retired_w0lfpack1

Go York! - Oh, wait, wrong story.

beefandy

i missed your earlier stuff but i must say this has been a fantastic read so far... best ive read for a while by a long stretch keep it up

retired_nela

Thanks. If you have the time, my Ancona story is still here. Unfortunately, the Rushden stories seem to have gone with the board clean-up, but I still have copies in Word format.



October, 2006

Northwich, Conference, Home
Maamria moved back to the middle with Jackson starting forward. The striker forced a save early. Northwich put a few over the bar, as did Bostwick for Rushden. The game looked like finishing with a scoreless result when Clitnovich missed from the edge of the area, and despite eight shots a piece, it was indeed a 0-0 finish.

Burton, Conference, Away

This was a game we were definitely expected to win, which made it rather dangerous. Naturally, we went behind after eight minutes, with Glenn Wilson easily rounded by a defender. Wilson went off injured a few minutes later, and while Jackson set up Dodds perfectly, his shot was parried and cleared. Mills dodged a couple of defenders only to see his shot turned wide while Dodds had a chip tipped over and a header from a Jackson cross saved. Burton had a player sent off for a two-footed tackle, yet scored from a 25-yard free just before half time. A disgraceful half, and I got stuck into the players at the break. Jackson forced a save five minutes into the second, and the parry was cleared to Mills. His pass into the box deflected into the path of Clitnovich, who continued his fine season with another goal. We still needed two more in forty minutes, but couldn't do it. Jackson and Perpetuini missed late shots as we sank to a loss against the bottom-placed side. I signed coaches Matthew Doran and Calum Collier after the game.

Gravesend, Conference, Home
Perpetuini crossed in early, finding Maamria ahead of his opponent. He passed to the open Dodds for a simple finish. Both sides had chances for another, with Mills in particular coming close, but it was 1-0 at half time. Maamria missed one himself early in the second, but in the 83rd, a clearing header from Hope set Clitnovich up for a counter-attack. He found Jackson, and while his shot was parried, Dodds was there to finish. 2-0.

St Albans, Conference, Away
A cross from Maamria early was deflected into the path of Clitnovich for a 10th minute lead to Rushden – a rare good start to an away game. Those two were busy all game, and it was Maamria who crossed for Mills to head past three defenders in the 67th. Tynan held on at the other end, and 2-0 was the final score.

The good news continued, with Rushden drawn against Corby Town in the FA Cup Fourth Round qualifiers. I also re-signed Gary Mills, Tom Bonner and Tom Shaw on slightly improved deals.

Exeter, Conference, Home
Clitnovich took his first break of the season against a side on a streak of five games without a win. Maamria looked to have given us the lead in the 14th, only to have it ruled offside. Savage played the ball to Jackson on the left corner of the area in first half injury time, and the striker had the time and space to close in and hit the ball in. There were again complaints of an offside, but this one stood. There was no doubt that the Exeter striker who equalised in the 60th after a long pass started out past the defence, but again the official was silent. A great long pass from Mills let Dodds put us back into the lead in the 73rd, and Dave Savage capped off a Man of the Match performance with a ripping, curling 30-yard strike. Ironically, Exeter had a goal ruled offside in the 90th, leaving us 3-1 winners.

Corby Town, FA Cup 4th Round qualifier, Home
I took this game as an opportunity to field a second-string side, giving pretty much all the First XI a rest. A long free from Jon Ashton out of defence set up Michael Rankine for a run and his first goal for Rushden. A clearance from Wilson set up Rankine for a similar move in the 18th for his second, but Corby responded moments later with a goal from a free. A pass across goal from Corby came off Ashton, and in his haste to clear the ball off the line, Tyrone Berry put it into his own net! If I went through all the chances we missed in the second half, we'd be going for pages. Suffice to say, we finished with 19 shots – six on target – and no more goals. Not a good way to end the month, with a replay in just a few days.


