retired_brinker317

Wednesday morning - and a hive of activity at Babbage Way. With Mark Goodfellow and Andrew Fisk injured, Fairway considered his midfield particularly low on numbers, if not talent. In particular, he considered the defensive midfield role as key to the entire Worksop system - and with no players naturally strong in that role, had been using defender Paul Dempsey in the absence of another option. Scout Shaun Hird though had been on the case - and finally had delivered a player who Fairway considered a target. Staylbridge Celtic midfielder Nathan Wharton is available on a free, and when his offer was accepted, immediatley invited Wharton for contract talks.

Two days later, Fairway was still locked in talks with the 24-year old, meaning no deal had been tied up before Saturday's visit of Lancaster.

Lancaster v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 4

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Nicholson, Davies, O'Callaghan, Dudgeon, Dempsey, Wilson*, Thorpe, Khoshimov, Bambrook, Norville

Subs; Jackson, Bowling (GK), Wood, Townsend, Cropper

An unchanged side for the visit of high-flying Lancaster, with no Goodfellow or Fisk available. Things would get worse just 18 minutes in - after being booked for dissent, winger Azzizhon Khoshimov continued to talk back to referee Prior - and was dismissed for a second bookbale offence leaving Fairway fuming. Reorganisation was called for - Davies made way for Townsend, as Worksop went to 3 at the back. This inevitably allowed the visitors more space - Dawes denied by a superb Rogers stop on 36 before Jones fired wide 4 minutes later. Jackson made an appearance after the break - replacing the booked O'Callaghan at the back, before Lancaster really began to pile on the pressure. Dawes, Sparrow and Sullivan - the latter hitting the post on 67 - all had chances before finally, on 84, the pressure told. Sullivan's cross into the middle found Bates, who found himself brought down by skipper Wilson. It was a cast-iron penalty - but, amazingly, Paul Sparrow put his spot-kick wide, and Worksop were able to hold on to a most unlikely point.

Worksop 0 - Lancaster 0

MOM; Kristian Rogers (Worksop)
Attendance; 440

Worksop Position After Game; 13th

retired_brinker317

Saturday's ill-tempered clash left Fairway counting the cost on Monday morning. Simeon Bambrook (knee) and Jason Norville (heel) both completed the game with knocks, Bambrook ruled out for 3 weeks whilst loanee Norville would be sidelined for just a week. On top of that, Azzizhon Khoshimov would be suspended for one match.

Fortunatley, if such a word could be used in the situation, Worksop were not due in action for another fortnight. Also - hopefully - available for that trip to Altringham would be a new face, as on Monday afternoon Stalybridge Celtic midfielder Nathan Wharton agreed terms to join Worksop after playing 72 minutes of Celtic's 2-0 defeat to Moor Green on Saturday.

With the European Transfer Window slamming shut on Tuesday evening - although fortunatley not affecting Non Premiership clubs in England - and for a moment on Wednesday morning, Fairway was back in 'fan' mode, scanning the back pages for information on the latest deals. Generally it had been a quiet deadline day for the big boys - misfit Hernan Crespo left Chelsea for home shores, joining Roma for just over £4 million, whilst Deadline Day's big spenders had been Portsmouth - £2.7 million for Polish striker Majec Zurawski from Wisla Krakow. Premiership leaders Arsenal saw no need to strengthen their squad, with Thierry Henry already on fire with 7 goals from 6 games, whilst Middlesbrough were just delighted to be lying in second place. Down in the newly rebranded 'Championship', Fairway's beloved Brighton were struggling - 21st in the league and without a ha'penny to rub together. Their solitary capture of the summer, Chris Eagles , a midfielder on loan from mighty Manchester United, did look quite handy however.

With Internationals to the fore on Saturday Fairway watched England beat Austria 2-0 - Lampard and Owen the scorers, whilst in the same group Wales got off to a flyer beating Azerbijan 2-0, with goals from Speed and Bellamy. Northern Ireland went down 1-0 to Poland, whilst in Group 4 Ireland thumped Cyprus, who had Brighton's Alexis Nicholas sent off, 6-0 - Macken, Holland (2), Lee, Robbie Keane and Duff grabbing the goals. Scotland were not involved in World Cup Qualifying action.

