On Saturday City travelled to Dover to play Dover Athletic in the last qualifying round of the FA Cup before the first round proper started. Having travelled all over this year, I decided that Dover was too much of a pain to get to and instead listened on the radio...having seen one win all season, typically City picked up their second win without me, with Andy Gallingah scoring from a header.
For a full match report I suggest visiting ilovebathcity.com going to the forum and reading the report written by Kelston Koppite.
However, the brilliant news from the win is City pocked £12.5k in win bonus, and were entered into the pot for the First round proper (given our almost certain relegation, from next season it will require two qualifying rounds to reach the heady heights of the first round) and texts were exchanged, bets were placed all hoping for a Sheffield Wednesday at home, or Plymouth Argyle, basically any big club too boost the gates and hopefully get the tv people down Twerton to share the gantry with Palmer.
So to the draw live on ITV, where they proceeded to show Sutton United scoring against Coventry City about a thousand times (Helpfully youtube has the game above for everyone to see the goal again!) and every stripe waited with anticipation for ball number 65 to come out of the hat, and it appears...right after Dagenham and Redbridge's ball. Crap. Dreams of a big money spinner instantly die and it appears we are going to Victoria Road (or as it is now ridiculously known London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Stadium) a team with an average attendance hovering around the 2000 mark, a bit of a slag to get to and a league above us.
However, that is only the first thought, the more optimistic (basically Hilly and Notters) point to Grimsby and suddenly thoughts are filled with cup runs and Blyth Spartans only two games from Wembley...well after the season we're having we can dream can't we?
Monday 31 October 2011
Sunday 23 October 2011
Diversionary tactics
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| Sam Smith's Park |
Having decided to visit an friend in Newcastle it came to Saturday, with him working and City playing too far away in Fleetwood I was at a loss of what to do, however, a quick google search for "non league fixtures north east" gave me the option of watching Newcastle Benfield FC in the FA Vase (for info see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FA_Vase or http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFAVase.aspx ) It then turned out that Newcastle Benfields Sam Smith's Park was at the end of my friends road! Result, so I retired to bed save in the knowledge that I now had plans for my Saturday.
Newcastle Benfield play in the second oldest football league in the world (after the Football League) the Northern League, they play in blue and white hoops and were formed relatively recently in 1988 (never before did I expect to see a team younger than me! AFC Wimbledon don't count as I consider them a continuation of the original, ditto Newport County etc) and are nicknamed the Lions.
Newcastle Benfield were at home to Hebburn Town FC who play a league below them in the Northern League Second Division. I left my mates house, strolled down to the end of his road, turned right, took the first left and arrived, definitely the easiest journey to a game I've ever done. The Sam Smith's ground is a classic very low non league ground, sod all in the way of stands etc., and a clubhouse tagged on the side, I entered for a very reasonable £6 (including programme) and strolled around the ground before getting a brew, settling into a seat and watched the teams warm up.
First impressions were that the players looked like the traditional non league player, lots of big strapping lads, but all carrying that extra weight that marks a man who knows his way around a pub or two! Given this was the North East they all had fantastic Geordie accents, and I soon found myself surrounded by old lads with their flat caps and pipes chatting away while occasionally shouting a hello to a player they knew.
An excited crowd of 55 or so arrived anticipating the exciting first round proper of the Vase, both teams lined up in orthodox 4-4-2's which was not surprising given the level of play. Hebburn had an absolute beast at centre back, standing easily 6'4" with thighs like tree trunks, my knee twinged, but for once I praised the injury and was glad I wasn't going to have to come up against him!
The game was one of long balls to forwards desperately trying to win flick ons to their wide players or onrushing midfielders. Very little football was played and it was the ultimate example of "What we cannot do by sleight we eke out by strength" (with thanks to Richard the Lionheart for the quote) with lots of muscular play but very little passing. On 38 minutes a corner was awarded to the Lions the ball was crossed over, the shockingly short Hebburn keeper couldn't reach the cross and the ball was headed in.
