Brian of Nazareth

For Owen, the disappointment of the loss, was quickly replaced by the desire to start a new winning run, and a home match with struggling Scarborough on the Saturday seemed an ideal opportunity to do so, of course the match would be another lunchtime kick off. Sky evidently still hadn’t got enough of this ‘fairytale’ revival, whilst Jeff clearly hadn’t received enough TV money to keep him going, or was it Paul that controlled the money? Either way he had decided to stop worrying about such matters for the time being – if it helped the club fulfil its’ potential did it really matter?

For this match, Mark Tucker was coming in for Adam Vickers, whilst Justin Wiseman was put back to the bench, and Diawara started in place of Drew again. With the side clearly more used to the early starts than a sluggish Scarborough side it was pleasing to see the team act as if the loss at Barnet had been nothing more than a blip. The controlled the ball well, and though few chances were created initially, they were a more stable side for it, and the defence, were played into the game as well. The first real chance didn’t arrive halfway through when Rod Davies bounded down the left and crossed into Diawara’s feet. The striker controlled with his left foot before flicking it to his right and volleying first time, only to see Andy Woods stretch his body high and wide to tip it round for a corner. It certainly woke the lacklustre crowd up, and after a few minutes of hard chanting, their cries were rewarded with a delightful goal for Darren Middleton . It was the forwards first goal for the club and Owen was on his feet dancing a little jig. The lad had worked exceptionally hard in creating chances but never put himself in the position to convert one. This time short passing amongst Rod Davies, Joanne and Andy Ellis on the left saw the aging leftie slide the ball immaculately through the defence to Negri. His cut and turn created space on the edge of the area for Middleton who was picked out swiftly by the ever sharp Negri and he guided the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.

It was certainly a deserved lead, but the good news was quickly suppressed when seconds after the re-start, Rod was felled going for a challenge, receiving a nasty open studded kick to the knee. Taken off on a stretcher, Owen grimaced at the prospect of losing the decent full back again. It was his third injury since pre-season began and he was concerned the lad was getting a little prone – even if it was unfortunate – to these knocks. Dick was moved to the left and James Taylor came on at right back. After a Diawara header was saved, the game then descended into a quieter affair once more. Scarborough saw plenty of the ball but were never given an opportunity to do a great deal with it, either harried away or pushed back towards their own goal again. At the other end a rather direct route to Negri was causing some problems for the visitors, but they were playing in ultra-cautious mode at the back and didn’t give him a sniff. The best chance for Worcester was via set plays, and when one came in the 70th minute it wasn’t wasted. Negri’s free kick had been turned around for a corner, and sub Justin Wiseman who had only been on the field a few minutes curved it directly into the path of Mark Tuckers’ forehead and it was celebration time. A late, late charge by the visitors saw them nick an injury time consolation but the damage was done and Owen was pleased they’d bounced back so quickly from defeat, ending September on a high.

“ What’s the damage Warren?”

“Well Owen, he’s going to be out for about 3 weeks at least I’d say, it’s a nasty knock he’s taken, and you don’t want to rush these things. It’s a tender spot for Rod at the moment.”

“Right, fine thanks for that! Still at least we’ve got a clean bill of health elsewhere eh? Still, how’s Ray getting along?”

“Oh he’s still on schedule, will still be another two months before you can think about picking him.”

“Don’t worry Warren I don’t plan on doing that ever, but thanks anyway.”

