displaced_seagull

After being held at home to a team in the relgation zone Fairway was disapointed to note his side had lost ground on the leaders - top of the pile Vauxhall Motors still locked in a duel with Nuneaton - both on 44 points, with the Motormen having a two-goal advantage over their Manor Park rivals.

Whilst it had been a quiet week at Babbage Way, Fairway had not been without things to do - squad strengthening now something of a priority - both for the present and the future. Whilst not prepared to discuss his summer Bosman targets with the media, Fairway had given scout Shaun Hird a list of names to report on.

Worksop Town v Droylsden - Conference North Game 23

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

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

No changes to the starting lineup - despite the availability of Nicholson, who only made the bench. The Goodfellow-Fisk-Khoshimov midfield trio wasn't Fairway's first choice, but in the absence of skipper Wilson, he considered it the best available to him for the time being. On a dry and - suprisingly - not too chilly, for January at least, afternoon both sides buzzed early on - Cameron and Brodie both close early on for the visitors. Despite the odd chance Worksop struggled to get into the came - Cropper's shot tipped over by Phillips on 13, but no real opportunities otherwise for the Tigers. On 29 things would get worse - James Dudgeon clattered into Banim, and ex-Chester winger Steve Brodie beat the diving Fisher with a well-placed free kick that the teenage stopper knew little about. Droylsden looked to continue their goalscoring exploits on 41 - Neil Hall hitting the bar - but fortunatley for Worksop Fisher would see Cameron hit the side netting with seconds remaining to keep the scoreline relativley tight going into the interval. A double change at the break - Fisk and Dudgeon off, with Thorpe and Nicholson replacing the underperfoming duo. If the first half had been all Droylsden, Worksop started the second half in a manner which implied that they wouldn't allow themselves to be bossed around again. After Bambrook had come close on 47, Paul Dempsey became the unlikely hero - his first goal in a Worksop shirt coming after Wharton had touched on Nicholson's 52nd minute corner. After Bambrook missed a sitter on the hour, it was left to Kevin Davies to save Worksop's skin moments later - clearing off the line from Jody Banim after Fisher had beat Cameron's shot away. The Welsh striker could have snatched it at the end - shooting over with two minutes left - but it would have been harsh in a real game of two halves - the first Droylsden's, but the second definatley Worksop.

Worksop 1 - Droylsden 1

MOM; Jason Fisher (Worksop)
Attendance; 1344

Worksop Position After Game; 3rd

displaced_seagull

Saturday was also FA Cup Third Round day - one of the most eagerly anticipated days in the footballing calender. Whilst there were no real shocks Arsenal and Chelsea will both face replays - away at Wolves and at home to Fulham respectivley. Spurs continued their impressive season - sixth in the Premiership and now into the FA Cup Fourth Round courtesy of a 5-0 thrashing of Chester at the Deva Stadium. The two Conference sides remaining sadly both bowed out - Stevenage going down 2-0 at home to Bolton, whilst Aldershot led Premiership WBA, only to lose 4-1 once the Baggies had recovered.

A quiet Sunday led into a focused Monday training session - with Fairway pleased to welcome Jason Norville back to training after injury. Still not 100%, he would make a late decision on the frontman ahead of kick off. Down at Bradford Park Avenue , Scot Martyn Brown took charge in his first managerial role.

Worksop Town v Droylsden - Conference North Game 24

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

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

On a bitterly cold, wet evening - the game in some doubt at one stage - Fairway recalled Norville at the expense of Bambrook as the only change to his lineup. The Trinidadian striker almost repaid Fairway's faith immediatley - heading the game's first chance over from a Davies cross on 10. It took until the 28th minute for the opening goal - with Lancaster seemingly not on song, Worksop took advantage - Dene Cropper shooting home from the edge of the box anfter a searching Norville through ball. Five minutes later the Tigers doubled their lead - Davies' cross aimed at Cropper, but instead coming off the unfortunate Andy Scott , who put the ball past 'keeper Yeomans whilst attempting to hook the ball wide. Whilst Worksop were comfortably in command, young 'keeper Fisher still needed to be at his best on 44 - reacting well to block from Jones after he had allowed a Sparrow cross through his arms. Fairway made all three of his changes at the break - Norville, Goodfellow and Davies off with Bambrook, Thorpe and Nicholson replacing them. Worksop's third - and Dene Cropper's second goal of the evening came soon after the break, on 51 - Fisk taking control in midfield, before knocking the ball back to 'keeper Fisher. His huge punt forward fell invitingly for the striker, who controlled before drilling past Yeomans. Lancaster did have the occasional breakthrough - the Worksop defence stretched for pace by Ryan Zico-Black, only for Hughes to waste his cross with a shot over the bar. With 20 minutes to go, many home fans had seen enough, and began streaming out of the Giant Axe. They probably had the best idea - Cropper should have claimed his hatrick on 80, and again two minutes from time, both times finding the stands instead of the target. Wasted chances aside, Worksop will be delighted with this one!

