retired_pjscott64

The update continues

After finishing August as Manager of the Month I feared that my initial honeymoon period would draw to a close. My first game in September was a home match against Rotherham.

League Game (H) Vs Rotherham - 03-09-03

After the stressful win at Coventry I needed a game that would settle the nerves and this was it, 3 goals in 3 minutes, 3-0 up before 10 minutes had passed and we were coasting, a brace for Connolly and another for Partridge. We just sat back after that taking it easy. Rotherhams misery was compounded on 50 minutes when Martin Butler was sent off for kicking out petulantly at Mullins. Ex Hammer Scott Minto also got booked for hacking down golden boy Defoe. Rotherham did manage a consolation effort on 60 minutes but never seriously troubled the West Ham defence again.

League Game (A) Vs Sheff Utd – 13-09-03

A 10 day wait for our next sojourn and an outing to the home of the blades, a well earned 1-1 draw was the result of our efforts with Maccarone opening the scoring for the hammers only for Jack Lester to tie it up for the blades in the last 15.


League Game (H) Vs Crystal Palace –20-09-03

West Ham throw everything but the kitchen sink at the Palace defence but the eagles hang on for an ill deserved nil nil draw, by barely venturing out of their own half.

League Game (A) Vs Wigan – 27-09-03

A very close game, 5-3 the scoreline does not do justice to the way West Ham and Wigan battled for this game. An exquisite goal from Connolly made it to number 2 in the goal of the month competition, but overall a draw would have been a fairer result as Wigan did not deserve to lose! Maccarone and Defoe grabbed a brace each for the hammers as Horsfield stayed on the pitch and got a hatrick for Wigan

No manager of the month award this month but still top with confidence building. A further signing made with Oskarsson joining us despite Hulls late interest for a modest £50k

retired_pjscott64

Oh and Andy,

Pleased to see you found your dictionary m8!

retired_abubaker

I am touched by your encouragement towards me becoming wise like yourself .

retired_rover2clover

**Stevenage Daily Update**


September certainly was a fantastic month for us as we ended it with a superb 5-0 win over then third place Aldershot.

With 4 wins and a draw we were rewarded in the monthly awards as Manager of the Month was won by your truly followed by Cook getting player of the month for us to round it up.

Well October started well for us and ended in even better fashion that it began, i didnt think that was possible to do but it sure was.

Sat 4/10/2003 - Away vs Morecambe. (Conference Game)

Well we started the month just as good as the last month ended, some cracking goals in this game certainly kept morale at a massive high, Humphrys seems to be unstoppable, since coming on as a sub a couple of games ago, he scores yes another hattrick making it 3 hattricks in 3 games, unbelievable stuff, his top performance was followed with a magnificent display by Olafus "Zizou" Juliusson, he scored a screamer and despite missing the pen, he managed to get the rebound and score.

End Result : Stevenage 5 - 1 Morecambe

Tues 14/10/2003 : Home vs Scarborough (Conference Game)

The superb form continued into our home game, a fantastic display of slick passing and some super skill easily got us the edge in this game, the captain Juliusson bagged another brace, 4 goals in 2 games for the leading figure. With our defence on top the opponents were very restricted to the amount of attacks they could start, our midfield played through balls quite easily past their defence and Huckerby, Matthews and once again free scoring Humphreys put their names on the scoresheet.

End Result : Stevenage 5 : 0 Scarborough

Sat 25/10/2003 : Away vs Forest Green (Conference Game)

We were going to play this team again after this match so it was a good time to check out their way of playing and we may have a chance to get past them in the cup, certainly it was the one man show again as Humphreys stole the headlines by bagging a brace and continuing his scoring run onto another game, his goals were followed by a good run and very tight angled shot by Cook and a tap in by Matthews to go home with all three points and continue our winning run.

