47 Ramsbottom United v Skelmersdale United

rammy news v SKELMERSDALE UNITED 28-12-14

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Good afternoon and welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for this festive cracker. I hope that each and every one of you has had a fantasic Christmas so far and are looking forward to a very happy and prosperous New Year. I’d like to extend a particularly warm welcome to all our friends from Skelmersdale United. We hope you enjoy your visit and have a safe journey home later this afternoon.

Personally I love this time of year, and what makes it that bit more special is all the games that we have in a short space of time. As everyone knows, Christmas is a time for spending with your nearest and dearest, and that counts for the lads as well. e bond within the camp is unreal and everyone genuinely loves being around each other as well as with their families.

As it’s the turn of the year, what better time to just have a quick look back over some of the unreal achievements that we have shared in recent times. After the unforgettable playoff victories which will stay with everyone forever, we had a couple of weeks before we got back to work - our first season in the heady heights of the Evostik Premier Division! e season was soon upon us and despite the slow start we found our feet and some form which in turn started to bring the results..

As we're now halfway through the season we are in a very strong position in the league and we have a good few games in hand after a fantasic run in the trophy which unbelievably ended at the hands of the Mighty Stockport County.

So all in all I think it’s been a fantastic journey to date on the 'rammy rollercoaster'. Here's hoping it will pick up speed again and push on for an exciting second half of the campaign.

A big thank you from us all for your fantasic support to date. Please keep up the good work and enjoy today’s game Coyr

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grant shenton shouting from between the sticks I think we'll all remember our last game against Skem for a very long time, and I keep airing the photo of you crying on the pitch. Is there anything else about that game that really sticks in your memory? at game for most of the lads was the worst game they had and still have been involved in.

But I think if we make it too personal then we might go into today’s game with the wrong mind set. Only two memories of that day for me - first was Dawson's header because before that the game was not all that exciting from what I remember. And their second goal which for me happened in slow motion - I saw the ball late and got a hand to it but not enough. I watched the ball roll into the bottom corner and I experienced a feeling that I hope never happens to me again in football. It was horrible but two years on we're all more experienced and I we are think better mentally now which may be partly down to that game.

I remember a cup game a few years ago where Skem were in the Evostik and us in the Northwest Counties - they came and gave us a good seeing to on the pitch. Do you agree that it's amazing how far both teams have come with limited resources.

Yes. We have been up around the top of every league that we have been in since I've

been at the club. And the same spplies to Skem - they seem to always be at the top, so both teams know how to win games. We have two promotions in three years and there are not many teams that can say that. If you take into account the gaffers’ budget it's even more remarkable.

It's been a heck of a first half of the season, our first at this level. Are you pleased with how we've raised our game overall and at the progress the club is making?

It’s been a great start, even with dropping the points in games we should have won. If we could have taken where we are in the league and with games in hand on teams above us at the start of the season we would definitely have taken it. I think we still have more levels and gears to go through as a team yet. e atmosphere against Stockport County was a bit strange and quiet, with a lot of groundhoppers from other local clubs coming along to give Rammy a look. Do you think they were impressed by what they saw, or do you think the day could have been better particularly the weather! ere was a very good crowd and would like to thank everyone who turned out on such a wet and cold Saturday afternoon. But I think we shown what we are about to the new faces at the game. Even on such a bad surface (because of weather) and hopefully gained some new fans.

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Despite rampaging to the top of the table, Skem's recent form hasdropped off (winning just two in their last 8 games), on paper at least Rammy must be slightly favoured to win this one - or does it just not work like that?

In this league there are no gimmies, any team is cable of beating their next opponents. And it makes for an exciting season when top of the league have scored same amount of goals as bottom.

But I'm expecting a good game against a solid team and a friend in my opposite number. A Keeper all rammy fans and me included are thankful for coming in last season when I broke my leg. So welcome back Martin but I'm hoping for non of his heroics today.

I think the fans were left reeling by the two cup defeats to two vastly different clubs. How did those results affect the lads? I know there's the old "we can concentrate on the league" cliche, but with the postponed fixtures backing up due to cup involvement, there must be an element of truth in that.

We never like losing a game, be it in the Lancashire cup or FA trophy, and the lads were disappointed with both games. We wouldn't have been as successful as we have been over last few seasons if we didn't know how to come back from defeats. So I have every confidence we can come back to winning ways in the league.

Does being a football player mess up Christmas a bit, when you've got so many games while the rest of us are just getting drunk and eating too much?

I for one enjoy playing on Boxing Day and having few extra games but the lack of drinking does get to me a tad but I more than make up for it afterwards as do the rest of the lads.

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Jordan Hulme scored Rammy’s goal in the 2-1 defeat at fellow promotion chasers Runcorn Town, back in 2012

Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, and a special welcome to our match officials and everyone concerned with our good friends from Skelmersdale United, for what promises to be a promotion/play-off chasing cracker!

HALF-TIME REPORT It’s quite usual at this time of year to look back on the happenings of the season so far, as we reach what is commonly referred to as the half-way point.

With the excitement of that wonderful four days in May still fresh in the mind, we began the season in August wondering just what lay ahead for us.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was bemoaning the fact that we were still in

the North West Counties League. “We need to move up to Evo-Stik North” I would moan to anyone willing to listen.

