What with the injuries and the lack of anyone tipping them to win the World Cup, England with possibly their most talented squad of recent years it’s also the least hyped. What are the chances of England causing a surprise?
It’s simple really all they have to do is top their group, avoid France in the second round and a semi-final place is there for the taking. Easy isn’t it?
Not for England it’s not – heartbreak is always only a kick off away. Even England’s most blinkered supporter cannot see the prospect of us beating both Argentina and France to win the Cup.
But what about this sequence of results? Argentina currently struggling for goals, draw with Sweden and England. England are also held to a draw by Sweden but beat Nigeria by a bigger margin than Argentina. That leaves Sven’s men in a better position at the top of the group and the French are avoided in the next round.
Told you it’s easy – a dream but you never know. The feeling that this Championship is one too early for the talent Sven has on offer, so this time England doesn’t expect. Like they didn’t in Munich last September.
Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Saturday, November 17, 2001
Tranmere Rovers 4 Brigg Town 1
Saturday 17th November 2001, FAC Round 1
Brigg Town’s brave FA Cup run ended today at cup graveyard Prenton Park. It was certainly no disgrace for Brigg, as the gulf in class between the two teams separated by five divisions, told in the end.
As you would expect Tranmere started the better of the two sides and in the ninth minute Rovers new signing Jason Price stole in following Gareth Roberts good work down the left had side. Brigg Town keeper Steve Jordan was more an equal to this and parried the ball to safety.
Tranmere’s early possession was rewarded soon after. Nineteen minutes into the game the home side took the lead. Veteran striker Paul Rideout, holder of a cup winner’s medal from his time over the water with Everton, was fouled on the edge of the box. From the resulting free-kick, new boy Alan Navarro stepped up to curl the ball into the back of the net, to make it one – nil to Tranmere.
Two minutes later, Navarro almost doubled his contribution to the game, when he dispossessed the Brigg back-line. He managed to fire in a shot but this was blocked by the visitor’s keeper.
These chances seemed to spur on the nervous looking Brigg Town and on 25 minutes they should really have equalised. Phill Rowland skipped down the right – his cross, found Simon Roach, Brigg’s hero of the last round. But his header had no pace and was gathered by the grateful Tranmere keeper Joe Murphy. A minute later Murphy had to alert when Steve Carter struck a long-range effort, but this was dealt with competently dealt with by the home keeper.
Brigg’s travelling support saw calls for a penalty turned down on the half hour mark, when Danny Hope, was seemingly felled, by Tranmere defender Graham Allen. The travelling fans had to make do with a corner instead.
Tranmere boss Dave Watson had obviously seen enough at this point – and left his position in the stands. This no doubt prompted the renaissance for the remainder of the second half.
After the break again Tranmere started the better of the two sides and after 48minutes they almost doubled their lead, when Stuart Barlow reacted the quickest to Paul Rideout’s flick on. Again the visitor’s keeper excelled himself by turning the ball around the post for a corner.
Just before the hour mark, Rovers lively new midfielder Jason Price gathered the ball outside the area; he beat two men but could only drill his shot into the side netting.
Tranmere’s fitness was beginning to tell at this point with Brigg unable to get a foothold into the game in the second half. It was inevitable that Tranmere would score and when they did it was no surprise who would score it.
The goal that broke Brigg hearts came on 64 minutes following good work down the right by Steve Yates. Yates’ cross found Price unmarked, his header was superbly saved by Jordan, unfortunately for him the ball fell kindly for the Tranmere man Price and he fired home to make it two – nil.
There was seemingly no way back for Brigg. Their task was made even greater after 76 minutes when Seyni N’Diaye burst through the visibly tiring Brigg back line. N’Diaye reached the by-line, where he back heeled the ball to Price who made the score three – nil.
Almost immediately Brigg grabbed themselves a consolation goal when substitute James Leech fired a curling shot past Murphy in the Tranmere goal. This capped a meteoric rise for the undergraduate from Leeds University, who up until three weeks ago was playing parks football.
With the game virtually over there was time for Tranmere to add to there total with three minutes to go when Sean Flynn unleashed an unstoppable shot from thirty-five yards past Steve Jordan, who had excelled himself despite conceding four goals. A minute later Jordan pulled of a remarkable point blank save to deny Stuart Barlow from close range.
So Briggs FA Cup odyssey is over, but what a great run it has been. After the game Ralph Clayton reflected on what might have been,
“ I really enjoyed today’s game. The reception we got from Tranmere was great. I’m really proud of them and my players.” Dave Watson the Tranmere manager paid tribute to the Brigg Town team “All credit to them in the first half they played some good football, but I felt second half we got to know them a little better. All credit to Brigg this was their day”
ATT – 7693
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Brigg Town’s brave FA Cup run ended today at cup graveyard Prenton Park. It was certainly no disgrace for Brigg, as the gulf in class between the two teams separated by five divisions, told in the end.
As you would expect Tranmere started the better of the two sides and in the ninth minute Rovers new signing Jason Price stole in following Gareth Roberts good work down the left had side. Brigg Town keeper Steve Jordan was more an equal to this and parried the ball to safety.
Tranmere’s early possession was rewarded soon after. Nineteen minutes into the game the home side took the lead. Veteran striker Paul Rideout, holder of a cup winner’s medal from his time over the water with Everton, was fouled on the edge of the box. From the resulting free-kick, new boy Alan Navarro stepped up to curl the ball into the back of the net, to make it one – nil to Tranmere.
Two minutes later, Navarro almost doubled his contribution to the game, when he dispossessed the Brigg back-line. He managed to fire in a shot but this was blocked by the visitor’s keeper.
