Download - 39 Ramsbottom United v Belper Town
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prammynewsv BELPER TOWN11-10-14
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glenn
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Good afternoon and welcome to the
Harry Williams Riverside Stadium for
this afternoon’s clash. We’d like to
extend a warm welcome to Belper
town - we hope you all had a good
journey, enjoy your visit to Rammy,
and have a safe journey home.
Since our last home game we have
had two away trips with starkly
contrasting outcomes. First of all we
travelled over to Frickley. I think those
of you who made the trip will agree it
was that old cliche of ‘a game of two
halves’. To go in 2-0 up at halftime was
pleasing, but then we had a collective
nightmare in the second 45. Nobody
had to tell any of us that what
happened in that 45 minutes simply
wasn’t good enough, and to say that
we were disappointed would be an
real understatement. All I will say is
that we learn a heck of a lot from
these type of situations, not just the
lads but us as a unit. What’s most
important is that we all take on board
those lessons and make sure that we
look to put what went wrong right.
After what can only be described as
a tough week training-wise we made
the short trip over to Trafford
knowing we needed to put in a
decent performance. Although it
wasn’t a classic, as in a free-flowing
end to end Rammy performance, we
were delighted with the three points
and, just as importantly, the clean
sheet. I think it showed another side
to us. Maybe you could point to a
maturity in the way we went about
our work, and the mood in the camp
was a good one.
is week has been another hard
one, training-wise, in particular the
Tuesday night session, but it’s all trying
to help us collect another three points
today. If hard work is anything to go
by then the lads have done all they
can.
Just a quick observation: only
Buxton are above us in the form table
for the last 8 games.. Our return of 5W
1D 2L, bringing us 16 points, is
something we are all really pleased
with and will be looking to improve
upon in the run of three home games
we now face.
anks again for your outstanding
support, we hope you all enjoy the
game today, particularly any
youngsters who might be
experiencing Rammy for the very first
time.
Come On You Rams!
- Glenn
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Welcome to the Harry Williams
Riverside Stadium. A special welcome to
our match officials and, of course,
everyone involved with our opposition
Belper Town, who are the latest in a
number of clubs to be visiting the Harry
Williams Riverside Stadium for the first
time. We hope you enjoy your visit –
result apart, of course – and have a safe
journey home afterwards.
UPS AND DOWNS
It’s certainly been a learning curve so
far this season, with a dreadful second
half at Frickley – which I fortunately
missed – followed by an excellent
defensive performance at Trafford, where
we kept our first clean sheet of the
season.
Talking to the officials of Trafford last
week, they were saying that as they were
promoted via the play-offs last year, they
took some time finding their feet at this
level, with some equally inconsistent
performances, before eventually settling
down and having a comparative steady
second half to the campaign.
It looks as though we are about to
follow suit, although it is
something we have seen in
the past. Recent history
would suggest that as
the season wears on, we become more
accustomed to the opposition and our
form seems to improve, hence our recent
two promotions. Certainly, from what I
have seen so far, we are more than
comfortable at this level, and as the
season progresses I am sure we are in for
more of what we have enjoyed over the
last five years.
Notable from last week’s game, is the
increased support the Rams are enjoying.
Certainly results help, but there is a
superb camaraderie amongst the
supporters, with most of us being on at
least nodding terms with each other. e
noise generated has increased
significantly, and there must have been at
least 100 Rammy fans there last Saturday.
At one time that would have been our
average home attendance, so a massive
thank you to all those of you who have
either been with us for many years, or
have become recent converts to the
wonderful world of non-league football.
I was enjoying the NRL rugby league
play-off final last Sunday between the
victorious South Sydney Rabbitohs and
Canterbury Bulldogs. Over 80,000 people
in attendance, yet supporters of each side
were mingling amongst each other with
not a hint of trouble. I’ve been to many
rugby league games in this country where
tony cunninghamand the wonderful world of
non-league football
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the same respect applies, which had me
thinking that with football, this could never
happen. en I corrected myself. Oh yes it
can. It’s called non-league football! e sense
of belonging at this level is unique in our
sport. It’s great going in the bar after the game
when supporters of both sides can discuss the
match irrespective of who has won.
Last week I was chatting to Trafford’s
Secretary Graham Foxall who was telling me
that the game last Tuesday at Whitby, which
he was looking forward to, would be his
1,000th consecutive Trafford FC match that
he had attended. Indeed, he has only missed
one match, back at the beginning of his
tenure since the club was formed in 1990.
Superb achievement and congratulations to
him. Mind you, he has some catching up to
do with our Harry!
ENJOY
Today the Supporters Club has backed the
idea of “Kid a Quid”, which will hopefully see
a large number of youngsters attending with
their parents. Enjoy the day, kids, and
hopefully you will be encouraged to persuade
Mum or Dad to bring you back again on a
regular basis. It is these youngsters, of course,
who will form the next generation of Rammy
supporters – so important for the future
prospects of any football club.
Enjoy your non-league football!
“there is superb camaraderieamongst the supporters”
The kind of camaraderiethat lashing rain bringsto huddled footie fanseverywhere
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“Robbo for Print-Minister,”as ‘Hackers’ can soeloquently be heardshouting on the rammy.tvhighlights video
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Less is more! is result summoned a deep throated
growl of defiance from players, management and
visiting fans alike - who contributed at least a third to
the attendance of 294. It was not the prettiest win but
the first clean sheet of the season could amount to the
most satisfying performance so far- not least because
the Rams seemed to be battling as much against the
erratic and irrational decision making by the officials
as against the opposition.
e match and result turned on a moment of
instinctive brilliance from Jon Robinson, on as a 72
minute substitute. Where others had dillied and dallied
when presented with clear openings he did not
hesitate to lash in from 10 yards when Trafford failed
to clear a corner, to score his 98th goal for the club.
