60 Ramsbottom United v Ashton United

rammy news

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v ASHTON UNITED 14-04-15

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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 Sun 28th Dec Thu 1st Jan Tues 27th Jan Tues 10th Feb Sat 14th Feb Tues 17th Feb Sat 21st Feb Tues 24th Feb Sat 28th Feb Sat 7th Mar Tues 10th Mar Sat 14th Mar Tues 17th Mar Thurs 19th Mar Sat 21st Mar Tues 24th Mar Sat 28th Mar Sat 4th April Mon 6th April Weds 8th April Sat 11th April Tues 14th April Thur 16th April Sat 18th April Tues 21st April Thur 23rd April Sat 25th April

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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 SKELMERSDALE A Nantwich Town H NORTHWICH VIC LgCup H HARROGATE RA LgCup A Stamford H RUSHALL OLYMPIC A Witton Albion A Blyth Spartans H ILKESTON A Skelmersdale United A Stourbridge H STOURBRIDGE A Buxton H BLYTH SPARTANS A Belper H BARWELL A Grantham Town H FC UNITED OF MCR A Ashton United H FARSLEY LgCup SemiFinal H HALESOWEN TOWN H ASHTON UNITED A Curzon Ashton A Barwell H FRICKLEY ATHLETIC H TRAFFORD 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 0-3 2-3 3-1 3-1 1-1 2-3 1-2 0-2 1-2 0-3 2-1 0-1 1-1 3-3 2-1 0-1 1-0 0-2 0-1 1-2 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 257 Shenton 120 Shenton 907 Shenton 510 Shenton 372 Shenton 285 Shenton 158 Shenton 131 Shenton 319 Shenton 223 Shenton 349 Shenton 364 Shenton 290 Shenton 229 Shenton 230 Shenton 261 Shenton 197 Shenton 234 Shenton 221 Shenton 182 Shenton 191 Shenton 2104 Shenton 237 Shenton 189 Shenton 242 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 Smalley * Hulme Grayson Slaven Bowyer Bowyer Bowyer Bowyer Harrop Harrop Harrop Harrop Harrop Harrop Harrop Harrop Harrop Harrop Bowyer Pilkington Bowyer

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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 Stopforth Stopforth Harrop Kuba-Kuba Harrop Burke Harrop Slaven Burke + Edghill + Edghill Edghill + Burke Burke Burke # Burke # Bennett Bennett Burke Bennett + Burke 1

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 Howson Howson Krou Jones Frost Heron Frost + Robinson Robinson Frost Frost Frost Ayres Ayres 1 Ayres Ayres Ayres Ayres Ayres Ayres Ayres

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 Krou Krou Jones Pugh 1 Pugh Jones Jones # Harrop Jones Neville Ayres Ayres Bowyer Bowyer Bowyer Bowyer Bowyer Bowyer Frost Jones Frost

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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 Hulme Williams # Gaskell Gaskell Gaskell Gaskell 1 Gaskell Gaskell Gaskell Gaskell * Mukendi 1 Mukendi Mukendi # Robinson 1* Mukendi Mukendi + Robinson + Robinson + Mukendi Hardman Mukendi

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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 Burton Burton Bennett +1 Bennett Rother + Rother 1 Burke Burke Rother * Rother # Rother 1 # Rother Bennett * Kuba-Kuba Kuba-Kuba Kuba-Kuba Rother # Rother # Bennett + Kuba-Kuba Rother

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Hello everyone, and welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for this evening’s league game against Ashton United, who we had a thrilling encounter with just a week or so ago down in Tameside. I’d like to extend a warm welcome the match officials as well as everyone associated with Ashton - I hope you enjoy your short visit to East Lancashire and that you have a safe journey home after the match.

Tonight’s game is one that we are all looking forward to, as the away leg last week was a great game in which either side could have come away winners. For us it was a great benchmark of how far we have come, that we can travel away to play-off positioned opposition and almost grab the win. e on-paper stats for Rammy still make extremely depressing reading, but our performances at Ashton, and again on Saturday against Halesowen (who seriously humbled us earlier in the season) have both been absolutely first-rate. ere is hope for me that we can turn this awful run around, and with games in hand we’re looking to bag a good few points against the Trafford, Frickleys and Matlocks that we still have to play, as well as Ashton United and Curzon Ashton this week.

I’d like to take this opportunity to mention the fantastic performance of Vinny Mukendi during Saturday’s match. Vinny certainly is a bit of an enigma, but with his excellent touch and towering stature, you

can see that the lad’s possibilities are staggering. Over the last couple of games, and particularly the one against Halesowen, he’s started to find the kind of form that we all hoped him capable of. Now that he’s becoming aware what’s expected of him, and also to an extent gets to feel the satisfaction of putting in a great performance, I’m starting to hope we will see great really things from him.

A couple of other updates for everyone Donal McDermott is currently training with Rochdale FC, and we’re expecting him to break into their first team squad once his hamstring problems calm down. Also I’d like to welcome on-board a friend of a good number of Rammy fans in the shape of ex Rossendale United manager Mark Molyneaux. Mark is a truly excellent addition to the Ramsbottom United staff and we are delighted to welcome him to the club.

I’ve been watching quite closely the comings and goings on the forum recently, and I’d like to encourage everyone to temper their passions just a little bit. We’re all supporters of this club, and everyone deserves treating with courtesy and respect.

Please also be aware that at least one of the dissenting voices stirring up the hornets nest is in reality nothing to do with our club, and never has been (before anyone starts accusing Salford). Let’s try and show him some of the unity and strength of character we have here at Rammy.

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tony cunningham and the wonderful world of non-league football Welcome to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium. A special welcome to today’s match officials, and of course, our visitors, Ashton United.

It’s actually good to finally play this fixture….at the THIRD attempt. I’ve said it before, but I have never known a winter like this for postponements. Eight at home and four away throughout the season, which is why we are facing this ridiculous run-in, but we have to live with it and hopefully make sure we secure enough points to maintain our place at this level of football.

On Saturday we gained another point, but I felt we were unlucky not to gain all three. We began slowly, but you could see the confidence levels improving as the game wore on, and in the second half we were the better team, going very close on a number of occasions to snatching a winner. Mind you, Halesowen would also point to a couple of wasted chances, so overall, whilst three would have been very welcome, we should appreciate the one point that we gained. e week before, of course, we had travelled over to Hurst Cross to meet today’s visitors, and we came away on the back of a 1-0 defeat. I thought we were again rather unlucky, as our performance probably deserved

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some reward, so hopefully we can catch the Tameside team with another encouraging performance, and this time come away with all three points. It won’t be easy, as Ashton, after a slow start (on the back of last season’s play-off disappointment?) have been in fine form and look certainties to finish in a play-off position. We wish them well, but not tonight!