“So much more publicity in the likes of the Non-League paper, and a great enhancement of the club’s image” was my argument.

I still remember coming away from Prescot on that dark February night (Davy Jones of the Monkees had died that day, with the news coming on the radio as I approached the ground… strange what memories come flooding back, isn’t it?) and thinking that we had blown that one promotion place again. We would need an amazing run to do it now, I thought.

Little did I realise what was round the corner, for victory followed victory as we strove to shake off Runcorn Town, whose form was equally impressive.

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the season so far life in the evostik premier

Tony Cunningham talks us through the ďŹ rst half of the season

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Of course we did it on that magical day against Winsford United, and, at last, my plea for NPL football had come true.

I may well have been happy to attain level four football in the non-league pyramid, but it soon became obvious that Bernard, Jonno, and the lads were still not satisfied. ey wanted more!

So just two seasons later, come August just gone, we found ourselves elevated once more to level three. Not even I had been that greedy!

But, as the season started, here we were, little ol’ Rammy at the highest level we have ever played at. What could we expect?

Into the unknown, and a certain amount of trepidation, although the Trafford Secretary had told me at the League’s AGM hat we had nothing to worry about.

After the first five games, I was questioning his wisdom! Four defeats with the only bright spot being a 4-2 victory at one of our many “we meet you for the first time ever” clubs, Rushall Olympic. ere we were as we entered September, near the foot of the table. Not a position we have become accustomed to over recent years.

“Into the unknown, and a certain amount of trepidation”

at magical day against Winsford back in 2012

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Another magical day two years later - promotion to the Premier at Bamber Bridge

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“four despairing defeats, but then I realised: we always start off like this!”

Kings Lynn and Nantwich Town had both arrived at the HWRS and given us a lesson in finishing. It was more clinical than in Division One North. ey both returned home with the points, and defeats at Workington and FC United did not auger well. en I realised…..we always start off like this. It’s almost customary to get the obligatory bad run out of the way as soon as possible.

September saw us finally finding our feet.

Long-established at this level, Marine came to town, and we thumped them with a superb display, which was almost ruined by a nightmare finish which saw us go from a comfortable 3-0 lead, to a A rapidly extending run of defeats, made worse by Greaves at FC United

nerve-wrecking 3-2. e Merseysiders could not believe their luck! But we hung on to gain our first home points at this level, and thoroughly deserved they were.

League leaders Stamford were next to arrive, and again, we comfortably sent them packing with a 3-1 victory.

We were, at last, settling in well. en came two away defeats to have the doubts back nagging. A 0-2 reverse at Whitby Town was followed by a dreadful first half display at Buxton in the FA Cup. 3-0 down, and having missed a penalty, we looking like being on the end of a hammering, but whatever happened in the dressing

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Phil Dean’s goal sent league leaders Stamford packing

room at half time completely turned the game round. We still lost, but we fought back to 3-2 and had the home fans baying for the final whistle….such was our second half dominance.

Back in the league, another longestablished club at this level, Witton Albion left with nothing, except a certain amount of flattery at the 3-2 score-line, whilst a superb effort saw the lads dominate Ilkeston in Derbyshire and return with all three points following a 4-2 success.

Curzon Ashton, at home, as usual proved a tough fixture, but we managed to share the points with the Nash, before heading over the hills in reasonably buoyant mood.

On to the wonderfully old-fashioned setting that is Frickley Athletic. A great throwback to grounds of old, with plenty of character and leaking roofs! Not that it affected us to begin with, but, oh boy, that

second half performance was as bad as the first half was good. To eventually come away with nothing from a 4-2 defeat was probably one of the lowest points of the season, and no doubt our managerial duo learned much that afternoon.

So September was an improvement on August – it could hardly have been worse – but we were merely warming up for what was to be a terrific October.

Five straight league wins saw us shoot up the table and with it, receive another 4 ½ lt bottle of whiskey as we were named “Team of the Month”.

It all began with a crawl along the M60 to meet again with our old foes Trafford. A tight game could have gone either way, but Robbo came on late on before slamming home a half-clearance, much to the delight of his team-mates and the usual healthy contingent of Rammy supporters in the crowd.

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Belper Town were duly dispatched at home 4-2 in a highly entertaining game before we gained revenge over highflying Buxton, with a comfortable 2-0 victory at the HWRS. Whitby Town arrived on a Tuesday night – one of their shorter trips! – and once again, revenge was sweet as we made up for the defeat at their place with another impressive performance, seeing off the north Yorkshire side 2-0.

Four out of four for the month to date, before heading over to Crosby to take on Marine – another early league repeat.

Some thought we didn’t play that well over there, but being 3-0 up at half-time whilst not being at our best certainly bodes well. In the end, we took our foot off the pedal, but still returned home

Steve Howson headed home during Rammy’s 3-1 win at Marine

with all three points thanks to a 3-1 score-line…oh, and yet another missed penalty! (Our record is so bad from twelve yards that I’m sure the lads are imploring with the referees NOT to award them anymore!)

So the perfect month of October turned into chillier and darker November.

Yet another game against Whitby Town – our third in less than three months – this time in the FA Trophy.

