Saturday 17th November 2001, FAC Round 1
Brigg Town’s brave FA Cup run ended today at cup graveyard Prenton Park. It was certainly no disgrace for Brigg, as the gulf in class between the two teams separated by five divisions, told in the end.
As you would expect Tranmere started the better of the two sides and in the ninth minute Rovers new signing Jason Price stole in following Gareth Roberts good work down the left had side. Brigg Town keeper Steve Jordan was more an equal to this and parried the ball to safety.
Tranmere’s early possession was rewarded soon after. Nineteen minutes into the game the home side took the lead. Veteran striker Paul Rideout, holder of a cup winner’s medal from his time over the water with Everton, was fouled on the edge of the box. From the resulting free-kick, new boy Alan Navarro stepped up to curl the ball into the back of the net, to make it one – nil to Tranmere.
Two minutes later, Navarro almost doubled his contribution to the game, when he dispossessed the Brigg back-line. He managed to fire in a shot but this was blocked by the visitor’s keeper.
These chances seemed to spur on the nervous looking Brigg Town and on 25 minutes they should really have equalised. Phill Rowland skipped down the right – his cross, found Simon Roach, Brigg’s hero of the last round. But his header had no pace and was gathered by the grateful Tranmere keeper Joe Murphy. A minute later Murphy had to alert when Steve Carter struck a long-range effort, but this was dealt with competently dealt with by the home keeper.
Brigg’s travelling support saw calls for a penalty turned down on the half hour mark, when Danny Hope, was seemingly felled, by Tranmere defender Graham Allen. The travelling fans had to make do with a corner instead.
Tranmere boss Dave Watson had obviously seen enough at this point – and left his position in the stands. This no doubt prompted the renaissance for the remainder of the second half.
After the break again Tranmere started the better of the two sides and after 48minutes they almost doubled their lead, when Stuart Barlow reacted the quickest to Paul Rideout’s flick on. Again the visitor’s keeper excelled himself by turning the ball around the post for a corner.
Just before the hour mark, Rovers lively new midfielder Jason Price gathered the ball outside the area; he beat two men but could only drill his shot into the side netting.
Tranmere’s fitness was beginning to tell at this point with Brigg unable to get a foothold into the game in the second half. It was inevitable that Tranmere would score and when they did it was no surprise who would score it.
The goal that broke Brigg hearts came on 64 minutes following good work down the right by Steve Yates. Yates’ cross found Price unmarked, his header was superbly saved by Jordan, unfortunately for him the ball fell kindly for the Tranmere man Price and he fired home to make it two – nil.
There was seemingly no way back for Brigg. Their task was made even greater after 76 minutes when Seyni N’Diaye burst through the visibly tiring Brigg back line. N’Diaye reached the by-line, where he back heeled the ball to Price who made the score three – nil.
Almost immediately Brigg grabbed themselves a consolation goal when substitute James Leech fired a curling shot past Murphy in the Tranmere goal. This capped a meteoric rise for the undergraduate from Leeds University, who up until three weeks ago was playing parks football.
With the game virtually over there was time for Tranmere to add to there total with three minutes to go when Sean Flynn unleashed an unstoppable shot from thirty-five yards past Steve Jordan, who had excelled himself despite conceding four goals. A minute later Jordan pulled of a remarkable point blank save to deny Stuart Barlow from close range.
So Briggs FA Cup odyssey is over, but what a great run it has been. After the game Ralph Clayton reflected on what might have been,
“ I really enjoyed today’s game. The reception we got from Tranmere was great. I’m really proud of them and my players.” Dave Watson the Tranmere manager paid tribute to the Brigg Town team “All credit to them in the first half they played some good football, but I felt second half we got to know them a little better. All credit to Brigg this was their day”
ATT – 7693
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Saturday, November 17, 2001
Tuesday, October 30, 2001
Southport 2 Marine 1
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round, Replay, Tuesday 30th October 2001
Southport booked a place in the first round proper of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Marine at the second time of asking. The Sandgrounders were made to work hard for their win, by a spirited Marine side that battled hard over the two games, and almost forced today’s game into extra time.
The Merseyside area had been treated to barmy summer like conditions all day, so it was no surprise that the referees whistle would herald storm like weather conditions, which forced the Marine fans on the open terrace, behind the goal, to run for the shelter of the covered main stand.
Southport made three changes from the side that disappointed at the weekend. Back came centre back John Robertson, who announced his return from suspension with an early booking. Like Saturday, it was Southport who started the better of the two sides and seven minutes into the game they almost took the lead when Neil Grayston’s cross from the left, found Simon Parke unmarked who narrowly fired wide of the goal. Six minutes later Parke rattled the cross bar with a header from Chris Lanes cross from the right.
Chris Clarke in Marine goal had to be alert on 14 minutes, when he saved a speculative effort from Port’s Tony Sullivan. Given the conditions had taken a turn for the worse this was a smart save from Clarke, at the foot of the post to his left.
The conditions almost played a part in Marines best chance of the game so far. 22 minutes into the game, Richie Townsend’s cross-eluded everyone in the Southport back line. Kevin Formby stole in to fire a shot that was well saved by Steve Dickinson in the Southport goal.
A minute later though Southport got the goal that there, first half pressure had deserved. Sullivan took the free kick near the half way line to Chris lane, whose cross-found defender Barry Jones who rifled his shot from the edge past the despairing dive of Clarke.
Credit to Marine, like Saturday they responded to going a goal down took the game to Southport. Nine minutes before half-time a chance went begging for Marine, when the Townsend, John Morgan or Kevin Formby never took the responsibility to convert Jon Gautrey’s cross.
The second half started with Marine continuing to search for that elusive goal and three minutes in Michael Douglas’ long ball into the box found John Morgan who turned and fired narrowly wide of the goal. Marine were frustrated in their efforts in finding a goal, in the second half. For all their possession they lacked that killer pass that could break down the effective Southport back line
Southport’s Simon Parke was further frustrated by a combination of the post and the Marine keeper Clarke, following Chris Lanes right wing corner.
Out of nothing Southport increased their lead on 71 minutes when Lee Elam dispossessed centre back Steve Rimmer. He skipped past two men but was brilliantly tackled by Gautrey. However, Elam’s follow up shot cannoned off a Marine defender and the ball fell to Steve Jones whose shot was deflected past the unlucky Clarke from the edge of the box.
Roly Howard’s plucky Marine side showed their usual strength of character and almost grabbed a foothold back into the game two minutes later. How Morgan didn’t score god only knows. It was a similar chance to that of Simon Parke earlier in the half. Again a combination of the post and the keeper’s agility denied Marine.
Marines never say die attitude brought them a late consolation goal, when a quickly taken free kick by substitute Neil Black, was turned into his own net by John Robertson. It was all in vein the visitors were left to rue earlier mistakes. Southport just about shaded it tonight but Marine was left to contemplate what might have been.
Manger Roly Howard summed up his feelings by stating “The team has played well and done us proud over the two games. We gave as good as we got in both games. We let ourselves down a little with the number of chances we failed to put away and we’ve got to put that right”
Southport’s under pressure manager Phil Wilson was certainly a very relieved man at the final whistle. “I felt we deserved tonight’s victory. It’s certainly important for us to be in the next round of the cup. Its certainly hard at this stage of the competition as the eight conference sides eliminated at the weekend will testify”
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Southport booked a place in the first round proper of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Marine at the second time of asking. The Sandgrounders were made to work hard for their win, by a spirited Marine side that battled hard over the two games, and almost forced today’s game into extra time.
The Merseyside area had been treated to barmy summer like conditions all day, so it was no surprise that the referees whistle would herald storm like weather conditions, which forced the Marine fans on the open terrace, behind the goal, to run for the shelter of the covered main stand.
Southport made three changes from the side that disappointed at the weekend. Back came centre back John Robertson, who announced his return from suspension with an early booking. Like Saturday, it was Southport who started the better of the two sides and seven minutes into the game they almost took the lead when Neil Grayston’s cross from the left, found Simon Parke unmarked who narrowly fired wide of the goal. Six minutes later Parke rattled the cross bar with a header from Chris Lanes cross from the right.
Chris Clarke in Marine goal had to be alert on 14 minutes, when he saved a speculative effort from Port’s Tony Sullivan. Given the conditions had taken a turn for the worse this was a smart save from Clarke, at the foot of the post to his left.
The conditions almost played a part in Marines best chance of the game so far. 22 minutes into the game, Richie Townsend’s cross-eluded everyone in the Southport back line. Kevin Formby stole in to fire a shot that was well saved by Steve Dickinson in the Southport goal.
A minute later though Southport got the goal that there, first half pressure had deserved. Sullivan took the free kick near the half way line to Chris lane, whose cross-found defender Barry Jones who rifled his shot from the edge past the despairing dive of Clarke.
Credit to Marine, like Saturday they responded to going a goal down took the game to Southport. Nine minutes before half-time a chance went begging for Marine, when the Townsend, John Morgan or Kevin Formby never took the responsibility to convert Jon Gautrey’s cross.
The second half started with Marine continuing to search for that elusive goal and three minutes in Michael Douglas’ long ball into the box found John Morgan who turned and fired narrowly wide of the goal. Marine were frustrated in their efforts in finding a goal, in the second half. For all their possession they lacked that killer pass that could break down the effective Southport back line
Southport’s Simon Parke was further frustrated by a combination of the post and the Marine keeper Clarke, following Chris Lanes right wing corner.
Out of nothing Southport increased their lead on 71 minutes when Lee Elam dispossessed centre back Steve Rimmer. He skipped past two men but was brilliantly tackled by Gautrey. However, Elam’s follow up shot cannoned off a Marine defender and the ball fell to Steve Jones whose shot was deflected past the unlucky Clarke from the edge of the box.
Roly Howard’s plucky Marine side showed their usual strength of character and almost grabbed a foothold back into the game two minutes later. How Morgan didn’t score god only knows. It was a similar chance to that of Simon Parke earlier in the half. Again a combination of the post and the keeper’s agility denied Marine.
Marines never say die attitude brought them a late consolation goal, when a quickly taken free kick by substitute Neil Black, was turned into his own net by John Robertson. It was all in vein the visitors were left to rue earlier mistakes. Southport just about shaded it tonight but Marine was left to contemplate what might have been.
Manger Roly Howard summed up his feelings by stating “The team has played well and done us proud over the two games. We gave as good as we got in both games. We let ourselves down a little with the number of chances we failed to put away and we’ve got to put that right”
Southport’s under pressure manager Phil Wilson was certainly a very relieved man at the final whistle. “I felt we deserved tonight’s victory. It’s certainly important for us to be in the next round of the cup. Its certainly hard at this stage of the competition as the eight conference sides eliminated at the weekend will testify”
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Sunday, October 28, 2001
Marine 1 Southport 1
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round, Saturday 27th October 2001
It was honours even at Rossett Park today as Unibond League side Marine denied their neighbours Southport a passage through to the first round proper of the FA Cup.
It was a cracking cup-tie played out by two teams with differing points to prove. Southport were looking to halt a run of form that has prompted some quite discontent amongst supporters, unhappy at the perceived direction with which the club is going. The Marine side contained numerous players who had played for Southport and no doubt they wanted to give a good account of themselves in front of their former team.
In front of Marine’s best attendance of the season with over 1300 in attendance, swelled by the travelling support of Southport who had made the relatively short trip down the coast. Southport kicked off attacking the College Road end and looked fairly purposeful, belying the form that had seen them score only once in six games.
It was not long before Southport made their pressure count when five minutes into the game they took the lead. Southport keeper Steve Dickinson launched a long hopeful ball into the box. Steve Jones prevented the ball from going out and pulled the ball back to wing back Chris Lane who stole in unmarked on the six yard box unmarked to make it one nil to Southport.
Four minutes later Southport almost doubled their lead when James Connolly rose unchallenged to head the ball wide following Gary Bauress’ cross. Marine were under the cosh a little in the first quarter of the game seemingly unable to step out and get possession of the ball. When they did they used the ball effectively. Marine centre half Steve Rimmer brought the ball out from the back. His through ball found Kevin Formby who laid the ball off to Michael Douglas who fired his shot, straight at Southport keeper Dickinson.
Having been on the back foot for the early part of the game, Marine were now enjoying a greater share of the game and almost levelled the score when Jon Gautrey headed the ball over the bar from Kevin Formby’s cross.
The deserved equaliser finally came 21 minutes into the game. Anton Lally’s worked a quick corner to Formby, who delivered a precision cross to Richie Townsend to head home the equaliser. Townsend almost doubled his contribution to the game five minutes later but the ball did not run kindly for him.
Ten minutes before half time, the impressive Kevin Formby was again at the heart of the action. His deep searching cross was flicked on by Townsend to Eddie Hussin but he could only manage to head the ball over the bar.
On 38 minutes, Marines plans took a dent when midfielder Anton Lally went off with an injury and had to be replaced by Stuart Gelling.
With five minutes to go to half time, Southport could have restored their lead. Lee Elam showed his usual trickery down the flanks. He delivered a cross that had goal written all over it but for the timely intervention from Jon Gautrey off the head of Gary Bauress.
The second half followed a similar pattern to that of the first with Southport starting the brighter. A minute after the restart Marine keeper Chris Clarke brilliantly denied Simon Parke, with a point blank one handed save.
After this early scare Marine again stepped up the pressure. John Morgan beat the offside trap; unfortunately he could only fire his shot in to the side netting. Another chance fell to Mike Douglas who fired his long-range shot over the bar. Marine were enjoying the greater possession and the resolute Southport back line stood firm, and allowed Marine long-range speculative efforts.
Sixty-four minutes into the game, Marine full back Gary Randles won possession of the ball in midfield and fired a long-range effort that Southport keeper Dickinson was more than equal to. From the resulting corner Kevin Formby’s perfectly flighted corner found Morgan unmarked but he headed over on this occasion. Four minutes later another chance went begging for Marine, when Gautrey headed over the bar following more good work by Kevin Formby.
Southport enjoyed a brief respite from the constant Marine pressure with Kevin Leadbetter and Steve Jones going close for the visitors. With three minutes of normal time remaining Southport almost snatched the game from Marine. Southport full back Chris Lane got forward and delivered a cross to Simon Parke who could only head the ball over the bar. Two minutes later Marine’s Steve Rimmer brilliantly denied Parke the simplest of tap ins, following good work down the left by substitute Stuart Whittaker and Lee Elam.
In the end a fair result both sides had enough chances to win the game but they must do it all again on Tuesday night at Haigh Avenue to determine who will play Basingstoke or Dagenham & Redbridge in the next round.
ATT – 1307
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
It was honours even at Rossett Park today as Unibond League side Marine denied their neighbours Southport a passage through to the first round proper of the FA Cup.
It was a cracking cup-tie played out by two teams with differing points to prove. Southport were looking to halt a run of form that has prompted some quite discontent amongst supporters, unhappy at the perceived direction with which the club is going. The Marine side contained numerous players who had played for Southport and no doubt they wanted to give a good account of themselves in front of their former team.
In front of Marine’s best attendance of the season with over 1300 in attendance, swelled by the travelling support of Southport who had made the relatively short trip down the coast. Southport kicked off attacking the College Road end and looked fairly purposeful, belying the form that had seen them score only once in six games.
It was not long before Southport made their pressure count when five minutes into the game they took the lead. Southport keeper Steve Dickinson launched a long hopeful ball into the box. Steve Jones prevented the ball from going out and pulled the ball back to wing back Chris Lane who stole in unmarked on the six yard box unmarked to make it one nil to Southport.
Four minutes later Southport almost doubled their lead when James Connolly rose unchallenged to head the ball wide following Gary Bauress’ cross. Marine were under the cosh a little in the first quarter of the game seemingly unable to step out and get possession of the ball. When they did they used the ball effectively. Marine centre half Steve Rimmer brought the ball out from the back. His through ball found Kevin Formby who laid the ball off to Michael Douglas who fired his shot, straight at Southport keeper Dickinson.
Having been on the back foot for the early part of the game, Marine were now enjoying a greater share of the game and almost levelled the score when Jon Gautrey headed the ball over the bar from Kevin Formby’s cross.
The deserved equaliser finally came 21 minutes into the game. Anton Lally’s worked a quick corner to Formby, who delivered a precision cross to Richie Townsend to head home the equaliser. Townsend almost doubled his contribution to the game five minutes later but the ball did not run kindly for him.
Ten minutes before half time, the impressive Kevin Formby was again at the heart of the action. His deep searching cross was flicked on by Townsend to Eddie Hussin but he could only manage to head the ball over the bar.
On 38 minutes, Marines plans took a dent when midfielder Anton Lally went off with an injury and had to be replaced by Stuart Gelling.
With five minutes to go to half time, Southport could have restored their lead. Lee Elam showed his usual trickery down the flanks. He delivered a cross that had goal written all over it but for the timely intervention from Jon Gautrey off the head of Gary Bauress.
The second half followed a similar pattern to that of the first with Southport starting the brighter. A minute after the restart Marine keeper Chris Clarke brilliantly denied Simon Parke, with a point blank one handed save.