Until then it had been a story of two teams contriving
not to score. Apart from a brace of good saves neither
keeper, both secure and solid, was much troubled up
to the point of Robinson's intervention . Grant Shelton
did well in the first half to palm away a close range
header from Trafford's Will Ahern which should have
given him no chance, and shortly after the break Scott
Burton forced enough space 25 yards out and exploded
a shot that Andy Robertson in the Trafford goal did
well to tip over.
e preceding t 45 minutes had been as tedious as
traffic on the M60. Nelson Mota playing in an adjusted
role closer to Jordan Hulme combined efficiently with
the centre forward but the openings that were carved
out were frustrated by delays in and under hit final
passes and crosses .
0 - 1Shawe View
4th October 2014
Att: 294
Rammy Goals: Robinson (79)
Trafford Goals:
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e closest they came to scoring was Grant
Spencer shooting in on a long throw that eluded
the Trafford defence but was unable to put
sufficient direction on a shot that hit the outside
of the post. For their part Trafford found some
space down a somewhat lethargic Rams left flank
producing the opportunity that led to the
Shenton save and a great clearance by Steve
Howson under pressure from a low cross.
ere was a clear sense of some half time direct
managerial encouragement in the Rams second
half display. Gary Stopforth became increasingly
influential pushing higher up the pitch, breaking
up possession. eTrafford threat became
increasingly sporadic as the Rams dominated
although Chris Palmer should at least have
directed a free header on goal when both Rams
centre halves were drawn to the near post.
Despite a very good start to the season the
collective belief which so exemplified their
promotion run last season has not materialised
consistently so far for the Rams, but as the game
petered out that belief grew by the minute in
both team and supporters sending all home
happy - except for the M60!.
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Jordan takes on, and beats, thewhole of the Trafford defence
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It required a couple of magnificent
saves yet again, but Saturday at TraTord
saw us maintain our first clean sheet of
the season. Is this a sign of things to
come?
Well it's always good to make a save
but I'd like a game this season where all
I'm doing is shouting - I could really do
with one of them. We worked very hard
as a team at Trafford so it was good to
not concede, and it was three points
again which is the main thing. Hopefully
there are more clean sheets to come.
Bernard mentioned in the Free Press that
the defence might need some changes if
things don't tighten up at the back. Is this
what he's saying in the changing room,
and are people responding positively?
Johnno and Bern are two of the most
honest men you could meet and that's a
trait that comes trough in the changing
room. ey say it as they see it and it's
our job as players to respond. If
they say we're bringing in new
defenders then it's only gonna
make the lads here already
work harder. Which means we
get better as a team and if we
can get better, teams are
going to fear playing us.
Can you talk us through what happened
at Frickley in the second half. Do you
know why things seemed to change so
catastrophically?
e second half was probably the worst
we've played this season. ey stopped
putting balls into my box second half, so
it was hard to come and claim the long
ball as I did in first half. As a result they
won a lot of the first balls, and they did
their jobs really well. We just move on
and forget the mistakes though. It's a
long season, and we knew that in this
league there will be more downs than in
previous seasons. It's all in how we
bounce back from it, and I think we did
that perfectly at Trafford with a good 1-
0 win.
It's good to have Gary Stopforth back in
the side, do you know how Dan
Warrender and Lee Gaskell are getting
on?
We all know how big a player Gaz is - he
could walk into any team in this league.
He brings so much energy and leadership
in the middle and he makes us better. Lee
has been back training but only straight
line running at the moment and Dan is
still struggling with his leg, so is probably
afew weeks off yet.
grant shentonshouting from between the sticks
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Are you enjoying being captain, and
how has it aTected you on and oT
the pitch?
I'm very happy to be given the
captaincy and it means a lot that the
gaffers have chosen me to lead their
team. On the field I've had to calm
my temper towards the officials as
I've had a few run-ins with them. I'm
just trying to lead by example - do
my job right, give orders when
needed and keep everyone's heads
up high. I try to give advice to lads
that need it for whatever reason.
Everyone has shown a respect that
I'm very grateful for, so I hope I can
lead Rammy onwards and upwards.
“As captain I’vehad to calm mytemper and lead
by example“
p
Ramsbottom United was founded in
1966, and one of the founders, Harry
Williams, is still, to this day, Chairman,
almost 50 years later!
Harry has overseen the club progress
from a parks pitch on the outskirts to a
well-appointed stadium in the centre of
Rammy, capable of holding 2,000
supporters.
Early days were spent in the local Bury
Amateur League, before the move to the
Bolton Combination in 1969 and the
Manchester League in 1989.
In 1991, the double of Champions and
Cup Winners in Division One was
achieved, and with it promotion to the
top division.
In 1995 an application to join the
football pyramid at North West Counties
League level was approved, and after
much hard work on the ground, a
grading was received to allow access to
the second tier of the regional league.
Despite finishing 12th in the inaugural
season, the Rams lifted the Divisional
Trophy beating Cheadle Town at
Darwen’s Anchor Ground –
the first of a number of
successes at semi-
professional level.
Tragedy struck in 2001,
as successful manager Ken
Bridge collapsed and died
following a home game
against Cheadle Town, but he is
remembered with the gates at the
entrance of the ground being named in
his honour.
e Chairman took the bold step of
appointing joint-managers in players
Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson at
the beginning of the 2009/10 campaign.
Supporters questioned the appointment
after the first game! A 5-0 drubbing at the
hands of Newcastle Town, although no-
one was to know that Town were to
embark on a 30 game unbeaten run as
they sailed towards the championship.
On the whole, the campaign was a
success. A ten-year best total of 81 points
and a club-record 14 away victories, along
with the April Manager-of-the-Month
award, and, for forward Andy Sensale, the
Player-of-the-Month acclaim for October.
e first season in charge for the two
local lads was merely an indication of
what was to come.
2010/11 proved to be even better as
the crowds began turning up in
increasing numbers at the newly named
“Harry Williams Riverside Stadium” (the
sign going up without the Chairman’s
knowledge!). Finishing runners-up to
New Mills (only one team promoted
from the NWCFL), the team scored over
100 goals winning more league games
than ever before. e managers won two
“Manager-of-the-Month” awards, with
monthly player accolades going to Phil
Dean and Jon Robinson.
rammy united49 years of football under harry williams
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But even better was to come! e 2011/12 season
finally saw the Rams move up again after 17 years in
the North West Counties League.