Ryan Davis' return to fitness on Wednesday coincided with the second round of European World Cup Qualifiers. England were held to a 0-0 draw by Poland, whilst also in Group 6 Wales continued their fine start - Koumas and Savage scoring in a 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland . Scotland started their campaign in the worst possible way - a 2-0 home reverse to Slovakia, with Barry Ferguson missing a penalty, whilst Ireland edged out Switzerland in Basle, Macken bagging a brace.

Altringham v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 5

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Dempsey, Davies, O'Callaghan, Dudgeon, Wharton, Wilson*, Thorpe, Fisk, Cropper, Norville

Subs; Nicholson, Bowling (GK), Jackson, Goodfellow, Townsend

Whilst new boy Wharton made his bow, and both Fisk and Norville were declared fit, the presence of Marc Goodfellow amongst the substitutes wasn't as expected by the away support. In fact, it was a mere numbers excerise - the ex-Stoke man only doing light work in training, and therefore able to make up the numbers on the bench, but unlikely to get onto the pitch until fully fit. In chilly conditions the visitors were able to make a dream start - Wilson pulling the ball square for Andrew Fisk to steer home from close range after just 4 minutes. Unfortunatley, on 10 it was Altringham's chance to take advantage of lax defending - Worksop all at sea when Marcus Hallows levelled from the corner of the box. With Wilson picking up a knock just before the break, Fairway handed the captains armband to Kevin Davies at half time, sending on Gary Townsend to replace Wilson. On 57 Worksop could have taken the lead, with two chances in the space of a minute - first Norville shooting wide, before Cropper's cross-cum-shot was tipped over by the athletic Stuart Coburn. With the game still tight, Fairway did decide to introduce Marc Goodfellow - replacing Miles Thorpe for a 15 minute cameo. If nothing else, Fairway figured, it would help him with his fitness. Unfortunatley though it wouldn't change the game - Norville squandering Worksop's final chance on 85, whilst at the other end Rogers did well to deny the busy Hallows two minutes from time. Draws are one thing, but victories are an entirely different kettle of fish.

Altringham 1 - Worksop 1

MOM; Paul Dempsey (Worksop)
Attendance; 468

Worksop Position After Game; 12th

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Southport | | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 13 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Ashton Utd | | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 13 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Vauxhall Motors | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 5 | +5 | 10 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Barrow | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 10 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Droylsden | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 7 | +2 | 10 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Lancaster | | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 5 | +3 | 9 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Nuneaton | | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 8 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Runcorn FC Halton | | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 8 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Moor Green | | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 8 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Altrincham | | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 8 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Gainsborough | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 7 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | WORKSOP | | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 6 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Bradford PA | | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 6 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Worcester | | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 5 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Alfreton | | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 5 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Hucknall | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 4 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Kettering | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 4 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Harrogate Town | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 9 | -6 | 4 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Stalybridge | | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 3 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Redditch | | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 2 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Hinckley | | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 10 | -6 | 2 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Stafford Rangers | | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 2 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_brinker317

Mark Wilson's knock was later confirmed as a groin strain that would keep him out for a couple of weeks. Fairway was however able to welcome Azzizhon Khoshimov back - his suspension served - whilst on Wednesday Marc Goodfellow and Simeon Bambrook also returned to full training.

Thursday - and fresh from being held to a 1-1 draw by Worksop, Altringham came in with a £1000 offer for Gary Townsend . The local lad wasn't too highly thought of by Fairway, who had given him the opportunity to impress, and with the financial situation worsening as predicted, he accepted the offer, giving Townsend permission to travel and attempt to tie up a deal.

