[FM23] Another Island Life - Green Lion Pride - A Guernsey FC Youth Story

Hootieleece · April 25, 2023

FA Cup Draw might have been better for you financially IF you travelled to Sheffield.

Doing well in the league so far, what do you think your chances of promotion are?

Punch · April 25, 2023

27 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

FA Cup Draw might have been better for you financially IF you travelled to Sheffield.

It is an away game, they are the home team.

28 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Doing well in the league so far, what do you think your chances of promotion are?

This early in the season I am not sure, Dover and Welling have both been super strong. It may be a tilt at the play off gauntlet.

Sonic Youth · April 26, 2023

Season’s going well. Dover though aren’t dropping enough points at the moment. Hopefully you’re still on hand to take advantage when it happens.

Good progress in the cups :thup:

Punch · April 26, 2023

13 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Season’s going well. Dover though aren’t dropping enough points at the moment. Hopefully you’re still on hand to take advantage when it happens.

Good progress in the cups

A lot of football to be played yet. Form drops could go both ways I guess, but it's been a very positive start.

Yeah, I think Sheffield could be a bridge too far though. Hopefully they pack the place and we at least get a good pay day out of it.

Punch · April 26, 2023

NOV 2028

A mixed bag in the League as we win only two of four games, but the month was book ended by FA Cup wins, and we also advanced in the Trophy.

A very happy Analyst as we are smashing in the goals, and defending the house down.

We find ourselves sitting in 3rd place.

Stats

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

The press were linking me with jobs again, as high as League 1.

Two big Cup games helps us clean up, especially collecting a big prize money boost.

A monster crowd in for the Gillingham game smashes our gate record.

Ouch! So many games this month. I see a lot of fatigue management in my future.

Punch · April 26, 2023

NOV 2028 - Player of the Month

No official awards this month, but we take a look at one of our best performers for the month:

Our young attacking forward, Pepe, has really come into his own this season, mostly playing on the Left Wing, but has played on the right, and up front when required.

Always looking to get forward, he has chipped in with 9 goals and 6 assists across all competitions this season.

His improvement this season has been very noticeable, as in not even half a season, he has already contributed as many goals, and nearly as many assists as he did in the entirety of last season.

While he is not the fastest, he does have plenty of skills, and good foot work to be able to turn his markers, and get us on the attack.

An exciting player, with plenty of improvement still to come, he is starting to show some of that exciting potential, which could see him become a superstar for the club.

Punch · April 26, 2023

DEC 2028 - Match Day 19 - At AFC Totton

Testwood Stadium - Totton

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

An epic fightback as we score two late goals to run over the top of the hosts in the final 15 minutes.

Totton had the run in the first half, taking the lead after the half hour, as we created a few chances, but struggle to make them count.

In the second half though, we finally started to turn the tide, being more patient, and were finally rewarded with the two late goals, while managing to shut down the hosts, to secure the points.

Table

Spoiler

Welling held to another draw lets us jump them again back to 2nd.

Up next...we host 8th place Carshalton.

dtown1414 · April 26, 2023

You could just climb a tree and watch the match for free. Nice win!

Punch · April 26, 2023

DEC 2028 - Match Day 20 - Vs Carshalton Athletic FC

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

After our heroics against Totton, we gave a tired performance, and somehow managed to cough up the three points, despite dominating the match.

We went back to our lack of patience in front of goal, which was disappointing.

Table

Spoiler

We stay 2nd despite the loss, but Welling have a game in hand.

Up next...another tough road trip as we travel to 6th place Dag & Red, who are on an 11 match unbeaten run.

Hootieleece · April 26, 2023

Don't let the players get distracted by the bright lights of London by night......

Punch · April 26, 2023

1 minute ago, Hootieleece said:

Don't let the players get distracted by the bright lights of London by night......

This month is going to hurt. Two games a week for the whole month.

The game is no longer football manager, it's now fatigue manager :lol:

Hootieleece · April 26, 2023

34 minutes ago, Punch said:

The game is no longer football manager, it's now fatigue manager

I am managing in the Championship with QPR eventhough We are professional I spend at least 3 training blocks a week in Recovery!

Punch · April 26, 2023

20 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

I am managing in the Championship with QPR eventhough We are professional I spend at least 3 training blocks a week in Recovery!

As a semi pro team, depending where the games fall, we sometimes only get one training day (2 blocks), and sometimes even none between matches.

Punch · April 27, 2023

DEC 2028 - Youth Intake Preview

I genuinely have no words...

The overall suggests and excellent intake, but the positions break down looks horrible.