Lancaster 0 - Worksop 3

MOM; Dene Cropper (Worksop)
Attendance; 895

Worksop Position After Game; 3rd

displaced_seagull

Wednesday afternoon saw Fairway talking facts with Physio John Tomlinson . Fact. Kevin Davies is a key part of the Worksop squad. Fact. Worksop have no other natural left backs. Fact. Davies needs to be rested.

As a result, Fairway went to Blackburn - with Alex Morgan in his sights. The Scottish left back or midfield player spent a trial period at Worksop when Fairway first took the reins - but finances prevented the permanent capture that he had hoped for. With Morgan now available - again - for loan, Fairway asked permission to take the 21-year old for a two-month spell, as cover for Davies. Almost immediatley, he recieved a positive response from Rovers - and hoped for a similar one from the player as soon as possible.

Whilst the return to fitness of skipper Mark Wilson was a definate boost, Thursday also brought two new injuries - albeit minor ones. Striking duo Blake Norton and Dene Cropper collided - both bruising facial muscles after running into oneanother. It would leave the pair out for two days each - with Fairway fortunate that the Tigers would not be involved in league action for another six days.

Sunday - and whilst Andy Preece got the boot from Worcester City , Blackburn Rovers fullback Alan Morgan signed a 2-month loan deal to come to Babbage Way. Things had changed a lot at Worksop since Morgan's brief summer spell - the Tigers now in a strong position in Conference North, far removed from Fairway's preseason ambitions of a mid-table finish.

Bradford Park Avenue v Worksop - Conference North Game 25

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

Subs; Dempsey, Cross (GK), Davies, Khoshimov, Bambrook

Captain Mark Wilson's return to the team was a welcome boost - and Fairway also brought in Nicholson, replacing Dempsey, and new boy Morgan, in for Kevin Davies. Dene Cropper shrugged off his knock to start - and Fairway felt that luck was once again smiling on the Tigers. It took all of 45 seconds for Worksop to take the lead - Goodfellow winning the ball in midfield, and passing to Cropper, who threaded the ball through to strike partner Jason Norville , the Trinidadian running through to slot past 'keeper Britton. On five however Worksop were forced into an early change - Mark Wilson forced off through injury just five minuts into his comeback game - Khoshimov replacing the skipper, with Brian O'Callaghan taking the captain's armband. Worksop continued to impress - on 9 Britton denied Fisk, before Wharton fired wide from distance on 26. It took until the 40th minute for Avenue to register their first shot - Craig Smith firing wide after good work by Clayton. On the stroke of half time things got worse for the home side - good work by Fisk to keep control on the byeline allowed the loanee midfielder to put Marc Goodfellow through - and his centre left Jason Norville with the simplest of tap-ins to double Worksop's lead. Avenue looked stronger after the break - Oleksewycz - he was born in Halifax! - hit the side netting on 47, and again broke clear on the hour only to shoot wide. Try as they might, Avenue struggled to cause real panic in the Worksop defence - and Fairway took advantage of this on 76, making a further change to strengthen that back four - Davies on for Goodfellow, swapping places with Alan Morgan, while up front Bambrook replaced Cropper. The changes had the desired effect - employing a defensive player in midfield helped to stifle home creativity, and Worksop were able to keep it tight for a 2-0 victory.

BPA 0 - Worksop 2

MOM; Marc Goodfellow (Worksop)
Attendance; 328

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 | | 25 | 15 | 6 | 4 | 46 | 25 | +21 | 51 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Nuneaton | | 25 | 13 | 9 | 3 | 41 | 22 | +19 | 48 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | WORKSOP | | 25 | 13 | 9 | 3 | 41 | 22 | +19 | 48 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Alfreton | | 25 | 11 | 9 | 5 | 32 | 21 | +11 | 42 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Barrow | | 24 | 11 | 6 | 7 | 42 | 31 | +11 | 39 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Droylsden | | 25 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 40 | 35 | +5 | 37 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Harrogate Town | | 25 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 33 | 31 | +2 | 36 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Lancaster | | 24 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 34 | 33 | +1 | 36 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Southport | | 25 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 24 | 24 | 0 | 36 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Moor Green | | 25 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 42 | 30 | +12 | 35 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Gainsborough | | 24 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 39 | 30 | +9 | 35 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Ashton Utd | | 25 | 7 | 13 | 5 | 39 | 35 | +4 | 34 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Hinckley | | 25 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 35 | 40 | -5 | 33 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Altrincham | | 24 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 24 | 26 | -2 | 31 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Worcester | | 25 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 26 | 32 | -6 | 31 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Hucknall | | 25 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 24 | 26 | -2 | 27 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Stafford Rangers | | 25 | 5 | 11 | 9 | 27 | 31 | -4 | 26 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Runcorn FC Halton | | 25 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 28 | 40 | -12 | 24 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Stalybridge | | 25 | 6 | 5 | 14 | 28 | 42 | -14 | 23 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Bradford PA | | 25 | 3 | 12 | 10 | 19 | 33 | -14 | 21 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Kettering | | 25 | 3 | 11 | 11 | 20 | 40 | -20 | 20 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Redditch | | 25 | 1 | 8 | 16 | 15 | 50 | -35 | 11 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

