displaced_seagull

Out of the FA Trophy by December - not exactly the masterplan Fairway had in mind. If there was a plus side, it was that everyone had come through the game unscathed - certainly a bonus given the injury problems of late - but on Monday Andrew Fisk was ruled out for a week after falling awkwardly in training and spraining a wrist. It never rains...

Worksop Town v Alfreton - Conference North Game 15

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

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

With Norville returning to the attack, and Wharton back after suspension, Fairway moved Khoshimov into the midfield, replacing the injured Fisk, with Bambrook back amongst the substitutes. A bitterly cold, wet Tuesday night reminded everybody that Nottinghamshire would soon be in the grip of another winter - early play perhaps reflected this, with Cropper slipping as he shaped to shoot on 3 minutes, before Wilson saw an effort skid wide moments later. Worksop definatley had most of the early pressure, and on 25, took the lead - Khoshimov threading the ball through for Jason Norville to run on and beat 'keeper Saxby. It took until the 34th minute for Alfreton to register their first chance - Godber heading straight at 'keeper Rogers - but on the stroke of half time, they came even closer - Kevin Davies blocking Bradshaw's cross-shot on the line. At the break Fairway replaced Nicholson with O'Callaghan, with Dempsey moving to full back. Seven minutes after the break the Tigers should have doubled their lead - Norville winning a penalty, only for Khoshimov to fire his spot kick straight at Saxby. Godber - Alfreton's biggest goal threat - missed a golden opportunity four minutes later - shooting wide after breaking through. With Worksop still in command, Fairway replaced Cropper with Bambrook and Wilson with Norton two minutes from time - and immediatley saw his side win another penalty after Alfreton sub Knapper tripped O'Callaghan after a corner. Again Uzbekistani winger Khoshimov stepped up - and again he missed - this time sending his effort high and wide. Fortunatley there would be no sting in the tail - Worksop holding on for all three points - but Khoshimov's days of taking penalties are surely over!

Worksop 1 - Alfreton 0

MOM; Gavin Saxby (Alfreton)
Attendance; 1169

Worksop Position After Game; 5th

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Droylsden | | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 28 | 20 | +8 | 28 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Vauxhall Motors | | 15 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 25 | 15 | +10 | 27 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Nuneaton | | 15 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 24 | 15 | +9 | 27 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Lancaster | | 14 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 21 | 14 | +7 | 26 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | WORKSOP | | 15 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 19 | 13 | +6 | 25 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Ashton Utd | | 15 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 22 | 17 | +5 | 25 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Southport | | 13 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 14 | 7 | +7 | 24 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Moor Green | | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 20 | +6 | 22 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Gainsborough | | 15 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 24 | 18 | +6 | 21 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Alfreton | | 14 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 16 | 12 | +4 | 21 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Worcester | | 15 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 14 | 12 | +2 | 20 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Barrow | | 14 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 20 | 19 | +1 | 19 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Runcorn FC Halton | | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 20 | -2 | 19 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Altrincham | | 13 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 15 | -2 | 18 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Hucknall | | 14 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 16 | 14 | +2 | 17 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Hinckley | | 15 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 17 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Stafford Rangers | | 15 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 18 | 21 | -3 | 15 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Harrogate Town | | 14 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 13 | 19 | -6 | 15 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Stalybridge | | 15 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 13 | 22 | -9 | 12 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Bradford PA | | 15 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 12 | 21 | -9 | 12 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Kettering | | 15 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 26 | -16 | 11 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Redditch | | 15 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 27 | -19 | 6 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

displaced_seagull

With the last game returning no injuries, Fairway was disapointed to note that Kevin Davies pulled up in training on Wednesday with a heel injury - ruling him out for five days. With the next match however not coming up for 11 days, Fairway hoped that the full back - as well as other injury victims Fisk and Goodfellow - would be fit to return for that visit of Southport.

Better news came on Wednesday afternoon - James Dudgeon becoming the first to put pen to paper on a new contract, signing a £150-a week, 3 year contract, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2007/08 season. A day later Steve Nicholson signed a 1-year extension to his deal, whilst also on Thursday club captain Mark Wilson agreed a 2-year deal, giving him 'footballing pensioner' status - taking him over his 35th birthday as a Worksop player.

