retired_brinker317

Tuesday's results also caused the first managerial casulaty of the season in Conference North, Altringham dismissing Graham Heathcote on Wednesday morning. In news closer to home, Cambridge City defeated Merthyr, giving Fairway's men a trip to the Fenlands in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

Friday however brought bad news - Jason Norville picked up a groin strain in training, ruling the in-form Trinidadian out for a fortnight - leaving Fairway with just two fit strikers for Saturday's visit of Barrow.

Worksop Town v Barrow - Conference North Game 10

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

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

With Mark Wilson passing a late fitness test, Fairway decided on a gamble - with winger Khoshimov asked to operate as a striker - perhaps a hammer-blow to Blake Norton's hopes of regaining Fairway's favour. Although the first half began slowly, the Uzbekistani soon had a chance to repay Fairway's faith - but blazed over from just inside the box on 29. Barrow too had opportunities to break - the dangerous Ian Kilford having a shot well saved by Rogers on 42. At half time Fairway again went with Nicholson - replacing O'Callaghan at the back, before Barrow began to press - Maxfield's cross cut out by Rogers on 75. It would prove to be the only chance of the second half - neither side particularly good value for the impressivley bouyant crowd. They - and Worksop - would leave disapointed in a game that promised much but delivered little.

Worksop 0 - Barrow 0

MOM; Scott Maxfield (Barrow)
Attendance; 1345

Worksop Position After Game; 10th

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

retired_brinker317

Fairway was disapointed to note Andrew Fisk limping towards the end, an injury which physio Tomlinson would later diagnose as a bruised thigh, keeping him out for five days - but, fortunatley, unlikely to miss Saturday's Cup trip to Cambridge.

Monday - another day, another Cup Draw. This time, the First Round of the FA Trophy, a competition which Worksop have a slightly better chance of winning than it's more illustrious sister, the FA Cup. Minnows Clitheroe would provide their opponents, with Fairway's men due to travel to Shawbridge on Saturday the 11th.

Thursday brought Andy Collett into the mangerial business for the first time - the one-time Middlesborough 'keeper securing his first job in football - much to the disdain of 'pundits' who declared him too inexperienced to make his time at Altringham a success.

Cambridge City v Worksop Town - FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying

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

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

With Andrew Fisk fit again, Fairway was able to name an unchanged side - although with Cambridge City lying 8th in the Conference South, Fairway considered the game something of a tricky tie. As expected, Cambridge set about the visitors, with Simpson and Stevenson close in the opening exchanges - something of a reward for supporters who had trekked out on a cold, wet afternoon. Worksop's first effort came on 16 - Miles Thorpe shooting over - but on 40 Nightingale really should have put City ahead. Worksop too were not without close calls - Bambrook's diving header flying just over after Fisk's initial effort had been blocked in injury time. Thorpe made way for Nicholson at the break and Worksop began to look brighter - Khoshimov and Wilson both close before the hour mark. By now Cambridge looked far brighter - Dale Binns should have scored, before Stevenson saw a shot tipped just wide. Bambrook made way for Jackson in attack for the final 15 minutes, but to no avail - with the pitch beginning to cut up, play became scrappy - a replay at Babbage Way the inevitable outcome.

Cambridge City 0 - Worksop 0

MOM; Paul Dempsey (Worksop)
Attendance; 1740

retired_brinker317

Monday - the draw for the First Round Proper of the FA Cup. Should Worksop progress, Fairway's men will face League Two outfit Swansea City at home - a potential moneyspinner.

Worksop Town v Cambridge City - FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying Replay

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

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

One change for Wednesday's replay - Jackson handed his first start of the season in attack, with Khoshimov dropping to the bench. Another blow for those in the Norton camp... On a bitterly cold, wet evening Cambridge began the brighter - and when Wharton slipped inside the box, tripping Stevenson, Stuart Niven made no mistake from the spot on 11. The visitors never let up - Riddle having an effort tipped over the bar on 29 before Fairway rang the changes at the break - replacing Fisk and Thorpe, both of whom had knocks, for Nicholson and Khoshimov. The latter lasted all of 6 minutes before he too departed - Jackson's versatility coming in handy, with Norton replacing the injured winger and Jackson dropping into defence, with Davies moving up to the left of the midfield trio. The second half was not a footballing specatacle - although Davies could have levelled when he hit a cross-shot over on 63 - but this time, there would be no comeback, as Cambridge City progressed to the First Round of the Cup.

Worksop 0 - Cambridge City 1

MOM; Stuart Niven (Cambridge C)
Attendance; 1997

retired_jgirl87

Lovely stuff, d_s. :thup:

I'm glad to see the results are improving and an air of consistency is starting to prevail.

retired_brinker317

Cheers Spav, we seem to be getting it together


Out of the Cup - and Fairway left feeling deflated. Azzizhon Khoshimov would be out for six days with a gashed leg, but Worksop's Cup adventures - in the top competition at least - would be over for another year.