After this early scare Marine again stepped up the pressure. John Morgan beat the offside trap; unfortunately he could only fire his shot in to the side netting. Another chance fell to Mike Douglas who fired his long-range shot over the bar. Marine were enjoying the greater possession and the resolute Southport back line stood firm, and allowed Marine long-range speculative efforts.
Sixty-four minutes into the game, Marine full back Gary Randles won possession of the ball in midfield and fired a long-range effort that Southport keeper Dickinson was more than equal to. From the resulting corner Kevin Formby’s perfectly flighted corner found Morgan unmarked but he headed over on this occasion. Four minutes later another chance went begging for Marine, when Gautrey headed over the bar following more good work by Kevin Formby.
Southport enjoyed a brief respite from the constant Marine pressure with Kevin Leadbetter and Steve Jones going close for the visitors. With three minutes of normal time remaining Southport almost snatched the game from Marine. Southport full back Chris Lane got forward and delivered a cross to Simon Parke who could only head the ball over the bar. Two minutes later Marine’s Steve Rimmer brilliantly denied Parke the simplest of tap ins, following good work down the left by substitute Stuart Whittaker and Lee Elam.
In the end a fair result both sides had enough chances to win the game but they must do it all again on Tuesday night at Haigh Avenue to determine who will play Basingstoke or Dagenham & Redbridge in the next round.
ATT – 1307
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Sunday, October 14, 2001
Runcorn FC Halton 2 Bedlington Terriers 2
FA Cup Sponsored by AXA Third Qualifying Round, Saturday 13th October 2001
Former Newcastle and Preston North End man Ian Boggie, denied Runcorn with late equaliser in this keenly contested encounter. It means that both sides will have to do it all again on Wednesday night up in the North East.
It was a special day for the home side as today’s game was the first FA cup-tie to be played at Runcorn’s new home, the impressive Auto Quest stadium. It was certainly a case of first night nerves for the home side after a sluggish opening 45 minutes. It was renowned cup battlers Bedlington Terriers, who made the early running in this match. Not for the first time in cup football that the Terriers have belied their lowly status.
It was Runcorn’s Dave Gamble after six minutes, who tried a long-range effort that the Terriers keeper manage to fumble the ball to safety. It was all Bedlington at this moment, much to the frustration of the home supporters who were imploring their side to get forward and not sit back.
This advice was not heeded and after only six minutes of the match played, Bedlington took the lead. It was the visitors first meaningful shot on goal and it came following Dean Gibbs curling in swinging free kick which found William Moat unmarked to head home to give the Terriers an early lead that their early pressure had warranted.
It was a sizeable crowd at the Auto Quest stadium today, augmented with a good number from the North East and both sets of supporters were united in their despair at the whistle happy official from Manchester. Frustrations were rising amongst the players and Terriers player Ian Boggie earned himself a telling off from the referee, for talking out of turn.
In a bid get Runcorn back into the game player-manager Liam Watson switched wings and this almost paid dividends. Watson’s cross found Dominic Morley who seemed to Dally on the ball to long, his pass found Gamble who curled the ball around the post and wide.
Ten minutes before half time, Bedlington almost doubled their lead but John Milner could only head the ball wide, following Anthony Chapman’s cross. Despite this scare Runcorn were enjoying a healthy spell of pressure and after 36 minutes they were back in the match. A long probing ball from right to left by full back Steve Carragher, found Watson whose shot was saved by the keeper. Bedlington couldn’t clear their lines and from the right corner of the pitch Carragher, again delivered the decisive ball, which found McNally, who headed home to equalise.
Runcorn started the second half the more purposeful and were rewarded two minutes into the second half with a goal. Again Carragher whipped in a curling a cross that found McNally, who stole a yard on his marker but his header was saved with by visiting keeper.
The referee had seemingly awarded a corner. But with the intervention of the assistant linesman he changed this decision and instead he awarded a penalty, much to the annoyance of the visitors. The Bedlington defender was adjudged to have impeded McNally when he headed the ball. It was Liam Watson who made sure from the spot to give Runcorn the lead.
The referee was again the centre of attention a minute later when he had appeared to caution Bedlington’s number seven Anthony Chapman for talking out of turn. The confusion was heightened seconds later when Chapman was booked for an over the ball challenge on Watson. Everyone in the ground and on the benches believed that this caution was Chapman’s second of the game. The referee appeared to take his book out for the earlier incident but it transpired that he was not booked.
Bedlington were now chasing the game and John Milner was guilty of squandering two easy chances in the second half. It was Runcorn’s turn to waste chances when on 68 minutes Paul McNally fired wide following good work down the left by Liam Watson. It was to be Watson’s last meaningful contribution to game, as he appeared to pull up with a knee injury and was replaced by David Ness.
It was all Bedlington at this stage in the game as the visitors went in search of the goal that would earn them an equaliser. With four minutes of the game remaining Bedlington were awarded a free kick thirty yards out. No doubt the former teammate of Paul Gascoigne, Ian Boggie, had learnt a few tricks of the trade, from his more illustrious colleague all those years ago in the Newcastle youth team. This showed as he despatched the ball curling, over the wall and into the back of the net to give Bedlington the equaliser that their performance had deserved.
So it’s to Wednesday and a long trip to the North East for Runcorn, who are no doubt kicking themselves that this tie slipped from their grasp. Bedlington will start the replay favourites and will no doubt be fancying a plum tie in the Monday’s cup draw.
ATT – 396
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Former Newcastle and Preston North End man Ian Boggie, denied Runcorn with late equaliser in this keenly contested encounter. It means that both sides will have to do it all again on Wednesday night up in the North East.
It was a special day for the home side as today’s game was the first FA cup-tie to be played at Runcorn’s new home, the impressive Auto Quest stadium. It was certainly a case of first night nerves for the home side after a sluggish opening 45 minutes. It was renowned cup battlers Bedlington Terriers, who made the early running in this match. Not for the first time in cup football that the Terriers have belied their lowly status.
It was Runcorn’s Dave Gamble after six minutes, who tried a long-range effort that the Terriers keeper manage to fumble the ball to safety. It was all Bedlington at this moment, much to the frustration of the home supporters who were imploring their side to get forward and not sit back.
This advice was not heeded and after only six minutes of the match played, Bedlington took the lead. It was the visitors first meaningful shot on goal and it came following Dean Gibbs curling in swinging free kick which found William Moat unmarked to head home to give the Terriers an early lead that their early pressure had warranted.
It was a sizeable crowd at the Auto Quest stadium today, augmented with a good number from the North East and both sets of supporters were united in their despair at the whistle happy official from Manchester. Frustrations were rising amongst the players and Terriers player Ian Boggie earned himself a telling off from the referee, for talking out of turn.
In a bid get Runcorn back into the game player-manager Liam Watson switched wings and this almost paid dividends. Watson’s cross found Dominic Morley who seemed to Dally on the ball to long, his pass found Gamble who curled the ball around the post and wide.
Ten minutes before half time, Bedlington almost doubled their lead but John Milner could only head the ball wide, following Anthony Chapman’s cross. Despite this scare Runcorn were enjoying a healthy spell of pressure and after 36 minutes they were back in the match. A long probing ball from right to left by full back Steve Carragher, found Watson whose shot was saved by the keeper. Bedlington couldn’t clear their lines and from the right corner of the pitch Carragher, again delivered the decisive ball, which found McNally, who headed home to equalise.
Runcorn started the second half the more purposeful and were rewarded two minutes into the second half with a goal. Again Carragher whipped in a curling a cross that found McNally, who stole a yard on his marker but his header was saved with by visiting keeper.
The referee had seemingly awarded a corner. But with the intervention of the assistant linesman he changed this decision and instead he awarded a penalty, much to the annoyance of the visitors. The Bedlington defender was adjudged to have impeded McNally when he headed the ball. It was Liam Watson who made sure from the spot to give Runcorn the lead.
The referee was again the centre of attention a minute later when he had appeared to caution Bedlington’s number seven Anthony Chapman for talking out of turn. The confusion was heightened seconds later when Chapman was booked for an over the ball challenge on Watson. Everyone in the ground and on the benches believed that this caution was Chapman’s second of the game. The referee appeared to take his book out for the earlier incident but it transpired that he was not booked.
Bedlington were now chasing the game and John Milner was guilty of squandering two easy chances in the second half. It was Runcorn’s turn to waste chances when on 68 minutes Paul McNally fired wide following good work down the left by Liam Watson. It was to be Watson’s last meaningful contribution to game, as he appeared to pull up with a knee injury and was replaced by David Ness.
It was all Bedlington at this stage in the game as the visitors went in search of the goal that would earn them an equaliser. With four minutes of the game remaining Bedlington were awarded a free kick thirty yards out. No doubt the former teammate of Paul Gascoigne, Ian Boggie, had learnt a few tricks of the trade, from his more illustrious colleague all those years ago in the Newcastle youth team. This showed as he despatched the ball curling, over the wall and into the back of the net to give Bedlington the equaliser that their performance had deserved.
So it’s to Wednesday and a long trip to the North East for Runcorn, who are no doubt kicking themselves that this tie slipped from their grasp. Bedlington will start the replay favourites and will no doubt be fancying a plum tie in the Monday’s cup draw.
ATT – 396
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Sunday, September 30, 2001
Southport 1 Doncaster Rovers 0
Nationwide Conference, Saturday 29th September 2001
It took a dramatic late winner from Southport’s Steve Jones, to give the home side a deserved victory today. Doncaster in truth never really caused Southport many problems going forward and had a combination of the woodwork and goalkeeper Barry Richardson, to thank for keeping them in the match for so long.
It was Southport who enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes, and in the 16th minute Lee Elam, who was only passed fit earlier today, skipped past his marker and fired narrowly wide of the post. Doncaster unbeaten away from home this season waited until the 22nd minute, before they showed any of the qualities that had been apparent on their previous journeys. Neil Campbell stole ground on the Southport back line but Shaun Teale cleared from the feet of the on rushing Justin Jackson.
Two minutes later, Justin Jackson used his pace to beat Southport skipper Martin Clark. Jackson’s cross found Gareth Owen at full stretch but he couldn’t get enough power on his shot and it rolled tamely away for a throw in.
Southport responded well to this spell of pressure and on 27 minutes right wing back Chris Lane stole some ground on the Rovers back line. His shot beat the flailing keeper but unfortunately not the post and the ball bounced away for safety. This concerted spell of pressure had muted the vociferous travelling support from Yorkshire and on the half hour mark Parke nearly stunned them into silence again. A long ball into the box by Tony Sullivan found Simon Parke. He held the ball up well before firing a deflected shot over the bar.
Four minutes before half time the woodwork again denied Southport following Elam’s knock down Simon Parke curled a right foot shot around the defence but unfortunately it was again on to the bar.
The second period started with a change in the home sides ranks. Neil Grayston was substituted, following an injury after Jimmy Kelly’s robust first half challenge, which incurred a yellow card. Simon Jones, Southport’s summer signing from Stalybridge Celtic came on for the injured man. It was Jones eight minutes into the second half almost had the perfect response to being dropped. When he fired a shot not far of the target following good work by Lane. Two minutes later Doncaster’s Justin Jackson made good ground down the left and crossed to Gareth Owen who fired over the bar.
Doncaster manager Steve Wignall sensing the need for change on 62 minutes replaced the largely ineffectual Justin Jackson. Much to the delight of the home crowd who had taunted him all match, with cries of “What a waste of Money”. The game, which had been competitive up until now threatened to boil over with a series of niggly tackles flying around. Southport’s Shaun Teale went down after it appeared that he had been elbowed by Paul Barnes, which was not spotted, by either the referee or his assistant.
Both sides huffed and puffed a little in the second half, as they both strived, searching for that elusive opener. After 79 minutes Southport where awarded a free kick on the edge of the area, following a foul on Elam by Paul Barnes. From thirty yards out Stuart Whittaker fired his free kick over the bar.
It was all Southport at this stage in the game and Barry Richardson in the Rovers net had to be alert, as he was out bravely to save at the feet of Lee Elam. With three minutes to go Simon Parke almost had the chance to break the dead lock but he headed over the bar. It would not have counted though as the referee had adjudged him to have fouled Doncaster keeper Richardson.
There was no denying that Southport’s greater possession deserved more than a point from this game and with four minutes of injury time indicated they got it in highly controversial circumstances. It was shades of 1966 for Southport’s last minute winner. It came out of nothing, with the game drifting away for a draw, Steve Jones unleashed a shot from 45 yards. It hit the bar and bounced down and from my vantage point and many in the main stand it looked as though it had hit the bar. After a momentary spell of confusion the referee’s assistant, situated by the corner flag signalled that the ball had crossed the line.
It was no more than Southport deserved from today’s proceedings and sees them consolidating their reasonable start to the season. For Doncaster it saw them lose away from home for the first time this season and lose some ground on the top placed team.
ATT – 1512
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
It took a dramatic late winner from Southport’s Steve Jones, to give the home side a deserved victory today. Doncaster in truth never really caused Southport many problems going forward and had a combination of the woodwork and goalkeeper Barry Richardson, to thank for keeping them in the match for so long.
It was Southport who enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes, and in the 16th minute Lee Elam, who was only passed fit earlier today, skipped past his marker and fired narrowly wide of the post. Doncaster unbeaten away from home this season waited until the 22nd minute, before they showed any of the qualities that had been apparent on their previous journeys. Neil Campbell stole ground on the Southport back line but Shaun Teale cleared from the feet of the on rushing Justin Jackson.
Two minutes later, Justin Jackson used his pace to beat Southport skipper Martin Clark. Jackson’s cross found Gareth Owen at full stretch but he couldn’t get enough power on his shot and it rolled tamely away for a throw in.
Southport responded well to this spell of pressure and on 27 minutes right wing back Chris Lane stole some ground on the Rovers back line. His shot beat the flailing keeper but unfortunately not the post and the ball bounced away for safety. This concerted spell of pressure had muted the vociferous travelling support from Yorkshire and on the half hour mark Parke nearly stunned them into silence again. A long ball into the box by Tony Sullivan found Simon Parke. He held the ball up well before firing a deflected shot over the bar.
Four minutes before half time the woodwork again denied Southport following Elam’s knock down Simon Parke curled a right foot shot around the defence but unfortunately it was again on to the bar.
The second period started with a change in the home sides ranks. Neil Grayston was substituted, following an injury after Jimmy Kelly’s robust first half challenge, which incurred a yellow card. Simon Jones, Southport’s summer signing from Stalybridge Celtic came on for the injured man. It was Jones eight minutes into the second half almost had the perfect response to being dropped. When he fired a shot not far of the target following good work by Lane. Two minutes later Doncaster’s Justin Jackson made good ground down the left and crossed to Gareth Owen who fired over the bar.
Doncaster manager Steve Wignall sensing the need for change on 62 minutes replaced the largely ineffectual Justin Jackson. Much to the delight of the home crowd who had taunted him all match, with cries of “What a waste of Money”. The game, which had been competitive up until now threatened to boil over with a series of niggly tackles flying around. Southport’s Shaun Teale went down after it appeared that he had been elbowed by Paul Barnes, which was not spotted, by either the referee or his assistant.
Both sides huffed and puffed a little in the second half, as they both strived, searching for that elusive opener. After 79 minutes Southport where awarded a free kick on the edge of the area, following a foul on Elam by Paul Barnes. From thirty yards out Stuart Whittaker fired his free kick over the bar.
It was all Southport at this stage in the game and Barry Richardson in the Rovers net had to be alert, as he was out bravely to save at the feet of Lee Elam. With three minutes to go Simon Parke almost had the chance to break the dead lock but he headed over the bar. It would not have counted though as the referee had adjudged him to have fouled Doncaster keeper Richardson.
There was no denying that Southport’s greater possession deserved more than a point from this game and with four minutes of injury time indicated they got it in highly controversial circumstances. It was shades of 1966 for Southport’s last minute winner. It came out of nothing, with the game drifting away for a draw, Steve Jones unleashed a shot from 45 yards. It hit the bar and bounced down and from my vantage point and many in the main stand it looked as though it had hit the bar. After a momentary spell of confusion the referee’s assistant, situated by the corner flag signalled that the ball had crossed the line.
It was no more than Southport deserved from today’s proceedings and sees them consolidating their reasonable start to the season. For Doncaster it saw them lose away from home for the first time this season and lose some ground on the top placed team.
ATT – 1512
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Saturday, September 1, 2001
Southport 0 Stevenage Borough 0
Nationwide Conference, Saturday 1st September 2001
It was stalemate at Haigh Avenue today, as Southport and Stevenage shared the points in a scrappy encounter that got better marginally better after a fairly scrappy opening. Southport though may feel a little disappointed not to have secured the three points that their territorial advantage deserved.
In truth there was very little of notable action in the first half as both sides matched each other numerically in every area of the pitch.
Seven minutes into the match Southport’s Lee Elam carved out a half chance but he fired his shot wide of the target.
Both keepers very spectators in this very dour affair, the only times that they were gainfully employed, was to retrieve the ball from behind their respective goals following wayward attempts on goal.
Ten minutes into the match Stevenage’s new signing Greg Lincoln tried to beat Steve Dickinson in the Southport goal, but his shot sailed high and wide of its intended target.
