Englischer Fussball Bund - FM2005! (EFB-05) [*Established Clan*]

[Andy H]

I think it was more than two and you didn't win those two games either Steve. You will go down in EFB history as never having won a game in EFB FM. To me that is just brilliant.

[chef]

8 April 06 League Game

Kidderminster 0

Northampton 2

Nardiello 23, Singh 75

A win was what we wanted and a win was what we got. We opened up the scoring with a nice pass down the left from Singh who picked out Nardiello’s run. His run put him within touching distance of the penalty box and as soon as he got into the box he let rip with a shot that just creped in at the near post.

Later on in the game Nardiello returned the favour to Singh who scored from his pass when he was found with the keeper coming out to meet him, he just chipped the keeper.

Man of the Match Singh…9/10…Northampton

Attendance 5841

Ref Allan Rawcliffe

Position in league 7th

15th April 06 League Game

Northampton 2

Mackey 26,40

Wycombe 0

This game was over by half time, as our young striker Mackey got himself 2 goals. His first came from a corner from Fox who found him at the near post for Mackey to get his head onto in and place the ball in at the near post. Mackey 2nd goal was a goal in which he turned the defence inside and out. His run at the defence had them going backwards which gave him the room to get his shot in

Man of the Match Mackey…8/10…Northampton

Attendance 4853

Ref Tony Green

Position in league 6th

18th April 06 League Game

Mansfield 2

Larkin 11, Curtis 78

Northampton 2

Mackey 37, Nardiello 50

Here I go again. Yet another match so soon after the last one but this time its against a human manager and its Nicks Mansfield. We go into the game with full of confidence and even more so when its heard on the grape vine that Nick would be getting to the game late as his car had broken down from when he was travelling from his old home town of Wrexham.

I do hate mobile phones as its from one that Nick had used to phone his assistant manager to give out his starting 11for the match against us today.

We go behind to an early goal when Larkin had pulled off his marker at the back post and was in free space to knock in the ball from a cross. Our goal late on in the first half was another goal from Mackey who played the offside line to perfection and was clean through on goal from the pass from Fox and placed the ball to the right of the keeper.1-1 and that was the score at half time even though both teams had the chances to extend their own lead in the game.

The speed of my strikers was a good thing as it was pace that got Nardiello ahead of his marker to bury the ball into the net. From this goal we went on to dominate the match and were closing down better all over the park.

Nick could see his team were under the cosh and decided to add a few new faces to the team and it was not long before his new men had made a difference. It was from a corner late in the game that Murray had floated in a ball that beat Dolan and West on the near post and found Curtis to head in, in front of my keeper Bull.

At the time this draw might come back to haunt us as if we had won we would have moved up to 3rd place in the league , but it just keeps us in 6th place.

Man of the Match Fox…10/10…Northampton

Attendance 3773

Ref Bob Pollock

Position in league 6th

22nd April 06 League Game

Northampton 3

Singh 40, Fox 78, Armstrong 88

Southend 0

The team were on fire today and out to prove that they deserve to be up in the top 6. We got the break late on in the half when Singh got us the goal with a shot from just outside the left hand side of the box.

The 2nd half we had other chances to get more goals and we did from Fox who at the time was running the midfield, and Armstrong are new player that had come in on a free.

Man of the Match Fox…8/10…Northampton

Attendance 4198

Ref Allan Rawcliffe

Position in league 5th

29th April 06 League Game

Cambridge 1

Reeves 30 (og)

Northampton 3

Mackey 50 (pen) 52, Singh 83

This was a grudge match as the manager of Cambridge who at the time of play were top of the league had said we were not good enough to trouble them at home and would defiantly put the final nail in our coffin for us to go up as we would lose to the home side big style as we do not have the manager or players to trouble them. ….Dream on mister we are the real deal and will show our true spirit when we win at you ground was our response.

So onto the match and we go behind to an own goal from our midfielder who diverted a shot past his keeper. We felt we were still the better team in the 1st half but we could not find the luck in front of goal to get that break.

The second half we get a penalty which is converted by Mackey when Singh was brought down by Ruddy. A minute later he gets a second of the game with a thunder bolt of a shot that left the keeper in no mans land.

We get the 3rd goal of the game and with it all the points and a big smile from our dug out goes out towards the Cambridge bench as if to say we told you so we are the team to watch out for.

Man of the Match Jaszczum…8/10…Northampton

Attendance 5200

Ref Simon Griffiths

Position in league 5th

I have won again … the Manager of the Month but this time for April. We also had the goal of the month from Armstrong against Southend and Fox was named 3rd player of the month. All in all not a bad month for my team.

6th May 06 League Game

Northampton 2

Mackey 4, 54

Darlington 0

This was our last game of the season and if we won and the teams above us lost we would be going up. But we had to win our game first then take it from there.

We got off to a flyer with a long ball from Jaszczum down the wing to Mackey who scored from the tight angle that he found himself in. he got his and our 2nd goal of the game when a shot from Armstrong cannoned of the keeper for him to put it in from close range.

The goals had eased our nerves as the visitors did have the chances to get back into the match but due to poor finishing we got away with it.

Man of the Match Dolan…8/10…Northampton

Attendance 4420

Ref Neil Hancox

Position in league 4th

We find we have not quite made the automatic play off place but have to go through a 2 legged play off with Rushden and hopefully get through that to get a Cup Final match to see who goes up.

More to follow …

[ChefRobCreations]

Welcome to another installment from the R's

Perry was away for a few weeks due to illness and other stuff that we wont go into at this time but hes back now,Kuznetsov did a good job while he was away too.

Gillingham 0 QPR 1

Att 11562

MOM Naldo 8

Naldo scored the only goal of the game after 18mins from a lovely curling corner in which Naldo rose above the defence to head in at the back post,Rowlands also came close in the dying seconds but missed his simple tap in.

QPR 3 Wigan 0

Att 16829

MOM Korzym 10*

Korzym showed why Poland called him up recently will 2 excellent goals his first a lovely 25yard rocket into the back of the net,his second not so pretty but hell they all count,R's third from Hristov's came from another Rowlands curling corner where he met it with a cracking header into the net.

Suprising result this as wigan where one of the favourites to be promoted before the season started.

QPR 0 Norwich 0

Att 17821

MOM Guatelli 8

Guatelli earned his MOM award in this one keeping a clean sheet in the process another good result for the R's sees them closer to a play off spot.

Brighton 0 QPR 4

Att 8987

MOM Korzym 9

A silly penalty given away by brighton on 33mins was converted by Thu and then just before half time Korzym made it 2-0 and that was the how the first half would finish,second half it was all R's again this time Bertelsen getting 2 gaols 1st on 50mins 2nd on 62mins 4-0 final,Brighton really looked doomed to relegation now after this humiliating defeat.

QPR 3 Leeds 1

Att 19021

MOM Guatelli 9

This was going to be a hard game Perry told the press before this one started Leeds looked up for it too opening the scoring on 27mins through Ricketts but De Boer would score on 45mins to go in at ht with it tied 2nd half started and Leeds Seth Johnson is sent off for arguing with the ref Okon took advantage of the extra man and scored on 83mins before Sutton killed Leeds off at 91mins,Excellent performance from the R's in this one.

Play Off secured on the last day of the season thanks to Brighton winning 1-0 away to Plymouth

Stay tuned to see what happens in the Play Off Between Sheff Wed and the R's.

[rouchie]

Hartlepool – The rouchie years

Manager Paul Rouch has returned to steer the team through the final run in of 8 games after the assistant manager has left the team somewhat short on the play off ambitions!

Versus Blackpool (A) 18th March 2006

Eifion Williams started the game well getting into some good positions early on to set up some clear cut opportunities but was unable to convert the chances. Hugh Robertson was also playing well and was instrumental in the dominating play that the ’pool showed in the opening period. The pressure bought its just rewards when Blackpool were finally forced to impede Humphreys jump in the area and give a way a penalty which Tinkler calmly slotted home to set up a 1-0 advantage for the first half. Blackpool must have had a torrid time in the dressing room at half time because they came out a much more focussed team in the second half. Blackpool pulled level on 58 minutes when Parker ran into the box with the ball and poked it past the keeper as coolly as you like. 1-1. The remainder of the game was played out with quarter asked or given as both teams were desperate for all 3 points! Unfortunately both ended up with 1 apiece Hugh Robertson earned a Man of the Match magnum for his stirring performance.

Final Score Blackpool 1Hartlepool 1

Goals : Blackpool Parker (58)

Hartlepool Tinkler (Pen 38)

ATT 8076

MOM : Hugh Robertson (Hartlepool)

Versus Bournemouth (H) 1st April 2006

After a 2 week break during which rouchie took his team off to the sunnier climes of Dubai (Torquay really) for some R & R, we had a home game against the southern seasiders of Bournemouth which was a match where Hartlepool were left rueing their missed chances as their overall superiority failed to translate in to goals

Final Score Hartlepool 0 Bournemouth 0

ATT 6194

MOM : Gareth O’Connor (Bournemouth)

Versus Bristol City (A) 12th April 2006

A match against fellow EFB member David Johnston’s Bristol City was next up and a very tight game it was with both teams pushing and probing. Bristol grabbed the upper hand in the first half when Danny Shittu struck the ball into the back of the Hartlepool net. Despite the best efforts of the ‘pool they were unable to find a wayu back and left the titties manager with a broad grin on his face at the end of the game as he moved his team into 4th and Hartlepool effectively lost all prospect of getting back into playoff contention.