It was a shame to lose the kid for a bit, but still, at least he did have some cover back there. Getting more in though was proving slightly problematic. The kids he wanted to try and loan in weren’t interested or weren’t allowed to join, whilst the ones Gary and Brian were putting forward from Scotland and Europe, were, to be quite frank, even worse than his mates from last year. Hell, Aidan would have walked all over them. Bids for players were getting rejected, and it was a bit frustrating, but when all said and done he knew he had capable players for the season, but he always had a constant feeling that just one or two more would ease his worries – just like any manager in his league.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * English Conference - Monday 1st October 2001********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2001/2 Table============================================= ================================================== =Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Farnborough 12 4 0 2 14 9 5 0 1 17 10 27 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2nd Dag & Red 12 3 1 2 16 12 5 0 1 8 2 25 3rd Doncaster 12 4 2 0 13 8 3 1 2 10 9 24 4th Margate 12 4 1 1 14 9 3 1 2 6 4 23 5th Southport 12 4 1 1 13 4 2 3 1 9 8 22 6th Worcester City 12 6 0 0 12 4 1 1 4 6 10 22 7th Boston Utd 12 4 1 1 9 6 2 3 1 3 2 22 8th Northwich Vics 12 2 2 2 10 8 3 3 0 5 1 20 9th Dover 12 5 1 0 13 6 1 1 4 8 11 20 10th Hayes 12 2 2 2 7 7 4 0 2 10 9 20 11th Stevenage 12 2 4 0 11 7 2 2 2 7 7 18 12th Yeovil 12 4 0 2 7 4 0 5 1 10 14 17 13th Hereford 12 3 1 2 8 5 1 2 3 10 12 15 14th Woking 12 1 3 2 6 8 2 0 4 10 14 12 15th Barnet 12 2 2 2 6 4 1 1 4 4 13 12 16th Scarborough 12 1 2 3 5 8 2 0 4 8 10 11 17th Morecambe 12 2 3 1 13 12 0 2 4 5 13 11 18th Stalybridge 12 2 2 2 7 7 0 2 4 6 12 10 19th Chester 12 2 1 3 14 13 0 3 3 6 16 10 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20th Nuneaton Borough 12 1 1 4 5 8 1 2 3 8 11 9 21st Leigh RMI 12 1 2 3 5 7 0 1 5 3 9 6 22nd Forest Green 12 1 2 3 3 7 0 1 5 4 14 6 </pre>

Brian of Nazareth

September Review – BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester With Aidan and Kel

“ Well, well good morning folks! It’s that time of the month again! No not you ladies – wooo, bad joke there! I’m Kel and Aidan’s here! Aidan? Oops, he’s fallen off his chair again! Ha ha! Well time for our Worcester City Round up of the month!”

“Yes it was a busy month for Rodders, Dick, Drew and James and co! 8 games in all this month for the team!”

“ Well counted Aidan! Of course there was the injury to Rod at the end there which will sideline him for the first two games in October, but still plenty of players left over!”

“ Indeed! Now the side started off badly with that HORRIFIC 3-1 loss to Dover!”

“Yeah what a load of rubbishness! Only Matty Rose the goal scorer and then newbie Kaba Diawara can come out of that match with any credit! It was a bad bad game for new goalkeeper Mike Salmon!”

“Salmon! That’s a FISH! Hee Hee!”

“Yes, well done Aidan! I’m sure the listeners are well aware of that! Still it proved to be a blessing in disguise as the next match marked the beginning of a 6 match unbeaten run! The popular Marco Negri scoring the winner against Doncaster!!”

“And that LEGEND, as I shall be calling him now went on to score 6 goals in the following 4 games! What a star! The first was in the draw with with Stevenage! Should have won that mind – I’d have nutted the ref in that one – he was a bit wor, a bit wer, rubbish!”

“ Calm down you PLANK! Correct! He was also part of the trio on song in the mashing of Nuneaton ! A blitzkrieg start also saw Kaba Diawara and Mark Heimgartner notch firsts for the club in that match!”

“And the good times they kept a coming! Woo yeah! Farnborough , who were TOP by the way, were SMASHED! 4-1! To quote Chris Kamara it was ‘UNBELIEVABLE JEFF!’ or Kel even!”

“Quit with the shouting there Aidan, me old-about-to-get-punched-if-he-doesn’t-pipe-down mate! Yes Marco grabbed two and so did Mr. Frenchie!”

