A Real Short Story

retired_jgirl87 · 06-29-2005, 02:27 AM

Oh Mickey you're so fine,
You're so fine you blow my mind,
Hey Mickey, hey Mickey!!

Great work BoN. \o/

retired_embartl · 07-12-2005, 03:28 PM

cheers Spav, sorry about the delay - been working a 30 hour week for a a bit to try and get back to that magic bank balance of O

And the weather's been too good to play much CM. Anyway got a few updates sorted now and this should be back on track

retired_embartl · 07-12-2005, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Kidderminster Shuttle
19.08.2001
A. Barnacle

Newitt Notches First Point

Owen Newitt earned his first point of the season at Aggborough yesterday afternoon following a hard fought draw with Rochdale. All the action arrived in a pulsating first half which saw the visitors take an early lead before Kidderminster scored twice in an encouraging spell to take the lead, only for Rochdale to tie up once more shortly before half time.

The start proved disastrous initially as in the very first minute, a shot from Ian Bishop was deflected in off the legs of Craig Hinton past Kidderminster as the Harriers were slow out of the blocks. Worse was to follow not sixty seconds later, when right sided midfielder Dean Bennett was injured in a clash with Des Lyttle and had to be withdrawn for young 16 year old replacement Nick Heath. Heath fortunately showed the maturity and talent to cope on his debut remarkeably well.

John Danby, still keeping goal for the Harriers at the moment showed a vast improvement on the previous weeks match to repel further efforts from a charged up Rochdale. His performance throughout is something that will hopefully please boss Newitt as he keeps up his search for an experienced number one, currently believed to be former Swindon Town netminder Frazer Digby.

Kidderminster drew level on 18 minutes when midfielder Danny Williams picked up on a loose ball and sent it over into the area where captain Mark Blake was on hand to head into the net. That goal seemed to turn the tide somewhat and it was Kidderminster who were suddenly exerting all the pressure and striker Bo Henriksen was twice denied in the space of a minute by Neil Edwards in the visiting net.

On 36 minutes the crowd were cheering loudly as Ian Foster handed Kidderminster the lead. Nick Heath's excellent run and 30 yard pass to Scott Stamps saw the full back play in Sean Parrish and the midfielder crossed low for Foster to strike in at the near post. It was a well earned one too as Newitt's touch was certainly noticed in crafting that goal together. Sadly though the frailties were still evident in the side and Rochdale were not behind for long and on 40 minutes it was 2 apiece as a defensive mix up gave Danby no chance and it was in.

The second half proved to be an even affair though there were no serious goal threatening opportunities. John Danby continued to make some fine saves in goal, a credit to him after the criticism that came his way beforehand, whilst for Nick Heath an opportunity to impress has certainly arisen on the right wing after Bennett's injury. Afterwards, Newitt commented:

"Well obviously it was an improved performance in many respects, we got a point and scored two good goals. Sadly we still have weakness' at the back which need to be addressed. Danby's performance was encouraging though we should have a new experienced man to help guide him, in the next couple of days. Bennett's injury was a blow and he will be out of action for up to three weeks.

Of course the silver lining here is that Nick proved himself quite adept at coming in on his debut, and we shall be able to give one of the new youngsters, either Mickey or Rombo a chance to impress on the right, or at least gain experience on the bench! I always try to take the positives from the game, and hopefully we can build on this point in our next match." [/i]

Kidderminster 2 Blake 18, Foster 36 Rochdale 2 Hinton o.g.1 Platt 40

Kidderminster 4-4-2: Danby 9; Ayres 7, Stamps 8 Smith 7 Hinton 6; Yates 7 Bennett 6 ( 2 Heath 7), Blake 7, Parrish 7 ; Foster 8 (55 Lewis 7), Henriksen 7 ( 55 Howard 6)

Rochdale 4-4-2: Edwards 8, Lyttle 7 Doughty 7 Griffiths 6 Macauley (c) 7, Bishop 6 (82 Flitcroft 6) Hodges 7 Beeches 6 Platt 8 Connor 6 (82 Townson 7) Simpson 7

retired_embartl · 07-12-2005, 03:29 PM

Mickey had been reading the report in the paper left in the club's training ground by the small canteen when Owen came over to talk to the kid.

