MATCH: Ramsbottom United vs Warrington Rylands 1906
VENUE: Harry Williams Riverside Stadium
COMPETITION: Northern Premier League West Division
DATE: Saturday 26th March 2022
KO: 3:00pm
ADMISSION:
You can pay on the gate – adults £9, concessions £5, students (age 17-18) £6, children under 12 £1 (with a paying adult). Pie and Peas available throughout the evening – and tea and coffee in a proper mug! Programmes are £2 each.
OVERVIEW:
Saturday’s sees another new set of faces arrive at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium in the guise of league leaders Warrington Rylands 1906 for the first of three home games in our last six which could decided, certainly, our destiny for the rest of the season.
After the heartbreaking loss at Workington on Tuesday night under the lights, when the visitors secured an undeserved injury time winner to steal a 1-0 victory, it has left the Rams in 16th place and just four points – again – above the dreaded dotted line. Did anyone really think that we were safe with a seven point cushion previously?
However, the performances of late, in the main, have been very encouraging and, after a poor effort in losing to Colne, the side pulled their socks up and almost claimed all of the spoils in midweek, only to be outdone in the most desperate way.
Saturday poses a whole different challenge in the free-scoring Rylands, who have netted 24 times in their last six games and thrashed lowly Market Drayton Town 7-0 last time out. And, of course, we all dare to remember the reverse fixture back in late November when the Cheshire side set a new Ramsbottom United record for our heaviest defeat in our history, just the small matter of 8-0.
Those sorts of days are thankfully rare – we have had 7-1 and 4-0 victories this season and 0-5 and 0-8 reverses … they happen from time to time.
But lessons were learnt that day and it is certainly hoped that a repeat is not on the cards this afternoon but, who knows, football is a fully old game – the Rams might even ‘spring a surprise’ and win! That’s the game we love – 90 minutes, 11 v 11, top of the table versus fighting for the lives at the bottom. A coupon buster if you please.
Kick off is at 3pm and a large crowd is expected so please do come along early to secure your spot (and your pie if you wanted one). It should be an interesting afternoon.
LEAGUE FORM GUIDE (most recent game first):
Ramsbottom United: LLWLWL
Warrington Rylands 1906: WWWWWW
HISTORY:
You can read all about the history between the Rams and Warrington Rylands 1906 in our comprehensive “Have We Met” article, which is below – written back in November.
TEAM NEWS:
There are no suspensions in the squad and everyone is deemed to be fit for selection.
Returnee Tony Donaldson made his re-appearance on the bench on Tuesday night but wasn’t called into action as he continues to get himself fit for the end of season push.
Otherwise, it is as you were and the Rams will field their strongest possible XI for this key clash.
