Walking in a Worksop Wonderland

[displaced_seagull]

Worksop Observer - Football - Wednesday 30/11/05

'Fairway Frees Duo'

"After telling Miles Thorpe and Steve Nicholson that their contracts would not be reknewed for next season, Worksop manager Stuart Fairway has handed both players free transfers. Worksop are thought to have paid in the region of £1000 to each to buy out the remaining seven months on their contracts, both of which were due to expire in the summer".

Miles Thorpe - ML - 16(18) Games/3 Goals - Released

Steve Nicholson - DR - 24(9) Games/1 Goal - Released

With Thorpe and Nicholson departing, Fairway's squad was down to 21 players, with three of those goalkeepers. In comparision with many other clubs at this level, Fairway still considered it a very strong one - with three strikers capable of scoring goals, and with all four strikers - young David Niven included, still in the early stages of their career, he considered that his side could now push on, relieved of the 'dead wood' of the two ageing players who had found themselves with little to offer this season.

Wednesday's UEFA Cup ties saw Aston Villa - now managerless after the recent dismissal of David O'Leary - draw 2-2 with Bourssia Monchengladbach - Juan Pablo Angel scoring for the Birmingham side whilst Giuiza and Sverkos were on target for the German outfit. Blackburn's Group B hopes now look doomed - a 2-1 defeat to Loko Plovdiv not enough to mathematically deny them progression, but in practice Rovers are most probably out. Morten Gamst Pedersen netted, whilst Kushev and Valchev struck in the second half for the Bulgarians.

A day later, Middlesborough and Tottenham were in UEFA Cup action - both unsuccessfully. Middlesborough retain a decent chance of progression, despite going down 2-1 to Standard Liege - Assou-Ekotto and De Groote scored for the Belgians, with young David Clarkson pulling one back for 'Boro. Spurs meanwhile look unlikely to progress, but could still go through should results go in their favour. Lyon proved stiff opposition in France, with goals from Wiltord and Kerzakhov sandwiching an Andy Reid strike.

Without a game on Saturday, Fairway decided a trip down to Sussex to see family was in order. It also meant he could take in Brighton & Hove Albion's FA Cup Second Round match against Tamworth of the Conference National. Albion were still deep in the mire at the wrong end of League One, but against the Lambs the Seagulls were in emphatic form, Fairway amongst the South Stand faithful as Dean Hammond and Richard Carpenter both scored twice each in a 4-0 victory.

It was then straight back to Worksop - and a new trialist. Fraser McLaughan , a 23-year old midfielder, was released by Mansfield in November, and came to Fairway's attention via scout Shaun Hird. After releasing Thorpe and Nicholson, the Worksop wage budget stood at £120-a-week under Chairman Raymond's limit - and after inviting the Manchester-born player for a 2 week trial, Fairway was immediatley impressed. With Coaches Price and Morgan, as well as assistant manager Aspizau raving about him, a contract was on the table within a matter of hours.

On Tuesday morning, Fraser McLaughlan signed a permanent deal with Worksop - a contract taking him up to the summer of 2007. Tuesday evening saw the final European Cup Group stage game for Manchester United - Wayne Rooney equalising Vagner Love's early strike for CSKA Moscow . Chelsea lost a pulsating clash to Inter Milan , but will still progress to the knockout stages - Thomas Khalenberg and Scott Parker netting for the Blues, whilst Edgar Davids, Julio Ricardo Cruz and Simone Inzaghi scored for the Italians - four of the goals coming in the first half. Rangers bowed out with a 2-1 defeat to Roma - Barry Ferguson scoring for the Scots, whilst Hernan Crespo and a Gaetano D'Agostino were on target for Roma, who, unsuprisingly, go through as Group winners.

Wednesday's European Cup action saw the completion of the Group Stages - Arsenal finishing top of Group G after a 2-0 win over Basel , with Thierry Henry and Robin Van Persie on the scoresheet for the Gunners. Domestically, after nearly throwing the title away last season, they are currently in third place, behind Chelsea and suprise package Charlton . Derby prop up the table, with just six points from 16 matches, and already look doomed. Southampton and West Brom look favourites for an immediate return to the top flight.