Half time came with the score 1-0. I went for refreshments and had the brilliant bargin meal of a brew and a chip butty for 80 pence! Eighty, 8 0, unbelievable! A gorgeous butty it was to, lovely firm bap and crisp chips, couldn't believe my luck and definitely an unexpected bonus, the food only being surpassed by the fine food on offer at Kidderminster.
Hebburn managed to work themselves back into the game after the kick off to the second half, and within 15 mniutes had drawn themselves level with another headed goal.
It looked like the game was destined for a draw and a replay, however, with minutes remaining, Benfield broke down the right, managed to win a free kick, from the resulting freekick the ball was headed in. 2-1 to Newcastle Benfield and that was the way the game ended.
As I walked away I once again considered how wonderful the non league is in this country, and how more people should try to catch a game as often as they can.
P.s. City lost 4-1 away at Fleetwood, I wasn't there, know no-one who was, and am trying to ignore it.
Wednesday 19 October 2011
Stockport
Its definitely getting harder to make this blog positive and generally to watch City! So the 18th October brought the visit of Stockport County to Twerton Park. As I overheard someone say as little as 5 years ago there were 8 leagues between us, how the mighty have fallen!
The 18th also happens to be my birthday, so I met a few City fans who for one reason or another don't work on Tuesdays and began a pub crawl from the centre of town to Twerton. To be honest it was a lovely day of ales and laughs up until 7:45.
To paraphrase a well known saying I can handle the despair, it's the hope which is killing me. Having accepted a few weeks back that City were destined for relegation they finally started playing like a team and started getting results against Darlington, Braintree and while losing against Cambridge at least looked like we'd pick some points up. So the hope starts to build that the great escape maybe on, but no definitely not! Stockport were terrible, but unfortunately so are we.
I can't really remember the goals as my brain is trying to wipe the disappointment from my memory (I imagine it'll surface like some hidden nightmare in future years!) I don't even know where to start with how bad City were, and am not even sure anymore what the problems are as they seem to be everywhere. That said Paul Stonehouse is looking about as useful as a trapdoor in a canoe.
Nevertheless, I will be returning to Twerton for the next game (although not going to Fleetwood) as, well it's what you do isn't it!? UTC!
The 18th also happens to be my birthday, so I met a few City fans who for one reason or another don't work on Tuesdays and began a pub crawl from the centre of town to Twerton. To be honest it was a lovely day of ales and laughs up until 7:45.
To paraphrase a well known saying I can handle the despair, it's the hope which is killing me. Having accepted a few weeks back that City were destined for relegation they finally started playing like a team and started getting results against Darlington, Braintree and while losing against Cambridge at least looked like we'd pick some points up. So the hope starts to build that the great escape maybe on, but no definitely not! Stockport were terrible, but unfortunately so are we.
I can't really remember the goals as my brain is trying to wipe the disappointment from my memory (I imagine it'll surface like some hidden nightmare in future years!) I don't even know where to start with how bad City were, and am not even sure anymore what the problems are as they seem to be everywhere. That said Paul Stonehouse is looking about as useful as a trapdoor in a canoe.
Nevertheless, I will be returning to Twerton for the next game (although not going to Fleetwood) as, well it's what you do isn't it!? UTC!
Monday 17 October 2011
It's a long way to fucking Braintree, its a long way to go....
You maybe wondering on the reason of the title, well for City's visit to Braintree Town in Essex, I decided to stay with a friend in Putney, London on the assumption that it shouldn't take long to get to Essex from London. Normally this would be correct, but cometh the weekend cometh rail engineering works...ahhh fuck this might take some time!
So having changed at Newbury Park tube, it was rail replacement bus to Ingatestone (see above!) then train to Braintree and we arrive at 12:15 a whole four hours after leaving London! At which point we see a bagpipe band playing " It's a Long Way to Tipperary" which was quickly adapted to the blogs title!