The run of three league wins in the middle of the month certainly improved things, but the loss to Burton was awful and the draw to Corby frustrating at best. Dave Savage has at least hit some form, relieving one of my concerns, and I'm delighted to have re-signed three youngsters. We're now in the top half of the table, which is where I want to be, but need to find some consistency.

retired_mully

Jesus christ something weird just happened, this is no joke i was sitting downstairs watching late night UKTV Only Fools and Horses, when i thought lets go on FM, now what can i do for a change? I know i'll have a real bash at writing a story. Instantly i thought Silver_blue just bit me! Lets see if there's a way i can move on with the same team, being Ancona of course and use your story to base it on explaining how i would re-do the sort of thing you did with your team. Not to take any credit from your story.

I read your Ancona story page by page back when i'd just joined the forums, only a month later you were writing that great story, i love your lay outs, you use the basic Leauge table layout, something i've always wanted to know is how do you do that? Is it a code i.e. [][/]?? Well basically i'd like to know

Also the way you lay out your pre-season team information i love, in the Ancona story you used the...

[Pos, Nationality, Height, Age], but instead of games and goals for club it was International Caps and Goal for Country. (Obviously there abit harder to come by at Rushden )

Anyway if you don't mind Donners i have added your msn from your sigames profile, i hope it's right and updated! . I would just like some pointers from the legend himself Great to see you writing again though!

Cheers Mattie.

retired_nela

That's very kind. I'd be interested to see another Ancona story. As I said, I considered taking them on again myself, but didn't even recognise the squad.

The tables are indeed done using just the basic "print screen" and the code tabs. Incidentally, I did have the years, games and goals for the club in the Ancona story, but only covering my time at the club.

I'd certainly be happy to talk to you (and indeed, anyone else) on MSN - but just keep in mind the time difference if I don't seem to be around often...

November, 2006

Corby Town, FA Cup 4th Round qualifier (replay), Away
The winner of this game goes on to face Walsall. I stuck with the same side that drew 2-2 last time, hoping they could make more of their chances. Kelly and Jackson forced early saves before Rankine scored after picking up a loose ball and charging into the area. Kelly did the same himself, and 2-0 was good enough to put us through.

Morcambe, Conference, Away
Back to full-strength, but everything went against us. Jackson missed four shots in 20 minutes, while Morcambe scored from their first chance in the 40th despite a blatant offside. Dodds came off the bench, and crossed to strike partner Maamria in the 70th. The Tunisian snuck past two defenders to slam it home. Unfortunately, Hope was yet again rounded all too easily to allow Morcambe their second, and we could not respond.

Walsall, FA Cup 1st Round, Away
Dodds and Sheehan were ineligible for this game, but otherwise we were at full-strength. A Rushden player was able to run onto a loose defensive pass, but my heart sank when I saw it was Jackson. Thankfully, given his wayward shooting last time, he elected to cross to Maamria for a 3rd minute lead. We led at half time, but went behind minutes into the second when Hope was rounded and Bonner beaten for a header from the resulting cross. The League Two side dominated the rest of the half, and I was happy to come away with a 1-1 result and home replay.

Cambridge, Conference, Home
Cambridge took an early lead after a deflection caught both the defence and keeper out of position. Savage scraped the bar with a piledriver before Watson floated in a free to Dodds. It was cleared only as far as Chris Hope, and Dodds managed to knock his shot in. Dodds missed a chance for a second late in the first half, but a pass from Watson gave it to him early in the second half. A great performance from the Leicester striker in the 2-1 win.

Walsall, FA Cup 1st Round, Home
While Shaw missed an early chance, there was no doubt Walsall would score when they somehow had three open strikers for a cross late in the first half. We had our chances in the second half, but Clitnovich and Jackson missed shots and we were knocked out of the Cup.

Halifax, Conference, Away
Again there were gaping holes in the defence allowing our opposition to take the lead – this time after only two minutes. We were 0-2 down after five when a striker charged through and behind by three at the break. Dodds managed a consolation, but no more.