More goals, more points, more home wins and
more supporters (the club’s current attendance
record of 1653 was achieved against FC United of
Manchester) culminated in the team edging out
Runcorn Town with a magnificent end-of-season
unbeaten run. e Championship trophy was raised
after a 5-2 home win over Winsford United in front
of over 500 fans, and the club could now look
forward to renewing acquaintances with many
former opponents in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier
League.
e Main stand was extended, a new covered
stand erected behind the Railway end, and a
Sponsor’s Lounge arrived at the ground, as
improvements continued to enhance what used to
be a plot of waste land aside the cricket pitch.
e new challenge hardly saw the club falter after
three years of entertaining and successful football.
But for a winning goal scored by the champions
Skelmersdale United in time added on in the last
game of the season in west Lancashire, the Rams
would have competed in the play-offs at the end of
a great first season which saw them agonisingly miss
out in sixth spot.
2013/14 will go down in folklore in the town.
After a dreadful start which saw the club bottom
of the league after the early rounds of games, steady
progression saw a gradual push up the table.
More Player and Manager-of-the-Month awards
were achieved as the race between up to a dozen
clubs for the play-off spots (Curzon Ashton ran
away with the top spot) continued to the very last
week of the season.
A last day home draw with Bamber Bridge saw
both teams qualify, but it meant that the Rams had
to travel up to Durham to meet the re-incarnation
of former Football League side, Darlington.
e home side were expecting to progress, but
having already achieved the double over them, a trip
to Darlo’s temporary home at Bishop Auckland held
no fears. Despite the vociferous and partisan crowd
of almost 2,000, the hundred or so who had made
the journey up from Lancashire were treated to a
performance that silenced the home fans and
deservedly saw a return home with plans afoot for
the short trip to meet Bamber Bridge again at
Irongate four days later.
e play-off final attracted over 1,200 people, and
whilst it was a tight affair with a last kick penalty
squaring the game for the home side, the Rams
notched another in extra time to deservedly win the
game and with it a remarkable second promotion in
three seasons.
Ramsbottom United are now members of Evo-Stik
NPL Premier – the third tier of non-league football,
after a remarkable and enjoyable five year ride.
e Chairman, Harry Williams, who began it all
back in 1966 is still at the helm and still at the ground
most days! He is now looking forward to completing
50 years in charge. Could another promotion still
come his way?!
p
After a fantastic season that saw
Rammy yet again seal promotion, many
were surprised to see team captain
Danny Warrender head off to fresh
pastures with the ‘Class of 92’ down at
Salford City. With a number of other
players turning down the extravagent
advances made by Scholes, Giggs and, in
Gaskell’s case England coach Gary
Neville, accusations of “Warrender’s just
chasing the money” were mumbled on
the terraces, and so this is the first thing
we asked Danny about when we chatted
with him recently.
“e money was good at Salford, I
can’t deny it, and there’s a brilliant
atmosphere with the lads down there,
but the main reason I went was the
travelling that Rammy would have to
face in the Premier Division.
“Before the season even ended I’d
spoken to Bernard and Johnno about
the difficulties I’d have with
travelling if Rammy got
promoted, though it was
nothing but a distant
possibility back
then. We’ve got
little Lily and new baby George as well as
two full-time jobs so the thought of
training as well as long journeys to so
many distant away games looked like it
would be a bit much. As it turned out
though, with the training they do at
Salford, I ended up spending more time
there than I would have
spent travelling with
Rammy. Bernard and
Johnno understand my
situation with the kids and
that players have got other
commitments, so they’re
really decent with me. Salford
just weren’t accommodating
like that - for them the
football always comes first,
but when you’ve got a
young family with two
small children, it
doesn’t matter how
much you love the
football, your family
will always come first.
Anyone who says
otherwise would be
lying to you!
return of the wodgewill the prodigal full-back
prove to be rammy’s saviour?
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“ it doesn’t matter how muchyou love the football, your
family will always come irst.“
Winning promotiona second time withRammy, how couldDanny resist areturn to theRiverside?
p
So, it didn’t take long for me to realise
that I was better off at Rammy, even with
the longer travelling distances.
“ey have got a great thing going on
at Salford though. ere are some really
brilliant players there with lots of
commitment, and they’re all up for a
night out together so it’s a good laugh.
“It does feel a little bit strange there
because I don’t think the owners have
quite grasped what league they’re in, and
how football works at that level. I’m sure
they will get promoted, because of the
huge backing and the squad they’ve put
together, and it feels like they won’t stop
until they achieve World Domination!
at’s definitely their aim.
“It is good to be back at Rammy
though. We’re starting to get the points
on the board now, and we’ve got a
brilliant squad of players that we know
can hold our own against big teams like
FC United, Stamford and so on. Some of
the results have gone the wrong way, but
we’re not worried - we’ve got the ability
to compete at this level, and we’ll do
alright. I suppose that the biggest
difference this season is that we’re
facing a lot of unknowns - last
year we knew what we were
getting, and we were
expecting to get the
results every match.
is time we don’t
know what we’re getting, and they don’t
know what to expect from us - we’re
definitely giving a few clubs a bit of a
fright!
“e big thing for me about the
promotion is that we’re now playing a
good side every week. e bottom of the
Division below has a few teams who
probably belong at Northwest Counties
level, but for one reason and another
they’ve managed to avoid going down. In
the Premier you don’t get that - you don’t
get your teams like Prescot, Wakefield
and Ossett that you know are going to be
struggling to stay above water. And so
every week feels like a cup final. We turn
on our style of football, and hit them with
a goal or two, but these teams will
ultimately work their way back into the
game because they’re good sides. at’s
what the step up means, but at the end
of the day I think we can more than
match the teams in this division.
