43 ramsbottom united v west didsbury
DESCRIPTION
43 Ramsbottom United v West Didsbury Matchday ProgrammeTRANSCRIPT
prammynewsv WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON11-11-14
p
Welcome to the Harry Williams
Riverside Stadium, and a special welcome
to our match officials and our visitors
from West Didsbury and Chorlton. e
south Manchester club has had it’s
struggles to gain a foothold on the
pyramid, but now that they have finally
managed to overcome the red tape, they
have acclimatised themselves well and
are currently members of the NWCFL
Premier Division, a league we know
plenty about!
It is perhaps a good job that the next
two matches offer us an alternative to the
stresses of league competition. Having
had a superb October, winning the Evo-
Stik Premier Division Club of the Month
award, any thoughts of complacency
have certainly been replaced with a
knowledge that football at this level still
requires some adjusting to. We were
fortunate to salvage a point against a
Workington side that, in my opinion,
looked the most organised that we have
come across to date. We then followed
that with a performance at Halesowen
that was described to me in terms that I
cannot repeat here!
e next two games offer us an
opportunity to go in search
of some silverwear, with the
final of the Lancashire
FA Trophy being played
at the home of Bolton Wanderers, whilst
the FA Trophy climaxes at Wembley. Not
bad incentives for the lads to go all out
for a sharp turnaround in this sudden dip.
We will, of course, not take West
Didsbury and Chorlton lightly. If we do,
we may finish up a little like Exeter City
last Friday!
HELPING HAND
It’s good to see the Supporters Club
encouraging anyone who can, to come
down to the ground to help out with the
many tasks that need to be taken on an
on-going basis.
It’s opened my eyes, since becoming
Secretary, as to just how much needs to
be done behind the scenes to run a
football club at this level. e amount of
work that Harry puts in, along with his
trusted helpers, is amazing, and a burden
much too large for just a handful of
volunteers. I enjoy the administration
side of things, which I mainly do in my
“spare time” in the evenings, although I
must state that even if I had time during
the day, I doubt I would be much use in
the practical side of things. I once offered
to keep a relation’s garden tidy whilst
they were away for some time, but when
they returned they were aghast to see
plenty of weeds but not as many flowers
as when they had left.
tony cunninghamand the wonderful world of
non-league football
p
At one of my former clubs, I volunteered to
paint the dressing room doors, only to be met
by the quizzical remarks from the secretary
wanting to know who had left a painting of
South Africa on one of the doors!
So whilst I am quite at home at a desk,
painting and gardening (indeed any kind of
DIY) is definitely not my strong point.
But for those who feel they can spare a little
time, it really would be appreciated, as it
would help reduce the ridiculous work-load
currently valiantly undertaken by those
previously referred to. On top of that, the
feeling of “belonging” to the Rams would be
even greater. A win-win situation then!
NON-LEAGUE
Richard commented in the last programme
about the word “Non-League” and why it is a
term used for so many clubs and leagues.
I am able to answer the query, and whilst
accepting that it does seem rather strange to
call clubs who play in leagues “non-league”,
that’s not quite the reasoning.
ere is a word missing in the description,
and that word is “Football”. Non-League
actually refers to all clubs who are not
members of the “Football League” – hence in
the fuller term “Non-Football League”. It was
used quite simply to differentiate between
clubs playing within the Football League and
all those playing outside, in the various
leagues up and down the country.
Which actually has me thinking. As the
Football League now begins with the
Championship, and extends through Leagues
One and Two, we could make a case out for
all clubs playing in the Premier League to also
be referred to as “Non-League”. Wonder how
the Man U’s, Chelseas and Arsenals would feel
about that?!
Enjoy your non-league football!
The Workington defence being very well organised
p
Late Sunday evening we were surprised and
disappointed to learn that after fifteen years in
professional and non-league football, Joel Pilkington has
decided to hang up his boots.
Back at the start of the 2009 season Joel joined the
Rams as Johnno and Bernard’s first signing, and he has
since played over 220 matches for the club. I’m sure we
speak for everyone when we say that his skill,
commitment and professionalism will be sorely missed.
p
glenn
Good evening and welcome to the Harry
Williams Riverside Stadium for this
evening’s Lancashire County Cup game
against West Didsbury & Chorlton. We
welcome everybody involved with our
visitors -hope you all enjoy your visit to
Rammy and have a safe journey home
later.
is evening gives us the opportunity to
get back on the horse, as the saying goes,
after what was both a dissapointing result
and performance with our first defeat in
eight games at the hands of a very hard-
working Halesowen side on Saturday.
After our recent run we hope Saturday
was just a bad day at the office. At this
level if one or two lads have an off day
then you really struggle, so when six or
seven don’t reach the levels they regularly
achieve then you really are up against it,
and to be fair it doesn't happen that often.
I must mention the traveling support
which again on Saturday was fantastic. It
truly is a massive lift for everyone to hear
our fans in fine voice. Its a shame we
couldn't get the right result for you but
your reputation is growing - even the
Halesowen twitter feed commented on
how good our following is.
Saturday sees us travel over to Nantwich
in another massive F.A. Trophy game. As a
squad we really want to progress in this
competition so hopefully there will be
another big following and you can cheer
us onto victory.
So onto tonight. We are expecting a
keenly fought contest in what should be
an entertaining fixture against decent
opposition - I’m sure you'll all enjoy the
game and hopefully a victory which puts
into the next round.
Enjoy the game
p
First things first - Lee Gaskell got a nasty
knock on the head at Halesowen. Was it
as bad as it seemed, and do you know
how he is?
Lee took an elbow to the head which
resulted in him getting a nasty gash. He
went to hospital after the game to get it
treated. Just a couple of stitches I would
think, nothing too serious to worry
about.
It was a really tough game against a
strong team. How did it feel to you?
