Strictly No Dancing?

[markyt]

13 - unlucky for some!

The March review was a brief affair. Following their recent discussions Mark and Paul Bliss cut to the chase and talked through the busy fixture period now approaching. Ridiculous by anyone’s standard but 9 games in 31 days enough to test any squad especially one that was now stretched to the limits.

The Easter period alone welcomed 3 games in 5 days.

Forget what had come and gone before the next 31 days would either cement a playoff hunt or condemn the team to life in the Conference. Not a bad thing Bliss suggested baring in mind where the club had come from in a very short space of time.

The fixtures included 5 home games and 4 away games but the major tests would involve games against Woking one of the breakaway three at the top of the league, Oxford, Halifax and Southport.

The squad was creaking.

Walker and Benyon still long term casualties.

There were also the walking wounded being patched up game by game. These included Newbold and Kirk.

Suspensions for bookings were also being added into the team mix.

WSM were unlikely to field the same team game by game for some considerable time.

Not the best time then to start to clear the decks, not renew contracts and then start to flog the family jewels.

But the world goes on and Mark had managed to persuade Stafford to sell Guy Madjo.

40k with further add ons blowing a huge hole in his funds.

He had now picked up two pacy strikers for next season that could provide a dynamic interchange with the current WSM pairing of Benyon and Newbold.

Still no sign of additional monies from Bliss but there was interest in Tipton which might brighten the horizon.

Rochdale were looking to purchase him and Mark was holding out for 50k but Rochdale had baulked at the price.

Mark was gambling on them coming back after other scouts had appeared at the ground.

The fee wasn't outlandish but a huge profit to WSM for a dozen or so games.

Dennis Wise had contacted Mark to ask about Benyon's availability.

Mark stuck 750k on the player but Wise's continued silence suggested he would look elsewhere.

750k perhaps over the top but in Mark's mind a real value for a future star. In truth he didn't want Benyon to go anywhere gut a silly money offer would sway Paul Bliss to do a deal....

The joys of managing a lower league club. unearth a gem and lose them to a bigger club.

Not discussing contracts with anyone was also causing concern in the ranks.

Several including Harkness and Harris had started to throw the rattle out of the pram.

But a swift rebuke from Mark brought them back into line and they remained part of the squad for the games ahead.

One player left the club before the 1st March. Craig (king) Herrod super sub from the year before was released from his contract. He hadn't progressed and was stagnating in the reserves. For his own good time to let go...

A long way to to go to the season finale but 13 games definitely unlucky for some.

[markyt]

Woking - home

0:0

A huge challenge to the unbeaten run with the arrival of Woking to Woodspring Park.

Woking still flying high at the top the table and grimly hanging to league leaders Torquay coat tails in the exalted position of 2nd.

The top 6 clubs were closing at the league peak.

Torquay still favourites for the only automatic place but the rest of the famous five were chasing just four play off spaces.

Still time for changes but at least the top 6 were off into the distance and no one would catch them now.

Teams were taking points of each other at the top and easy games against the lower league cannon fodder long disappeared.

Wins now hard to come by but ever more critical.

WSM lined up an unchanged eleven that had taken a point in the last game versus Stevenage.

Dull, boring and lifeless the words used to summarise the game in the local papers.

A stalemate that didn't even get started more apt.

Owen Story somehow picked up another mom award but Mark had no idea why or how.

The team nervous at getting beaten but unable to find the right ball to turn a well prepared Woking side over.

Did Woking come for the point the main talking point raised by the journalists to Mark post match.

'Yes, clearly a point was important to them and perhaps we should gain some confidence and belief from that fact. We are now seen to be a top side and one to be very careful against. The unbeaten run continues and another positive is that at least Stevenage could only pick up a draw in their game on the road.

Pretty much status quo at the top of the league and points on the board now with the number of games reducing critical to our season success.'

Newbold and Tipton had a couple of half chances in each half but couldn't hit a barn door even when they were holding the door handle.

The groans at each miss echoing around the full ground.

To be fair to Woking they too had their chances. All on the counter attack but the older experienced pros Somner and Jarman kept things tight at the back ensuring that Northmore in the WSM goal had a very quiet afternoon.

Christian Roberts thrown on for some extra nouse late on in place of luckless Newbold again ended up empty handed but picked up a yellow card for an off the ball incident. This excitement probably all that people would remember from the last 20 minutes of action.

A point gained or two lost, time would tell.....

A deadly dozen games remained before league destiny would be confirmed.

[markyt]

The wrath of the woman scorned.

Mark had been sat at the desk of his London flat checking the AA route master for his evening trip to Gravesend when the front door opened and quickly slammed shut.

Keen to increase and widen the net of potential targets with scout Lee Houghton pretty much living out of a suitcase in Scotland Mark was on the road looking at 2nd Division players and those that had impressed him playing against WSM.

Gravesend's Stacy Long a central midfielder the reason for tonight's trip.

Stepping away from his desk in his office he went to look for his visitor. Standing in the hallway a dripping wet but still looking sensational Carolyn Smith.

After his initial surprise at her arrival Mark quickly caught up to speed to learn that she had arrived late back from the USA and decided to crash at his flat as it was closer than her own home.

She was just as surprised to see Mark but completley wiped out.

After a shower and a hot drink she was soon curled up in her lovers arms on the expansive sofa.

Her soap starlet had blown her big chance and had headed home in a strop. With no reason to be there Carolyn had jumped the first flight home from LA. Significant delays had impacted on the trip home and now exhausted and with jet lag kicking in she was ready for a long well earned sleep. The soap star now demanded I'm a celebrity place in the next version and Carolyn had heard enough of her whinging and switched the phone off and hadn't called anyone since landing in the UK.

After catching up on the news from their last telephone conversation Carolyn crashed on the bed and was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Mark quietly readied himself for departure.

Carolyn would sleep for hours but he wouldn't be missed as he darted to Gravesend for the game.

They would have time tomorrow but for now Stacy Long would have his full attention.

Long had a nightmare in the centre of the pack. Nothing went right and his double yellow was well deserved.

Gravesend had been overrun by a cracking Torquay side returning to the form that has seen them destroy much better sides than Gravesend.

But Mark still liked what he saw. Long didn't give up and though sent off late in the game his determination to help teammates willingness to have the ball even though he was have a game to long forget all encouraging stuff.

Long would need another look but certainley he would offer much better back up to a WSM first team than those available to Mark.

Now for the woman scorned.....

[markyt]

Carolyn woke late next morning refreshed with the jet lag now passed.

Propped up in the bed by a load of pillows she caught up on Mark's night out and the potential target.

Mark had already broken the ice updating her on his recent meeting with Paul Bliss and if the club could meet his demands then he in principle had agreed to extend his time at the club. The caveat to any deal that Carolyn had to run the rule over the contract and ensure that the relevant clauses were in place should a bigger club want his services.

After her initial fury at the decision without her early involvment had died down and her body language returned to it's calmness of before Carolyn recognised that from her point of view no real damage had actually been done to Mark's long term career path.

With the right clause in place and that was all down to her skills then Mark with or without a contract in place would have the same options. Transparency for potential suitors also readily available with upfront knowledge of the cost of hiring her man from his current situation.

She understood that Mark couldn't just let the club meander along and from her point of view although she never said the words, pride welled and burned deep inside her.

Mark couldn't and wouldn't leave a job half done and ever determined to do the right thing.

Looking at him across the bedroom she still saw the Chelsea man in his full pomp organising and cajoling his much more expensive colleagues.

A born winner and that flame could never be extinguished.

Time together remained brief Mark was on his way to watch 2nd division Stockport take on Accrington.

Stockport and Accrington were both promotion hunting sides Mark was keen to have a good look at.

Any of these clubs failing to get promoted could have the players Mark wanted and all would now be watched.

Talented, proven ability with the stamina and pace for a season at the 2nd division level but perhaps available as clubs missing out on glory looked to rebuild and start the challenge again next time around.

Prices for this type of player around the 10-20k mark. The possibility of adding 4 or 5 new players from this pool of talent all down to the promised money or a sale or two.

Time would tell.

Mark made his way up the M40 heading towards Birmingham and beyond to South Manchester.

[markyt]

Mark dived into Edgeley Park Stockport's ground just as the whistle blew for the start of the match.

Sat Nav's were wonderful creations but tonight after negotiating one way streets the wrong way he had managed to fianlly park in the ground car park normally reserved for the directors of the club.

Prior warning of his arrival to watch the game had seen the club roll out the red carpet allowing him an excellent vantage point to watch the game.

Lee Houghton had driven down from Scotland to join him for the game and the meeting allowed Mark to be updated on the Scottish trawl.

Lee was very excited by a couple of players he had seen already and with the wages in Scotland being relativley low compared to even the conference sides then the opportunity to do a deal remained a high possibility.

The purchase of players still dependant on available funds but the prices of the players Lee had identified wern't too far off the budget available.

Two players Houghton was drooling over were Dundee Utd reserve Mark Kerr and Dundee player Guy Bates.

Midfielder Kerr sounded an outstanding talent and Bates known to Mark only from his goal scoring exploits in the Scottish first division being detailed in every weekend paper.

Kerr out of favour at his club and possibly available at 30k-40k but playing at Premier League level. Even his wages according to Houghton were lower than the top earners at WSM currently.

The world had gone mad!

Bates a master at his craft had become a prolific goalscorer in the scottish scene. Pacy and athletic fitting Mark's demands perfectly.

10k unbelievable for a proven talent.

No wonder Houghton was physically foaming at the mouth.

Houghton had identified several other options for Mark to consider but these two were head and shoulders above Mark's initial requirements.

The Stockport match was cracking entertainment with Stockport running out 3:1 winners. Several players leapt out to Mark on a first watch.

Talent was all over the pitch in this very good 2nd division club.

Defender Ian Sharps the best defender mark had seen for some time. Demanding and an organiser a perfect combination.

In total there were 3 or 4 players Mark would look at again in the coming weeks.

Houghton would return to Scotland but Mark would start work on the two players he had already mentioned.

Bates was a really possibility, Kerr right now out of WSM reach. Time would tell.

Mark raced back to London.

Time to get to grips with something else that interested him.

[markyt]

Unusually Mark drove himself to the Nuneaton away game.

After watching a couple of midweek games he had taken time out to catch up with some well earned sleep and time to rest his aching bones.

Keeping in contact with Mike Kilgour throughout the week allowed him to be upto speed and team selection a formality with the same eleven that had taken a point against Woking.

Returning to the bench team captain Kirk back from suspension an minor injury concerns.

Christian Roberts literally straining at the leash pleading to be let loose on the opposition would keep him company.

Carolyn with some free time on her hands made the journey to.

She would take in the game and start the process of contract debate with Paul Bliss.

Nuneaton were holding out for the end of the season. With 12 games left they had virtually nothing left to play for.

Safe but at the wrong end of the table and nothing that a disastorous run in would change.

Despite being the home team they were quite happy to let WSM play their football and ask WSM to break them down.

Without the talisman of Scott Walker on the left wing WSM struggled to pick the lock and score a goal. All of the play and all of the ball.

Probably the best football WSM had scored for sometime. At half time despite Tipton and Newbold looking lively upfront and being able supported by the midfield quartet still the score remained deadlocked.

Mark had already heard via some fans that Stevenage were tanking Burton 5:0 as the first half closed in that game.

To maintain the gap WSM needed to win.

Mark went for broke. Somner off for Roberts with Roberts adding weight to the front two. Rose who had done well replaced by Kirk.

Kirk immediately resumed the captaincy and before the whistle set about driving encouragment into his team mates.

Still the pressure of play and chances cranked up in WSM's favour. But still the elusive breakthrough failed to arrive.

The 300 travelling supporters began to groan as the chances and opportunities failed to be taken.

Like sheep being herded by a sheepdog Nuneaton were penned in to their own penalty box. unable to get out happy to whack the ball back over the half way line when the chance arose.

With the game heading for a draw, Kirk picked the ball up from Jarman at the back and with a second wind went on a mazy run which took him clear of his marker and on the way to goal. One lovely dummy and he was clear. The game ticked to 83 minutes.

Now running on empty Kirk and heading goalwards he looked for the right pass. Nothing was on so he had no alternative but to lash the ball goalwards just as the defender closed in.

The Nuneaton keeper could only parry the ball being surprised by the velocity of the shot and for once Roberts luck changed.

Gambling on a half chance he was the only one following up and as the ball dropped he couldn't miss and didn't tapping in from just 5 yards.

He celebrated by diving into the WSM fans earning himself a booking.

Nuneaton were beaten.

As the whistle blew Mark saluted the magnificent away support. Next a hug for Kirk. The captain had made a welcome return.

Hours later Mark joined Paul Bliss and Carolyn in the Nuneaton board room.

A quick catch up and it was time to hit the road. WSM travelling to the South West whilst Mark was heading back to London.

In the car Carolyn updated him on the match conversations and that Bliss had emailed her a copy of the contract for her perusal.

First glance all was well but she wanted to add her two penny worth ensuring the get out of jail card was clearly available at any point in the game.

Hitting the town later that night they celebrated the win in London's west end.

Another one of Carolyn's clients the leading lady in Me and My Girl.

Whisper it quietly but Mark thoroughly enjoyed the show and the music contained within.

Later over a chinese take away back at the flat the two could finally relax and enjoy their time together.

[markyt]

Sorry forgot to highlight the score in the last game.

Nuneaton - Away

1:0

[markyt]

Setting out to soak up the early pressure from Halifax and then looking to counter attack before exerting pressure. WSM a team unbeaten since early January started the game confidently stroking the ball around the hard pitch and looking to build on the return of their star player Walker. Halifax were struggling to get into the game but as WSM looked for a breakthrough on just 12 minutes Halifax benefited from an offside call not made and the striker stroked the ball past a helpless Northmore in the WSM goal.

Mark dispatched a torrent of abuse at the linesman earning him a swift rebuke from the ref.

The WSM traveling support then witnessed carnage in the back as Northmore and Jarman failed to communicate and clashed going for the same ball. An easy goal for the Halifax striker and with little or no time on the ball Halifax were celebrating a two goal advantage in less than 30 minutes of a game they were not expected to win.

Mark paced the line furiously. WSM were not playing badly but still heading towards half time after supposed mauling.

Mark peeled paint from the walls during half time. The changing rooms echoed to his word. In essence no major changes. There was no need. With all of the procession and nothing to show for it WSM needed to make the chances count. Each WSM trooped to the pitch ready to make amends for a horrific first hall scoreline.

As the whistle blew a determined team took the game to Halifax. They flew from the blocks and within one minute had caused panic amongst the Halifax back four. Newbold flashed a shot wide which took a lick of the post as it crashed past the keeper.

Two minutes later and Walker pulled a goal back. Story crossed towards Tipton in the centre but the ball somehow eluded all but Walker who came steaming in from the blind side completely unmarked and headed powerfully past the watching keeper.

Walker now returned to top gear keen to get the three points for WSM, the goal gave him a second wind and he created havoc on the left wing. Now double marked space opened up at the back and Newbold made a nuisance of himself. Jermyn effective as usual clipped a ball into space and Newbold crashed through before lifting the ball over an oncoming Halifax keeper. The ball slowly crossed the line despite Halifax attempts to clear. 2 all and game on just after 70 minutes.

Mark made a couple of changes. Roberts thrown on for Tipton and Kirk for the tiring Rose.

Halifax summoned the Mounties and with three changes went for broke adding to their attack and moving from a back five to four.

With the change came confusion and after seeing nothing of the ball for 25 minutes Halifax took control of the game. One simple ball found the Halifax striker away and clear to goal.

Again close to offside but Matt Somner was left for dead and Halifax scored a very unlikely third. Mark smashed the hoardings with his foot putting a boot firmly through the local building society advertisement.

76 minutes played and WSM were staring at a defeat.

Now WSM played like in the style of their manager. Never give up, never say die.

Chances fell to Roberts and Newbold both missing but adding to the pressure of on the Halifax back line.

The WSM fans cheered their team to the end and gained a response for their efforts.

On 89 minutes again with Walker the creator of mayhem burst into the box looking to cut his way for a chance on goal but got caught late by the right back. A desperate challenge deserving a card.

Penalty!! Screamed the WSM supporters in the crowd. Given without delay my the match official!

Walker stepped up dusted himself down and taking responsibility for the penalty coolly slotted the ball past the keeper.

3 All and game over.

Entertainment for the neutral but a dent in the promotion prospects of WSM. Stevenage happily took advantage of the slip up closing the gap again at the top.

Walker picked up the mom award but it meant very little to a despondent team who knew the win was needed.

Mark had work to do in the changing rooms post match. Still unbeaten but morale affected by the costly loss of two points.

Halifax were taken to the cleaners but still picked up a draw.

Football has a cruel habit of turning up games like this.................

[markyt]

Kettering - Home

0:0

No rest for the wicked. The pace of games now frantic with the remained of the month jam packed full with games typically every three days or so.

Kettering at home another potential banana skin on the season run in.

Kettering were part of the group of clubs chasing the play off pack. Mathematically they still could crash the party.

With little time between games and no time for major changes Mark remained keen to pick his strongest side yet at the same time play safe with the injury doubts.

There were still big games to come and the season end might be in sight but there was still a significant part of the journey to complete.

Some serious and deep thinking to do for Mark, Mike Kilgour and the club physio.

After an hour of debate the team almost selected itself.

Kirk back as the hub of the team in the centre of the midfield was a certainty.

His driving and cohesive influence in midfield had been missed. Work rate alone with his vision to pick the right pass would offer a team an immediate benefit versus Matthew Rose.

For the Kettering game apart from the still missing Benyon the team would be at it’s strongest.

After making the decisions Mark walked across the training ground to let the team know. As soon as he walked across the pitch he could tell there was a problem.

Someone lying in a prone position surrounded by team mates gave away the seriousness of the situation. Tipton had gone down after twisting his knee after a sharp turn.

The physio quick to access the scenario gave Mark the thumbs down for the night’s game.

Roberts would now start and Mark decided to gamble on Benyon and placed him on the subs bench. Benyon could offer 20 minutes at a max.

Mark could almost feel reserve players Edusel and Harris sharpening the knife to place between his shoulder blades.

Their annoyance at being overlooked once again obvious to all.

Mark offered both the ‘look’. It was enough to quell the rebellion......

Christian Roberts had been demanding a start. Tonight he’d got his chance and in front of 3000 fans packed into Woodspring Park blew it.

Three chances one an absolute sitter all missed.

A noisy support bellowed WSM onto victory and despite the game being played out predominantly in the Kettering half chances were equally shared between two teams.

Kettering’s chances albeit more difficult were all neatly dealt with by the WSM rear guard. Northmore never broke a sweat and probably touched the ball once in open play.

At least the Kettering keeper was made to work. Walker and Newbold brought out the best of him. A first half header by Newbold touched over the bar and then a Walker free kick saved with an athletic dive to the bottom corner. Only a strong hand prevented the break through.

Roberts’s script had been written for him. Start first game and score the winner. Unfortunately his every touch and efforts on goal showed greater desperation to impress. The more he tried the worse he got.

Nothing went right and after 70 minutes he was dragged over for his own sanity. The easiest chance a knock down by Kirk and with an open goal awaiting his shot spooned closer to the corner flag than the net.

Roberts looked to the ground whether at a divot or awaiting the ground to open and swallow him Mark didn’t know or at that moment in time care.

