Once again I must apologise for the lack of recent blog entries. My last ever set of chemistry exams and the drinking that followed them has held me back somewhat. Hopefully I’ll make up for it with these final few entries.
The day of the Rushden Vs York match started badly. Despite not being very far away at all, the railway network required me to change twice and fork out over twenty quid for the privilege. I expected that Coventry train station would be running replacement bus services for the first leg of the journey, due to the same maintenance that has been going on for the past fifteen years. (Not an exaggeration). Unfortunately, the bus driver that came to take us to the relative train-laden haven of Nuneaton decided that his bus door was broken, and that he’d have to go and fix it. This didn’t take a long time, but long enough that it meant that I missed my connection from Nuneaton and my subsequent connection from Leicester. Thank you Travel Coventry.
Luckily enough Jake had managed to blag a lift from his housemate Courtney’s ‘friend,’ Jack. They managed to navigate the one-way nightmare of Leicester city centre, to pick me up at the train station. We raced down towards Rushden, arriving at the ground just in time to hear the whistle blow for kick-off as we approached the turnstiles.
Public transport based disaster successfully averted, Jack and myself got on with watching the football, whilst Jake got on with trying to eat his own body weight’s worth of processed meat. On the pitch, it didn’t take long for York to assert their dominance, forcing the Rushden ‘keeper into a few early saves, albeit comfortable ones. Off the pitch, it didn’t take Jake (who claimed that he hadn’t eaten all day) long to polish off a steak and kidney pie.
Despite a few forays into the York half, the home side were behind before half time. One of several corners being headed home from close range by the impressive York centre half. At this point I should apologise for not being able to give more detail about the match. It was a long time ago in truth, and it was far too cold to think about writing down any notes, or even storing them on my phone.
The locals were starting to get restless by half-time. They were clearly frustrated by the lack of goals for the home side, despite a few decent opportunities. One forward in particular coming in for a huge amount of donkey related abuse after mis-hitting a lob straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. Half-time also saw Jake consume a disappointing cheese burger, and half of Jack’s tray of cold chips.
The second half started in the same way that the first finished, with York looking the classier side, but with Rushden pressing hard for an equaliser without having much luck. The home fans were still restless, but in good voice. As the half drew on, Rushden started to look more and more likely to score, as York seemed content to hang on to the 1 – 0 scoreline. My exams were due to start in a week’s time and the prospect of a draw, and a midweek trip to York started to fill me with fear. The longer the game went on, Rushden looked more and more likely to score, and the more that I dreaded a replay. We’d missed enough games in the competition already. A draw would mean yet another one or a massive amount of time spent not revising. Stood right at the front of the increasingly irritable home fans trying to suck the ball into the net, I was silently cheering every scuffed shot and wasted freekick. Meanwhile, Jake struggled his way through the glamourously titled ‘Diamond Burger’ which turned out to be a disappointing cheeseburger, topped with disappointing bacon.
Deep into injury time and the equaliser nearly materialised, with a scramble in the box somehow ending up with the ball cannoning off the crossbar and being cleared. The throngs of angry home fans vented their frustrations at the final whistle, whilst I clenched my fists and punched the air as discreetly as I could.
Not only had the dreaded replay been avoided, but York is a much nicer place to go than Rushden, and the two legged nature of the semi-final ensured a trip to at least one nice place in the next round. We sneaked out of the ground quickly and drove off back up North looking forward to the semi-final draw.
Attendance: No idea
Final Score: Rushden & Diamonds 0 York City 1
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Confessions
Right, so the more observant of you will have noticed that there have been no blog posts in a while. That is sadly because we have been unable to attend any recent matches.
The replay between Halifax and Stortford finished in a comfortable win for Halifax, but unfortunately, I couldn't afford the time to go, and Jake was in an important meeting all evening.
With my final year exams on the horizon and numerous looming essay deadlines, I could again not afford the time to get to the next fixture, Halifax Vs Rushden. That morning the Shay stadium was covered in snow, and quite rightly (based on recent history) decided to save £30 by not travelling, assuming the game would be called off. Unfortunately the game went ahead, and ended in a Rushden victory.
We are both very dissapointed by the events of recent weeks, and apologise to our abundant and adoring public. However, we remain positive, and will continue to follow the Trophy until it's completion, despite having already failed in our mission.
I did travel to Margate on a cold Tuesday night for nothing!
The next match in the schedule is Rushden Vs York on 23rd Feburary. We will definitely be there this time (weather permitting!) and will provide an extra specially good match report to make up for our previous failings.
The replay between Halifax and Stortford finished in a comfortable win for Halifax, but unfortunately, I couldn't afford the time to go, and Jake was in an important meeting all evening.
With my final year exams on the horizon and numerous looming essay deadlines, I could again not afford the time to get to the next fixture, Halifax Vs Rushden. That morning the Shay stadium was covered in snow, and quite rightly (based on recent history) decided to save £30 by not travelling, assuming the game would be called off. Unfortunately the game went ahead, and ended in a Rushden victory.
We are both very dissapointed by the events of recent weeks, and apologise to our abundant and adoring public. However, we remain positive, and will continue to follow the Trophy until it's completion, despite having already failed in our mission.
I did travel to Margate on a cold Tuesday night for nothing!
The next match in the schedule is Rushden Vs York on 23rd Feburary. We will definitely be there this time (weather permitting!) and will provide an extra specially good match report to make up for our previous failings.
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
Third Round Draw
The third round draw saw Bishop's Stortford or Halifax get drawn at home against Rushden & Diamonds.
It would have been so much easier had Rushden been at home, but never mind.
The game will/should take place on Saturday 2nd February
It would have been so much easier had Rushden been at home, but never mind.
The game will/should take place on Saturday 2nd February
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Waterlogged pitch in Halifax!
According to the Halifax website the game tonight is off. Looks like the 2nd round replay will now be played next week, 19:45 Tuesday 22nd Jan.
I don't mean to offend any Halifax supporters out there but how often do you play home games during the inter months? Of the 4 times we've been due to come up to watch a game it's been postponed 3 times.
I don't mean to offend any Halifax supporters out there but how often do you play home games during the inter months? Of the 4 times we've been due to come up to watch a game it's been postponed 3 times.
Monday, 14 January 2008
Second Round - Bishop's Stortford Vs Halifax Town
January 12th 2008
After such a long wait to see the first round, the second round was sprung upon us just four days later. I have to thank my Dad for driving down to this match with us. The savings on transport cost, and pre-match pint bought for us was well worth the considerable drop in 'coolness.'
We found Stortford to be a lovely place, with a very friendly bunch of locals, and an impressive little stadium. We were greeted upon arrival by a smiling man with a London accent, selling raffle tickets. After politely declining at first, we gave into his charm when he stopped us in the bar a bit later. We each lost a pound, but felt happier and more at home for it.
I was very pleased to receive a phone call from a man called Gareth, when we were in the clubhouse. We had sent brief emails to each other the week before the match and Stortford fan, Gareth told me that he had brought us some goodies, in the shape of programmes from previous rounds of the competition. He told me that he was currently in a pub chatting with some away fans, but would try and catch up with us later.
With the atmosphere around the club being so immediately friendly, I was surprised to see that the ground was being segregated to keep home and away fans apart. I'm not sure how many away fans were expected, but only 50 or so turned up and the barriers put in place seemed a little unnecessary. The home fans, however, turned up in good numbers, with horns and loud voices and spurred on their team to a very impressive performance. That is taking nothing away from Halifax town, who looked a far better side than they did just half a week ago against Leamington.
It was Halifax who started the game brightest, creating several scares for the Stortford fans. Coming forward in the first 20 minutes or so, Halifax seemed to find space far too easily, and only the final product was letting them down. Stortford were struggling to cope with Jon Shaw and Nathan Joynes in particular. Stortford grew in confidence as the half went on. After initially resorting to long balls and frantic clearances, they started to play some flowing football and should have taken the lead when top scorer Greg Pearson rounded 'keeper Legzdins before hitting the side netting with a strike which lacked composure.