Then again, last seasons preview was also horrible, and we turned out our best intake, with a straight to first team midfielder.

The preview might as well suggest 5 goalkeepers, three managers, a ball boy, a Uno Draw Four card, and a Monopoly Get Out of Jail Free card...and I wouldn't be surprised what arrived. :onmehead:

Punch · April 27, 2023

DEC 2028 - Match Day 21 - At Dagenham & Redbridge FC

Victoria Road - Dagenham

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

A pretty exciting game against the Daggers, but not the result we wanted to see.

A sloppy penalty gave them the advantage at the break, and while the attacking continued in the second half, we conceded a second goal.

We hit back almost straight away but were unable to get the second goal to grab a share of the points.

Table

Spoiler

A 2nd straight loss and 3rd in 5, but we stay in 2nd place, although Welling still have a game in hand.

Up next...FA Trophy 3rd Round action as we host League rival Oxford City.

Punch · April 27, 2023

DEC 2028 - FA Trophy 3rd Round - Vs Oxford City FC

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

As well as we have been playing this season, this was one of our worst performances as Oxford almost completely shut us down.

We did manage to hold them out, but two goals in 6 minutes after the hour mark made our job that much harder.

Despite a late goal, there would be no comeback. Disappointing to exit in the 3rd Round after making the Final last season.

Up next...back to League action as we host 11th place Ebbsfleet. We will be looking to turn around a three game losing streak.

Sonic Youth · April 28, 2023

Ouch

This month has been rough so far.

Punch · April 28, 2023

57 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Ouch

This month has been rough so far.

Yeah, sure has. It's not going to get easier

Punch · April 28, 2023

DEC 2028 - Match Day 22 - Vs Ebbsfleet United FC

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

A massive result as we overcome a mini form slump, a lack of possession, and a tired squad to collect an important three points.

Four different goal scorers found the target, as we fought off a comeback from the visitors to run away with the game late.

We only had 40% possession, but managed to make it count.

Table

Spoiler

A few teams playing catch up games, and we played a game in advance for our FA Cup game next month.

An extra important result as it keeps us in front of Welling, although they have their game in hand still.

Up next...we host 24th place Worthing.

Punch · April 28, 2023

DEC 2028 - Match Day 23 - Vs Worthing FC

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

Plenty of rotation required in this one, and while it took us a while, we finally clicked into gear and put the bottom place Worthing to the sword.

Despite an early goal, we only managed to be level at half time, but the Pepe show kicked into top gear after the break, completing his hat-trick, before an own goal completed the scoring.

Table

Spoiler

We climb to within a point of first place, but Dover do still have a game in hand.

Up next...we host 15th pace Weston-super-Mare.

Punch · April 28, 2023

DEC 2028 - Match Day 24 - Vs Weston-super-Mare AFC

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

After the Pepe show last game, this time around it was the Docherty show as The Seagulls were blown off the park early, and never recovered.

Docherty would go on to record a hat-trick, and provide the assist for Kirkpatrick's goal.

Table

Spoiler

Situation stays the same as we trail Dover by a point with them having the game in hand.

Up next...we finish the month with our 5th straight home game, this time against 17th place Dulwich.

Edited April 28, 2023 by Punch

Punch · April 28, 2023

DEC 2028 - Match Day 25 - Vs Dulwich Hamlet FC

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

An unbelievable result...and by that I mean no one can quite believe we didn't win.

With the xG suggesting we should have score 3 or 4 goals, we probably could have scored 6 or 7, but somehow only managed a single goal.

In the meantime, The Hamlet managed a single shot on target, and somehow managed to secure a point.

Crazy game... :onmehead:

Table

Spoiler

Dover's loss and our point means we have knocked them off top spot, even if only on goal difference.

They still have the game in hand though.

Up next...we travel to 23rd place Basingstoke.

Edited April 28, 2023 by Punch

Punch · April 28, 2023

DEC 2028

A monster month, where we suffered a mini crash, losing three straight games, including crashing out of the Trophy, before putting together three straight wins.

We then rounded out the month with a game we could have won 10-0, but managed to cough up a draw, in front of a League (non play-off) record crowd.

Despite the up and down, we are keeping the Analyst happy.

We sit top of the table on goal difference, but Dover still have the game in hand when we are on FA Cup duty next month.

Stats

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Another month, another rumour as I am linked with the League Two Salford position. No offers were forthcoming though.

A big month of home games where we broke our League (non-play-off) attendance record twice helped us to a tidy profit this month.

After the chaos of the last two months, January looks much calmer.

A massive clash away to Dover to round out the month could be telling to both our seasons.