It was 37 minutes before either keeper got their first meaningful touch of the ball. Southport skipper Martin Clark tried a right wing cross come cross that was finger tipped around the post by Stevenage keeper Paul Wilkerson. From the resulting corner Southport’s Steve Jones headed straight at the keeper.
This spell was a prelude to a good concerted spell of pressure for the home side with Parke going close but he headed the ball over the bar on the forty-five minutes mark. Much to the annoyance of the crowd, the referee inflicted a further three minutes of torture, as a result of first half stoppages.
The last kick of the first half Southport’s Simon Parke, with his back to goal turned and fired over the bar, following good work down the left by Lee Elam.
The second half was an improvement on the first period. In truth it was all one-way traffic as Southport piled on the pressure. Four minutes after the re-start, Bauress put over a cross for Parke, who looped his header over the crossbar.
After 52 minutes, Southport’s Simon Parke spotted the Stevenage keeper of his line. From forty yards he attempt to lob the ball into the net but he was unfortunate as his shot went wide of the upright. Three minutes Gary Bauress fired in a free kick, which Parke headed over the advancing goalkeeper. Stevenage defender Sam Sodje almost miscued the ball into the back of his own net; the ball was eventually cleared by the assured John Dreyer.
Greg Lincoln went close for the visitors after 58 minutes but Dickinson was more than equal to the chance and palmed the ball to safety.
Southport introduced two summer signings Tony Sullivan and Kevin Leadbetter on 62 minutes and their introduction nearly paid dividends three minutes later. Sullivan used his pace to good effect, with a purposeful run at the Stevenage back line he played the ball on to Parke who played in Elam but on this occasion Wilkerson was off his line smartly to save at his feet.
Southport were getting closer and closer. Wilkerson pulled of another smart save from Simon Parke’s header, following a Gary Bauress corner. It was Stevenage’s turn to go ion the attack but again they found the Southport back-line resolute. They had restricted the visitors to long-range efforts all game and Adrian Clarke and Lee Fitzpatrick tried their luck from similar range with equal luck.
Parke had been instrumental in all Southport’s chances today, to be fair to him none were that clear cut but with eleven minutes to go he should have hit the target, when he curled his shot wide of the post.
Time was running out for Southport to claim their second home victory of the season but with three minutes of time added on by the referee Stevenage almost sealed it at the death. Paul Armstrong’s through ball caught the Southport defence square for the first time in the match. Darren Hay struck first time from eighteen yards but Steve Dickinson pulled off an instinctive save, to save the points at the death.
So it was honours even in the end. The second half made up for the dour battle of the first forty-five minutes. The disappointing crowd of just over due 1000 spectators, no doubt depleted by those running errands in readiness for the nights England International on the television did really have much to cheer all game. Though they did acknowledge the performance of the referee Gary Mellor, who didn’t resort to his book once, and refereed with a commonsense lacking in so-called professional referees.
ATT – 1003
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
It was stalemate at Haigh Avenue today, as Southport and Stevenage shared the points in a scrappy encounter that got better marginally better after a fairly scrappy opening. Southport though may feel a little disappointed not to have secured the three points that their territorial advantage deserved.
In truth there was very little of notable action in the first half as both sides matched each other numerically in every area of the pitch.
Seven minutes into the match Southport’s Lee Elam carved out a half chance but he fired his shot wide of the target.
Both keepers very spectators in this very dour affair, the only times that they were gainfully employed, was to retrieve the ball from behind their respective goals following wayward attempts on goal.
Ten minutes into the match Stevenage’s new signing Greg Lincoln tried to beat Steve Dickinson in the Southport goal, but his shot sailed high and wide of its intended target.
It was 37 minutes before either keeper got their first meaningful touch of the ball. Southport skipper Martin Clark tried a right wing cross come cross that was finger tipped around the post by Stevenage keeper Paul Wilkerson. From the resulting corner Southport’s Steve Jones headed straight at the keeper.
This spell was a prelude to a good concerted spell of pressure for the home side with Parke going close but he headed the ball over the bar on the forty-five minutes mark. Much to the annoyance of the crowd, the referee inflicted a further three minutes of torture, as a result of first half stoppages.
The last kick of the first half Southport’s Simon Parke, with his back to goal turned and fired over the bar, following good work down the left by Lee Elam.
The second half was an improvement on the first period. In truth it was all one-way traffic as Southport piled on the pressure. Four minutes after the re-start, Bauress put over a cross for Parke, who looped his header over the crossbar.
After 52 minutes, Southport’s Simon Parke spotted the Stevenage keeper of his line. From forty yards he attempt to lob the ball into the net but he was unfortunate as his shot went wide of the upright. Three minutes Gary Bauress fired in a free kick, which Parke headed over the advancing goalkeeper. Stevenage defender Sam Sodje almost miscued the ball into the back of his own net; the ball was eventually cleared by the assured John Dreyer.
Greg Lincoln went close for the visitors after 58 minutes but Dickinson was more than equal to the chance and palmed the ball to safety.
Southport introduced two summer signings Tony Sullivan and Kevin Leadbetter on 62 minutes and their introduction nearly paid dividends three minutes later. Sullivan used his pace to good effect, with a purposeful run at the Stevenage back line he played the ball on to Parke who played in Elam but on this occasion Wilkerson was off his line smartly to save at his feet.
Southport were getting closer and closer. Wilkerson pulled of another smart save from Simon Parke’s header, following a Gary Bauress corner. It was Stevenage’s turn to go ion the attack but again they found the Southport back-line resolute. They had restricted the visitors to long-range efforts all game and Adrian Clarke and Lee Fitzpatrick tried their luck from similar range with equal luck.
Parke had been instrumental in all Southport’s chances today, to be fair to him none were that clear cut but with eleven minutes to go he should have hit the target, when he curled his shot wide of the post.
Time was running out for Southport to claim their second home victory of the season but with three minutes of time added on by the referee Stevenage almost sealed it at the death. Paul Armstrong’s through ball caught the Southport defence square for the first time in the match. Darren Hay struck first time from eighteen yards but Steve Dickinson pulled off an instinctive save, to save the points at the death.
So it was honours even in the end. The second half made up for the dour battle of the first forty-five minutes. The disappointing crowd of just over due 1000 spectators, no doubt depleted by those running errands in readiness for the nights England International on the television did really have much to cheer all game. Though they did acknowledge the performance of the referee Gary Mellor, who didn’t resort to his book once, and refereed with a commonsense lacking in so-called professional referees.
ATT – 1003
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Wednesday, August 22, 2001
Southport 3 Chester City 2
Nationwide Conference, Tuesday 21st August 2001
Chester City went down to a first minute goal for the second time in a week as they were defeated by local rivals Southport at High Avenue tonight. Phil Wilson will be pleased that his side have got to a good start, but in truth they made heavy weather of this contest.
From the kick off Southport pressed forward. A free kick just in side the Chester half is meat and drink to dead ball specialist Gary Bauress. He launched the ball into the box. Shaun Teale stooped to head the ball in to the net for his second goal of the season after 51 seconds. An improvement for Chester as it took Woking 50 seconds at the weekend to beat the Chester back line.
Three minutes later, Bauress fired over the bar with his back to goal following good work down the left from full back Chris Lane. In truth it was all Southport at this stage. But ten minutes in there was some resistance from Chester City, with Mark Beesley who fired a weak effort goal wards into the arms of home keeper Steve Dickinson after ten minutes.
On twelve minutes Beesley beat the off side trap down the near touch line he crossed for Sammy Hill, who did not endear himself to the travelling contingent from Cheshire, as he strayed offside. Hill had been booed from the kick off by the Chester City fans, by virtue of the fact that he is manger Gordon Hill’s son. The Chester City pantomime has shown no sign of abating neither during the summer nor today with the Chester fans chanting the name of their former manager Graham Barrow, sacked in the summer by their absentee chairman Terry Smith in the summer. Ironically Barrow was amongst the crowd tonight on a scouting mission for Rochdale.
Chris Malkin Chester City’s summer signing from Telford United had his first and last contribution to the game on 16 minutes when he tamely headed towards goal. A minute later he was replaced by substitute Darren Wright, after a recurrence of the injury that kept him out the game on Saturday.
Seventeen minutes gone and full back Carl McCauley fired a shot on to the cross bar following good work down the right by Lane. Three minutes later Southport’s Simon Parke headed wide as Southport sought to convert the sustained pressure of the first half into goals.
Chester City’s Michael Rose became the first player to be booked on 23 minutes following a poor tackle on Lee Elam. Southport’s Elam was becoming more and more of a threat to Chester City as the half wore on but was sloppy as he flashed a weak header wide of the post.
Elam was again involved with two minutes to half time as he played in Simon Parke down the left who unleashed a shot which was miss kicked by Michael Rose over his own bar. This was to be the last chance of the first half as Southport went in at the break good value for their one goal lead.
Three minutes into the second half Elam and Southport started where they had left off on the attack. Elam’s jinking run turned the Chester defence in side out but on this occasion he fired straight at the keeper.
The feeling was that Southport would rue the chances they had squandered in the first half and this was the case when Mark Beesley equalised after 51 minutes with a glancing header past the stranded Southport keeper Steve Dickinson following good work by Michael Rose down the left. It had been an eventful day for Michael Rose and it was more so seven minutes later when he was sent off for a second bookable offence following a clumsy challenge on Steve Jones.
The inevitable Southport goal came on 67 minutes following two earlier chances for Elam and Jones to score they resorted to a less conventional route. Steve Jones flicked a long kick by keeper Steve Dickinson, into the path of Simon Parke who flicked the ball over the on rushing Chester keeper Wayne Brown.
Then it was a case of hero turned villain on two counts. Referee Mr Russell Tiffin who up until this moment at had a reasonable game but obviously did not want to be outdone by his more illustrious colleague David Elleray. Simon Parke was booked on 74 minutes for kicking the ball away after the referee had blown for which he could have no complaints. Less than a minute later Parke was put through by Elam, unfortunately he was marginally offside. It obvious to all and sundry that he had not heard the whistle, and like all good strikers he rounded the keeper to score, what he thought was Southport’s winner. It was not to be the goal was disallowed and he was booked again for time wasting and with it he received a red card.
With numerical parity restored Southport did not rest on their laurels on 77 minutes they put the game beyond Chester with a goal from new boy Steve Jones following good work by Lee Elam, to make it three – one. It was to Jones’ last contribution as he was hurt in the lead up to the goal and was replaced on 79 minutes by terrace cult hero Ben O’Bong – likened by the home fans to Paulo Wanchope.
With five minutes of added time to play, the loudest cheer of the night was reserved for Graham Barrow who left before he could see his former club grab another consolation goal. Steve Rose, brother of Michael fired in a free kick which Dickinson could only fumble at the feet of Darren Wright who pounced to give Chester a second goal but it was all in vain as the referee blew his whistle soon after.
Chester’s problems continue and they look like they are in free fall. They certainly have the players to stave of relegation but it is obvious that do not wish to play for the current regime. All in all they lacked shape and coherence. For Southport it’s a useful start for new manger Phil Wilson who has seemingly going the right way blending his own players with ones from the previous manager. They should not be too far from the top six this season.
ATT – 1554
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Chester City went down to a first minute goal for the second time in a week as they were defeated by local rivals Southport at High Avenue tonight. Phil Wilson will be pleased that his side have got to a good start, but in truth they made heavy weather of this contest.
From the kick off Southport pressed forward. A free kick just in side the Chester half is meat and drink to dead ball specialist Gary Bauress. He launched the ball into the box. Shaun Teale stooped to head the ball in to the net for his second goal of the season after 51 seconds. An improvement for Chester as it took Woking 50 seconds at the weekend to beat the Chester back line.
Three minutes later, Bauress fired over the bar with his back to goal following good work down the left from full back Chris Lane. In truth it was all Southport at this stage. But ten minutes in there was some resistance from Chester City, with Mark Beesley who fired a weak effort goal wards into the arms of home keeper Steve Dickinson after ten minutes.
On twelve minutes Beesley beat the off side trap down the near touch line he crossed for Sammy Hill, who did not endear himself to the travelling contingent from Cheshire, as he strayed offside. Hill had been booed from the kick off by the Chester City fans, by virtue of the fact that he is manger Gordon Hill’s son. The Chester City pantomime has shown no sign of abating neither during the summer nor today with the Chester fans chanting the name of their former manager Graham Barrow, sacked in the summer by their absentee chairman Terry Smith in the summer. Ironically Barrow was amongst the crowd tonight on a scouting mission for Rochdale.
Chris Malkin Chester City’s summer signing from Telford United had his first and last contribution to the game on 16 minutes when he tamely headed towards goal. A minute later he was replaced by substitute Darren Wright, after a recurrence of the injury that kept him out the game on Saturday.
Seventeen minutes gone and full back Carl McCauley fired a shot on to the cross bar following good work down the right by Lane. Three minutes later Southport’s Simon Parke headed wide as Southport sought to convert the sustained pressure of the first half into goals.
Chester City’s Michael Rose became the first player to be booked on 23 minutes following a poor tackle on Lee Elam. Southport’s Elam was becoming more and more of a threat to Chester City as the half wore on but was sloppy as he flashed a weak header wide of the post.
Elam was again involved with two minutes to half time as he played in Simon Parke down the left who unleashed a shot which was miss kicked by Michael Rose over his own bar. This was to be the last chance of the first half as Southport went in at the break good value for their one goal lead.
Three minutes into the second half Elam and Southport started where they had left off on the attack. Elam’s jinking run turned the Chester defence in side out but on this occasion he fired straight at the keeper.
The feeling was that Southport would rue the chances they had squandered in the first half and this was the case when Mark Beesley equalised after 51 minutes with a glancing header past the stranded Southport keeper Steve Dickinson following good work by Michael Rose down the left. It had been an eventful day for Michael Rose and it was more so seven minutes later when he was sent off for a second bookable offence following a clumsy challenge on Steve Jones.
The inevitable Southport goal came on 67 minutes following two earlier chances for Elam and Jones to score they resorted to a less conventional route. Steve Jones flicked a long kick by keeper Steve Dickinson, into the path of Simon Parke who flicked the ball over the on rushing Chester keeper Wayne Brown.
Then it was a case of hero turned villain on two counts. Referee Mr Russell Tiffin who up until this moment at had a reasonable game but obviously did not want to be outdone by his more illustrious colleague David Elleray. Simon Parke was booked on 74 minutes for kicking the ball away after the referee had blown for which he could have no complaints. Less than a minute later Parke was put through by Elam, unfortunately he was marginally offside. It obvious to all and sundry that he had not heard the whistle, and like all good strikers he rounded the keeper to score, what he thought was Southport’s winner. It was not to be the goal was disallowed and he was booked again for time wasting and with it he received a red card.
With numerical parity restored Southport did not rest on their laurels on 77 minutes they put the game beyond Chester with a goal from new boy Steve Jones following good work by Lee Elam, to make it three – one. It was to Jones’ last contribution as he was hurt in the lead up to the goal and was replaced on 79 minutes by terrace cult hero Ben O’Bong – likened by the home fans to Paulo Wanchope.
With five minutes of added time to play, the loudest cheer of the night was reserved for Graham Barrow who left before he could see his former club grab another consolation goal. Steve Rose, brother of Michael fired in a free kick which Dickinson could only fumble at the feet of Darren Wright who pounced to give Chester a second goal but it was all in vain as the referee blew his whistle soon after.
Chester’s problems continue and they look like they are in free fall. They certainly have the players to stave of relegation but it is obvious that do not wish to play for the current regime. All in all they lacked shape and coherence. For Southport it’s a useful start for new manger Phil Wilson who has seemingly going the right way blending his own players with ones from the previous manager. They should not be too far from the top six this season.
ATT – 1554
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Saturday, August 18, 2001
Marine 1 Gateshead 3
Unibond League, Saturday 18th August 2001
Marine manager Roly Howard’s’ thirtieth year in charge started inauspiciously today with a home defeat against Gateshead.
It was Gateshead who enjoyed the better of the first half and could have taken the lead as early as the second minute. Ricky Bainbridge’s challenge cancelled out Gateshead’s lively midfielder Steve Agnew’s effort. Nine minutes later Gateshead’s Steve Preen managed to get a shot on goal, which the Marine keeper Chris Clarke fumbled but he managed to recover himself well to palm the ball away from the on rushing Rob Painter and Richie Alderson.
There was no let up for Marine from the constant Gateshead pressure and on 18 minutes Rob Painter thought he had put the North easterners into the lead but he was adjudged to be offside.
After dominating the opening quarter a Gateshead goal was inevitable and it was no surprise when it came on 22 minutes. Following a good knock down by Rob Painter who played in the effervescent Steve Preen but his shot brought out the best of Chris Clarke in the Marine goal. He pushed the shot around the post. From the resulting corner Preen popped up at the front post to header Gateshead into a one – nil lead
It went from bad to worse two minutes later for Marine. A flowing move by Gateshead ended with Rob Jones powering a header against the crossbar. Marine keeper had seemingly gathered the ball only for it to inexplicably squirm from his grasp under no pressure, to the feet of Alderson who was left with the easiest of chances to put Gateshead two up.
