Today the fact my team is 'non-league' hit home. Normally this would be a day when plans would be made for the forthcoming season. Where is the first game? When are the 'local' matches? And so on.
However we have to wait another 2 weeks before plans can be made. At that point, we'll find out exactly when we travel to Braintree, when our 'derby' with Southport is, and who we'll be facing first. Given we still only have 4 players signed up, it could be a tough first match, whoever we play.
-- Post From My iPhone
Friday 17 June 2011
Saturday 6 November 2010
(Relative) Highs & Lows
They say a week can be a long time in football, and this week has certainly been long. In the league, all the good work that lead to victory against Barnet and a draw at Lincoln evaporated in the face of two horror shows.
With the form County were showing, matches against Hereford (at the time bottom of the league) and Morecambe (4th bottom) should have yielded at least 2 points. As it was, they yielded nothing - except maybe significant (some would say terminal) damage to our goal difference. At any time, a 5-0 defeat is crushing, but to suffer two in a week can totally transform a team's season.
So, with this weekend being the first round proper of the FA Cup, you would think that would be a welcome distraction from the current troubles being experienced in the league. Or it would - if the visitors didn't happen to be high-flying and free-scoring Peterborough United from League 1.
Many fans had predicted that the match would be another heavy defeat, and there were loud murmurs that it was "pointless to turn up for another humiliation". Despite this, I boarded the 12:50 departure from Milton Keynes feeling slightly optimistic: today was FA Cup Day - a day for magic and maybe, just maybe - this could be County's day.
On arrival at Edgeley Park, it was apparent that the attendance was going to be fairly poor. The Cheadle End was sparsely populated, while there were very few people in either the Main Stand or the Pop Side. Even Peterborough didn't appear to have brought many along. As it was, the game kicked off in glorious autumn sunshine with most in the ground simply hoping for a decent performance.
And boy, did we get one.
From the off, County didn't let their higher league opponents have it all their own way. Tackles were snappy, and although the passing wasn't exactly crisp, it was certainly good to see County players finding each other as opposed to opponents. despite a scare when the lively Mackall-Smith had a chance for Peterborough smartly saved by Glennon, County created the better openings. As it was, County took the lead their battling performance deserved when smart play between Turnbull and Fletcher saw the latter play a great cross into the 6-yard box, where Griffin was waiting to head the ball home. That was County's first goal since Donnelly's second against Barnet - 4 matches ago. It was very nearly 2 moments later, when Poole should have done better when presented with an open goal. Moments later, a smart, curling effort from Williams looked to be heading for the top corner until Peterborough goalie Joe Lewis pulled off a spectacular save.
This seemed to spur Peterborough on, and they were gifted an equaliser when a hopeful cross into the 6-yard box was dropped by Glennon onto the head of the challenging Maclean and bobbled into the net. To their credit, rather then being subdued, County continued to work hard and certainly warranted the standing ovation that greeted the half-time whistle.
As darkness fell over Edgeley Park, the second half kicked-off with County attacking the Cheadle End. As with the first half, the match took on a real ebb-and-flow: County looking to press forward and use the pace and effort of Donnelly and Fletcher, while Peterborough were always looking dangerous on the break with their pacy forward line. Once again, Glennon saved County from going behind with another smart save from a Peterborough forward; but to be honest, this was the last, real effort that Peterborough seemed to have. County started to gain the upper hand, with chances falling to Fletcher, Turnbull and Griffin in quick succession. With the increasingly vocal backing of the home crowd, County continued to create decent opportunities but either stumbled with the final ball or found the killer touch was lacking. In the end, even the brief cameo by Barry Conlon failed to yield a wining goal. At the final whistle, the standing ovation was well warranted. County go into the hat for tomorrow's draw, but will have to get through a tricky replay before even dreaming of Round 2.
So - what were the highlights? Aside from a much improved, committed performance from County, much credit has to go to the 2,001 who attended. This is the lowest ever FA Cup crowd at Edgeley Park, but at times during the second half - particularly during the last 15 minutes - the noise was absolutely fantastic. At one point, the Cheadle End, Main Stand and Pop Side were all in unison with "Paul Simpson's Blue'n'White Army". Given all that has happened this week, that was great to hear.