Benyon now returned to action. A busy and annoying 20 minutes for his marker but no goal ever likely. Newbold keen to see his main strike partner also upped the ante. But nothing came of the last 20 minutes of action barring a couple of long shot efforts all caught in row z. The game just drifted to nothing. One to forget and quickly!

The result made much worse by the news that Stevenage had won and now clambered ahead of WSM in the league table and back up into play off contention.

Mark post match was furious and locked the door to the changing room for an hour whilst the inquest was in full session.

The cavalier and dynamic football seen just weeks before now evaporating faster than steam from a kettle.

Robert’s apologies to team mates for his simple miss heartfelt but the team could only move on with the next game which had now become must win.

Oxford Utd and Jim Smith beckoned WSM.

[markyt]

The day after the dire performance and relatively poor result against Kettering, Mark had made the short journey from home to his office at first light. He had too much on his mind for sleep and with the next game against Oxford looming days ahead he had serious work to do.

Whilst the team hadn’t been booed off the turf the groans of dismay at the lackluster effort would haunt his sleep for days to come.

Whilst first reaction would be to shuffle the pack and add some fresh faces from the reserve team this simply wasn’t an option available to him. Injury doubts with the added impact of suspensions carving into the first team.

The reserve team was on the receiving end of regular thrashings and confidence and quality of performance had long gone.

From this group of reserve players only youth striker Clark Bell had blossomed into a decent prospect although credit was also due to young defender Mark Jackson.

Both players were very likely to feature in the first team over the coming weeks.

The well of talent wasn’t very deep....

Mark after throwing a team sheet around his head for an hour or so was none the wiser.

The best he could come up with was the same eleven that had started against Kettering.

Not the decision he wanted to make but the reality of a real alternative was actually zero.

The hour he had spent though didn’t come up with the exact same team that had started against Kettering.

One tweak had been made.

He had decided to bring Benyon back into the starting line up.

Benyon had offered more in a 20 minute run out than Roberts had in three games. Harsh but true...

Bell would make the bench alongside Roberts and a fit again Paul Harkness. Marvin Brown and Gary Thorne would join them make up the five warming the bench alongside Mark and his coaching staff.

Before making their way to the training ground he had asked several of the players to join him for a meeting.

These included Walker, Benyon, Newbold, Harris and Edusel.

The first three were offered new long term deals with WSM and each over the next couple of days eagerly signed up.

Harris and Edusel hoping for a start against Oxford or a new contract like the others had been offered were both shocked by the events that unfolded in their individual meetings.

Mark had seen enough of the two and felt it was better for the club to let both go now.

No ceremony shown just their contracts paid up until the end of the season.

The tough characters of the training ground disappeared as both pleaded for the chance to prove him wrong.

Their sniping and moaning had cost them any chance of abeyance. Time to go had long since passed.

Would the decision come back to haunt Mark only time would tell but neither would have appeared in the first team even if there was not another choice.

A youth player was now Mark’s preferred option should the options be that limited to him.

Tears and tantrums dealt with time to hit the training ground. Mark quickly got changed and caught up with the club physio. Only Tipton was now a long term casualty but he was at last showing progress from a knee sprain and would be back for the final couple of games. All of the squad barring Tipton took part in the morning session.

A first for some considerable time.

The gossip machine had got into full gear about the disappearance of two of their number. Mark quickly closed the door to the debate.

The training session soon became more animated and dynamic. The shock of two just leaving had woken up the squad to the fact that their time could similarly end. Time to make sure it couldn’t happen to them.

The hare had been set loose.

Now only results would prove if Mark had been right to be so bold and that the draconic measure had been worthwhile.

[markyt]

Oxford – Away

1:2

Mark was in the middle of a TV interview for Sky. Deep in the bowels of Oxford’s lovely ground he was talking to the interviewer about WSM’s run in and hopes for the season finale.

In mid stream he was grabbed from behind in a bear hug and lifted clear off the ground before being dropped back to earth.

Although initially shocked by the interruption without turning round Mark knew that there could only be one person responsible. Jim Smith.

The camera continued to roll and the moment of the meeting of the two and the shock as Mark was lifted from the ground shown to all of the Sky viewers before the game was beamed live nationwide.

It became infamous as Soccer Am delighted in playing the clip as part of their Saturday morning 3rd eye slot.

After the banter had died down between the two managers and the cameras long turned off the two had a quiet moment talking in the corridor leading to the tunnel and then out to the pitch.

Age had caught up with the great soccer man. Oxford had been tipped for a real promotion challenge but languished after a disappointing season in mid table. The fans had turned on Smith as their disappointment bordered on abusive. However a decent run left them with a recent run of 5 wins on the trot.

Nothing to play for but pride and affection for a great footballing man Oxford had freed themselves of mid table mediocrity and played themselves into the best run of form for the season.

The fickle fans now celebrated the same team that had been berated just weeks before. A mixture of experience and youth.

A replica of the team model that Mark himself had been striving for since the opening whistle to start the conference season.

After putting the football world to rights the two managers wished each other luck. For Jim this would probably be his last season as manager of the club. The club wanted a younger man in place but Smith hoped that his number two Martin Foyle would get a chance to prove his ability.

Mark wanted to win but in the back of his mind he knew that if WSM were to lose then at least it would have been at the hands of a decent footballing side with a brilliant man in charge.

WSM fans made a colourful and loud welcome to the team as it jogged onto the pitch. 500 had made the journey hoping to see WSM win and continue to chase a play off spot.

Oxford lined up 4,3,3 which was unusual for a Smith side and certainly a formation that WSM had not come up against so far in the league.

When the referee blew the whistle Oxford keen to continue their form looked the brighter of the two teams. Sharp, crisp passing always looking for the pass to use the pace up front looking to destabilize WSM at the back the order of the Oxford game plan.

Against the run of play Jermyn picked the loose ball up in midfield and hit a long hopeful ball over the top of the Oxford back four.

Benyon starting his first game for some time the quickest to spot the chance and his pace took him clear of the closest defender and one on one with the keeper.

He made no mistake and after rounding the keeper slammed the ball into the empty net.

1:0 to WSM after just 10 minutes. One shot and one goal some ratio for the WSM team.

The Oxford fans were silenced.

For the remainder of the half Oxford continued to hunt the equalizer with WSM soaking up the pressure and then looking to break on the counter using the pace of the wide men and the ever elusive pairing of Benyon and Newbold upfront. Chances racked up for both teams but no further score was added.

Northmore secure at the back never really troubled whilst the Oxford keeper berated his defence time and time after being exposed to another WSM attack.

As the half time whistle blew the game remained in WSM’s favour.

Second half and Mark had been forced to make changes. Benyon was blowing for air after running himself into the ground. After taking his goal and making a significant impact on the game outcome there was no point in damaging him for future games. Roberts would come on in his place with the instruction to hold the ball up and look to find a midfield man joining the attack.

A sudden change of tactic for WSM.

Newbold had complained of tightness across his groin. No risks could be taken with the club’s top scorer. Youth player Clark Bell would start the second half.

A very different front pairing now faced up to Oxford.

Oxford had also spent a busy half time making changes to their game plan.

Moving from 4,3,3 to 3,5,2 would really allow them to take the game to WSM with real pressure on the left and right backs to stem the flow of attack.

Smith also threw on a target man up front. A man mountain of a centre forward towering over Jarman and Evans at the back.

It was obvious that the wide ball whipped into the box looking for the extra height would now be the challenge for WSM to defend. The message quickly relayed to the team before the second half kicked off.

Roberts with a point to prove quickly got himself into the game. A half chance all of his own making crashed against the bar bouncing clear of the goal. Bell looking to support his experienced pro also playing his part in harrying the Oxford back three.

With the clock counting down. Oxford picked up a free kick after the wing back had been felled by Somner. The resulting free kick headed past a bemused Northmore. The script written in rock as the new man mountain up front picked up the goal. Jarman and Evans just looked at each other knowing the fury of their manager on the touchline was well deserved. They had allowed the man a clear header.

Mark was out of the dug out and after a couple of words to the captain Kirk, Kirk demanded the team to press up and go for the goal. With just ten minutes left Mark wanted the three points one wouldn’t do.

This was the undoing of the side.

With Jarman and Evans keen to keep the new attacker subdued they lost sight of his fellow strike partner.

One knock down and the ball was volleyed into the net. Northmore could only parry the ball into the top corner.

Game over and Smith had won the duel. Clever football mixed with a touch of magic. WSM had been left exposed to a defeat that now left a significant gap to Stevenage in the final play off place.

Above the cheers Mark could almost hear the snigger of the two recently freed players.

Roberts again had failed to deliver and Bell would grow from the experience. WSM had been unable to hold onto the lead. The unbeaten run crashed around Mark’s ears.....

[markyt]

Stafford – Home

2:1

A team is only as good as its last performance. WSM had played well but still lost. Refocusing the team at the half way stage of the month of March now the challenge for Mark and his coaching staff.

With nine games in the month, five completed with four to go meant that four games were now crammed into 2 weeks. March results had hit the team and they had lost momentum in the chase for a play off spot.

Losing after going 12 games unbeaten now providing a real challenge to the team. Simply WSM had to start to win games.

Too many draws followed by the loss to Oxford had dented the play off challenge made worse by the fact that WSM were still playing bright attacking football.

A win against Stafford imperative or the season could hit the wall and grind to nothing.

The Stafford game also presented another conurbation. Mark had signed two of their star players. Madjo and Olaoye prolific goalscorers in a relegation haunted side.

Training had not gone well. Newbold after being substituted early in the second half of the Oxford game hadn’t felt right and WSM top goalscorer broke down and after assessment had been ruled out for the season.

Tipton had resumed training and would make the bench. Roberts or youngster Bell upfront in place of Newbold the stark choice on offer.

Mark went for experience and spent time with Roberts as much building confidence rather than tactics or pearls of wisdom.

Walker now added to the pre match concerns. Falling heavily in a training game he would start against Stafford but may be limited to a limited run out. He would need a fitness test but Mark was confident the physio could keep Walker on the pitch.

Suspension brought Sam Bailey back in at centre half in place of Evans.

A full house on Easter Saturday welcomed Stafford to Woodspring Park. 3000 fans tuning up in hope more than expectation.

Mark fired the players up warning that anything other than a win would finish their season. The message landed loud and clear.

WSM started as they meant to go on. Forcing Stafford into a rear guard action from the kick off. Chipping away at a poor side suffering from relegation worries with some lovely interplay.

The chances soon began to crank up. Mark forcing Walker and Story to stay up almost making the side 4,2,4. WSM were going all out for the win.

With the pressure and % of the ball all in their favour it was no surprise when finally after 22 minutes the Stafford net bulged. Walker tormenting his marker stole a yard and floated a cross to the back post.

Roberts playing well and certainly the best since putting on a WSM shirt calmly chested the ball down to a waiting Benyon who smashed home from 10 yards.

The WSM ground exploded in noise.

Worse was to come for Stafford. Not content on one goal WSM continued to press for a second. On 39 minutes Benyon raced clear after being put through by Kirk and seeing the run of Christian Roberts squeezed the ball to his strike partner. Roberts coolly lobbed the keeper from 25 yards.

All hell broke loose as the WSM cheered a certain win.

Stafford were a broken team and pleaded for the whistle to call a halt to the first half.

Mark took Walker off bringing on Marvin Brown moving Story to the left. The change did nothing to interfere with the WSM performance. The touches, the knock downs, the flicks all coming off as WSM raised the bar again. Chance after chance fell to a white shirt but the score line didn’t change. Mark threw Harkness on in place of Jermyn and Tipton had a 10 minute run out in place of Benyon.

With the game all but over, Madjo harried Bailey. Mark was convinced that Bailey had been fouled but the referee allowed play to go on. Madjo raced 30 yards and smashed a ball through the legs of Northmore and the ball nestled into the corner of the net.

Time was up and Stafford celebrated the goal as if they had won the game. The ref blew the whistle. WSM had won convincingly despite the late lost goal. Three points much needed.

The gap to Stevenage remained four points. Stevenage also winning on Easter Saturday.

[markyt]

With two days between the next game there was little or no time for major changes.

Mark was keen to pick the same starting eleven that had virtually torn Stafford to shreds.

Only a shedful of goals had been missing from the rampant display.

Next up mid table Cambridge.

Cambridge were comfortable in the middle of the table. After a close run with relegation in the previous season a nothing season just what the doctor ordered.

Changing managers quicker than Mark changed his underpants not adding much to the stability of the club.

At the warm down on the Sunday morning it was obvious that a change would have to be made. Benyon didn’t look as if he could go another 90 minutes in such a short space of time.

Newbold with a season’s best of 27 goals out for the rest of the season.

With the echoes of two recently released players ringing in his ears both of them strikers a difficult choice as to just who was going to partner Roberts.

The choices: Clark Bell youth striker, a less than match fit Matt Tipton or Paul Harkness.

Mark called Harkness over and informed him that he would start. The player delighted to get the nod finished training with a huge grin across his face. After the session was completed the first team squad boarded the bus for the long trawl to Cambridge.

Cambridge were ready for battle. As the whistle blew they were keen to exert their own brand of football. Tough, no compromising with a very direct route to goal. It may have been Spring and some warmth in the air but Mark was positive that the ball had snow on it when it returned to Earth after yet another long ball from defence.

WSM whilst showing glimpses of their playing ability were in danger of being hustled out of the game.

Mark aware of Harkness’s keenness to help out a beleaguered midfield became very vocal in ensuring that he held the line.

The ball kept pinging it’s way back to the WSM box and from one tussle a shout from the Cambridge fans for a penalty.

Mark hadn’t seen anything to warrant the claim but from the body language of his players it was obvious that when the referee confirmed the spot kick that had was no serious debate.

Jarman claimed to have been pushed attempting to clear the ball but in doing so the ball had touched his arm.

The Cambridge number nine delighted the crowd by scoring the resulting penalty.

From his celebration you would have thought it was the goal of the season. Perhaps for this Cambridge side it was.

Mark took objection to the over exuberance of celebration and after a small fracas broke out on the touchline he stood toe to toe with his opposition manager. They agreed to differ after some mild language and the regulatory pushing and shoving.

It earned both managers a rebuke from the referee and a groveling apology from both to behave.

15 minutes played and WSM were one down.

Mark moved to make a quick change. Moving Sam Bailey into midfield he switched to three at the back. Leaving a gaping hole on the right side of defence but hoping that Bailey would help to stifle the Cambridge forays into WSM turf.

With no further worries at the back for the remainder of the half the change in tactics began to work and WSM started to make chances of their own. Roberts heading just over and Harkness smashing a loose shot high wide and handsome.

Both chances added to the players belief that they could get something from the game.

No need for big words during half time. The belief that a win was possible already instilled into the eleven white shirts.

The tide in fortunes had changed and for 15 minutes from the second half whistle WSM chased an equalizer.

On 60 minutes the Cambridge net was finally breached.

Harkness very comfortable when given time on the ball tricked his marker into giving away a foul. The kick was just outside of the goal area. Scott Walker placed the ball down purposely and steadied himself for a shot at goal.

Wilce the decoy at the free kick saw Harkness unmarked and quickly put the ball into the box. The early kick flat footed the Cambridge defence and Harkness flung himself at the ball.

He connected glancing the ball with his head past the static keeper.

Now it was one way traffic. Bailey in midfield was magnificent. His influence in the centre of the park and his ability to hold the ball allowing Jermyn and Kirk to press on adding weight of numbers to the attack.

Cambridge had no answer to the change. The only thing against WSM now the clock.

70, 75 80 minutes and the clock counted down. WSM desperate for the winner and blowing chances to take the maximum points.

Walker, Roberts and Kirk all guilty of missing gilt edged great opportunities. All went straight down the throat of the happy Cambridge keeper.

Mark threw the last roll of the dice. Tipton on for Harkness.

Now Cambridge could have a taste of their own medicine. Tipton and Roberts together more of a battering ram than dainty partnership.

A more direct ball required to get the best of the two WSM attackers.

87 minutes and Tipton headed a Walker cross into the path of Roberts and the WSM striker smashed the ball into the net. The keeper stood no chance.

Roberts basked in the glory. Cambridge were a beaten force and Mark was especially delighted for Sam Bailey as he picked up the mom award. The change in tactics had been devastating and blown Cambridge off course.

As the WSM players trouped off the pitch triumphantly they were already aware of a Stevenage loss.

The top of the league had closed again. WSM now just one point from a play off spot.

WSM had got ‘eggs’ actly’ what they wanted from the Easter fixtures. Six points....

[markyt]

Result - Cambridge - Away

2:1

[fatious]

Great Story

One suggestion though how about putting the score at the end of the report (I like the suspense)

[markyt]

Thankyou very much for your comments Fatious.

I will take them on board and hopefully keep you in suspense for some time to come.

For your info I am currently playing two seasons ahead of the current storyline but already have the script written for 12 months plus.

Not to give too much away but there are several more twists in this tale before the end of the season let alone the events of the Summer.

Hope you keep reading.

[markyt]

The return trip from Cambridge had been a nightmare. An accident on the M25 had caused the motorway to close and the resulting detour had meant an arrival in WSM close to midday on the Tuesday. Most of the bus had slept fitfully. You can't really get comfy sleeping in an upright position and when you hve a raging pain in our knee which refuses to go away sleep was almost non existant.

As the bus pulled up into the club car park Mark almost tore the door open in his desire to getout. The freedom of stretching his legs and reducing the pain in his knee overwhelming.

For the players and the staff time to go home. They would return for training on Wednesday but Mark despite little or no sleep wanted to clear his desk and catch up with scout Lee Houghton and if he was around chairman Paul Bliss.

Mark cleared the post tray. Nothing leapt out at him requiring instant action. A couple of players looking for a trial and an agents request to renew one of the WSM's players contracts. All could wait till Wednesday.

Mark dialled Houghton's number. Within seconds Houghton's voice answered the call.

'Hi Boss, great result yesterday you must be delighted with back to back wins...' The call continued and after the usual banter and catch up chat concluded they moved onto the player search.

Mark reviewed the Scottish search. The two players already identified would cost the £35k mark. Houghton had suggested that there were also a couple of youngsters worth a gamble but even at £5k for the pair out of reach as the £50k transfer kitty all but gone already.

Houghton had also taken in the latest Bury game. 5 or 6 players from that team would add another dimension to a WSM team.

Their avaialbility dependant on three factors. Bury not getting promoted, WSM moving up and funds being available.

Mark talked through Houghton's match plan for the next two weeks and finished the call. Houghton would be a busy man but his trawl through the country crucial to the future success of the club.

Now it was time for Paul Bliss. Mark tracked him down talking to the groundsman pitch side. The pitch looked sensational and ready for the dramas ahead. Bliss had managed to secure a pop concert for post season. T4 at WSM. He wanted assurance that the pitch wouldn't be damaged terminally if a couple of thousand screaming kids danced on the hallowed turf.

mark and Bliss ambled around the pitch in the Spring sunshine. The subject matter animated butgenerally jovial. Nothing had changed. Bliss assured Mark of another £50k if promotion was confirmed plus the ability to spend what he turned over in player sales.

It all added upto a big fat zero. Disappointing but reality. Caroline had tweaked the contract offered to Mark and Bliss hped that the next draft would allow Mark to sign up. Bliss wanted the deal done before the end of the Month.

Two games remained and both were aware that unless two wins were picked up then Mark might well be off to pastures new.

News on the training ground upgrade at least offered hope for a bright future. The council had passed the clubs plans and all of the ugrade would be in place come pre season training.