Bradford Park Avenue v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 15

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Khoshimov, James, Morrison, Reeves, Soames

Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), McLaughlan, Wilson, Momoh [/i]

With Second travelling to Third, Fairway made one change to his squad for the visit of Bradford Park Avenue - bringing in new signing Fraser McLaughlan for a spot on the bench, in place of Mark Price. Despite coming through two 45-minute spells unscathed, Fairway still considered the match too soon for skipper Mark Wilson. Worksop got off to a dream start - five minutes in David Soames fired home the rebound after 'keeper Jones could only parry from Reeves. Worksop then entered a 'purple patch' - Khoshimov, Reeves and Morrison all looking particularly handy before the break. At half time Fairway handed a debut to McLaughlan - replacing James, and also sent on Wilson for a tiring Owen Morrison. The home side looked brighter after the interval - Clayton firing wide on 47, whilst Worksop continued to waste their still-frequent chances - Soames guilty of two misses on 57 and 59 that would have put the game beyond doubt. A double change on the hour though reaped rewards for the visitors - three minutes later, Brown thumped the ball long for Ben Cressey to chase, and the Avenue skipper beat 'keeper Rogers to net his first of the season. New boy McLaughan looked tidy on the ball, and on 69, came close - firing wide after a pass from Uhlenbeek. Almost immediatley though, Fairway saw his side torn apart by a direct ball - MacKinnon's poor finishing the only result. On 71, he replaced Reeves with Momoh, in a bid to add more strength to the attack - and it had an immediate impact. On 78, Khoshimov picked out Joseph Momoh's run with a 45-yard pass, and the Sierra Leone-born hitman sealed his return to the team with a fine strike. The home side attacked in droves, throwing five men forward - but found MacKinnon's 87th minute effort ruled out by the offside flag. Two minutes later, Lewis MacKinnon again got clear, but this time, Jones had timed his ball perfectly - Rogers beaten, the flag staying down, and Worksop staring down the barrel of a draw.

BPA 2 - Worksop 2

MOM; Azzizhon Khoshimov (Worksop)

Attendance; 1784

Worksop Position After Game; 3rd

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Hednesford | | 15 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 31 | 12 | +19 | 31 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Gateshead | | 15 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 20 | 16 | +4 | 27 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | WORKSOP | | 15 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 29 | 18 | +11 | 25 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Bradford PA | | 15 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 23 | 15 | +8 | 25 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Kettering | | 15 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 14 | 12 | +2 | 24 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Altrincham | | 15 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 16 | 12 | +4 | 23 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Gainsborough | | 15 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 24 | 21 | +3 | 22 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Harrogate Town | | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 20 | 17 | +3 | 22 |

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| 9th | | Barrow | | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 16 | 14 | +2 | 22 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Ashton Utd | | 15 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 13 | +5 | 21 |

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| 11th | | Halifax | | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 19 | 19 | 0 | 21 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Lancaster | | 15 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 24 | +1 | 20 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Stafford Rangers | | 15 | 6 | 2 | 7 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 20 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Droylsden | | 15 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 21 | -2 | 20 |

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| 15th | | Vauxhall Motors | | 15 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 18 | 24 | -6 | 20 |

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| 16th | | Hinckley | | 15 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 21 | 20 | +1 | 19 |

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| 17th | | Northwich | | 15 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 17 | 19 | -2 | 17 |

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| 18th | | Hucknall | | 15 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 15 | -3 | 16 |

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| 19th | | Moor Green | | 15 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 18 | 23 | -5 | 15 |

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| 20th | | Alfreton | | 15 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 23 | -11 | 15 |

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| 21st | | Wakefield & Emley | | 15 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 20 | -9 | 14 |

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| 22nd | | Burscough | | 15 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 12 | 37 | -25 | 2 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

[displaced_seagull]

Physio John Tomlinson reported after the game that Kristian Rogers had suffered some discomfort, most likely bruised ribs, after a heavy challenge, but that the 'keeper should be fit in 2 or 3 days - with Fairway confident that his first choice 'stopper wouldn't need to miss any action.

On Wednesday the UEFA Cup entered the final Group match stage - with Aston Villa securing progression with a 1-0 win over Litex - young Scott Bridges scoring the only goal of the match after coming off the bench. Celtic are already through, but despite a 3-0 victory, Blackburn Rovers didn't join them - Paul Gallagher, Garry Flitcroft and Csaba Fehér scoring but in vain. A day later, Tottenham bowed out of the competition after a 1-1 draw against Young Boys - Viceconte bagged an early goal, but Kris Boyd levelled 11 minutes from time. Martin Jol's White Hart Lane future now does not look especially rosy. Middlesborough though scraped the last qualification spot after a 2-1 win over Maribor - Matthew Bates and Bobo Zenden scoring for 'Boro, while Koren netted for the visitors.