" I see you've read the paper then. What did you think of the game son?"

"Well we we had our good spells didn't we? Could have won it but I'm sure we'll keep improving."

"Yes, I'm sure you will and so will the side. Anyway Mickey, thought I'd tell you, with Dean's injury keeping him out of action for three weeks, Nick will be more involved in the first team, but he's only 16. Now this leaves open a spot on the bench Mickey... and it's not going to Rambo..."

"Really!?! This soon?"

"Yes Mickey. You've been doing well in training and you've earned a chance. This doesn't mean you've made it yet though - long way to go!"

"Yeah, I know thanks again! See you later."

Mickey was left in a wonderful mood after that brief conversation. Training passed in a joyous blur knowing he would be on the bench for the next match - just imagine that! Also thrilled of course were his parents and siblings who immediately purchased tickets for Kidderminster's next league match away to Leyton Orient. There was a first round match at Scunthorpe to go first, for which Mickey had been aware he wouldn't be involved in. A further call was also made to Jack to inform his former mentor of developments, and Jack unsurprisingly was thrilled to hear it.

There was little training on the Tuesday due to the Cup match, and with Mickey not travelling down to that match, being able to watch it on Sky Sports 3, he relaxed with his friends down a bar, where his stature gained no small amount of attention especially in light of his recent signing of professional terms. Many congratulatory words masked the jokes in darker corners of the room. Staying safe with a coke and ice, he sat down, ordered a plaice and chips and enjoyed the nights entertainment with friends - catching up on their respective paths in either education or temp jobs, Ryan waitered, Dave was still pretending he was a professional actor in waiting. As far as Mickey could tell the only proof of that so far was on the football park.

As for the match itself, well Owen's side were unlucky. Nick Heath ran around pretty effectively from Mickey's view as did the other midfielders, particularly Danny Williams, as Mickey took notes. Halfway through the match he also noted another familiar face in the bar - it was Rombo - the Portuguese youth also taking an eye for the competition, though he avoided eye contact with Mickey. Scunthorpe seemed to always contain an extra ounce of pace to their game which was slowly beginning to open up the Harriers bit by bit, with a goal seeming to be inevitable eventually. The longer the match wore on, the longer hopes remained of scalping a decent win, and Mickey found himself fervently caught up in the match and his team mates fates, rather than any sort of conversation with his friends.

They stuck around however, and made their presence known somewhat cruelly, when in the 88th minute Scunthorpe scored what proved the winning goal as the Harriers defence just didn't hold out long enough. '1-0! 1-0! 1-0!' rang around Mickey's ears for the next ten minutes thereafter. At which point Mickey grabbed a nearby pool cue and stuffed it between an unfortunate friend's legs. Shortly afterwards, the cue was used for it's rightful purpose, as with the aid of a stool and a custom cue ( read snapped in half ) Mickey beat his mates in more conventional fashion to make up for Kiddy's loss.

Quote:

Kidderminster Shuttle
22.08.01
B. Barnacle

Digby In As Harriers Shore Up

Manager Owen Newitt finally found his man yesterday afternoon when he completed the signing of 34-year old Frazer Digby from Queens Park Rangers for 70,000 pounds. The star never played for the London club but he has been the number one at Swindon Town for ten years throughout the divisions, and more recently spent a two season spell at Crystal Palace helping the side maintain their status in the First Division.

Newitt expressed his delight claiming he was now generally happy with the squad for the foreseeable future. "We have the players we need now I think - though of course that won't mean I don't have my eye open for further talent to boost our squad. Frazer brings us what we desperately need in goal - talent and experience - and I hope both John and Stuart can learn from him."