These chances seemed to spur on the nervous looking Brigg Town and on 25 minutes they should really have equalised. Phill Rowland skipped down the right – his cross, found Simon Roach, Brigg’s hero of the last round. But his header had no pace and was gathered by the grateful Tranmere keeper Joe Murphy. A minute later Murphy had to alert when Steve Carter struck a long-range effort, but this was dealt with competently dealt with by the home keeper.
Brigg’s travelling support saw calls for a penalty turned down on the half hour mark, when Danny Hope, was seemingly felled, by Tranmere defender Graham Allen. The travelling fans had to make do with a corner instead.
Tranmere boss Dave Watson had obviously seen enough at this point – and left his position in the stands. This no doubt prompted the renaissance for the remainder of the second half.
After the break again Tranmere started the better of the two sides and after 48minutes they almost doubled their lead, when Stuart Barlow reacted the quickest to Paul Rideout’s flick on. Again the visitor’s keeper excelled himself by turning the ball around the post for a corner.
Just before the hour mark, Rovers lively new midfielder Jason Price gathered the ball outside the area; he beat two men but could only drill his shot into the side netting.
Tranmere’s fitness was beginning to tell at this point with Brigg unable to get a foothold into the game in the second half. It was inevitable that Tranmere would score and when they did it was no surprise who would score it.
The goal that broke Brigg hearts came on 64 minutes following good work down the right by Steve Yates. Yates’ cross found Price unmarked, his header was superbly saved by Jordan, unfortunately for him the ball fell kindly for the Tranmere man Price and he fired home to make it two – nil.
There was seemingly no way back for Brigg. Their task was made even greater after 76 minutes when Seyni N’Diaye burst through the visibly tiring Brigg back line. N’Diaye reached the by-line, where he back heeled the ball to Price who made the score three – nil.
Almost immediately Brigg grabbed themselves a consolation goal when substitute James Leech fired a curling shot past Murphy in the Tranmere goal. This capped a meteoric rise for the undergraduate from Leeds University, who up until three weeks ago was playing parks football.
With the game virtually over there was time for Tranmere to add to there total with three minutes to go when Sean Flynn unleashed an unstoppable shot from thirty-five yards past Steve Jordan, who had excelled himself despite conceding four goals. A minute later Jordan pulled of a remarkable point blank save to deny Stuart Barlow from close range.
So Briggs FA Cup odyssey is over, but what a great run it has been. After the game Ralph Clayton reflected on what might have been,
“ I really enjoyed today’s game. The reception we got from Tranmere was great. I’m really proud of them and my players.” Dave Watson the Tranmere manager paid tribute to the Brigg Town team “All credit to them in the first half they played some good football, but I felt second half we got to know them a little better. All credit to Brigg this was their day”
ATT – 7693
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Tuesday, October 30, 2001
Southport 2 Marine 1
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round, Replay, Tuesday 30th October 2001
Southport booked a place in the first round proper of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Marine at the second time of asking. The Sandgrounders were made to work hard for their win, by a spirited Marine side that battled hard over the two games, and almost forced today’s game into extra time.
The Merseyside area had been treated to barmy summer like conditions all day, so it was no surprise that the referees whistle would herald storm like weather conditions, which forced the Marine fans on the open terrace, behind the goal, to run for the shelter of the covered main stand.
Southport made three changes from the side that disappointed at the weekend. Back came centre back John Robertson, who announced his return from suspension with an early booking. Like Saturday, it was Southport who started the better of the two sides and seven minutes into the game they almost took the lead when Neil Grayston’s cross from the left, found Simon Parke unmarked who narrowly fired wide of the goal. Six minutes later Parke rattled the cross bar with a header from Chris Lanes cross from the right.
Chris Clarke in Marine goal had to be alert on 14 minutes, when he saved a speculative effort from Port’s Tony Sullivan. Given the conditions had taken a turn for the worse this was a smart save from Clarke, at the foot of the post to his left.
The conditions almost played a part in Marines best chance of the game so far. 22 minutes into the game, Richie Townsend’s cross-eluded everyone in the Southport back line. Kevin Formby stole in to fire a shot that was well saved by Steve Dickinson in the Southport goal.
A minute later though Southport got the goal that there, first half pressure had deserved. Sullivan took the free kick near the half way line to Chris lane, whose cross-found defender Barry Jones who rifled his shot from the edge past the despairing dive of Clarke.
Credit to Marine, like Saturday they responded to going a goal down took the game to Southport. Nine minutes before half-time a chance went begging for Marine, when the Townsend, John Morgan or Kevin Formby never took the responsibility to convert Jon Gautrey’s cross.
The second half started with Marine continuing to search for that elusive goal and three minutes in Michael Douglas’ long ball into the box found John Morgan who turned and fired narrowly wide of the goal. Marine were frustrated in their efforts in finding a goal, in the second half. For all their possession they lacked that killer pass that could break down the effective Southport back line
Southport’s Simon Parke was further frustrated by a combination of the post and the Marine keeper Clarke, following Chris Lanes right wing corner.
Out of nothing Southport increased their lead on 71 minutes when Lee Elam dispossessed centre back Steve Rimmer. He skipped past two men but was brilliantly tackled by Gautrey. However, Elam’s follow up shot cannoned off a Marine defender and the ball fell to Steve Jones whose shot was deflected past the unlucky Clarke from the edge of the box.
Roly Howard’s plucky Marine side showed their usual strength of character and almost grabbed a foothold back into the game two minutes later. How Morgan didn’t score god only knows. It was a similar chance to that of Simon Parke earlier in the half. Again a combination of the post and the keeper’s agility denied Marine.
Marines never say die attitude brought them a late consolation goal, when a quickly taken free kick by substitute Neil Black, was turned into his own net by John Robertson. It was all in vein the visitors were left to rue earlier mistakes. Southport just about shaded it tonight but Marine was left to contemplate what might have been.