Final Score Bristol City 1 Hartlepool 0

Goals : Bristol City Parker (58)

ATT 8444

MOM : Tommy Doherty (Bristol City)

Versus Chesterfield (H) 15th April 2006

The monkey hangers finally get a reward for the performances they have been giving with a clearcut victory over the visitors . Richie Humphreys showed a return to his early season form with the first strike to put the’pool ahead. Adam Boyd followed up with the home sides second to send them in at the break 2-0 up. The second half saw Hartlepool maintain their vice like grip on the game and Tinkler added the third to wrap the game up!

Final Score Hartlepool 3 Chesterfield 0

Goals : Hartlepool Humphreys (14) Boyd (21) Tinkler (59)

ATT 4530

MOM : Adam Boyd (Hartlepool)

Versus Peterborough (H) 19th April 2006

The yo-yo season continued with another defeat, a bizarre own goal kicked it off with Williams putting into the net he was supposed to be guarding. Logan and Bridges added to Posh’s tally before Richardson finally broke through to pull one back for Hartlepool. Too little too late unfortunately. Then Neil Danns picked up an injury in injury time, to rule him out for the rest of the season

Final Score Hartlepool 1 Perborough 3

Goals : Peterborough Williams (OG 38) Logan (48) Bridges (57)

Hartlepool Richardson (82)

ATT 5439

MOM : John Watson (Peterborough)

Versus Swansea (A) 22nd April 2006

An away day to deepest Welsh Wales brought a fine performance from the ‘pool as they ran out convincing winners in front of a very inhospitable crowd! Adam Boyd nabbed the first , and Man Of the Match, Kieran Richardson, earnt his champagne with a brace of goals in the second half. Hartlepool relaxed and obviously had their mind already in the dressing room during injury time as Swansea added a sheen of respectability with a last minute consolation goal, netted by Thomas, seconds before the final whistle. A good win

Final Score Swansea 1 Hartlepool 3

Goals : Swansea Thomas (90)

Hartlepool Boyd (41) Richardson (45, 69)

ATT 15126

MOM : Kieran Richardson (Hartlepool)

Versus Sheffield United (H) 29th April 2006

A first half goal from Jack Lester gave the visitors the advantage in a hard fought match. Adam Boyd levelled in the second 45 and a man of the match performance from the Hartlepool keeper, Gareth Williams ensured a share of the points

Final Score Hartlepool 1 Sheff Utd 1

Goals : Sheff Utd Lester (19)

Hartlepool Boyd (49)

ATT 6882

MOM : Gareth Williams (Hartlepool)

Versus Bradford City (A) 6th May 2006

The final game of the season and the Hartlepool players end it on a positive note with a win. It all happened in the 2nd half with a goal three minutes into the restart scored by Kieran Richardson, but then the rosy outlook changed when Jack Wilkinson was sent off for a second yellow offence and left the ‘pool defending a 1-0 lead with 10 men and 30 minutes still to play! But Strachan coolly converted a penalty to tie it all up in the 85th minute to leave the monkeyhangers 2 goals clear and move into 13th place.

Final Score Bradford City 0 Hartlepool 2

Goals : Hartlepool Richardson (48) Strachan (Pen 85)

ATT 5761

MOM : Kieran Richardson (Hartlepool)

End of the Season Report

Final League Position 13th

So Hartlepool end up in 13th place in league one, which was disappointing really. The form at the end of the season was very good but the team paid the price for the number of draws (nearly 50% of their games were draws!!) and insufficient wins. Further updates will appear as the close season progresses.

[Andy H]

What no Motty facts for your update this month rouchie?

They ruled!!!

[rouchie]

will do one in the close season report, couldn't find anything in that lot really!

[David Johnston]

The Bristol Titties Update

League One Playoff Semi Final Leg 1

Watford (A) 13th May 2006

So first leg of the playoffs semi final gets underway and it's the titties going into the game with a fantastic unbeaten run of 16 games. And with both teams desperate for a place in the Championship the chances are flying in at either end. However neither team is able to score in the first half. So second half begins with a few chances for Watford, however in the 74th minute some excellent passing from Bristol sees Junior in front of goal with a perfect chance to score the first which he does. With only 4 minutes to go substitute Heffernan finds himself on the end of a great cross which he heads home to make it 2-0. After 4 minutes of injury time the final whistle is blown.

Watford 0 Bristol C 2

MOM: Philips 9 (Bristol C)

Goal Scorers: Junior (74) Heffernan (86)

Assists: Wilkshire (74,86)

ATT:23096

So a great game for the titties to win, 2 away goals with no reply. That leaves us in a great position for the return leg at home.

League One Playoff Semi Final Leg 2

Watford (H) 17th May 2006

So the second league gets underway with Bristol fielding almost the exact same team. However after only 8 minutes Watford counter attack to score making it 1-0. 10 minutes later Heffernan scores but the goal is dissallowed for offside. On the half hour mark however Junior sets Holmes up with a simple goal to make it 1-1. And thats how the first half ends. 6 minutes into the second half and some route one football sees Bolt play the ball into Heffernan's path for him to slot home for 2-1. With 7 minutes to go Bolt and Heffernan hook up again with a long through ball by Bolt straight into Heffernan's path, and once again he slots home for his second of the game. No more action in the last few minutes as the game winds down to a close. Bristol City are in the Playoff Final

Bristol C 3 Watford 1

MOM: Bolt 10 (Bristol C)

Goal Scorers: Holmes (30) Heffernan (51,83)

Assists: Junior (30) Bolt (51,83)

ATT: 21486

So the Titties take another step towards Championship Football next season by winning the second leg of the playoff in convincing style. Despite a 2-0 win for Blackpool, Cardiff make it to the Final of the League One Playoffs to face the Titties.

League One Playoff Final

Cardiff (N) 28th May 2006

So its a huge game now for the titties, with a very good chance to get themselves promoted to the championship here at the mighty Wembley stadium. Bristol City field almost the exact same team that has kept them on a wonderful unbeaten streak. With a few good chances at either end the teams fail to take advantage until the 42nd minute where Gillespie finishes from a Danny Bolt cross. And it's half time. Second half and once again there are a number of chances at either end, but it takes until the 80th minute for more action where Heffernan is brought down in the box for a penalty. Stepping up himself he slots it home for 2-0. And the final whistle is blown. Johnston guides the titties to promotion in his second season.

Bristol C 2 Cardiff 0

MOM: Murray 9 (Bristol C)

Goal Scorers: Gillespie (42) Heffernan (80)

Assists: Bolt (42)

ATT: 89980

So there we have it, Bristol City have won promotion to the English Championship with a superb win over Cardiff at Wembley. 90,000 people showed up to watch this game and manager Johnston couldn't be more delighted with the win. Trying to get an interview with the man was very difficult as he was celebrating in the middle of a sea of Titties.

And now a few screenshots for the end of the season.

The Final League Table

Team Progress in the league, showing how well we came back from the brinks of relegation.

Squad List at the end of the season showing players ratings etc.

Finally a message from the game

[Guest]

hi my name is stephen hendy and i need some help how do i join your clan

[chef]

hi steve if you had read page 1 of this clan you would have found out that you cant join up with us as we are full.

please got to the top of the forum and put your name in the page thats open for new players to join a game. you dont go into the clan updates and post "i want to join up with you guys" etc

hope you find a clan to play in soon

[Andy H]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by stephenhendy1:

hi my name is stephen hendy and i need some help how do i join your clan </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Do you not fecking read full threads. On page one of this clan thread it says no applications to join on this thread. It is an invitation only clan so the help you'll need is to be told how to fcuk off so here goes - FCUK OFF!!!!

[Goldy]

Images taken away due to being way too big, re-size and make file size smaller please!

Well done on your promotion though

[David Johnston]

[Top Tiger]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/TopTiger/Stags2.jpg

[rouchie]

[Top Tiger]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rouchie:

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I know numb nuts, I just pressed the 'post now' button for some strange deranged reason.

[Top Tiger]

Well with nothing to play for it looked as if our season was destined for mid table obscurity, meaning we need to show the fans what the club is capable of after a rather disappointing season.

We where the visitors to Wycombe in a mid table clash. The fixtures managers and fans a like hate, as both have nothing to play for but pride. The game didn’t get going until well into the 2nd half. New signing Deavney relishing an advanced role with a well taken goal. Then in the last minute a last minute sucker punch from Wycombe’s Ahmed sent us home unhappy.

Wycombe 1-1 Mansfield

Our next fixture was possibly the hardest on our travels. It saw us take on top side Cambridge who I owe a favour. Through out the game Cambridge piled on pressure, with Pilkington pulling off save after save, however it was Cambridge’s time to be feeling disheartened as Larkin broke away in the 75th minute and slotted home to send the away fans into delirium. A better sight at that moment could not be topped, as fans and players celebrated like they had won the F.A Cup. The ref’s final whistle was met with a wild cheer by the travelling contingent as I celebrated my first win as Mansfield manager.

Cambridge 0-1 Mansfield

Northampton where the next side visiting Field Mill, recent comments from their manager had range in the ears of Mansfield. Naming a unchanged side it didn’t take a fired up Mansfield side to take the lead a beautiful cross by Deavney was met by an equally good touch and finish by Larkin. Both sides then exchanged chances but Northampton equalised when Mackay exploited a poor offside trap with a good finish.

