[FM21] Return of the Phoe Nix - Rise of the Raven. FC Isle of Man Youth Save.

[Punch]

48 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Your team can score, but seems to have trouble keeping them out of your own net as well.

You are leading the league and are you worried?

 

Yeah, that is what it seems.

Have a look at the Leagues opponents, we conceded 7 goals in three games against teams in the bottom half of the table this month.

It's a concern because if we come up against better defences, and our goals dry up, there is a good chance we can get belted, much like the Thornaby game, and they were much lower on the table before that game.

Something for me to keep an eye on and see if I can tighten the defence up some.

Edited November 9, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

OCT 2021 - FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

In an absolute boil over we knocked over Bradford (PA), who I think are two divisions above us, in what was a pretty tight game.

Tremble was immense in goal, and young Taylor got the job done scoring a brace before half time, and we managed to hang on for the win.

 

The prize money goes up again, and we took a bit over 4K as our share of the gate.

Goes to show the massive difference between playing in front of a few hundred away, and 1,400 at home.

 

I've said it just about every game, but this will be another tough match, but we have been drawn at home.

[Hootieleece]

"The Bowl" why couldn't your Stadium have a cool name like "The Aerie", "The Nest" or "Odin's Shoulder"!

Good luck on your Cup run!

 

[Punch]

3 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

"The Bowl" why couldn't your Stadium have a cool name like "The Aerie", "The Nest" or "Odin's Shoulder"!

Good luck on your Cup run!

 

Haha that would have been awesome! Unfortunately it was named long before the FC came into existence.

Maybe if we get a new stadium that would be good ideas for names.

 

[Rainbowz]

Ah, I wish I saw this. I've got an Isle of Man database which makes FC Isle of Man players generate as Manx nationality. Not sure if that's what you were going for.

[Punch]

OCT 2021 - FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round

All things must end...

This time it was our turn to have our hearts broken as Royal Wootton Bassett Town scored a 90th minute winner after we had fought back from 0-2 down.

All things considered we were probably the better team for most of the game after conceding 2, but after getting level, we couldn't put it away.

Our improbable run is over, while another 16K or so gate will help the finances, it's a bitter pill.

Already keen for next season to have another crack at it.

 

Up next...October league review.

[Punch]

6 minutes ago, Rainbowz said:

Ah, I wish I saw this. I've got an Isle of Man database which makes FC Isle of Man players generate as Manx nationality. Not sure if that's what you were going for.

Cool idea, but not necessarily, just having some fun with it, and manually adding a note to the IoM players as they come along.

[Punch]

OCT 2021

With all the Cup games it ended up being a busier month than I expected.

We managed to stay undefeated in the League for the month, even having our first draw of the season.

The Penrith game was an event for the club starting 4 of last season Academy products, with another coming off the bench. The result was pretty exciting as well.

 

Unbeaten in 5 back to the last game in September.

 

Our undefeated month sees us hold position at the top of the very tight table.

 

Goal scoring goal keeper

After commenting that we hadn't received, or conceded, a single penalty this season, we got one in the very first game in October.

Tremble made no mistake from the spot scoring his 1st goal for the season, making it 14 from 14 penalties, and 16th goal over all.

And we've not received another penalty since

 

FA Vase

After getting the job done comfortably in the Qualifying round early in the month, we comfortably accounted for Handsworth in the first round.

After conceding early we rolled over them, consistently putting pressure on their defence before getting home comfortably in the end.

 

The Vase doesn't hold as much money as the Cup

 

We've been drawn at home in the Second round against another Premier Division opponent.

 

The cup runs have done wonders for the finances, but will be interesting to see how it goes now the FA Cup is done.

Have hit the Board up again about some improvements, but they are still having none of it.

 

We've lost Powell for a couple of weeks, which is a shame as he has been getting a bit of game time, and showing some solid improvement.

 

Mixed performances for our loan outs, but they all seem happy.

Leon Mitchell has already been sent back by his loan club without playing a game, and has continued to be unhappy and poor in training.

I am going to look to off load him ASAP.

 

Job/Interview offers

I said I was going to start recording these. Aveley offered me an interview, but no job, and I didn't attend the Cinderford offer, due to being in a lower division.