Both sides played with an open, attacking style, which was a credit to non-league football, and it was a slight surprise to see the half end goalless. The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with Halifax making the running, before Stortford began to edge their way into the game. And it was Stortfod who grabbed the opening goal. An Ahmed Deen freekick from just outside the box evaded everyone, and ended up in the corner of the net. Five minutes later, the Shaymen had equalised. A scramble in the box eventually saw the ball fall to Jon Shaw, who slotted home from close range. Stortford scored the goal of the game another five minutes later, as a flowing move found Fazackerley in space on the right. His inch perfect cross found Roy Esandoh at the far post, who made no mistake in heading home. Greg Pearson then had an opportunity to seal the win, but his shot from a tight angle was pushed around the post. With a little under ten minutes left, Halifax equalised for the second time. Another scramble saw the ball cannon of the crossbar, and fall kindly to a grateful Kearney, who put the ball in the net despite calls for offside. Even then the visitors had chances to win the game, and only a fantastic save from young goalkeeper Welch denied Jon Shaw from close range.
The final whistle brought an end to a game which nobody wanted to finish. A draw was probably a fair result, but both sides looked a little disappointed not to have snatched a winner. I cannot make it to the replay, but I'm looking forward to watching the victors in the next round.
Halifax will start as favourites on home soil, but if Stortford can produce a similar performance to Saturday, then another cup upset could be on the cards. Good luck to both teams for the replay.
Final Score: Bishop's Stortford 2 Halifax Town 2
Attendance: 731
After such a long wait to see the first round, the second round was sprung upon us just four days later. I have to thank my Dad for driving down to this match with us. The savings on transport cost, and pre-match pint bought for us was well worth the considerable drop in 'coolness.'
We found Stortford to be a lovely place, with a very friendly bunch of locals, and an impressive little stadium. We were greeted upon arrival by a smiling man with a London accent, selling raffle tickets. After politely declining at first, we gave into his charm when he stopped us in the bar a bit later. We each lost a pound, but felt happier and more at home for it.
I was very pleased to receive a phone call from a man called Gareth, when we were in the clubhouse. We had sent brief emails to each other the week before the match and Stortford fan, Gareth told me that he had brought us some goodies, in the shape of programmes from previous rounds of the competition. He told me that he was currently in a pub chatting with some away fans, but would try and catch up with us later.
With the atmosphere around the club being so immediately friendly, I was surprised to see that the ground was being segregated to keep home and away fans apart. I'm not sure how many away fans were expected, but only 50 or so turned up and the barriers put in place seemed a little unnecessary. The home fans, however, turned up in good numbers, with horns and loud voices and spurred on their team to a very impressive performance. That is taking nothing away from Halifax town, who looked a far better side than they did just half a week ago against Leamington.
It was Halifax who started the game brightest, creating several scares for the Stortford fans. Coming forward in the first 20 minutes or so, Halifax seemed to find space far too easily, and only the final product was letting them down. Stortford were struggling to cope with Jon Shaw and Nathan Joynes in particular. Stortford grew in confidence as the half went on. After initially resorting to long balls and frantic clearances, they started to play some flowing football and should have taken the lead when top scorer Greg Pearson rounded 'keeper Legzdins before hitting the side netting with a strike which lacked composure.
Both sides played with an open, attacking style, which was a credit to non-league football, and it was a slight surprise to see the half end goalless. The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with Halifax making the running, before Stortford began to edge their way into the game. And it was Stortfod who grabbed the opening goal. An Ahmed Deen freekick from just outside the box evaded everyone, and ended up in the corner of the net. Five minutes later, the Shaymen had equalised. A scramble in the box eventually saw the ball fall to Jon Shaw, who slotted home from close range. Stortford scored the goal of the game another five minutes later, as a flowing move found Fazackerley in space on the right. His inch perfect cross found Roy Esandoh at the far post, who made no mistake in heading home. Greg Pearson then had an opportunity to seal the win, but his shot from a tight angle was pushed around the post. With a little under ten minutes left, Halifax equalised for the second time. Another scramble saw the ball cannon of the crossbar, and fall kindly to a grateful Kearney, who put the ball in the net despite calls for offside. Even then the visitors had chances to win the game, and only a fantastic save from young goalkeeper Welch denied Jon Shaw from close range.
The final whistle brought an end to a game which nobody wanted to finish. A draw was probably a fair result, but both sides looked a little disappointed not to have snatched a winner. I cannot make it to the replay, but I'm looking forward to watching the victors in the next round.
Halifax will start as favourites on home soil, but if Stortford can produce a similar performance to Saturday, then another cup upset could be on the cards. Good luck to both teams for the replay.
Final Score: Bishop's Stortford 2 Halifax Town 2
Attendance: 731
Thursday, 10 January 2008
First Round - Halifax Town Vs Leamington
8th January 2008
Finally! After a month of waiting, I arrived at Halifax's Shay Stadium, only to be greeted by absolutely everything that Mother Nature could have possibly thrown at me. Yorkshire was on occasion throughout the course of the evening, hit by thunder and lightning, torrential rain, snow and gale force winds. Often more than one of the afformentioned nasties coming at the same time. Some higher authority clearly didn't want this game to be played. After being postponed twice previously due to weather conditions, and with a bit more rain, the referee could have easily abandoned this one. Within about twenty minutes of play, the pitch was cutting up badly, and the ball was beginning to stick in the expanses of mud and water which were appearing all over the place.
With the half completed, very sorry looking main stand looking as if it was about to collapse under strain from the elements, Leamington got off to a dream start. Kicking towards their, vocal as always, away support and assisted by the wind behind them they were always likely to start strongly, but few could have predicted a goal within 3 minutes. A cross from Marcus Jackson broke to Ben Mackey on the edge of the area, who lashed an unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner. I have become accustomed to seeing the Leamington crowd go a bit mental over the course of this adventure and they didn't disappoint this time either. Slightly cold burgers and hot drinks went everywhere and the Halifax stewards had to put on very stern looking faces to calm everyone down.
Leamington held their own in the first half, whilst Halfax struggled to even run in the wind that was blowing straight in their faces. Despite being one up, you got the feeling that if Leamington were going to get anything out of the tie, they were going to have to score again. They didn't really threaten Craig Mawson in the Halifax goal until a game changing incident on the half hour mark. Striker Martin Thompson was sent through on goal by a brilliant chipped ball from midfield. Mawson came charging out, and as Thompson clipped the ball round the keeper on the edge of the area, was sent tumbling by Mawson's reckless tackle. It looked for all the world like Mawson should have been sent off, but to the away supports bemusement, and Mawson's relief, only a yellow was shown and the resulting freekick came to nothing.
Leamington's misery was compounded with the last kick off the first half, as Halifax snatched an equaliser. Marcus Jackson dallied on the ball when he really should have cleared, and his mis-kick under pressure fell straight to Lewis Killeen. Killeen was clumsily brought down inside the box and Jon Shaw cooly dispached the penalty kick past Richard Morris. The Leamington fans I was stood with booed the referee at half time, but in my eyes it was a clear penalty, even though it was at the far end of the ground.
When the players emerged at the start of the second half, the wind had died down drastically. The rain/snow was still lashing down and the pitch was getting worse by the minute, but the lack of wind certainly favoured Leamington as the teams switched sides. Despite the lack of wind, Halifax began to show their superior quality and were camped in visitors half for long periods, without creating any real danger. No doubt assisted by the terrible conditions (I can't stress enough how difficult it must have been for the players) fouls started to be committed all over the pitch and it was only good fortune that meant we didn't see anyone injured.
As feet began to stick in the mud and the tie looked destined to be taken to a replay, Leamington hearts were broken by a goal in the final few minutes of normal time. For almost the first time in the match, the dogged and resiliant Leamington defence allowed a Halifax player some time in the penalty area to fashion a genuine chance. Simon Heslop had time to steady himself and sent a low, skidding shot into the corner of the net. The travelling supporters stopped singing for possibly the only time in the 90 minutes and the players on the pitch almost universally sunk to their knees and held their heads. Heslop had got the home team out of jail and the relief around the Shay Stadium was tangible.
After the brief pause the Leamington faithful continued to strain their voices, but for the final few minutes the tone was one of pride rather than genuine encouragement. At the final whistle, the majority of the crowd breathed in a big sigh of releif, whilst around 100 Midlanders trotted down the stairs to pitchside where they applauded off their exhausted, battle weary heroes.