Second half Northampton came out the stronger as the pressure began to tell. Once again nippy Nardiello sped away from his marker to net a 1-2 lead to the away side. I reacted with a formation change and a triple substitution. The Mansfield side lined up the same as their counter parts. Parity was restored in the 78th minute as Northampton’s keeper backed off an in-swinging corner with Curtis leaving his marker and bulleting home a header. As the whistle blew I went home the happier of the two managers as I had prevented Northampton from taking a valuable 3 points.

Mansfield 2-2 Northampton

Spotland was our next visit as a brace from Greenacre gave the Stags a resounding 0-2 win.

Rochale 0-2 Mansfield

Ian Rush brought his second placed side Chester to Field Mill unaware what was going to happen. The Mansfield side entertained the Mansfield faithful as the first half finished 5-0, goals coming from Greenacre 3, France and Larkin. The second showed free flowing passing football as the game was made to look as training exercise, Chester netted two consolation goals however the day was one for the Mansfield old faithful as chants of ‘easeh, easeh, easeh’ ringed out of Field Mill.

Mansfield 5-2 Chester

Our final game of the season was a 2-1 loss to a Grimsby side, prolific Greenacre bagging the goal for the Stags.

Grimsby 2-1 Mansfield

So the end of the season, saw us finish 18th. Although 11 points from a potential 18 wouldn’t suggest we languishing there. However next season I am a lot more confident.

[Top Tiger]

Blooming thing.

[chef]

The last few games

So it’s the make or break time of the season, if we play well and win our games we go up but if we lose we don’t.

First up is a home tie.

League 2 Play off Semi-Final leg 1

14 May 06

Northampton 2

Fox 65, Timm 69

Rusden 0

A game where we had our 2 players on loan from Man Utd to thank for the win today.

MoM Singh 8/10 Northampton

Ref Tony Green

Crowd 7646

League 2 Play off Semi-Final leg 2

18 May 06

Rusden 1

Hay 45

Northampton 2

Armstrong 19, Reeves 35

This game was over at half time and we are looking forward to our trip to Wembley and a chance to go up through the play offs.

MoM Dolan 8/10 Northampton

Ref Andy Hogg

Crowd 6436

Result 4-1 Northampton

League 2 play off Final

29 May 06

Northampton 1

Willmott 9

Oldham 0

So this was it the big game we have worked for all season. We get off to a great start with a header from Willmott. He rose above the defence to get his head to the ball and send it past the keeper to give us the 1-0 lead.

The game was even steven to near the end of the match, when Oldham went 2-4-4 to try and get the goal that would send them into extra time.

We held out and with the result as it was we were going up a division.

So I have taken 2 different teams up a division so all in all not a bad day for me and the club.

MoM Jaszczum 8/10 Northampton

Ref Neil Jones

Crowd 30822

Result 1-0 Northampton & promotion to Division 1

[rouchie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Top Tiger:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rouchie:

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I know numb nuts, I just pressed the 'post now' button for some strange deranged reason. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

without the spaces numb nuts

[rouchie]

A friendly mod helped you out huh

[Goldy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rouchie:

A friendly mod helped you out huh </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Only the best

[Andy H]

Owls Observer – Premiership Summit has been achieved!!!!!!

In a dramatic end to the season Andrew Hepburn’s Sheffield Wednesday have achieved the impossible of securing back to back promotions and find themselves in the Premiership amongst the crème de la crème of English football. Pride has been restored to this club and everyone connected with the club is still drunk with excitement that the Owls have finally made it back into the big time, and most of the credit has to go to manager Hepburn. Here is how he got them there…….

The League Campaign

Sheffield Wednesday v QPR – (H) – 1-0 Win for the Owls

After that great win at promotion rivals Notts Forest it was onto another huge game as fellow promotion rivals QPR came to Hillsborough minus manager Rob Perry who was away attending family matters. He would not have liked what he saw one bit from his side as the Owls tore them apart and the scoreline should have been far greater. They created chances at will but could not put them in the back of the net. Jordi Cruyff found a way through to get the all important goal for the owls and it was enough to give them the three points.

Sheffield Wednesday v Crewe – (H) – 0-0

A game the Owls dominated but could hit the target on a regular basis and did not capitalise on the chances they did create. To make matters worse Jan Simak stupidly got sent off that sees him suspended for the next match. Hepburn could only watch in disbelief as he saw his team miss chance after chance after delightful build up play. Hepburn was not a happy man as his team trudged of the pitch at the end.

Derby v Sheffield Wednesday – (A) – 2-1 Win for the Owls

It was back onto the road for the Owls and the faced a tough trip to face Derby who still had hopes of a play off spot along side the Owls. The Owls started brightly and created a few half chances before taking an early lead through Mokoena in fourteen minutes. Things got even better as they built on their lead and made it 2-0 just before the half hour as Costa blasted home from inside the box. The Owls were by now playing with a lot of confidence and could have been further ahead but for some good goalkeeping. Derby were then thrown a lifeline as against the run of play they made it 2-1 through Tommy Smith. In the second half it was pretty even with both teams having their moments but the game ended 2-1 and Hepburn went home happy.

Plymouth v Sheffield Wednesday – (A) – 0-1 Defeat

The chance of the runners up spot in the Championship all but disappeared after this defeat at Plymouth who were vying for a play off spot. It was a one sided contest for much of the game as the Owls were never allowed to get going, particularly Simak who is the Owls’ main man.

Sheffield Wednesday v Coventry – (H) – 3-1 Win for the Owls

It almost as if the play offs had come early as the Owls have played two of their play off rivals in their last few games and still had one more to play. It was Coventry’s turn to come to Hillsborough and they did and left empty handed. The Owls bounced back well from the defeat at Plymouth as they tore Coventry apart after a sluggish start. Two goals in two minutes put this match beyond doubt as Jan Simak put the Owls ahead then David Poole had them two ahead only two minutes later. This knocked the stuffing out of Coventry who had started very brightly. In the second half John Welsh gave Coventry hope when he pulled a goal back but almost immediately as David Poole grabbed his second goal of the game and sealed the three points for Sheffield Wednesday.

Leicester v Sheffield Wednesday – (A) – 2-0 Win for the Owls

The last game of the league campaign and it was all about pride and a psychological advantage going into the play offs. The Owls were all fired up and straight from kick off got in about the Leicester players and they did not like it one bit. As so often in the past the hero for the Owls was captain Luis Costa but the whole team played as if they were playing for the Championship. There was no holding back from the Owls and at times they overdid it and Hepburn feared the worst when Simak and Partridge both went down injured. Eventually Partridge had to go off but it was only a minor injury. Terrific performance going into the play offs and they showed their rivals they meant business.

The Play Offs – The drama, the excitement and a whole lot of winnage thrown in as well!!!!!!!

So the league season was over and only three games separated the Owls from the Premiership. Rob Perry’s QPR miraculously made it to the play offs after drama on the last day of the season saw them pip Plymouth for the last play off spot. In a cruel twist of fate the draw for the Semi finals of the play offs saw the Owls paired with QPR.

1st Leg of the Play Off Semi Final

QPR v Sheffield Wednesday – (A) – 2-0 Win for the Owls

A closely fought game that left Perry having nightmares about how badly his team defended for both goals. The first came after only two minutes through Luis Costa as the QPR defence stood still and Costa took full advantage and slotted home. Then after six minutes it was 2-0 as another defensive mistake let Costa in to grab his second of the game and leave Perry’s QPR with a proverbial mountain to climb and there was another 174 minutes of football to be played. QPR tried to breakdown a well organised Owls defence but they stayed solid and took a huge advantage into the game at Hillsborough.

2nd Leg of the Play Off Semi Final

Sheffield Wednesday v QPR – (H) – 1-0 Win for the Owls

The return leg at Hillsborough saw QPR well beaten as the Owls progressed easily through to the final at Wembley. The winner came from the most unlikely source – Mustapha Sama who picked a brilliant time to score his first ever goal for the Owls. It could have been more but the QPR keeper kept them in the game at times. A great performance from the Owls and the fans went home full of hope of one more huge performance from the Owls and into the Premiership they would go.

The Play Off Final

Sheffield Wednesday v Coventry – (N) – 4-0 Win for the Owls

So it was down to this final game of the season for the Owls to see whether they would be playing the likes of Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea or playing Gillingham, Brighton or Rotherham next season. Hepburn was looking for a big performance and he got that performance. Coventry started the better of the two teams had had the Owls under pressure in the early stages of the game without really creating any clear cut chances. The game changed on the half hour as Lee Hart tripped Mokoena in the box and a penalty was given. Cruyff stepped up and blasted the penalty home and from then on it was all Sheffield Wednesday. It became the Mokoena show as he grabbed a sensational hat trick to send the Owls into the Premiership. It was the stuff dreams were made of for this lad as it was his first ever appearance at Wembley stadium and to get a hat trick as well. His first came after a great counter attack saw him through on goal and he slotted it home brilliantly. His second goal was a simple tap in after the keeper failed to hold Diarra’s shot. His third was a brilliant header from a cross from Thylander and that was that. Hepburn was out his dugout along with the rest of his staff and substitutes after the third went in as it truly was unbelievable what everyone was witnessing. Incredible stuff. The celebrations went on long into the night and for the next few weeks for that matter. It meant everything to the blue half of Sheffield and Hepburn and his players were becoming legends in the eyes of the fans and everyone connected with the club.

So the Premiership now looms for the Owls and Hepburn seems to be determined to succeed at the highest level with this team. Stay tuned to the Owls Observer for updates on the forthcoming season.

[rouchie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Goldy:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rouchie:

A friendly mod helped you out huh </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Only the best </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I knew it'd be you!