 

Up next...No Cup games in November so we get to concentrate on consolidating our position in the League.

[Punch]

NOV 2021

With no cup games this month, we were able to concentrate on our League efforts.

The month started with a top of the table draw with Billingham, we then managed two straight clean sheets, in back-to-back home wins, equals happy manager.

Consett was a game in which we were comfortably leading before giving up two late goals, including a 91st minute equaliser, only to the score ourselves in injury time to take the win.

Ashington was just a poor performance, it was all over before we even got the goal, they just completely outplayed us.

 

We'd put together a string of 9 unbeaten before the Ashington game.

 

Despite the final game loss we hold on to top position on the ladder.

Very happy to see the goals conceded column slowing down, while we are still able to score well.

 

Goal scoring Goalkeeper

One penalty this month which was almost saved, the keeper deflected it into the goal.

But Tremble keeps his perfect record, scoring his 2nd goal of the year, making him 15 from 15 at the spot in total, and now has 17 goals overall.

 

Two injuries this month, including a long term spinal injury to back up Mcrobert.

 

Not a huge amount to report about our loan outs, but at least they are getting some game time. Will be interesting to see if it has helped them make any improvements in the mid-season attributes review.

 

With our FA Cup run over, we still managed to turn a solid profit this month.

Those home crowds, even at League games, are going to be the reason this club flies or crashes.

 

Next month sees a return to cup action with the second round of the FA Vase, and the first round of the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Challenge, which I think is just the name of this divisions League Cup.

 

Up next...Jobs for days.

Edited November 10, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

NOV 2021 - Jobs for days...

 

After receiving my first interview offers last month, this month, the press were running crazy with rumours

 

 

 

Two of the rumoured links came forward with interview offers

 

 

Just for giggles, I attended the interviews, not that I would have taken the jobs, but I was unsuccessful in both.

 

But this was interesting

 

 

As always I had a look at the team info, and was surprised to see a Professional team, in the Southern League Division 1 South.

Had to look further into this but it appears this team has been as high as the National League South.

Then I looked at the finances and noticed it said insecure, so I decided to pop the hood and take a look.

They are over half a million dollars in the red in the bank, and have transfer debt of almost 2 million.

I quickly passed on their interview offer

 

Not even 18 months in, and I've now had 5 interview offers, but no job offers.

 

Up next...the run to Christmas.

[Punch]

DEC 2021 - FA Vase

 

A comfortable home victory sends us into the third round of the FA Vase.

Consistent pressure, two goals, job done.

 

Every little helps.

 

Round three sends us to Bridlington, another Premier Division team.

 

Up next...Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup kicks off.

[Punch]

DEC 2021 - League Cup

Our League Cup campaign kicked off against lower division Seaham Red Star.

Being only two days after the FA Vase tie, I sent out the Academy kids, and they didn't disappoint.

A lot of these kids will soon be pushing for first team spots.

 

We've been drawn at home against Whitley Bay for the third round.

 

Up next...the League run to Christmas.

[Punch]

DEC 2021

With the extra Cup fixture moving some games, we only ended up with three League games this month.

While we were undefeated, we dropped points in consecutive games at home.

A tight win in the last game of the month, but it came at a big cost.

 

 

Taylor has been our number one Forward and will be a huge loss.

Might be time for some of the Youth Intake from last year to take an opportunity.

 

Tight at the top, but we do have a game in hand over second place.

 

We also lost one of the Youth Intake for two months.

 

FA Vase

Another strong performance has seen us through to the Fourth round of the FA Vase.

Keeping the finances ticking along

We get drawn at home to Congleton, who we actually beat last year in the League Cup.

 

Four home games with strong crowd numbers helps out the finances this month.

 

I finally lost patience and swung the axe on Mitchell.

Third training miss, sent back from loan for bad attitude, trained badly, generally a negative attitude to have around the squad.

He didn't play a lot, and will not be missed.

 

Goal scoring Goalkeeper

One opportunity for Tremble from the spot this month and he doesn't miss.

Scoring his 6th goal from the spot in Cups, now 16 from 16 at the penalty spot in all games, and 18th goal overall.

 

January sees 5 leagues games and our FA Vase run continues.

 

Up next...Youth Intake Preview.

