retired_manragh

The Friendlies

Wednesday the 12th July

Our first proper friendly match against Burton is due to start within the hour Cloughy's mob are here and getting ready and strangely enough I am more eager to see how my side plays than i am nervous, with some solid training behind us we look alot better and with the fitness increase im hoping we can maintain the high tempo closing down game that i want us too especially against a Conference National side. The team needs time to gel together better but im sure with practice it will come.

Phillips gets the nod in goal and Fickling gets his first run after signing on the right, Adams takes up the left fullback spot, Halford and Ord sit in the Centre of Defence with Lynchy just infront of them. Jags, Morris and Zak get the nod for the Centre Midfield roles, Jags on the right making the occasional run, Morris controlling the Middle and Zak making runs through the left. Daly slot in at a centreforward role with Fearns playing just outside him on the right, I think Zak can exploit the left wing so i want to create some room for him by trying to leave the left side open and shuffling the forwards to the right.

The game starts and it doesn't take long for our first chance, two minutes in Adams throws in to Zak just over the halfway line, Zak turns hits a nice ball through the middle into the corridor for Lynchy, who hits a great high pass for Daly to run down in the Penalty box, Daly gathers, sidesteps a defender but gets squeezed up on the byline, Fearns gets open, but Daly goes for the impossible shot, it clatters against the crossbar and keeps going and its cleared to safety. Nice passing is great to see so early.

We settle well after this and look confortable on the ball, good passing and we definately look the better team, sometimes though its not the better team that scores and on the 25th minute we were exposed to a bad bit of marking, Ordy gives away a free around centrfield halfway from the kickoff and Penalty Box, they pass it off to an unmarked man down the right who's given free reign and not effectively challenged, from the byline he hits a long cross to Thomas who's made a run from the left wing to be just inside the area a near level to the far post, not a defender anywhere he close, he has a nice first touch and time to settle, Phillips comes out to Narrow the Angle, but he's easily beaten as Thomas places it in the back of the net from 10 yards. Great move by them, but im real disappointed by our lack of marking, and clossing down of the crosser.

Our confidence doesnt seem to dented after the goal we outplay them for the rest of the half creating some good chances, Daly slams a header in the back of the net just before the break from a superb 40 yard pinpoint pass from Zak on the left, but its judged offside, so we go in to the break 1 down but in control.

Walking in to the changerooms for the halftime break We had played some great football i just wish there was more than the 150 odd fans to watch, Im not to fussed by the scoreline i want us to keep playing the way we are, if we lose playing this way ill be happy, but if they keep playing this way I fairly certain we wont get worse than a draw, I explain this to the team and tell them to relax and just let it flow.

We come out from the break and were starting the way we finished, pushing them everywhere going for the goal Zak almost scores from a corner after 5 minutes but it goes just wide, 5 minutes later were equal a nice run and pass to Morris from Zak, Morris just on the edge of the box slots one to Fearns on the 6 right of the six yard box, steadies and drills it home, a small deflection but the keeper had no chance. 1 all

I ring a few changes on the hour and soon after Fearns gets another from a similar spot, this time from a nice Tandy assist after good build up from Morris. 2 - 1 up with 25 to play.

Our defence has been awesome and we've limited them to next to no chances except the first half goal. Flicking in his first game for the club playing on the right has let nothing get through and he comes off for a well deserved rest, Lynchy is letting nothing come through the Centre either and Adams on the left is solid as a rock. We finish out the game in complete control, they've had a total of 4 shots and one on target, to our Dozen or so, we've had more of the ball which is pleasing aswell, its a good performance alround from the lads. Fearnsy picks up the M.O.M and gets the barcard, with Flicking a bit unlucky. Cloughy though the Burton manager was clearly not happy with his team, he didn't hold back in the changerooms afterwards.

retired_manragh

Thursday the 13th -- Saturday the 22nd

Doug gives me some bad news he can't find anyone that wants associate with us as a Parent club which isn't helpful so now i've got to redouble my efforts on the transfer scene , Dave Colley or Coles as i call him tracked down an a keeper who we offered a trial to and now he's looking at a player who cover any position at the back and not bad cover for the Midfield aswell, he's pretty sure he'll be a great signing just waiting on a few things.

The second friendly against Bristol City is up next, A div 2 side this time, it will be interesting to see how we measure up.

Bristol City at Home Sunday 16th

Fortunately a few more people turn up to the game and by all accounts we break the 200 mark, its another great day around the 22C and we have an unchanged starting lineup, just made a few changes to the subs bringing in G.Burke(Burky) and Neil Hall for their first runs, appart from that its all the same.

The first 25 minutes im sure is played in our own third, Bristol is peperring our goals but luckily enough were keeping a decent enough line and form that they havent had any good chances, what we did to Burton last game is being done to us now. Half time comes and we've managed to push em out of our third, but we haven't managed a single shot either on or off target. They're also dominating possession. Zak playing ok down the left just trying to do a bit much.