[edan217]

well guys i am back in efb !

blackpool is the team

bloomfield is the stadium(also my israeli club playes in bloomfield stadium that the reason for picking them )

lets kick some ass

in my first sesson i managed to sign about 8 young players all of them with lots of hope to become top quality players .look out for bruno gama ,17 attacking midfielder right .

most of the players i got on free transfers .

goit also 2 young italians who were realesed from juventus ,very promising players.

also viktor ikpeba agreed to sign for a year but he is waiting for a work permit .

cant wait till the season starts !

[rouchie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by edan217:

well guys i am back in efb !

blackpool is the team

bloomfield is the stadium(also my israeli club playes in bloomfield stadium that the reason for picking them )

lets kick some ass

If you ask Pete nicely he will do you a Blackpool banner

in my first sesson i managed to sign about 8 young players all of them with lots of hope to become top quality players .look out for bruno gama ,17 attacking midfielder right .

most of the players i got on free transfers .

goit also 2 young italians who were realesed from juventus ,very promising players.

also viktor ikpeba agreed to sign for a year but he is waiting for a work permit .

cant wait till the season starts ! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[chef]

i hope i got the right names here and im sorry if i aint but here are the banners to the 2 new guys

[rouchie]

Nice job Pete, looking good!

[ChefRobCreations]

Pete can you do me a new QPR banner I formatted and lost mine so I can do my updates cheers

[chef]

i hope this is ok for you rob

[David Johnston]

Titties Update

After missing the last session Johnston returns to his desk to see how his assistant managed to seal the deals he had set up before he left. And Johnston was pleasantly surprised to find that he has a team of top players ready for the next season. The transfers in and out are as follows:

Players In

Wayne Routledge (AM RC) from Crystal Palace for £1.1M

Chris Burke (AM R) from Rangers for £1.1M

Joseph-Desire Job (F RC) from Middlesbrough for free

Roland Linz (S C) from Austria Vienna for free

Rafael Olarra (D LC) from Universidad Catolica for free

Cesar (D C) Free Transfer

David Sanchez (AM C) from Barcelona for free

Future Players In

Marcin Radzewicz (AM/F LC) from Groclin for free

Kasey Wehrman (DM C) from Lillestrom for free (Awaiting work permit)

Players Out

Tom Osman free transfer

Alain Sutter free transfer

Sverrir Sverrison free transfer

Joe Anyinsah free transfer

Marc Goodfellow free transfer

Clyton Fortune free transfer

Danny Shittu to Belenenses for free

Paul Heffernan to Tranmere for free

Luke Wilkshire to Gillingham for free

Elliot Benyon to Sheffield United for £600k

And onto the friendlies also controlled by the assistant:

Beat Gallatasaray 2-1 at home.

Drew 0-0 against Aberdeen at home.

Lost 3-1 against FC Bayern at home.

Beat Bath 2-1 away.

Beat Charlton 1-0 at home.

Lost 2-0 against Leyton Orient away.

Nut now on to the new season, with the league looming. Bookies giving the titties odds of 50-1 for promotion this season, but lets see how they start with a home game against Tranmere.

English Championship

Tranmere (H) 5th August 2006

A number of new players getting their debuts today, let's see how they get on. And it only takes 45 seconds of the new season for Bristol to get a goal, with Holmes striking from distance. And thats how the first half ends. 75th minute of the game and Bristol play some great football in midfield and Junior finally converts to make it 2-0. And the game ends with new boy Chris Burke getting the man of the match award.

Bristol C 2 Tranmere 0

MOM: Burke 8 (Bristol C)

Goal Scorers: Holmes (0:45) Junior (75)

Assists: Burke (0:45) Linz (75)

ATT: 17584

So a great start for Bristol City in the English Championship, with a live TV game puting them into 3rd place.

English Championship

Plymouth (H) 8th August 2006

So another home game for Bristol against a very defensive Plymouth. But it takes only 18 minutes for the Titties to break the defense with Junior latching on to a through ball from Linz. 40th minute and Linz this time the scorer from a pass from Cesar. Just before half time Plymouth pull one back with a great volley. Half time. 2 minutes into the second half and Plymouth pull level after some slack defending. And the game finishes 2-2.

Bristol C 2 Plymouth 2

MOM: Speroni 8 (Plymouth)

Goal Scorers: Junior (18) Linz (40)

Assists: Linz (18) Cesar (40)

ATT: 16378

So a big dissapointment for Bristol after being 2-0 up. However it's still a point and the fans aren't too unhappy.

English Championship

Portsmouth (A) 12th August 2006

So a slight change in formation here due to an injury to Danny Bolt and lack of coverage for the left wing position. Also Joseph-Desire Job is added to the bench after resuming training after an injury. Straight away the match looks like it could be an exciting one with good play at either end. And Portsmouth hit the bar after 8 minutes. 4 minutes later a long ball is met in front of goal and Portsmouth are 1-0 up. 16 minutes gone and it's 2-0 for Portsmouth. 4 minutes later however Junior pulls one back for Bristol. However 29 minutes gone and its 3-1. And that's half time. 56 minutes and its 4-1. 76 minutes gone and Yakubu gets his 4th of the game for Portsmouth.

Portsmouth 5 Bristol C 1

MOM: Yakubu 10 (Portsmouth)

Goal Scorers: Junior (20)

Assists: Linz (20)

ATT: 18243

What a disaster for Bristol, Johnston got it completely wrong on the day, and takes full responsibility for the humiliation. He states that he wants everyone to put the game behind them and focus on winning the next game away at Burnley.

[edan217]

well today sesson went from good to bad as we had 3 games tonight .

before blackpool's first match managed to sign young talented lennon from leeds for a bargin price of only 240k with future money if he plays 50 matches .

ikpeba was didnt get the work permit which ment i had to look for a difrent striker .i singed 3 young inter players on free transfers hoping they will become class players in the future.

the games:

5.8 chesterfield-blackpool 0-1

we had a good start to the game and after 2 chances which went out ,came lupoli(on loan from arsenal)and scored on the 10th minute .from there on the game was pretty equal ,both teams had chances but it ended up

1-0 to blackpool

9.8 blackpool-huddersfield 0-0

played a good game but couldnt score lupoli and lennon had some good chances but kept on missing .0-0 ft .

12.8 oxford-blackpool 4-0

started off ok with 2 chances but after 7 minutes a great free kick by quinn gave them the lead .then 2 more chances missed by lupoli and in the 14th minute the ref gave them a penalty ,king scored the penalty and after 14 minutes we were down 2-0 ,our bad luck seemed to continue as lennon got injured ,and we still dont have a decent sub for him .then king scored in the 34th minute from long range and it was 3-0 .the second half was boring as blackpool tried to get something back but oxford kept on the celebration when whitley scored in the 78th minute .4-0 was the final resualt ,after which lupoli said to the media if only i had scored in the begging half of my chances the game would be diffrenet ,promise to pay the fans back for that .

[chef]

A new season & a new hope

So we have been made one of the favourites to go back down to Division 2 and given odds of 40-1 to get promotion.

We have had mixed fortunes on the pre season scene. We had 5 games we won 2 lost 2 and drew 1.

• 11/7/06 (h) Leicester Lost 2-0

• 16/7/06 (h) Swansea Won 2-0

• 20/7/06 (h) QPR Lost 2-0

• 23/7/06 (a) Barrow Won 3-1

• 28/7/06 (a) Havant & W Drew 0-0

We have been busy in the transfer market and got rid of 9 players the most notable player being the striker M Smith.

As for the players coming in we got a young keeper D Hill 2 new defenders D Woozley, J Thompson a player that we had on loan last season D Fox and 2 young strikers K Cooper, P Carter we are still a bit heavy in the squad department but with these players on offer it was a opportunity I could not miss.

Also we got a player on loan for the season and that M Timm from Manchester United.

The first game

5th Aug 06 League 1

Hartlepool 1

Boyd 24

Northampton 2

Cooper 27, Mackey 69.

We are away at Victoria Park the home of Paul’s Hartlepool and a game we both were looking forward to.

Looking at the tactics Paul has come out with a tactic that can only be described as different, But it seems to have done the trick as Boyd gets the first goal of the game. We don’t have long to wait for our goal when Cooper gets on the end of a cross from Carter to head the ball in at the far post. So the end of the half sees both teams go in at 1-1.

We take the lead from Mackey after 69 minutes when Cooper gets to the goal line and cuts back the ball for him. As Mackey is in front of his marker he gets his toe to the ball to place the ball into the near post.

So first blood goes to me in the fight of the human managers, but I was made to work hard for it.

* Man… Fox 8/10 Northampton

Position in League 5th

9th Aug 06 League 1

Northampton 1

Carter 31.

Torquay 1

Russell 16

Our first home game and not the start we wanted. Hockley had got down the right hand side of the pitch and pulled the ball back, went round Singh and put in a cross into the centre of the box for Russell to smash into the net.

Carter with his speed and strength had got through to be on a one on one with the keeper after a pass from Fox had set him off on his run. Bang the ball is in the net and 1-1.

The second half we both cancel each other out and 1-1 seems to be the fair result.

* Man… McManus 8/10 Torquay

Position in League 6th

12th Aug 06 League 1

Peterbrough 1

Gardner 38

Northampton 2

Timm 65 Fox 80.

Did we get out of jail today or what? We were not at our best today and got caught out with a goal that Dolan & Bull seemed to get in each others way to let in Gardner for a tap in.