On Friday afternoon Burscough gave an untried and untested manager - in England at least - the difficult task of keeping them in Conference North. German Herbert Wiest is an intriguing choice, and may well have a tough task at Victoria Park.

Worksop Town v Gateshead - Conference North Game 16

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Khoshimov, James, Morrison, Reeves, Soames

Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), McLaughlan, Wilson, Momoh [/i]

With an unchanged side, the scenario was pratically the same as last week - Third hosting Second in a top of the table clash. Things took an age to get going - Mark Smyth's glancing header wide the opening chance after an amazing 33 almost-actionless minutes. Worksop's first chance came on the stroke of half time - Gateshead's young 'keeper Sean Lake beating away Soames' effort after the striker had battled his way through the defence. Fairway replaced a subdued Morrison with Wilson at the break, but it was Gateshead who came out the strongest for the second period. Wainwright and Winters linked up well on 51, before O'Brien blazed his effort over the bar. Whilst Worksop had started a brief revival, Fairway was still unsatisfied, and made his final two changes for the last quarter of an hour. Joseph Momoh and Fraser McLaughlan came on, replacing Soames and James in a bid to shake things up. They wouldn't be successful - Davies' cross punched away from Momoh by Lake in injury time - but the term 'bore draw' never had a more apt description than this, on paper, mouthwatering clash that simply never got going.

Worksop 0 - Gateshead 0

MOM; Joey O'Brien (Gateshead)

Attendance; 424

Worksop Position After Game; 3rd

[displaced_seagull]

With football now entering the hectic Christmas period, Fairway was pleased that his side reported fully fit on Monday following the match. They would have just one training session to prepare before playing their final league game before Christmas, and indeed their final home match of 2005.

Worksop Town v Ashton United - Conference North Game 17

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Khoshimov, James, Morrison, Reeves, Soames

Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), McLaughlan, Wilson, Momoh [/i]

Fairway named an unchanged side for the visit of mid-table Ashton United - a bitterly cold, crisp Tuesday evening the perfect football conditions for a match five days before Christmas. Worksop got off to a good start, with Priet testing 'keeper Winter from a corner after three minutes, before the Tigers opened the scoring on 10. After a fine season, it's perhaps suprising that Andrew James had been waiting for his first goal - but when it arrived, it came in style - Morrison's short pass hammered home from fully 25 yards. Four minutes later, Andrew James did it again - this time from the edge of the box after some unselfish play from Reeves. Worksop were unlucky not to add a third on 37 - Winter diving to deny Soames before the loose ball was quickly hooked to safety. Ashton looked poor by comparison, and the only suprise was that Worksop failed to add another by half time. On 51 Fairway was forced into a change - Morrison going down heavily after a challenge from Gillespie and forced off. Instead, he made two - Wilson replacing the injured winger, with Joseph Momoh on in attack for Soames. The visitors still seemed unable to create anything, so it was a suprise on 65 when Niell Hardy stole in at the near post to knock home a Dormer cross. Jason Dormer looked the bright spark in an otherwise lifeless Ashton attack, but on 77 he fired over when a pass was on - and any hopes seemed to disapeer. Both Momoh and Priet - the latter in the last seconds of the game - could have added a third, but for Fairway - the Morrison injury aside - it will be a very pleasant run-in to Christmas.

Worksop 2 - Ashton Utd 1

MOM; Andrew James (Worksop)

Attendance; 455

Worksop Position After Game; 3rd

[displaced_seagull]

Owen Morrison's injury certainly would give his manager grief - The Londonderry-born midfielder ruled out for a month with strained knee ligaments. To add to that, another old chestnut had returned - physio Tomlinson expressing concern about Kevin Davies' general fitness, with the fullback looking a little tired over the course of recent games.

Christmas passed quietly in the Fairway household - with the Tigers' manager, ever the traditionalist, calling his players in for an hour's light session on the morning that children (and some adults) had been waiting for since well, a year ago. Fortunatley everyone took things in the right spirit, with no further injuries.