Mark left Bliss to his pop concert. Much was on his mind. He had to generate cash to purchase the players he needed for next season. Time to make some calls and start the market trading. First port of call Rochdale. Did they want to buy Matt Tipton at a snip of a price.

The question of where he would be next season could wait. As could Carolyn Smith. She had left a couple of messages but Mark now wanted sleep.

Carolyn was as busy as ever and now out of the country for the Cannes film festival. Two very separate worlds bumped alongside each other.

[markyt]

The press had begun to play their end of season games.

Who had the easiest run in to the end of season? Who could make a late charge and of course which team was going to bottle it and miss out completely?

For the conference league the debate surrounded seven teams. Six clubs had become seven at the top of the league.

Torquay and Woking were probably clear of the chasing group.

But with a handful of games to go any slip up for either a certain end to the automatic promotion hopes. Only one club would gain this right. Then a chasing group of teams came behind them including Grays, Exeter, and Stevenage all placed handily in the play off spots.

WSM were nestled in 6th place but a win or two could change their fortunes and they could then benefit from the other teams playing each other. Points would be dropped.

With only one loss since the turn of the year WSM should have been right in amongst the leaders.

Too many draws had meant that the teams just above them had a slim advantage and some breathing space.

There was still time for chaos to impact on the promotion race now titled ‘race for the league’.

Aldershot were a team on a mission.

Not been mentioned in the promotion conversation for some time they were now the leagues form team.

A mean defence their cause for much optimism.

They had given themselves a real chance and if they kept up the momentum and most importantly kept winning anything was possible.

The press all agreed that the team with the easiest run in was WSM. Not facing any of the top sides barring Aldershot.

But most fixtures were against either relegation haunted sides or lower mid table going no where teams.

Destiny remained in their own hands and this was the message that Mark drilled into the squad prior to the Eastbourne home game.

Eastbourne had been promoted to the conference via the playoffs and had battled WSM all year in the previous season. There had been very little between the sides right to the finish.

They had been tipped for a return trip one way back down. They had lived up to this billing and unless they won all of their remaining fixtures they would be relegated. A slim chance of safety and one that WSM would need to be wary of.

A fabulously sunny day welcomed Eastbourne to Woodspring Park. Another sellout as an expectant faithful remained convinced that WSM could get into the playoffs. The hottest day of the year would add another dimension to the game.

Mark named his team. Injury and suspension frustrating his attempts to name an unchanged side.

In defence Jarman was replaced by Steve Evans and upfront Mark had gone for the experienced pairing of Tipton and Roberts. Subtlety not a requirement against supposed cannon fodder.

From the whistle WSM were the team quickest into gear. Slick powerful football all adding pandemonium to a creaking Eastbourne team forced to defend from the front. Walker keen to take advantage of his pace against a struggling marker created the first chance as early as 2 minutes. A cross come shot needing to be tipped over the bar by the Eastbourne keeper.

Confidence is a key ingredient in any player but with a couple of decent games under his belt plus a goal or two in the locker Christian Roberts began to demonstrate the qualities that had made him a must signing. From his ability to hold the ball up through to being able to drop deeper collect the ball and then find a pass all very much part of his game.

Eastbourne were fighting shadows let alone the men in front of them.

Eastbourne hopeful of a swift counter attack had gone 4,5,1 and left a lone striker to harry the WSM defence. The tactic hadn’t worked because of the dominance of a WSM side determined to take the game to them.

The chances began to fall WSM's way.

Finally the deadlock was broken.

Walker picked up a Jermyn pass wide on the left and after one step over clipped the ball into space looking for the run of Roberts.

Roberts at pace picked the ball out of the air with his right foot and in almost the same movement cleverly wrong footed his marker by moving the ball to his left foot and then volleyed the ball goalwards.

The ball clattered the bar and dropped into the net. The keeper stood no chance but disputed the ball going over the line.

The linesman saw no reason to doubt the goal.

One up after 15 minutes and the WSM fans tasted blood in the water and wanted their team to go all out for more.

For the remainder of the half it just seemed to be a matter of when the second goal would appear. Walker hit the post and the resulting rebound pushed goalwards by Tipton saved energetically by the keeper. The header had been tame and the save over the top but a certain crowd pleaser. Roberts carved another chance with some clever footwork and as the ball hit the side netting from 12 yards half of the ground cheered a second goal.

With the sun hot and the air humid Eastbourne had slowed to a walking pace. Keen to conserve energy and restrict WSM to a solitary goal they crowded the pitch defending with eleven men deep behind the ball.

As the half came to a halt WSM had become ragged in their attempt to create a second goal. Too direct and no though to the final ball.

Mark calmed the players in the home changing room and demanded that Kirk and Jermyn look for the pass rather than chance an early ball into space. The tactic hadn’t worked, time to change it.

The heat affecting WSM too different tactics needed for the second half. Mark couldn’t afford Tipton and Roberts over doing their efforts and with Eastbourne hacking the ball into touch at every opportunity the midfield four had to become much more creative. Slow the game down beat the nearest man to you and then look for the right pass the requirements for the remainder of the afternoon.

A formation change also introduced. Mark moved Sam Bailey up into midfield dropping to three at the back. Wilce and Somner the full backs were also asked to press forward wide whenever they had the chance and gamble on an overlap occurring in their favour. Wilce and Somner would add to the Walker and Story show wide on the flanks.

Eastbourne were a spent force and wouldn't have much thought for counter attacking.

The press suggested that the second half had been a nice day out at the county show. Where everyone played hoopla and missed the star prize. Shot after shot aimed towards goal. The keeper peppered with goal attempts but happy to see many fly past the post or float aimlessly over the bar. WSM were into double figures with goal attempts and with one way traffic couldn’t find a second goal.

Eastbourne were pleading for relief and to be put out of their misery. But WSM toyed with them relentlessly but still couldn’t add to their winning scoreline.

Wilce becoming over excited blazoned two decent chances into the stand as team become more and more desperate to add to the goal margin.

Tipton scored a header on 62 minutes only for the goal to be ruled out for pushing. Roberts cracked in a shot after breaking clear. The Eastbourne keeper too busy claiming offside rather than saving the shot.

The referee agreed with him and another goal chalked off the board.

Mark signaled player changes as the team began to wilt.

Throwing on Benyon and Harkness and youngster Clark Bell for the last 15 minutes.

The changes reinvigorated WSM attacking prowess late on but after missing further chances the game slipped quietly away.

The WSM fans were happy at the win but disappointed that in the lovely sunshine a poor Eastbourne side had not been thumped. How the game ended at just one nil not even Mark knew. The statto’s at the Western Mercury counted 28 shots at goal with 15 on target. Great stats but meaningless when they all add up to three points and just one goal. Eastbourne had not one attempt at goal to show for 90 minutes work.

Eight games played in the month and just one more to play and with just one defeat in the month Mark was the hot tip for the manager of the month award according to the betting odds.

Eastbourne – home

1:0

[markyt]

An unchanged side would have been a bonus for Mark. Having to change the team for every game becoming both challenge and a chore.

The changes down to either injury or suspension.

After walking into the treatment room post the Eastbourne stroll in the sun on first review life had not got much worse. Blisters and the post match effects of playing on a hard surface the major concerns for the physio. By Wednesday several players were still suffering the effects and would not be major doubts for the away fixture at Southport.

The previous encounter between the two teams had left WSM mugged out of three points. The better team for 70 minutes in that game WSM had been undone why three clever set pieces all within the space of 20 minutes. Southport’s season had petered out and apart from those playing for a new contract the season was drawing to a rapid close.

Mark wanted the three points and set about preparing the team for a revenge mission.

The challenge for WSM to win on Southport’s own manor and close the gap at the top of the league on their rivals.

As the week went on the ranks of the match fit swelled and Mark had close to a full team to pick from minus those players serving suspension.

He would settle for the same eleven swapping Benyon for Tipton that had picked up the Eastbourne win.

Benyon added a further dynamic to the team with pace, vision and the ability to either drop deep to collect the ball or play as the target man. The closest player Mark had seen in the lower leagues that reminded him of the mercurial Wayne Rooney.

Leeds had already tried to sign him for 750k which included add ons to get to that figure. There would be further interest in the months ahead.

Despite words to the contrary Mark felt that if a bid around the million pound mark arrived then Benyon would be gone. Paul Bliss would ensure that the sale happened.

Right now though he had signed a new long term contract and Mark hoped wouldn’t go anywhere for sometime to come.

Walker had been touch and go all week and was finally passed match fit hours before kick off.

The trip to Southport had been a nightmare. The journey all motorway had taken forever what with the road works and extra holiday traffic.

Southport a town north of Liverpool was the furthest away league fixture for WSM. After a seemingly endless trip it felt like it to Mark and his aching knee.

Southport in their penultimate home fixture greeted WSM to a warm welcome. The scousers in the crowd happy to abuse the ex Chelsea player at the start of the game.

Southport home to the Open golf course and a team second home to fans who couldn’t get to a Liverpool or Everton away game.

The gallows humour of the fans especially the scousers and Mancunians had always tickled Mark’s sense of humour. Mark saluted the fans with a Harry Enfield impersonation asking them to calm down.

Whenever he had played the big city club’s he had always been of those ‘soft southerners’ to get the banter directed at him especially if he endeared himself to the crowd by clobbering one of their beloved.

Something between him and Dennis Wise that always happened.

A scrappy game developed from the whistle. Southport keen to put on a good show for their supporters put themselves about a bit during the opening half an hour.

A series of niggling fouls interrupting the flow of play and initially stubbing out any stylish football.

The card count began to mount for both teams. The vendettas across the pitch being marked by the referee throwing around his yellow card like confetti at a wedding.

None of the bookings were particularly for nasty tackles but all helped to spoil the game as a spectacle.

The worst challenge by Southport striker Michael Moore felled Sam Bailey in the box with a wayward elbow.

The challenge had seen both with flailing arms and Bailey had come off worse. Moore a recent interest to Mark which had closed after the purchase of Guy Madjo received a yellow card and a last chance card from the referee. After being patched up and looking like Terry Butcher from a distant England game Bailey continued and played well amongst a stout and resolute defence.

The game intermixed by some quality individual performances from the likes of Walker and Kirk for WSM began to flow much better for both teams as the game spread out. Like the tide the football flowed from end to end but as the first half drew to a close there had been nothing to do for either keeper but keep alert on the edge of the box. The shots on goal more testing for the pitch side hoarding than themselves.

Mark challenged the team for a much more determined second half. No changes but Mark warned the players that if the scoreline remained static to expect positive substitutions around the 65 minute point.

Southport happy too with their first half performance also returned to play unchanged. The tenor of the match soon became very different. Walker on one of his trademark runs was caught late by the right back.

Walker stayed down and looked to be in some pain. The WSM players angrily milled around the ref but their mood soon calmed as Southport were down to 10 men. A second yellow card well deserved.

Walker couldn’t continue and on came Harkness in his place.

Southport now had 40 minutes of football to play with a distinct disadvantage.

The tide turned WSM’s way and the pressure increased on the Southport back four. Harkness keen to get himself into the game quickly became an effective replacement for Walker.

Southport forced to move a midfielder into marking him were being troubled by his pace and his ability time and time again to whip in a cross.

Story too on the right wing began to find a yard or two more as Southport edged back towards their own goal line. Chances were being made but Benyon and Roberts missed the best of them.

Harkness's decoy run on 77 minutes opened up space for a midfield run from Kirk who dazzled the closest markers before curling a shot with the outside of his boot goalwards. The crowd hushed as the ball hit the back of the net.

The clearest cut chance had been taken and WSM were ahead.

Kirk ripped his shirt off in celebration and launched himself in a moment of sheer madness into the crowd.

Already booked for a previous misdemeanor the ref had no other option but send the man for an early bath.

Mark was furious. After the ecstasy the agony of 10 minutes of edge of the seat football.

Mark forced to drop Benyon back into the middle of the park and freshen up attack with Tipton on for Roberts.

The game teetered on anarchy as the petty feuds spilled out on to the park once more. Mark called for cool heads and sanity prevailed as WSM ran out eventual winners and Mark’s players avoided further disciplinary action.

Northmore remained untested for the match.

The game had been poor but the result got even better as WSM had leapfrogged Stevenage and clawed themselves level with Exeter.

Exeter remained in 4th. The top of the table had closed once more.

With Mark picking up the manager of the month and Sam Bailey player of the month things were looking very bright for the West Country side.

Southport - Away

1:0

[markyt]

Mark opened the back pages of the papers. Casually flicking through until he found a story that interested him. He had been at his desk for a couple of hours and hadn’t had the chance to read the latest football stories. Normally there was very little about the non league scene but today was different. Outside of the normal Premier League and Championship coverage there was a detailed look at the ‘runners and riders’ in the conference promotion chase.

Billed as the most exciting conference season ever especially as there were still 6 or 7 fancied runners involved with just four games left.

Each of the teams and managers involved were detailed and a photo of either the manager or team included adding further interest for the reader.

For WSM cue a photo of Mark playing for England. Looking at the opposition in the background it looked like a game from the 2000 Euro championships and the infamous 3:2 defeat against Romania. That was the night when Graham Le Saux a Chelsea team mate gifted Dan Petrescu another Chelsea player an easy chance to get Romania back into the game and then Jimmy Hill suggested at half time that the team dying their hair blond had been to the Romanians advantage. Something about the wingers didn’t need to look up as they could easily see the streak of vivid yellow hair in their peripheral vision. Complete rubbish and Hill was a laughing stock for days.

Not so much as the England team though who again failed in a major championship.

Mark had played in all of the group games and apart from beating Germany one nil and Mark supplying the pass for Shearer to score there wasn’t very much to recall. England had been beyond poor and deserved the early exit and the abuse thrown in their direction.

The rage inside welled up deep. Reading the article he could see some scathing comments linked to ex WSM player Richard Harris.

Harris had suggested that Mark couldn’t spot talent at 5 yards and that he couldn’t get the club promoted as his managerial skills were somewhat lacking. He was the only manager in the article to come in for any ‘rough treatment’ perhaps suggesting he was the only household name that readers would know. Disappointing to read and the paper was very quickly condemned to the recycling bin.

Harris had recently picked up a short trial at Aldershot and been given a short contract after his WSM release.

WSM would play them next although Harris would be unlikely to feature in the Aldershot side.

It would be very interesting to see if Harris stuck by his reported comments when the two met.

Mark spent the rest of the morning agreeing new contracts with the regular back four and keeper Northmore. All signed up and were glad to have put their futures to bed. After lunch it was time for some training and Mark joined the players for a 5-aside stint. Regretting the activity later but lost in the moment as the adrenalin kicked in.

Apart from the injured Newbold and the suspended Kirk, WSM would be at virtual full strength for the next game and with just four games to go it was very important for the teams’ final position league position.

The April match review with Paul Bliss would at least start from an encouraging squad position.

[markyt]

Sitting in the boardroom Mark waited for the appearance of Chairman Paul Bliss. Mark had arrived early from a midweek training session as he had been hopeful of a short sharp meeting thus allowing him to get on the road to take in an evening game between Bury and Bristol Rovers. The Rovers ground was less than an hour away all by motorway.

He had got scout Lee Houghton to really study the Bury team and was now fairly convinced that if Bury didn’t get promoted then he could plunder one or two of their squad as Bury then looked to build again for another challenge. Houghton had done similar trawls of all of the other league 2 promotion challengers but the identified players at Bury were all realistically valued and if Bliss coughed up the promised 50k then a deal for one or two of them could be on the cards.

As with any quality player with a second division team as soon as the talent shone through the price jumped to 100k plus. Spotting talent early meant hat players could be picked up for 5-20k.

Polishing them could see a club then go on to earn a massive transfer fee later on. ‘You pays your money you get your chance.....’

Lot’s of if’s and but’s were involved in before any further purchases. ‘If WSM got promoted’, ‘if Mark signed a new contract’, ‘if 50k became available’.

Bliss finally arrived and the two got down to business and reviewed both the March performance and the April games ahead.

Bliss was ecstatic about their recent run. Apart from the Oxford game WSM were shaping up for a fantastic end of season run in. One defeat in 17 games an excellent return since the New Year.

‘Tales of the unexpected’ perhaps for the club but with a play off berth now within touching distance every chance that WSM could now be within the final shake out. They just had to keep up the current pace.

April would feature four games with two away and two home fixtures. Aldershot, Chester away and Crawley and York at home.

Aldershot were by far the toughest game. Crawley would most likely be relegated by the time WSM played them.

Mark hoped for three wins and a draw from the April fixtures. Anything less and WSM would find themselves nervously praying for dropped points from their closest rivals.

All associated with the club could do without that tension.

Player wise Mark detailed the players he had identified for the future but agreeing that nothing would happen until the close season. He was very much ready to wheel and deal when the time came.

Bliss introduced news of other team’s interest in current WSM players. Grimsby were offering a straight swap between strikers Andy Campbell and Christian Roberts.

Mark knew of the player from his Middlesborough and England under 21 days but very little since his fall from grace. Mark agreed with Bliss that the player could be worth a look and that Houghton would have to run the rule. Something had obviously happened in the very recent background and would need understanding. Campbell’s freefall from a £1million pound signing was startling nonetheless.

There was also development and an offer for Matt Tipton. A couple of clubs had been sniffing around but baulking at a price over 30k.

Barnet were offering 40k. 30k upfront with further money for appearances and goals added to sweeten the deal. They wanted Tipton to form a pairing with Paul Dickov and after watching Tipton perform well for WSM on initial signing in January the player fitted the bill of an ideal target man linking to their other recruit.

Mark had been holding out for 50k but 40k was a good return on a free signing in less than 6 months. Mark reluctantly agreed to sell. It was upto Bliss now to close the deal.

The 40k would come Mark’s way and dependant on the if’s and but’s being achieved the additional money could help to fund his adventure into the Scottish market.

All down now to WSM getting out of the conference division. For this success Mark had been promised 50k in addition to any transfer fees generated. At a pot of 92k life could potentially be very good in the 2nd division.

They both skirmished the signing of Mark’s new contract.

All now on hold until Carolyn, Mark’s agent returned from her stint in the jungle. Two of her clients were involved in the ‘I’m a celebrity’ programme in Australia eating bugs and themselves according to the snippets Mark had seen on TV. Carolyn was due back in the next 10 days and the three would meet up again to finalise contract arrangements.

Mark had spoken to Carolyn on the phone almost daily whilst she was in Oz but the longer she was away the more he missed her.

The upside of her now being miles away giving him the ability to immerse himself in all things football and yet at the same time concentrate on home life.

A tough balancing act but one he worked hard to get right.

The meeting finished, Mark leapt into the Porsche and after setting up the in car sat nav negotiated his way to Twerton Park, Bristol.

Lee Houghton would be waiting for him and Mark would add Andy Campbell to Houghton’s case load requesting that he check the experienced player out.

[markyt]

Walking into Twerton Park he was met in the Directors bar by a very happy Lee Houghton.

Houghton had just flown from Scotland after completing his Scottish player search. He had identified four players for Mark and considered all of them to be real finds.

Mark Kerr and Guy Bates were superb prospects but he also felt that the couple of youngsters would more than make up the numbers at WSM.

All further scouting trips would allow him to work from home. He was almost demob happy about not living out of a suitcase.

His workload though would intensify. Houghton now would move back to specific players identified by Mark over recent weeks. These would now include the new name of Andy Campbell. On hearing the name Houghton just whistled. ‘What’s gone wrong with the lad for him to be bumped down the league?’ he asked.