Digby is expected to make his debut on Saturday when Kidderminster travel to Leyton Orient...

retired_embartl · 07-13-2005, 02:02 PM

Saturday 25th August

Owen had been thinking about the game at Leyton Orient and where his side had gone wrong so far. Creating chances hadn't been the main problem, but the chances were often only half ones and it would have been unfair to apportion much blame to the strikers. With a solid goalkeeper between the sticks he was hoping for better success in the Capital though he was only too aware it would be a tough match. Changes would be made to the line up, but it wasn't a game he envisaged Mickey making his debut in either, and had translated that to the boy to prevent any hopes soaring too high.

Quote:

Kidderminster Shuttle
26. 08. 01
by C. Barnacle

Harriers Dig Deep To Secure Victory

Inspired by a superb debut from Frazer Digby, Kidderminster clung on in a tense final quarter to take home their first three point spoils of the campaign. Although the match had began a very even affair between the two sides, in the final half hour, the home side, still a goal bound threw hell for leather at the Kidderminster goal only to see the defence repel each attack with renewed vigour. Splendid stops from Digby were a highlight of this defensive rearguard.

The first 30-40 minutes certainly seemed to fall in the visitors favour though as both strikes on target found the back of the net, sandwiching an Orient equaliser to hand Kidderminster a 2-1 advantage. After a vibrant opening of end to end football it was Ian Foster who drew first blood. Sean Flynn's work in midfield led to Nick Heath being released down the right wing and a low cross from the youngster was brilliantly converted by the forward and Newitt must have hoped his side would soon press home the advantage as they appeared to move into the ascendancy.

However just as Kidderminster looked to be bossing their hosts, a swift counter-attacking move caught the defense cold. Matt Lockwood's corner was headed on by Ciaran Toner forcing Digby into a swift double save, but unfortunately the ball fell at the feet of Carl Hutchings who scored his first goal in Orient colours. Despondency at having held the lead for such a short while did not last long. Frustration manifested itself into determination and not two minutes later Kidderminster were back in front.

The goal arrived from a first attack. The O''s had tried to reinforce their advantage with a successive attack, and then Digby's long ball downfield saw Bo Henriksen successfully latch onto it outside the penalty area and a first time swivel and shot flew into the top corner. It was a wonderful strike and epitomised route one football somewhat. With defence, midfield and fellow strike partner bypassed, it was a two man show. It sparked a furious comeback before half time but Kidderminster held out, the back line calmly led by the excellent Mark Blake.

In the second period the half began as the first had, with chances at both ends, though Kidderminster adopted a more cautious approach with one eye clearly focused on protecting their lead. With Orient also prepared to time their threat, Owen replaced Adam Smallman and the tiring Bo Henriksen with little under twenty minutes to go - intent on saving legs. There was no place however for Mickey Swarfiga on the park today as he remained benched throughout. Afterwards Newitt explained his decisions.

" Under the circumstances it would have been a great deal of pressure to send in a kid on his debut and expect them to perform well. Nick [Heath] maybe younger, but he has experience and he did particularly well in creating Ian's goal in the first half. The changes I did make were made on a leg saving basis for Bo, and putting on Lee in preparation for the onslaught which I expected."

The attack did come but it is to Kidderminster' credit that they were prepared. Leyton threw the proverbial sink at the Harriers in the closing stages as Lee Thorpe and Graham Antony had vicious efforts well pushed away and held in the latter's case late on by Frazer Digby as a Man of the Match award for Diggers and 3 points for the team proved the net result, a resounding sigh of relief was felt at the final whistle.