“Miserable f---BLEEP!”

“ Good thing I brought the bleeper along there Aidan! You go sit in the corner I’ll finish the round up! Yes Neggers got the pair against Forest Green to keep the club rising until boosucky Barnet cropped us 2-0 and man were we off the pace in that one!”

“DIE BARNET DIE!”

“ Oi! Producer! Get him off the air! But never fear, when Owen’s here as the side roared back into action with a 2-1 defeat of Scarborough -

“ - Fayre! Tee hee!”

“ Yes Aidan, that was absolutely hilarious. SO funny in fact I think I might even blink. Anyway, super Darren Middleton and old timer Mark Tucker were the scorers in that one! Spreading the wealth nicely! Still, till next time see you later folks!”

Background music plays but a punch is heard to connect with Aidans face

Brian of Nazareth

October brought with it the first taste of cup competition for Owen’s side – the qualifying rounds for the FA Cup, and a run to the 3rd round was as usual the dream every season. However, the starting point would be pretty tough, facing a 3rd round tie away to fellow conference side Leigh RMI. It also saw a further spate of admittedly expected rejections from Premiership clubs with regards requests to loan Stephen Wright and Ronnie Wallwork. Not even Wolves would consider the possibility of out of favour striker Robert Taylor moving to Worcester on a short term deal.

Still, the side were performing well generally. At least at home the record was excellent. Away there were still performances that could be improved upon, and Owen went to Southport hoping for an improvement on the just one win in 6 away ties so far. Siros was dropped and replaced by Adam Vickers, whilst James Taylor came in for the injured Davies. Darren Middleton was awarded a first start upfront as opposed to his normal attacking midfield slot previously. Justin Wiseman also started the match.

On a pretty cold day the game was played at a surprisingly fast pace, with the players refusing to let the weather inhibit their performances. Early exchanges had been fired at both ends before the first goal arrived on twelve minutes. Marco Negri had fallen deep into midfield to collect a loose ball and then immediately picked out Darren Middleton unmarked in space at the front end. He squared it to Richard Gell running in from the left and an early cross in was nodded home by Jo Murphy at the near post. It was reward for a determined run and the lass eagerly celebrated, taking her top off to the delight of the crowds, before hastily replacing it lest she be rumbled too soon. At 1-0 the side appeared as if they might inflict further damage, but it appeared the side had once more elected to take far too many risks and this time Mike was left unprotected for too long on too many occasions. It took 5 minutes for Simon Parke to equalise, intercepting a weak pass from Mark Tucker to shoot past ‘The Fish’ as he had quite predictably become known as, and level up deservedly.

There after Owen could see his side clearly to be quite frail at the back, and he tried to desist their wild determination to score as many goals as soon as possible. It was a tactic that was only inviting further pressure and the inevitable second goal was leaked moments before half time, Parke again the bastard netting a little too easily past Mike in goal. Although Mike could have done better with it, the fact was Southport were creating endless chances, and Owen realised he really needed to tweak the team’s style at least for away matches or else suffer further reverses. It took an offside flag to keep the game competitive on the stroke of half time, but a mere 10 minutes after the interval in which Owen had called for a common sense approach and once more the defence or what was left of it was breached. Can a defence be breached if technically they’re all over the halfway line? 3-1 and there was no way back. Darren Middleton ran his socks off covering every blade of grass to try and rescue the match but it was to no avail, the midfield and particularly the defence had let the side down terribly – and Owen was furious.

Brian of Nazareth

Worcester Wimps Away Day Blues Continue
Benny Broadhurst

Owen Newitt will no doubt be looking to correct the away day blues after the latest setback against Southport. The sides 5th defeat out of 7 has contrasted starkly with the club’s 100% home record and is hindering the side’s push for promotion. Simon Parke ripped through Worcesters’ backline with ease in thr 3-1 loss.