‘I’m hoping you can find out Lee and perhaps the touch of a Sam Allardyce’s may get him back on track. Nurture and help but that’s where you fact file will come in. I’ll get Carolyn to trawl the agents for further background checks. I remember him playing for Middlesborough and Cardiff. I even think I played against him a couple of times. He seemed to be a prospect. Maybe there’s an injury or two in the past?

Maybe he’s now injury prone? Do the math’s and we’ll review in the next week or so but he should be worth more than 100k. So why are they letting him go on the cheap??’

The two settled into the stand to watch Bristol and Bury. Bury ran out 3:2 winners and looked now dead certs for a play off berth.

In particular defender Ian Sharps looked the business. Houghton had confirmed Sharps value at 12k. Sharps was a communicator and barked out instructions to his defensive colleagues.

He reminded Mark of a Nigel Pearson the former Middlesborough and Sheffield Wednesday defender in the way that he calmly went to work but still managed at the same to influence colleagues.

A natural leader on the pitch and a real asset to WSM if they could snap him up. Mark knew that in a higher league that personality would be required.

If Bury got promoted Mark would need to look elsewhere as the three or four players that interested him would be priced way out of WSM reach.

Would Bury rip the team apart to start again another consideration for Mark? He had a decent list of players but those in the Bury team excited him the most.

If he lost the chance to buy any of the Bury team then a major hole would appear in next season’s player plan

Defensively the short list was relatively bare barring one name.

He had identified David McGurk at York as another defensive potential option.

Houghton was enthusiastic about the pair even suggesting that the two might be WSM centre half’s for the season ahead.

McGurk would be a free option and certainly an easier deal to complete.

Still work to do for Houghton but the player shortlist was now shaping nicely. Just a few if’s and but’s between now and the end of the season.

Houghton might need to keep the suitcase handy if Bury got promoted.

Time would tell a lot......

[markyt]

Aldershot away was always going to be a tough fixture and became much tougher in the run up to match day.

Aldershot were on a run made of dreams.

An ability to win by just an odd goal and then close a game out to zero had become legendary. The meanest defence in the league would test a WSM also looking for a maximum three points.

Aldershot wanted a promotion shot themselves and after a poor start to the season their juggernaut appeared to be unstoppable.

Just one problem now for the ‘Shots’ as games were running out and much ground still to be made up.

Four wins in the final month might still mean their season ended in glorious failure.

Mark forced into team changes with the enforced suspension of captain Kirk for his sending off in the recent Stockport game. Mark had looked to appeal but thought better of it. Why risk further wrath.

Christian Roberts became an injury worry. After a simple and light training exercise leaping over small hurdles in an effort to improve jumping and agility he had landed awkwardly damaging ankle ligaments.

He had immediately gone under ice pack treatment but after a day’s rest the damage became apparent. Roberts would miss the season run in.

Playing himself into some decent form his loss in addition to striker Newbold further depleting WSM attacking options.

Mark could here the cackle of released players echoing across the training ground.

Aldershot was a sell out match. Something had to give on this lovely Saturday afternoon. Either WSM would keep on track for promotion or open the door for Aldershot to keep the dream alive. It all added spice to the affair. Matthew Roberts replaced Kirk in midfield picking up the captains arm band. Tipton once more match fit would link with Elliot Benyon.

Aldershot from the off were like rampaging elephants trodding on everything in their way.

Traffic was all one way and the WSM midfield four were forced into defensive duties trying to shore up the back line. It was all to no avail.

Mark had hardly had time to warm the seat on the bench when Northmore was already picking the ball out of the net. 3 minutes had passed.

Simple one touch football carved holes into a stretched and struggling defence before the pacy ‘Shots’ striker picked a through ball up and with the time to get a crack at goal before Bailey’s late challenge.

Mark was quickly up onto the side lines. Looking for some calmness in the chaos and demanding that Walker and Story move up the park to give Aldershot something themselves to think about.

Slowly but surely WSM began to get into their stride. Story the first to spark into life. A one two with Jermyn allowed him to break clear and a lovely cross evaded the Tipton lunge.

Tipton showed his appreciation of the ball knowing that it was a chance lost.

WSM grew in stature and their football which had won many plaudits in recent weeks began to bamboozle Aldershot. Movement a joy to behold and the vision to find the right pass ever evident. It was time for Aldershot to stutter. After Benyon had been fouled on the edge of the box, Walker stepped up and pushed a shot just wide. An ooooh went around the ground suggesting the chance was only wide by centimeters.

As the game moved very quickly to the 45 minute point a poor clearance from Northmore cannoned off an Aldershot attacker and straight into an empty net. A complete fluke! WSM were now two down.

Mark wistfully strode down the tunnel as the first half came to a close.

Work to be done but Mark remained confident and convinced that WSM could get something from the game.

Bailey moved into midfield and a couple of small tweaks across the park. ‘Keep pushing on lads the final plea from the WSM boss. We can win this!’

The changes paid instant dividends and a dominant WSM gained a foothold in opposition territory and looked to assert their superiority and impact the scoreboard.

Walker combined with Tipton to create another headed chance easily saved by a hassled keeper. Aldershot were falling further and further backwards.

Walker became the leader of the orchestra weaving a merry dance down the left wing. Time and time his magic creating a half chance but still Aldershot resolutely stood firm.

Walker’s afternoon came to a sudden halt. Felled by a completely perplexed right back and unable to continue he had to be stretchered off on 70 minutes.

Major surgery for Mark to complete. Harkness was thrown on for the last 20 minutes in Walker’s place.

The pace now frenetic as WSM looked for a way back. 77 minutes and WSM finally pulled one goal back.

A poor cross from Somner somehow fumbled by the keeper and in the resulting melee to clear the ball from the area an unlucky Aldershot defender turned the ball over the line.

Benyon grabbed the ball and quickly ran back to the halfway line. With 10 minutes or so on the clock still time for WSM to get something from an unlikely scenario.

WSM threw caution to the wind and with their manager demanding an all out assault on the Aldershot goal chance after chance fell their way.

Tipton missed perhaps an easy header tamely heading wide when the open goal called for the ball. Harkness and Story also had the chance for glory but wasted their opportunities.

The Aldershot fans screamed for the final whistle.

For Mark the inevitable happened. Pushing for a 2nd goal Evans almost forgetting the Bailey sized hole beside him tried to play his way out of trouble. Not the best option for a centre half.

Losing the ball and missing with his desperate flailing tackle Northmore was left completely exposed and again could only watch the ball as it flew past and into the net.

There was hardly time for the restart.

Aldershot finishing the game with a very unlikely scoreline and for WSM supporters alarm bells were sounding.

With the other teams around them winning WSM were dumped out of the play off positions with just three games to go.

Aldershot – Away

1:3

[markyt]

There was no time for licking of wounds.

WSM training post the Aldershot game demanding. Mark keen to wash away the after effects of the loss doubled up sessions across the week.The players were fit and didn’t need particularly heavy sessions.

The training all about ensuring that players were kept at tip top condition whilst at the same time trying to protect those carrying long term knocks.

The second session on each of the training days was all about individual work with key players as Mark honed them for the games ahead.

Several of the team would be required to play out of position especially as the long term casualty list grew.

Mark relished the sessions especially the one to one sessions that all of the first team featured in.

Players discounted for the run in now included the key men Walker and Newbold. Walker the talisman of the team and creator of havoc on the left wing had chipped in with 11 goals with Newbold effectively the leagues top scorer when injury halted his season with 27 goals. A huge hole had been created within the nucleus of the first team.

Add the loss of support men Christian Roberts and latest casualty Paul Harkness. Roberts with ankle ligaments problems and Harkness wiped out with a virus. Both out for the last three games.

One small crumb of comfort for Mark.

Kirk back from suspension would add a significant weight to the midfield challenge and stiffen a weakened side as they pushed on for that elusive play off spot.

Marvin Brown would come in on the right wing with Owen Story asked to provide the width on the left filling the Walker ‘super sized’ gaping hole. Up front it would be Benyon and Tipton with the back four plus keeper Northmore as you were....

The bench would look like a 6th form school outing.

Joining the experienced first team squad of keeper Crossley, Lee Jarman, Matthew Rose on the bench were youngsters Clark Bell and Peter Morris.

Morris at 17 had become a regular for reserves and apart from Bell the only player to come out of the reserve season with any credit. Mike Kilgour WSM’s asst manager and reserve team manager really believed that Morris could make the grade and was delighted to see the lad join the first team.

After the reserves had ended the season with just two points it was hard to find anything in the reserve team ashes. But credit where credit was due Morris could play and deserved to join up with the first team.

The fact that he looked like a starving waif and stray and aged all of about 12 years old. Nothing that a good meal and a first team start wouldn’t change.

[markyt]

Crawley arrived at a Woodspring Park with only 2850 through the gates.

Crawley supporters were thin on the ground and their no show it left WSM well short of a sellout.

Crawley mathematically not yet relegated.

They could give themselves a big chance of survival by winning the last three games.

A chance but a very slim one most Crawley supporters had conceded.

Fate had thrown them a very tough hand in their last three games.

WSM, Torquay and Gray were all huddled at the top of the table and no Crawley fan seriously expected their team to win one let alone all three. Hence the lack of traveling support. The best they could now hope for would be to seriously dent someone’s promotion challenge. First up to be knocked out of the promotion race WSM???

Shortly after 3pm on a fine sunny Saturday afternoon the Dad’s Army phrase soon became an infamous cry across the ground with the 50 or so Crawley supporters starting to chant ‘we are doomed’!

Crawley had set up a very attacking formation of 3,5,2 from the start of the game and were soon to regret their boldness.

Kirk refreshed from his suspension drove his colleagues forward. Wave after wave of attack began to crash against a thin and visibly poor back line. In the first five minutes Mark counted at least five or six chances that on another day would have nestled into the back of the net. Benyon and Tipton were happy to create the movement up front especially when goals were definitely in the air.

With each attack WSM looked likely to score.

Story in his left wing role had time on the ball and soon worked his way into the game.

After getting into some clever positions and fully aware that his young marker was obviously way out of depth and struggling to cope with a nippy, cleverer and determined opponent Story ensured regular mayhem in the box.

A first change in tactics as Crawley were quickly forced to double up on Story from the 10 minute mark.

The change just allowed further freedom for the WSM pair up front and a vacuum of space down the middle for Jermyn and Kirk to exploit.

It was just a matter of time before the first goal. After several half chances Story claimed the assist after breaking in on his right foot and releasing the perfect ball for Benyon. A simple ball played into space looking to exploit the speed of Benyon.

Benyon’s pace left him clear and after leaving the keeper all ends up calmly tapped the ball into an empty net.

Just 15 minutes had passed. With WSM now one goal up the mood in the ground changed to one of pure joy. The crowd relaxed and looked forward to an uncomfortable afternoon for a Crawley side clearly devoid of ideas and looking for a white towel to be thrown in the ring.

WSM pretty much camped in the Crawley half appearing almost at will to be able to fashion chances. It was a very one sided affair and if it had been a boxing match it would have been stopped after just 20 minutes. The gulf between the two conference sides wider than the Atlantic.

Tipton found space time after time and his knock downs caused panic for the Crawley keeper.

His flapping at any crossed ball adding further to the back four’s anxiety. Crawley were falling apart.

Story became provider again on 27 minutes. A free kick floated into the box found Tipton in acres of space and with the time to chest the ball down and control the ball neatly with his right foot before almost passing the ball into an empty net.

Two nil to the men in white!

With the going good and Benyon looking to grab a goal or two more and add to the goal feast his sudden lack of movment apparant to Mark on the bench. Benyon came across to the bench complaining that he was feeling a tightness of a hamstring.

No risks would be taken and after 35 minutes Mark threw on reserve striker Clark Bell.

The chances continued to fall and as the whistle blew to signal the end of the half WSM were already coasting to a certain victory. Northmore and the WSM defence passengers in a complete rout.

Second half and Mark expected Crawley with nothing much to lose to go full out with a nothing to lose mentality. The WSM were warned to expect a flurry of Crawley activity. Within seconds of the restart this proved to be the case.

However WSM were well prepared for the onslaught and with the supporters barely sat back in their seats Brown pounced on poor defending and ran clear.

Spotting Bell’s run he threaded a pass into the youngster’s run and Bell couldn’t believe his luck. His first strike at goal marked a senior debut goal.

48 minutes on the clock and WSM were three goals to the good. The speed of the break had broken Crawley hearts and the defence in the effort to catch up with play had given Bell a free shot on goal.

The defence had gone awol for the afternoon. The arguments rained long into the afternoon. None of this mattered to a by now rampant WSM side. Tipton the master craftsman with Bell the young apprentice willing to learn, carrying and fetching whenever the need arose. The two an effective foil as WSM toiled long and hard for another goal.

It was not to be.

Tipton in the end wasted two or three chances to kill the game off. Bell slamming his second clear chance of the game well wide.

Mark threw on Matthew Rose and debutant Peter Morris for the last 10 minutes. Brown and Kirk greeted to a standing ovation.

Crawley reached the game end without further loss.

Still able to save themselves but knowing at the same time they were ‘doomed’ to relegation.

Crawley – home

3:0

[markyt]

The rush for all of the WSM team to listen to the confirmed footie scores on ‘Five Live’ and perhaps more importantly for them to hear what their closest rivals had done turned into a wild stampede as players raced off the pitch and down the tunnel to the changing rooms.

The crowd to waited patiently for the announcer to relay the scores with hardly any leaving the ground.

Players during the game itself had a rough idea of the goings on.

The noise from the home crowd as either a score flashed up on the ground scoreboard or they heard for themselves on portable am radios and with of course modern technology, websites on mobile telephones already giving much away. Mark had tried to blot out the whispers of the crowd but couldn’t help himself looking across at the scoreboard late into the second half. With Crawley being outplayed and the traffic one way the players were more aware than ever of their surroundings and the other score lines across the conference league.

The excitement of a victory soon turned to groans of anguish as nothing had changed for any of the teams hunting a play off berth.

James Alexander Gordon’s tones added severity and gravitas to the moment.

Seven clubs however were now essentially down to six in the promotion battle.

Aldershot’s relentless run to snatch a play off position in the final few games of the season all in vain unless the current form of the top six clubs went completely to pot. That didn’t look very likely after the Saturday results. Aldershot would have to settle for 7th place or at best 6th. Their promotion play off hunt now looked over. The form team in the league by a country mile their season would end with nothing. They had left the themselves too much to do after their poor start to the season.

Woking had closed in on Torquay at the peak and only two clubs would battle for the automatic promotion spot.

Grays still potentially waiting for a slip up from either of the top and automatic prmotion with it two but were nicely nestled in third place and at the very least guaranteed a play off place. The top spot for them looked out of reach.

Exeter, Stevenage and WSM still would have to wait until the final game of the season.

The season would go right to 5pm on the final Saturday. Exiting for the fans and any neutral but not for those heavily involved.

Goal difference wouldn’t help WSM’s plight. The worst of the three clubs chasing the last two places despite being amongst the highest goalscorers in the league.

Mark looked at the league table hastily printed and produced from a BBC website.

The club’s secretary had raced to the changing room with the table showing the impact of the day’s games.

WSM would need to win their final two games and even then they could miss out by the slimist of margins.

Sitting on 82 points and still knowing that 88 with two more wins might mean the season ending with nothing to show for all of their efforts. A bitter pill to swallow perhaps but in every likelihood there would be twists and turns along the way before time for any regrets. Winning the next game imperative. If slipup’s happened then maybe just maybe WSM could be masters of their own destiny.

Sleepless nights for the supporters of several clubs for days if not two weeks ahead.

[markyt]

Lee Houghton sat glued to the TV in a bar at Lincoln City’s ground having just taken in the Lincoln versus Macclesfield game.

A pint in hand watching the scores coming in and of course and seeing live the tables with just two games remaining in the season for the conference. Knowing as the the scores were confirmed that in reality that all of his recent scouting work could turn to dust if the results went against his club.

He punched the air after watching the WSM score come through on Sky Sports.

An easy 3 nil drubbing of likely relegation side Crawley according to the accompanying report.

Lee Houghton had been working hard to create and fianlise a shortlist of players for Mark to consider.

After the success of his Scottish hunt he had been reinvigorated for the search much closer to home.

He was now a regular face at second division games. Clubs that had just been names were now second homes.

Bury and Stockport were the two clubs that had become a major focus for Houghton.

The clubs fitted Mark’s player profile. Both striving for promotion and both destined for a battle in the play offs.

Talented players at very realistic prices featured for both in amongst some probable free transfer options.

All music to Mark’s ears when Houghton had started to report the information back via the telephone after each player was either confirmed or discounted.

Houghton had quickly grasped Mark’s overall road map for WSM’s future.

From the core nucleus of current WSM players he wanted to add a new backbone of experience and quality.

Stronger, quicker and with proven ability to play at a higher level some of the finer points required from his search.

From his recent games he had recognised scouts from other league clubs. All in truth searching for similar options.

Money would be the deciding factor in what player moved where and to what division.

Houghton had taken in 7 games from the second division in just two weeks.

Andy Campbell one of the more recent additions to his workload had too proven a possibility now firmly written onto the growing shortlist.

What on earth had happened other than a spectacular free fall from the top table in football had certainly intrigued him?

Injury looked the major factor but Houghton was now confident that the player was injury free and playing confidently at 2nd division level. Most importantly a regular scorer in front of goal.

Another possibility should funds be available.

Mark would have a significant pool of players to review before making his final decisions.

Each game Houghton attended seemed not only to confirm the short list but somehow another player would force himself into consideration. All would need to be reviewed carefully by the WSM manager. Houghton confident that those he rated highest would impact positively on the WSM future.

Houghton would keep chipping away as Mark demanded but conscious that both he and the WSM manager would be left disappointed if funds didn’t appear. Mark wanted firm options for keeper, centre of defence, centre of midfield and back up to the current front pairing if WSM were promoted. These were all now detailed and rated as Mark had requested.

All of the details of which players’ to purchase and how much paid and of course the player contract would be left to Mark.

Houghton had already noticed the influence of Mark’s agent on the finer details of player negotiations.

Carolyn Smith a stellar agent with a superstar client list across a wide field still heavily involved in the player selection process at a non league club.

Houghton had initially thought something was going on between the two.

On reflection it was none of his business but Houghton of late had changed his mind.

To put it simply Mark was the best manager he had worked with and obviously destined for much better things than WSM.

After all of the years of working together perhaps Carolyn Smith was just making sure she got her client the best manager post available. WSM was a starting point and with her assured hand beside him he would rise rapidly to more profile positions.

Houghton happy to cling to the ex Chelsea players coat tail similarly to Mike Kilgour.

Following Mark to a ‘bigger club’ a dream for them both.

Right now delivering the goods in terms of new recruits for Mark at WSM priority number one but if the rumour mill was to be believed come what may Mark would move to a top league club in the not to distant future.

[markyt]

Monday morning and Mark was ensconced into his office.

He’d been there since 7am and with a packed schedule keen to crack through as much of the desk work possible so he could join up with the afternoon training session. It was slow progress slowed further by the frequent visitors.

The post delivery, new flowers for the room, the shredder box collection and the club’s pa going through Mark’s weekly diary.

Outside the day was gorgeous and Mark longed to be free from the office but still the desk looked busier than ever.

The clocked moved to 10am and not long after Paul Bliss popped his head round the door and asked that the two could meet up around lunchtime. Mark barely looked up from his laptop to acknowledge the noon meeting before diving back into the player reports compiled by Houghton. Houghton’s work was impressive.

The calibre of the reports produced on the players short listed for review better than he could have ever hoped for.