On the pitch, Turnbull and Pulis finally seemed to impose themselves in midfield, while Griffin and Williams continued to link up well down the left. Donnelly was his usual busy self up front, ably assisted by Wes Fletcher - he may still be waiting for his first goal, but his effort and willingness to chase and close opponents down cannot be faulted. Glennon once again showed his value to the side; and his willingness to scream at Rose & Assoumani is a welcome change to the silence associated with Owain fon Williams. Choosing a man-of-the-match is really difficult, but I would probably go for Turnbull, who really played with a pride and passion befitting the captains armband.
All that's needed now is for the same pride, passion and commitment to be shown in the league - starting with next week's derby at Bury.
With the form County were showing, matches against Hereford (at the time bottom of the league) and Morecambe (4th bottom) should have yielded at least 2 points. As it was, they yielded nothing - except maybe significant (some would say terminal) damage to our goal difference. At any time, a 5-0 defeat is crushing, but to suffer two in a week can totally transform a team's season.
So, with this weekend being the first round proper of the FA Cup, you would think that would be a welcome distraction from the current troubles being experienced in the league. Or it would - if the visitors didn't happen to be high-flying and free-scoring Peterborough United from League 1.
Many fans had predicted that the match would be another heavy defeat, and there were loud murmurs that it was "pointless to turn up for another humiliation". Despite this, I boarded the 12:50 departure from Milton Keynes feeling slightly optimistic: today was FA Cup Day - a day for magic and maybe, just maybe - this could be County's day.
On arrival at Edgeley Park, it was apparent that the attendance was going to be fairly poor. The Cheadle End was sparsely populated, while there were very few people in either the Main Stand or the Pop Side. Even Peterborough didn't appear to have brought many along. As it was, the game kicked off in glorious autumn sunshine with most in the ground simply hoping for a decent performance.
And boy, did we get one.
From the off, County didn't let their higher league opponents have it all their own way. Tackles were snappy, and although the passing wasn't exactly crisp, it was certainly good to see County players finding each other as opposed to opponents. despite a scare when the lively Mackall-Smith had a chance for Peterborough smartly saved by Glennon, County created the better openings. As it was, County took the lead their battling performance deserved when smart play between Turnbull and Fletcher saw the latter play a great cross into the 6-yard box, where Griffin was waiting to head the ball home. That was County's first goal since Donnelly's second against Barnet - 4 matches ago. It was very nearly 2 moments later, when Poole should have done better when presented with an open goal. Moments later, a smart, curling effort from Williams looked to be heading for the top corner until Peterborough goalie Joe Lewis pulled off a spectacular save.
This seemed to spur Peterborough on, and they were gifted an equaliser when a hopeful cross into the 6-yard box was dropped by Glennon onto the head of the challenging Maclean and bobbled into the net. To their credit, rather then being subdued, County continued to work hard and certainly warranted the standing ovation that greeted the half-time whistle.
As darkness fell over Edgeley Park, the second half kicked-off with County attacking the Cheadle End. As with the first half, the match took on a real ebb-and-flow: County looking to press forward and use the pace and effort of Donnelly and Fletcher, while Peterborough were always looking dangerous on the break with their pacy forward line. Once again, Glennon saved County from going behind with another smart save from a Peterborough forward; but to be honest, this was the last, real effort that Peterborough seemed to have. County started to gain the upper hand, with chances falling to Fletcher, Turnbull and Griffin in quick succession. With the increasingly vocal backing of the home crowd, County continued to create decent opportunities but either stumbled with the final ball or found the killer touch was lacking. In the end, even the brief cameo by Barry Conlon failed to yield a wining goal. At the final whistle, the standing ovation was well warranted. County go into the hat for tomorrow's draw, but will have to get through a tricky replay before even dreaming of Round 2.
So - what were the highlights? Aside from a much improved, committed performance from County, much credit has to go to the 2,001 who attended. This is the lowest ever FA Cup crowd at Edgeley Park, but at times during the second half - particularly during the last 15 minutes - the noise was absolutely fantastic. At one point, the Cheadle End, Main Stand and Pop Side were all in unison with "Paul Simpson's Blue'n'White Army". Given all that has happened this week, that was great to hear.