Over the ninty minutes, the Yorkshire side probably deserved the victory. I feel that if the conditions were better then they would have ran out comfortable winners. However Leamington should be congratulated for getting this far in the competition, beating several teams from higher divisions on their way. They performed valiantly and should take great hear from the fact that they had parity with their Conference level opposition for such a long period of the game.
Again I would like to thank all the Leamington fans for being so nice special thanks to Vince for the lift to the ground. I wish Leamington FC every success for the season ahead and for the future. Hopefully I will be able to meet some of the Halifax faithful in the next round, as I didn't get chance this time.
Final Score: Halifax Town 2 Leamington 1
Attendance: 805
Finally! After a month of waiting, I arrived at Halifax's Shay Stadium, only to be greeted by absolutely everything that Mother Nature could have possibly thrown at me. Yorkshire was on occasion throughout the course of the evening, hit by thunder and lightning, torrential rain, snow and gale force winds. Often more than one of the afformentioned nasties coming at the same time. Some higher authority clearly didn't want this game to be played. After being postponed twice previously due to weather conditions, and with a bit more rain, the referee could have easily abandoned this one. Within about twenty minutes of play, the pitch was cutting up badly, and the ball was beginning to stick in the expanses of mud and water which were appearing all over the place.
With the half completed, very sorry looking main stand looking as if it was about to collapse under strain from the elements, Leamington got off to a dream start. Kicking towards their, vocal as always, away support and assisted by the wind behind them they were always likely to start strongly, but few could have predicted a goal within 3 minutes. A cross from Marcus Jackson broke to Ben Mackey on the edge of the area, who lashed an unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner. I have become accustomed to seeing the Leamington crowd go a bit mental over the course of this adventure and they didn't disappoint this time either. Slightly cold burgers and hot drinks went everywhere and the Halifax stewards had to put on very stern looking faces to calm everyone down.
Leamington held their own in the first half, whilst Halfax struggled to even run in the wind that was blowing straight in their faces. Despite being one up, you got the feeling that if Leamington were going to get anything out of the tie, they were going to have to score again. They didn't really threaten Craig Mawson in the Halifax goal until a game changing incident on the half hour mark. Striker Martin Thompson was sent through on goal by a brilliant chipped ball from midfield. Mawson came charging out, and as Thompson clipped the ball round the keeper on the edge of the area, was sent tumbling by Mawson's reckless tackle. It looked for all the world like Mawson should have been sent off, but to the away supports bemusement, and Mawson's relief, only a yellow was shown and the resulting freekick came to nothing.
Leamington's misery was compounded with the last kick off the first half, as Halifax snatched an equaliser. Marcus Jackson dallied on the ball when he really should have cleared, and his mis-kick under pressure fell straight to Lewis Killeen. Killeen was clumsily brought down inside the box and Jon Shaw cooly dispached the penalty kick past Richard Morris. The Leamington fans I was stood with booed the referee at half time, but in my eyes it was a clear penalty, even though it was at the far end of the ground.
When the players emerged at the start of the second half, the wind had died down drastically. The rain/snow was still lashing down and the pitch was getting worse by the minute, but the lack of wind certainly favoured Leamington as the teams switched sides. Despite the lack of wind, Halifax began to show their superior quality and were camped in visitors half for long periods, without creating any real danger. No doubt assisted by the terrible conditions (I can't stress enough how difficult it must have been for the players) fouls started to be committed all over the pitch and it was only good fortune that meant we didn't see anyone injured.
As feet began to stick in the mud and the tie looked destined to be taken to a replay, Leamington hearts were broken by a goal in the final few minutes of normal time. For almost the first time in the match, the dogged and resiliant Leamington defence allowed a Halifax player some time in the penalty area to fashion a genuine chance. Simon Heslop had time to steady himself and sent a low, skidding shot into the corner of the net. The travelling supporters stopped singing for possibly the only time in the 90 minutes and the players on the pitch almost universally sunk to their knees and held their heads. Heslop had got the home team out of jail and the relief around the Shay Stadium was tangible.
After the brief pause the Leamington faithful continued to strain their voices, but for the final few minutes the tone was one of pride rather than genuine encouragement. At the final whistle, the majority of the crowd breathed in a big sigh of releif, whilst around 100 Midlanders trotted down the stairs to pitchside where they applauded off their exhausted, battle weary heroes.
Over the ninty minutes, the Yorkshire side probably deserved the victory. I feel that if the conditions were better then they would have ran out comfortable winners. However Leamington should be congratulated for getting this far in the competition, beating several teams from higher divisions on their way. They performed valiantly and should take great hear from the fact that they had parity with their Conference level opposition for such a long period of the game.
Again I would like to thank all the Leamington fans for being so nice special thanks to Vince for the lift to the ground. I wish Leamington FC every success for the season ahead and for the future. Hopefully I will be able to meet some of the Halifax faithful in the next round, as I didn't get chance this time.
Final Score: Halifax Town 2 Leamington 1
Attendance: 805
Monday, 17 December 2007
2nd Round Draw
In the draw for the second round proper Leamington or Halifax will be travelling to Bishop's Stortford.
Bishop's Stortford play in Conference South so should provide a good game for either side.
Bishop's Stortford play in Conference South so should provide a good game for either side.
Winter is Still Rubbish
From the Halifax Town Website:
"The Shaymen's rearranged game with Leamington on Tuesday evening has been postponed again due to a frozen pitch.
The match will be played on Tuesday 8th January, kick-off 7.45pm."
Luckily no one boarded any coaches this time!
Not the greatest time for it to be played since I've got an exam the next day but I'll be there. I wouldn't want to let the faithful down.
"The Shaymen's rearranged game with Leamington on Tuesday evening has been postponed again due to a frozen pitch.
The match will be played on Tuesday 8th January, kick-off 7.45pm."
Luckily no one boarded any coaches this time!
Not the greatest time for it to be played since I've got an exam the next day but I'll be there. I wouldn't want to let the faithful down.
Winter Is Rubbish
So, After waking up early, getting on a coach at Leamington FC's New Windmill Ground, and even buying two souvenir flags, the game on Saturday was cancelled. Driving up the M6 at about 10 o'clock, the phone call came through that Halifax's pitch was frozen and the match was off. It turned the atmosphere on the coach fairly sour.
The game has provisionally been rearranged for Tuesday 18th December, but with the weather set to be even colder between now and then, I severely doubt that the pitch will get the all clear.
Leamington's travelling fan base will be drastically cut if Tuesday night goes ahead. They were set to take around 500 people on Saturday, and many will not be able to get the time off work for a midweek trip. Also, Leamington will be without their three best players, Mackey, Herlihy and Parkinson due to suspension.
If the game is played on Tuesday it will be some kind of miracle, but if it does then a match report will follow shortly after.
The game has provisionally been rearranged for Tuesday 18th December, but with the weather set to be even colder between now and then, I severely doubt that the pitch will get the all clear.
Leamington's travelling fan base will be drastically cut if Tuesday night goes ahead. They were set to take around 500 people on Saturday, and many will not be able to get the time off work for a midweek trip. Also, Leamington will be without their three best players, Mackey, Herlihy and Parkinson due to suspension.
If the game is played on Tuesday it will be some kind of miracle, but if it does then a match report will follow shortly after.
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Our First Trip North
Leamington's reward for defeating Fisher Athletic in the last round, is a place in the first round proper of the FA Trophy. Here they have been drawn away against former league club, Halifax AFC. It promises to be a great day out. If any Halifax fans are reading, then I advise you not to take Leamington lightly. It is clearly a game which the Shaymen should win comfortably, but I will be very surprised if Leamington don't make them work very hard for their victory.
The game will be played on Saturday 15th December 2007
The game will be played on Saturday 15th December 2007
Monday, 26 November 2007
Third Qualifying Round: Fisher Athletic Vs Leamington
24th November 2007
This adventure is starting to turn into a farce! Leamington FC was supposed to be a small club, who would maybe make it through the first round or two, but would essentially be a stepping stone before we started watching all sorts of other clubs, up and down the country. We should have done more research. As it turns out, Leamington are some sort of sleeping giant (or maybe a slumbering, tall man) who deserve to be at least one, if not two divisions higher than their current position. If the matches I have watched so far didn't tell me that already, everything about this round shouted it in my face.