Worksop Town v Cambridge City - FA Trophy First Round

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

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

Fairway's men would get an immediate opportunity to bounce back - three days later, they were in Cup action again, although this time in the FA Trophy. Jason Norville was able to return after passing a lunchtime fitness test, although Fairway hoped his star hitman wouldn't be needed for the whole 90 minutes. Jackson made way, dropping onto the bench to replace the injured Khoshimov. On a wet, cold afternoon Clitheroe looked bright early on, Hutchinson shooting over on 4, but began to fade as the first half progressed. Worksop's first real chance came on 39 - Thorpe's cross headed wide by Norville - but by half time, it became clear that the visitors were in command. Fairway replaced O'Callaghan with Nicholson at the break - and five minutes later, his side made the breakthrough. A quick break down the left - Davies' long ball and some inspired running by Thorpe created the opportunity, and when Bambrook squared, Jason Norville made no mistake with a driven effort into the bottom right hand corner. Norville made way to a standing ovation from the away support on 62, replaced by Norton - but three minutes later a defensive mixup saw the home side level. A swirling Gray cross from the right looked no trouble for Rogers, but the 'keeper fumbled into the path of Goodman, who had his shot charged down by Dempsey, before the ball fell to John Hewitt, who netted at the second attempt. Worksop came close to bouncing back on 68 - Norton seeing a shot drift wide, before the same player beat one defender before wasting a second opportunity moments later. Thorpe too was guilty of some lax finishing - his shot on 75 tipped over when it would have been easier to score. Finally, on 83, Blake Norton did make amends for his earlier errors - steering home Thorpe's low cross from the left. It proved a crushing blow for Clitheroe, and right at the death, Simeon Bambrook met Norton's cross with a sizzling half-volley to kill off the Unibond League outfit - and ensure Worksop's progression to Round Two.

Clitheroe 1 - Worksop 3

MOM; Simeon Bambrook (Worksop)
Attendance; 813

retired_brinker317

An immediate consequence of Stafford Rangers' 2-1 win over Chorley in the Trophy was the dismissal of manager Phil Robinson . There's no accounting for the mindset of football Chairmen, pondered Fairway as he flicked through Sunday's Non-League Paper.

The £2000 prize money would hardly go a long way, but it was a welcome bonus all the same. Tuesday's Second Round draw saw Worksop landed with a trip southwards - playing the winner of East Thurrock v Banstead .

Worksop Town v Hucknall - Conference North Game 11

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

Subs; Nicholson, Cross (GK), Jackson, Khoshimov, Norton

The return to fitness of Azzizhon Khoshimov brought an end to young Chris Knight's run with the first team - but his youth team colleague Matt Cross again found himself called into the squad with Jason Fisher ineligble - as part of his loan deal, Fairway had promised that the 17-year old wouldn't play against his parent club. For a miserable Tuesday evening, Fairway was pleased to note a healthy crowd - and they almost saw a real rarity, when on 4 minutes defender Brian O'Callaghan came close to scoring - grazing the bar with a header from Wharton's corner. Both sides had their chances in the first half - Norville, Fisk and Wilson all close, whilst Hucknall saw an Asher effort bravely cleared off the line by Nathan Wharton. Fairway made one change at the break, replacing a tiring - and booked - Bambrook with Norton - then immediatley saw his side come close again, with Fisk firing over on 49. With referee Lesley a particularly harsh character, the second half failed to flow as the first had - Norton, Dempsey and Wharton all going into the book for Worksop - joining Bambrook and Norville who had their names' taken in the first half, whilst Hucknall pair Bacon and Todd both saw yellow. Norville had perhaps Worksop's best chance on 74 - his header hitting the bar - before Thorpe was replaced by Khoshimov. With neither side able to make a breakthrough, it looked as though things were heading for a tame finish. Fairway tried to spur his side on, but to little effect - and indeed the only real action of the last five minutes was amongst the medical staff - Norton helped from the field on 88 after a clash with Todd, to be replaced by Jackson. The draw a fair result.

Worksop 0 - Hucknall 0

MOM; Matthew Taylor (Hucknall)
Attendance; 932

Worksop Position After Game; 9th

retired_brinker317

Blake Norton's injury was later confirmed as merely a bruised rib, which would keep him out for around 3 days, as opposed to the broken rib initially feared by physio Tomlinson. In other injury-related news, Marc Goodfellow returned to training on Wednesday morning - but is not yet match fit, and is by no means certain to be available for Worksop's next League outing in midweek.

Wednesday's FA Trophy replays saw East Thurrock beat Banstead 2-1 - handing Worksop a trip to Essex, and their Rookery Hill home.

