retired_nela

SEASON OVERVIEW 08/09

The Club

Home Ground: Nene Park, Irthlingborough (capacity 6441, 4641 seated)
Rivals: Kettering, Northampton (fierce); Peterborough, Oxford, Luton
Reputation: Local

Estimated Value: ₤675K
Balance -₤450K
Transfer Budget: None

Media Prediction: 15th
Board Expectation: Safe mid-table position
Fan Expectation: Rebuild the team

Staff
Chairman: Keith Cousins

Assistant Manager: John Dreyer

Coaches: Will Weedon, Alex Tobin, Geoff Evans (General); Tony Godden (GK); Paul Driver (Youth)

Physios: Phil Ward, Simon Parsell

Scout: Antonio North

The Squad

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">14th in English Conference National| Pkd | Inf | Name | No. | Squad Status | Cnt | Weekly wage | Expires | Value | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | S2 | | Mike Edwards | - | First Team | F/T | £600 | 30.6.2010 | £12K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | MC | | Gary Mills | 17 | First Team | F/T | £500 | 30.6.2009 | £24K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | S4 | | Darryl Knights | - | First Team | F/T | £130 | 30.6.2012 | £16K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | DC | | Jon Ashton | 4 | First Team | F/T | £575 | 30.6.2010 | £20K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | Wnt | Marcus Kelly | 11 | First Team | F/T | £550 | 30.6.2010 | £18K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | AMR | | Scott Gardner | - | First Team | F/T | £140 | 30.6.2012 | £35K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | DR | | Glenn Wilson | 2 | First Team | F/T | £500 | 30.6.2011 | £14K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Scott Gates | - | First Team | F/T | £450 | 30.6.2013 | £16K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | MC | | Daniel Clitnovich | 24 | First Team | F/T | £450 | 30.6.2009 | £18K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Adam Legzdins | 26 | Rotation | F/T | £170 | 30.6.2010 | £6K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | S1 | | Michael Bostwick | 32 | Rotation | F/T | £375 | 30.6.2010 | £18K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Conor Sinnott | - | Rotation | F/T | £250 | 30.6.2010 | £12K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | AML | | Gavin McCallum | 30 | Rotation | F/T | £450 | 30.6.2010 | £30K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Adam Davies | - | Rotation | F/T | £375 | 30.6.2011 | £3K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Kyle Storer | 8 | Rotation | F/T | £450 | 30.6.2011 | £35K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | GK | Loa | Scott Tynan | 20 | Rotation | F/T | £230 | 30.6.2011 | £5K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | DC | | Tom Bonner | 19 | Rotation | F/T | £220 | 30.6.2009 | £12K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | DL | | Scott Cousins | 15 | Rotation | F/T | £170 | 30.6.2009 | £2K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Shola Oyedele | - | Rotation | F/T | £325 | 30.6.2011 | £3K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Keiran Walmsley | - | Rotation | F/T | £170 | 30.6.2010 | £2K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | FC | Wnt | Simeon Jackson | 12 | Rotation | F/T | £350 | 30.6.2010 | £40K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | S3 | | Tom Shaw | 18 | Rotation | F/T | £250 | 30.6.2010 | £20K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | S5 | | Ikechi Anya | 16 | Rotation | F/T | £475 | 30.6.2011 | £14K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | David Wood | - | Rotation | F/T | £150 | 30.6.2011 | £5K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | Inj | Scott Mackison | - | Rotation | F/T | £170 | 30.6.2012 | £7K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | MC | Wnt | Andy King | - | Rotation | F/T | £0 | 24.6.2009 | £85K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Fred Murray | 35 | Backup | F/T | £325 | 30.6.2010 | £3K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Jamie McGhee | - | Backup | F/T | £100 | 30.6.2011 | £5K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Stevie Ferguson | 27 | Backup | F/T | £375 | 30.6.2009 | £16K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Alex Bryant | 1 | Backup | F/T | £160 | 30.6.2010 | £18K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Mark Preece | 25 | Backup | F/T | £300 | 30.6.2009 | £4K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Lee Tomlin | 14 | Backup | F/T | £300 | 30.6.2011 | £40K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Ugo Udoji | 21 | Backup | F/T | £160 | 30.6.2010 | £1K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Marvin McDonald | 9 | Hot Prospect | F/T | £100 | 30.6.2011 | £1K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Alex Bolt | 34 | Hot Prospect | F/T | £90 | 30.6.2009 | £7K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | Inj | Lawrence Lambley | - | Hot Prospect | F/T | £90 | 30.6.2009 | £1K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Iain Thomas | - | Hot Prospect | F/T | £65 | 30.6.2009 | £1K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | T. J. McClory-Cuthbertson | - | Youngster | F/T | £100 | 30.6.2011 | £2K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Sean O'Keefe | - | Youngster | F/T | £100 | 30.6.2010 | £2K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Callum Reynolds | 22 | Youngster | F/T | £60 | 30.6.2009 | £2K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | - | | Andrew Tidswell | - | Youngster | F/T | £60 | 30.6.2009 | £2K | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

Wage Budget: £15,574
Total Weekly Wages at 25/6/08: £12,216

Senior Players: 27
Reserve Players: 15
U-18 Players: 14

[Note that players classed as Backup, Prospect or Youngster will not be profiled, and are regarded as reserve players]

Player [Pos, Nationality, Height, Age] – Rushden Seasons, Rushden League Games, Rushden League Goals

Goalkeepers

Alex Bryant [GK, ENG, 175cm, 23] – 2, 9, 0
Only a backup, but a pretty solid one. Bryant is actually our highest-valued keeper by some distance and my assistant insists he is the best choice, but his inexperience and poor handling put the other two ahead of him for the moment.