I think the conditions were a leveller
and the playing surface perhaps didn't
suit us as a team, but we won a league
playing on pitches like that in the
counties so we can't put too much blame
on that. ey seemed to want it that
little bit more than us from the kick off -
maybe it was down to the lack of
warming up facilities but we didn't quite
get started quick enough. Now we move
on as it’s a long season.
A bit of a change of formation, with the
wide players being sacrificed in favour of
some more strength. It's hard to tell
if it was working, as Gaskell went
off so early - what were your
thoughts on the starting
lineup, what we were trying to
achieve, and whether it
seemed to be working.
e gaffer decided to make changes
due to the size and condition of the
pitch. Every player in the changing room
knows the lads brought in have as high a
quality as those they were replacing. I
think the gaffers made the changes to
battle a notoriously physical team and if
Gaskell would have stayed on then who
knows what would have happened. As a
player I have 100% confidence in both
mangers’ decisions. I don't think we
would be competing in this league with
out tough decisions made by them. And
I speak for all the lads in the changing
room on that.
Workington last Tuesday were also a
strong and organised side, albeit with
little flare or creativity. ese are the
kinds of teams that we always used to
struggle against and face less often
nowadays. Do you think this week's blip
is simply down to that?
You could be right, but I think the
reason we remember the games like
Tuesday and Saturday is because of the
high standard we have set as a team and
as a club -we can live up to that because
we have the talent. In August if we would
have been offered 4th in league come
November we would have taken it. I'm
confident we can rough it with these
types of teams so I don't fear we lack the
ability to beat those who play that way.
grant shentonshouting from between the sticks
p
With the pressure mounting on us
to maintain our position in the league
is it nice, or just a distraction to have
a couple of cup games on the
bounce?
Playing games is good
whether it's cup or league.
winning becomes a habit so two
cup wins will be good to takes
us into the next league game.
So I hoping for a couple of good
cup runs.
Personally I think that
tonight's opposition will prove
tougher than Nantwich on
Saturday, due to the different styles
of football and the likelihood that
West Didsbury and Chorlton will
be out to prove themselves. What
do you reckon will be the tougher tie?
It's an element of the unknown
tonight so could prove to be a difficult
game whereas on Saturday we knew
what they were about and how to
approach that game. ere aren't
many easy games in the cup so we will
treat both games with the same level
of professionalism.
If either game goes to penalties, are
you allowed to take all five?
If it goes to pens my hand will be
raised high. But all five? I wish I'd
back my self every time but all lads
will just roll their eyes as they are
getting bored of my “I'm best
striker in changing room” story.
at being said I'd much
prefer to save a few rather
than scoring one.
p
Even Robbo struggled to find a way through
p
At the final whistle the home crowd drafted away
content with the thought that this was very much a
point gained rather than two lost against a team who
gave by far the most classy ,compact and complete
performance that the Rams have come up against so far
this season. e Rams were not at their best. Like Les
Dawson at the piano playing all the right notes but in
the wrong order they struggled from first to last to bring
any harmony or cohesion to their game but it is to their
immense credit that where has in times past once
behind they might have capitulated to a team of this
quality hey battled to grab the point in the dying
moments.
Both teams set up in similar ways and quick into the
tackle all around the pitch so it is not surprising that the
flow of the game was sporadic and chances few and far
between at either end. e nearest either team came to
scoring in a largely uneventful first half was when a snap
shot on to the bar caught Grant Shenton unawares and
he was fortunate to see the rebound put wide. Apart
from that with both sets of fullbacks dominant neither
team was able to get behind the defence or runners
beyond the front men and while the Rams had the
majority of the possession little came of it.
at pattern continued in to the second half and what
few illusions remained that ultimately this might be
another comfortable evening in the Riverside armchair
were blown away on the hour when Scott Allison
ghosted in on a header back and pushed the ball past a
stranded Shenton into the corner of the net.
1 - 1e Harry Williams Riverside Stadium
4th November2014
Att: 250
Rammy Goals: Hulme (82)
Workington Goals: Allison (57)
p
Cedric politely asks Lee Pugh for the ball
p
e managerial reponse from the Rams was immediate
with Lee Gaskell and Jon Robinson on to see if they
could muster a repeat of the Whitby heroics.
Workington however stiffened their resolve, pushed up
into an even higher defensive line and marshaled and
lead superbly by player manager Gavin Skelton
prevented the Rams from building any sustained
momentum. Jordan Hulme cutting in from the left saw
his strong shot beaten away by Jonny Jameson but the
Workington keeper was otherwise rarely troubled and
looking assured apart from some hairy moments
caused by his own poor clearances.
Sheer willpower from the Rams eventually forced the
visitors on to the back foot. With 7 minutes remaining
Jordan Hulme met a Lee Gaskell header from a Tom
Williams corner at the far post and slid the ball in from
close range but at the most acute of angles for the
equaliser. ere were thoughts of an improbable win
but with the visitors looking just as likely to score again
on the break the final whistle brought a sense of
relief.Come the end of the season and with the Rams
now up to third this result if not the performance may
well be seen of not inconsiderable importance.
1 - 1e Harry Williams Riverside Stadium
4th November2014
Att: 250
Rammy Goals: Hulme (82)
Workington Goals: Allison (57)
p
p
A lesson in how to defend - Workington put ten men behind the ball
p
west didsbury & chorltonwho are ya?
West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC have
come a long way in their 105 years since 1908
when the club was founded as Christ Church
A.F.C. by Mr R F Hartley, a Sunday School
Superintendent at the church on Princess
Parkway, West Didsbury.
