We once again dip into the Ramsbottom United archives to see what happened on this respective Saturday in our non-league semi-professional history. And, it will be centered on 2011, 2005 and 2000.
SATURDAY 29th JANUARY 2011
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED v NEW MILLS
MATCH POSTPONED
(Tony Cunningham’s report from the very old RUFC website)
The much-awaited contest between the two title hopefuls fell foul of a late postponement. At 1.30, the referee deemed that a patch alongside the main stand was too hard for his assistant to run along.
This was despite the fact that the rest of the pitch was in perfect condition, and both sides were eager to play, he called the game off.
This is the latest game to suffer from the winter weather, and the Rams have now played just two games in ten weeks (we wouldn’t play for another two weeks either!!)
Those who advocate a mid-winter break would have had a serious problem deciding when the break should take place this year!
Firstly the early snowfalls were responsible for the cancellations, but of late it has been the freezing conditions and bone-hard grounds that have made it impossible to play.
Hopefully, as we enter February the zero temperatures will slowly start to rise and see a return to match action.
Whilst attempting to re-arrange a match to be played during the coming mid-week, the next scheduled slots games game is next Saturday 5 February, and, weather permitting, this will herald a run of three consecutive home games as the Rams aim to keep the pressure on league leaders New Mills.
The Riverside club are facing a heavy schedule as the season enters it’s last three months. There are a minimum of 21 games to fit in, and any more weather problems could result in a fixture pile-up at the end of the season. That is the last thing joint-managers Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson will want as they seek that single place entry into the Evo-Stik League.
SATURDAY 29th JANUARY 2005
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 5 SALFORD CITY 0
Unfortunately, there is no match report for this game available but after a week’s break due to the weather, the Rams turned in a five-star performance in thrashing Salford City 5-0.
A brace from Matt Edgington and Euan Purcell did the damage with Mickey Saunders adding a fifth in front of 215 spectators at The Riverside.
It kept the Rams in the frame at the top end of the table, although Fleetwood Town were already forging well ahead at the summit.
Once again, just 17 years ago – two of the teams in this division are now football league clubs (Fleetwood and Salford), two don’t exist any more (Formby and Great Harwood Town) and the team in third place are rock bottom of NWCFL Division 1 North (St Helens Town).
SATURDAY 29th JANUARY 2000
VAUXHALL MOTORS 3 RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 0
(Report from the Lancashire Telegraph archives)
Ramsbottom overcame chronic defensive problems to push league leaders Vauxhall Motors all the way, before succumbing to two late goals.
Ramsbottom fell behind after 32 minutes when, against the run of play, Leigh Williams scored from close range after Jon Parrott had done well to turn away Karl Nesbitt’s fierce shot.
Ramsbottom were still very much in the game and within minutes of the restart they should have been level when Russell Brierley crossed to an unmarked David Yorke-Robinson who squandered a gilt-edged chance by shooting over from eight yards.
Ramsbottom were caught out 15 minutes from time when Cavanagh rounded the Rams keeper to make it 2-0.
Williams headed a third to give the title hopefuls a flattering victory margin.