End Result : Stevenage 4 : 1 Forest Green

Wed : 22/10/2003 Home vs Forest Green (Vans Trophy 1st Round)

Having just played them in the league there was confidence that having beaten them away that we could also do this at home, although Forest Green were looking for revenge after getting thrashed, well they'll be even more frustrating as we aslo knocked them out the cup with another thrashing. Matthews and Humphreys both scored again keeping up a delightful scoring spree for both strikers, even Humphreys replacement Elding got a late goal.

End Result : Stevenage 3 : 0 Forest Green

Sat 25/10/2003 Home vs Northwich (FA Cup 4th Round Qual)

We certainly fancied our chances here as Northwich have not been performing well in the league at all. It was end to end stuff, we went from our end straight to theirs and scored and continued the trend into the second half, fantastic stuff and certainly secured our place in the next round and that one step closer to cardiff. Brennan, Huckerby, Warner, Matthews all scored aswell our new legend at Stevenage, Humphreys bagged yet another hattrick, unbelievable stuff, his 4th in just 7 games for the club.

End Result : Stevenage 7 : 0 Northwich


After a fine monthly performance this has made us progress quite easily into the next round of two cups. This also keeps us top of the conference by only 2pts as Dag & Red are keeping the pressure on. Since losing the first game of the season we've gone into superb form and scored 44 goals, the goal difference is +35.

The good form has been a good effort all round from the team and thankfully since the gamble on putting Humphreys on it has easily paid off as he cant stop bloody scoring

7 games and 16 goals for him, Matthews the 45k signing has got 11 goals so far in 15 games. With the strikers in superb form it certainly looks like its going to be a good season for us.

[This message was edited by Goldy on 02 December 2003 at 0:15.]

retired_abubaker

TIGERS STUTTERING!!!

It has been a mixed bag of emotions for Hull as the season is really hotting up. After there boring 0-0 at home to Doncaster Hepburn went about his job well firing his players up for their trip to Lincoln. Whatever he said certainly fired them up as another rampant Hull performance saw them come away with a 2-0 victory going on 6 or 7 as it was attack after attack from Hull. Eventually they had to settle for 2 witht he goals coming from Jamie Forrester and another goal for the impressive Ritchie Appleby.

Next up were Bristol Rovers at The Circle and they should never have turned up as an impressive Hull side tore them apart with a 4-0 victory. Goals from Ritchie Appleby, Danny Allsopp and another brace from Jamie Forrester gave them the win. This was then followed by two trips away to Leyton Orient and Darlington that ended both in draws. Next up was York visiting The Circle and yet again came away with nothing as Hull sounded took them apart winning 2-0 with goals from Paulinho and Danny Allsopp sealing the win.

Hull then suffered their first league defeat of the season away at Macclesfield after starting very well and taking the lead through a superb header from Damien Delaney they then committed defensive suicide as firstly John Anderson played a terrible backpass to Fettis that never got there and allowed Matthew Tipton with a simple finish then five minutes later Macclesfield nicked the winner. Manager Hepburn was clearly unhappy with this performance judging by the state of the away dressing room at The Moss Rose Ground after his sides loss. Again Hepburn got a positive reaction from his players as they went about their business in the same manner as always at The Circle soundly thrashing Oxford 3-0 with goals from Damien Delaney an own goal from Stuart Garden and another from Appleby who is fast becoming a fans favourite.

It was then onto the Vans Trophy first round away at Port Vale. Going into this tie Hepburn was a little apprehensive as they were playing a team from a division above. He needn't have worried as Hull played them off the park and earned a throughly deserved 3-1 win with goals coming from Stuart Elliot, Paulinho and Danny Allsopp continuing his own impressive start to the season. Last game of the night was away at Bury who in the end thrashed us 4-1 with Hull playing the majority of the game with 10 men after a silly foul in the penalty cost John Anderson a sending off. Hull did well to come back from 1-0 down and did well for the first half but then Bury just took over.

The future for Hull seems bright as they lie in third place just off the top spot and with a little consistency away from home they might be celebrating come May. With the signing of Porhallsson up and coming things may pick up greatly as he comes to Hull with a great pedigree for scoring loads of goals. Hull are always on the lookout for improving their side so expect more transfer activity in the future.