We were getting over run in the midfield so I pulled a striker back to form a 5 man midfield and it seemed to do the trick. Fox played out of his skin today in the centre of the park and started to run thing from there. Our goals came from work on the outside with the ball coming in fast to the box for our players to run onto.

This was a game where the 3 points were taken in a day light robbery but we were not complaining to much.

* Man… Fox 8/10 Northampton

Position in League 6th

[ChefRobCreations]

Welcome to the R's Update

Play Off Semi Final

QPR 0 Sheff Wed 2

Att 19120

MOM Mokoena 9

Two early goals killed this tie off before the fans had even all settled into there seats at Loftus Road.

2nd Semi Final

Sheff 1 QPR 0

Att 39855

MOM Guatelli 9

Well Terrible end of season after somewhat of a fight back to claim the play off place,Andy's Wednesday where awesome over the 2 legs and deserved the win.

New Season's Results

QPR 0 Sheff Utd 0

Att 14667

MOM Quinn (sheff utd)

poor performance by both teams in this one not one created chance in the 90mins.

Wolves 3 QPR 1

Att 26200

MOM Seol (wolves)

Johnson opened on 8mins and the next came on 40mins when Riggot ran the defence ragged and slotting home then Daniscored for QPR before Craddock killed off the R's in the 86th min.

QPR 1 Norwich 0

Att 17642

MOM Brown (Naarwich)[/]

Skerlahit the only goal in this one on 25mins after good work from Rowlands.

Stay Tuned for more from the R's real soon.

[Andy H]

The Owls Observer - Pre Season

After the eurphoria of the Owls magnificent achievement of reaching the Premiership for the first time in years, Hepburn knew he a huge job in keeping them in the elite. The board had other ideas on the financial front and gave Hepburn only £400k to play with for his first season in the Premiership. A shcoking transfer budget to say the least and this caused uproar as soon as the fans heard about this news.

Hepburn had missed a series of free transfer as he did not want to risk the financial security of the club. Only two players had been brought in over the summer. These players were:

Stewart Downing AML - On loan from Middlesboro

Ryan Smith FRC - On loan from Arsenal

Many others were targeted but for one reason or another Hepburn could not secure anymore transfers during pre season.

The League Campaign

With pre season over, the friendlies played it was time for the Owls to play their first game in the premiership for years and it was a highly entertainign game.

Sunderland v Sheffield Wednesday - (A) - 2-1 Defeat

A tough ask in their opening game of the Premiership campaign as they travelled to the Stadium Of Light to face Sunderland. The game started witht he Owls pressing for an opener and they managed to take the lead through Luis Costa the captain and the visiting fans were delirious!!! They then went in search of goal number two and got caught out as Sunderland found an equaliser in the second half. It got worse for the Owls as Sunderland pressed and pressed and finally managed to get number two. The OWls had their chances to equalise but on this occasion failed to take them. The Owls' fans gave the team a rousing reception as they went off the pitch as they had seen a stirring performance from the side. Hepburn also went home happy as his side did almost everything right and were unlucky not to go away with a draw.

[ChefRobCreations]

It has been announced by Club officals that Kuznetsov would be in charge for tonights session as Manager Perry has had some family business come up at the last minute, sorry lads Ill see ya all on Monday have a good weekend

Rob

[Guest]

Yorkshire Evening News

The Leeds board have decided to sack Juup Henckyes after his failure to get promotion from the Championship for the second season running and have appointed the unknown Rob Young as Manager at the end of the 2005/06 season.

The fans weren’t happy but have started to see what kind of manager Rob is, when he started bringing in his own type of players, mainly on Bosman frees. The Manager said “I like to bring in experienced players in on frees, then spend our precious funds on quality young playersâ€.

Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Haisselbaink have come back to their old club to fire Leeds back into the Premiership. Henri Camara and teenage Brazilian Adriano (not the Inter player!) will provide cover.

Carlo Cudicini and Kolinko were signed as replacements for the ageing Nigel Martyn, after Lehmann rejected the chance to drop down divisions!

Young USA star Freddy Adu has been added to the squad as the playmaker and will be complimented by Doriva, who likes a tackle as well as being a specialist in passing and free kicks.

The defence is beginning to look solid, with Andreas Jakobssen and Jonathan Fortune in the centre, and Michael Gray at left back. Phillipe Christanval and Nourrendine Naybet will provide cover.

Rob has promised the fans that Leeds will be promoted in his first season in charge and they are now waiting for his first league game to see if he can realise his and their expectations.

More transfers are expected to sealed in the next few weeks as Rob clears out the squad that was mainly made up of poor Championship players.

[rouchie]

Hartlepool – The rouchie years

Close season and a hard look at the squad that finished disappointingly mid table. Ian Dicks, Hugh Robertson, Stephen and Philip Turnbull were all released. In came in Wayne Henderson free from Villa as back up keeper, and Franklin Simek, who had been on loan from Arsenal last season, free. With a massive 18k left in the transfer kitty there may be some more signings yet

Friendlies

(H) Aston Villa Reserves – Tue 11.7.06 – 1-1

(A) Chester – Sun 16.7.06 – 0-2

(A) Barrow – Wed 19.7.06 – 0-1

(A) Hendon – Sat 22.7.06 - 1-2

(A) Leeds – Tue 25.7.06 – 0-1

(H) Ipswich – Wed 26.7.06 – 0-1

(A) Crawley – Sat 29.7.06 – 3-2

With some forgettable performances, the friendlies pass by as the season start approaches. The first scheduled League game is against fellow EFB manager Peter Smith’s Northampton. Full match reports will be included in the month end summary

Motty close season fact

The only win in the preseason friendlies came against Crawley, Hartlepool Manager Paul Rouch’s previous club!

Watch for the next report due at the end of August….

[David Johnston]

Titties Update

So Johnston will be looking to turn things around tonight after a dissastrous defeat at the hands of Portsmouth, but they start with a tricky game away at first placed Burnley.

English Championship

Burnely (A) 15th August 2006

Bristol City are lining up with a very strange formation for this tie, due to the lack of a left winger. And also opting for a slightly more defensive team. But it takes only 15 minutes for Wayne Routledge to strike from distance making it 1-0 to Bristol. But with only 5 minutes to go before half time Burnley strike back. However Junior scores on the stroke of half time to make it 2-1 at the break. So into the second half and after 12 minutes Burnley are reduced to 10 men after a second booking. With 87 minutes on the clock a corner for Bristol is met by Cesar who scores at the second attempt.

Burnley 1 Bristol C 3

MOM: Trond Anderson 9 (Bristol)

Goal Scorers: Routledge (15) Junior (44) Cesar (87)

Assists: Holmes (44)

ATT: 20548

So a fantastic win for the titties to start the night. Always good to get an away win under your belt and certainly against the team at the top of the league.

More transfer news as Bristol City sign Liverpool's AM C John Paul Kelly on loan till the end of the season. And Russel Burns from Bristol's U18 squad moves to Man U on a free transfer.

Enough of the transfer news, its back to the league action with a home game against Preston, another team placed high in the league.

English Championship

Preston (H) 19th August 2006

The same team will start against Preston with Johnston hoping to recreate the magic of the previous game. Preston are going for a 3-5-2 formation. With 17 minutes on the clock Junior finds himself through on goal after a long ball, and he rounds the keeper to make it 1-0. Ans that's how the first half finishes. Second half and with 85 minutes on the clock substitute Roland Linz heads home to make it 2-0. And that's how it ends.

Bristol C 2 Preston 0

MOM: David Sanchez 9 (Bristol C)

Goal Scorers: Junior (17) Linz (85)

Assists: Sanchez (17,85)

ATT:18091

Yet another great win for Bristol and new signing Sanchez was in particularly fine form with the 2 assists.

More transfer news with Bristol signing Man U's defensive midfielder Floribert N'Galula Mbuyi on loan till the end of the season. However sad news for the fans as one of their favourite players, Tommy Doherty has left to join Crystal Palace for a fee of £220k.

Good news on the finances side of things for Bristol as they have crawled out of the red and now find themselves with a healthy £1.2m bank balance.

League Cup 1st Round

Oxford (H) 23rd August 2006

So into the league cup we go and its a home tie against League One side Oxford, with Bristol opting for the same formation as previous games. 24 minutes gone and a long range shot from junior finds its way into the top corner, 1-0. Then on the stroke of half time Junior steps up again and rounds the keeper to make it 2-0. Into the second half and with only 5 minutes gone a cross from the right by Chris Burke is met by the head of substitute Linz to make it 3-0. 12 minutes later Linz finds himself through on goal and scores to make it 4-0. 73 minutes gone and Bristol concede a soft penalty which is converted for 4-1. However only 5 minutes later a corner is met by the head of Kapic for 5-1. And that's how it ends.

Bristol C 5 Oxford 1

MOM: Junior 10 (Bristol C)

Goal Scorers: Junior (24,45) Linz (50,62) Kapic(78)

Assists: Sanchez (24,45) Burke(50,62,78)

ATT:7217

A great game for the titties with almost every player giving a top performance, and a hard match to call for man of the match. In the end it was given to Junior for his 2 goals, but challenging for it were Burke for his 2 assists with a 10 performance and Sanchez once again setting up 2 goals from midfield. Roland Linz was also able to come off the bench at half time and claim 2 goals.