Indicative of the clubs’ problems was the amount of space afforded to the home side, as Owen’s side seemed to forget where they were playing. The tactic has worked well at home no doubt, but away it just risks far too much and the current pattern suggests results like the 4-1 at Farnborough will only ever be a freak unless the system is changed.

The next test for Owen’s side away from home comes in the form of the FA Cup clash at Leigh RMI. The Cup has held some fond memories in the past and is of course the one nationwide competition that unites fans from the upper echelons of the Premiership to the murky depths of the South-West-By-South-East Counties Division 4, and the goal of all clubs of Worcesters’ ilk remains the same.

The third round and a tie at at Manchester United or Arsenal is the Holy Grail, but there is still along way to go. For Worcester, the match on Saturday is merely in order to progress to the next qualifying stage, so the club are still two wins away from the FA Cup proper. Can Owen get his side in the right frame of mind for this clash with Leigh, who though struggling at the foot of the conference appear to have the very definite advantage of playing at home.

This is the one day in the calendar that all the wives and girlfriends of the staff and players really hope their men really will play away from home. Can they do it? Benny Broadhurst says…

HELL YEAH.

[/quote]

Brian of Nazareth

Owen was really concerned about the trip to Leigh . He was all too aware of the possibilities if his side could advance, but the team were really shakey at the back, and Mike wasn’t looking too sharp in goal either. Marco was dropped to the bench in a brave move, hoped to inspire Drew in his place to make it his own, James Taylor and Mark Tucker were both dropped for their costly efforts against Southport, whilst Andy Ellis was dropped with Richard Gell coming back into the midfield. The start was vital and after 90 seconds Worcester had carved out their first chance of the match, as a Darren Middleton shot was blocked, with Dick Holder’s rebound effort striking the left post and bouncing to Gell on the left, but with the keeper stranded the midfielder fluffed his effort wide and a golden chance was wasted. It was to prove a fatal error. Five minutes later Leigh had their first chance of the match. A cross from Robert Trees was completely flapped at by Mike when a catch seemed easiest and Marcus Hallows was able to pounce and score. Salmon’s goalkeeping was definitely concerning Owen, and it was about to be worsened as while Owen was thinking of his side getting back into the game quickly then went 2-0 down. A complete loss of concentration by Siros allowed his marker to ghost into the area unchallenged, and Mark Batty’s chip was converted by Hallows again. It was a terrible start but only furthered to strengthen Owen’s desire to find some solid centre backs. The basic premise behind a good side was a core of keeper, centre halves and strikers could you depend on. The latter group was fine, and the former was probably just having a bad spell right now, but those centre backs were all over the place.

It took awhile for the visitors to recover from the shocking start, but when they did they produced some encouraging signs. Drew volleyed over the bar on 16, before Gell hit a sweet drive only inches past the upright. The frustration of not getting a swift goal back only escalated as the half went on and Joanne picked up a yellow card for grabbing a Leigh RMI players’ crotch when he’d beaten her off the ball. Drew headed another cross over the bar, but then the killer blow came. Maamria was given acres of space in which to send a 30 yard ball right past the face of a useless Siros and into the stride of Eric Rostron. The club with only 1 win all season went 3 up as Eric talk it past a Mike Salmon in the midst of tripping over his shoelace. Another complete disappointment for Owen then as the second period brought nothing but a stalemate. Leigh knew they’d won and shockingly so did Owen’s men whose resistance was futile. The just didn’t seem to care and it was disgusting. At the final whistle only Darren Middleton had the balls to go over and apologise to the group of disconsolate fans in the away end, whilst the others hurried off the pitch with their tails between their legs. Owen waited for them in the dressing room, and when they were all seated he just stared at them. The silence was deafening. After ten seconds which felt like an hour, he simply left, returning 5 minutes to poke his round the door. ‘Darren, on the bus, the rest of you can find your own damn way back.’