Make a few changes at the half try to go more counter attacking role, They're still dominate possession but we aren't letting them get a decent chance, everything's long range, it all changes in the 55th Minute as Ord gets caught with the ball by Lambert who strolls into goal with no one but the keeper to beat, he makes it 1-0 and thats they way it stayed, we were completely outclassed and never looked capable of scoring, we didnt even manage a shot on goal which my also be from our poor passing, which i wasn't happy with at all, Disappointing to say the least, but the upside is the defence is looking great at the moment. Paul Philips or Philo picks up the barcard for some good stops but truth be told it was a good alround effort from the Philo the back 4 and Lynchy.


After the disappointment of the game Coles gave me the all clear on Monday on Jon Rattlesturr looked like a good investment, he was promptly offered a contract a man that can cover so many spots is always a handy acquisition. A couple reports from Loanee Keepers were also available and there all young and looking for first team experience, Sam Ashton from Bolton was the stand out, so we approached Bolton for a season long loan, and made an approach at Crewe for a Welsh Keeper called Owain Fon Williams for the same period, we didnt hold out breathe, but was hoping we'd get young Williams. Both offers were accepted by the clubs, just waiting on the players to see if they'd want to come down.

Northwich Victoria at Home - Thursday 20th

The third friendly looked a bit more promising, up against a Conference National side again, we made a few changes to the side, young Jimmy Williams started at right fullback while Fickley moved over to the centre with Burke joining him for his first start, Tandy started in midfield taking the leftcentre spot and Banim joined Fearns in attack.

It proved to be a fairly even game through the first half, Northwich were slightly better, bit more possesion and had a few more shots, but we were playing well enough, our passing was up from the last game and we made a few good moves. Northwich penetrated the area a bit more than i would of liked and had a few good chances but Philo was up to the task and we went in nil all at the break. Everyone was doing there job we just needed a little something extra, I just asked them to relax and let it come.

After the break we started well creating a few chances and keeping possesion, but we were unable to set-up good scoring chances and the shots we had only one made the keeper save and that was a Through ball from Ord, Fickley got crunched in heavy aerial challenge, and didnt look that well holding his ribs as he come off, hopefully just some winding but better to be safe than sorry. Our defence was good again with Lynch the best player on the ground, and i was happy to get a draw in front of the lacklustre crowd.

As it turns out Fickley has some minor swelling and bruising around his ribs and will be absent for 2 or so weeks, but Jon Rattlesturr signed on the dotted line, his versatility will be great to have in the side. Danny Tate has also agreed to come on a 2 week trial.

retired_manragh

Sunday 23rd July

Wakefield at Home

This was a game i expetected to win and win well, Wakefield were a Northern Premier league side and not a good one either, a good win here could the get the crowd going or so i hoped and word of mouth would get us a few more supporters through the gates. Again though we were disappointed as 150 or so people arrived to watch the game if we didnt start getting a few more the money was going to get burnt quickly.

The game started out slow for us, nothing working, passing was off, we were second to the loose balls, and you would of though Wakefield were in the better Division, with a nice crafted move they split our defence with a through ball to Highly who eased passed Burke who didn't have a chance of catching him and set up Bitton-Price with another superb ball, in which he easily slotted into the net giving our Keeper no chance. I was fuming at this point 15 minutes in 1-0 down at Home to a crap team, I kept my cool on the sidelines but things didnt improve, Ord broke down chasing a ball in the 29th. Jo said it was the groin not sure on the severity though. Even with the break in play we couldnt find any rythym and at half time we were still 1-0 down and not looking like scoring any time soon.

I let fly at half time, told them exactly what i wanted and if i didnt get it, then just bring their runner's to training for the next two weeks, as they wouldnt do anything but Running laps and doing sprints. I brought Zak on for Tandy and moved him to the left attacking midfield and let Moz (Morris) and Jags hold the Midfield positions i also emphasized i wanted a more attacking mindset from the team, we weren't going to win this sitting back. Jody Banim who was our captain for the day revved up the guys aswell after i finished and when they went out they looked like they wanted to play, and luckily for them they did.

From the restart we crafted a beautiful move that Rapley got onto on the sixyard box, he narrowily missed with the ball running across the face of the goals and lightly kissing the Upright before going out.

Moz running through centre span and neatly beat his oppponet, he layed the ball in the path of Banim who made a dashing run down the right side showing his marker a clean set of heels, before Chamberlain came in barged him off the ball which resulted in a freekick for us about 30 yards just out on the right. Zak and Moz stood over the ball but it was Zak that struck a magnificent curling drive over the wall into the top left corner of the net giving their keeper no chance, a sensational freekick, and now he's letting the crowd know as he runs up the sidelines with the team in tow, The crowd going off with delight. Hopefully that will get us a few more people in next game.