[Punch]

DEC 2021 continued - Youth Intake Preview

 

 

This is a very positive looking assessment, however, knowing how these things workout, we will probably end up with three goalkeepers, and none of the above

 

Up next...Mid-season Stats and Attributes review.

Edited November 11, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

DEC 2021 continued - Mid-season Stats & Attribute review

Stats

GKs

Tremble has improved, keeping clean sheets more regularly, not too many goals but hasn't missed any opportunities. Appears he's also saved 3 from 3 penalties.

 

Defence

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

Plenty to like about the stats so far, plenty of improvement, and seeing game time increasing from last years Academy kids is great.

 

Attributes

 

GKs

 

Defenders

Right

 

Centre

 

Left

 

Midfielders

BWMs

 

APs

 

Attacking Right

 

Attacking Left

 

Forwards

 

Best XI

 

Pretty happy with the attribute growth. Seven players have now broken through the 50 point mark.

Good to see some of the Youth Intake kids have started to get some of their points back now we've gotten some U18s coaching in place.

 

Up next...the after Christmas hang over? Or setting up a title run?

[Punch]

JAN 2022 - FA Vase 4th Round

An excellent result, we were dominant throughout the entire match, so dominant that we scored all the goals in the game

 

The prize money is growing slightly, helping tick the finances along.

 

Away to London Colney for Round 5.

[Punch]

JAN 2022

We remained unbeaten through January, only dropping points away to Bilingham, a couple of clean sheets along the way.

 

Our unbeaten run has reached seven games stretching back to mid-December.

 

With those below us dropping some games, we've stretched our lead at the top of the table to 8 points.

 

Another long term injury. Shame for Smith as he was starting to see more game time as well.

 

Finances still on the up.

 

Jobs

Press linked me with the FC United of Manchester job, but no offer was made.

 

I did however received two more interview offers that I attended for giggles.

Braintree are in the National League South, so easily the highest club that has shown interest.

 

Goal scoring goalkeepers

Tremble nailed his 3rd career free kick, and his 19th career goal.

Tremble also nailed his 4th penalty of the season, making him 17 from 17 at the spot in all competitions, scoring his 20th career goal.

 

February kicks off with the second round of the league cup, followed closely by the FA Vase 5th round, followed by 4 league games to round out the month.

[Punch]

FEB 2022 - Brooks Mileson League Cup

With the FA Vase game in three days time I sent the Academy kids out in the League Cup, and they done enough to get the job done.

 

Drawn at home for the Quarter Final.

 

Up next...FA Vase Round 5

[Punch]

FEB 2022 - FA Vase 5th Round

A solid performance sees us through to our best ever performance in the FA Vase, after being beaten in the 5th round last season, we're off to the Quarter Final this season.

 

A small prize, but it keeps the bank balance ticking along.

 

Quarter Final drawn at home against division rival Bishop Auckland, who we have already beaten twice this season, winning both games 3-0.

I guess that will all count for nothing come kick off time.

 

Up next...racing towards the finish line in the League, can we keep our performances going?

[Punch]

FEB 2022

We finished the month perfect, keeping two more clean sheets in four games, including the final game against Bilingham, which was a top of the table clash.

The home crowd of 903 for the home game against West Auckland, I believe is a League record for the club.

 

We're still in the midst of a record unbeaten run.

 

Beating second place Bilingham in the final game of the month sends us 11 points clear with 8 games to play.

 

Another positive month in the finances.

 

I finally got the Board to say yes to something.

But they have still refused everything else.

 

Goal scoring Goalkeepers

Tremble buries his 6th goal of the season, and his 5th from the Penalty spot.

He is now 18 from 18 in all competitions from the spot, and has 21 career goals.

 

Up next...11 clear with 8 to play, and two Cups still on the line, Trophy season in approaching.

[Hootieleece]

Ruling the Roost!

 

[Punch]

MAR 2022 - FA Vase Quarter Final

 

In an absolute cracker of a game, we advanced on penalties.

Taking a two nil lead we gave up two late goals to send the game into overtime.

Bishop Auckland looked like they had it won, before we score a late equaliser to take it to penalties.

Our Keeper Tremble was immense, saving three penalites to send us to the semi final.

 

Keeping the bank ticking over.