Punch · April 28, 2023

Time for a pause

And with that, this save will be going on holiday for a month...because I am on holiday for a month.

Mrs Punch and myself are taking a long overdue road trip, and not only am I not taking my laptop, a lot of the places we are going won't have phone service, let alone data.

Stay safe everyone, and keep having fun.

The Green Lions promotion push will return when I do :lol:

Ron_Swanson · April 28, 2023

What a cliffhanger, just when you took the lead. Have a nice holiday @Punch

Blarney · April 29, 2023

17 hours ago, Punch said:

Time for a pause

And with that, this save will be going on holiday for a month...because I am on holiday for a month.

Mrs Punch and myself are taking a long overdue road trip, and not only am I not taking my laptop, a lot of the places we are going won't have phone service, let alone data.

Stay safe everyone, and keep having fun.

The Green Lions promotion push will return when I do

Safe travels, mate.

TelcontarTargaryen · May 1, 2023

Ah damn, now I have to wait for the next update.. oh wait bright idea, I could use that time to play the game myself. :lol: Have a nice vacation.

Jtomsett11 · May 1, 2023

Great to see the progress this season, feels like the new tactics have paid off! Enjoy your holiday!

Punch · May 26, 2023

Time to un-pause

Just like that, the holiday is over. A few days of clean up before I get back to work.

Time to get the Green Lions back into action.

When we left off, our young squad were punching well above their weight, and had just taken the lead of the National League South, although it was on goal difference, and Dover have a game in hand.

We pick up the story with the Green Lions traveling to Baskingstoke Town.

Punch · May 26, 2023

JAN 2029 - Match Day 26 - At Basingstoke Town FC

Winklebury Football Complex - Baskingstoke

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

A brilliant result with a heavily rotated squad as we put the host to the sword.

A dominant performance, a clean sheet, three goals and three points, made for a good day at the office.

Table

Spoiler

Our 5th game unbeaten, while Dover suffer their second straight defeat, leads us to outright leadership, although they still have a game in hand.

Up next...a monster day for the club as we travel to Sheffield United for our FA Cup 3rd Round clash.

Edited May 27, 2023 by Punch

Punch · May 27, 2023

JAN 2029 - FA Cup 3rd Round - At Sheffield United FC

Bramall Lane - Sheffield

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

There were no expectations on us against a team from The Championship, in a big day for the club.

We did cause them an early shock, when Sejdini denied them from the penalty spot, but it was pretty much all one way traffic from there.

The hosts scored 4, they should have scored more, they could have scored 10, all in all a pretty brave performance against a team four divisions above us.

A career highlight for Kirkpatrick as he caught The Blades napping before half time, to score a brilliant goal.

Up next...a tough League match as we travel to 5th place Dartford.

Edited May 27, 2023 by Punch

Punch · May 27, 2023

JAN 2029 - Match Day 26

While we were playing Sheffield, the rest of the League were playing their match day 26 fixtures.

Table

Spoiler

With Dover held to a draw at Weston-super-Mare, we now hold the outright lead for the first time.

TelcontarTargaryen · May 27, 2023

Another question, where did you get, if you got them and did not made them yourself, the sheets you use for attributes and tracking development?

Punch · May 27, 2023

5 hours ago, TelcontarTargaryen said:

Another question, where did you get, if you got them and did not made them yourself, the sheets you use for attributes and tracking development?

There is a link in this post to the spreadsheet I use.

The attribute formulas were developed by others, and shared with the community, and I have adjusted them to suit the positions I want tracked.

Punch · May 28, 2023

JAN 2029 - Match Day 27 - At Dartford FC

Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park - Dartford

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

Not a lot to report from this one, as both sides put on a defensive clinic, allowing very few chances.

We will take an away point, to keep our undefeated run going, and the points ticking along.

Table

Spoiler

Our 6th game unbeaten, however, Dover win to bring them back level, but we keep top spot on goal difference.

Up next...our only home game for the month as we host 21st place Horsham.

Punch · May 28, 2023

JAN 2029 - Match Day 28 - Vs Horsham FC

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

Ouch! This one hurts.

In a game where neither team got very creative in attack, we found ourselves two down within half hour.

Pepe pulled one back before the break, but we were unable to force the issue in the second half to rescue any points.

The recent lack of goal scoring from our front two is becoming a concern as well, as if they don't score, we struggle for goals anywhere else.

Table

Spoiler

A first loss in 7 games, along with Dover getting back in the winners list, drops us to second, now equal with Dag & Red, who are now on a 6 game winning streak.

Up next...a massive clash, with title implications already as we travel to Dover for a top of the table clash.