Worksop Town v Stafford Rangers - Conference North Game 6

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Dempsey, Davies*, O'Callaghan, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Thorpe, Fisk, Bambrook, Norville

Subs; Nicholson, Bowling (GK), Jackson, Khoshimov, Cropper

With three draws from five matches, everybody at Worksop wanted to get back to winning ways - and bottom of the pile Stafford Rangers were perhaps the ideal opposition to do so against. Fairway handed Goodfellow his first start, replacing the injured Wilson, whilst up front Bambrook returned to replace Dene Cropper. Worksop piled on the pressure from the off, and didn't let up - Goodfellow even winning, then blazing over the bar, a spot-kick on 12 minutes after he had been tripped by Wayne Daniel. The midfielder was always in the thick of the early action - almost making amends for his penalty miss by hitting the bar three minutes later. Stafford were forced to defend, and did so valiantly, but at the expense of their attacking instincts - Rogers had little to do in the first half. At the break Faiway replaced a tiring Bambrook with Dene Cropper, in the hope that he could inspire a goal that in all honesty was richly deserved. Finally, the pressure told - on 61 Cropper and Thorpe linked up on the left, before Marc Goodfellow burst through the centre to fire his first goal in a Worksop shirt from just outside the area. 7 minutes later, the scores would be level. With their first, and, as it proved, only chance of the match Gary Fife coolly levelled for Stafford leaving Worksop's supporters - and management team - frustrated. It wasn't for want of trying that Worksop didn't regain the lead - Thorpe, Goodfellow, Norville and Wharton all having chances late on - but some brave defending and poor finishing led to yet another home draw.

Worksop 1 - Stafford 1

MOM; Chris Smith (Stafford Rangers)
Attendance; 611

Worksop Position After Game; 13th

retired_brinker317

Sunday morning saw Gary Townsend tie up the loose ends and complete his £1000 move to Altringham . Fairway, however was more concerned with the draw for the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. A long way from the final at Cardiff - a long way even from the First Round proper - but Fairway still had high hopes that his side would be able to at least progress past Ryman League side Fisher Athletic .

Gary Townsend - FLC - 4 Games/0 Goals - Altringham, £1000

On Tuesday, Townsend's departure was followed up by bids for out of favour goalkeeper Ian Bowling . Although not officially transfer listed, it was well known in non-league circles that the 39-year old was unhappy at Babbage Way - and after Chesham had their Free Transfer bid accepted, offers quickly followed from Aylsebury, Guiseley and Hinckley .

Hinckley also had a player that interested Fairway with a view to strengthening his own squad. 37-year old Stuart Storer is a right sided player who can operate in defence or in midfield - in short, a natural wingback with attacking tendencies. A veteran of over 370 professional matches, including a memorable spell at Fairway's beloved Brighton & Hove Albion - he scored the final goal at the Goldstone Ground - Storer may be getting on in years, but, Fairway told Chairman Raymond, he was sure that he still had something to offer.

Unfortunatley, Hinckley wouldn't play ball. Although Fairway had been allocated the £1000 recieved for Gary Townsend to spend on players, he wasn't entirely sure if buying Storer would be a wise use of the cash, and had initially tried to take the veteran on a free. When that offer was rebuked, he decided to take stock - sending scout Hird to watch the player before making a firm bid. It didn't, however, stop him from dropping a few hints...

Worksop Town v Nuneaton - Conference North Game 7

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Dempsey, Davies, O'Callaghan, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Wilson*, Fisk, Bambrook, Norville

Subs; Nicholson, Bowling (GK), Thorpe, Khoshimov, Cropper

With Wilson back in for Thorpe Fairway considered the side perhaps his strongest available lineup - Goodfellow on the left of the midfield trio, to start with at least. Nuneaton began brightly - Adams thundering a free kick into Rogers' arms on 6 minutes, before Carl Frew headed against the side netting on 17. On 39 though it was Worksop who took the lead - Wilson threading through for Jason Norville to tap home from close range. On the stroke of half time though Nuneaton surged forward in a classic counter attacking move. Stuart Whittaker applied the final touch - glancing the ball beyond Rogers - but the damage had been done in a sweeping, flowing passing move upfield that for a moment made the visitors look like the great Ajax side of the late 70's. Fairway made a change at the break - Nicholson replacing Dudgeon at the back, with Dempsey moving into the middle - but the second half started in far slower mode, Goodfellow and Whittaker with the only chances for either side. On 72 Fairway made his second change - Wilson off for Khoshimov - and it had an immediate impact. On 76, Worksop took the lead - Goodfellow's ball into the channel released Khoshimov, who centered for Jason Norville to nod home his second of the afternoon. If any Worksop fans had hopes of a victory however, they were to be sadly mistaken. Murphy's cross and a fantastic Mark Noon half volley put paid to that - the visitors levelling 9 minutes from time, and then stubbornly holding on for a point. Something, Fairway considered, needed to change.