 

Drawn at home for the Semi against Premier Division Hamworthy, another tough game in the midst of a League title push.

[Punch]

MAR 2022 - Brooks Mileson League Cup Quarter Final

We held off a tough fight from North Shields to book our place in the League Cup Semi Final.

 

Drawn at home at Consett for the Semi Final, a team which we have a 2-0 record against.

[Punch]

MAR 2022 - FA Vase Semi Final

We're off to the big dance at Wembley after a shock, but dominant performance in the Semi against Hamworthy.

Even before the red card we were the better team, after the card, it just became a matter of time.

This was pretty special from our Goal scoring Goalkeeper

 

Tremble producing a stunner for his 4th career free kick goal, to seal our spot at Wembley.

 

Still ticking over the bank.

 

Another tough match up for the final, but this team keeps finding ways to win. This will be a special occasion for such a young club.

Edited November 12, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

MAR 2022

We finished March keeping our unbeaten run going, finishing 3 wins and a draw in the League.

The League title and 2 Cups still on the line.

 

We still hold our 11 point lead over Bilingham, and with 4 games to play, we are now just one win from securing our second League title in a row.

 

Celebrated the 100th game with a 3-0 demolition of Whickham, a nice little personal milestone, but there is much more to be done.

 

Solid gate receipts continue to be the life blood of this club. The community support is amazing, and the crowds continue to be impressive for this level.

 

April see one win required from the four games to secure the League title, and a League Cup semi.

[Punch]

MAR 2022 Continued - Goal scoring Goalkeeper

League goal 6 for the Season for Tremble

Followed not long after by his 7th for the year.

Adding in another two goal scored in the Cups, it was a big month for Tremble.

He now has 10 goals for the season, and is 8 from 8 from the penalty spot this year.

Career record has extended to 19 from 19 from the penalty spot in all competitions, and has 23 career goals.

 

Up next...2022 Youth Intake.

[Punch]

MAR 2022 Continued

 

2022 Youth Intake

 

Another solid looking youth intake, with plenty of potential.

10 of the group are Manx natives, while we also have players from DR Congo, Antigua & Barbados, and also Pakistan, along with France, Scotland, & Ireland.

 

Attribute Reviews

Its a pretty solid starting point for a lot of these kids, some of which will almost slot straight into the first team.

Looks like it will be time to start clearing out some of the originals now with plenty of Youth to take the team forward.

 

Top 3:

While I don't use an AM(C) in my tactic, I will retrain him as an Advanced Play making MF.

AM(R) with good pace, always handy.

Left footed AM(L), like finding a needle in a needle stack, also good pace.

 

With our next game against 20th placed League team Whiteley Bay, I gave several of them a run in the First team, and they performed pretty well.

Looking good for the future, and may make the decision to start trimming some of the originals a lot easier.

 

Up next...It's Trophy Season.

[Punch]

APR 2022 - Trophy Season begins...

 

Needing one win from our final 4 games to secure the title, we wrapped it up in the first game.

A record home crowd for a League match, breaking the 1K barrier for the first time, showed up to help us bring it home.

The Board have set healthy budgets, which might come in handy when some of these guys start wanting upgraded contracts.

 

Two years in and we have our second League title in a row.

Looks like I have three League games left to give some of the kids a run and see how they go, and save some legs for the Cups to come.

[Punch]

APR 2022 - Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup - Semi Final

We've beaten Consett in the second tight game in a week, this time sending us to the final of the League Cup.

In a dull game where defence was key, we did enough to get the job done, much in thanks to our Goal scoring Goalkeeper, Tremble, who stood up again to keep a clean sheet.

 

We get Bishop Auckland who we are 3-0 against for the final.

Disappointing not to be playing in front of a packed Bowl, but we have had a good run of home games in the Cups this season.

[Punch]

APR 2022

After securing the title against Consett, we gave some of the younger kids a run to finish out the season.

I threw in a friendly at the end of the month to fill in a 2 week break between the last game and the Cup finals next month.

 

We finish the season 10 points clear of the pack.

 

Sending the kids out in the last few games we broke the League records for youngest player, and youngest scorer.

 

The Board have agreed to something again, finally.

 

Up next...Trophy season continues with three cups on the line in the space of a week.