Mark wanted to run the rule over all of the targets. Included were a couple of pricier options but if WSM were promoted there was no reason not to try and attract some of the ‘free’ options.

Houghton had delivered a short list of players to his tailored request.

The games they had watched together had obviously worked ensuring Houghton knew the very specific type of player he wanted to attract.

A couple of new names had appeared on the list from the Second division trawl.

Jonny Brain keeper at Macclesfield, Grant McCann central midfielder at Cheltenham and Dave Buchanan left side midfielder at Bury stood out from the other player reports emailed to him.

Current WSM keeper Northmore had been a safe pair of hands in Mark’s time at the club but had the habit of dropping a right clanger especially when not totally involved in the action. The quality of back up options in this area was poor and the addition of a quality keeper would be critical for progress. Northmore a key component going forward with the club but having someone to push him would benefit the player and the club. Brain appeared to be such an option. His experience would add resolve to a ‘new’ back four.

WSM despite a front pairing the envy of all at the Conference level leaked too many soft goals.

A top notch keeper would certainly help stem the leak and adding strength and experience at the back.

Buchanan stood out for another reason. He appeared to be an exact replica of Scott Walker. WSM had struggled to flow without their talisman wide on the left. Despite having players who could play in place of Walker from amongst the reserves none had really been effective when given their chance. Owen Story had moved from the right wing to become WSM’s best alternative to Walker.

Not ideal but Story understood the role demanded of him and with a run of games in that position had become very effective.

McCann an athletic midfielder and in essence sounded a much younger version of the WSM manager himself.

The ability to play either in a holding role or to break forward with pace using a range of passing able to literally destroy teams on the counter attack. Lee Houghton’s description of the player and the obvious comparison’s between McCann and the ex Chelsea player probably close. Although to be fair to McCann he was potentially a better goal scorer.

Mark whilst a regular goalscorer both at club and country level had never been particularly prolific.

Anything above 10 goals in a season for Mark a rare event.

Houghton’s final commentary detailing his thoughts of a pairing of McCann and Mark Kerr driving the midfield left little to the imagination. WSM’s scout making it loud and clear that he could find no one else better across the country.

Mark checked the internet to check for potential games to scout. Bury, Cheltenham and Macclesfield with games in the weeks ahead. The midweek games would be Mark’s last chance to confirm the shortlist.

Mark also checked out Scottish league fixtures as Mark Kerr, Houghton’s dream pick alongside highly recommended striker Guy Bates would need to be watched.

Houghton almost foamed at the mouth when talking about the two.

Mark jotted down some details and passed a note across to the ‘pa’ for her to book flights to Scotland. The games he wanted to take in were in early May.

WSM would know their future by then. If promotion was a long gone pipe dream then the flights would be cancelled.

An interesting journey ahead whatever the destination.

[markyt]

With the desk appearing as busy as when he had started at 7am Mark wandered the building looking for Bliss. It was just after noon.

Bliss was perched in the board room eating a sandwich whilst at the same time engrossed in a conversation via the hands free conference phone system. Beckoning in Mark to join him and to grab a sandwich, Mark was surprised that he recognised the voice of the caller.

‘Nigel Clough.’ The content of the call became clear. Clough was interested in Matthew Tipton.

Mark had already agreed to let Tipton move on but was under the impression that Barnet were closing in on a 40k deal including add ons.

Mark nearly choked on his sandwich when he heard the figures being bandied about.

Bliss skillfully pushed the negotiations hard and within minutes agreed a 95k sale with Nottingham Forest.

An unbelievable return for a player Mark had picked up for free less than 6 months before.

Forest were desperate for a front man who could hold the ball up and act as a target man.

Tipton’s value was realistic and affordable when compared to the costlier alternatives elsewhere in the league.

Tipton’s goals and Clough’s long term affiliation with the conference had brought a deal about.

Clough recognised that Tipton after being nurtured in the right environment had thrived and Clough had done his homework through his scouting network. Tipton was effective in the right role and at Forest amongst ‘better’ players would improve his game further.

Mark still had a nagging doubt that letting Tipton move on might well return to haunt him.

However his belief that for WSM to perform and improve he needed similar ilk players to strikers Benyon and Newbold.

Those two would need cover and Tipton and Christian Roberts despite their obvious talent in front of goal and their huge league experience were not part of the long term plan.

Tipton going to Forest was a dream move for the lad and since his arrival at WSM he had been a dream professional.

If Tipton grabbed the opportunity Mark regardless of WSM's league finish would have at least 95k in the kitty.

Without promotion, 95k would allow WSM to attract new players and importantly allow the club move the club forward.

The two men chatted over lunch with Bliss revealing that he had a couple of bids for other WSM squad players. Paul Harkness wanted by Sutton Utd for 3k and defender Gary Thorne 1k to Eastbourne.

Mark agreed to the deals without hesitation.

The transfer pot potentially now moving towards the 100k mark. Still players to move on and if promotion was achieved another 50k moving Mark’s potential transfer funds would be close to 200k.

There wouldn’t be a club in the 2nd division with anything close to that figure and if WSM stepped

The meeting concluded Mark joined up with the afternoon training session. With no injuries to report post the Crawley game all of the squad barring Tipton joined in the session.

Tipton was already being driven to Nottingham for a medical and contract talks. With all being well the deal concluded before the end of the day. Tipton had secured a fantastic deal for him and his family.

Tipton’s picture was splashed all over the newspapers next day with Tipton thanking Mark personally for reinstalling his belief and love for the game whilst allowing him the dream move to Forest.

Tipton was so much better than a conference league player and fully deserved his chance at a higher level. He had been brave enough to drop down the divisions to join WSM.

The move had worked out very well for him. At Forest it would be interesting to watch his progress but for the next few weeks he would remain a key component in the drive for promotion as the deal would not be completed until the 1st of July.

[markyt]

Mark hadn’t been to his London flat for some time. Arriving to find the place all recently cleaned and aired he made himself at home.

He had driven to London so that he could take in a couple of midweek fixtures close to the capital but at the same time meet up with Carolyn Smith.

Carolyn had just returned from the jungle with a ‘new soapstar superstar’. Her client had won the competition and now looked odd’s on for significant raising of profile after beating a raft of fellow ‘celebs and popstars’.

Carolyn looked tanned and relaxed. A month in the Australian sunshine had been good to her.

In bed and with nothing on but the radio the two caught up on their busy lives.

Carolyn and Mark had spent most of that time contacting by phone or email. It wasn’t the same as being together and within hours of being together both had forgotten about their prospective worries or concerns.

Carolyn had cleared her diary and after a leisurely day and an early evening meal in London’s west end Mark pushed the car northwards heading towards Barnet’s home ground.

Tonight’s visitors Paul Ince’s Macclesfield team and a chance to watch target Jonny Brain.

Mark and Carolyn were given the red carpet treatment joining the directors for pre match drinks before being given excellent seats in the main stand. Mark readily signed autographs for people sat around them and of course the usual photo opportunities for supporters on their mobile phones. It wasn't often they got an ex captain of England in their stand or in their dugout.

Brain played well without being troubled. The game ending in a nil nil draw. Not the best game Mark had watched but with Houghton’s detailed notes plus confirmation for his own piece of mind, Brain was a definite purchase after showing attributes that Mark desired in a keeper. Confident, vocal and commanding in the area becoming a fifth defender rather than just a keeper.

After the game Mark caught up with Ince. Similarly to Mark, Paul Ince had taken up management at a lower league level. Gaining experience as a manager but struggling to get the team out of the 2nd division.

The two England players chatted easily about their prospective seasons and the chase for glory elsewhere. The Barnet ground a million miles away from their former efforts at the highest level.

Ince was fully aware that Mark was obviously on a scouting trip but polite enough not to ask who was under the WSM microscope.

After chatting for some time, Ince had to make his way to the team bus and the journey home. They said they’re good byes and Ince wished Mark well and hoped that they would meet up next season. Only if WSM were promoted of course he added followed by the usual Ince grin.

Mark rejoined Carolyn and it wasn’t long afterwards before they were winding their way back to his flat.

[markyt]

After a late night and a leisurely morning, Carolyn left to go to her office. Work couldn’t be avoided completely and Mark with time on his hands decided to take the short journey across to Stamford Bridge.

He didn’t expect to find many people at the ground with it not being a match day but as ever it was a chance to go ‘home’.

Driving along Fulham Road he quickly located the club car park and after depositing the keys of the car with the security office wandered into the club reception. To his surprise the first person he bumped into was assistant manager Steve Clarke. Clarke invited Mark to join him for lunch. An offer to good to refuse. The two chatted easily as much about their playing days as to current events. Chelsea had struggled to keep pace with Liverpool all season long and were now destined to finish in second place. Steve Clarke was interested with progress at WSM aware of their current league position with a couple of games to go.

Mark took the opportunity to ask about a couple of reservists he had kept tabs on since arriving at Woodspring Park. One of them Lee Sawyer a young defensive midfielder looked to be available from July and having already done the preparation work Mark was keen to talk to the player. A couple of calls and Lee Sawyer appeared for a very informal chat. Sawyer would not be offered a new contract and would be available without cost from the 1st July. Having been the under 18’s captain the shock imminent release from the club clearly had not yet sunk in. But Sawyer aware that Mark was well thought of by many at the club was keen to explore the possibility of joining WSM. Mark offered Sawyer the chance to visit the club and have a look around. Sawyer accepted without hesitation but stressed that he remained hopeful of signing for a league club.

He wouldn’t settle for anything less. A sensible level headed lad asking for the one thing Mark couldn’t offer. At least Sawyer hadn’t refused point blank.

After the impromptu meeting with Sawyer, Steve Clarke joined Mark for a quick walk around the pitch. Mark could still hear the crowd noise in his mind despite the virtually empty stadium.

Standing in the middle of the pitch, a couple of fans on a tour of the stadium began to sing out their names. The sound echoed around the stands evoking such ready memories.

Mark said his goodbyes and headed back to the flat with just enough time to get ready, have something to eat and make his way to Wycombe and the evening game with Cheltenham.

Carolyn running late missed the early meal but after a quick shower and change was ready for the trip to the game. Somehow in 15 minutes she had made herself even more beautiful.

Frazzled wet hair and wearing jeans and a white t shirt worked for Mark.

Pity they had to go to the game. Business before pleasure murmured Mark as he closed the front door behind him.

McCann ran the Cheltenham road show. Cheltenham romped to a 2 goal victory against a decent Wycombe team. McCann picked up the mom award for his performance with just a goal missing from the evening’s repertoire. Impressive and McCann would not only be coveted by lowly WSM.

McCann would be a target for several teams if the number of scouts in the ground was anything to go by. Priced at 28k a bargain and Cheltenham apparently ready to sell.

The shortlist of players was now firming up very nicely indeed and looking good.

However it was looking as good as the delectable agent sat beside him...

[markyt]

Returning to the training ground Mark became involved in the finer preparation details for the Chester game before departing for the long away fixture. The same team that had routed Crawley would start against Chester with the 6th form joining him once more on the bench.

After the torturous trip Northwards made worse by the driver deciding to stick to the motorway for the whole journey and managing to get snarled up in a traffic jam just as the M6 joined the M56. Fortunately due to the distance from WSM the club had made the fixture an over night stay. Refreshed after a good night’s sleep the team held a pre match meeting giving Mark the opportunity to clear heads and focus the team on the important game. Players given their duties and warned of the Chester strengths. No detail omitted everything well prepared.

Chester’s season had drifted to nothing.

Marooned in mid table for most of the season much to Mark Wright’s obvious displeasure and the player comings and goings as Wright wielded the axe ruthlessly since Easter.

Mark had played against Wright in his final Southampton days, Derby and finally Liverpool and with him for England in the twilight of the tall defenders career. As an adversary Wright had always been fair and a defender who could play with the ball at his feat. A rarity in the English leagues at the time. Some said he lacked the ruthless streak that would have made him one of the World’s best.

Managerial wise he had started at non league Southport and whilst being touted for success at a higher level but the breaks hadn’t materialized and he had meandered between lower league clubs.

This would be Chester’s final home league fixture and they would want to finish with a flourish for the long suffering fans.

The game opened on a beautifully sunny Saturday afternoon and with the ground hard and the grass recently cut a game developed of high quality. Both teams encouraged to get the ball down on the floor and with the ground quick look to pass their way to goal.

Chester as per the script started off perhaps the better of the two keen to repay their fans for their season long support.

They certainly had the better of the early chances.

All neatly dealt with by Northmore without major panic although the WSM keeper had called for a cap to give him some help with the bright afternoon sunshine. A Chester chance appeared right out of the sun which had caused him some initial concern but fortunately the shot come cross had gone well wide.

Mark had predicted a difficult afternoon and one that would require total focus for 90 minutes.

With the game clock moving towards 25 minutes events unfolded to make the afternoon suddenly much easier.

Story picked the ball up wide left and at an almost strolling pace had time to pick out a pass looking to use the pace of Newbold.

It was a simple pass played into the space behind the Chester defence. It was a trademark WSM move and in a straight race Benyon would always stand a chance of getting on the end of the pass.

Today was no different. In trying to keep up with Benyon the Chester centre half struggling for pace blatantly dragged Benyon back by the back of the shirt. It was difficult for the defender to deny the incident what with the material clutched in his hand as the shirt fell apart. The WSM screamed for the foul and for instant retribution from the referee. They got their demands answered with a straight red.

Chester were down to 10 men and Wright quickly sent to the stands for foul and abusive language.

Wright somewhat justified in Mark’s opinion that there had been one defender behind the ball and that the offence whilst a booking had been no red card.

With Chester now required to play for 60 minutes with ten men the flow of the game changed. It was all WSM and after a couple of half chances Tipton and Benyon worked some magic in the Chester box.

Marvin Brown slung a cross into the box that Tipton chested down perfectly at the feet of Benyon.

Benyon didn’t need asking twice what to do and lashed the ball past a crowded goal line. The ball buldged out of the back of the net with its ferocity of shot.

Tipton now marked by a midfielder cranked up the pressure and with every cross thrown into the box appeared at will to be able to get on the end of it. By luck rather than good judgment Chester reached half time at just one down.

Second half with Mark demanding goals and Chester feeling sorry for themselves at the supposed injustice of the red card, there was only going to be one winner. The next major chance fell to Tipton on 60 minutes. Story bamboozled the right back and with his left foot curled a ball into Tipton’s path. The WSM centre forward lunged at the ball sending it goalwards but on it’s route it hit a defenders arm. The referee saw it as a penalty. The Chester fans already at odds with the match official had further cause for hostility towards the man from Surrey. Tipton stepped up for the spot kick and promptly blazed wide. Fortunately the penalty miss would be soon forgotten.

Benyon by now a major thorn in Chester’s side hassled the last man and stole the ball away.

After breaking clear he had been forced wide of the goal by clever goal keeping and from an acute angle pushed the ball goalwards. It bobbled and hit the inside of the post evading the scrambling keeper and landed somewhat fortunately at the feet of Matthew Tipton.

Tipton the recent Nottingham Forest signing had the simplest job of tapping home. 70 minutes and the game all but done and dusted.

WSM were now in an unassailable lead and although Chester remained pinned into their own half the scoreline remained two nil as the final whistle blew. The chorus of boo’s outweighing the away support cheer. The referee required an escort off the pitch as the home fans vented their spleen.

Chester – away

2:0

[markyt]

In the changing rooms it wasn’t long before a radio had been found and tuned into Five Live.

As James Alexander Gordon read out the scores for the conference a hush fell over the WSM team.

Exeter had drawn with Torquay, Woking and Grays had both won.

Torquay were effectively the champions following their draw in the away derby. A home game against relegated and bottom of the league Burton all that stood from their straight return to division two as Conference champions. A deserved promotion as they had pretty much led the division from August onwards. A win would deny Woking, forcing them in turn to hunt promotion via the playoffs.

The score line that really mattered to all of those connected to WSM was the Stevenage versus Stafford game.

Stafford 2

the pause between the announcing of Stevenage seemed to last an eternity............................................. Stevenage 2.

The WSM dressing room erupted with noise.

WSM had moved back into 5th place and with one game remaining had put the season’s long journey finish into their own hands.

With one game left for the conference sides the battle for the play off positions of 4 and 5th place between Exeter, WSM and Stevenage.

Exeter and WSM both now on 85 points with Stevenage on 84 it could not be any tighter at the top.

Only two of the three would be succesful in their hunt.

Aldershot even with a win in their final game would miss out. After a run of wins they had not reached the 80 point mark. The best they could achieve 83 points and to miss out on a play off spot by a couple of points.

Forget the maths or the pizza the play offs for Exeter and WSM had now become very simple. Win or at least equal the Stevenage result in their last games of the season. The WSM win at Chester and the Stevenage draw would keep everything nicely alive to the final Saturday.

The pundits and the bookies would have a field day.

The staticians and the mathematicians could weave their magic. For Mark everything had become very clear.

A win against York would guarantee a play off berth regardless of what the teams around them achieved.

Going into the last game with a mindset other than going for the out right win would be suicidal.

It wasn’t in his nature to go for anything less than three points.

Seven days to get his team ready for one more burst of activity with York standing in their way.

An interesting further twist in the afternoon’s results appeared as Mark watched Sky Sports in the Directors Bar as he chatted to the downbeat and still angry Wright. Both of the Stafford goalscorers in the Stevenage drawn game were both ‘effectively WSM players.’

Madjo and Olaoye had picked up a goal a piece and both next season would wear the white shirts of WSM regardless of how the next few days panned out. The drawn result had not been enough for Stafford in the end though and they would be relegated joining Eastbourne and long doomed Burton Albion in the Conference North / South.

Crawley were mathematically able to save themselves but were now needing to win their final game by six or seven goals in their final game and then simultaneously hope that Kidderminster slipped up.

It wasn’t going to happen even the most fervent Crawley supporter knew that.

The bus ride home to the South West a jubilant but sober affair.....

Nothing yet achieved but yet so much to gain.

[markyt]

In the hurly burly of events leading up to the final home game of the league season the match itself seemed some distance away.

7 days took an eternity to pass.

There was the increased press activity from both local and national media.

Mark was interviewed himself a couple of times for Spotlight SouthWest and its ITV counterpart West Country TV.

Mark had been interviewed so many times over his career but in truth most of the interviews had been done by the usual football journalists all focussed on the football activity itself. The odd times when this had not been the case either prior to a cup final or World Cup.

Occasions like that required a different interviewing style as the tv stations looked for a different angle prior to a major event.

Football was just the means to a good luck / hard luck story. The players lifestyle would all go under the microscope.

For the Spotlight show during the week Mark was interviewed by resident presenter Victoria Graham.

Mark had met her several times previously but up close and personal and being interviewed live on TV was somewhat different from their usual social meeting. The fact that she looked and smelt gorgeous didn’t help.

Mark breathed a sigh of relief as he walked away from the interview. She had unnerved him and he had been mesmerized.

A moth to the flame.

If she had a fan club Mark was keen to join.

Fortunately watching the interview later at home his uncomfortable moment or two didn’t show nor did he sound as if his tongue had become tied. Mark quite renowned for being an obvious flirt had firmly met his match made worse by being caught for the world to see under the glare of a TV camera. Hopefully no one else noticed his uncomfort.

Whilst Somerset bordered two local TV regions, the Devon and Cornwall news crews quite happy to include Mark’s team in their news and sport coverage especially with his well known family roots in their area. Whilst Exeter had been his home since finishing on the playing side, Cornwall had been the home of family for generations and his parents were still living in Torquay.

