cold, miserable nights at the likes of Squires Gate, at Colne, at Congleton Town or at Maine Road all the more poignant.

Proud of the Rams .... another day today in a history that just keeps growing and growing.

YOUUUUU RAAAAAAMS!

p Sat 16th Aug Tues 19th Aug Sat 23rd Aug Mon 25th Aug Sat 30th Aug Tues 2nd Sept Sat 6th Sept Wed 10th Sept Sat 13th Sept Tues 16th Sept Sat 20th Sept Tues 23rd Sept Sat 27th Sept Sat 4th Oct Sat 11th Oct Sat 18th Oct Tues 21st Oct Sat 25th Oct Sat 1st Nov Tues 4th Nov Sat 8th Nov Tues 11th Nov Sat 15th Nov Sat 22nd Nov Tues 25th Nov Sat 29th Nov Tues 2nd Dec Sat 6th Dec Mon 8th Dec Sat 13th Dec Sat 20th Dec Fri 26th Dec Sun 28th Dec Thu 1st Jan Sat 3rd Jan Sat 10th Jan Sat 17th Jan Tues 20th Jan Sat 24th Jan Sat 31st Jan Sat 7th Feb Sat 14th Feb Sat 21st Feb Sat 28th Feb Sat 7th March Sat 14th March Sat 28th March Sat 4th April Mon 6th April Sat 11th April Sat 18th April Sat 25th April

H KING’S LYNN TOWN A Workington A Rushall Olympic H NANTWICH TOWN A FC United of Manchester H MARINE H STAMFORD A Whitby Town A Buxton FAC 1Q H WITTON ALBION A Ilkeston H CURZON ASHTON A Frickley Athletic A Trafford H BELPER TOWN H BUXTON H WHITBY TOWN A Marine A Whitby Town FAT 1Q H WORKINGTON A Halesowen Town H WEST DIDS Lancs Cup A Nantwich FAT 2Q H GRANTHAM TOWN H BURSCOUGH Lg Cup A Banbury United A Salford City Lg Cup A Matlock Town A Atherton Collieries Lancs H STOCKPORT COUNTY A King’s Lynn Town H ASHTON UNITED H SKELMERSDALE A Nantwich Town A Curzon Ashton H TRAFFORD A Belper Town H NORTHWICH VIC LgCup H FRICKLEY ATHLETIC A Buxton H BLYTH SPARTANS A Stamford A Witton Albion H ILKESTON A Skelmersdale United H STOURBRIDGE A Grantham Town H FC UNITED OF MCR A Ashton United H HALESOWEN TOWN A Barwell H MATLOCK TOWN

2-3 0-1 4-2 1-4 1-3 3-2 3-1 0-2 2-3 3-2 4-2 1-1 2-4 1-0 4-2 2-0 4-0 3-1 2-1 1-1 0-2 3-0 3-1 3-1 5-1 3-0 3-1 1-1

322 Shenton 415 Shenton 161 Shenton 365 Shenton 1917 Shenton 250 Shenton 357 Shenton 265 Shenton 261 Shenton 231 Shenton 422 Shenton 309 Shenton 215 Shenton 294 Shenton 371 Shenton 470 Shenton 237 Shenton 366 Shenton 233 Shenton 250 Shenton 358 Shenton 132 Shenton 238 Shenton 351 Shenton 140 Shenton 235 Shenton 189 Shenton Shenton

Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley + Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Grayson * Pilkington Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley * Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley Smalley 1 Williams Smalley Smalley Smalley

Pugh Pugh Pugh Abadaki * Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington # Pilkington Pugh Pugh Grayson + Pugh Pilkington Pilkington Pilkington Pugh Pugh Pugh Pugh Pugh Pugh Pugh Piacentile 1 Pugh Dean Pugh

Spencer Spencer * Spencer * Spencer + Spencer Spencer Spencer + Spencer Spencer Spencer * Spencer * Spencer 1 Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Stopforth Spencer 1 Stopforth Stopforth Slaven Stopforth + Stopforth Stopforth

Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson 1 Howson 1 Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson Howson 2 Howson Howson Howson Robinson + Howson Howson Howson 1 Howson Howson Howson

Priestley Priestley Priestley Priestley Warrender Krou Warrender Warrender Warrender + Krou 1 Krou 1 Krou Krou Krou Krou Krou Krou Robinson Krou Krou Krou Krou Krou Krou Krou Krou 1 Krou Krou

Christmas at the HRWS BOXING DAY 3pm, Rammy v AShton United Sunday 28th 3pm, Rammy v Skelmersdale United Tell yer mates!

fixtures & results 2014/15

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Hulme 1 Hulme Hulme 1+ Hulme Warrender Abadaki + Abadaki Warrender Abadaki Warrender Abadaki Warrender + Abadaki Abadaki Abadaki + Abadaki # Mota 1* Abadaki * Abadaki 1 * Abadaki 1 * Abadaki + Abadaki 1 Abadaki # Abadaki + Robinson # Abadaki * Williams 1* Williams * Abadaki Williams # Abadaki Williams 1

Burton Burton Burton Burton Slaven Burton * Burton Burton Burton Burton Burton 1 Stopforth Burton Burton Burton Burton Burton Pilkington * Burton Burton Burton Williams Burton Burton Kuba-Kuba Burton * Burton + Burton

Gaskell Gaskell Robinson 1# Robinson 1 Robinson * Slaven 1 Slaven * Slaven + Krou Mota # Pilkington Pilkington Spencer Mota + Hulme # Hulme Hulme 1# Hulme Hulme + Hulme 1 Hulme Gaskell 1 Hulme # Hulme 1 Hulme 1 * Robinson 1 Hulme 1 Hulme

Robinson 1* Robinson + Pilkington Pilkington Hulme 1# Hulme 1 Hulme 1# Krou Hulme Hulme 2 Hulme 1 Hulme Hulme Hulme Spencer + Spencer # Spencer * Spencer # Spencer 1 Spencer * Gaskell * Mota # Spencer 1+ Spencer + Robinson Dean 1 Robinson * Spencer *

Dean + Dean # Dean 2 Dean Dean Dean # Dean 1 Dean Dean * Dean + Williams 1# Williams + Robinson 1# Spencer # Dean 2 Dean 1 + Dean 1 Dean + Dean Dean # Pilkington + Dean 1 Dean 1 Dean Spencer 1 Abadaki # Spencer 2 Dean +

Pilkington Pilkington * Abadaki * Williams Williams + Williams # Williams + Mota + Mota * Pugh Dean + Burton + Williams * Robinson 1# Williams * Williams + Williams * Williams + Williams Pilkington Dean + Howson + Abadaki * Abadaki Pugh Grayson Pugh * Abadaki

Slaven Abadaki + Slaven + Abadaki Slaven + Ahmadi # Slaven Cook * Krou * Cook # Robinson * Cook + Robinson # Cook Cook Williams Williams + Pugh # Williams # Irwin Mota # Irwin Dean * Mota Cook + Dean # Williams + Slaven Mota Slaven Mota * Slaven Mota Gaskell + Mota # Gaskell Mota Gaskell # Williams # Mota Abadaki # Spencer * Piacentile Burton * Gaskell + Robinson # Gaskell + Robinson 1* Burton Stopforth Kuba-Kuba * Slaven + Slaven Piacentile Kuba-Kuba* Robinson +

Ahmadi * Cook Ahmadi # Cook Cook Williams Krou + Morley Morley Johnson Morley Johnson Morley Krou * Johnson Morley Johnson Morley Slaven * Cook + Slaven * Cook Robinson # Cook Morley Abadaki Pilkington Dean * Robinson 1+ Gaskell # Robinson # Pugh Robinson #1 Pugh Slaven * Piacentile Robinson + Pilkington * Gaskell + Robinson * Mota Piacentile Hulme # Mota Piacentile Kuba-Kuba Piacentile Dean * Johnson Piacentile Kuba-Kuba + Brooks Grayson Brooks