“So far this season we’ve been
struggling with the set pieces, and some
really flukey goals that we’ve conceded. It
looks to be a massive part of this league,
but we’re no mugs with our set pieces
either, particularly with Howson the Man
Mountain, and Cedric Krou doing the
job.
“Rammy will do alright overall this
season, don’t worry about that!”
“ at the end of the day I think we can morethan match the teams in this division“
p
Warrender testshis 5’11” againstWayne Welbeckof Mossley
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Aaron Cole in action for Belper against Witton AlbionPhotos courtesy of Tim Harrison
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JORDAN BALL (Forward) Jordan re-joined
the Nailers for his second spell at the club in
July 2014 after the former Doncaster Rovers
striker opted for a move back to Belper from
Derbyshire neighbours, Mickleover Sports.
Jordan joined Doncaster Rovers Centre of
Excellence in 2008 and he was offered a one-
year professional contract in April 2012. In
August of that year he arrived on loan to
Belper Town where he scored on his debut
against Coalville Town. He returned to
Doncaster and scored for them in his first
senior game for them against Chesterfield in
the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. Following his
release by Doncaster Rovers at the end of the
2012/13 football season, Jordan had a very
brief spell at FC Halifax Town but then
decided to join his local side Rainworth
Miners Welfare. An offer from Mickleover
Sports FC tempted him to the Station Road
club in December 2013 and in his first start
for Sports he scored twice in a 3-2 win
against Loughborough Dynamo.
IAN ROSS (Midfield) A goal scoring midfield
player, Ian started his career as a trainee with
Sheffield United and spent five years in total
at the Bramall Lane club, during which he
had loan spells with Boston United and Bury
during the 2005/06 season. Whilst at Boston
he was named League Two's Player of the
Month. He joined Notts County on a loan
deal in 2006, which saw him play 31 games
for the Magpies. Another loan the following
year saw him move to Rotherham United
where he clocked up his 73rd Football
League appearance. Since then, Ian has
played for Gainsborough Trinity, Alfreton
Town, Harrogate Town and more recently at
Boston United for whom he made 55
appearances and scored six goals. He joined
the Nailers in June 2014.two
to
wat
ch
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Belper Town's unusual nickname, 'e Nailers', came
about because the craft of nail making began In Belper
in the middle ages when it was the site of a hunting
lodge for John of Gaunt. e huntsmen needed nails
for the shoes of their horses and the trade in nails
eventually grew. Like the nail making industry, Belper
Town FC has faded away in the past. Originally formed
in 1883, the Nailers went out of existence three times
through lack of finance.
In recent seasons the club has enjoyed tremendous
success in the FA Vase, reaching the 5th Round twice
and also a semi-final appearance in which they
lost 2-3 on aggregate to Oxford City, having won
the first leg 1-0 at home, in front of nearly 2,000
spectators.
Having achieved the runners-up position in the
Northern Counties League in 1996/97 under the
stewardship of Martin Rowe, the Club took its place
in the Northern Premier League 12 years after the first
opportunity had been spurned due to tight finances.
Initially the club did well in the NPL but then
struggled in subsequent seasons. Ernie Moss and his
assistant, Sean O’Neil, kept the club safely away from
the relegation positions during their time in charge
at Christchurch Meadow but the club did not really
challenge for honours.
In 2008/09, the Nailers finished the league
campaign in second place, having secured 81 points
and equalling their record points score of 1984/85
when the club won the Northern Counties East
League championship. A heartbreaking home defeat
in the play-off final against Stocksbridge Park Steels
was a bitter pill to swallow.
e end of the 2009/10 season saw the resignation
of manager Andy Carney after a six-year stint at the
club and the appointment in the close season of
Belper TownNailing stuff since 1350
Rob Stevensoncelebrates bagging agoal against WittonAlbion
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former West Ham and England International
defender, Tommy Taylor, as the club’s new
manager assisted by Jon Froggatt, the club’s
leading goal scorer in the 2010/11 season.
But, the early season expectations failed to
materialise and Taylor resigned his position
after just nine games in charge, leaving the
Nailers with only two wins to their credit.
e Belper board acted quickly to appoint
former Retford United manager, Peter
Duffield into the hot seat, supported by
Mick Godber as his assistant and Shaun Hird
as first team coach.
Results in their first season at Christchurch
Meadow were quite remarkable with the
team winning 44 points out of possible 48 in
the final run-in to the campaign, but the club
just missed out on the play-offs by a single
goal.
Despite a poor start to the 2012/13 season
and lying in bottom place in mid-October,
the Nailers embarked on a 25-match
unbeaten league sequence that saw them
gain an automatic play-off position.
But heartbreak was to repeat itself at the
end of the season when a home defeat
against eventual promotion club Stamford in
the first play-off match, consigned the
Nailers to another season in the First
Division.
e club finally made it into the NPL
Premier Division at the end of a hard fought
2013/14 League campaign in which they
finished the regular season in fourth place.
A 2-0 semi-final play-off win at Leek Town
set up a home tie against Derbyshire rivals
Mickleover Sports and a 1-0 success in that
final game earned the Nailers the promotion
they had been craving after 17 seasons in the
League’s lower tier.
