




Firstly I would like to welcome the visiting officials, players and management from Ramsbottom for todays derby game v Ramsbottom United.
We knew going into Tuesdays game that it was going to be difficult playing against arguably one of the most consistent sides in this league over the last few years.
We made it difficult for ourselves at times, but we had only had three training sessions together since we
Have come in
I was pleased with the determination and grit the lads showed, despite being 3 down. The belief they showed that they could still get something from the game was undeniable, and once we pulled it back to 3-2, it really rocked Workington, I think had the game been another 5 minutes longer, we could have got something out of the game.
I think Workington would have felt aggrieved to have left without the win, but I was pleased with the courage shown in the final have the
Sadly it looks like we will be without Alex Doyle for todays game as he picked up an injury in the early stages of the game
We need to approach todays game with the mentality that we can beat anybody on their day, we know Rammy wont be turning up for a point, they need the points as much as we do to help keep their NPL status
I’ve got to mention once again the fans, who got behind the lads and turned out in their numbers to back the lads, please continue to do so, the lads massively appreciate it, Enjoy tonight's game.
Paul WellerRamsbottom United was founded in 1966, the year that England won the World Cup and one of the founders, Harry Williams, is still, to this day, Chairman, over 50 years later!
Harry has overseen the club progress from a parks pitch on the outskirts to a well-appointed stadium in the centre of the east Lancashire town, adjacent to Ramsbottom Cricket Club, the East Lancashire Railway and the River Irwell, which attracted a record crowd of 2,104 against FC United of Manchester
Early days were spent in local leagues, the Bury Amateur League, the Bolton Combination and the Manchester League before being accepted into the North West Counties League in 1995.
Having entered the FA Vase a couple of years earlier, the club’s first taste of FA Cup action took place in 1998, and they progressed to the Third Qualifying round before losing at home to Conference side Southport in front of a then-record 829 home gate (easily
beating the previous figure of 464 for the local derby with Haslingden).
During the early 2000s, a number of managers came and went without success until the Chairman took the bold step of appointing joint-managers in players Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson at the beginning of the 2009/10 campaign.
After a worrying 0-5 defeat in their first game, the new duo turned the team around, producing a style of attacking football that had crowds flocking back to the newly named Harry Williams Riverside Stadium Having finished runners-up the previous campaign, 2011/12 saw the club gain promotion to the Northern Premier League, as champions, after an exciting run-in with Runcorn Town.
The first season in the NPL saw the club agonisingly miss out on the play-offs on the last day, but more than made up for it during 2013/14.
Acquiring a place in the play-offs this time, a daunting trip up to a hostile Bishop Auckland ground to take on Darlington saw the Rams ease through before almost 2,000 spectators with a comfortable 2-0 win, followed three days later in the Final at Bamber Bridge, where over 1,200 fans saw the Rams earn their second promotion in three years courtesy of an extra-time winner
However, despite being just outside the play-offs in the Premier Division the following year, Morley and Johnson were tempted away by the ambitious Salford City.
Although the club survived that season, 2015/16 was instantly forgettable as it saw the ground submerged under 5 feet of water from the adjacent river, followed by the first relegation in the Rams history.
A number of managers came and went in an attempt to regain their Premier Division status before Chris Willcock arrived in October 2018.
His revamped squad began producing the same exciting football enjoyed under Morley and Johnson, and in his first season took the club into the last 16 of the FA Trophy, before losing in the play-offs to local neighbours Radcliffe Borough.
2019/20 saw the club on the verge of promotion before the Covid 19 pandemic brought an early “Null and Void” closure, with the club second in the league with games in hand over leaders Workington.
The 2020/21 season followed suit, although this time “curtailed” with The Rams in second place after just eight matches. The frustrating thing being that out of the teams last 26 league games played, 20 had been won, 4 drawn and just 2 defeats, form that, at any other time, would most certainly have gained promotion if not a Championship.
Just days from the start of the 2021/22 season, manager Willcock was tempted away by rivals Workington, so the Rams
immediately filled the vacancy by promoting assistant manager Lee Donafee into the hot seat, having been an integral part of the management team which had done so well for the Rams in recent seasons. The late appointment caused a number of problems resulting in a difficult season which ended in a disappointing 15th position.