Another long trip to the north east coast, but again revenge was gained for that earlier defeat when Robbo yet again came good by hammering home a late, late winner despite pleas from the home side for offside.

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Workington arrived in town on a Tuesday – yet again we are one of the far-flung team’s closest opponents! We were a shade fortunate to pinch a point here, as the former Football League club were probably the best organised side we had played against at that time.

A bitterly disappointing performance down in Halesowen resulted in a dispirited 0-2 defeat, but surrounding a comfortable 3-1 home win over Grantham Town, we were about to embark on a run in various cup competitions.

West Didsbury and Chorlton, from the North West Counties League, arrived in the Lancashire Trophy (yes, there were a few who wondered what a team from south Manchester was doing in the Lancashire trophy) but they gave a fine account of themselves, and although the 3-0 score-line suggests otherwise, we were fortunate to overcome a gritty display from the underdogs.

Next came the FA Trophy again, and another away tie, this time against a Nantwich Town side that had hammered us at home in the opening weeks. No mistake here, however, as we had the home supporters wondering just how the Dabbers had recorded such a win, having seen their team completely out-played by the Rams.

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Burscough arrived for the 1st round of the Doodson (League) Cup, but despite recording a fine away win at Droylsden just days before, they were no match for the rampant Rams, who revelled in a 51 victory.

Next came the Rams furthest south opponents ever, when Banbury United from Oxfordshire, a mere 250 miles from the Scottish border, proved to be our next opponents in the northern section of the Trophy! Banbury were struggling in their league (the southern – not northern! – equivalent of ours), but any potential banana-skin was easily dealt with thanks to a competent and confident display, and a comfortable 30 victory.

A short trip to “moneybags” former rivals Salford City in the next round of the Doodson cup saw most Rammy supporters enjoy a fiercely contested game (the other Rams supporters were stuck on the M66 and many went back home!), and a fairly comfortable 3-1 win.

A brief respite from the knock-out competitions, saw a return to league action and a trip to the Peak District to meet Matlock Town. Despite an early lead, we couldn’t consolidate, and a late equaliser saw us share the spoils. e Lancashire FA Trophy was next up, and another chance to meet up with some old adversaries, this time the short trip to Atherton Collieries. Colls had been going great guns, but were still

Grant Spencer heaped even more misery on the already crushed Burscough with this cheeky goal

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A comfortable away win at Banbury, with Jon Robinson among the scorers

“Burscough were no match for the rampant Rams, who revelled in a 5-1 victory” three divisions below us. You wouldn’t have thought so on the night, for they were “up for it”, whilst our lads looked a little jaded.

Deservedly 2-0 up with 15 minutes to go, the Colls then had to defend for the last 15 minutes, especially after Grant Spencer came on and planted a lovely free-kick home with his first touch. But try as they may, the pressure came a little too late, and the home side clung on for a famous victory. So endeth our second cup run of the season. e third departure was not long in coming….just four days in fact.

Yet another sudden death game (the

seventh such game from the last nine played), this time against another former Football League team, although with a more recent and illustrious past, Stockport County, in the first round proper of the FA Trophy.

Arrangements had to be agreed with the police to ensure that we could stage the game at home without it being all-ticket.

Such arrangements worked to perfection off the pitch, but on it some rather debatable refereeing decisions handed the tie to Stockport, as two goals in the first 25 minutes swung the tie their way.

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Trying, and failing, to break down the formidable Stockport defence

Try as we may, we were unable to break down a formidable defence, and County, not too long ago seven divisions above the Rams, but now just one, held on before snatching a late third to make the score-line a little harsh on the Rams.

And it is at this point that I break, for printing deadlines dictate that this review must end before our longest ever trip to Kings Lynn, and, of course, the home game on Boxing day.

So what is the judgement?

Pretty good!

We did not know what to expect, but in all honesty, it probably hasn’t been quite as difficult as we may have expected.

Once again, the majority of the squad that have taken this club up the leagues, have stayed with us. As with any team,

there is a certain fluidity, but the players that Bernard and Jonno have brought in at the expense of the handful who have moved on, have settled into our style of play well.

We have seen Jon Robinson notch his 100th goal for the club, Grant Shenton notching his 200th appearance for the Rams, and another “Club-of-the-Month” award, plus the recently introduced Supporters Club “Player of the Month”.

Not to mention the highest League position in the club’s history, and the furthest ventured in the FA Trophy.

On the down side, we have bid a tearful farewell to Joel Pilkington, who has hung up his boots at the early age of just 30. 235 appearances for Bernard and Jonno’s first, and arguably most influential signing. Club captain Andy Dawson has missed the whole of the

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season so far through injury, although he is now back in training, and hopefully will be pulling on the blue shirt before too long. en, of course, last season’s Golden Boot winner, Lee Gaskell, struggling through injury to regain a permanent spot in the starting line-up, decided to leave for pastures new at cash-rich Warrington Town.

Off the pitch, the club continues to go from strength to strength.