English Championship

Crystal Palace (A) 26th August 2006

SO Bristol take on the unbeaten Crystal Palace who have drawn every one of their 6 games so far. Lining up for Palace today however will be Tommy Doherty and Chris Eagles who snubbed Bristol in favour of a move to Palace. After 23 minutes ex-Titty Doherty makes it 1-0 to Palace. And thats it for the first half. 51 minutes gone and a long through ball by Sanchez finds Junior who rounds the keeper to equalise for the titties. Last minute of the game and Joseph-Desire Job is through on goal but is pulled back for offside. So it finishes 1-1, another draw for Palace, and a good result for the titties.

Crystal Palace 1 Bristol C 1

MOM: Chris Eagle 9 (Crystal Palace)

Goal Scorers: Junior (51)

Assists: Sanchez (51)

ATT: 23955

League Cup news and Bristol City have been drawn away from home against Premiership Fulham.

Thats that for tonight. A great session for Bristol, until next time .

[Andy H]

Dave your cat like with your updates!!!

[rouchie]

Hartlepool – The rouchie years

And so it begins! Season 06/07 here we come!!

Versus Northampton (H) 5th August 2006

The first game of the season brings the first EFB manager head to head with Northamptons Pete , John Warren was nobbled early on by Petes cloggers of Northampton and had to go off after only 6 minutes Adam Boyd put the monkey hangers deservedly ahead after 24 minutes, and the very next attack from Northampton brought an equaliser from Kenny Cooper. Despite Hartlepools consistent pressure, Northampton proved the more incisive when they took the lead via a Ben Mackey goal in the second half, and then clung on to take the three points

Final Score Hartlepool 1 Northampton 2

Goals : Northampton Cooper (27) Mackey (69)

Hartlepool Boyd(24)

ATT 5596

MOM : David Fox (Northampton)

Versus Swindon (A) 9th August 2006

This game saw Hartlepool completely dominate and still lose, albeit to an injury time strike from Swindons Rory Fallon. Not the season start envisaged by Hartlepools Paul Rouch The only consolation was the MOM performance from Zak Whitbread

Final Score Swindon 1 Hartlepool 0

Goals : Swindon Fallon (90)

ATT 6887

MOM : Zak Whitbread (Hartlepool)

Versus Torquay (A) 12th August 2006

A dour first half which gave way to an explosive second with both Adam Boyd and Richie Humphreys netting to give Hartlepool their first points of the season!! Richie Humphreys also earned the champagne for his Man of the Match performance

Final Score Torquay 0 Hartlepool 2

Goals : Hartlepool Boyd (55) Humphreys (88)

ATT 5273

MOM : Richie Humphreys (Hartlepool)

Versus Peterborough (A) 12th August 2006

After getting the first points of the season at Soccer AM‘s Hel’s Bells Torquay, it was vital that the result was backed up with something similar at Peterborough and Boyd was in no mood to spoil the party, scoring his third of the season after only 6 minutes, and on loan Mark Jones getting the second on 22. McDermott pulled one back in the second half but it wasn’t enough to stop Hartlepool travelling home with the three points in the bag!! Richie Humphreys nabbed his second successive MOM award

Final Score Hartlepool 2 Peterborough 1

Goals : Peterborough McDermott (64)

Hartlepool Boyd(6) Jones (22)

ATT 5970

MOM : Richie Humphreys (Hartlepool)

Versus Darlington (H) 23rd August 2006 – League Cup 1st Round

A poor performance saw Harlepool crash out of the League cup at the first hurdle against lower league opposition, in front of their own fans. McIndoe earned his Man of the Match accolade with an improbable goal early in the game which proved to be decisive. The recent upturn in form deserted the monkey hangers and they were unable to respond to the early goal

Final Score Hartlepool 0 Doncaster 1

Goals : Doncaster McIndoe (18)

ATT 6412

MOM : Michael McIndoe (Doncaster)

Versus Bradford City (A) 28th August 2006

1 minute of madness saw Hartlepool return with one point instead of three in this game. Danny Forrest put the home side ahead with a seventh minute strike. Adam Boyd struck back for the ‘pool on 21 to equalise and Gavin Strachan put them in front 8 minutes before the break. The second half saw Mark Bower put the ball into his own net to put Hartlepool even further ahead! Everything was looking rosy for Paul Rouch’s team at this stage. But then the Hartlepool defence fell asleep and Daniel Ekoku grabbed a lifeline for Bradford, 60 seconds later Forrest had his second and the game was all square! Paul Rouch was doing his nut on the touchline and was sent in to the stands as he screamed cursed and cajoled his team. Gavin Strachan apologised on behalf of the team to the travelling fans when he collected his Man of the Match award for the costly errors.

Final Score Bradford City 3 Hartlepool 3

Goals : Bradford City Forrest (7, 82) Ekoku (81)

Hartlepool Boyd(21) Strachan (37) Bower (OG 73)

ATT 10057

MOM : Gavin Strachan (Hartlepool)

League Position 13th

So Hartlepool are in 13th place in league one, after a poor start but the performances have been good an the manager has reason to be upbeat as he views the fixtures in September.

Motty fact of the Month

Richie Humphreys always nabs at least 2 MOM awards in August!

[edan217]

the second session was quite good execpt one big loose in the cup

blackpool-bournmouth 5-1

the game started off to a bad start as after 6 minutes keenan scored from a free kick (0-1).

after that goal it was only blackpool in the game .lennon in the 29th minute scored 1-1 ,then a penalty in the 43th minute was scored by holberg sending the keeper to the other side (2-1).in the 45th minute the young star bruno gama scored the goal of the match from a great free kick which hit the crossbar and went in

(3-1).in the 55th minute lupoli scored (4-1).

in the 89th minute parker scored the last goal of the game .(5-1)

wycombe-blackpool 5-1 cup

after the great game in the league came the cup game ,we got a penalty after 11 minutes which holberg missed ,then in the 18th minute they scored by tyson.then lupoli scored in the 33rd minute to make it 1-1 but then gama got injured in the 40th minute ,and the whole game changed .

in the 56th minute they scored from the penalty spot (2-1).then will i was trying to get the equaliser they scored in the last 8 minutes 3 goal to make it 5-1 .

barnsley-blackpool 1-2

after 26 minutes visconti was sent off and we were left with 10 men ,after some tactical changes lupoli scored in the 33rd minute

to make it 1-0 with 10 men .after 37 minutes holberg scores to make it 2-0 with 10 men .in the 82nd minute langley scored to make it 1-2 and that was the ft resualt ,great score with 10 men !

we are 4th place with 10 points from 5 games .

i invite everyone to come to bloomfield stadium for the next game.

[ChefRobCreations]

News From The R's

Results

QPR 0-Sheff Utd

Attendance 14667

Man of The Match Quinn (sheff utd)

Nothing to report in this one a very boring match,The Players really need to step it up a bit or the season will be over and they wont have accomplished anything.

Wolves 3 QPR 1

Attendance 26200

Man of The Match Seol (wolves)

another poor show by the R's here took wolves only 8 mins when Johnson opened the scoring Riggot added no2 for wolves before Dani on 65mins gave QPR some hope but that was short lived as Craddock killed off this one.

QPR 1 Norwich 0

Attendance 17642

Man of The Match Brown (norwich)

Skerla scored the only goal of this game on the 25min to give QPR a well needed win,Now can they build on this and put together a run...

Stay Tuned To Find Out....

[rouchie]

Hartlepool – The rouchie years

August Awards

English League One Player of the Month – Richie Humphreys of Haretlepool picks up the August award after showing every one what a good player he is in his last three appearances.

English League One Young Player of the Month – Hartlepools Mark Jones impresses in his last four appearances to earn the August award!

[David Johnston]

Titties Update

So onto the next session and hopes for some more good results.

English Championship

Gillingham (H) 29th August 2006

So we start with a home game against second in the league Gillingham and Mbuyi will be handed his derby in place of the unfit Trond Anderson. And with only 10 minutes on the clock David Sanchez slots home from the edge of the box to make it 1-0. A pretty boring game for the rest of the half. Second half and a few chances at either end but mainly long shots way off target. Finally in the 88th minute the game comes to life when Sanchez plays Linz through on goal. The goalie manages to stop Linz but the ball pops free and Linz slots home for 2-0. And thats how the game ends.

Bristol C 2 Gillingham 0

MOM: Sanchez 9(Bristol C)

Goal Scorers: Sanchez(10)Linz(88)

Assists: Burke(10)Sanchez(88)

ATT:19071

A fantastic win for the titties with David Sanchez once again playing a blinder, scoring one and setting up the other. Now sitting 7th in the league and only 3 points off the top spot. Things are looking bright for Bristol.

Bad news for Bristol City as on-form centre half Bekim Kapic moves to Nottingham Forrest for £275k due to a clause in his contract being met.

At the same time however left winger Radzewicz finally arrives at the club.

English Championship

Coventry (A) 9th September 2006

Once again Bristol take on the 2nd placed team, this time it's Coventry. With 10 minutes on the clock Cesar puts the ball past his own keeper to make it 1-0 Coventry. 27 minutes gone and Coventry make it 2. 8 minutes later Sanchez has a good chance to pull one back but puts it over the bar. 3 minutes to go before half time and Routledge is through on goal but the keeper makes a good save. Second half. 68 minutes and Coventry grab a third from a corner. And the game ends a dissapointing 3-0 to Coventry.

Coventry 3 Bristol C 0

MOM: Brennan 8(Coventry)

ATT:24920

A terrible result there for the Titties, no comment.