displaced_seagull

Mark Wilson's injury was diagnosed by Physio Tomlinson as strained neck muscles, requiring a 5-day layoff. The skipper was clearly frustrated at being unable to play - after getting injured on Boxing Day, he had taken his time to return to training and the first team.

It had taken 25 games, but on Wednesday Redditch recorded their first win of the season - a 3-1 victory at home to fellow strugglers Runcorn FC Halton . At the other end it was tight. Too tight for Fairway's liking - his Tigers side lay third, purely for Alphabetical reasons - with Nuneaton matching Worksop statistic for statistic. Three points ahead lay Vauxhall Motors , who now look strong favourites for promotion to the Conference National.

Worksop v Altringham - Conference North Game 26

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Fisher, Nicholson, Morgan, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Fisk, Thorpe, Goodfellow, Khoshimov, Cropper, Norville

Subs; O'Callaghan, Cross (GK), Davies, Wharton, Bambrook

Fairway made two changes for Altringham's visit to Babbage Way - replacing the injured Wilson with Khoshimov, Nathan Wharton with Miles Thorpe and Brian O'Callaghan with Paul Dempsey. Andrew Fisk moved to the holding midfield role, with Goodfellow taking the central berth and Miles Thorpe moving to his preferred role on the left of the midfield trio. Worksop started positivley - Cropper firing over from Morgan's 10th minute cross, before both Norville and Thorpe fired wide when either should have hit the target. After a hardly action packed first half, Fairway elected to leave his side unchanged at the break. The second half began slowly - Stuart Coburn in the Altringham goal having just two chances to push away in the first 20 minutes of the second half, whilst at the other end young Jason Fisher was untroubled. On 65 Fairway decided to shake things up a little - bringing on Bambrook for Goodfellow, and dropping Norville back into midfield in an attempt to make things happen. By far the closest Worksop came to scoring was in the 74th minute - when Miles Thorpe's deep cross looked to be dipping, forcing Coburn to put a hand up and palm the ball over the bar. From the resulting corner Alty eventually cleared after seeing Worksop set up camp in their penalty area. A minute later Fairway made his final two changes - Wharton and Davies on for Norville and Morgan - with Fisk moving back up into a more creative midfield role. The visitors were hardly good value for money - they managed just one shot, which went wide, all afternoon - but some strong defensive play, with a good helping of luck, was able to keep Worksop at bay, and frustrate the Tigers into settling for a point.

Worksop 0 - Altringham 0

MOM; George Melling (Altringham)
Attendance; 1158

Worksop Position After Game; 3rd

danbhtfc

Do you mean Altincham

danbhtfc

I got it wrong that time, i meant Altrincham

Umney

d_s mate this is a great story, started reading through it last night and have just finished. Always love a good long career story, especially one starting from the bottom.

Having started a game as Carshalton I know how har dit is to get out of this division.

KUTGW :thup:

displaced_seagull

Sh*tty Northern teams

Umney; Cheers :thup: - it can be frustrating, but it's a challenge, most importantly of all.

displaced_seagull

A glance at the Fixture list told Fairway that Saturday's trip to Stafford Rangers would be vitial - afterwards came Nuneaton in a clash that could potentially define both sides' seasons. Worksop had got away with their draw - Nuneaton too could only gain a point, held 1-1 by - ironically enough - Stafford Rangers.

FA Cup Fourth Round day threw up just one major suprise - at a packed KC Stadium, League One outfit Hull held mighty Newcastle United to a 2-2 draw - the Magpies levelling just 14 minutes from time through Alan Shearer after Delroy Facey had opened the scoring for Hull. Faye equalised soon after for Newcastle, but when Aaron Wilbraham's effort went unanswered for over 20 minutes, Tigers fans had hoped that their team could hold on for a famous victory. Instead, they face a replay at St James' Park. Elsewhere Manchester United disposed of rivals Manchester City in a televised clash whilst the lowest ranked side left in the competition, League Two side Swansea City crashed 3-0 at Ewood Park, going out to Blackburn. Just four Non-Premiership clubs - excluding Hull, who face a replay, remain in the competition - Derby, Leeds, Wigan and Sunderland.