More seats in the stand, more cover behind the Railway end goal, the second biggest gate at the HWRS in the club’s history, a programme produced by Rob that is an absolute gem and a credit at this level of the game (it wouldn’t be amiss higher up the ladder!), a website that Richard continues to run so well, Rammy TV which gives us a great archive of the games with excellent highlights, superb match coverage from Paul that is witty and humorous, an ever-increasing band of supporters who are creating a great

Just some of the great support that’s now following Rammy up and down the country

atmosphere both at home and away, and a special mention to those travelling fans who are notching up the miles with smiles on their faces, proving to be great ambassadors for the club. More publicity than ever before, raising the Rams profile to levels never previously experienced, and a genuine feel-good factor around the club and the town.

I think it’s fair to say that so far this season has been a huge success!

So what’s on the cards for 2015?

Who knows, but we can continue to dream and continue to hope that our upward trajectory continues, for who knows where we can end up. We still need to work off the pitch to keep pace with the team on it, but I have no doubt that should we advance even further, everything that is required will be met thanks to Harry’s determination and the help of so many people for whom this club really is proving to be a great attraction.

Goodbye 2014, look out 2015!

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2014 was a vintage year to be a Rammy Ultra, but what have been the best away days of the year and what sticks in the memory the most?

In a two-part, top-ten rundown, like a 1975 edition of Christmas Top of the Pops (without the dodgy presenters), Darren ‘Darkside’ Comer is taking us through his highlights of being a Rammy Ultra in 2014. You may not agree with all his ‘Top of the Trips’, or the order they are in, but it will make for a good topic of conversation over that pint of Wainwrights in the Cricket Club.

Ilkeston – 20th September 2014 In this game Rammy not only beat their hosts, 4-2, they also produced some superb football against a team made up, in large parts, of the cream of Nottingham Forest’s youth squad.

And, for a ground that was only built a few years ago, Ilkeston made for a nice little venue to watch the gam e for the large away following. Many of us had travelled up on the coac h for this one and were in good spirits throughout the game, obviously helpe d by the performance from the Ram my lads. This really was one of thos e games where everything went right both on and off the field and led to the first outing of what is now beco ming an Ultras standard …….. Bernard, Bernard, Bernard……Jonno, Jonno, Jonn o I also found the Ilkeston support amo ngst the best we have met in 2014.

Many of them stopped us afte r the game to shake our hand s, congratulate us and say how muc h they had enjoyed the game. My supporters of the year for 2014, altho ugh it would have been nice if some had come back to the bar after the game which was 99% blue and white.

The coach journey home was a booz y and cheery affair, especially as Bernard had sent the driver to a local supermarket to pick up a large stash of beers for the trip, cheers Bernard!

To top the day off, when we got back home we managed to get into the Rammy Festival at the Cricket Club free of charge, cheers Jonno!

We got a pint and managed to get ourselves nicely placed down near the front of the stage to watch our very own UkePunk, who did his usua l, unique brand of no nonsense rock ‘n’ roll to give us the perfect ending to a perfect day

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2014 Whitby Town - 1st November itby back utiful seaside resort of Wh bea We had already visited the supporters not the usual number of in September, but there was , in the FA decided to make this meeting making the journey, so we our special theme days.

Trophy 1st Qualifiers, one of d with the oween weekend it coincide With the game falling on Hall y thousands nder, so to fit in with the man annual Whitby Goth Weeke oky theme for kend we decided on a spo visiting the town that wee proud. We Army certainly did themselves this away day and the Ram by lunchtime sunny day for the trip and were lucky enough to get a were settling local haddock and chips and we had filled ourselves with at £1.60 a Smiths, pub drinking real ales down in a seafront, Samuel playing up at n better, Darlington were pint. To make the day eve s came in the a group of their supporter Scarborough that day and to it being ned straight back out to due bar, spotted us lot, and tur fans” “full of bloody Ramsbottom races the embled on the Whitby ter By the time we were all ass Heard, Andy sight of Ste ‘The Scream’ locals were greeted by the e the Ram Ice Queen’ Massey, Darksid ‘Gandalf’ Massey, Hilary ‘The ssed in their ards and witches, all dre and a whole coven of wiz e who wins award to Tim Duckworth her Halloween finery. A special ment. Well with his ‘wizards sleeve’ com funniest forum post of 2014 .

Mrs Darkside laugh out loud done, Tim, it made me and Robbo on and sy Bernard threw Gas Most memorably, Jonno and pronged attack, s, to join Jordan in a three for the last twenty minute in injury time, rm forward in waves. Then which then proceeded to sto ds, Robbo Riverside looking on the car with a replay back at The , setting off ic, and controversial winner pounced to give us a dramat and ghouls. s from the travelling ghosts some euphoric celebration r and junk p, to clear the shelves of bee After stopping at a local sho kshire Dales k through the beautiful Yor food, the coach set off bac ters. As per y Rammy players and suppor full of happy and celebrator club for all going back to the cricket usual the day ended with us Hulme on the ch Uncle Dave beat Martin few more pints, and to wat pool table, yet again

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Lancaster City – 8th February 2014 It might surprise some people that this game is so highly regarded in my opinion, but for anyone who travelled on the Rammy Rocket that day will understand it being in my top three away games of the year.

We had hired a bus to take us to Kendal in November 2013 which had the seen the first real wave of Rammy songs and chants, but what

happened at Lancaster took it to another level and for me it is the day when the Rammy Ultras really came of age. It was also the day I realised, that after 41 years of marriage, I wanted a divorce from my beloved Rochdale FC. Oh, we are still good friends and I occasionally still see them, but from now on I just want to be with Ramsbottom United Football Club, a sentiment I know is shared by all you ex Bury, Bolton

Wanderers and Preston North End supporters.