Sharing the love!
p
1. Who is the manager of Torquay United?
2. Brett Ormerod has signed for which Evo-Stik League side?
3. What is the nickname of Barrow?
4. Over which club did Altrincham achieve an unexpected win last weekend?
5. Where do Gateshead play their home games?
6. Former Ram Chris Wilcock is manager of which NWCFL club?
7. Name the manager of Matlock Town who resigned last week?
8. Which club knocked barnoldswick Town out of the FA Vase last Saturday?
9. In which league do Blackpool Wren Rovers play?
10. DJ Campbell recently signed for which non-league club?
ANSWERS: 1. Chris Hargreaves 2. Padiham 3. e Bluebirds 4. FC Halifax Town 5. International Stadium 6 Glossop North End
7. Mark Atkins 8. Ryhope CW 9. Bay Radio West Lancs League 10. Maidenhead United
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SERIOUSLYSTRONGSERIOUSLYVERSATILE
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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 TOWNSat 18th Oct H BUXTONTues 21st Oct H WHITBY TOWNSat 25th Oct A Blyth SpartansTues 28th Oct A MarineSat 1st Nov A Whitby Town FAT 1QTues 4th Nov H WORKINGTONSat 8th Nov A Halesowen TownTues 11th Nov H WEST DIDS Lancs CupTues 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 UNITEDThu 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
fixtures & results 2014/15
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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 *
Ramsbottom United Football ClubPresident: John SmithChairman: Harry WilliamsVice Chairman: Chris WoolfallSecretary: Tony Cunningham Matchday Secretary: Andy Edmunson Treasurers: H Williams, C WoolfallCommittee: Harry Williams, Chris Woolfall, Andy Edmund-son, Kevin HitchenCatering Manager: Sophie FletcherThe Harry Williams Riverside, Acre Bottom, Ramsbottom, Lancashire,Tel: 01706 822799
Recent Senior Honours: Bolton Comination Div 1 Champions: 1972/73Bolton Comb. Premier Champions 1976/77: Bolton Comb. Div2 cup runners up: 1979/80,1982/83Bolton Comb. Div2 runners up: 1982/83Bolton Comb. Cup winners: 1976/77, 1979/80, 1983/84Bolton Comb. Div1 runners up: 1984/85Bolton Comb. Cup runners up: 1985/86, 1987/88Manchester League Cup Winners: 1990/91Manchester League Champions: 1990/91Yorkshire Cup runners up: 1993/94Northwest Counties Div2 Champions: 1996/97Northwest Counties Div2 Trophy: 1995/96Bolton Hospital Cup winners: 1974/75, 05/06. 06/07, 07/08Northwest Counties Premier runners Up 2010/11Northwest Counties Premier Champions: 2011/12Northern Premier League Div1 playoff winners: 2013/14
Today’s other fixtures:
League:
Nantwich v FC United
Rushall v Workington
Skelmersdale v Frickley
Whitby v Trafford
Witton v Matlock
F.A. Cup:
Fylde v Buxton
Barwell v Curzon Ashton
Gainsborough v Marine
King’s Lynn v Lancaster
Mickleover v Blyth
North Ferriby v Grantham
Shildon v Stourbridge
Spennymoore v Ashton United
Stockport v Ilkeston
fixtures & results 2014/15
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rammy in exilesky sports statto richard isaacs
Good afternoon everyone, welcome to
another Rammy Saturday, and it’s a warm
welcome to all those who have made the trip
over the Peaks to join us today. Having made
that very trip only a few weeks ago to attend a
wedding reception at Makeney Hall, I know it's
not an easy one to undertake if you come
across 'the top'! Sadly, I won't be in evidence
today as its my first weekend back home
following a very enjoyable holiday in the United
States, having arrived home on Sunday
lunchtime. It's been a real adventure visiting
probably three of the busiest cities in the world
- Las Vegas, Los Angeles and the busiest of all,
New York, from where this column is currently
being written.
e eight-hour time difference was something
of a challenge when I wanted to be up to watch
the twitter feed from the games at 7am,
although given one of the games I watched via
Andy and Katie's endeavours started with me
laughing my head off at the misfortune of those
who had travelled on the minibus to Frickley,
made me very happy at 7.45am when we were
2-0 to the good but by 8.40am, I was ready to
'put it all on red' with a vengeance as we threw
it all away. I don't believe there was anyone else
cursing like me in Vegas that morning ... well,
actually there probably was ... someone who
had indeed put it all on red and it floated onto
black.
Casinos, casinos, casinos. Absolutely
everywhere! You simply couldn't enter any
building without seeing an outlet to gamble
your hard-earned dollar. Even in pharmacies,
petrol (gas) stations and any variety of shops,
there stood a handful of machines flashing
away, tempting you in. Las Vegas is completely
LaLa land, it's an adult playground which had
me shaking my head in total disbelief most of
the time. A city in the middle of a desert, with
nothing else around it, just sand, mountains
and canyons. A city really like no other that I
have ever visited but here it stood, a light show,
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a haven for gambling and the high life and an
total heaven for lads or lasses on tour. I was
with Cath so was very well behaved, as you
would expect of me, of course! Although I was
propositioned by a rather attractive young lady
whilst walking through the casino on my own
in the hotel who called me 'Big Red', purely
because I was wearing a red shirt. It was a good
job I wasn't wearing my Ramsbottom one ...
who knows where that could have led!
e previous Tuesday night game against
Curzon was watched at lunchtime, sat by the
pool in 36 degrees heat at the hotel. Naturally
my Rammy scarf came with me and was
perched on the back of my lounger ... it did
attract a few inquisitive glances, which it would
I guess in 36 degree heat! A quick dip in the
pool replaced the half time pie and peas but I
was back in full watching mode for the second
half. A draw - ah well, disappointing but still a
draw and a point and from what I can make
out, maybe not a bad point either.
e scarf has come with me quite a bit over
the course of the break and you will see where
Rammy have been. It's even met some
'celebrities' ... all bar one are now fully fledged
Rammy fans. I say all but one - one of them
received it with disdain and even threw it on
the floor! You will see who in due course.
I will do a bit more of the trip in later editions
of the programme along with a few pictures as
well but you can be assured that our football
club has been made slightly more famous and
recognised across the pond thanks to this
bizarre chap standing in certain places with his
scarf aloft. at'll be me then!!!
Enjoy the match today, I'll be watching as
always, probably from a rugby touchline
somewhere in Hampshire. Come on Youuuuu
Raaaaaaams!!!
- Richard
sky sports statto richard isaacs
Las Vegas - just like Bacup but without the ‘famous pie’Photo courtesy of Justin Taylor
p
ere cannot be many more evocative
names in the sporting world than Blyth
Spartans, and e Rams’ next away day
sees us travelling up to the North-East
coast to take on this famous, old football
club.