Certainly not the month I was hoping for. After a fairly promising start where we qualified for the FA Cup, we were knocked out in the first round, and lost two of three games in the league.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Holders - Accrington| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Northwich | | 20 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 33 | 21 | +12 | 39 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | York | | 20 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 40 | 23 | +17 | 35 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Gravesend | | 20 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 29 | 28 | +1 | 34 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Southport | | 20 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 28 | 27 | +1 | 34 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Forest Green | | 20 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 42 | 35 | +7 | 33 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Stevenage | | 20 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 32 | 26 | +6 | 33 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Grays | | 20 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 33 | 30 | +3 | 33 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Halifax | | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 27 | 21 | +6 | 32 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Woking | | 20 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 31 | 28 | +3 | 31 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Kidderminster | | 20 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 38 | 38 | 0 | 30 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Rushden | | 20 | 9 | 2 | 9 | 30 | 25 | +5 | 29 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Stafford | | 20 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 19 | 22 | -3 | 29 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Morecambe | | 20 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 27 | 23 | +4 | 28 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Aldershot | | 20 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 35 | 40 | -5 | 28 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Dag & Red | | 20 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 30 | 24 | +6 | 26 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Oxford | | 20 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 33 | 30 | +3 | 26 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Crawley | | 20 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 26 | 18 | +8 | 24 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Weymouth | | 20 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 23 | 28 | -5 | 24 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Exeter | | 20 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 28 | 32 | -4 | 20 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Tamworth | | 20 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 20 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Altrincham | | 20 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 29 | 42 | -13 | 18 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | St. Albans | | 20 | 5 | 2 | 13 | 25 | 33 | -8 | 17 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 23rd | | Cambridge | | 20 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 16 | 27 | -11 | 16 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24th | | Burton | | 20 | 2 | 3 | 15 | 18 | 44 | -26 | 9 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10 points deducted from Crawley | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_nela

December, 2006

Dagenham & Redbridge, Conference, Home
A big blow to start the month, with Scott Tynan ruled out for our opening game with a gashed leg. Alex Bryant came in, and the defence did him no favours. Bostwick was beaten to the ball for Dag's first, and Sheehan scored an own goal moments later. After 17 minutes, Bostwick lost an aerial contest and we were 0-3 down. An angry half-time address had no effect as we crumbled to another loss.

Grays, Conference, Home
It looked like being a scoreless first half until an injury time corner from Savage was knocked in by Maamria. It looked like we'd escaped with three points, despite losing Sheehan to injury, until a long pass in second half injury time resulted in a goal to Grays. It was too late for an equaliser, and two points went missing. My tough talk after the game only succeeded in annoying Clitnovich and Hope.

Kettering, FA Trophy 1st Round, Home
We needed a good result here – not just a Trophy game, but against fierce rivals Kettering. Bostwick gave us an early lead through a direct free kick, but we looked in trouble when they received a penalty in the 32nd. Thankfully, Bryant made a fine save, but we were again put under pressure mid-way through the second when Mills was sent off for a second yellow. Despite being a man down, Watson found enough space for a run down the left, and crossed perfectly to Dodds for the sealer.

We suffered yet another blow to our season, with Dave Savage ruled out for three months with a back injury. He had a slow start, but had become the fixture in the middle that he was expected to.

Aldershot, Conference, Home
Gary Mills also missed this game, through suspension, which really cut out a chunk of our midfield. For once, though, we scored first despite our opponents having more early chances – Maamria and Clitnovich combined to set Jackson on a free run into the area. Aldershot hit back moments later to make it level by the break Two minutes into the second, Dodds floated a free kick into the box, where Jackson beat three defenders to head in his second. We had a bit of a scare when Bonner was sent off late, but not only did we hold on to win, Jackson unselfishly passed across goal for Dodds to make it 3-1 in the dying minutes. We ended a four-game run without a league win, while Jackson ended his 11-hour scoring drought.

