Ramsbottom United kick off their new season tomorrow and will be hoping it will be third time lucky in their quest for promotion, having narrowly missed out in the last two campaigns.
The Rams head to Merseyside to take on Litherland REMYCA for their first NWCL Premier Division opener before they host Trafford FC on Tuesday evening.
Pre-season ended with two home fixtures, as the Rams beat NPL West side Padiham 3-1 with goals coming from Nathan Beca, who notched two within two minutes of the beginning of each half, and a last-minute penalty from Jack Sowerby.
On Tuesday, NPL Premier Division side Bamber Bridge were the visitors, and despite the home side taking a first-half lead thanks to a Matt Dudley penalty, half-time changes by both teams eventually saw the visitors run out 3-1 victors in a game in which the Rams looked equal to a team two divisions higher, for much of the match.
Rob Henry stepped up as manager following Steve Wilkes’ decision to retire and he was happy how pre-season went - but is now looking forward to kicking off the 2026/27 campaign.
“The pre-season programme has been good,” he said.
“We wanted the games to be progressive and give us a greater challenge the more we worked with the players.
“The aims of pre-season was to have good fitness levels, get match minutes into the players, produce good performances that can see us into the season with limited injuries, so we are relatively happy with where we are.
“The lads attitude and application has been fantastic from minute one in all aspects such as the hard running, the ball work, tactical aspects, and the games themselves.
"We have placed high demands on the players and they have responded really well.
"They have constantly set high standards whilst taking on board new ideas and trying to apply those in the games."
Looking ahead to the new campaign, Henry added: "We feel we have put together a really honest group of players that will give absolutely everything.
"They are starting to resemble the intensity, competitiveness and structures that we want in games.
"We still have some areas to address and fine-tune, but these are the challenges of a new group, but come Saturday we will be ready to go.
"The season brings excitement for staff and players.
"We know it’s going to be a really competitive league.
"With lots of strong teams, those that have strengthened from last year, relegated from Step Four or being promoted from the league below.
"Our aim is to be competitive, be positive in our attitude and approach to every game, whilst showing the consistency required to be successful."
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