The early season fixtures for Ramsbottom United’s return to the North West Counties League have been announced – with some mouthwatering games and the earliest league commencement in our history!

It is a high-summer start on Saturday 29th July as Steve Wilkes’ charges head to NWCFL Division One South champions Wythenshawe for the opening contest at Hollyhedge Park, before welcoming FC Isle of Man to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium under the floodlights on Tuesday 1st August.. Although the sun won’t be setting until 21.05 that night!

In fact, our first three home games will all be under the HWRS Tuesday night lights as we welcome Barnoldswick Town on 8th August and West Didsbury and Chorlton a week later on the 15th.

Sandwiched between those two is a game away at AFC Liverpool on Saturday 12th August at 3pm.

Our first away-day midweeker sees us travel to Longridge Town on Tuesday 22nd August before the Rams make the short trip to old friends Prestwich Heys on Saturday 26th August.

The early fixture announcement concludes with a Bank Holiday Monday home game with fellow NPL relegated side Glossop North End.

Saturday 19th August has been reseved for the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup while the FA Vase first Preliminary Round is scheduled for Saturday 26th August so the Prestwich Heys game might be moved.

It will be a packed schedule and the remaining fixtures will be announced in due course but this will certainly get the juices flowing ahead of the Rams’ tilt at a swift return to the Northern Premier League.