Adam Legzdins [GK, ENG, 176cm, 21] – 1, 15, 0
A little disappointing. The former Birmingham player was signed as a challenger for the number one spot, but he never really held it down. There will be less competition with Logan gone, but he'll need to show more than he did last season.

Scott Tynan [GK, ENG, 186cm, 23] – 3, 59, 0
Spent most of last season in the reserves, but came up late and looked good in his five games, Probably back to the number one by default, but will be rotated around.


Defenders

Jon Ashton [D RC/DM, ENG, 188cm, 25] – 2, 46, 1
An excellent season from the solid defender. He doesn't exactly look classy, but does his job and does it well. Another big year is required with several veteran defenders leaving.

Tom Bonner [D C, SCO, 183cm, 20] – 2, 46, 0
Much like Ashton, a solid pure defender who must again put in a good season.
Conference Young Player of the Month, October 2007

Michael Bostwick [D/M C, ENG, 188cm, 20] – 2, 54, 4
Had a consistent season rotating between defence and midfield. Though I prefer him in the middle, our lack of defensive options again means he will be forced back more often than not.

Scott Cousins [D/WB L, ENG, 178cm, 25] –1, 18, 1
Looked okay in his 18 games last season, but now must step up at left back with Perpetuini released. He will also have an increased role at set pieces now that Watson is gone.

Adam Davies [D RC, WAL – 6 U21 Caps, 188cm, 21] – 0, 0, 0
The first of our new signings to be profiled, Davies is a fairly promising young player who adds depth to our defence. He didn't show much for fellow Conference side Cambridge or even Bedford when on loan to the Conference South, but at least he gives us more options. He tries to play his way out of trouble but doesn't really have the skill to do so, which could be dangerous...

Mike Edwards [D C, ENG, 186cm, 28] – 0, 0, 0
Adding some experience to our defensive line, Edwards is a fairly unremarkable player with a long history in League Two with Hull and Notts County. He's well-rounded in the defensive skills without excelling in any.

Shola Oyedele [D RC/AM RC, NIG, 181cm, 23] – 0, 0, 0
A versatile player who was a fairly average performer with Woking and Airdrie United in recent times, Oyedele adds a bit of depth to the side.

Glenn Wilson [D RC, WAL, 186cm, 21] – 2, 33, 1
Again missed a large chunk of the season with injury, with fractured ribs and a pulled hamstring putting him out for most of the latter half. The good thing is that these are different to the injuries suffered in the first season, but he seems to be cursed in this regard. He has the talent, but can he stay out on the park long enough to be of value?

David Wood [D RLC, ENG, 180cm, 19] – 0, 0, 0
A young player who came through Derby's youth setup. He looked unremarkable on loan at Telford in the Conference North, but our lack of options and his solid defensive fundamentals mean he'll probably get a go.

Midfielders

Ikechi Anya [AM RL, SCO, 170cm, 20] – 1, 19, 2
Despite a few injuries, Anya was a handy player last season. Gradel probably took his role to some extent, but he should get a bit more of a go this year,

Daniel Clitnovich [AM C, AUS, 172cm, 25] – 2, 67, 6
Didn't have nearly as much effect in his second season, probably because he needed to play in central midfield rather than in his preferred position of attacking midfield. Will still have a role this season, but could come under increasing pressure.
Supporters' Player of the Year 06/07

Stevie Ferguson [AM R/ST, SCO, 179cm, 26] – 1, 6, 2
Spent most of last season in the reserves and became rather upset at this, but settled down when given a late run. He has a bit of pace and, unlike most of our midfielders, can carry the ball well. Doesn't really stand out enough to be a regular, though.

Scott Gardiner [AM R, LUX – 9 Caps, 180cm, 20] – 0, 0, 0
Pretty much a direct replacement for Gradel, Gardiner is probably the highest-profile new signing, despite being on a mere ₤140 a week. He became an international despite not getting a game at Leeds, but he has the pace and ability to be a useful addition to the team.

Scott Gates [AM L, SCO – Capped at U19 level, 175cm, 20] – 0, 0, 0
Signed really as a replacement for Kelly, who of course has now been re-signed. Gates has a lot of pace, but not much in the way of ability, and he'll need to impress early to hold down a spot.

Marcus Kelly [AM L, ENG, 170cm, 21] – 5, 103, 8
Belatedly re-signed due to my concerns about a lack of ball-carrying skill and stability in the side. He set up over 10 goals last season, which is a very handy performance from a midfielder.

Andy King [AM C, WAL – Capped at U19 level, 182cm, 19] – 0, 0, 0 On loan from Leicester
Our only on-loan player this season, King is a very talented playmaker who should play a big role in our midfield. He was good for Dag & Redbridge last season, but I can see him playing an even bigger role here.

Scott Mackison [AM R, SCO, 175cm, 21] – 0, 0, 0
Signed on the advice of my scout, Mackison actually looks to be a very disappointing player. He's slow and not particularly talented.

Gavin McCallum [AM RL, CAN – 4 caps, 176cm, 20] – 1, 23, 5
Had a delayed start to the season due to injury, but was a useful midfielder when he was up and running. Faces a bit more competition in the midfield this season, but will be one of the first picked at this point His importance in our fine end to 07/08 cannot be overstated.
Conference Player of the Month, April 2008

Gary Mills [M C, ENG, 175cm, 27] – 9, 197, 11
The workhorse put in another solid effort last season, and will again be expected to hold down a central midfield spot.

Tom Shaw [M C, ENG, 183cm, 20] – 5, 66, 7
Was able to take a bit more time to develop last season, while still being a solid contributor to the first team. He'll never be a star, but he has a place at this level.