Worksop 2 - Nuneaton 2

MOM; Micheal Love (Nuneaton)
Attendance; 788

Worksop Position After Game; 12th

retired_jgirl87

Not so much walking as crawling at the moment, d_s. But I' sure you'll have Worksop up on their feet and running soon enough.

retired_brinker317

Watch this space... (hopefully )



With the news that Ian Bowling had accepted a move to Chesham on Sunday morning, Fairway considered his position on a replacement. There was no doubt about it, a substitute 'keeper would have to be found - but the financial situation probably ruled out a permanent signing.

Ian Bowling - GK - 0 Games/0 Goals - Chesham, Free

On Monday Hinckley manager Dean Thomas had mixed news for Fairway. Although he would be prepared to let Stuart Storer go, Storer had effectivley dealt a hammer-blow to the deal, coming out in the local press to state his love for Hinckley, and that he had 'no desire' to leave Middlefield Lane, wheather to join Worksop or any other club. Complicating matters further, he would inevitably be involved on Tuesday night...

Hinckley United v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 8

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Dempsey, Davies, O'Callaghan, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Wilson*, Fisk, Bambrook, Norville

Subs; Nicholson, Cross (GK), Thorpe, Khoshimov, Cropper

An unchanged starting lineup for the midweek trip to Hinckley - Bowling's place on the bench filled by youth team stopper Cross. Worksop target Storer did start for the home side, playing at right back - and his first action of a dire opening third for all was to pick up a booking on 26 for a foul on Bambrook. In fact the game really didn't get going before the half hour mark - Whittle saving well from Norville on 30, before Fisk drilled wide on 34. Worksop were getting into the swing of things, and on 37, took the lead - Wharton's pass skillfully converted by Jason Norville from inside the box. Although Hinckley skipper Willis should have levelled - ironically, from Storer's corner - on the stroke of half time, his shot thundered into the side netting, allowing Fairway's men to take a lead into the break. Whilst there had been no changes at half time for Worksop, Hinckley started the second half in more attacking mode - Rogers denying Smith on 67 before Fairway did introduce fresh blood - Thorpe and Cropper, for Fisk and Bambrook respectivley. On 80 though Worksop hearts would be stopped. John Burns raced onto a hopeful punt, and beat Rogers with a drilled shot to his right. It was the same old story as far as the visiting fans were concerned - yet another draw. Some of them were making their way out of the stadium three minutes later - but those who could immediatley turned back when on 83 Norville hit the ball through to Miles Thorpe , who saw his low, powerful shot squeeze under the body of 'keeper Whittle. Again Hinckley should have levelled - Smith hitting the side netting on 86 - but a minute later, it really was all over for Dean Thomas' men - sub Dene Cropper tapping home fellow goalscorer Thorpe's near-post cross to wrap up a fine victory - only Worksop's second of the season.

Hinckley 1 - Worksop 3

MOM; Jason Norville (WOrksop)
Attendance; 404

Worksop Position After Game; 10th

retired_brinker317

With a ringing endorsement from Chairman Raymond in his ears - the board 'delighted' with victory over Hinckley - Fairway went to bed a happy man on Tuesday evening. Wednesday began brighly too - Hucknall accepting a loan offer for 17-year old 'keeper Jason Fisher .

Teenager Fisher had been reccomended to Fairway by scout Shaun Hird, and although just a youngster, he was considered a real talent. Of course, his YTS status meant a low wage - just £10 a week - with Fairway having no problems picking up that tab for the remainder of the season. It took the player slightly longer to make up his mind than the club - and frustraitingly, no word had been recieved by Saturday morning.