We visited a couple of town centre pubs and by the time we kicked off we were in good voice and gathered behind the covered terrace that Rammy were attacking. In fact, that’s all the game seemed to be, Rammy attacking, and this added to good feeling in our ranks. I don’t think we stopped singing during the opening forty five minutes. As the

rain started to fall we decided to go in the main stand, opposed to going on the open terrace we would now be kicking towards in the second half. And what a main stand it was as a group of about twenty of us sang, chanted and bang the team onto a well-deserved 3-1 victory.

One particular memory sticks with me from this game was when we

were having a post-match pint in the Dolly Blue Bar at the ground.

Lancaster manger, Darren Peacock, came in and was quite rightly disappointed, and it was good to think that an ex- player, and a big name manager at this level, who had played at the very highest level had been outwitted by those adopted sons of Ramsbottom, Jonno and Bernard… ………or as Harry likes to call them “those two bloody mongrels”

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Bamber Bridge – 3rd May 2014 – NPL Division 1 North Play Off Final So, after losing our first fixtures, and a 3 point deduction from the league, the beginning of May saw The Rams on the verge of glory in the NPL Division 1 North Play Off Final. Standing in our way were local rivals, Bamber Bridge,

and on the morning of the game the town of Ramsbottom woke up to glorious sunshine and, I don’t know about others, but I sensed some kind of magic in the air. We had played Bamber Bridge the previous Saturday, in a tense and turgid 0-0 draw, that saw both teams finish in the play-off positions, and

confidence was pretty high..

The Rammy Rocket arrived at Brigg with over two hours to go before kick-off, but despite this the ground was busy and it already had an atmosphere that a big match was taking place there that day. We had a couple of slow pints in the May sunshine (this was not a day for pre-match

over indulgence in alcohol, that could come later). As we sat about chatting nervously we saw the ground beginning to fill up, and were happy to see many familiar faces who had made the short journey from Rammy. By the time 3.00 came round the ground seemed pretty much a 50/50 split in support of

their respective teams. In total there were over 1,200 people on the ground to witness a five goal thriller that is already part of Ramsbottom folklore.

An early Gassy goal was cancelled out mid-way through the first half and the game stayed this way until three minutes from time when Steve Howson

popped up to give us, what seemed like, the winning goal. As the game went into injury time, Bamber Bridge got a dramatic late equaliser to send us into another 30 minutes of high tension. Ironically, much of the injury time was added on due to a flare thrown on the pitch by the few morons in the, otherwise wonderful, Brigg support. We all know what happened next and, before the end of the first period of extra time, Dom Smalley went on his trademark attacks from defence to smash in what turned out to be goal to eventually give us the promotion that our football, throughout

just

one

the

the

season, had truly deserved.

The scenes at the final whistle, and the total feeling of euphoria and ecstasy, had to be witnessed to be believed. The players ran over to celebrate with the supporters and those memories are amongst my most cherished

ones in all my time watching football. The celebrations continued as the players went up to receive the trophy, before we retreated back to the bar to wait for the players and raise a glass or two in their honour. Eventually, we left our hosts and, after thanking them and wishing them all the best for the

following season, we boarded the Rammy Rocket for the short journey home through, a still hot and sunny, east Lancashire. How many supporters of league clubs could even dream of travelling home with the players and the trophy you had just seen them win? None, and that’s the beauty of non-league football.

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Darlington – 30th April 2014 - NPL Division 1 North Play Off Final Oh What a Night! The most amazing and unique atmosphere you could

hope for at a game of football.

120 Rammy Ultras made the journey up to the North-East for this midweek clash (including Martin Hulme who had to travel up from London) and entered into, what has since been described as, the lion’s den. The mighty, ex league, club that is Darlington were obviously going to win this

game against ‘the tiny team from the village of Sheepsarse’, and nearly 2,000 were here to witness their inevitable rise back to where they quite rightly belong. What they didn’t realise was that the spirit of the Rammy team, and the small, but highly vocal, band of Ultras in the corner

were never going to beaten by a team on reputation alone.

The hostile, but not threatening, atmosphere intensified just thirty seconds into the game when Owen Roberts went into a whole hearted/reckless (depending on which team you support) tackle, which saw the Darlo fans baying for blood. This did not phase the Rammy

players, or support, and we just went ahead and played the kind of football that had already seen us chalk up two league victories against

Darlington (3-0 at home and 1-0 away) Two goals in the first half hour, from Billy Priestley and Jordan Hulme, saw The Rams in total control and some joyous celebrations amongst all of us who were there. Darlington never threatened to get back into the

game and their frustration was only made worse by two red cards in the second half. Don’t let the red cards fool you though, this was much deserved victory and we would still have won without the sending offs.

As we celebrated the full time whistle we were offered best wishes

from the genuine Darlo fans although it would have seemed their ‘notright’ element had other things on their minds and a couple ran onto the pitch to confront the referee. Fortunately, Jonno was hand to escort the referee to safety and, with just one of those special looks he usually saves for any Rammy player not giving his all, the idiots thought better

of their actions. This finally allowed Jonno, and the rest of the team, to come over to us and take the applause the performance, and effort, had deserved as this particular part of the North East rang out with a

rousing chorus of ‘2-0 to the tiny team’.