The game continued in a similar vein until half time with constant pressure from Gateshead but they could not add to their two-goal lead. Marine did have one notable chance with John Morgan going close for the home side.
In the second half Marine gave a better account of themselves but they could not turn their possession into meaningful chances. Gateshead where content to sit back and defend their two goal cushion but also had the odd chance to increase their lead with Alderson having a shot saved by the Marine keeper Clarke.
With twenty minutes remaining the game was finally put beyond Marine when Rob Painter put Gateshead three up following Paul Talbot’s in swinging corner. Two minutes later Steve Preen nearly doubled his contribution for the day but on this occasion Chris Clarke atoned for his earlier errors.
With the game seemingly beyond them Marine went in search of a consolation goal that would lend the score line a little bit of credibility. The home faithful who had endured a pretty exasperating afternoon had further cause to be frustrated when the official waved away two perfectly legitimate claims for penalties.
Marine’s second half endeavours were rewarded with a goal five minutes from time. The goal came gift wrapped by the Gateshead goalkeeper Adrian Swann, who did not want to be left out of the goalkeeping blunder of the day competition. Under no pressure, Swan rolled the ball out to no one in particular; Marine’s Richie Townsend intercepted the ball and lobbed the ball over the stranded Swan and into the net from twenty-five yards.
All in all Gateshead looked quite impressive and should be there or there about this season. If they can keep hold of the lively Steve Preen he should get the goals to fire them to the top of the table. Marine boss Roly Howard talked in midweek of the struggle that his side would face this season and on this performance, you would have to say it’s going to be a long hard winter a Rossett Park.
ATT: 279
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Marine manager Roly Howard’s’ thirtieth year in charge started inauspiciously today with a home defeat against Gateshead.
It was Gateshead who enjoyed the better of the first half and could have taken the lead as early as the second minute. Ricky Bainbridge’s challenge cancelled out Gateshead’s lively midfielder Steve Agnew’s effort. Nine minutes later Gateshead’s Steve Preen managed to get a shot on goal, which the Marine keeper Chris Clarke fumbled but he managed to recover himself well to palm the ball away from the on rushing Rob Painter and Richie Alderson.
There was no let up for Marine from the constant Gateshead pressure and on 18 minutes Rob Painter thought he had put the North easterners into the lead but he was adjudged to be offside.
After dominating the opening quarter a Gateshead goal was inevitable and it was no surprise when it came on 22 minutes. Following a good knock down by Rob Painter who played in the effervescent Steve Preen but his shot brought out the best of Chris Clarke in the Marine goal. He pushed the shot around the post. From the resulting corner Preen popped up at the front post to header Gateshead into a one – nil lead
It went from bad to worse two minutes later for Marine. A flowing move by Gateshead ended with Rob Jones powering a header against the crossbar. Marine keeper had seemingly gathered the ball only for it to inexplicably squirm from his grasp under no pressure, to the feet of Alderson who was left with the easiest of chances to put Gateshead two up.
The game continued in a similar vein until half time with constant pressure from Gateshead but they could not add to their two-goal lead. Marine did have one notable chance with John Morgan going close for the home side.
In the second half Marine gave a better account of themselves but they could not turn their possession into meaningful chances. Gateshead where content to sit back and defend their two goal cushion but also had the odd chance to increase their lead with Alderson having a shot saved by the Marine keeper Clarke.
With twenty minutes remaining the game was finally put beyond Marine when Rob Painter put Gateshead three up following Paul Talbot’s in swinging corner. Two minutes later Steve Preen nearly doubled his contribution for the day but on this occasion Chris Clarke atoned for his earlier errors.
With the game seemingly beyond them Marine went in search of a consolation goal that would lend the score line a little bit of credibility. The home faithful who had endured a pretty exasperating afternoon had further cause to be frustrated when the official waved away two perfectly legitimate claims for penalties.
Marine’s second half endeavours were rewarded with a goal five minutes from time. The goal came gift wrapped by the Gateshead goalkeeper Adrian Swann, who did not want to be left out of the goalkeeping blunder of the day competition. Under no pressure, Swan rolled the ball out to no one in particular; Marine’s Richie Townsend intercepted the ball and lobbed the ball over the stranded Swan and into the net from twenty-five yards.
All in all Gateshead looked quite impressive and should be there or there about this season. If they can keep hold of the lively Steve Preen he should get the goals to fire them to the top of the table. Marine boss Roly Howard talked in midweek of the struggle that his side would face this season and on this performance, you would have to say it’s going to be a long hard winter a Rossett Park.
ATT: 279
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Friday, August 17, 2001
Echo and the Bunnymen
The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, Friday 17th August 2001
It’s still being touted as a comeback for the Bunnymen, despite four albums and numerous tours since the comeback of 1997.
It was a novel experience for the Bunny clan, with Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute fame school chosen as the venue for the hometown gig on the current tour. LIPA was chosen for the recording of the Bunnymens first live album in their twenty-year history.
What the venue gained with regards to practicality for the recording process, you sensed that there was something lacking from the atmosphere and the performance of the band.
No doubt the end results will sound polished, but that’s not what it is about. With a set that comprised of the tried and trusted favourites such as the Cutter and the Killing Moon, as well as a smattering of songs from the bands impressive recent album Flowers. In the end it all sounded a little clinical, with little to distinguish between what was new and what was old.
Though as ever Over the Wall was impressive. With the song the spiralling away majestically, as per usual, with Will Sergeants, guitar sounding as it should for the one and only time of the night.
As a recording band the output is still as impressive as it has ever been. But something seems to be missing from the current band of hired hands augmenting the original members of Ian McCulloch and Will Sergeant. Where the original line-up sounded otherworldly, the present sounds a little lumpen and a far cry from the Bunnymen of old.
Thursday, August 2, 2001
Southport 1 Northwich Victoria 1
Saturday 31st March 2001, Nationwide Conference
A last minute Mike Marsh gave Southport a deserved share of the spoils at Haigh Avenue today. Southport’s recent poor run of form at home showed no sign of abating today, after trailing for most of the second half. As Southport’s season drifts towards the conclusion, speculation mounts with regards the future of manager Mark Wright.
The grapevine was buzzing today with the speculation that the Tranmere Rovers managers’ position would be his this week. In response to this speculation Wright insisted that “ People can speculate all they like – Southport is my only concern. At the end of the day we will see what comes round at the end of the season”
Today’s game certainly spelt out the frustrations, that Mark Wright has working at Southport. He has done a highly creditable job, but he is currently sending out a patched up squad. In his programme notes he spoke about the need for one or two new faces but he was unable to add to his squad on deadline day.
Southport today were without their two recognised strikers and this showed as they lacked the necessary cut and thrust that their build up play deserved.
The first chance of the game did fall to Southport though. Following good work down the left by Lee Elam, Mark Stuart miss kicked a shot to Lee Furlong, who fired his shot over the cross bar. Two minutes later, Burke glanced a header wide of the post in a rare move forward for Northwich.
Southport had most of the early exchanges but some resolute defending from conference strugglers Northwich meant that Southport’s best chances of the first half where restricted to long-range efforts. Twelve minutes into the game wingback Chris Lane cut in side on the right hand side of the box wide of the Northwich keepers left hand post. Eight minutes later the other wingback showed his prowess from dead ball situations when his free kick was smothered well at the base of the post by Lance Key in the Northwich goal.
Southport in attacking situations made best use of their formation with both their wingbacks involved in their sides best chances of the game. Stuart again had a chance to score as he cut inside but he could only his shot on to the post and wide.
Northwich spent most of the first half encamped in their own half but on one of their rare moves forward they put the ball in the back of the net but Gary Talbot was adjudged to have fouled the keeper.
In the first half chances were few and far between and the second half carried on a similar vain. Northwich were no doubt heartened by their spirited performance of the first half. Ten minutes into the second half Northwich had their first real opportunity to score. Under pressure from Gregg Blundell, Southport keeper Dickinson spilled the ball for a corner.
From the resulting corner by Mark Barnard, Gary Talbot flicked the ball on for Gary Burke unmarked at the back post to glance his header past keeper Dickinson, on 55 minutes. Two minutes later, Northwich almost doubled their lead with Graham Lewis playing in Gregg Blundell who fired his shot wide of the mark.
Southport settled down and tried to continue their passing game that served them well in the first hour of the game. Southport’s front line especially Dino Maamria were continually frustrated by the rugged Northwich back line.
Seventy-five minutes into the game Furlong curled in a cross, which for once evaded the Northwich defence, but Maamria could only fire his header into the side netting.
Time was seemingly running out for Southport in their attempts securing an equaliser, with four minutes of added time being indicated by the fourth official Southport had every chance of securing an equaliser. In character with rest of the game deadline day signing Greg Challender, was in the thick of the action when he injudiciously brought down Mike Marsh down outside the box. Mark Stuart took the kick but his delightful curling shot beat the wall but could only find the upright.
With all hope seemingly gone, Southport resigned themselves to yet another home defeat that was until the impressive Mark Stuart was brought down in the box by John Robertson, who was lucky to be still on the field at this point in the game. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty, which Mike Marsh concerted with consummate ease.
It was another roller coaster afternoon for the home faithful who have had their share of highs and lows this season. After a season that has promised so much, even with ten games to go, all eyes are on the close season, which promises to be a busy one for the home faithful.
ATT: 1,643
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
A last minute Mike Marsh gave Southport a deserved share of the spoils at Haigh Avenue today. Southport’s recent poor run of form at home showed no sign of abating today, after trailing for most of the second half. As Southport’s season drifts towards the conclusion, speculation mounts with regards the future of manager Mark Wright.
The grapevine was buzzing today with the speculation that the Tranmere Rovers managers’ position would be his this week. In response to this speculation Wright insisted that “ People can speculate all they like – Southport is my only concern. At the end of the day we will see what comes round at the end of the season”
Today’s game certainly spelt out the frustrations, that Mark Wright has working at Southport. He has done a highly creditable job, but he is currently sending out a patched up squad. In his programme notes he spoke about the need for one or two new faces but he was unable to add to his squad on deadline day.
Southport today were without their two recognised strikers and this showed as they lacked the necessary cut and thrust that their build up play deserved.
The first chance of the game did fall to Southport though. Following good work down the left by Lee Elam, Mark Stuart miss kicked a shot to Lee Furlong, who fired his shot over the cross bar. Two minutes later, Burke glanced a header wide of the post in a rare move forward for Northwich.
Southport had most of the early exchanges but some resolute defending from conference strugglers Northwich meant that Southport’s best chances of the first half where restricted to long-range efforts. Twelve minutes into the game wingback Chris Lane cut in side on the right hand side of the box wide of the Northwich keepers left hand post. Eight minutes later the other wingback showed his prowess from dead ball situations when his free kick was smothered well at the base of the post by Lance Key in the Northwich goal.
Southport in attacking situations made best use of their formation with both their wingbacks involved in their sides best chances of the game. Stuart again had a chance to score as he cut inside but he could only his shot on to the post and wide.
Northwich spent most of the first half encamped in their own half but on one of their rare moves forward they put the ball in the back of the net but Gary Talbot was adjudged to have fouled the keeper.
In the first half chances were few and far between and the second half carried on a similar vain. Northwich were no doubt heartened by their spirited performance of the first half. Ten minutes into the second half Northwich had their first real opportunity to score. Under pressure from Gregg Blundell, Southport keeper Dickinson spilled the ball for a corner.
From the resulting corner by Mark Barnard, Gary Talbot flicked the ball on for Gary Burke unmarked at the back post to glance his header past keeper Dickinson, on 55 minutes. Two minutes later, Northwich almost doubled their lead with Graham Lewis playing in Gregg Blundell who fired his shot wide of the mark.
Southport settled down and tried to continue their passing game that served them well in the first hour of the game. Southport’s front line especially Dino Maamria were continually frustrated by the rugged Northwich back line.
Seventy-five minutes into the game Furlong curled in a cross, which for once evaded the Northwich defence, but Maamria could only fire his header into the side netting.
Time was seemingly running out for Southport in their attempts securing an equaliser, with four minutes of added time being indicated by the fourth official Southport had every chance of securing an equaliser. In character with rest of the game deadline day signing Greg Challender, was in the thick of the action when he injudiciously brought down Mike Marsh down outside the box. Mark Stuart took the kick but his delightful curling shot beat the wall but could only find the upright.
With all hope seemingly gone, Southport resigned themselves to yet another home defeat that was until the impressive Mark Stuart was brought down in the box by John Robertson, who was lucky to be still on the field at this point in the game. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty, which Mike Marsh concerted with consummate ease.
It was another roller coaster afternoon for the home faithful who have had their share of highs and lows this season. After a season that has promised so much, even with ten games to go, all eyes are on the close season, which promises to be a busy one for the home faithful.
ATT: 1,643
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Southport 2 Kettering Town 3
Saturday 3rd March 2001, Nationwide Conference
Southport’s brave push for promotion is seemingly all but over after today’s defeat at home to struggling Kettering.
It was a bad day all round, with Southport’s nearest promotion rivals all collecting the points that has seen them consolidate their positions in the top two of the Nationwide Conference. You could sense the disappointment all around Haigh Avenue after the game and none more so than manager, Mark Wright who was in no mood to talk about his sides, capitulation.
Southport went into this game on the back of a run that has seen them without a home league win since November. It is their away form that has kept them in touch with the leaders, as well as maintaining their steady progress in the FA Trophy.
The opening exchanges were a little scrappy, with Kettering keen not to concede anything to Southport. Southport’s Neil Grayston and Kettering’s Dale Watkins tried their luck from long range with similar success, both efforts warming the hands of the respective keepers, on a bitterly cold winters day.
The scrappy nature of the game was not helped with a delay of four minutes, following treatment to Kettering’s Lee Cowling, who picked up a head injury following a collision with Scott Guyett.
When the play eventually restarted, it was Southport who dominated the play, without carving out any real openings. It was twenty minutes into the game before Scott Guyett stepped out of defence and after a long surging run he could only steer his shot straight at the Ketering goalkeeper.
It increasingly looked like it would take something exceptional to break the deadlock and on twenty-eight minutes that was the case. After an exquisite move that included four men, Mike Marsh provided the perfect end to this move when he curled a shot from twenty yards into the top corner of the net.
Almost instantly, Southport went on the attack and where unlucky not to go two up when Dino Maamria placed a header on to the upright, from Stuart Whittaker’s in swinging cross. The crowd began to respond to Southport’s newly found urgency but the pattern of the game remained as you where, with Southport struggling to break down the spirited Kettering backline.
After soaking up constant pressure Kettering, deep into injury time pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Phil Brown broke away down the left and he played a cross into the path of Matt Fisher who fired the ball past the flailing Steve Dickinson in the Southport goal, to give Kettering their equaliser just on the stroke of half-time.
The second half started very much in the same manner as the first with Southport trying to break down the well marshalled Kettering defence, who on their first half performance belied their lowly league position.
They made a mockery of their position further, when they were awarded a penalty following an injudicious challenge by Andy Gouck on Craig Norman. There was no argument from the Southport players regarding the referee’s decision and Norman stepped up to convert the penalty himself
The goal saw Southport throw caution to the wind, when they made a double substitution soon after the goal. In the hope it would revive their fortunes Mike O’Brien and Lee Elam came on to replace Chris Lane and Stuart Whittaker.
Chances came and went for Southport, with Maamria going close on 68 minutes after good work by O’Brien and Arnold which brought the best out of the visitor’s keeper Dowling. Two minutes later, the Kettering keeper had to be brave, when he saved at the feet of Maamria, following an overhead kick by O’Brien which caused much confusion in the visitors box. Chances came and went for Southport, Marsh cut in from right side but he could only fire his shot straight at the goalkeeper.
The Kettering keeper was imposing himself more on the game and after 75 minutes he made yet another brave save this time at the feet of Ian Arnold. Three minutes later O’Brien fired a long shot, yet the Kettering keeper was alert enough to steer around the post away from the advancing Arnold.
On 80 minutes, O’Brien was again frustrated by Dowling, who got down well to parry his free kick wide of the post. Southport piled forward more in search of their equaliser and on 81 minutes Lee Elam found Maamria with his back to goal, who managed to turn but on this occasion could only fire his shot wide of the post.
The somewhat inevitable equaliser finally came, with five minutes of the game remaining. A long hopeful ball, was flicked on by Maamria into the path of Ian Arnold, who managed to avoid the off-side trap and who only had to side foot the ball past the advancing goalkeeper, who on this occasion could do nothing to prevent Southport from scoring.
Southport with one eye on the league table knew that a point would not be enough. They decided to go all out in attack, in the vain hope of collecting all three points, this was to prove to be their undoing. With one minute of normal time remaining Scott Guyett was dispossessed in the middle of the park by Darren Collins who played the ball to Niall Inman, to convert the easiest of chances, with virtually the whole of the Southport side the attacking half of the field.
On the balance of play no doubt Southport deserved something from the game but you could not take anything away from Kettering who came with a game plan which worked and frustrated the home side. Kettering’s Caretaker manager Carl Shutt reflected after the game on the result and their next two fixtures against the top two sides Rushden and Yeovil.