Manger Roly Howard summed up his feelings by stating “The team has played well and done us proud over the two games. We gave as good as we got in both games. We let ourselves down a little with the number of chances we failed to put away and we’ve got to put that right”
Southport’s under pressure manager Phil Wilson was certainly a very relieved man at the final whistle. “I felt we deserved tonight’s victory. It’s certainly important for us to be in the next round of the cup. Its certainly hard at this stage of the competition as the eight conference sides eliminated at the weekend will testify”
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Southport booked a place in the first round proper of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Marine at the second time of asking. The Sandgrounders were made to work hard for their win, by a spirited Marine side that battled hard over the two games, and almost forced today’s game into extra time.
The Merseyside area had been treated to barmy summer like conditions all day, so it was no surprise that the referees whistle would herald storm like weather conditions, which forced the Marine fans on the open terrace, behind the goal, to run for the shelter of the covered main stand.
Southport made three changes from the side that disappointed at the weekend. Back came centre back John Robertson, who announced his return from suspension with an early booking. Like Saturday, it was Southport who started the better of the two sides and seven minutes into the game they almost took the lead when Neil Grayston’s cross from the left, found Simon Parke unmarked who narrowly fired wide of the goal. Six minutes later Parke rattled the cross bar with a header from Chris Lanes cross from the right.
Chris Clarke in Marine goal had to be alert on 14 minutes, when he saved a speculative effort from Port’s Tony Sullivan. Given the conditions had taken a turn for the worse this was a smart save from Clarke, at the foot of the post to his left.
The conditions almost played a part in Marines best chance of the game so far. 22 minutes into the game, Richie Townsend’s cross-eluded everyone in the Southport back line. Kevin Formby stole in to fire a shot that was well saved by Steve Dickinson in the Southport goal.
A minute later though Southport got the goal that there, first half pressure had deserved. Sullivan took the free kick near the half way line to Chris lane, whose cross-found defender Barry Jones who rifled his shot from the edge past the despairing dive of Clarke.
Credit to Marine, like Saturday they responded to going a goal down took the game to Southport. Nine minutes before half-time a chance went begging for Marine, when the Townsend, John Morgan or Kevin Formby never took the responsibility to convert Jon Gautrey’s cross.
The second half started with Marine continuing to search for that elusive goal and three minutes in Michael Douglas’ long ball into the box found John Morgan who turned and fired narrowly wide of the goal. Marine were frustrated in their efforts in finding a goal, in the second half. For all their possession they lacked that killer pass that could break down the effective Southport back line
Southport’s Simon Parke was further frustrated by a combination of the post and the Marine keeper Clarke, following Chris Lanes right wing corner.
Out of nothing Southport increased their lead on 71 minutes when Lee Elam dispossessed centre back Steve Rimmer. He skipped past two men but was brilliantly tackled by Gautrey. However, Elam’s follow up shot cannoned off a Marine defender and the ball fell to Steve Jones whose shot was deflected past the unlucky Clarke from the edge of the box.
Roly Howard’s plucky Marine side showed their usual strength of character and almost grabbed a foothold back into the game two minutes later. How Morgan didn’t score god only knows. It was a similar chance to that of Simon Parke earlier in the half. Again a combination of the post and the keeper’s agility denied Marine.
Marines never say die attitude brought them a late consolation goal, when a quickly taken free kick by substitute Neil Black, was turned into his own net by John Robertson. It was all in vein the visitors were left to rue earlier mistakes. Southport just about shaded it tonight but Marine was left to contemplate what might have been.
Manger Roly Howard summed up his feelings by stating “The team has played well and done us proud over the two games. We gave as good as we got in both games. We let ourselves down a little with the number of chances we failed to put away and we’ve got to put that right”
Southport’s under pressure manager Phil Wilson was certainly a very relieved man at the final whistle. “I felt we deserved tonight’s victory. It’s certainly important for us to be in the next round of the cup. Its certainly hard at this stage of the competition as the eight conference sides eliminated at the weekend will testify”
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Sunday, October 28, 2001
Marine 1 Southport 1
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round, Saturday 27th October 2001
It was honours even at Rossett Park today as Unibond League side Marine denied their neighbours Southport a passage through to the first round proper of the FA Cup.
It was a cracking cup-tie played out by two teams with differing points to prove. Southport were looking to halt a run of form that has prompted some quite discontent amongst supporters, unhappy at the perceived direction with which the club is going. The Marine side contained numerous players who had played for Southport and no doubt they wanted to give a good account of themselves in front of their former team.
In front of Marine’s best attendance of the season with over 1300 in attendance, swelled by the travelling support of Southport who had made the relatively short trip down the coast. Southport kicked off attacking the College Road end and looked fairly purposeful, belying the form that had seen them score only once in six games.
It was not long before Southport made their pressure count when five minutes into the game they took the lead. Southport keeper Steve Dickinson launched a long hopeful ball into the box. Steve Jones prevented the ball from going out and pulled the ball back to wing back Chris Lane who stole in unmarked on the six yard box unmarked to make it one nil to Southport.
Four minutes later Southport almost doubled their lead when James Connolly rose unchallenged to head the ball wide following Gary Bauress’ cross. Marine were under the cosh a little in the first quarter of the game seemingly unable to step out and get possession of the ball. When they did they used the ball effectively. Marine centre half Steve Rimmer brought the ball out from the back. His through ball found Kevin Formby who laid the ball off to Michael Douglas who fired his shot, straight at Southport keeper Dickinson.
Having been on the back foot for the early part of the game, Marine were now enjoying a greater share of the game and almost levelled the score when Jon Gautrey headed the ball over the bar from Kevin Formby’s cross.
The deserved equaliser finally came 21 minutes into the game. Anton Lally’s worked a quick corner to Formby, who delivered a precision cross to Richie Townsend to head home the equaliser. Townsend almost doubled his contribution to the game five minutes later but the ball did not run kindly for him.