The success and style of play has made this a great year, and I’m sure we all have our own special memories from 2014. It’s not only been a good year on the pitch though, as the Rammy family has grown off the pitch, I have found myself making new friends with people of all

ages and backgrounds. Here’s to 2015 and the continued growth of our much loved, little football club, the mighty Ramsbottom United

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tony’s teasers 1.

What League do Kettering Town play in?

2.

Chris Venables has scored 100 goals for which Welsh club?

3.

Which club knocked Bristol rovers out of the FA Trophy?

4.

Wayne Rooney’s brother John plays for which Conference club?

5.

Which is the only team from the Northern League to apply for promotion this year?

6.

What was their former home called?

7.

Who plays at Hardenhuish park?

8.

Which Evo-Stik NPL club conceded 16 goals in two matches recently?

9.

Who is the manger of Gateshead?

10.

What colours do Cambridge City play in?

. Southern League Div.One Central 2. Aberystwyth Town 3. Bath City 4. Chester 5. Bishop Auckland 6. Kingsway 7. Chippenham Town 8. Brigg Town 9. Gary Mills 10. White and Black

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Phil Taylor p

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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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skelmersdale united our old mates from west lancashire Skelmersdale United Football Club has a very rich pedigree with an extensive list of honours since they were founded in 1882. e Club had its genesis in a team of players brought together by the teachers of the Skelmersdale Wesleyan Day School and it was called Skelmersdale Young Rovers, the headmaster at the time being Mr Ritson.

When he left he was succeeded by Mr Forster of St Helens, a real football enthusiast. Under his guidance the team became a much stronger organisation and the name was changed to Skelmersdale Wesleyans, subsequently the minister expressed his disapproval of this and the team became Skelmersdale United.

Nearly ten years after their formation United joined the newly created Lancashire Combination. In 1891-92 Skelmersdale was a small mining community with a population of a little over 5,000 and they were paired up with the reserve sides of clubs that were in the top flight of English football, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End. e club won its first major trophy in 1908 when they defeated Portsmouth Rovers in the final of the Lancashire Junior Shield. ey joined the Liverpool County Combination in 1909 and won the first of their Championship titles in 1911 competing in the League until 1955, during which time they were Champions on no fewer than ten occasions, Liverpool County FA Challenge Cup Winners on eight occasions and George Mahan Cup Winners five times. For the

majority of their first seventy years the club played at Sandy Lane that is now the site of an office block.

For the 1955-56 season the club moved into the 2nd Division of the Lancashire Combination, and in their 1st season they lifted the Championship, also moving to their new home at White Moss Park. e most successful period for the club was between 1966-67 and 1970-71 seasons, which included two Wembley appearances in the Amateur FA Cup in 1967 & 1971. e first final was against Enfield which, following a 00 draw at Wembley, they lost 0-3 at Maine Road, Manchester, in the replay. e second Wembley date, in 1971 resulted in a convincing 4-1 win against Dagenham.

During this period the club also won two Cheshire League titles and numerous other trophies.

One of the everlasting memories of the successful Amateur Cup days was the tremendous support for the club. e phenomenal increase in crowds will probably never be repeated again, with regular crowds between 1,000 and 1,500 for league games, rising to several thousand for cup games.

Indeed the record gate for the club was 7,500 for a quarterfinal game in March 1967 that resulted in a 1-0 victory over Slough Town. e cup final of 1967 attracted a massive 75,000, ere is no doubt that the 1967-1971 period was a golden era for Skelmersdale with many players progressing into the Football League.

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Andy Dawson’s goal eight minutes from time that everyone thought had put Rammy safely into the play-offs at Skem in May 2013

Although the club joined the Northern Premier League in 1971 it was to be an unhappy time with financial problems arising that the club would have hanging round its neck for over two decades. After joining the North West Counties League in 1982 without much success and following three seasons of just avoiding relegation to the 2nd Division in the early 90’s, the inevitable happened at the end of the 1995-96 season.

Russ Perkins was named as Manager and the club quickly regained promotion and the start of the long road back to the clubs former glories began. e club left their spiritual home of White Moss Park in 2002 and eventually moved to the newly named

Westgate Interactive Stadium.

With Paul Gallagher in charge the club raced forward with a second place finish and promotion to the Northern Premier League in 2006. United appointed the experienced manager Tommy Lawson to take the club to the new level and apart from a mid table position in 06-07 the club finished in a play-off position all but once in the next five seasons, winning the title in record breaking style in 2012-13. ey also won the Lancashire Cup in 2010.

Despite challenging for the title in their first season in the NPL Premier the club lost ground and eventually finished 6th.

Currently Skelmersdale United sit on top of the Premier League table.