We're really starting to dominate proceedings now and 10 minutes later we're 2-1 up Jags playing a nice give and go with Young Jimmy Williams, he threads the needle to Banim whose sitting out on the right, Banim continues to the Byline beating one player and hits a nice weighted cross to the near post where Rapley outjumps his opponet and guides it into the back of the net.

Within 3 minutes we make it 3-1 with Zak taping in the easiest of rebounds from a Rapley shot which hit the upright, which was set up once again by Banim, after half time we've been electrifying Banim is in everything, Zak is cutting a weaving through players, Jags is on Fire and Rapley is unlucky he hasnt scored a hatrick by the end. It could of easily off been a much better scoreline, but after the start ill take 3-1, the crowd was appreciative, and if we string a full 90 minutes like that last half we wont lose against anyone. Banim wins the M.O.M just edging Jags and Zak and Rapley.


After the game Doug tells me that there's good news and bad news, I went with the bad first, The young Crewe keeper Williams has rejected our loan offer, but he might consider a smaller time from what he was saying but the good news is we dont need him anyway, Sam Ashton from Bolton has actually agreed to come here and play for the Season. This was a great day finally some luck with Loans and someone wanting to come here and a win aswell.


Wednesday the 26th

Oldham at home

This was a danger game for us, Oldham were a Div 1 team and easily had more skill than our team, we could get demolished and the crowd which has swelled to over 200 for this game could not want to see us play again, hopefully they would realise the quality of the opposition if we did get beat easily, but its not a thing you count on, on the other hand if we can manage a decent result we can build on this coming into the season.

I went with my Best team possible with the new Loanee Sam Ashtonin goal, but this wasn't a day he would want to remember we were slaughtered in all areas of the ground, Oldham came here to play, and the difference in skill was all too telling, by half-time we were 3-0 down Oldham were moving the ball with ease, everyone of their goals was great, nice build up clean crisp passing, switching play at ease and picking out men in the box and their targets slotting them home with apparent ease. We'd caused a minor problem, like their keeper had to retrieve a ball once from over some sponsors signs.

I was a bit baffled at what to do, so i tried to close the floodgates at half time, changed the team around a bit to a defensive operation, gave them instruction to sit back and only attack on the counter, hit as many long balls as you can and play for time, no diving or faking injuries though as if you do that your out. I can't stand that crap. We lost 4-0 in the end which wasnt too bad the second half was better for us, we actually forced a few saves from their keeper and only conceded one ourselves.

Realistically they are 3 Divisions above us so i wasnt too downheartned, and we would have a chance to make ammends at Leek Town in a couple days for our Last friendly.

retired_manragh

The last of the friendlies

Thursday the 27th to Monday the 31st

Waking up the day after the last game, well it wasn't a game more of a lesson really had seen me in not the best of moods, even though Oldham were 3 divisions above us and an obvious skill difference seperated the both teams, something was missing, my research on opposition needed to improve, so far i'd just been concentrating on my team and trying to get players that would help, along with supervising training, and running back and forth between the staff it didn't leave alot of time for scouting, and thats when it hit me, we pay someone to scout our opponets for us. Scrambling out of bed i headed down to the office found the number i was looking for and began to dial.

AD: "Hello.. this had better be good do you know what time it is?"

Me: "Is this Andy Davis?"

AD: "Yeah it is, why who wants to know?"

Me: "Your soon to be ex-employer if you don't pull your finger out of you arse, we've had 5 games already and
I haven't heard boo from you about anything remotely concerning any of opposing teams, I've been busy though so I am going to give you a chance and we'll just leave it at that, but will HAPPEN is YOU WILL get me some sort of report on Leek before we play them on Saturday or you won't need ask your next paycheck, and this report had better have more information than where their f***ing ground is.... do you understand what im saying to you Andy?"

AD: "Yes sir i'll get right on it and report back friday night, my apologies sir it wont happen again."

Me: "Looking forward to hearing from you Andy"

Ah, that felt better i thought to myself as i put down the phone and sure enough a rather nervous looking man gives me a report the following night at a light training session, It wasn't to bad considering he'd had a day to put it together, possible line up 442 although he hadn't seen play from all reports he had they'd never varied from it, Ethrington (forward) was their best player and might need to watched was the recommendation, and they had a player out injured. It would do.

Talking to the team after practice i asked them all to assemble at the ground at 1.00 that would give us 2 hours before the 3 start to go over a few things, anyone later than 1 would sit on the pine. Leek was about a 50 minute drive at worst about 40 miles to the south, so it was decided a coach wasnt necessary and everyone would get there under their own steam.

The game went to plan and we ran out pretty convincing winners, having the majority of play we were never headed the first of our 3 was a bizarre own goal which came from when the ball took a nasty diversion from the undulationg pitch, the backpass was hit too hard in the first place though leaving the keeper without a chance.