ALL TOGETHER It’s easy watching and supporting a winning team. e last five years have been delightful, and the entertainment provided down here at the HWRS has seen crowds increase significantly as the locals have appreciated what has been on display. However, as in life, all good things come to an end.

Our season has been well documented, warts and all. It’s been difficult. Putting a new-look side together in January is a ridiculously difficult task, but that is what Robbo and Edgey have had to do, and quite naturally, the rhythm of the side has been disrupted. Results have consequently been disappointing, yet understandable, but bit by bit, there is a gradual improvement in performances as the lads have begun to gel.

Alas, all clubs attract a number of fairweather supporters, and we do seem to have lost a few of these.

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“Where were you when we were s**t?”

It’s easy to jump on a happy bandwagon, but the true fans are still there when the wheels fall off!

Supporters are the life-blood of any team, and valued by players, management and officials, so to see a few drift away is disappointing. However, here at Rammy we have prided ourselves on the warmth of the supporters and the camaraderie that has been enjoyed over recent seasons. Good supporters will back the team whatever, and that is what we need right now as we look to bring the curtain down on this troublesome campaign.

Alas, there appears to have been an increasingly negative and, dare I say it, hostile atmosphere just lately, which is exactly what we do not need at this time (or any time, come to think of it!)

One man, as always, appears to be the easy target. at will be the same man who has guided this club for 49 years, up through the Leagues to our present spot, whilst keeping a tight control of the finances to ensure that

Ramsbottom United do not go the way of many other clubs.

Harry has divided people down here for years, and must now have the skin of a rhinoceros, but some of the comments, to me, are way out of order.

At a time when the team has encountered all the problems it has over the last three months or so, the most important people at the club are the supporters. We all need to band together and back Ramsbottom United as an entity, and together make sure that we successfully complete the season by retaining our position in this Division.

Summer is round the corner, with time for us all to re-group. Let’s do just that, and look forward, together, to the new season beginning in August.

Enjoy your non-league football!

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222 appearances Shents, one of the best keepers there is When Grant Shenton joined the club back in 2010 the Rammy Faithful could see that Bernard and Johnno had made a real coup, signing a young goalkeeper with an enormous amount of potential.

Five years on and Shents has ridden the Rammy Rollercoaster through the good, the bad and the ugly times, often spending long hours gazing at the distant hillside while the team brushed aside allcomers, but more recently working his backside off to keep the club in this league.

It’s testimony to Grant’s abilities that even prior to kickoff in the Winsford match, where Rammy secured promotion from the Northwest Counties, Shents was picking up the goalkeeper of the month award yet again!

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since that day, and we had a long chat with Grant about how he got into playing, how he feels about Rammy, and what his plans are for the future.

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“I got into football through my teacher at school. He grabbed me at one of my GCSE exams and asked if I was free to play at the weekend. I said yeah, and ended up playing down at Maine Road reserves, I was about fifteen at the time. After being in the reserves for half the season I ended up breaking into the first team, where I finished the season. I started the next, but ended up having a big fallout with the manager at the time, which was when I moved over to FC United’s youth team where I finished my second season in football. I was occasionally in the squad for their youth team, but ended up moving over to Rammy in 2010, at first on loan, but since making a permanent move - I’ve now been here five years.

“It was a bit frustrating at FC, because I played really well in their playoff semifinal when Sam Ashton was banned, and Margy told me he’d like me to battle for the spot... and then signed a new keeper! at’s when I made the permanent move over to Rammy.

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s r y y p g d t e m n d p n e

d r ! e

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“I do love playing at Rammy, it’s a great place and a great club. e fans will know a little bit about our journeys to away games and the fun we have, they are something else, and all the new lads have bought into it as well. ere’s something really lovely about Rammy, that you feel all around the place, not just at the footy but around the whole town. I really love the views as well - as bad as it sounds, you get a bit of time to look around as a keeper, and I enjoy the setting as much as anything. Even the chairman, who comes in for a lot of stick- as mad as he makes me at times, I love him to bits and I love playing for him.

get out the way when you see Shents flying at you!

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“e fans are belting as well. I’ve had a few criticisms here and there, but you get that now and again, which is fair enough.

“As for the future, I’ve already signed up to do my coaching as that’s something I’d like to get into. I’m an accountant at the moment, and althought I enjoy it, it’s the kind of job that I’m not really cut out for being indoors all the time, staring at numbers. All I’ve wanted to do all my life has involved football, and the more I think about it, the more I realise that’s the way I want to go. I’ll be honest, I’ve still not given up my dream of playing full-time professional. I’m only 24, which is very young for a keeper, and I think I’ve got a heck of a lot to offer. So much of it is about luck, about opinions, and about the right person seeing you at the right time. Even if people come to scout, it could be a game where I’m not called on to do much, whereas other games where I’m overused it’ll look like I’m having a really good game. How does a scout watching just one game figure out how good and how reliable a keeper is?

“My ideal kind of game is where I’m just involved with a couple of crosses or a bit of kicking, and then at the end of the game when we’re 1-0 up, I’ve just got the one save to make. I’m ambitious and I like to be part of a team doing well, so that’s my ideal kind of game. It’s not the kind of game where your performances will get you onto a bigger club’s radar necessarily. “e past few weeks I’ve been very busy, making save after save after save, and it makes people say that you look brilliant, which I enjoy, but that’s not how I want to be playing - I want to be part of a team where I’m helping to create chances. If I’m making loads of saves then it’s because something’s going wrong in front of me really.

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In action against Halesowen on Saturday

“there’s something really lovely about Rammy that you feel all around the place” “For goalkeepers it’s all about reliability and dependability. I do make occasional mistakes, and I make quite a few little ones that I get away with, which fans don’t necessarily see, but I’ll go over and over things in my head and ask how I could have dealt with a situation better, or what I could have done to correct something I think I’ve done. One of the great things for me about being a keeper is that you’ve always got so much to think about. As an outfield player you have to think about winning headers, tackles, positioning and making a pass, but as a keeper I have to think about whether

the guy stood on my toes is going to touch the ball, whether someone behind is going to squeeze through and win the ball, you have to weigh up percentages on possible flicks or deflections and where everyone is, I end up with a picture of so much going on, and have to try and organise my lads to be in the right places. I love that, I absolutely love it. I do make mistakes, of course I do I’ve heard a lot of people telling me to stay on my line because they feel I come out too much, but as well as a keeper, I see myself as a last sweeper, which is a big part of my play, and is important for the team.

