It’s the first “Bury” derby of the season tonight as Heys welcome Ramsbottom United to Adie Moran Park.

The game will be the first competitive fixture between the clubs for 25 years, a period in which both sides have ridden a rollercoaster of high and lows. Our visitors reached the Northern Premier League Premier Division under Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson, but that success has understandably been hard to replicate in recent years. A miserable season last year saw Rammy relegated back to the North West Counties League, a level they last competed in back in 2012.

However, the step down has given them a chance to reset and the shrewd appointment of former Northwich Victoria boss Steve Wilkes in the Summer and some eye-catching recruitment has brought a positive start to the season as they look to bounce back. A 4-0 loss on the opening day of the season to Wythenshawe wasn’t the start they would have hoped for, but they have steadily accumulated points since then and with good away wins at FC Isle of Man and AFC Liverpool and a home draw against West Didsbury taking the eye. Their most impressive result came last Saturday as they came from behind to win 2-1 at League leaders Kendal Town, to record a second successive win that sees them eighth in the table with seventeen points from ten games.

Heys also come into the game on the back of successive wins with last Tuesday’s 2-0 home win over Padiham followed by an identical victory at FC Ilse of Man on Saturday.

It’s a run they will look to continue after a patchy start to the League campaign. Nonetheless, whilst Heys may be 15th in the table, with fourteen points from nine games, they have the leading pack in their sights. They will be looking to capitalise on games in hand as with Ramsbottom tonight, Chadderton on Saturday and Kendal next Tuesday they have three games that offer a real opportunity to make progress up the table.

MATCH INFORMATION

Ground: Adie Moran Park, Sandgate Road, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 6WG

Telephone: 0161 773 8888 (match days only)

Licensed bar in the clubhouse serving hot and cold drinks, hot and cold food/snacks and equipped with televisions and seating for around sixty people. Gents and Ladies WC's are also located in the clubhouse. An additional serving hatch is available adjacent to the Seated Stand.

There are separate toilet facilities inside the ground. These are located in the red building block to the left of the turnstiles as you enter the ground.

We have a covered standing area for approx 150 people and covered seating for 100.

There's free on-site parking for around 150 cars on the front and down the length of the motorway side of the ground. Car park Stewards will guide you to a space. On entering the ground at present you will note there are presently Cabins on the Car Park, reducing capacity.

However, there is now additional Car Parking available down the whole length of the motorway side of the ground.

On arrival if you find the front Car Park full, please proceed across the Car Park, past the turnstiles to the end of the ground perimeter and then turn right to use this additional space.

We would ask that you do not double park or cause a blockage on the front Car Park. Also please do not park on Sandgate Road.

Please do not park on Sandgate Road or surrounding streets.

Hard standing around the entire pitch.

Pyrotechnics are banned. This includes Flares, Fireworks and Smoke Bombs. Anyone carrying pyrotechnics will be subject to a Football Banning order.

Supporters are also reminded that is an offence to enter the Playing Area and doing so can result in a Banning order.

The Club does not allow Dogs into the ground. The only exception to this rule is for Disability Support Dogs.

Please note out of consideration to our neighbours Drums and other Musical Instruments are banned from the ground. Visiting supporters are asked to also refrain from placing flags on the Clubhouse / Seated stand side of the ground.

2022/24 Admission Prices: Adults £7, Concessions £4 (over 65's and students with valid student card), Under 16 's and under FREE.

Programme Price: £2.00

Directions: M60 to junction 17 head towards Whitefield, take first right into Clyde Avenue and continue over the traffic lights onto Thatch Leach Lane, turn right at the Frigate Public House, go over the motorway bridge, the ground is on the left.

Nearest Railway: Besses O`Barn Metrolink Station, Bury Old Road. Turn right out of station and follow directions as above.

Nearest Bus Route to Ground: 135 from Manchester to Bury Route, alight at Besses o Barn and follow directions as above.