So for the third time in 8 days we reconvened at Twerton Park this time for the visit of Kidderminster Harriers, which in the last two seasons has been one of my favourite away days, and provided a brilliant win early last season due to Kaid's goals and threat that have been sadly missing this year.
However, the day will not be remembered for the football, but for two things, the beer festival at The White Horse, which was simply amazing, and for Brian Yorks elegant and brave fashion accessory of the double hat! Now every City fan knows the brothers York, two of the most committed fans you will ever meet, who arrive at every game but are completely different characters, Michael the most pessimistic supporter ever who constantly predicts 3-0 defeats (to be fair to him he's mostly been right this year!) and Brian who is always cheery and positive and does love a "Hoggy, Hoggy, Hoggy, Oi oi oi" chant!
But Brian outdid himself, I arrived on the Popular Side chatted to the supporters FC about how their game went, and that my knee is healing so I'll be back (to steal from Schwarzenegger!) before Brian walked past with a Bath City cap, over which was a Bath City wool hat! Amazing, such daring fashion choices are unheard of, and I cannot wait until the double hat is worn by fashionistas everywhere, with Roberto Mancini pairing a double hat with the scarf and name dropping Brian as a close personal friend....
Anyway, I guess I should really talk about the game. Within minutes of the game starting Hogg dived into a challenge was booked, apparently he won the ball but from where I was it looked a tad reckless, which covers 90% of all Hoggy's tackles! Tommy Doherty the recently signed Northern Irish international (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Doherty) was committed in the challenge and was making a very impressive debut.
City actually created the first chance, but Sean Canham couldn't convert, however, on 18 minutes there was a Kiddy break where Matthews pulled off a good save, unfortunately the ball broke to Jack Bryne who finished from close range.
Scott Murray had a few shots on goal, but sometimes he does need to think about passing rather than just hammering it towards goal every time. While Bobby Charlton is right when he says "Fans will forgive a shot going into the stands as the chance was taken, but they won't accept people not shooting" there is a limit to that!
The half time came with the score still 0-1, and somewhat bizarrely Doherty who'd been playing well was replaced by Marley Watkins. Within 10 minutes of the restart City were 2 behind, Bryne again was the scorer, but the second goal was a beauty, he collected the ball around the edge of the area and hammered the ball towards the goal, in flashed past Matthews, hit the far post and nestled into the net.
Given the usual problems we have had with officials this season, I have to say in this game we were incredibly lucky to avoid being down to 8 in this game! Hoggy continued to fly into tackles, and at one point floored Bryne, he was adamant that he played the ball and made the point to referee Wigglesworth who reprieved Lewis. That was his last act as Adie wisely subbed him, bringing on the livewire Chris Shepherd.
Then Stonehouse tripped a player when he was possibly the last man but escaped a red. However, the worse was Marley Watkins. Lee Vaughan the rightback was an niggly, annoying little swine, and clearly this got to Marley! Vaughan hauled Marley to the ground near the Bristol End/Popular Side corner flag, and a wrestling match commenced. Watkins, had his hand in Vaughan's face, and at one point appeared to go head to head while on the ground. While it couldn't have been claimed to be a headbutt I expected the red to be flourished. However, I think the ref had no idea so booked both and left it at that!
City did actually reduce the arrears on 88 minutes when Sean Canham scored after the ball had pinballed around the 6 yard box, it effectively slapped him in the face and rolled over the line. City had a few more chances but it was not to be.
The loss wasn't unexpected and the game was reasonably entertaining (unlike H&Y on Tuesday) so a reasonable day. The whining and bitching of some fans is getting incredibly annoying now though, and some disgraceful behaviour was announced which has cast the club in a bad light. However, most will accept this disaster of a season and will still be there next year, and the majority of fans I know are decent, enthusiastic supporters. UTC.
Sunday 26 February 2012
Tuesday 21 February 2012
Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, we're going to Salisbury que sera sera
This is being written less than an hour after the game without my usual reflecting period, but this game really doesn't need reflection.
The quick points, Jason Matthews replaced Glyn Garner, and Murray returned. We were at home to Hayes and Yeading United and we were awful. Truly, truly dire, and disappointingly we completely lacked fight, that was one of the worse games I have ever watched, ever been involved with and has made me so depressed it is shocking how much football can affect my mood.
The only goal of the game was scored on 38 minutes by (according to the BBC website as I couldn't even be arsed to listen, so take this with a pinch of salt as they are notoriously rubbish) Thalassitis.