The club along with Exeter and Torquay were all ‘big’ local news in the South West and with WSM classed as part of the Bristol commuter belt even TV crews from the Bristol region pitched up at the club demanding some of his time.

Three clubs chasing promotion in the same league didn’t happen very often and it was causing interest outside of the normal boundaries.

With the club facing its most important game possibly ever it was time for the town itself to come together and join in the success and bask in the glory of the publicity. The ‘spotlight’ was literally being pointed at the town and it was time shout the club and the town.

The important Summer season was looming and any raised profile could only help the tourist trade.

Local Somerset radio would feature the game live on the Saturday with BBC Radio Devon also feeding to the game as Mark was pretty much classed as one of theirs too.

The local media had a field day with the puns for headlines. ‘WSM promise just desserts – A Yorkshire Pudding....’

In the end Mark had more than enough of the non football nonsense.

WSM had achieved nothing in the season even finishing 5th was hardly an achievement to celebrate. It just happened that 5th allowed you one last dash at promotion. A money spinner for clubs with a trophy for the winner making promotion via the play offs a very lucrative deal. More lucrative than finishing in first place and being crowned champions – absolutely ridiculous but it kept thing interesting for the fans involved.

Mark fondly remembered one of his old Chelsea manager’s Bobby Campbell. If faced with a similar scenario he would have said something like – ‘5th aye laddie well done, you’re the 4th placed loser then.....real proud you should be too....’

He would have been right!

[markyt]

The phoneline became busier prior to the game. Many of the calls were from well wishers wishing him luck but included calls from other managers. Ian Holloway and Mark had spoken several times during the season but as business had got to the sharp end they hadn’t caught up for a few weeks.

Holloway’s Plymouth team had acquitted themselves well in their first season in the Premier League and would be delighted with their mid table position. Ian Holloway whilst wishing Mark well enquired about the availability of the front pairing of Benyon and Newbold. Holloway aware of the pressure of the final league game didn’t press the matter but wanted to confirm his interest in the two should WSM decide to cut and run.

Ian Atkins took time out from his final match preparations to wish WSM well. In truth either Exeter or WSM being promoted to the 2nd division would add interest to Torquay’s 2nd division season assuming Torquay got promoted themselves. That Torquay would be promoted Mark was in no doubt but the local derby factor had added much to all of the South West clubs during the conference season.

Bragging rights for the fans if nothing else.

Exeter and Torquay had not been in the same division for 5 or 6 seasons and the local rivalry was still close to the surface adding much to any match between the two.

Of course a certain Dennis Wise wouldn’t miss the pre match party. A simple email arrived with the words. ‘Good Luck fat boy’.

Enough said...... apparently. Leeds themselves had a tough return to Premier League life and were just above the relegation zone.

Fortunately wise had not firmed up any bid for Benyon.

Fortunately with the squad stretched to the limits there had been no further injury worries to contend with. Mark happy to escape from non football activity and spend as much time with the players as he could.

Mark, despite the increased workload and demands for his time spent at least one training session each day with the squad. Kilgour took most of the sessions allowing Mark the freedom of working on a couple of specific set pieces and time with key individuals.

There was some positive news on the long term injury front as Blake Newbold at long last appeared to be back on the road to recovery. There was even the slimmest of chances that he could be available should the club scrape into the play offs. Great news as Newbold’s guile in front of goal would be needed against the better teams without doubt. Regardless of the fact that he would be nowhere near match fit, Newbold could well be the difference in a tight game.

Paul Bliss never one to miss a trick publicity wise allowed the cameras to join the team for its final training session.

Mark despite initial annoyance of the cameras on the sidelines was actually gladdened by a no show of Victoria Graham. Instead she had been replaced by a local reporter. This reporter, the usual sports journalist and certainly not someone Mark would wish to flirt with.

Key members of the team namely Northmore, Bailey, Kirk and Benyon were featured as the players to look out for in the game itself although Forest signing Tipton gained much of the media glare, keen to see just what 100k bought you.

The anticipation of the season decider was building to intensity.

[markyt]

The day of the match finally appeared. Another hot sunny afternoon welcomed York to Woodspring Park.

A sellout crowd of 3000 to watch WSM try to keep the momentum going and win a play off spot and after all of the trials and tribulations of the previous 45 league games nothing else mattered.

In a change to the normal pre match routine Mark pushed the players out onto the pitch for his final briefing. Huddled in the centre of the park Mark demanded one last Herculean effort before getting the players to look around the ground and look at the fans. The message simple, these are the people we play for let’s give them something to remember and prolong the season. If we lose today you’re efforts have been for nothing, win and we see what tomorrow brings...

The words were done it was time to meet mid table York.

York’s season had finished some time ago and they were supposed to be lambs to the slaughter.

A better team than their league position showed following a series of bad injuries biting hard into the squad.

With failure of a promotion challenge had come managerial change. Another casualty amongst those littered through out the English league.

As the referee blew to start the game it was obvious who the promotion hunting team was. WSM were quicker to the ball, harrying their opponents and not allowing anyone time on the ball. WSM were stoked up for the challenge and their over aggression stalling the flow of the game with the frequent giving away of needless fouls. Despite the pace of the game being frenetic the first few minutes created nothing much in front of goal by either side. The quality processed by both sides awol. York happy to play the direct ball after clearing their lines and WSM perhaps the more purposeful football but not taking the time to look for the right pass to open up York at the back.

In the early minutes Tipton headed the best chance of the game just over the top from a Benyon cross. Mark looked to the heavens as Tipton spurned the glorious chance.

Mark’s words from the sideline via Kirk landed the message to all to calm down.

As the game slowed to a sensible pace WSM became dominant. Time on the pitch allowed Kirk and Jermyn to rule the roost in the centre of midfield pulling the strings of WSM forward motion. They’re work rate a prompt for much of the good work. Despite the amount of quality possession for WSM during the first half apart from the Tipton header they couldn’t fashion a clear cut chance.

Benyon anonymous for the majority of the first half and without even one shot at target to his name.

[markyt]

Mark couldn’t sit down.

Even though he had tried to remain calm on the touchline as the first half came to a close he felt as if he had been auditioning for ‘River Dance’.

He had been on his feet for most of the half and involved in every move as if he was actually striding around the pitch himself.

No stoppage time awarded the game ended after a very quick 45 minutes.

Trying to avoid the scorelines from other games impossible and with both Exeter and Stevenage winning the crowd had quickly become restless and it was obvious that the WSM team were being affected.

Nerves were playing a part in the performance.

In trying to change the normal routine Mark kept the players on the pitch during half time.

He hadn’t done that since a Gianluca Vialli match at Chelsea.

The team talk delivered above a cauldron of noise as the WSM fans tried to raise their team to one last 45 minute effort.

Kilgour led the players in a mid game warm up session all in the aim of being the brighter team straight from the second half whistle.

Mark saw no reason to change tactics or personnel convinced that the team could gain the win required.

Keep up the pressure we can win this lads....

The ploy worked as WSM carved open the first chance of the second half.

Kirk played the ball perfectly through to the unmarked Benyon who in turn brought the best out of the York keeper. A lovely shot on the turn denied by an exquisite save.

All hell broke loose shortly afterwards. Bailey failed to cut out a long ball despite having ample opportunity to clear it.

The bobbling ball eventually found a York striker who took full advantage of the defensive blunder and raced clear.

Inexplicably instead of shooting at goal he squared unselfishly to his team mate who glanced the ball home with the inside of his right foot. He had cleverly drawn Northmore to the ball before passing to his strike partner. A simple goal all made possible by a lack of awareness and concentration at the back.

York one up and already on the way back to the centre line celebrating an unlikely goal and the lead.

Northmore well beaten on his knees looked at Bailey for some clue as to what he thought he had been doing. Bailey could have belted the ball anywhere but hadn’t. Mark almost purple with rage after the loss of the goal, trying hard to avoid gobbing off words of abuse in Bailey’s direction despite needing little or no encouragement to do so.

Instead he began to focus on the changes needed to get back into the game and just how WSM were going to score two goals.

With Stevenage and Exeter winning a draw was useless.

No one not even Mark had seen the linesman’s flag waving in the air offering a beacon of hope.

He had been too busy learning new swearwords to notice. The WSM crowd had been silenced at the loss of the goal but finally the ref jogged across to his assistant to confer and the crowd hushed as if trying to listen to their conversation.

After some debate the referee pointed to the WSM area signaling that the player scoring the goal had been offside.

In all from the goal to the ref’s whistle for the offside decision seconds had passed. For WSM it felt like hours.

With the reversal of the decision the WSM crowd bellowed their support.

Relief is a wonderful thing and it spurred the WSM team forwards to look for the first goal.

The York goal had awoken WSM from their slumber.

The crowd raised the noise and Mark was sure that the crowd would be heard much father away than Bristol.

Clear cut chances were being limited by excellent man for man marking and Tipton and Benyon despite their best efforts were still well shackled. 70 minutes approached and still the match deadlocked.

Mark looked at the bench and considered the options. It wasn’t yet time for the last hurrah but that time was fast approaching.

Mike Kilgour joined him for the discussion but after a chat a tactical change rather than a player change the outcome.

Mark signaled for Bailey to move into midfield.

The move had worked to WSM advantage previously but left a huge gap at the back. Something had to change.

The scorelines elsewhere spelled doom and gloom. WSM looked the likely winners of the game but they needed a break and quickly.

From nothing came the winning goal.

Mark’s personal audition for River Dance continued for the entire second half.

After hours of training the simplicity of the goal defied logic. A Northmore clearance landed deep in York territory and swiftly lumped back where it had come from with interest.

There was no style or finesse in the booted clearance.

Steve Evans headed the ball forwards and it finally landed at the feet of Kirk.

Ben Kirk having had the luxury of a couple of games out for suspension remained one of the freshest players on the pitch.

Kirk picked up the ball and given time on the ball headed goalwards looking to release the ball at the first opportunity.

The York team expecting the pass backed off.

Nothing was on so Kirk simply knocked the ball forwards and ran on to the ball in the aim of meeting it on the half volley.

The ball flew goalwards and the crowd hushed as the effort moved goalwards.

The keeper grasped at the ball but it was just out of reach.

It passed him before cannoning off the cross bar and into the net.

Kirk was lost in a deluge of white shirts.

A popular player he potentially had been given keys to the town. WSM were in front and back into the playoff positions.

Mark shuffled the pack replacing Benyon for Matthew Rose all in the aim of ensuring a win.

WSM were going to hang on to the win come what may.

Rose dropped back into midfield with Bailey moving back into defence. 4,5,1 with Tipton required to hold the ball up and expect the midfield to support him.

Chances were still created at either end but with WSM playing for time the referee finally signaling the end of the game.

WSM fans despite pleas to the contrary dashed onto the pitch lifting their heroes shoulder high. Mark did not escape and ended up being carried high into the centre of the pitch.

York - home

1:0

[markyt]

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

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

| 1st | C | Torquay | | 46 | 29 | 8 | 9 | 84 | 41 | +43 | 95 |

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

| 2nd | | Woking | | 46 | 28 | 10 | 8 | 71 | 31 | +40 | 94 |

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

| 3rd | | Grays | | 46 | 26 | 12 | 8 | 77 | 39 | +38 | 90 |

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

| 4th | | Exeter | | 46 | 26 | 10 | 10 | 85 | 53 | +32 | 88 |

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

| 5th | | Weston-super-Mare | | 46 | 26 | 10 | 10 | 81 | 62 | +19 | 88 |

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

| 6th | | Stevenage | | 46 | 25 | 12 | 9 | 76 | 40 | +36 | 87 |

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

| 7th | | Aldershot | | 46 | 23 | 14 | 9 | 62 | 32 | +30 | 83 |

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

| 8th | | Halifax | | 46 | 20 | 10 | 16 | 66 | 54 | +12 | 70 |

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

| 9th | | Southport | | 46 | 19 | 10 | 17 | 65 | 51 | +14 | 67 |

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

| 10th | | Cambridge | | 46 | 18 | 12 | 16 | 69 | 60 | +9 | 66 |

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

| 11th | | Kettering | | 46 | 19 | 8 | 19 | 61 | 65 | -4 | 65 |

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

| 12th | | Forest Green | | 46 | 19 | 6 | 21 | 71 | 70 | +1 | 63 |

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

| 13th | | Chester | | 46 | 16 | 13 | 17 | 63 | 59 | +4 | 61 |

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

| 14th | | Oxford | | 46 | 17 | 10 | 19 | 58 | 61 | -3 | 61 |

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

| 15th | | York | | 46 | 18 | 6 | 22 | 54 | 62 | -8 | 60 |

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

| 16th | | Weymouth | | 46 | 15 | 12 | 19 | 56 | 66 | -10 | 57 |

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

| 17th | | Gravesend | | 46 | 15 | 10 | 21 | 60 | 63 | -3 | 55 |

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

| 18th | | Nuneaton | | 46 | 13 | 10 | 23 | 48 | 72 | -24 | 49 |

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

| 19th | | Northwich | | 46 | 12 | 12 | 22 | 60 | 85 | -25 | 48 |

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

| 20th | | Kidderminster | | 46 | 11 | 9 | 26 | 58 | 86 | -28 | 42 |

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

| 21st | R | Crawley | | 46 | 10 | 9 | 27 | 49 | 84 | -35 | 39 |

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

| 22nd | R | Stafford | | 46 | 10 | 8 | 28 | 46 | 85 | -39 | 38 |

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

| 23rd | R | Eastbourne Boro | | 46 | 8 | 13 | 25 | 41 | 89 | -48 | 37 |

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

| 24th | R | Burton | | 46 | 8 | 8 | 30 | 36 | 87 | -51 | 32 | </pre>

[markyt]

Elsewhere Exeter had won.

The play offs were now shaped.

Exeter versus Grays with WSM facing Woking over a two legs.

The winner of each tie would then progress to the final at the Britannia Stadium Stoke.

The first leg of the playoff dream only 5 days ahead. Despite the draining York game the squad would be required for a training session on the Sunday morning. With the first play off fixture on Thursday night there now would be training every day.

The first leg being at home at least meant that weary legs didn’t face a long coach trip across country.

Mark had returned to his desk as daylight broke over Western Super Mare on a glorious Sunday morning.

The sun glinting off the water in the Severn estuary adding to the Mediterranean feel of the town.

Despite the urge from some to celebrate Mark had headed for home as quickly as possible post match.

The match sponsors had sent a bottle of champagne to the changing rooms but before one of the team pinched the bottle off the tray Mark had sent the waitress packing. A short reminder to the players that achieving 5th whilst a milestone in WSM’s history actually right now meant nothing. The experienced players led by Matthew Tipton recognised to that they had some distance to go before the season could be deemed successful. Woking stood between them and progression.

The excitement of their feat against York cooled quickly and the team headed for home much sober than they had initially thought possible. The shadow of their leader casting a huge shadow over their post match jubilation.

Nothing had yet been achieved therefore what are we actually supposed to be celebrating.....

The reality of their play off position soon sunk in.

The players knew just as well as Mark that all season they had struggled to beat top 6 placed sides.

Now they would need to face Woking over two games and then either Exeter or Grays if emerging successful from that severe test.

Across the season apart from a 5:1 thrashing of Exeter in the New Year, WSM had at best scrapped draws against better classed opposition. In truth draws were few and far between. Most fixtures had seen WSM amongst a regulation thumping.

Having been played off of the park and second best by a mile in the first half of the season there was now some recognition that there was significant difference as the team approached May.

WSM had matured as a team and in front of goal were amongst the most potent in the league. At the back they had got better but still prone to lapse’s in concentration. If WSM were to do anything against Woking they would need to stop the self inflicted problems at the back.

In terms of form WSM since January had been one of the best performers in the conference league. Too many draws in the spring had made the race for a play off berth much more difficult than it should have been.

But at least WSM hadn’t lost those tight games.

Pre Christmas they would have done and the arrival of Tipton amongst others had proved to be the turning point.

The steadying hand and calming influence of Evans, Somner and Tipton had all helped to shape WSM’s season.

In the time available prior to the first leg Mark would spend time working with the defensive unit hoping that together they could stop the stupid mistakes. Defender Sam Bailey had his detractors and Mark himself had been one of the most vocal. Bailey had worked hard and was now a certain pick for the team. He had wobbled in terms of confidence earlier in the season but had worked hard at his game. He epitomized the WSM side. Willing to learn, work heard and learn from your mistakes. That local lad Bailey had emerged as a potential player of the year testament to his efforts.

More difficult though thew question of how WSM could overcome a very good Woking side. This the worry that now pre occuppied Mark's mind.

[markyt]

Mark during those early hours of Sunday morning spent some of the time watching Woking matches recorded from Sky’s live games during the season. The power of Sky plus again showing it’s worth.

Looking for a chink in the amour, their achilles heel, something that would allow WSM to profit over 180 minutes and after watching a fourth game Mark had something of a eureka moment.

The irony that he had home town club Torquay to thank for his possible game plan not lost.

In fact the possible chink of light in putting Woking to the sword had been executed for all to see on Sky.

Not many managers in the league had spotted the opportunity or given Woking’s obvious qualities had been given the chance to actually explore the tactic effectively.

Mike Kilgour WSM’s asst manager marveled at Torquay’s Craig Reid’s well taken goal but missed the significance behind the move that actually created the goal.

Watching the move again in slow motion using the rewind option on ‘Sky plus’ a huge grin appeared on his weather beaten face.

Woking against Torquay had demonstrated a habit of the defence moving forward compacting the space between their defence and midfield.

The greater their dominance in a match the more it happened.

By squeezing the space and pressing forward it meant that a ball played with pace over the top could turn them and make them face their own goal. A striker with pace to burn hanging on the shoulder of the last man would have at least a chance on goal. Torquay’s manager Ian Atkins had obviously spotted this from previous scouting trips and then taken full advantage to claim three priceless points.

Woking didn’t lose games by cricket scores. They hadn’t lost more than a handful of games all season, the fact that Torquay had done the double over them not significant to many. They were the only team in the league to achieve this feat. In the end this had been the difference between automatic promotion and a play off spot. A fine line between success and failure.

Atkins had expected Woking to come forward and like a seasoned boxer they had soaked up the best punches before letting go of a cracking right hand flooring the opponent seemingly at will.

Woking had the meanest defence in the league and were not an easy side to breakdown and in full flow they were awesome.

However Woking when they were at the peak of their game and in the groove, Torquay’s master tactician had shown they were beatable.

In defence WSM would need to be at their very best and this defensive springboard would allow the time to spring the trap.

A fit Benyon an equal to Torquay’s Reid any day of the week, would be required to preserve energy and wait for that one chance.

It would require a patient game from WSM. Woking would look to dominate the game from the whistle and WSM would look therefore to land a sucker punch.

Mark wanted WSM to play their normal game but already starkly aware that Woking could tear his team to shreds if given the chance.

As Mark and Kilgour talked through the game tactic and how to introduce it to the training ground a light bulb flickered on in his mind.

In the dark recesses he recalled a player described in a game by John Motson ‘as like something from another planet.’

Turning to the pc on his desk he trawled through the internet until he found a ‘you tube’ clip of A Bristol City versus Leicester cup match featuring Bristol’s ‘Jacki’ Dziekanowski and Junior Bent.

The game dominated by the Polish international showed him regularly receiving the ball before looking to hook the wall wide very early to the wings and the space behind the full back. The Bristol team breaking at pace would then pile in the box looking to get on the end of a cross from Bent. Pacy Bent destroyed Leicester that afternoon.