:cool:

retired_pjscott64

The October Update!
As we entered October with West Ham top of the table and still to lose in the league, an unfamiliar feeling started to sweep through the ranks of the faithful fans, Optimism! In October! This has usually evaporated by the end of August! Could this devilishly handsome unknown young manager lead West Ham back to the promised land of the premiership?

League Game (H) Vs Walsall 4-10-03

To say we dominated this game is such an understatement, 7 goals and they were lucky! A hatrick from Connolly, Maccarone and Carrick grabbing one a piece, and hold on to your hats hammers fans, a brace from Repka! The Irons were rampant as the boys grabbed their biggest win so far this season, 7-0, the premiership dream lives on!

League Game (A) Vs Sunderland 15-10-03

An 11 day break before one of the bigger games of the season at the stadium of light. West Ham were in confident mood after their last outing but Sunderland started better with on loan signing Sinama-Pongolle of Liverpool opening the scoring for the black cats. 2-1 at half time with Maccarone getting on the score sheet for the hammers. Shortly after the restart Macccarone got the equaliser! Surely we would build on that an dgo for the 3 pts! Our joy was short-lived as Sunderland retook the lead on 51 minutes. It looked as if Sunderland were going to be the first team to beat West Ham in the league this season as fulltime was approaching far too rapidly! Then with seconds of added time left, up popped David Connolly with a last gasp equaliser which was literally the last action of the game! A rather fortuitous 3-3 draw!

League Game (H) Vs WBA 18-10-03

3 days later and another big game, at home to one of the favourites for promotion. Maacarone was on target again but the Albion pegged us back before half time. Second half saw the Baggies Bernt Haas (shouldn’t sit on the radiator!) sent off but West Ham just couldn’t take advantage in front of our biggest home crowd of the season so far. 1-1 the final score.


League Game (A) Vs Bradford City 25-10-03

Our last game of October saw the undefeated run of 11 games grind to a shuddering halt in the 9th minute with Kjell Andre Thu sent off rather harshly for a late tackle. We bravely battled on with 10 men until a breakaway in the 40th minute lead to the deciding goal for the Bantams. 1-0 and we at last taste the sour grapes of defeat in the Nationwide. A sad way to end the month that started so brightly!

retired_pdostie

Accrington’s 7th game of the season had them play at crown court Vs Telford. The first half showed very little action with only two poor shots that the Accrington keeper dealt with easily. The second half though was the opposite. Accrington took the lead through a Paul Scott goal after 51 mins after a superb Stanley move. Scott got his 5th goal of the season on 59 mins and sent Stanley into a 2-0 lead. The pick of the other action came when a Paul Cook 20 yard Free Kick went just wide of the Telford’s keeper’s left hand post.


It was Aldershot next for Stanley away at the recreation ground. Stanley took the lead after 15 mins for which then saw them concede 4 sloppy defensive goals and go down 4-1 with Scott getting a goal back on 75 mins giving them a slight chance of a come back.

Barnet away 0-2 Lost

A close game that came down to Barnet taking there chances and there keeper keeping out anything the Accrington strikers threw at him even carrying a slight injury.

Morecombe Home 3-1 Win

Two goals for in 4 mins just before half time put Stanley safely in the lead and a goal by Paul Cook on 62 to make it 3-0 secured the three points for Accrington. Morecombe did get a consolation goal on 78 mins but the best team won on the day.

Scarborough Away 1-4

A very poor performance by Accrington on a day that they never woke up, 8 mins is all that it took Scarborough to take the lead and it was all down hill from there. A high score line but an overall poor game with the team that wanted the points the most coming away with the victory.

Forest Green Home 2-0

A change of tactic by Jenkinson had an immediate impact. A more defensive tactic was used and the change was noticeable with the team having very few chance but unlike the previous games putting the chances away and keeping the Forest Green strikers quiet also.

Vs Margate 0-0

Not much to say about this game from a Stanley point of view. Very poor going forward, only managing 1 shot on target and worse defensively with only a Man of the match performance by the Stanley keeper Senior kept the Margate team out.