Braintree was actually a tad nicer than expected, and landlady of The Boars Head was very friendly and some very well kept Adnams Southwold Bitter were sunk before we noticed there was a Braintree Ale, so we obviously stayed for another to sample that in the unseasonably strong and lovely October sunshine.
Feeling refreshed after the beer we set off in search of the Cressing Road (although it sadly seems to have been sponsored to Amlin Stadium) and search is defintiely the right word, now allthrough the non-league there are occasions where a small, out of the way, unsupported clubs ground is hard to find, but nothing compares to Braintree via asked for directions, some maps and a smart phone we found ourselves walking down a residential street with no sign of life or football, however, continue and turn into a cul-de-sac and at the bottom is the ground, very odd!
Cressing Road is a proper non league ground, small terraces, very small bit of seating and where you are inches away from the pitch when standing at the front. There was a very small contingent of City fans for two main reasons, one as it may have been pointed out elsewhere it's a long way to Braintree, and two City have played there previously so most couldn't be bothered making the trip. However, we chatted to a few and made our way around to the Clubhouse End and ascended the small terrace to watch the end the stripes were attacking.
And unbelieveably for the third game in a row City took the lead! Two minutes in a freekick was awarded and the trademarked Gethin Jones ghosting to the back post routine was used, and again no one picked him up and his header looped over the keeper and into the back of the net. City pressed forward again searching for another goal, when on 19 Braintree struck back through Ben Wright with a curling effort...at which point the wheels fell off. City suddenly couldn't pass to another stripe, had no width, penetration or imagination, and it got worse...
Charlie Clough went up to win a defensive header and I can only assumed landed akwardly as suddenly the big man was hobbling, stupidly/sportingly (delete as you see fit) the man mountain hobbled to the sidelines before throwing himself to the floor off the pitch. While City were down to 10 Braintree won a corner, which was of course not cleared meaning 2-1 Braintree. Jimmer came on for the injured Clough and Lee Phillips was once again this season bleeding from a head wound and he looked furious when leaving the pitch at half time.
We wandered to the far side and hung the Bradford on Avon City Loyal flag and chatted to Chairwoman Manda while waiting the teams return. Lee came back on with his head wrapped in what looked like a turban, the man is a trooper I've never seen so many injuries to one head! Marley Watkins had come on to replace Sekani Simpson and we reverted to a more orthodox 442. However, before Marley had a chance to make an impact Braintree increased their lead with a crossed freekick and headed finish. 3-1 game over, it seems.
However, with Marley on the pitch City had pace and trickery and a bit of width that had been sorely missing, and were creating chances. Chances and corners were clocking up and Andy Gallinagh almost scored twice, one which seemed destined for the net on 70 mins but a brilliant save by McDonald who somehow managed to push it around the post.
But from the resulting corner Watkins leapt highest in the middle of the goal, and his powerful downwards header went through the keepers legs, we have a bit of hope! City kept at it, and had a shot brilliantly blocked from Watkins as Braintree started throwing their bodies on the line. With 4 minutes of injury time there was one last throaty urge from the City fans who were again thinking it will not be our day.
However, with literally seconds of the added time remaining the ball broke halfway in their half to Gethin Jones who pinged a ball over to the left, Paul Stonehouse leapt high in the air and somehow pulled the ball out of the air with his left foot before driving towards the goalline, he was held up by Peters who was trying to sheppard out of play a ball that was never going out, out of nowhere Marc Canham appeared on the scene and after a scramble he crossed the ball in from just inside the pitch to an unmarked Lee Phillips who headed home! The City fans errupted, Shane ran the width of the pitch, I jumped for joy Sean Canham highfived every away fans as a delirious pile on of Lee continued! How City snatched a draw from defeat God only knows, but if the fighting spirit of last year has returned then we might have a chance!
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| Ingatestone, lovely in the autumn! |
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| Bagpipes! |
Braintree was actually a tad nicer than expected, and landlady of The Boars Head was very friendly and some very well kept Adnams Southwold Bitter were sunk before we noticed there was a Braintree Ale, so we obviously stayed for another to sample that in the unseasonably strong and lovely October sunshine.