All the work on setpiece training recently was paying off and Ruffer powered home a header from a Morris corner in the 28th minute, the best goal of our campaign so far was when Jimmy hit Zak with a nice ball that he switched from right to left, Zak running up the left didnt give the 2 would be tacklers a chance and from the byline picked out Moz making his run on the near post who neatly headed home. Leek scored a late consolation when our trialist keeper Danny Tate was thwarted by another bad bounce as he came out of the box to remove a dangerous through ball, the ball got past him and their dangerman Ethrington swooped on it to score an open goal. Danny was a bit disappointed but, he stopped alot of chances with his great ability to read the through ball and a few saves he made gave me the confidence to offer him a contract although as a backup player. Ruffer though did enough to edge out a few others to narrowly get the MOTM and the 20 pound barcard.

The end of the month came along, all in all it was a decent pre-season and even though we didnt play anyone in our league i was confident we would do well considering our results, A staff meeting was planed for the 2nd of August to go over the pre-season and all staff except scouts were required.

retired_manragh

August

Staff Meeting

We had our big first staff meeting and all coaches were present aswell as Doug and Jo, Fickling had recovered from his ribs but Ord was still out for around 2 weeks and would miss the first game vs Scarborough. Appart from those two we had no injury concerns, Aeon had agreed with my assessment that our Fitness had greatly improved over the month and we looked more like a unit, but there was still a bit to go before a good gel. We went through the squad performances coupled that with training and it was decided that Burke, Hall, Fitzy and Westhead were no longer required and they would have to be told, also young Chris Denham would be put on Notice that he had 1 month to show a noticeable improvement and Talbot was told the same.

Chris Adams, Jody Banim and Terry Fearns would be offered full time contracts, with Ruffer and Lynchy as possibles if they could keep up their performance's over the real season. The new signings had all settled in nicely and i felt we had a team that would compete well, Aeon being the pessamist still didnt think the new intake of players would get us better than midtable, his pessamistic thoughts were starting to irk me, maybe he was one of the people who thought the worst so they could be pleasently suprised when things went well, time would tell if i could put up with him or not, Ordy believed we could get promotion, the team was starting to play well with the formation and unstanding of the tactics was getting better day by day, Dean didnt have an inkling he thought we had a good team but didnt have a reference to compare it too, if the results against the Conference National sides were an indication as I was hoping it was then would should do well in this league was his assessment, and lastly Steve Thornber had the same assessment as Dean and myself. We rapped up the meeting
with everyone happy and looking forward to the first game, well everyone but Aeon.

Later on the same day i had my first Board Meeting, we went over the Friendly performances which Doug believed were good and kept us in good shape, he would put the appropriate boys up on the Transfer Market, and make some approaches to other clubs to see if they wanted them aswell. A bit of a shock was the shape of our finances even though i was 600 under the wage budget our wages was about 22K per month and couple with other expenses meant we were in the red already, with the friendlies gate receipts just covering match day expenses, we needed alot more people through the gates, to even break even. Doug assured it wasn't too bad this club was often in the red for long periods but if we could a promotion though it would end any fiscal difficulties, and with the club challenging for promotion this season we should get enough in gates to keep us afloat. A few more generalaties were discussed but Doug wished me the best on a successful season.

With the meetings behind us i met with the players that were to be sold and told them their fates, we would be actively looking for new clubs for them, and they I had no problem with them still training with the squad, Hally was the only one who took it bad, storming off out of the office, but Burke and Westhead took it well, and Fitzy was keen to show me that he could be a good player for the club, it all starts at Training i told him and we'll see how it goes. Calling Denham and Talbot in I suggested if they didnt improve training over the next month they would be deemed surplus, they got the messages but once again time will tell.

Burke moved to Gateshead within days of going on the Market, i was happy for him, he'd be first team there without a doubt, I was surprised when Prescot Cables made a bid for Westhead but he accepted and we wished him all the best, I never did find out what the deal with him and Aeon was but it hardly matters now. Hally proved to be a stumbling block no one was interested, he was causing unrest in the squad so we offered a mutual in the hopes he might leave saving us some cash in the mean time, he wasnt impressed that we were trying to shaft him of his rightful dough as he put it so we paid out his contract and sent him packing. Fitzy hasnt had an offer either, but he's buckling down, we'll see if he can make inroads into the squad.

Preperations for the imminent season were in full flight, I've never been so busy in my life, Paperwork here there and everywhere, trying to communicate with the Part time staff was hard at times, scanning the markets, supervising training all were taking the toll, Nerves were getting worse as the first game came closer, Just needed to get a good start in August and then things would hopefully settle down.

retired_manragh

August

Game #1

Our first game against Scarborough would be a good challenge, predicted to come third in the league despite have coped a 10 point deduction because of last years administration problems we knew they would come out hard, they needed a good start to season. Boarding our run down coach for the long trek out to the east coast I was a bundle of Nerves on the inside but trying to show a calm exterior to the players. We had announced the Squad the night before, including emergency's but everyone was invited to come on the bus for our first game, we arrived at McCain stadium at around 1 ready for 3 pm kickoff. In the two hour trip i'd gone through changing the line up's over and over, but in the end i settled for the same one i had last night.