Kevin Davies became the last of the quartet to sign on Friday morning - the fullback confirming his intent to stay at Babbage Way until at least 2007. With Fairway handing him the captaincy in Wilson's absence, it was clear to the fullback that his manager thought highly of his abilities - something which, Davies told local media, made him 'absolutley certain' to sign.

Saturday's FA Cup Second Round day unfortunatley saw the end for the four remaining regional Conference sides - Conference South side Grays went down 3-0 at Aldershot, Conference North outfit Nuneaton lost a 6-goal thriller 4-2 to Stevenage Borough, whilst Barrow were an injury-time winner away from taking Scunthorpe back to Holker Street. After playing their part in a rather surreal - how often does the same player miss two penalties in a single game? - clash with Worksop, Alfreton lost out 1-0 to League Two runaway leaders Oxford. Fairway's beloved Brighton & Hove Albion continued their run of woeful form - albeit in the League, rather than the Cup - going down 3-1 at Ipswich.

The return from injury of Andrew Fisk and Marc Goodfellow couldn't have come at a better time - and combined with Kevin Davies' return, Fairway could return to his first choice lineup at the weekend - further injuries, of course, permitting.

Wednesday saw Fairway again delve into the transfer market. With scout Shaun Hird still scouring the country for talent, veteran defender Les Robinson was brought to the manager's attention. At 37, Robinson is hardly one for the future - on the pitch at least. Off it, Fairway considered the centre back to have a potentially great future in coaching. With just himself and assistant manager Peter Price on the club's backroom staff currently, Fairway had long been keen to add a specialised coach, and one who could combine it with playing as well would be a real boost. A veteran of 640 games, Robinson, currently at Banbury United , is best remembered for his 10 years at Oxford, but also took in spells at Doncaster, Mansfield and Stockport during his professional career. With just £370 left in the transfer kitty, Fairway had to hope that Banbury would accept a nominal fee for the big defender.

Of all the times for Banbury to agree to the switch - and for Robinson to arrive to talk terms - Saturday morning, with Worksop at home to Southport in a matter of hours, was hardly the best. Still, Fairway made his potential player/coach aware of his aims - inviting him to stay and watch the Tigers in action whilst he mulled over the £150 a week, 4 year contract offer on the table. At this stage in his career, Fairway considered it an offer that Robinson may well find hard to turn down - especially with the promise of a major coaching role available.

Worksop Town v Southport - Conference North Game 16

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

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

Worksop's final home match before Christmas inevitably brought out the Santa hats - although in the cold, wet conditions, anything that added extra warmth would be a welcome release to those in the seats and on the terraces at a packed Babbage Way. The Tigers set about the visitors early on - Marc Goodfellow striking the bar on 3 minutes - but on 11, Southport were only denied by some brave defending - first Nicholson blocking Baker's effort inside the six yard box, then Paul Dempsey hooking Powell's rebound off the line. If that was something for Worksop's younger fans to be inspired by, on 23 minutes Jason Norville did something which hopefully didn't impress any home supporters - young or old. It began inocuously enough - Steve Nicholson booked for a trip on Daly - but then Norville waded in - first getting told to go away by the referee, then picking up a booking for not keeping quiet - and finally, despite attempts to hold him back by teammates, talking himself into a second yellow card - and an early bath. After the fracas Fairway reverted to a 3-1-3-2 formation - Bambrook replacing the booked Nicholson and moving up front with Cropper. Ironically enough, the Sandgrounders player involved in the inital incident - Steve Daly - tripped Wilson on 39, leading to a booking for him - and a goal for Worksop - Wilson's free kick into the feet of Andrew Fisk , who drilled home a fine shot on the turn to beat 'keeper Dickinson. Whilst there were no changes for either side at the break, Southport returned clearly fired up - and with their extra man advantage, ground out an excellent chance on 49 - Fearns really should have done better than to head Daly's centre wide of the post. Just before the hour Fairway made his final two changes - mindful of the need to keep fitness levels up with 10 men doing the job of 11. Khoshimov and O'Callaghan benefitted, with goalscorer Fisk and James Dudgeon departing. A goal for the visitors though looked inevitable - and when Bambrook tripped Davis 25 yards out, Jimmy Williams made no mistake with a rifled free kick. Enter Dene Cropper - three minutes later his superb endeavour carved out an opportunity from nothing, and Mark Wilson was in the right place to steer Worksop back into the lead. Southport were stunned - a shift to an all-out attacking formation reaped little benefit, before Dene Cropper deservedly got his name on the scoresheet, in emphatic fashion - a diving header to connect with Wharton's cut back giving Worksop an unlikley two goal advantage. It would be closer - right at the death Southport skipper Farrell Kilbane met a Williams corner with a bullet header - but after coming close to shooting themselves in the foot early on, the Tigers held on to leave their army of supporters heading for the Christmas shopping queues with a smile on their faces.