Wakefield & Emley v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 18

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, McShane, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Khoshimov, James, Wilson*, Reeves, Momoh

Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), McLaughlan, Price, Soames [/i]

With Tomlinson's fears in mind, and the injury to Morrison, Fairway made three changes for the trip to second-bottom Wakefield. In came skipper Wilson, fit again, while at left back Joe McShane recieved a festive boost with his second senior start, replacing Kevin Davies. In attack, the switch was like for like - powerhouse forward Momoh replacing the equally bustling Soames. For a team supposedly struggling for their Conference North future, Wakefield & Emley certainly started with enthusiasim - and quickly became clear to Fairway that he may have underestimated his opponents. Rogers was forced into early action on 9, punching away Lamacraft's cross, before waving Crane's powerful rebound over the top. On 24, the home side did take the lead - with agony for young Joe McShane, who saw his crude attempts at blocking a Marcus Richardson header divert the ball past 'keeper Rogers and into his own net. With Worksop barely having time to recover, Kurt Hansu added a second on 29 - slotting home after a nice pass from Cox. Fairway was left fuming - his men simply hadn't performed at all. At the break, the proverbial 'hairdryer' came out, and McShane and Momoh left the field to be replaced by Dempsey and Soames. James' effort - well wide on 55 - represented Worksop's best chance, with the young Scotsman clearly forgetting his shooting boots after his performance on Tuesday, but a rash of yellow cards spoiled the end of play, and broke up the continuity of attacks so much that the Tigers hardly threatened in a poor showing.

Wakefield & Emley 2 - Worksop 0

MOM; Jamie Price (W & E)

Attendance; 317

Worksop Position After Game; 5th

[chriscjluck84]

Enjoying the story mate. you have a lot patience. i was going to write a story about my exploits with Oldham Athletic but i'm in the third season now and i wouldn't know where to start

[displaced_seagull]

Cheers Chris

Dropping two places had hardly been in Fairway's plans, but with a game on Wednesday to prepare for, he could hardly dwell on it too much. Someone that he would have to do without though is Andrew James - a booking taking him to five for the season, and ruled out for the trip to Altringham.

On Wednesday morning though Rochdale approached Fairway with a £12,000 bid for defender James Dudgeon . Dudgeon, ever-present this season, was a player who Fairway valued - but with recent financial news not especially encouraging - bonuses in particular up, taking the budget to around £39,000, Fairway feared that he would have to sell. Chairman Raymond left the ball in his court, but after talking to Dudgeon, Fairway accepted the offer - the Spotland club Second in League Two, and potentially heading for promotion.

Altringham v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 19

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies, Priet, Dudgeon, Wharton, Khoshimov, McLaughlan, Wilson*, Reeves, Momoh

Subs; Dempsey, Drench (GK), Price, Flack, Soames [/i]

Despite Dudgeon's potential departure, Fairway included him for what could be the last time. With James banned, Fraser McLaughlan made his debut in midfield, whilst Davies replaced McShane at left back. After a slow start, the visitors took the lead with their first chance - Joseph Momoh firing past 'keeper Acton from Khoshimov's square pass. 11 minutes later, Damian Reeves broke clear, but was robbed at the final moment inside the box. As Rose attempted to clear, he sliced the ball, and Reeves needed no second invitation to slot the ball beyond 'keeper Acton. Altringham eventually started playing - Boshell volleyed wide, before Rod Thornley headed Smith's cross into the side netting. Four minutes later, on 35, Damian Reeves knocked home Worksop's third, tapping home Khoshimov's cross to delighted applause from the visiting supporters. With Worksop comfortable at the break, Fairway replaced the tiring Davies and Wharton, with Dempsey and Price on in their place. Azzizhon Khoshimov got his reward for a tireless performance on 53 - adding the fourth of the match. Worksop were in rampant mood - Reeves nearly added his hatrick on 61, but Jason Taylor did pull one back with 10 minutes to go, a mere blip on the copybook of the otherwise impeccable Rogers.

Altringham 1 - Worksop 4

MOM; Azzizhon Khoshimov (Worksop)

Attendance; 527

Worksop Position After Game; 3rd

[displaced_seagull]

Despite the previous evening's victory, Fairway was furious on Friday morning to see the local newspaper's letter page. Mark Wilson had come in for some unneccasary critiscm - the general consensous being that the 34-year old is now past his best. It wasn't what Fairway thought of his captain, and in a heated press release, he angrily implied that it was he, and only he, who would select the team.