Despite Hull's success in the FA Cup, manager Peter Taylor left the club on Sunday - taking up the manager's post at Milwall - who had been under caretaker command of Dave Bassett and Ray Wilkins since Dennis Wise's dismissal last year. The Lions' revival left Fairway's beloved Brighton & Hove Albion rooted to the bottom of the Championship, with just four wins all season. The recent arrival of two new strikers - Kevin Campbell and Pablo Counago - on loan, however, may help to shake things up at the Withdean.

Stafford Rangers v Worksop - Conference North Game 27

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

Subs; O'Callaghan, Cross (GK), Morgan, Khoshimov, Bambrook

A recall for skipper Wilson - back again after injury - replacing Khoshimov in midfield, whilst rested duo Wharton and Davies also returned - replacing Morgan and Thorpe respectivley. Stafford began brightly, and set about Worksop - immedialtey putting Fairway's men on the back foot. It took until the 13th minute for them to make the breakthrough - Bradley Orr curling a shot into the corner of the net after a corner wasn't cleared properly. It wasn't the start Fairway had invisaged - and on 36 things got much worse. For the second time this season, striker Jason Norville idiotically talked himself into a sending off - dissent, and simply refusing to accept the referee's decision and be quiet seeing him dismissed 9 minutes before the interval. Fairway immedialtey changed things round - Dempsey replaced by Bambrook, with the team going to 3-1-3-2. Fairway tore into his charges at the break - replacing Goodfellow and Dudgeon with Khoshimov and O'Callaghan in an attempt to get back into the game. Stafford started the second half with the same all-action style as they had the first - Pheonix seeing an effort cut out by young 'keeper Fisher on 47, before Wilding volleyed just over on 56. Worksop amazingly took until the 79th minute to register their first genuine opportunity - Fisk firing wide after good work from Cropper. Five minutes later Craig Wilding headed Lovatt's corner beyond Fisher, and it was all over - Fairway furiously stormed back to the team bus as Stafford's second hit the net - it would be a tough trip home for the Tigers this evening.

Stafford 2 - Worksop 0

MOM; Joe Broad (Stafford)
Attendance; 469

Worksop Position After Game; 3rd

displaced_seagull

In the cold light of day, things didn't look quite so bad. Worksop hadn't been the only side to loose - second placed Nuneaton went down 3-1 to Southport, whilst leaders Vauxhall Motors were beaten 2-0 by Droylsden . Jason Norville though was still in Fairway's bad books - and the manager handed his star striker a fine of a weeks' wages after his senseless and stupid dismissal for dissent.

It didn't go down well. Once word got out, Fairway was faced with a furious revolt - James Dudgeon, Paul Dempsey, Miles Thorpe, Kevin Davies, Mark Wilson, Nathan Wharton and Dene Cropper - as well as the Trinidadian himself - all stating their unhappiness at Norville's fine. At least though Fairway wasn't in charge at Stalybridge Celtic - John Reed dismissed on Monday morning.

Nuneaton Borough v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 28

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

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

Two changes for Fairway's men as they aim to bounce back with a crucial game against Nuneaton - the banned Norville and the tired Davies out, with Bambrook and Morgan replacing the duo. On a cold, dry evening Nuneaton attacked from the off, and after winning three corners, took the lead on 6 minutes - midfield dynamo Mark Noon cracking home on the half volley. It was the first blow of what quickly became a miserable evening for Worksop - Avun Jephcott doubled Boro's lead on 14 - volleying home Wilson's cross to beat Fisher with style. On 20 though the visitors should have pulled one back - Cropper twisting and turning, but put his effort straight at 'keeper Darren Acton. On 32 though it was back up the other end - and Avun Jephcott was in far less forgiving mood - Fisher beaten for a third time after Murphy's knock down. Fairway made two changes at the break - Cropper and Wilson off, with Norton and Khoshimov replacing the disapointing duo. The two subs combined well immediatley after the break - only a Noon challenge denying Norton inside the box on 47. Nuneaton were just in control, and dominated without ever breaking sweat - a poor second half only livened up with a fourth for the rampant home side right at the death - Avun Jephcott completing his hatrick with a prodded effort from Stuart Whittaker's corner. Outclassed the only word for this one.

Nuneaton 4 - Worksop 0

MOM; Avun Jephcott (Nuneaton)
Attendance; 1364

Worksop Position After Game; 4th