Ashton in goal, Adams on the left, Fickling on the right edging out young Jimmy Williams who had been impressive in his last few friendlies, and Halford and Rutter sitting in the Centre of Defence with the Lynchy sitting just in front, the midfield was easy with Jags, Moz and Zak showing they were clearly the standout midfielders in the side, this time i'd play Zak in a more attacking role on the left instead of in the centre, Banim would play up front with Fearnsy beside him. The subs were hard to pick, Philo took first spot as the backup keeper with the versatile Rattlespurr joining him, rounding out the other 3 spots was Tandy, Jimmy Williams and Rapley got the nod over Daly because of his form in the Friendlies was slightly better.

Kickoff approached and giving my first official team speach, I urged them to relax and don't make to much a deal of the first game, there's no real pressure on us all the pressure was on them in front of the home fans, just do what you do best, have fun and enjoy the moment, I wish i could take my own advice.

We started off strong in the first half and it was us that looked the home team, confortable over the ball, nice accurate passing and looking dangerous everytime we go forward, at the end of the Half were level at nil all but were dominating possesion and had 7 shots to 1 with several chances going close. Sensing we could kill em off early, i moved Zak back to the Left Centre roll, he wasnt getting the chances and was closely watched, maybe in a bit of Traffic he could more influencial, revving up the players wasn't hard, they were pleased with the first half and could sense the win aswell, We were clearly the better side we can win this i urged them.

The second half was alot of the same we dominated from the start and were rewarded on the 51 minute mark when Zak made a telling tackle in our half, moving quickly with a little run he passed through to Lynch who was sprinting forward with the counter attack who inturn hit a nice ball up the spine to our newly named Captain Jody Banim who beat his marker and slotted the ball calmly past the keeper, we were 1-0 up and looking good. As it always happens after a goal the opposition gives a little more and Scarborough came out firing after the restart, but superb play from Lynchy ang Jags and the back 4 limited them to 3 shots from outside the box that didnt even trouble the keeper. I made the change bringing Zak into the Centre and and bringing on Tandy for Moz who had picked up a caution, last thing i needed was a red to give them a chance. As it played out we quelled their momentum and were never pressed again, towards the end of the game Scarborough picked up a few yellows for stupid tackles and roughing our players up, but the team were professional to the End with Rapley and Rattlespurr enjoying some time on the ground in the dying minutes. A fully deserved 1-0 away was a great start for the club.

The trip back was great, I picked up a few cartons of beer for the lads which we all promptly drank on the way back and the celebrations continued on back at the Clubhouse where Jags was givin his barcard for his MOTM performance. Listening to other scores coming through, Title favourites Kettering demolished Workington 8-0 at home.

Game #2

Liverpool edge out Chelsea in a penalty shootout for a win in the Charity Shield, but on the local front Jody Banim signs a new full time contract for us, I get the feeling he was waiting to see how we went in our first game, but its done now, and thats Ord, Jags, Chrissy Adams, Fearnsy, Zak and Banim who are all on fulltime contracts now which i feel is a step in the right direction for the club.

Our second game at Home is against one of our fierce Tameside rivals Hyde who have also had a win on opening day, the crowd is building and by the end of the day the 738 fans are disappointed as we stumble to a 1-1 draw, in a game we should of won confortably. We settled good but Hyde had comeout laying some viscious tackles trying to un nerve us, they'd got lucky with a few warnings, but when their player headbutted Moz things looked like they were gonna get ugly. The ref quickly took hold of the situation and promptly giving out a red to their player in the 15th minute. by 20 minutes Hyde had acrewed 2 more yellow's and were all over our players it was getting stupid out there. The ref was keeping hold of the game barely, he went overboard though a gave Lynchy a yellow for holding on although there was practically nothing in it, after that the game settled down a bit and we went into the Half time break unable to convert our domination.

The second half seen us come out firing and on the 10 minute mark after the break we were one up with anothe Banim goal, which was set up by Jags who was again vying for the MOTM, 5 minutes later Zak released Fearnsy with a sensational 60 yard pass, but their keeper Dooley was up to the task and parried it out of play. A couple heavy tackles again from Hyde seen me we bring of Lynchy and Fickling for Rattlespurr and young Jimmy Williams playing his first game.

Still playing well with the majority of possession and trying to kill the game with another we were caught on the counter when our Defence went a bit to far forward and left Moz as our sole defender, Our throw was in intercepted and smashed forward, Seddon zoomed past Moz to get the ball running into a 1 on 1 with Ashton but he made no mistake and it was 1 all. We couldnt take a trick after that, Seddon was killing us on the counter, when we did go forward we looked unlikely to score, and on the rebound and with 10 men they looked more like scoring. Rapley came on with 10 to play but for all of our overall dominance in the game we came away with a 1 all draw.
A disappointing result which i relayed to the team after the game.