Stockport, Conference, Home
Bonner was suspended for this game, but Tynan and Mills returned. There was action at both ends early, with Mills and Rankine coming particularly close. However, it was midfielder Tom Shaw who did the damage, heading in crosses from Rankine and Clitnovich for a brace by half time. Southport did hit back in the second half thanks to an incisive pass and then received a penalty in the 65th after a trip from Mills. However, Tynan made the save, and with Sheehan strong at the back, we held on to win.

Four games without a loss is a good way to end the year, particularly when we started December with a 0-3 loss. We're still barely in the upper half of the table, which is acceptable for a first season, but not too pleasing.

I offered a number of contract extensions to players with 6 months remaining. The offers were on equal or lesser terms to existing deals, and while Hatswell and Perpetuini agreed, Tynan and Rankine turned down the offers.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Holders - Accrington| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | York | | 24 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 50 | 28 | +22 | 44 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Northwich | | 24 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 41 | 27 | +14 | 43 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Forest Green | | 24 | 12 | 4 | 8 | 50 | 43 | +7 | 40 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Gravesend | | 24 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 39 | 37 | +2 | 40 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Grays | | 24 | 11 | 6 | 7 | 39 | 35 | +4 | 39 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Dag & Red | | 24 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 41 | 26 | +15 | 38 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Kidderminster | | 24 | 9 | 11 | 4 | 44 | 41 | +3 | 38 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Halifax | | 24 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 31 | 30 | +1 | 38 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Southport | | 24 | 12 | 2 | 10 | 32 | 33 | -1 | 38 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Rushden | | 24 | 11 | 3 | 10 | 36 | 31 | +5 | 36 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Stevenage | | 24 | 11 | 3 | 10 | 38 | 36 | +2 | 36 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Morecambe | | 24 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 35 | 30 | +5 | 35 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Aldershot | | 24 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 40 | 47 | -7 | 34 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Stafford | | 24 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 23 | 26 | -3 | 33 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Weymouth | | 24 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 29 | 32 | -3 | 32 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Woking | | 24 | 9 | 4 | 11 | 33 | 38 | -5 | 31 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Oxford | | 24 | 8 | 6 | 10 | 41 | 39 | +2 | 30 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Crawley | | 24 | 11 | 5 | 8 | 31 | 23 | +8 | 28 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Cambridge | | 24 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 28 | 29 | -1 | 28 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Exeter | | 24 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 37 | 40 | -3 | 25 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Tamworth | | 24 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 24 | 33 | -9 | 22 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | St. Albans | | 24 | 6 | 3 | 15 | 33 | 43 | -10 | 21 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 23rd | | Altrincham | | 24 | 4 | 6 | 14 | 32 | 50 | -18 | 18 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24th | | Burton | | 24 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 24 | 54 | -30 | 13 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10 points deducted from Crawley | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_nela

January, 2007

Weymouth, Conference, Away
A terrible way to start the year, with an inexplicable backpass from Wilson straight into the path of a striker giving Weymouth a 5th minute lead. That was the only real chance of the game, and despite late shots from Clitnovich and Maamria, we couldn't score. A costly mistake from the young defender.

Forest Green, Conference, Away
We scored five goals the last time we took on Forest, and when a brilliant cross from Dodds left Perpetuini and Maamria with enough time to hold a raffle to decide who would take the shot before being challenged, the former put us into the lead after two minutes. Forest looked dangerous several times, but a clearance from Bonner left Dodds with a short run and strike for our second. Forest managed an incredible 21 shots to our seven, but with Hope, Sheehan and Wilson strong at the back, we held on.


Northwich, FA Trophy 2nd Round, Home
We looked to have managed another good start with a goal to Dodds in the opening minute, but it was ruled offside. In contrast to the previous game, we dominated but just couldn't score. The failed chances just kept racking up, until finally Dodds put on in off the wall from a free in the 68th.. It should have been at least a 3-goal margin, with Dodds and Clitnovich particularly wasteful, but one goal was all we needed to progress.