Founded in 1899, it did not take long for
them to make their mark on the
footballing world by winning the
Northumberland League just two years
later.
Although they have amassed many
trophies in their history they have never
really been too high up the football
pyramid. One of their most successful
periods came during the 2000’s when they
won promotion to the Conference North
after becoming Northern Premier League
champions in 2006. ey remained there
until 2012 when they were relegated back
to our division.
Blyth Spartans are probably best known
for their F.A. Cup exploits and have
reached the 1st Round on 31 occasions.
eir most famous run in the F.A. Cup is
one that sticks in
my memory and I
clearly remember
watching it on
Match of the Day in
my early teens. In
1978 they reached
the Fifth Round, after
victories against the likes of
Chesterfield and Stoke City, and were
drawn against Wrexham, with a place in
the Quarter Finals at stake. e game
ended in a 1-1 draw after Wrexham
scored a last minute equaliser, so the
game went to a replay at St James Park,
Newcastle, in front of a crowd of over
40,000. Wrexham ended up winning 2-1
to end Blyths run, although some of their
older supporters will still argue to this day
about some rather dodgy refereeing
decisions.
Recently, they have kept up their F.A.
Cup tradition and went to our
neighbours, Bury and won 2-0 in the 1996,
1st round. ey also had their 2009 home
game against Blackburn Rovers beamed
live to a television audience, although they
ended up losing that day, 1-0.
Blyth have had one of the most
(in)famous footballers of recent times in
their ranks in 1996. If the name Ali Dia
does not ring any bells with you, if I tell
you he was the player who told, the then
Southampton manager, Graham Souness
he was George Weah’s cousin and blagged
himself 55 minutes in the Premier League,
before Souness realised he had been
duped and substituted him (I’m sure
Richard will remember it well) Dia was on
the books of Blyth Spartans in 1996 and
made….wait for it……1 appearance for
the team, before moving on.
the boogie buson the road with rammy
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e team play at Crofts Park which dates
back to 1909 and the ground seems to be
steeped in history. e Rams paid a visit
last season in the cup and came away
with a 1-0 victory.
Crofts Park is a traditional ground with
terracing on 3 sides and a main stand
running down one side of the pitch.
ere is a club bar situated just outside
the ground, so make sure you get a ticket
for re-entry if you go for a half time pint.
ey have a rather good system in the bar
where you can pay for your half time
drinks before the game and not waste
valuable drinking time stood in a half
time queue.
It is one of the longer journeys we have to
make this season and it should take
around 3 hours to get there.
Harry is running a coach, which I intend
to take, and anyone who recently went
on the Ilkeston charabanc will know what
fun we have on these trips, so I would
advise booking early. Despite the long
journey, I predict we will have large
contingent of Rammy Ultras there to
back the lads and hopefully, get the same
outcome as last season.
COME ON YOU RAMS !!!!!!!!!!!!
“ Blyth Spartans - former stompingground of Newcastle folk-hero Ali Dia“
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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
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ds
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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
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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
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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
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Previously club captain of the Rams, who
famously lifted the play-off trophy at
Bamber Bridge in May 2014, Danny moved
to Salford City in the summer, but soon
returned. His consistent displays at the back
and in midfield have seen him become a
firm favourite with the fans.
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 skilful battling midfielder who signed full
time with the Rams during the summer of
2012 after coming on loan from AFC Fylde
the previous season and dominating the
midfield. In his third season with the club he
was a vital member of the promotion set-up
last term.
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.
Dan WARRENDER Gary STOPFORTH
Nelson MOTA Alex PIACENTILE
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Son of Manchester United player Dennis
Irwin, Liam signed for the Rams in the
middle of September. Previously with
Stockport Sports, Altrincham and Bolton
Wanderers. He played at international level
for Republic of Ireland youth.
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.
Liam IRWIN
Anthony JOHNSON Bernard MORLEY
e talented left full-back rejoined the club
from Chester during the 2013/14 season
having had a short spell here a couple of
years earlier. His long throw-in is always a
dangerous piece of his armory.
Lee PUGH
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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.
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.
Darren GREEN
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
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
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IT EVENWORKSUNDERWATER
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All winning teams have a good shape; each team without
shape will find a way of losing. So it proved in the depths of
the South Yorkshire coalfields on Saturday.
ere were few signs of the frightening deterioration that was
to follow as the Rams compact and quick on the break swam
serenely into a two goal lead by half time although in
surroundings of Wuthering Hights bleakness the brooding
menace of Danny South leading the line for the home team
was all too apparent. For 45 minutes e Rams looked assured
and confident has first Grant Spencer playing a sharp one-two
on the edge of the box drew a penalty from the otherwise
excellent John Cyrus neatly converted by Jon Robinson and
then Phil Dean, on for the injured Robinson, broke clear to
cross for an unmarked Nelson Mota to head home.
Frickley were quick to respond with tactical changes
following the break with their back four playing much deeper
to frustrate the Rams, who restarted too slowly.. Danny South
together with his partner Gavin Allott was a commanding
presence finding it too easy to pull away from their markers
and quicker onto the second ball getting behind the back four.
Once Danny South found space on the penalty spot with a
matadors drop of the hips to shoot low into the corner there
was no need for writing on the wall to see what was to come.