On the pitch, Turnbull and Pulis finally seemed to impose themselves in midfield, while Griffin and Williams continued to link up well down the left. Donnelly was his usual busy self up front, ably assisted by Wes Fletcher - he may still be waiting for his first goal, but his effort and willingness to chase and close opponents down cannot be faulted. Glennon once again showed his value to the side; and his willingness to scream at Rose & Assoumani is a welcome change to the silence associated with Owain fon Williams. Choosing a man-of-the-match is really difficult, but I would probably go for Turnbull, who really played with a pride and passion befitting the captains armband.
All that's needed now is for the same pride, passion and commitment to be shown in the league - starting with next week's derby at Bury.
Sunday 17 October 2010
A Different Perspective
Firstly, a big apology for the lack of updates over the past couple of weeks. I blame it on the shock of seeing County grind out a win at Oxford United. Since that day, County had 2 successive 2-2 draws at home (against Aldershot and Accrington - on both occasions recovering from 2-0 deficits). County being County however, they then went on to lose the next 2 games (away at Burton and Gillingham) 2-1. Once again, gifting the opposition 2 goal starts before coming back. The latter result (vs. Gillingham) was the weekend of my birthday, so the result wasn't one of the greatest of presents I've ever had.
This weekend saw Barnet make the long trip northwest for what was already being marked as an early season "6 pointer". Barnet have had an awful start to the season (losing 7-0 at Crewe being the lowest of several lowpoints) and occupy the second relegation spot in League 2. County were only 2 points (and 5 places) above Barnet, and the combination of poor recent form and no home win this season was starting to see the pressure mount. In fact, County haven't won at home for 24 games (7 months) and I personally hadn't seen a home win since late 2008!
On my way up to the match, it suddenly struck me that Barnet are the opponents I've seen face County the most times (5 including this meeting). Once again, I've yet to see County beat Barnet, and the last (and only) previous encounter I'd seen at Edgeley was a chastening 4-2 defeat (also around my birthday). So, you can probably understand my trepidation as I boarded the train from Birmingham to Stockport. Once again, arrival at Stockport meant a quick dash to the market - this time with an additional order (from Mum) for some Cheshire - before heading up to the ground.
For this game, I decided to move away from the traditional ritual and try something new. So, instead of taking my place in the Cheadle End, I thought I'd give the Main Stand a try. It's not too bad, a fairly shallow rake, padded seats and with the exception of the odd pillar, a decent view of the pitch. It also puts you within perfect earshot of both home and away dugouts (always good for a chuckle).
As the teams came out onto the (still green) Edgeley Park pitch, hope started to rise that today might just be the day when the poor home run would end. Within 5 minutes of the start however, that hope was firmly replaced by the "Here we go again" feeling so typical of recent home games. Stockport were awful, and Barnet - despite being on top - were not much better themselves. I'm seriously struggling to think of a major incident in that first 45 minutes - if you thought it was bad at Oxford, this was worse, much worse. As if to wake us up in time for a half time drink, Barnet managed to miss an open goal from pretty much on the line. Surely the second half would be better?
It was. Only it wasn't easy (is it ever when County ar involved?). Barely 30 seconds into the half, Barnet took the lead after some frankly rubbish defending. Stil feeling slightly dozy after the first half "exertions", the County defence allowed the Barnet forward all the time he needed to guide the ball home. The Barnet bench went wild, the players went wild, so did the 92 away fans scattered behind the goal. Everyone else just rolled their eyes and wondered just what had they let themselves in for.
As has been a common theme of recent County games, going a goal behind seemed to wake County up; suddenly there was a lot more energy and drive about the players. Where a sideways or backwards pass had been played in the first half, players were looking to get the ball forwards. Ultimately the breakthrough came courtesy of that man Donnelly. Receiving a throw deep in the Barnet half, he made his way to the edge of the area and with nothing else on, unleashed a piledriver of a shot. This beat the keeper, hit the near post, span towards the far post and then trickled into the net. Another comeback goal, and another opportunity for the "Sign him up" chat to start.
This visibly lifted the team and fans, and County started to exert themselves a little bit more. Debutant Fletcher almost scored from a Assoumani cross, while Anthony Pulis tried in vain with several efforts from the edge of the area; all just lacking that bit of pace or placement to beat the Barnet goalie.
To freshen things up, Jake Simpson and Adam Griffin were replaced by Cameron Darkwah (making his 1st team debut) and Danny Rowe. Within 5 minutes, something rare happened - County went ahead at home! Antony Pulis' cross from the right was met by a crowd of players, with Robbie Williams on hand to stab the ball home (albeit at the third attempt). Williams promptly disappeared under a mound of teammates, while supporters finally dared to dream- could it really be about to happen?