New Year's Day, and with the opening of the Transfer Window for Europe's clubs, came the Footballing equivelant of the Oscars - the annual awards ceremony. World Footballer of the Year went to Barcelona's Ronaldinho , who also took the European Midfielder of the Year award. World Player of the Year also went to a Barcelona player - Ludovic Guily taking the award. European Goalkeeper of the Year went to Gianluigi Buffon , while European Defender of the Year went to Patrice Evra , and European Striker of the Year was taken by a third Barca man - Samuel Eto'o .

For Worksop, it would also be James Dudgeon's last day at the club - £12,000 heading to Babbage Way with the player going to League Two high-flyers Rochdale .

Worksop Town v Hednesford - Conference North Game 20

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies, Priet, Dempsey, Wharton, Khoshimov, James, Wilson*, Reeves, Momoh

Subs; Proctor, Drench (GK), Price, McLaughlan, Soames [/i]

With the return from suspension of Andrew James, Fairway recalled the Scot in place of McLaughlan. In defence, the departed Dudgeon was replaced by Dempsey, with young David Proctor coming onto the bench in his place. League leaders Hednesford would provide tough opposition, but Fairway hoped his men could dent the visitors' title hopes. The Tigers started brightly, and Khoshimov forced McKenzie to tip over early on. Hednesford came close on 33, with Ahmed skimming the bar from a Roberts cross on 33. As the visitors began to impose themselves, Hussin hit the side netting on 36 before Worksop scrambled in level at the break. Fairway replaced Reeves with Soames, but it took until the hour mark for another chance - Wharton shooting just over. Khoshimov requently found himself Worksop's only creative outlet, but began to tire, and on 70, Fairway replaced Wilson with McLaughlin in a bid to give the winger some support. The remainder of the second half was a poor, turgid affair - Sedgemore's free kick the final chance of the match on 81. After the game Fairway would remark that far from showing poor form ahead of potential promotion, both sides did the basics well, and were defensivley sound. One of either his or Ian Woan's side should gain promotion, looking at this evidence.

Worksop 0 - Hednesford 0

MOM; Chris McKenzie (Hednesford)

Attendance; 430

Worksop Position After Game; 2nd

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Hednesford | | 20 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 34 | 15 | +19 | 39 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | WORKSOP | | 20 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 35 | 22 | +13 | 33 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Barrow | | 20 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 24 | 18 | +6 | 33 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Gateshead | | 20 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 25 | 21 | +4 | 33 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Harrogate Town | | 20 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 28 | 21 | +7 | 32 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Bradford PA | | 20 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 30 | 19 | +11 | 31 |

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| 7th | | Halifax | | 20 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 27 | 22 | +5 | 30 |

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| 8th | | Kettering | | 20 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 20 | 19 | +1 | 30 |

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| 9th | | Hinckley | | 20 | 6 | 10 | 4 | 33 | 27 | +6 | 28 |

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| 10th | | Lancaster | | 20 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 30 | 28 | +2 | 28 |

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| 11th | | Vauxhall Motors | | 20 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 25 | 31 | -6 | 28 |

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| 12th | | Ashton Utd | | 20 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 24 | 18 | +6 | 26 |

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| 13th | | Droylsden | | 20 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 26 | 27 | -1 | 26 |

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| 14th | | Altrincham | | 20 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 20 | 23 | -3 | 25 |

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| 15th | | Northwich | | 20 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 25 | 27 | -2 | 24 |

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| 16th | | Gainsborough | | 20 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 29 | 33 | -4 | 24 |

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| 17th | | Stafford Rangers | | 20 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 23 | 27 | -4 | 24 |

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| 18th | | Hucknall | | 20 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 16 | 20 | -4 | 22 |

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| 19th | | Moor Green | | 20 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 21 | 28 | -7 | 20 |

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| 20th | | Wakefield & Emley | | 20 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 17 | 26 | -9 | 20 |

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| 21st | | Alfreton | | 20 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 15 | 30 | -15 | 20 |

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| 22nd | | Burscough | | 20 | 1 | 4 | 15 | 20 | 45 | -25 | 7 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

[Spav]

Quality work, d_s.