Kyle Storer [M C, ENG, 180cm, 20] – 0, 0, 0
Had a slow start to his Rushden career, and spent some time down in the reserves. However, he didn't drop his head, and was a solid player in the latter half of the season. Indeed, he was one of our stars in our great end to the season.
Conference Young Player of the Month, April 2008

Conor Sinnott [M C, IRE, 179cm, 22] – 0, 0, 0
A well-rounded but unremarkable player, Sinnott has had some experience in this division with Northwich and should rotate through the side.

Kieran Walmsley [D R/M C, ENG, 178cm, 24] – 0, 0, 0
Though he can play as a defender, his skills make Walmsley a better choice in the midfield. He can be a threat from distance and is good with corners. He didn't get much of a game with Morecambe, but should here.

Forwards

Simeon Jackson [ST, CAN – 5 Caps, 179cm, 20] – 5, 75, 32
Talk about stepping up. Jackson hit 18 goals last season, scoring at a rate of more than one every second game. He even put through a hat-trick at one point. Admittedly, playing as a sole striker gives you plenty of chances to score, but Jackson took advantage of them well. He has the pace and finishing ability to be a real threat at this level.
Supporters' Player of the Year 07/08; Conference Player of the Month, August 2007

Darryl Knights [AM/F C, ENG, 177cm, 20] – 0, 0, 0
A real speedster who could carve up a defence, Knights comes from Ipswich but spent last season on loan at Conference North side Altrincham. He scored six goals in thirteen games, and I think he could be a threat for Rushden this season.

Lee Tomlin [ST, ENG, 181cm, 19] – 3, 42, 6
Still only has a handful of goals to his name, but looks increasingly comfortable in the senior side. Tomlin looks very similar to Jackson as a player, and serves as a capable backup to him at this point in his career.

retired_nela

Overview

Despite the remarkable drop in board and fan expectations, I think this is a stronger side than last season. We certainly have more options in the midfield, allowing me to play a more traditional formation and spread a bit of play out to the wings rather than having to focus on coming right down the middle all the time. I'm also happy to have a choice of a few goalkeepers.

Striking is our main concern, and I don't think I can afford to play more than one striker. There just aren't enough quality options with Rankine and Dodds gone. Tomlin isn't really ready, Beardsley isn't good enough and Maamria is too old to play regularly.


First XI

There's certainly plenty of new names there, and a few others I haven't covered (midfielder Jamie McGhee from Mansfield and a few youth team players). However, the core of the side will still be made up of players who have been around the club for a while.

The major shake-up comes in the back half, with Logan, Watson, Hope, Hatswell, Watson and Perpetuini gone. That's the goalkeeper and pretty much a back four no longer at the club. The new signings aren't going to step in immediately, so it's up to existing players to step up.

The midfield has plenty of options. Indeed, perhaps too many, as I really had trouble finding spots for a lot of players I regarded as First XI quality. I'll again go with five midfielders, but we'll be a bit more focused with King as a playmaker.

GK: Scott Tynan
RB: Glen Wilson
LB: Scott Cousins
CB: Jon Ashton
CB: Tom Bonner
CM: Daniel Clitnovich
CM: Andy King
CM: Gary Mills
AMR: Scott Gardiner
AML: Gavin McCallum
CF: Simeon Jackson

Sub: Mike Edwards
Sub: Ikechi Anya
Sub: Darryl Knights
Sub: Tom Shaw
Sub: Michael Bostwick

Captain: Glenn Wilson
Penalties: Scott Cousins, Darryl Knights, Scott Gardiner
Free Kicks: (L) Gavin McCallum, Scott Cousins; (R) Keiran Walmsley, Scott Gardiner
Corners: (L) Gavin McCallum, Scott Cousins; (R) Keiran Walmsley, Gavin McCallum
Throw Ins: (L) Scott Cousins, Kyle Storer; (R) Glenn Wilson, Ikechi Anya


July, 2008

I signed Scott Gemmill to replace Willie McStay as coach.

Our friendlies saw a series of bizarre results, and I'm not quite sure what they portend. We started off by beating parent club Leicester 2-1, with Scott Gardiner scoring on debut and Anya coming off the bench to give us the win. An amazing game saw us record a 6-4 win against Fisher, with a first-half hat-trick to Jackson and another goal to Gardiner. Good to see that we can score, but Tynan letting in half a dozen is a worry... Youth team striker Lee Watts looked very impressive, and he's definitely one to watch.

Knights hit a brace in a 4-1 win over Worcester (Legzdins in goal), and Jackson did the same as we defeated Dorchester 2-0. Knights hit the only one in a 1-1 draw against Southend before we hammered Bath 5-0. Watts had a brace in 15 minutes, Anya set up three and Ferguson looked particularly deadly.

As I said, we certainly can score, but can we hold out enough goals to earn the points?

retired_nela

August, 2008

[b]Gravesend, Conference, Home[/i]
We kicked off the campaign at Nene Park with two debutants on the pitch – King and Gardiner. King created a chance for McCallum early, who put it over the bar, while Tynan made some good saves. We didn't have a shot on target after our assaults in the pre-season, but this time Tynan held onto a clean sheet.

[b]Chester, Conference, Away[/i]
An unusual problem for Rushden, with both McCallum and Jackson on international duty with Canada for World Cup qualifiers. Kelly and Knights came in for them. Though intended as a playmaker in the middle, it was King who was on the end of a cross from Kelly, and he put it through for our first of the season. Ashton was beaten too easily to let Chester equalise just before half time. Edwards replaced him later in the game and made an important tackle. We looked set for another draw, but an inexplicable back pass with no Rushden player within forty yards of the goal saw the ball roll past the Chester keeper and into the net! A bizarre way to win, but I'll take the points.