The goal was one of those only City could conceed, Arnold the H&Y keeper lumped the ball forward, before Gethin Jones and Jason Matthews had a combined cock up that cannot be believed. Gethin let the ball bounce (that's right our captain and centre back allowed it to bounce) then somehow managed to confuse himself and Jason Matthews who neither stayed on his line or cleared and Thalassitis chipped it over Matthews. I swear I have seen that finish too many times against us this season.
Once again the point came out that Glyn Garner and Jason Matthews are much more expensive that Ryan Robinson, and at best play at about the same level. Garner is marginally the better shot stopper than Robbo but has the same crosses weakness, Matthews despite being a non-league legend is pretty useless.
I actually cannot really remember any City chances of note, there was murmurings of discontent but basically a very deflated Twerton Park with a crowd of 512, to be honest at this rate the crowd by the last game of the season will be lucky to reach triple figures. A few half pisstaking songs were sung (including the title of this piece) and we filed home. The less said about Lee "Archie" Howells tweet the better.
The quick points, Jason Matthews replaced Glyn Garner, and Murray returned. We were at home to Hayes and Yeading United and we were awful. Truly, truly dire, and disappointingly we completely lacked fight, that was one of the worse games I have ever watched, ever been involved with and has made me so depressed it is shocking how much football can affect my mood.
The only goal of the game was scored on 38 minutes by (according to the BBC website as I couldn't even be arsed to listen, so take this with a pinch of salt as they are notoriously rubbish) Thalassitis.
The goal was one of those only City could conceed, Arnold the H&Y keeper lumped the ball forward, before Gethin Jones and Jason Matthews had a combined cock up that cannot be believed. Gethin let the ball bounce (that's right our captain and centre back allowed it to bounce) then somehow managed to confuse himself and Jason Matthews who neither stayed on his line or cleared and Thalassitis chipped it over Matthews. I swear I have seen that finish too many times against us this season.
Once again the point came out that Glyn Garner and Jason Matthews are much more expensive that Ryan Robinson, and at best play at about the same level. Garner is marginally the better shot stopper than Robbo but has the same crosses weakness, Matthews despite being a non-league legend is pretty useless.
I actually cannot really remember any City chances of note, there was murmurings of discontent but basically a very deflated Twerton Park with a crowd of 512, to be honest at this rate the crowd by the last game of the season will be lucky to reach triple figures. A few half pisstaking songs were sung (including the title of this piece) and we filed home. The less said about Lee "Archie" Howells tweet the better.
Monday 20 February 2012
Ebbsfleet United
On Saturday City had the pleasure of welcoming Ebbsfleet United to Twerton Park, now Ebbsfleet are one of those clubs you remember hearing something bizarre about, but then drop out of your consciousness. Ebbsfleet are one of those teams as they are currently owned by Myfootballclub.com, this was an idea I remember hearing where members of a website were all to "invest" £35 each and purchase a football club, with grand ideas of Leeds being bought, but in the end it was Ebbsfleet (Or Gravesend & Northfleet as they were known until 2007) purchased.
Originally there were over 27,000 members, but as I imagine we all could have guessed, membership has plummeted to less than 3,500 meaning that as of December 2011 the club needed in the region of £50,000 in order to survive the season (mental note, with Darlo, Kettering and Ebbsfleet all possibly going we need to finish one off the bottom to survive!!!) So Ebbsfleet while being a bit of a nowhere town, at least have a unique football club.
Due to the return from suspension of both Gethin Jones and Sean Canham, City started with a definite 442 in an attempt to finally revive the ailing season. However, with Murray injured once again a certain creative spark was missing, while Paul Stonehouse currently enjoying his best spell of form in a City shirt was harshly relegated to the bench to be replaced by Hoggy.
However, all tactical analysis was rendered mute very early on, as the bad luck (or shitness depending on your viewpoint) that has blighted the season struck again. A nothing shot was struck towards the City goal, and Garner dived to collect the ball. However, the next second Garners face was aghast as somehow the ball had squirmed under him, rolled to a Ebbsfleet forward to squared to Nathaniel Penney to score. One down after 8 minutes due to a unbelievable goalkeeping error.
The inclement weather around Twerton meant that the pitch wore more in the first half than it had in the whole season so far, with players slipping and the turf cutting up badly. Phillips and Hoggy both fired wide when both should have done better, while once again a goal was disallowed, although whether Canham (S) was offside or not I do not know, so for once no moans at Wayne Barratt (yes that one!)