I made a few half-hearted attempts at signing a keeper with the transfer window open, but free agent Rab Douglas and Leeds youngster Jon Lund turned us down.

York, Conference, Home
We hosted the league-leaders and went down in under 90 seconds after a counter-attack. The day quickly got worse, with Perpetuini off injured, Jackson missing a sitter and York scoring a second after Tynan parried a shot to an opponent. York had a goal denied due to an offside, but with Jackson and Shaw missing shots, 0-2 was how it finished. Perpetuini turned out to have suffered a fractured arm, putting him out for a month. I made an attempt to sign Yeovil winger Gavin McCallum, but he turned us down.

Stevenage, Conference, Away
Watson caused some trouble with early corners, with one in the 9th resulting in a penalty after a scrable in the box. Watson took it himself...and put it straight into the keeper's hands. Fifteen minutes later, Watson was again the villain, beaten for a header which gave Stevenage the lead. Michael Bostwick went off with an ankle injury, putting him out for two months, and with Jackson missing numerous chances, we again failed to score.

Crawley, Conference, Away
The last game of the month, and with the side slipping down the table, we needed a win. Unfortunately, an unopposed striker headed in Crawley's first in the 7th minute, and again a player was free in the box for their second ten minutes later. Jackson finally hit the target, striking a goal from 20 yards late in the second half, but that was all.

I racked up a few more rejections after attempting to sign free agents – winger Robbie Foy and veteran keepers Magnus Hedman and Pavel Srnicek all made it clear they had no intention of joining Rushden.

Suffice to say, things are not going well. I cannot sign any players, and we continue to struggle in the league. Tom Bonner has fallen away sharply after his bright start to the season, and we're being hit by a few injuries. The goalkeeping situation is a huge concern, and we have been very reliant on our on-loan players. I actually received the dreaded vote of confidence from the board at the end of the month, and though my reasonable request for more time to build the squad seemed to satisfy them for the moment, there's no doubt things need to improve.

retired_nela

February, 2007

Gravesend, FA Trophy 3rd Round, Away
There were no less than five senior players missing for this game, with Bryant, Bostwick, Perpetuini, Wilson and Savage all out injured. Our opponents dominated early and scored in the 19th. A terrific Mills long ball gave Jackson the equaliser and scores were level at half time. Alan Sheehan was sent off for a professional foul, but despite bringing on an extra defender, we had a chance in the 73rd. The ball was cleared to touch, but Watson launched the throw into the box from long range. It bounced off a defender and perfectly into Clitnovich's path for our second. 2-1, and we progressed.

The triumph was short-lived, with the board suddenly forgetting their promise of more time to build the squad – another public warning. I finally made two signings, though they are more for the long-term.

Marvin McDonald [ST, ENG, 173cm, 20] – 0, 0, 0
Signed despite protests from my Assistant, McDonald didn't manage a game in three seasons at Macclesfield. McDonald is purely a poacher, but lacks the intelligence to get into the right positions. I'll have to rely on very good passing for him to score, but at least he can finish when he gets the chance.

Mark Preece [D C, ENG, 191cm, 19] – 0, 0, 0
Yes, another slow defender, but at least he has youth on his side. Preece played a few games for Forest Green this season, and may be a decent prospect.

I released Tyrone Berry to Vauxhall for free to make room for them, which leaves us a little thin in the midfield department, especially with our injuries.

Stafford, Conference, Home
With our opponents on a five game losing streak, we could not afford to drop any points here. Naturally we wasted many chances, conceded a goal, and lost 0-1.

Tamworth, Conference, Away
With the season slipping away, a goal to Mills in the first minute of this game was welcome, albeit brief, relief. When Tom Shaw played a great ball through to Dodds for our second just after the break, it looked like we had the game sealed, particularly when we were still 2-0 up with 15 minutes to go. It was not to be. Two goals in the final minutes to Tamworth, and more points down the drain.