[b]Sutton Utd, Conference, Away[/i]
David Wood and Conor Sinnott played their first games for Rushden, while Jackson and McCallum returned. Wood was busy early and came forward often. In the 30th, he passed to Kelly who retreated out of the area and then turned and crossed back in. On the end of it was King, just like in the previous game, and he scored again. Kelly hit the bar a few minutes later, and we went in ahead. In the 73rd, Kelly passed from the left wing across to Mills. He centred to King who blasted in his second of the game from 20 yards. Sutton got one back late, but King's efforts got us another three points.

Fulham made an offer for 16-year-old striker Lee Watts – a rather unfair one, with no fee, a friendly and a 30% sell-on clause. He looks a good prospect, so I refused. This naturally upset the player, but hopefully even if I do have to sell him, I can get a bit of compensation.

[b]Scarborough, Conference, Away[/i]
Scarborough took a lead after 15 minutes, but in a repeat of the Chester game, Kelly sent in a cross and there to meet it was Andy King. Four goals in three games for the midfielder. King played his intended role by setting up Jackson just after the break, but he put it wide. Scarborough had a goal disallowed, and we took advantage when a great long pass from Bostwick went over the defence and put Jackson through on goal. This time he finished well, and we won 2-1.

[b]Crawley, Conference, Home[/i]
Back at Nene Park after a few games on the road, with former Rushden player David Perpetuini lining up against us. The first half was even, but a stunning half-pitch pass from King found Kelly on the edge of the box, and he crossed to Jackson to head home a goal. Tynan held up well, King created numerous chances, and 1-0 was the final score.

Crawley made an interesting offer for young winger TJ McClory-Cuthbertson: ₤1K plus a young midfielder. I rejected it, deciding I'd rather stick with the player I was more familiar with. I did, however, make a sale – winger Marcus Kelly for ₤60K, plus a 20% sell-on clause, to Barnet. On first glance, that may seem an odd move. He's only 22, and has been a dominant player for us this season, setting up several goals from corners and crosses. However, I have a glut of midfielders at the moment, and the reality is that the club is in pretty dire straits financially. The ₤60K is handy, and so is the saving of ₤550 per week. Hearts and Fulham both made enquiries about Lee Watts, but were warded off by my ₤250K asking price.

[b]St Albans, Conference, Away[/i]
The departure of Kelly gave Scott Gates his first game for the club, while Knights and Gardiner came in for McCallum and Jackson, who were on international duty. A 45-yard pass from Bonner found King outside the area, and he took it in for his fifth of the season. Clitnovich hit the crossbar before a quick pass across the area found...King. His second before half time. St Albans got one back late, but couldn't manage a second.

Five straight wins after a draw to kick off the season. I was named Manager of the Month, and King was second in the Player of the Month award and won Young Player of the Month. I guess the only downside is that we have been so reliant on our only on-loan player. King has been dominant, making several chances for other players and scoring plenty himself. Of the other players, Kelly was really the only one to stand out, and of course he's now gone. I hate to put a dampener on such a great start, but I'd be feeling a lot better if some of our regulars were playing more of a role in the wins.

retired_nela

Apologies for making a mess of the tags. :o


September, 2008

Oxford, Conference, Away
Glenn Wilson was ruled out for this game and the rest of the month with a knee injury, allowing Adam Davies to make his debut. Jackson missed a couple of sitters and King had a shot saved in the first half. We couldn't score, bringing our winning streak to an end, but a late clearance off the line from Edwards gave us a point.

Lewes, Conference, Home
Legzdins came in for his first game of the season, as did Lee Tomlin. The first half was utterly uneventful, without a single shot. A good pass from Woods saw Mackison have a shot at goal, and while the keeper just barely reached it, he parried it to Gates for a simple finish. It was probably offside, but the goal stood. Three minutes later, Mackison crossed from the right past the keeper this time, and Tomlin tapped it in for a 2-0 win. Considering our finish to last season, that makes it thirteen straight league games without a loss.

York, Conference, Home
King had his first break of the season, as did Bonner. York scored the only one of the first half, and the closest we came was Clitnovich skimming the bar. We missed a number of shots in the second half, and our streak was ended.

Exeter, Conference, Away
King and Tynan returned as we took on top side Exeter, but they went ahead in the 17th. We looked like more of a threat in the second half, but Knights and Jackson both had shots saved, and we could not score an equaliser.

Torquay, Conference, Away
Tynan made a few fine saves early, but eventually conceded in the 32nd. Jackson had two turned away just before the break, but it was that man to the rescue again – Andy King headed in Anya's 53rd minute cross. Torquay regained their lead with fifteen minutes to go, and with late misses to Mackison and Anya, we suddenly had three straight losses.

Cambridge, Conference, Away
Another tough opponent, but a great run from McCallum down the left allowed Jackson to put us ahead in the 20th. Legzdins made a few saves but was beaten just before half time by a free. They scored again on the other side of the break and then suddenly made it 1-3. A fourth in the 55th sealed it, but they hit another a few minutes later to rub it in. Tomlin set up Gardner for our second, but it was irrelevant. All of a sudden, our season is coming apart.

Kidderminster, Conference, Home
Tynan returned and was put under pressure in the opening minutes. However, Kidderminster missed their chances, and McCallum put us ahead through a penalty. Kidderminster hit back before the break, and somehow Tynan let the ball run ahead of him before clearing it...putting it straight into the path of a forward. Kidderminster scored their second, then a third in the final minutes. 1-3, and we're in big trouble.

Five straight losses is a terrible run, but it is in such contrast to our form at the start of the season that I really have no idea whether we dramatically over-performed then or are dramatically under-performing now. We did have a few tough opponents in that last run, but Kidderminster and Torquay are mid-table at best. The major problem is that I still can't get a settled number one goalkeeper, but several players are also looking flat.

retired_nela

October, 2008

Northwich, Conference, Away
Alex Bryant came into the goal for his first game of the season, and was given a one-goal buffer five minutes in when a shot from Gates in a scramble in the box took a huge defection. Gates added a second with a header from Mackison's corner ten minutes later and Conor Sinnott hit in a corner from Clitnovich in the 35th. 3-0 is how it finished, hopefully ending our slump.