The halftime whistle sounded with the score still 0-1, and City came out early for the second half and around the hour mark City were back on level terms, a Hogg corner was cleared back to the shaven headed wingman, who whipped in a teasing cross which was emphatically powered home by Gethin Jones who celebrated wildly.
Then came the moment which should mean I am typing about a City win, Sean Canham was felled, however, I didn't see the incident as I was chatting to Notters, however, being able to read Lee Phillips reaction it was for (and I quote) "fucking elbow ref, he used a fucking elbow" for reasons that are beyond me Ebbsfleet keeper Edwards raced out of his box to the half way line to remonstrate, Gethin laughed at him, so the keeper punched him....in the bollocks! Yes you read that right, the keeper punched him in the balls! Unbelievable! Never have I seen anything like that before! While not a full on punch, it was worthy of the instant red shown to the keeper, and City now surely must beat the 10 men.
However, despite City have numerous chances the attacking intent left them open at the back, Sekani Simpson whipped in a delicious cross (TM Paul Hill 2011) which I still cannot fathom how it wasn't tucked away, but Ebbsfleet broke into the space vacated by Simmo, and Shakes ran from inside his own half before flicking a wonderful finish over Garner. Ebbsfleet managed to score another from a poor backpass, 1-3 at which point 7 (seven) minutes injury time was shown! No-one in the ground wanted that! Sean Canham lashed home a brilliant finish after Shepherd played him in on the 97th minute, but that was it and City had slumped to defeat again. The day concluded with a drown your sorrows evening at The Old Crown, The White Horse and The Victoria, which at least removed much of the memory of the game! Ridiculously we are back at Twerton on Tuesday, and then Saturday, never have 2 games of football been less anticipated.
Originally there were over 27,000 members, but as I imagine we all could have guessed, membership has plummeted to less than 3,500 meaning that as of December 2011 the club needed in the region of £50,000 in order to survive the season (mental note, with Darlo, Kettering and Ebbsfleet all possibly going we need to finish one off the bottom to survive!!!) So Ebbsfleet while being a bit of a nowhere town, at least have a unique football club.
Due to the return from suspension of both Gethin Jones and Sean Canham, City started with a definite 442 in an attempt to finally revive the ailing season. However, with Murray injured once again a certain creative spark was missing, while Paul Stonehouse currently enjoying his best spell of form in a City shirt was harshly relegated to the bench to be replaced by Hoggy.
However, all tactical analysis was rendered mute very early on, as the bad luck (or shitness depending on your viewpoint) that has blighted the season struck again. A nothing shot was struck towards the City goal, and Garner dived to collect the ball. However, the next second Garners face was aghast as somehow the ball had squirmed under him, rolled to a Ebbsfleet forward to squared to Nathaniel Penney to score. One down after 8 minutes due to a unbelievable goalkeeping error.
The inclement weather around Twerton meant that the pitch wore more in the first half than it had in the whole season so far, with players slipping and the turf cutting up badly. Phillips and Hoggy both fired wide when both should have done better, while once again a goal was disallowed, although whether Canham (S) was offside or not I do not know, so for once no moans at Wayne Barratt (yes that one!)
The halftime whistle sounded with the score still 0-1, and City came out early for the second half and around the hour mark City were back on level terms, a Hogg corner was cleared back to the shaven headed wingman, who whipped in a teasing cross which was emphatically powered home by Gethin Jones who celebrated wildly.
Then came the moment which should mean I am typing about a City win, Sean Canham was felled, however, I didn't see the incident as I was chatting to Notters, however, being able to read Lee Phillips reaction it was for (and I quote) "fucking elbow ref, he used a fucking elbow" for reasons that are beyond me Ebbsfleet keeper Edwards raced out of his box to the half way line to remonstrate, Gethin laughed at him, so the keeper punched him....in the bollocks! Yes you read that right, the keeper punched him in the balls! Unbelievable! Never have I seen anything like that before! While not a full on punch, it was worthy of the instant red shown to the keeper, and City now surely must beat the 10 men.
However, despite City have numerous chances the attacking intent left them open at the back, Sekani Simpson whipped in a delicious cross (TM Paul Hill 2011) which I still cannot fathom how it wasn't tucked away, but Ebbsfleet broke into the space vacated by Simmo, and Shakes ran from inside his own half before flicking a wonderful finish over Garner. Ebbsfleet managed to score another from a poor backpass, 1-3 at which point 7 (seven) minutes injury time was shown! No-one in the ground wanted that! Sean Canham lashed home a brilliant finish after Shepherd played him in on the 97th minute, but that was it and City had slumped to defeat again. The day concluded with a drown your sorrows evening at The Old Crown, The White Horse and The Victoria, which at least removed much of the memory of the game! Ridiculously we are back at Twerton on Tuesday, and then Saturday, never have 2 games of football been less anticipated.
