Rams ready and raring to go

Rowan Chambers in action against Bamber Bridge.

After two near-misses. Ramsbottom United will be going all out to make it third time lucky as the new season in the North West Counties League Premier Division kicks off on Saturday.

The Rams head over to Merseyside to take on reprieved Litherland REMYCA, who, after a dreadful first two thirds of last season, almost made a miraculous late recovery under a new manager, but just failed to cling on to their Premier Division place. However, the demise of Stockport Town allowed them to remain in the division, and the visitors can expect quite a challenge on the opening day.

The following Tuesday sees the Rams welcoming Trafford FC to the HWRS, as the west Manchester side return to the NWCFL following their relegation from the NPL last season.

Pre-season ended with two home fixtures, as the Rams beat NPL West side Padiham 3-1 with goals coming from Nathan Beca, who notched two within two minutes of the beginning of each half, and a last-minute penalty from Jack Sowerby.

On Tuesday, NPL Premier Division side Bamber Bridge were the visitors, and despite the home side taking a first half lead thanks to a Matt Dudley penalty, half-time changes by both teams eventually saw the visitors run out 3-1 victors in a game which the Rams looked equal to a team two divisions higher, for much of the match.

So how has newly-installed manager Rob Henry seen pre-season develop?

“The pre-season programme has been good”, he declared. “We wanted the games to be progressive and give us a greater challenge the more we worked with the players.

“The aims of pre-season was to have good fitness levels, get match minutes into the players, produce good performances that can see us into the season with limited injuries, so we are relatively happy with where we are.

“The lads attitude and application has been fantastic from minute one in all aspects such as the hard running, the ball work, tactical aspects and the games themselves. We have placed high demands on the players and they have responded really well. They have constantly set high standards whilst taking on board new ideas and trying to apply those in the games”.

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Henry added “With the season start around the corner, we feel we have put together a really honest group of players that will give absolutely everything. They are starting to resemble the intensity, competitiveness and structures that we want in games.

“We still have some areas to address and fine-tune, but these are the challenges of a new group, but come Saturday we will be ready to go.

“The season brings excitement for staff and players. We know it’s going to be a really competitive league. With lots of strong teams, those that have strengthened from last year, relegated from step 4 or being promoted from the league below. Our aim is to be competitive, be positive in our attitude and approach to every game, whilst showing the consistency required to be successful”

The game at Litherland kicks off at 3.00pm, whilst Trafford arrive in town for a 7.45 k.o. The following Saturday sees the Rams in the First Qualifying round of the FA Cup when South Liverpool come to town.