displaced_seagull Posted August 22, 2005 Author Share Posted August 22, 2005 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by danbhtfc: I got it wrong that time, i meant Altrincham </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Sh*tty Northern teams Umney; Cheers - it can be frustrating, but it's a challenge, most importantly of all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 22, 2005 Author Share Posted August 22, 2005 A glance at the Fixture list told Fairway that Saturday's trip to Stafford Rangers would be vitial - afterwards came Nuneaton in a clash that could potentially define both sides' seasons. Worksop had got away with their draw - Nuneaton too could only gain a point, held 1-1 by - ironically enough - Stafford Rangers. FA Cup Fourth Round day threw up just one major suprise - at a packed KC Stadium, League One outfit Hull held mighty Newcastle United to a 2-2 draw - the Magpies levelling just 14 minutes from time through Alan Shearer after Delroy Facey had opened the scoring for Hull. Faye equalised soon after for Newcastle, but when Aaron Wilbraham's effort went unanswered for over 20 minutes, Tigers fans had hoped that their team could hold on for a famous victory. Instead, they face a replay at St James' Park. Elsewhere Manchester United disposed of rivals Manchester City in a televised clash whilst the lowest ranked side left in the competition, League Two side Swansea City crashed 3-0 at Ewood Park, going out to Blackburn. Just four Non-Premiership clubs - excluding Hull, who face a replay, remain in the competition - Derby, Leeds, Wigan and Sunderland. Despite Hull's success in the FA Cup, manager Peter Taylor left the club on Sunday - taking up the manager's post at Milwall - who had been under caretaker command of Dave Bassett and Ray Wilkins since Dennis Wise's dismissal last year. The Lions' revival left Fairway's beloved Brighton & Hove Albion rooted to the bottom of the Championship, with just four wins all season. The recent arrival of two new strikers - Kevin Campbell and Pablo Counago - on loan, however, may help to shake things up at the Withdean. Stafford Rangers v Worksop - Conference North Game 27 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Fisher, Nicholson, Davies, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Wilson*, Cropper, Norville Subs; O'Callaghan, Cross (GK), Morgan, Khoshimov, Bambrook A recall for skipper Wilson - back again after injury - replacing Khoshimov in midfield, whilst rested duo Wharton and Davies also returned - replacing Morgan and Thorpe respectivley. Stafford began brightly, and set about Worksop - immedialtey putting Fairway's men on the back foot. It took until the 13th minute for them to make the breakthrough - Bradley Orr curling a shot into the corner of the net after a corner wasn't cleared properly. It wasn't the start Fairway had invisaged - and on 36 things got much worse. For the second time this season, striker Jason Norville idiotically talked himself into a sending off - dissent, and simply refusing to accept the referee's decision and be quiet seeing him dismissed 9 minutes before the interval. Fairway immedialtey changed things round - Dempsey replaced by Bambrook, with the team going to 3-1-3-2. Fairway tore into his charges at the break - replacing Goodfellow and Dudgeon with Khoshimov and O'Callaghan in an attempt to get back into the game. Stafford started the second half with the same all-action style as they had the first - Pheonix seeing an effort cut out by young 'keeper Fisher on 47, before Wilding volleyed just over on 56. Worksop amazingly took until the 79th minute to register their first genuine opportunity - Fisk firing wide after good work from Cropper. Five minutes later Craig Wilding headed Lovatt's corner beyond Fisher, and it was all over - Fairway furiously stormed back to the team bus as Stafford's second hit the net - it would be a tough trip home for the Tigers this evening. Stafford 2 - Worksop 0 MOM; Joe Broad (Stafford) Attendance; 469 Worksop Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 22, 2005 Author Share Posted August 22, 2005 In the cold light of day, things didn't look quite so bad. Worksop hadn't been the only side to loose - second placed Nuneaton went down 3-1 to Southport, whilst leaders Vauxhall Motors were beaten 2-0 by Droylsden . Jason Norville though was still in Fairway's bad books - and the manager handed his star striker a fine of a weeks' wages after his senseless and stupid dismissal for dissent. It didn't go down well. Once word got out, Fairway was faced with a furious revolt - James Dudgeon, Paul Dempsey, Miles Thorpe, Kevin Davies, Mark Wilson, Nathan Wharton and Dene Cropper - as well as the Trinidadian himself - all stating their unhappiness at Norville's fine. At least though Fairway wasn't in charge at Stalybridge Celtic - John Reed dismissed on Monday morning. Nuneaton Borough v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 28 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Fisher, Nicholson, Morgan, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Wilson*, Cropper, Bambrook Subs; O'Callaghan, Cross (GK), Davies, Khoshimov, Norton Two changes for Fairway's men as they aim to bounce back with a crucial game against Nuneaton - the banned Norville and the tired Davies out, with Bambrook and Morgan replacing the duo. On a cold, dry evening Nuneaton attacked from the off, and after winning three corners, took the lead on 6 minutes - midfield dynamo Mark Noon cracking home on the half volley. It was the first blow of what quickly became a miserable evening for Worksop - Avun Jephcott doubled Boro's lead on 14 - volleying home Wilson's cross to beat Fisher with style. On 20 though the visitors should have pulled one back - Cropper twisting and turning, but put his effort straight at 'keeper Darren Acton. On 32 though it was back up the other end - and Avun Jephcott was in far less forgiving mood - Fisher beaten for a third time after Murphy's knock down. Fairway made two changes at the break - Cropper and Wilson off, with Norton and Khoshimov replacing the disapointing duo. The two subs combined well immediatley after the break - only a Noon challenge denying Norton inside the box on 47. Nuneaton were just in control, and dominated without ever breaking sweat - a poor second half only livened up with a fourth for the rampant home side right at the death - Avun Jephcott completing his hatrick with a prodded effort from Stuart Whittaker's corner. Outclassed the only word for this one. Nuneaton 4 - Worksop 0 MOM; Avun Jephcott (Nuneaton) Attendance; 1364 Worksop Position After Game; 4th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 23, 2005 Author Share Posted August 23, 2005 No goals in three games, as well as three defeats on the bounce - Worksop dropping to Fourth place. Fairway knew that he needed to sort things out, and quickly. The media too were on his case - but Fairway merely replied praising his opponents, telling the Non League Daily website that Nuneaton were tactically spot on, with manager Roger Ashby described as a 'highly competent' manager. If Fairway was hoping that the Gods would smile on him following his comments, he was sadly mistaken - on Wednesday Simeon Bambrook broke his shoulder, ruling him out for a month, whilst Andrew Fisk also picked up an injury - a groin strain ruling him out for a fortnight. A quiet week passed before Worksop's next game - although not with Fairway's blessing. He had tried - and failed - to secure a new addition to the squad - leaving him feeling frustrated. Worksop Town v Hinckley United - Conference North Game 29 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Fisher, Nicholson, Davies, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Wilson*, Khoshimov, Cropper, Norville Subs; O'Callaghan, Cross (GK), Morgan, Thorpe, Norton Three changes - Davies, Khoshimov and Norville in - Morgan, Fisk and Bambrook out. On a freezing cold and soaking wet evening Worksop Babbage Way was packed with home supporters hoping that Fairway's men could bounce back and return to winning ways. The Tigers started well - Norville striking the ball just over on 11, two minutes after Khoshimov had seen his effort saved. Hinckley too threatned in the opening spell of what quickly became an entertaining game for the substantial crowd - Lavery shooting straight at Fisher on 19 before the visitors earned a penalty on 25 - Day tripped by Khoshimov. Lewis stepped up - but 17-year old Jason Fisher became the hero of the hour, stopping the initial effort before recovering well to grab the loose rebound before Lewis could react. Three minutes later, Azzizhon Khoshimov turned from villan to hero - smashing home Nathan Wharton's corner to put the Tigers ahead. With no changes at the break the second half started in similar fashion - Cropper close for Worksop on 47, whilst McMahon crashed a drive over for the visitors on 51. Fairway did introduce a substitute on 59 - Morgan replacing Davies - before Matt Lewis made up for his penalty miss - firing home off the post from Smith's through ball to bring the scores back to level terms. Fairway feared the worst - but 9 minutes later, his side were back ahead. Given their somewhat woeful record from the penalty spot this season he wasn't too optimistic when Wilson was tripped by Morrison - but sub Alan Morgan stepped up, taking the opportunity to net his first goal in senior football from the spot. There was no turning back now - Cropper should have added a third before Fairway madehis final two changes on 75 - Thorpe replacing Wilson and O'Callaghan, who took the captains armband, filling Steve Nicholson's slot at right back. There would be a third - Wharton again turning provider with a square free kick that defender James Dudgeon bundled over the line from a couple of yards out. A fourth would have been the icing on the cake - Khoshimov hitting the side netting in injury time - but after three barren scorelines, this result is most welcome. Worksop 3 - Hinckley 1 MOM; Azzizhon Khoshimov (Worksop) Attendance; 2316 Worksop Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 23, 2005 Author Share Posted August 23, 2005 'As you were' at the top of Conference North - Vauxhall Motors three points clear of Nuneaton and Worksop , with Barrow three points behind in fourth place - a trip to Holker Street up next for the Tigers. With no injuries reported after victory over Hinckley, Fairway led his troops to Barrow in bouyant spirit - he just had to hope that come quarter to five, he would be in the same mood. Barrow AFC v Worksop - Conference North Game 30 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Fisher, Nicholson, Davies, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Wilson*, Khoshimov, Cropper, Norville Subs; O'Callaghan, Cross (GK), Morgan, Thorpe, Norton An unchanged side for Worksop - and a breezy, but bright afternoon in Barrow. It was a perfect start - Worksop took the lead with their opening salvo. Wharton's control freed up Steve Nicholson, who made a darting run into the channel. His cross found the head of Dene Cropper , and Worksop were ahead. On 16 Barrow should have levelled - Knight instead hitting the side netting. The Tigers meanwhile settled into what had become their usual pattern - several attacks, but with the chances wasted - Norville and Cropper both failing to make the most of chances before half time. At the break Fairway decided against making any changes. Barrow did however, and came out for the second half looking far sharper. Neil Tarrant came close on 47, before Phil Rowland's cross-cum-shot dipped over the despairing Fisher on 65 to put the home side level. Fairway immediatley reacted with a brace of substitutions - Norville replaced by Norton, with Davies making way for Morgan. On 76, the changes had an impact - Khoshimov's superb flighted pass releasing Blake Norton - the striker with a habit of scoring off the bench - to put Worksop back ahead. The lead would last all of five minutes - with their very next chance Barrow made it all square at 2-2 - Micheal Kewley netting in some style. It was then all hands to the pump for Worksop as Barrow flooded forward - Fisher certainly earning his corn with some impressive stops to salvage a point. Barrow 2 - Worksop 2 MOM; Marc Goodfellow (Worksop) Attendance; 1173 Worksop Position After Game; 2nd <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Vauxhall Motors | | 30 | 17 | 7 | 6 | 56 | 31 | +25 | 58 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | WORKSOP | | 30 | 14 | 11 | 5 | 46 | 31 | +15 | 53 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Nuneaton | | 30 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 49 | 31 | +18 | 52 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Alfreton | | 30 | 13 | 12 | 5 | 40 | 24 | +16 | 51 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Barrow | | 30 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 50 | 34 | +16 | 50 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Harrogate Town | | 30 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 44 | 35 | +9 | 49 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Droylsden | | 30 | 12 | 12 | 6 | 47 | 37 | +10 | 48 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Southport | | 29 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 34 | 28 | +6 | 45 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Moor Green | | 30 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 49 | 36 | +13 | 41 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Gainsborough | | 30 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 47 | 39 | +8 | 40 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Lancaster | | 29 | 9 | 12 | 8 | 39 | 45 | -6 | 39 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Ashton Utd | | 29 | 8 | 14 | 7 | 41 | 39 | +2 | 38 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Hinckley | | 30 | 10 | 8 | 12 | 40 | 49 | -9 | 38 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Altrincham | | 30 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 32 | 34 | -2 | 37 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Worcester | | 29 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 30 | 36 | -6 | 36 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Hucknall | | 30 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 31 | 31 | 0 | 35 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Stafford Rangers | | 30 | 7 | 13 | 10 | 32 | 35 | -3 | 34 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Bradford PA | | 30 | 6 | 14 | 10 | 25 | 35 | -10 | 32 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Kettering | | 30 | 5 | 13 | 12 | 26 | 44 | -18 | 28 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Runcorn FC Halton | | 30 | 5 | 11 | 14 | 30 | 49 | -19 | 26 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Stalybridge | | 30 | 6 | 7 | 17 | 32 | 55 | -23 | 25 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Redditch | | 30 | 1 | 10 | 19 | 19 | 61 | -42 | 13 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 23, 2005 Author Share Posted August 23, 2005 With defeat for Nuneaton , a triumphant Fairway saw his side move into Second Place for only the second time this season. Last time they had lost the position after one match - this time, the manager aimed, things would be different. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> http://www.nottinghamshiretoday.co.uk - Football - Sunday 13th February 2005 'Fairway; Saturday Game Of Season' "Worksop Town manager Stuart Fairway has told Nottinghamshire Today that he feels Saturday's visit of Vauxhall Motors to Babbage Way will provide the game of the season. "We are pumped up for it" said Fairway. "Vauxhall Motors are undoubtedly a great team - they are 4 points clear at the top of the league, and that doesent come without some serious effort. However, we beat them earlier in the campaign and hopefully we will be able to record a double over them" Fairway hopes that midfielder Andrew Fisk will be fit for the match after 2 weeks out with a groin strain." </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Fairway's comments recieved a negative reaction from Motormen boss Owen Brown , who told the media that his side were 'extremley confident'. Fairway responded to this in the way he considered best - telling the same reporters that Brown had done an 'excellent' job as Vauxhall Motors manager, and that the club were lucky to have him. It was a plan calculated to cause confusion amongst the Motors camp - 'mind games', if you will. It appeared to work - Brown released no further statements ahead of the match. Better news came on Wednesday - Kristian Rogers back in light training after his shoulder injury. Although 2 weeks away from a first team return, Fairway did intend to put him on the bench from now on - with the 'keeper involved once more in the First Team squad, his naturally optmisitic nature could help the squad after a tough few weeks. Thursday though brought bad news - and a massive blow. Marc Goodfellow joined the injury list - out for a fortnight with an ankle injury. His loss would leave a big gap in the Tigers lineup, and Fairway hoped that he could use the remaining training sessions to get replacement Miles Thorpe back to his best form of earlier in the season. Worksop v Vauxhall Motors - Conference North Game 31 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Fisher, O'Callaghan, Davies, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Thorpe, Wilson*, Khoshimov, Cropper, Norville Subs; Jackson, Rogers (GK), Morgan, Fisk, Norton With Andrew Fisk nowhere near match fit, Fairway decided to limit the Norwich loanee to a spot on the bench for the crucial game. Goodfellow's injury would leave a gap to be filled by Miles Thorpe, whilst at the back Brian O'Callaghan replaced Nicholson. In wet and windy conditions the atmosphere was nevertheless crackling with anticipation and excitment - Second versus Top always an important clash, espcially at this stage of the season. Vauxhall had the best of the opening exchanges, with Anthony Wright firing over on 8, and then putting a shot wide of the post on 11. Similarly, Worksop's first effort - Cropper's shot on 19 - flew over, before the same player forced Tim Dittner into a save two minutes later. Although the visitors probably had the best of the first half - Wright and Griffiths both busy - Worksop too had their chances, with Khoshimov perhaps unfortunate not to have opened the scoring just before the interval. Fairway made one change at the break - with Cropper complaining of a knock, Blake Norton replaced him up front. The home side then siezed the initiative - Wilson breaking into the six yard box before Thorpe saw an effort sail wide. On the hour Fairway made his final two changes - replacing Thorpe and Wilson, with Morgan going to the left side of midfield and Andrew Fisk handed the central role. Despite early promise though, the second half petered out to leave the game going to a conclusion that does neither side any favours - the visitors not threatening in the second period, and Worksop unable to break through some stubborn resistance, giving each side a point. Worksop 0 - Vauxhall Motors 0 MOM; Tim Dittner (Vauxhall Motors) Attendance; 1120 Worksop Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartley_m Posted August 24, 2005 Share Posted August 24, 2005 Great Stuf D_S Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 25, 2005 Author Share Posted August 25, 2005 cheers Bartley After the buildup, it was all bit of an anticlimax for Fairway - his side had battled, true, and sealed a point against the leaders, but still, he felt a little disapointed. Nuneaton's 2-1 victory over Worcester had pushed them up a spot in the table, with a point advantage over the Tigers. On Tuesday he decided to act - Anthony Jackson slapped on the transfer list for £1000 in a bid to raise some funds. Fairway planned to strenghten Worksop's attack - the lack of goals recently had worried him, and he felt that a new addition to the squad up front would help for both this season and in the future. After liasing with Scout Shaun Hird, Fairway came up with two names who could help matters. With bids fired in to both clubs, he would be able to concentrate on the trip to Ashton United whilst also hoping that his moves in the transfer market would be a success. Ashton United v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 32 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Fisher, Nicholson, Morgan, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Khoshimov, Fisk, Wilson*, Cropper, Norville Subs; O'Callaghan, Rogers (GK), Davies, Thorpe, Norton Morgan's return certainly couldn't be considered unexpected, but on the opposite side of defence, Steve Nicholson's recall after two games on the sidelines brought some raised eyebrows. In midfield Fairway moved Khoshimov to the left, with Andrew Fisk coming back into the starting lineup after injury. On a cool, dry evening the visitors began brightly - Cropper unmarked, but only able to divert Fisk's pass over the bar. Ashton though began to grind Worksop down - on 16 Allison struck the woodwork, before Niell Hardy had all the time in the world to open the scoring from Carden's pass on 24. After Ashton had taken the lead, Worksop's frontmen proceeded to prove Fairway right in his assumption that another striker would benefit the side - both Norville and Cropper both seeing good chances going astray. The Tigers' best chance came on the stroke of half time itself - Cropper crashing an effort against the bar after good work by his Trinidadian strike partner. At the break Fairway replaced the misfiring - and booked - Cropper with Blake Norton in an attempt to get back into the game. Whilst Ashton tried to ensure that Worksop couldn't - Garvey may well have put it out of reach should he have converted his 49th minute chance - Worksop did threaten - Fisk turning the defence but wasting the chance on 51, before Khoshimov smashed over on 76. It was his last action of the match - replaced by Thorpe moments later. Whilst Ashton were under some serious pressure, 'keeper Johnston remained untroubled - Worksop seemingly unable to hit the target at all, let alone the net, with Thorpe guility of wasting another fine chance three minutes from time. The statistics told their own tale - Worksop managed 15 shot, but of those, just 4 went on target. Not good enough. Ashton Utd 1 - Worksop 0 MOM; Andrew Fisk (Worksop) Attendance; 1070 Worksop Position After Game; 4th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 25, 2005 Author Share Posted August 25, 2005 Droylsden's victory had put Dave Pace's men up to third - but more troubling for Fairway, two sides in the chasing pack outside the playoffs - Alfreton and Harrogate now had 52 points - just two points behind Worksop's total. He knew that the wrong set of results at the weekend could see his men loose the playoff spot they had held since before Christmas. Mark Wilson's loss on Saturday then would be another blow - the skipper's booking taking him to five for the season, and an automatic one game ban. A more pressing concern was between the sticks - Jason Fisher ineligible to play against parent club Hucknall - and with Kristian Rogers a week away from a planned return to full training, Fairway now had to decide weather or not to take a gamble, and play his number one, or bring in a short-term replacement on loan. Wednesday however was a far more positive day - Leeds United accepting a bid for striker Damian Reeves . Reeves, 19, was born in Doncaster, but signed terms at Elland Road as a 16-year old, although he has not yet made his senior debut. Knowing that the striker was out of contract at the end of the season, Fairway's offer consisted of no money up front, but a potential 25% Sell-On fee, plus giving Leeds the option of buying Reeves back at any time for a fee of £2 million. In the afternoon, Grimsby accepted a similar offer for striker David Soames . Soames, 21, has been at Grimsby for four years, but finally made his mark this season, scoring 5 times from 14 starts and 13 substitute appearances - so it is perhaps suprising that he became available. Again the offer included no cash, but a similar sell-on fee. Whilst no news had been recieved on either of his two transfer targets by the weekend, Fairway did note Worcester City's appointment of Hayes boss Willy Wordsworth on Friday morning - the 50-year old given the task of guiding the inconsistent City away from the drop zone. Hucknall v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 33 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Nicholson, Davies*, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morgan, Fisk, Khoshimov, Cropper, Norville Subs; O'Callaghan, Cross (GK), Jackson, Thorpe, Norton Whilst recently transfer-listed Jackspm was reinstated to the bench, Fairway's decision to gamble on the fitness of 'keeper Kristian Rogers - out since early December after breaking his shoulder - was the one which split supporters the most - with Fairway's decision brave, if a little risky. Davies also returned to the starting lineup - taking the captain's armband from the suspended Wilson, whilst Morgan moved into midfield, replacing Thorpe. A scrappy opening led to a number of warnings for dissent, with referee Keeley seemingly struggling to gain the respect of the players. Hucknall's Plummer was booked as early as the seventh minute for a crude challenge on Cropper, whilst Jason Norville's whinging - not for the first time this season - saw him follow on 18. It took until the 26th minute for the first real chance - loanee Morgan racing away for Worksop, only for 'keeper Taylor to acrobatically deny him. Hucknall too threatened before the interval - dangerman Ward shooting over on 41 - before Smith tested Rogers' fitness with a shot that required a smart low stop on the stroke of half time. Fairway replaced the booked Dempsey with o'Callaghan at the break, and also rested Morgan with Miles Thorpe replacing him. After a slow start to the second half ill-discapline would once again rear it's ugly head - on 63 Nathan Wharton saw red - typically his second yellow coming for dissent. Fairway switched Kevin Davies' into the midfield holding role as a result - and promptly saw his side under the cosh for the remainder of the game. 'Keeper Kristian Rogers did very well though, especially considering his recent layoff, and excellently denied Plummer on 83, before saving from Smith right at the death. Just as Fairway thought his side could celebrate a hard-won point, Ricketts broke through - but, with alarmingly casual marking giving him plenty of time and space, fired wide of a relieved Rogers' upright. Hucknall 0 - Worksop 0 MOM; James Dudgeon (Worksop) Attendance; 308 Worksop Position After Game; 4th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 26, 2005 Author Share Posted August 26, 2005 Bad news came out of the draw - suspensions, and suspensions many. Nathan Wharton picked up a one game ban for his red card, whilst bookings for Paul Dempsey and Jason Norville took them over the five-card limit, also handing the pair single game bans. With nine games now remaining in the League for Worksop, Fairway knew that he would have a tight run-in - realistically, 8 sides are now playing for four playoff places plus an automatic promotion spot, which really looks like a two-horse race between current leaders Nuneaton and the recently deposed Vauxhall Motors , with Southport on 57 points an outside bet. Worksop and Harrogate Town both lie on 55 points in fourth and fifth respectivley, whilst 6th placed Barrow and 7th placed Droylsden have 54, and 8th placed Alfreton , the lowest-ranked team in with a realistic chance, have 52. After that it's a 7-point gap to Moor Green - unlikely to be made up at this stage in the campaign. Whilst Spurs beat Newcastle 1-0 to lift the League Cup on Sunday, Fairway was delighted to tie up terms with 19-year old striker Damian Reeves . Reeves, captured on a free from Leeds United , would, Fairway hoped, be the first of three signings this week - Grimsby striker David Soames, as well as another, as yet unnamed player, were his targets. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> http://www.cumbrians.co.uk - News - Monday 31st January 2005 'Fairway In Talks' 'Carlisle United Chairman Andrew Jenkins is currently in discussion with Stuart Fairway regarding the vacant managerial post at Brunton Park. Fairway, 30, has built up an impressive reputation by taking struggling Conference North side Worksop Town to the top of the table after being handed his first managerial post at the start of the season. The Tigers gave Carlisle permission to discuss terms with Fairway after Jenkins petitioned opposite number Howard Raymond . Stay tuned to Cumbrians.co.uk for the latest official news. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Fairway had been very suprised to recieve a call from Carlisle on Monday morning - and nearly fell off his chair when he was offered the job. Unfortunatley for the Cumbrians, it took him just a few moments to consider, and reject, the offer - although an honour to be asked, Fairway had no intention of going north to replace Paul Simpson. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Worksop Observer - News - Tuesday 1st February 2005 'Fairway defends new signing as double capture announced' ' Mark Price has signed for Worksop Town from Weston-Super-Mare - and has flown straight into a storm. Central midfielder Price is 37, and this has caused some supporters to question Worksop manager Stuart Fairway's judgement. Ambition One fan told the Observer; "What are Stuart's ambitions? - He's signed a 37-year old midfielder who you can say will only be a short term measure at most. We've gone out and signed a young lad from Leeds this week - those are the sort of players we should be getting, not veterans. I can just see Price playing a few games, picking up a wage check every week, then retiring either this summer or next season - to me, it seems a waste" Fairway, however, has told the Observer; "Mark is an excellent player, very strong on the ball and with a good work ethic. yes, he is getting on in years in footballing terms - but I feel we could do with a bit of experience at times. Mark will certainly have a part to play - he's signed on until the end of next season, and I feel sure he will be here until then." Hitman Worksop have also announced the signing of striker David Soames from Grimsby Town . Soames, 21, has scored 5 goals in League Two this season for the Mariners, but still found himself surplus to Blundell Park requirements. Tigers fans will have to wait, however, to see him in action - Soames is currently out for a month with strained knee ligaments - not a gamble, says Worksop boss Fairway. "We put David through a pretty rigourous medical" he said. "Although currently injured, he still passed that - our physio, John Tomlinson , reckons that there is no long term damage, but David will undergo some physiotherapy over the next four weeks to be sure. We hope that he will be available for selection by the end of the season, but if not, then he will certainly be fit for preseason" Departures - Or More Arrivals? With two new strikers arriving this week, plus a midfielder, Fairway has decided to add a further name to the Transfer List - that of front man Simeon Bambrook . "Simeon has been a loyal servant of the club" said Fairway. "But we've decided to make him available - it's only fair, as at his age he really needs first team football, and we now have other options." Utility man Anthony Jackson is also set to leave Babbage Way, completing a free transfer switch to Moor Green on Wednesday, should he agree personal terms with the Birmingham side. Crypitically, Fairway also revealed that transfer dealings for the season "May not yet be complete", although he refused to be drawn on the subject. New signing Damian Reeves is expected to step into the suspended Jason Norville's shoes on Saturday as Worksop face Moor Green at home, </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Anthony Jackson - DC/SC - 5 Games/0 Goals - Moor Green, Free When he was finally able to head for bed on Tuesday, Fairway reflected on a whirlwind day - two new signings, a sale - plus a job offer! - it had certainly not been a normal one at Babbage Way. Kristian Rogers headlined Wednesday's news - the 'keeper back in full training after his dislocated shoulder. Bad news would follow on Friday though - new boy Damien Reeves ruled out for three weeks with a twisted ankle - leaving Fairway again looking at a makeshift attack. Worksop v Moor Green - Conference North Game 34 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Nicholson, Davies, O'Callaghan, Dudgeon, Fisk, Morgan, Wilson*, Khoshimov, Cropper, Norton Subs; Kelly, Fisher (GK), Price, Goodfellow, Bambrook After a week best described as hectic, Fairway was forced into changes for Saturday's visit of Moor Green. Andrew Fisk dropped back into the midfield holding role, replacing the banned Wharton, whilst skipper Mark Wilson returned from his own suspension and walked straight into the central midfield role. At the back O'Callaghan replaced Dempsey, whilst Norton would be handed a rare start in place of the banned Norville. New boy Price made the bench - alongside Goodfellow and Bambrook, neither of whom could be considered truly match fit, but both passing late fitness tests. Youth teammer Kelly made up the numbers on a dry and relativley warm afternoon in Nottinghamshire. Moor Green - who included recent signing from Worksop Anthony Jackson on the bench - began brightly - Bridgewater thumping a free kick over the top with the game only 2 minutes old, before Thompson lashed a volley wide for the visitors 6 minutes later. Worksop's first chance came on 16 - and led to the opening goal. After a neat one-two with Kevin Davies, Andrew Fisk fired home from the corner of the area to get things off to the perfect start for the Tigers. The goal certainly boosted home spirits - Morgan denied by 'keeper Peter Keen on 18 before Worksop struck again on 24. A brilliantly flighted pass by Morgan picked out Blake Norton , who marked a rare start with a well-struck shot, the ball nestling in the bottom right hand corner. Whilst Worksop certainly had the best of the first half, Thompson should have pulled one back on 44 - scuffing the ball wide after dispossessing O'Callaghan. At the break Fairway replaced Nicholson, who had been limping, with Goodfellow - Morgan switching to left back, Goodfellow going into midfield and Kevin Davies playing in an unfamiliar right back role. It didn't seem to break Worksop's rythym - Fisk could have scored on 47 when his effort curled just wide, before Cropper's header brought another smart stop from Keen on 66. Fairway introduced new boy Price on 72 - replacing Wilson, whilst a tiring Norton made way for Bambrook at the same time. After Rogers had saved from 41-year old veteran hitman Conrad Kane on 74, Moor Green did pull one back on 77 - Barry Williams barging his way past Morgan to poke the ball home at the far post. Unfortunatley for the visitors, it was as close as they would come to a comeback - Price in particular helping to steady the Worksop ship, whilst at the other end fellow sub Bambrook could have sealed it in injury time. Back to winning ways - and after such a hectic week, a welcome relief. Worksop 2 - Moor Green 1 MOM; Adrian Webster (Moor Green) Attendance; 997 Worksop Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 26, 2005 Author Share Posted August 26, 2005 Another day, another job offer - in what was becoming something of a habit, Fairway recieved a phone call on Monday inviting him to take charge at Conference National side Exeter City . Again, the answer was thesame - Devon not tempting him, with Fairway letting Chairman Ian Huxham know that he would not be taking up the post in succession to Alex Inglethorpe . Whilst he had originally planned for Alan Morgan to return to Blackburn Rovers after his two month loan spell, Fairway had a change of heart after seeing the Scotsman perform well over the last few matches. He approached Blackburn with a request to extend the deal until the end of the season, and with manager Mark Hughes giving the thumbs up on Monday afternoon, it didn't take long for the Edinburgh-born left back to agree to stay at Babbage Way longer than originally intended. With Morgan out of contract at the end of the season, he wisely decided that the loan spell would be an ideal 'shop window' opportunity - first team football, at whatever level, more likely to attract potential suitors than Reserve team action. On Wednesday night England's two remaining representatives in the European Cup both had major successes - Manchester United destroying Valencia 4-1 at home after a 0-0 draw in Spain - Transfer Window capture Freddie Kanouté , a £9.5 Million arrival from Spurs, scoring twice with sub Ruud Van Nistelrooy also bagging a brace. Over in Holland Arsenal completed a 5-1 aggregate victory over PSV - the non-flying Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp travelling via Eurostar to score the opener, whilst Toure and Ljundberg wrapped it up for the Premiership's runaway leaders. The last Scottish side left in the competition, Celtic , restored some pride with a Shaun Maloney inspired 1-0 victory over mighty Juventus , but went out on aggregate after crashing 3-0 at the Stadio Delle Alpi in the First Leg. A blow on Thursday morning saw striker Blake Norton ruled out for a week with a twisted knee. Whilst the situation wasn't quite so desperate as it had been last week for Fairway, he still hesitated before calling Simeon Bambrook into his office at lunchtime. The 33-year old was the subject of reknewed interest - Northwhich, Hendesford and Hornchurch all interested in taking the striker on a free. Despite his injury problems, Fairway did decide it was only fair to accept all three offers, with Bambrook set to make up his mind in the next few days. After last night's Champions League action it was the turn of the UEFA Cup on Thursday - the first leg matches in the Second Knockout Round. Chelsea cruised to victory over Sporting CP , beating the Portugese outfit 2-0 with a Didier Drogba brace. Up north, Newcastle were even more emphatic - thrashing German side VFB Stuttgart 4-0 with goals from Ameobi, Robert, Milner and Kluivert - three of them coming in the last 10 minutes. If Thursday had been quiet, Friday's news came like a bolt out of the blue. It had started normally enough - but Fairway had arrived at his desk to find a fax from Wycombe Wanderers . Initially he had thought it could be another job offer - but Nigel Clough had recently been appointed, and instead he was on the hunt for new blood. Dene Cropper was the target - a £35,000, take it or leave it, bid on the table. Whilst Fairway didn't want to lose his 12-goal hitman, the money - and the chance to give Cropper a dream opportunity back in the Football League - was also on his mind. Wycombe had fortunatley given Fairway a week to make his decision - either way, an answer would be needed by Friday the 18th at the latest. Worksop v Runcorn FC Halton - Conference North Game 35 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Nicholson, Morgan, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Wilson*, Cropper, Norville Subs; O'Callaghan, Fisher (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Bambrook With Cropper still - as yet - unaware of the interest in him, Fairway handed the in-demand hitman a new strike partner - Norville returning to replace the injured Norton, with another player on his way out, Simeon Bambrook, on the bench for possibly the last time. Dempsey also returned at the expense of O'Callaghan, whilst Wharton and Goodfellow were also able to return, from suspension and injury respectivley, replacing Morgan and Khoshimov in the middle. After a slow start the match exploded into action on 15, when Andrew Fisk drilled home a fine Goodfellow through pass to put the Tigers ahead. Worksop did look bright - Norville only denied by a superb Spearitt saving challenge on 27, before Goodfellow struck a well-hit free kick into the arms of 'keeper McMillan 12 minutes later. With Fisk carrying a knock, and Worksop looking comfortable, Fairway replaced the goalscorer at the interval - veteran Mark Price on in his place. The frustration at being unable to put their hosts under any real pressure eventually boiled over for Runcorn - Mark Garrity dismissed for a second bookable offence on the hour - and the visitors were forced to fall back and defend in order to preserve their goal difference. Worksop laid siege to the Runcorn goal - although any Wycombe fans watching wouldn't have been too impressed with an off-colour Dene Cropper. Two changes on 72 seemed to close the game further - Norville replaced by Bambrook in potentially his final appearance, whilst Mark Wilson made way for Khoshimov. The Uzbekistani winger, as ever, injected a shot of pace into the side - his cross in injury time almost causing Picken to head past his own 'keeper. As it was, Worksop were able to grind out a result - Runcorn failed to manage a shot all afternoon - and the points all help. Worksop 1 - Runcorn FC Halton 0 MOM; Marc Goodfellow (Worksop) Attendance; 1146 Worksop Position After Game; 3rd <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Nuneaton | | 35 | 19 | 10 | 6 | 59 | 32 | +27 | 67 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Vauxhall Motors | | 35 | 18 | 8 | 9 | 59 | 38 | +21 | 62 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | WORKSOP | | 35 | 16 | 13 | 6 | 49 | 33 | +16 | 61 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Droylsden | | 35 | 16 | 12 | 7 | 58 | 41 | +17 | 60 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Barrow | | 35 | 16 | 9 | 10 | 54 | 37 | +17 | 57 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Southport | | 35 | 16 | 9 | 10 | 49 | 37 | +12 | 57 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Harrogate Town | | 35 | 15 | 11 | 9 | 53 | 44 | +9 | 56 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Alfreton | | 35 | 14 | 13 | 8 | 41 | 29 | +12 | 55 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Moor Green | | 35 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 56 | 43 | +13 | 48 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Altrincham | | 35 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 39 | 36 | +3 | 48 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Lancaster | | 35 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 46 | 52 | -6 | 48 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Stafford Rangers | | 35 | 11 | 13 | 11 | 44 | 38 | +6 | 46 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Worcester | | 35 | 12 | 10 | 13 | 38 | 44 | -6 | 46 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Hinckley | | 35 | 12 | 10 | 13 | 47 | 55 | -8 | 46 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Ashton Utd | | 35 | 10 | 14 | 11 | 47 | 49 | -2 | 44 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Gainsborough | | 35 | 11 | 10 | 14 | 51 | 50 | +1 | 43 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Hucknall | | 35 | 9 | 14 | 12 | 34 | 34 | 0 | 41 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Bradford PA | | 35 | 7 | 15 | 13 | 29 | 43 | -14 | 36 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Kettering | | 35 | 5 | 17 | 13 | 30 | 50 | -20 | 32 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Stalybridge | | 35 | 7 | 8 | 20 | 35 | 60 | -25 | 29 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Runcorn FC Halton | | 35 | 5 | 11 | 19 | 32 | 61 | -29 | 26 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Redditch | | 35 | 3 | 11 | 21 | 22 | 66 | -44 | 20 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 28, 2005 Author Share Posted August 28, 2005 By Tuesday morning, Fairway had made a decision - he would agree to Wycombe's offer - but it would be another case of the revolving door syndrome... <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Worksop Observer - Football - Tuesday 15th March 2005 'Duo Set For Exit As Priet Checks In' 'Worksop Town Manager Stuart Fairway last night completed the signing of defender Nicolas Priet on a free transfer from Doncaster Rovers . Priet, 22, is a left-footed Frenchman who can play either in the centre or on the left of defence. A talented youngster, he came through youth ranks at Lyon before signing for Leicester. After a season at the Walkers Stadium, he was released, last summer signing for Doncaster. Priet played five times this season for Donny, before falling out of favour. Out of contract at the end of the season, Fairway approached Doncaster, who immedialtey accepted the offer. Priet told the Observer; "It's good for me to be moving to a new club. I hope to become a key part of the side here, and hope that Worksop will go on to great things". Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch Simeon Bambrook has left Babbage Way after agreeing to join Conference National strugglers Northwich Victoria on a free transfer. Opportunity By far the biggest news though is the potential departure of 12-goal striker Dene Cropper . Cropper, 22, has been the subject of a bid from League Two side Wycombe Wanderers , believed to be in the region of £35,000. After much debate at Babbage Way, Fairway accepted the offer - with Cropper set to travel to Adams Park to discuss terms after playing for Worksop this evening against Alfreton Town. Speaking about the potential move, Stuart Fairway said; "In the end, I felt that I couldn't deny Dene the opportunity to talk to a Football League club. Obviously if it doesent work out, then we still have a place for him at Worksop - but I felt sure that should Dene want to make the move then he should at least be given the choice" </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Simeon Bambrook - SC - 31 Games/3 Goals - Northwich, Free Alfreton Town v Worksop - Conference North Game 36 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, O'Callaghan, Davies, Dempsey, Priet, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Wilson*, Cropper, Norville Subs; Dudgeon, Fisher (GK), Price, Thorpe, Khoshimov Fairway's decision to include new boy Priet was at the expense of James Dudgeon - Worksop's only remaining ever-present ahead of today's game. Brian O'Callaghan also came in at right back, with Davies at left back - Nicholson and Morgan dropping out of the matchday squad completley. In potentially his last game, Dene Cropper came out to a standing ovation from the away supporters - gratefully recieved by the striker. Unfortunatley, his first tangible contribution to the game was to pick up a booking for dissent on 18. Worksop hit the bar on 24 through Wharton, before some brave defending by Blunt denied Andrew Fisk the rebound. Alfreton too had chances - Peter Duffield volleying over, before Rogers saved from Fisher's deflected effort on 36. If it was to be Dene Cropper's final Worksop appearance, it would be a short one - replaced at the break after going down in a heap after a heavy challenge moments earlier. Khoshimov replaced him, with Goodfellow moving into an unfamiliar striking role. On 51 it was Kristian Rogers' turn to become the acrobat - brilliantly flinging himself to his right to tip Fisher's dipping shot over the bar. Dempsey and Fisk left the field on 68 - replaced by Dudgeon and Price respectivley, but neither side seemed to find that cutting edge. Worksop could have won it with the final kick of the game - Goodfellow's shot falling kindly for Khoshimov, who could only steer the ball into the side netting. If it is to be goodbye, Cropper's farewell went with a whimper rather than a bang. Alfreton 0 - Worksop 0 MOM; Brian O'Callaghan (Worksop) Attendance; 811 Worksop Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 28, 2005 Author Share Posted August 28, 2005 Late on Thursday afternoon, Dene Cropper - who suffered no ill-effects after a precautionary substitution on Tuesday - agreed terms with Wycombe, and on Friday morning, completed a £35,000 move that he described as a 'dream come true'. Cropper's departure boosted Worksop's bank balance considerably - Fairway now had a £28,000 warchest to spend on players, whilst the bottom line figure of £77,346 pleased Chairman Raymond and the board of directors - as well as the bank manager. Cropper's sale also brought the Worksop wage bill back within agreed figures - £230 under the £2800 limit imposed by the board - a figure that Fairway had breached until selling his hitman. Dene Cropper - SC - 31 Games/12 Goals - Ave Rating; 7.19 - Wycombe, £35k Thursday evening's UEFA Cup fixtures saw Chelsea progress with a 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in Lisbon - Didier Drogba again scoring to bring his tally to 34 in all competitions this season. Over in Germany, VFB Stuttgart performed far better than they had done by the Tyne - Newcastle held to a 0-0 draw, but still going through 4-0 on aggregate. Worksop Town v Redditch - Conference North Game 37 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, O'Callaghan, Davies, Dempsey, Priet, Wharton, Morgan, Fisk, Wilson*, Goodfellow, Norville Subs; Dudgeon, Fisher (GK), Price, Thorpe, Khoshimov With Cropper's departure to Wycombe, and no other fit strikers, Fairway moved Goodfellow into the attack, with Morgan replacing him on the left of midfield. Otherwise, it was an unchanged side - life without Dene starts here. After all of 55 seconds, life started again - bottom of the league Redditch, who, despite a recent revival of sorts, look doomed - opened the scoring - breaking away after Worksop attacked straight away, and Scott Rickards getting clear to fire past a stunned Rogers. It was not the ideal start to procceedings, but once the Tigers had recovered, Norville put a free kick over before the third placed side levelled on 32. A long ball down the flank from Wilson led to an opportunity for Norville, who crossed for Marc Goodfellow to tap home at the far post. Thorpe replaced Morgan at the break in a bid to add something to the Worksop midfield - the substitute a more attacking minded player - but chances continued to go astray, with Goodfellow heading over on 50 before Charlton hooked Norville's cross-area header clear on 63. Two minutes later the striker said his goodbyes, replaced by Khoshimov, whilst Price replaced another experienced head in Wilson. A heart-stopping moment for Worksop came on 82 - with their first real chance of the second half, Richard Leadbetter hit the bar with a diving header for Redditch. Both sides then seemed to run out of steam - and a draw became the inevitable conclusion. On paper, it's a good result for Redditch - but with only five games remaining, they are a Conference North club hoping for some kind of miracle to stay up. Worksop 1 - Redditch 1 MOM; Matthew Gardiner (Redditch) Attendance; 1289 Worksop Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 29, 2005 Author Share Posted August 29, 2005 On Monday Fairway began to splash the Dene Cropper cash - the permanent signing of 17-year old 'keeper Jason Fisher from Hucknall suprising nobody - Fisher on loan at Worksop since the departure of Ian Bowling earlier in the campaign. Spending just £1000, Fairway considered the teenager to be a real prospect. Wednesday evening brought the end of Wigan's run in the FA Cup - denied a Semi-Final place after going down 1-0 to Chelsea . In the other quarter-final, Liverpool beat Birmingham on penalty kicks to set up a pair of classic Semi-Finals. FA Cup Semi Final Draw Chelsea v Arsenal (The Millenium Stadium) Tottenham v Liverpool (The Millenium Stadium) Saturday's World Cup Qualifiers saw England held to a 1-1 draw by Northern Ireland in Sunderland. After James Beattie fired England ahead, David Healy equalised with a minute remaining to gain a precious point. Wales stormed to a 3-0 home win over Austria - a John Hartson brace and one from Chris Llewellyn sealing the win. Scotland went down 1-0 to Italy - Gattutso grabbing the goal - while Ireland beat Isreal 2-0 thanks to Keane and Morrison. Monday morning, and on the same day, Fairway had two strikers returning after injury. Damien Reeves and David Soames couldn't have known when they joined the club that Dene Cropper would soon be leaving - but now the two would be competing with each other to partner Jason Norville . Fairway intended to make the decision as late as possible ahead of the trip to Southport, with both players set to make their case in training. Wednesday's set of International fixtures brought a thumping victory for England - beating Azerbijan 5-0, with goals from Danny Murphy, Wayne Rooney - and an Alan Smith hatrick. Northern Ireland were involved in a game which saw even more goals - going down 5-2 to Poland , with David Healy's brace bringing the score to a more respectable total. Wales lost the reverse in Vienna 2-0 to Austria , whilst Scotland and Ireland were both without games. Transfer deadline day passed without incident on Thursday - nowhere near important, sadly, as it once was with the introduction of the European Transfer Window for the top clubs and the financial collapse of the lower leagues. Just six deals were done all day, with Hednesford's £24,000 signing of Bolton midfielder Micheal Eckersley the most valuable. Southport v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 38 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, O'Callaghan, Morgan, Dempsey, Priet, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Wilson*, Soames, Norville Subs; Dudgeon, Fisher (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Reeves Third v Fourth in a vital clash for both sides. David Soames won the battle of the strikers - fellow new boy Reeves replacing Thorpe on the bench for Worksop. Goodfellow regained his usual midfield slot, replacing Alan Morgan, who went to left back, in a side otherwise unchanged. Whilst all the media attention was on the new signing, it was Jason Norville who opened the scoring on 11 - drilling home after a fine through ball from Fisk. Southport immediatley responded - attacking with vigour before finally levelling on 20 - Neil Robinson meeting Mortimer's cross with a firm, bullet header to put the Sandgrounders level. On 38 they nearly took the lead - Stancombe's stooping header excellently saved by the athletic Rogers. A double change at the break saw Soames - still looking a little tired after his long layoff - replaced by fellow new boy Damien Reeves, whilst Mark Price replaced Nathan Wharton in the midfield holding role. Reeves came close to an immediate impact - forcing Dickinson into a save on 50. At the other end veteran Criag Russell was putting himself about well - forcing a stop from Rogers on 55, before being involved in a number of home moves. Fairway made his final change with 10 minutes to go - Wilson making way for Khoshimov. The Uzbek's presence did have an effect - but it was Reeves who came closest to breaking the deadlock - an inspired pass on 85 picking out Goodfellow, who smashed his shot wide of goal. That would be that - the visitors unable to get a winner, whilst Southport seemed happy with a well-earned point. Southport 1 - Worksop 1 MOM; Steve Dickinson (Southport) Attendance; 1088 Worksop Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 29, 2005 Author Share Posted August 29, 2005 Redditch - it's been a brave fight, and an inspired revival, but despite victory at home to Hinckley , the league's bottom club were relegated from the Conference North on Saturday. At the other end, Fairway noted that table-toppers Nuneaton had secured - at least - a playoff position, with automatic promotion looking by far the most likely. Sunday's papers linked Fairway with the vacant post - Carlton Palmer recently dismissed - at Mansfield Town in League Two, bringing an immediate denial from Fairway. No job could tempt him away from Worksop at the moment - except perhaps that at Brighton! - but whilst the offer was flattering, Fairway told the press that 'he had a lot of work to do at Worksop before even contemplating a move'. Wednesday's Champions League Quarter Finals first leg ties saw Manchester United travel to Germany to face Leverkusen - and return with a precious away goal, but little else - Roy Keane's early strike cancelled out by Robson Ponte, before Roque Junior won it with three minutes to go. Arsenal looked more comfortable, beating Panithaniakos 2-0 in Greece - Sol Campbell and Thierry Henry bagging the goals. On Thursday the long-awaited UEFA Cup quarter final saw Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-1 at St James' Park - Micheal Chopra's brace only soured by Arjen Robben's late goal for Chelsea that still leaves the Blues in a good position for the second leg. Worksop Town v Harrogate Town - Conference North Game 39 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, O'Callaghan, Morgan, Dudgeon, Priet, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Wilson*, Soames, Norville Subs; Davies, Fisher (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Reeves There would be just one change to Fairway's side for the trip to Harrogate - who thumped Stafford 6-1 last week. In defence Paul Dempsey was again struggling for fitness, with Dudgeon stepping in to replace him and the versatile Davies covering things on the bench. With April bringing warmer weather, memories of the winter's rain-lashed pitches were fading fast, with many supporters looking forward to the summer - after, of course, finding out what division Worksop would be involved in next year. Things didn't get off to the greatest start for the Tigers - Andrew Fisk hurt on 15, with Fairway sending on Khoshimov in his place. On 21 though the home side opened the scoring - Nathan Wharton's excellent long ball tucked away by Mark Wilson , the skipper claiming his 4th goal of the season. The visitors were struggling to get into the match - not even registering a shot by half time. At the break Fairway replaced Goodfellow with Mark Price, and the veteran immediatley had an impact - putting Khoshimov away down the left on 49, only for Norville to waste his low pass. Harrogate still hadn't hit the target with an effort when Worksop grabbed a second on 62 - Price winning the ball for Nathan Wharton to crack home his first Worksop goal. Two minutes later Harrogate registered their first chance - Rogers tipping over Wood's half volley. On 74 Fairway replaced Norville with Damian Reeves, allowing his two new strikers a chance to impress, with Worksop comfortably crusing. The pair linked up well on 86 - Reeves picking out Soames, only for the ex-Grimsby striker to fire wide of the post. Victory without breaking sweat - ideal for Fairway's