Ten minutes before half time, the impressive Kevin Formby was again at the heart of the action. His deep searching cross was flicked on by Townsend to Eddie Hussin but he could only manage to head the ball over the bar.
On 38 minutes, Marines plans took a dent when midfielder Anton Lally went off with an injury and had to be replaced by Stuart Gelling.
With five minutes to go to half time, Southport could have restored their lead. Lee Elam showed his usual trickery down the flanks. He delivered a cross that had goal written all over it but for the timely intervention from Jon Gautrey off the head of Gary Bauress.
The second half followed a similar pattern to that of the first with Southport starting the brighter. A minute after the restart Marine keeper Chris Clarke brilliantly denied Simon Parke, with a point blank one handed save.
After this early scare Marine again stepped up the pressure. John Morgan beat the offside trap; unfortunately he could only fire his shot in to the side netting. Another chance fell to Mike Douglas who fired his long-range shot over the bar. Marine were enjoying the greater possession and the resolute Southport back line stood firm, and allowed Marine long-range speculative efforts.
Sixty-four minutes into the game, Marine full back Gary Randles won possession of the ball in midfield and fired a long-range effort that Southport keeper Dickinson was more than equal to. From the resulting corner Kevin Formby’s perfectly flighted corner found Morgan unmarked but he headed over on this occasion. Four minutes later another chance went begging for Marine, when Gautrey headed over the bar following more good work by Kevin Formby.
Southport enjoyed a brief respite from the constant Marine pressure with Kevin Leadbetter and Steve Jones going close for the visitors. With three minutes of normal time remaining Southport almost snatched the game from Marine. Southport full back Chris Lane got forward and delivered a cross to Simon Parke who could only head the ball over the bar. Two minutes later Marine’s Steve Rimmer brilliantly denied Parke the simplest of tap ins, following good work down the left by substitute Stuart Whittaker and Lee Elam.
In the end a fair result both sides had enough chances to win the game but they must do it all again on Tuesday night at Haigh Avenue to determine who will play Basingstoke or Dagenham & Redbridge in the next round.
ATT – 1307
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
It was honours even at Rossett Park today as Unibond League side Marine denied their neighbours Southport a passage through to the first round proper of the FA Cup.
It was a cracking cup-tie played out by two teams with differing points to prove. Southport were looking to halt a run of form that has prompted some quite discontent amongst supporters, unhappy at the perceived direction with which the club is going. The Marine side contained numerous players who had played for Southport and no doubt they wanted to give a good account of themselves in front of their former team.
In front of Marine’s best attendance of the season with over 1300 in attendance, swelled by the travelling support of Southport who had made the relatively short trip down the coast. Southport kicked off attacking the College Road end and looked fairly purposeful, belying the form that had seen them score only once in six games.
It was not long before Southport made their pressure count when five minutes into the game they took the lead. Southport keeper Steve Dickinson launched a long hopeful ball into the box. Steve Jones prevented the ball from going out and pulled the ball back to wing back Chris Lane who stole in unmarked on the six yard box unmarked to make it one nil to Southport.
Four minutes later Southport almost doubled their lead when James Connolly rose unchallenged to head the ball wide following Gary Bauress’ cross. Marine were under the cosh a little in the first quarter of the game seemingly unable to step out and get possession of the ball. When they did they used the ball effectively. Marine centre half Steve Rimmer brought the ball out from the back. His through ball found Kevin Formby who laid the ball off to Michael Douglas who fired his shot, straight at Southport keeper Dickinson.
Having been on the back foot for the early part of the game, Marine were now enjoying a greater share of the game and almost levelled the score when Jon Gautrey headed the ball over the bar from Kevin Formby’s cross.
The deserved equaliser finally came 21 minutes into the game. Anton Lally’s worked a quick corner to Formby, who delivered a precision cross to Richie Townsend to head home the equaliser. Townsend almost doubled his contribution to the game five minutes later but the ball did not run kindly for him.
Ten minutes before half time, the impressive Kevin Formby was again at the heart of the action. His deep searching cross was flicked on by Townsend to Eddie Hussin but he could only manage to head the ball over the bar.
On 38 minutes, Marines plans took a dent when midfielder Anton Lally went off with an injury and had to be replaced by Stuart Gelling.
With five minutes to go to half time, Southport could have restored their lead. Lee Elam showed his usual trickery down the flanks. He delivered a cross that had goal written all over it but for the timely intervention from Jon Gautrey off the head of Gary Bauress.
The second half followed a similar pattern to that of the first with Southport starting the brighter. A minute after the restart Marine keeper Chris Clarke brilliantly denied Simon Parke, with a point blank one handed save.
After this early scare Marine again stepped up the pressure. John Morgan beat the offside trap; unfortunately he could only fire his shot in to the side netting. Another chance fell to Mike Douglas who fired his long-range shot over the bar. Marine were enjoying the greater possession and the resolute Southport back line stood firm, and allowed Marine long-range speculative efforts.
Sixty-four minutes into the game, Marine full back Gary Randles won possession of the ball in midfield and fired a long-range effort that Southport keeper Dickinson was more than equal to. From the resulting corner Kevin Formby’s perfectly flighted corner found Morgan unmarked but he headed over on this occasion. Four minutes later another chance went begging for Marine, when Gautrey headed over the bar following more good work by Kevin Formby.
Southport enjoyed a brief respite from the constant Marine pressure with Kevin Leadbetter and Steve Jones going close for the visitors. With three minutes of normal time remaining Southport almost snatched the game from Marine. Southport full back Chris Lane got forward and delivered a cross to Simon Parke who could only head the ball over the bar. Two minutes later Marine’s Steve Rimmer brilliantly denied Parke the simplest of tap ins, following good work down the left by substitute Stuart Whittaker and Lee Elam.