Fisher Athletic v Worksop Town - FA Cup Second Round Qualifying

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Dempsey, Davies, O'Callaghan, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Wilson*, Fisk, Bambrook, Norville

Subs; Nicholson, Cross (GK), Thorpe, Khoshimov, Cropper

Again then youth team 'keeper Cross would travel with the first teammers - Essex the destination for Worksop's band of merry men as the FA Cup really began to kick off. Whilst there would be no changes in the starting lineup, Fairway hoped that his side would be able to ease off a little in the second half, hopefully after scoring several times, to allow some of his star names to take a rest, with one eye on a potential Third Round Qualifying game next week, should Worksop progress - so a foul on Jason Norville as early as the third minute certainly wasn't in the game plan. Norville left the field for treatment, but returned moments later, coming close with a shot over the top on 15. Fisher 'keeper Harris quickly became the busier of the two custodians - denying Norville again on 22 and Fisk 8 minutes later. On 39 though he would be beaten - Fisk sliding the ball square and Jason Norville tapping home. It was Norville's last action of the game - at half time he, as well as the tiring Goodfellow, were replaced by Cropper and Thorpe respectivley. Worksop continued to pressurise - Thorpe close on 50, Fisk on 57 and Cropper on 64 before Andrew Fisk did net a second - scrambling the ball over the line in a congested penalty area after Cropper had seen a shot blocked. Worksop were cruising, and it looked like a case of scoring as many as they wanted. Wilson, replaced by Khoshimov on 78 after playing a blinder, Wharton, Bambrook and Cropper all found themselves denied by the athletic Harris, before Fisher made sure of a nervy finish when Peter Williams scored on the counter attack with the clock showing 89. Despite throwing 5 up front, there would be no late leveller - and Worksop progress in the Cup with some style.

Fisher 1 - Worksop 2

MOM; Andrew Fisk (WOrksop)
Attendance; 2711

retired_brinker317

The £4000 prize money was certainly a boost - and the victory also convinced Jason Fisher that his future, for this season at least, lay at Babbage Way, with the loanee from Hucknall signing on until the end of the season.

Monday's Third Round Qualifying draw saw Worksop drawn at home - Blyth Spartans , who defeated Cambridgeshire side Histon in the previous round, the visitors to Babbage Way on the 16th of October.

The good mood couldn't last long, however, and on Tuesday morning Fairway was disapointed to see Marc Goodfellow ruled out for a month - his troublesome groin playing up again. Just a strain diagnosed by Physio Tomlinson, but after the positive impact the new signing had given to the team, it was certainly a blow. Worse was to follow - Tomlinson let it be known to Fairway that Goodfellow could do with lengthy - and expensive - surgery to correct the problem in the long term. For now, it would have to wait - but depending on how things turned out, Fairway was resigned to losing Goodfellow to the surgeon's knife at some stage during the campaign, if not at the end of it.

With no game on Saturday it was the turn of International action to once again take centre stage - and a game that many had been waiting for with England taking on Wales at St Mary's. Shaun Wright-Phillips scored the only goal of a tight game 2 minutes before the end, handing England a 1-0 victory. Northern Ireland matched that score - beating Azerbijan by a single goal in the same group - Healy netting, whilst Scotland earnt a point at home to Norway - Kenny Miller scoring just before half time. Of the 'Home' Nations though, Ireland were by far the most impressive - holding mighty France to a 1-1 draw in St Denis - Ian Harte scoring from the penalty spot.

Tuesday's news was not encouraging. Mark Wilson followed Marc Goodfellow into the treatment room - ruled out for a week with a strained wrist. The skipper would certainly miss Saturday's Cup game against Blyth, and was also considered a doubt for the next League game, in midweek against Vauxhall Motors.

With Wednesday an international date, Fairway was pleased to see England continue their winning ways with a 5-1 thumping of Azerbijan - Lampard (2), Owen, Gerrard and Rooney all on the scoresheet. Wales also secured a useful result - Iwan Roberts scoring in a 1-1 draw with Poland, whilst Northern Ireland got a useful 0-0 draw with Austria. Scotland finally secured thier first win, away in Moldova with Gallagher and Rae netting, whilst Ireland beat the Faroe Islands 4-0 - Kilbane's brace, and strikes from Harte and Hunt securing all three points.

Whilst the injury problems had already depleted Fairway's squad, he still considered one or two players on the clubs' books surplus to requirements. After starring in Preseason before picking up an injury, Ryan Davis was yet to play for the First Team in 04/05 - and when Halesowen and Hednesford both offered £1000 each for the right back, Fairway decided to do business, accepting both bids.