The current run of form is very heartening.

[displaced_seagull]

Cheers Spav - OK then, not long to go before FM06, let's see if I can get this to some kind of conclusion

New Year's Day - and after securing a point, Fairway was forced to deny his managerial availability. Matt Hickman's unsuccesful reign at Port Vale came to an end the day before, and the media were in force at Babbage Way in a bid to link him to the job. "No contact, no interest" was Fairway's curt reply. Perhaps more importantly in the managers mind was the booking picked up by Gus Uhlenbeek , with the veteran suspended for one match after reaching 5 for the season.

Fairway's public denial of interest in the Port Vale job drew a positive response from Chairman Howard Raymond on Monday morning - the 'suits' apparently 'delighted' that Fairway had announced his commitment to Worksop Town.

Wednesday however brought the news that many people had been looking forward to for some time - the World Cup Groups announced at the usual 'glitz and glamour' ceremony, meaning a job that should take 10 minutes infact took just under 2 hours. England came out in Group E - alongside Argentina, Canada and Tunisia - meaning that should the Three Lions fail in the Group Stage, the knives will most definatley be out for Sven Goran Eriksson. Scotland are one of three strongish teams, alongside a relative unknown in Group C - Czech Republic, Nigeria and Kuwait standing between them and progression. Wales will fancy their chances in Group G containing Holland, USA and Ghana , whilst Ireland will also surely be second favourite in Group A - Brazil, Mali and Jamacia . The World Cup always seems to throw up a 'Group Of Death', and this time it could be Group D - Portugal, Japan, Croatia and Columbia . Hosts Germany are in Group F, alongside Italy, Peru and South Korea , whilst France , who failed miserably in 'Japorea 2002', are in Group B alongside Ukraine, Uraguay and Saudi Arabia . Completing the lineup, Group H sees Spain, Mexico, Egypt and Serbia & Montengro competing in what could also be an intriguing group.

Northwich Victoria v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 21

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Dempsey, Davies, Priet, Proctor, McLaughlan, Khoshimov, James, Wilson*, Reeves, Momoh

Subs; McShane, Drench (GK), Price, Flack, Soames

With physio Tomlinson expressing doubts about Andrew Wharton's fitness, and the suspension of Uhlenbeek, Fairway made two changes for the trip to Northwich. In defence, David Proctor made his senior starting debut alongside Priet with Dempsey moving to full back, whilst in the holding role, Fraser McLaughlin was delighted to step into Wharton's boots. On a wet, miserable day the home side made most of the early running, with Louis Soares a constant thorn in Worksop's side. On 19 though Briggs wasted the Trickies' first genuinely decent chance - hammering wide after Garner's ball broke loose. Two minutes later, Worksop were forced into a change after Mark Quayle tangled with skipper Mark Wilson - Flack replacing the veteran. Worksop's best chance of the first half came on 32 - Momoh laying the ball back to Paul Dempsey, who tested 'keeper Poulter with a low, stinging drive. Two minutes before the interval, the Tigers really should have taken the lead - Reeves hitting the bar with a bizzare miskick from Khoshimov's cross. Two minutes after the interval, Worksop did lead - Andrew James slotting home from the edge of the box from Khoshimov's pull back. Whilst Worksop struggled to regroup, the Tigers again attacked - and on 52, Azzizhon Khoshimov himself netted from the penalty spot after Grant had tripped James. Northwich dangerman Quayle frequently found himself the only attacking player forward, and on the hour, missed a golden opportunity to bring Northwich back into the game - shooting wide from Brayson's square pass. On 68 Fairway made two changes, with players tiring - James replaced by Price, and up front Soames on for Reeves. The changes hardly had the desired effect - Northwich, through one of their substitutes, netted on 72 - ex-Tiger Simeon Bambrook tapping home after Rogers had spilt a Quayle effort. While there would be nervous moments, Worksop's victory never looked in doubt, and was secured two minutes from time - Azzizhon Khoshimov seeing a free kick take a kindly deflection off the wall to beat 'keeper Poulter.