men at this stage in the season. Worksop 2 - Harrogate 0 MOM; Mark Haran (Harrogate) Attendance; 1476 Worksop Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 30, 2005 Author Share Posted August 30, 2005 Worksop's victory moved them up to second place in the table - although with three games to go the only way they - or third placed Southport , also on 67 points - could snatch the automatic spot is if they win all three matches, and top of the pile Nuneaton lose all three of theirs. At the other end, Runcorn FC Halton and Staylbridge Celtic were relegated - Kettering's 2-1 victory over Droylsden confirming the Poppies' safety for another season. Bad news for Fairway came in the form of injuries - although he knew that Andrew Fisk had picked up a knock, Fairway failed to see that Damien Reeves also took a fairly heavy fall, ending up with a bruised jaw. That - as well as Fisk's chest injury - would rule the pair out for five days each. Wednesday night - and just one English club will play in the Semi Finals of the European Cup . Manchester United failed to overturn the 2-1 defeat from the First Leg, despite a great start - Freddie Kanoute scoring after just two minutes. Leverkusen then went into a 2-1 lead, and despite a Darren Fletcher goal sealing a draw on the night, United went out 4-3 on aggregate. In London Arsenal had no such problems - a 2-0 victory over Panithaniakos - both goals coming from Thierry Henry . On Thursday evening the UEFA Cup took centre stage - with Chelsea overturning Newcastle in what had been billed as the 'North/South Divide' clash by the media. Didier Drogba and Joe Cole looked to put the Blues through on aggregate, before Lee Bowyer's penalty brought things back to level on away goals, forcing Extra Time. Arjen Robben struck on 99, before Joe Cole scored in injury time to seal the victory and send the Magpies home disapointed. Worcester City v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 40 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, O'Callaghan, Davies, Dudgeon, Priet, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Wilson*, Soames, Norville Subs; Dempsey, Fisher (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Reeves With Fisk and Reeves both passed fit to play ahead of kick off, Fairway made just one change to his side - hoping to keep those remote dreams of automatic promotion alive, but more importantly, keep up his sides' good form running into the playoffs that it now looked certain Worksop would be a part of. At left back Davies replaced Morgan, whilst Paul Dempsey was again fit after resting, and stepped onto the bench. Worksop flew out of the blocks at St George's Lane - David Soames scoring his first Tigers goal on 8 minutes, after Fisk's cross and a calamitous mix-up in the City defence left 'keeper McConnell stranded - and Soames with an open goal to open his account. On 14 City were again pulled apart by a counter attack - Davies' flighted ball finding the run of Jason Norville , who was able to run on and beat the 'keeper with a curling effort. Worcester were shellshocked - on 25, Mark Wilson added a third - Norville again put through, before trying to sidestep McConnell. The 'keeper got a glove to the ball, but only knocked it into the path of Worksop skipper Wilson, who made no mistake from six yards out. Just three minutes later a fourth went flying beyond the by now fuming McConnell - Wilson, playing a blinder, centred for David Soames to strike his second of the afternoon and hand Worksop a comfortable lead into the break. At half time Fairway replaced O'Callaghan with Dempsey, and asked for more of the same from his men. Worcester started the second half a little more positivley - Kelly fired over on 48, before Forrest and Stanley began to frustrate Worksop with some brave challenges in midfield. On 66 Fairway made his final two changes - the tiring Goodfllow replaced by Khosimov, whilst up front Damien Reeves replaced Jason Norville. Ex-Leeds youngster Reeves could have made himself an immediate hero on 68 - breaking through from Rogers' huge clearance only for his first touch to let him down, and allow Khan an interception and clearance. Worcester, perhaps inspired by substitutions, had certainly improved - and on 74, probably deserved their goal - Steven Cooke pulling one back with a diving header. It would always turn out to be a consolation - the damage had been done in the first half, with Worksop 4 goals ahead by the half hour mark - not many teams could ever come back from that. Worcester 1 - Worksop 4 MOM; Andrew Fisk (Worksop) Attendance; 641 Worksop Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 30, 2005 Author Share Posted August 30, 2005 Needess to say, Worksop kept their Second Place in the table. It was now as high as they could go - Nuneaton's 2-0 victory over Hucknall handing them the Championship, and promotion to the Conference National. Fairway's men, meanwhile, needed just a point from Saturday's trip to Gainsborough to make certain of a playoff place. Sunday afternoon's win for Spurs made sure of a 'Cockney Cup Final' - a 2-0 victory over Liverpool after extra time giving the Lillywhites the winners of the Chelsea - Arsenal clash to be played on Wednesday evening. Robbie Keane and Jermaine Defoe scored the goals for a Spurs side who already have the League Cup in the bag this season. On Tuesday however there would be only one match that Fairway was interested in. A long way from home, the manager tuned into Sky Sports in the hope that he could see his 'other' side achieve something memorable. Unfortunatley, they couldn't - a 3-2 home defeat to Ipswich seeing Brighton & Hove Albion relegated after one season back in the Second Tier of English football. Back in the FA Cup, on Wednesday night Arsenal made things even more interesting - they have almost certainly won the league, and now face arch-rivals Spurs in the FA Cup Final in an attempt to do the double. Edu left it late, but won it for the Gunners in injury time with a tight game ending 1-0 to the Arsenal. David Soames return to training on Friday handed Fairway a big boost - with the strikers' Worksop career exploding on Saturday after a 2-goal display, his manager hoped that he could continue the scoring streak at the Northolme. Gainsborough Trinity v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 41 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, O'Callaghan, Davies, Dudgeon, Priet, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Wilson*, Soames, Norville Subs; Dempsey, Fisher (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Reeves With Soames' return confirmed, Fairway left his side unchanged for the trip to side currently lying in 15th place. Things didn't begin well for either side - Walsh limped off needing to be replaced for Gainsborough after just three minutes, whilst on 7 minutes David Soames' return from injury ended prematurely - Damian Reeves replacing his fellow recent arrival up front. Worksop quickly took the initiative - Reeves seeing an effort saved on 13 before Norville headed over on 17. Gainsborough's best chance of the first half came on 27 - Corr heading over after good work by Dickman - but the two sides would go in level at the break. Whilst Fairway decided against making changes at the break, he did find himself increasingly frustrated after a slow start to the second half. Incredibly, Jason Norville's goal on 71 was only the second chance of the Second Half - the Trinidadian heading home a cross from substitute Khoshimov, on seconds earlier for Goodfellow - Price had replaced Fisk at the same time. Finally, Worksop came alive - Damian Reeves was only denied a first goal on 77 by some brave Sherlock defending, whilst fellow substitute Mark Price did get his name on the scoresheet 4 minutes later. A fine pass from Norville split the defence, and after getting the ball under control, the 37-year old shot low beyond Holmshaw to claim his first goal in a Worksop shirt. Gainsborough were broken - although Bird could have pulled one back on 89 - and in injury time, Jason Norville added a third - a brilliant, instinctive shot on the turn after Dudgeon's long free kick had fallen to him inside the box. Worksop's playoff place secure - just one game left of the Standard season now. Gainsborough 0 - Worksop 3 MOM; Jason Norville (Worksop) Attendance; 560 Worksop Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 31, 2005 Author Share Posted August 31, 2005 It hadn't been a good afternoon for David Soames - but fortunatley for Fairway, and the striker, physio John Tomlinson confirmed no injury after the match, despite Soames limping off seven minutes in. On the same afternoon, Southport also secured their playoff place - on the last day, Vauxhall Motors, Harrogate Town, Barrow and Alfreton will all be hoping that the combination of factors will fall in their direction - two from the four will be involved in the playoffs, whilst for the other two it will be a 'what if?' summer. One summer certainty is the arrival of a signing under the Bosman ruling at Babbage Way - former Ipswich and Bradford fullback Gus Uhlenbeek on a free from Wycombe . The attacking wing-back, a veteran of over 330 games, joins on July the 1st when the rest of the squad returns for preseason training. He may yet be going back up a division before he even signs... Wednesday's European Cup Semi Final First Leg saw Arsenal and defending Champions Porto play out a thriller - Patrick Viera, Jeremie Aliadiere and Freddie Ljundberg all scoring vital away goals to match Porto - a 3-3 draw easily one of the European games of the season on a foul night in the Estadio Do Dragao. A day later Chelsea played out an equally enthralling 2-2 draw with Barcelona in the Semi Finals of the UEFA Cup - Didier Drogba scoring his 9th and 10th of the season in Contential Competition. Worksop Town v Stalybridge Celtic - Conference North Game 42 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, O'Callaghan, Morgan, Dempsey, Priet, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Wilson*, Soames, Reeves Subs; Dudgeon, Fisher (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Norville For the final match of the League season, Fairway made three changes - replacing Davies for Morgan, and handing Damian Reeves his first start up front. With the visitors already relegated, and Worksop assured of a Playoff place, he also decided on resting James Dudgeon - the defender a booking away from a ban - with Dempsey returning to the starting lineup. On a dry and warm afternoon - with plenty of home supporters in a celebratory mood - Worksop started brilliantly, taking the lead on 6 minutes through Andrew Fisk's header from Wilson's cross. On 16 things could have got even better for the Tigers - Reeves tripped in the box, but Marc Goodfellow stepped up only to fire his penalty kick straight at grateful 'keeper Mann, who grabbed the loose ball at the second attempt. On the stroke of half time Worksop's two strikers again showed promise when combining - Reeves' cross decieving Black, only for Soames to head wide of the far post. Wilson made way for Price at the break as Fairway switched things round - O'Callaghan taking the captain's armband. On 59 though it was the visitors turn to celebrate - Steve Smith, who was substituted moments later, met Weller's cross with a powerful header to hand Stalybridge an equaliser. That was about it - the final half hour nothing to write home about. Staylbridge ended their Conference North participation - for a year at least - with a point, if no grand finale, whilst for Worksop it was always about getting this one out of the way - the Playoffs begin on Monday. Worksop 1 - Stalybridge 1 MOM; Kevin Parr (Staylbridge) Attendance; 1815 Worksop Position After Game; 2nd Conference North - Final League Table <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | C | Nuneaton | | 42 | 23 | 12 | 7 | 71 | 38 | +33 | 81 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | Pl | WORKSOP | | 42 | 19 | 17 | 6 | 61 | 37 | +24 | 74 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | Pl | Southport | | 42 | 21 | 10 | 11 | 62 | 43 | +19 | 73 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | Pl | Barrow | | 42 | 20 | 9 | 13 | 67 | 44 | +23 | 69 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | Pl | Vauxhall Motors | | 42 | 20 | 9 | 13 | 64 | 47 | +17 | 69 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Alfreton | | 42 | 18 | 15 | 9 | 49 | 33 | +16 | 69 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Harrogate Town | | 42 | 19 | 11 | 12 | 67 | 59 | +8 | 68 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Droylsden | | 42 | 18 | 13 | 11 | 69 | 54 | +15 | 67 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Altrincham | | 42 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 50 | 43 | +7 | 57 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Hinckley | | 42 | 15 | 11 | 16 | 57 | 64 | -7 | 56 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Lancaster | | 42 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 56 | 65 | -9 | 56 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Hucknall | | 42 | 13 | 16 | 13 | 41 | 37 | +4 | 55 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Worcester | | 42 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 46 | 54 | -8 | 55 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Moor Green | | 42 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 61 | 51 | +10 | 53 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Gainsborough | | 42 | 13 | 12 | 17 | 59 | 60 | -1 | 51 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Ashton Utd | | 42 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 56 | 63 | -7 | 51 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Stafford Rangers | | 42 | 11 | 16 | 15 | 51 | 53 | -2 | 49 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Kettering | | 42 | 10 | 18 | 14 | 40 | 56 | -16 | 48 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Bradford PA | | 42 | 9 | 18 | 15 | 37 | 50 | -13 | 45 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | R | Stalybridge | | 42 | 8 | 12 | 22 | 46 | 72 | -26 | 36 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | R | Runcorn FC Halton | | 42 | 6 | 13 | 23 | 35 | 73 | -38 | 31 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | R | Redditch | | 42 | 4 | 13 | 25 | 29 | 78 | -49 | 25 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted August 31, 2005 Author Share Posted August 31, 2005 All eyes were on the draw. On Monday afternoon, Worksop were drawn to face Vauxhall Motors in the Playoff Semi Final, with the first leg on Thursday evening, away in Ellsemere Port. Miles Thorpe wouldn't be involved however - the left winger picking up a damaged neck in training to rule him out for a fortnight. Slightly more seriously, Azzizhon Khoshimov , a regular substitute, pulled up with a similar injury on Tuesday, keeping him out of the squad and handing Fairway something of a selection dilema. Wednesday - the evening before. Fairway's men had, to a 't', heeded his advice - none of them went out, instead many joined their manager at Worksop's social club for a couple of - strictly rationed - drinks, and the chance to watch Arsenal on the big screen in Europe. The European Cup Semi Final Second Leg though brought disaster for the Gunners, as their chance of the treble disapeered. Porto won 2-0 on the night, and 5-3 on aggregate after Luis Fabiano's brace gave the Portugese side the chance to retain the Cup won under former manager Jose Mourinho last season. They will face Juventus in the final in Istanbul. Vauxhall Motors v Worksop Town - Conference North Playoff Semi Final - First Leg Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, O'Callaghan, Davies, Dempsey, Priet, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Wilson*, Soames, Norville Subs; Dudgeon, Fisher (GK), Morgan, Price, Reeves Just one change to the starting lineup - the return of Norville not unexpected, replacing Reeves, whilst on the bench Alan Morgan stepped in for the injured Khoshimov. An eerie atmosphere was evident at the Sports Ground - many Vauxhall supporters hadn't even contemplated the thought that their side would be involved in the playoffs when, earlier in the season, Motors were 5 points clear at the top of the table, and flying. Worksop began well - it took a brave Brazier clearance to deny Norville in the second minute before Worksop dreams came true on 4. A Davies' long throw caused panic in the defence, and Lee Woodyat - sent off against the Tigers in a league clash earlier in the season - handled - but Marc Goodfellow could only blast his spot kick over the bar. It didn't dispirit Fairway's men however - on 11 Davies' cross was cut out by 'keeper Willis, before Norville fired wide on 18. A goal looked inevitable - but few expected the home side to get it. On the stroke of half time Darren Wright broke away down the flank for Vauxhall, and namesake Anthony Wright got goal-side of Priet to head beyond 'keeper Rogers. At the break Fairway replaced Dempsey with Dudgeon, with his men still shocked at the somewhat unjust scoreline. Soames could have levelled on 51, whilst on 57 Goodfellow was unfortunate to see a goal-bound drive deflected wide by Woodyat. In search of a goal, Fairway replaced the midfielder on 63 - Morgan on for Goodfellow, whilst up front Norville made way for Reeves. Finally, with a minute remaining, Worksop scored - Morgan's through ball to the feet of David Soames , who cleverly beat 'keeper Willis with the outside of his boot - handing Worksop a crucial away goal, and the physcological advantage for the Second Leg on Sunday. Vauxhall Motors 1 - Worksop 1 MOM; Kristian Rogers (Worksop) Attendance; 1223 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 3, 2005 Author Share Posted September 3, 2005 As Fairway had hoped, it was a quiet few days - taking stock, with training ahead of potentially - but hopefully not - Worksop's season finale eagerly participated in by all. Saturday brought a moment of light relief for Fairway - with the League One and Two seasons concluding, he watched the players and staff of Swansea City celebrate winning the League Two title - whilst Hull City , managed by one of his old Brighton bosses, Peter Taylor , took the League One crown. He desperatley hoped that in a few short weeks, Worksop Town would join the ranks of the sides promoted this season. At the other end, in the Premiership Southampton and West Bromwich Albion joined the already down Crystal Palace in preparing for life in the Championship next term. As expected, Arsenal sealed the title - but it was a lot closer than the Gunners' had hoped - throwing away a considerable lead in the dying months of the season to edge out Manchester United by a solitary point. Worksop Town v Vauxhall Motors - Conference North Playoff Semi Final - Second Leg Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, O'Callaghan, Davies, Dempsey, Priet, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Wilson*, Soames, Norville Subs; Dudgeon, Fisher (GK), Morgan, Price, Reeves After much delibration - Fairway sweating on the fitness of several players after a long, hard season, he decided to name an unchanged side for the Second Leg. In theory, Worksop held the advantage - but Fairway warned his players that Motors would certainly set out to cancel out the Tigers' away goal as early as possible. The day had dawned dry and bright in Nottinghamshire, but by kickoff, a slight breeze had brought temperatures down to slightly cooler levels. The town had been on edge ever since the First Leg - and as Fairway led his men onto the pitch, he hoped that he could do the home faithful justice. An all-action start suited Worksop, although it was Wright who should have opened the scoring - shooting wide for the visitors on 6 after breaking clear. Anthony Wright was guilty of an even worse finish on 19 - beating the post, instead of the 'keeper, after O'Donnell had put him through. Worksop weren't without chances in the first half - Fisk and Norvlle hitting free kicks over the top, whilst Goodfellow grazed the bar from a set-piece on 41. With things not going to plan at the break, Fairway replaced the tiring Wharton with veteran Mark Price - the midfielder told to help shore things up. Five minutes later, Worksop were ahead - Jason Norville beating the offside trap to meet Soames' pass and then slotting past 'keeper Willis. The young stopper on loan from Liverpool was by then far busier - holding a Fisk header on 54 before blocking a Soames volley a minute later. On 63 Fairway made his final two changes in a bid to help things stay tight for the vital last quarter - Morgan replacing Goodfellow, with Reeves' pace hoping to exploit the tiring defence - the youngster replacing Soames. Reeves certainly looked the part, and after having a volley well saved on 77, played a crucial role in Worksop's second - a neat one-two before passing to Andrew Fisk , who netted from close range. Motors were done - a third followed on 83 when Jason Norville headed home a Morgan centre - but after a masterful second half performance, the result never looked in doubt. Two games away from promotion? Worksop 3 - Vauxhall Motors 0 MOM; Jason Norville (Worksop) Attendance; 1979 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 3, 2005 Author Share Posted September 3, 2005 Meanwhile at Holker Street Southport drew 0-0 with Barrow in the other semi-final - securing a 2-0 aggregate victory - and were immediatley installed as bookies' favourites to win the Playoff Final and progress to face the winners of Weston-Super-Mare v Margate from the Conference South. For Worksop, a peaceful six days were again most welcomed by the management team - although Fairway was slightly disapointed that neither Azzizhon Khoshimov or Miles Thorpe had been fit enough to resume full training, and, as a result, would not be able to stake a claim for a spot against Southport. On Friday however a spanner was chucked, rather than thrown, into the works - Alan Morgan , a revelation since his loan arrival from Blackburn, twisted a knee, ruling him out for 4 days. It was a real blow to the versatile youngster - as much a Worksop player as anyone else these days - and left Fairway with something of a dilemna on how to fill his substitute role on Saturday. Southport v Worksop Town - Conference North Playoff Final The Brittania Stadium, Stoke Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, O'Callaghan, Davies, Dempsey, Priet, Wharton, Goodfellow, Fisk, Wilson*, Soames, Norville Subs; Dudgeon, Fisher (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Reeves Azzizhon Khoshimov got the call - although not considered fit enough to play much of a part by Fairway, in an emergency the Uzbek winger would, Fairway knew, try his best. Other than that it would be 'as you were' - no changes to the starting lineup for the third game in succession. A warm and dry day in Stoke was the perfect setting for a playoff final - although Fairway felt some suprise that the corresponding fixture in the South would be played at The Lawn - home of Forest Green Rovers of the Conference National. As the managers walked onto the pitch, Fairway exchanged a warm handshake with opposite number Phil Wilson - only for his side to take the lead with the first attack of the match, on 10 minutes - Terry Fearns applying the finish from close range. It was hardly an ideal start - and Worksop continued to be under serious pressure for most of the first half - Robinson volleying wide on 31 before Allen set up Earl Davis on 41 for the Sandgrounders' second of the afternoon. A furious Fairway laid into his men at the interval - reminding them how far they had come, and equally, how far the supporters had travelled - before making two changes - Price replacing Wilson, and Khoshimov - by now champing at the bit to be on the pitch - replacing Wharton. The words had the desired effect - with the first chance of the second half Andrew Fisk scored his 10th goal of the season with a close-range tap in after 'keeper Dickinson had spilled from Norville. On 66, things got even better - O'Callaghan's cross powerfully headed beyond the stranded Dickinson by Jason Norville . The equaliser boosted Worksop's morale - they attacked almost continuously, with Goodfellow hitting the side netting on 76 before Dickinson denied Soames on 81. With two minutes remaining however Worksop nearly threw it all away - Davies' slip allowing Leadbetter in, only for the striker to scuff his shot straight at Rogers. With Extra-Time looming, Fairway threw on an extra striker - Reeves replacing Goodfellow. The former Leeds man could have opened his account on 99 - instead shooting wide after being put through by Norville. It would prove fatal - Fearns' 103rd minute cross headed home by Lee Mulvaney. There would be no glorious comeback - Reeves shooting wide on 111 - but by now both sets of players were tired, and eager not to make a mistake. Southport hardly let Worksop have a touch, keeping things tight in a manner reminiscent of Arsenal in the George Graham era - and the dream was over. Southport progress to the final - but what a season it has been for the Tigers. Southport 3 - Worksop 2 (AET) MOM; Marc Goodfellow (Worksop) Attendance; 3951 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 3, 2005 Author Share Posted September 3, 2005 So the dream never came true - and it will be Southport who face Weston-Super-Mare in the Playoff Final - ironically again, at the Brittania Stadium in Stoke. On Wednesday night Udinese shocked Europe by lifting the UEFA Cup - a 4-2 victory on penalty kicks after a thrilling 2-2 draw with mighty Barcelona . Fairway was merely a spectator instead of a participant as he had hoped on Saturday - but Southport beat Weston-Super-Mare to win promotion to the Conference national. The goalscorer? - one Lee Mulvaney , with 15 minutes left on the clock. It had long been a competition that Worksop were out of - but Exeter lifted the FA Trophy a day later after a 2-0 win over Hornchurch. A few days later the European Cup Final saw another penalty shootout - this time Juventus beating defending champions Porto 3-0 in a match refereed by top English official Graham Poll. After the game, Thierry Henry of Arsenal was announced of the winner of the Golden Boot, scoring 38 times in all competitions to take the trophy, with fellow English-based striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink of Middlesborough runner up and Valencia's Mista in third. With Tottenham completing a remarkable domestic cup Double - beating arch-rivals Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup Final , the season came to - more or less - an end in England. It was also the end for Fairway's hard-working bunch of players - now on their summer break, with the squad not due back for preseason training until the 1st of July. May ended with Fairway handed his transfer budget for the summer - a board meeting confirming that he would also be allowed to retain 80% of fees recieved for player sales, in addition to a £24,000 kitty - a far cry from the start of his career at Babbage Way when, after selling two players, he raised the £1000 to make Jason Norville's move permanent - and what a signing that had turned out to be. For now though there was at least one more round of World Cup Qualifiers for a football-starved public - with England, Wales and Northern Ireland not in action, Ireland came top of the list for Fairway - beating Isreal 2-1 with goals from Roy and Robbie Keane . Scotland thumped Moldova 6-0 - Barry Ferguson and Kenny Miller bagging braces with Paul Gallagher and Darren Fletcher both scoring one each. In Group One Czech Republic hit the headlines with a goal-fest - a 10-0 demolition of Andorra whilst in South America Peru achieved a shock result - a 1-0 win over mighty Argentina . Wednesday saw Scotland and Ireland in action again - the Scots beating Belarus 2-0 with goals from James McFadden and Kenny Miller whilst the Irish beat the Faroe Islands 3-0 - Robbie Keane twice on the scoresheet with Clinton Morrison also netting. And so came Fairway's first disapointment of the summer on Thursday 9th June. After a blinding season, and a £20,000 offer suprisingly accepted by Norwich City , Andrew Fisk turned down a permanent move to Worksop - telling Fairway that although he had a good season at Babbage Way, he was keen to stay with his boyhood club and try to earn a place in the Canaries' first team. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 3, 2005 Author Share Posted September 3, 2005 Monday 20th June - and with 10 days to go before the players return for the start of preseason training, Fairway's summer break effectivley ended. A board meeting spelt out last seasons' successes - Chairman Howard Raymond announcing that the 'men in suits' were 'very pleased' with his performance as manager, and that next season should be one of consolidation - a league finish described as 'Respectable' all that would be asked of him. Azzizhon Khoshimov took the Fans' Player of the Year award at the clubs' AGM - with the Uzbeki winger clearly delighted to accept the accolade. Sitting back at his desk for the first time in a few weeks, Fairway had only one thought in mind as his first hob after returning - Contracts. A quick scan of his records showed Fairway that no less than 7 of his first team squad - as well as transfer-listed striker Blake Norton would be out of contract at the end of the coming season. Norton's future was decided long ago, giving Fairway 7 more players to considered. Three of the seven were earmarked as priorities - Player of the Season Azzizhon Khoshimov , 'keeper Kristian Rogers and defender Paul Dempsey . Fairway immediatley prepared offers to the three, sending them to the players at home to consider. Brian O'Callaghan came next, and after some deliberation - his form towards the end of the season had justified his six-month contract extension - he too was offered longer terms. The three players remaining though would be more tricky. Veteran midfielder Mark Price would certainly be coming to the end of his career soon - 37, and turning 38 in December, Fairway decided that his future would have to wait. Should he remain a key part of the squad by Christmas, he would be offered terms, but until then, nothing was certain. Miles Thorpe was certainly involved last season - but after turning 32 just a few days ago, and without starting a game since Altringham way back in January, Fairway considered the winger a backup player at best - and with new signings sure to be on their way, he too would have to wait. It was a similar situation for right back Steve Nicholson - who will turn 34 in October. He too would be 'signing for his supper' - performances, and other options, likely to dictate his future. Now he could only wait and hope for positive phone calls. Whilst just four players had been offered deals, they were four important players - Fairway keen for each one to stay on beyond this season. As it turned out, he shouldn't have worried - on Tuesday manager and Chairman delighted to welcome Kristian Rogers, Paul Dempsey, Azzizhon Khoshimov and Brian O'Callaghan for a joint contract-signing session. Whilst Khoshimov and Rogers signed on till 2008, Dempsey and O'Callaghan penned deals taking them up to 2009. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Worksop Observer - Football - Saturday 25th June 2005 'Tigers Preseason Programme Announced' "Worksop Town have announced their plans to play 8 Preseason friendlies in July and August. For home friendlies tickets will be available on the gate, whilst supporters are advised to contact the club for information on away freindlies, particularly those on the three-match tour of Northern Ireland. (Home friendlies in Bold - All Kick Off Times are PM) Burnley - Wed 13/7/05 - 7.30 K/O Cliftonville Olympic (Northern Ireland) - Sat 16/7/05 - 3.00 K/O Coleraine (Northern Ireland) - Mon 18/7/05 - 7.30 K/O Glenavon (Northern Ireland) - Wed 20/7/05 - 7.30 K/O Diss Town - Tue 26/7/05 - 7.30 K/O Tottenham Hotspur XI - Sat 30/7/05 - 3.00 K/O Tamworth - Wed 3/8/05 - 7.30 K/O Lewes - Sat 6/8/05 - 3.00 K/O Worksop Manager Stuart Fairway told the Observer; "We are pleased that we have a balanced preseason programme. The tour of Northern Ireland is particularly exciting - hopefully we will be able to make friends out there" The big games stand out as the visits of Burnley and a Tottenham XI - Fairway especially pleased with the former. "Burnley approached us" he said. "I feel it is a great honour to be asked to host a friendly at any time, but especially by a club so rich in tradition and history as Burnley. I'm also looking forward to the games against Tamworth and Lewes - Tamworth of course are in the Conference National, whilst Lewes are in the Conference South, so it will be interesting to see how well we do against a side at a similar level to ours, but at the other end of the country. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 4, 2005 Author Share Posted September 4, 2005 Friday July 1st - 'Welcome Back' day. Whilst Fairway was pleased to note that the majority of his squad had enjoyed their summer without putting on too much weight, one or two players did disapoint him. Still - nothing that a few weeks' training in the summer heat wouldn't sort out, he thought. Whilst last season's squad were essentially down by two bodies - the loan returns of Andrew Fisk and Alex Morgan - potential replacements were already in place. Trialists Andrew Ottley, Ezekiel Tomlinson, Aouled Miguli and Joe McShane were all at the club for a fortnight - although disapointingly for Fairway, he wouldn't get the opportunity to see any of them in action in the friendlies - the final two to join, Miguli and McShane, both set to depart the day before Burnley travel to Babbage Way. Of the quartet one - Joe McShane is a left back, whilst Andrew Ottley and Aouled Miguli are central midfielders, and Ezekiel Tomlinson is a left-sided central midfielder in the Marc Goodfellow mode. Assistant Manager Peter Price considered all potential transfer targets - with Fairway keen to see how they performed over the course of their trial spells before making up his mind. The trialists would also be joined by a permanent newcomer - completing his Bosman switch Gus Uhlenbeek signing a 2-year contract taking him up to close to his 37th birthday. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> http://www.nottinghamshiretoday.co.uk - Football - Saturday 2/7/05 'Price gets Coaching Role as Fairway reshuffles backroom Team' "Worksop Town assistant manager Peter Price is set to become Head Coach at the club with Tigers manager Stuart Fairway reshuffles his backroom team. Spaniard Jon Aspiazu , 53, is set to replace Price as Assistant Manager. In a new addition, ex-Fulham and Brighton defender Simon Morgan is set to join Worksop as a Coach after Worksop Chairman Howard Raymond told the clubs' AGM that he was hoping to see a 'more professional setup, with the anticipation of the whole club going Full-Time in the not-too distant future'. "Jon is someone with bags of experience" Fairway told reporters. "I've decided to bring him in as my right-hand man with Peter taking a much more hands-on role in Coaching players. Jon will take more of a true assistant role - although he will have a part to play on the training field, his principal responsibility will be to deal with the scouting team and help in the development of the talented youth players we have at the club. Simon's role will be a hands-on, purely coaching role - he, like me, is a very determined character and will be a real boon to have around." </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Aspiazu's experience would be immediatley brought to the fore - Scout Shaun Hird revealed that two of the players he had watched for Fairway last season were to be released from their contracts - and immediatley both Fairway and his assistant offered permanent deals, knowing other clubs would be sniffing around. On Monday Steven Drench and David Proctor agreed terms - both signing on until 2008 after release from Blackburn and Preston respectivley. With Andrew Fisk's departure Fairway had targeted a creative, goalscoring midfielder as his transfer priority. With the decision to revamp the backroom team taking Fairway's wage bill over agreed limits, there would have to be tough decisions. Three immediate ones regarded trialists - Ezekiel Tomlinson, Andrew Ottley and Aouled Miguli not doing enough to earn permanent deals. For Joe McShane though it would be a different matter - the 17-year old left back offered the chance to resurrect his career after being let go by Worksop's Conference North rivals Hucknall at the end of last term. As for the midfield role it would be a far older player who attracted Fairway's immediate attention - Nuneaton's Gary Fitzpatrick , currently on a rolling contract at Manor Park. Fitzpatrick is due to turn 34 before the start of the season - but minutes after faxing a contract to the Warwickshire club, Fitzpatrick replied that he had secured a year's extension to his contact at his existing club. On Sunday Joe McShane became possibly the penultimate summer signing at Babbage Way - just a creative midfielder needed before Fairway considered his squad complete. After the success of Fisk, Fairway considered a top-flight loan player - Middlesborough accepting a season-long loan offer for 19-year old Gary Liddle , while Fairway's other option, Andrew James , released by Scottish side Partick Thistle at the end of the season, was offered a 2-week trial period - although unlike previous trialists, should he accept he will have the benefit of several preseason games to make his mark. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 4, 2005 Author Share Posted September 4, 2005 Wednesday - it all starts here. After a positive couple of weeks on the training pitch, Fairway led his men back into action against Burnley . Worksop Town v Burnley - Preseason Friendly Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies, Dempsey, Priet, Wharton, Goodfellow, Wilson*, Khoshimov, Soames, Norville Subs; Dudgeon, Drench (GK), Price, Thorpe, Reeves, Nicholson, McShane, Proctor With Brian O'Callaghan the only fit outfield player not in the squad, Fairway named 8 substitutes for the visit of Burnley. Of the summer captures only Gus Uhlenbeek starts - Drench, McShane and Proctor all amongst the substitutes. The visitors included such footballing luminaries as ex-England skipper Paul Ince, former England striker Brian Deane, Scottish international Robbie Winters, Welsh internationals Coyne and Oster and Northern Ireland's Micheal Duff, amongst others. Worksop, keen to impress, began well - Norville shooting wide after just 34 seconds. The visitors started to show their class soon after - Winters forcing a stop from Rogers on 9 minutes, before on 14, the home side took the lead. Worksop came forward with intent, Wilson finding Goodfellow before Jason Norville - who else? - proved Mr Reliable, outjumping Scott to head home at the far post. Burnley were rocked - Ince immediatley hit a stinging drive wide from Scott's pass, before Robbie Winters headed wide on 25. 10 minutes later Deane tested the 'keeper - Rogers doing well to deny the veteran. Just before the break though the Clarets levelled - Brian Deane finishing off Paul Ince's pass to beat Rogers. Whilst Fairway was delighted with his men at the break, at this stage it's all about fitness - and six change were made at the break, with Dudgeon, Nicholson, McShane, Proctor, Price and Reeves all with Dempsey, Priet, Khoshimov, Wharton, Davies and Norville making way. Burnley's impressive striker Kyle Lafferty - only 16 - was causing real problems with his pace, and it was his endeavour that set up Nicky Platt to hit the side netting on 58. Worksop's own quick young striker, Damian Reeves, showed his undoubted class - on 70 firing just over after good work from the impressive Uhlenbeek. Fairway made his final two changes on 79, replacing Wilson with Thorpe and throwing on another new boy - Steven Drench making his bow in goal, replacing Rogers. Drench was immediatley called into action - turning Taylor's shot behind. Straight from the (cleared) corner, Worksop broke - and had the ball in the net, only for Soames to be ruled offside. It was a little harsh - but in a preseason friendly against a side in the second tier of English football, a 1-1 draw could never be considered a bad result. Worksop 1 - Burnley 1 MOM; Marc Goodfellow (Worksop) Attendance; 124 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 4, 2005 Author Share Posted September 4, 2005 In fact the only disapointing result of the evening was the attendance - just 124 turned up to see a side containing several internationals, as well as all of Worksop's summer signings to date. After a positive result against Burnley, Fairway was disapointed in missing out on a target on Thursday. Middlesborough's Gary Liddle decided to stay closer to home, signing a 3-month loan deal with Conference North newcomers Gateshead . On the same afternoon, Scottish target Andrew James put pen to paper on a 2-week trial spell - on board for the tour of Northern Ireland and the friendly away at Diss before a permanent decision would have to be made. Worksop flew out to Belfast on Friday - Fairway taking 22 players - the first team squad, as well as trialist James and young 'keeper Jason Fisher, now third choice after the capture of Drench. With Simon Morgan staying back at Babbage Way, Fairway quickly learned that Stephen Melton had been released by Boston United - the creative midfielder let go after failing to agree terms on a contract extension. Melton, a former Brighton & Hove Albion player, was one of several players noted by scout Shaun Hird last season, and with Worksop missing out on Liddle, Fairway tabled a contract offer. Cliftonville Olympic v Worksop Town - Tour of Northern Ireland (Preseason) Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, O'Callaghan, Davies*, Dempsey, Priet, Wharton, Thorpe, James, Khoshimov, Reeves, Norville Subs; Dudgeon, Drench (GK), Price, Goodfellow, Soames, Proctor, Nicholson, McShane, Wilson, Uhlenbeek Trialist Andrew James would earn a start in midfield for Worksop, with three other changes from the draw against Burnley - O'Callaghan replacing Uhlenbeek, with Thorpe replacing Goodfellow and Reeves in for Soames. The Tigers set about their opponents from the off - James showing a few promising touches, in particular a through ball to Norville on that was wasted by the Trinidadian. Worksop had been ruthless in their attacks - fast, to feet football tearing Cliftonville Olympic all over the pitch. Somewhat disapointingly though the home side took the lead on 20 - a cross deflected off Dempsey and fell kindly for Ryan Thompson to drill home Olympic's first opportunity. Again Worksop pushed - almost immediatley Norville and Thorpe both fired wide, whilst on the stroke of half time Reeves shot wide from Thorpe's far-post cross. At the break Fairway replaced seven - Soames for Norville, Price for Khoshimov, Dempsey for Dudgeon, Drench for Rogers, Goodfellow for Thorpe, McShane for Davies and Proctor for Wharton. Drench's long clearance would set up an attacking opportunity on 53 - his long thumping pass falling for Damian Reeves, only for the striker to do the hard work by tricking his way through, before shooting over the top. On a slippery pitch passes were beginning to go astray - Price's experience in such situations vital, picking out Reeves on 58 only for the striker to fire wide. Young Joe McShane found himself in a rare attacking situation on 65 - and came close, testing Armstrong with a volley. Worksop were by now becoming frustrated, and Fairway made two more changes on 67 - Reeves making way for Wilson whilst Uhlenbeek replaced Brian O'Callaghan at the back. Cliftonville Olympic weren't without late chances - Proctor and McShane showed up well in a hard-pressed defence - but when Wilson flashed his shot wide in injury time, it was clear that it wouldn't be Worksop's afternoon. Cliftonville Olympic 1 - Worksop 0 MOM; Colin Armstrong (Cliftonville Oly) Attendance; 57 Fairway tried to take some positives from the result. McShane had again impressed - as had Proctor - whilst trialist James certainly gave Fairway plenty to think about. More news from home arrived on Sunday - Andrew Fisk could once again be available - Simon Morgan telling Fairway that he was again available on the loan list. Fairway authorised an approach, with Fisk's services once again required for the whole season. Coleraine v Worksop Town - Tour of Northern Ireland (Preseason) Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Drench, Nicholson, McShane, Dempsey, Proctor, Wharton, Thorpe, Goodfellow, Wilson*, Soames, Norville Subs; Dudgeon, Rogers (GK), Price, James, Reeves, Priet, O'Callaghan, Davies, Khoshimov, Uhlenbeek Several changes for the Tigers in the second tour match - Drench, Nicholson, McShane, Proctor, Goodfellow and Soames all starting with Rogers, James, Reeves, Priet, O'Callaghan, Davies and Khoshimov all dropping to the bench. On a warm, dry afternoon the visitors - who were involved in the Intertoto Cup earlier in the summer - began brightly, with Doherty looking dangerous. Drench quickly became the busier of the two 'keepers, despite some intelligent promptings from Soames - tipping Taylor's effort over on 18. The home side started to get on top of things - Taylor putting a free kick over the bar on 30 before Sean Doherty did open the scoring on 38, beating Drench low to his near post. On the stroke of half time though Goodfellow's through ball put Soames away - only for Millar to pull the ex-Grimsby man back. Nathan Wharton stepped up but hit his free kick straight at 'keeper Thompson. Fairway rang the changes at the interval Reeves replacing Soames, who had taken a knock, with Goodfellow off for James, Proctor off for O'Callaghan, Khoshimov replacing Thorpe and Uhlenbeek on for Nicholson. Doherty fired high and wide on 49 - but finally, some relief came for Worksop on 57 - Uhlenbeek tapping the ball back to 'keeper Drench, who hoofed the ball 70-yards upfield. Jason Norville took advantage of a kindly bounce, beating Neill for pace before firing beyond 'keeper Thompson. Fairway made two more changes on 65 - Wilson and Wharton off for Price and Davies respectivley. With 13 minutes to go, the dangerous Sean Doherty exposed McShane's main weakness - inexperience. The 17-year old bought the dummy hook, line and sinker - and Doherty beat Drench with an excellent finish. James threaded the ball through late on - Price drilling the ball over the bar after beating Campbell. The defeat, in the circumstances - Coleraine could have been involved in the UEFA Cup this season had they beat Wisla Plock - wasn't so bad. Coleraine 2 - Worksop 1 MOM; Sean Doherty (Coleraine) Attendance; 83 On the Tuesday Fairway got word that Stephen Melton was prepared to sign for Worksop. It presented him with a dilema - with Andrew Fisk still a possibility, as well as trialist James, Fairway was forced to consider that wage bill - asking Melton to put the deal on hold for a week. Tuesday also saw Ian Woan handed his first managerial role - the ex-Nottingham Forest winger appointed as manager of Conference North newcomers Hednesford Town . Glenavon v Worksop Town - Tour of Northern Ireland (Preseason) Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, James, Price, Reeves, Norville Subs; Proctor, Drench (GK), Wilson, Thorpe, Soames, Priet, O'Callaghan, McShane, Khoshimov, Nicholson It had hardly been a successful tour on the pitch, but off it things had gone very well - Worksop making plenty of friends in Northern Ireland, with some of Fairway's summer signings certainly showing promise. For this, the final match of the tour, Fairway again made changes - Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Dudgeon, James, Price and Reeves all included, whilst Drench, Proctor, McShane, Nicholson, Thorpe, Wilson and Soames dropped to the bench. Worksop came out with intent, knocking the ball about well - and on 3 minutes, took the lead. A neat pass by Price found Andrew James, who picked out Jason Norville with a fine ball. Norville controlled well before smashing the ball home to beat Kerr. The young 'keeper quickly found himself the busiest man in the ground - denying Goodfellow, Reeves and Norville again within the space of 10 minutes. Glenavon were becoming frustrated, picking up a couple of bookings in the later period of the first half. On 42 they would become even more so - Uhlenbeek thumping the ball clear of his own penalty area to find Reeves, who combined well with Goodfellow. The ex-Stoke man picked out Andrew James, who was in acres of space to play Jason Norville in for his second of the evening. Four changes at the break saw Fairway bring on Priet, O'Callaghan, McShane and Wilson - Wharton, Uhlenbeek, Davies and Dempsey all making way. Damian Reeves, who has looked sharp throughout preseason but is still to score his first Worksop goal, came close on 47, and again on 57, hitting a half-volley just over the top. Worksop though needed to rely on Kristian Rogers on 64 - Kerr beating Priet only to shoot straight at the 'keeper. Whilst Reeves wouldn't get his goal, he would have a crucial role to play in Worksop's third - his cross turned back across the unguarded goalmouth by Norville - unselfishly, as the striker could have shot for his hatrick - leaving Andrew James with a simple tap-in to mark a marvellous performance - and really give Fairway something to think about. Glenavon 0 - Worksop 3 MOM; Andrew James (Worksop) Attendance; 69 Worksop returned to England on Thursday afternoon - and Andrew James was immediatley called in to see Stuart Fairway as the rest of the Tigers squad were allowed a rest day on Friday. James' face first fell as Fairway revealed that Stephen Melton could be joining the club - but then lit up again when Fairway offered him a 2-year contract. On Thursday James' future was assured - as he agreed to the deal on the table, Andrew Fisk told Fairway that he didn't fancy another loan season at Babbage Way. On the flip side, it would be a blow for Stephen Melton - Fairway advising the midfield man that he would now not be signing him. Melton was understandably disapointed - and a little annoyed - but after Fairway assured him that he would be contacting other clubs on his behalf, the ex-Brighton man's mood mellowed a little. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 4, 2005 Author Share Posted September 4, 2005 Worksop Town FC - Player Profiles 2005/06 Last Season's Stats in Italics (Substitute appearances in brackets) Goalkeepers Kristian Rogers - GK - 24 Games: 35 - Conceded: 29 - Ave.Rat; 6.83 After establishing himself as the first choice 'keeper last season, Rogers had a good year - although missing close to four months through injury certainly could have made things different. Now fit, he is likely to retain the number one shirt throughout the season. Steven Drench - GK - 19 Not at Worksop After playing 11 times last season for Witton Albion, Steven was released by Blackburn Rovers at the end of the campaign. A talented youngster, Steven's strengths lie in his kicking ability as well as being strong in the air. A good communicator, he should hope to take chances this season should they arise, and in the long term, I see him as a real gem. Jason Fisher - GK - 17 Games: 16 - Conceded: 17 - Ave.Rat; 7.00 A suprise signing to many, Jason arrived last season as backup to Rogers after the departure of Ian Bowling. At 17 he has a long future ahead of him, but when thrown into the fray last season he certainly didn't disgrace himself. Agile and quick, Fisher tends to get off his line very quickly, but perhaps needs to be a little louder and learn to take command of his goalmouth more. Defenders Gus Uhlenbeek - D/DMR - 34 Not at Worksop After playing 12 times for Wycombe Wanderers last season in League Two, Uhlenbeek was a suprise capture - Fairway able to persuade the Surinam international that his future lay at Babbage Way. A veteran of over 330 games, Uhlenbeek is a full back who likes to get forward - his workrate and determination exemplary. Hopefully he will be able to stay fit, and should become an important part of the side. Kevin Davies - D/DMRL - 26 Games: 42(3) - Goals 0 - Ave.Rat; 7.09 For the majority of last season Davies was Worksop's only left back, and as the season dragged on it began to tell on his fitness. A real '100%' player - Davies' workrate and bravery are legendary at Babbage Way - and if he can stay fit, he can again make the position on the left of defence his own. Paul Dempsey - DRC - 23 Games: 45(1) - Goals 1 - Ave.Rat; 7.09 Paul is another player who has made his position his own - quick and dependable, and a real grafter. His heading and aerial ability perhaps let him down a little, but his pace makes up for that deficiency. It should be another season of regular football for Paul, should we be able to keep him away from bigger clubs. James Dudgeon - DRC - 24 Games: 44(2) - Goals 2 - Ave.Rat; 7.30 The other half of Worksop's regular defensive unit - alongside Dempsey he had a fine season. Stronger in the air than his usual colleague, Dudgeon was a virtually ever-present in the league last season, only when fitness began to tell towards the end did he find himself on the bench. A fine player, and one of the first names on the teamsheet. Nicolas Priet - SW/DLC - 22 Games: 10 - Goals 0 - Ave.Rat; 7.30 After signing on a free from Doncaster, French youngster Priet quickly became a regular. Strong in the challenge and good in the air, he is too good for this level, and should Worksop be able to keep him, he will no doubt become an important player for the club for years to come. Brian O'Callaghan - DRC - 24 Games: 35(7) - Goals 0 - Ave.Rat; 7.05 O'Callaghan's versatility has frequently been a real asset to Worksop. A very intelligent player, O'Callaghan always has the highest level of concentration, and also has a real explosive burst of pace - very useful for when the ex-Barnsley man steps in at full back. Certainly a talent, and after reknewing his contract, he will hope to retain his slot in the face of the recently-strengthened defence. David Proctor [/b] - DC - 19 Not at Worksop Ex-Preston youngster Proctor signed on a free after his release from Deepdale. Yet to make his senior debut, but is known to be a hard working player perhaps known best for his poise and balance on the ball. Joe McShane [/b] - DL - 17 Not at Worksop Another teenage summer signing who has not yet made his senior bow. McShane is a player in the typical Fairway mould - hard working, and strong in the challenge. Very raw still, but there is certainly talent in abundance. Definatley one for the future. Steve Nicholson - DR - 33 Games: 24(9) - Goals: 1 - Ave.Rat; 6.94 In and out of the team last season, veteran right back Nicholson nevertheless still has a part to play. his positional sense and anticipation remain strong, and a vital part of his game. Perhaps likely to struggle these days against pacey wingers, but still a reliable option on the right of the back line. Midfielders Nathan Wharton - DMC - 25 Games: 44(1) - Goals: 1 - Ave.Rat; 7.20 A hugely impressive ball-winner, Wharton made the holding role his own after signing from Stalybridge Celtic. His workrate and agressive ball winning abilities mark him out as a fan - but not referee - favourite. Sent off twice last season, but still a key part of the squad, and likely to remain a regular this term. Mark Wilson - MRC - 33 Games: 40 - Goals: 5 - Ave.Rat; 7.20 Club captain Wilson is always one of the first names on Fairway's teamsheets - an influential powerhouse Despite getting on in years, Wilson is naturally very fit, and retains the stamina of a much younger man. Contracted for another two years, he is likely to remain at the club for the remainder of his career. Miles Thorpe - ML - 32 Games: 16(16) - Goals: 3 - Ave.Rat; 6.19 Thorpe was a bit-part player last season - having the odd run in the team before reverting to a spot on the bench. Whilst always likely to be seen running at opposition defenders, Thorpe is unfortunatley not the best crosser of the ball - letting him down slightly. Out of contract at the end of the season, with no deal yet on the table. A crucial year for the winger. Mark Price - MC - 37 Games: 0(10) - Goals: 1 - Ave.Rat; 7.10 A late season signing from Weston-Super-Mare, Price is yet to make his first start for Worksop, but instead is often sent on in a bid to close down games late on. In the autumn years of his career, Price is inevitably not the quickest around, but his influence on younger players cannot be underplayed. Another one out of contract at the end of the season. Azzizhon Khoshimov - AMRL - 27 Games: 22(19) - Goals: 3 - Ave.Rat; 7.37 Despite starting only 22 times, Khoshimov walked off with the Fans Player of the Season awards last term. A quick, tricky winger, the Uzbekistani is an immensley popular figure with supporters, who ironically seemed to take to him more after he missed two penalties in one match! . A good work rate, and a knack of scoring important goals. Extended his contract in the summer, and will certainly be involved again this season. Marc Goodfellow - AMRLC - 23 Games: 32(3) - Goals: 3 - Ave.Rat; 7.37 After taking a gamble on Goodfellow's fitness, Fairway was delighted with the ex-Stoke man's performances throughout the season. Quick, tricky and with a superb left foot, Goodfellow is a fan favourite full of exquisite touches of flair. Let down a little by his shooting, but Marc's vision for passing makes him a real box of tricks. Andrew James - A/FC - 19 Not at Worksop Andrew has a big role to play this season - in a position where he needs to pull the strings for the front pair. In addition to that, he will have to replace Andrew Fisk, who scored 10 last season on loan from Norwich. The Scot is quick and creative, and could well become a bargain signing. Strikers Jason Norville - FRC - 21 Games: 39 (1) - Goals: 21 - Ave.Rat; 7.35 Norville was certainly one of the discoveries of last season - after joining on loan from Watford, £1000 made the deal permanent - and the Trinidadian never looked back. A reliable frontman, Norville's goals fired Worksop to the top of the table last term, and there is no reason to doubt why this season should be otherwise. If he performs, Worksop win. David Soames - SC - 21 Games: 8 - Goals 3 - Ave.Rat; 7.13 After joining late on from Grimsby Soames replaced fan favourite Dene Cropper as a regular partner to Norville - scoring 3, including a crucial last minute equaliser against Vauxhall Motors in the playoffs. Electric pace and the physical strength to make the most of it, Soames is an uncompromising, old-fashioned striker at his best in the air. Will hope to get off to a good start this season. Damien Reeves - SC - 19 Games: 1(7) - Goals 0 - Ave.Rat; 7.13 Another striker who arrived late in the campaign, Reeves signed on a free from Leeds. A real livewire, the young hitman is certainly popular at Babbage Way. Goals will come, but Reeves certainly has the potential to be a natural goalscorer - but even better, is naturally unselfish, and links up very well with his teammates. Blake Norton - SC - 21 Games: 3(11) - Goals 4 - Ave.Rat; 7.07 Despite scoring several times after coming off the bench, Norton failed to secure a regular slot in the Worksop lineup. After spending the season on the transfer list, and with Soames and Reeves now ahead of him, Norton will no doubt expect to leave the club at or before the end of the season, when he is out of contract. Unlikely to figure. Where Are They Now? - Ex Tigers Greg Archer , as expected, returned to education after turning down the opportunity to sign a professional contract at Babbage Way. Chris Cleary returned to the USA after his release, but has not yet found another club. Gary Townsend started 14 games for Altringham, scoring on 3 occasions, but fell out of favour towards the end of the season, and was released to Witton Albion on a free transfer over the summer. Ian Bowling is now 40, but still soldiering on at Chesham. Conceded 61 in 38 games last season. Ryan Davis experiened success - his Hednesford side were promoted to the Conference North, and he is likely to be involved this season as a regular. Anthony Jackson is still at Moor Green, where he played 8 times towards the end of last season. Yet to score. Simeon Bambrook will no doubt come up against Worksop this season - his Northwich side were relegated into the Conference North. Yet to score for his new side in 4 appearances. Dene Cropper - the real success story. After leaving for the Football League and Wycombe Wanderers for £35,000, the left-footer scored 5 in 8 appearances last season for the Chairboys. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 4, 2005 Author Share Posted September 4, 2005 Diss Town v Worksop Town - Preseason Friendly Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Drench, Nicholson, McShane, Proctor, O'Callaghan, Price*, Thorpe, James, Khoshimov, Norville, Reeves Subs; Dempsey, Rogers (GK), Wharton, Wilson, Soames With Fairway including several of his new signings, Worksop started against Ridgeons League outfit Diss with a distinctly unfamiliar lineup - many of the younger players involved. He would also limit himself to five substitutes - preseason progressing to a more settled pace after a frenetic tour of Northern Ireland. After taking their time to settle, Worksop looked to play attractive football from the off on a hard, sun-baked pitch. Veteran Mark Price could have scored on 11 - heading straight at 'keeper Smart - but on 15 the Tigers did take the lead. A free kick deep in the Worksop half was thumped forward by McShane, with Reeves and James combining well before the latter found Price. His pinpoint pass found Jason Norville , who made no mistake from close range - his strike taking him up to five for preseason. Thorpe's trickery caused real troubles for the young Diss full back, and his cross came to Reeves, who could have shot but instead cut back for James to fire over on 28. At the break Fairway replaced Reeves, struggling with a late knock, for David Soames - but it was Diss who had the opening chance of the second period. After beating Proctor Robinson wasted a fine chance - smashing the ball over the top. With Khoshimov and Norville threatening, Diss stopper Smart the busier of the two 'keepers - and on 71, Jason Norville cracked home his second of the evening to confirm the victory. Sub 'keeper Bishop denied him a late hatrick - bravely throwing himself at the feet of the young striker to deflect the ball wide - but for Worksop, this was another result showing plenty of promise. Diss 0 - Worksop 2 MOM; Jason Norville (Worksop) Attendance; 69 After a few quiet days, Fairway was delighted to welcome a Tottenham XI to Babbage Way - with his side due to come up against some particularly talented players. Worksop Town v Tottenham Hotspur XI - Preseason Friendly Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Khoshimov, James, Wilson*, Norville, Soames Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Goodfellow, Reeves [/i] With the possible exception of Khoshimov - in for Goodfellow, struggling with a knock, Fairway named what is expected to be his first choice team for the coming season. Spurs included Steven Kelly, Rodrigo Defendi, Johnny Jackson and Rohan Ricketts in their squad, as well as plenty of talented youngsters. It was one of those talented teenagers who got things off to the perfect start for the visitors - Claude Seania getting away from Priet to beat Rogers on 10 minutes. With their first real chance though Worksop drew level - Jason Norville racing on to fire home a Khoshimov pass. Spurs though continued to press - impressive midfielder Charlie Lee shooting just over before dangerman Owen Price put the visitors back into the lead on 37 - the striker perhaps fortunate of a slight deflection to wrongfoot 'keeper Rogers. Fairway made three changes at the break with Goodfellow replacing James, Dempsey on for Priet and Reeves on for goalscorer Norville. With Wharton picking up a needless booking, Fairway replaced him for Price on 62 - but almost immediatley, Worksop were reduced to 10 men in any case - Gus Uhlenbeek dismissed for a second bookable offence. Spurs revelled in the extra space, and towards the end Lee Barnard headed home a cross to secure a 3-1 victory for the young Spurs side. Worksop 1 - Spurs XI 3 MOM; Jason Norville (Worksop) Attendance; 93 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Worksop Observer - Football - Tuesday 2/8/05 Fairway Chasing Striker? 'Reports from Brighton suggest that Worksop manager Stuart Fairway is chasing Brighton & Hove Albion striker Maheta Molango in a bid to add to his firepower. Molango, 23, played 10 times for the Seagulls last season, scoring twice' </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Worksop Town v Tamworth - Preseason Friendly Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, McShane, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, James, Wilson*, Norville, Soames Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Reeves [/i] Just two changes for the visit of Conference National side Tamworth - fit-again Goodfellow replacing Khoshimov, whilst the unfit Davies misses out, with young Joe McShane benefitting. A warm, balmy evening would be perfect for football, and Worksop signalled their intent early on - Andrew James blasting home from the edge of the area to put the Tigers ahead on 14 minutes after intercepting a misplaced pass to find space. Tamworth too showed plenty of intent - Douglas-Pringle denied only by a superb saving challenge from Gus Uhlenbeek on 24. 10 minutes later, the Lambs did level - Mark Turner hitting a superb shot on the half volley from 25 yards out to leave Rogers clutching at thin air. Uhlenbeek was by now playing a blinder - his challenge again denied Douglas-Pringle just before the break with Worksop starting to struggle. At the interval Fairway replaced Soames, Wilson and Priet - Reeves, Khoshimov and Dempsey on in their place - and Worksop began to get back into the game. On 57 Khoshimov set up Norville, only for the striker to hit the side netting, before James ghosted past Redmile before wasting his opportunity. Reeves too got in on the act - 'keeper Clowes doing well to deny the young striker - but at the other end on 81 Price drew a good reflex save from Rogers proving that Tamworth were still worthy - and dangerous - opponents. Two minutes from time though Andrew James found himself unmarked, and Goodfellow's cross to perfection - the Scot prodding home to seal a fine victory over a side that Worksop could have been playing in the league this season. Worksop 2 - Tamworth 1 MOM; Marc Goodfellow (Worksop) Attendance; 83 Whilst it had been true that Maheta Molango was a target of Fairway's, the Congan striker put the blinkers on the deal on Thursday - ruling out a move to a lower league club in the Evening Argus . Not to be deterred, and still convinced his side could do with another frontman, Chris McPhee , on a season-long loan deal, became Fairway's next target - again from Brighton & Hove Albion . Off the pitch, Friday's injury - a strained neck - to Steve Nicholson ruled him out of competing for a place in Saturday's final preseason game, the visit of Lewes . Worksop Town v Tamworth - Preseason Friendly Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, James, Wilson*, Norville, Soames Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Reeves [/i] Fairway recalled Davies at the expense of young McShane on Saturday - although he still had doubts over his vice-captain's preseason attitude after some lax performances had left him lacking fitness. In no uncertain terms, Fairway told his first team ahead of the game that although they were currently pencilled in to start the league season, changes could, and would, be made, should performances not be up to scratch. He needen't have worried - the Tigers roared away to a fine start, and on 10, took the lead - Marc Goodfellow curling in an exquisite shot from the angle that, had it not of gone in, was perfect for the lurking Norville to follow up on. The pacey Luke Cornwall caused problems at the other end - his stinging drive from Lovett's pass forcing Rogers to parry, before grabbing at the second attempt on 16. Goodfellow again came close from the angle on 26 - Masterson forced to cut out his cross-cum-shot - before Wilson headed wide on the stroke of half time. At the break Fairway replaced goalscorer Goodfellow for Khoshimov and also sent on Price for the booked Wharton. With their first chance of the second half, the reshuffled Tigers again broke, and again scored - David Soames firing home James' through ball to whet the appetite of the duo in league action. Fairway made three more changes on 65 - Norville, Rogers and Dudgeon off with Reeves, Drench and Dempsey replacing them. 30 seconds later, the Rooks scored - Drench dwelling uncharacteristically on his line to allow Barrington Belgrave time and space to fire the Sussex side back into the game. On 83 though David Soames put the icing on the cake with a superb finish from close range - sending the Rooks flying home disapointed and bringing a very successful conclusion to Worksop's preseason programme. Worksop 3 - Lewes 1 MOM; David Soames (Worksop) Attendance; 83 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 4, 2005 Author Share Posted September 4, 2005 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> The Non-League Paper - Previews - Sunday 7/8/05 Club By Club - Conference North/South Preview 'With a week to go before the big kick off, welcome to the NLP's exclusive Conference North and South preview page. Our reporters give their opinions on all 44 teams involved, and pick out a key player for each side, as well as a 'young gun' to keep an eye out for. We begin with the Conference North - Conference South fans can find their clubs overleaf' Alfreton Town Last Season; 6th Top Goalscorer; Peter Duffield (19) Ins; Mark Convery (Darlington, Free) Outs; Chris Dolby (Prescot Cables, Free) Last season promised so much for Alfreton, but they fell at the final hurdle in the cruellest manner possible. After fighting into a top 6 spot, Alfreton missed out on a place in the end of season playoffs by a single goal to Vauxhall Motors. Last season's top scorer Peter Duffield defied the critics, turning in a vintage season - but at 36, will he still be able to cut the mustard? Key Player; Peter Duffield - If he can continue to score, last season could be repeated One To Watch; Andrew Appelby - Showed touches of class after signing last season, needs to push on Altringham Last Season; 10th Top Goalscorer; Rod Thornley (18) Ins; Danny Boshell (Oldham, Free), Lee Mulvaney (Southport, Loan) Outs; Gary Townsend (Witton, Free) Andy Collett did a good job to stablise Altringham last season in his first managerial appointment, but will now be hoping to build on the foundations established last term. Whilst Rod Thornley was crucial last season, it was schemer-in-chief Colin Little who really shone. With the high-profile addition of Danny Boshell, Altringham won't be without creativity in midfield - and could suprise many. Key Player; Danny Boshell - Showed his class on loan at Droylsden and Moor Green last season One To Watch; Lewes Chalmers - Exploded off the Altringham youth production line last term, looks a real gem Ashton United Last Season; 16th Top Goalscorer; Niell Hardy (21) Ins; Jerome Fitzgerald (Southport, £1k), Mark Bailey (Macclesfield, Loan), Ben Smith (Shrewsbury, Loan), Stuart Whitehead (Shrewsbury, Loan), Chris McCready (Crewe, Loan) Outs; Andy Johnston (Leigh RMI, Free) Struggled last term, and it's hard to see past another season of toil at Surrey Street. Niell Hardy's goals kept them up last year, but he is reported to be unsettled. Loan signings should help to shore up a leaky defence, but in the long term, Ashton will concede goals. The departure of veteran 'keeper Andy Johnston shouldn't be underestimated - his influence was crucial at times. Likely to struggle again. Key Player; Jerome Fitzgerald - The defender looks a bargain capture One To Watch; Paul Garvey - bagged 11 last season, the young striker should have a bright future Barrow Last Season; 4th Top Goalscorer; Gavin Knight (19) Ins; Andy Tait (Halifax, £1k), Micheal Price (Darlington, Loan) Outs; Simon Bishop (Shrewsbury, Free) Impressed many last season, but disapointed in the playoffs, going out to Southport with more of a whimper than a bang. Mecurial midfielder Ian Kilford will again pull the strings in midfield, whilst Barrow have four strikers in Tarrant, Kewley, Knight and Campbell who will score goals. The only doubt is between the sticks - Simon Bishop left the club in the summer, and 18-year old understudy Jamie Waite is yet to make his senior debut, hence the 3-month loan signing of Price as cover. If they can keep it tight, expect Barrow to again be in the end of season mix. Key Player; Neil Tarrant - 18 goals last season and a fan hero who is too good for this level One to Watch; Danny Forde - Young defensive midfielder with maturity beyond his years Bradford Park Avenue Last Season; 19th Top Goalscorer; Allan Pearce (9) Ins; Micheal Reed (Unattached, Free), Daniel Murphy (Unattached, Free), Lewis Mackinnon (Unattached, Free), Danny Whittaker (Macclesfield, Loan) Outs; Paddy Mumbly (Released) Last season was one that BPA will want to forget - staying up by the skin of their teeth, manager Martyn Brown had a tough introduction to football management. Two new strikers have been signed, but Adam Quinn will again be a crucial player in the heart of midfield. A young defence may need time to adjust to the pace of the game at this level - and BPA aren't likely to have that luxury. Will be another season of struggle, unless the new youngsters can spring a suprise. Key Player; Lewis Mackinnon - Released by Scottish Premier League side ICT in the summer, should have goals One To Watch; Andrew Britton - Young American 'keeper impressed last season, and is likely to be busy again Burscough Last Season; N/A (Promoted from Unibond League) Top Goalscorer; Gary Martindale (14) Ins; Matthew Hislop (Unattached, Free) Outs; None (* See main report *) It should have been a summer of celebration for Burscough's supporters after gaining promotion - but going into the opening weekend with just two senior players tells it's own story. Burscough's promotion-winning squad was ripped apart by financial meltdown and internal strife, and just one player, top goalscorer Gary Martindale remains. Solitary signing Matthew Hislop is a young defender, and it's likely to be left to Burscough's youth players to play a huge role for the time being. Looking doomed at the moment. Key Player; Gary Martindale - As the only senior striker, he will have a huge responsibility One to Watch; Matthew Hislop - Came through youth ranks at Arsenal - it'll be a lot different at Burscough Droylsden Last Season; 8th Top Goalscorer; Robbie Tablot (26) Ins; Craig Lovatt (Stafford Rangers, £1k), Jordan Bryson (Unattached, Free), Matthew Gilks (Rochdale, Loan) Outs; Neil Hall (Released), Gavin Salmon (Released) In Robbie Talbot, David Cameron and Jody Banim, Droylsden have three strikers who any Conference North manager would love to have available. Some astute summer signings - especially Scottish youngster Bryson, who looks a real discovery, have given Bloods fans high hopes - and those look justified. Could push for major honours this season, and will certainly have no problems scoring goals. Key Player; Jon McCarthy - Former Northern Ireland international who just keeps on going One to Watch; Jordan Bryson - Fellow managers will be kicking themselves that Dave Pace discovered this one Gainsborough Trinity Last Season; 15th Top Goalscorer; Barry Corr (16) Ins; None Out; None It's been a quiet summer at the Northolme - transfer activity non-existant, and many Gainsborough fans rightly see this as cause for concern. Trinity struggled last season, and will need to hope that young Barry Corr finds his goalscoring touch once again. Manager Paul Mitchell could pay the price for his lack of squad strengthening, because Trinity again look likely to manage mid-table at best. Key Player; Chris Hurst - Experienced full back who is likely to be kept busy One to Watch; Ashley Longstaff - Quick young left back who could make a push for a regular slot this term Gateshead Last Season; N/A (Promoted From Unibond League) Top Goalscorer; Tony Hackworth (11) Ins; Sean Lake (Unattached, Free), Sean Thomas (Unattached, Free), Mark Jackson (Unattached, Free), Marc Smyth (Unattached, Free), Lee Vaughan (Unattached, Free), Jay Conroy (Unattached, Free), Tom Winters (Unattached, Free), Andrew Caton (Unattached, Free), Neil Wainwright (Unattached, Free), Darren Craddock (Unattached, Free), Bobby Thompson (Unattached, Free), Craig Gunn (Unattached, Free), Joey O'Brien (Unattached, Free), Chris Hughes (Darlington, Loan), Gary Liddle (Middlesborough, Loan), Alex Janes (Darlington, Loan) Outs; None Finished fourth last season in the Unibond League, but won promotion after Southport were victorious in the playoffs, freeing up an extra Conference North spot. Strengthened over the summer, but it still looks likely that Tony Hackworth will be relied upon to score goals. Some useful young signings, including goalkeeper Sean Lake, who could make Everton regret letting him go in time to come. Should avoid the drop. Key Player; Neil Wainwright - Quick and tricky, loved in his native North East One to Watch; Sean Lake - 17 year old goalkeepers aren't often considered regulars. This one is, and has the talent to match. Halifax Town Last Season; N/A (Relegated from Conference National) Top Goalscorer; Alex Meecham (8) Ins; None Outs; Christian Lee (Runcorn FC Halton, Free), Andy Tait (Barrow, £1k), Chris Clarke (Prescot Cables, Free), Ryan Sugden (Guiseley, Free), Alex Meecham, Craig Midgley, Mark Mierzwinski, Gareth Lewins, Sam Agar - (All Released) Expected by many to go straight back up - but after losing several players, including last season's top goalscorer to finanical cutbacks, times could be tougher than expected at the Shay. Old warhorse Steve Bushell is a canny contender, and will be invaluable at this level, whilst the versatile Steve Haslam should also enjoy himself. Financially troubled, but will be there or thereabouts come May Key Player; Neil Ross - Scored whilst out on loan at Stafford Rangers last season, and will face the same defences for his parent club One to Watch; Gordon Chin - Canadian winger with explosive pace and plenty of trickery Harrogate Town Last Season; 7th Top Goalscorer; Clayton Donaldson (17) Ins; Jay Thompson (Unattached, Free), Ross Gardiner (Unattached, Free) Outs; Danny Holland (Lancaster, Free) After being tagged as a team likely to struggle, Harrogate in fact had a fine season. Unable to sign Clayton Donaldson after his release by Hull though, and without signing a suitable replacement, Harrogate could struggle in attack. Ross Gardiner , once of Dundee United, looks a real find though, and could emerge as a defensive rock. If Harrogate can find a goalscorer, the potential is there for another upper-mid table finish. Key Player; Marc Smith - Scored 13 last year, with Donaldson gone he could come into the spotlight One to Watch; Sam Warburton - Youth product yet to make his senior bow, but the striker is highly rated Hednesford Town Last Season; N/A (Promoted from Unibond League) Top Goalscorer; Marcus Ebdon (13) Ins; Shane Duff (Cheltenham, Free), Matthew Roberts (Swansea, £1k), Ashley Sestanovich (Unattached, Free), Shaeed Ahmed (Unattached, Free), Joe Broad (Unattached, Free), Gareth Griffiths (Rochdale, Free), Stephen O'Halloran (Unattached, Free), Matt Nolan (Peterborough, Loan) Outs; None Strengthened dramatically in the summer after promotion, and should consolidate their position if nothing else. Marcus Ebdon was vital last season, and the veteran midfielder will look forward to another season of battling. New boy Shaeed Ahmed certainly has potential, and the ex-Wycombe man will be ably supported by Ashley Sestanovich, a player tracked by several clubs over the summer. Unlike fellow promoted side Burscough, they are financially sound, and should be comfortable in mid-table. Key Player; Shaeed Ahmed - Bangladeshi-born striker has talent in abundance, and will score goals One to Watch; Stephen O'Halloran - Young Irish fullback is just 17, but already looks as though he will be a regular. Hinckley United Last Season; 10th Top Goalscorer; Matt Lewis (18) Ins; None Outs; Lee Colkin (Released) Matt Lewis will again be Hinckley's main goal threat as they seek to improve on last term's impressive 10th place. Defensivley sound, although the lack of summer signings may worry a few supporters. The main problem lies between the sticks - with no backup for Tom Whittle , the Knitters look fragile should he pick up an injury. Expect the same again. Key Player; Stuart Storer - Veteran had a superb season last year. Now 38, but still retains his pace and stamina. One to Watch; Matt Lewis - A natural goalscorer, and at 21 he can only improve Hucknall Town Last Season; 12th Top Goalscorer; Marc Smith (11) Ins; Kevin Partleton (Gillingham, Free) Outs; James Lindley (Lincoln United, £1k), Matthew Taylor (West Ham, £60k), Joe McShane, Kyle McDermott, Nathan Winder, Junior Harding, Liam Hutchinson, Brett Peel, Carl Spencer (All Released) The sale of goalkeeper Taylor to West Ham has raised vital funds, and expect Hucknall to strengthen the squad before the season begins. Whilst Taylor was a rock at the back last season, defender Alistair Asher also won many fans with a string of impressive performances for Hucknall. After underperforming last year, defences should beware of Danny Bacon, who has looked sharp in preseason. Sort out the goalkeeping situation, and Hucknall could be a suprise package. Key Player; Alistair Asher - Defender looks too good for this level One to Watch; Joshua Scott - One of the few youngsters to escape a mass cull in the summer Kettering Town Last Season; 18th Top Goalscorer; Jonathan Rowan/Marvin Robinson (10) Ins; Ian Baraclough (Scunthorpe, Free), Jack Wanless (Unattached, Free), Simon Ramsden (Grimsby, Free) Outs; Derek Brown (Yeading, Free), Daniel Bulley (Released) Last season was woeful for the Poppies, and manager Carl Shutt paid with it for his job. Marvin Robinson probably saved Kettering from the drop, scoring 10 goals in 15 games after joining in February. Oswaldo Lopes was one of few to perform up to scratch last season, and he will again be vital. Have the squad to perform better than they did last term. Key Player; Jamie Paterson - Canny Scot has the ability to put the ball on a sixpence from 50 yards One to Watch; Jack Wanless - Striker has plenty of potential, and will enjoy idol status should he fire the Poppies up the table. Lancaster City Last Season; 11th Top Goalscorer; Steve Jones (17) Ins; Danny Holland (Harrogate, £1k), Ian MacSween (Unattached, Free), Kevin McIntyre (Unattached, Free), Daryl Smylie (Unattached, Free) Outs; Steve Hollis (Workington, Free) Jamie Hughes had to carry a lot of goalscoring responsibility last season - but the additions of Holland and in particular Ian MacSween will add to Lancaster's firepower. Kevin McIntyre is an inspired signing in midfield, and with the new strikers, Steve Jones will be able to revert to his preferred position on the flank. Could well improve on last season's position. Key Player; Ryan Zico-Black - Creative genius at the heart of the Lancaster midfield One to Watch; Daryl Smylie - Released by Newcastle, but with the talent to prove Graham Souness wrong Moor Green Last Season; 14th Top Goalscorer; Mark Owen (14) Ins; Steven Brackenridge (Macclesfield, £1k), Ryan Bell (Sunderland, £1k), Mark Jones (Unattached, Free), David Howland (Unattached, Free), Nat Brown (Huddersfield, Loan), Fraser McLaughlin (Mansfield, Loan) Outs; Lee Molenyuex (Kings Lynn, £1k), Barry Williams (Windsor & Eton, Free) Moor Green failed to shine last season, and have strengthened heavily in the summer. 42-year old Conrad Kane still has an important role to play in the attack however, and it is at the back that Moor Green will have to be careful. Fan favourite Williams was a suprise departure, but the capture of David Howland could well give the fans a new hero. Should improve on last term. Key Player; Conrad Kane - They call him 'Duracell' around these parts, and like Clive Walker, age means nothing to the goalscoring dangerman. One to Watch; David Howland - Northern Irish youngster looks to have a bright future in the game Northwich Victoria Last Season; N/A (Relegated from Conferene National) Top Goalscorer; Mark Quayle (14) Ins; Paul Warhurst (Blackpool, Free), Ed Brand (Unattached, Free), Anthony Grant (Unattached, Free), Marc Wilson (Unattached, Free), Ciaran Ryan (Bolton, Loan), Patrick McCarthy (Man City, Loan), Charlie Comyn-Platt (Bolton, Loan) Outs; Steve Garvey (Released), Mark Foran (Witton, Free), Micheal Carr (Witton, Free) The signing of Paul Warhurst is the sort of big name that will lift the Northwich faithful after relegation from the Conference National. Loan captures McCarthy, Ryan and Comyn-Platt all have the 'big club' aura about them, and Northwich will start as favourites for automatic promotion. Quality throughout, and should really aim for top spot. Key Player; Mark Quayle - Goals galore at this level, and defenders will fear him One to Watch; Ed Brand - Talented full back expected to shine Stafford Rangers Last Season; 17th Top Goalscorer; Craig Wilding (12) Ins; Carl Heeley (Worcester, Free) Outs; Craig Lovatt (Droylsden, Free) Craig Wilding took over the mantle of goalscorer from veteran Neil Grayson last campaign, but the two still make a potent duo. Unfortunatley, Stafford lack strength in other areas, and could struggle again - new boy Carl Heeley though shone at Worcester last year, but is getting on in years. A poor summer on the transfer market - and Stafford will again struggle at this rate. Key Player; Robin Gibson - Should he find consistency, the winger is a problem for any defence to handle One to Watch; Gary Fife - Back from loan at Solihull, and raring to score goals at Conference North level. Vauxhall Motors Last Season; 5th Top Goalscorer; Anthony Wright (11) Ins; None Outs; Mike Duffy, James Parry (Both Released) Had it all to throw away last season - and did. Top for months, the Motormen fell away at the end of the campaign and then crashed in the playoffs. Anthony Wright remains a potent goal threat, with defender Phil Brazier the rock upon which the team is built, but could Vauxhall have thrown away their best chance of promotion? - Lack of summer signings is also puzzling, but could push for a playoff place once again. Key Player; Anthony Wright - Will score goals, but needs support One to Watch; Tim Dittner - It's easy to forget this talented stopper is just 20. Will shine again. Wakefield & Emley Last Season; N/A (Promoted from Unibond League) Top Goalscorer; Jonathan Smith (7) Ins; None Outs; None Another promoted side who may well have to rely on youth - Wakefield have just five players on senior contracts. It's not for want of trying - manager Paul David has been frustrated by finances in his efforts to add to the squad. Of those that are there, David Artell stands out - the defender will be crucial. In short though, more players are needed for Wakefield & Emley to stand a chance of avoiding the drop zone. Key Player; Paul Cuss - With youth team players in front of him, the 'keeper will need to be at his best One to Watch; Matthew Wilson - Young midfielder will run all afternoon Worksop Town Last Season; 2nd Top Goalscorer; Jason Norville (21) Ins; Gus Uhlenbeek (Wycombe, Free), Andrew James (Unattached, Free), Steven Drench (Unattached, Free), David Proctor (Unattached, Free), Joe McShane (Unattached, Free) Outs; None Last season's suprise package under new manager Stuart Fairway. Jason Norville will again be the focal point for Worksop's attacks - but after last season's successes, will he find defences less forgiving this time? - new boy Gus Uhlenbeek has bags of experience, whilst Worksop supporters drool over classy defender Nicolas Priet. Will be there or thereabouts again after last season's playoff agony. Key Player; Marc Goodfellow - Bags of skill, the creative midfielder is at the heart of everything good about the Tigers. One to Watch; Damian Reeves - Explosive young striker who could become a legend at Babbage Way. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Crumb Posted September 4, 2005 Share Posted September 4, 2005 Mr Norville has just played in the opening game of my 2006 world cup. T & T faced off against Brazil and lost 2-0, Brazil never got out of second gear. Norville didn't play badly but he didn't have much of the ball either, when he did get it he disposed of it tidily. He was rated 7. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 4, 2005 Author Share Posted September 4, 2005 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Lord Crumb: Mr Norville has just played in the opening game of my 2006 world cup. T & T faced off against Brazil and lost 2-0, Brazil never got out of second gear. Norville didn't play badly but he didn't have much of the ball either, when he did get it he disposed of it tidily. He was rated 7. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> He's not bad, he's definatley useful Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 5, 2005 Author Share Posted September 5, 2005 The time for friendlies was over - the serious stuff begins now. On Sunday though the first trophy of the season was already being lifted - Tottenham beating Arsenal in the Community Shield thanks to a Sean Davis strike with seconds to spare. It had been a thrilling game in the traditional curtain-raiser - 2-2 up until that point, with Spurs' summer signing Teemu Tanio particularly impressive against the hard-working Gunners. On Tuesday there was one notable absentee from training - but Jason Fisher wasn't injured, and failed to give Fairway a satisfactory reason. Hauling the young 'keeper into his office, the manager handed him a formal written warning, with the promise of fines should he make the same indiscretion again. A shame-faced Fisher apologised profusley - with Fairway agreeing to let the matter drop, and hoping that the young 'keeper would now knuckle down and redouble his efforts on the training pitch. Wednesday's rejection from Chris McPhee meant that Fairway gave up on his efforts to add another striker to his squad before the start of the season - with two training sessions before the big kick off, there was no way that Fairway wanted to gamble on taking a new player in with his side settled. Wednesday also saw the Third Qualifying Round for the European Cup , with several British sides in action. Chelsea beat Bulgaria's Loko Plovdiv 3-0 at Stamford Bridge - Frank Lampard, Scott Parker and £52 million man Jose Antonio Reyes scoring. Aston Villa though were on the wrong end of a 5-2 scoreline in the Olympiastadion, losing to Bayern Munich . Pal Dardai and Darius Vassell scored for Villa whilst Roque Santa Cruz scored a hatrick for Bayern, who also netted through Lahm and Schweinstieger. Scottish champs Rangers disapointingly lost 2-1 to Bodo-Glimt of Norway - Dado Prso scoring for Rangers - whilst shock Second Placed SPL side Motherwell were plucky, but went down 2-1 at home to last season's beaten UEFA Cup finalists Barcelona - Richie Foran scoring a penalty to give Motherwll at least some hope in the Nou Camp after goals from Robinho and Ludovic Guily had put Barca ahead. Thursday though brought the second problem of the week - injury this time rather than poor timekeeping - but Azzizhon Khoshimov could now be considered a major doubt for Saturday's opener after a collision in training left him with concussion, and a potential 5-day layoff. Worksop Town v Alfreton Town - Conference North Game 1 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, James, Wilson*, Norville, Soames Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Thorpe, Reeves [/i] Saturday, 3pm - and the season begins. After a hectic summer Fairway was pleased to return to league action. Khoshimov did miss out - Thorpe replacing him on the bench - whilst new boys Uhlenbeek and James were handed their debuts. After a quiet opening on a warm, dry, summers afternoon, Worksop began to force Alfreton back. On 18 'keeper Lee Butler was forced to get down quickly to make a smart stop from Soames, before Chapman cut out a cross bound for Norville on 29. Five minutes later though it was the visitors who opened the scoring - veteran striker Mark Sale reacting quickest after Dudgeon failed to deal with Fisher's long throw. It was harsh on Worksop, who had made most of the running - but two minutes later, they would draw level in comical circumstances - Goodfellow's cross knocked goalbound by Jason Norville, only to hit the post and go in off 'keeper Lee Butler . On the stroke of half time Worksop were forced to make a change - Wharton going down in a heap to be replaced by Mark Price. While Fairway made no changes at the break, his side did seem to come out for the second half with an entirely different attitude - and on 53, they took the lead - Uhlenbeek playing the ball over the full back for Wilson, who squared for David Soames to tap into an empty net at the far post. Wilson left the field on 57, pulling up in pain as he stretched to reach a pass. Fairway elected to change things slightly, bringing on Reeves, with Norville dropping back into a midfield role. The change had an immediate impact - Worksop's third came on 63, and put the game beyond Alfreton's reach. A James through pass looped up off defender Brown, and Damian Reeves took advantage with a well-placed header to beat the onrushing Butler. On 77 the Tigers claimed a fourth - Dudgeon's corner finding James at the near post, who struck the ball first time off Mick Godber and into the net. Two own goals was hardly the start Alfreton wanted - but for Worksop, it's a perfect start to the season. Worksop 4 - Alfreton 1 MOM; Marc Goodfellow (Worksop) Attendance; 344 Worksop Position After Game; 1st Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 6, 2005 Author Share Posted September 6, 2005 Whilst delighted that his side sat top of the Conference North after opening day, Fairway was disapointed that Mark Wilson would be out for a month - his injury confirmed as a torn groin muscle. At the top of the Premiership, also kicking off today, what odds would you have got on Norwich, Charlton, West Ham, Wolves and Chelsea - in that order - being the top 5. Admitedly Birmingham, Blackburn, Derby, Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle don't play until Sunday or Monday, but the Canaries will still enjoy watching 'Match of the Day' tonight! Wednesday saw Azzizhon Khoshimov passed fit to resume full training after a spell on the sidelines with concussion - giving Fairway a ready-made replacement for the injured Wilson on the right side of midfield. Worksop Town v Hinckley United - Conference North Game 2 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Goodfellow, James, Khoshimov, Norville, Soames Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Thorpe, Reeves [/i] Khoshimov's inclusion for the injured skipper Wilson was the only change - and one thoroughly expected by most supporters. With Worksop unusually starting with two home fixtures, Fairway told his side ahead of kick off to go out and make the most of their opportunity. Despite this it was Hinckley who looked the brightest early on - Dyer heading over on 9 before Lavery crashed an effort wide on 11. At the other end Lynch did well to deny Norville on 24, but neither side appeared to have the cutting edge early on. As time progressed though Worksop began to dominate - Dudgeon's snap shot flying over on 43 before David Soames powered home Norville's flick from a Wharton corner 2 minutes later. At the break Fairway replaced Goodfellow with Thorpe - and his side got off to the ideal start in the second half, with Priet having a shot excellently saved to signal the Tigers' intent. Against the run of play though Hinckley levelled on 63 - Smith's pass releasing James Marrison to beat 'keeper Rogers with a shot off the outside of his boot. Fairway's response was a double substitution - Soames and Wharton off, Reeves and Price on. It took just four minutes for Damian Reeves to have an impact - heading Khoshimov's inswinging cross beyond Lynch at the near post. The young striker was unfortunate not to have added another on 75 - Khoshimov's run and shot blocked by Lynch, before Cartwright bravely stuck out a boot to deflect Reeves' rebound wide. Hinckley threw men forward - towards the end going to five up front - and after a number of chances, Marrison guilty of one particularly bad miss on 87, the Knitters drew level - Gavin Stone heading home McMahon's deep corner in injury time. It was a hammer blow to Worksop, who looked desperatley disapointed - but four points from two matches isn't a bad return at this stage of the season. Worksop 2 - Hinckley 2 MOM; Simon Lynch (Hinckley) Attendance; 1282 Worksop Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 6, 2005 Author Share Posted September 6, 2005 Fairway first heard rumours that he was about to recieve bids for three players on Sunday evening - and by Tuesday morning, he knew it was true. Brian O'Callaghan, Jason Norville and Marc Goodfellow all attracted interest - apparently sparked by Chairman Howard Raymond . When Fairway confronted his Chairman about the rumours, Raymond revealed that he hadn't been involved in sparking discussions, but that with the wage bill nearly £550 over budget, that it could be a prudent idea from a financial point of view to cash in, should Fairway consider his squad strong enough to lose, one, two or even all three players. Barnet's bid for fringe defender Brian O'Callaghan was certainly enough to tempt Fairway - £10,000 for the Irishman accepted immedialtey. Hartlepool were the team interested in Jason Norville - a £30,000 bid. Fairway decided to negociate - asking for a 10% Sell-On Fee as well as a friendly match to be arranged next preseason. Marc Goodfellow was another thorny issue - Peterborough, Hartlepool and Boston United had all offered £20,000 straight cash for the playmaker. Again, he decided to negociate - asking for 10% sell-on fee's from all three clubs. Tuesday also brought news regarding Jason Fisher - again the young 'keeper had gone AWOL from training - and this time, Fairway came down hard on the youngster, true to his word, fining him a week's wages. Fisher was again apologetic, but Fairway made it clear that he was beginning to run out of patience. Wednesday evening's European Cup Third Qualifying Round, Second leg matches brought some light relief from the transfer activity - Chelsea getting a 1-0 victory in Bulgaria against Loko Plovdiv to see them through into the Group Stages of the tournement, with Joe Cole scoring the only goal. Aston Villa went out to Bayern Munich - 6-3 the aggregate score after Villa had held the German giants to a 1-1 draw at Villa Park - Thomas Hitzelsberger opening the scoring, but Roque Santa Cruz levelled at the death. Rangers recovered well against Bodo-Glimt to go through 4-3 on aggregate - Dado Prso, Scott Severin and Fernando Ricksen all scoring, whilst Glimt had taken an early lead through Stian Karlsen . Motherwell , as expected, were wiped out in Barcelona - Ronaldiniho and Eto'o scoring two apiece, with Beletti and Rafeal Marquez also netting in a 6-0 rout. In the Group stages, Manchester United have an ideal draw - playing CSKA Moscow, Banik Ostrava and Maccabi Haifa , with Chelsea having a tougher task against Inter Milan, Olympiakos and Deportivo . Rangers will have a tough task against Roma, Leverkusen and Sporting CP . Arsenal will fancy their chances in a group containing Juventus, Shakhtar Donestk and Basel . Thursday morning brought a decision from Brian O'Callaghan - but bad news from Barnet . Although O'Callaghan wanted to join the Bees, Barnet couldn't come up with the £10,000 transfer fee. Hartlepool came back with a flat £20,000 bid for Marc Goodfellow , whilst pulling out of the deal to sign Jason Norville . Peterborough United and Boston United also failed to return for talks over Goodfellow. After talking to the midfielder, and his Chairman, Fairway grudgingly accepted the offer for Marc Goodfellow - allowing him a route back into the football league, should he agree terms at Victoria Park. It took until Friday afternoon - Marc Goodfellow leaving Worksop Town after a superb first season and some very promising beginnings to this term. Goodfellow was clearly enthusiastic about his move - Fairway feeling it only fair to allow him the opportunity to return to the Football League after rebuilding his career at Babbage Way. Marc Goodfellow - Games;34(3)\Goals;3 - Ave.Rat; 7.43 - £20k, Hartlepool) Goodfellow's departure brought the wage bill down to £120 under the allocated £2700 a week. With Fairway allocated 80% of Transfer Fees to spend, he now had a £40,000 kitty available. Moor Green v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 3 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, McShane, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Davies*, James, Khoshimov, Norville, Soames Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Thorpe, Reeves Fairway made one change to his side for the trip to the Midlands - Goodfellow's departure freeing up a midfield role for Kevin Davies to move forward into - giving young Joe McShane his senior bow at left back. Worksop though would get off to a disasterous start - Jason Norville sent off in the fourth minute, incredibly for two bookable offences. This got the game started on the wrong foot - Referee Newman handing out three further yellow cards after Norville's dismissal before a chance had even been registered for either side. After Worksop fired wide on 22, things got worse - David Soames sent off for a second bookable offence on 31. Soames had been booked for two innocuous-looking trips, and Fairway was now fuming as he desperatley tried to rearrange his side. Despite doing little wrong Joe McShane was replaced by Dempsey, with Reeves on for Dudgeon. It was taking Moor Green time to take advantage - Owen's header wide from a Brackenbridge cross on 39 their first real chance of the match. At the break Fairway struggled to debrief his men - unable to find the words to say. To make an already ludicrous situation worse, Kristian Rogers 68th minute dismissal for a professional foul on Owen reduced Worksop to just 8 players. Sub 'keeper Steven Drench, on for James, was sent the wrong way by Guy Sanders, and Moor Green took the lead from the penalty spot. The laughable situation developed from there - despite countless efforts, Moor Green managed just one further goal - Mark Jones heading home a Brackenridge corner on 80. Few will have seen anything like this before. Moor Green 2 - Worksop 0 MOM; Steven Brackenridge (Moor Green) Attendance; 546 Worksop Position After Game; 10th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 7, 2005 Author Share Posted September 7, 2005 David Soames, Jason Norville and Kristian Rogers all face one-match bans - leaving Fairway scratching his head over team selection. He decided to appeal against the Rogers dismissal - as much in protest at the injustice of all three decisions as anything else. On Tuesday the squad would be reduced further - after Barnet came back with £10,000 over 18 Months for Brian O'Callaghan , Fairway decided to cash in. Brian O'Callaghan - DRC - Games 35(7)/Goals 0 - Ave.Rat; 7.05 - Barnet, £10k <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> The Sun - Football - Wednesday 31st August 2005 'Winger signs for Worksop' Bradford City winger Owen Morrison will this morning sign for Conference North side Worksop Town in a £4000 deal. Morrison, 23, broke into the Sheffield Wednesday team as a teenager, but after a series of high-profile bust-ups, found himself released. After brief spells at Wednesday's Steel City rivals Sheffield United, as well as Stockport County, Morrison signed for Bradford. Last season he played 14 games for Bradford, scoring three times, and has also made 3 appearances in League One this season. Worksop manager Stuart Fairway told The Sun; "I'm delighted to have signed a player of Owen's calibre. He is an ideal replacement for Marc Goodfellow" Goodfellow , 23, has made a fine start to his Hartlepool United career after moving for £20,000. After scoring on his Saturday debut away at Cambridge, Goodfellow also scored last night as Hartlepool thumped Dagenham & Redbridge 4-0. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> To go with his suspension, Jason Norville picked up an injury in training on Thursday morning. It wasn't the news that Fairway needed to hear - Norville out for the best part of a month after dislocating his jaw. Saturday's International action saw the World Cup Qualifyers resume - with England leaving it late to secure another vital point in the race for qualification. Mark Pembridge , now of Racing Club in Spain, scored from the penalty spot late in the first half but David Beckham levelled 5 minutes from time in his 64th International appearance. Scotland held Italy to a 1-1 draw at Hampden Park, but their poor start looks to have put paid to qualification chances. Paul Gallagher , who is beginning to turn into a talismanic figure for the international team, opened the scoring on 25, before Alberto Gallardino equalised 15 minutes from time. Northern Ireland are long out of the Qualification race, but picked up a win to give them momentum going into Wednesday's clash with England - Azerbijan dispatched 3-1 in Belfast, with Kevin Brannif (2) and David Healy scoring. Vasif Mahmudov scored for the visitors. Ireland were not involved, but in Group 4 France kept up the pressure on Brian Kerr's side by thrashing the Faroe Islands 8-0. Ireland face the French at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday. After a quiet few days on the training field - fortunatley no further injuries to deplete Fairway's squad - International day came round again. England saw their lead at the top of Group 6 decimated - a 2-2 draw against Northern Ireland doing nobody any favours. Mark Clyde scored an early Own goal, but David Healy and Stuart Elliot put Northern Ireland back ahead. As the visitors were beginning to panic, Micheal Owen rescued England 5 minutes from time. Wales killed off Poland's remote hopes of qualifying, whilst maintaining their own slim chance by beating the Poles 3-1 - Maceij Zurawski put Poland ahead, but goals from Jason Koumas and a Craig Bellamy brace sealed the victory for the Dragons. Ireland dropped off the top of Group 4 after a 1-0 defeat to the Thierry Henry -inspired France . The set of results also saw the first of the European Nations to qualify for Germany 2006 confirmed - Portugal , who have conceded just once in 10 games, and Ukraine , who have breezed through a group containing some tricky sides to play against - Greece, Denmark and Turkey in particular. They join Argentina, Brazil, Jamaica, Tunisia, Ghana and the hosts as sides who have already booked their spot. With squad space now freed up, Fairway decided to take scout Shaun Hird up on a reccomendation - ex-Ross County frontman David Niven , 17, looks a potentially good player, and Fairway offered the teenager a long-term deal as 'one for the future'. Should Niven sign, it will most definatley be the final nail in Blake Norton's coffin at Babbage Way. Burscough v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 4 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Drench, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morrison, James, Khoshimov, Norton, Reeves Subs; Dempsey, Fisher (GK), Price, Thorpe, Turner [/i] Four changes for three suspensions - Drench replacing Rogers for his first start in senior football between the sticks, whilst Norton and Reeves made an unlikely front pair to replace Soames and Norville. The other change came at the back - Davies taking his left back spot back from young McShane, with new boy Morrison selected to make his debut in midifield. An unusual name on the bench was Lewis Turner, once of the clubs' youth system, but now working for the club as trainee Groundsman/Handyman. Unlikely to play, but the memories will surely come flooding back of when he too stood on the brink of something special. On a warm, dry afternoon Burscough's run-down Victoria Park stadium was certainly not looking at it's best - Owen Morrison will be wondering what he's come into. Azzizhon Khoshimov though soon gave him something to celebrate - a stunning goal on 9 minutes, driving home after James' shot from a Reeves cross was blocked. Three minutes later, Burscough's Booth saw red after a professional foul on Reeves. Morrison's free kick flew wide, but it was enough already for Burscough, who seemed to retreat and fall back to a defensive lineup. Burscough 'keeper Reid did well to deny James on 39, before Fairway made changes at the break. With two midfielders - Khoshimov and Morrison - suffering from knocks, Fairway replaced both - Price on for Khoshimov with Thorpe replacing Morrison on the left. It was Burscough though who began the second half brightly - and on 48, Hislop put the ball through for John Rhodes to score a frustratingly simple, from a defensive point of view, goal to put the home side level. 32 seconds later, Andrew James found Mark Price in the box who restored Worksop's advantage - and this time, the Tigers never looked back. A hammer-blow shot from James Dudgeon skimmed the bar on 51, whilst on 62 Damian Reeves smashed home a third - beating 'keeper Reid to James' chipped pass. 10 minutes later, the ex-Leeds man netted again - Damian Reeves' name on the scoresheet for the second time after Norton's ball found James, who slipped the ball through in a manner of which he is becoming well known. Burscough would by now have no way back, and Worksop looked more than comfortable in front of their healthy visiting support. Burscough 1 - Worksop 4 MOM; Damian Reeves (Worksop) Attendance; 326 Worksop Position After Game; 4th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 8, 2005 Author Share Posted September 8, 2005 The Tigers' victory over the Linnets saw them return to Fourth place - two wins, a draw and a defeat not a bad return from the opening four matches. Tuesday saw European Cup Group stage action return to TV Screens Europe-Wide - with Manchester United getting their campaign off to a good start with a 4-1 victory over Maccabi Haifa . van Nistelrooy, Makkay (2) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored for the Red Devils, whilst Eli Halrush netted for the Isrealis. Chelsea also began with a win - Panithaniakos brushed aside 2-0 with goals from Didier Drogba and Joe Cole . In Group D, Rangers went down 2-1 to Sporting CP with goals from Mauricio Pinalla and Beto cancelling out Dado Prso's early strike. On Wednesday morning David Niven put pen to paper - signing on until 2010. The 17-year old, a talented youngster who made just one substitute appearance for Ross County before being released last season, certainly has something to offer, and with Norville injured, will immediatley become a part of the first team squad for the time being. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> http://www.bbc.co.uk/football - Conference North - Worksop Town - Wed 14/9/05 Fairway Praises Reeves 'After the former Leeds striker scored twice against Burscough to bring his goal tally to 4 for the season, Worksop Town manager Stuart Fairway told journalists at a lunchtime press conference that he was 'delighted' with the form of Damian Reeves . Reeves, 19, is expected to have a key role to play in the Worksop squad this season, despite the recent signing of teenage hitman David Niven . "David is one for the future" Fairway told BBC Sport. "I rate him highly, but at the moment David Soames and Damian Reeves are our first-choice partnership whilst Jason Norville is out injured." </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Thursday's First Round of the UEFA Cup saw several more British sides in action - Tottenham , in Europe for the first time in over 5 years, returned with a 1-0 victory away against FC Uchrect - Robbie Keane scoring to give the Londoners an advantage for the Second Leg. Blackburn had Nils-Eric Johanssen sent off, but still beat Rio Ave of Portugal 2-0 at Ewood Park thanks to goals from Robbie Savage and Jonathan Douglas . Out of the Champions League, Aston Villa taced a tough trip to Turkey to play G.Antespor - but came away with a creditable 1-1 draw, Carlton Cole's early goal cancelled out by Mehmet Alper . Middlesborough also went to Turkey, but beat Trabsonzspor 2-0 - Marc Viduka and Bobo Zenden on the scoresheet. Scottish giants Celtic were held 1-1 by Slovakians Zilina - Chris Sutton scoring for the Bhoys with Milan Suchy netting for the home side. Motherwell were disapointed to face another tough trip to Spain after going out of the Champions League to Barcelona - Villareal winning the first leg in Spain 1-0 thanks to a Guayre goal 4 minutes from time. Completing the lineup, Dunfirmline were thumped 4-1 away at AJ Auxerre of France - John Dunn scoring for the Scots whilst Bonaventure Kalou, Yann Lachuer and Lionel Mathis (2) netted for the home side. Worksop Town v Droylsden - Conference North Game 5 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morrison, James, Khoshimov, Soames, Reeves Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Thorpe, Niven [/i] David Soames' return - replacing Norton - after suspension was expected, whilst new boy Niven replaced former youth teammer Turner on the bench. Fairway handed Owen Morrison his home debut, with the winger getting a positive reaction from the home support, and also recalled Kristian Rogers between the sticks after a ban. The Tigers began well enough - James heading over on 8 - but on 16, went behind - Burton's cross causing panic in the home defence, allowing Jody Banim to get between 'keeper and post, and - he thought - tap in from close range. As it was, Burton's cross struck Kristian Rogers and went in anyway, with an own goal marked against the 'keeper. Rogers made up for his error on 19, making a smart save to deny Cameron, bringing warm applause from the supporters in the home end. On 33 Morrison showed the first glimpses of his undoubted talent - breaking into the area before seeing Regan deflect his cross out for a corner, which was immediatley wasted. On the stroke of half time Droylsden again threatened - Burton hitting the bar - before Fairway replaced Dudgeon with Dempsey in a bid to strengthen the defence at the interval. Worksop began the second half in better spirits, and came close to drawing level when Wharton's stinging effort was turned around the post by Phillips on 54. After a disapointingly quiet spell, Fairway withdrew Reeves and Morrison on 76, sending on Niven and Price. Unfortunatley though there would be no comeback - Phillips' injury time stop from Wharton only his second save of the Second period. Worksop 0 - Droylsden 1 MOM; Chris Brown (Droylsden) Attendance; 342 Worksop Position After Game; 10th <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Halifax | | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 2 | +7 | 11 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Stafford Rangers | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 10 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Bradford PA | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 4 | +4 | 10 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Lancaster | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 8 | +3 | 10 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Gateshead | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 10 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Kettering | | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 9 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Barrow | | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 9 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Gainsborough | | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 6 | +2 | 8 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Harrogate Town | | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 5 | +2 | 8 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | WORKSOP | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 7 | +3 | 7 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Hednesford | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 7 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Droylsden | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 7 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Vauxhall Motors | | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 6 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Ashton Utd | | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Hinckley | | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 8 | -1 | 6 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Moor Green | | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 5 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Hucknall | | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 5 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Altrincham | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 4 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Northwich | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 9 | -4 | 4 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Alfreton | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 9 | -5 | 4 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Wakefield & Emley | | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 1 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Burscough | | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 14 | -10 | 1 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 8, 2005 Author Share Posted September 8, 2005 Back down to 10th, and a dismal game certainly didn't do Worksop any favours. Fairway let his players know of his frustration at recent results - the season had began brilliantly, but since then - the win over the always likely to struggle Burscough aside, things had not been so positive. On Monday Fairway learned that his men would go to Whitby Town in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Last season, Worksop reached the Fourth Qualifying Round, where they went out after a replay to Cambridge City . This time around, Fairway hoped that his side would go one better and reach the First Round Proper at least. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Eastern Daily Press - Suffolk Edition - Football - Thursday 22nd September 2005 'Ex-Town winger signs for Worksop' 'Right winger Daniel Flack , released by Ipswich Town at the end of last season has signed for Conference North side Worksop Town . Flack, 20, was born in Cambridge but joined the Ipswich youth academy straight from school. He was a regular for the Reserve side last season, but failed to make a first team appearance and was released after his contract expired. Worksop are currently 10th in the Conference North, but reached the Playoff Final last season before losing to Southport, who were eventually promoted to the National Conference. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Daniel Flack's signing had been a rare 'spur of the moment' decision from Fairway. As it turned out, it had to be - after scout Hird reported the player's potential, Fairway considered offering him a trial. When it turned out that Football League clubs had been sniffing around, a permanent contract - with all the risks associated with that particular gamble - had to be offered. Hucknall v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 6 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morrison, James, Flack, Soames, Reeves Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Niven [/i] Despite the continuing absence of Wilson and Norville through injury, Fairway was able to feel slightly more confident away to a Hucknall side suffering from equally indifferent form to that of the Tigers. Daniel Flack made his bow, replacing Khoshimov on the right of midfield, with Fairway hoping that a new face could help liven things up in the attacking third. Hucknall began brightly, with some untidy play leading to a series of free kicks - the closest coming from Plummer on 8 minutes. Worksop though set about their opponents early on, and on 15 Reeves was unlucky to draw a good stop from Brain after breaking away. Reeves again found the young 'keeper his equal on 24 - after a through ball from Flack. On 41 Worksop came even closer - Morrison's dipping cross shot almost decieving Brain, but eventually skidding wide of the far post on a rain-soaked pitch. Just as Fairway was planning on congratulating his men on a job well done in the first half, Hucknall came within a whisker of opening the scoring - Ahmed heading into the side netting from Palmer's cross. Fairway replaced Reeves at the interval, sending on teenager Niven - and on 57, the Scottish youngster put the ball in the net - David Niven on the end of a Soames' through pass to beat 'keeper Brain. After the stopper's earlier heroics, it was a bit of a soft goal to concede - the ball slipping under the ex-Newcastle man's body. Worksop were now in attacking mood, and both James and Morrison came close before Brain denied Soames on 75. With two minutes to go Fairway hauled off the impressive debutant Flack as well as the tiring James, replacing them with Khoshimov and Price respectivley. The latter in particular could have had a hand in a second - his deft touch through to Niven almost coming off, before the youngster was unceremoniously dumped by Timons. The pleas for a penalty fell on deaf ears - but a solid win the result in any case. Hucknall 0 - Worksop 1 MOM; Jonathan Brain (Hucknall) Attendance; 322 Worksop Position After Game; 7th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 10, 2005 Author Share Posted September 10, 2005 Going up to 7th brought the Tigers just 3 points off the top of the table - things so tight that 5 points seperate 1st from 14th at this stage in the campaign. Mark Wilson and Jason Norville both returned on Monday, giving Fairway plenty of options ahead of the midweek trip to Holker Street. Barrow v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 7 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morrison, James, Flack, Soames, Reeves Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Niven [/i] Despite being passed as fit by Physio Tomlinson, neither Wilson nor Norville were, what Fairway considered, 'match fit', and as such, he elected to go with an unchanged side. Both sides had chances in a congested opening - but it was Worksop who took the lead on 20 minutes. After a few weeks of promise since signing from Bradford, Owen Morrison crashed home Soames' pass to put the Tigers ahead. Barrow kicked off, and from the restart, immediatley came close to equalising - McGowan putting the shot into the side netting. On 36 though Worksop grabbed a second to increase their hold on the game - Uhlenbeek knocking the ball to Morrison, who thumped it forward. David Soames did the hard work - but at the last moment, 'keeper Waite knocked the ball off his toes - and into the path of Damian Reeves , who bagged goal number 5 for the season with relative ease. Despite the scoreline, it wasn't all Worksop - Knight struck a post on 44, before Dudgeon tripped the nippy forward on the stroke of half time. Graham Anthony stepped up, but could only send a woeful penalty straight at Kristian Rogers. At the break Fairway replaced Flack - clearly suffering from playing two games in such short succession after a couple of months out of the game - sending on Khoshimov on the right of midfield. James too seemed to have the same problem - replaced by Niven. Barrow started the second half well, and on 51 Anthony forced Rogers into a slightly better stop. Rowland's 69th minute header was even closer, grazing the post on it's way wide. With Barrow now rampant, Fairway replaced the tiring Davies with Dempsey on 78 to add more steel to his defence. The home side did pull one back at the death - Micheal Kewley's goal a mere consolation - but for the Tigers, this is another result worth celebrating. Barrow 1 - Worksop 2 MOM; Owen Morrison (Worksop) Attendance; 816 Worksop Position After Game; 4th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 10, 2005 Author Share Posted September 10, 2005 Whilst Worksop had been grinding out a win at Holker Street in front of less than a thousand, over 30,000 watched Arsenal beat Basel 2-0 in Switzerland in the European Cup on Tuesday. Thierry Henry and Robert Pires scored the goals, whilst that most rare of Ashburton Grove faces, a young English defender, started at right back in the form of Justin Hoyte, replacing the suspended Lauren. On Wednesday Manchester United went to Moscow - and thumped CSKA 3-0, with a brace from Ruud van Nistelrooy and an early Ryan Giggs effort. At Stamford Bridge Chelsea held Internazionale to a 1-1 draw - Joe Cole equalising a Guiseppe Favalli effort. Rangers weren't so lucky against AS Roma - Antonio Cassano and Olivier Dacourt scoring for the Italian outfit. With Worksop again a quiet place on Thursday, Fairway again turned to Europe for results - the UEFA Cup First Round, Second Leg. It was the end for two of the three Scottish representatives - Dunfirmline going out 6-2 on aggregate to AJ Auxerre , after losing 2-1 at home - John Dunn scoring for the Scots, whilst Kalou and Pieroni scored for the visitors. Motherwell had got off to the perfect start with a David Keogh goal inside the first minute, but Villareal struck back to draw 1-1, and go through 2-1 on aggregate after Gurrero's equaliser. Celtic did progress - Chris Sutton's late strike enough to see off Zilina 2-0 on aggregate. Aston Villa had a nervous time of it, winning on the Away Goals rule after a 1-1 draw at home to G.Antespor . Middlesborough though stormed through, also against Turkish opposition, crushing Trabzonspor 3-0 at home to win 5-0 on aggregate - Mark Viduka and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (2) on the scoresheet. Tottenham gave their supporters a fright too - Micheal Carrick scoring 4 minutes from the end to hand Spurs a 2-2 draw against FC Uchreht and put the North London outfit through 3-2 on aggregate - Jermaine Defoe also scoring for Spurs, whilst Tanghe and Schut netted for the Dutch side. Friday - and although the European action was finally over, it was bad news back at Babbage Way for Fairway. Full back Steve Nicholson fractured his cheekbone in a collision, ruling him out for around 3 weeks. Not a positive thought for the defender, who is coming up to his 34th birthday and out of contract at the end of the season... Worksop Town v Whitby Town - FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morrison, James, Flack, Soames, Reeves Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Wilson, Norville [/i] No changes to the starting lineup - but returns to the bench for injury victims Wilson and Norville, replacing Khoshimov and matchwinner at Hucknall David Niven. After surviving an early scare when Knight broke away, Worksop opened the scoring with their first chance - Damian Reeves adding another one to his scrapbook with a trademark piledriver beyond 'keeper Gregorie from Soames' pass. The 21-year old, who had a spell in the Conference North last season with Kettering, quickly became the busier of the two stoppers - forced to deny Morrison on 16 before waving a James shot over the top three minutes later. Whitby did look good coming forward - the industrious Trevor Wilkinson a threat from midfield - but when they got the ball into the box, strikers Campbell and Knight were both guilty of putting first half chances into the stands. Fairway replaced James and Soames at the break - Wilson and Norville coming on in their first matches since injury. While the second half had began slowly, mid-way through, Whitby seemed to find a second wind, and in the space of two minutes, twice could have equalised - Osbourne and Adams shooting over and wide respectivley. Worksop looked happy to sit back, and in view of this, Fairway replaced the pacey Flack with the more solid Mark Price on 69. On 81 though the home side would grab a second to kill the game off - Davies intercepting a Whitby throw to find Mark Price on the edge of the box. Price cut inside of defender Yates, but even the veteran looked suprised to see himself beat 'keeper Gregorie with a piledriver into the bottom left hand corner from the edge of the box. Worksop's performance, Fairway considered, was the best of the season to date - hard working, industrious and a clean sheet to boot. Three on the bounce now - and into the next Round of the FA Cup. Worksop 2 - Whitby 0 MOM; Kevin Davies (Worksop) Attendance; 690 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 11, 2005 Author Share Posted September 11, 2005 The £4000 prize money for progression would be a bonus at least, but Fairway was more interested in Sunday's Third Qualifying Round draw. Exeter City at home - a few years ago it would have been a big tie, but with the ex-Football League club now in the Conference South, Fairway just considered it a game against tough opponents that he could probably have done without. The local bookies immediatley made the visitors 7/1 favourites, but Fairway was adamant that, unlike last season, the Tigers' FA Cup campaign would not end in the Qualifying Rounds. Friday - and a suprise for Fairway. Grimsby Town had come in with a bid for Jason Norville . At first, Fairway looked at the £20,000 offer with scorn - but then he considered the money-spinning incentive of a future friendly match against Grimsby next preseason. Accepting the offer would also get a £400-a-week striker off the payroll, taking Worksop to just £25 a week over the agreed wage budget - but equally, one who had been crucical to his teams' hopes since arrival. Finally, the sell-on fee - 45% of the Transfer Fee would go to Norville's previous club, Watford , leaving the Tigers with a £10,000 profit on their original £1000 capture. Talking to the striker helped matters - Norville, without a goal this season, told Fairway that he would jump at the opportunity to return to the Football League, and that although he appreciated all that had been done for him at Babbage Way, he had always seen the club as a stepping stone to returning to the full-time ranks. With grudging admiration for his players' honesty, Fairway accepted the offer, with Norville travelling to Blundell Park to discuss terms. Whilst waiting to here on Norville's progress, Saturday's World Cup Qualifyers provided Fairway with something else to focus on - England held 0-0 by Austria , whilst Wales beat Northern Ireland 1-0 with a Simon Davies strike on 38. With a game remaining in Group 6, it's wide open - England currently top on goal difference from Wales and Austria. If England beat Poland 1-0 on Wednesday, then Wales need six against Azerbijan, whilst Austria need seven against Northern Ireland to overhaul them. Scotland could still qualify automatically for the World Cup as one of the two best Second Place sides - they will be in the playoffs - after a 6-0 demolition of Belarus , with goals from Kenny Miller (2), Derek Riordan (2), Kris Boyd and Darren Fletcher . Ireland could still win Group 4 after a 3-1 victory over Cyprus - Michalis Konstantinou giving Brian Kerr's men an early fright, before two from Steven Reid and one from Robbie Keane handed them the victory. If France shock the world by losing to Cyprus at home on Wednesday, then a win for the Republic over Switzerland would be enough. If not, they are likely to go through without the aid of the playoffs in any case, having racked up 22 points to take them to the top of the Second Placed Teams' unofficial group. On Tuesday morning, Jason Norville agreed his £20,000 switch to Grimsby Town . Fairway was sorry to see the Trinidadian hitman leave the club, but sent him on his way with his best wishes. Looking for potential replacements, Fairway invited two transfer-listed strikers for week-long trials - and on Wednesday, the first arrived - Port Vale youngster Dave Hibbert , a 19 year-old who started once and made nine substitute appearances for his hometown club last term. As well as Hibbert's arrival, and the international matches, Wednesday also brought injury woe for Nicolas Priet , with the young Frenchman out for a week with a strained wrist sustained in training. The final round of European World Cup Qualifyers saw England do it - qualifying automatically for the World Cup as Group winners after a 2-1 win over Poland . David Beckham's goal may have been expected, but an 81st minute winner from Gary Neville , his first international goal in 78 appearances, was certainly one for the collectors shelf. Emmanuel Olisadbe had earlier equalised for the Poles. Wales will be in the Playoffs - a 5-2 win over Azerbijan certainly full of goals. Vugar Ohhandjanian scored twice for the visitors, whilst Craig Bellamy, Robbie Savage, Gary Speed and Robert Earnshaw (2) netted for the Welsh. Northern Ireland ended Austria's hopes after David Healy equalised an early Robert Koch strike to hand the Ulstermen 5th place thanks to a 1-1 draw. Scotland will be in the playoffs too - a 2-0 win over Slovakia , with goals from Derek Riordan and James McFadden ensuring progression of sorts, whilst Ireland have joined Serbia & Montengro as one of the two automatically qualifying runners up after a 3-0 win over Switzerland - Andy O'Brien, Noel Hunt and David Connnelly rattling home the goals. In the playoffs, Wales face Bulgaria , Scotland play Russia and Holland have the toughest tie of the lot - against Turkey . On Thursday, the second of the trialists booked in - Gillingham's 19-year old Jopseph Momoh . Born in Sierra Leone, the youngster moved to England at a young age, but was now available after failing to impress in Kent. The two strikers are players of contrast - Momoh is a direct, old-fashioned style player, whilst Hibbert is more of a rounded frontman. Both would have their chance to impress in training, but for the moment, Fairway still had to make up his mind. Worksop Town v Exeter City - FA Cup Third Qualifying Round Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morrison, James, Wilson*, Soames, Reeves Subs; Proctor, Drench (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Niven [/i] Three changes on the bench, and two in the starting lineup - Exeter City would face a different Worksop team to that which beat Whitby in the previous round. Dempsey replaced the injured Priet, whilst skipper Wilson returned for Flack in midfield. On the bench Proctor stepped up for what could be his Worksop debut, whilst Khoshimov and Niven also returned, for Wilson and the departed Norville respectivley. The Tigers began brightly - within 30 seconds, Fairway's men could have taken the lead - Reeves stretching to get a head on Morrison's cross, only to send it over the bar. On 10 though the Grecians should have opened the scoring when the dangerous Drew Broughton was put away, only to fire wide of the target. Four minutes later came the closest chance yet - Morrison breaking through for Worksop, only for Wilson to be pushed by the 'keeper as he went to meet the winger's cross. After a barnstorming run, Morrison deserved the resulting penalty - but his shot was weak, and straight at 'keeper Rice. Exeter took advantage of the blunder - Afful forcing a corner off Uhlenbeek on 29, before Sean Devine completed a stunning move with a fine shot past 'keeper Rogers on 40 following Whitmore's through ball. Fairway replaced Wilson, who had struggled against Exeter's quick midfield, with Khoshimov at the break, and asked his side to get back into the match - for the first 15 minutes, the Conference North side had bossed their Southern cousins. Worksop started the second half with intent - on 57, Soames bustled past Santos Gaia, only to fire into the side netting, before Fairway made two changes on 64. Soames made way for youngster Niven - now in a better position at Worksop following Norville's recent switch - and took James off for Price. Only a few minutes had passed when 'keeper Rogers took a heavy collision, but luckily, after the 'magic sponge' to his neck, was able to carry on. There would be no glorious comeback - Uhlenbeek's cross finding Niven just offside on 80 - and, despite Fairway's hopes, this year too sees an early Worksop cup exit. Worksop 0 - Exeter 1 MOM; Theodore Whitmore (Exeter) Attendance; 2597 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 12, 2005 Author Share Posted September 12, 2005 As feared, Kristian Rogers strained neck muscles against Exeter - the 25-year old ruled out for 5 days, keeping him out of Tuesday's League clash against Kettering. Worksop Town v Kettering Town - Conference North Game 8 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Drench, Uhlenbeek, Davies, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Price, Morrison, James, Wilson*, Soames, Reeves Subs; Proctor, Fisher (GK), Wharton, Khoshimov, Niven [/i] With Rogers out, Steven Drench returned to the starting lineup - and Fairway also rested Wharton, with Price replacing the defensive midfielder for his first League start of the season - and indeed, his Worksop career. The Poppies began brightly, with Barraclough firing over on 9 minutes, before Worksop's Kevin Davies shot over on the turn on 16. Kettering settled down quickly, winning a lot of the play in midfield, and on 30 Robinson was inches away from netting from a Barraclough cross. The ex-Derby man again should have scored just before the break - forcing Drench into a good stop on his line. In a bid to bring some relief to his under-fire men, Fairway replaced Soames and Wilson at half time, with Niven and Proctor coming on respectivley. Handing Proctor his senior bow, Fairway asked the ex-Preston teenager to play in his usual central defence role, with Dempsey moving to full back and Gus Uhlenbeek pushing up into a role on the right of midfield. Reeves came close to bring a little light relief to the home support, who had little to sing about in the dry but chilly weather, on 52 - but on 58, Jamie Paterson finally beat Drench, firing Robinson's pass into the corner from the edge of the box. Scrappy play dominated the final third, with the visiting physio twice onto the field, and there would be but a couple of chances in that last half hour - The Poppies' Burgess denied by a fingertip save on 81, before Kettering's Barrett was forced into parrying Niven's low volley in the final minute. Despite a healthy attendance, Worksop played poorly - not badly, but just with little that ever looked likely to inspire a victory. Worksop 0 - Kettering 1 MOM; Ian Barralough (Kettering) Attendance; 1541 Worksop Position After Game; 6th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 12, 2005 Author Share Posted September 12, 2005 Whilst Worksop were pretty dismal in going down to Kettering, Arsenal had a successful Tuesday night in the European Cup - Micheal Owen and veteran Dennis Bergkamp scoring the goals in a 2-0 home win over Shaktar Donestk . Wednesday - D-Day. D for Decision - with the fortunes of two trialist strikers in the spotlight. After weighing up his options, Fairway considered a move for Gillingham's Joseph Momoh the wisest, and allowed Dave Hibbert to return to Port Vale . Fairway faxed through an offer of no cash up front for the 19-year old, but a fee of £5000 after Momoh had scored his 30th league goal for the Tigers. Wednesday evening brought more action in the European Cup - Manchester United beating Banik Ostrava 3-0, with a brace from Ruud van Nistelrooy and an Alan Smith strike. Deportivo La Coruna held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw - Albert Luque and Kristián Lisztes scored for the Spaniards, whilst Eidur Gudjohnsen and Didier Drogba netted for the Blues in the Second Half. Up in Glasgow, Bayer Leverkusen departed Ibrox with a 1-0 win - Robson Ponté scoring the only goal against Rangers . On Thursday Gillingham accepted Fairway's bid for striker Joseph Momoh - giving Fairway the chance to offer the striker a deal. Offering him £50 a week until 2008, Fairway also included goal and assist bonuses, plus a promotion wage rise to the youngster, at the expense of slightly lower basic pay for the 19-year old. Thursday also saw UEFA Cup action - with the English sides coming off badly. Aston Villa went down 4-0 to AC Milan - Anelka and Shevchenko proving themselves a class apart with two apiece. Tottenham had it slightly closer - losing 2-1 to Werder Bremen - Robbie Keane netting for Spurs whilst Jensen and Nery scored for the Germans. Celtic though did get a useful victory, beating Mallorca 2-0 in Palma - Chris Sutton and John Hartson both scoring. Frustratingly for Fairway, Joseph Momoh took until Saturday morning to put pen to paper - although the deal went through in time for his potential inclusion against Stafford Rangers , Fairway considered the game too soon for the youngster - who had yet to meet his teammates since signing permanent forms. Worksop Town v Stafford Rangers - Conference North Game 9 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morrison, James, Wilson*, Soames, Reeves Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Niven [/i] Three positive fitness tests meant three changes for the Tigers - Rogers, Wharton and Priet all returning with Drench, Price and Dempsey all back on the bench. Young Niven would relish an opportunity to impress in front of Momoh - introduced on the pitch before the game, but not involved, who is probably his main rival for the third striker slot for the time being - the Scot as usual on the bench despite Momoh's availability. A slow, scrappy start to the game saw the first real chance come on 22 minutes - McAughtrie firing a free kick wide for the visitors after Wharton had tripped Fife. On 24 Worksop really should have scored - Uhlenbeek's deflected cross came to Morrison, who put his effort wide when he had plenty of goal to aim at. Stafford's change late in the first half to a more defneisve formation hardly encouraged attacking play - although it was the visitors, with Gary Fife, who could have taken the lead on the stroke of half time - a dipping volley grazing Rogers' bar. Fairway replaced nobody at the break, but after an equally dull start to the second half, sent Niven and Khoshimov on for Soames and Morrison after 67 minutes. It hardly made a difference - Khoshimov's deflected chance which fell to the 'keeper on 81 the only real moment of excitement - whilst for the 333 inside Babbage Way, it would only be the bitterly cold weather that kept them awake. Disapointing. Worksop 0 - Stafford 0 MOM; Wayne Daniel (Stafford) Attendance; 333 Worksop Position After Game; 8th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartley_m Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 Forms a bit dodgy for the start of the new season, but the performances seem promising. Keep writing! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 13, 2005 Author Share Posted September 13, 2005 Cheers Bartley - Yes, we've started a bit indifferently, but the potential definatley is there Monday brought the draw for the First Round of the FA Trophy - with Worksop drawn against Ilkeston Town at home. Last season, the Trophy proved utterly unsuccessful for Fairway's men - a dismal showing away at little East Thurrock seeing them bow out early on. Like with the Cup, this season, Fairway was determined things would be different. Wednesday's return for Steve Nicholson brought a welcome boost - the fullback out with a head injury sustained late in August. Fairway also had to deal with an agent late on Wednesday, and although he would usually be annoyed about being called at home, this time, things were different. Fairway never had liked dealing with middlemen - as a player he negociated his own contracts, and that was how things had tended to be as a manager. This time though, the 'representative' had some interesting news. Ex-Aberdeen 'keeper Mark Peat was available - and, for once, Fairway agreed with an agent. "A snip" the voice promised him, "at £2000". Fairway contacted Albion Rovers first thing on Thursday morning, and found that it was indeed the truth - the 23-year old stopper would indeed be available for that ridiculously low fee. With doubts over the reliability of Rogers, Fairway matched the Scottish clubs' demands, hoping that Peat would see the move to England as an opportunity. Friday - and bad news for Mark Wilson . After picking up a groin strain in training, Fairway sent his skipper to physio John Tomlinson for a specialist examination. An hour later, Wilson was on his way to a specialist in such matters, and ruled out for three weeks. The midfielder's performances all season suggested a niggling injury, and with his captain now 34, Fairway had no intention of allowing things to get worse. Perhaps worse news would head to the Norton household - 21 year old striker Blake Norton never a Worksop regular under Fairway, although he did net 4 times last season - and now, his Worksop career was over. With the strikers' contract up in the summer, Fairway decided to hand him a free, hoping that he would be able to find a new club before the financially testing Christmas period. Blake Norton - SC - 4(11) Games/4 Goals - Released With no game on Saturday due to the FA Cup, Fairway had been looking forward to Wednesday's trip to Vauxhall Motors . The Motormen, however, had other ideas - a draw at Barnet meant a replay, and the cancellation of the league trip until early November. Instead, Fairway's men would have another week to wait before the visit of Ilkeston in the Trophy. Mixed news on Monday brought about two very different problems. The first wasn't so much of a problem as an opportunity - Mark Peat didn't fancy the move to Worksop. His club, Albion Rovers , did though - accepting a £2000 offer to enable Fairway to talk terms. With the 'keeper high on his list of priorities, Fairway still offered a contract, hoping that the carrot of £375-a-week until 2010, plus a substantial bonus package, would be enough to change his mind. On the downside, Nicolas Priet would be out for a week with a twisted knee. Tuesday's European Cup action saw Manchester United travel to Banik Ostrava , and come away with a useful 2-0 victory - Roy Makkay scoring twice. Chelsea played out a hugely entertaining 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge with Deportivo - Krisztián Lisztes, Arouna Koné and Sergio scoring for the Spaniards - the latter's late leveller denying Chelsea a win after goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Didier Drogba and Paulo Ferreria saw them lead into the last 10 minutes. Rangers European Cup hopes look doomed though - bottom of Group D by a long way, with two from Leverkusen striker Ivica Olic hardly helping matters in Germany. The following evening Arsenal took to the field - summer signing Micheal Owen scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Shaktar Donestk . Thursday's UEFA Cup matches saw Middlesborough held away by Partizan - Mark Viduka scoring for 'Boro with Ilic replying late on. Blackburn also got a creditable point, drawing 1-1 at home to Mallorca - Brett Emerton equalising Correra's strike just two minutes before. Celtic did manage a win, beating Groclin 1-0 thanks to John Hartson . A firm 'no' on Friday ended Fairway's hopes of landing 'keeper Mark Peat . The Scottish youngster - allegedly also attracting the interest of other clubs - telling Fairway that Conference North would be a downward step he was not prepared to take. Worksop Town v Ilkeston Town - FA Trophy First Round Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Dempsey, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morrison, James, Flack, Momoh, Reeves Subs; Proctor, Drench (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Niven [/i] No Soames, Priet or Wilson - the former perhaps a suprise ommision, with Fairway instead handing Joseph Momoh his debut. Kevin Davies took over the captaincy, with Daniel Flack also back in midfield for the Trophy clash. It took just 31 seconds for Worksop to take the lead - Damian Reeves did the hard work in the first place, before slipping the ball to James, only for 'keeper Henry to push the Scots' shot away - straight into the path of Reeves, who made no mistake from close range. Four minutes later, Worksop had another - Morrison breaking down the left, before crossing to Joseph Momoh , who struck home on the volley to make an early impression on the home supporters. Ilkeston were shellshocked - and with the visitors still to trouble 'keeper Rogers, Owen Morrison arrived at the far post to meet a Reeves cross and make it three - quite a record after Worksop had gone three games without scoring. Even worse was to come on 29 - Uhlenbeek's ball causing problems for Ilkeston, and with Damian Reeves nipping through, Ian Dixon tripped him - and saw red for what was a crude professional foul. At the break Fairway sent on Proctor for Dudgeon, feeling that the youngster would benefit from the positive experience. The second half began slowly, but Joseph Momoh added number four on 63 - 'keeper Henry making a hash of a Morrison cross to allow the new boy to shoot into an unguarded net. Ilkeston finally registered their first chance of the match on 81 - Adams putting Clarke through, only for Rogers to race off his line and deflect the ball to safety, before Davies hooked it away. A fifth was inevitable, and with five minutes remaining, Andrew James stabbed home Flack's near-post cross to hand Worksop a fine victory. Worksop 5 - Ilkeston 0 MOM; Andrew James (Worksop) Attendance; 263 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 14, 2005 Author Share Posted September 14, 2005 As Fairway relaxed to watch Match of the Day after his biggest win as Worksop manager, his thoughts turned to League One . It had been another dismal afternoon for his beloved Brighton & Hove Albion - after the pain of relegation from the Championship last time, to see Brighton bottom of League One was certainly something to sour his mood. In 14 games, they had achieved just three victories - and a goal difference of -15, as well as Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to fellow strugglers Cheltenham told it's own story. His mood would be lightened by a cheque for £2000 on Sunday morning - the prize money for progression - whilst the Draw pitted Worksop against Conference South opposition - Havant & Waterlooville due to visit Babbage Way in a match that would undoubtedly test Fairway's men. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Worksop Observer - Football - Wednesday 9/11/05 'Uhlenbeek A Gem - Fairway' " Worksop Town manager Stuart Fairway has praised summer signing Gus Uhlenbeek with the full back set to miss Saturday's clash with local rivals Gainsborough Trinity as he is on International Duty. "It'll be great for Gus to play internationally" said Fairway. "Since he's been here, I've been very impressed with his commitment and ability, and he has settled in well". Uhlenbeek, 35, is set to play for Surinam on Saturday against Trinidad & Tobago in an International Friendly." </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Fairway's decision to praise his full back went down well with Tigers supporters - one telling local radio that "He's set the world alight here - it was a superb signing" on Wednesday evening. On Friday Fairway recieved another defensive boost - Frenchman Nicolas Priet resuming training after a week on the sidelines with a strained knee. Worksop Town v Gainsborough Trinity - Conference North Game 10 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Dempsey, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morrison, James, Flack, Momoh, Reeves Subs; Proctor, Drench (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Soames [/i] With Uhlenbeek on International duty, Fairway moved Dempsey to right back, and brought Priet back into the centre of defence. After his absence, David Soames made the bench for the game, with Momoh continuing in attack after his impressive debut showing in the Trophy. On a wet afternoon Worksop began well - Reeves firing wide on 5 before attempting to round 'keeper Holmshaw on 16, only to fall in the box. Referee Bainbridge was less than impressed, and booked the striker for diving. Gainsborough too had chances - only a brave block from James preventing Walters' inswinging corner from causing real panic - but on 37, Alex Allen tripped Andrew James inside the box. Worksop haven't got a particularly good penalty record in recent times - but Joseph Momoh made no mistake, beating Holmshaw with a low, powerful effort to the corner of the net. On 43 though the Worksop back line went to sleep - Purkiss putting the ball down the line for Ellington, who crossed and found Steve Walters totally unmarked at the far post to head past a furious Rogers. Fairway introduced Soames at the break, replacing Reeves - and two minutes later, the Tigers retook the lead. A useful run from Morrison saw the ball pulled back, and James' pass put Joseph Momoh with space ahead of him inside the box. He would make no mistake, contuining to endear himself to the home support with a good strike into the corner. In similar circumstances to their first goal, Gainsborough could have levelled on 55 - Wood heading wide with the defence slightly more alert on this occasion. Three minutes later, Momoh's dream of a hatrick on his league debut was denied - Holmshaw making a superb block save after Flack had played a direct ball to put him away. On 67 he was again unfortunate - but this time, the rebound fell to David Soames , who, despite a difficult angle, proved that he too could score goals. Fairway replaced Morrison and Davies on 76, confident that his side were in command - sending on Khoshimov, who took the captaincy, and Proctor. Wharton could have put the icing on the cake - firing wide on 79 - but for Worksop, against their local rivals, this victory will more than do. Worksop 3 - Gainsborough 1 MOM; Andrew James (Worksop) Attendance; 338 Worksop Position After Game; 7th <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Kettering | | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 6 | +6 | 21 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Hednesford | | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 20 | 7 | +13 | 20 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Stafford Rangers | | 11 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 16 | 8 | +8 | 20 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Gateshead | | 11 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 13 | 11 | +2 | 20 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Bradford PA | | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 18 | 12 | +6 | 19 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Lancaster | | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 18 | 13 | +5 | 18 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | WORKSOP | | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 16 | 10 | +6 | 17 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Gainsborough | | 11 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 19 | 17 | +2 | 16 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Harrogate Town | | 11 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 14 | 12 | +2 | 16 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Altrincham | | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 11 | 10 | +1 | 15 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Droylsden | | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 17 | -1 | 15 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Halifax | | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 14 | 11 | +3 | 14 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Barrow | | 11 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 14 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Hucknall | | 11 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 14 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Moor Green | | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 15 | 17 | -2 | 12 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Vauxhall Motors | | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 13 | -4 | 12 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Hinckley | | 10 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 14 | -3 | 11 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Ashton Utd | | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 10 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Alfreton | | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 15 | -7 | 9 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Northwich | | 10 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 10 | 15 | -5 | 8 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Wakefield & Emley | | 10 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 17 | -11 | 6 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Burscough | | 10 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 27 | -18 | 1 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 14, 2005 Author Share Posted September 14, 2005 Saturday also saw the vital World Cup Qualifying Playoff games - with mixed results for the two home nations involved. Wales struck twice late on through John Hartson to hold Bulgaria 2-2 in Cardiff - Todorov and Berbatov , both English-based players, scoring for the visitors. Scotland went down 2-1 away in Russia - Darren Fletcher's goal giving some hope after Panov and Sennikov had netted for the home side. In the other match, Holland thumped Turkey 5-1. Also on the International scene, but in Friendly matches, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were both in action. Northern Ireland lost 1-0 to the Ukraine , whilst the Republic achieved a positive 2-0 win over Sweden , with goals from Noel Hunt and Robbie Keane . On a Worksop front, Gus Uhlenbeek played 75 minutes of Surinam's 2-0 defeat by Trinidad & Tobago - and again earnt the call to play for his national team in 3 day's time against Puerto Rico - meaning he would miss Wednesday's League clash with Halifax Halifax Town v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 11 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Dempsey, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morrison, James, Flack, Momoh, Reeves Subs; Proctor, Drench (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Soames [/i] With Uhlenbeek again unavailable, Fairway stuck with an unchanged side - and saw Halifax set about Worksop from the off. They surged forward - Ross, Mallon, Bushell and Mansaram all breaching the Tigers penalty box inside the opening 10 minutes - but on 10, Owen Morrison struck Worksop ahead - meeting James' pass with a firm, low drive to beat the 'keeper. It was a little unjust perhaps, but Halifax soon bounced back - again attacking with vigour, with Twaddle in particular a threat. Things began to go wrong for the home side on 29 - Steve Bushell seeing red for a trip on Morrison. Two minutes later, Worksop scored in comical circumstances. A straightforward-loooking backpass from Karl Munroe caused real trouble for 'keeper Ian Dunbavin - the ex-Liverpool man deciding on thumping the ball, rather than trapping it first, slipping, and ending up beaten by his own player. Rogers was still by far the busier goalkeeper - but on the stroke of half time, in what would prove his last action of the game, Joseph Momoh fired home from a James through ball to beat Dunbavin and give his side a healthy lead at the break. Momoh was though replaced at the interval - with Worksop in command according to the scoresheet, if not the statistics, Fairway felt it wise to rest the youngster - Soames replacing him - and also sent Price on for Flack. Soames' first act was a defensive one - heading Mansaram's cross away from Twaddle - and on 49, Rogers did very well to acrobatically tip over from the same player. Halifax continued to huff and puff without success - and on 82, sub David Soames smashed home number 4 - Mark Price's long ball hardly elegant, but certainly effective, with the striker finishing well from outside the box. Superb! Halifax 0 - Worksop 4 MOM; Andrew James (Worksop) Attendance; 807 Worksop Position After Game; 4th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 14, 2005 Author Share Posted September 14, 2005 Wednesday also brought the Second Legs of the World Cup Qualifying Playoffs - Wales leaving it late, but sealing a 3-2 win in Bulgaria to send them through - Craig Bellamy, Rhys Weston and a Iliyan Stoyanov own goal - the same player scored at the other end for his own nation though. Marian Hristov netted the other goal for Bulgaria. Russia came to Scotland in a positive mood - but were thumped 4-1. Paul Gallagher (2), Kenny Miller and Barry Ferguson all scored, whilst Dimitry Bulykin scored late on for Russia. In the other match, Turkey played out a 0-0 draw with Holland, who were already well ahead from the first leg. In International Freindly action England thumped Denmark 3-0 - whilst also handing debuts to Tommy Smith of Derby, David Bentley of Arsenal and Tony Hibbert of Everton. Disapointingly for Fairway, ex-Brighton star Bobby Zamora made the squad for the first time, but failed to appear. Micheal Owen scored all three in a solid win. Ireland went down 2-0 in Brazil , whilst Northern Ireland were held 0-0 by UAE . Gus Uhlenbeek came on as a late sub for Surinam in a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico With Mark Wilson returning from Physiotherapy with a clean bill of health on Friday, and Gus Uhlenbeek reporting back fit from international duty, Fairway was pleased to have a full squad available for selection as his side looked to continue on their good run. Lancaster City v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 12 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morrison, James, Flack, Momoh, Reeves Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Khoshimov, Soames [/i] Uhlenbeek's return ended Paul Dempsey's run at right back - the defender dropping to the bench with the veteran international preferred after a positive week on the global scene. Three minutes in however, it appeared he was still in Surinam - Hughes simply ghosted past Uhlenbeek to cross, allowing Steve Jones to nip in and beat 'keeper Rogers at the near post. Worksop levelled six minutes later after an equal lapse in concentration. Wharton's free kick was played into the box, and as Momoh flicked the ball on, 'keeper Ryan Yeomans strecthed in a bid to reach it. He succeeded - but his touch proved crucial, the ball going in off the 'keepers palm. Lancaster then settled down, and both MacSween and Scott tested Rogers before on 33 he was beaten - Scott's cross tapped home at the far post by Steve Jones for his second of the afternoon. Fairway's men were fortunate not to fall further behind just before the break - on 41 Hughes broke clear from MacSween's pass, only to fire wide of the target. Fairway replaced Reeves with Soames at the break, in the hope of adding some power to his attack, but on 54 it was strike partner Momoh who came closest - teeing up Wharton for a shot which 'keeper Yeomans got down well to save. By comparison to the first, the Second period was poor - Fairway replaced two further players, Flack and Uhlenbeek, on 76 - with Khoshimov and Dempsey replacing them. Finally, in injury time, and with the first chance for either side since Wharton had tested the 'keeper, Dempsey put Khoshimov away down the right. The Uzbekistani winger crossed, and what should have been a comfortable take for the unfortunate Yeomans was instead spilled at the feet of David Soames , who certainly made no mistake from close range. A draw the unlikely - and, perhaps, undeserved result. Lancaster 2 - Worksop 2 MOM; Steve Jones (Lancaster) Attendance; 729 Worksop Position After Game; 6th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 14, 2005 Author Share Posted September 14, 2005 On Monday morning Fairway reached a - somewhat belated - decision on the fates of three of his players. Steve Nicholson, Miles Thorpe and Mark Price are all on the wrong side of 30 and all out of contract at the end of the campaign. Fairway called the three to his office after training. Just one of them would get a contract offer for next season - but the other two would not be forced out, as they had been loyal servants to the club. Having said that, Fairway did tell the two players that he would make their availability known, but reiterated that they would not be transfer listed. It wouldn't have come as much of a suprise to either of them - Steve Nicholson and Miles Thorpe have made just two substitute appearances - both by Thorpe - between them this season, but Fairway's decision to offer the 37-year old Mark Price a new one year deal was more of a suprise. Tuesday's European Cup action saw Arsenal achieve a superb 2-1 victory over Juventus in the Delle Alpi. Summer capture Xavi and Georgian international Levan Kobiashvili scored in the first half, while Ruben Ariel Olivera pulled one back on the stroke of half time for the Italian giants. On Wednesday morning a delighted Mark Price put pen to paper on a year's extension to his current contract, taking him up to the summer of 2007 and past his 39th birthday and - surely - up to the end of his career as a player. Vauxhall Motors v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 13 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Morrison, James, Khoshimov, Momoh, Reeves Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Niven, Soames [/i] Fairway decided against handing last weeks' goal hero Soames a start for the midweek trip to Ellsemere Port - but did leave out Daniel Flack, giving fan favourite Khoshimov a place on the right. Niven came onto the bench, with Fairway keen to return to winning ways against a side tipped to do well, but who instead found themselves at the wrong end of the table. The Motormen attacked from the off, and it was little suprise when they opened the scoring on 15. The manner of the goal though was a little more of a shock - as Khoshimov looked to bring the ball away for Worksop, he was obstructed by Lee Woodyat. The Assistant Referee saw things differently - and awarded Vauxhall Motors a penalty for a push on the 'Motors defender. Darren Wright made no mistake from the spot, to leave Fairway fuming. Worksop pushed on, and James forced a save from Dittmer before Reeves drilled wide on 25. Vauxhall's second of the match, on the stroke of half time, was at least deserved - a classic counter-attacking move, with youngster Prince Toku pulling the ball square for Darren Wright to net his second of the game. Fairway replaced Momoh, who had taken a knock, and Khoshimov at the break - replacing the duo with Soames and Niven respectivley. The Tigers started the second half in better form - Morrison's running causing great problems, and earning a corner on 54. Three minutes later, Niven's long pass released Reeves. Lee Woodyat expected to go - but would get away without a card for his trip on the ex-Leeds striker. Owen Morrison did punish him however, sending in a free kick which took a deflection and ended up nestled in the corner. Worksop surged forward - Niven seeing a shot from a corner well held by Dittmer, whilst on 66 that man again, Morrison, set Worksop up for what earlier on had looked an unlikely equaliser. A superb run and cross was met perfectly by Damian Reeves , who made no mistake with a powerful header beyond the 'keeper. On 74, in a bid to find the winning formula, Fairway replaced the tiring Morrison with Price - but two minutes later, saw his side fall back behind after doing the hard work of pulling Vauxhall Motors back. As the home side threw men forward, Woodyat found himself in the unlikely situation of running at the defence. The defender bustled past Niven, and delivered a low, swinging cross to the far post. Worksop arms flew up, the defenders stopped - and Tom Lamb stole in to tuck the ball away, with the offside flag remaining firmly down. This time, there would be no comeback - Motors' Steve McNulty dismissed for a second bookable offence in injury time, but the defeat Worksop's 4th of the season. Vauxhall Motors 3 - Worksop 2 MOM; Owen Morrison (Worksop) Attendance; 334 Worksop Position After Game; 6th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 15, 2005 Author Share Posted September 15, 2005 On paper, Wednesday night's European Cup defeat for Manchester United is somewhat of a suprise - the Red Devils going down 3-0 to Maccabi Haifa . Although United played a team of mainly youngsters, as they have already qualified, they did start with £35 million worth of striking talent in Wayne Rooney and Alan Smith. Eli Harush (2) and Eyal Dahan scored for the Isrealies. Chelsea did need to win against Panithaniakos - and succeeded 2-0. The hideously expensive José Antonio Reyes , and the slightly less pricey Eidur Gudjohnsen netted against the Greeks at Stamford Bridge, ensuring the Blues progression. Whilst Rangers did gain their first point with a 0-0 draw against Sporting CP , but the Scots are already out of the Competition. Thursday morning's post revealed that bookings for Damian Reeves and Owen Morrison had seen them reach the five yellow cards for the season mark - ruling both out for one match. Unfortunatley for both players - and their manager - that game would come on Saturday, with Worksop in FA Trophy action. Thursday evening's UEFA Cup matches saw Aston Villa held 1-1 by Athletic Club of Spain. Gavin McCann scored for the Villa, whilst Karanka levelled for the Spanish side. In Group B Blackburn Rovers went down to a late Karwan goal after Zawadzki had cancelled out Paul Gallagher's opener against Groclin . In the same Group, Celtic beat Loko Plovdiv 1-0, thanks to a goal from John Hartson , to qualify for the knockout stages. In Group E, Gustavo Valera scored the only goal for Middlesborough as they beat Udinese 1-0 at the Riverside. Tottenham also kept alive their hopes of progression - it's been a woeful season for Spurs after promising so much last term by winning both Cup competitions, but they now lie 17th in the League and bottom of UEFA Cup Group F - only two wins in their last two matches would be enough to possibly progress. Jermaine Defoe kept that remote hope alive with an equaliser at White Hart Lane after Pedersen had earlier scored for Rosenborg . Worksop Town v Havant & Waterlooville - FA Trophy Second Round Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Khoshimov, James, Flack, Momoh, Soames Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Wilson, Niven [/i] With five-goal hitman Joseph Momoh shaking off a knock, Fairway had just two enforced changes to make to his side - Reeves and Morrison banned, so Flack and Soames deputise. On the bench, continuing his comeback from intensive physiotheraphy, Fairway intended to give skipper Wilson at least some time on the pitch. The Tigers began brightly - Andrew James in particular an early threat, with the Scot firing over on 7 before setting up Momoh on 9 - Howells saving well. On 21 though the home side did open the scoring - Momoh's intelligent pass to Davies on the left allowing the full back to whip in a cross - and David Soames was left unmarked at the far post, placing a simple header over the quick-to-react 'keeper Howells. Havant's reply was instant - but both Champion, on 23, and Blake, on 31, could only graze the bar despite it probably being easier to at least test 'keeper Rogers on both occasions. Fairway replaced Flack at the break for skipper Wilson, hoping to ease him back into first team football, while on 55 Worksop were unlucky not to bag a second - Momoh again close from Wilson's through ball. Ex-Brighton man Geoff Pitcher was the main dangerman for the visitors later on in the second half - first forcing a save from Rogers then, on 71, coming close with a scorcher of a free kick. Fairway replaced a now-tiring James on 76, sending on veteran Mark Price. Khoshimov could have scored a second on 86, but sent his shot wide, before Wilson hit the side netting in injury time. Progression assured - and back to winning ways for Worksop after a couple of wasted opportunities in the League. Worksop 1 - Havant & Waterlooville 0 MOM; Azzizhon Khoshimov (Worksop) Attendance; 285 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted September 15, 2005 Author Share Posted September 15, 2005 Sunday morning, and while Fairway happily recieved a £3000 cheque for progression to the Third Round of the FA Trophy, Mike Marsh cleared his Burscough desk - sacked after going 13 matches without a win since promotion into the Conference North. He hardly had an easy time of it - starting the season with just two senior players signed on after a summer of turmoil. New players have arrived since then, but they have only been enough to help Burscough to two draws. A day later, Worksop took part in the FA Trophy Third Round draw. With the Conference National sides entering the competition at this stage, Fairway was hoping to avoid a tricky first tie. Fellow Conference North outfit Kettering Town won't be the easiest of opponents, but it could have been worse, in Fairway's eyes. Worksop Town v Harrogate Town - Conference North Game 14 Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Khoshimov, James, Morrison, Reeves, Soames Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Wilson, Momoh Returns for the previously suspended Morrison and Reeves, but only a bench spot for new boy Momoh - Fairway ringing the changes for the return to league action. Harrogate though started with a passion - Krief should have scored on 3, heading straight at Rogers, whilst on 6 James Turley did beat the 'keeper - cleverly bringing down Wood's chipped pass before shooting home. Two minutes later, Worksop were back on level terms - a Khoshimov cross inexcusably headed square across his own box by Dinning, into the path of Damian Reeves, who made no mistake from close range. Rogers though was the busier of the two 'keepers for the majority of the first half - forced into several saves - Smith in particular close on 32 on the half volley. Just before the break - an ideal time - though, it was Damian Reeves who was on hand to tap in Soames' near-post cross to score his 10th goal of the season. The ex-Leeds man, who began his Worksop career poorly after joining towards the end of last season, has developed into a real talismanic figure for the club, and the home support were delighted with his well-taken effort. Fairway replaced nobody at the break, but almost found his side immediatley level after the break - Turley again the dangerman, but firing wide for the visitors on 50. Leigh Wood too was unfortunate, shooting wide on 59 - before Fairway did make a double change on 66, sending on veteran Mark Wilson for James, with Momoh replacing Soames up front. The striker's first opportunity came from an awkward angle on 72, but earnt a corner when Pettiger tipped over the top - but the best was yet to come. Soon after Mark Haran had gone for a second bookable offence, Owen Morrison drilled home Reeves' pass from the tightest of angles three minutes from time, beating 'keeper Pettiger with a shot that always seemed destined for the roof of the net. Victory assured, Worksop settled down - and a clearly delighted Fairway celebrated on the pitch with his men at the end. There's a long way to go, but Worksop look like a team on a mission. Worksop 3 - Harrogate 1 MOM; Kristian Rogers (Worksop) Attendance; 334 Worksop Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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