Stevenage, Conference, Home
A tough game was made harder with Andy King on international duty, but Tom Shaw came in for his first game of the season. Tomlin had a few early shots but Stevenage took the lead in the 23rd. We conceded another three minutes later and finished 0-2 losers in a flat performance.

Dag & Redbridge, Conference, Home
The flat performance carried over into this game, but at least we didn't concede in the first half. However, we did three minutes into the second. A long pass from King was partially cleared, but Mills got onto the ball and hit it in to equalise with twenty minutes to go. We were the dominant team, with 14 shots to 6, but could only get one point for our trouble.

Stafford, Conference, Away
Andy King scored his first goal in quite a while after picking up a loose defensive pass but Stafford were level by half time. The only other event of the game was an injury to Scott Cousins, putting him out for a month with a fractured arm. Andy King was Man of the Match for the fifth time – already a Rushden record.

Weymouth, Conference, Home
Woods replaced Cousins at left back and by forcing a parry with a long-range shot in the fourth, allowed Tomlin a simple finish. Fellow defender Oyedele was partly responsible for our second when his centring ball was knocked in by a defender. Mackison scored with a diving header in the 49th to seal it 3-0.

Worchester, FA Cup 4th Round qualifier, Home
A game we should win against a Conference North opponent, even with Mills injured and King ineligible. It took a while, but Shaw finally headed in a corner from Mackison. That was all we needed to progress. Unfortunately, we lost Tom Bonner for a month with broken ribs.


King was again named Young Player of the Month. We now sit in 11th spot, which is about where I want to finish. Simeon Jackson has been very disappointing, and Tomlin is taking over from him in the senior side. I'd like him to train Watts, but apparently Watts is so highly rated that he is ineligible to have a mentor. We will be missing Bonner, Legzdins, Mills and Cousins next month, which will make things a little tougher.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Holders - Aldershot| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Stevenage | | 19 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 34 | 17 | +17 | 38 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Exeter | | 19 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 23 | 11 | +12 | 37 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Sutton Utd | | 19 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 25 | 12 | +13 | 36 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Cambridge | | 19 | 11 | 1 | 7 | 35 | 24 | +11 | 34 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Gravesend | | 19 | 7 | 10 | 2 | 27 | 18 | +9 | 31 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Shrewsbury | | 19 | 7 | 10 | 2 | 27 | 21 | +6 | 31 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | York | | 19 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 27 | 23 | +4 | 31 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Bury | | 19 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 28 | 16 | +12 | 30 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Kidderminster | | 19 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 35 | 21 | +14 | 29 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Oxford | | 19 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 23 | 18 | +5 | 29 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Rushden | | 18 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 23 | 20 | +3 | 28 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Torquay | | 19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 | 22 | +1 | 28 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Dag & Red | | 19 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 26 | 20 | +6 | 27 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Burton | | 18 | 8 | 2 | 8 | 22 | 28 | -6 | 26 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Stafford | | 19 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 22 | 25 | -3 | 24 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Chester | | 19 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 22 | 24 | -2 | 23 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Weymouth | | 19 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 18 | 30 | -12 | 23 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Crawley | | 19 | 6 | 4 | 9 | 15 | 20 | -5 | 22 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Forest Green | | 19 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 32 | 36 | -4 | 21 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Woking | | 19 | 3 | 11 | 5 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 20 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | St. Albans | | 19 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 19 | 30 | -11 | 15 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Scarborough | | 19 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 13 | 33 | -20 | 14 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 23rd | | Lewes | | 19 | 1 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 37 | -24 | 10 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24th | | Northwich | | 19 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 10 | 36 | -26 | 6 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_nela

November, 2008

Bury, Conference, Home
King added to his stellar season with a headed goal from a Tomlin cross. We should have been at least two ahead at half time, but our second finally came when Oyedele passed long for Tomlin, and a defender put it into his own net in his rush to clear it.

Burton, Conference, Away
Gates missed a few good early chances and Tomlin and Sinnott were both repeatedly denied by the keeper. Gates finally got one in in the 31st after a fine run, but despite 15 shots in the first half, we only had one goal to show for it. That tally increased to 22 by the end of the game, but we still only finished 1-0. Adam Davies was Man of the Match after spending most of the season in the reserves. It's amazing how players can step up when called upon after an injury.

Yeovil, FA Cup 1st round, Away
We lost King (ineligible) and McCallum (international duty) for this important cup game. I didn't have huge expectations against League One opponents, but a draw would be good for the home gate receipts a replay would bring, at least. However, we dominated early, and took the lead when a tight Mackison cross was headed in by Tomlin right on the line. Yeovil hit back in the 28th, then took the lead with a free a few minutes later. Bryant did his best to keep us in it, but we kept wasting chances. A penalty to Tomlin in the 84th looked to have given us the draw I wanted...only for the young striker to put it over the bar. 1-2, and we were out in the first round.

Shrewsbury, Conference, Away
Tom Shaw joined our growing injury list in a scoreless first half. Anya put a shot wide after getting one-on-one with the keeper, but his cross saw Jon Ashton head in our first with thirty minutes to go. It looked like Shrewsbury had equalised in the final minutes, but it was ruled offside and King squeezed in a sealer after a Tomlin shot was parried. 2-0, and Shaw's injury was thankfully minor.

Forest Green, Conference, Home
Glenn Wilson returned for his first game in quite a while thanks to injury. Clitnovich forced a few saves before McCallum hit in a free from just outside the area. Wilson was Man of the Match, and one goal was all it took for the three points.