Played out on the pc part two of the tactics Mark felt would be required to beat Woking.

The more compact the space between Woking defence and midfield the better the tactic would work. The tactic would rely heavily on Woking pressing forward and the ability of Tipton or Benyon in particular when presented the ball to look to feed the wide men very early.

The skill to launch forward at pace at counter attack with purpose all designed to thwart Woking.

The two men scrambled quickly to the training ground both keen to explore the tactics in detail.

[markyt]

After 3 full days of training the WSM side were ready for the trials and tribulations ahead.

For Mark each of the training sessions had been worthwhile and fruitful and importantly the players had come through unscathed.

Tactics for the game finalised and the players selected fully aware of their match responsibilities. The player meeting on the day of the game had been a bright and although nerves were obvious, Mark and Kilgour kept the talk a fairly light hearted affair. Everything game wise had been finalised time for the game there was no need to make things tenser than they already were.

The final message for the team as they left the changing room one that they couldn’t win the right to go to Stoke and the play off final in the first leg but they could lose it......

The press activity especially on match day had been hectic.

The game would be live on Sky adding to the match pressures for both Mark and the Woking manager.

Mark had been interviewed by the local tv stations but had avoided trial by television being interviewed by the football correspondent rather than the rather attractive anchor woman for the Spotlight programme.

The noise as the teams walked onto the pitch sent a shiver down Mark’s spine. A full ground making the noise of a lot more than the 3000 people packed into Woodspring Park.

The ground looked splendid bathed in late evening sunlight and with the WSM fans waving their banners and scarves in response to the 500 or so Woking fans adding much to the colourful scene greeting the players entry to the arena.

As the players kicked the ball around prior to kick off and went through the final motions of trying to expel those last few elements of nervous tension, Mark’s mobile clattered into life.

Without looking to see the caller he answered the phone. ‘Hi’

Carolyn Smith his agent ‘Hi, just arrived at the ground and wanted to wish you luck. I know we won’t get the chance to talk tonight but I wanted you to know that I’m here. I’ll join your family and Paul Bliss in the main box but there was no way I’d miss tonight.’

There was no time for further chat as the whistle blew his whistle signaling the players should now get ready for kick off.

Mark quickly turned and headed for the bench waving to the supporters in response to their chant ‘there’s only one Mark Thomas’.

A deathly hush descended over the ground as the expectant crowd waited for the referee to start the game. At the sound of the whistle the noise rose to its pre match splendor.

The WSM team the same that had beaten York with one amendment on the bench. A heavily strapped Newbold ready for a ‘cameo’ role on the bench should the need arise. Naming him a substitute a gamble but the alternative youth player Clark Bell no where near Newbold’s class. Newbold remained the clubs top goalscorer after picking up 27 for the season so far and his knack of scoring goals in tight games the final factor on his selection.

Woking were a confident side and after finishing 2nd in the league by just one point were easily the favorites for the game.

The best option in terms of bets the scoreline and just how many goals Woking would hammer WSM by. The team’s body language showed they were ready for battle but fully expectant to go through to the final over two legs. Kilgour handed Mark some chewing gum. Mark didn’t really like the stuff but the nerves were showing even in him and the gum might help.

Mark had expected Woking to play in a similar fashion to earlier meetings during the season. But their initial tactics showed that they were human and were as nervous as the WSM team. Not wanting to lose the first leg the worry for both sides. After knocking the ball around the ground in the early minutes both teams began to settle.

Roared on by the Woodspring faithful it was WSM that had the best of the early chances. Story wide on the left foxing the right back and smacking a curling shot just wide of the keeper’s left hand post. Some in the ground thought it in and Mark and the bench leapt up in anticipation of a goal but were disappointed as the ball bounced around the Woking fans before being returned to the pitch.

Minutes later Tipton appeared to be pulled back after breaking clear. The resulting free kick taken by Kirk was hurled into the box and after some head tennis Somner appeared and volleyed goalwards.

The shot was going in until a calm and collected Woking defender managed to head the ball over the bar.

Nothing came from the corner.

The speed of the game added to the fans excitement and Mark glancing at his watch couldn’t believe that 20 minutes had already passed.

WSM perhaps the better team but unable to take advantage of their play.

The tables began to turn and Woking were soon into their stride.

The nerves and the verve of the opponent had caused them some consternation but with each minute they grew into the game.

From 22 minutes onwards they took control.

The chances they created turned from half to full but Northmore still remained untested. Blood pressure for the WSM fans was rising fast.

The Woking team looked to unbalance the midfield moving from 4,4,2 to 4,5,1 and the ploy began to over run and already over worked WSM midfield. Woking now pressed the accelerator and their football began to carve holes. Fortunately the WSM net despite shots raining in on regular intervals remained undisturbed.

WSM were struggling to cope with Woking and with every minute ticking by the there was only one team likely to score. WSM were defending with 10 men behind the ball.

The crowd restless and Benyon a voyeur of a game aware of fans yelling in his direction to help out his team mates. Mark paced the touchline trying to catch Kirk’s eye and make sure his captain’s calming influence steadied the ship. Benyon had begun to look towards the bench wanting to know if he to should help his team mates in their defensive work. He was told to stay put.

A something and nothing challenge resulted in Northmore’s first real action of the game. A free kick floated into the box headed goalwards and in the melee in the 6 yard box Northmore pounced on the ball.

35 minutes played and all of the game being played in the WSM half.

Woking continued to be the better team and their drive and purpose forced WSM to defend deeper and deeper.

With the scoreline deadlocked and half time fast approaching WSM scored a goal completely against the run of play.

Almost to script Somner picked up a loose ball and immediately launched the ball down the right hand channel looking to find the space behind the Woking defence and to exploit Benyon’s pace.

Benyon had begun to sprint forward almost as Somner launched the ball hours on the training ground waiting for this moment. He was gone and now in a race to get to the ball before the onrushing Woking keeper.

Benyon just managed to toe the ball past the keeper and then stroke the ball goalwards. One nil to the Seagulls! Simple, direct football had undone Woking and Mark and Kilgour celebrated the goal as much as any fan. Woking players looked for the offside but as Benyon had been in his own half as the ball had been launched forwards it was never going to happen.

Hardly time for the restart and a stunned Woking side trudged off the pitch in utter disbelief.

Half time and WSM were in front. But this was the calm before the storm.

[markyt]

After 3 full days of training the WSM side were ready for the trials and tribulations ahead.

For Mark each of the training sessions had been worthwhile and fruitful and importantly the players had come through unscathed.

Tactics for the game finalised and the players selected fully aware of their match responsibilities. The player meeting on the day of the game had been a bright and although nerves were obvious, Mark and Kilgour kept the talk a fairly light hearted affair. Everything game wise had been finalised time for the game there was no need to make things tenser than they already were.

The final message for the team as they left the changing room one that they couldn’t win the right to go to Stoke and the play off final in the first leg but they could lose it......

The press activity especially on match day had been hectic.

The game would be live on Sky adding to the match pressures for both Mark and the Woking manager.

Mark had been interviewed by the local tv stations but had avoided trial by television being interviewed by the football correspondent rather than the rather attractive anchor woman for the Spotlight programme.

The noise as the teams walked onto the pitch sent a shiver down Mark’s spine. A full ground making the noise of a lot more than the 3000 people packed into Woodspring Park.

The ground looked splendid bathed in late evening sunlight and with the WSM fans waving their banners and scarves in response to the 500 or so Woking fans adding much to the colourful scene greeting the players entry to the arena.

As the players kicked the ball around prior to kick off and went through the final motions of trying to expel those last few elements of nervous tension, Mark’s mobile clattered into life.

Without looking to see the caller he answered the phone. ‘Hi’

Carolyn Smith his agent ‘Hi, just arrived at the ground and wanted to wish you luck. I know we won’t get the chance to talk tonight but I wanted you to know that I’m here. I’ll join your family and Paul Bliss in the main box but there was no way I’d miss tonight.’

There was no time for further chat as the whistle blew his whistle signaling the players should now get ready for kick off.

Mark quickly turned and headed for the bench waving to the supporters in response to their chant ‘there’s only one Mark Thomas’.

A deathly hush descended over the ground as the expectant crowd waited for the referee to start the game. At the sound of the whistle the noise rose to its pre match splendor.

The WSM team the same that had beaten York with one amendment on the bench. A heavily strapped Newbold ready for a ‘cameo’ role on the bench should the need arise. Naming him a substitute a gamble but the alternative youth player Clark Bell no where near Newbold’s class. Newbold remained the clubs top goalscorer after picking up 27 for the season so far and his knack of scoring goals in tight games the final factor on his selection.

Woking were a confident side and after finishing 2nd in the league by just one point were easily the favorites for the game.

The best option in terms of bets the scoreline and just how many goals Woking would hammer WSM by. The team’s body language showed they were ready for battle but fully expectant to go through to the final over two legs. Kilgour handed Mark some chewing gum. Mark didn’t really like the stuff but the nerves were showing even in him and the gum might help.

Mark had expected Woking to play in a similar fashion to earlier meetings during the season. But their initial tactics showed that they were human and were as nervous as the WSM team. Not wanting to lose the first leg the worry for both sides. After knocking the ball around the ground in the early minutes both teams began to settle.

Roared on by the Woodspring faithful it was WSM that had the best of the early chances. Story wide on the left foxing the right back and smacking a curling shot just wide of the keeper’s left hand post. Some in the ground thought it in and Mark and the bench leapt up in anticipation of a goal but were disappointed as the ball bounced around the Woking fans before being returned to the pitch.

Minutes later Tipton appeared to be pulled back after breaking clear. The resulting free kick taken by Kirk was hurled into the box and after some head tennis Somner appeared and volleyed goalwards.

The shot was going in until a calm and collected Woking defender managed to head the ball over the bar.

Nothing came from the corner.

The speed of the game added to the fans excitement and Mark glancing at his watch couldn’t believe that 20 minutes had already passed.

WSM perhaps the better team but unable to take advantage of their play.

The tables began to turn and Woking were soon into their stride.

The nerves and the verve of the opponent had caused them some consternation but with each minute they grew into the game.

From 22 minutes onwards they took control.

The chances they created turned from half to full but Northmore still remained untested. Blood pressure for the WSM fans was rising fast.

The Woking team looked to unbalance the midfield moving from 4,4,2 to 4,5,1 and the ploy began to over run and already over worked WSM midfield.

Woking now pressed the accelerator and their football began to carve holes. Fortunately the WSM net despite shots raining in on regular intervals remained undisturbed.

WSM were struggling to cope with Woking and with every minute ticking by the there was only one team likely to score. WSM were defending with 10 men behind the ball.

The crowd restless and Benyon a voyeur of a game aware of fans yelling in his direction to help out his team mates. Mark paced the touchline trying to catch Kirk’s eye and make sure his captain’s calming influence steadied the ship. Benyon had begun to look towards the bench wanting to know if he to should help his team mates in their defensive work. He was told to stay put.

A something and nothing challenge resulted in Northmore’s first real action of the game. A free kick floated into the box headed goalwards and in the melee in the 6 yard box Northmore pounced on the ball.

35 minutes played and all of the game being played in the WSM half.

Woking continued to be the better team and their drive and purpose forced WSM to defend deeper and deeper.

With the scoreline deadlocked and half time fast approaching WSM scored a goal completely against the run of play.

Almost to script Somner picked up a loose ball and immediately launched the ball down the right hand channel looking to find the space behind the Woking defence and to exploit Benyon’s pace.

Benyon had begun to sprint forward almost as Somner launched the ball hours on the training ground waiting for this moment. He was gone and now in a race to get to the ball before the onrushing Woking keeper.

Benyon just managed to toe the ball past the keeper and then stroke the ball goalwards. One nil to the Seagulls! Simple, direct football had undone Woking and Mark and Kilgour celebrated the goal as much as any fan. Woking players looked for the offside but as Benyon had been in his own half as the ball had been launched forwards it was never going to happen.

Hardly time for the restart and a stunned Woking side trudged off the pitch in utter disbelief.

Half time and WSM were in front. But this was the calm before the storm.

[markyt]

Mark welcomed his players into the changing room after a dramatic ending to a pulsating 45 minutes. WSM were one up but there was work to do. The tactics discussed pre match were not being fully explored and the team needed to keep their shape to try and limit the effectiveness of the Woking side. It was highly likely that the goal scored by WSM would have a similar impact as grabbing a tiger by the tail. Once you’d grabbed it what were you going to do with it? WSM simply couldn’t defend for 45 minutes and hope to hold out against an onslaught. The WSM midfield quartet of Kirk, Jermyn, Story and Brown had to deliver in the second half. The quality of their work would provide a clue to their destiny. WSM defensively weren’t good enough to hold out for a clean sheet.

Mark looked at his team as they huddled together in the middle of the pitch as they awaited the arrival of the Woking side. It was as if they were in a sea of calm awaiting the arrival of a storm.

Woking emerged and during the interval decided to introduce a change of player and formation. They added another midfielder replacing the centre half most at fault for the WSM goal.

It was an attacking change all in the aim of moving the team to a 3,5,2 formation.

The change could in theory help WSM as it was a move that created further space for Tipton and Benyon to explore. The message quickly relayed to the team via Kirk and Brown.

Woking were riled and their disappointment to find themselves a goal down cause for fury.

From the kick off they were determined to put right their misfortune. WSM continued to play the part of a downtrodden side pinned back into their own half despite abuse from the WSM coaching staff on the sidelines. Northmore began to earn his money. Much of the first 45 minutes WSM had been ‘lucky’. Chances created by Woking were spoiled by poor completion of the final act.

The WSM goal had been under significant pressure but despite this Northmore had barely been troubled.

Northmore after just 5 minutes had pulled off two stunning saves. The first from a direct header clawed out and over the bar. His save instinctive after the Woking number 9 had managed to climb higher than his marker Bailey. The chaos caused from a corner. Seconds later with Evans left for dead and Bailey missing a last desperate tackle a save from the top drawer denied what undeniably would have been a fantastic goal. 20 odd yards and the ball curled towards the top right hand corner. From Mark’s angle on the touchline it looked to be curling in but fingertips pushed it past the post.

For all of WSM’s efforts they had no obvious way of stopping the Woking surge. The more Mark demanded the midfield push up the quicker they were back defending as a unit.

A goal was coming and despite a change in midfield with Rose replacing Jermyn in the hope that experience would make a difference.

68 minutes and the scores leveled. Another corner initially cleared by Tipton flew past Northmore after the Woking left back cracked in a volley. The net sizzled with the heat of the shot.

Woking fans were delirious and celebrated the goal as if they had won the game and after 20 minutes of domination now expected their team to kill the game off.

Tipton had been ineffective and Mark signaled to Newbold to get ready. The change being made again hoping to outwit Woking with a very direct ball played into space and then to utilise the pace of the WSM strikers.

For the remaining quarter of the game WSM never ventured across the half way line. Woking wary of Newbold and Benyon made sure they were well shackled. The shot on goal ratio mounted but Northmore was playing the game of his life and well on the way to earn man of the match. He managed to hold the thin white line steady ensuring that the ball didn’t cross it. When in the last few minutes he was beaten he was rescued by the linesman spotting a push in the box.

Woking with all of the momentum couldn’t get the winner and nearly paid for their ambition. Brown and Somner interlinked to work the ball up the field and with acres of space to run into Brown strode manfully forward. Benyon and Newbold inside of him looking for space and as the cross came into the box Newbold chested the ball down and swung his left foot at the ball. Mark stared skywards as the ball headed into row z. Newbold’s lack of match sharpness the probable cause of missing a sitter.

The whistle blew and the two team managers shook hands and chatted easily. Both had wanted the win but now going to the next leg with still had everything to play for. Optimism for both to take into the next match. However post match analysis suggested that Woking would be the most disappointed but similarly most encouraged about the next fixture. The fact that Woking could and should have been clear and off in the distance after the first 90 minutes uncomfortable viewing for WSM supporters.

Mark’s team had proved they could get at Woking but over 90 minutes had simply not been given the chance. Despite Woking having most of the procession and WSM having just three or four meager attempts at goal they could have snatched an unlikely and underserved victory at the end. With the second leg on Bank Holiday Monday it would give Mark just 4 days to again try to outwit his Woking counterpart.

Play Off first leg versus Woking

1:1

[markyt]

The hectic schedule between play off games did not let up. The players effectively given just one day off between the Thursday night match and the second leg on the Bank Holiday Monday.

With Friday a day off for the players Mark had initially headed for his office but after receiving a phone call from the physio team altered course to pitch up at the training ground.

The reason for this sudden change of plan all due to the arrival of several of the first team suffering from the rigors of the previous night.

Mark had expected Newbold to have felt some discomfort after his 20 minute run out and sure enough there he was on the treatment table. Encouragingly he felt good and just wanted to rub out the match pains. Newbold wasn’t the cause of Mark’s arrival. Sat with an ankle wrapped in bandages and ice Owen Story and next to Newbold on a treatment table Matthew Tipton suffering from the effects from a dead leg and nagging pain in his knee. Fortunately no one else had reported any problems but the team sheet already prepared in Mark’s mind torn to shreds.

Although Mark spent most of the remainder of the day considering options effectively he had picked the team from the minute he’d had the initial phone call.Newbold would now start paired with Benyon. Tactics would need to be tweaked to benefit from their playing style but Tipton would sit on the bench and offer a different dimension should he be needed. The crucial fact that he would be heavily bandaged and probably hopping about on one leg pretty much insignificant in terms of the details and the importance of the next game.

Newbold would still be no where match fit but his pace would provide Woking something different to think about versus the target man effect of Tipton.

The major problem left wing. The position was becoming a Jonah role. Whoever played there ended up crocked. Three players had played in that position across the season. Harkness definitely would miss out and with Story possibly missing, consideration of just who would could cover that role. The options were limited to either a left back Wilce, or a gamble on Scott Walker. Walker back in light training and miles off match readiness would be a risk. Naturally one of the fittest players at the club he would be able to compete. How long he would last would be down to luck.

The physio after talking through Walker’s current status assured Mark that he personally thought that Walker if careful could last 50 or 60 minutes and Story would be fit enough to cover any shortfall. The physio also confirming that Story could offer 30 minutes max. Mark pressed speed dial and called Walker to talk to him about his dilemma. During the conversation Walker assured Mark that he wanted to play and would be ready for the match. Walker playing a massive risk to the clubs promotion tilt but the barrel was empty. The team was finalised and wouldn’t change unless either Story or Tipton showed dramatic progress in the days ahead.

[markyt]

The Kingsfield stadium was packed to the rafters. A crowd one short of the maximum of 6000 crammed in to watch the make or break game. WSM had managed to provide 750 of the supporters cheering their team. Bank Holiday Monday or not WSM would be quiet tonight as the locals who had not traveled would be glued to the tv. As the referee blew the whistle to start the game all of the talking was done.

Time for action and a team would now required to deliver a result that would lead to progression to the play off final. What colour strip that team would wear either red or white 90 minutes of football would decide. Despite the scores being level after the first game all the bets were off. Woking certain favorites to progress and rightly so and according to the pre match hype they would steam roller a lesser side. Fuel for the team talk if nothing else.

Nerves are a wonderful thing especially when they affect the play of the opposition. A sell out crowd fully expectant to watch WSM slain cranked up the volume and despite 750 WSM supporters trying to make themselves heard, the noise all seemed to be for Woking.

