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
Saturday, August 18, 2001
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
