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
Showing posts with label Nationwide Conference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nationwide Conference. Show all posts
Sunday, September 30, 2001
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
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
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
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