Monday morning brought confirmation of the news that Tigers fans - and their manager - had been hoping for since day one. Jason Norville signed a £400-a-week contract until 2008, putting him on the same level of wages as top earners Marc Goodfellow and Dene Cropper . A day later however, Norville was off to link up with the Trinidad & Tobago squad for their must-win World Cup Qualifyer against Mexico.

Moor Green v Worksop - Conference North Game 12

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

Subs; Nicholson, Fisher (GK), Thorpe, Khoshimov, Jackson

It meant he would miss out on Worksop's trip to the slightly less exotic Moor Green - Norton handed his first start of the season, with Marc Goodfellow also passed fit to return after his groin injury. Thorpe dropped to the bench, with young 'keeper Jason Fisher also returning - eligble to play in any game unless against parent club Hucknall. As was becoming something of a running theme, the match kicked off to a swirling mass of wind and rain - but the home side quickly adapted to the conditions, and began by far the brighter - Molyneaux seeing an inswinging corner tipped back over the top by Rogers. On 19, the inevitable happened when Moor Green took the lead - David Foy heading home a Wilkinson corner. Worksop did look brighter after conceding - first Goodfellow fired over on 30, before Bambrook saw an effort charged down on the stroke of half time. With Fisk carrying a knock, Fairway replaced the loanee with Miles Thorpe at the interval, and at the back replaced O'Callaghan with Nicholson. On 61 Worksop again carved out a fine opportunity - Goodfellow's ranged pass finding Norton in space, only for the striker to shoot wide with the goal at his mercy. He wasn't the only one who should have netted - on 70 Williams missed a sitter for Moor Green. 11 minutes later however, it was all over - Neil Davis firing home from an Owen cross to put the home side into the comfort zone. Norton could have had a consolation at the death - again let down by his finishing - leaving visiting supporters' collective mood as miserable as the weather.

Moor Green 2 - Worksop 0

MOM; Matty Hall (Moor Green)
Attendance; 1257

Worksop Position After Game; 11th

retired_brinker317

Jason Norville didn't have the best of times in Mexico. Not only was he not selected for the match, but Trinidad & Tobago crashed 6-1 to Mexico, leaving them out of the Qualification race for Germany 2006.

Fairway was at least able to welcome Dene Cropper back on Thursday after a month out with fractured ribs. With Norville also available, Fairway considered changing things around in a bid to return to winning ways at the weekend.

Runcorn FC Halton v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 13

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Nicholson, Davies, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Wilson*, Fisk, Cropper, Norville

Subs; O'Callaghan, Fisher (GK), Thorpe, Khoshimov, Bambrook

In fact there would be three changes - O'Callaghan, Bambrook and Norton all out, with Nicholson, Cropper and Norville replacing them. At the back Paul Dempsey moved into the middle, with Nicholson in his usual right back berth. Another change from the norm was the weather - one of those classic winter afternoons for football - cold and crisp, with the tea bar doing a roaring trade. On 11 minutes though any visiting supporters holding their mugs would have no doubt covered themselves in the steaming hot beverage - when Marc Goodfellow announced his return to action with a sizzling strike from 35 yards out - planting the ball past 'keeper McMillan after recieving a Nicholson pass. But for some brave defending on 24 by Spearitt - literally throwing himself in front of the shot - Goodfellow would have had a second. On 38 though it was Runcorn's turn to celebrate - Durkan's cross helped home by Ged Courtney in 'bread & butter' circumstances for the prolific striker. Three minutes later, Worksop regained their lead - Dempsey's flick, Fisk's through ball - and Jason Norville's first goal since signing permanently for Worksop. He could have had a second after the break - half time passing with no substitutions - but blazed over on 47. Worksop were definatley looking the better of the two sides - although on 68 Leon Williams was allowed too much space in the box, but could only shoot straight at a grateful Rogers, who continued to bark at his defenders as he thumped the ball upfield. After running himself into the ground, Goodfellow made way for Thorpe on 72, whilst Dene Cropper also came off for Simeon Bambrook - he too tiring after a long spell on the sidelines. Runcorn's biggest threat, Mike Garrity, fired wide four minutes later - and it would prove the final chance for the home side to level. Those that had stayed until the very end were rewarded - deep in injury time skipper Mark Wilson sealed victory for Worksop with a fine volley on his weaker left peg after Bambrook's cross had evaded the attentions of 'keeper McMillan. Back in business!

Runcorn 1 - Worksop 3

MOM; Andrew Fisk (Worksop)
Attendance; 435

Worksop Position After Game; 9th

retired_brinker317

Sunday saw another dismissal - Kettering's Kevin Wilson given the boot after a 3-0 reverse at fellow strugglers Stalybridge. Moving up a few Divisions, Milwall also bade farewell to Dennis Wise - the ex England midfielder sacked after a dreadful campaign that has seen the Lions pick up just 6 points from 16 games.