Northwich 1 - Worksop 3

MOM; Azzizhon Khoshimov (Worksop)

Attendance; 409

Worksop Position After Game; 2nd

[displaced_seagull]

FA Cup Third Round Day came and went with no major shocks - Arsenal beat Farnborough 3-0 away from home, while Chelsea, Man Utd, Newcaslte, Fulham, Tottenham and Charlton all progressed against supposedly 'lesser' opposition. The only Premiership team to go out of the competition - though Liverpool face a replay against Birmingham and Everton and Aston Villa will meet again - were practically doomed West Ham , who crashed 2-0 away at Championship outfit QPR . Fairway's own favourites, Brighton & Hove Albion , beat Stockport 2-0 to move into the Fourth Round, with potentially impressive financial implications for the Seagulls.

How times change - on Sunday, last season's pacesetters Alfreton Town dismissed manager David Lloyd after a poor season has seen the side who missed out on the playoffs on Goal Difference last term fall to 19th, and in a struggle for points at the other end of Conference North.

Hinckley United v Worksop Town - Conference North Game 22

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dempsey, Wharton, Khoshimov, James, McLaughlan, Reeves, Momoh

Subs; Proctor, Drench (GK), Price, Flack, Soames

With the return from suspension of Uhlenbeek and injury to Wilson, Fairway made two changes to his side for the trip to Hinckley - the veteran fullback returning for Proctor, with Dempsey moving to centre half, whilst in midfield McLaughlin stepped forward, with Wharton returning to the holding role. The Tigers shot out of the blocks at the Marston Stadium, and on 10 could have taken the lead when Reeves fired over with a pass perhaps the wiser option. 7 minutes later though Joseph Momoh beat 'keeper Whittle from the angle after good work by James, putting Worksop ahead. The lead wouldn't last long - on 25 Knitters skipper Richard Lavery fired home from the corner of the box after Allen had beaten Uhlenbeek to the ball. Despite the two goals, the first half was a bit of a disapointment - Lewis' effort that needed to be tipped over by Rogers the only real moment of excitment, coming a minute before the break. Fairway left his side unchanged at the interval - and almost reaped the rewards on 48, James drawing a good save from the 'keeper before Reeves came close a couple of minutes later. Hinckley though began to get into the game, and after a spell of pressure - Adam Birchall, formerly with Arsenal, a constant threat - won a penalty on 66 after Dempsey hauled down Willis inside the box. 'keeper Kristian Rogers guessed right, but Lewis McMahon's kick just evaded him to nestle in the far corner of the net. Frustrated at his sides' lack of opportunites, Fairway altered his formation to include three strikers on 77 - Flack, Soames and Proctor all on replacing James, Davies and Dempsey respectivley. With their extra man forward, Worksop did carve out a couple of chances - Soames firing meekly wide on 84 - but the Tigers were unable to break down Hinckley enough to forge an equaliser.

Hinckley 2 - Worksop 1

MOM; Tom Whittle (Hinckley)

Attendance; 322

Worksop Position After Game; 4th

[displaced_seagull]

Defeat saw Worksop slip to fourth - now nine points behind leaders Hednesford. Physio John Tomlinson also had bad news for Fairway - warning over the fitness of Kevin Davies and Nathan Wharton .

Thursday brought more bad news after Andrew James twisted his ankle in training, ruling the influential young Scot out for 3 weeks. Since his summer arrival, James had been a virtual ever-present for Worksop, giving Fairway something of a selection dilemma.

Worksop Town v Kettering Town - FA Trophy Third Round

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dempsey, Wharton, Khoshimov, McLaughlan, Flack, Reeves, Momoh

Subs; Proctor, Drench (GK), Price, Niven, Soames

James' injury handed Daniel Flack a return to the starting lineup on the right of the midfield trio, with young David Niven brought onto the bench for the first time in some while. With over a thousand packing into Babbage Way, Worksop started well - McLaughlin and Reeves both forcing early acrobatics from 'keeper Foster. Worksop's quick tempo game was too much for Kettering, and after a hatful of chances - Flack glancing the bar with a header on 25 - Fairway's men took the lead on 31. The goal though came in somewhat unlikely circumstances - after dominating in open play, it took a corner to force the chance when Priet headed against the bar, only for Khoshimov to go down under a challenge from the 'keeper as he went for the loose ball. Gus Uhlenbeek stepped up and etted his first Worksop goal with a well-taken, sidefooted penalty beyond 'keeper Foster. A second always looked likely, and on 37 Momoh flicked home from Khoshimov's pass only to be judged - harshly - offside. Fairway replaced a disapointing Reeves with Soames at the interval, but saw the visitors come out stronger in the second half - Jack Wanless close on a couple of occasions. After Soames took a heavy challenge, Fairway replaced him with Niven on 67, and also sent on Price for an equally tiring Wharton. Looking busy after being denied a goal, Momoh proved a threat and on 71, again came close from Flack's pass. On 83, Worksop did seal the victory - Joseph Momoh deservedly getting his name on the scoresheet after a tireless performance - nodding home Khoshimov's cross. He could have added a third - Foster saved well in injury time - but after disapointment in the FA Cup, Worksop's Trophy victory will certainly be celebrated in any case.