It seemed as if all of Fisher's fanbase had been scared away by the travelling Leamington faithful. The attendance was given as 390, of which I estimated about 300 to be from Warwickshire. I had never been to an away match quite like it. The Leamington gold and black army turned the tie into a home fixture, taking over three sides of the ground, to create what must have been an intimidating atmosphere for the home team to play in. Even in the clubhouse afterwards, I didn't bump into a single local fan, despite it being full to bursting.
The game was hosted at Champion Hill, an impressive stadium, home to Dulwich Hamlet FC, and temporary home to Fisher Athletic. The turnstiles treated Jake and I to a brief glimpse of fame. A few short emails between myself and Joe, the Fisher Athletic programme editor, had led to us doing an interview for the matchday programme. In return for our contribution, Joe had left complimentary tickets and programmes for us at the gates. It was a nice surprise after buying London priced pints of beer all afternoon!
We could not find Joe in the clubhouse as we had previously arranged, and unfortunately now never will meet him, as Leamington produced yet another fine performance, to cause yet another upset.
The kick-off was delayed ten minutes to accommodate the Leamington team buses late arrival at the ground, but this did not seem to effect the visitors. From the outset, it was difficult to separate the sides on ability alone. However, after an even first 15 minutes, Fisher took the lead through a well worked corner. A few one touch passes found Gavin Tomlin in space inside the penalty area, and he made no mistake, coolly slotting the ball into the top corner of the net.
The travelling fans didn't stop singing however, and the travelling team never let their heads drop. Leamington began to take control of possession and territory, creating two or three good goal scoring chances. On the other hand, Fisher always looked dangerous on the break, and the home sides strikers looked slightly the sharper of the two sides. Leamington's best chance of the half saw a defensive mix-up leave Fisher 'keeper Simon Overland way off his line. The ball fell kindly for impressive midfielder Stuart Herlihy, but his shot drifted wide. On 40 minutes, the Brakes deservedly equalised. A corner from the right found Josh Blake unmarked, and his looping header somehow found the top corner, and sent the visiting fans wild.
Leamington nearly snatched a half time lead a few minutes afterwards, when a curling shot from the superb Marcus Jackson was just flicked onto the crossbar by Overland.
Half time provided a very successful trip to the food hut, where £2.50 bought me an excellent bacon French stick. It was a rival to Leaminton's sausage, chips and curry sauce for best food so far, but it came up short due to the caterers being sold out of fried eggs. Very unfortunate.
The second half saw the Fish create more chances than they had in the first, but all went begging, as Leamington began to smell blood. The Brakes more than matched their opposition, despite being two divisions below them, and pinched a dramatic winner with just 10 minutes left on the clock. A long free-kick from Richard Morris should really have been taken by Overland as it passed over his defenders heads, but Josh Blake once again found himself unmarked, and once again his looping header found the top corner. The terraces erupted as he wheeled away in celebration. Most fans seemed to be celebrating with an air of disbelief as their club looked set to progress into the first round proper of the competition.
Leamington saw out the remaining 10 minutes comfortably, and the final whistle brought amazing scenes, as the victorious players received a standing ovation from all corners of the ground.
I had another excellent day on Saturday, and I thank Steve, Pete, Pete, Baz and Vince for welcoming us on their tour around London, both before and after the match. Vince has also kindly provided photographs of our day out this week, as my camera decided to cut out as soon as I stepped off the train. You can see them here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/docwharton/sets/72157603293361939/
Final Score: Fisher Athletic 1 Leamington 2
Attendance: 390
This adventure is starting to turn into a farce! Leamington FC was supposed to be a small club, who would maybe make it through the first round or two, but would essentially be a stepping stone before we started watching all sorts of other clubs, up and down the country. We should have done more research. As it turns out, Leamington are some sort of sleeping giant (or maybe a slumbering, tall man) who deserve to be at least one, if not two divisions higher than their current position. If the matches I have watched so far didn't tell me that already, everything about this round shouted it in my face.
It seemed as if all of Fisher's fanbase had been scared away by the travelling Leamington faithful. The attendance was given as 390, of which I estimated about 300 to be from Warwickshire. I had never been to an away match quite like it. The Leamington gold and black army turned the tie into a home fixture, taking over three sides of the ground, to create what must have been an intimidating atmosphere for the home team to play in. Even in the clubhouse afterwards, I didn't bump into a single local fan, despite it being full to bursting.
The game was hosted at Champion Hill, an impressive stadium, home to Dulwich Hamlet FC, and temporary home to Fisher Athletic. The turnstiles treated Jake and I to a brief glimpse of fame. A few short emails between myself and Joe, the Fisher Athletic programme editor, had led to us doing an interview for the matchday programme. In return for our contribution, Joe had left complimentary tickets and programmes for us at the gates. It was a nice surprise after buying London priced pints of beer all afternoon!
We could not find Joe in the clubhouse as we had previously arranged, and unfortunately now never will meet him, as Leamington produced yet another fine performance, to cause yet another upset.
The kick-off was delayed ten minutes to accommodate the Leamington team buses late arrival at the ground, but this did not seem to effect the visitors. From the outset, it was difficult to separate the sides on ability alone. However, after an even first 15 minutes, Fisher took the lead through a well worked corner. A few one touch passes found Gavin Tomlin in space inside the penalty area, and he made no mistake, coolly slotting the ball into the top corner of the net.
The travelling fans didn't stop singing however, and the travelling team never let their heads drop. Leamington began to take control of possession and territory, creating two or three good goal scoring chances. On the other hand, Fisher always looked dangerous on the break, and the home sides strikers looked slightly the sharper of the two sides. Leamington's best chance of the half saw a defensive mix-up leave Fisher 'keeper Simon Overland way off his line. The ball fell kindly for impressive midfielder Stuart Herlihy, but his shot drifted wide. On 40 minutes, the Brakes deservedly equalised. A corner from the right found Josh Blake unmarked, and his looping header somehow found the top corner, and sent the visiting fans wild.
Leamington nearly snatched a half time lead a few minutes afterwards, when a curling shot from the superb Marcus Jackson was just flicked onto the crossbar by Overland.
Half time provided a very successful trip to the food hut, where £2.50 bought me an excellent bacon French stick. It was a rival to Leaminton's sausage, chips and curry sauce for best food so far, but it came up short due to the caterers being sold out of fried eggs. Very unfortunate.
The second half saw the Fish create more chances than they had in the first, but all went begging, as Leamington began to smell blood. The Brakes more than matched their opposition, despite being two divisions below them, and pinched a dramatic winner with just 10 minutes left on the clock. A long free-kick from Richard Morris should really have been taken by Overland as it passed over his defenders heads, but Josh Blake once again found himself unmarked, and once again his looping header found the top corner. The terraces erupted as he wheeled away in celebration. Most fans seemed to be celebrating with an air of disbelief as their club looked set to progress into the first round proper of the competition.
Leamington saw out the remaining 10 minutes comfortably, and the final whistle brought amazing scenes, as the victorious players received a standing ovation from all corners of the ground.
I had another excellent day on Saturday, and I thank Steve, Pete, Pete, Baz and Vince for welcoming us on their tour around London, both before and after the match. Vince has also kindly provided photographs of our day out this week, as my camera decided to cut out as soon as I stepped off the train. You can see them here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/docwharton/sets/72157603293361939/
Final Score: Fisher Athletic 1 Leamington 2
Attendance: 390
Friday, 9 November 2007
Dulwich Here We Come!
The next leg of the adventure will see Jake and I take in the sights and sounds of South London, as Leamington FC travel to play Fisher Athletic.
Fisher Athletic will start the game hot favourites, as they currently sit 10th in the Football Conference South Division, two tiers above Leamington in the pyramid.
The game will be played on Saturday 24th November, and a match report should follow shortly afterwards.
Fisher Athletic will start the game hot favourites, as they currently sit 10th in the Football Conference South Division, two tiers above Leamington in the pyramid.
The game will be played on Saturday 24th November, and a match report should follow shortly afterwards.