Leyton Orient 1 Hutchings 35 Kidderminster 2 Foster 29, Henriksen 37

Leyton Orient 4-4-2: Evans 6; Joseph 7 Lockwood 7, Smith 6 McGhee 7, Anthony 7, Campbell-Ryce 7; Hutchings 8, Toner 7; Thorpe 8 Fletcher 7 (64 Nugent 7)

Kidderminster: 4-4-2: Digby 9, Hinton 7, Stamps 6, Smallman 6 (72 Ayres 7), Blake 7; Flynn 6, Heath 7, Williams 7 Parrish 7; Henriksen 7 (72 Lewis 6), Fosters 8

retired_embartl · 07-14-2005, 03:47 PM

Monday 27th August
Division 3 Match 4
Oxford United vs Kidderminster Harriers

Mickey had enjoyed watching the Orient match as much as he could from the sidelines though it had of course been difficult in the final sector. You can always have confidence in your team mates, but even so, protecting a single goal lead always creates nerves. However, if Mickey had been nervous then, it was nothing compared to how he was feeling now. Right now, at 2.05 pm he was sitting in the dressing room, above him was a peg named Swarfiga on it, and draped around it were Mickey's clothes. Mickey himself was wearing the Red and White of the Harriers - and no this wasn't a reserve team match.

With it being Bank Holiday Monday Owen had wanted to conserve legs and Nick Heath had been knackered after lasting the full 90 minutes. With Dean Bennett still injured there had of course been a spot left open for another winger. Again Rombo was consigned to the reserves, and to the delight of a Swarfiga family Mickey got the starting nod. His debut on the right. His family were in the stands eagerly awaiting their star. From the previous match Mark Blake was pushed up into Danny Williams' role in midfield with Abdou Sali coming in at centre back.

Owen kept the same approach to the match encouraging the players to do themselves justice. The Kassam Stadium was a big one for this league and it's capacity was thrice that of Aggborough. Another away day beckoned, hopefully with a similar result. As the players took to the pitch there was an audible gasp from the home fans as they saw a two foot tall midget walk out in full colours. Some believed he was ball boy, others a marketing tool, whilst most soon convinced themselves he was another mascot. That was until the players took to their positions and there, clear as day stood Mickey on the right wing. Close to the crowd he heard the chants again, whilst pleasing from the more mature members there was some hope professed he would do well - and that was from Oxford fans!

What followed, can best be described as an anti climax. Mickey hadn't touched the ball inside 10 minutes, whilst Oxford had gone a goal up through in form Steve Basham. The forward had taken advantage of Bobby Ford's early dominance in midfield as Blake and Yates struggled to create a cohesive partnership. Basham's goal had been pretty direct and had given Digby no chance in the net.

The reaction to the goal was sadly lacking as a lethargic effort didn't provide a chance for Mickey to shine. With Sean Parrish struggling on the left wing, and with a yellow card to his name, The home side seemed to test Parrish heavily, with Mickey not seeing much of the ball. In a hard hittting midfield battle to, Mickey didn't even see the ball until moments before half time when a miskewed pass hit him on the head dazing him momentarily. It was proving a frustating afternoon - especially with family in attendance - he had hoped for better, and of course had dreamt of better.

In the second half, Owen employed a more attacking style eager to at least get back into the game. However, it wasn't working well with only wild efforts from Sean Parrish to the Kiddy attack. Mickey was suffering too - he continued to barely see any action save a rare moment when he was given some limited space to run into - only ended by a mis control which was tidied up by Oxford's defender. Midway through the second half it became game over as Carlin Itonga came on as a substitute and headed in a decisive second from which Kidderminster could find no way back, succumbing to their third defeat of the season already.

Oxford 2 Basham 10, Itonga 70 Kidderminster 0

Kidderminster: 4-4-2: Digby 8, Hinton 7, Stamps 5, Smallman 6 (72 Ayres 7), Sali 6; Parrish 5 (88 Ducros 6), Nick Nack 5, Blake 6 Yates 6; Henriksen 7, Fosters 7 (56 Lewis 6).

retired_embartl · 07-14-2005, 03:48 PM

Mickey

As far as debut's goes Mickey didn't particularly feel it was the best. He'd barely touched the ball, and though he could in no way be blamed for the loss, nor did he contribute much to the side's attacking strength. Supporters there must have wondered as to his actual suitability as a professional footballer - as it was certainly a match in which his weakness' were heightened. Owen wasn't worried, he had been aware that Mickey was far from the finished deal, but for the kid himself, any time you end up on the losing side having not enjoyed much action you can't help but feel responsible.