ATT – 1258
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Southport’s brave push for promotion is seemingly all but over after today’s defeat at home to struggling Kettering.
It was a bad day all round, with Southport’s nearest promotion rivals all collecting the points that has seen them consolidate their positions in the top two of the Nationwide Conference. You could sense the disappointment all around Haigh Avenue after the game and none more so than manager, Mark Wright who was in no mood to talk about his sides, capitulation.
Southport went into this game on the back of a run that has seen them without a home league win since November. It is their away form that has kept them in touch with the leaders, as well as maintaining their steady progress in the FA Trophy.
The opening exchanges were a little scrappy, with Kettering keen not to concede anything to Southport. Southport’s Neil Grayston and Kettering’s Dale Watkins tried their luck from long range with similar success, both efforts warming the hands of the respective keepers, on a bitterly cold winters day.
The scrappy nature of the game was not helped with a delay of four minutes, following treatment to Kettering’s Lee Cowling, who picked up a head injury following a collision with Scott Guyett.
When the play eventually restarted, it was Southport who dominated the play, without carving out any real openings. It was twenty minutes into the game before Scott Guyett stepped out of defence and after a long surging run he could only steer his shot straight at the Ketering goalkeeper.
It increasingly looked like it would take something exceptional to break the deadlock and on twenty-eight minutes that was the case. After an exquisite move that included four men, Mike Marsh provided the perfect end to this move when he curled a shot from twenty yards into the top corner of the net.
Almost instantly, Southport went on the attack and where unlucky not to go two up when Dino Maamria placed a header on to the upright, from Stuart Whittaker’s in swinging cross. The crowd began to respond to Southport’s newly found urgency but the pattern of the game remained as you where, with Southport struggling to break down the spirited Kettering backline.
After soaking up constant pressure Kettering, deep into injury time pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Phil Brown broke away down the left and he played a cross into the path of Matt Fisher who fired the ball past the flailing Steve Dickinson in the Southport goal, to give Kettering their equaliser just on the stroke of half-time.
The second half started very much in the same manner as the first with Southport trying to break down the well marshalled Kettering defence, who on their first half performance belied their lowly league position.
They made a mockery of their position further, when they were awarded a penalty following an injudicious challenge by Andy Gouck on Craig Norman. There was no argument from the Southport players regarding the referee’s decision and Norman stepped up to convert the penalty himself
The goal saw Southport throw caution to the wind, when they made a double substitution soon after the goal. In the hope it would revive their fortunes Mike O’Brien and Lee Elam came on to replace Chris Lane and Stuart Whittaker.
Chances came and went for Southport, with Maamria going close on 68 minutes after good work by O’Brien and Arnold which brought the best out of the visitor’s keeper Dowling. Two minutes later, the Kettering keeper had to be brave, when he saved at the feet of Maamria, following an overhead kick by O’Brien which caused much confusion in the visitors box. Chances came and went for Southport, Marsh cut in from right side but he could only fire his shot straight at the goalkeeper.
The Kettering keeper was imposing himself more on the game and after 75 minutes he made yet another brave save this time at the feet of Ian Arnold. Three minutes later O’Brien fired a long shot, yet the Kettering keeper was alert enough to steer around the post away from the advancing Arnold.
On 80 minutes, O’Brien was again frustrated by Dowling, who got down well to parry his free kick wide of the post. Southport piled forward more in search of their equaliser and on 81 minutes Lee Elam found Maamria with his back to goal, who managed to turn but on this occasion could only fire his shot wide of the post.
The somewhat inevitable equaliser finally came, with five minutes of the game remaining. A long hopeful ball, was flicked on by Maamria into the path of Ian Arnold, who managed to avoid the off-side trap and who only had to side foot the ball past the advancing goalkeeper, who on this occasion could do nothing to prevent Southport from scoring.
Southport with one eye on the league table knew that a point would not be enough. They decided to go all out in attack, in the vain hope of collecting all three points, this was to prove to be their undoing. With one minute of normal time remaining Scott Guyett was dispossessed in the middle of the park by Darren Collins who played the ball to Niall Inman, to convert the easiest of chances, with virtually the whole of the Southport side the attacking half of the field.
On the balance of play no doubt Southport deserved something from the game but you could not take anything away from Kettering who came with a game plan which worked and frustrated the home side. Kettering’s Caretaker manager Carl Shutt reflected after the game on the result and their next two fixtures against the top two sides Rushden and Yeovil.
ATT – 1258
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Tuesday, May 8, 2001
Chester City 1 Rushden & Diamonds 2
Nationwide Conference, Saturday 5th May 2001
It has been along time coming but Rushden & Diamond have finally been promoted to the Football League. After the near misses of the last two seasons Max Griggs faith in Brian Talbot to deliver the Holy Grail that is League football, has been repaid in impressive style. Such is the set up at Rushden they are already being talked about as potential promotion candidates for next season.
You had to remind yourself that there was actually a game of football taking place here today. Rushden’s impressive travelling support was vociferous, as you would expect for a team about to be unveiled as Champions but the Chester faithful were equally as noisy. The Chester fans were expressing their disappointment at the way that the club is being run by the American chairman Terry Smith, who had the good sense to stay away from today’s proceedings. This game may not of taken place after it was announced prior to the game that Chester’s stewards had resigned on block as a show of unity with the 1000 supporters who had walked through the streets carrying a coffin, draped in the club colours.
The stewards agreed to return to work for this game, but once the game got under way it you sensed that should not have bothered. It certainly had all the attributes of an end of season encounter. We had to wait for 15 minutes for the first bit of meaningful action. Good work down the left by Justin Jackson, found Duane Darby unmarked but he could only steer the ball around the post.
Three minutes later John Brady thought he had opened up the Championship celebrations when on 18 minutes he scored but the referee adjudged that both he and Darby were both offside.
As the half wore on the frustrations of the Deva faithful continued to be vented at their absentee American chairman. The Rushden supporters who had been in good voice all day even joined in with the “Smith out” chants. With today’s game attracting City’s best attendance of the season; just over 4,000 saw the game the good spirited banter carried on during half time.
The second half started a little better than the first with regards to meaningful action. Rusden won a couple of corners in quick succession, which they could not convert into goals.
Chester though turned party poopers on 56 minutes when Graig Gaunt headed home a Neil Doughty corner to put Chester into the lead and one up. Chester had little time to defend this lead when three minutes later Rushden restored parity, when John Brady whipped in a free kick from the left hand side. Mark Peters rose unchallenged to head home the equalizer.
On 72 minutes referee Dave Kellett waved away Chester appeals for a penalty, when Steve Whitehall appeared to be pushed by Billy Turley in the Rushden goal.
Rushden’s magnificent season was capped with in the 89th minute when Duane Darby laid the ball off to the man of the match John Darby who thumped a 35 yard shot past Chester keeper Wayne Brown.
This launched the Championship celebrations, after the game Rushden were awarded the championship trophy in front of their travelling army of 2000 supporters as well as those Chester fans that had stayed to applaud the champions as well as continue their protests against their chairman.
Brian Talbot managed to reflect on the championship success amid the celebrations when he said, “It has been a fabulous season and the lads have been magnificent. We’ll now have a short break before we get down to life in the league. It’s a great feeling. It’s been a tough campaign but in the end it’s all been worth it.”
It was the realisation of a dream for Club Chairman Max Griggs who has bankrolled Rusden and was glowing in his praise for his boss Brian Talbot before reflecting on the future.
“Brian is a top manager he doesn’t treat me like a bottomless pit of money. I will now sit back and relax, as I am happy we are now a league club. This is good for the area and the local community.”
He further added,
“ It has all been heady stuff I will be able to relax in a couple of days and release we are in the league.”
While it appears to be a quite summer Rushden, the same can’t be said of today’s opponents Chester City who face up to a summer of uncertainty again. Who will own the club? Will Terry Smith still be in charge? Will there still be a Chester City next season? These are just a few questions being asked at the moment. Chester have one more game on Monday night the final of the Nationwide trophy, which could at least add a silver lining to another gloomy season and give manager Graham Barrow, who is still barred from speaking to the press, a trophy his efforts have deserved.
ATT 4040
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
It has been along time coming but Rushden & Diamond have finally been promoted to the Football League. After the near misses of the last two seasons Max Griggs faith in Brian Talbot to deliver the Holy Grail that is League football, has been repaid in impressive style. Such is the set up at Rushden they are already being talked about as potential promotion candidates for next season.
You had to remind yourself that there was actually a game of football taking place here today. Rushden’s impressive travelling support was vociferous, as you would expect for a team about to be unveiled as Champions but the Chester faithful were equally as noisy. The Chester fans were expressing their disappointment at the way that the club is being run by the American chairman Terry Smith, who had the good sense to stay away from today’s proceedings. This game may not of taken place after it was announced prior to the game that Chester’s stewards had resigned on block as a show of unity with the 1000 supporters who had walked through the streets carrying a coffin, draped in the club colours.
The stewards agreed to return to work for this game, but once the game got under way it you sensed that should not have bothered. It certainly had all the attributes of an end of season encounter. We had to wait for 15 minutes for the first bit of meaningful action. Good work down the left by Justin Jackson, found Duane Darby unmarked but he could only steer the ball around the post.
Three minutes later John Brady thought he had opened up the Championship celebrations when on 18 minutes he scored but the referee adjudged that both he and Darby were both offside.
As the half wore on the frustrations of the Deva faithful continued to be vented at their absentee American chairman. The Rushden supporters who had been in good voice all day even joined in with the “Smith out” chants. With today’s game attracting City’s best attendance of the season; just over 4,000 saw the game the good spirited banter carried on during half time.
The second half started a little better than the first with regards to meaningful action. Rusden won a couple of corners in quick succession, which they could not convert into goals.
Chester though turned party poopers on 56 minutes when Graig Gaunt headed home a Neil Doughty corner to put Chester into the lead and one up. Chester had little time to defend this lead when three minutes later Rushden restored parity, when John Brady whipped in a free kick from the left hand side. Mark Peters rose unchallenged to head home the equalizer.
On 72 minutes referee Dave Kellett waved away Chester appeals for a penalty, when Steve Whitehall appeared to be pushed by Billy Turley in the Rushden goal.
Rushden’s magnificent season was capped with in the 89th minute when Duane Darby laid the ball off to the man of the match John Darby who thumped a 35 yard shot past Chester keeper Wayne Brown.
This launched the Championship celebrations, after the game Rushden were awarded the championship trophy in front of their travelling army of 2000 supporters as well as those Chester fans that had stayed to applaud the champions as well as continue their protests against their chairman.
Brian Talbot managed to reflect on the championship success amid the celebrations when he said, “It has been a fabulous season and the lads have been magnificent. We’ll now have a short break before we get down to life in the league. It’s a great feeling. It’s been a tough campaign but in the end it’s all been worth it.”
It was the realisation of a dream for Club Chairman Max Griggs who has bankrolled Rusden and was glowing in his praise for his boss Brian Talbot before reflecting on the future.
“Brian is a top manager he doesn’t treat me like a bottomless pit of money. I will now sit back and relax, as I am happy we are now a league club. This is good for the area and the local community.”
He further added,
“ It has all been heady stuff I will be able to relax in a couple of days and release we are in the league.”
While it appears to be a quite summer Rushden, the same can’t be said of today’s opponents Chester City who face up to a summer of uncertainty again. Who will own the club? Will Terry Smith still be in charge? Will there still be a Chester City next season? These are just a few questions being asked at the moment. Chester have one more game on Monday night the final of the Nationwide trophy, which could at least add a silver lining to another gloomy season and give manager Graham Barrow, who is still barred from speaking to the press, a trophy his efforts have deserved.
ATT 4040
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Sunday, April 22, 2001
Southport 2 Hednesford Town 0
Saturday 21st April 2001, Nationwide Conference
A goal in each half was enough for Southport to consolidate their position in the top four of the Nationwide Conference, with an easy victory over relegated Hednesford Town.
But as is seemingly the case these days at Haigh Avenue, attention was focused on what was going on off the field more than on it. Southport’s ex-Liverpool player is rumoured to have played his last game for the Sandgrounder’s, following a bust up with club chairman Charlie Clapham, over his refusal to travel to the clubs Easter Monday trip to Dover despite being injured. After the game manager Mark Wright refused to be drawn on the speculation, which surrounded the talented midfielder.
The game itself was the usual end of season encounter. Hednesford, although mathematically, they could stay up, they would have needed to win all their remaining fixtures. A tall order, for a side that had won only five league games all season.
The opening periods of the game saw Southport enjoy the lion’s share of the possession but were unable to turn this into a comfortable lead. When the first goal did come it was gift wrapped by the Hednesford midfielder, Scott Goodwin who attempted a back pass to his keeper, but failed to notice Southport’s Ian Arnold who had remained up the field from an earlier attack. Arnold with only the keeper to beat despatched his shot past the goalkeeper with ease, after only eight minutes of the game gone.
This should have been the springboard for Southport to win handsomely but despite constant pressure Southport could not score, against better opposition they may have rued these missed opportunities.
With their first real attack of note Hednesford could have equalised after 19 minutes. Southport keeper Steve Dickenson came for a cross, which he dropped at the feet of Mick Norbury, who could only overhead kick his shot over the bar.
Four minutes later, Ian Arnold nearly made it number 14 for the season when he beat the offside trap but he could only chip the ball into the hands of the on-rushing keeper.
With half-time fast approaching Southport were nearly left to rue not converting their possession into goals, when Hednesford stepped forward for the first time in the game with any conviction. Following a speculative Paul Bagshaw effort on 38 minutes, which went wide of the post. Four minutes later Mick Norbury headed over the bar, after a great cross from Tom Griffiths.
The change of ends did not bring about a change of fortune for Hednesford. The second forty-five minutes of the game was very much the same as the first half with Southport putting the Hednesford goal under constant pressure.
On 58 minutes, Simon Parke, tested the Hednesford keepers’ reflexes with a snap shot from the right side of the box, which the keeper was more than equal to. A minute later substitute Stuart Whitaker, showed good control as he crossed a ball over to the back post but Chris Lane could not steady himself and he fired high and wide of the crossbar.
Southport were getting closer and closer with every passing minute. None more so than Simon Parke who rattled the Hednesford cross bar with a header following a right wing cross from Whittaker. Neil Grayston’s follow up shot ended up in the home terracing behind the goal.
Chances kept on coming without much luck. The home supporters at this point were beginning to feel restless at the prospect at the possibility of dropping more points at home if they didn’t convert there chances. These frustration were not alleviated on 76 minutes when following a long goal kick by Dickenson, which cleared the Hednesford back line, put through Simon Parke who could seemingly do nothing else but score. Parke put his shot wide of the post.
Three minutes later Parke made amends for his earlier miss when out of nothing he converted an Ian Arnold cross, to put the game out of the grasp of Hednesford. Unfortunately for Parke this was to be his last meaningful contribution as he was replaced a minute later by young reserve striker Ben O’bong, a cult hero in the making on the evidence of the chants of the home faithful prior to his introduction.
The result was never in doubt after Parke’s goal but it wouldn’t be a Southport game without a late palpitation inducing moment for the Southport fans. This came with two minutes to go when, following Scott Bonsall’s cross, Leon Brown headed over the crossbar, but from my vantage point in the stands the Southport goalkeeper looked like he had got a touch on to the ball. The referee awarded a goal kick, which in all fairness was not disputed by the Hednesford players.
A clearly disappointed Hednesford Town manager Gary Lambert was not available after the game but Mark Wright was clearly delighted with three points which now sets them up nicely for the game a fortnight today with Dagenham & Redbridge which could decide who finishes third in the Nationwide Conference.
Mark Wright insisted that, “ I know it was not the best game of football of the season – Hednesford came to shut up shop and it was up to us to open the game up.”
Sadly for Hednesford this result, as well as results elsewhere condemned them to the an uncertain future, due to their geographical position and the uncertainty as to who else will go down. It is not sure in which division they will be playing in next season.
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
A goal in each half was enough for Southport to consolidate their position in the top four of the Nationwide Conference, with an easy victory over relegated Hednesford Town.
But as is seemingly the case these days at Haigh Avenue, attention was focused on what was going on off the field more than on it. Southport’s ex-Liverpool player is rumoured to have played his last game for the Sandgrounder’s, following a bust up with club chairman Charlie Clapham, over his refusal to travel to the clubs Easter Monday trip to Dover despite being injured. After the game manager Mark Wright refused to be drawn on the speculation, which surrounded the talented midfielder.
The game itself was the usual end of season encounter. Hednesford, although mathematically, they could stay up, they would have needed to win all their remaining fixtures. A tall order, for a side that had won only five league games all season.
The opening periods of the game saw Southport enjoy the lion’s share of the possession but were unable to turn this into a comfortable lead. When the first goal did come it was gift wrapped by the Hednesford midfielder, Scott Goodwin who attempted a back pass to his keeper, but failed to notice Southport’s Ian Arnold who had remained up the field from an earlier attack. Arnold with only the keeper to beat despatched his shot past the goalkeeper with ease, after only eight minutes of the game gone.