Barnet, to their credit tried to get back level, but were caught on the counter when Donnelly muscled past the last defender and smashed the ball home. However it wasn't to be, the referee ruling the goal out for an earlier foul. In the end it didn't matter, the final whistle being met by a cheer more in keeping with a win to seal promotion. For the first time in 7 months, County had a home win to celebrate. It wasn't pretty, but it was well worth the wait.
Overall, I was really impressed with Assoumani (named MoM), Fletcher, and - of course - Donnelly. Quite frankly without his goals, County would be in deep trouble and it's fair to say they could face a fight to keep him once the loan period expires in January. Assoumani was superb - wining most of the challenges he had to make, and displaying some fantastic close control to win a corner from a seemingly lost cause. His cross for Fletcher was excellent - and Flecther himself certainly looks a better prospect than Proctor ever did (you would never have really known he only joined on Friday). Darkwah also belied his age, snapping into challenges and always looking for a positive run. He could be another one from the Cunty production line to make a first team impact.
This match marked the start of a run of games against teams currently below County in the table, and a golden opportunity to move clear of the relegation dogfight. saying that, County are one of several teams on 14 points, just 4 off a place in the play-offs. A run of results like that in September could be really useful now, however a second supply of goals could do with being found - our over reliance on Donnelly is worrying; one over-zealous challenge from a defender could leave a long, hard winter ahead.
But let's leave the worries for another day. Today is about celebrating a long overdue home win. Let's just hope we don't have to wait quite as long for the next one....
County Line up:
Glennon, Lynch, Williams, Swailes, Assoumani, Turnbull, Pulis, Simpson (Darkwah 60), Griffin (Rowe 78), Donnelly, Fletcher
Subs: Fon Williams, Tansey, Conlon, Rowe, Fisher, Darkwah
Goals: Donnelly (52), Williams (79)
Attendance: 4,177 (Away fans: 92).
This weekend saw Barnet make the long trip northwest for what was already being marked as an early season "6 pointer". Barnet have had an awful start to the season (losing 7-0 at Crewe being the lowest of several lowpoints) and occupy the second relegation spot in League 2. County were only 2 points (and 5 places) above Barnet, and the combination of poor recent form and no home win this season was starting to see the pressure mount. In fact, County haven't won at home for 24 games (7 months) and I personally hadn't seen a home win since late 2008!
On my way up to the match, it suddenly struck me that Barnet are the opponents I've seen face County the most times (5 including this meeting). Once again, I've yet to see County beat Barnet, and the last (and only) previous encounter I'd seen at Edgeley was a chastening 4-2 defeat (also around my birthday). So, you can probably understand my trepidation as I boarded the train from Birmingham to Stockport. Once again, arrival at Stockport meant a quick dash to the market - this time with an additional order (from Mum) for some Cheshire - before heading up to the ground.
For this game, I decided to move away from the traditional ritual and try something new. So, instead of taking my place in the Cheadle End, I thought I'd give the Main Stand a try. It's not too bad, a fairly shallow rake, padded seats and with the exception of the odd pillar, a decent view of the pitch. It also puts you within perfect earshot of both home and away dugouts (always good for a chuckle).
As the teams came out onto the (still green) Edgeley Park pitch, hope started to rise that today might just be the day when the poor home run would end. Within 5 minutes of the start however, that hope was firmly replaced by the "Here we go again" feeling so typical of recent home games. Stockport were awful, and Barnet - despite being on top - were not much better themselves. I'm seriously struggling to think of a major incident in that first 45 minutes - if you thought it was bad at Oxford, this was worse, much worse. As if to wake us up in time for a half time drink, Barnet managed to miss an open goal from pretty much on the line. Surely the second half would be better?
It was. Only it wasn't easy (is it ever when County ar involved?). Barely 30 seconds into the half, Barnet took the lead after some frankly rubbish defending. Stil feeling slightly dozy after the first half "exertions", the County defence allowed the Barnet forward all the time he needed to guide the ball home. The Barnet bench went wild, the players went wild, so did the 92 away fans scattered behind the goal. Everyone else just rolled their eyes and wondered just what had they let themselves in for.