Worksop Town v Blyth Spartans - FA Cup Third Round Qualifying

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Dempsey, Davies*, O'Callaghan, Dudgeon, Wharton, Thorpe, Khoshimov, Fisk, Bambrook, Norville

Subs; Nicholson, Fisher (GK), Jackson, Knight, Cropper

With Thorpe and Khoshimov replacing the injured Goodfellow and Wilson, Fairway was again forced to include a youth teamer on the bench - 15-year old Chris Knight called into the squad. Worksop began brightly - Simeon Bambrook close on 7, and again on 14, his efforts sandwiching a volley from Wharton that, on another day, would have given the midfielder his first goal in a Worksop shirt. On 20 though after almost unrelenting pressure, Miles Thorpe made the breakthrough - crashing home Khoshimov's cross on the volley. Worksop dominated the first half, and could have had a couple more goals - Fisk and Norville both close before the break. Blyth began the second half a little brighter - Walsh forcing Rogers into action on 51, before Thorpe cracked the post for Worksop on 64. Fairway made his first change soon after - bringing Cropper on for Bambrook, and on 73, Dene Cropper netted the second of the game, tapping home in a penalty box scramble. 3 minutes later, as Blyth pushed forward, Dene Cropper scored again - again from close range after Thompson had blocked from Fisk. Worksop could have had a hatful - Fisk, Wharton, Norville and Cropper all having chances in the final 10 minutes, before Cropper completed the game in clear agony after an unneccasery challenge 2 minutes from time. Onwards and upwards for Worksop - now just two games away from the First Round Proper of the FA Cup.

[b] Worksop 3 - Blyth 0

MOM; Andrew Fisk (WOrksop)
Attendance; 977

[/i]

retired_brinker317

Not dead, just resting - waiting for Broadband at home - should be tomorrow. Parents new laptop hasn't got a floppy drive :frustrated:

retired_brinker317

More prize money - £5000 - for progression to the Fourth Qualifying Round, but it came at a cost. Two-goal hero Dene Cropper fractured ribs in the dying moments of Saturday's win - and would be out for a month. Cropper's injury was quickly picked up on by the local media - and during a post match interview with local radio station Sherwood FM, Fairway was asked how badly his men would miss Cropper. Whilst non-commital, his answer of "We'll miss Dene, but I feel we have cover" seemed to go down well with the supporters.

Monday's Cup Draw brought news of a trip either way - Worksop would travel to the winners of Merthyr Tydfil v Cambridge City , who played out an all-action 2-2 draw in Wales on Saturday.

On Tuesday afternoon, as Fairway's men set out for their evening game at Vauxhall Motors, Ryan Davis completed his £1000 move to Hednesford .

Ryan Davis - DR - 0 Games/0 Goals - Hednesford, £1000

Vauxhall Motors v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 9

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Dempsey, Davies*, O'Callaghan, Dudgeon, Wharton, Thorpe, Khoshimov, Fisk, Bambrook, Norville

Subs; Nicholson, Fisher (GK), Jackson, Knight, Norton

With Cropper out, 'forgotten man' Blake Norton made the bench, again alongside youth team midfielder Knight. Worksop picked up an early boost when, 7 minutes in Lee Woodyat got himself sent off for an 'agricultural' challenge on Miles Thorpe. Worksop began brightly, especially given the man advantage - Bambrook and Norville both having chances well saved. Just before the break Worksop looked odds-on to open the scoring - Simeon Bambrook dinking the ball just over the bar on the stroke of half time. With no breakthrough by the hour mark, Fairway made a change on 65 - taking off Thorpe for Nicholson, with Davies moving into midfield as Worksop looked to shake things up. Finally, on 72, the home side's stubborn resistance was broken. Wharton's far-post corner was just failed to be cut out by McDermott, allowing 'supersub' Steve Nicholson to prod the ball home. At this stage Fairway hoped the floodgates would open, but in fact it was the Motormen who came closest to levelling - Tamm hitting the side-netting, before David Cuminsky caused panic on 82, Rogers coming to his side's rescue - and Worksop able to hold on for a well-deserved win.

[b] Vauxhall Motors 0 - Worksop 1

MOM; James Dudgeon (WOrksop)
Attendance; 1444

Worksop Position After Game; 6th