Ramsbottom United’s friendly programme continued with matches against Garstang, Fulwood Amateurs and neighbours Radcliffe most recently on Tuesday night

Last Thursday saw the squad travel to NWCFL Division One North Garstang and return on the back of a 4-1 win, with goals coming from Tom Hoyle, Maine Walder and Luke Sephton (two).

Saturday’s trip took the team to West Lancs League side Fulwood Amateurs, themselves hopeful of joining the NWCFL next year, and despite an end-to-end match, a solitary goal from Oumar Camara was all the Rams could manage, despite numerous chances being created, while the hosts managed to find the back of the net three times in a 3-1 home triumph.

On Tuesday, it was the return of Rammy legends Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson, now gaining similar recognition at the helm at neighbours Radcliffe.

They brought their NPL title-winning side to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium ahead of their debut season in National League North.

Although the team from three divisions higher left on the back of a 2-0 win, the home side gave as good as they got, especially in the second half.

An early goal after seven minutes when Louis Maynard’s sweetly-struck low drive from 25 yards scraped in by the left-hand post gave Radcliffe the lead, before a penalty for a pull-back on former Ram Jordan Hulme, just before half time, saw Josh Hancock hammer home a second from the penalty spot.

Despite the loss, it was a performance illustrating just how strong a squad manager Steve Wilkes has built up ahead of the new campaign, and one which will have given the Rammy faithful hope better times are ahead.

Two more pre-season games await, with Ossett United being the visitors to the HWRS on Saturday (3pm), and Northwich Victoria next Tuesday (7.45pm)

On the player front, more new arrivals have signed forms ahead of the new campaign.

Twenty two-year-old central defender Harry Winstanley joins from Colne.

Winstanley was a scholar at Blackpool before spending the last three seasons at Colne.

“I’ve been trying to get Harry on board all pre-season so to finally get him is really pleasing”, said Rams manager Wilkes.

“He’s a young lad who is keen to learn and he was a big part of Colne’s successes last season. Really looking forward to working with him.”

The player himself cannot wait to get started either.

He added: “Rammy have made some great signings over the summer and I’m really looking forward to playing with some really experienced players.

“Looking at the group that’s being assembled there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be there or thereabouts this year and hopefully we can make something happen”.

Also joining the Rams is 34-year-old former Lancaster midfielder Rob Wilson.

Wilkes added: “Another fantastic addition to the club.

“Rob will bring us quality on the ball and he’s another player with experience from playing above. I’ve tried to sign Rob on numerous occasions so I’m really pleased to have finally got him.”