MATCHBAL

Our Club Needs Our Help

If you can spare as little as half an hour to help Harry Williams keep Rammy’s pitch and ground in the impeccable condition that we’ve all become so proud of then please just come down and help, any day of the week from 11am onwards.

fixtures & results 2014/15 15

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Spencer Stadium 29th November 2014 Att: 235 Rammy Goals: Robinson (5), Krou (56), Dean (62) Banbury Goals:

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Rammy’s travelling hoards behind the Town End goal encourage Robbo with shouts and wavings of pintglasses (plastic)

ere would be no fine ladies making music in Banbury on Saturday night after the Rams secured their berth in the first round proper of the FA Trophy and closer to Wembley than they have ever been in their 48 year history. ey rode into town, completely outplayed their hosts, and departed with all the jewellery and horses, rendering Banbury cross.

It only to took the most cursory of glances at the form and league tables of two teams playing at the same level of the pyramid to put the Rams into the most optimistic state of mind as to their prospects, despite the management’s understandable efforts to dampen over-confidence. It was obvious from the first moments that the gulf was so wide as to offer the Rams the most comfortable of afternoons.

After just five minutes Scott Burton's crunching tackle sent Tom Williams clear. His low cross found Leigh Bedwell hesitant at the near post and Jon Robinson did not need an invitation to force the ball home.

At some risk of accusation of partisan hyperbole it has to be said that Banbury had no understanding of the level of sophistication displayed by the Rams. Jordan Hulme's hold up play was outstanding. Time again Banbury were ripped apart by clever short diagonal balls to his feet at the corner of the box and his return passes to release Tom Williams and Phil Dean. Banbury's only response of lumping the ball forward would have had little impact on a Rams defence even on one of their more fragile days, but on Saturday Cedric Krou was all imperious French sophistication and his partner Steve Howson an indomitable barrier.

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Spencer Stadium 29th November 2014 Att: 235 Rammy Goals: Robinson (5), Krou (56), Dean (62) Banbury Goals:

Stopforth and Hulme force their way down the left

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Having been at least partly culpable for the first goal Bedwell in the Banbury goal prevented the Rams from being out of sight by half time with any number of close range saves. Such was the time space and options afforded to them in the box the Rams were able to be preoccupied with either trying to walk the ball in or set up a colleague with an even more glaring and inviting opening than that provided to the man on the ball. At one-nil there was always the risk of a slip that might offer an equaliser and for 5 minutes after the break Banbury were able to press forward, and it took a smart save from Grant Shenton and scrambled clearance to deny Josh Shama, apparently on loan from Oxford. After that though normal service was resumed. Bedwell continued with his heroics but could do nothing with Cedric Krou's header from around the penalty spot just short of the hour to make it 2-0.

Whatever remote prospect their might be that Banbury could mount a revival disappeared a couple of minutes later with Tom Ryan's dismissal for a second yellow to be quickly followed by a Ram's third goal, Phil Dean driving in from the edge of the area after an effort from Jon Robinson rebounded to him. After that any sense of urgency disappeared . e travelling entourage which now extends to members as far flung as Cheltenham cavorted and paraded around worried only by a descending mist which challenged the effectiveness of floodlights which were about as dim as the home team's performance, but nowhere near as dim as the unnecessary and reckless challenge by Lee Pugh with only a couple of minutes left which earned him a red card.

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rammy united meet the lads

Anthony JOHNSON Appointed joint manager at the start of the 2009/2010 season and took the club to the NWCFL title in 2011/12 season, despite missing much of the season through injury.

He has helped guide the club through another promotion via the play-os into the Evo-Stik Premier League in May 2014.

John MORREY John is the goalkeeping coach at Ramsbottom, and was formerly manager at NWCFL side Maine Road, where he constantly had them pushing for promotion.

Bernard MORLEY Re-joined the club in January 2009 and became joint manager at the start of 2009/2010. A Rammy man to his core, a combative and hard-working midfelder who has occasionally taken over with some prowess in goal. Successful in guiding the Rams to two promotions in three seasons.