In the end a fair result both sides had enough chances to win the game but they must do it all again on Tuesday night at Haigh Avenue to determine who will play Basingstoke or Dagenham & Redbridge in the next round.
ATT – 1307
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Sunday, October 14, 2001
Runcorn FC Halton 2 Bedlington Terriers 2
FA Cup Sponsored by AXA Third Qualifying Round, Saturday 13th October 2001
Former Newcastle and Preston North End man Ian Boggie, denied Runcorn with late equaliser in this keenly contested encounter. It means that both sides will have to do it all again on Wednesday night up in the North East.
It was a special day for the home side as today’s game was the first FA cup-tie to be played at Runcorn’s new home, the impressive Auto Quest stadium. It was certainly a case of first night nerves for the home side after a sluggish opening 45 minutes. It was renowned cup battlers Bedlington Terriers, who made the early running in this match. Not for the first time in cup football that the Terriers have belied their lowly status.
It was Runcorn’s Dave Gamble after six minutes, who tried a long-range effort that the Terriers keeper manage to fumble the ball to safety. It was all Bedlington at this moment, much to the frustration of the home supporters who were imploring their side to get forward and not sit back.
This advice was not heeded and after only six minutes of the match played, Bedlington took the lead. It was the visitors first meaningful shot on goal and it came following Dean Gibbs curling in swinging free kick which found William Moat unmarked to head home to give the Terriers an early lead that their early pressure had warranted.
It was a sizeable crowd at the Auto Quest stadium today, augmented with a good number from the North East and both sets of supporters were united in their despair at the whistle happy official from Manchester. Frustrations were rising amongst the players and Terriers player Ian Boggie earned himself a telling off from the referee, for talking out of turn.
In a bid get Runcorn back into the game player-manager Liam Watson switched wings and this almost paid dividends. Watson’s cross found Dominic Morley who seemed to Dally on the ball to long, his pass found Gamble who curled the ball around the post and wide.
Ten minutes before half time, Bedlington almost doubled their lead but John Milner could only head the ball wide, following Anthony Chapman’s cross. Despite this scare Runcorn were enjoying a healthy spell of pressure and after 36 minutes they were back in the match. A long probing ball from right to left by full back Steve Carragher, found Watson whose shot was saved by the keeper. Bedlington couldn’t clear their lines and from the right corner of the pitch Carragher, again delivered the decisive ball, which found McNally, who headed home to equalise.
Runcorn started the second half the more purposeful and were rewarded two minutes into the second half with a goal. Again Carragher whipped in a curling a cross that found McNally, who stole a yard on his marker but his header was saved with by visiting keeper.
The referee had seemingly awarded a corner. But with the intervention of the assistant linesman he changed this decision and instead he awarded a penalty, much to the annoyance of the visitors. The Bedlington defender was adjudged to have impeded McNally when he headed the ball. It was Liam Watson who made sure from the spot to give Runcorn the lead.
The referee was again the centre of attention a minute later when he had appeared to caution Bedlington’s number seven Anthony Chapman for talking out of turn. The confusion was heightened seconds later when Chapman was booked for an over the ball challenge on Watson. Everyone in the ground and on the benches believed that this caution was Chapman’s second of the game. The referee appeared to take his book out for the earlier incident but it transpired that he was not booked.
Bedlington were now chasing the game and John Milner was guilty of squandering two easy chances in the second half. It was Runcorn’s turn to waste chances when on 68 minutes Paul McNally fired wide following good work down the left by Liam Watson. It was to be Watson’s last meaningful contribution to game, as he appeared to pull up with a knee injury and was replaced by David Ness.
It was all Bedlington at this stage in the game as the visitors went in search of the goal that would earn them an equaliser. With four minutes of the game remaining Bedlington were awarded a free kick thirty yards out. No doubt the former teammate of Paul Gascoigne, Ian Boggie, had learnt a few tricks of the trade, from his more illustrious colleague all those years ago in the Newcastle youth team. This showed as he despatched the ball curling, over the wall and into the back of the net to give Bedlington the equaliser that their performance had deserved.
So it’s to Wednesday and a long trip to the North East for Runcorn, who are no doubt kicking themselves that this tie slipped from their grasp. Bedlington will start the replay favourites and will no doubt be fancying a plum tie in the Monday’s cup draw.
ATT – 396
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Former Newcastle and Preston North End man Ian Boggie, denied Runcorn with late equaliser in this keenly contested encounter. It means that both sides will have to do it all again on Wednesday night up in the North East.
It was a special day for the home side as today’s game was the first FA cup-tie to be played at Runcorn’s new home, the impressive Auto Quest stadium. It was certainly a case of first night nerves for the home side after a sluggish opening 45 minutes. It was renowned cup battlers Bedlington Terriers, who made the early running in this match. Not for the first time in cup football that the Terriers have belied their lowly status.
It was Runcorn’s Dave Gamble after six minutes, who tried a long-range effort that the Terriers keeper manage to fumble the ball to safety. It was all Bedlington at this moment, much to the frustration of the home supporters who were imploring their side to get forward and not sit back.
This advice was not heeded and after only six minutes of the match played, Bedlington took the lead. It was the visitors first meaningful shot on goal and it came following Dean Gibbs curling in swinging free kick which found William Moat unmarked to head home to give the Terriers an early lead that their early pressure had warranted.
It was a sizeable crowd at the Auto Quest stadium today, augmented with a good number from the North East and both sets of supporters were united in their despair at the whistle happy official from Manchester. Frustrations were rising amongst the players and Terriers player Ian Boggie earned himself a telling off from the referee, for talking out of turn.