West played friendlies at first and then in the
Manchester Alliance League until the First
World War 1914. After the War the club
joined the Lancashire and Cheshire League for
the 1920/21 season and had to change its
name to West Didsbury AFC, as that League
did not permit a name suggesting association
with any other body. e club was placed in
Divisions 1 and A, staying in the top flight for
25 seasons. e first honours were double
runners up in Div One and Rhodes Cup in
1922/23, and the club remained in the L+C
League until 2006, winning many honours and
providing four League Presidents along the
way.
e club changed its name in 2003 to reflect
the new location in Chorlton and the was
elected to the Manchester League in 2006. In
2007/8 West won its first Manchester League
silverware lifting the Murray Shield in the last
game of the centenary year. at team was the
nucleus of the previously successful junior
team and the following season 2008/09 West
just missed promotion to the Premier Division
and again reached the Murray Shield Final.
With a new management team led by Andy
Nelson, 2009/10 was very successful and
honours spread throughout the club. e first
team won the Murray Shield (the third
consecutive year in the final) and was league
runners-up.
In 2010/2011 the first team won the
Manchester League First Division title in style
with a fantastic 65 points out of 72 possible.
is ranks as one of the highest points totals
per game in Manchester League history dating
back over a century.
Further improvements saw floodlights
erected in 2011 to meet FA requirements and
West competed in the FA Vase for the first
time in 2011-2012 as a Step seven club.
Election to the NWCFL followed in June 2012
and the club had an incredible first season
winning the Division One Trophy, finishing in
3rd position after an amazing run in during
March and April to secure promotion and
also winning a guaranteed FA Cup place.
2013-14 promises to be another testing
season as the club adjusts to life in the NWCFL
Premier Division, improves its spectator
facilities, adds new grass pitches and youth
teams as part of its development plan, and
aims for long term consolidation and stability
at this level whilst remaining as a volunteer
run, ‘not for profit’ club.
e first few months of the season have
been ‘full on’ with two games a week most
weeks since mid July and the same intensity
and frequency of games in the NWCFL
Premier Division since 3rd August. Another
historic milestone was the 2-0 victory over
Abbey Hey in the club’s first ever appearance
in the FA Cup followed by a 2-1 first ever FA
Vase victory at NCEL Rossington in mid
September.
p
p
p
RICK GLEAVE (Midfield) - A 25 year old
Electrical Engineer who began his career at
Manchester City, and has since played at
Blackburn Rovers, Rochdale, Formby, Leigh
Genesis and most recently Curzon Ashton. For
Liverpool he plays Futsal, which is very much
like five-a-side but with a smaller ball. is
makes him a tricky midfielder who is very
capable in tight play situations.
CHRIS McDONAGH (Forward) - Rammy fans
will remember Chris McDonagh from his time
at Curzon Ashton. It’s almost exactly a year
since his jaw was broked in a collision with the
Salford City keeper, requiring surgery and a
metal plate to be inserted into his face. His
former clubs include Bolton Wanderers, Leigh
RMI, Woodley Sports and Mossley. He’s
currently banging in a decent number of goals
for West Didsbury & Chorlton, and is a big
threat.
SCOTT MASON (Midfield) - A teacher now in
his second season for the club after starting out
at Bolton Wanderers and playing for Leigh,
Cammell Laids and Irlam after a short break
from the game. Normally a defender, Mason
was asked to play in midfield for West Didsbury
and Chorlton, and has really made the position
his own.
STEVE SETTLE (Defender) - Steve is 31-year-old
assistant manager and utility player with
experience of playing at a number of Evostik
clubs, including Witton, Mossley, Curzon
Ashton and Bamber Bridge, as well as time at
Leigh. Since joining the club last season, Steve
has been learning the managerial ropes and is
looking to ultimately further his career off the
pitch. On the pitch he is a ‘jack of all trades’
who is comfortable in just about any position.
fou
r to
wat
ch
Photos courtesy of John Churchman
p
back in 2009rammy v nelson in the
Lancashire Cup
Richard has kindly loaned us a stack of
Rammy United programmes going back
through his award-winning reign as
programme editor. While flicking through
these we came across the Lancashire Cup
programme for Rammy v Nelson back on
22nd September 2009. We’d just beaten Bacup
3-0 in front of a bumper 93 crowd up at Cow
Toot Lane, and were a month on from the
infamous 5-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle
Town - the first game for new young
management duo Bernard Morley and
Anthony Johnson (a defeat which still reigns
supreme as our worst under their
stewardship!). e team-sheet lists among its
number the recent signings of Joel Pilkington,
Phil Dean, Jon Robinson and Andy Dawson as
well as club stalwarts such as Barry
Shuttleworth and John Blackley. Someone
called Anthony Johnson was top scorer, with
40-year-old non-league legend Barry Massey
still limping his way through matches for the
Rams.
I’ve never been a fan of those ‘25 years
ago today’ features that you get in
football programmes up and
down the country - mainly
because I’ve never heard of any
of the players - but this
programme is a real gem, and
I’d like to take the liberty of
reproducing some bits of it here.
I hope you find it interesting.
p
p
p
p
p
p
1. Before changing to Cantilever park, what was the name of
Warrington Town’s ground?
2. Whch team knocked Morecambe out of the FA Cup?
3. What is the suffix of Norton & Stockton?
4. Who has been named as the new top man at the Football
Conference?