Kidderminster, Conference, Away
A flat first half saw few chances, with Rankine putting one over the bar and Shaw forcing a save. The second half was more open, but until the 91st minute, the closest anyone came to scoring was substitute Jackson hitting the side netting after a good run. Yet with seconds to go, a long pass found a blatantly offside striker for the deadlock to be broken with no chance for a reply. Guess which side the striker belonged to? Another loss, and it looks unlikely we'll be able to even make the top half. And to think I was concerned about promotion!

Grays, FA Trophy 4th Round, Away
Chris Beardsley got a rare run in this cup game, and made the most of it, heading in a Sheehan corner in the 33rd. Grays hit back just before half time and despite a strong second half, we couldn't get a second. Thankfully, nor did they, and a home rematch was set ip.

Grays, FA Trophy 4th Round, Home
Perpetuini returned from injury for this match, and started a move in the 5th minute which saw Clitnovich find Dodds open on the edge of the area. He fired it in for an early lead. Clitnovich continued his fine form, passing to Perpetuini for our second, but a penalty to Grays made it 2-1 in the 29th. Having set ip two goals, Clitnovich beat three defenders to a Dodds cross to make it 3-1, and Maamria hit in a penalty just before the break to seal the game. There was a brief worrying moment when Grays scored early in the second half, but Clitnovich and Dodds each managed a second for a thumping 6-2 win. They had four goals and five assists between them – a spectacular performance. If we're going to fail in the league, perhaps we can at least have some silverware to show for the season?


Clitnovich was the talk of the town, pumped up by myself, former Rushden player Duane Darby and the manager of our next opponents, Unfortunately, he did not seem to respond well to the pressure. Just what I need – our in-form player worrying about meeting expectations just when we need him to perform.

retired_nela

March, 2007

Woking, Conference, Away
Having sunk to a disastrous 18th in the league, three points were needed here. Shaw came close to scoring on a counter-attack, but Woking got the first in the 19th minute. Clitnovich and Dodds put several shots over, while we were lucky that a second Woking goal was disallowed. With seconds to go in the first half injury time, Dodds crossed to Maamria for an equaliser. It only took five minutes for Woking to regain their lead, through a Mills own goal. Maamria went off injured late after being hacked down, and while his opponent was sent off, Marcus Kelly sent our only chance wide. 1-2.

Altrincham, Conference, Home
After a shaky performance in the previous game, Clitnovich took advantage of a deflection to put us ahead after nine minutes. Altrincham hit back a few minutes later and it was level at the break. Jackson replaced Dodds at half time, and took a pass from Clitnovich to score our second. The Australian/Romanian made it a brace for himself after intercepting a defensive pass in the 73rd, and not even the loss of Glenn Wilson to a broken ankle could dampen the relief felt at ending a seven-game run without a win in the league.

Woking, FA Trophy Semi Final Leg 1, Away
As I said, if we're going to fail in the league, let's see if we can have some silverware. Michael Rankine forced an early save but was forced off by a minor knock. The second half was much more eventful than the first, with great chances at both ends. Dodds, Clitnovich and substitute Jackson caused havoc, but just couldn't get the ball in the net. Nor could Woking, and it comes down to the home leg.

Burton, Conference, Home
Naturally, a home game against the bottom-placed side would see a dismal performance. 0-1 down after ten minutes, 0-2 by the 47th. We barely had a shot on goal all game, and are now drifting close to the unthinkable – the relegation zone.

Woking, FA Trophy Semi Final Leg 2, Home
Woking were fresh off a 6-0 demolition of Altrincham, which was not what I wanted to see after our performance in the last game. Jackson went for a spectacular diving header early, forcing a save, but it was a cross that flew past our defenders and to an open striker that gave Woking an away goal in the 40th. Clitnovich set up Jackson with a great ball moments after the break, but the striker hit the side netting. Clitnovich did it himself in the 54th, but having conceded an away goal, we needed another. Woking went onto the back foot, and held on for the final minutes.