In a bid get Runcorn back into the game player-manager Liam Watson switched wings and this almost paid dividends. Watson’s cross found Dominic Morley who seemed to Dally on the ball to long, his pass found Gamble who curled the ball around the post and wide.
Ten minutes before half time, Bedlington almost doubled their lead but John Milner could only head the ball wide, following Anthony Chapman’s cross. Despite this scare Runcorn were enjoying a healthy spell of pressure and after 36 minutes they were back in the match. A long probing ball from right to left by full back Steve Carragher, found Watson whose shot was saved by the keeper. Bedlington couldn’t clear their lines and from the right corner of the pitch Carragher, again delivered the decisive ball, which found McNally, who headed home to equalise.
Runcorn started the second half the more purposeful and were rewarded two minutes into the second half with a goal. Again Carragher whipped in a curling a cross that found McNally, who stole a yard on his marker but his header was saved with by visiting keeper.
The referee had seemingly awarded a corner. But with the intervention of the assistant linesman he changed this decision and instead he awarded a penalty, much to the annoyance of the visitors. The Bedlington defender was adjudged to have impeded McNally when he headed the ball. It was Liam Watson who made sure from the spot to give Runcorn the lead.
The referee was again the centre of attention a minute later when he had appeared to caution Bedlington’s number seven Anthony Chapman for talking out of turn. The confusion was heightened seconds later when Chapman was booked for an over the ball challenge on Watson. Everyone in the ground and on the benches believed that this caution was Chapman’s second of the game. The referee appeared to take his book out for the earlier incident but it transpired that he was not booked.
Bedlington were now chasing the game and John Milner was guilty of squandering two easy chances in the second half. It was Runcorn’s turn to waste chances when on 68 minutes Paul McNally fired wide following good work down the left by Liam Watson. It was to be Watson’s last meaningful contribution to game, as he appeared to pull up with a knee injury and was replaced by David Ness.
It was all Bedlington at this stage in the game as the visitors went in search of the goal that would earn them an equaliser. With four minutes of the game remaining Bedlington were awarded a free kick thirty yards out. No doubt the former teammate of Paul Gascoigne, Ian Boggie, had learnt a few tricks of the trade, from his more illustrious colleague all those years ago in the Newcastle youth team. This showed as he despatched the ball curling, over the wall and into the back of the net to give Bedlington the equaliser that their performance had deserved.
So it’s to Wednesday and a long trip to the North East for Runcorn, who are no doubt kicking themselves that this tie slipped from their grasp. Bedlington will start the replay favourites and will no doubt be fancying a plum tie in the Monday’s cup draw.
ATT – 396
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Sunday, September 30, 2001
Southport 1 Doncaster Rovers 0
Nationwide Conference, Saturday 29th September 2001
It took a dramatic late winner from Southport’s Steve Jones, to give the home side a deserved victory today. Doncaster in truth never really caused Southport many problems going forward and had a combination of the woodwork and goalkeeper Barry Richardson, to thank for keeping them in the match for so long.
It was Southport who enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes, and in the 16th minute Lee Elam, who was only passed fit earlier today, skipped past his marker and fired narrowly wide of the post. Doncaster unbeaten away from home this season waited until the 22nd minute, before they showed any of the qualities that had been apparent on their previous journeys. Neil Campbell stole ground on the Southport back line but Shaun Teale cleared from the feet of the on rushing Justin Jackson.
Two minutes later, Justin Jackson used his pace to beat Southport skipper Martin Clark. Jackson’s cross found Gareth Owen at full stretch but he couldn’t get enough power on his shot and it rolled tamely away for a throw in.
Southport responded well to this spell of pressure and on 27 minutes right wing back Chris Lane stole some ground on the Rovers back line. His shot beat the flailing keeper but unfortunately not the post and the ball bounced away for safety. This concerted spell of pressure had muted the vociferous travelling support from Yorkshire and on the half hour mark Parke nearly stunned them into silence again. A long ball into the box by Tony Sullivan found Simon Parke. He held the ball up well before firing a deflected shot over the bar.
Four minutes before half time the woodwork again denied Southport following Elam’s knock down Simon Parke curled a right foot shot around the defence but unfortunately it was again on to the bar.
The second period started with a change in the home sides ranks. Neil Grayston was substituted, following an injury after Jimmy Kelly’s robust first half challenge, which incurred a yellow card. Simon Jones, Southport’s summer signing from Stalybridge Celtic came on for the injured man. It was Jones eight minutes into the second half almost had the perfect response to being dropped. When he fired a shot not far of the target following good work by Lane. Two minutes later Doncaster’s Justin Jackson made good ground down the left and crossed to Gareth Owen who fired over the bar.
Doncaster manager Steve Wignall sensing the need for change on 62 minutes replaced the largely ineffectual Justin Jackson. Much to the delight of the home crowd who had taunted him all match, with cries of “What a waste of Money”. The game, which had been competitive up until now threatened to boil over with a series of niggly tackles flying around. Southport’s Shaun Teale went down after it appeared that he had been elbowed by Paul Barnes, which was not spotted, by either the referee or his assistant.
Both sides huffed and puffed a little in the second half, as they both strived, searching for that elusive opener. After 79 minutes Southport where awarded a free kick on the edge of the area, following a foul on Elam by Paul Barnes. From thirty yards out Stuart Whittaker fired his free kick over the bar.
It was all Southport at this stage in the game and Barry Richardson in the Rovers net had to be alert, as he was out bravely to save at the feet of Lee Elam. With three minutes to go Simon Parke almost had the chance to break the dead lock but he headed over the bar. It would not have counted though as the referee had adjudged him to have fouled Doncaster keeper Richardson.