5. Name the manager placed on “gardening leave” by Lincoln City
6. What colours do Chelmsford City play in?
7. Which club plays at Queensgate?
8. What is so unusual about Q7’s answer?
9. Who is the manager of Goole AFC?
10. Which Welsh club plays at e Rock?
ANSWERS: 1. Loushers lane 2. Dover Athletic 3. Ancients 4. Brian Barwick 5. Gary Simpson 6. Maroon and white
7. Scarborough 8. It’s in Bridlington not Scarborough! 9. Curtis Woodhouse 10. Cefn Druids
tony’s teasers
�
�
�������������� ��
���� ��������������� ��������������� ��� ��� ��������������
����������������
�������������� ��������������������������������������������
�������������� �����
�������������������� ��
��� !"#$%&#'()*%+"$,)% -).�
��������������� ����������������� ���������������� ��� ���� ������������
������ ������ ��������������������� �� ���������������� ��� �� ���!����������
����"�# �����""����� �� ���������� $� ����"�# ������%��� ������ ������������
������""������"�"������
�������������� ��������%��� ������ ������ ���������������������� �� �� # ����������
������ ���������������$�����#��#������� #��� ���������"�����������$$�� ����&���
�$"������""������������������ ���������������$$ ���������"���� �������� ��
�����" ��������#�������'��
��������������� �����������������������������������������
p
p
Sat 16th Aug H KING’S LYNN TOWN 2-3 322 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer Howson PriestleyTues 19th Aug A Workington 0-1 415 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer * Howson PriestleySat 23rd Aug A Rushall Olympic 4-2 161 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer * Howson PriestleyMon 25th Aug H NANTWICH TOWN 1-4 365 Shenton Smalley Abadaki * Spencer + Howson PriestleySat 30th Aug A FC United of Manchester 1-3 1917 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Spencer Howson WarrenderTues 2nd Sept H MARINE 3-2 250 Shenton Smalley + Pilkington Spencer Howson 1 KrouSat 6th Sept H STAMFORD 3-1 357 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Spencer + Howson 1 WarrenderWed 10th Sept A Whitby Town 0-2 265 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Spencer Howson WarrenderSat 13th Sept A Buxton FAC 1Q 2-3 261 Shenton Smalley Pilkington # Spencer Howson Warrender +Tues 16th Sept H WITTON ALBION 3-2 231 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Spencer * Howson Krou 1Sat 20th Sept A Ilkeston 4-2 422 Shenton Smalley Pugh Spencer * Howson Krou 1Tues 23rd Sept H CURZON ASHTON 1-1 309 Shenton Grayson * Pugh Spencer 1 Howson KrouSat 27th Sept A Frickley Athletic 2-4 215 Shenton Pilkington Grayson + Stopforth Howson KrouSat 4th Oct A Trafford 1-0 294 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouSat 11th Oct H BELPER TOWN 4-2 371 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Stopforth Howson KrouSat 18th Oct H BUXTON 2-0 470 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Stopforth Howson KrouTues 21st Oct H WHITBY TOWN 4-0 237 Shenton Smalley Pilkington Stopforth Howson KrouSat 25th Oct A Marine 3-1 366 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson 2 RobinsonSat 1st Nov A Whitby Town FAT 1Q 2-1 233 Shenton Smalley * Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouTues 4th Nov H WORKINGTON 1-1 250 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouSat 8th Nov A Halesowen Town 0-2 358 Shenton Smalley Pugh Stopforth Howson KrouTues 11th Nov H WEST DIDS Lancs CupSat 15th Nov A Nantwich FAT 2QTues 18th Nov A Witton AlbionSat 22nd Nov H GRANTHAM TOWNTues 25th Nov H BURSCOUGH Lg CupSat 29th Nov H BARWELLSat 6th Dec A Matlock TownSat 13th Dec H RUSHALL OLYMPICSat 20th Dec A King’s Lynn TownFri 26th Dec H ASHTON UNITEDSun 28th Dec H SKELMERSDALEThu 1st Jan A Nantwich TownSat 3rd Jan A Curzon AshtonSat 10th Jan H TRAFFORDSat 17th Jan A Belper TownSat 24th Jan H FRICKLEY ATHLETICSat 31st Jan A BuxtonSat 7th Feb H BLYTH SPARTANSSat 14th Feb A StamfordSat 21st Feb A StourbridgeSat 28th Feb H ILKESTONSat 7th March A Skelmersdale UnitedSat 14th March H STOURBRIDGESat 28th March A Grantham TownSat 4th April H FC UNITED OF MCRMon 6th April A Ashton UnitedSat 11th April H HALESOWEN TOWNSat 18th April A BarwellSat 25th April H MATLOCK TOWN
Tonight’s Lancashire Trophy Fixtures:
Bamber Bridge v Kendal
Clitheroe v Nelson
Radcliffe v AthertonCollieries
Doodson Cup (with NPL Premier teams involved):
Ashton v Salford
Belper v Grantham
Blyth v Frickley
Coalville v Stamford
Droylsden v Trafford
Kings Lynn v Lincoln
Matlock v Ilkeston
Nantwich v Stourbridge
Newcastle v Halesowen
Norton/Tividale v Stafford
Prescot v Buxton
Rushall v Chasetown
Witton v Kidsgrove
Workington v Skelmersdale
fixtures & results 2014/15
p
Hulme 1 Burton Gaskell Robinson 1* Dean + Pilkington Slaven Abadaki + Ahmadi * CookHulme Burton Gaskell Robinson + Dean # Pilkington * Slaven + Abadaki Ahmadi # CookHulme 1+ Burton Robinson 1# Pilkington Dean 2 Abadaki * Slaven + Ahmadi # Cook WilliamsHulme Burton Robinson 1 Pilkington Dean Williams Slaven Cook * Krou + Morley
Warrender Abadaki + Slaven Robinson * Hulme 1# Dean Williams + Krou * Cook # Morley JohnsonAbadaki Burton * Slaven 1 Hulme 1 Dean # Williams # Robinson * Cook + Morley Johnson
Warrender Abadaki Burton Slaven * Hulme 1# Dean 1 Williams + Robinson # Cook Morley Krou *Warrender Abadaki Burton Slaven + Krou Dean Mota + Cook Williams Johnson MorleyWarrender + Abadaki Burton Krou Hulme Dean * Mota * Williams + Pugh # Johnson Morley
Abadaki Burton Mota # Hulme 2 Dean + Pugh Williams # Irwin Slaven * Cook +Abadaki + Burton 1 Pilkington Hulme 1 Williams 1# Dean + Mota # Irwin Slaven * CookAbadaki # Stopforth Pilkington Hulme Williams + Burton + Dean * Mota Robinson # CookMota 1* Burton Spencer Hulme Robinson 1# Williams * Cook + Dean # Morley AbadakiAbadaki * Burton Mota + Hulme Spencer # Robinson 1# Williams + Slaven Pilkington Dean *Abadaki 1 * Burton Hulme # Spencer + Dean 2 Williams * Mota Slaven Robinson 1+ Gaskell #Abadaki 1 * Burton Hulme Spencer # Dean 1 + Williams + Mota * Slaven Robinson # PughAbadaki + Burton Hulme 1# Spencer * Dean 1 Williams * Mota Gaskell + Robinson #1 PughAbadaki 1 Pilkington * Hulme Spencer # Dean + Williams + Mota # Gaskell Slaven * PiacentileAbadaki # Burton Hulme + Spencer 1 Dean Williams Mota Gaskell # Robinson + Pilkington *Abadaki + Burton Hulme 1 Spencer * Dean # Pilkington Williams # Mota Gaskell + Robinson *Robinson # Burton Hulme Gaskell * Pilkington + Dean + Abadaki # Spencer * Mota Piacentile
fixtures & results 2014/15
p
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 magnificent prize!