Oxford, Conference, Home
With the Trophy gone, can we salvage anything from the Conference? Clitnovich missed early, while Oxford went ahead in the 14th. Perpetuini grazed the bar from distance, and yet again at the other end, the result was different. 0-2. Marvin McDonald came on and promptly missed two shots. Watson gave us one from a penalty in the 63rd, but with two late Jackson misses, it looked all over. Clitnovich crossed the ball into the area in the second minute of injury time, but was well short of Jackson. However, the Oxford defender inexplicably went for a hasty header, and put it into his own net. At last some luck, but we need a lot more.

St Albans, Conference, Home
Michael Bostwick returned for this must-win game against a relegation-threatened opponent. Dodds and Jackson combined for the latter to put us ahead in the 14th, and Watson scored his second penalty in as many games later in the half. Tynan made several quality saves, and Dodds set up Mills for our third late in the game. The only bad news was that Jackson suffered a hamstring injury, putting him out for a month.

Exeter, Conference, Away
Another weak opponent that we needed to defeat. They were unlucky to have a goal disallowed, then a player sent off in the first half. Late in the half, Rankine crossed to Dodds, who scored with a brilliant diving header. Luck was definitely on our side in the first 45, but both sides were on the receiving end of several cards. An intentional handball saw Watson sent off in the 78th, and Clitnovich joined him moments later after receiving a second yellow for protesting. All of a sudden, we were down to nine men, with more than ten minutes to go. Tynan stood up, though, and we managed a third straight win.

Halifax, Conference, Home
Those suspensions decimated our already injury-ravaged squad, but at least gave Lee Tomlin the chance to play his first senior game of the season after good Under-18s form. It was Sheehan who struck early, blasting a 30-yard free into the net. Halifax made it 1-1 in the 9th, and Hope and Tomlin both came close to regaining the lead moments later. Things quietened down a bit after that, though Ashton had to clear the ball off the line in injury time. A counter-attack in the 59th saw Tynan outnumbered, and Halifax took the lead. A third sealed the game, though Dodds managed one in the final moments.

Certainly an eventful month, and at least we got a few wins. Savage, Bostwick and Perpetuini are back from injury, though Wilson, Jackson and Beardsley are now out. Tom Shaw and Clitnovich are also in need of a rest, so we're in a lot of trouble in the midfield. At this point, I just want the season to be over so I can re-assess the squad and make a few changes. I don't really know where to start at the moment, but it's clear changes are needed. We have a couple of games in hand over the sides below us, so relegation isn't a threat, but it looks like we'll definitely finish in the bottom half, which is a bad result. Wayne Hatswell was named Conference Player of the Month.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Holders - Accrington| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | York | | 41 | 22 | 12 | 7 | 73 | 40 | +33 | 78 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Stevenage | | 41 | 21 | 7 | 13 | 70 | 55 | +15 | 70 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Grays | | 41 | 20 | 10 | 11 | 71 | 59 | +12 | 70 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Forest Green | | 41 | 21 | 6 | 14 | 77 | 66 | +11 | 69 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Dag & Red | | 41 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 65 | 38 | +27 | 68 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Morecambe | | 41 | 17 | 15 | 9 | 61 | 44 | +17 | 66 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Woking | | 40 | 19 | 8 | 13 | 70 | 57 | +13 | 65 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Halifax | | 41 | 17 | 13 | 11 | 51 | 48 | +3 | 64 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Southport | | 41 | 18 | 7 | 16 | 61 | 62 | -1 | 61 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Crawley | | 41 | 20 | 10 | 11 | 60 | 40 | +20 | 60 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Stafford | | 41 | 17 | 9 | 15 | 41 | 44 | -3 | 60 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Aldershot | | 41 | 15 | 12 | 14 | 65 | 67 | -2 | 57 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Weymouth | | 41 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 46 | 51 | -5 | 56 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Kidderminster | | 40 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 60 | 63 | -3 | 55 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Northwich | | 39 | 15 | 9 | 15 | 59 | 53 | +6 | 54 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Gravesend | | 40 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 59 | 65 | -6 | 54 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Oxford | | 39 | 14 | 11 | 14 | 62 | 56 | +6 | 53 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Rushden | | 39 | 15 | 5 | 19 | 53 | 51 | +2 | 50 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Cambridge | | 41 | 14 | 7 | 20 | 57 | 63 | -6 | 49 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Exeter | | 41 | 9 | 17 | 15 | 61 | 66 | -5 | 44 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | St. Albans | | 41 | 9 | 7 | 25 | 52 | 75 | -23 | 34 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Tamworth | | 41 | 7 | 12 | 22 | 43 | 71 | -28 | 33 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 23rd | | Altrincham | | 39 | 7 | 8 | 24 | 50 | 88 | -38 | 29 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24th | | Burton | | 40 | 8 | 4 | 28 | 47 | 92 | -45 | 28 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10 points deducted from Crawley | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_nela