[Punch]

MAY 2022 - London Calling...

FA Vase Final

 

This was a close, hard fought game, both teams throwing everything into the game, but the major turning point came when they received a penalty, for a chance to even the score.

Our Goal scoring Goalkeeper, this time turned saviour by denying them from the spot, and we were able to hold them off for the last 20 minutes before scoring a third to start the party.

 

They say winning is a habit, and we are a young club with big ambitions, and we want to win a lot of Trophies.

Well here is another to add to our collection...

 

 

Up next...The Brooks Mileson League Cup Final

[Hootieleece]

Doesn't Look like a Vase to me! Maybe the Claret Jug though.....didn't think any of your boys a "golfer of the year"!

 

[Punch]

21 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Doesn't Look like a Vase to me! Maybe the Claret Jug though.....didn't think any of your boys a "golfer of the year"!

 

Plenty of space waiting to be filled in our Trophy cabinet...we'll stick a Wednesday B Grade pennants trophy in there for now if need be

[Punch]

MAY 2022 - Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup

FINAL

What seems like a devastating defeat, giving up a last minute equaliser, to then get beaten in extra time.

But in reality, it was probably a fair result, they out played us through most of the game, and we didn't play well.

 

 

Up next...North West Counties League First Division Champions Cup.

Apparently this is a Cup winners cup from last season.

Edited November 13, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

MAY 2022 - North West Counties League First Division Champions Cup

In the final game of the season we got off to a flyer, only to go down a man and spend most of the game defending.

We conceded two late goals, but hung on to add another trophy to the cabinet.

 

A little bit of cash to go with the trophy.

 

 

Up next...The end of season review.

Edited November 13, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

Man U took out the FA Cup, however, we have been credited as the biggest over achievers.

No Trophy or prize money for that one, but a cool recognition all the same.

[Punch]

2021-2022 Season Review

 

Best Team 2021-2022

 

Best Team - All Time

 

Up next...Players stats & Attribute Review.

[Punch]

Season 2021-2022 Stats

 

GK's

While the kids got a few games here and there, Tremble is easily the main man. Clean sheets tally almost doubled from last years 10, and he also got into double figures in the goal scoring for the second year in a row, with his 10 being equal third for the club.

I still think the pens faced/saved counters are showing the wrong way around, so to me it looks like he has saved 5 of the 8 penalties he faced.

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

A lot of the same players from last year kept doing what they do, with plenty of the Youth prospects starting to push for game time.

 

[Punch]

Season 2021-2022 End of Season Attributes Review

 

Goalkeepers

We have a GK break the 40 point barrier, while 21n Jordan Jack's number keep jumping around like he's on a bouncy castle.

 

Defence

Right

Improvement all around as Duncan becomes our first 50 point defender.

 

Centre

Diniz becomes our 2nd 50 point defender, while quite a few of our Academy kids are pushing for starts. Sebastian has shown impressive growth.

 

Left

This is probably our slowest growing area, hoping to see a lot of improvement from the Left Backs.

 

Midfield

Ball Winning Midfielders

Academy product Powell now finds himself the highest rated player at the club, while Fitzgerald, Lehmann, and Caldwell mean there is plenty of competition for spots in this position.

 

Advanced Playmakers

Suarez crosses the 50 point barrier, while our Youth Intakes have given us some interesting choices for a position that we were traditionally light on for options.

 

Attacking Right

Options for days. Sulek and Davidson are the usual starters, but there are a few Academy kids starting to push on.

22b Craig Slattery seems to have been on the bouncy castle as well, dropping over 6 points in a few months.

Some of these numbers make me wonder sometimes.

 

Attacking Left

In what has been, I've found, the hardest spot to fill, basically none of these players have played much, with Sulek coming over from the right.

Mcrobert has been injured a lot this season which hasn't helped, but hoping some of the Academy kids can come through and start making an impression.

 

Forwards

Slater and Taylor (when not injured) have still been the main men, while Allen barely played this season.

21e Potts, and 22g Madden I have high hopes for.

 

Best XI

Happy overall, although some of the yo-yo scores on the Academy kids makes me wonder what is going on.

I have been given more coaches for the upcoming season, so hoping that may settle it down some.