With a game on Wednesday, Fairway decided to take time out on Tuesday evening to watch his beloved Brighton in action at Reading. Securing a pair of tickets, he drove down with captain Mark Wilson - hoping to see the Seagulls secure a much-needed victory. It began well enough - Mark McCammon opening the scoring - but then came the all too familiar story - Albion capitulated, conceding four - and leaving Fairway and Wilson with a long and disapointed trip home.

Worksop Town v Ashton United - Conference North Game 14

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Nicholson, Davies, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Wilson*, Fisk, Cropper, Norville

Subs; O'Callaghan, Fisher (GK), Thorpe, Khoshimov, Bambrook

An unchanged side for Worksop's first home game in some time - Norville making his home bow since that loan deal became a bargain £1000 permanent switch. A niggly opening on a wet pitch saw Mark Wilson booked and both Cropper and Wharton warned. Ashton began brightly - Anderson's deflected free kick well held by Rogers on 5, before Paul Osborne fired wide 10 minutes later. On 22, things got worse for Worksop - after Dempsey had upended Jones, Nathan Wharton got himself booked for dissent - and then continued to complain, giving referee Lloyd little choice but to dismiss him. Fairway was fuming - forced to reshuffle his pack with Fisk dropping back into the holding role and Davies coming up from defence, leaving three men at the back. It was somewhat of a suprise then when Worksop took the lead six minutes later - Dempsey's cross fired home - perhaps with a slight deflection - by skipper Mark Wilson . Only brave goalkeeping by Johnston denied a second on 33 - diving at Norville's feet to grab the ball. On the stroke of half time though football proved it could still be a cruel mistress - 'keeper Kristian Rogers left with his head in his hands after fumbling Paul Garvey's header into his own net. Two changes for Worksop at the break - O'Callaghan replacing Nicholson and Khoshimov replacing Davies. The home side began brightly - Fisk, Norville and Wilson all having chances in the opening 20 minutes of the second period. After Ashton threatened to stir - Hardy heading wide on 64 - Worksop did put the ball in the net a minute later, only for Norville's effort to be ruled offside. Finally, on 76, Worksop did score - this time legitimatley. Goodfellow's pinpoint passing picked out Cropper, who threaded the ball through for Jason Norville to skip past Jones and notch up goal number 8 for the season. Ashton threw men forward, but it would all be in vain - Worksop holding on for their second victory in a row.

Worksop 2 - Ashton 1

MOM; Marc Goodfellow (Worksop)
Attendance; 682

Worksop Position After Game; 8th

retired_brinker317

On his way to a stunning Man Of The Match performance, midfield maestro Marc Goodfellow picked up another knock - bruised ribs, keeping him out for around six days. Nathan Wharton would also miss the next game - but for very different reasons. Fairway was furious with his defensive midfielder - handing him an official warning as to his future conduct, which Wharton accepted with apologies.

After a quiet few days Worksop travelled to Essex on Saturday morning - the FA Trophy Second Round awaiting them.

East Thurrock v Worksop Town - FA Trophy Second Round

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Nicholson, Davies, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Fisk, Thorpe, Wilson*, Norville, Cropper, Bambrook

Subs; O'Callaghan, Fisher (GK), Jackson, Khoshimov, Norton

With Fisk dropping into the defensive midfield role and Goodfellow injured, Fairway gambled with Jason Norville - asking the striker to play in a deeper, midfield role, whilst still able to roam forward. This change allowed Bambrook to the start - with Worksop's three front-line strikers in action at the same time - against, on paper at least, considerably weaker opposition. Worksop began brightly - Simeon Bambrook having the ball pinched off his toes by 'keeper Knight on 10 minutes, before the Tigers really should have opened the scoring three minutes later. A Norville pass put Miles Thorpe away, only for Robinson to haul the midfielder to the floor. Mark Wilson stepped up - and blasted his penalty high and wide, much to the delight of the home supporters. By now chances were coming thick and fast for the visitors - Norville (17), Bambrook (30) and Fisk (44) all trying and failing to put the Tigers ahead. At the break Fairway replaced Norville with Khoshimov, a more natural midfielder - but his first action was to get booked on 54. East Thurrock slowly began to stem the flow of Worksop attacks, and on 62, grabbed the opener - Adam Skelton poking home after Clarke had seen a shot blocked. Worksop looked shellshocked - Ford could have had a second when he headed wide on 71 - but 8 minutes from time, Worksop drew level - much to the (temporary, as it would prove) relief of the visiting supporters - when Dene Cropper fired home Thorpe's cross to the near post. All of five minutes later, East Thurrock struck again - Steve Clarke volleying home Ford's centre to leave Worksop looking for excuses - and a furious Fairway looking for the way home.

East Thurrock 2 - Worksop 1

MOM; Mark Wilson (Worksop)
Attendance; 808