Woking, Conference, Away
Scott Cousins returned from injury against Woking , but we fell behind in the 18th minute when Davies was caught out of position. Glenn Wilson was beaten to the ball for Woking's second. A counter-attack after Gates had a shot saved made it 0-3. A bad performance – our first league loss in eight games.

I was named Manager of the Month, since we won four of five games. King was again Young Player of the Month. I re-signed Gary Mills for a further year with a slight wage increase, but Clitnovich and Bonner rejected new deals.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Holders - Aldershot| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Exeter | | 23 | 14 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 13 | +15 | 46 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Cambridge | | 23 | 14 | 1 | 8 | 41 | 29 | +12 | 43 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Stevenage | | 22 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 36 | 21 | +15 | 41 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | York | | 23 | 11 | 8 | 4 | 35 | 27 | +8 | 41 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Sutton Utd | | 23 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 27 | 15 | +12 | 40 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Rushden | | 23 | 12 | 4 | 7 | 29 | 23 | +6 | 40 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Gravesend | | 23 | 9 | 12 | 2 | 36 | 22 | +14 | 39 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Kidderminster | | 22 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 42 | 24 | +18 | 38 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Torquay | | 23 | 11 | 5 | 7 | 30 | 24 | +6 | 38 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Bury | | 22 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 33 | 22 | +11 | 33 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Dag & Red | | 23 | 7 | 10 | 6 | 31 | 26 | +5 | 31 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Shrewsbury | | 22 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 28 | 26 | +2 | 31 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Oxford | | 23 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 25 | 23 | +2 | 30 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Chester | | 22 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 27 | 27 | 0 | 29 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Burton | | 22 | 9 | 2 | 11 | 24 | 32 | -8 | 29 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Weymouth | | 22 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 22 | 33 | -11 | 29 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Woking | | 23 | 5 | 11 | 7 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 26 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Crawley | | 23 | 7 | 5 | 11 | 20 | 28 | -8 | 26 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Stafford | | 22 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 25 | 32 | -7 | 24 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Forest Green | | 23 | 6 | 4 | 13 | 33 | 40 | -7 | 22 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Scarborough | | 23 | 5 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 37 | -19 | 21 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | St. Albans | | 23 | 3 | 10 | 10 | 25 | 40 | -15 | 19 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 23rd | | Lewes | | 22 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 15 | 40 | -25 | 14 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24th | | Northwich | | 22 | 2 | 3 | 17 | 14 | 40 | -26 | 9 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_nela

December, 2008

Chester, Conference, Away
17-year-old striker Lee Watts, who has attracted attention from the likes of Fulham and Hearts, made his debut in this game. He had a couple of shots denied by the keeper as we dominated the first half. Sinnott hit the bar and Mackison and Storer also had shots saved. Shaw finally scored from a parry a minute into the second half and in the 61st, after four on target shots, a pass from Mackison gave Watts a simple finish from close range. A goal on debut for the massive prospect. That proved valuable when Chester scored twice in the final three minutes. Mackison missed a chance to regain the lead, and we had to settle for a point. I re-signed Clitnovich after the game.

St Albans, FA Trophy 1st Round, Home
Given that we only had a Conference North opponent, I gave Watts another run. In the 17th, he took a pass and charged forward. From 25 yards, he blasted the ball straight over the keeper, who hadn't left the box, and into the goal. Brilliant. We didn't have many chances, but with three minutes to go, Shaw held the ball up long enough for Watts to break free of the defenders. He rounded the keeper with ease and hit in his third in two games.

Sutton Utd, Conference, Home
Watts held his spot for the next game, but could not score despite six attempts in the first half alone. He continued to rack up the chances, but nobody could break through and we ended the year with a draw.


I re-signed reserve goalkeeper Iain Thomas, defender Mark Preece, midfielder Alex Bolt and utility Lawrence Lambley at the end of the year. Senior defender Scott Cousins also re-signed. We finished in 9th spot, which is a bit below where we were a few weeks ago (we got as high as fifth, having spent the first month in second), but there's a hell of a lot of teams even on 42 points. This will be a tight season, and every result matters.

Player-wise, Jackson, Storer and Knights have been very disappointing. Bryant looks to have secured the goalkeeping spot, Gates is a real threat on the left wing and Wilson is settling back in after an early injury. Davis has returned after a stint in the reserves and is looking solid at the back. Watts has shown plenty of potential and as for King...well, I just wish he was here for a lot longer than just the season.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Holders - Aldershot| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Exeter | | 25 | 15 | 4 | 6 | 29 | 16 | +13 | 49 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Stevenage | | 25 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 39 | 22 | +17 | 48 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Cambridge | | 25 | 15 | 1 | 9 | 42 | 30 | +12 | 46 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Sutton Utd | | 25 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 28 | 15 | +13 | 44 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Bury | | 25 | 12 | 6 | 7 | 45 | 26 | +19 | 42 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Kidderminster | | 25 | 12 | 6 | 7 | 44 | 28 | +16 | 42 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Gravesend | | 25 | 10 | 12 | 3 | 39 | 23 | +16 | 42 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Torquay | | 25 | 12 | 6 | 7 | 32 | 25 | +7 | 42 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Rushden | | 25 | 12 | 6 | 7 | 31 | 25 | +6 | 42 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | York | | 25 | 11 | 9 | 5 | 37 | 32 | +5 | 42 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Shrewsbury | | 25 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 33 | 29 | +4 | 35 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Dag & Red | | 25 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 34 | 28 | +6 | 34 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Chester | | 25 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 34 | 31 | +3 | 33 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Weymouth | | 25 | 9 | 5 | 11 | 26 | 38 | -12 | 32 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Oxford | | 25 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 27 | 26 | +1 | 31 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Stafford | | 25 | 8 | 6 | 11 | 30 | 35 | -5 | 30 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Woking | | 25 | 6 | 11 | 8 | 23 | 23 | 0 | 29 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Burton | | 25 | 9 | 2 | 14 | 26 | 40 | -14 | 29 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Forest Green | | 25 | 8 | 4 | 13 | 41 | 40 | +1 | 28 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Crawley | | 25 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 23 | 31 | -8 | 28 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Scarborough | | 25 | 6 | 6 | 13 | 21 | 38 | -17 | 24 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | St. Albans | | 25 | 4 | 10 | 11 | 28 | 44 | -16 | 22 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 23rd | | Lewes | | 25 | 3 | 8 | 14 | 17 | 46 | -29 | 17 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24th | | Northwich | | 25 | 2 | 3 | 20 | 16 | 54 | -38 | 9 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_nela

