Ramsbottom United (H)
NWCFL Premier Division
Matchday 23
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Preview
Subject to the strength of Storm Bert over the coming days, West hope to host table-toppers Ramsbottom United this weekend in the first of four consecutive Saturdays of football at Brookburn Road.
It follows four away games in a row where West have picked up a mixed selection of results. Victories at Squires Gate and Ryton & Crawcrook Albion marked a strong start to West's run on the road, but two disappointing defeats to Irlam and Colne marked the first back-to-back defeats of the Paul Marshall era. They also leave West sitting in 7th place and seven points below the playoff places, albeit with two games still in hand over FC Isle of Man.
There won't be many tougher tests for West this season than the visit of Ramsbottom United. Rammy currently sit top of the table, and whilst Bury's three games in hand over Saturday's visitors would realistically put them in the stronger position going into the second half of the season, Ramsbottom certainly look set to put in a serious title bid. West faced a Colne side last time out who had conceded the most goals in the division, but this Saturday West face the side who have conceded the fewest. The Rams have kept three league clean sheets in a row and have conceded an average of 0.6 goals a game all season. Only three teams have scored more goals than Ramsbottom too.
One positive to take from Ramsbottom's recent run of form is that they did recently let go of a 13-match unbeaten run in the course of being eliminated from the FA Vase. The less positive news however is that they were toppled by West's 3rd Round opponents, Silsden.
In terms of personnel, there is one notable West link in their squad in the form of Josh Tinker, who is West's 6th highest NWCFL appearance holder. The ex-West captain has played 18 games for Rammy this season, although he has not made it on to the pitch since his side's 4-0 win at Litherland REMYCA last month.
West will be without Jake Kenny following his red card early into the second half at Colne last weekend. That dismissal means that only four teams have picked up more red cards than West this season (Abbey Hey, Glossop North End, Barnoldswick Town and Prestwich Heys). That said, West are still way down towards the foot of the disciplinary table on account of having picked up fewer yellow cards than any sides in the division other than Pilkington.
Saturday's match will be Ramsbottom's second trip to the Step Places stadium this season, having already eliminated West from the Macron Cup in September. That match is discussed further below.
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Ramsbottom United At A Glance
Home colours: Blue / blue / white
Change colours: Red / black / red
2023/24 position: 18th, NWCFL Premier
2023/24 average attendance: 309
Travelling distance: 23 miles
Ramsbottom were founded in 1966 and their current chairman, Harry Williams, has held this position for the duration of their history. The first thirty years of their history were played at amateur level, and they eventually joined the North West Counties Football League in 1995. They made it as far as Step 3 of the non-league pyramid in 2014 but experienced their first-ever relegation two years later to drop back into the Northern Premier Division Division One West. They were then relegated again in 2023 and are playing their second season back in the Counties since winning the Premier Division in 2012.
It is therefore unsurprising that West and Rammy’s paths have rarely crossed before. The sides first met in the Lancashire Challenge trophy in 2014, which saw West fall to a 3-0 defeat in the second round. Aside from that, the league meetings last season were the first competitive fixtures between the clubs.
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Head to Head
Overall
P4 W0 D3 L1 F6 A9
At The Step Places Stadium
P2 W0 D2 L0 F4 A4
As stated, West are yet to beat Ramsbottom across the four previous meetings between the sides and West are, in fact, yet to ever even hold a lead against Saturday's visitors. Both league meetings last season ended 2-2, with West grabbing late equalisers on each occasion.
It was then another 2-2 draw when the sides met in the Macron Cup earlier this season, with West's goals coming from Jordan Lazenbury and Lee Grimshaw. The tie was ultimately settled by the first kick of the penalty shootout, which Connor Hughes blazed over the roof of Monica's Bar. Both sides then converted all their remaining penalties and Ramsbottom progressed with a 5-4 win in the shootout.
Our report from that match is HERE.
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Form Guide
West
Position: 7th
Form position: 13th
Last six overall: LLWWLD
Home position: 5th
Last six home: LWWWWW
Ramsbottom United
Position: 1st
Form position: 4th
Last six overall: WLDWWW
Away position: 6th
Last six away: LDWDWD
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Browse through our wonderful match galleries, from club photographers:
Nathan Ashmall, Chris Michell, Jack Todd and Christina Bowett.
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Directions
We encourage supporters to use public transport, cycle or walk if possible.
By car:
There is no parking available at the ground for supporters, except for pre-booked disability access.
Please instead use Hardy Farm, M21 8DP.
Disability spaces must be accessed no later than one hour before kickoff and all vehicles will be unable to exit until 15 minutes after the final whistle to ensure the safety of all supporters leaving the stadium.
There is additional public car parking on Chorlton Ees opposite The Bowling Green pub, who are also allowing supporters to use the pub car park, but there is little other on-street parking.
Please also note that there is no parking available on Brookburn Road itself, nor the surrounding Chorltonville area, as they are privately maintained, exclusively for the use of residents.
By public transport:
The Step Places Stadium is one mile from Chorlton Metrolink station, on the East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines. Follow Google Maps directions to find your way to the ground.
If you are travelling from outside the Greater Manchester area, the Metrolink network can be accessed from any of Manchester’s central train stations. Visit the Transport for Greater Manchester website for tram times and more information.
By cycle:
The Step Places Stadium is a perfect location for those who cycle, being located next to the River Mersey, Sale Ees and only a few minutes away from the Fallowfield Cycle Loop. We have secure bicycle racks inside the ground to lock up your bike throughout the game. Please ask a volunteer if you need assistance.
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Prohibited items
Bringing pyrotechnics, drums/instruments and/or alcohol into the ground is prohibited. It is a criminal offence to bring pyrotechnics into any stadium. Stewards may conduct bag searches for prohibited items upon entrance to the stadium. Bag searches are a condition of entry and your co-operation is greatly appreciated. Spectators who break these rules may be banned from the ground and any pyrotechnics and/or alcohol will be confiscated.