Thursday, 8 November 2007
Second Qualifying Round Replay: Margate FC Vs Leamington FC
November 6th 2007
I have been attending football matches for about 15 years now, and I can honestly say that Tuesday's match ranks up there as one of the best experiences I have ever had at a football ground. It was an experience that I have to admit, I was not looking forward to. I am already behind with my work for the year, and I was missing yet more lectures to complete what I thought was going to be a thankless task.
I had been to gig in Birmingham the night before, and slept on a mate's floor in Coventry. I woke up late and didn't have time for a shower or breakfast. I rushed into uni for a lecture, grabbed a quick bite to eat, then made my way to Automotive Products in Leamington, where the club coach was set to leave from. It was fair to say that I wasn't feeling on top form.
At the coach park I met up with a few of the Leamington fans I had met previously and we went for a quick pint in the pub over the road. I was tired and smelt, but feeling slightly better due to company and beer.
After what seemed like an eternity of trying to finish Chemistry worksheets on the coach, we arrived in Margate. This is where the fun began. After a stroll along the beach in the evening gloom, (some members of the Brakes' fan base being slightly more naked than others) a visit to the sea-front chippy, and several more pints of ale, I was starting to feel like a proper Leamington fan. All the pub talk of singing constantly for 90 minutes, combined with a nice level of alcohol was getting me steadily worked up for the forthcoming match. Not only was I starting to want Leamington to win, but I was getting the same adrenalised feeling I used to get at Coventry City's local derbys and big cup ties. After a few dormant years, the true football fan in me was starting to emerge again.
After a few more beers in the very pleasant Margate clubhouse, I realised that I'd left my match report notebook and pen on the coach. This, coupled with the rapidly increasing alcohol content in my blood, and the fact I felt like I was a bona fide Leamington fan, and was starting to be accepted by the locals as one, were all the excuses I need to forget entirely about writing a match report. I didn't witness any footballing masterclass on Tuesday night, nor did I witness a thrilling goal-fest, but non-league football is not about that. Tuesday night was all about 20 or so Leamington fans singing until their voices hurt to get behind their team. And I am proud to say that I was one of those 20 or so fans. From the first whistle to the last, we sung every song in Leamington's vast repetoire of songs over and over, and even invented some new ones. (My favourite this week being: Russ Dunkley, Russ Dunkley, Russ Dunkley is a striker to be scared of. To the tune of Prince Charming by Adam and the Ants.)
The famous Margate drum was all but drowned out for the majority of the match, and that is no slur on the Margate supporters. As far as match action went, the first half produced a few chances, with Margate looking the better team as was expected by all at the ground. They showed attacking purpose worthy of their stance in the tier above the Brakes. However, with half time approaching, a corner from Leamington's Marcus Jackson was headed towards goal and cleared off the line. Gasps from the Leamington faithful were quenched, as Josh Blake steered home the rebound with his head. Cue what seemed like a good five minutes worth of cheering and embracing and manical jumping around.
Half-time was a cue for yet more drinking and socialising in the club-house, causing me to miss the start of the second half. Finishing my pint I jogged round to the far side of the ground, desperate to get back amongst the crowd. I didn't know what was coming over me. I actually jogged round the ground, so I could stand and sing with a bunch of guys I hardly knew, watching a team that I shouldn't really have cared much about. But Tuesday night I cared. A Leamington victory meant (almost!) as much to me as did the hardcore support. I had been sucked into non-league football and I was loving every second of it!
The rest of the second half saw more singing, banging fists on advertsing boards to make as much noise as possible, yet more singing, bitten fingernails, and then a bit more singing, ending with an epic 10 minute long "Jason Cadden's Barmy Army." (Cadden being Leamington manager.) On the pitch, Leamington were brilliantly proffesional. They battled, scrapped and were at times classy, in restricting Margate to a handful of half-chances, even creating a few of their own. Despite a very nervy last few minutes, it was just not to be Margate's day, and five minutes into injury time, the referee blew the final whistle, cueing yet more manical celebrations from the Leamington fans.
I have no doubt in my mind that the non-stop support shown by the travelling support was a major influence in helping the team to victory. The Leamington team and management rightfully stood and applauded the fans behind the goal before they left the pitch, and the compliment was returned by the fans.
I don't remember much about the journey home, as I was asleep for most of it, but I remember thinking that the fans sharing a bus with the players, manager, and even the chairman of the club, really seemed to contribute to the tight sense of community I had experienced during my short time following Leamington. Even as the manager walked on the the coach, he was rumored to be heard singing "Oo, sack Cadzy", a bit of an in-joke at the club. The fans sing the song, I believe, partly as a back-handed compliment to their manager, and partly as a swipe at the 'revolving door' style of football management that is occuring further up the league pyramid.
A huge thank you goes to Margate FC, who were more than welcoming. Thanks especially to Dan and to Alan, who I had a good chat with before and after the match respectively. I was very satisfied to see that the home fans were very gracious in defeat, and instead of telling us to p*ss off out of the clubhouse, instead wished Leamington the best of luck, and had a grown-up discussion about the game. It is a shame that this sort of thing seems to be reserved to the lower standards of the English game, while the upper reaches suffer from disorderly behaviour and offensive chanting.
Massive thanks once again go to the Leamington supporters, who not only allowed me to travel on their coach, when I was probably taking up the space of a more regular traveller, but provided me with drinks and entertainment, and generally accepted me as one of their own. It would have been quite easy to push me to one side and let me write a match report, but they even joined in when I started off one or two chants so I didn't feel like a lemon.
Thanks guys, I look forward to seeing you again in the next round.
By the way, I took a few photos at the match. Most of them didn't come out as my camera is rubbish, but the few decent ones can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/18823077@N05/sets/72157602989062357/
Final Score: Margate FC 0 Leamington FC 1
Attendance: 315
I have been attending football matches for about 15 years now, and I can honestly say that Tuesday's match ranks up there as one of the best experiences I have ever had at a football ground. It was an experience that I have to admit, I was not looking forward to. I am already behind with my work for the year, and I was missing yet more lectures to complete what I thought was going to be a thankless task.
I had been to gig in Birmingham the night before, and slept on a mate's floor in Coventry. I woke up late and didn't have time for a shower or breakfast. I rushed into uni for a lecture, grabbed a quick bite to eat, then made my way to Automotive Products in Leamington, where the club coach was set to leave from. It was fair to say that I wasn't feeling on top form.
At the coach park I met up with a few of the Leamington fans I had met previously and we went for a quick pint in the pub over the road. I was tired and smelt, but feeling slightly better due to company and beer.
After what seemed like an eternity of trying to finish Chemistry worksheets on the coach, we arrived in Margate. This is where the fun began. After a stroll along the beach in the evening gloom, (some members of the Brakes' fan base being slightly more naked than others) a visit to the sea-front chippy, and several more pints of ale, I was starting to feel like a proper Leamington fan. All the pub talk of singing constantly for 90 minutes, combined with a nice level of alcohol was getting me steadily worked up for the forthcoming match. Not only was I starting to want Leamington to win, but I was getting the same adrenalised feeling I used to get at Coventry City's local derbys and big cup ties. After a few dormant years, the true football fan in me was starting to emerge again.
After a few more beers in the very pleasant Margate clubhouse, I realised that I'd left my match report notebook and pen on the coach. This, coupled with the rapidly increasing alcohol content in my blood, and the fact I felt like I was a bona fide Leamington fan, and was starting to be accepted by the locals as one, were all the excuses I need to forget entirely about writing a match report. I didn't witness any footballing masterclass on Tuesday night, nor did I witness a thrilling goal-fest, but non-league football is not about that. Tuesday night was all about 20 or so Leamington fans singing until their voices hurt to get behind their team. And I am proud to say that I was one of those 20 or so fans. From the first whistle to the last, we sung every song in Leamington's vast repetoire of songs over and over, and even invented some new ones. (My favourite this week being: Russ Dunkley, Russ Dunkley, Russ Dunkley is a striker to be scared of. To the tune of Prince Charming by Adam and the Ants.)