Attacking midfielder Jordan Southworth joined the Rams at the beginning of the year from Skelmersdale United. The 26 year old has had previous spells at Halifax Town, Farsley Celtic, Chorley and Prescot Cables
The pacy winger/attacker played for Altrincham, Stalybridge Celtic and Congleton Town before joining Colne in the summer of 2019. Billy was a very popular player for the Reds, but lack of starts saw him swap Red for Blue in February last year Billy has played 31 times this season scoring 3 goals.
Versatile 21 year old defender Oscar Radcliffe has represented the Rams 33 times this season The attacking right-back signed for Rammy in the summer from AFC Blackpool after previously being at Bamber Bridge
Defender/midfielder Michael Fitzgerald came through Blackpool’s youth system. The 19 year old centre-half joined Rammy in the summer and has played 30 times already this season, scoring twice.
Another defender, 21 year old Will Hall returned to the club after a previous loan spell from Altrincham. Will another with 30 appearances this term, but his 2nd red card of the season against Clitheroe earned him a 4 match ban and he’ll miss out.
Ex QPR youth, Witton Albion and Prescot Cables winger Leon Johnson, had a brief spell with Colne last October, turning out for the Reds on 4 occasions. Leon signed for the Rams late in September but picked up an injury in December. His return is imminent.
19 year old midfielder Jordan Scanlon is currently on loan from Rochdale. Jordan signed in February and has been an ever present since arriving
18 year old keeper Tom Wooster joined the Rams last month from Manchester United. Tom has been in great form since joining and he was instrumental in their excellent point away at Workington, making crucial stops and saving an injury time penalty.
23 year old Nigerian attacker/winger
Dasilva was a youth at Bury and last played for Squires Gate. Wealth joined at the beginning of the month and scored on his 2nd start at Kidsgrove Athletic
Mansell was snapped up a couple of weeks ago. The 25 year old centre-forward has EFL experience with Accrington Stanley and he could be an astute signing once he hits his stride.
79 Yellow Cards
6 Red Cards
We are delighted to announce that our registration to become a Society for Community Benefit has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority.
This means that the club now belongs to you, the fans
Upon receiving confirmation, Andy Walsh, Head of National Game and Community Ownership with the FSA said
The Football Supporters' Association is pleased to welcome Colne FC as the latest club to become
community owned Colne FC joins over forty other clubs in England that have adopted the community ownership model first pioneered over 20 years ago. The FSA looks forward to working with the officers and supporters of Colne FC to help build and develop the club infrastructure to secure the club's financial stability and long term future
Colne F.C. co-chair Glenn Stock added "Since we came in to the club back in October, we knew changes were needed to the club's structure to protect this clubs future, and I don't
think there is a better way of doing this than giving control to our loyal fanbase"
On Wednesday 12th April we will be hosting an evening where fans can find out more about the new structure We will be joined by a member from the Football Supporters' Association who will be ready to answer any of your questions.
Also joining us on the evening will be new manager Paul Weller who will be on hand to answer any of your questions.
Colne FC were formed in January 1996, by a group of like-minded people under the wing of now Life President Dave Blacklock. The enthusiasts combined their strengths and knowledge of non-league football, and arrangements were made for a new club to use the vacant Holt House Stadium, once used by the Dynamoes in the NWCFL Division Two.
Colne FC’s first ever competitive game was on the 17th August 1996 against Middlewich and the result ended in a 1 – 0 defeat. The team was then managed by Keith Mason, but after his resignation soon after, Denzel Hart was appointed to the hot seat His first game was a 6 – 0 defeat away at Ashton Town, but just two games later Colne FC recorded their first ever victory thumping Bacup Borough 5 – 2. The highlight of the season, coming when the reserves won the BEP Cup at Clitheroe’s Shawbridge ground.
In the summer of 2002
James Webster took control of the club, to become the youngest chairman in the league at the age of 24.
James was a player at the club with plenty of experience and along with his father who was vicechairman, had a strong desire to see the current side emulate the success of its predecessors.
Webster responded immediately by appointing Nigel Coates as the new manager as well as player Gary Rishton as his number two. Nigel had played for the Dynamoes, being in the FA Vase winning team and had experience of management at local rivals Nelson.
Season 2003/04 brought back the glory days to Colne with a string of successes In the League Colne had to play catch up after a successful cup run but ended the season 10 points clear in Division two, scoring 102 goals in their 38 games Colne completed the double by winning the Division Two Trophy 1 – 0 over Great Harwood.