January, 2009

Gravesend, Conference, Away
Watts and Shaw forced saves before King sent forward a brilliant through ball for McCallum. His cross found Mackison for a simple finish. Bryant made a few saves but was eventually beaten with fifteen minutes to go. Watts missed a lot of chances, and I sent him back to the Under-18s after the game. I signed Scottish scout Andy McWilliam and re-signed defender Tom Bonner.

Weymouth, FA Trophy 2nd Round, Home
We lost keeper Alex Bryant to a virus and striker Tomlin to a leg injury for this game, with Legzdins and Jackson replacing them. Jackson took advantage of his chance after spending a month in the reserves, scoring after only five minutes when King put him through. Weymouth responded ten minutes later after a mistake from debutant Fred Murray, but Mackison repaired the damage by holding off a defender long enough to push into the area and hit it home. Jackson made it a brace in the 82nd to seal it.

Scarborough, Conference, Home
A long free from Cousins found Mackison, who somehow was all alone in the area, and headed in a 22nd minute goal. Mackison scored his second from a 20-yard free ten minutes into the second half and Jackson made it 3-1 from a fine Gates pass. A dominant win

Crawley, Conference, Away
Crawley hit the lead in the 23rd after a mad scramble in the penalty area and though Mills should have levelled in injury time, he put his shot over the bar from close range. McCallum missed a number of attempts, but a long-range shot from Bostwick brought us level with twelve minutes to go. McCallum's last minute shot was saved, and we finished 1-1.

I sold Kyle Storer to Greenock Morton for ₤75K, plus a 25% sell-on clause. Though Storer is one of our few good midfield passers, and played well last season, he really hasn't looked too flash recently, and was spending time in the reserves. I'm always reluctant to sell young players, and he's only 21, but with the club in a poor financial situation and a glut of midfielders, I couldn't really refuse the bid.

St Albans, Conference, Home
We had an unlikely scorer, with a long throw from Wilson finding defender Adam Davies in the area, and he struck it in for a 16th minute lead. Unfortunately, we threw away numerous chances, and although St Albans had just two shots for the game, one of those got through Legzdins. We only got a point, and with such a tight top half of the table, that could be costly. Rushden are in 7th and a few points behind the sides above us, though we do have one game in hand.

AFC Telford, FA Trophy 3rd Round, Away
I took advantage of our draw against a Conference North side by resting a few senior players. Watts couldn't come in despite his dominance in the reserves, as he was ineligible to play in this game for some reason. Telford took a surprise lead in the 6th through a counter-attack, and then looked to have extended it in the tenth with a second, but thankfully it was ruled out due to an earlier foul. Nonetheless, we had to score at least once. I was getting worried when it got to the final twenty minutes and we hadn't done so, but Tomlin squeezed one in from a tight angle in the 74th. Mackison and Bostwick came close in the final minutes, but all we could do was set up a replay.

retired_nela

February, 2009

AFC Telford, FA Trophy 3rd Round (replay), Home
We were dealt a bit of a blow for this replay, with McCallum and Jackson on international duty with Canada and Tomlin too tired after the last game. Oddly, Watts was eligible to play in this game after not being able to in the previous one, so I brought him straight in. It was Mills who put us ahead though, hitting into an open goal after Bostwick's shot was saved. Watts hit the post late in the half and had one turned away in the final minutes of the game. 1-0 was all we needed.

York, Conference, Away
A loss to York ended our fine start to the season and set us on a disastrous run that nearly derailed our campaign. Jackson came close with a header, but it was York opening the scoring in the 35th. We were awarded a penalty in the 48th, and York had a player sent off for arguing about the decision, but Cousins' penalty was saved and despite the numbers advantage, our run of seven games without a league loss was ended.

Dag & Redbridge, Conference, Home
We fell to 9th after that loss, and couldn't afford another. Cousins sent a free kick to the edge of the area rather than going for a header, and defender Adam Davies had enough space to turn and blast in a great goal from 25 yards. They equalised just before half time, but Andy King did brilliantly to beat a defender and restore the lead in the final half hour. Glenn Wilson was sent off for a professional foul with ten minutes to go, but Mackison sealed it by heading in a cross from fellow winger Gates.

Exeter, Conference, Home
Alex Bolt came up for his first match of the season, having shown good signs late last season. Andy King missed the only real chance of the first half, but a superb interception and pass in the midfield from the Leicester star gave Jackson a simple finish for the only goal of the game.

Stevenage, FA Trophy 4th Round, Away
Alex Bryant replaced Legzdins after an absence due to injury. He was put under plenty of pressure, and though he made some good saves, he was beaten in the 26th. Despite a number of shots, it wasn't until Davies headed in a 79th minute corner from Clitnovich that we managed to draw level. I would have been happy with a home replay, but three minutes into injury time, Mackison centred the ball to King just outside the area. He fired off a stunning first-time shot that smashed into the crossbar, and Gates was there to tap in the rebound. There was barely time for the kick-off, and we continued to survive in the FA Trophy.