English Championship

Wigan (H) 16th September 2006

Back at home now and Wigan are the challengers, who are second in the league. Johnston is hoping for a turnaround from Saturday's performance. First half passes by with nothing much to report except an injury to goalkeeper Steve Phillips after 37 minutes. Nothing much in the second half till Mbuyi is stretchered off after 70 minutes. 75th minute Wigan are awarded a penalty but it is saved. 85 minutes gone and new boy Radzewicz plays a long through ball to Junior who slots home to make it 1-0. And thats how it ends, a great win for the titties.

Bristol C 1 Wigan 0

MOM: Routledge 8(Bristol C)

Goal Scorers: Junior (85)

Assists: Radzewicz(85)

ATT:19038

A game that was destined to end 0-0 jumped to life in the 75th minute when Wigan missed a penalty then 10 minutes later Bristol score to make it a great win.

Bad news however, Phillips will be out injured for 1 month and Mbuyi for 3 weeks.

Now on to the league cup 2nd round.

English League Cup 2nd Round

Fulham (A) 19th September 2006

A big game now for Bristol against Premiership opposition in the cup. First 20 minutes seem to be all Fulham, but then Bristol manage to get back into the game with a few chances of their on. Right on the stroke of half time Fulham score a break-away goal making it 1-0 at half time. 10 minutes into the second half and Fulham fire in a long shot to make it 2-0. 72 minutes gone and Fulham make it 3-0. Full time.

Fulham 3 Bristol C 0

MOM: Jensen 10(Fulham)

ATT:14572

So the cup dream is over before it even begins, and yet another 3-0 defeat for the titties. The defence will have to be tightened to avoid more of the same.

[chef]

A new season & a new hope, the story continues

The object of the team is to win as many games as possible and try and not to get relegated back to Division 2. So with this in mind I have set the team a points total of 55 points to keep us up, any more will be a bonus. Lets see if the team of players can do it.

19th Aug 06 League 1

Northampton 2

Armstrong 3 Timm 67

Bradford City 0

We got off to a fantastic start today when Armstrong got a goal after only 3 minutes. Fox had played a forty yard pass to send Cooper away down the left. His run had split the defence and he soon got a shot in at the keeper. His save only played the ball out to the on coming Armstrong who slotted the ball into the net.

We had most of the play in the first half but we could not find the extra yard to get that ball into the net.

Second half was near enough the same as the first, we were bossing the game but not getting that all inclusive second goal that would kill the game off.

We did get that 2nd goal and it was given to Timm. West had made an interception from Cutler and took the ball down the right flank. His pass out to Fox saw Fox move the ball on the wet surface and play a great ball to Timm. Timm made some space for himself and bore down on goal to unleash a shot past the helpless keeper.

We could not find the back of the net again so it was just a 2-0 win for us , but the win has moved us up to 3rd place in the league.

* Man… Singh 8/10 Northampton

Position in League 3rd

23rd Aug 06 League Cup 1st rd

Leicester City 1

Evans 75 (pen)

Northampton 0

We have a cup game and against a team that were in a league above us, so with my kind of luck in the cups this was going to be a hard game.

We held our own in the first half and if we had our shooting boots on we might have gone in at half time maybe 1 or 2 nil up.

Disaster was on us just after the break as our striker was sent off for 2 yellow cards after 50 minutes of the game gone.

We had to change the team round and this had a big effect on our play.

Kennedy floated a ball in from a corner and as Speed went to get the ball West was suppose to have tripped him in the box, it more like a dive than a trip, Speed should have got 8.9 for technical and artistic merit.

Upped stepped Evans who put the ball just past the hands of Bull to give the home team the lead in the game, and a lead that they would not lose.

The only good things to come from this game was that we held our own in the first half and might of taken the lead, and the bank balance was a bit more healthier after todays game.

* Man… Speed 8/10 Leicester City

Position in Cup… Out

28th Aug 06 League

Watford 2

Derry 35 Butler 66 (pen)

Northampton 2

Timm 8, Tolley 59

Could we show the same fighting spirit as we had done in our last game in the cup? And yes we could.

This was a game that could have gone either way and on the whole both teams deserved not to go away from the game empty handed. We got our heads in front by a one two with Cooper and Timm. Timm had got the ball and played it just in front of him, but it was just a bit to far as Kuszczak the Watford keeper got his hands to the ball only for it to run free into the path of Timm again. 1-0 to us.

Derry got Watford back with a 30 yard free kick that went over the wall and into the top left corner of the nat. 1-1

Second half we go ahead again this time from Tolley who had got in front of Mayo to place the ball past the keeper. But we give away yet another penalty in a game, and we get pegged back again in this tight encounter with Watford.

On the whole a 2-2 draw seems a fair result, but there is still a lot of work to be done with the team.

* Man… West 8/10 Northampton

Position in League 2nd

9th Sept 06 League 1

Northampton 0

Cardiff City 0

What a game to bore the pants off you. This was not what I nor the crowd wanted. The game was so poor that it does not deserve a write up. All I will tell you is that there were only 4 shots at goal from the both teams put together.

End of story.

* Man… Halls 8/10 Cardiff

Position in League 3rd

16th Sept 06 League 1

Northampton 1

Cooper 15

Huddersfield 0

Another home game and lets see if this was any better than the last league game. It seems to go a lot better as we get to find out where the goal is this time and decide to have a few shots of the ball at the opponents net. The crowd are going mad now they can see that we mean business today.

Did my eyes just deceive me then? But have we just got a goal from Cooper?

Yes we have, we have gone 1-0 ahead with a chip from just outside the box that saw the ball just fly over the keepers head and into the empty net.

No more incidents happened in the first and the second half was a bit like the first with no team getting the upper hand.

* Man… Mirfin 9/10 Huddersfield

Position in League 2nd

So we have made a good start in the league and are in a fight with at least 6 teams at the top of the division, one of them being Edans Blackpool who are only a point behind us.

Seeing as we have moved up a Division, and feeling that we have done a lot of hard work getting here, I have gone out and got some new faces to the backroom staff that I feel will take us up to the next level of football that we are trying to achieve here. So the new staff to the club is as follows.

• F Seifert Assistant Manager German

• L Olivieri Coach Italian

• E Marinelli Coach Italian

• Javi Coach Spanish

So to the next game …. More to follow …

[Andy H]

EFB ZEITUNG – Season 2

Welcome back for another edition of the EFB Zeitung and what a season it was for all the managers in EFB during season two. We had promotions, sackings, last day drama and it was marvellous.

Community Shield

The curtain raiser for the season served up a cracking match as Southampton put up a great fight against the Premiership champions, Arsenal.

Gunners just too much for the Saints!!!!

Southampton 0 v 1 Arsenal

The League Cup

This year’s final saw a battle of two of the giants of English football, Arsenal and Chelsea. A tightly contested match between the two, as they always are but saw Chelsea come out on top.

Chelski win battle of the giants!!!

Arsenal 0 v 1 Chelsea

The FA Cup

Chelsea made it a cup double as they overcame Liverpool in a pulsating contest as once again Roman’s millions have came up trumps for the blues. It was a pretty one sided contest as the blues could afford to put German legend Michel Ballack on the bench and still come out on top.

The Blues whitewash the Pool!!!!

Chelsea 2 v 0 Liverpool

The LDV Vans Trophy

As Sheffield Wednesday did last year, Dave Johnston’s Bristol City managed to keep up the human manager tradition of winning the LDV Vans Trophy in EFB FM so far. It was an incredible performance from Johnston’s men as they tore Chesterfield apart. A memorable day for everyone connected with Bristol City and what a way to do it.

Titties hammer poor Chesterfield!!!!!

Bristol City 5 v 0 Chesterfield

The FA Trophy

Barrow minus old manager Peter Smith managed to pull off a FA Trophy victory against Lincoln. The outcome should have been much greater as Barrow totally dominated the game but Lincoln put up great resistance.

One sided affair as Barrow beat Lincoln!!!!!!

Lincoln 1 v 2 Barrow

The Premiership

Arsenal secured their second Premiership title in a row as they came out on top for the second year running in the Premiership title race. Unlike last years race it was a lot closer as Man Utd pushed them close but they still managed to finish eight points clear of them. It was yet another disappointing Premiership campaign for Mourinho’s Chelsea who again finished outside the top three. Abramovich must be getting slightly agitated with his club’s lack of success in the Premiership and may start looking elsewhere for a manager who can get Chelsea the title. Liverpool finished the season in third position and champions league football again for them.

At the other end of the table last year’s Championship champions went straight back down as they found the Premiership too tough too handle as did West Ham whom many thought would do well back in the Premiership. In another surprise Portsmouth also got relegated another team many thought would be mid table come the end of the season.

Premiership Champions………….. Arsenal

Runners Up………………………… Manchester United

Relegated……………………………. Portsmouth, Wolves and West Ham

Premiership table

The Championship

A fantastic season in the Championship saw Bolton run away with the title, amassing a huge 120 points in the process in what has to be a record. They only lost twice all season and it was a brilliant effort to get back to the Premiership in style.

Play Off ecstasy for the Owls!!!!

Hepburn’s Owls did what many thought was impossible – achieve back to back promotions in successive seasons. Ok they did not win the title but promotion was Hepburn’s aim and that is exactly what Sheffield Wednesday achieved. A poor start to the season saw the Owls fall far too far behind the mighty Bolton but towards the end they put a great run together and at one point were challenging for the runners up spot. In the play offs they faced Rob Perry’s QPR in the semi finals but proved too strong for them as they managed to get passed them, 3-0 on aggregate. In the final they met Coventry and brushed them aside 4-0 in a totally dominit performance. It was into the Premiership for the Owls!!!!! The Millennium stadium is becoming like the Owls second home and they certainly enjoy playing there.