Game #3

Ord resumes full training just after the Hyde draw and should push for selection after this one agaisnt Worksop.
In world news Inter sign Valencia's David Villa for 32 Mil, i can only wish i had that sort of cash to splash about.

A Home game against Worksop, a should win game, Rapley gets a Start for Fearns whose been a bit lacklustre and Rattlesturr gets his first start for the season, and as per the last few games were on from the whistle, looking dangerous and with the amount of ball we have its looking promising. Half hour in and we're still going strong Worksop haven't had a sniff and were pressing hard for a goal, but disaster strikes on the 40th minute, Fickley makes a stupid costly error on the right giving up the ball when he had plenty of options, Worksop quickly run the ball into the Penalty area and a neat cross is put away were 1-0 down and Worksop have scored from the only chance they had in the game. After the half we can't take a trick, numerous scoring chances are saved in a what proves a MOTM performance from their Keeper, we out run, out shoot, out class them but we can't even get a point, the crowd leaves disappointed, and were winless at home still after 2 games.

Game #4

Spent alot of time with the Strikers during training, as we can't seem to get the ball in the net even though we're getting good chances and hopefully today's trip to Blyth we can get on the score sheet. Me and Aeon decide a few changes are in order to shake the team up a bit, Fickley gets droped after last weeks mistake and Jimmy Williams gets the nod, Ord comes in to partner Rattlespur at the back and Tandy gets a start with Zak hiting the Pine.

We're off to our usual start and Tandy looks fired up, he makes a dazzling run down the left sweeping past a few defenders, when he props and lays it on for Adams on the overlap, Adams narrowly misses, a few minutes later Tandy is given a yellow for an accidental elbow but instead of the warning stiffling his play he and Adams combine again this time Adams hits wrong side of the upright and it goes out for a goal kick. Blyth see the danger and tighten up on Tandy and on the 20 they score on the counter, a lack of concentration costing us, and Rattlespur is looking uncomfortable.

6 minutes later were another down a goal mouth scramble from a corner which we fail to clear and Niven hacks it in, 2-0 down. The rest of the half were getting run over, Rattlespurr is clearly unnerved and puts in a poor performance, Halford replaces him at half time.

Its a more even contest again after the break and when Blyth go defensive around the 70 minute mark, I bring on Zak for Tandy and give the go ahead for a more attacking mindset, Blyth do everything to keep us out, repelling us constantly and just when ive given up hope of comeback Fearns crashes one against the bar which Banim gets to first, a grast last ditch tackles jars the ball free and Zak gets on to it 7 or so yards out, with a nice turn he powers it at goal, Forster gets in the way and guides it in the back of the net, its ruled an own goal, unlucky for Zak not to get the credit.

Just inside injury we pull off a great comeback a crucial Jags interception and he releases Fearnsy, playing it past one defender and cutting inside another he caps off a great move and were all square with not long left.

Unfortunately Banim is hit with a nasty tackle in the last plays of the day in which he twists his ankle, Stockwell gets his second yellow but there's no more play so it doesnt affect us too much. A great result for us and after the game a local reporter ask's me a few questions.

REP: "A great comeback for your team there, did you think it was possible?"

ME: "I thought Blyth tried to shut the doors a bit early and our persistance was rewarded, my team is always capable of scoring goals"

REP: "A couple injury's though to some influential players, Zak Burnie and Jody Banim both out and with Banim's influence telling this season do you think others can step up ?"

Me: " Sure Jody will be missed, he's been in good form so far but young Daly should be able to step in for him, and Zak's injury seems minor so he might only miss the next game."

REP: "Good luck for the rest of the season"

ME: "Cheers, ill see you around."


Game #5

Jody's injury was a bit worse than first thought, a bad sprain and he wouldnt see any action for a month possible two, Zak would miss the next game with a gash on his arm that required some stitches but all going well he should be back for the game after. Tandy had a clash of heads in training and some severe bruising around his eye will keep him out for the next week or so.

Hucknall Manager Kevin Wilson got his second warning aswell for a nasty spray at the ref officiating in his last game for them.

Playing Moor Green at home and saying we needed a win was an gross understatement, from our opening game of 730 odd supporters they droped to 600's with a draw, now with the loss we expected to be 500's, we needed a win to stop the decline. Stressing the importance of a full 90 minute contribution from everyone was my main goal in the pre-match, we need to win this one, i expect us to win this one. I went on..