Thursday 9 February 2012
Season ending game
So it has happened, Tuesday 7th February the year of our Lord 2012 was the day Bath City's season died. With relegation all but confirmed, the FA Trophy has been providing some relief to the awfulness of the league campaign, and some tongue in cheek comments about City appearing at Wembley suddenly had started to seemed destined, we were going to be the non-league Middlesbrough, relegated but cup finalists.
However, it was not to be, and it all could have been so different! City's threadbare squad was highlighted by the fact that a full subs bench could not be named, and on that bench was one Josh Egan! Yes, the man we'd all been impressed with at the back end of last season, but who we assumed must have died given his non appearance (since an unused sub at FGR) was in, God we must be low on numbers. The fact Grimsby who'd smashed us 6-0 a few weeks back only heightened the sense of doom around TP.
Within the first 15 seconds City could have been behind, I hadn't even made it to the Popular Side and was part way around the Bath End when the shot went narrowly wide, Jesus this could get bad! It was bitterly cold at Twerton Park, but City began to get into the game, with loanee Chris Shepherd (Exeter winger) was looking lively, although following our usual trend he's 5'5" so no towering headers are expected!
Lee Phillips was battling bravely up front, but was much too isolated for much of the game. The Grimsby keeper James McKeown pulled off some handy saves, showing a prowess that was going to haunt City later.
City had the control of midfield (clearly Adie's main aim...in every game he's ever managed it seems) but were playing some good short passing, crisp, one-two football, with Stonehouse and Shepherd linking up very well. On 34 minutes Alex Russell fed Shepherd who with his incredibly low centre of gravity, pivoted cleverly around his marker and fired a shot towards goal, which took a slight deflection and nestled into the net.
Grimsby hit back almost immediately, but a superb full stretch dive from Glyn Garner tipped the ball around the post. The half time whistle blew and City were 1-0 up. The queue for the tea bar stretched a fair old way as everyone aimed for some sort of hot beverage to fight off the increasing cold, and ward off frostbite, I'm sure at one point a member of Scott of the Antarctic's team walked past muttering it wasn't that cold when Oates went outside for some time....
With my steaming cup of bovril (peppered of course) to keep spirits up the second half commenced. City had a great spell, Watkins was terrorising the fullback, Lee Phillips, described by Tim as the unluckiest man in football, turned brilliantly twice, but both times a despairing tackle robbed him of the ball just as the trigger was being pulled. The interplay between Shepherd and Stonehouse was even better in the second half, and one ein-zwei was top flight quality. However, this being City it couldn't last.
A freekick was awarded 25-30 yards out on the right side of the pitch, the ball was crossed in and Garner went up to punch the ball....and punched Sekani Simpson instead! Elding headed the ball over the line, while Simmo lay prostate on the turf. Garner must have one hell of a punch on him, as Simmo had to be subbed and good old reliable Jim Rollo came on as his replacement. 1-1 but City still playing the better football and creating more chances.
Stonehouse had a shot, which the keeper turned around the post, and from the resulting corner Jimmer connected perfectly, but somehow the ball was hacked off of the line. You started to sense this team in black and white is cursed this year. Especially when McKeown made a save that is beyond belief. The ball was whipped in, McKeown started to move towards the penalty spot to claim the ball, a defender got a head to it and diverted it towards goal, it has to be in, and somehow, somehow McKeown shifted his weight, changed direction and managed to tip it around the post. How he saved it I do not know, if that was City it would have gone in against us.
City were pushing for the win, but left themselves exposed, Grimsby broke down the left wing, crossed it and Robert Duffy was in acres of space, he trapped the ball and fired it home, but with the slack marking he had time to make a brew and have a biscuit if he had so desired. 1-2 and that was how it was to finish. Not before Cook managed to be even more of a dick than before, not only had he moaned on twitter prior to the game that he found it hard to be motivated when he'd be on the bench (try playing like a footballer and you might start you dickhead) he then was due to come on, but had to take off so many layers and took so long that Josh Egan came on instead. Awful man Jamie Cook if he had a soul he'd piss off and leave us be.