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“I don’t mind the criticism, and I’ll listen to what people have to say, but at the end of it all, if I don’t agree then I will take them with a pinch of salt. I am still young, but I’m grown up and mature enough to know when I need to take people’s advice, and when what they’re saying doesn’t make too much sense.

“Football can be a difficult thing to fit around work, and around having a young family. I’ve been with my fiancee for eight years with daughter Sophia born in February and Noah was four in August. She knows that football is very important to me, even though she’s not into it at all herself. She never comes to watch, and to be honest I don’t mind that at all. We’ll have the occasional barny about it, but she knows how passionate I am about it, and about how it affects me. If we get beat then she’ll get us a takeaway to help drown the sorrows a bit. For me now, despite the way this season has turned out, I’m very happy with my life and how things are going.

It’s top!

“I won’t lie about my plans for next season.

I spoke to Edgy and Robbo about it, and they’re very keen for me to stay. I’ve spoken to friends of mine who play at a higher level, Conference-wise, and I know that my name’s been spoken about. I don’t know who it is, but I won’t deny that I’d like to make a name for myself at a higher level. As it stands though I’m a Ramsbottom player, and I feel a heck of a lot for this club. Rammy’s got an option to extend my contract so I’ll have to speak to Harry about that, and how he views things. For me, I want to be playing at a professional level, I’m that kind of an ambitious person. I’m committed to training every day and to achieving the best I can for myself, and although I’ll join in with having a laugh and a beer, football is seriously important for me.

“Supporters will notice how professionally I approach games. Whether we’re playing Bootle away in the Northwest Counties or FC United in front of 2000 fans, my attitude will

Shents taking on the captain’s armband has been a great bonus for Rammy

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celebrations after lifting the Northwest Counties trophy way, way back in 2010-11

be the same for every single game, and everyone can be certain that I’m giving it 100%.

“It is very difficult for young footballers to break through into the senior game, and the big clubs are happy to pick up and drop lads as the whim takes them. I remember spending a week training with Rochdale when I was seventeen, and every single one of the lads in that training squad are now playing at a lower level than I am now. e clubs get them to a certain level and then ditch them before they’ve ever broken into playing with men. ere’s a massive progression gap between junior and senior football at all levels, and it’s a problem that really needs sorting out. A load of these are the players that ultimately end up in nonleague, where we have the quality and the ability, but a fear of getting stuck in, and of riding the tackles. at’s what we’re seeing

to an extent with some of our players, and the lack of progression from junior to senior football is the reason why.

“We saw it at training a few weeks ago.

Young Jake has been training with Bury Academy, and Pughie gave him a right crunching tackle. Everyone just carried on, but Jake picked himself up in another timezone wondering what the hell had just happened - and that’s just at training with a men’s team! It’s a tough game for the youngsters.

“Ultimately, I just want to get these last few games done. I’ve never doubted we’ll avoid the drop, but it’ll be nice to get the job done once and for all and get a really tough transition season finished off properly. anks to everyone for your kind support over the last few weeks, when we’ve needed it most - please keep up the good work.”

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ashton united “can we play you every week?”

Ashton United Football Club was formed in 1878 under its previous name of Hurst FC. e Hurst area boasted several teams of a good standard and the club’s first recorded game came in early 1879 against another local club, Hurst Red Star. Records indicate that the current Hurst Cross ground was first used by the club in 1880, making it one of football’s oldest surviving venues. e club proved a very progressive outfit in their early days, entering the FA Cup as early as 1883 (just the 13th season of the competition) and reaching the second round at the first time of asking, a club best equalled but never bettered since. In 1885 the club landed its first silverware after the Manchester FA started a new competition for member clubs called the Manchester Senior Cup - Hurst won the first ever final against Newton Heath, the forerunners of the present-day Manchester United, taking the trophy after a 3-0 victory. 1885 also saw a ground attendance record set at Hurst Cross, with over 9,000 people paying to watch FA Cup holders Blackburn Rovers play a Lancashire Cup tie. e 1960s started with Ashton as holders of the Manchester Intermediate Cup and later that year (under the managership of his father) the club saw the debut of its youngest ever player - and scorer - a 15-year old schoolboy called Alan Ball, later a World Cup winner in 1966.

In 1984 the club sank to its lowest point as they were relegated to the 2nd Division of the

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NWCL – four years they won promotion back to the top tier in impressive style as champions, but the club – like many others following the Bradford City fire disaster - were still struggling to improve their facilities off the pitch. Local businessman Terry Liversidge came to Hurst Cross in 1990 and helped transform the club and ground; in 1992, under manager Dave Denby, Ashton became the first team to win the NWCL title and the League Cup double, going on to win the League Challenge Cup and the Manchester Premier Cup for good measure. e Robins posted their best ever FA Trophy run in 1997, before John Coleman’s side lost to Dagenham & Redbridge in the Quarter Finals.

Ashton finally won promotion to the Premier Division via the inaugural NPL playoffs under Gerry Quinn’s stewardship in 2002 and also retained the Manchester Premier Cup they had won the previous season - they were to win it again in 2003 and were beaten finalists in 2004, the same year the club became founder members of the new Conference North. eir stay in the new league was ended after just one season - only the club's third relegation in over one hundred years of football.

Danny Johnson was appointed as manager towards the end of the 2006-07 season as the club just avoided relegation. His six-year tenure at the club saw Ashton establish themselves as a comfortable mid-table team in the NPL - despite the off-field events of 2009/10, when the club were sued by former

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Altrincham player, Marcus Hallows, following an on-the-pitch injury he sustained playing against Ashton in 2005. e courts subsequently found against the club, who were deemed liable to pay damages to Mr Hallows. e highlight of Johnson’s reign was a first ever NPL League Challenge Cup victory when Ashton beat Northwich Victoria 1-0 in 2011. Johnson moved to league rivals Nantwich Town at the end of the 2012-13 campaign and his assistant-manager, Craig Robinson, was elevated to the role of manager but resigned for personal reasons before the season commenced; as a result, coach Paul Phillips was promoted as manager, bringing in former Droylsden team-mate (and then Mossley gaffer) Steve Halford as comanager. Few could have foretold that,

after such an unusual pre-season, the club would go so close to promotion; after seeing off FC United of Manchester in the most dramatic manner in the play-off semi-final (Ashton equalised in injury time at the end of the 90 minutes and, in injury time of added time, Jack Higgins struck a deserved winner) before losing the play-off final in even more dramatic circumstances, when only the width of a crossbar promoted AFC Fylde after a penalty shootout. is season has seen Ashton mount another promotion challenge, although the league title is now out of sight, a recent win over the Rams, has seen them more or less cement a play-off, as they sit third with games in hand over their nearest rivals.