Vs Gloucester (FA cup 4th Qualifier round) 3-1

Jenkinson most important game in charge of Stanley had them traveling away to Gloucester. A win here in the FA cup qualifier would have Stanley into the FA cup first round for real. 3 goals in 30 mins for Stanley almost assured them of a place in the FA cup and a chance to show there talent against league opponents.

Vs Burton 2-1

Burton took the lead in this game with a soft goal when a corner floated in and stride leaped up ahead of the Stanley then hit back when Jackson rounded the keeper and slotted home the equalizer. Then at the death a cross by Armstrong and a superb strike by Lutel James put Stanley 2-1 up and securing the 3 points for Jenkinson men and pushed them up to 8th in the table.

Vs Woking 1-2

Two second half goals by Woking left them in a comfortable position after a poor first half by both teams. A volley from the edge of the area and a mistake by senior in the Accrington goal let Woking take the lead on 57 mins. Another soft goal from a corner put Woking firmly in control and heading to take all three points. Although bad positioning by the Woking keeper let Jackson get a late consolation goal.

retired_rover2clover

**Stevenage Borough Session Review**

Well October is now upon us, we have fought many battles already and also got many victories on the battlefields that we have crossed. Current form is looking very good and even the chairman is falling off his chair literally every game.

Sat 1.11.2003. Home vs Margate (league)

Having just come of a massive victory in the last game, the goals just kept coming, although leaving it till late in the second half our domination paid off as another cracking goal by Juliusson set the start of a rout in which Huckerby, Matthews and Humphreys all joined in to give us the victory and three vital points.

End Result : Stevenage 4 : 1 Margate

Tue 4.11.2003. Away vs Burton Albion (league)

This looked to be a very tough encounter as Burton were doing quite well of late, however, they somehow just completely lost their winning spirit as we strolled past with a solid performance and a good display of team work, the captain lead the way again, Juliusson scored another corker followed by the never ending scorer Humphreys bagging the other.

End Result : Stevenage 2 : 0 Burton Albion

Tue 8.11.2003. Home vs Wrexham (FA Cup 1st Round)

Not much to say at all about this game as it was a complete farce to put it quite frankly, a game we completely dominated and shots were raining in at the Wrexham goal, a superman goalie kept them out and Wrexham in the game for a replay.

End Result : Stevenage 0 : 0 Wrexham

Tue 12.11.2003. Away vs Farnborough (Vans Trophy)

If you get screwed, pick yourself up and get screwed again, certainly was the story of this game, once again, after complete domination and raining shots in at the Farnborough end, we finally scored from a penalty only for them to get an equaliser in the last minute of the match....how typical cm, it didnt stop there, in extra time, 5 one on ones were missed. When wanting to choose pen takers, the game just continued and nicely put 5 defenders up for taking pens, they didnt even have to take them as I already knew we are going out. Eventually we lost 3-2 on pens.....typical cm.

End Result : Stevenage 1 : 1 Farnborough (win on pens)

Tue 19.11.2003. Away vs Wrexham (FA Cup 1st Replay)

Well it would be York next at home for which ever side gets through, finally again after dominating we got a very lucky goal but who gives a **** when the game is screwing you, in the 90th minute Elding scored a cracking header to make us progress through to the 2nd round, Cook scored the first goal after making his comeback from injury.

End Result : Stevenage 2 : 1 Wrexham

Tue 22.11.2003. Home vs Woking (League game)

Having been frustrating with the cup games it was time the players let some of their anger out, they certainly did that and spanked Woking silly. A complete thrashing for the home fans to enjoy. Regular scorers were on the scoresheet again as Juliusson, Matthews and Humphreys all knocked the ball into the back of the net aswell did left back Vance Warner to score his first for the club.

End Result : Stevenage 4 : 0 Woking

Been a good performance yet again in the league and continuing our unbeaten winning streak yet more. With Matthews, Cook, Huckerby and Humphreys all playing absolutely fantastic its certainly looking good for more goals and more points. We currently have played 16 games in which we have scored 54 goals and only conceded 10 which makes me very happy as most teams have conceded a lot more than ourselfs.