p
p
Lee P
ughLee P
ugh
p
p
rammy in exilesky sports statto richard isaacs
Good evening one and all - hope you are
all well, as ever.
It maybe with a sigh of relief to know
that I am not at tonight's game! I am
beginning to wonder whether I am
becoming some kind of Jonah to the
Ramsbottom United cause and maybe I
will be better served peering over the
fence to watch the team rather than
standing on the terraces.
Having won the previous six games and
been crowned Club of the Month, I decide
to rock up for the Workington game for
my birthday and see us preside over a
difficult 1-1 draw and then, en route back
to Southampton on Saturday afternoon,
peeled off at junction 3 of the M5 to
ensure a very tough 90 minutes at
Halesowen. So, is it me? If we go on to
win tonight's game, maybe I should
postpone my next planned excursion up
north - which is going to be Saturday at
Nantwich in the FA Trophy.
However, this was the first time that I
have had a chance to sample the delights
that are a Rammy away day. And
what a cracking day it was too
(result apart). We drove down and got
to the outskirts of Halesowen for
about 2pm. I called Little Katie to find
out where everyone was and was
directed in by a lovely local lady who
was sat with the Rammy crowd.
ank you very much for your help
getting us there.
What a brilliant pub! e Waggon &
Horses, an extremely rustic pub which you
would fully expect to be full of local folk
suddenly became Rammy Ultras HQ. It
was such a brilliant pub that it actually
sloped down with the hill that it was on
in the confines of the establishment.
Superb ... you are actually trying to stand
up at the bar without sliding down!!!
en the short drive to the ground and
the match itself. I loved it - the
atmosphere at away games is fantastic
although, given the situation of the game
and in an atmosphere that reminded me
so much of a match we played at New
Mills a number of years ago (I think it was
the one we got smashed 5-1 in), it was still
terrific fun singing, shouting, chanting and
swearing alongside Darren, Carlsberg,
Paul, Joanne, Katie and Andy and
everyone else whose names escape me.
It is such a delight to see our fan base
growing like it is. Back in the dark old days
of crowds of Bacup size, the only person
shouting would be me. Now, there is a
real family atmosphere, lots of singing, lots
of songs (Sheep said No Rammy, sheep
said noooooooooo etc) and a great, fun,
enjoyable time to be had. Even Harry gets
involved (ere's only one Harry Williams
... followed normally by ank **** for
that!!!!!!).
And then home afterwards. In fact, I
was home from the game before the
Rammy fun bus (which I am guessing
p
wasn't a huge amount of fun on Saturday
night) got back to Rammy. But, I had an
amazing day of it and am looking
forward to the next one, on Saturday - if
I am allowed to come.
And so it is back to work at home,
watching the India v Sri Lanka one-day
international on the TV and listening to
the bands playing for Rememberance
Sunday just about 400 yards away from
my flat in Watts Park, where
Southampton's Cenetaph is situated.
Had a really enjoyable trip north once
again - my second home! Pleasant dinner
on Wednesday in Derby then the sadness
of the funeral for Alan West, the
Lancashire County Cricket Club scorer,
on ursday which was fantastically
attended by a great many people,
including Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff and
the tv and radio commentator John
Gwynne amongst many others from the
world of cricket, both county and
Lancashire League.
Friday was a little day of shopping,
including visiting Bury Market and
Oswaldtwistle Mills (for their brilliant
'Slimmers Choice' sausages) and then
down to the superb fireworks display
across the other side of the fence. What
a superb occasion that was, with a good
number of people attending and
enjoying the rockets and whizz-bangs!
I just don't know what it is about the
place but as soon as you see the sign at
junction 1 of the M66 and you see the
town from high on the hill as you drive
down towards it, there is a certain sense
of pride, of happiness that it feels like you
are coming 'home'.
Because Ramsbottom is home. My
football home!
ose heady Northwest Counties days - when
even e Bacup Fan wouldn’t pay to get in!
p
p
p
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.
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.
Dominic SMALLEY
Grant SHENTON Grant SPENCER
ram
my
unite
dm
eet t
he la
ds
p
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.
Wing man Tom came on as a sub in the play-
off game for our opponents Bamber Bridge.
e Rams management team acted swiftly
in the summer to bring him down to
Ramsbottom
Former Burnley professional player who is a
model of consistency, wherever he is picked.
A previous Player of the Year award-winner,
Joel is a firm favourite with the fans at the
Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, and has
played over 200 games for the club.
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.
Steve HOWSON Joel PILKINGTON
Scott BURTONTom WILLIAMS
p
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 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.