As has been a common theme of recent County games, going a goal behind seemed to wake County up; suddenly there was a lot more energy and drive about the players. Where a sideways or backwards pass had been played in the first half, players were looking to get the ball forwards. Ultimately the breakthrough came courtesy of that man Donnelly. Receiving a throw deep in the Barnet half, he made his way to the edge of the area and with nothing else on, unleashed a piledriver of a shot. This beat the keeper, hit the near post, span towards the far post and then trickled into the net. Another comeback goal, and another opportunity for the "Sign him up" chat to start.
This visibly lifted the team and fans, and County started to exert themselves a little bit more. Debutant Fletcher almost scored from a Assoumani cross, while Anthony Pulis tried in vain with several efforts from the edge of the area; all just lacking that bit of pace or placement to beat the Barnet goalie.
To freshen things up, Jake Simpson and Adam Griffin were replaced by Cameron Darkwah (making his 1st team debut) and Danny Rowe. Within 5 minutes, something rare happened - County went ahead at home! Antony Pulis' cross from the right was met by a crowd of players, with Robbie Williams on hand to stab the ball home (albeit at the third attempt). Williams promptly disappeared under a mound of teammates, while supporters finally dared to dream- could it really be about to happen?
Barnet, to their credit tried to get back level, but were caught on the counter when Donnelly muscled past the last defender and smashed the ball home. However it wasn't to be, the referee ruling the goal out for an earlier foul. In the end it didn't matter, the final whistle being met by a cheer more in keeping with a win to seal promotion. For the first time in 7 months, County had a home win to celebrate. It wasn't pretty, but it was well worth the wait.
Overall, I was really impressed with Assoumani (named MoM), Fletcher, and - of course - Donnelly. Quite frankly without his goals, County would be in deep trouble and it's fair to say they could face a fight to keep him once the loan period expires in January. Assoumani was superb - wining most of the challenges he had to make, and displaying some fantastic close control to win a corner from a seemingly lost cause. His cross for Fletcher was excellent - and Flecther himself certainly looks a better prospect than Proctor ever did (you would never have really known he only joined on Friday). Darkwah also belied his age, snapping into challenges and always looking for a positive run. He could be another one from the Cunty production line to make a first team impact.
This match marked the start of a run of games against teams currently below County in the table, and a golden opportunity to move clear of the relegation dogfight. saying that, County are one of several teams on 14 points, just 4 off a place in the play-offs. A run of results like that in September could be really useful now, however a second supply of goals could do with being found - our over reliance on Donnelly is worrying; one over-zealous challenge from a defender could leave a long, hard winter ahead.
But let's leave the worries for another day. Today is about celebrating a long overdue home win. Let's just hope we don't have to wait quite as long for the next one....
County Line up:
Glennon, Lynch, Williams, Swailes, Assoumani, Turnbull, Pulis, Simpson (Darkwah 60), Griffin (Rowe 78), Donnelly, Fletcher
Subs: Fon Williams, Tansey, Conlon, Rowe, Fisher, Darkwah
Goals: Donnelly (52), Williams (79)
Attendance: 4,177 (Away fans: 92).
Saturday 11 September 2010
Hope springs eternal
Ok. So the blue skies didn't last long. After a quick dash into town (Carol's Cheeses for the latest batch of Cheshire & Stilton), it was a dash to avoid the downpour. Sadly I failed, arriving at Edgeley Park feeling (and looking) rather soggy.
Thus far, the biggest cheer of the day has greeted the sight of Alex Ferguson after Everton's 2 injury time goals snatch a draw from the jaws of United victory. For once there is a buzz in the stadium, and not just because of the fate befalling the red side of Manchester. Even the flags are back in the Cheadle End! Just goes to show the effect a win can have on supporters as well as players.
What's nice is that there is a decent crowd today (4277), with a fair number from Bradford. Throughout the game there has been a bit of noise around Edgeley Park, the first time in a long time that that has happened.
Sadly, we've only got a point from the game, when a little bit of composure (at both ends) would - and probably should - have seen another 3 points in the bag. Sadly, Bradford easily weathered the County pressure (if not the torrential downpour), and took the lead just after half time. A hopeful long ball caught the County defence at sea. A slip by the to this point solid Assoumani saw the Bradford player clean through on goal. One square ball across the 6 yard box later, Bradford were 1-0 up against the run of play. Cue wild celebrations in the rain for those in amber & claret; rueful shakes of the head for those in blue & white.