The season was capped by an amazing run in the FA Vase for a NWCFL Division Two club, they progressed all the way to the SemiFinals, (via an incredible 1 –2 away win at AFC Wimbledon) before being
defeated over two legs 4 –3 on aggregate to AFC Sudbury
As the season progressed attendances started to rise as the local population realised we were no longer the whipping boys of the league, and the famous RED ARMY was formed
In November 2013 Colne’s manager for the past 10 years Nigel Coates stepped down from the hot seat and former Colne player Steve Cunningham was appointed manager, with another former Colne favourite Ted Cockett as his No.2 and Coach.
Steve and Ted had ambitious plans for the club and wasted no time in bringing in a few new faces to boost the playing squad, consolidating for the rest of the season but with big hopes and plans for the following seasons.
Season 2014/15 proved to be a year of
progress in terms of league placing, with Colne finishing a creditable fourth.
Season 2015/16 proved to be the best ever in Colne FC twenty year history. The Reds battled for the
NWCFL Premier title with Runcorn Linnets and Atherton Collieries with the Reds winning the title with an 81 minute goal at 1874 Northwich securing 100 points and 100 + goals upon the way The Reds also reached the Final of the League Cup before falling to Atherton.
2016/17 saw the club compete at Step 4 for the first time in their history and finished a more than creditable 5th and the final play-off spot which the Reds lost in the semi- final to Farsley Celtic. The Colne fans earned many accolades throughout the season for their fine and vocal support of the team.
The 2017/18 season saw Steve Cunningham lead his team for another tilt at the title A new Chairman Ryan Haigh was appointed in June 2017 and with the backing of Utility Renewals. The Reds again were competitive missing out on the final play-off place on goal difference
2018/19 saw a new era for the club with the formation of the NPL West Division
Again Colne suffered playoff heartache losing to a last minute extra-time goal in the Semi-Final at Leek Town.
2019/20 saw the season null and voided due to the Covid epidemic with Colne in a mid-table position. At the end of the season long time manager Steve Cunningham stepped down and was replaced by Nathan Rooney
2020/21 With a new manager and back room staff in place Colne were looking forward to being a challenger in a very strong league. Colne ended the curtailed season sitting in first place after nine games
2021/2022 This season was our 25th anniversary since the demise of Colne Dynamoes and had the challenge of a new league to play in with several new signings and Lee Pugh taking over as captain from long time servant Alex Coleman. After 13 games and with the squad blighted by injuries to key players, the record wasPlayed 13, won 5 drawn 3, lost 5.
Nathan Rooney resigned in December stating personal reasons. He was replaced by Jonathon Macken who brought in Steve Atkinson as his assistant for our New Year’s Day game against Kendal Town - a scrappy 1 0 defeat. January 2022 was a month of comings and goings with six players in
and an equal number being moved on and saw just 1 point from the last 6 games. February was no better with another four defeats but signs of improvement. March saw three wins and a draw with no goals conceded which effectively ensured safety for the season at this level. The club finished the campaign in 14th place with a record of: Played 38, won 12, drawn 8, lost 18, 44 points
2022/23 The campaign started with a new manager, Macken having moved to Witton, Phil Brown comes in with experience in the league at Lancaster City and Clitheroe.
Sadly, things didn’t go to plan for Phil Brown as he left the club in March 2023 and was replaced by former Burnley midfielder, Paul Weller.
Runcorn Linnets have confirmed that manager Dave Wild has been relieved of his duties. Wild, who took charge ahead of the 2022/23 season, has been dismissed following an emergency board meeting, over what they called "a matter of gross misconduct."
A Disciplinary Panel of the NWCFL met with representatives of both Winsford United and Vauxhall Motors to consider a protest under League Rule 16.2 that Winsford United had played the game on 6/3/2023, winning 1-0, whilst under suspension by Cheshire County FA and a request that the match be replayed.
The Disciplinary Panel considered the written and verbal submissions of both clubs and confirmation from Cheshire County FA that Winsford United were suspended on that date for a failure to fulfil their
financial obligations to Cheshire County FA.
They also considered the plea of mitigation put forward by Winsford United.
As a result, the match played on 6th March 2023 has been declared void, with the result removed from the records and the league table updated accordingly.
Bury AFC have announced a new temporary agreement to move home fixtures to Seel Park, the home of Mossley AFC of the Northern Premier League West Division.