- words by Gareth Bird

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Dale JOHNSON (Forward) Born Aged 29 Previous clubs; Woodley Sports, Hyde United, Droylsden, Altrincham, Hyde, Droylsden, Halifax, Barrow, Salford City.

A forward with significant experience of Conference level football, Dale originally joined Ashton in November 2013 and played a major part in the club reaching the 2014 play-off final; he re-joined in November 2014 after a short spell with Salford City and has netted 11 goals time so far.

Chris BAGULEY (Midfield) Aged 27 Previous clubs; Oldham Athletic, FC United of Manchester, Mandurah City (Australia), Leigh Genesis, Salford City, Rossendale Utd, New Mills.

Midfield playmaker or support striker, ‘Baggers’ joined Ashton in 2012 and became a regular by the end of his first season. Knee surgery meant he missed much of the 2013-14 season however, after a short loan spell at New Mills, he was soon back amongst the goals, looking fit and back to his best. Recently spent a short time on loan with Rams.

Jason GORTON (Defender) Aged 29 Previous clubs; Glossop North End, Mossley.

An FA Vase finalist with Glossop in 2009, Jay joined Ashton in the summer of 2013 and his performances at centre half saw him selected as both the Supporters’ and Players’ choice as Player of the Year last season; promoted to team captain in the summer of 2014.

Mark HASLAM (Defender) Aged 27 Previous clubs; Woodley Sports, Curzon Ashton, Mossley.

A product of Woodley’s youth system, ‘Hazzy’ spent seven years with Sports before moving on, joining Ashton in January 2014; an exciting full-back who likes to get forward, as evidenced by his ‘wonder goal’ at Salford in the FA Cup.

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e Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 11th April 2015 Att: 242 Rammy Goals: Burke (61) Halesowen Goals: Hull (5)

After a troubling week off the pitch for the first time this season there was a sense of lack of optimism and collapse in morale on the terraces on Saturday which somehow transmitted itself into a nervous performance on the pitch. e feeling of foreboding and almost helplessness was not helped by the visitors taking the lead after just 5 minutes with a soft goal that left the Rams defenders arguing amongst themselves over culpability for giving Iyesden Christie too much space to execute an elegant scissor kick and then immobility which presented Joseph Hull with all the time he needed to knock in the rebound from Grant Shenton's save.

If Halesowen had had a more Draculaesque taste for the jugular they could easily have taken control of the game but instead were content to sit back and allow the Rams into the game. Slowly but surely they gained momentum and confidence and by half time could and should have been level. On the half hour Lee Gaskell thought he had scored but saw his lob over Matt Sargeant bounce out off the inside of the post and then the keeper did well to beat out a fierce shot from Vinny Mukendi.

It is surprising that the big towering centre forward seems to cause more problems for defences on the ground than in the air the ball at times bouncing around as if tied to his feet by a 3 foot length of elastic confusing defenders and team mates alike.

As the game progressed his runs at through and over the Halesown defence caused increasing desperate measures of resistance culminating in a wild body check on him by Curtis Tilt which would have had a wrestling audience howling but left the referee unmoved in the face of screams for a penalty.

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Vinny Mukendi - getting better by the week!

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e Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 11th April 2015 Att: 242 Rammy Goals: Burke (61) Halesowen Goals: Hull (5)

Prompted by an excellent Matt Burke who looked more mobile than he has in recent matches the Rams pressed forward but in the way of all teams in desperate need of a result the all would not fall kindly to them. e best hope of an equaliser seemed to be from a plethora of free kicks but execution was poor.One such led to the equaliser. Lee Neville's scuffed effort from the edge of the box bounced ineffectually into a statuesque wall stationed by a referee lacking spatial awareness no more than 7 yards from the ball. Burkes shot from the rebound took a wicked deflection into the corner of the net to much relief.

With just a few minutes remaining the Rams almost grabbed what would have been a deserved winner but Jon Robinson's fiercely hit shot crashed in to the hands of the keeper When anything a foot or even inches to either side would have seen the net bulging. So a draw welcome as that is still leaves the Rams needing 4 points for safety.

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Giving it 100% throughout, the hard-working and committed Jamie Rother

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î Łe Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 11th April 2015 Att: 242 Rammy Goals: Burke (61) Halesowen Goals: Hull (5)

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Robbo tries to force a way through the wall of yellow

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goal sponsorship

We’d like to thank the following people who have already pledged to sponsor the team for every goal scored for the remainder of the season.

Trigger Stephen & David Ste, Angie & Ethan Maria Mr & Mrs Darkside TobyTrotter Little Katie smiffylad Rammy Blue Chris S Johnno & Bernard Tony Cunningham Lui Delverto Rob Moss John Ayers Richard Isaacs Emma James Ian McCool Frank Crook Paul Gaskell Tanners Croft

£2 £2 £4 £1 £2 £1 £1 £1 £1 £2 £2 £1 £1 £2 £2 £2 £2 £2 £2 £5 £2

If you’d like to join in (you get your name in the programme and receive your very own signed team photo as a thankyou) then please make your pledge on the club forum, email rob.sax@musician.org or call Rob on 07944 038512 e Fans Fund total currently stands at £766

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meet the home fans darren comer at the ewe camp How long have you been a supporter?

I have to admit I have only been following Rammy this passionately for the last couple of years, after moving to the town in 2012. I have always been a big supporter of non-league football and, after living in Waterfoot for many years, I used to go and watch Rossendale United now and then.

When they, so sadly, went bankrupt I felt quite guilty that I did not give my local town team as much support as I could (I was off glory hunting watching my league team, Rochdale at their Spotland fortress, most weekends) I was born into a family of Manchester City supporters and had a season ticket from before I can even remember. is led to some great childhood memories such as going to the 1974 and 1976 League Cup Finals and the 1981 FA Cup Final at the old Wembley but, to be honest I hate what they are today.

Top flight football, for me, died in 1992 with the introduction of the Premier League and the uneven playing field that Sky created. When the likes of a Derby County, Nottingham Forest or Aston Villa (who were all English First Division Champions when I was in my teenage years) have no chance of competing with the big boys then I no longer wanted to watch it. ank heavens then for Ramsbottom United Football Club who made me fall in love with football all over again I first started watching Rammy regularly in the North West Counties Championship season, although I had been on several occasions before (usually against Rossendale United or Bacup Borough) I also had the good fortune to meet my wonderful girlfriend, Dawn, who was already following the Rams all over the northWest, and I have not looked back since in my support of the club.