Signed at the end of August 2011 from
Manchester League side Walshaw Sports and
has taken his opportunity with some relish.
Last season the 29 year old won the Golden
Boot accolade for being the highest scorer in
the Division One North.
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.
Jon ROBINSON Lee GASKELL
Phil DEAN Jordan HULME
p
Having spent time at University, the
youngster spent last season with Shepshed
Dynamo before moving back to the north-
west, where joint-managers Bernard Morley
and Anthony Johnson snapped him up for
the Rams.
e speedy wingman joined the Rams at the
beginning of the 2014/15 season, having
spent the previous campaign at fellow Evo-
Stik Premier club Nantwich Town.
Joined the Rams in the summer of 2014, this
midfield player spent last season as a
member of the struggling Droylsden side
which changed places with e Rams at the
end of the campaign.
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.
Sam COOK Malachi SLAVEN
Osebi ABADAKI Cedric KROU
p
A 24-year old forward player who signed for
the Rams in the middle of September.
Previously with FC United of Manchester
and Salford City. Prior to that he had spells
at Niort, Lilas, DH Saint-Maur and Paris DC
in France, as well as Tercera in Spain.
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.
Nelson MOTA Alex PIACENTILE
A 20 year old player who joined from
Conference side Tamworth early in the
2014/15 season. George is a highly rated full-
back capable of playing on either flank,
giving the Rams additional defensive
flexibility.
John is the goalkeeping coach at
Ramsbottom, and was formerly manager at
NWCFL side Maine Road, where he
constantly had them pushing for promotion.
George GRAYSONJohn MORREY
p
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-offs into the
Evo-Stik Premier League in May 2014.
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.
Anthony JOHNSON Bernard MORLEY
A highly respected coach who has
experience at all levels of the game, from
local football with Walshaw to League One
time at Bury. Highly respected coach and a
coup for the club to have secured him. Also
a holder of a UEFA B Coaches badge.
Darren GREEN
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.
Glenn MOSES
p
2 - 0e Grove
8th November 2014
Att: 358
Rammy Goals:
Halesowen Goals: Christie (13), Turner (42)
p
is was a bad day in the depths of the
Black Country for the Rams who saw their
unbeaten run going back to the balmy
days of September brought to a pretty
unceremonious end. Any suggestion that
they are punching above their weight in
terms of league position would be
subjected to no little and quite justified
dispute. However what is beyond doubt is
that in practical as distinct from allegorical
terms there is no doubt that they are not
a physically imposing teams, and it is
significant that all of their less impressive
performances to date have been against
bigger and stronger opponents, such as
Halesown.
Perhaps sensing the nature of the
challenge in front of them on a heavy pitch
the Rams adopted a different approach
from previous matches favouring the
triple strike force of Hulme Robinson and
Gaskell, which had served them well in the
closing stages of the previous two
matches, rather than the wide threat of
Abadaki and Dean, and bringing in the
relatively more muscular Pilkington in
place of Spencer. Whether that strategy
might have worked over 90 minutes will
never now be known due to Lee Gaskell
receiving a nasty head wound and having
to be substituted after 20 minutes. e
question might be open to debate as by
then the Rams were already a goal down,
Iseyden Christie, the vastly experienced
Halesowen number 9, having seized on an
under hit back pass from Jon Robinson
which stuck on the heavy surface and
calmly slotting past Grant Shenton.
e home team were adept at denying
the Rams mid field any time or space,
often double stacking markers on Gary
Stopforth and Scott Burton, hurrying and
harrying them in rare moments of
possession and preventing the full backs
from making any forward progress beyond
the half way line to provide attacks with
width. e closest and indeed only time
the Rams came to scoring in the first
period was a firm shot from Jordan Hulme,
well tipped over by Matt Sargeant but any
hope that would mark the first buds of a
renaissance were snuffed out moments
later when Christie found space on the left
against an isolated Lee Pugh and put in a
low cross turned in at close range by Elliott
Turner.
e situation was as bleak as the
surroundings but the Rams are as
indefatigable as their boisterous hard core
group of travelling fans. ere was a spark
of hope at a revival just short of the hour
when Grant Spencer drilled home from
close range but his sheepish glance at the
linesman served only to confirm the flag
for offside. Halesowen continued to
exploit the Rams weakness to strong
running onto long diagonal balls - Grant
Shenton doing well to twice deny Christie,
first dropping on a close range effort and
then saving a firm shot with his feet. By
this stage the Rams had reverted to the
wide approach and with the home team
looking to be running out of steam and
resorting to hoofed kicks out of the
ground as their prime defensive move it
looked that if they could grab a goal a
second might follow. e ball simply
refused to fall or bounce kindly in the box
and Sargeant was safe and secure on the
few occasions they managed to get a firm
shot on target and the threat petered out.
After the match there was comment that
it was men against boys. It was certainly
all a bit like Marciano against opponents
several stone heavier - brave but ultimately
bloodied.
p
“Giant soullessplastic stadiumwith a crap pitch”
p
e giant corporate box that is Wembley came under fire again
this week, with Roy Hodgson raising the issue of the pitch having
to face an NFL match just six days before England play a crucial
Euro 2016 qualifier. Sunday's match between Jacksonville Jaguars
and Dallas Cowboys was the third NFL match at Wembley this
year and yet another money-raiser to help pay for the “Giant,
soulless plastic stadium with a crap pitch,” as one tweeter so
eloquently put it before spending three hours queueing for a tube
train to ferry him back into central London.