There was no denying that Southport’s greater possession deserved more than a point from this game and with four minutes of injury time indicated they got it in highly controversial circumstances. It was shades of 1966 for Southport’s last minute winner. It came out of nothing, with the game drifting away for a draw, Steve Jones unleashed a shot from 45 yards. It hit the bar and bounced down and from my vantage point and many in the main stand it looked as though it had hit the bar. After a momentary spell of confusion the referee’s assistant, situated by the corner flag signalled that the ball had crossed the line.
It was no more than Southport deserved from today’s proceedings and sees them consolidating their reasonable start to the season. For Doncaster it saw them lose away from home for the first time this season and lose some ground on the top placed team.
ATT – 1512
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
It took a dramatic late winner from Southport’s Steve Jones, to give the home side a deserved victory today. Doncaster in truth never really caused Southport many problems going forward and had a combination of the woodwork and goalkeeper Barry Richardson, to thank for keeping them in the match for so long.
It was Southport who enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes, and in the 16th minute Lee Elam, who was only passed fit earlier today, skipped past his marker and fired narrowly wide of the post. Doncaster unbeaten away from home this season waited until the 22nd minute, before they showed any of the qualities that had been apparent on their previous journeys. Neil Campbell stole ground on the Southport back line but Shaun Teale cleared from the feet of the on rushing Justin Jackson.
Two minutes later, Justin Jackson used his pace to beat Southport skipper Martin Clark. Jackson’s cross found Gareth Owen at full stretch but he couldn’t get enough power on his shot and it rolled tamely away for a throw in.
Southport responded well to this spell of pressure and on 27 minutes right wing back Chris Lane stole some ground on the Rovers back line. His shot beat the flailing keeper but unfortunately not the post and the ball bounced away for safety. This concerted spell of pressure had muted the vociferous travelling support from Yorkshire and on the half hour mark Parke nearly stunned them into silence again. A long ball into the box by Tony Sullivan found Simon Parke. He held the ball up well before firing a deflected shot over the bar.
Four minutes before half time the woodwork again denied Southport following Elam’s knock down Simon Parke curled a right foot shot around the defence but unfortunately it was again on to the bar.
The second period started with a change in the home sides ranks. Neil Grayston was substituted, following an injury after Jimmy Kelly’s robust first half challenge, which incurred a yellow card. Simon Jones, Southport’s summer signing from Stalybridge Celtic came on for the injured man. It was Jones eight minutes into the second half almost had the perfect response to being dropped. When he fired a shot not far of the target following good work by Lane. Two minutes later Doncaster’s Justin Jackson made good ground down the left and crossed to Gareth Owen who fired over the bar.
Doncaster manager Steve Wignall sensing the need for change on 62 minutes replaced the largely ineffectual Justin Jackson. Much to the delight of the home crowd who had taunted him all match, with cries of “What a waste of Money”. The game, which had been competitive up until now threatened to boil over with a series of niggly tackles flying around. Southport’s Shaun Teale went down after it appeared that he had been elbowed by Paul Barnes, which was not spotted, by either the referee or his assistant.
Both sides huffed and puffed a little in the second half, as they both strived, searching for that elusive opener. After 79 minutes Southport where awarded a free kick on the edge of the area, following a foul on Elam by Paul Barnes. From thirty yards out Stuart Whittaker fired his free kick over the bar.
It was all Southport at this stage in the game and Barry Richardson in the Rovers net had to be alert, as he was out bravely to save at the feet of Lee Elam. With three minutes to go Simon Parke almost had the chance to break the dead lock but he headed over the bar. It would not have counted though as the referee had adjudged him to have fouled Doncaster keeper Richardson.
There was no denying that Southport’s greater possession deserved more than a point from this game and with four minutes of injury time indicated they got it in highly controversial circumstances. It was shades of 1966 for Southport’s last minute winner. It came out of nothing, with the game drifting away for a draw, Steve Jones unleashed a shot from 45 yards. It hit the bar and bounced down and from my vantage point and many in the main stand it looked as though it had hit the bar. After a momentary spell of confusion the referee’s assistant, situated by the corner flag signalled that the ball had crossed the line.
It was no more than Southport deserved from today’s proceedings and sees them consolidating their reasonable start to the season. For Doncaster it saw them lose away from home for the first time this season and lose some ground on the top placed team.
ATT – 1512
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
Saturday, September 1, 2001
Southport 0 Stevenage Borough 0
Nationwide Conference, Saturday 1st September 2001
It was stalemate at Haigh Avenue today, as Southport and Stevenage shared the points in a scrappy encounter that got better marginally better after a fairly scrappy opening. Southport though may feel a little disappointed not to have secured the three points that their territorial advantage deserved.
In truth there was very little of notable action in the first half as both sides matched each other numerically in every area of the pitch.
Seven minutes into the match Southport’s Lee Elam carved out a half chance but he fired his shot wide of the target.
Both keepers very spectators in this very dour affair, the only times that they were gainfully employed, was to retrieve the ball from behind their respective goals following wayward attempts on goal.
Ten minutes into the match Stevenage’s new signing Greg Lincoln tried to beat Steve Dickinson in the Southport goal, but his shot sailed high and wide of its intended target.
It was 37 minutes before either keeper got their first meaningful touch of the ball. Southport skipper Martin Clark tried a right wing cross come cross that was finger tipped around the post by Stevenage keeper Paul Wilkerson. From the resulting corner Southport’s Steve Jones headed straight at the keeper.
This spell was a prelude to a good concerted spell of pressure for the home side with Parke going close but he headed the ball over the bar on the forty-five minutes mark. Much to the annoyance of the crowd, the referee inflicted a further three minutes of torture, as a result of first half stoppages.
The last kick of the first half Southport’s Simon Parke, with his back to goal turned and fired over the bar, following good work down the left by Lee Elam.
The second half was an improvement on the first period. In truth it was all one-way traffic as Southport piled on the pressure. Four minutes after the re-start, Bauress put over a cross for Parke, who looped his header over the crossbar.