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last time we met - Skem lifted the trophy on an unforgettable day for both clubs

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Martin Fearon – Goalkeeper Blackburn born Martin started out with Burnley and Accrington, then moved on to Clitheroe. He had three seasons with Lancaster City where he became known as one of the best keepers in the league. Eventually he moved to Chester. He spent the latter part of last season with Rammy and was highly influential in the club achieving promotion via the play-offs at the end of last season.

four to watch

Dan Mitchley – Centre Forward Signed in July 2014 from Kendal Town, it is something of a returning home for Dan, as he started out with the club as a child and left at 15 years old to join Oldham, later moved on to Blackpool where he appeared in the Football League. Dan’s later clubs included; Southport, Wrexham, Mansfield, Nuneaton, Altrincham and Burscough. He scored plenty of goals for Kendal last season and Tommy Lawson hopes for the same this season.

Kenny Strickland – Midfield/Full Back.

Lives in Skelmersdale and arrived as a promising youngster with a reputation, having played for two of the biggest clubs in the World, namely Manchester United and Chelsea, at the latter he played in the under 18 team. He is now the longest serving player on the books and often captain’s the team. Kenny is an intelligent player, who can adapt his play to a number of positions if required, but is primarily a central midfield player, a regular member of the Championship team, he thrived in the Premier Division last season.

Phil Mooney – Midfield A player who is in his second spell with Skelmersdale. First played for the club as a youngster and impressed, but needed more experience, he has since had spells with Runcorn Linnets and Warrington Town. He has returned to the club a much stronger and street wise player.

rammy

points total

league position

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skelmersdale

points total

league position

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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

Dominic SMALLEY

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.

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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rammy in exile sky sports statto richard isaacs A very festive good afternoon - I hope you have all enjoyed your Christmasses and are now preparing yourself for the second of two home games in three days.

Wow, playing on a Sunday ... how very Premier League of us! It is very rare for the Rams to play on a Sunday - in fact, it seems that is only the preserve of Cup competitions that we have performed on the 'Sabbath' (says the occasional Jew where matches are always played on the Sabbath!). We travelled to Worcester City last season in the FA Trophy third qualifying round on a Sunday and played against Hallam FC in the Extra-Preliminary Round of the FA Cup on 17 August 2008

Richard gets to add stuff up on the telly - with Bob Willis and Matt Prior throwing the darts

because the cricket club had a game on the Saturday and it was the same situation on 28 August 2005 when we played Marske United. Going a long way back, we lost 3-0 on Sunday 30 April 1995 to Little Hulton in the Bolton Hospitals Cup - so matches on a Sunday are pretty few and far between.

So, I do hope you have all paid your dues in church this morning before heading down to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for today's match against Skelmersdale United.

Ah yes, Skelmersdale United - we remember you so very well. 4th May 2013 at the West Lancashire College Stadium, everything to

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“A goal for Skem.

Deflation. Despair. Devastation” play for. We needed a point to get into the play-offs. I wasn't there, I was working on a Sky Cricket game at Grace Road, Leicester - a 40-over contest - but my attention was firmly on the Twitter feed as I followed every kick whilst wearing my Rammy United polo shirt and my Rammy scarf was on the back of my chair. I might not have been at the game, but I felt every bump in the road.

Still 0-0 .... still 0-0 .... still 0-0 .... YESSSSS DAWSE! Goal for Rammy ..... ease it home now lads. Noooooooooo an equaliser! Five minutes to go. Apparently, there is a cricket match taking place outside of the window but for the next few minutes, I am watching the computer intently. "Come on Andy, press the send button on the FullTime Tweet". "It must be time now". "It has to be time now". "ere can't be much longer to go". Arrggghhh the suspense.

And then it came. Goal for Skem.

Deflation. Despair. Devastation. I excuse myself for a moment to go out of the commentary box to shout an inaudible "****".

It was the last time these two sides met.

Skelmersdale went onwards and upwards into the Premier Division and we sat sixth, just missing out on the lucrative play-off berth. ankfully, it was just a 12-month delay as, exactly one year minus one day, later, we joined them at the top table and here we are again, ready to do battle.

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I remember my first ever visit to Selby Place - it was in the Lancashire FA Trophy in 2009. Dad and I were two of 106 in the crowd that evening and we were well beaten 1-5. One of the Skem goals was scored by George Donnelly, who I think now plays at Rochdale in League One. Our goal came just after half-time to make it 11 and we got a little excited, Andy Sensale slotting home but it was a false dawn.

Sadly, I won't be up today as I will still be recovering from doing the Christmas dinner at home - I am chef extraordinare for the third year in a row. I must be doing something right if I am asked to do it again.

Ambulance no longer required on standby, although I will have, of course, restricted myself to a single Brussel Sprout. Who is with me in thinking that those vile balls of green awfulness is just devil food?

It will be nice to be at home for a little while after the long Sri Lanka v England series in the Sky studios. A comprehensive whooping for the England team. Did we expect anything else? Do we expect England to win the World Cup, which starts on February 14, live on Sky Sports (of course!). Of course we do, like we expect Rammy to win every single game. We live in hope!

Enjoy the game today and give them a cheer for me!

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spot the ball and win a customised rammy mug

Simply email your chosen grid reference to qy@dr.com and the winner will be chosen at random from those submitting the correct answer. You can then have your very own personalised rammy mug.