At home in the evening, he was encouraged by both siblings and parents alike, reminding him that further opportunities would come his way, as did Jack Warner a fellow fan from the stands in Oxford. Games would likely be sparse as Owen had told him, but all Mickey kept doing was reminding himself to keep expectations in check. He would be given another chance, and in one of them he would show the fans who Mickey Swarfiga really was. Then he switched on the telly and chucked his brain out the window to watch some food/house makeover combo show.

Owen Newitt

Whilst the defeat was a blow, Owen remained positive the side would continue to improve steadily. Two away games in two days could simply be excused for tired legs, which explained some of the poor performances. Owen would make some changes, including putting young Mickey back in the reserves to gain further experience and match practice. What he wouldn't tell his other coaches was, that Mickey had already attracted attention from overseas. His potential was there to the trained eye, with his physical status viewed as a very big positive.

A few days later Owen had more to keep him satisfied as highlighted in the local newspaper...

Quote:

Kidderminster Shuttle
26.08.01

Hinton Appeases Newton In Deal

Owen Newitt was left feeling relieved last night after it was revealed that centre back Craig Hinton finally put pen to paper on a new three year deal offered to him almost a month ago. The 24 year old took his time to consider his options before talks with Newitt personally helped convince Craig his future lay at the Aggborough club...

It was a signing he had needed for peace of mind. Craig was a very talented central defender and though there were other options at the back, finding a replacement would have proved difficult - especially with the season already underway. That evening he sat down with his wife Sally and discussed the tactics on display so far. There were many youngsters in this side, with the likes of Lee Yates, and Danny Williams taking part and he realized rotation and rest would be the key to using them properly this season - creating an opportunity for the likes of Mickey and Rambo.

retired_embartl · 07-14-2005, 03:49 PM

Saturday 1st September, Kidderminster v Scunthorpe @ Aggborough ND3 Match 5

Mickey was once more in the stands for this match, along with his friend Dave for this match as the home side looked to avenge the League Cup defeat earlier in the month. As for the side, an off form Adam Smallman still kept his place, whilst there was no room for Sam Shilton, the talented left wing back who had recently recovered from injury. Mickey had played with him in a knock about on the Thursday and been impressed with his skill - he was a player who certainly provided a benchmark to work from as to his personal progress. Also in the side was Steve Howard, the on loan Luton striker making his first start, as Ian Foster was rested for this match.

The opening exchanges proved fairly dour at best as both sides managed to cancel each other out as a strike on goal wasn't seen until the latter end of the first half. Even Mickey had grown weary with the play and took his time getting in an early burger and fries at half time - though that was also partly due to folk pushing in the queue unintentionally ahead of him. How many people expect to see a midget in line? Then when he arrived at the counter he had to get his mate Dave to tell the burger bloke where Mickey was. One patronizing comment later the sickly food soon arrived complemented with hideous onion rings, and it was back to the seated stand to peruse the matchday programme.

In the second 45, there was miraculously some action on the pitch as Scunthorpe striker Paul Wheatcroft hit an ambitious shot from 35 yards - only to see it sail over. It did though spark a reaction in the Kidderminster camp - just as the home fans were beginning to gruntle at the display on offer. Lee Yates had a volley from a Nick Heath centre flash narrowly past as the pace picked up. Nick then had to be taken off injured as a precaution - and slightly guiltily, Mickey's first thoughts were that another chance would open up again. Andy Ducros came on and the forward tried to take his chance to prove to Owen that he was indeed a footballer.