This should have been the springboard for Southport to win handsomely but despite constant pressure Southport could not score, against better opposition they may have rued these missed opportunities.
With their first real attack of note Hednesford could have equalised after 19 minutes. Southport keeper Steve Dickenson came for a cross, which he dropped at the feet of Mick Norbury, who could only overhead kick his shot over the bar.
Four minutes later, Ian Arnold nearly made it number 14 for the season when he beat the offside trap but he could only chip the ball into the hands of the on-rushing keeper.
With half-time fast approaching Southport were nearly left to rue not converting their possession into goals, when Hednesford stepped forward for the first time in the game with any conviction. Following a speculative Paul Bagshaw effort on 38 minutes, which went wide of the post. Four minutes later Mick Norbury headed over the bar, after a great cross from Tom Griffiths.
The change of ends did not bring about a change of fortune for Hednesford. The second forty-five minutes of the game was very much the same as the first half with Southport putting the Hednesford goal under constant pressure.
On 58 minutes, Simon Parke, tested the Hednesford keepers’ reflexes with a snap shot from the right side of the box, which the keeper was more than equal to. A minute later substitute Stuart Whitaker, showed good control as he crossed a ball over to the back post but Chris Lane could not steady himself and he fired high and wide of the crossbar.
Southport were getting closer and closer with every passing minute. None more so than Simon Parke who rattled the Hednesford cross bar with a header following a right wing cross from Whittaker. Neil Grayston’s follow up shot ended up in the home terracing behind the goal.
Chances kept on coming without much luck. The home supporters at this point were beginning to feel restless at the prospect at the possibility of dropping more points at home if they didn’t convert there chances. These frustration were not alleviated on 76 minutes when following a long goal kick by Dickenson, which cleared the Hednesford back line, put through Simon Parke who could seemingly do nothing else but score. Parke put his shot wide of the post.
Three minutes later Parke made amends for his earlier miss when out of nothing he converted an Ian Arnold cross, to put the game out of the grasp of Hednesford. Unfortunately for Parke this was to be his last meaningful contribution as he was replaced a minute later by young reserve striker Ben O’bong, a cult hero in the making on the evidence of the chants of the home faithful prior to his introduction.
The result was never in doubt after Parke’s goal but it wouldn’t be a Southport game without a late palpitation inducing moment for the Southport fans. This came with two minutes to go when, following Scott Bonsall’s cross, Leon Brown headed over the crossbar, but from my vantage point in the stands the Southport goalkeeper looked like he had got a touch on to the ball. The referee awarded a goal kick, which in all fairness was not disputed by the Hednesford players.
A clearly disappointed Hednesford Town manager Gary Lambert was not available after the game but Mark Wright was clearly delighted with three points which now sets them up nicely for the game a fortnight today with Dagenham & Redbridge which could decide who finishes third in the Nationwide Conference.
Mark Wright insisted that, “ I know it was not the best game of football of the season – Hednesford came to shut up shop and it was up to us to open the game up.”
Sadly for Hednesford this result, as well as results elsewhere condemned them to the an uncertain future, due to their geographical position and the uncertainty as to who else will go down. It is not sure in which division they will be playing in next season.
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Saturday, April 7, 2001
Chester City 0 Canvey Island 2 (Agg) 0-4
FA Trophy Semi Final – Second Leg, Saturday 7th April 2001
Two goals were enough to ease Canvey Island through to their first FA Trophy final against a disappointing Chester City at the Deva stadium today. City certainly knew what to expect from Canvey, after last weeks first encounter, as well as from the reputation they have earned from their previous cup encounters this season.
The overnight rain which had rolled in across the Welsh hills put this game in some doubt, unfortunately for Chester the game was given the go ahead. It has been a disappointing month for Chester both on and off the field, and the uncertainty over the ownership of the club is without doubt beginning to take its toll. The frustrations of the supporters are aimed at one man the American owner Terry Smith, who resigned as a director in midweek leaving his father as the sole director of the club.
The elements certainly played their part in the game and with Chester losing the toss; they faced the prospect of kicking into the wind in the second half. Canvey had the better of the opening exchanges and after eight minutes Gregson tried his luck from distance but Chester’s England semi-professional international goalkeeper Wayne Brown was more than equal too. Two minutes later, Canvey’s Steve Tilston worked a quickly taken free kick over the bar.
Chester turned defence into attack on the quarter hour mark, when after good work between Neil Fisher and Matt Woods, Fisher whipped in a right wing cross but defender Martin Lancaster could only head over the bar. Three minutes later, the breakthrough goal that Chester was striving for almost came. Scot Ruscoe used his pace to break free down the left, he delivered a pass to Steve Whitehall who was denied by a last ditch tackle by Ben Cheenery, four yards from the goal line.
With a two-goal deficit to claw back from the first leg Chester pushed men forward in search of the elusive goal that would make in-roads into the game. This was to prove their undoing, with men committed to attack, the impressive Mark Stimson took possession of the ball just inside his own half and ran at the stretched Chester back line. A one-two between Wayne Vaughan and Mark Stimson played in Steve Parmenter, who fired an unstoppable shot past Brown, with 29 minutes of the game gone.
The odds were now seemingly insurmountable now for Chester and it could have been much worse a minute later, if Wayne Brown in the Chester goal had not been equal to Tilston’s speculative thirty-yard effort.
At half time, the home faithful voiced their frustrations at the players, who left the field to a chorus of boos. At least it was a respite for the embattled Chester chairman, Terry Smith. In a bid to change things around Chester City boss, Graham Barrow introduced the lively Jimmy Haarhof and switched to a flat back four.
Two minutes into the second half Chester City were almost back in the game. A long kick by Wayne Brown caught the wind and carried over the Canvey defence. Steve Ward pushed the ball past his own keeper who had advanced to collect the ball. In the scramble that ensued Chester’s Steve Whitehall found the ball stuck under his feet and was unable to work a shot on target. Canvey’s goalkeeper Ashley Harrison was a relieved man once the ball was in his possession.
Chester huffed and puffed but they could not break down the resolute Canvey back line. On 54 minutes Chris Blackburn fired over following good work by Haarhof. Two minutes later Blackburn turned provider for Steve Whitehall whose volley was saved by keeper Ashley Harrison.
With the chance of glory seemingly gone the final nail in the coffin came on the hour mark. Out of nothing, Mark Stimson capped a marvellous performance with along range effort, which took a deflection past the stranded Chester keeper and into the net. With a four goal cushion the Chester faithful had seen enough and departed in droves. Those that stayed vented further scorn on Chairman Terry Smith.
After the game a bitterly a bitterly disappointed Chester boss Graham Barrow reflected on what might have been. “ I felt we lost it down there to be honest – but the disappointing thing for me is because we have just lost a semi final. March has been a bad time for us ” There was nothing but praise from the Chester boss for Canvey for the professionalism shown through both ties.
Canvey boss Jeff King praised the spirit shown by his players and looked forward to the clubs first major final. “ Before the game I wished the tie had finished last week – but credit to lads they were magnificent today”
The remarkable rise of Canvey Island continues at a pace. After a remarkable season in both the FA Trophy and FA Cup that has seen many a loftier side cast aside, they can now reflect on a final at Villa Park. It is probably with a tinge of regret that they will not be able to run out at Wembley. But wherever the final is held one thing is certain Canvey wont be there just to make the numbers up, they have every chance of putting their name on the trophy. The very least they deserve after this seasons exploits.
ATT: 2,647
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Two goals were enough to ease Canvey Island through to their first FA Trophy final against a disappointing Chester City at the Deva stadium today. City certainly knew what to expect from Canvey, after last weeks first encounter, as well as from the reputation they have earned from their previous cup encounters this season.
The overnight rain which had rolled in across the Welsh hills put this game in some doubt, unfortunately for Chester the game was given the go ahead. It has been a disappointing month for Chester both on and off the field, and the uncertainty over the ownership of the club is without doubt beginning to take its toll. The frustrations of the supporters are aimed at one man the American owner Terry Smith, who resigned as a director in midweek leaving his father as the sole director of the club.
The elements certainly played their part in the game and with Chester losing the toss; they faced the prospect of kicking into the wind in the second half. Canvey had the better of the opening exchanges and after eight minutes Gregson tried his luck from distance but Chester’s England semi-professional international goalkeeper Wayne Brown was more than equal too. Two minutes later, Canvey’s Steve Tilston worked a quickly taken free kick over the bar.
Chester turned defence into attack on the quarter hour mark, when after good work between Neil Fisher and Matt Woods, Fisher whipped in a right wing cross but defender Martin Lancaster could only head over the bar. Three minutes later, the breakthrough goal that Chester was striving for almost came. Scot Ruscoe used his pace to break free down the left, he delivered a pass to Steve Whitehall who was denied by a last ditch tackle by Ben Cheenery, four yards from the goal line.
With a two-goal deficit to claw back from the first leg Chester pushed men forward in search of the elusive goal that would make in-roads into the game. This was to prove their undoing, with men committed to attack, the impressive Mark Stimson took possession of the ball just inside his own half and ran at the stretched Chester back line. A one-two between Wayne Vaughan and Mark Stimson played in Steve Parmenter, who fired an unstoppable shot past Brown, with 29 minutes of the game gone.
The odds were now seemingly insurmountable now for Chester and it could have been much worse a minute later, if Wayne Brown in the Chester goal had not been equal to Tilston’s speculative thirty-yard effort.
At half time, the home faithful voiced their frustrations at the players, who left the field to a chorus of boos. At least it was a respite for the embattled Chester chairman, Terry Smith. In a bid to change things around Chester City boss, Graham Barrow introduced the lively Jimmy Haarhof and switched to a flat back four.
Two minutes into the second half Chester City were almost back in the game. A long kick by Wayne Brown caught the wind and carried over the Canvey defence. Steve Ward pushed the ball past his own keeper who had advanced to collect the ball. In the scramble that ensued Chester’s Steve Whitehall found the ball stuck under his feet and was unable to work a shot on target. Canvey’s goalkeeper Ashley Harrison was a relieved man once the ball was in his possession.
Chester huffed and puffed but they could not break down the resolute Canvey back line. On 54 minutes Chris Blackburn fired over following good work by Haarhof. Two minutes later Blackburn turned provider for Steve Whitehall whose volley was saved by keeper Ashley Harrison.
With the chance of glory seemingly gone the final nail in the coffin came on the hour mark. Out of nothing, Mark Stimson capped a marvellous performance with along range effort, which took a deflection past the stranded Chester keeper and into the net. With a four goal cushion the Chester faithful had seen enough and departed in droves. Those that stayed vented further scorn on Chairman Terry Smith.
After the game a bitterly a bitterly disappointed Chester boss Graham Barrow reflected on what might have been. “ I felt we lost it down there to be honest – but the disappointing thing for me is because we have just lost a semi final. March has been a bad time for us ” There was nothing but praise from the Chester boss for Canvey for the professionalism shown through both ties.
Canvey boss Jeff King praised the spirit shown by his players and looked forward to the clubs first major final. “ Before the game I wished the tie had finished last week – but credit to lads they were magnificent today”
The remarkable rise of Canvey Island continues at a pace. After a remarkable season in both the FA Trophy and FA Cup that has seen many a loftier side cast aside, they can now reflect on a final at Villa Park. It is probably with a tinge of regret that they will not be able to run out at Wembley. But wherever the final is held one thing is certain Canvey wont be there just to make the numbers up, they have every chance of putting their name on the trophy. The very least they deserve after this seasons exploits.
ATT: 2,647
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Sunday, March 11, 2001
Chester City 1 Southport 0
F.A. Umbro Trophy Sixth Round, Saturday 10th March 2001
Southport manager Mark Wright blasted the referee of today’s encounter. As Chester snatched a late victory, following the award of contentious free kick, which resulted in Matt Woods 87th minute goal, which put them into the semi finals of the F.A. Trophy.
Mark Wright was clearly incensed by the performance of the referee, a referee who is no stranger to controversy involving Southport. Wright claimed after the match, “ How a local man can be appointed for this fixture is beyond me. This referee was a disgrace, he has now cost us twice this season”
The previous performance that Wright refers to was earlier this year, against Rushden & Diamonds, which prompted Southport to put in a complaint regarding his appointment for this clash. Mark Wright further claimed that the local county F.A. had some sort of anti- Liverpool bias by the appointment, of the Evertonian Pollack.
Wright was fully aware that his comments may land him in hot water with the authorities and that they might smack of sour grapes, but he did give credit to a battling Chester performance.
The game itself was a typical cup-tie, which was given added spice by the proximity of two sides both geographically and with regards to their positions in the Conference table.
The 3,000 strong crowd did not have long to wait for any meaningful action when after only 20 seconds Southport’s Ian Arnold, flashed an effort wide of the City upright. A minute later, the play switched to the opposite end of the field, City’s former Southport player Steve Whitehall hit a twenty-yard free kick wide following a foul by Phil Bolland.
Referee Pollack, did not do anything to endear himself to Southport manager Mark Wright when he waved away claims for a penalty after 16 minutes, following Woods challenge on Simon Parke. Four minutes later, the referee turned a deaf ear to Southport appeals for another possible penalty. After Ian Arnold’s cross-appeared to strike the hand of the Chester defender.
The half was drawing to a close, as Southport found four players booked in the final five minutes. Phil Bolland was cautioned for persistent foul play; while Chris Lane, Mike O’Brien and Mark Marsh were all booked for fouls on wing back Matt Doughty. It was not a dirty encounter, more keenly fought than anything else, as was highlighted by the midfield battle that was more robust than malicious.
It was Southport who had the greater share of the possession in the first half, but could not seem to get the end result their approach play deserved.
Chester battled on manfully having been denied the services of centre backs Paul Beesley and Martin Lancaster through suspension.
Three minutes into the second half, Southport keeper Steve Dickinson had to be alert when he saved a well struck effort from Mark Beesley.
On the hour mark, following good work down the left by Beesley, Matt Fisher fired over from twenty yards. On 66 minutes, Southport’s Simon Parke tried a speculative effort from the left hand corner of the box that, Wayne Brown, Chester’s England semi-professional international goalkeeper was more than equal to.
City’s best chance of breaking the deadlock came on 68 minutes, after Matt Fisher’s in swinging cross-found Steve Whitehall, who flashed a diving header just wide of the upright. The chances came and went for both sides, so to did the bookings City’s Matt Woods and Southport’s Ian Arnold and Simon Parke were added to the five names from the first half.
Chester had another opportunity on 71 minutes when Whitehall shot just over the top after the visitors’ defence had failed to clear a cross from Doughty.
The game was seemingly heading for a draw and a replay on Tuesday night; when on 87 minutes the referee awarded a free kick, to City following a foul by Southport substitute Lee Furlong. From Doughty’s free kick Whitehall headed over the Southport crossbar.
It was almost a sense of déjà vu a minute later when the referee awarded a free kick in a similar area of the field; the Southport players remonstrated with this decision but to no avail. On this occasion Doughty’s free kick caused no end of problems in the Southport defence, Matt Woods managed to plunder the winner with three minutes to go and break the hearts of Southport’s large travelling contingent. The final whistle saw Southport manager vent his frustrations at the official before he tried rallying his battle weary troops.
After the game Chester manager Graham Barrow reflected on the referee’s performance as being “Six of one and half a dozen of the other” before further adding, “People will now probably expect us to go on and win this trophy, which we probably should do. We wont be taking nothing for granted in the semi finals.”
Chester’s impressive run continues, with out a doubt Chester should be too strong over a two-legged semi final, for their next opponents but this is cup football as has been highlighted in other cup fixtures today. For Southport though it has been a depressing seven days for the club after today’s Trophy exit and last weeks loss at home to lowly Kettering Town. Southport must now pick themselves up for Tuesdays League encounter with none other than Chester City.
ATT: 3,204
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Southport manager Mark Wright blasted the referee of today’s encounter. As Chester snatched a late victory, following the award of contentious free kick, which resulted in Matt Woods 87th minute goal, which put them into the semi finals of the F.A. Trophy.
Mark Wright was clearly incensed by the performance of the referee, a referee who is no stranger to controversy involving Southport. Wright claimed after the match, “ How a local man can be appointed for this fixture is beyond me. This referee was a disgrace, he has now cost us twice this season”
The previous performance that Wright refers to was earlier this year, against Rushden & Diamonds, which prompted Southport to put in a complaint regarding his appointment for this clash. Mark Wright further claimed that the local county F.A. had some sort of anti- Liverpool bias by the appointment, of the Evertonian Pollack.
Wright was fully aware that his comments may land him in hot water with the authorities and that they might smack of sour grapes, but he did give credit to a battling Chester performance.
The game itself was a typical cup-tie, which was given added spice by the proximity of two sides both geographically and with regards to their positions in the Conference table.
The 3,000 strong crowd did not have long to wait for any meaningful action when after only 20 seconds Southport’s Ian Arnold, flashed an effort wide of the City upright. A minute later, the play switched to the opposite end of the field, City’s former Southport player Steve Whitehall hit a twenty-yard free kick wide following a foul by Phil Bolland.