The famous Margate drum was all but drowned out for the majority of the match, and that is no slur on the Margate supporters. As far as match action went, the first half produced a few chances, with Margate looking the better team as was expected by all at the ground. They showed attacking purpose worthy of their stance in the tier above the Brakes. However, with half time approaching, a corner from Leamington's Marcus Jackson was headed towards goal and cleared off the line. Gasps from the Leamington faithful were quenched, as Josh Blake steered home the rebound with his head. Cue what seemed like a good five minutes worth of cheering and embracing and manical jumping around.
Half-time was a cue for yet more drinking and socialising in the club-house, causing me to miss the start of the second half. Finishing my pint I jogged round to the far side of the ground, desperate to get back amongst the crowd. I didn't know what was coming over me. I actually jogged round the ground, so I could stand and sing with a bunch of guys I hardly knew, watching a team that I shouldn't really have cared much about. But Tuesday night I cared. A Leamington victory meant (almost!) as much to me as did the hardcore support. I had been sucked into non-league football and I was loving every second of it!
The rest of the second half saw more singing, banging fists on advertsing boards to make as much noise as possible, yet more singing, bitten fingernails, and then a bit more singing, ending with an epic 10 minute long "Jason Cadden's Barmy Army." (Cadden being Leamington manager.) On the pitch, Leamington were brilliantly proffesional. They battled, scrapped and were at times classy, in restricting Margate to a handful of half-chances, even creating a few of their own. Despite a very nervy last few minutes, it was just not to be Margate's day, and five minutes into injury time, the referee blew the final whistle, cueing yet more manical celebrations from the Leamington fans.
I have no doubt in my mind that the non-stop support shown by the travelling support was a major influence in helping the team to victory. The Leamington team and management rightfully stood and applauded the fans behind the goal before they left the pitch, and the compliment was returned by the fans.
I don't remember much about the journey home, as I was asleep for most of it, but I remember thinking that the fans sharing a bus with the players, manager, and even the chairman of the club, really seemed to contribute to the tight sense of community I had experienced during my short time following Leamington. Even as the manager walked on the the coach, he was rumored to be heard singing "Oo, sack Cadzy", a bit of an in-joke at the club. The fans sing the song, I believe, partly as a back-handed compliment to their manager, and partly as a swipe at the 'revolving door' style of football management that is occuring further up the league pyramid.
A huge thank you goes to Margate FC, who were more than welcoming. Thanks especially to Dan and to Alan, who I had a good chat with before and after the match respectively. I was very satisfied to see that the home fans were very gracious in defeat, and instead of telling us to p*ss off out of the clubhouse, instead wished Leamington the best of luck, and had a grown-up discussion about the game. It is a shame that this sort of thing seems to be reserved to the lower standards of the English game, while the upper reaches suffer from disorderly behaviour and offensive chanting.
Massive thanks once again go to the Leamington supporters, who not only allowed me to travel on their coach, when I was probably taking up the space of a more regular traveller, but provided me with drinks and entertainment, and generally accepted me as one of their own. It would have been quite easy to push me to one side and let me write a match report, but they even joined in when I started off one or two chants so I didn't feel like a lemon.
Thanks guys, I look forward to seeing you again in the next round.
By the way, I took a few photos at the match. Most of them didn't come out as my camera is rubbish, but the few decent ones can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/18823077@N05/sets/72157602989062357/
Final Score: Margate FC 0 Leamington FC 1
Attendance: 315
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Second Qualifying Round: Leamington Vs Margate
November 3rd 2007
Another home draw for Leamington meant yet another trip to the NWG. As much as I had enjoyed my previous visits, I was starting to want to go somewhere else. After all, we started this adventure with the intention of travelling the country. Even the home support voiced there concern that we were starting to get sick of the half time sausage and chips special. A nice trip to the seaside town of Margate would have been a lovely way to spend a Saturday. Never mind. I thought that it wouldn’t matter all that much. The law of averages stated an away tie next round, or a Margate victory on the day would lead to a long drive to somewhere or other in a fortnight’s time. Jake and I joked that it would be perfect as long as we didn’t have to travel to the coast on Tuesday night, as would be the case if the match finished a draw. Oh how very funny that turned out to be.
By all rights, Leamington should have sealed the victory long before the 90 minutes was up, but they were left to rue several missed opportunities, and were left contemplating that aforementioned long trip to Margate on Tuesday night.
The game started brightly, with Margate looking far more worthy opponents than both Marlow and Banbury put together. It was Leamington however, who took a third minute lead through Ben Mackey. A chipped ball forward saw Russell Dunkley find Josh Blake on the edge of the area. The ball was knocked back to Mackey who composed himself before firing past the helpless Scott Chalmers-Stevens in the Margate goal.
The rest of the first half was a very entertaining, well matched affair, which was threatened to be spoilt by a whistle happy referee. The man in black gave some strange decisions on both sides, but the Leamington crowd and team seemed to take it badly. Captain Arron Parkinson nearly talked himself into a red card after being given a soft booking, and there was generally a lot of huffing and sighing from the Brakes all over the pitch.
In between all of the freekicks, both sides had chances to score. Notably an excellent freekick from Margate’s Jimmy Jackson (I think!) was clawed away from the top corner by Richard Morris. At the other end Dunkley went close on two occasions. Once beating the ‘keeper to the ball in the air, but he had to watch as his header dribbled agonisingly wide. A better chance came his way from a well worked corner. The cross found him unmarked in the centre of goal, but again his header went wide.
The first 12 minutes of the second half have been erased from the history books. I was too busy eating to take notes unfortunately, and my feeble memory has failed to recall anything that occurred. The rest of the half however, should have belonged to Leamington. A generally solid (give or take a few moments of panic) defensive performance gave the forwards a great base to built their attacks. The on loan Jamie Towers was a handful down the Margate left hand side, and nearly set up Mackey for a second after an hour, but his turn and shot was pushed around the post for a corner. The game should have been sealed just before the 70 minute mark. A dubious penalty was awarded as Marcus Jackson was brought down, when it looked like the ball was running out of play. Mackey stepped up to the spot, only to see his weak shot saved well and cleared to safety.
Mackey’s poor second half continued when, after finding himself one-on-one following a defensive error, he hit his shot straight at Chalmers-Stevens, and Towers saw his follow up shot fly narrowly wide. At this point I was starting to sweat a little. Too often in football when a side misses chances like Leamington had done in the second half, they are punished by an equalising goal. Margate got a chance from a freekick on 80 minutes. I took a deep breath, but the shot went straight into the wall, and then fired well wide. Then disaster struck. A scramble in the Leamington area led to another very dubious penalty decision, which seemed to have the whole crowd confused. James Pinnock placed the ball on the spot. I took another deep breath, but Pinnock sent Morris the wrong way, and made it 1 – 1.
The final few minutes saw neither team able to create any real chances, and my worst fears of a replay became a definite reality. Leamington’s inability to seal the tie had cost them, their fans, and me dear. The long trip south on Tuesday night will be a thoroughly different proposition to facing the Isthmian League side in the Midlands.
Although I’m not looking forward to the journey, I am definitely looking forward to the match on Tuesday night. The prospect of Margate winning and spending a day at the seaside in couple of weeks is almost giving me a Margate bias for the match, but I’m sure the Brakes faithful will convince me otherwise on the day!
Final Score: Leamington 1 Margate 1
Attendance: 790
Another home draw for Leamington meant yet another trip to the NWG. As much as I had enjoyed my previous visits, I was starting to want to go somewhere else. After all, we started this adventure with the intention of travelling the country. Even the home support voiced there concern that we were starting to get sick of the half time sausage and chips special. A nice trip to the seaside town of Margate would have been a lovely way to spend a Saturday. Never mind. I thought that it wouldn’t matter all that much. The law of averages stated an away tie next round, or a Margate victory on the day would lead to a long drive to somewhere or other in a fortnight’s time. Jake and I joked that it would be perfect as long as we didn’t have to travel to the coast on Tuesday night, as would be the case if the match finished a draw. Oh how very funny that turned out to be.
By all rights, Leamington should have sealed the victory long before the 90 minutes was up, but they were left to rue several missed opportunities, and were left contemplating that aforementioned long trip to Margate on Tuesday night.