Barnoldswick Town look set for a new “stand” next to the club house. The cost of the stand looks set to be funded by the juniors
South Shields will clinch a playoff place at minimum if they avoid defeat at Bamber Bridge, or they'll clinch it regardless if two of Gainsborough, Hyde or Marine dont win
Belper will be relegated to Step 4 if they lose to Atherton and if there is a winner in the clash between Stalybridge and Marske
Macclesfield will be crowned champions of the West division if they win at home to Trafford and if Leek fail to win at Clitheroe
Workington will clinch a playoff place if they win at Widnes or if Witton Albion fail to win at home to Skelmersdale
Ramsbottom will only be able to qualify at best for the interstep playoff if they fail to win at this afternoon
Halesowen will clinch a playoff place at minimum if they win at home to Coleshill
Colne slipped to a narrow defeat against third placed Workington at Holt House on Tuesday evening The Reds staged a great fight back in the closing minutes to score two late goals but ran out of time when the final whistle came.
In the opening stages, Colne pushed forward and a hard low cross by Luke Stowe just eluded Owen Watkinson at the far post. While at the other end, Workington looked dangerous with good runs by David Symington and Kai Nugent.
Colne had a great chance after just ten minutes when Hakan Burton’s long ball out of defence sent Stowe away on a run in the visitors’ half but as he reached the penalty area, keeper Jim Atkinson did well to block his shot and clear the danger.
After 21 minutes, a quick counterattack saw Nugent embark on a right wing run and his cross to the far post was knocked home by Scott Allison to give
Workington the lead. The visitors pressed forward again and within a minute Nugent forced a great save from Burton as he dived across his goal to push his shot away. And in a subsequent attack, Symington shot wide with only Burton to beat.
Colne steadied the ship with some great defensive tackles by Finley Devenney, Harry Winstanley and Jacob Bridges. And on the stroke of half time, they forged a good opening at the right end of the field when Lucas Weaver made progress into the visitors’ penalty area and squared the ball to Stowe who pulled his shot wide of goal from a good opportunity.
As the second half began, Danny Kyobe was brought down on the corner of the visitors’ area and Watkinson blasted the free kick inches past the far post At the other end, Keelan Leslie threatened with a penetrating run before Tom Fagan stopped his progress with a greattackle. And as play swung to the other end, Stowe’s free kick was headed just over the bar by Watkinson
Line Up: Burton, Fagan, Stowe (McCann 81), Winstanley, Devenney, Bridges, Weaver (Diakite 62), Doyle (Kardacz 37), Watkinson, Ikpakwu, Kyobe Subs Not Used: Wallbank, Bradley
After 70 minutes, Workington doubled their lead when a left wing cross into the Colne goalmouth took a fortunate deflection and fell to Reuben Jerome who fired home from close range
Colne looked for a quick reply and Winstanley’s cross was held by the keeper at the second attempt before one minute later Atkinson was again in action to palm away an inswinging corner from under his crossbar.
But after 80 minutes as Workington attacked, Symington was brought down by a challenge from behind to give the visitors a penalty which Connor Tinnion duly dispatched into the net for a three goal lead.
Colne pressed forward in the closing stages and Tom McCann’s run and shot was blocked in a crowded Workington penalty area before Malick Diakite fired home the loose ball to reduce the deficit after minutes As the game into added time, forced a series of corners and when the ball was cleared to Matty Kardacz found the net with a through a packed goalmouth
The Reds had momentum at this with the visitors defending desperately but the whistle came all too soon Colne.
22 ‘ Scott Allison scores
37’ Mateusz Kardacz replaced Alex Doyle
HT Colne 0-1 Workington
62’ Malik Diakite replaced Lucas Weaver
62’ Reuben Jerome replaced Kai Nugent
70’ Reuben Jerome scores
75’ Lewis Reilly replaced Scott Allison
81’ Conor Tinnion scores
81 'Tom McCann replaced Luke Stowe
82’ Owen Watkinson cautioned
83 'Tom Fagan cautioned
84 'Dan Wordsworth cautioned
89 'Malik Diakite scores
90’ Mateusz Kardacz scores
90’ Reuben Jerome cautioned
90’ Steven Rigg cautioned
Tuesday
Colne 2-3 Workington
Leek Town 1-1 Mossley
The Weekend
City of Liverpool V Prescot Cables
Clitheroe V Leek Town
Colne V Ramsbottom United
Glossop North End V Newcastle Town
Hanley Town V 1874 Northwich
Kidsgrove V Runcorn Linnets
Macclesfield V Trafford
Mossley V Bootle
Widnes V Workington
Witton Albion V Skelmersdale
Tuesday 4th April
Ramsbottom U V 1874 Northwich
The clubs finishing in third and fourth from bottom in each of the eight divisions at Step 4 at the end of the Regular Season will take part in InterStep Play-Off Matches against the clubs finishing in 2nd position in each of the sixteen divisions at Step 5 to determine whether they remain at Step 4 or are relegated to step 5 for the following playing season.