Still in the FA Cup which makes me very happy although ****ed off about the Vans trophy game. Still cant have everything and we'll be looking to continue well in the FA Cup cos thats were the money is.

retired_pjscott64

November update

No longer unbeaten in the league, I can still hang on to my unbeaten at home record!

League Game (H) Vs Ipswich – 01-11-03

Having lost the unbeaten league record the team were determined to make some one pay, Partridge (2) Oskarsson and Maccarone all combined to make Ipswich pay for the indignity of West Hams first league defeat. Complete domination is the order of the day and the fans are reassured to see West Ham still top of the table after a stroll to an easy 4-0 win

League Game (A) Vs Gillingham – 5-11-03

West Ham seemed to be letting their recent away defeat play on their minds, although an early lead is taken by the hammers through a Maccarone 17th minute goal, and west ham appear to match Gillingham blow for blow, the gills mange to steal a 2-1 victory, although the hammers still hang on to top spot with WBA getting ever closer!


League Game (A) Vs Burnley –08-11-03

Another away game after two successive away defeats ! just what we need, but as luck would have it, its only Gazjuk’s beloved Burnley this time! Victory is all but in the bag, all we need to do is turn up and field the statutory numbers surely? Yes, 3-1 at Turf Moor to the Real claret & Blue see’s the hammers back to winning ways with Partridge getting 2 and Maccarone keeping his eye in with just the one, Robbie Blake banging one in off his arse as he falls over gives the “clarets” a tad of respectability, but not much!

League Game (H) Vs Millwall – 22-11-03

A very close game, No violence off the pitch for a change! Or on it! 0-0 a bore draw which see’s West Ham’s domination fail to pay. This slip up at home allows West Bromwich Albion to slip past into the top slot of Div1. West Ham no longer top!


League Game (H) Vs Preston – 26-11-03

Ter a drab draw, the hammers seemed to be in a comatose state of mind, awaking about 5 minutes from the end to grab an ill deserved 2-0 win with Maccarone slotting in 2 in the last 3 minutes!

League Game (A) Vs Derby– 29-11-03

A dull first half exploded into life in the second with Morris putting the Rams in front on 56 mins, but Connolly and Partridge responded to keep the Irons in touch at the top for a 2-1 win away.

retired_rover2clover

*#*#* Stevenage Daily News *#*#*


** The Big Game **

It was the the first meeting of Stevenage versus Accrington, both human managers are doing well in the conference on their limited budgets and their boards wanting both teams to just stay above the relegation zone.

Anyway lets get straight to the action, what for action it was, It was end to end stuff, Stevenage went from their end, straight to their opponents end.....and repeated it lots of time

With Accringtons keeper in no mans land most of the game it ended up with being a complete rout for us the league leaders, Huckerby scored a fantastic hattrick and other goals came from Humphreys and Munn added by a penalty from our captain and star midfielder Juliusson.

Full Time : Stevenage 6 - 0 Accrington

The other games went quite well too and we continued a unbeaten run in the league, a incredbile and very unbelievable 0-0 draw against Tamworth in which we had a massive 25shots on goal and didnt score, where as Tamworth never even registered a shot (SI GAMES, sort it out!!!). The other game saw us take on high flying Shrewsbury, we managed to defeat the shropshire side but we did leave it late, a 3-1 win saw Warner, Huckerby and Humphreys all come on the score lead.

It was also time for the FA CUP, it was the 2nd round and we had York as our opponents infront of the home fans, the players were certainly up for this and wanted to progress into round 3 and a big money tie, well they certainly performed as on loan striker Craig Coates bagged a brace in just his second game for the club, this was followed by another one from Matthews and the high flying captain Juliusson. The 3rd round draw was made and its an away trip to Crewe next.

A very good session for us, currently in 1st place in the conference with a massive 50+ goal difference, also managed to squeeze a small gap between myself and Dagenham to around 7pts.