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What are your most memorable times with the club, and what sticks out for you this season?

Win or lose, every Rammy adventure is memorable, but there are two memorable games for any Rammy supporter. Darlington and Bamber Bridge in last seasons NPL 1st Division Play-Offs was the most amazing week of football I'm sure many of us have ever witnessed. First of all to go all the way to, the recent football league side, Darlington and play them off the park, with Rammy doing their very best impression of the 1974 Dutch team, was a sight to behold.

120 of us had made our way up to Bishop Auckland and despite being outnumbered, by 20-1, we didn’t half make ourselves heard that night.

Numbers were slightly higher the following Saturday when over 500 Rammy Ultras made the short journey All pile on! Jordan Hulme found the net on that memorable night in the north-east

over Haslingden Grane to take on Bamber Bridge. After 120 minutes of football and five goals, a noisy coach of players, supporters and a Play-Off Trophy made our way back to Ramsbottom for a night of revelry and celebration in the Cricket Club. is season, obviously the departure of Johnno, Bernard and half of the team will be seen as our defining moment and the one moment that will stick with Rammy supporters. Despite this, I think it will go down as the moment that defines the new era at our club and the start of even more success.

How would you describe the supporters?

For me, the supporters are amazing and they make supporting Rammy such a pleasure. e great thing about football at e Riverside, and our away days, is we get both male and female,

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Sheep Don’t Say No! Let’s hear it for the “not-rights”!

young and old and all sorts of not-rights inbetween. A special mention should go to the younger supporters such as Jack the Lad, Jack W, Jake, Joel, Ethan and Sam. ey are at an age when peer pressure should mean they are following Premier League teams on Sky TV but, they spend their Saturdays noisily following the Rams around the country instead.

We also have a large amount of supporters who spend a lot of their time contributing to the upkeep of the club and trying to ensure that we can move onwards and upwards What are your hopes for the rest of the season?

Simply, to consolidate our position in this division. I would just like to see Robbo and Edgy build their own team and banish the ghosts of Johnno and Bernard. ey really have the

opportunity to build something special here and some small steps towards this would certainly have me believing this was a good season for us.

What's your best pub for a pre-match or post-match pint, and why's it a good one?

If you get into Ramsbottom early enough, Irwell Vale Brewery is a nobrainer. It has some of the finest beers you will ever taste (all brewed within 25 yards of the pump) and a Sky Sports, chav-free environment. e Railway is a bit closer to the ground and the landlord, Joe, does a wonderful job in trying to keep it as traditional as possible. Personally, I always opt for the Cricket Club with its friendly staff (free pint for this eh, Sophie?) real ales and of course the Rammy Ultras!

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rammy united

meet the lads

Jon ROBINSON

Phil EDGHILL

Date of birth: 28th December 1981 Place of birth: Salford Position: Player Manager / Striker Height: 5ft 9ins Previous clubs: Salford, Flixton, New Mills, Bacup A passionate and never-say-die striker who would score goals by sheer hard work and enthusiasm alone. Took over the managerial reins in January 2015.

Date of birth: 13th September 1979 Place of birth: Oldham Position: Assistant Manager / Midfielder Height: 6ft Previous clubs: Rochdale, Ashton, Chadderton, Rossendale, Curzon Ashton, Hyde, Salford A vastly experienced creative midfielder who returned to Rammy as assistant manager in January 2015.

Danny JONES

Darren GREEN

Date of birth: 3rd January 1976 Place of birth: Salford Position: Coach Previous clubs: Scunthorpe United, Altrincham, Curzon Ashton, Salford, Trafford An excellent and experienced coach with a class pedigree in league and non-league football.

Date of birth: 4th January 1979 Place of birth: Bury Position: Coach Previous clubs: Glossop, Bury, Bolton Wanderers A UEFA trained professional football coach who brings a wealth of expertise to the club.

A m p

T A

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Grant SHENTON

Alex FROST

Date of birth: 28th January 1991 Place of birth: Newton Heath Position: Goalkeeper Height: 6ft 2ins Previous clubs: Maine Road, FC United A fantastic goalkeeper whose vision plays as much a part in creating goals as his athleticism plays in denying them.

Date of birth: 18th September 1985 Place of birth: Chadderton Position: Centre Half Height: 5ft 11ins Previous clubs: Droylsden, Nantwich, Ashton United, Bath, Altrincham A no-nonsense centre half.

Callum JONES

Matty BURKE

Date of birth: 10th May 1990 Place of birth: Salford Position: Centre Half Height: 6ft 1ins Previous clubs: Hindsford, Ashton United, Trafford A no-nonsense centre half.

Date of birth: 14th December 1985 Place of birth: Salford Position: Creative Midfielder Height: 6ft 1ins Previous clubs: Blackpool, Salford, Barrow, Vauxhall Motors, Hyde, Alfreton Town, Ashton United, Staffor Rangers A hard-working and commanding creative midfielder.

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rammy united

meet the lads

Mark AYRES

George BOWYER

Date of birth: 17th May 1985 Place of birth: Walkden Position: Centre-Back Height: 6ft Previous clubs: Salford, FC United, Atherton Collieries, Droylsden, Flixton A strong and committed centre-back

Date of birth: 11th November 1990 Place of birth: Stockport Height: 5ft 10ins Position: Full-Back Previous clubs: Rochdale, Woodley, Mossley, Curzon Ashton, Bamber Bridge A determined and committed full-back who likes to get forward.

Kyle HARROP

Ian BENNETT

Date of birth: 22nd April 1987 Place of birth: Chadderton Position: Full-Back / Midfielder Height: 6ft Previous clubs: Curzon, Trafford, Sorrento and Mandurah (Australia), Ashton , Nantwich A versatile and experienced player who is equally happy at full back or in a holding midfield role.

Date of birth: 24th February 1986 Place of birth: Middleton Position: Midfielder Height: 5ft 7ins Previous clubs: Manchester City, Ashton United A creative attacking midfielder returning to football after a break to study at university.

D P P H P A w

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Luke HERON

Jamie ROTHER

Date of birth: 24th February 1996 Place of birth: Bury Position: Wing-Back Height: 6ft Previous clubs: Oldham Athletic,Trafford A versatile wide player who is happy on either wing, or in defence.

Date of birth: 8th March 1989 Place of birth: Middleton Position: Midfielder Height: 5ft 8ins Previous clubs: Oldham, FC United, Bacup, Salford A hard working centre-midfielder who’s not afraid to get stuck in when necessary.