Worksop 3 - Southport 2

MOM; Farrell Kilbane (Southport)
Attendance; 2307

Worksop Position After Game; 5th

displaced_seagull

Sunday morning would be no lie-in for Jason Norville . A furious Fairway hauled the striker in - handing him a formal warning. The striker immediatley apologised, claiming he 'lost control' at the treatment of teammate Nicholson - who, ironically enough, didn't complain about his card. With that, Fairway considered the matter closed - but for the fact that he would have to do without his star striker for one match through suspension.

Ex-Kettering boss Kevin Wilson was back in the management game on Monday morning - appointed as manager of struggling Stafford Rangers , hopefully to lead them away from the drop zone that they are currently on the edge of.

Tuesday would not prove to be a good day at Babbage Way. Firstly transfer target Les Robinson informed Fairway that he wasn't prepared to risk a move whilst he still remained an integral part of the Banbury United first team - but far more seriously, the evening's training session brought woe for goalkeeper Kristian Rogers . Fairway had long feared serious injury to the 24-year old after allowing veteran Ian Bowling to leave the club earlier in the season - but with his 'keeper now ruled out for 3 months with a dislocated shoulder, that worry became reality. With the promising, but inexperienced, Jason Fisher - a 17-year old loanee from Hucknall - on the club's books for the rest of the season, Fairway at least had a 'keeper he could call on - but still planned to search the market for another option.

After having a second - identical - offer for Les Robinson accepted on Friday morning, Fairway raised the stakes a little - offering the defender an extra £100 a week, bringing the offer to £250 a week over 4 years, plus a substanital bonus package. This time, things looked - to Fairway's eyes - a little more promising. Fairway also headed to Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday - having an 3-month loan offer accepted for young 'keeper Chris May .

Redditch Town v Worksop - Conference North Game 17

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

Subs; O'Callaghan, Cross (GK), Thorpe, Khoshimov, Norton

For now though, youth team stopper Matt Cross again stepped into the breach - or at least, the sub 'keepers berth - with Jason Fisher handed not only his Worksop debut, but also his first appearance in Senior football for the trip to Conference North's bottom club. Another Milestone for Worksop came for James Dudgeon - the defender marking his 50th career league appearance at a wet and windy Valley Stadium. Up front, Bambrook replaced the suspended Norville - although with Redditch leaking goals like a sieve, Fairway wasn't too concerned about his absence. Almost immediatley Fairway felt guilty of underestimating Redditch. They began with real flair and invention - Norman Sylla volleyed wide on 10 before Fisher was forced into a save from Rickards on 13. Two minutes later, the youngster's dream of a debut clean sheet was over - Norman Sylla poking home at the far post from Cowe's cross. A very physical outfit, the home side succeeded in frustrating Fairway's men defensivley, whilst also pushing forward - Hollis and King both seeing Fisher make impressive stops. It took until the stroke of half time for Worksop to carve out their first real opportunity - but Dene Cropper, on mecurial form last week, dragged a shot wide with the goal gaping. Redditch's aformentioned physical style had taken it's toll - neither Bambrook nor Wharton considered fit enough to return after the break - replaced by Norton and Thorpe respectivley. Finally the Tigers began to get into the game - Redditch 'keeper Anstiss pushing away Cropper's cross-cum-shot on 52, before box-to-box midfielder King hooked Thorpe's dangerous cross away on the hour mark. With Redditch - perhaps paying the price for their all-action start - beginning to tire, Worksop looked to take advantage - Goodfellow and Dempsey guilty of 'seeing the headlines' with efforts from distance when the simpler ball was on. On 76 though it really should have been all over - a rare slip from Davies allowed Sylla in - but three yards out, he bundled the ball straight at a grateful Fisher. It proved fatal - on 83 'forgotten man' Blake Norton broke the offside trap from Wilson's pass to bury the ball beyond 'keeper Anstiss - and three minutes later Miles Thorpe headed Norton's cross home. It was cruel for the home side - who had failed to show to Fairway exactly why they are in such trouble at the bottom - but for Worksop, three more very valuable points in the bid to cement themselves into a playoff position that had looked unlikely at the start of the campaign.