Referee Pollack, did not do anything to endear himself to Southport manager Mark Wright when he waved away claims for a penalty after 16 minutes, following Woods challenge on Simon Parke. Four minutes later, the referee turned a deaf ear to Southport appeals for another possible penalty. After Ian Arnold’s cross-appeared to strike the hand of the Chester defender.
The half was drawing to a close, as Southport found four players booked in the final five minutes. Phil Bolland was cautioned for persistent foul play; while Chris Lane, Mike O’Brien and Mark Marsh were all booked for fouls on wing back Matt Doughty. It was not a dirty encounter, more keenly fought than anything else, as was highlighted by the midfield battle that was more robust than malicious.
It was Southport who had the greater share of the possession in the first half, but could not seem to get the end result their approach play deserved.
Chester battled on manfully having been denied the services of centre backs Paul Beesley and Martin Lancaster through suspension.
Three minutes into the second half, Southport keeper Steve Dickinson had to be alert when he saved a well struck effort from Mark Beesley.
On the hour mark, following good work down the left by Beesley, Matt Fisher fired over from twenty yards. On 66 minutes, Southport’s Simon Parke tried a speculative effort from the left hand corner of the box that, Wayne Brown, Chester’s England semi-professional international goalkeeper was more than equal to.
City’s best chance of breaking the deadlock came on 68 minutes, after Matt Fisher’s in swinging cross-found Steve Whitehall, who flashed a diving header just wide of the upright. The chances came and went for both sides, so to did the bookings City’s Matt Woods and Southport’s Ian Arnold and Simon Parke were added to the five names from the first half.
Chester had another opportunity on 71 minutes when Whitehall shot just over the top after the visitors’ defence had failed to clear a cross from Doughty.
The game was seemingly heading for a draw and a replay on Tuesday night; when on 87 minutes the referee awarded a free kick, to City following a foul by Southport substitute Lee Furlong. From Doughty’s free kick Whitehall headed over the Southport crossbar.
It was almost a sense of déjà vu a minute later when the referee awarded a free kick in a similar area of the field; the Southport players remonstrated with this decision but to no avail. On this occasion Doughty’s free kick caused no end of problems in the Southport defence, Matt Woods managed to plunder the winner with three minutes to go and break the hearts of Southport’s large travelling contingent. The final whistle saw Southport manager vent his frustrations at the official before he tried rallying his battle weary troops.
After the game Chester manager Graham Barrow reflected on the referee’s performance as being “Six of one and half a dozen of the other” before further adding, “People will now probably expect us to go on and win this trophy, which we probably should do. We wont be taking nothing for granted in the semi finals.”
Chester’s impressive run continues, with out a doubt Chester should be too strong over a two-legged semi final, for their next opponents but this is cup football as has been highlighted in other cup fixtures today. For Southport though it has been a depressing seven days for the club after today’s Trophy exit and last weeks loss at home to lowly Kettering Town. Southport must now pick themselves up for Tuesdays League encounter with none other than Chester City.
ATT: 3,204
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Sunday, February 25, 2001
Marine 1 Frickley Athletic 0
Unibond Premier League, Saturday 24th February 2001
A 67th minute goal from the influential Gerard Courtney was enough to give Marine the three points, in this evenly fought Unibond relegation encounter.
Frickley, after a woeful start to the season, have been showing a reversal fortunes of late, in their bid to avert relegation from the Unibond league. This was highlighted by the five-nil away victory in midweek at bottom of the table Spenymoor United. Marine were in the midst of another one their indifferent patches that have blighted their season. They also went into the game on the back of an embarrassing five-nil reverse, to neighbours Southport, in midweek in the Lancashire cup.
As you would expect in a game with so much at stake, the game got of to a slow start. The first real chance of the game fell to the visitors, when after six minutes, Frickleys, Gary Duffty found himself through on goal on the right hand corner of the box but he could only steer his shot into the terrace behind the Marine goal.
Such was the nature of the play both sides were restricted to half chances. Marine’s first meaningful attack of the game saw Courtney send a looping header over the bar that did not have the pace to trouble the Frickley goalkeeper. This attack was a prelude to concerted spell of pressure for Marine.
Under pressure from the home side, the Frickley defence stood firm restricting Marine to speculative long-range efforts. An invitation that Marine’s top scorer and long-range specialist Dave Gamble does not normally shirk and on nineteen minutes he sent a shot wide of the Frickley goalkeeper’s upright. Four minutes later, Gamble tried another shot from a similar distance, on this occasion he went closer.
Gamble, showed that he was also adept to something a little more subtle on the half hour, when in front of his own box, with the Frickley attackers baring down on him rolled his foot over the ball and with space and time he had created, he found Randles who then played in Courtney. Who could only steer his shot straight at the Frickley goalkeeper.
Again, five minutes later the same combination of Randles and Courtney carved out another chance, but Courtney’s effort did not have enough power to beat the keeper.
Anton Lally then went close with a long-range effort that curled over the bar. Three minutes later Lally was ready to unleash a shot but was denied by the interventions of the Frickley defender.
With a minute to go before half-time Marine, had their best chance of the game so far. Dave Gamble's in swinging corner evaded the Frickey defence and even the Frickley goalkeeper, who was left sprawling by the Marine forward’s challenge, but he managed to recover himself sufficiently to save from Courtney on the goal-line.
Marine were certainly the better side in the first period, but after the interval they took some time to get back into their stride and Frickley started the better side. The Mariner’s back line had to be as equally resolute as their Frickley counterparts had been in the first period. On 52 minutes, goalkeeper Clarke had to be alert when he gathered the ball at his feet from a Leroy Chambers shot, with Gary Duffty close at hand, waiting for a slip from the Marine goalkeeper.
Frickley were enjoying their best spell of the game and Marine’s manager Roly Howard had obviously seen enough. After 58 minutes He decided to introduce the combative central defender Mark Schofield, although only half fit, in a bid to stem Frickley’s spell of pressure.
Ten minutes later, as the game looked to have been heading towards a draw. A through ball by David Gamble, found Gerard Courtney one on one with the goalkeeper, with great composure Courtney fired Marine into the lead
The result was almost put beyond doubt three minutes later, but Gary Randles fired across the face of goal and wide. Frickley tried in vain to get back into the game, but try as they might, they found it hard to break down a resolute Marine back line and they had to make do with half chances.
With game in injury time and with Marine seemingly set to take the three points. Frickley’s number nine spurned a guilt edge chance that could have given Frickley a share of the points. Gamble was dispossessed in midfield and Duffty threaded the ball through to Leroy Chambers who with the keeper to beat placed his shot wide of the post.
Marine fans can now breathe a little easier after this result. A result that, gives them an eight-point cushion between themselves and Frickley who occupy the second from bottom relegation position.
ATT - 267
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
A 67th minute goal from the influential Gerard Courtney was enough to give Marine the three points, in this evenly fought Unibond relegation encounter.
Frickley, after a woeful start to the season, have been showing a reversal fortunes of late, in their bid to avert relegation from the Unibond league. This was highlighted by the five-nil away victory in midweek at bottom of the table Spenymoor United. Marine were in the midst of another one their indifferent patches that have blighted their season. They also went into the game on the back of an embarrassing five-nil reverse, to neighbours Southport, in midweek in the Lancashire cup.
As you would expect in a game with so much at stake, the game got of to a slow start. The first real chance of the game fell to the visitors, when after six minutes, Frickleys, Gary Duffty found himself through on goal on the right hand corner of the box but he could only steer his shot into the terrace behind the Marine goal.
Such was the nature of the play both sides were restricted to half chances. Marine’s first meaningful attack of the game saw Courtney send a looping header over the bar that did not have the pace to trouble the Frickley goalkeeper. This attack was a prelude to concerted spell of pressure for Marine.
Under pressure from the home side, the Frickley defence stood firm restricting Marine to speculative long-range efforts. An invitation that Marine’s top scorer and long-range specialist Dave Gamble does not normally shirk and on nineteen minutes he sent a shot wide of the Frickley goalkeeper’s upright. Four minutes later, Gamble tried another shot from a similar distance, on this occasion he went closer.
Gamble, showed that he was also adept to something a little more subtle on the half hour, when in front of his own box, with the Frickley attackers baring down on him rolled his foot over the ball and with space and time he had created, he found Randles who then played in Courtney. Who could only steer his shot straight at the Frickley goalkeeper.
Again, five minutes later the same combination of Randles and Courtney carved out another chance, but Courtney’s effort did not have enough power to beat the keeper.
Anton Lally then went close with a long-range effort that curled over the bar. Three minutes later Lally was ready to unleash a shot but was denied by the interventions of the Frickley defender.
With a minute to go before half-time Marine, had their best chance of the game so far. Dave Gamble's in swinging corner evaded the Frickey defence and even the Frickley goalkeeper, who was left sprawling by the Marine forward’s challenge, but he managed to recover himself sufficiently to save from Courtney on the goal-line.
Marine were certainly the better side in the first period, but after the interval they took some time to get back into their stride and Frickley started the better side. The Mariner’s back line had to be as equally resolute as their Frickley counterparts had been in the first period. On 52 minutes, goalkeeper Clarke had to be alert when he gathered the ball at his feet from a Leroy Chambers shot, with Gary Duffty close at hand, waiting for a slip from the Marine goalkeeper.
Frickley were enjoying their best spell of the game and Marine’s manager Roly Howard had obviously seen enough. After 58 minutes He decided to introduce the combative central defender Mark Schofield, although only half fit, in a bid to stem Frickley’s spell of pressure.
Ten minutes later, as the game looked to have been heading towards a draw. A through ball by David Gamble, found Gerard Courtney one on one with the goalkeeper, with great composure Courtney fired Marine into the lead
The result was almost put beyond doubt three minutes later, but Gary Randles fired across the face of goal and wide. Frickley tried in vain to get back into the game, but try as they might, they found it hard to break down a resolute Marine back line and they had to make do with half chances.
With game in injury time and with Marine seemingly set to take the three points. Frickley’s number nine spurned a guilt edge chance that could have given Frickley a share of the points. Gamble was dispossessed in midfield and Duffty threaded the ball through to Leroy Chambers who with the keeper to beat placed his shot wide of the post.
Marine fans can now breathe a little easier after this result. A result that, gives them an eight-point cushion between themselves and Frickley who occupy the second from bottom relegation position.
ATT - 267
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Sunday, February 4, 2001
Marine 0 Rushden & Diamonds 6
Saturday 3rd February 2001, Umbro FA Trophy 4th Round
A potential FA Trophy banana skin was avoided for Conference favourites Rusden & Diamond, as they overcame spirited performance by Unibond League side Marine.
The game was definitely a case of two worlds colliding, although the teams may only be separated one division, in reality the difference between the two teams is much greater. Rusden with their pretensions of greater things, have in their ranks two strikers who would not have left much change out of £300, 000, funded by the ambitious local businessman Max Griggs and Marine who have spent a similar amount on a new 400 seater stand, funded by the concerted efforts of the clubs supporters association and from grants, over the last few years. This is one of many aspects that could be used in evidence to highlight the divide. The new stand was certainly put to good use today, when it housed the vast majority of the 965 crowd, Marines best attendance this season by far, swelled by the mass ranks of travelling Rushden supporters.
The combination of Marine’s tightly packed three sided ground, a pitch that would have given Alex Ferguson palpitations, an upset could well have been the order of the day. Marine were no doubt looking to better their one-nil defeat in the fifth round of last years competition by Rushden, but it was Rushden who took the early initiative in the opening exchanges. Most of Rushden’s early attacks went through their experienced striker, Duane Darby. Sadly, for Marine the equally combative Mark Schofield, was ruled out of this game through injury, they needed him to thwart the influence of Darby.
Rushden, enjoyed most of the early possession and made good use of the wings, Andy Burgess made good ground down the left and found Gary Butterworth who fired his shot straight at the Marine goalkeeper Clarke. Again on ten minutes Darby used his strength and height to play in Burgess outside the box, who fired over from close range.
It was certainly the Marine defence in the first quarter of the game who earned the plaudits, with their resolute defending in the face of constant Rushden pressure. Rushden’s opening twenty minute spell brought about no less than six corners. It was with the seventh that Rushden scored, on 21 minutes, when Jon Brady’s perfectly flighted corner found Duane Darby, who rose above keeper Clarke and the Marine defence to put Rushden one-nil up.
This could have been the signal for Marine to capitulate, but to their credit they composed themselves and dug in to try and repell the Rushden attacks and even carved out an opening of their own, when Gerard Courtney broke free down the right, and found fullback Ian Baines who fired his shot across the face of goal.
This move was a respite for Marine, who could have found themselves two goals down on 27 minutes. Shawn Carey, found himself through on goal but miscontrolled the ball to Justin Jackson who could only steer the ball past the right hand post. Though this would not have counted as the referee had adjudged Jackson to be off side.
The corner count increased for Rushden as the half wore on and when the half time whistle sounded, it was certainly Marine who were glad of the chance to re group. The first half certainly was a one sided encounter but they emerged with some credit for being able to hold Rushden to a one nil first half lead.
Marine started the second half brighter and managed to fashion a couple of chances. A long kick by Marine keeper was not dealt with by the Rushden defence, Dave Thompson managed to break free down the right, he fired a cross over which found Kevin Formby who flashed a shot wide of the post. Then three minutes later more good work down the right by Thompson, tried to play in the on rushing Karl Robinson but he could not connect and the ball rolled out for a goal kick.
Again Rushden stepped up the play and on 54 minutes Jackson was put through on goal, he could only steer his shot wide of the post. Three minutes later, Jackson was again at the heart of the action, when he was fouled ten yards out side the box by Ian Baines. From the resulting free kick, Jon Brady’s effort was spectacularly tipped over the bar by Marine keeper Clarke.
In a repeat of an earlier chance, Rushden’s Jackson found himself one on one with the Marine keeper, Clarke, this time though he made no mistake and on the hour mark he made it two-nil.
Marine tried to hit back almost immediately, when from Courtney’s knock down Robinson fired over the bar. Marine felt hard done to as they believed that the goalkeeper had got a fingertip to the ball. The referee did not do anything to win over the home faithful two minutes later, when he waved away appeals for a blatant penalty, when the Rushden defender Carey blocked the ball with his hands following a shot by Bainbridge.
Again Rushden were denied by the brilliance of Clarke on 73 minutes but the Marine keeper could do nothing to stop Duane Darby’s shot from eighteen yards, three minutes later, which effectively killed off this cuptie as a contest. Set piece specialist Burgess added a forth on eighty minutes. Two further goals in stoppage time by substitutes Roy Essendah and Jim Rodwell sealed a comprehensive victory for the Conference side.
Though Rushden did control the majority of this game, the score line was a little harsh on Marine who had tried to stem the tide of their illustrious opponents attacks, but for two sloppy goals in injury time may have given the score line a more respectable look.
ATT: 965
A potential FA Trophy banana skin was avoided for Conference favourites Rusden & Diamond, as they overcame spirited performance by Unibond League side Marine.
The game was definitely a case of two worlds colliding, although the teams may only be separated one division, in reality the difference between the two teams is much greater. Rusden with their pretensions of greater things, have in their ranks two strikers who would not have left much change out of £300, 000, funded by the ambitious local businessman Max Griggs and Marine who have spent a similar amount on a new 400 seater stand, funded by the concerted efforts of the clubs supporters association and from grants, over the last few years. This is one of many aspects that could be used in evidence to highlight the divide. The new stand was certainly put to good use today, when it housed the vast majority of the 965 crowd, Marines best attendance this season by far, swelled by the mass ranks of travelling Rushden supporters.
The combination of Marine’s tightly packed three sided ground, a pitch that would have given Alex Ferguson palpitations, an upset could well have been the order of the day. Marine were no doubt looking to better their one-nil defeat in the fifth round of last years competition by Rushden, but it was Rushden who took the early initiative in the opening exchanges. Most of Rushden’s early attacks went through their experienced striker, Duane Darby. Sadly, for Marine the equally combative Mark Schofield, was ruled out of this game through injury, they needed him to thwart the influence of Darby.
Rushden, enjoyed most of the early possession and made good use of the wings, Andy Burgess made good ground down the left and found Gary Butterworth who fired his shot straight at the Marine goalkeeper Clarke. Again on ten minutes Darby used his strength and height to play in Burgess outside the box, who fired over from close range.
It was certainly the Marine defence in the first quarter of the game who earned the plaudits, with their resolute defending in the face of constant Rushden pressure. Rushden’s opening twenty minute spell brought about no less than six corners. It was with the seventh that Rushden scored, on 21 minutes, when Jon Brady’s perfectly flighted corner found Duane Darby, who rose above keeper Clarke and the Marine defence to put Rushden one-nil up.
This could have been the signal for Marine to capitulate, but to their credit they composed themselves and dug in to try and repell the Rushden attacks and even carved out an opening of their own, when Gerard Courtney broke free down the right, and found fullback Ian Baines who fired his shot across the face of goal.
This move was a respite for Marine, who could have found themselves two goals down on 27 minutes. Shawn Carey, found himself through on goal but miscontrolled the ball to Justin Jackson who could only steer the ball past the right hand post. Though this would not have counted as the referee had adjudged Jackson to be off side.