Perry’s R’s suffer play off heartache!!!!!!

An up and down season for the R’s as manager Perry had problems outside of football and it got in the way of their Premiership dreams. They managed to reach the play offs but were well beaten by a rampant Sheffield Wednesday. In the coming season the R’s will have a great chance of finally getting to the Premiership and everyone hopes they do it.

Going up to the Premiership as champions…………….Bolton

Runners Up…………………………………………………Notts Forest

Play Off Champions………………………………………..Sheffield Wednesday

Going in the wrong direction were Stoke, Rotherham and Reading

Championship table

The Play Off Final

League One

It was a great year for League One as the title race went right down the wire as Sheffield Utd and Swansea battled it out for the whole season and the championship came down to goal difference. However it was a successful season for newly promoted who achieved back to promotion after winning League Two last season. The title was eventually won by Sheffield Utd by five goals with third placed Cardiff only four points behind them who would later suffer the heartache of losing out in the play offs to Dave Johnston’s Bristol City who came from nowhere to reach the play offs with a terrific end of season run. It was a fantastic season and a great spectacle for the football league.

Johnston’s Titties are on the rise!!!!!!!!!

A difficult start to the season was all forgotten come the end of the season as the Titties went on a great run that saw them also clinch the LDV Vans trophy and a play off spot. They were as low as 21st position but Johnston managed to pull it off and take City to the Championship. A successful season all round for Johnston’s men.

Rouch’s Poole lacking heart and balls!!!!!!!

It was Rouch’s first full season in charge and all was looking well at the start of the season as he had them in a play off position but his team were unable to maintain the form as finished the season in mid table. Manager Rouch did have some off field problems and left his assistant in charge for a part of the season and they really faltered while their mentor was away. When Rouch returned he was unable to ignite his team into any kind of run of form and will be looking for much more from his team next season. Far too many draws were their downfall as they drew a massive 22 games last season.

Going up as champions are…………Sheffield Utd

Runners Up……………………………Swansea

Going up via the play offs…………… Bristol City

Going in the wrong direction are Luton, Colchester, Doncaster and Notts County

The League One table

The Play Off final

League Two

Much like League One the League Two title race went all the way as no one team had a significant lead of another. In the end it was Cambridge who came out on top with the others only a couple of points behind them. Boston Utd and Cheltenham gained promotion automatically with Peter Smith’s Northampton putting a great run together towards the end of the season to gain a play off spot then his team went on to win the play offs and gain promotion to League One.

Smith’s cobblers in play off supremacy!!!!!

At the half way point during the season they said it couldn’t be done as Northampton were lying in mid table a good distance behind the play off spots. Smith rallied his troops and they put a great run together and managed to gain one of the elusive play off spots. Smith was not satisfied with just getting there he wanted promotion so badly and he got what he wanted as they managed to beat Oldham in the final and gain promotion. Great end to the season for Smith and his Northampton side.

Wrexham sack Tennant then he joins the Stags!!!!!

After suffering the humiliation of only winning three games in the league last season nothing could save Tennant from the axe as his Wrexham side under performed in a league that Tennant said they would dominate. It started well for his team but it soon went all wrong as again off field problems got in the way of his management and he ultimately paid the price for his assistant’s terrible form. He became the first manager in EFB FM to get the sack.

He managed to find a job pretty quickly as he took over as boss of lowly Mansfield who were flirting with relegation but Tennant managed to guide them to safety with some good performances towards the end of the season.

Going up as Champions are………………..Cambridge

Runners Up…………………………………...Boston United

Third Placed…………………………………...Cheltenham

Going up as Play Off winners………………..Northampton

The League Two table

The Play Off Final

National Conference

After yet another close title in the Conference it was Exeter who came out on top of the pile, as they finished six points clear of nearest challengers Halifax who then missed out on promotion as Forest Green beat them in the play off semi finals. York and Forest Green contested the play off final, and it was York who came out on top.

Going Up as Champions are………………………Exeter

Play Off Winners……………………………………York

Going in the opposite direction are Tamworth, Welling and Worksop.

The National Conference table

The Play Off Final

Conference North

A hotly contested league as only two points separated the top four sides but it was Northwich came out on top.

Going up as Champions………………………….Northwich

Play Off Winners…………………………………..Hinckley

Going in the wrong direction are Altrincham, Wakefield & Emley and Moor Green

Conference North table

The Play Off Final

Conference South

This years champions were Kingstonian who managed to come out on top by two points over nearest rivals Woking who lost out in the play offs to Bath in the play off semi finals and it was Worcester who emerged as play off winners as they managed to get past Bath in the final.

Going up as champions………………………….Kingstonian

Play Off Winners………………………………….Worcester

Conference South table

The Play Off Final

The European Scene

The Champions League

The biggest club competition in the world was again an all Italian affair just like last year with even the final itself in Italy. Juventus were in the final for the second consecutive year this time up against Milan’s neighbours Inter. A closely fought game did not bring up a winner after 120 minutes of football and it was the dreaded penalty shoot out that decided the showpiece of European football. It was Inter who managed to come out on top 3-1 as Buffon was unable to match Toldo’s heroics and the Champions League trophy made it’s way back into the trophy cabinet of Inter for the first time in 31 years.

Toldo inspired as Inter beat Juve on penalties!!!!!

Juventus 1 v 1 Inter (Inter won 3-1 on penalties)

UEFA Cup

In an unlikely final Sevilla took on Schalke of Germany and it was a superb game of football and a great spectacle. Both teams made the most of the opportunity to show the world what they had to offer and it proved to be an end to end game with Schalke coming out on top.

Schalke win open final!!!

Sevilla 1 v 2 Schalke

European Super Cup

Old rivals were reintroduced to each other as Juventus and Dortmund met in this year’s European Super Cup having won the UEFA and Champions League respectively. The had many a great game in the 90’s in the UEFA Cup and Champions League and this was no different. A game that could not find a winner over 120 minutes went to a penalty shoot out and it was Juventus who came out on top as Dortmund found Buffon in inspired form during the shoot out and did not manage to find the net.

Buffon wins Juve the Super Cup with penalty wonder saves!!!!!!

Dortmund 0 v 0 Juventus 9Juventus won 3-0 on penalties)

It really was a fantastic season for all in EFB as we saw three human managers promoted and a cup win as well as a sacking!!! What more can you ask for. Stay tuned for more action and drama in the forthcoming season as two new managers have joined ready to battle it out in EFB FM!!!!!!

[chef]

nice work there andy but the lincoln v barrow fa trophy is a pic off the prem

[Andy H]

Ah fcuk!!!! Put them Prem table screenie in twice!!!!

Will have it sorted by a mod in the next day or so.

[chef]

it is with great sadness that were are told that the young Mr Smith has handed in his notice at the club.

he stated he was pleased to have taken the team so far but with an option to manager his local team Rhylhe has decided to try and get to the top with the welsh team

[rouchie]

Hartlepool – The rouchie years

We launch into September with Internationals meaning that the first game is not played until the 9th With the team sitting 13th in the table, Rouch will be looking for some improvement on the pitch to push them up the table.

Versus Watford (H) 9th September

A game where justice was not seen to be done. Hartlepool dominated this game from start to finish, and still failed to score! The Watford keeper was sent off in the second half and the sub keeper saved the resultant penalty from Gavin Strachan! That the sub keeper was on the pitch for little over 30 minutes, yet still walked off with the MOM award tells you all you need to know about this game!

Final Score Hartlepool 0 Watford 0

ATT 6525

MOM : Gary Montgomery (Watford)

Versus Chesterfield (H) 16th September 2006

This was another game where the home fans saw the ‘pool completely dominate, this time though, there is end product as first Strachan then Boyd both get on the scoresheet in the second half to secure a comfortable win

Final Score Hartlepool 2 Chesterfield 0

Goals : Hartlepool Strachan (57) Boyd(71)

ATT 5712

MOM : Gavin Strachan (Hartlepool)

Versus Huddersfield (A) 23rd September 2006

Hartlepool head up to play the ‘udders next and despite an early miss, Robbie Foy hit a wonderful strike from outside the box to give the ‘pool the lead halfway through the first half. Adam Boyd added to the opener just after the break to seal a comfortable win for the ‘pool and a MOM award for Boyd

Final Score Huddersfield 0 Hartlepool 2

Goals : Hartlepool Foy 29 (57) Boyd(46)

ATT 12538

MOM : Adam Boyd (Hartlepool)

Versus Carlisle (H) 26th September 2006 – LDV Vans Trophy 1st Round

A home tie, lower league opposition, this had banana skin written all over it, and so it proved, as Hartlepool crash out at the first hurdle to a soft Carlisle goal netted by Peter Cawson just before half time. The Carlisle keeper snatched the MOM award which gives you a clue on how this match went! Paul Rouch told the press after the game that he would rather focus on the league this season any way and that he was relieved to be out of the cups as they are just distractions from the true job at hand

Final Score Hartlepool 0 Carlisle 1

Goals : Carlisle Cawson (41)

ATT 4016

MOM : Rob Beckwith (Carlisle)

Versus Cardiff (A) 30th September 2006

Paul Rouch refused to come out and give his customary press briefing after this performance.

Final Score Cardiff 3 Hartlepool 0

Goals : Cardiff Mellor (51, 89) Thorne (85)

ATT 14513

MOM : Neil Mellor (Cardiff)

League Position 9th

Motty fact of the Month

Hartlepool kept three successive clean sheets as they climbed up the table 4 places in September