Draw at Elton as new season looms

Gareth Hill heads home the Rams equaliser in the 16th minute.

As the new season edges even closer, the Ramsbottom United squad appears almost complete with the latest additions brought to the club by manager Rob Henry.

Signing in at the HWRS is 20 year old striker NATHAN BECA, formerly with Macclesfield and Ashton Athletic. Nathan introduced himself to the supporters during the pre-season game at Hesketh Bank, where he notched an impressive hat-trick, so those supporters will be delighted to see that he has put pen to paper.

Also joining the Rams is 27 year old left-sided attacker RYAN WHITE whose previous clubs are Bolton Wanderers, Bamber Bridge, FC United, Lancaster City, Hyde United, and he did make a brief appearance for the Rams a couple of seasons back.

Having made more than just one appearance previously, is another “new” face in OWEN COLLINGE. The locally-based defender, “Codge” returns to the HWRS after spells with Lower Breck and FC St. Helens. The 24 year old previously turned out for the Rams on 79 occasions, and will be warmly welcomed back by the supporters.

The Rams came out comfortable winners at Midland League Premier Division side Stockport Georgians last Saturday, winning 3-1 with the goals coming from Macauley Wilson, with an excellent free-kick, Joe Blanchard who headed home from a corner, and matt Dudley who volleyed home an Oscar Radcliffe cross.

On Tuesday night, the short trip to Manchester League Elton Vale completed the away games. A brace from Gareth Hill and one from Nathan Beca saw the Rams draw 3-3 with their local opponents.

The build-up to the new season finishes with two home matches. Padiham, who ultimately succeeded in gaining promotion to the NPL, arrive on FRIDAY(24^th) for a 7.45pm kick-off, before the curtain comes down next Tuesday when NPL Premier outfit Bamber Bridge should provide a tough finale ahead of the meaningful fixtures. Kick-off again at 7.45pm.

The season proper kicks off on Saturday August 1^st, with the Rams travelling to reprieved side Litherland REMYCA. The Liverpool-side almost retained their NWCFL Premier League status last season after a new manager and squad arrived following a disastrous campaign, but they fell just short, and were promptly relegated. However, following the demise of Stockport Town, they were reinstated, and will no doubt, be hoping for a much better outlook this time round.

The following Tuesday will see the Rams and Trafford reunited on the pitch, after a three-year absence following the latter’s relegation from the NPL in April.

Saturday 8^th arrives with the FA Cup as the focus, and Ramsbottom United host South Liverpool in the 1^st Preliminary round, before a weekend jaunt in the Isle of Man follows the following Saturday.

Having made the trip up to Barnoldswick Town on Tuesday 18^th August, the next Saturday is pencilled in for the 2^nd Qualifying round of the FA Cup, and should the Rams have overcome South Liverpool, they will be making the trip to either Keighley Town or Longridge Town.

The early clutch of fixtures then concludes with two home games, against AFC Liverpool on Saturday 29^th before local rivals Prestwich Heys arrive in town on Tuesday 1^st September.

The remaining fixtures for the season will shortly follow, as the league has to organise further fixtures around the needs of a number of clubs higher up the pyramid who have NWCFL clubs ground-sharing with them.