City actually played really well, and deserved more, but when your luck is down, it is truly down. Unbelievably we have 8 more home games to suffer through before this nightmare of a season finally finishes, the sooner it does the better.
P.s. since writing this Bath City have announced this http://bathcityfc.com/name-the-stadium-for-50/
unbelievable. Not only are we suffering the most awful season, some clown has come up with this and decided to make us laughing stocks. Christ its almost enough to make you watch rugby...
However, it was not to be, and it all could have been so different! City's threadbare squad was highlighted by the fact that a full subs bench could not be named, and on that bench was one Josh Egan! Yes, the man we'd all been impressed with at the back end of last season, but who we assumed must have died given his non appearance (since an unused sub at FGR) was in, God we must be low on numbers. The fact Grimsby who'd smashed us 6-0 a few weeks back only heightened the sense of doom around TP.
Within the first 15 seconds City could have been behind, I hadn't even made it to the Popular Side and was part way around the Bath End when the shot went narrowly wide, Jesus this could get bad! It was bitterly cold at Twerton Park, but City began to get into the game, with loanee Chris Shepherd (Exeter winger) was looking lively, although following our usual trend he's 5'5" so no towering headers are expected!
Lee Phillips was battling bravely up front, but was much too isolated for much of the game. The Grimsby keeper James McKeown pulled off some handy saves, showing a prowess that was going to haunt City later.
City had the control of midfield (clearly Adie's main aim...in every game he's ever managed it seems) but were playing some good short passing, crisp, one-two football, with Stonehouse and Shepherd linking up very well. On 34 minutes Alex Russell fed Shepherd who with his incredibly low centre of gravity, pivoted cleverly around his marker and fired a shot towards goal, which took a slight deflection and nestled into the net.
Grimsby hit back almost immediately, but a superb full stretch dive from Glyn Garner tipped the ball around the post. The half time whistle blew and City were 1-0 up. The queue for the tea bar stretched a fair old way as everyone aimed for some sort of hot beverage to fight off the increasing cold, and ward off frostbite, I'm sure at one point a member of Scott of the Antarctic's team walked past muttering it wasn't that cold when Oates went outside for some time....
With my steaming cup of bovril (peppered of course) to keep spirits up the second half commenced. City had a great spell, Watkins was terrorising the fullback, Lee Phillips, described by Tim as the unluckiest man in football, turned brilliantly twice, but both times a despairing tackle robbed him of the ball just as the trigger was being pulled. The interplay between Shepherd and Stonehouse was even better in the second half, and one ein-zwei was top flight quality. However, this being City it couldn't last.
A freekick was awarded 25-30 yards out on the right side of the pitch, the ball was crossed in and Garner went up to punch the ball....and punched Sekani Simpson instead! Elding headed the ball over the line, while Simmo lay prostate on the turf. Garner must have one hell of a punch on him, as Simmo had to be subbed and good old reliable Jim Rollo came on as his replacement. 1-1 but City still playing the better football and creating more chances.
Stonehouse had a shot, which the keeper turned around the post, and from the resulting corner Jimmer connected perfectly, but somehow the ball was hacked off of the line. You started to sense this team in black and white is cursed this year. Especially when McKeown made a save that is beyond belief. The ball was whipped in, McKeown started to move towards the penalty spot to claim the ball, a defender got a head to it and diverted it towards goal, it has to be in, and somehow, somehow McKeown shifted his weight, changed direction and managed to tip it around the post. How he saved it I do not know, if that was City it would have gone in against us.
City were pushing for the win, but left themselves exposed, Grimsby broke down the left wing, crossed it and Robert Duffy was in acres of space, he trapped the ball and fired it home, but with the slack marking he had time to make a brew and have a biscuit if he had so desired. 1-2 and that was how it was to finish. Not before Cook managed to be even more of a dick than before, not only had he moaned on twitter prior to the game that he found it hard to be motivated when he'd be on the bench (try playing like a footballer and you might start you dickhead) he then was due to come on, but had to take off so many layers and took so long that Josh Egan came on instead. Awful man Jamie Cook if he had a soul he'd piss off and leave us be.
City actually played really well, and deserved more, but when your luck is down, it is truly down. Unbelievably we have 8 more home games to suffer through before this nightmare of a season finally finishes, the sooner it does the better.
P.s. since writing this Bath City have announced this http://bathcityfc.com/name-the-stadium-for-50/
unbelievable. Not only are we suffering the most awful season, some clown has come up with this and decided to make us laughing stocks. Christ its almost enough to make you watch rugby...
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