Brian of Nazareth

Worcester Training Ground

Owen was piling through the papers and videos from Gary that had been sent back, when a knock at the door arrived.

“ Come in! “” It was Mike Salmon as ordered.

“ I never usually order fish, but this time I’ve had to Mike. What the goddamn happened on Saturday!”

“Ah come on boss! It wasn’t just me – the defence didn’t give me a chance!”

“Oh piddle! You screwed up on the first two and against Southport you didn’t cover yourself in glory! Look. I know you are a great keeper but with your experience I can’t afford those mistakes. I’ve informed Jeff… you’ve been given an official reprimand for your performances.”

“WHAT!? You bring me here, a man with experience in all the leagues and at 37 no spring chicken, and after two games in which I was certainly not the sole man responsible for our losses – the team could have scored more – you officially warn me? Pìss off!”

“Mike! I simply do not expect you to be flapping at crosses like that – it’s not as if it was coming at 100 mph was it? Look, you’re not being dropped and I have faith in you but just focus!”

“You have faith in me? Aww how nice! F*ck the patronising! I can’t believe I signed on here, what a load of crap!”

“Well you’re under contract so unless you want me to fine your ass all the way to the bank I suggest you quit being a baby and work to get back into the team! I don’t tolerate whiners! Go back and help Danny – after all he’s our starting goalkeeper for now! Oh and send George in will you?”

Mike simply scowled and then left in a theatrical huff, before whispering in George Siros’ ear as the defender entered.

“ Sit down George!”

“Ok, what do you wan’ boss?”

“You’re being handed an official reprimand – just like Mike there. You were crap on Saturday – what the hell were you playing at?!”

“Hey! I never claimed to be a great player!?”

“Eh? Sod that, I can see that but that’s no excuse for just standing like a complete lemon as the game passes you by, you were at fault for two of the goals and frankly your performances over the past few games have been barely acceptable, you’re just about hitting the line, and I want more do you understand? Ever since you signed permanently you’ve been poor! Sort it out!”

“Ah Mary mother of Christ! I haven’t been that bad – even the papers say I am doing fine! I don’t need this! If you’re going to treat me like this I want out! I demand to leave!”

“Listen wetpants! Quit you’re friggin’ whining and get back out on the pitch and earn your place in the line up!”

“No! I want to leave!”

“Ok then Melissa, you want to act like a petulant little **** you can, but I am not accepting it! You are a capable player, you just need to sort your attitude out. Now get out before I slap you silly. ”

“You’re crazy!” George had barely finished his riposte when the knuckles of Owen’s left hand came swiping across his face, cutting his nose in the process, thanks to the wedding ring.

“Get out, work hard, and you’ll be in the side. It’s either that or I’ll chuck you in the River Severn attached to some iron railings. Your choice!” [/i]

Brian of Nazareth

George was out in a flash and Owen sat back in his chair and sighed. He hadn’t meant those words obviously, but he was just so frustrated with the sides’ inability to not defend like morons in the away games. Didn’t they understand they had to be more cautious and patient away from home? The door knocked again and was pushed slightly open when Owen yelled:

“ For the last time get out on the pitch and work you lazy twat! Feck off!”

“Er, Owen it’s me!” Sal poked her head round the door before walking in.

“ Ah sorry love – problems with the staff!”

“ Disciplining the pair of them?”

“Yeah did so, God they’re self centred bastards. Can’t take any responsibility either – it’s pathetic! Damn we need some defenders!”

“Well that was what I was coming in to say – we’ve got some good leads – and you’ve got a video here you evidently haven’t watched yet or you’d be in Jeff’s office demanding he sign a player at gunpoint!”

“Ah come on he can’t be that good! Where does he play and what’s his name?”

“Geir Andre Fredriksen and he’s a 21 year old Norwegian – plays at left back for Tollnes – Gary’s sent back the evidence here!” Sally plucked the required type out from the mess on Owen’s table.