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 1-2 3-0 1-2

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 257 Shenton 120 Shenton 907 Shenton 510 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 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 Grayson Grayson + Grayson

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 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 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 Pugh Krou Krou

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Hulme 1 Hulme Hulme 1+ Hulme Abadaki + Abadaki Abadaki Abadaki + 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 Williams * Williams * Abadaki *

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 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 # Hulme 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 * Brooks Spencer Spencer 1

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 + Abadaki + Dean 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 Dean * Robinson + Williams *

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 + Spencer +1 Hulme # Abadaki * Morley 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 Hartley Morley Kuba-Kuba Slaven Slaven 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.

res & results 2014/15 15

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supporters club on the terraces of rammy I know, I know - there will be accusations of me being a football tart bandied around, but one of the things about moving around the country (and the world) as a football fan is that you get to see a lot of different clubs.

I used to follow Preston home and away for a good number of years while I lived in Bradford, London, Essex and Bristol, but with the travelling distances involved and the fact that I seemed to care more about the results than any of the players, I ended up disgruntled and turning to non-league.

My Banbury affiliations were well ribbed a couple of weeks ago, and I quietly confess to watching three seasons at Atherton Colls very good seasons infact, under the very capable management of Phil Brown.

Well, I’m now also going to confess that before moving to Rammy, where we’ve lived for five years now, I was regularly to be seen on the terraces at Skelmersdale United! e reason - the magnificent Tommy Lawson!

In all my years as a football fan, I’ve seldom come across a manager as committed, intelligent and as tactically astute as Tommy.

With a rapidly evolving squad of players, and very little money to play with, Tommy has consistently shepherded Skem to the top of the table, in whichever division they’ve been playing.

While I was there I watched some of the most creative and

entertaining football I’ve ever seen at any level. I saw the club miss out on promotion at FC United, after some pretty bizarre refereeing decisions, and then again at Curzon Ashton in 2009. I’ve also seen Tommy have his squad decimated time and again as other clubs have come in to march off with his best players.

Despite all of this, the club continues its rise, and Tommy continues to put Skelmersdale United up there in the promotion zone time and again. A real testimony of the talents of this Brent Peters looky-likey - though while Brent is talking about his ten-year-plan to world domination, Tommy Lawson is just quietly going about his business of achieving it!

Skem’s progress seems for me to be very similar to Rammy’s, and I’d like to hope that we’ll see both clubs pushing higher and higher up the leagues as the years pass by.

I do find that there is one aspect about Rammy where we have the edge over Skem, and that is through the support of the local town’s population. Maybe things have changed at Skem over the last few years, but I really doubt it. e local people have absolutely no interest in the fortunes of their club, and it’s a strange situation, but Skelmersdale United seems almost to be a pocket of the pre-existing Old Skelmersdale that has been dropped into the Liverpool and Everton supporting environs of a new town. Moving grounds to a wild and exposed industrial estate doesn’t help, and my vaguely uninformed understanding is that the club

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Five seasons, four lots of playoffs - on this occasion defeat in the 2009 playoffs at Curzon Ashton

got a little bit had over the ground deal. Into that bargain the history, soul and character of Skelmersdale United seemed to almost get erased. ere are still folk who attend matches that have broad Lancashire accents, even when singing “We all come from the land of roundabouts!”, and on my last visit these people still comprised about a third of the supporters. ose with new Skem accents are slowly starting to get behind the club, and realise that there is something quite special going on down at the ‘West Lancashire College Stadium’, but from my family members that live in the town I do still very much hear, “Why would I go and watch that shower when Liverpool are on the telly?”

In Ramsbottom we are very lucky in that our local town and local population very much support what’s going on down here at the Harry Williams Riverside, and I hope that today’s attendance helps bear out that assertion.

Perhaps it’s a matter of local pride for us mill folks. Despite the obvious comedic value of the

name, the people of Ramsbottom are rightly very proud of where we live, and that seems to translate across to support for our town and our team. I’ve yet to meet anyone who is proud to come from Skem - no, I tell a lie - there’s a big, bushy-haired cricketer called Kevin (I think) who used to stand next to us at the footy, and he seemed pretty proud to come from Old Skem - is that the same thing?

My relatives tell me that Skelmersdale is evolving as a place however, from the rough and quite scary sink estate that it was when I was a kid, to a place that has a little bit more about it, a bit of an identity of its own. If this is true then perhaps Skelmersdale United will start to get the kind of support that this great little club, team and manager thoroughly deserve. eir attendances seem to be on the rise, though perhaps not as quickly as they ought to be.

And so whatever happens today, I’d like to wish all the best to our friends down the road in West Lancashire, and will continue to watch their progress with interest.

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Managers: Anthony Johnson, Bernard Morley

Grant SHENTON Dominic SMALLEY George GRAYSON 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 Lee PUGH Tom BROOKS

Managers: Tommy Lawson

Martin FEARON Valtor FERNANDES Peter WYLIE Rob McINTOSH Rob BODIE Aiden KIRKBRIDE Kenny STRICKLAND Alan BURTON Danny MITCHLEY Scott BAKKOR Conor McCARTHY James SHORT Alex MEANEY Phil MOONEY Curtis THOMPSON Dion CHARLES

Referee: Matthew Bristow Referee’s Assistants: Micheal Johnson, Nik Storey

Next home game: Saturday 10th January 3pm, Rammy v Trafford