The young lions look forward to the remaining 3 games of the season 3 away fixtures, starting next Sunday, 2nd April against Ashton Town.
With players coming back from injury. Having had last Tuesday and Thursday assisting the new first team manager, Paul Weller’s training with the senior lads, the U21’s were delighted to play their part in refreshing the preparations throughout to a victory away at Bootle With the travelling faithful singing loud and proud back down the M57.
So, 3 remaining games for the young lions, may still see a playoff place 3 points awarded to the reds last Sunday, as Ashton
Town cancelled the day before the fixture, so a Home Walkover to us.
However, breaking news, we see the U21 Manager Josh Wall depart the club yesterday The U21 players and staff would like to thank Josh for all the hard work he has done with the group since joining last August. Josh brought a new dynamic to training and he has contributed greatly to all the lads development, without a doubt. He is a young coach with great ambitions, and we all wish him the very best
We welcome Workington to Holt House tonight and hope both teams put on a great display for the fans.
U21 players and staff will
be in the crowd tonight cheering Paul Weller’s “ red and white army “ to hopefully another victory
Onwards and upwards !!
We are looking to raise £40,000 for pitch improvements at Holt House to significantly improve the playing surface at our Holt House Stadium.
The club is a community club that is now fan-owned and we are looking to make significant improvements to the holt house pitch to make the pitch more freely available to the community for wider use
The current pitch is deteriorating badly, and despite the best efforts of our wonderful volunteers,
sadly they are fighting a losing battle, limiting the number of games available to play on the pitch and increasing the risk of injuries to players. Several games have been called off this season, whereas other local sides have managed to play games due to better pitch facilities.
The money will contribute towards levelling the pitch, completely removing the notorious slope that the Holt House ground has become famous for, whilst improving the drainage system.
In doing the above, the pitch will become more readily available for community use, including the Women's first team and the newly proposed women's academy
Colne Football Club currently has over 300 children throughout the Junior Section that have never had the opportunity to play on the turf at Holt House, but in doing so, these improvements will allow for the Juniors, Academy Children, and Women's Team the opportunity to regularly play at Holt House whilst allowing for the other local teams to use the pitch for their showcase games & finals.
10.04.2023 / Northern Premier League Division One West / Shawbridge
Founded: 1887
Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy
Winners 1984–85
Lancashire Combination Division Two
Champions 1959-60
Lancashire Combination Division One
Champions 1979-80
NWCFL Division Three
Champions 1983-84
NWCFL Division Two
Champions 1984-85
NWCFL Division One
Champions 1985–86, 2003–04
North West Counties Floodlit Trophy
Winners 1998-99
League Position: 4th
Last 6 L D D W L L
Leading Scorer(s): Gonzales (19)
Programme: £3
Average Attendance: 605
Admission: Adults £9 | Concess £6 | 14-
17 £4 | U14s £2 |
Shawbridge Street
Clitheroe
BB7 1LZ
Clitheroe play their home games at the Eco Giant Stadium (Shawbridge).Manager: Paul Weller
Benjamin Anderson
Cuan Bradley
Jacob Bridges
Hakan Burton (GK)
Scott Byrom
Rory Cormack
Finley Devenney
Malick Diakite
Jack Doherty
Alex Doyle
Edward Elewa-Ikpakwu
Thomas Fagan
Sheikh Islam
Mateusz Kardacz
McDaniel Kyobe
Thomas McCann
Cormac Noel
Gary Stopforth
Luke Stowe
Ellis Wallbank
Owen Watkinson
Lucas Weaver
Harry Winstanley
Dave Chadwick
Tom Wooster
Henri Ogunby
Joshua Askew
Matthew France
Oscar Radcliffe
Sam Bentley
Jordan Southworth
Owen Collinge
Wealth Dasilva
Jordan Scanlon
Billy Hasler-Cregg
Ryan Lockett
Kobe McWilliams
Ryan Jennings
Saac Lee
Jayden Bailey