After 52 minutes, Southport’s Simon Parke spotted the Stevenage keeper of his line. From forty yards he attempt to lob the ball into the net but he was unfortunate as his shot went wide of the upright. Three minutes Gary Bauress fired in a free kick, which Parke headed over the advancing goalkeeper. Stevenage defender Sam Sodje almost miscued the ball into the back of his own net; the ball was eventually cleared by the assured John Dreyer.
Greg Lincoln went close for the visitors after 58 minutes but Dickinson was more than equal to the chance and palmed the ball to safety.
Southport introduced two summer signings Tony Sullivan and Kevin Leadbetter on 62 minutes and their introduction nearly paid dividends three minutes later. Sullivan used his pace to good effect, with a purposeful run at the Stevenage back line he played the ball on to Parke who played in Elam but on this occasion Wilkerson was off his line smartly to save at his feet.
Southport were getting closer and closer. Wilkerson pulled of another smart save from Simon Parke’s header, following a Gary Bauress corner. It was Stevenage’s turn to go ion the attack but again they found the Southport back-line resolute. They had restricted the visitors to long-range efforts all game and Adrian Clarke and Lee Fitzpatrick tried their luck from similar range with equal luck.
Parke had been instrumental in all Southport’s chances today, to be fair to him none were that clear cut but with eleven minutes to go he should have hit the target, when he curled his shot wide of the post.
Time was running out for Southport to claim their second home victory of the season but with three minutes of time added on by the referee Stevenage almost sealed it at the death. Paul Armstrong’s through ball caught the Southport defence square for the first time in the match. Darren Hay struck first time from eighteen yards but Steve Dickinson pulled off an instinctive save, to save the points at the death.
So it was honours even in the end. The second half made up for the dour battle of the first forty-five minutes. The disappointing crowd of just over due 1000 spectators, no doubt depleted by those running errands in readiness for the nights England International on the television did really have much to cheer all game. Though they did acknowledge the performance of the referee Gary Mellor, who didn’t resort to his book once, and refereed with a commonsense lacking in so-called professional referees.
ATT – 1003
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
It was stalemate at Haigh Avenue today, as Southport and Stevenage shared the points in a scrappy encounter that got better marginally better after a fairly scrappy opening. Southport though may feel a little disappointed not to have secured the three points that their territorial advantage deserved.
In truth there was very little of notable action in the first half as both sides matched each other numerically in every area of the pitch.
Seven minutes into the match Southport’s Lee Elam carved out a half chance but he fired his shot wide of the target.
Both keepers very spectators in this very dour affair, the only times that they were gainfully employed, was to retrieve the ball from behind their respective goals following wayward attempts on goal.
Ten minutes into the match Stevenage’s new signing Greg Lincoln tried to beat Steve Dickinson in the Southport goal, but his shot sailed high and wide of its intended target.
It was 37 minutes before either keeper got their first meaningful touch of the ball. Southport skipper Martin Clark tried a right wing cross come cross that was finger tipped around the post by Stevenage keeper Paul Wilkerson. From the resulting corner Southport’s Steve Jones headed straight at the keeper.
This spell was a prelude to a good concerted spell of pressure for the home side with Parke going close but he headed the ball over the bar on the forty-five minutes mark. Much to the annoyance of the crowd, the referee inflicted a further three minutes of torture, as a result of first half stoppages.
The last kick of the first half Southport’s Simon Parke, with his back to goal turned and fired over the bar, following good work down the left by Lee Elam.
The second half was an improvement on the first period. In truth it was all one-way traffic as Southport piled on the pressure. Four minutes after the re-start, Bauress put over a cross for Parke, who looped his header over the crossbar.
After 52 minutes, Southport’s Simon Parke spotted the Stevenage keeper of his line. From forty yards he attempt to lob the ball into the net but he was unfortunate as his shot went wide of the upright. Three minutes Gary Bauress fired in a free kick, which Parke headed over the advancing goalkeeper. Stevenage defender Sam Sodje almost miscued the ball into the back of his own net; the ball was eventually cleared by the assured John Dreyer.
Greg Lincoln went close for the visitors after 58 minutes but Dickinson was more than equal to the chance and palmed the ball to safety.
Southport introduced two summer signings Tony Sullivan and Kevin Leadbetter on 62 minutes and their introduction nearly paid dividends three minutes later. Sullivan used his pace to good effect, with a purposeful run at the Stevenage back line he played the ball on to Parke who played in Elam but on this occasion Wilkerson was off his line smartly to save at his feet.
Southport were getting closer and closer. Wilkerson pulled of another smart save from Simon Parke’s header, following a Gary Bauress corner. It was Stevenage’s turn to go ion the attack but again they found the Southport back-line resolute. They had restricted the visitors to long-range efforts all game and Adrian Clarke and Lee Fitzpatrick tried their luck from similar range with equal luck.
Parke had been instrumental in all Southport’s chances today, to be fair to him none were that clear cut but with eleven minutes to go he should have hit the target, when he curled his shot wide of the post.
Time was running out for Southport to claim their second home victory of the season but with three minutes of time added on by the referee Stevenage almost sealed it at the death. Paul Armstrong’s through ball caught the Southport defence square for the first time in the match. Darren Hay struck first time from eighteen yards but Steve Dickinson pulled off an instinctive save, to save the points at the death.
So it was honours even in the end. The second half made up for the dour battle of the first forty-five minutes. The disappointing crowd of just over due 1000 spectators, no doubt depleted by those running errands in readiness for the nights England International on the television did really have much to cheer all game. Though they did acknowledge the performance of the referee Gary Mellor, who didn’t resort to his book once, and refereed with a commonsense lacking in so-called professional referees.
ATT – 1003
* This report previously appeared on the now defunct website Pyramid Football
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