However, County - rather than buckling - pressed for the equaliser. Donnelly, Proctor ( who to be fair did well when replacing the woeful Conlon), Vincent & Tansey all had efforts either charged down or narrowly wide. As time wore on and County's final ball became slightly more desperate, the breakthrough came. A brilliant short corner caught Bradford out, and Griffin's pinpoint cross enabled Donnelly to bundle the ball home. A deserved equaliser and more to the point, the first goal at home for a long time.
After that point, Bradford seemed to settle for the point while a bouyant County pressed for a winner. Again, a frustrating lack of movement and poor final ball tended to end promising moves.
For once, County recovered from going a goal down and showed real character. It helped that the crowd - although frustrated by the slow final ball - kept behind the team. Assoumani made a single mistake in the whole match and got punished, but didn't let that get to him. Vincent was excellent in the "defensive midfield" role and rightly won man of the match. The only disappointment was Conlon: his substitution was greeted by cheers such was his obvious lack of effort.
On the train home I'm encouraged by the performance, if a bit disappointed over the final result. At least I can now say I've seen a goal for County at Edgeley; just need that elusive win now...
-- Post From My iPhone
Thus far, the biggest cheer of the day has greeted the sight of Alex Ferguson after Everton's 2 injury time goals snatch a draw from the jaws of United victory. For once there is a buzz in the stadium, and not just because of the fate befalling the red side of Manchester. Even the flags are back in the Cheadle End! Just goes to show the effect a win can have on supporters as well as players.
What's nice is that there is a decent crowd today (4277), with a fair number from Bradford. Throughout the game there has been a bit of noise around Edgeley Park, the first time in a long time that that has happened.
Sadly, we've only got a point from the game, when a little bit of composure (at both ends) would - and probably should - have seen another 3 points in the bag. Sadly, Bradford easily weathered the County pressure (if not the torrential downpour), and took the lead just after half time. A hopeful long ball caught the County defence at sea. A slip by the to this point solid Assoumani saw the Bradford player clean through on goal. One square ball across the 6 yard box later, Bradford were 1-0 up against the run of play. Cue wild celebrations in the rain for those in amber & claret; rueful shakes of the head for those in blue & white.
However, County - rather than buckling - pressed for the equaliser. Donnelly, Proctor ( who to be fair did well when replacing the woeful Conlon), Vincent & Tansey all had efforts either charged down or narrowly wide. As time wore on and County's final ball became slightly more desperate, the breakthrough came. A brilliant short corner caught Bradford out, and Griffin's pinpoint cross enabled Donnelly to bundle the ball home. A deserved equaliser and more to the point, the first goal at home for a long time.
After that point, Bradford seemed to settle for the point while a bouyant County pressed for a winner. Again, a frustrating lack of movement and poor final ball tended to end promising moves.
For once, County recovered from going a goal down and showed real character. It helped that the crowd - although frustrated by the slow final ball - kept behind the team. Assoumani made a single mistake in the whole match and got punished, but didn't let that get to him. Vincent was excellent in the "defensive midfield" role and rightly won man of the match. The only disappointment was Conlon: his substitution was greeted by cheers such was his obvious lack of effort.
On the train home I'm encouraged by the performance, if a bit disappointed over the final result. At least I can now say I've seen a goal for County at Edgeley; just need that elusive win now...
-- Post From My iPhone
Rain, rain, go away!
This doesn't look terribly promising. I'm just south of Macclesfield on the train to Stockport and the heavens have opened. What's worse, the wind direction looks like it's blowing from the east: in other words, straight into the faces of those in the Cheadle End (i.e., me). Mind you, the away fans won't fare much better, at least the home fans have a roof!
Speaking of away fans, today should see a sizeable following from our cross-Pennine opponents Bradford.
Bradford have so far failed to live up to the billing of pre-season promotion favourites. Mind you, they've failed to love up to that billing for a few years now. Just goes to prove that gates of 10,000 don't necessarily equate to success. So far they've struggled to get results, and could probably do with a win today to kick start the season.
County on the other hand are looking to win successive games for the first time in, well, a very long time.