South was denied a second only by a brilliant save but then
scored again 70 minutes poking home from close range after
the Rams declined several chances to clear. By this time the
Frickley front two were running riot , terrorising at will a Rams
defence that was increasingly slow and hesitant to the ball. 3
minutes later it was all up Cyrus rising unmarked to head
home from another needlessly conceded free kick
After that it was just a question of how many. e Rams
constantly caught in possession failed to muster a shot on goal
in the second half and were as all at sea as the group of
supporters who had somehow managed to book a one way
coach to the game. South pounced on a weak header back
,rounded Grant Shelton, and walked the ball into the net for
a well deserved hat trick As dispiriting the result and
performance was it only goes to prove that there are simply
no easy games in this division and there will be few harder
places to visit than Frickley. For all that the Rams will have to
find a way to match physically strong direct teams on surfaces
that do not aid their quick short passing game.
p
4 - 2Westfield Lane
27th September 2014
Att: 215
Rammy Goals: Robinson (22), Mota (39)
Frickley Goals: South (57, 70, 81), Cyrus (73)
p
Back in blue and sporting
his new hairstyle - Gary
Stopforth returns to the
team
p
With a record of five wins and defeats from their
first ten matches so far this season the Rams have
been slower to the draw than Gary Cooper at the
OK Corral but will have come away from this
fiercely contested match content with a point that
puts them up into 5th position.
For long periods Curzon dominated possession
without ever being able to muster any concerted
pressure against a well organised Rams team
benefiting from the welcome return of Gary
Stopforth and an increasingly confident central
partnership of Steve Howson and Cedric Krou.
e only clear cut chance in the first 45 minuted
fell to Jordan Hulme who was released in to the
box following an exchange of slick passes with
Tom Williams only to slice his shot wide. Apart
from that neither goal was threatened until Grant
Shenton was forced into smart save from Niall
Cummins on the stroke of half time.
A flurry of substitutions shortly after half time
gave the Rams some control. Scott Burton on for
Tom Williams managed to force the Rams higher
up the pitch and they were rewarded with a goal
after 62 minutes Jordan Hulme taking advantage
of indecision on the part of Hakan Burton in the
Curzon goal to nick the ball away and square it
back to Grant Spencer who slid the ball into an
empty net. Osebi Abadki who generally found
possession hard to come by almost doubled the
lead 4 minuted later carving out space on the edge
of the box to get away a shot destined for the top
corner until palmed away by the goalkeeper. e
superiority was shot lived. All too often this season
the Rams have gifted goals from careless
distribution in their defensive third and free kicks
conceded around the box and general
vulnerability from set pieces. Tonight was no
different and after 71 minutes a combination of
the two resulted in Matthew Warburton 's well
crafted free kick curled in around the wall from
from 25 yards or so.
On 73 minutes Lee Pugh was sent off on two
yellows following a rash challenge on the half way
line. It was inevitable that Curzon would press
strongly after that but resolute resistance by the
Rams to a prolonged aerial assault kept Curzon at
bay and and the nearest either team came to a
winner was when Jordan Hulme skipped in from
the left and beat the keeper from 18 yards only to
see his shot spin wide off the post.
Beaten only once in the last six league games the
Rams are looking comfortable in a division in
which anybody can be beat anybody on any given
day. Playing Jordan Hulme alone up front came
out of necessity and has worked well but for once
for all his hard work and endeavour he too often
found himself isolated and crowded out of
possession . For all that the balance of the team
does not yet feel quite right nobody could argue
that this result represents anything other than an
impressive start for a newly promoted team now
almost a quarter of the way into the season.
1 - 1Harry Williams Riverside Stadium
23rd September 2014
Att: 309
Rammy Goals: Spencer (61)
Curzon Ashton Goals: Warburton (71)
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Every now and then we get an away day
where everything falls into place, both on
and off the pitch, and our recent trip to
Ilkeston certainly fell into that category.
Me and Mrs Darkside had booked the
coach for this journey and at 11.30 we were
fighting our way through the designer
wellie-wearers who were making their way
down to the Ramsbottom Festival which
was taking place at the cricket club. On
boarding the coach I was pleased to see it
was pretty much full with the players at the
back and us Ultras taking our seats up the
front. As the coach set off I stashed my
beers, for later consumption, and started to
tuck into my bacon and sausage buttie
(with a smidgen of tomato sauce) that Mrs
Darkside had bought me from Mannings
(that must be a free steak pie they owe me
for advertising). I sat myself next to
Carlsberg, as I knew he would not help
himself to my Morrisons own brand, cheap
lagers, unlike some
others on the
coach.
I had Callum and
Olla from Rammy
TV sat behind me
as we headed up
the M62 into West
Yorkshire and
Callum was soon
filming for a ‘fly on
the wall’ film he was making about the day
(available on YouTube). Despite the never
ending 50 mph restrictions on the M62, we
made good progress and not long after
12.00 we were on the M1 (S). As it was gone
mid-day I decided to crack open a beer (no
one can accuse me of being a morning
drinker) and shared a couple out with Paul
Whizz and Uncle Dave. I thought I had
brought the cheapest beers along on the
journey, but then noticed Martin was
tucking into a discount price, St Etienne,
like he was 8 Ace from the Viz comics.
Despite getting stuck in traffic on the M1
we arrived in deepest, darkest Derbyshire
before 2.00 and I went with Olla and
Callum to pick up their press passes and get
them set up on the rather impressive
gantry they have at Ilkeston. After ensuring
they were OK, I made my way to the bar,
stopping only to purchase a programme.
Now, I’m not one to criticise another clubs
programme and realise not every one can
include the high quality journalism you are
currently reading, but this one had a
particularly poor amount of content.
Before I get accused of moaning too much,
I later bought some of the home made
curry and chips which was available inside
the ground and was well worth the £3.00 it
cost me. Despite Mrs Darkside claiming my
last chip, it was a thoroughly enjoyable
meal and set me up nicely for a couple of
from the darksidedarren comer reports on the latest
rammy ultras adventures
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from the darksidepints in the Ilkeston club bar. In the bar, I
opted for a Mansfield Dark Ale which went
down a little too easy, but was a very tasty
beer and I easily managed another couple
before making my way onto the terraces
for the kick off.
I spent the 1st half down the side of the
pitch with our beloved Chairman Harry
and despite a goalless first 45 minutes,
nobody was complaining about the
quality of entertainment we had been
offered. Well, that’s everyone apart from a
lone Ilkeston fan who seemed to think the
best way of supporting his team was to
abuse the opposition players. Luckily, this
did not last too long and he was soon
shouted down by Mick and Andy Massey
and to quote Mick, “every village has an
idiot”.