Redditch 1 - Worksop 2

MOM; Mark Wilson (Worksop)
Attendance; 338

Worksop Position After Game; 4th

displaced_seagull

Mark Wilson's man of the match performance had cost him - not only did the midfield man look tired after the match, but he also picked up a painful stubbed toe, keeping him out for 5 days.

Monday brought a double blow - with Brighton's Chris May rejecting a loan switch to Worksop out of hand, whilst Les Robinson again repeated his intent not to leave Banbury whilst still a regular first team fixture. It was too much for Fairway - who immediatley broke off his interest in both players, and decided against searching again before Worksop's next game.

Harrogate Town v Worksop - Conference North Game 18

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

Subs; O'Callaghan, Cross (GK), Thorpe, Jackson, Norton

That would come just two days later, with Worksop's final game before Christmas - and a trip to Harrogate. After Norton's heroics against Redditch, the transfer-listed striker retained his place on the bench at the expense of Simeon Bambrook - with Jason Norville, back after a ban, returning to the starting lineup. In Wilson's absence, Kevin Davies was as usual handed the captain's armband. At a sparsley populated - but cold and wet - Weatherby Road, Harrogate began brightly - Fisher denying Smith on 14 before veteran Lee Phillpot, making his 400th career appearance, smashed over the bar 4 minutes later. Worksop's best of the opening exchanges came on 25 - Norville putting Cropper through, only for the left-footer to fire wide. The visitors broke again on 36 - but this time, made the pressure count - Andrew Fisk nodding home Paul Dempsey's deep cross. Whilst not exactly comfortable, Worksop took thier advantage into the interval - before a very slow start to the second half. Finally, on 69 James Dudgeon struck Worksop's second to liven proceedings up - Wharton's short free kick drilled past 'keeper Pettinger. After a brace of harrogate changes saw Donaldson come close to pulling one back on 72, Fairway made a triple change - bringing on Thorpe, Norton and O'Callaghan, with Goodfellow, Cropper and Wharton making way. Inevitably Worksop took time to adjust to the changes - time which Harrogate took advantage of to perfection, with James Turley striking an equaliser on 74. Worksop though would not lie down - and within 9 minutes, had retaken the lead - Andrew Fisk meeting a cross that originally looked intended for Jason Norville with a bullet header to grab his second of the game. It finally killed off Harrogate - Thorpe could have added to their woes with a shot that went wide in injury time - but another win for Worksop will certainly give Fairway plenty of encouragement as thoughts turn to the festivities.

Harrogate 1 - Worksop 3

MOM; Andrew Fisk (Worksop)
Attendance; 324

Worksop Position After Game; 3rd

Spav

This is some very good writing d_s. Definitely one of my favourite stories on FMS at the moment. KUTGW :thup:

BobBev

Spav - anything by d_s is always top of my reading list :thup:

displaced_seagull

Cheers Spav, Bob

Whilst Worksop moved up to third - or, more optimistically, joint top on 34 points with leaders Vauxhall Motors and second placed Nuneaton , Kettering appointed ex-Notts County boss Ian Richardson as the replacement to Kevin Wilson, sacked earlier in the season.

Fairway recieved a welcome early Christmas present on Thursday - with Mark Wilson reporting fit for training in what was otherwise - as, perhaps, to be expected at this time of year, a quiet week.