 

Back to back promotions, and this season we've seen increases to finances, season tickets, average crowds, and broke our League attendance record.

Edited November 14, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

Season 2021-2022 Review - Final bits and pieces

 

The bank balance increased by about 200K this season, so we are doing well financially.

Our home crowd support has been phenomenal, while two solid years of Cup runs have also done wonders for the club.

 

The Club have agreed to improve my Licence, after two years of saying no.

I managed to talk them into it and convince them it would only benefit the club, even though they are still concerned that it will lead to a bigger club poaching me.

 

Two more interview offers came in this month, and while they are both higher division, I rejected both as they are both seriously in debt.

 

Two years in, nine Clubs have shown interest.

 

Up next...after an off season preening our feathers, it's time to spread our wings for season 3.

[Punch]

JUN 2022 - Pre-Season things

 

We've been promoted to the Premier League...well, the Regional Premier Leagues, not the EPL

Landing in the Northern Premier League Division 1 North West, which is quite a mouthful on a good day, we find ourselves now in the same division as Bury AFC, who we have built up a bit of a rivalry with in Cup games over the last few seasons.

 

The Board are not really placing many expectations, only to bravely fight against relegation and be competitive in the Cups.

There will be no defence of our FA Vase this season, as we are in the Trophy competition.

 

For the second year in a row, the bookies have us dead last, and by some distance.

 

A new sponsor, every little bit helps.

 

The Board have rejected nearly every improvement request, and then come to me with this

I agreed to keep them happy, and maybe help smooth the waters in future improvement requests.

 

Not much to report here, I was able to get an improvement to Junior Coaching and Youth Recruitment last season, which gave us one more point in each category.

 

Money in the bank, a transfer budget we won't use, and plenty of room in the wage budget.

The wage budget might come in handy as there are a few players starting to talk about wanting improved contracts.

Which is probably fair enough as there are guys still on 20 a week, and we've been promoted twice

I'll cross or burn those bridges as we come to them.

 

No interview offers this month, but the press did link me to the Hemel Hempstead job.

Time will tell if anything comes of this.

 

Up next...lets get Friendly.

[Punch]

JUL 2022 - Why can't we be Friends...

Plenty of Friendlies to get some game time into plenty of legs early before the season starts.

A mixed bag of results against a large variety of teams, but I've always been more interested in the physical results of friendlies, rather than the score result.

As I want to make a more conscious effort to play Youth players from this season, I was pleased with their performances, and the results were at least heading in the right direction.

Some solid home crowds for friendly games as well.

 

A couple of non regular players, both of which are non-IoM originals have gone out on loan.

From this season I will probably start loaning and trying to sell some of them that are just taking up wage budget, and failing that, they will end up being released when their contracts expire.

 

The Board gave me extra coaches this season which I have filled, so I am now currently spending more on staff wages, than I am on players.

But I am hoping this investment will help level out some of the bouncing attribute numbers I have been seeing.

Those home crowds are going to continue to help this club survive.

Speaking of crowds...

 

More than doubling our season tickets from last season, 204 is an impressive number.

Looking forward to the home support in what could be a tough season in a higher division.

 

Up next...season 3 takes flight away to City of Liverpool, with a few home games in our first month.

[Punch]

AUG 2022 - First game

The Press and Bookies thought we were up against it in our first game, and so it proved to be the case

 

 

While we weren't disgraced, we were well beaten.

We had three players carrying suspensions from the end of last season, which didn't help, but it does go to show how big a step up this division will be for us this season.

[Punch]

AUG 2022 - Spread your wings and fly...

After a first up loss, we then defied expectations by winning two and drawing two of the next four games.

The Lancaster game was an event, we were down 0-2 and 1-3, before coming back to lead 5-3, including a 9 minute hattrick for Hay, before giving up two late goals to have a coach heart attack inducing 5-5 draw...and they also hit the woodwork in injury time.

Tadcaster were heavy favourites, but we put in an awesome performance to blow them off the park.

Marske was also an event, two goals scored by academy players, including an injury time equaliser.

Loving seeing over 900 fans in the crowd for our home games.

 

So after 5 games, we find ourselves mid-table, defying pre-season expectations.

 

We lost two players to long term injuries this month.