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| Hardest ground to find in England, fact! |
However, with Marley on the pitch City had pace and trickery and a bit of width that had been sorely missing, and were creating chances. Chances and corners were clocking up and Andy Gallinagh almost scored twice, one which seemed destined for the net on 70 mins but a brilliant save by McDonald who somehow managed to push it around the post.
But from the resulting corner Watkins leapt highest in the middle of the goal, and his powerful downwards header went through the keepers legs, we have a bit of hope! City kept at it, and had a shot brilliantly blocked from Watkins as Braintree started throwing their bodies on the line. With 4 minutes of injury time there was one last throaty urge from the City fans who were again thinking it will not be our day.
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However, with literally seconds of the added time remaining the ball broke halfway in their half to Gethin Jones who pinged a ball over to the left, Paul Stonehouse leapt high in the air and somehow pulled the ball out of the air with his left foot before driving towards the goalline, he was held up by Peters who was trying to sheppard out of play a ball that was never going out, out of nowhere Marc Canham appeared on the scene and after a scramble he crossed the ball in from just inside the pitch to an unmarked Lee Phillips who headed home! The City fans errupted, Shane ran the width of the pitch, I jumped for joy Sean Canham highfived every away fans as a delirious pile on of Lee continued! How City snatched a draw from defeat God only knows, but if the fighting spirit of last year has returned then we might have a chance!
Wednesday 12 October 2011
Goals are clearly like buses this season....
Having seen City score 5 goals in 13 games, the stripes faithful have seen City bang in 5 goals in four days!
So it came to pass that four days after vanquishing Darlington, that Cambridge United came to Twerton Park. Cambridge were one of the teams City did the double over last season, with Kaid Mohammed scoring a dramatic and superb last minute winning, before turning them over 4-0 at Twerton and earning their manager the sack in the process.
City lined up with the same 442 which started the game against Darlington, and City definitely seemed full of confidence after the Darlington game and swarmed all over the Cambridge players from the start, however, Cambridge looked the team with more technique and always looked dangerous on the break.
The crowd was poor with few if any of the students that came to the Darlington game in attendance. However, the City masses were bouyed when in the 12th minute a expertly flighted free kick from Marc Canham found Charlie Clough at the back post who neatly turned the ball home.
Twerton erupted again and suddenly this season of overwhelming doom seemed lightened. But true to form Gethin Jones dropped a bollock, completely misjudging a through ball which he jumped under before the advancing Cambridge forward Michael Gash collected the ball well before slotting a cool finish past Glyn Garner.
However, this is not the poor, confidence free City team of recent weeks and the stripes resumed attacking Cambridge with the Sean Canham and Lee Phillips partnership showing continuing signs of flourishing. On 25 minutes Marc Canham (who was having a superb game) crossed from the right and the Cambridge full back inexplicably leapt with his hands above his head, penalty City.
Cue scenes of jubliation on the terraces....apart from those amongst us who have memories....City had up to that moment two penalties this season, both of which were missed by separate takers. So the third time this season City had a different penalty taker...Marc Canham, who against all expectations hammered the ball home. 2-1 City.
Unfortunately we couldn't hold onto the lead until half time and Cambridge equalised after a brilliant turn by their forward. 2-2 and a bit of optimism for once.
The atmosphere in Twerton in the second half was much better as is usually the case when attacking the Bristol End (for anyone not familiar with Twerton Park the Popular Side banks steeply at the Bristol End making the gap from terrace to roof much less and increasing the decibels a hell of a lot) and the roof would have come off if Clough had scored from a pinpoint cross from Canham, Clough should have scored as it was a much better chance than the one he did!
Not long after though Cambridge scored from a corner, as Citys lack of set piece defending cost them dear yet again. However, unbelieveably Citys scoring was not done as minutes later the mighty stripes were awarded another penalty for handball which Canham converted again.