Worksop 2 - Kettering 0

MOM; Joseph Momoh (Worksop)

Attendance; 1179

[displaced_seagull]

<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 - Brighton & Hove Albion - Sunday 15/1/06

'Albion Fans Fury Despite Win'

'It's not been an easy spell as Brighton & Hove Albion manager for Mark McGhee , and after a woeful season since relegation, Seagulls supporters turned on the Scot this weekend - despite victory away at Boston United.

One fan told BBC Southern Counties Radio; "He's got to go. We are playing badly, he's lost the respect of the players and if we are to stay up this season, we must get shot of him".

Contender

Should McGhee go, a suprise contender for the job could be Worksop Town manager Stuart Fairway , who, when asked if he would fancy the challenge of revitalising his hometown club, replied in the positive. "I'm a Brighton & Hove Albion fan" he said. "So of course I would be interested should Dick Knight decide to get rid of Mark McGhee. I've got nothing against him as a person, and the Worksop job is very much uppermost in my mind right now, but if the Brighton job became available I would most certainly apply for it".

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Fans of the Tigers responded in droves - many bombarding a local radio station with calls to plead Fairway to stay at Worksop. Things though, took a further turn on Sunday evening - with Dick Knight sacking Mark McGhee - freeing up that managerial spot at Brighton & Hove Albion . Several names were mentioned in the wider media - Fairway's not amongst them - with Alan Ball and Tony Adams considered favourites.

Fairway met with Chairman Howard Raymond on Monday morning - asking for permisson, which was grudgingly accepted, to apply for the post. Only time would now tell...

After the weekend's excitement, it was something of a relief for Fairway to travel to the FA Trophy Fourth Round draw on Tuesday morning. He saw his side come out of the hat first - with Dr Martens League outfit Salisbury providing the opposition at Babbage Way.

Worksop Town v Moor Green - Conference North Game 23

Worksop; 4-1-3-2; Rogers, Uhlenbeek, Davies*, Priet, Dempsey, Wharton, Khoshimov, McLaughlan, Flack, Soames, Momoh

Subs; Proctor, Drench (GK), Price, Niven, Reeves [/i]

While the 'Please Stay' banners were out in force - Worksop fans clearly backing up their words with actions - for the Wednesday night visit of struggling Moor Green, on the pitch Fairway just made one change - replacing Reeves, off form of late, with David Soames in attack. Soames' first - indeed the first - action of a poor opening third was to pick up a booking for dissent on 16. Worksop finally began to put pressure on the visitors - on 20 Flack firing wide with a free kick - before McLaughlan hit the bar on 36. Fairway replaced Flack with the far more experienced Price at half time, but the second half began poorly. It took until the 63rd minute for any chances of note to be registered - Solitt pushing away from Soames after good work by Dempsey. On 72 Worksop did finally take the lead, waking up the assembled crowd - Joseph Momoh celebrated netting his 10th of the season with a backflip after heading home Soames' deep cross. What would prove to be Moor Green's solitary chance of the game came 10 minutes later - Rogers putting through Daniel Ekoku, only for the ex-Bradford City frontman to fire over the bar. It will hardly go down as a classic - but the win returns Worksop to second.

Worksop 1 - Moor Green 0

MOM; Mark Jones (Moor Green)

Attendance; 331

Worksop Position After Game; 2nd

[K-uglen]

Chips in with his Worksop Wonderland: AHEM- good luck on emulation

What happened to Dene Cropper by the way?

[Wimb The Barman]

good read! kutgw, if its still going of course

[Wimb The Barman]

*wimb spots Seagulls new FM06 story* it's all so clear to me now