The game started brightly, with Margate looking far more worthy opponents than both Marlow and Banbury put together. It was Leamington however, who took a third minute lead through Ben Mackey. A chipped ball forward saw Russell Dunkley find Josh Blake on the edge of the area. The ball was knocked back to Mackey who composed himself before firing past the helpless Scott Chalmers-Stevens in the Margate goal.
The rest of the first half was a very entertaining, well matched affair, which was threatened to be spoilt by a whistle happy referee. The man in black gave some strange decisions on both sides, but the Leamington crowd and team seemed to take it badly. Captain Arron Parkinson nearly talked himself into a red card after being given a soft booking, and there was generally a lot of huffing and sighing from the Brakes all over the pitch.
In between all of the freekicks, both sides had chances to score. Notably an excellent freekick from Margate’s Jimmy Jackson (I think!) was clawed away from the top corner by Richard Morris. At the other end Dunkley went close on two occasions. Once beating the ‘keeper to the ball in the air, but he had to watch as his header dribbled agonisingly wide. A better chance came his way from a well worked corner. The cross found him unmarked in the centre of goal, but again his header went wide.
The first 12 minutes of the second half have been erased from the history books. I was too busy eating to take notes unfortunately, and my feeble memory has failed to recall anything that occurred. The rest of the half however, should have belonged to Leamington. A generally solid (give or take a few moments of panic) defensive performance gave the forwards a great base to built their attacks. The on loan Jamie Towers was a handful down the Margate left hand side, and nearly set up Mackey for a second after an hour, but his turn and shot was pushed around the post for a corner. The game should have been sealed just before the 70 minute mark. A dubious penalty was awarded as Marcus Jackson was brought down, when it looked like the ball was running out of play. Mackey stepped up to the spot, only to see his weak shot saved well and cleared to safety.
Mackey’s poor second half continued when, after finding himself one-on-one following a defensive error, he hit his shot straight at Chalmers-Stevens, and Towers saw his follow up shot fly narrowly wide. At this point I was starting to sweat a little. Too often in football when a side misses chances like Leamington had done in the second half, they are punished by an equalising goal. Margate got a chance from a freekick on 80 minutes. I took a deep breath, but the shot went straight into the wall, and then fired well wide. Then disaster struck. A scramble in the Leamington area led to another very dubious penalty decision, which seemed to have the whole crowd confused. James Pinnock placed the ball on the spot. I took another deep breath, but Pinnock sent Morris the wrong way, and made it 1 – 1.
The final few minutes saw neither team able to create any real chances, and my worst fears of a replay became a definite reality. Leamington’s inability to seal the tie had cost them, their fans, and me dear. The long trip south on Tuesday night will be a thoroughly different proposition to facing the Isthmian League side in the Midlands.
Although I’m not looking forward to the journey, I am definitely looking forward to the match on Tuesday night. The prospect of Margate winning and spending a day at the seaside in couple of weeks is almost giving me a Margate bias for the match, but I’m sure the Brakes faithful will convince me otherwise on the day!
Final Score: Leamington 1 Margate 1
Attendance: 790
Sunday, 28 October 2007
Next Round
So I'm a bit late posting this since I've known for nearly a week but our nex game will be Leamington v Margate on Saturday. Looking forward to more quality football.
Monday, 22 October 2007
First Qualifying Round: Leamington FC Vs Banbury United
October 20th 2007
After my very pleasant first trip to the New Windmill Ground (NWG) two weeks ago, I was very pleased when Leamington FC were drawn at home in the First Qualifying Round.
Despite Banbury being a tier above Leamington in the football pyramid, I was quietly confident that the home side could pull off a small upset. The Brakes went into the game sitting top of the Southern League Midland Division, with Banbury struggling in the league above.
The early stages of the game saw Banbury looking slightly the better team, but they failed to create any clear chances. This was largely due to some generally impressive and disciplined Leamington defending.
Half an hour in and still nothing had happened in the way of goalmouth action. Jake had managed to travel all the way from Nottingham to watch this match and I sensed that he was starting to think it was a bad idea.
Half way through the first half, Leamington began to dominate proceedings. They started to keep the ball much better than they had previously, and the visitors were looking very short of ideas when they came forward.
It still took until the 37th minute for the first shot on goal. Not that it was particularly memorable. A weak header from a freekick was taken comfortably by home ‘keeper Richard Morris.
Inspired by the home support, who were becoming increasingly vocal, just two minutes later, Leamington had the lead. A firm shot from striker James Blake was blocked on the edge of the area, and fell kindly for Ben Mackey, who slotted the ball coolly into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
The goal seemed to knock any remaining wind out of the Banbury sails, and there appeared to only be one winner from that moment on.
The final few minutes of the first half saw the home side pressing for a quick second. First Russel Dunkley saw a low shot well saved, and Mackey also fired over before the 45 minutes was up.
The second half picked up exactly where the first half left off. Only a last ditch tackle prevented Mackey extending the lead after a brilliant Dunkley through ball. Mackey had the beating of the defence from this point on, and lost his marker almost at will in and around the box. He got the second goal the team deserved on 50 minutes. A first time cross from Dunkley found Mackey in the penalty area, and he made no mistake as he struck the ball crisply into the corner of the net.
The result from here was never in doubt. Brakes had a few more chances which they failed to convert. Most notably, Blake fired just wide after brilliantly turning his marker in the box.
The final 20 minutes were almost played at walking pace, with Banbury offering nothing in the way of attacking football, with many of their attacks being snuffed out by the commanding Stuart Herlihy.
The home support was in party mood throughout the second half, and we were treated to a large repertoire of songs. My personal favourites included, “We hate cribbage, we are the cribbage haters.” And a very strange ditty about a disillusioned Labrador made of cardboard. If anyone could explain to me the meaning of the lyrics then please let me know!
2 – 0 was how it stayed, and Leamington deservedly progressed to the Second Qualifying Round. Again, thank you to the Leamington home support, who again proved themselves to be a very friendly bunch of people.
Final Score: Leamington 2 Banbury United 0
Attendance: 704
After my very pleasant first trip to the New Windmill Ground (NWG) two weeks ago, I was very pleased when Leamington FC were drawn at home in the First Qualifying Round.
Despite Banbury being a tier above Leamington in the football pyramid, I was quietly confident that the home side could pull off a small upset. The Brakes went into the game sitting top of the Southern League Midland Division, with Banbury struggling in the league above.
The early stages of the game saw Banbury looking slightly the better team, but they failed to create any clear chances. This was largely due to some generally impressive and disciplined Leamington defending.
Half an hour in and still nothing had happened in the way of goalmouth action. Jake had managed to travel all the way from Nottingham to watch this match and I sensed that he was starting to think it was a bad idea.
Half way through the first half, Leamington began to dominate proceedings. They started to keep the ball much better than they had previously, and the visitors were looking very short of ideas when they came forward.
It still took until the 37th minute for the first shot on goal. Not that it was particularly memorable. A weak header from a freekick was taken comfortably by home ‘keeper Richard Morris.
Inspired by the home support, who were becoming increasingly vocal, just two minutes later, Leamington had the lead. A firm shot from striker James Blake was blocked on the edge of the area, and fell kindly for Ben Mackey, who slotted the ball coolly into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
The goal seemed to knock any remaining wind out of the Banbury sails, and there appeared to only be one winner from that moment on.
The final few minutes of the first half saw the home side pressing for a quick second. First Russel Dunkley saw a low shot well saved, and Mackey also fired over before the 45 minutes was up.
The second half picked up exactly where the first half left off. Only a last ditch tackle prevented Mackey extending the lead after a brilliant Dunkley through ball. Mackey had the beating of the defence from this point on, and lost his marker almost at will in and around the box. He got the second goal the team deserved on 50 minutes. A first time cross from Dunkley found Mackey in the penalty area, and he made no mistake as he struck the ball crisply into the corner of the net.
The result from here was never in doubt. Brakes had a few more chances which they failed to convert. Most notably, Blake fired just wide after brilliantly turning his marker in the box.
The final 20 minutes were almost played at walking pace, with Banbury offering nothing in the way of attacking football, with many of their attacks being snuffed out by the commanding Stuart Herlihy.