“Who?!” Owen was still trying to roll the name round his tongue in one go.

“Just watch!” Sal inserted the tape and it began to show the collated highlights of the fullbacks recent performances. After about five minutes it ended.

“ You’re right! He’s bloody good! But how we going to get him? He must cost a fortune!”

“ Try 14k.”

“What?! That’s ridiculous? Surely they meant 140k? Norwegians can’t be that stupid can they?”

“ Just a far cheaper market overseas than it is here Owen! Yeah it’s 14k – probably have to offer a fair bit above that but I’m sure Jeff can sort out the finer details of the offer! You want me to tell him?”

“ Hell yeah. He’d be an excellent addition to the squad, and at a good age to ripen into serious quality. Did you have any other news though? We still need centre backs!”

“ Yeah, this kid who’s just gone on loan at Grimsby – he’s called David Beherall – he’s 22 and at Newcastle – but he’s interested, or so his agent has told me. He wants a permanent move – he knows he’s not going anywhere over there and wants games – again – we’d be talking an offer in the region of 30-50k as guaranteed to capture the lad. He’s strong and good in the air – and he does work hard. Plus you can tell he’s been used to working with such luminaries as Titus Bramble – he can’t concentrate for long periods.”

“Hmmm! Good work – put in an offer then! Any visual evidence or am I going on your word?”

“My word hon!” Sal winked. He’d never not trusted her before. Her decisions had always proved to turn out well in the end.

“ Aha, ok go for it! We can afford that I think! Any other possibilities?”

“ German kid called Sven Hein – ”

“ Actually yeah I’ve seen his tape – he’s on a free isn’t he?”

“Yep – and we’d get him on a short term part time contract.”

“Ok, I’ll let Jeff know about that one. One from me to you though – I have seen this report on this other Norwegian kid that Gary’s sent back. Called Kjel Andre Thull? A 17 year old forward with definite potential! I think he’s worth a shot!”

“Must have passed me bye with that one – but good luck with Jeff – I’m off to grab some shopping! Don’t be late tonight – gotta nice pasta and chicken dish for you!”

Righto – see you later then!” Owen gave his wife a kiss on the cheek and left at the same time to check on training. He certainly seemed to have a good deal on his plate for now – still – with just under two weeks until the next match there would be plenty of time to sort all that out.

Brian of Nazareth

Over the next few days the usual ups and downs arrived in plentiful supply as Owen barely noticed the last round of World Cup qualifiers and play off matches. Not even the midweek champions league matches could provide enough entertainment.

Young trialist Chris Burns left without a word passed between manager and player, whilst young German Sven Hein arrived on a free – the defender heading straight into the reserves for the immediate short term. His arrival was swiftly followed up with the arrival of Newcastle defender David Beharall for just under 50k, and he would be going straight into the starting line up. It was difficult to say exactly where for the time being given that he and Paul Davies had decided to experiment with a a 3-5-2 style formation with the wingers starting in a full back area with license to push forward with every attack. He had no idea if it would work but Owen had decided to play to his side’s strengths whilst trying to protect the weakness. With three at the back there logically should be fewer gaps for the opponents to exploit whilst going forward the core midfield would be well flanked by the wingers with any luck.

On Friday 19th of October though it was Alice Cooper night at the NIA. A welcome diversion from football for a change, and a night out with the beautiful mrs as well. It had everything needed, a good support act, overpriced beer and speakers bursting to the roof – Owen was almost in bliss by the time Poison hit his ears, and was annoying Sal the whole way home with his own, beer induced rendition of it.

In the run up to the weekend fixture, Rod Davies announced his availability for selection, but within 40 minutes of that decision Owen was hit by the news that Kaba Diawara would be watching on the sidelines for a month or so with a slight groin tear. Mercifully it was in an area where he could legitimately claim to have moderate strength, but as good as Drew and Darren had been performing, they had still only notched up 1 goal between them. Here was their chance.