Worksop v Worcester City - Conference North Game 19

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

Subs; O'Callaghan, Cross (GK), Thorpe, Khoshimov, Norton

With Wilson replacing Khoshimov in the only change to the starting lineup, Fairway kept his side relativley settled for the big Boxing Day clash against 8th placed Worcester. It had not been a white Christmas in Nottinghamshire - instead it had been a wet one, and Boxing Day was no exception - rain falling steadily as play began. Worcester started brightly - Forrest hitting a free kick over the bar in the second minute, before Fisher did well to deny Moore on 7. With the slipperly surface playing havoc with passing and shooting Andrew Wharton could have been forgiven his 21st minute effort that skidded wide - but no amount of rain could hide Danny McDonnell's shame on 23 - the Worcester 'keeper rounded by Fisk before making a desperate attempt to slide tackle the midfielder - but only succeeding in knocking the ball into his own, unguarded net. After this blow Worcester came out strongly - Snape finding the side netting on 31 - before finding his way into the referee's notebook for the second time on 34 - dismissed after a foul on Norville. Things didn't go all Worksop's way - losing skipper Wilson to injury on the stroke of half time. Khoshimov replaced him - and scored five minutes later. A fantastic Goodfellow run and cross led to Azzizhon Khoshimov's first goal in competitive football for the Tigers leaving Worcester with a mountain to climb. Things would only get worse for the visitors - on 58, unfortunate 'keeper McConnell limped off injured before another sending off - McDonald on 67 - saw City reduced to 9 men. 11 minutes later, 9 men cruelly became 8 - sub 'keeper Lewis Sykers sucumbing to a knock - leaving left back Les Hines as a stand-in 'keeper. While Hines tried his best, it was not enough to prevent Jason Norville knocking home Khoshimov's cross to claim a third two minutes from time. Few - home fans at least - will forget this one in a hurry!

Worksop 3 - Worcester 0

MOM; Azzizhon Khoshimov (Worksop)
Attendance; 1571

Worksop Position After Game; 2nd

displaced_seagull

With his side up to second, Fairway had recieved the perfect Christmas present. Who would have thought it six months ago? - certainly not the manager, who, he admitted privatley, would have been happy with 10th after the first month of the campaign.

As always though his delight wasn't allowed to go totally without problems - Mark Wilson ruled out for a fortnight with a groin strain - whilst physio Tomlinson also advised Fairway rest Paul Dempsey and Kevin Davies - both, he said, looking a little more tired than they should be.

Stalybridge Celtic v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 20

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Fisher, Nicholson, O'Callaghan, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Thorpe, Fisk, Khoshimov, Cropper, Norton

Subs; Jackson, Cross (GK), Goodfellow, Norville, Bambrook

With physio Tomlinson's words ringing in his ears, Fairway made four changes for Tuesday's trip to the Bower Fold - replacing Davies with O'Callaghan, the injured Wilson with Khoshimov, Goodfellow with Thorpe and Norville with Norton - keen to take advantage of the superb team spirit in the camp currently to give some of his fringe players a runout. Not that he wasn't taking the game seriously - victory, combined with a slipup for Vauxhall Motors, could see his men top the table into the New Year. They would get off to the perfect start - Wharton, against his former club, playing a fantastic pass to pick out the run of Khoshimov - his cross leaving Dene Cropper with a simple tap-in at the far post. Worksop's lead however wouldn't last long - just three minutes later Andy Hayward levelled - nodding home Sykes' centre to bring the scores back to level terms. After a brief spell of end to end action with both sides coming close, half time came as a welcome relief to Fairway - and to his players, a brief respite from the near-torrential rain. Nicholson made way for Jackson at the interval, with Dempsey moving to right back - but he would have little to do for some time as, by way of contrast, the second half began slowly. Soon after the hour mark Worksop got things moving again - Norton striking wide on 66 from Cropper's cross. Frustratingly for Fairway, Stalybridge killed off any real hopes of a victory with a second on 73 - Andy Hayward bagging his second of the afternoon with a headed effort in off the post from Calcutt's cross. Fairway immediatley threw Goodfellow (for Fisk) and Norville (for Cropper) into the fray - hoping to grab something from the game. Jackson fired wide on 77, before Norville came closer on 84 - forcing 'keeper Dootson into a smart save. Whilst it would have been harsh on Celtic, Fairway was willing Norville's injury time effort to go in - but he would be enied a point, 'keeper Dootson finally grabbing the now slippery ball at the second attempt after Khoshimov had put the striker clean through. The winning run comes to an end - and the final game of 2004 brings disapointment.