Unfortunately, and as is often the case in football a player who has been superb makes one mistake and it ruins their previous good work and Marc Canham was that man, with a scuffed clearance in the 84th minute that fell to Tom Shaw who executed the most exquiste finish.
So the game finished 3-4 to Cambridge, but given the dross of the Barrow, Kettering, Southport games this was the first time this season I left Twerton after a loss feeling reasonably satisfied, if the stripes can take this attacking verve into the away game at Braintree then we have hope! UTC!
So it came to pass that four days after vanquishing Darlington, that Cambridge United came to Twerton Park. Cambridge were one of the teams City did the double over last season, with Kaid Mohammed scoring a dramatic and superb last minute winning, before turning them over 4-0 at Twerton and earning their manager the sack in the process.
City lined up with the same 442 which started the game against Darlington, and City definitely seemed full of confidence after the Darlington game and swarmed all over the Cambridge players from the start, however, Cambridge looked the team with more technique and always looked dangerous on the break.
The crowd was poor with few if any of the students that came to the Darlington game in attendance. However, the City masses were bouyed when in the 12th minute a expertly flighted free kick from Marc Canham found Charlie Clough at the back post who neatly turned the ball home.
Twerton erupted again and suddenly this season of overwhelming doom seemed lightened. But true to form Gethin Jones dropped a bollock, completely misjudging a through ball which he jumped under before the advancing Cambridge forward Michael Gash collected the ball well before slotting a cool finish past Glyn Garner.
However, this is not the poor, confidence free City team of recent weeks and the stripes resumed attacking Cambridge with the Sean Canham and Lee Phillips partnership showing continuing signs of flourishing. On 25 minutes Marc Canham (who was having a superb game) crossed from the right and the Cambridge full back inexplicably leapt with his hands above his head, penalty City.
Cue scenes of jubliation on the terraces....apart from those amongst us who have memories....City had up to that moment two penalties this season, both of which were missed by separate takers. So the third time this season City had a different penalty taker...Marc Canham, who against all expectations hammered the ball home. 2-1 City.
Unfortunately we couldn't hold onto the lead until half time and Cambridge equalised after a brilliant turn by their forward. 2-2 and a bit of optimism for once.
The atmosphere in Twerton in the second half was much better as is usually the case when attacking the Bristol End (for anyone not familiar with Twerton Park the Popular Side banks steeply at the Bristol End making the gap from terrace to roof much less and increasing the decibels a hell of a lot) and the roof would have come off if Clough had scored from a pinpoint cross from Canham, Clough should have scored as it was a much better chance than the one he did!
Not long after though Cambridge scored from a corner, as Citys lack of set piece defending cost them dear yet again. However, unbelieveably Citys scoring was not done as minutes later the mighty stripes were awarded another penalty for handball which Canham converted again.
Unfortunately, and as is often the case in football a player who has been superb makes one mistake and it ruins their previous good work and Marc Canham was that man, with a scuffed clearance in the 84th minute that fell to Tom Shaw who executed the most exquiste finish.
So the game finished 3-4 to Cambridge, but given the dross of the Barrow, Kettering, Southport games this was the first time this season I left Twerton after a loss feeling reasonably satisfied, if the stripes can take this attacking verve into the away game at Braintree then we have hope! UTC!
Saturday 8 October 2011
Happy days are here again!!!
Hallelujah! After 13 games, and a pitiful amount of goals scored, City finally got their first win of the season! Darlington at Twerton Park on 08/10/2011 led to a superb stunning (completely unexpected) 2-0 victory for the mighty stripes!
City lined up in a 442 formation with Sean Canham, on loan from Hereford playing his first game at Twerton for the proper owners, rather than the tennants Team Bath who he played for in the conference south days.
City were utterly dominant over a very very poor Darlington side, we created chances, and much more importantly denied them any chance of getting into the game. Darlo were terrible, but the stripes were superb.