From the get go the players look inspired, with a few forced changes Danny Warner playing his first game for the year in the left centre midfield and Steve Daly making his official Debut for the club partnering Fearns up front i was a bit worried, but on four minutes Daly opened his account for the club and the supporters were cheering, instead of letting the pressure off as we can do after scoring we kept it on and was rewarded when an Ord corner was met by Halford's head on the near post who sent the ball gliding across the face of goals Harrop couldn't direct his header away and put it in his own net. We went in to the half time break 2 up and full of confidence. The only worry was an injury to Lynchy who'd hyper extended his knee.

I couldnt stress the importance of keeping our performance up, we needed to maintain concentration and not let up, to the boys credit we piled constant pressure on them and in the 55th minute Fleming was shown a red card for pushing over Moz in front of the ref. I dont know what he says out there but Moz is getting a reputation as bit of a antagonist out there. Moment's later Daly secured a brace when Jimmy Williams made a nice run and picked him out with a pinpoint pass, we were never troubled for the rest of the game and were a tad unlucky not to improve on the scorline, but a 3-0 win was great and the fans were happy as was Daly who picked up the MoTM award in his first official game with a two goal haul.

[B]Game #6[\B]

As good as the game was against Moor Green the trip to Harrogate was as bad, Philo had his first game in goal and Rattlespurr moved in front of the defence covering for Lynchy who was out for 2 months. Halford returned to lineup at Centre back.

Nothing was going right in the game, Hunter slammed in his goal after a dubious free kick on 11 minutes for the home team and even though we matched em with possession we couldn't penetrate their defence and at half time we were 1-0 down and hadn't looked like troubling their keeper.

If the first half was bad, the second half was dreadful we never even got started as they immediantly scored after the restart killed any resistance our team had, and it was fitting they scored another two near the end, a game I'd rather forget and thats what i'll be telling the players.

August was done, not the ideal start, we had plenty to work on and a few injury's were creeping in, but i was happy with the depth of the squad, and was hoping for an improvement in September.

retired_manragh

Games Overview

#1 Away v Scarborough 1-0 Win.
Dry - Banim (52) MOTM S.Jagielka (JAGS)

#2 Home v Hyde 1-1 Draw Attendance 738
Dry - Banim (54)
Hyd - Seddon (71) and MOTM. -Harrison (red) 14

#3 Home v Worksop 0-1 Loss Att 661
Wrk - Froggat (40) Wilson MoTM

#4 Away v Blyth 2-2 Draw
Dry - Foster O.G (89) Fearns (90) Banim - Inj
Bly - Fenton (20) and MoTM, Niven (26), Stockwell (red) 90

#5 Home v Moor Green 3-0 Win. Att 597
Dry - Daly (4,60) and MoTM, Harrop O.G (30), Lynch - Inj

#6 Away v Harrogate 0-4 Loss
Hrg - Hunter (11), Dunning (47), Preston (80,84) and MoTM


League Ladder after August
| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1st | | Kettering | | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 18 | 1 | +17 | 14 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2nd | | Harrogate | | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 4 | +7 | 12 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 3rd | | Hyde | | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 5 | +5 | 11 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 4th | | Blyth | | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 7 | +3 | 11 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 5th | | Vauxhall | | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 11 | 4 | +7 | 10 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 6th | | Workington | | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 9 | -6 | 9 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 7th | | Barrow | | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 8 | +2 | 8 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 8th | | Stalybridge | | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 9 | +1 | 8 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 9th | | Leigh | | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 8 |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| -----|
| 10th | | Alfreton | | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 8 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 11th | | Droylsden | | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 8 | -1 | 8 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 12th | | Hinckley | | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 7 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 13th | | Nuneaton | | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 7 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 14th | | Moor Green | | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 7 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 15th | | Lancaster | | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 7 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 16th | | Hucknall | | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 6 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 17th | | Worcester | | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 5 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 18th | | Worksop | | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 5 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 19th | | Gainsborough | | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 10 | -6 | 5 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 20th | | Farsley | | 6 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 4 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 21st | | Redditch | | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | -6 | 3 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 22nd | | Scarborough | | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 6 | +2 | 0 |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 10 points deducted from Scarborough

retired_manragh

August Report


With the first month of competitive football behind me there was a sense of relief, not badly positioned in the league at 11th the team was still gelling and getting use to a new style of play, consistency and Concentration were letting us down, but with the team getting fitter and more mentally tougher I was hoping September would be a bit better for us.

Met with Doug Smith on the 2nd and we went over a few details, He felt we were showing good signs, but agreed our concentration during games let us down. The finances had steadied but we still posted a loss of about 8K, We needed to impress the fans soon to get the gate receipts up, another month like August and we’d not get the crowds hooked before the weather worsened and when there was bad weather the fans tended to stay away.

There wasn’t too much else to discuss, just the general things that went on, admin details, team reports from morale to injuries and we had a few popping up now but Jo was doing a great job, injury prevention was the key and a lack of injury’s during training with the workload so heavy was a testament to the job she was doing thus far. Coaches were also discussed and Doug had to agree that the team was really starting to benefit from the few extra viewpoints we had.