So it could be a tense affair. Or it could follow the trend of previous matches against Bradford in being a thriller (if not necessarily high scoring). Either way, County need a result to build on last weeks defeat of Macclesfield, so I'll stick my neck out and say home win. As I say this, here comes the Sun; must be an omen!
-- Post From My iPhone
Speaking of away fans, today should see a sizeable following from our cross-Pennine opponents Bradford.
Bradford have so far failed to live up to the billing of pre-season promotion favourites. Mind you, they've failed to love up to that billing for a few years now. Just goes to prove that gates of 10,000 don't necessarily equate to success. So far they've struggled to get results, and could probably do with a win today to kick start the season.
County on the other hand are looking to win successive games for the first time in, well, a very long time.
So it could be a tense affair. Or it could follow the trend of previous matches against Bradford in being a thriller (if not necessarily high scoring). Either way, County need a result to build on last weeks defeat of Macclesfield, so I'll stick my neck out and say home win. As I say this, here comes the Sun; must be an omen!
-- Post From My iPhone
Monday 6 September 2010
Miracle at Moss Rose
Yyyyyyeeeeesssss!!
Finally after 6 months of waiting, County fans can finally celebrate a win. The performance wasn't necessarily great and Macclesfield were terrible, but a win is a win, especially against your local rivals.
Paul Simpson made a brave decision by giving Matt Glennon his debut in place of OFW, and brought Matt Mainwaring (now recovered from his horrific broken leg) into the midfield alongside Tansey, Turnbull and Vincent. Fellow new signing Josh Simpson started on the bench.
Once again, details on the match are fairly sketchy (neither the BBC nor Sky deemed the game important enough for extensive coverage) so the first I was aware of any excitement was just before half time. George Donnelly - who up until this point is the only player to score for us this season - picked the ball up wide on the left, cut inside (beating 4 Macclesfield defenders in the process) and hit a low shot into the far corner. Cue mass celebration amongst the massed County supporters behind the goal.
Early in the second half, Glennon made an instant bid for hero status amongst the fans. Normally the award of a rather dubious penalty (following a 'foul' by Assoumani) against County leads to inevitable capitulation. On this occasion however, Glennon saved the (admittedly terrible) penalty to preserve County's slender lead. Furthermore, the next goal was scored by County (at the right end thankfully); Assoumani lashing the ball home from 6 yards out following a Griffin free kick. 2-0 to County, when was the last time that happened?
Despite some rather nervous moments (and woeful finishing from the Macclesfield forwards), the final whistle finally blew to confirm the first 3 point haul for the season. What's more, the spectre of a 19 game winless run had been ended, lifting County to the heady heights of 16th in League 2.
If I was being harsh, I'd be worried Donnelly is our only real goal threat; that the midfield still looks as tough as a limp lettuce; or that a hint of accuracy from Macclesfield would have converted some of the many chances they created. But that would be wrong: a win is a win no matter how it comes, and it's about time County had one to celebrate. The hard part now is building on it: we can't afford to wait another 6 months for the next one!
-- Post From My iPhone
Finally after 6 months of waiting, County fans can finally celebrate a win. The performance wasn't necessarily great and Macclesfield were terrible, but a win is a win, especially against your local rivals.
Paul Simpson made a brave decision by giving Matt Glennon his debut in place of OFW, and brought Matt Mainwaring (now recovered from his horrific broken leg) into the midfield alongside Tansey, Turnbull and Vincent. Fellow new signing Josh Simpson started on the bench.
Once again, details on the match are fairly sketchy (neither the BBC nor Sky deemed the game important enough for extensive coverage) so the first I was aware of any excitement was just before half time. George Donnelly - who up until this point is the only player to score for us this season - picked the ball up wide on the left, cut inside (beating 4 Macclesfield defenders in the process) and hit a low shot into the far corner. Cue mass celebration amongst the massed County supporters behind the goal.
Early in the second half, Glennon made an instant bid for hero status amongst the fans. Normally the award of a rather dubious penalty (following a 'foul' by Assoumani) against County leads to inevitable capitulation. On this occasion however, Glennon saved the (admittedly terrible) penalty to preserve County's slender lead. Furthermore, the next goal was scored by County (at the right end thankfully); Assoumani lashing the ball home from 6 yards out following a Griffin free kick. 2-0 to County, when was the last time that happened?