If the 1st half had been goalless, the 2nd
half more than made up for it as the goals
started to fly in. Rammy always seemed to
be in control once we had taken the lead
and with 10 minutes to go we were cruising
at 4-2 and threatening to score even more
goals. e Ultras, who had been in fine
voice all afternoon, started their
celebrations behind the goal that Rammy
were attacking with a rendition of ‘Sheep
Said No, Rammy’ with myself, Mick and
Carlsberg helped out by Young Jack and
Young Jake who were in fine voice. We even
managed quite a few choruses of the
‘Jonno/Bernard’ song and dance routine
which should have cemented our places on
the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.
When the whistle went for full time the
team got a well-deserved, rousing applause
from the large away following, which they
reciprocated fully. One of the great things
about following this club is that you know
the players and management genuinely
appreciate the time and money we spend
on following them, unlike higher up the
leagues when it seems the players are
sometimes just paying lip service to their
travelling fans.
At the final whistle we made our way
back to the bar as very happy Rams,
although this took longer than it should, as
it seemed every Ilkeston supporter wanted
to shake our hands and congratulate us on
winning a very entertaining game. Another
wonderful aspect to watching football at
this level is that we often meet like-minded,
opposition supporters and the Ilkeston
support really were a different class. e
atmosphere in the club bar after the game
was buzzing with many of the travelling
Ultras staying back to wait for the players
and get the coach back to Lancashire. e
atmosphere only improved when we got
back on the coach and found out Bernard
had asked the coach driver to go to a local
supermarket during the game to get some
beers for the journey home. (a special
thanks to our coach driver who regularly
takes us on our away journeys, you are a
legend, Sir). So, as we set off home we were
faced with £150 worth of booze which
really got the party going and the trip
home was one of much singing, drinking
and general merriment from all the
supporters and players.
We arrived back in Rammy about 8.00
(time had stopped becoming an issue at
this point) and managed to get free entry
into the Rammy Festival. We went in the
back door of the cricket club, got ourselves
a drink, and went out the front door to
make our way to the tent where our very
own UkePunk was due on stage. e
atmosphere was electric in the tent with a
mass of Ultras and Paul did a great set,
finishing with ‘Message to you Rudy’ which
made for a perfect end to a perfect day.
p
From reading the articles elsewhere in
this week’s programme, I can see that it
struck a number of people who travelled
to Trafford just how the Rammy Family is
expanding. It’s always brilliant to go to
away games and see the same faces, but
the scale of the support which braved
that awful Trafford Centre traffic to watch
the Rams was absolutely incredible, and
it felt like a home game.
In one respect I’m a little disappointed
that we didn’t spend another season or
two in the division below - not because I
don’t appreciate the quality of football
we’re now experiencing, or the immense
achievement of the lads in attaining
promotion, but because the away games
are now such an ordeal, and are
inaccessible to a good number of our
supporters. It’s no mean feat getting
yourself to Whitby on a Tuesday night,
and this has affected our travelling
numbers a little, in contrast with the 100+
at the relatively local derby of Trafford.
What I also find encouraging when I
look around the Rammy Faithful is the
number of women who have hopped
onto the charabanc with us - not just
footy wives who come along cos their
fella is here, but real supporters who really
know their stuff about footy. I think it
shows that Rammy are doing something
supporters clubon the terraces of rammy
Gary Stopforth’s
folks proudly
supporting the
humble midfielder
p
right and are playing the kind of football
that people appreciate. e same has to be
said about the kids and teenagers that are
more than happy to come and watch the
Rams when their first choice teams of
Rochdale or Bury are away. With both
teams doing extremely well in their
respective divisions, I think it’s a real
compliment that these fans enjoy
watching the way we play football.
I suppose that one of the most
important things about Rammy is the
‘Rammy Family’ atmosphere that we all
play such a huge part in creating and
enjoying. ere are so many families of
players, and even ex-players, that come to
our games, and there is a warm and
welcoming feeling about Rammy that
seems to be the case at many non-league
clubs.
It was lovely to see Katie and Craig at
Trafford, with Niamh already picking up
Jordan’s bad habit of sticking out the
tongue when concentrating. Gary
Stopforth’s mum was rumbled giving him
tongue-in-cheek hair-care advice for his
interview after the game, so we couldn’t
resist getting a photo of her too!
Another thing that struck me at Trafford
was the grumblings amongst their fans,
even before they were chasing the game. I
always find this a bit off-putting, and have
a habit of telling these people to support
their team or keep their gobs shut, but my
mouth has a habit of getting me in trouble
so I managed to button-it for once. We
have really encouraging and
supportive fans at Rammy -
fans who keep it positive,
and remain where they are
until the final whistle. I
hope this great support
continues long into the
future. May the
Rammy Family go from
strength to strength!
Katie the Physio
with husband
Craig and baby
Niamh
p
Grant SHENTON
Dominic SMALLEY
George GRAYSON
Gary STOPFORTH
Steve HOWSON
Dan WARRENDER
Tom WILLIAMS
Scott BURTON
Jon ROBINSON
Jordan HULME
Phil DEAN
Osebi ABADAKI
Malachi SLAVEN
Cedric KROU
Lee PUGH
Grant SPENCER
Lee GASKELL
Sam COOK
James MARTIN
Aaron PRIDE
Jordan NADAT
Ian ROSS
Matt VARLEY
Tom BURGIN
Aaron COLE
Steve WARNE
Jon FROGGATT
Rob STEVENSON
Kieran WALKER
Scott LOW
Bruno HOLDEN
Regan EDRIDGE
Evan GARNETT
Glyn COTTON
Managers: Anthony Johnson,
Bernard Morley
Managers: Jon Froggatt,
Mark Ward
Referee: Barry Lamb (Eccles)
Referee’s Assistants: Terry Ratcliffe (Stockport), Ian Jones (Preston)
Next home game: Saturday 18th October 3pm, Rammy v Buxton
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