With the defence well marshalled by Craig Hinton, the midfield pushed up creating more pressure on the Scunthorpe back line, with Mark Blake in particular in impressive form. Bo Henriksen was twice sent through on goal by both Blake and then Yates but unfortunately the finishing touch was lacking as the match remained score less. With the fans and Mickey finally finding some voice, there was some reward in the final stages of the match. In the 83rd minute, Bo Henriksen's deep foray and run led to Mark Blake being able to run into space and collect the ball in the centre of the park and with players surging forward in a risky move, Blake's cross was heading in superbly by the man of the moment Craig Hinton.

The timely goal lifted spirits and deflated the visitors who then simply gave up altogether - not that they had been noticed much during the game, and five minutes later a fine team move saw the score doubled and the points secure. Hinton on the right played the ball forward to Andy Ducros who played inside to Lee Yates. Lee moved it further left to Mark Blake, but the midfielder wrong footed his dimwitted opponents by playing it straight back onto the right flank where Hinton was running into space and a fine cross was volleyed in by on loan forward Steve Howard. 2-0, game over and Mickey and Dave were happy enough with the result, even if the enforced trip to the toilet due the burger hadn't been quite as pleasant.

Kidderminster 2 Hinton 83, Howard 88 Scunthorpe 0

Kidderminster: 4-4-2: Digby , Hinton (MoM), Stamps , Smallman, Smith ; Blake, Heath (inj 51 Ducros), Yates , Parrish ; Henriksen , Howard.

retired_jgirl87 · 07-15-2005, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian of Nazareth:
cheers Spav, sorry about the delay

Good updates, well worth waiting for.

retired_embartl · 07-16-2005, 11:57 AM

cheers Spav!

Quote:

Kidderminster Shuttle
3.09.01

Heath Fit For Next Match

There was positive news from the scan on young Kidderminster Harriers winger Nick Heath's ankle yesterday evening when it was revealed it was nothing more than bruising. He will take time to recover but is likely to be available for the Saturday fixture away to Swansea. Boss Newitt was relieved at the news:

" Sometimes it can be one of those injuries where the tackle comes in slightly late and you're thinking ' oh christ, we've lost him for a while' but fortunately for Nick it's not that serious. However, I may use this opportunity to rest Nick for the match on Saturday and play one of the new kids instead...

Owen Newitt

A good three points had been acquired at the weekend and now as he and Sally sat at the restaurant awaiting their no doubt invisible food to arrive, they talked over their past year together ( it was an anniversary - hence the ridiculously overpriced and under present food ), and having enjoyed the lighter moments in their life, there was the inevitable turn to football in the conversation.

" I know love, three more points - it's all looking bright at the moment - a good career choice! Cheers!" Owen and Sally clinked glasses, drank and then Sally proposed another toast.

" To er, the kids at the club and success at Kidderminster." More clinking before Owen replied:

" And er, to not bothering with toasts and getting drunk regardless anyway!"

"I'll drink to that! But if we're going to do that, at least let's do it properly. Put down the rose and let's get some proper stuff!"

"Yeah good point. Waiter? Waiter?... WAITER? Ah thanks, sorry about that. Didn't see you there. Ok - yeah can we have a bottle of your finest single maltand bucket of Ice - and two glasses. "

"Can I just check that sir? Did you say a bottle of whiskey?"

"Oh so I did. Silly me - better make it two bottles! There's a good chap." The waiter turned somewhat dazed, but nonetheless with a certain amount of speed. On the other side of the table Sally looked slightly apprehensive.

" Two bottles Owen? Are you mad??"

"No. Just happy that's all! Hell none of the players are here..." he checked to just look around the fairly sparse room before continuing." - and we're going to celebrate our anniversary in style!"

"It was only our first time between us Owen..."

"And first kiss and date too, yes I know... ok well it's only 7 o'clock now - we have a night ahead of us - and John Deakin is doing the morning session with the other coaches anyway so we've got plenty of time... hardly a rush..." As Owen finished the waiter arrived with a receipt, the drinks, glasses and Ice as requested.

"That's true... ok... well then another toast..." Sally started, as she poured out two double measures over the ice." Here's to remembering what we do tonight!

"Cheers!

A Real Short Story

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A Real Short Story