The corner count increased for Rushden as the half wore on and when the half time whistle sounded, it was certainly Marine who were glad of the chance to re group. The first half certainly was a one sided encounter but they emerged with some credit for being able to hold Rushden to a one nil first half lead.
Marine started the second half brighter and managed to fashion a couple of chances. A long kick by Marine keeper was not dealt with by the Rushden defence, Dave Thompson managed to break free down the right, he fired a cross over which found Kevin Formby who flashed a shot wide of the post. Then three minutes later more good work down the right by Thompson, tried to play in the on rushing Karl Robinson but he could not connect and the ball rolled out for a goal kick.
Again Rushden stepped up the play and on 54 minutes Jackson was put through on goal, he could only steer his shot wide of the post. Three minutes later, Jackson was again at the heart of the action, when he was fouled ten yards out side the box by Ian Baines. From the resulting free kick, Jon Brady’s effort was spectacularly tipped over the bar by Marine keeper Clarke.
In a repeat of an earlier chance, Rushden’s Jackson found himself one on one with the Marine keeper, Clarke, this time though he made no mistake and on the hour mark he made it two-nil.
Marine tried to hit back almost immediately, when from Courtney’s knock down Robinson fired over the bar. Marine felt hard done to as they believed that the goalkeeper had got a fingertip to the ball. The referee did not do anything to win over the home faithful two minutes later, when he waved away appeals for a blatant penalty, when the Rushden defender Carey blocked the ball with his hands following a shot by Bainbridge.
Again Rushden were denied by the brilliance of Clarke on 73 minutes but the Marine keeper could do nothing to stop Duane Darby’s shot from eighteen yards, three minutes later, which effectively killed off this cuptie as a contest. Set piece specialist Burgess added a forth on eighty minutes. Two further goals in stoppage time by substitutes Roy Essendah and Jim Rodwell sealed a comprehensive victory for the Conference side.
Though Rushden did control the majority of this game, the score line was a little harsh on Marine who had tried to stem the tide of their illustrious opponents attacks, but for two sloppy goals in injury time may have given the score line a more respectable look.
ATT: 965
Sunday, January 14, 2001
Marine 2 Stalybridge Celtic 0
Saturday 13th January 2001, Umbro FA Trophy 3rd Round
Marine continued their impressive winning run in 2001, with a comprehensive victory over high flying Unibond league side Stalybridge Celtic.
Marine certainly were not overawed by their opponents and why should they, having seen off Everton in midweek in the Liverpool Senior Cup.
Stalybridge, who prior to today had only lost one league game all season, put Marine under pressure from the opening moments of the game. Marine’s goalkeeper Chris Clarke, had to be alert when Stalybridge’s Matthew McNeil was put through on goal after two minutes. The Marine keeper saved bravely but could not keep hold of the ball, luckily it fell to Marine’s Gary Randles, who managed to clear his lines.
Marine managed to contain the early Stalybridge spell of pressure and even started to carve out chances of their own, prompted by the impressive Gerrard Courtney, who was at the heart of most of Marine’s attacks. Marine tried to pass the ball, despite playing on a pitch which had been hardened by the overnight frost.
Twelve minutes into the game, Marine had an appeal for a penalty waved away by the referee much to the annoyance of the home fans, after Kevin Formby was brought down inside the box. Moments later the Home supporters patience was tested further, following a two footed challenge by Stalybridge’s Matthew McNeil which went undetected by the referee.
On the half hour mark, Brian Burns broke down the left and put in Gerald Courtney who fired over the bar. Two minutes later, an identical move saw Courtney cushion a header just past the left hand post after a cross by Kevin Formby.
Stalybridge’s response was swift when on 34 minutes Tony Sullivan found himself one on one with the Marine goalkeeper but Sullivan put his shot over the advancing keeper and the bar.
Down the other end of the field, Marine fullback Ian Baines found himself in unfamiliar territory when he was put through with the keeper to beat. Stalybridge’s Stuart Locke appeared to clear the ball off the boot of Ian Baines, just as he was about to shoot goal wards. The referee inexplicably never saw the interception and only awarded a goal kick to Stalybridge.
The second half started in a subdued manner with both teams midfields stamping their authority on the game, this lull was soon banished, when on 57 minutes Marine took the lead following a spectacular lob by Marine’s top scorer Dave Gamble. The shot came out of nothing and in all probability it was a cross for the advancing Marine striker at the back post.
The goal sparked Stalybridge back to life and on 60 minutes, Marine goalkeeper Chris Clarke showed his bravery again when he denied Tony Sullivan who was again put through on goal. From the resulting corner substitute Nigel Evans, who had only been on the field a minute sent a header goal wards only for Marine’s Ian Baines to clear of the line.
The Marine defence stood firm in the face of constant Stalybridge pressure but still Stalybridge could not find an equaliser. Even though since Marine’s first goal, Stalybridge had been camped inside Marine’s half.
Dave Gamble looked to add to his earlier strike on 78 minutes with an equally impressive strike from long range but on this occassion he fired high and wide of the cross bar. Marine finally killed off the tie with six minutes to go, after good work by Marine number Seven Courtney who fed in Gary Randles who rifled a shot into the corner of the net.
Though Stalybridge were a disappointment considering their high flying position this is taking nothing away from Marine who at last seem to be putting a decent run together and put behind them the inconsistencies and the last few months. Marine were certainly good value for their two goal victory today.
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Marine continued their impressive winning run in 2001, with a comprehensive victory over high flying Unibond league side Stalybridge Celtic.
Marine certainly were not overawed by their opponents and why should they, having seen off Everton in midweek in the Liverpool Senior Cup.
Stalybridge, who prior to today had only lost one league game all season, put Marine under pressure from the opening moments of the game. Marine’s goalkeeper Chris Clarke, had to be alert when Stalybridge’s Matthew McNeil was put through on goal after two minutes. The Marine keeper saved bravely but could not keep hold of the ball, luckily it fell to Marine’s Gary Randles, who managed to clear his lines.
Marine managed to contain the early Stalybridge spell of pressure and even started to carve out chances of their own, prompted by the impressive Gerrard Courtney, who was at the heart of most of Marine’s attacks. Marine tried to pass the ball, despite playing on a pitch which had been hardened by the overnight frost.
Twelve minutes into the game, Marine had an appeal for a penalty waved away by the referee much to the annoyance of the home fans, after Kevin Formby was brought down inside the box. Moments later the Home supporters patience was tested further, following a two footed challenge by Stalybridge’s Matthew McNeil which went undetected by the referee.
On the half hour mark, Brian Burns broke down the left and put in Gerald Courtney who fired over the bar. Two minutes later, an identical move saw Courtney cushion a header just past the left hand post after a cross by Kevin Formby.
Stalybridge’s response was swift when on 34 minutes Tony Sullivan found himself one on one with the Marine goalkeeper but Sullivan put his shot over the advancing keeper and the bar.
Down the other end of the field, Marine fullback Ian Baines found himself in unfamiliar territory when he was put through with the keeper to beat. Stalybridge’s Stuart Locke appeared to clear the ball off the boot of Ian Baines, just as he was about to shoot goal wards. The referee inexplicably never saw the interception and only awarded a goal kick to Stalybridge.
The second half started in a subdued manner with both teams midfields stamping their authority on the game, this lull was soon banished, when on 57 minutes Marine took the lead following a spectacular lob by Marine’s top scorer Dave Gamble. The shot came out of nothing and in all probability it was a cross for the advancing Marine striker at the back post.
The goal sparked Stalybridge back to life and on 60 minutes, Marine goalkeeper Chris Clarke showed his bravery again when he denied Tony Sullivan who was again put through on goal. From the resulting corner substitute Nigel Evans, who had only been on the field a minute sent a header goal wards only for Marine’s Ian Baines to clear of the line.
The Marine defence stood firm in the face of constant Stalybridge pressure but still Stalybridge could not find an equaliser. Even though since Marine’s first goal, Stalybridge had been camped inside Marine’s half.
Dave Gamble looked to add to his earlier strike on 78 minutes with an equally impressive strike from long range but on this occassion he fired high and wide of the cross bar. Marine finally killed off the tie with six minutes to go, after good work by Marine number Seven Courtney who fed in Gary Randles who rifled a shot into the corner of the net.
Though Stalybridge were a disappointment considering their high flying position this is taking nothing away from Marine who at last seem to be putting a decent run together and put behind them the inconsistencies and the last few months. Marine were certainly good value for their two goal victory today.
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Saturday, January 6, 2001
Blackburn Rovers 2 Chester City 0
F.A. Cup - Third Round, Saturday 6th January 2001
Second-half Goals from Blackburn's Martin Taylor and Marcus Bent put paid to a spirited performance from Nationwide Conference side Chester City.
City were backed a strong contingent of their own supporters almost 3,000 made the trip and even though the result went against them, they certainly could be proud of their sides efforts. So many of them had made the trip in fact, that the game had to be delayed by 15 minutes to enable them to reach the ground in time for kick-off.
When the game finally got under way, Chester made a mockery of the supposed gulf in class between the two sides, in the opening exchanges of the game, they began the game with a purpose. They coped well with Blackburn's early chances and they even managed to carve out chances of their own.
On thirteen minutes, Chester’s left wing back Matt Doughty made good ground down the left wing, but he could not steer his cross in to the path of another Chester player. Blackburn tried to clear their lines, but only as far as Steve Whitehall who fired his shot over the bar.
It would not have been a typical cup tie, without the odd over ‘enthusiastic’ tackle and this game was certainly no different. Chester’s Carl Ruffer was booked on 15 minutes after a rash challenge on Blackburn’s Matt Jansen. Seven minutes later, Rovers former Liverpool and Norway wing-back Stig Inge Bjornebye followed Ruffer into the referees note book, after an equally crude challenge.
The game settled down again and after 23 minutes, Craig Hignett fired a shot on to the post from 25 yards. The early composure that Chester had shown in the first 30 minutes was not apparent when, Chester centre half Lancaster conceded an unnecessary corner after a breakdown in communications between himself and Chester goalkeeper Wayne Brown. From the resulting corner, Paul Carden almost put through his own goal, under no pressure from any advancing Blackburn forwards.
City managed to retain the ball well in the first-half, but it was Blackburn who managed to out carve the best chances, Jansen came close twice, but on both occasions he fired wide. Chester’s Matt Doughty wasted a good opportunity after a great tackle in his own half saw him run the length of the pitch, but instead of putting Whitehall through, he fired over the bar.
It certainly was not Chester who wanted the first-half to end. As the half wore on they showed the greater urgency of the two teams and looked the more assured.
Blackburn manager Graeme Souness, no doubt had a few things to say to his players at half-time. In an attempt to shake things up Souness replaced the largely ineffective Darren Dunning with the youngster Jonathon Douglas for the start of the second period.
Blackburn were on the attack early in the second-half, with the words of Graeme Souness, no doubt still ringing in their ears. Looking a little sharper than they did in the first half, they should have scored after 50 minutes, when David Dunn sent over a cross to Egil Ostenstad, who could only steer his header at the Chester goalkeeper.This was to be Ostenstads only and last contribution to the game, he was replaced by Marcus Bent on the hour mark.
Chester were still pushing forward in search of a goal to break the deadlock. With 20 minutes to go they thought their endeavours had been rewarded when Steve Whitehall put the ball past Blackburn’s Brad Friedel but the referee had adjudged that Carl Ruffer had climbed all over Martin Taylor, from Cardens inswinging corner.
As thoughts were turning to a possible replay, on 72 minutes Blackburn scored. Alan Mahon sent over a teasing corner which found the tall central defender, Martin Taylor, who glanced his header past the despairing dive of Wayne Brown.
Chester could have laid down and died at this point, but they fought back and they very nearly equalised. Steve Whitehall who had been denied earlier by a referees whistle this time found himself denied by a superb save from Friedal, the ball eventually fell to Paul Beesley who fired wide of the post. Then again, with eight minutes to go, after good work by Chester substitute Darren Wright down the left put in Whitehall, who fired over the bar from close range.
Blackburn then sealed their passage through to the next round with eight minutes to go. After a harshly awarded free kick for an alleged foul on the left touch line by Neil Fisher on Alan Mahon. From Dunn’s resulting free-kick found Bent unmarked, who then headed past the unlucky Wayne Brown in the Chester goal.
Though Blackburn were just about worthy of their victory, it was certainly cruel that Chester did not get a replay that their endeavours deserved. Chester manager Graham Barrow, although disappointed to lose reflected on the positive aspects of the day
“I thought my players were quite phenomenal and I couldn’t ask for anything more from them. Although I'm disappointed with the result, I am pleased with my players attitude. This performance can give us hope for the future”
Graeme Souness reflected on the game that it was a no-win situation for Blackburn and was just pleased to go through “ I was disappointed by our first-half performance, we weren’t at the races at all. I’m just glad that we never came unstook”
Attendance 15,223
Second-half Goals from Blackburn's Martin Taylor and Marcus Bent put paid to a spirited performance from Nationwide Conference side Chester City.
City were backed a strong contingent of their own supporters almost 3,000 made the trip and even though the result went against them, they certainly could be proud of their sides efforts. So many of them had made the trip in fact, that the game had to be delayed by 15 minutes to enable them to reach the ground in time for kick-off.
When the game finally got under way, Chester made a mockery of the supposed gulf in class between the two sides, in the opening exchanges of the game, they began the game with a purpose. They coped well with Blackburn's early chances and they even managed to carve out chances of their own.
On thirteen minutes, Chester’s left wing back Matt Doughty made good ground down the left wing, but he could not steer his cross in to the path of another Chester player. Blackburn tried to clear their lines, but only as far as Steve Whitehall who fired his shot over the bar.
It would not have been a typical cup tie, without the odd over ‘enthusiastic’ tackle and this game was certainly no different. Chester’s Carl Ruffer was booked on 15 minutes after a rash challenge on Blackburn’s Matt Jansen. Seven minutes later, Rovers former Liverpool and Norway wing-back Stig Inge Bjornebye followed Ruffer into the referees note book, after an equally crude challenge.
The game settled down again and after 23 minutes, Craig Hignett fired a shot on to the post from 25 yards. The early composure that Chester had shown in the first 30 minutes was not apparent when, Chester centre half Lancaster conceded an unnecessary corner after a breakdown in communications between himself and Chester goalkeeper Wayne Brown. From the resulting corner, Paul Carden almost put through his own goal, under no pressure from any advancing Blackburn forwards.
City managed to retain the ball well in the first-half, but it was Blackburn who managed to out carve the best chances, Jansen came close twice, but on both occasions he fired wide. Chester’s Matt Doughty wasted a good opportunity after a great tackle in his own half saw him run the length of the pitch, but instead of putting Whitehall through, he fired over the bar.
It certainly was not Chester who wanted the first-half to end. As the half wore on they showed the greater urgency of the two teams and looked the more assured.
Blackburn manager Graeme Souness, no doubt had a few things to say to his players at half-time. In an attempt to shake things up Souness replaced the largely ineffective Darren Dunning with the youngster Jonathon Douglas for the start of the second period.
Blackburn were on the attack early in the second-half, with the words of Graeme Souness, no doubt still ringing in their ears. Looking a little sharper than they did in the first half, they should have scored after 50 minutes, when David Dunn sent over a cross to Egil Ostenstad, who could only steer his header at the Chester goalkeeper.This was to be Ostenstads only and last contribution to the game, he was replaced by Marcus Bent on the hour mark.
Chester were still pushing forward in search of a goal to break the deadlock. With 20 minutes to go they thought their endeavours had been rewarded when Steve Whitehall put the ball past Blackburn’s Brad Friedel but the referee had adjudged that Carl Ruffer had climbed all over Martin Taylor, from Cardens inswinging corner.
As thoughts were turning to a possible replay, on 72 minutes Blackburn scored. Alan Mahon sent over a teasing corner which found the tall central defender, Martin Taylor, who glanced his header past the despairing dive of Wayne Brown.
Chester could have laid down and died at this point, but they fought back and they very nearly equalised. Steve Whitehall who had been denied earlier by a referees whistle this time found himself denied by a superb save from Friedal, the ball eventually fell to Paul Beesley who fired wide of the post. Then again, with eight minutes to go, after good work by Chester substitute Darren Wright down the left put in Whitehall, who fired over the bar from close range.
Blackburn then sealed their passage through to the next round with eight minutes to go. After a harshly awarded free kick for an alleged foul on the left touch line by Neil Fisher on Alan Mahon. From Dunn’s resulting free-kick found Bent unmarked, who then headed past the unlucky Wayne Brown in the Chester goal.
Though Blackburn were just about worthy of their victory, it was certainly cruel that Chester did not get a replay that their endeavours deserved. Chester manager Graham Barrow, although disappointed to lose reflected on the positive aspects of the day
“I thought my players were quite phenomenal and I couldn’t ask for anything more from them. Although I'm disappointed with the result, I am pleased with my players attitude. This performance can give us hope for the future”
Graeme Souness reflected on the game that it was a no-win situation for Blackburn and was just pleased to go through “ I was disappointed by our first-half performance, we weren’t at the races at all. I’m just glad that we never came unstook”
Attendance 15,223
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