Glenn MOSES Former manager of Atherton LR, leading them to 10th place in the NWCL in 2010/11.

Resigned from his post with the Crilly Park club and joins Ramsbottom United as a highly rated coach.

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Grant SHENTON Born in January 1991, this 6ft 2” goalkeeper joined Rammy from FC United at the end of August 2010. He was number two at FC United, but a superb season in 2010/11 saw him win Player of the Year for the Rams. He Signed full-time with the club at the start of 2011/12.

Dominic SMALLEY Signed for the club after impressing the managers when he played against the Rams for Atherton LR. Adds a whole new dimension to the Riversiders’ squad, and equally at home on the right side as either a defender or attacking winger.. Brother of Plymouth Argyle’s Deane Smalley.

Steve HOWSON

Cedric KROU

Signed from local rivals Radcliffe Borough after a spell playing in Australia, the big man is equally at home in the heart of the defence, or up front poaching goals.

Cedric joined the club in January 2014 having impressed the management team during his time with rivals Trafford FC. Essentially a defender, Cedric has the ability to fit in other positions for the team.

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Lee PUGH e talented left full-back rejoined the club from Chester during the 2013/14 season having had a short spell here a couple of years earlier. His long throw-in is always a dangerous piece of his armory.

Gary STOPFORTH A skilful battling midfielder who signed full time with the Rams during the summer of 2012 after coming on loan from AFC Fylde the previous season and dominating the midfield. In his third season with the club he was a vital member of the promotion set-up last term.

Scott BURTON It has taken some two years for the management to finally get Scott to join the Rams. Bernard and Jonno have followed Scott’s career with Runcorn Town and he finally joined the club in late January 2014.

A hard-working midfielder, similar in style to Gary Stopforth, and an integral part of the promotion winning team.

Grant SPENCER Battling midfield who signed for the club in 2011 following the demise of Rossendale United, for whom he scored a hat-trick in the ridiculous 7-5 Rammy win the previous season. Won the NWCFL title with the club and was offered terms with Conference Premier side Hyde but returned to the club on loan, eventually signing full terms.

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Tom WILLIAMS Wing man Tom came on as a sub in the playoff game for our opponents Bamber Bridge. e Rams management team acted swiftly in the summer to bring him down to Ramsbottom

Osebi ABADAKI e speedy wingman joined the Rams at the beginning of the 2014/15 season, having spent the previous campaign at fellow EvoStik Premier club Nantwich Town.

Phil DEAN A constant threat in attack, a solid performer in defence. Awarded Clubman of the Year award in 2011. Continues to cause plentiful problems to defences around the leagues.

Jordan HULME Joined the club in December 2011 from Clitheroe via Padiham. Son of a former 1990s Rammy favourite Martin, midfielder Jordan is highly rated and scored 8 goals for the Storks before going to Clitheroe. A versatile player – he can play anywhere from defence to striker.

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Jon ROBINSON

Alex PIACENTILE

Experienced striker Jon was signed from New Mills and despite plentiful interest from other clubs has remained loyal to the Rams for a number of seasons now, and always finishes near the top of the goal-scoring charts. Regarded as a “Rammy legend” in east Lancashire..

A left-back who signed for the Rams in the middle of September. Previously with C.E.Principado De Andorra, a second division Andorran team with whom he experienced Champions League football.

George GRAYSON

Haroon ABATTI

A 20 year old player who joined from Conference side Tamworth early in the 2014/15 season. George is a highly rated fullback capable of playing on either flank, giving the Rams additional defensive flexibility.

Club Physio

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he Rams Do Banbury!

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supporters club on the terraces of rammy We desperately need your help!

We have a fantastic squad of players, romping their way towards that prized promotion spot in the Evostik Premier and still looking at some serious cup silverware, as you can see by the amount of green on the previous page. Rammy United is a club that is really starting to surprise and shock the non-league football world, and with any luck today’s result might just add to that burgeoning reputation that the lads are striving to achieve.