"I don't really think you could expect me to say 'excellent,
delighted, well done'," said Hodgson. "If I was asked if it was a
good thing or not, I would have to say not."
e pitch was repeatedly re-laid during Fabio Capello’s reign, at
a cost of £90,000 a time, after Capello gave the F.A. a piece of his
mind regarding its condition, and things haven’t improved since
then. In fact, as well as an NFL game five days before England play
their last Euro 2006 qualifier next year, the pitch will have faced
two Rugby World Cup ties as well as the Rugby League Challenge
Cup final.
ere’s no doubting that rugby takes its toll on a football pitch,
but at least Wembley has incredible drainage as well as a team of
highly-trained groundsmen. In the photo on this page you can
see that before the teams have even left the pitch (though
admittedly, the corporate suits are already tucking into their
prawn sandwiches) - you can count no fewer than thirteen
groundsmen going at the far penalty area with forks.
After last Tuesday’s game again Workington, Harry and his band
of loyal Men With Forks, spent virtually all day on the pitch, and
only managed to replace the divots on about a quarter of it. A
heck of a lot of work goes into keeping our pitch in better shape
than Wembley’s, and Harry, Trevor, Jack etc do an incredible job.
...and so, the appeal goes out... if you can spare even as little as
an hour of your time to help Harry look after our fantastic ground
then please get yourself down with a fork any day of the week
from 11am and help give him a lift.
Meanwhile, enjoy tonight’s match, played in a characterful, soul-
filled stadium with a fantastic pitch!
p
e Halloween weekend saw e Rams
drawn to play away in the Goth Capital of
the World against Whitby Town, and after
a suggestion by Peter ‘Captain’ Tayloron the
forum, it was designated as Wizard Hat Day
for the travelling Ultras. As the lovely, little
town of Whitby was also hosting the Goth
Weekend we had decided we would join in
the spooky shenanigans and the week
before saw the fans forum full of posts with
people trying to work out what others
would be wearing.
It was an early start for the coach trip up
to North Yorkshire, with the fans keeping
their outfits out of sight until we reached
our destination. It was an unusually sunny,
warm day for the time of year and the
atmosphere on the coach reflected the
weather with everyone in good spirits (pun
intended). Like our previous trip to Whitby
earlier in the season, the 2 ½ hour trip
passed quickly and we arrived at the
ground not long
after midday, which
was the green light
for people to
change into their
Halloween outfits.
So, as we started to
make the short
walk into the
centre we had the
sight of Andy
‘Gandalf’ Massey and his better half, Hilary
‘e Ice Queen’ Massey and Steve ‘e
Scream’ Heard, in amongst the Wizard Hat
Brigade. I had opted for a grotesque, rubber
rams head and soon we were fitting in
nicely with the thousands in the town
centre.
Our first port of call was down by the
harbour where we found a chippy to
sample some of the world famous Whitby
fish and chips. After queueing for quite a
while we were sat outside tucking into our
fayre and watching a whole host of ghosts,
ghouls and goths walk by which created a
wonderful atmosphere in the town. After
finishing our food we made our way to a
little pub nearby which was serving the
local Samuel Smiths beers at a more than
value for money £1.80 a pint which meant
that it was a very, merry group of Rammy
Ultras who made their way back to ground
a hour or so later. e highlight of our visit
to this nice, little pub (apart from the price
of the beer) was when a group of
Darlington supporters (on their way to
Scarborough for their game) came in and
immediately went back out due to it being
“full of bloody Ramsbottom fans” (Darlo,
we know you are a MASSIVE club who
should be in the Premier League and
Champions League, but you really do have
to get over that play-off defeat to our ‘tiny’
team)
from the darksidedarren comer reports on the latest
rammy ultras adventures
p
from the darkside
We got on the ground in time to cheer
the lads out onto the pitch and we all
gathered together down the side that
Rammy were attacking in the 1st half. e
players seemed to be really up for the
game and set about the Whitby defence
from the opening minute and it was no
surprise when Spenner opened the scoring
after 15 minutes. I would like to describe
the goal, but I was in the toilet at the time
and completely missed it (damn you,
Samuel Smith and your £1.80 pints)
Despite the early goal and almost total
dominance by the Rams they could not
build on the lead, mainly due to the 19
year old, Shane Bland in the Whitby goal
and don’t be surprised if you see him
playing much higher up the football
pyramid pretty soon. Blands heroics and a
Whitby equaliser on one of their rare
attacks meant that we had plenty to
ponder over in the club house at half time.
It was a much improved Whitby who
came out for the 2nd half and the game
could have gone either way. e various
spooks in the travelling support had made
their way to other end of the ground and
were still making plenty of noise and
willing the lads to get that winning goal in
match that was really on a knife-edge. at
is until 20 minutes from time when a
stroke of genius by Jonno and Bernard saw
Rammy change formation with Gassy and
Robbo coming on to join Jordan in a 3
pronged attack. After this it was all attack
from the lads and again only Bland in the
Whitby goal keeping us from snatching a
winning goal.
Still got a cob on! - Darlington fans blaming everyone but themselves six months ago
p
en, just as we were planning for a replay
the following Tuesday, Robbo managed to
get through to snatch an injury time winner.
is was the cue for pandemonium on the
terraces from the Ultras and many
complaints from the Whitby support about
an offside decision that never came.
Back in the Whitby club bar after the game
the mood was excellent with players, staff
and support celebrating a much deserved
progression into the next round and
dreaming of silverware down at e
Riverside by the season’s end. e Whitby
sponsors gave out their Man of the Match
awards and although there were a few
contenders from the Rammy team, it was a
well-deserved choice of Gaz Stopforth,
which was quite ironic as the Whitby
manager had accused him of cheating to get
a player sent off in our recent league clash
with them. As Gaz went up to collect his
award the Rammy supporters started a
chant of “cheat…
cheat…..cheat”
and justice was
clearly seen to be
done.