Malachi SLAVEN

Donal McDERMOTT

Date of birth: 17th May 1994 Place of birth: Manchester Position: Midfielder Height: 5ft 11ins Previous clubs: Bury, Macclesfield, Droylsden A decent quality midfielder who joined Rammy pre-season but has been out on loan, only returning to the club just before Christmas.

Date of birth: 19th October 1989 Place of birth: Dublin Position: Forward Height: 5ft 10ins Previous clubs: Manchester City, Scunthorpe United, MK Dons, Chesterfield, Huddersfield Town, AFC Bournemouth, Dundalk A classy and accomplished forward player with a great eye for goal.

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rammy united

meet the lads

Lee NEVILLE

Tom WILLIAMS

Date of Birth: 6th April 1988 Position: Left Side Previous Clubs: Salford, FC United, Witton Albion A fantastic and inspirational left-sided player who is excellent in defence or coming forward.

Date of birth: 4th September 1990 Place of birth: Bolton Position: Winger Height: 5ft 11ins Previous clubs: Bamber Bridge A class winger whose corners and crosses are exquisite.

Tom HARTLEY

Tom BROOKS

Date of birth: 11th November 1996 Place of birth: Rawtenstall Position: Midfielder / Striker Height: 5ft 7ins Previous clubs: Blackburn Rovers, Moston, Ramsbottom United Youth A tough young attacking midfielder/striker who progressed through Ramsbottom United’s youth setup.

Date of birth: 29th September 1989 Place of birth: Bury Position: Forward Height: 5ft 6ins Previous clubs: Bury, Walshaw, Bolton Wanderers, Radcliffe A fast and clinical striker who makes perfectly timed runs off the last defender.

D P P H P W A r 2

D P P P A A ‘R

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Lee GASKELL

Osebi ABADAKI

Date of birth: 7th February 1985 Place of birth: Salford Position: Striker Height: 6ft Previous clubs: Morecambe, Trafford, Walshaw, Warrington An incredibly skillful and creative striker who received the Evostik golden boot for season 2013-14.

Date of birth: 22nd April 1991 Place of birth: Nigeria Position: Winger Height: 5ft 10ins Previous clubs: Nantwich, Halifax A speedy and tricky winger who can take on defenders for fun and whip in a mean cross.

Harun Bhatti

Vinny Mukendi

Date of birth: 31st December 1991 Place of birth: Burnley Position: Club Physio Previous clubs: Burnley, Blackburn Rovers, Accrington Stanley A first-rate physio, despite his nickname ‘Rooney’ and his supporting Arsenal

Date of birth: 12th March 1992 Place of birth: Manchester Position: Striker Height: 6ft 2ins Previous clubs: Macclesfield, Southport, Barrow, Tamworth, Droylsden, Stalybridge, Goole, Salford, Nantwich, Colwyn Bay, Gap Connah’s Quay A tall, enigmatic striker with a fantastic touch.

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rammy in exile sky sports statto richard isaacs Good evening one and all - here we go again, yet another game and, as they all are at this stage of the season, a game which is vital in our cause to stave off the slide from where we came. We naturally welcome Ashton United to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for the second meeting between the sides in the space of a couple of weeks.

I was at the Easter Monday game where we lost 1-0 and, as I mentioned in my previous column, I left with a very heavy heart as we played well enough to get something out of the game only for a smash and grab raid on our goal ending with Chris Baguley, who played for us very briefly, scoring the winning goal and leaving us with nothing to show for our efforts. Can tonight be different? We can but hope but we have just 3 wins from our last 17 games since Valentine's Day and Ashton United have designs on bigger things although they will naturally be disappointed to have lost at Barwell on Saturday.

So now, like no other time in the club's history, is the time to get right behind the lads and roar them to safety and we can put the lid on the 2014/15 season with a sense of relief - providing, of course, we can stay up. I have no doubt that we will, by hook or by crook, but we need every last ounce of support right now.

is would be a perfect vantage point to talk about the furore on our ever popular RUFC forum but, if I am totally honest with you all, I am at the end of my tether! I have had very good conversations with Robbo and Rob over the last few days and, a little out of the blue, a call from our former manager Anthony Johnson, who still has a deep interest within our club (and why wouldn't he - his efforts alongside Bernard and the lads lead us to this position in the first place). And they are all of the same volition. What that volition is I will leave between all of us but it is safe to say that we all have the clubs interests firmly rooted in our hearts and ... well, what can you do!?! It is very rare indeed that my love for this club is tested. is week has done just that.

I suppose the anxst over our current plight is not helping the issues. It is very easy to support a club continually on the rise, when you can look at the results with a sense of pride and continue to look upwards at 'what might be' as we have done over the last few years. In the clubs' 49 year history, it has never suffered a relegation. Every single Ramsbottom United supporter hopes that 2015 doesn't become the first.

But you have to ask why passionate Rammy supporters are actually looking for an alternative thing to do of a Saturday afternoon? I can point to one such person - who will remain nameless - but wasn't at the game against Halesowen despite

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scrapping for everything, and deserving much more than a defeat

watching every single game and being an integral part of it. I don't want to go into too much detail but, safe to say, its worrying and I hope those who matter will notice.

Anyway, enough of gloom - lets talk about good things. e cricket season is here.

Whilst the action took place on our side of the fence, I believe there was leather on willow on the other side for the first time this year and it was the same down here with my club, Calmore Sports, winning our opening friendly with a very good performance to beat South Wiltshire in a game that we normally lose! So that is a very positive start.

And Dad and I enjoyed our final league rugby action of the campaign watching Tottonians lift the London Division Two South-West title with a comfortable 49-8 success over local rivals and fellow

Hampshire club Winchester, who finished third. And little ol' Southampton are back to fifth in the Premier League table (they are as I type this) and are still dreaming of a European tour.

I am in full flow of the Indian Premier League, working from home predominantly although I am up to the office tomorrow for an important meeting and then our own English season creeps over the horizon as the County Championship season starts today (Sunday) and its a glorious day, if a little chilly, down here this morning. My first live action will be over in Dublin on May 8 for Ireland v England one-day international match (which should be very interesting!) and then its full steam ahead.

I am certainly hoping that, by the time I pack my bags and head to the Land of Green - my fears of Rammy will have subsided. COME ON YOU RAMS!

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from the darkside darren comer reports on the latest rammy ultras adventures Apart from the Christmas fixtures and the opening day of the season, I must say Easter is my favourite part of the football calendar. It’s all the better when the sun is cracking the cobbles on the streets of Ramsbottom, letting us all know that Summer is just around the corner. Easter is also the signal for promotion chases and relegation battles to be decided and last Mondays trip to Ashton United saw us travelling the short distance to take on a Play-Off chasing team in our bid to try and pick up the few points we still need to ensure NPL football at e Riverside next season. Squeaky bum time, indeed.