Despite some rather nervous moments (and woeful finishing from the Macclesfield forwards), the final whistle finally blew to confirm the first 3 point haul for the season. What's more, the spectre of a 19 game winless run had been ended, lifting County to the heady heights of 16th in League 2.
If I was being harsh, I'd be worried Donnelly is our only real goal threat; that the midfield still looks as tough as a limp lettuce; or that a hint of accuracy from Macclesfield would have converted some of the many chances they created. But that would be wrong: a win is a win no matter how it comes, and it's about time County had one to celebrate. The hard part now is building on it: we can't afford to wait another 6 months for the next one!
-- Post From My iPhone
Saturday 4 September 2010
Derby Day
SCFC vs. Macclesfield Town
Moss Rose, 3pm
Today is one of those dates most keenly looked for in the footballing calendar; a meeting with a local rival. In this case, County make the relatively short trip to Macclesfield for a game that bears more significance than who has the local bragging rights.
Almost 4 years ago, County were well and truly demolished 6-0 in this fixture, leaving us rock bottom of League 2 and staring non-league football in the face. What happened afterwards is a tale of returning heroes, epic last day survival, record breaking runs (for the right reasons) and eventually, promotion. We've since paid the price for that high, and now return to Moss Rose once again occupying one of the relegation spots (yes, I know there have only been 4 games played).
This is one of those games we have to win. Not only would the 3 points be very welcome, but also as a means of exorcising the ghosts of that 6-0 defeat. It would also help erase another painful memory for County fans. Unable to play an FA Cup tie at Edgeley Park due to pitch conditions last year, we ended up playing "at home" to Torquay at Moss Rose. As if playing a home tie on someone else's ground wasn't bad enough, we lost 4-0 to a side near the bottom of League 2 (ok, we were bottom of League 1 at the time, but that really was unacceptable).
What is quite positive today is that we have 3 (yes, three) new signings eligible to play. Robbie Williams I've mentioned previously, while yesterday, goalie Matt Glennon and midfielder Josh Simpson were signed up. For a long time we've been without decent cover for OFW in goal, and Simpson - despite being so young- does seem to have a bit more experience about him than our current midfielders. Hopefully they will have a positive impact both in terms of results and team morale.
I'm quietly confident today that we can get something from the game. Last weeks non-performance obviously hurt everyone, and I suspect nothing less than a whole hearted, battling performance will be accepted by Paul Simpson or the fans. Lets face it, if you can't motivate yourself for a derby game, there really is no hope. If we can get that, we certainly stand a decent chance of gaining that elusive first win.
-- Post From My iPhone
Moss Rose, 3pm
Today is one of those dates most keenly looked for in the footballing calendar; a meeting with a local rival. In this case, County make the relatively short trip to Macclesfield for a game that bears more significance than who has the local bragging rights.
Almost 4 years ago, County were well and truly demolished 6-0 in this fixture, leaving us rock bottom of League 2 and staring non-league football in the face. What happened afterwards is a tale of returning heroes, epic last day survival, record breaking runs (for the right reasons) and eventually, promotion. We've since paid the price for that high, and now return to Moss Rose once again occupying one of the relegation spots (yes, I know there have only been 4 games played).
This is one of those games we have to win. Not only would the 3 points be very welcome, but also as a means of exorcising the ghosts of that 6-0 defeat. It would also help erase another painful memory for County fans. Unable to play an FA Cup tie at Edgeley Park due to pitch conditions last year, we ended up playing "at home" to Torquay at Moss Rose. As if playing a home tie on someone else's ground wasn't bad enough, we lost 4-0 to a side near the bottom of League 2 (ok, we were bottom of League 1 at the time, but that really was unacceptable).
What is quite positive today is that we have 3 (yes, three) new signings eligible to play. Robbie Williams I've mentioned previously, while yesterday, goalie Matt Glennon and midfielder Josh Simpson were signed up. For a long time we've been without decent cover for OFW in goal, and Simpson - despite being so young- does seem to have a bit more experience about him than our current midfielders. Hopefully they will have a positive impact both in terms of results and team morale.
I'm quietly confident today that we can get something from the game. Last weeks non-performance obviously hurt everyone, and I suspect nothing less than a whole hearted, battling performance will be accepted by Paul Simpson or the fans. Lets face it, if you can't motivate yourself for a derby game, there really is no hope. If we can get that, we certainly stand a decent chance of gaining that elusive first win.
-- Post From My iPhone
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