On the Thursday, he relieved Paul from reserve team duty to personally control the fixture with Morecambe’s back ups, allowing him to test out both Rod’s fitness, Mike’s reflexes and confidence between the sticks and a chance to oversee Sven in person. There were even senior starts for the punished Siros and Justin Wiseman. It ended up a 2-1 loss, but Owen was happy enough. George had calmed down since his antics in the office a few days previously and appeared content at the club, but then again he was Greek so who could tell for sure? Justin Wiseman scored the goal in the first half before being withdrawn, but the performance was still encouraging for Owen – and frankly it had given him a taste for the reserves, and duly asked Sally if she would oversee the games from time to time as well.

Brian of Nazareth

The next day a whimsical loan bid came to fruition as Luton’s 24 year old striker Andrew Fotiadis arrived on a two month deal until Christmas. He was certainly capable, and had been brought in on the personal recommendation of his scout Brian Clark. He was straight into the line up for the trip to Morecambe on the Saturday, whilst Owen had decided against his better judgement to persist with the new look formation. McDonnell took the gloves as promised, whilst Vickers, Beharall and Dick Holder took the centre slots. Rod Davies would patrol the left flank and Richard Gell the right. In the midfield trio were Matty Rose and Jo Murphy as the ball winners, whilst Darren Middleton was plonked in the supporting attacker role. With Marco and Fotiadis up front, goals were certainly possible.

The first test of the new look ‘away’ strategy was passed as the defence managed to hold out the first 15 minutes without conceding, and the relief was self-evident. Certainly once the nerves seemed to have stop jangling, the quality of football improved. It was a tight affair, with the gaps being plugged preventing attacks down the centre, though Rod and Richard still had Owen gasping as they failed to track back after a broken down attack and left opportunities on the flank for Morecambe allowing them to whip in efforts from the side, but with David Beharall making a commanding debut in the backline he marshalled the line superbly with Dick and Adam. The trio certainly seemed at ease with one another and the factor they didn’t have to carry any weaker members was clear to see. Up front, the first real chance of the match for Worcester was taken superbly by the excellent Darren Middleton . Gell had bustled his way down the right, fighting off challenges before finding Negri on the edge of the box, the Italian too was closed down quickly but in a scuffle the ball was knocked kindly into the space of Middleton and his right footed rifled effort beat Mark Smith for pace and the deadlock was broken. So far, so good for the new tactic.

Surviving until the interval, Owen told both Rod and Richard to cut back their attacking runs and help protect the backline a bit, an instruction which seemed very valid in the early stages of the second half as the hosts sought an equaliser. In goal Danny was playing very well and his determination to hold his place in the side did not go unnoticed by anyone on the bench – including Mike Salmon – who was wearing a somewhat sullen expression. As the game progressed, it was clear that both Rose and Jo seemed to be struggling playing alongside one another for some reason, and Justin Wiseman came on for the former QPR man, with Drew replacing a hard working Fotiadis up front. That extra impetus seemed to help Worcester finally get their attacking movement going in search of a second. Jo was played in early but he first time shot went well wide before a deep left wing cross from Rod was headed squarely at the goalkeeper by Marco. The fear of a late equaliser seemed to affect the lads in the closing stages, and Owen too as he had a sinking feeling that with all the crosses Morecambe were sending over in the final stages that one might actually find a colleague. As it was a hard working and efficient display was rewarded with a last minute goal from Negri as the Italian, celebrating his 31st birthday converted another cross from Davies to send the travelling fans home delighted.

Spav

Superb - a wonderfully detailed story you've got going here, BoN. :thup:

I like the return of some old footballing faces like Negri and Diawara and I see you're scouting the (CM01/02?) wonderland that is the Scandinavian region.

I'll definitely keep up to date with this story now that I've read what you've done so far. KUTGW.