April, 2007

Northwich, Conference, Away
A superb exchange of passes from Dodds and Clitnovich gave Bostwick a gial in the 13th, but our opponents only took a minute to respond. Watson cleared the ball off the line late in the half, setting off a counter-attack which saw both Dodds and Tomlin free of the defence. Dodds unselfishly passed to his partner, and the youngster put through his first goal for the club. Clitnovich missed several shots in the second half, but with Northwich also wayward and Bonner strong at the back, we held on.

Morecambe, Conference, Home
Clitnovich and Shaw had much-needed rests in this game, while Hope started on the bench due ton our opponent's attacking pace. Morecambe took an early lead, but a 25-yard free from Sheehan went in off the post just before half time. We were quiet in the second half but looked to have at least picked up a point when scores were level with eight minutes to go. However, a counter-attack and cross suddenly made it 1-3.

Cambridge, Conference, Away
We clearly dominated this game, with 14 shots to 4. Unfortunately, Tomlin and Bostwick managed to miss almost all of their chances. The young striker looked to have finally broken through with a deserved goal in second half injury time, only to have it ruled offside. 0-0.

Dagenham & Redbridge, Conference, Home
This game was more even than the last, but we again failed to take our chances. Dagenham had no such problems, scoring early in the first half. Bostwick played Dodds through beautifully in the 60th, and he passed to partner Rankine. He was dispossessed, but Gary Mills got hold of it and blasted it in to equalise. The final score of 1-1 was a fair result.

Gravesend, Conference, Away
Tynan found Dodds on the right wing with a long clearance in the 7th, and he passed to partner Tomlin. Marked by two opponents and 25 yards out, Tomlin didn't even bother to get control of the ball – he simply blasted it into the top corner. Gravesend hit back with two goals and we lost Dodds to injury. A terrific long pass from Ashton set Tomlin on a forward run, and though his shot was parried, substitute Marvin McDonald was there for the finish.

Grays, Conference, Home
With Dodds, Clitnovich and Maamria missing from this game, a lot of our strike power was gone. We had our chances in the first half, especially through a diving header from Shaw and long shot from Mills, but were scoreless at the break. As usual, our opponents made the most of their chances, scoring twice in the second half. Marcus Kelly missed everything and we fell 0-2.

Morecambe, Conference, Home
Thankfully, the final game of the season. McDonald scored in just 17 seconds after Clitnovich brought the ball forward from the kick off, but scores were level four minutes later. There was a constant assault on the goals at both ends, with each side finishing with twenty shots. Clitnovich alone had eight. However, while we managed just one more, through Perpetuini, Morecambe hit two and ended our season on an appropriately disappointing note.