Denham and Talbot were giving their all on the training field and I’m glad they were taking my talk seriously, Talbot in particular was shining, staying back after training and doing more work was impressive for a part-timer, and with Jody out for awhile he might get his chance sooner rather than later. Denham was still a bit away and behind Talbot, but we were seriously considering trying to convert him into more of an attacking midfielder, Dean Blackwell said he would undertake the challenge, but with his busy schedule this month it would have to wait to October.

Our first mini awards were given out for the club, the coaches, Aeon and I thought an incentive of giving out a best player award for the month would increase morale and give the players something to aim for. Despite an injury in the last game Lynchy took the award narrowly from Jags.

Zak wasn’t playing to expectations, he was told we needed more from him in the coming month and Fearnsy wasn’t delivering as we had hoped either, Daly had moved to the first striker in Jody’s absence, apart from that the team was doing ok in all other areas, the new signings were still settling but we’d take stock after September.

Dave Colley had finished a quick scouting of possible right backs in England and we were happy with what we had at the moment, so he was asked to scout the reserve’s competition. Andy had been good after we had our chat and so far he’s reports on the opposition were coming in on time.

Looking forward to taking on Nuneaton in the coming days.

retired_manragh

September

Game #11

It was a wet and wild Saturday when we took on Nuneaton and in a pre match interview I was asked my thoughts on the outcome of the game considering Nuneaton were picked for promotion, giving the briefest of responses I said we were a good chance of wining provided we played to our potential which I think the reporter was happy with as the rain was getting worse and the day colder.

Zak was back in the starting lineup and Ashton claimed his spot back in goals and in the conditions the game was very even, but a double from Fearns on the 26th and 39th minute put us two up just before the break, he looked fired up for the game and our talk had paid off. McPhee clawed one back for Nuneaton on the last play of the half but I was rapped to be 2-1 up at the half.

The rain worsened and while both teams carved out chances the conditions were not conducive to good flowing play. Zak was playing was ok, but I thought I’d move him in the middle giving Moz a rest and bringing Warner on the left side, what I did not expect was the Morris backlash, he was furious at being subbed, which annoyed me, and I told him that if he didn’t it like he could pack his bags and p*ss off, the club as whole is bigger than his ego, and I would sub who ever I wanted, whenever I wanted.

Warner came on to play well and Zak seemed more confident in the centre, Fickling come on for Jimmy Williams and played well, and Ruffer was brought on at the Death knock, with both teams struggling to get shots on target, we ground out a good 2-1 win infront of 198 cold fans.

Game #12

Another away trip this time up to Barrow-in-Furness, around a two hour trip again give or take 10 minutes. Tandy has resumed training but was left out of the lineup just to give him a bit more time, Morris was relegated to the bench after his outburst, where Zak would take over and Warner was starting again on the left, on the trip up we heard that Barrow coach believed Fearns must be stopped if they were to get a result, which gave the striker a bit of swelled head to say the least.

We got off to a great start, with Halford heading in Zak’s corner on the 10 minute mark, a minute later it was two nil with Zak going around a opponent and playing in Fearns with a superb pass, with the only the keeper to beat he made no mistake slotting it in the corner. Barrow’s manager’s prediction was coming true. Playing confidently we were looking like scoring a third at anytime, but Barrow found a way to stop Fearns, a jarring tackle sent the striker to the ground holding his ankle. Jo ran out and had a look, but it was clear Fearnsy didn’t want to come off so with some of the magic spray on the ankle he continued on all be it very gingerly.

Unfortunately with the stoppage we lost our ascendancy and by the half it was 2 all, with Barrow playing well and carrying the momentum. Fearns was clearly in discomfort so Talbot come on in his stead, his perseverance and dedication in training had gotten him his chance now he just had to do something with it.

Barrow continued on from where they left off not losing the momentum they had from the first half, they were causing us all sorts of problems at the back, but when a stupid backpass was pounced on by Daly we pulled one ahead, and now we had the momentum in this topsy turvey game.

With 15 minutes to go and us dominating possession we didn’t look like losing now , and when Zak found Talbot free just outside the penalty box from a freekick, the forward stated his intentions to be a more integral part of the squad with a thunderous drive that I don’t think the keeper even saw enter the back of the net!

The game was well and truly over when after 80 minutes a great build up involving Jags, Zak, Jimmy Williams and Adams was finished off by Daly with a 25 yarder to seal the win 5-2.

Daly received the MoTM award for his two goals, but Zak had his best game so far for the club getting 3 assists and was unlucky not to be given the award, in truth it could have been given to any of 5 players.

Needless to say the trip back was made in high spirits, and a few cartons of beer made their way again onto the bus, The clubhouse was going off later in the night, with fans and players celebrating into all hours, Sunday would a late start for me as the huge hangover that loomed would be have to be slept off.

retired_manragh

Just a quick note that the games should be game 7 and 8, not 11 and 12