Oxford, Conference, Home
Since this was a mid-week game, I rested Bryant, Cousins and Clitnovich. Legzdins conceded in the 16th after a shot somehow got through three defenders. Gates had one cleared off the line and Bolt missed a couple as we ended the half a goal down. That was made two goals moments into the second half thanks to former Rushden striker Robert Duffy and they completed a 0-3 rout in the final minutes.

Lewes, Conference, Home
After that loss, we couldn't afford to drop a game to the 23rd placed Lewes. Jackson had two shots saved and King hit the post in a scoreless first half. We lost both Mills and Mackison to injuries, but despite bringing on Watts as a second striker, we did not score from out 16 shots. We at least got one point, but it should have been three. Mills' injury was minor, but Mackison will miss two months with a dislocated shoulder.

Not a great month for the club, with two league losses and a draw in a game which we should have won. I'm pleased to be through to the finals of the FA Trophy, but the league is my priority. Watts has been sent back to the Under-18s and Bolt and Legzdins have been dropped to the reserves, with Anya and Knights recalled after good form.

retired_nela

Sorry, lost a table there. Here it is.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Holders - Aldershot| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Cambridge | | 34 | 20 | 2 | 12 | 57 | 41 | +16 | 62 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Stevenage | | 34 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 52 | 34 | +18 | 60 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Exeter | | 34 | 18 | 6 | 10 | 41 | 30 | +11 | 60 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Bury | | 34 | 16 | 10 | 8 | 58 | 33 | +25 | 58 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Sutton Utd | | 34 | 15 | 13 | 6 | 36 | 19 | +17 | 58 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | York | | 34 | 16 | 10 | 8 | 46 | 40 | +6 | 58 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Torquay | | 34 | 16 | 8 | 10 | 44 | 36 | +8 | 56 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Rushden | | 34 | 15 | 10 | 9 | 41 | 33 | +8 | 55 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Chester | | 34 | 15 | 8 | 11 | 53 | 41 | +12 | 53 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Kidderminster | | 34 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 58 | 44 | +14 | 52 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Oxford | | 34 | 14 | 9 | 11 | 44 | 33 | +11 | 51 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Gravesend | | 34 | 11 | 16 | 7 | 49 | 37 | +12 | 49 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Shrewsbury | | 34 | 11 | 16 | 7 | 44 | 35 | +9 | 49 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Crawley | | 34 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 36 | 44 | -8 | 43 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Forest Green | | 34 | 12 | 6 | 16 | 52 | 47 | +5 | 42 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Dag & Red | | 34 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 49 | 46 | +3 | 42 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Woking | | 34 | 9 | 14 | 11 | 37 | 31 | +6 | 41 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Stafford | | 34 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 34 | 44 | -10 | 38 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Weymouth | | 34 | 10 | 7 | 17 | 32 | 53 | -21 | 37 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Scarborough | | 34 | 9 | 9 | 16 | 32 | 52 | -20 | 36 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | St. Albans | | 34 | 7 | 13 | 14 | 36 | 55 | -19 | 34 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Burton | | 34 | 10 | 3 | 21 | 31 | 57 | -26 | 33 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 23rd | | Lewes | | 34 | 5 | 14 | 15 | 28 | 54 | -26 | 29 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24th | | Northwich | | 34 | 2 | 6 | 26 | 24 | 75 | -51 | 12 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>


March, 2009

[b]Northwich, Conference, Home[/i]
We had to win this game against the bottom-placed side. Jackson had three shots in the first ten minutes without a goal, but Mills was able to sneak around a defender and drive home a goal in the 13th. An own goal came after a free from King was parried, but Cousins wasted a chance to put us further ahead from the spot. We've done badly with penalties this season, but thankfully this wouldn't cost us here. Jackson had a goal disallowed before Cousins sealed the 3-0 win. It was the expected result.

With coaches Alex Tobin, Tony Godden and Paul Driver set to leave at the end of the season (Tobin refused to re-sign, Godden is over-paid and Driver isn't that good), I brought in Liam Greaves as youth coach and Simon Miotto as goalkeeping coach.

[b]Stevenage, Conference, Away[/i]
We were a goal down after only two minutes, but just a minute later, Jackson put enough pressure on a defender to make him hit the ball into his own net. Stevenage restored their lead in the 11th.. Everything we tried went wide in the second half and Stevenage scored again. Glenn Wilson was put out for the rest of the season with fractured ribs.

[b]Weymouth, Conference, Away[/i]
The games were fast becoming meaningless. Cousins finally got a penalty on target only for Weymouth to pull level in the 29th.. Tomlin restored the lead when Alex Bolt's long-range effort was parried into his path in the 40th. Bryant played his best game for the club, Ashton was a presence in defence and Cousins scored his second with a brilliant 30-yard free kick.

[b]Stafford, Conference, Home[/i]
An utterly boring first half, and it didn't get any better in the second. 0-0.

[b]Shrewsbury, Conference, Home[/i]
At least there were a few shots in the first half, but no goals. Shrewsbury scored with 20 minutes to go, but we scored twice in three minutes through McCallum (from a King pass) and Jackson (assisted by Bolt) to take the lead. Shrewsbury responded moments after our second, making it 2-2 with seven minutes left. That's how it finished.

[b]Forest Green, Conference, Away[/i]
Another flat first half, but this time we broke the deadlock when a fine pass from Jackson put Gates through in the 70th. Forest took nine minutes to respond and poor shooting from Mills meant we failed to regain the lead.

[b]Woking, Conference, Home[/i]
The final game of an ultimately disappointing season. Appropriately, we wasted early chances and Woking took the lead. Bolt passed well for Jackson to bring us level in the 55th but with King's late effort coming back off the post, all we managed was a point. The only good news was the naming of Tom Bonner as Young Player of the Month.