We were back on
the coach by 6.00,
and after a quick
beer and snacks
stop at the local
Costcutter, we
were soon making our way back to
Lancashire.
e journey home saw the debut of
Darkside’s Big Quiz where yours truly took
to the microphone to ask a range of
questions to determine who the
Mastermind of Rammy United was. As it
turned out this was Jonno and Glenn,
closely followed by Shents and Whizz, and
Tim and Steve ‘e Scream’ Heard, and I
don’t think Jonno will let any of us forget
who won for a long
time yet. A special
mention for poor
Sophie who was
partnered by
Chairman Harry for
the quiz as he had
fallen asleep before
the first round had
even finished. e
quiz helped the
journey home go by
quickly and the
usual suspects were
soon back at the
Cricket Club for a
couple more pints
before making our
weary, but merry
way home.
COYR!
from the darksidedarren comer reports on the latest
rammy ultras adventures
p
from the darkside
A big smile from Harry and Sophie as Robbo plants his face in Spencer’s Mercurial bosum
p
Nothing brings home to me just how
far Rammy has come in the last few years
than looking down some of the names,
and particularly attendances, in the
Northwest Counties League. I spent a
little while researching West Didsbury
and Chorlton for this programme as, to
be completely frank, I’ve never heard of
them, and have certainly never been to
their ground. (I hope that any West
Didsbury & Chorlton fans reading this will
forgive me my ignorance).at’s when I
got onto a bit of a trip down memory lane
- remembering that great day down at
Barnoldswick when we had the team with
watching the game from the touchline,
or the horrendous Christmas visit to
Squires Gate when ‘Beast’ had to take the
field, and Gaskell was at home watching
a dvd with his girlfriend!
ose days don’t seem so long ago - the
days when Barnoldswick was a tough
place to go, and when Glossop North End
outnumbered the Rammy fans massively.
Now, as I’m looking down the
attendances of 85, 26, and the
enormous 153 at Bacup v
the might of Runcorn
Linnets, I get more than
a little bit dizzy. at
was us three seasons
ago. We’re now getting
between 400 and 500
crowds at the Riverside,
and we’re holding our own at
places like Ilkeston and Workington.
We’ve left Runcorn Linnets, Warrington
Town, Salford City, Burscough and
Darlington behind, and are even ahead of
FC United in the table - who are
desperately trying to nick our players and
management!
Now that I’m not so ignorant of the
history of West Didsbury & Chorlton, I
can see a club that is probably feeling a
little like we are - looking back on a
history in the Manchester League and
thinking, “Blimey, we’re doing it fellas!” I
can see a club that has the makings of
something special and could just find
themselves clawing out of the Northwest
Counties League (which is the only way to
do it, I’m afraid), before going on like us,
Salford, Trafford, Mossley, New Mills and
the rest, to begin the climb up the
pyramid. From reading the stuff that
they’re getting up to, it looks like they’re
a club with their heads screwed on, and
maybe just have the ambition and
wherewithall to do it.
In my opinion, tonight is not a nice
game for us. We have a lot going on in the
league that really needs our focus, and I’m
just hoping that tonight is entertaining,
without any unnecessary aggravation or
injuries.
I hope everyone enjoys tonight’s match,
and that we get to see an entertaining
game with a hatful of goals.
supporters clubon the terraces of rammy
p
Cow Toot Lane back when
Gaskell’s shorts didn’t fit and
he wore a headband
p
Grant SHENTON
Dominic SMALLEY
Joel PILKINGTON
Gary STOPFORTH
Steve HOWSON
Cedric KROU
Osebi ABADAKI
Scott BURTON
Jordan HULME
Grant SPENCER
Phil DEAN
Jon ROBINSON
Malachi SLAVEN
Tom WILLIAMS
Lee GASKELL
Lee PUGH
Sam COOK
George GRAYSON
Jordan HITCHEN
Callum JONES
Scott JONES
Matthew ECKERSLEY
Alex BAIRD
Anthony POTTS
Adam HILTON
Rick GLEAVE
Danny SUMMERS
Chris McDONAGH
Scott MASON
Lewis SCHOFIELD
Steve SETTLE
Frasier CHILD
Sam DEE
Luke LUNDY
Managers: Anthony Johnson,
Bernard Morley
Manager: Andy Nelson
Referee: Craig Buxton
Referee’s Assistants: David Mason, Ian Walsh
Next home game: Saturday 22nd November 3pm, Rammy v Grantham Town
please fold and trim carefully, as this will become part of a 16pp booklet
IT EVENWORKSUNDERWATER
please fold and trim carefully, as this will become part of a 16pp booklet
please fold and trim carefully, as this will become part of a 16pp booklet
please fold and trim carefully, as this will become part of a 16pp booklet
please fold and trim carefully, as this will become part of a 16pp booklet
please fold and trim carefully, as this will become part of a 16pp booklet
Financial PlanningDesigned For
YOUR LIFESTYLE
Northern Star Financial Management Limited
52 Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, Lancashire,BL0 9HX
on 01706 822622
For a confidential initial
one to one at our expense
please contact us...
Professional Financial Planning here in Ramsbottom.
Designed F
inancial PlanningFFinancial Planning
orDesigned Financial Planning
inancial Planninginancial Planning
please contact us...
at our eone to one
or a confidential initialF
LIFESTYLEOURYDesigned F
please contact us...
xpense at our e
or a confidential initial
LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLELIFESTYLELIFESTYLE
amsbottom.in Planning here
rofessional FP
please contact us...
thernstarifa.co.ukadvice@nor
01706 822622on
Planning hereinancialrofessional Frofessional Financial
please contact us...
thernstarifa.co.uk
01706 822622
amsbottom.Rin
amsbottom.
52 Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, Lancashire,BL0 9HX
inancial Management Limitedn Star FtherNor
52 Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, Lancashire,BL0 9HX
inancial Management Limited
please fold and trim carefully, as this will become part of a 16pp booklet
pplease fold and trim carefully, as this will become part of a 16pp booklet
BUILDERS
SWEARBY IT !
THE STRONGEST
ADHESIVEYOU CAN BUY!