Stalybridge 2 - Worksop 1

MOM; Azzizhon Khoshimov (Worksop)
Attendance; 322

Worksop Position After Game; 3rd

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Vauxhall Motors | | 20 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 34 | 17 | +17 | 38 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Nuneaton | | 20 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 31 | 18 | +13 | 38 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | WORKSOP | | 20 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 31 | 19 | +12 | 37 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Droylsden | | 20 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 35 | 28 | +7 | 34 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Gainsborough | | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 32 | 19 | +13 | 32 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Ashton Utd | | 20 | 7 | 11 | 2 | 33 | 25 | +8 | 32 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Lancaster | | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 29 | 25 | +4 | 32 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Alfreton | | 20 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 26 | 18 | +8 | 31 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Barrow | | 20 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 31 | 28 | +3 | 29 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Moor Green | | 20 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 34 | 27 | +7 | 28 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Worcester | | 20 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 21 | 18 | +3 | 28 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Harrogate Town | | 20 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 23 | 22 | +1 | 28 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Southport | | 20 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 19 | 21 | -2 | 26 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Hinckley | | 20 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 27 | 35 | -8 | 24 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Altrincham | | 20 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 18 | 24 | -6 | 23 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Hucknall | | 20 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 20 | 21 | -1 | 22 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Runcorn FC Halton | | 20 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 23 | 29 | -6 | 22 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Stalybridge | | 20 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 21 | 31 | -10 | 21 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Stafford Rangers | | 20 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 22 | 28 | -6 | 19 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Bradford PA | | 20 | 3 | 9 | 8 | 18 | 27 | -9 | 18 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Kettering | | 20 | 3 | 8 | 9 | 16 | 32 | -16 | 17 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Redditch | | 20 | 0 | 6 | 14 | 10 | 42 | -32 | 6 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

displaced_seagull

Whilst he had originally planned to offload the defender, Fairway had a change of heart on Thursday - offering Brian O'Callaghan a year's extension to his current terms. The Irishman, picked out at the start of the season as someone with 'class' had fallen out of favour, but his versatility as much as his talent brought about his reprieve - should he accept the deal, at any rate.

New Year's Day brought with it the opening of the Transfer Window for the top flight clubs in England, and all clubs in other EU Nations. Fairway was delighted that the Football League had defied UEFA over the controversial - and to his mind, needless - ruling - without the ability to bring players in mid-season, Worksop would certainly not have Jason Norville on permanent forms. It also brought with it the annual footballing awards - [b] World Footballer of the Year, World Player of the Year [b] and European Striker of the Year all going to Real Madrid's Ronaldo , whilst European Footballer of the Year , as well as the European Midfielder of the Year gong went to another Brazilian, Roma's Mancini . Completing the awards, European Goalkeeper of the Year also went to Spain - Valencia's Santiago Canizares , whilst Italy made it 4-2 in their 'battle' with Spain - Juve's Gianluca Zambrotta taking home the European Defender of the Year prize.

Worksop Town v Gainsborough Trinity - Conference North Game 21

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Fisher, Nicholson, Davies*, O'Callaghan, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Khoshimov, Cropper, Norville

Subs; Dempsey, Cross (GK), Jackson, Thorpe, Bambrook

Derby day - Worksop's arch rivals in town, as both sets of supporters looked a little delicate following the previous evening's excesses. O'Callaghan continued in defence, despite the late return to fitness of Kevin Davies - replacing Paul Dempsey, demoted to the bench with Physio Tomlinson still concerned that the defender looked in need of a rest. In midfield Fairway brought back Goodfellow for Thorpe, whilst up front Norton stood aside to be replaced by Jason Norville. The new year at least began with better weather than the old one ended with - chilly, but dry with a weak, watery sun setting as football kicked off for 2005. Worksop started with intent - Goodfellow clos on 4, before Cauldwell tripped Wharton inside the box three minutes later. As Azzizhon Khoshimov grabbed the ball, Fairway, remembering his double penalty miss at home to Alfreton, feared the worst. This time, the Uzbekistani winger made no mistake - sidefooting the ball under a diving Holmshaw to give the Tigers the lead. It was only down to stupidity that they lost it 10 minutes later - Steve Nicholson seeing red after a crude professional foul on Smith - allowing Steve Johnson to blast the free kick beyond Fisher. With supporters clearly enjoying the all-action, end to end game, it was a question of who would score, not if, there would be a third soon after. It came on 26 - Worksop's Cropper threading through Jason Norville , who sidestepped the 'keeper before knocking the ball home. Whilst Grant was guilty of a horrendous miss two minutes later for the visitors, Dene Cropper added Worksop's third before the break - in the right plae at the near post to bundle O'Callaghan's cross over the line. Fairway made two changes at the break - with Norville carrying a knock he made way for bambrook, whilst Miles Thorpe replaced Fisk with Fairway hoping to be able to wrap things up comfortably. Five minutes later he would be able to celebrate a fourth - Dene Cropper scoring with a fine half-volley from Bambrook's cross. Gainsborough were now in full retreat - Goodfellow could have added a fifth on the hour - but a chance break led to a better spell for Trinity. Firstly Fisher was called into action on 61 - tipping over a dipping volley from Smith, before the same player fired just over with a shot on the turn on 70. Away fans would wait just three minutes more for their side to score - too late, of course, for a comeback, but Barry Corr's goal - poking home a Neil Wood rebound - at least restored some pride. Worksop suffered a late blow - Cropper coming off worse in a collision with Alex Allen, and replaced by Jackson - but despite Simeon Bambrook hitting the bar from Goodfellow's through ball, a fifth just wouldn't come. Following defeat though Worksop answered any critics in the best way possible - with an emphatic victory to keep up the pressure on the top two.