With Johnno and Bernard in charge of such an accomplished team of young players, why am I asking for your help, and what is it I’m trying to persuade you to do? e first thing is pretty easy as you’ve already come along to watch today’s game: what we need to do is help turn the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium into a really loud, enthusiastic and partisan venue for today’s match. Let’s give it 100% on the terraces, and make sure that the lads know that Rammy has the kind of vociferous support that the team deserves.

Whenever we’ve played these big games before, such as those against Southport and FC United, the ground has predominantly been their fans, and the noise has come from them. Today is the long overdue opportunity

for us to vocally take back these terraces and show that we have enough Rammy fans to hold our own. is is our ground, and for the first time we have a supporter-base capable of making some serious noise. Let’s make sure that they can hear us right to the top of Peel Brow, and let the whole of Rammy know that there’s a big game going on down here! e second thing I’d like to ask is for everyone to tell their mates about the great things going on down here. I keep repeating to myself the previously unthinkable fact that today we are facing Stockport County!

Not Bacup or Cammell Laird, but the mighty Stockport County. It wasn’t too long ago that I remember standing on the terraces at Atherton Colls, watching Lordy and Stockport come in for their star man Anthony Pilkington, thinking, “Oh well, they’re a huge club. Good luck to the lad!”

How far things have come when we’re turning out against them in the FA Trophy.

No-one in Rammy should be unaware of the progress this club has made over the last few years, and our job is to make sure that our friends, relatives and colleagues are sick to the i-teeth of hearing about Rammy. So please, please, please do your part and let them know, particularly about the two huge games that we have down here over the Christmas period. When folks find themselves pacing the streets, bored-silly, after a day of mercilessley troughing their way through all manner of Christmas junk, what better than to shake off the cobwebs

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Having a party when Cedric scored - some of the hundreds of Ultras down at Banbury

and come down to watch Rammy v Ashton United, or just two days later Rammy versus table-topping Skelmersdale United.

Another thing I must mention is the fantastic experience that Rammy away days have become. When I first looked down our fixture list for the season a mighty groan could be heard all around Stubbins - King’s Lynn, Stourbridge, Halesowen, Workington on a Tuesday! Argh! But I tell you what - the Rammy away days are turning into really really memorable beery romps up and down the country. e visit to Banbury United was brilliant, not least for the sight of grown men literally dancing like your drunk uncle at a wedding when Cedric Krou scored his header. I always thought that the “We’re having a party when Cedric scores” was just

a bit of a shallow promise, but as you can see from the photo above, the Rammy fans leapt into action straight away.

Now I don’t doubt that next week’s epic trip to King’s Lynn is probably only for the hardened supporter (though the coach is probably only about £12-£15 so it’s better than a smack in the chops or a trip to the Trafford Centre), but if you don’t fancy that then why not have a look at the two away ties in early January - Nantwich on New Year’s Day and Curzon Ashton on the 3rd.

Both virtually up the road, and I promise that you’ll have a belting time!

Enough ramblings from me - let’s get on with the game, get some serious noise ringing out around the ground, and cheer the Rams on to a memorable FA Trophy win!

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Managers: Anthony Johnson, Bernard Morley

Grant SHENTON Dominic SMALLEY Lee PUGH Gary STOPFORTH Steve HOWSON Cedric KROU Osebi ABADAKI Scott BURTON Jordan HULME Grant SPENCER Phil DEAN Jon ROBINSON Tom WILLIAMS Malachi Slaven David Kuba-Kuba George GRAYSON

Manager: Alan Lord

Danny HURST Mark LEES Scott DUXBURY Chris CHURCHMAN Danny GREGSON Stephen O’HALLORAN Kristian DENNIS Richie BAKER Scott SPENCER Jamie MILLIGAN Chris SHARP Ian ORMSON Glenn BELEZIKA Charlie RUSSELL Nathan WOOLFE Jordan FAGBOLA

Referee: Tom Nield Referee’s Assistants: Aaron Bannister, Nicholas Hawksby

Next home games: Boxing Day 3pm, Rammy v Ashton United Sunday 28th December 3pm, Rammy v Skelmersdale United