For the journey, myself and Mrs Darkside were joined by Ste and Angie Carlsberg and had arranged for a 2.00 departure time for the short journey down the M66.

So it was, at 1.55, the always early, Mr and Mrs Carlsberg were sat on the Kay Brow benches, soaking up the sun and waiting for the always late Mr and Mrs Darkside (well, to be honest, the always late Mr Darkside) With the flags in the boot and the satnav directed towards OL6 we set off on the M66 and headed off for

Ashtons, Hurst Cross Stadium, arriving a little after 2.30, despite Mrs Satnav sending us off track in the town centre. at woman doesn’t half get on my tits.

We parked up on a side street near the ground and immediately bumped into the Gaskells, this time accompanied by even more Gaskells than usual. is led to Rita commenting that Lee would probably be rested for the game, seeing as members of his extended family had come to watch. Lo, and behold, after paying our £10 (Shhhhh, don’t tell FCUM or their will extreme ramifications on Ashton United Football Club) the first thing we see when entering the ground is Gassy warming up………..with the other substitutes. e very definition of ‘Sods Law’, me thinks, Doh Now, regular readers of this column will know I have a thing about traditional grounds and my first visit to Hurst Cross had me wetting myself (metaphorically, not literally) Some of the newer grounds we have visited this season such as Stamford and Grantham are all well and good, with their modern facilities and over-priced bars, but give me a ground like Ashton Uniteds any day of the week (except, Saturdays, of course, when I will down by e Riverside) With a main stand taking up, part of, one side of the ground and a covered terrace running the length of the other, this really was a

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The Rammy Hooligans show us why they have such a fearsome reputation

throwback to the good old days and the golden era of football (e bad old days of football if you are a Premiership supporter, slumming it down here at Rammy) Behind both goals, and perfect for this sunny day, were open terraces and after waiting to see which way the Rams would be kicking we made our way to the far end, tied our flags on the barriers and settled in for some nonleague football in the Spring sunshine with my fellow Ultras. Does life get any better than this? Sheer bliss Modern football has seen many clubs attaining celebrity supporters but, many of these follow much more glamourous clubs than Rammy, usually the Premiership giants. Imagine our excitement then, when we saw Erik Estrada from the popular 1980’s TV show, CHiPS, heading our way with a Rammy scarf around his neck. As the mystery

figure got closer to the Ultras, our excitement died a little as, one by one, we realised it was actually our very own Andy Massey decked in the finest pair of sunglasses this side of the Paris catwalks (I also now have a sneaky feeling that when the legendary Shangri-La’s sang about ‘e Leader of the Pack’, they were indeed singing about our Andy) e first half was goalless and to say we were facing a team at the top end of the table, the lads were really putting in a shift, more than matching our hosts and should have been in the lead after 45 minutes. e best chance of the half, of the season even, fell to Big Vinny and with only the goalie to beat, a weak shot went straight into their keepers arms. A terrible miss but, chin up Vinny lad and just glad you couldn’t hear the comments from myself and those around me.

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from the darkside darren comer reports on the latest rammy ultras adventures One of the highlights for the travelling Ultras was one of the young ball boys stood behind the goal, who seemed to be taking great exception to our singing and getting more and more infuriated as we ignored him.

With such a chip on the shoulder, at such a tender age, it doesn’t bode well for us if this is the future generation.

We had a good turnout from the Ram Army on the terraces and joining us again was Tanners Croft, from the Derbyshire Ultras, who had made a trip from Chesterfield to Ashton, via Southport. Ah, the lure of the mighty, mighty Rammy United that we live our lives by. We also had John Ayres, back from his jollies, although I wasn’t aware of his presence until halfway through the half when we heard his familiar tribal cry of ‘Come on you Raaaamms’.

I also managed a chat with Stephen (Mrs Darksides, Brother-in Law and Father of our ex-physio, Katie) who recently become a Grandfather, for the third time, when his youngest Daughter Claire gave birth to a beautiful, baby daughter, Rosalie.

Congratulations go out to Claire and her hubby, Nick, and a massive welcome to the latest member of the Rammy Ultras, Rosalie, who attended her first game last Wednesday against Farsley.

At half time, we started to make our way to the terrace behind the other goal, although this took longer than expected due to the amount of Rammy supporters spread around

the ground. Chairman Harry had forsaken the Directors Box and had found a prime spot, sitting just outside the clubhouse. We stopped for a quick chat with Harry, who was with Sophie, Andy Edmunson and Wooly and we seemed to have a feeling of optimism for the second half. I even managed a few minutes with Hackers, as the Carlsbergs had kindly put the flags up at the other end. Note to self, it’s amazing what you can get done when you don’t have that half time pint.

Now, I’m no betting man, but I should have gone with my pre-match instinct and placed a bet on former Rammy player, Chris Baguley, netting the winning goal. Despite starting off on the bench, Baggers emerged in the 2nd half and promptly went on to score the only goal of the game, with 20 minutes left to play. at’s that bloody ‘Sods law’ kicking in again, folks. So despite a close fought defeat, Rammy still had an uncertain few games left and really need to get those couple of wins to ensure our safety in this division. e journey home saw us not too disheartened, as we felt that the team had showed enough to suggest that they were capable of keeping us up this season. Talk soon turned to other, non-football, matters, especially when Angie, showing her usual good taste in music, spotted that John Copper Clarke was playing on the I-Pod and talk soon turned to the Bard of Salford. As we reached the turn off for the M66, and the car in the wrong lane, I had to cut up another

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Stephen, Claire and Rosalie (this is about as close to babies as Rob likes to get)

driver to get in the correct lane (so sorry, I am usually a careful driver and hate that kind of behaviour). However, when I looked in the mirror, I noticed that I had cut up a FCUM supporter making his way back from their game at Curzon Ashton, and there was me with not a Rammy United car sticker, as well as my scarf,

proudly displayed in the back of the car.

Oh no, best not to pee those guys off too much, and as I write I am waiting for my disqualification notice from the DVLA, who must surely now have had the official letter of complaint from FCUM by now.

COME ON YOU RAMS

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A depleted Ramsbottom United side were denied a place in the Final by their Yorkshire visitors.

Due to the competition registration rules, the Rams were unable to field a number of regulars, and as a result were not able to field a full complement of substitutes, as manager Jon Robinson was forced to introduce a number of young squad members, none of whom let the side down. Also making a welcome come-back was fans favourite Joel Pilkington, who had surprisingly announced his "retirement" earlier in the season.