Punch · May 28, 2023

JAN 2029 - Match Day 29 - Dover Athletic FC

Crabble Athletic Ground - Dover

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough battle for the top of the table, but Dover managed to keep their unbeaten record, grinding out a close win.

We created chances in the second half, and while it was good to see Docherty on the score sheet again, we were unable to get the second goal.

Table

Spoiler

Back to back losses drops us to third place, as we drop 6 points behind Dover.

Up next...we host 21st place Braintree Town.

Punch · May 29, 2023

JAN 2029

The month started well with a good win, but it was all down hill from there.

After our exit from the FA Cup, we failed to win any of our remaining three League games, as our early season goal scoring dried up.

Despite our poor form, the Analyst is pleased with our performances, just not the results.

We did lead the League for a time this month, but two straight losses dropped us to 3rd.

Stats

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

The media linked me with the League Two Bristol job, but no offer has yet come along.

A £200k payday at Sheffield helped us financially this month, but with us now out of the Cups, it will be interesting to see how it plays out for the rest of the season.

With our Cup commitments now finished, we just have the League to concentrate on for the rest of the season.

Punch · May 29, 2023

FEB 2029 - Match Day 30 - Vs Braintree Town FC

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

A tale of two halves, as a really tight first half left us trailing at the break.

But after a half time bake, we were a different team in the second half, with 5 different goal scorers smashing the net as we finally got back to our free scoring ways.

Table

Spoiler

With the top sides all winning, the situation remains the same as we stay in 3rd place.

Up next...a tougher test of our return to form as we travel to 10th place Maidstone.

Punch · May 29, 2023

FEB 2029 - Match Day 31 - At Maidstone United FC

Gallagher Stadium - Maidstone

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

A really tough battle as we are held to a draw at The Stones.

Docherty gave us the lead with a rocket from outside the area.

We put in a solid defensive display as the hosts ran riot in the second half, but we were unable to keep them out completely, with the points being shared.

Table

Spoiler

We lose ground to the top two as they both win, but the teams below us lost, keeping us in 3rd place.

Up next...another tough match up as we host 5th place Hayes & Yeading.

Hootieleece · May 29, 2023

Keep plugging away and make sure you get a good seed for the Playoffs. Also Rotate your players so you are ready for the extra football.

Swaban · May 29, 2023

I've been reading this thread over the past couple of days & have finally caught up. What an unbelievable story so far! Despite a recent dip in form / unreal form from the 2 teams above you theres still the potential for some play-offs magic!

Punch · May 29, 2023

5 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Keep plugging away and make sure you get a good seed for the Playoffs. Also Rotate your players so you are ready for the extra football.

Still a lot of football to be played between now and the end of the season.

4 hours ago, Swaban said:

I've been reading this thread over the past couple of days & have finally caught up. What an unbelievable story so far! Despite a recent dip in form / unreal form from the 2 teams above you theres still the potential for some play-offs magic!

Thank you! Glad to have you along.

Punch · May 30, 2023

FEB 2029 - Match Day 32 - Vs Hayes & Yeading United FC

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

Another solid crowd in at The Lane as we put in one of our best recent performances in a solid win over the 5th place United.

A goal either side of half time was enough to get us the points, but it was the defensive effort to keep one of the top teams scoreless that was even more impressive.

Was also good to see Kirkpatrick with his name on the score sheet again.

Young Pepe was also brilliant up front, setting up both goals.

Table

Spoiler

Wins for the top three sees the table remain the same, and we continue to hold 3rd place.

The bottom four sides in the play off spots all dropped points allowing us some breathing room.

Up next...a short break before another tough match, as this time we travel to 4th place Welling.

Punch · May 30, 2023

FEB 2029 - Match Day 33 - At Welling United FC

Park View Road - Welling

Spoiler

Match Report

Spoiler

The short turn around didn't help, but this was a tired performance, along with a very unlucky one.

The hosts scored three goals from mistakes, while we smashed the posts three times, as we struggled to get the ball in the net.

They dominated the first half, and we, the second, but we were not able to make the most of it.

Table

Spoiler

The damage was limited somewhat, as the top two were both held to draws, but it was a 6 pointer for Welling who move to within two of us.

Up next...we head back to The Lane as we host 12th place Folkstone.

Hootieleece · May 30, 2023

Welling United is usually a good team for this level of competition. Welling is more known as the home of Songstress Kate Bush!

Punch · May 30, 2023

5 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Welling United is usually a good team for this level of competition. Welling is more known as the home of Songstress Kate Bush!

Was a tough game, we probably outplayed them overall, but just didn't take the chances.