Worksop 4 - Gainsborough 2

MOM; Dene Cropper (Worksop)
Attendance; 1465

Worksop Position After Game; 3rd

displaced_seagull

Whilst the collision that forced Dene Cropper from the field left the striker with no ill effects come morning, fellow striker Jason Norville was hurt - his sprained wrist requiring strapping, ruling him out for a week. Physio Tomlinson also noted Kevin Davies' need for a rest.

A delighted Chairman Raymond expressed his joy at the Tigers' victory over their close rivals on Saturday evening - with the whole squad benefitting from - "Just the one mind lads, you play again in a couple of days" - the Chairman's credit card behind the bar. For Brian O'Callaghan there would be a double celebration - victory achieved on the same day he signed a year's contract extension.

The new year began badly for Bradford Park Avenue with a 3-0 defeat at Altringham - and on Sunday, Carl Shutt paid the price with his job - the ex-Leeds striker sacked after his side slipped into the drop zone just before Christmas.

Fairway's ears were burning on Monday morning - as he prepared to welcome Kettering to Babbage Way, fullback Steve Nicholson demanded to see his manager - furious that Fairway had handed him an official warning after his dismissal for a professional foul against Gainsborough, calling it 'too harsh'. Fairway was unrepentant - telling Nicholson that, as a regular, he had an important role to play in the consistency of the team - something which would be affected should the manager have to make changes due to suspsension.

Worksop Town v Kettering Town - Conference North Game 22

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Fisher, Dempsey, Davies*, O'Callaghan, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Khoshimov, Cropper, Bambrook

Subs; Jackson, Cross (GK), Hewitt, Thorpe, Norton

With Norville injured and Nicholson banned, Fairway brought Bambrook into the attack and Paul Dempsey back into defence - Kevin Davies would have to do without his rest for now. One or two other players also looked a little jaded to Fairway, but with a lack of depth in the squad, would have to start. Youth teammer Peter Hewitt made the bench with teammate Matt Cross - Fairway hopeful that the 16-year old wouldn't be required. Fans love this time of year - a combination of games aplenty, all that post Christmas excitement as the tables begin to shape up, and the almost childish relisation that you can watch football on a Weekday afternoon and it feels like a Saturday. As a result Babbage Way was packed out - with the faithful seeing Worksop get off to an energetic start - Wharton and Fisk both having chances inside the opening 10 minutes, before things dropped off a little. At the other end Jonathan Rowan had Kettering's best chance of the first half - shooting wide after being put clean through - but the two teams went in without a goal to seperate them at the interval. Simeon Bambrook made way for Norton, whilst Kevin Davies was given a rest with Jackson going out of position at left back as Fairway rang the changes. Again the pacey Rowan was causing problems - on 53 he broke clear, only to be denied by a superb saving tackle from O'Callaghan, proving to Fairway that he had been right to reward the Irishman with an extended contrac. Two minutes later Worksop created - and missed - a golden chance to open the scoring - Dene Cropper heading Norton's cross from the right wide of the target. Worksop's final change came with 10 minutes to go - Thorpe replacing Goodfellow - in a bid to snatch a late winner. There would be a couple of chances - Kettering defending stoutly, at the expense of their attacking flair for much of the second half, but neither Jackson nor Wharton could make the most of their opportunities. Honours even.

Worksop 0 - Kettering 0

MOM; Liam Nicell (Kettering)
Attendance; 2164

Worksop Position After Game; 3rd