From the kick off WSM slipped easily into gear and with Walker back on the left and Newbold restored to the front line the team gelled and the quality of football flowed. The noise died within minutes of the start. A foul on Newbold allowed Walker a strike on goal that appeared to glance the cross bar and with the going good WSM tore into a faltering nervous side.

After Walkers free kick, next up Mark Jermyn with a volleyed strike on goal at the 5 minute mark.

Brown and Somner linking up on the right wing delivered a cross into the box easily headed clear but the ball fell to Jermyn who struck the ball solidly from 18 yards and the ball whacked the cross bar before falling kindly for the Woking keeper. An unbelievable start for WSM and their efforts should have been awarded an early goal.

Woking were obviously troubled by the pace of Newbold and Benyon and the nerves of what was at stake plus fear of failure in front of home support they really struggled to get going. Walker and Brown piled forward on the left and right whipping in fabulous crosses for the willing Newbold and Benyon to chase. As quarter hour of the game had been played Mark had counted four of five chances that on another day could have been the breakthrough. WSM were dominating the game and the style of play breathtaking but it wasn’t long before their own alarm bell sounded at the back. Evans mistimed a tackle and succeeded in giving away a free kick that earned him a yellow card.

The free kick played deep into the corner area was quickly crossed into the box and the Woking striker pounced on the chance chesting down the ball and pushing it goalwards. Northmore saw the ball late and somehow kept it out giving away a corner.

Woking were wide awake now and from the corner hit the post.

A defender left completely unmarked couldn’t believe his luck at a free header but screamed in anguish as his effort hit the post and went harmlessly out for a goal kick. Woking piled on the pressure and with each minute established themselves into the game. WSM were now limited to the counter attack but the openness of the game proved excellent entertainment. Chances were being created by both sides. As half time approached Woking again grew in stature and they were awarded a series of corners.

WSM just couldn’t clear the ball and with Mark screaming for half time Northmore remained under siege. Five corners in quick succession all likely to hit the net but somehow all dealt with.

WSM were suffering from the onslaught and with 47 minutes on the clock Somner wellied the ball clear and into the Woking half. Benyon picked up the ball and after a lovely step over raced past his marker and was one on one with the keeper. Benyon tried to lob the keeper but only succeeded in putting the ball straight into the crowd. The jeers of derision at his poor effort rang loud in his ears as the ref signaled half time.

What a game and the crowd rubbed their eyes in disbelief at the feast of football that had been played in front of them. All square and the second half still to come. Checking on the walking wounded and glad to see that all were well and able to continue Mark was delighted with their efforts and couldn’t ask for much more. They had been in his view the better team and deserved to be at least one ahead. A biased view perhaps and Mark wouldn’t have been at all surprised to hear that the Woking manager saying virtually the same to his troops. All to play for and the prize of a play off final still within both teams grasp.

In complete contrast to the first half Woking started the sharpest and on 48 minutes the goal to celebrate. Another corner causing panic before Woking midfielder Lambu took control and steered the ball past Northmore. In a ten minute spell over the break Woking had been awarded 7 or more corners and not one had been dealt with complete control.

The pressure had taken its toll. The noise that met the goal extraordinary and the Woking fans now bayed for more.

A second goal quickly arrived but not for the home team.

Woking pressed for the second goal and their bad habit of pressing the space their undoing. Kirk thumped a ball for Marvin Brown to chase into the corner. The Woking defence was wrong footed and the cross delivered by Brown purely in the hope of finding Benyon somewhere in the middle was headed home by Woking’s Tommy Hutchinson. The keeper stood no chance.

Brown danced a jig of delight in celebration as he was effectively the last WSM to kick the ball.

The pace of the break rocked Woking and signaled player changes in their ranks.

Mark looked to Walker and Newbold but both happy to continue.

The excitement of the first 50 odd minutes disappeared as two teams aware of the prize at the end of the game but not wanting to blow it steadied themselves for the remainder of the game. The game broke up into a series of free kicks. Woking still perhaps shading procession as the game reached its climax. Extra time loomed and Walker had run himself into the ground and Mark shouted for Story to get ready.

Woking threw everything forward in one last effort to win the game outright in 90 minutes.

Corners remained their likely route to goal and every effort spelled doom for WSM. Somehow each attempt was lumped clear by a man in white.

With Story ready to enter the fray and time almost up a rare second half WSM attack came to nothing. Woking raced forward for one more attempt to break the deadlock.

Somner intercepted a stray pass on the edge of the box and without looking curled the ball forwards looking to find Newbold or Benyon.

Benyon and Newbold had slowly returned to the half way line after the last attack. Benyon was certainly offside but Newbold just on according to the linesman.

Pandemonium as Newbold on 92 minutes calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. Woking were beaten and beaten by the last kick of the game.

The Woking team complained bitterly about the goal claiming that he had been offside. TV replays showed different.

Newbold had been played on by Tommy Hutchinson although it had not been by very much.

Woking had no time to recover and against all of the odds WSM were through to the final.

Tommy Hutchinson had been a colossus for Woking all season. At full time he lay distraught on the pitch. Words would never describe how he felt although the Sky cameras and their review of the game would remain a constant reminder on his difficult second half. An own goal and at fault for the 2nd goal something he would have to live with for some time.

Mark took time to talk to the player. Football was a cruel game and right now Tommy Hutchinson knew that for a fact. Mark’s words of comfort however sincere probably went unheard.

Woking – play off 2nd leg

2:1

[markyt]

Mark kept the post match celebrations short insisting the team still had much to do before they had anything to get excited about.

The coach trip home still a happy affair and rightly so for the WSM team. As rank outsiders to progress they had thrown away the form book and beaten Woking.

Their performance in the second leg had been worthy of progression to the Britannia Stadium, Stoke.

The South West now had its dream final.

Exeter had progressed against Grays and in similar circumstances to WSM had won a game that the ‘experts’ deemed was Gray’s for the taking.

Running out 3:1 winners after a goalless first leg showing the comfortable margin Exeter had exerted during the second fixture. Home advantage in the second leg had buoyed Exeter’s ruthless approach to the game.

Something that the pundits had been right to suggest however, that the 4th & 5th place teams had reached the final showing that teams with momentum going into the play offs were highly likely to succeed.

Grays and Woking deserved promotion automatically for their season long efforts but the rules of the game would deny them that right.

Whatever happened in the next game two South West teams would be promoted to League 2. Torquay and one from either Exeter or WSM and this sparked media frenzy for the final itself.

Over 28000 fans were expected to converge on the Stoke ground pushing the gate close to sell out. There was a cry to move the final to a ground closer to home but the decisions had long been made and the mass exodus from the West Country up the M5 and M6 to Stoke was destined for the 11th May.

With WSM through to the play off final Mark had a dilemma to resolve. There was the obvious need to prepare the team for the big game but he had already planned a trip to Scotland.

With the players due a day off on the Tuesday he saw no reason to cancel the arrangements.

Instead of returning to the South West with the team he remained in London prior to catching an early morning flight to Scotland.

He would then fly back to Bristol on the red eye on Wednesday morning just in time for training.

He would get to spend some time with Carolyn before flying up and watching a Dundee Utd versus Dundee reserve match whereupon he could run a rule over two potential transfer targets.

Arriving in his London flat he could smell the aroma of fresh food being cooked from the second he opened the front door.

Carolyn had watched the game live on television from her office before making the short trip from central London to Chelsea stopping off at Waitrose on the way.

She loved to cook but with frequent trips away barely had time. Whilst no Delia in the kitchen she could certainly impress with culinary skills and with Mark phoning ahead to announce his ‘eta’ the meal was timed to perfection.

The two hadn’t spent much time together over recent months and even now they knew that the meeting would be a brief encounter. The two wandered down to the King’s Road after the meal to walk the feast off and to sample a glass or two in post match celebration. The two were pestered by autograph hunters during their stroll and swift drink but Mark beginning to relax and enjoy the victory moment was quite happy to oblige.

Carolyn keen to spend some quality time with her ‘client’ suggested they make their way home and a brief encounter of another kind.

Mark needed no encouragement......

[markyt]

The plane arrived in Edinburgh at 7.45 in the morning and Mark spent the day in the Scottish capital anonymously before catching a train to Dundee and the afternoon reserve match. Joining with around 300 fans he watched two of the club’s potential targets. Mark Kerr and Guy Bates had left Lee Houghton foaming at the mouth. After a first 45 minutes of action Mark could see why.

Kerr outstanding for Utd in the centre of the park and still playing on the losing side with Bates returning from injury and keen to make up for lost time smashing two goals past the Utd keeper.

Whilst the two clubs were in different divisions Bates excelled against supposed better players and after 2 goals and a useful 60 minute run out he was withdrawn. Kerr completed 90 minutes and his quality going to waste in a reserve side. Why he had fallen from grace irrelevant as he would be far superior to the current WSM midfield crop of players. Kerr could be the fulcrum to build a team around.

The second half very quiet in comparison to the first but providing Mark with further confirmation that both players would indeed be excellent additions for the future. The debate however mute and very much dependent on funding becoming available to Mark. Of course WSM being promoted critical to club activity in the transfer market.

Mark was about to slip away from the ground when he bumped into ex Chelsea player Pat Nevin.

Mark wasn’t sure who was the most surprised.

Nevin, Mark discovered over a drink in a local pub was writing a book about the state of Scottish football and why the player conveyer belt to England had pretty much halted. Interesting stuff especially as Scottish players had been a huge influence on the English game since time began. Chelsea had certainly had their quota of excellent Scottish players including Nevin and current asst Clarke but it was true to say that there were very few young Scottish talents being currently developed in the Premier League.

Another Chelsea player that Mark held in high renown, Scottish defender Doug Rougvie. Rougvie had been at Chelsea in Mark’s early day’s and the tackles on the training ground still something that Mark remembered with a shiver running down his spine let alone attackers from other sides. Nevin promising to stay quiet on Mark’s player search wasn’t surprised on his interest in both players they discussed.

Kerr in particular was a player Nevin was aware of.

Having both watched the game Kerr was a class above the rest on show although Bates name came a close second. Nevin wasn’t aware of the cause for friction at Dundee Utd but was certain the player was on his way out.

The two swapped mobile numbers before Nevin kindly drove Mark back to his Edinburgh hotel. Arriving at the hotel reception he picked up a fax from WSM asst Mike Kilgour. The fax detailed the players appearing for physio on the Tuesday morning. The usual suspects were all detailed and there were no major surprises barring one name to send him into a sweat.

Elliot Benyon had joined the ranks of the doubtful for the Exeter game and this was a severe blow to the attacking shape of the side.

Scott Walker had also reported worse for wear and the gamble to play him at Woking had backfired with Walker now out for 6 weeks.

Fortunately Matt Tipton was responding to treatment and Newbold whilst on the physio table that morning just there for a massage.

Tipton the slayer of Exeter back in January now a certainty to start and hopefully spread fear amongst the Exeter back four.

Memories of Tipton's recent performance would add fear to the Exeter game plan.

All change again for the next game but Mark glad to be almost unknown happily sat in the bar of the Thistle Hotel enjoying a lager and a delicious club sandwich. For the first time in ages he managed to completely forget the world of football.

This dream world would be long behind him from the minute his plane landed in Bristol on the Wednesday morning.

[markyt]

Mark walked through the arrivals lounge and out into the main foyer of Bristol Airport.

Someone from the club had been due to meet him and he was somewhat surprised to find chairman, Paul bliss himself waiting.

After signing some autographs and one Chelsea shirt he finally joined Bliss for the relatively short journey to the training ground.

The two talked about the workload for the week and the game itself. Mark shared his thoughts on tactics and how he expected Exeter to play. The game played between the two clubs in January had been a turning point in WSM fortunes. The 5:1 win had acted as the stimulus for the charge for a play off spot. Exeter had expected a routine win but had been torn apart by the pace and power of the WSM front line.

Tipton had been supreme netting four goals in virtually his first full game for the club. A lot of water had passed under the bridge since that game and Exeter had suffered no ill effects from the loss. Exeter had always been destined for a play off berth and this had never been in doubt all season long. Their confidence pretty much all down to having the leagues top goalscorer in their side.

Lee Philips alone had netted an incredible 28 league goals let alone the assists he had created for his team. Philips was hot property and a price of 150k had been suggested as the price for him to move.

Philips though seemed happy to continue with Exeter and had already turned a couple of offers down.

There would be no dramatic change to the WSM game plan. Despite the enforced game personnel WSM would look to continue with their usual tactics. The fact that Exeter would be very wary of the WSM style of play Mark remained hopeful that any caution on their part would allow WSM time to grow in the game and establish themselves.

Personnel wise, Story fit enough to return to the wide left midfield berth and Tipton replacing Benyon. Benyon would be on the bench and whilst not going to be 100% fit, well enough to play at least 45 minutes at full pelt. Scott Walker encased in plaster and out for six weeks a blow but Story had shown he could play that role and after a run of games in that position had grown in stature.

Tipton according to a brief conversation with Kilgour on the phone was raring for another tilt at Exeter.

WSM could win the game and this confidence backed by the bookies with the game too tight to call.

Moving from the game Bliss talked about match arrangements, media hype and the people of WSM.

The town had geared itself up for the game and even non interested parties were celebrating the achievements of the club. One game away from league status something that locals were proud of.

Whilst the game didn’t have the kudos or financial implications of a premier league play off final it certainly added up to be a real money spinner for the club.

Shirt sales alone would reach record heights let alone scarves and other club memorabilia.

Inflatable seagulls had been the latest addition to the club shop and over 500 had been sold in just three days.

Boom times for the town and the club itself.

As the car approached the outskirts of WSM, Bliss updated Mark on player interest and news on potential sales. Tipton would be followed from the club by Christian Roberts. Peterborough had snapped up the target man for 38k. Roberts had played fittingly for the club since his January arrival and 38k for a player who had arrived as a free transfer an excellent return.

Bliss left the last name for discussion to the very last minute. Norwich had come in for Benyon. 750k plus add ons something that Bliss felt the club couldn’t refuse. The add ons would push the deal to a cool million.

Bliss had asked Norwich to wait until after the final for a decision but despite the words Mark suggesting otherwise Mark knew the deal was done. The time delay whislt apt due to to the significant game ahead as much about signalling to other clubs that Benyon was avaialble. leeds had been interested, no doubt there were others.

The conversation led to monies. How much of the Benyon transfer would Mark be given to spend?

Bliss grimaced as he had expected the question. 250k at best but this would be in addition to monies promised for promotion.

The car slowed as it entered the training ground car park. Mark looked at Bliss and with not much else to say nodded his head and jumped out of his car. Benyon was on his way out but right now Mark had a game to win.

The most important game in the history of WSM was just 5 days away. A win would signify more than just promotion.

[markyt]

Mark woke with a start. Covered in sweat he had woken from a horrible dream.

On the coach journey to their hotel on the outskirts of Crewe, the players had watched a selection of movies. All in an attempt to avert attention from the forthcoming game and for some reason one of these movies had impacted on his sleep. A Knights Tale had ended with a line – you have been weighed, measured and found wanting - the words had woken him.

The dream all about WSM losing the ‘big game’ despite Mark making huge changes to tactics and player line up had seen him whacked from behind by a full drinks bottle. Lying flat on the ground looking up at the sky a certain ‘pop’ Robson had stood above him laughing and spouting the line from the movie.

No wonder he had woken…. Stuff of nightmares…

Showered and refreshed he ambled down to the restaurant for some breakfast. He wasn’t surprised to find himself alone. It was just after 7am on Sunday 11th May and kick off for the biggest game in WSM history just 8 hours away.There was nothing more to do. All preparations were completed, tactics and team selected. As Mark tucked into his cooked breakfast all was quiet except for the ticking of the restaurant clock. The countdown to the game was truly on and time would tell whether he would be found to be wanting.

The final countdown had begun............

[markyt]

Mark was the last person to walk down the tunnel to reach the side of the pitch.

The players were ready for kick off and the noise of a crowd just short of 28000 had already reached a peak.

Unbelievably he was calm despite the occasion.

All of the final details had been completed and apart from the trials and tribulations of the match itself there was nothing left for him to do. He had left nothing to chance and as far as he was concerned the WSM team were as well prepared as he had ever been as a Chelsea player being readied for the big occasion. The club had been searching for this final and the opportunity that went with it since day one of the league season and the players deserved the chance as did the 12000 WSM fans that had made the trip. The Exeter fans though slightly more in number were not managing to out sing the WSM followers and this added much to the day.

As Mark finally appeared from the tunnel a loud cheer erupted. Mark saluted the crowd and with kick off seconds away quickly took his seat on the bench.

The team sent out by Mark the best available. In reserve a 75% fit Benyon, experienced Rose and the 6th form. The squad and the lack of depth had finally caught up with Mark. Still he remained calm. He’d had his wobble of nerves in the early hours of the morning. Now he would weighed, measured and the rest now in the hands of fate…..

The whistle blown burst through the air with a shrill and the noise of the crowd seemed to get louder as they cheered their respective team on.

Both teams settled into the rhythm of the game, the sun hotter than ever on a glorious sunny May afternoon but despite the preparation Exeter were quickest into their stride. 10 minutes into the game and it was one way traffic. Northmore in the WSM goal whilst coming under pressure and needing to be alert remained untested. However that was more by luck than judgement. Exeter had broken through on two occasions and ballooned one effort over the bar. A second hit the back of the net but was ruled offside. Mark never had a great love for Graham Poll but on 9 minutes he would have quite happily kissed the man. Offside was borderline at best.

WSM were treading water and unable to find men in white shirts. Clearing their lines only meant the ball would return to trouble them seconds later.

With nerves showing and even the simple things not going right things took another turn for the worse.

Bailey intercepted a pass on the edge of the box and lumped the ball route one style forwards.

Newbold raced after the ball but after just 8 or 9 strides went down as if he had been shot.

No challenge had been involved but from the prostate state of the WSM player he was in serious trouble.

Whilst the Physio team tried to get Newbold back in the fray the onslaught on the WSM goal continued.

Exeter keen to grab an early goal and make the extra man count continued to press and on 25 minutes were awarded a dubious penalty following some pushing in the box. Evans the culprit took his grievance straight to the Tring official and earnt a rebuke and a yellow card for his trouble.

Up stepped Exeter’s Lee Philips and with Northmore well beaten the roar died in the Exeter fans throats. Unbelievably Philips had pushed the ball wide and stood looking at the penalty spot ruefully.

A reprieve for WSM and the slight lull in play allowed Mark to make the change up front. 28 minutes on the clock and Benyon was on.

The change made no difference as Exeter continued their dominant period of play.

With Exeter pressing forward looking for that elusive first goal, Northmore was finally called into action saving smartly from a 25 yard volley. 35 minutes played and WSM were not even at the races.

In their first attack WSM scored. Sam Bailey picked up a wayward Philips knock down and simply smacked the ball forward.

Tipton unchallenged flicked the ball into acres of space and Benyon easily won the race to the ball before smartly chipping the keeper.

Benyon less than match fit had hardly broken sweat to reach the ball and his cheeky goal summed up the first half for WSM. Hardly in the game yet, one up as the break approached and the Exeter defence had been torn apart by simple route one football. It was no joke for Exeter as the whistle blew signalling half time. The WSM supporters couldn’t care less and cheered their team off as if they had already won the game.

Mark walked down the tunnel furious with his side’s lacklustre performance and had already considered his harsh words.

He couldn’t help having a word with referee Poll who swiftly told the WSM manager to 'F Off'.

Charming but probably the best decision Poll had made all day and the correct one as mark would have probably said far too much.

Ding ding round 2