At half time we went in 0-0, which is a blessing given we normally conceed after a couple of minutes, however, after the half time break however Citys renewed vigour and attacking prowess was rewarded after a corner was defended and broke back to Marc Canham, who crossed the ball into the box the ball broke around the box and after a Gethin Jones air kick the ball dropped to Sean Canham who slammed the ball home.
Not since Kaid's goal in thge play off final has a goal been celebrated with such passion as this goal! Then unbelieveably 3 minutes later Lee Phillips was chasing the ball down as he had all day, and managed to muscle a Darlo player off the ball and cut inside the defender and slammed the ball home 2-0!
City played well till the end and the legion was in good voice, and happily let known their continued love for Adie Britton. 2-0 City and everyone has gone home happy!
City lined up in a 442 formation with Sean Canham, on loan from Hereford playing his first game at Twerton for the proper owners, rather than the tennants Team Bath who he played for in the conference south days.
City were utterly dominant over a very very poor Darlington side, we created chances, and much more importantly denied them any chance of getting into the game. Darlo were terrible, but the stripes were superb.
At half time we went in 0-0, which is a blessing given we normally conceed after a couple of minutes, however, after the half time break however Citys renewed vigour and attacking prowess was rewarded after a corner was defended and broke back to Marc Canham, who crossed the ball into the box the ball broke around the box and after a Gethin Jones air kick the ball dropped to Sean Canham who slammed the ball home.
Not since Kaid's goal in thge play off final has a goal been celebrated with such passion as this goal! Then unbelieveably 3 minutes later Lee Phillips was chasing the ball down as he had all day, and managed to muscle a Darlo player off the ball and cut inside the defender and slammed the ball home 2-0!
City played well till the end and the legion was in good voice, and happily let known their continued love for Adie Britton. 2-0 City and everyone has gone home happy!
Friday 7 October 2011
A quick update.....
Nothing more I can say than just have a look at the table below....
No more needs to be said....
| 1 |  | Wrexham | 14 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 26 | 14 | 12 | 29 |
| 2 |  | Fleetwood Town | 13 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 25 | 17 | 8 | 27 |
| 3 | | Gateshead | 14 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 25 | 19 | 6 | 27 |
| 4 | | Braintree Town | 13 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 24 | 12 | 12 | 25 |
| 5 | | Kidderminster Harriers | 13 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 23 | 17 | 6 | 24 |
| 6 | | Luton Town | 13 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 24 | 13 | 11 | 23 |
| 7 | | York City | 13 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 24 | 13 | 11 | 23 |
| 8 | | Mansfield Town | 13 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 22 | 14 | 8 | 23 |
| 9 | | Cambridge United | 14 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 23 |
| 10 | | Southport | 13 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 22 | -4 | 21 |
| 11 | | Tamworth | 13 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 19 |
| 12 | | Barrow | 13 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 21 | 22 | -1 | 17 |
| 13 | | AFC Telford United | 13 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 16 | 17 | -1 | 17 |
| 14 | | Grimsby Town | 13 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 16 | 20 | -4 | 17 |
| 15 | | Forest Green Rovers | 13 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 19 | 14 | 5 | 16 |
| 16 | | Darlington | 13 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 12 | 16 | -4 | 16 |
| 17 | | Stockport County | 14 | 2 | 9 | 3 | 16 | 17 | -1 | 15 |
| 18 | | Hayes & Yeading | 13 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 24 | -6 | 13 |
| 19 | | Lincoln City | 13 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 16 | -5 | 12 |
| 20 | | Ebbsfleet United | 13 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 16 | 20 | -4 | 11 |
| 21 | | Kettering Town | 13 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 14 | 25 | -11 | 11 |
| 22 | | Alfreton Town | 13 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 29 | -17 | 9 |
| 23 | | Newport County | 13 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 13 | 22 | -9 | 8 |
| 24 | | Bath City | 13 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 5 | 22 | -17 | 3 |
No more needs to be said....
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