 

A few of the non-regular players have gone out on loan.

 

We found out our opponents for the FA Cup Preliminary Round, and The Integro League Cup.

 

Good crowd numbers helping towards a good month financially.

 

Goal scoring Goalkeeper

Tremble opens his account at his first opportunity from the spot this season.

Now a career 22 from 22 at the penalty spot, with 26 career goals.

 

A quiet month in the League, with just three games, as we kick off our campaigns in the FA Cup, FA Trophy, and The Integro League Cup.

 

Up next...August oddities.

[Punch]

August 2022 continued - August oddities.

 

In a coach killer of a game, some pretty unique things happened.

We broke the records for highest scoring games, for the Club, and the Division, and Hay set the record for most goals in a game.

It was also unique as 6 Academy players started the match, and 2 more came off the bench, making the most academy players involved in a League match.

 

Up next...can we continue to soar, or is this flight headed for turbulence.

Edited November 15, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

SEP 2022 - FA Cup Preliminary Round

I sent out a team full of Academy kids for our first up FA Cup Preliminary game, and they did well, and got the job done.

Young Keeper Jack got the ball rolling with a well struck penalty, and then 22a Shade scored his first Senior goal to round it off.

 

Keep the bank balance ticking.

 

While we only get about 21K of it, nearly 1,900 fans in certainly helps the finances too.

The 8 away fans gave me a chuckle as well.

 

21n Jack makes no mistake from the spot scoring his first ever Cup goal.

He is now 2 from 2 from the spot, with 2 career goals.

 

Home to another Premier Division team in the First Qualifying Round, which looks to be a tougher assignment than our first up game.

[Punch]

SEP 2022 - Integro League Cup - 1st Round

After a 5-5 Draw against Lancaster in the League, we faced them again in the League cup and dominated them out of the tie.

Not as financially viable as the FA Cup, but still a good crowd in to watch.

 

Tremble makes no mistake from the spot scoring his 1st cup goal of the year. Now 3 for 3 from the spot, and 3 goals for the year.

This was his 8th Career Cup goal, being 8 for 8 from the spot, 24 from 24 overall, and his 28th career goal.

 

Next up looks like a pretty tough road trip, facing Whitby Town, from the Premier Division.

[Punch]

SEP 2022 - FA Cup First Qualifying Round

A dominant win sees us through to the second qualifying round.

Was good to see Taylor find some form as well, as he had been struggling to find the net.

 

A little reward, but our share of the new record 41K gate receipts is the real benefit.

Almost 1.900 in The Bowl is just awesome support.

 

The 2nd Qualifying round sees us drawn at home to Grantham Town, another club from the Premier Division, so another tough game.

Edited November 16, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

SEP 2022 - FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round

Switching from the Cup to the Trophy, we didn't take the foot off the gas and dominated Potton.

Taylor finding form again, and is now banging in goals for fun.

Good support for the lesser cup, but I really hope we didn't shut down an entire goal end for that 1 away fan

 

Smaller rewards than the Cup, but still, it all adds up.

 

We're drawn away to the Police in the 2nd Qualifying Round, should be an entertaining tie.

Edited November 16, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

SEP 2022

A lot of Cup games, and the re-arrangement of a League game meant we played just two League games this month.

Down 1-3 against Colne before a Tremble Penalty, and a Davidson cracker, both in injury time rescued a dramatic point.

Taylor using his new found form to lead us back from 0-1 down, to take a dominant 3-1 victory over Kendal.

 

It's now 6 after the Kendal game.

 

We still sit mid-table, but we have played 1 or 2 less games than a lot of the teams above us, so we will have to make the most of those catch up games if we want to stay in touch with the play off race.

 

Another player gone to long term injury.

 

A month of home Cup games has made a massive impact on the finances this month.

 

Goal Scoring Goalkeeper

Tremble got one opportunity from the spot this month and buried it, with some power.

Now 2 from 2 in the League at the spot this season, and 3 goals total.

Improves his career record to 24 from 24 at the spot, and has scored 28 career goals.

 

3 Cup games, minimum, and 6 League games...this is going to be a massive month.

Might need to implement some rotation through the squad to get everyone though this.

Edited November 16, 2021 by Punch