The home support was in party mood throughout the second half, and we were treated to a large repertoire of songs. My personal favourites included, “We hate cribbage, we are the cribbage haters.” And a very strange ditty about a disillusioned Labrador made of cardboard. If anyone could explain to me the meaning of the lyrics then please let me know!
2 – 0 was how it stayed, and Leamington deservedly progressed to the Second Qualifying Round. Again, thank you to the Leamington home support, who again proved themselves to be a very friendly bunch of people.
Final Score: Leamington 2 Banbury United 0
Attendance: 704
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
This Coming Weekend
Yes that's right, the rumours are true, this weekend the other half of the trophy adventure team will be arriving in Leamington. Despite the prospect of missing both the Rugby final and the Nottingham beer festival I will be standing in the terraces (are there terraces?) of The New Windmill Ground!
Also I'm hoping the fabled half time food tastes as good as my accomplice suggests.
Also I'm hoping the fabled half time food tastes as good as my accomplice suggests.
Monday, 8 October 2007
Draw for First Qualifying Round
The draw for the First Qualifying Round sees Leamington drawn at home against Banbury. The game will be played on Saturday 20th October.
Sunday, 7 October 2007
Preliminary Round: Leamington FC Vs Marlow
October 6th 2007
Being a Warwick Uni student, and currently living in Leamington, it made sense to choose Leamington Vs Marlow as the place to start our little adventure. I expected it to be remarkably easy to attend. Unfortunately, Jake could not make it back from Nottingham where he is currently based, so poor old me had to go alone.
I seemed to get pretty lucky with the people I met over the course of the day. The regulars that I spoke to on the short coach journey to the ground, in the clubhouse and at the match were all very friendly people. I learned that Leamington FC has had a pretty turbulent recent history, which the fans seemed to be very proud of, and instilled a sense of community amongst them.
Leamington were a member of the Southern League Midland Division as recently as 1987, and were denied promotion to the Alliance Premier League despite winning the title, due to the standard of their ground. At this stage in their history, the club had strong ties with a manufacturing firm in the town. When the company sold the ground to property developers, as it hit financial trouble, AP Leamington, as they were then called, were forced to resign from the football pyramid.
A band of committed individuals managed to acquire the land which has since become the New Windmill Ground, and Leamington FC rejoined the pyramid in the 2000/01 season. Following several promotions in recent years, last season the club regained it's place in the Southern League Midland Division, and currently sit atop it, seven games into the new season.
I was very impressed with the set-up at the club, and the progress it has obviously made in such a short space of time. The clubhouse was excellent, with a big screen to watch England beat Australia in the Rugby World Cup, and very reasonable bar prices.
The pitchside burger van also treated me to probably the best football match grub I've ever had. Jumbo sausage, chips, and a very impressive curry sauce, all for £2. Even dropping half of my sausage on the floor could not stop my enjoyment of it.
As for the match itself, Leamington were far too good for Marlow throughout. Centre forward Russel Dunkley and midfielder Liam Reynolds both missed excellent chances early on, after some good passing football. Most of Leamington's best chances involved ex-Coventry City youngster Ben Mackey in some way. He displayed brilliant footwork at regular intervals, and Marlow seemed to have no answer to him. The visiting side were let in a couple of times during the first half due to some slack Leamington defending, and only a fantastic, Pele Vs Gordon Banks-esque save from 'keeper Richard Morris denied Marlow from taking an undeserved lead into the half-time break.
The home team started the first half much as they did the first, immediately creating a great chance following some good work on the wing, only this time the chance was put away confidently by left-sided midfielder James Husband. The goal knocked all the stuffing out of Marlow, who offered nothing of attacking note for the remainder of the match. Husband was instrumental in the second half, and a cross from the left on 53 minutes was headed onto the post by Richard Adams. 15 minutes later Leamington made the result safe. A misjudgement from Marlow's Jack Smilie allowed Husband in to round the 'keeper and make it 2 -0. A scoreline that the visitors could have no complaints about at that stage.
Leamington deserved more goals in truth, but a string of excellent saves towards the end of the match from Marlow 'keeper Ian MacTaggert kept the scoreline respectable.
Huge respect must go to the Leamington's 'North Bank' who sang constantly throughout the match, and no doubt helped the players along on their way to victory.
I am really looking forward joining Leamington again in the next round. It is a great little club, with a really sense of pride and community amongst it's fans. Special thanks go to Katie, Brendan and Roy for making an me feel very welcome at the New Windmill Ground. I hope to see you again in the next round!
Final Score: Leamington 2 Marlow 0
Attendance: 522
Being a Warwick Uni student, and currently living in Leamington, it made sense to choose Leamington Vs Marlow as the place to start our little adventure. I expected it to be remarkably easy to attend. Unfortunately, Jake could not make it back from Nottingham where he is currently based, so poor old me had to go alone.
I seemed to get pretty lucky with the people I met over the course of the day. The regulars that I spoke to on the short coach journey to the ground, in the clubhouse and at the match were all very friendly people. I learned that Leamington FC has had a pretty turbulent recent history, which the fans seemed to be very proud of, and instilled a sense of community amongst them.
Leamington were a member of the Southern League Midland Division as recently as 1987, and were denied promotion to the Alliance Premier League despite winning the title, due to the standard of their ground. At this stage in their history, the club had strong ties with a manufacturing firm in the town. When the company sold the ground to property developers, as it hit financial trouble, AP Leamington, as they were then called, were forced to resign from the football pyramid.
A band of committed individuals managed to acquire the land which has since become the New Windmill Ground, and Leamington FC rejoined the pyramid in the 2000/01 season. Following several promotions in recent years, last season the club regained it's place in the Southern League Midland Division, and currently sit atop it, seven games into the new season.
I was very impressed with the set-up at the club, and the progress it has obviously made in such a short space of time. The clubhouse was excellent, with a big screen to watch England beat Australia in the Rugby World Cup, and very reasonable bar prices.
The pitchside burger van also treated me to probably the best football match grub I've ever had. Jumbo sausage, chips, and a very impressive curry sauce, all for £2. Even dropping half of my sausage on the floor could not stop my enjoyment of it.
As for the match itself, Leamington were far too good for Marlow throughout. Centre forward Russel Dunkley and midfielder Liam Reynolds both missed excellent chances early on, after some good passing football. Most of Leamington's best chances involved ex-Coventry City youngster Ben Mackey in some way. He displayed brilliant footwork at regular intervals, and Marlow seemed to have no answer to him. The visiting side were let in a couple of times during the first half due to some slack Leamington defending, and only a fantastic, Pele Vs Gordon Banks-esque save from 'keeper Richard Morris denied Marlow from taking an undeserved lead into the half-time break.
The home team started the first half much as they did the first, immediately creating a great chance following some good work on the wing, only this time the chance was put away confidently by left-sided midfielder James Husband. The goal knocked all the stuffing out of Marlow, who offered nothing of attacking note for the remainder of the match. Husband was instrumental in the second half, and a cross from the left on 53 minutes was headed onto the post by Richard Adams. 15 minutes later Leamington made the result safe. A misjudgement from Marlow's Jack Smilie allowed Husband in to round the 'keeper and make it 2 -0. A scoreline that the visitors could have no complaints about at that stage.
Leamington deserved more goals in truth, but a string of excellent saves towards the end of the match from Marlow 'keeper Ian MacTaggert kept the scoreline respectable.
Huge respect must go to the Leamington's 'North Bank' who sang constantly throughout the match, and no doubt helped the players along on their way to victory.
I am really looking forward joining Leamington again in the next round. It is a great little club, with a really sense of pride and community amongst it's fans. Special thanks go to Katie, Brendan and Roy for making an me feel very welcome at the New Windmill Ground. I hope to see you again in the next round!
Final Score: Leamington 2 Marlow 0
Attendance: 522
Introduction
Hello world. You have stumbled across Gary and Jake's FA Trophy adventure, where Gary and Jake (that's us up the top there) will epically chronical our journey around the country, following the FA Trophy.
Starting in the preliminary round, we will watch one match. The victors of that match will be graced with our company in their next fixture, wherever and whenever that may be. This cycle of glory hunting will proceed all the way to the final at Wembley.
We aim to meet lots of friendly locals, savour many local pies/burgers, and generally have a good time watching non-league football. We will report back to this place to let you know how things are going.
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