After an early Mark Ayres header that sailed inches over the Farsley bar, the visitors took the lead on 15 minutes, and a fine individual goal it was. Full-back Josh Grant won the ball on the left wing, before cutting inside and smashing a shot across the goal and in at the far post. e Rams were on level terms on 32 minutes thanks to the persistence of Osebi Abadaki. He chased a long ball into the area, before holding off four defenders, turning and unleashing a fierce drive into the bottom corner. e same player was inches away from giving the home team the lead minutes before the break when his 20 yard effort crashed inches wide of the post, before Ayres was again denied, this time Farsley keeper Tom Taylor producing a magnificent save to tip over his goal-bound header. e winning goal duly arrived on 52 minutes when the Rams struggled to clear a corner. e ball bobbled about in the area before landing perfectly for the on-rushing Robbie O'Brien to hammer it home from ten yards.

Moments later the visitors so nearly extended the lead as Grant Shenton was forced into a superb stop to deny Aiden Savory.

As the home side tried to retrieve the game, Ayres again saw an effort stopped by the keeper, then Robinson's cheeky overhead kick sailed over the bar.

Chances seemed to dry up after that with O'Brien again coming closest to notching another goal as his long range effort missed the target by inches.

So Farsley progress to an all Division One North final against Warrington Town, whilst Ramsbottom United's Season Horibilis needs urgent attention during the last few games to ensure sufficient points are garnered to ensure another season at Premier League level.

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In a bizarre Suarez-type incident, Callum Jones gets his hair pulled by the Farsley captain

1-2

Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 8th April 2015 Att: 189 Rammy Goals: Abadaki (32) Farsley Goals: Grant (15), O’Brien (52)

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1-2

Harry Williams Riverside Stadium 8th April 2015 Att: 189 Rammy Goals: Abadaki (32) Farsley Goals: Grant (15), O’Brien (52)

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Pilkie returns from maternity leave (retirement) to help out a desperate Rammy

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supporters club on the terraces of rammy It’s hard to write this column without mentioning the sorry state of affairs on the club forum over the last couple of weeks. I suppose that, while the forum itself is bearing the brunt of the blame, it’s really just an outlet for some of the frustrations that we’ve all been wanting to vent during what’s been an horrendously stop-start season. e saddest thing in all of this for me is that there isn’t a one of us who doesn’t want the exact same thing for this club, for it to be financially strong, to play on a great ground, and for it to progress to bigger and better things with each season. Having been so used to success over the last 4-5 seasons, it’s been very difficult for us to adjust to the relegation fight that we’ve unexpectedly found ourselves engaged in, and it’s very disappointing that so many of the early-season bandwagon jumpers seem to have jumped overboard now that things aren’t going all our own way - how soon the fickle wander off!

And so, we’re left! Some of us are loud and opinionated, some quiet and seditious, others are eccentric and almost certainly bordering on insane, but one thing we are share in common is a commitment to Rammy, and a passion about Our Club. As the great saying (which I’ve just made up) goes, when the shit hits the

fan, the fannies start running off!

So we’re the ones left, the ones who really care about this club, and who want to do what we can to help to make it a success.

How then is it that we end up bickering like school-kids on the forum causing Herr Ubermeister to consider banning the thing?

Is it because we feel that we’re not being involved and so there’s nothing we can do?

Or is it perhaps that we don’t have a full understanding of the situation and the future of the club? As I learnt when I was on the board at Banbury United, there is nothing that worries fans so much as having nothing to worry about!

During the close-season at Banbury, after the club had secured a hard-earned promotion, the supporters forum started to gradually become quite a scary place to be.

From a happy, contented team finishing the end of the season, by the time we reached July the ground was up for re-posession, the entire squad had disappeared off to neighbouring rival clubs and the administrators were about to be called in. Sat in the board room I remember discussing whether another week on the forum would see the committee involved in a plane crash, killing the lot of us. It was all complete fiction. e club was as healthy as it had ever been, and every squad member who finished the season had returned for pre-season training.

What had worried the fans so much had been the absolute silence from the club. e adage ‘no news is good news’ doesn’t

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These people are as critical to a club’s running as any financier, manager or chairman

apply to football supporters, as we have a natural tendency to assume the worse. When does the world look any worse than at 4am, when you’ve got nothing to distract you but the things going around in your own head?

And so for me the forum issues are down to two things - a feeling of helplessness on behalf of a whole load of supporters who desperately want to do something to help their club, and a lack of effective communication channels between the fans and our club. Bearing the brunt of these frustrations, as ever, is the easy target of chairman Harry Williams.

At the end of the day, Ramsbottom United Football Club is in the entertainment business.

What is it that makes us spend our hardearned day off and hard earned money watching Rammy United play football? It’s because we enjoy it. We enjoy the camaraderie, the banter, feeling part of something and possibly seeing our team putting in a good performance. Paramount in

the entertainment business is having decent communications, call it PR if you like. Right now those communications are seriously struggling. e local press is collapsing in on itself, the matchday programme (despite being one of the best around) will only be bought by 38 supporters this evening, which is a local derby critical to both clubs’ futures, and the club forum is being threatened with closure.

Further restricting the communications by closing the forum will do nothing but increase the supporters’ feelings of helplessness, which will increase the bickering groundswell. What we really need is the exact opposite, we need the club to engage with the supporters, let us know what’s going on, and let us help to do more than just divoting and painting. is is our club, and the rumbling you hear is because we really want to help get it back on the rails where it belongs. Don’t cut us off and chase us away. Engage the fans, and let’s turn this into a real community club.

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Manager: Jon ROBINSON

Grant SHENTON Kyle HARROP Lee NEVILLE Jamie ROTHER Alex FROST Mark AYRES Osebi ABADAKI Matty BURKE Lee GASKELL Vinny MUKENDI Donal McDERMOTT Ian BENNETT George BOWYER Tom WILLIAMS Luke HERON Malachi SLAVEN Callum JONES Tom BROOKS Phil EDGHILL Jon ROBINSON

Managers: Steve HALFORD Paul PHILLIPS

Paul PHILLIPS Phil MARSH Greg PEARSON Jason GORTON Jack HIGGINS Ashley YOUNG Lee RICK Gary GEE Ben DEEGAN Martin PILKINGTON Kayde COPPIN Sam MODLINSKY Martin HILL Dale JOHNSON Chris BAGULEY Sam WILSON Michael OATES Jack SHERRATT D’Arcy O’CONNOR Kevin LEADBETTER Steve MASON Keith BRIGGS Mark HASLAM

Referee: David Fisher Referee’s Assistants: Keith Martin, Michael Hooper

Next home game: Tuesday 21st March 7:45pm, Rammy v Frickley