3 Strikes & Out!

An away trip to Irongate the home of table toppers Bamber Bridge with current form was always going to be tough. My travelling companions and I lacked direction by the sat nav as we approached the ground. Concrete bollards stopped the easy route. Radcliffe were to endure an afternoon of little direction and the concrete home defence would take some breaching. As any away fan you cling to possibility, could the new signing make a difference? The travelling supporters hopes of rekindling the impressive away form prior to the last outing were dashed quickly by the embarrassed Priestley whos first decision was to slam the ball against the approaching striker, as the ball fell back to him he placed the ball truly in the path of Mahoney who gratefully placed the ball in the gaping net, all within 28 seconds! Heads went down and didn't rise again for 45 minutes. Borough with long balls hoping to reach a target could not get close to Bamber Bridge and offered too much room to enable them to build. The mountain was to get higher as the irongates closed on 13 minutes. The impressive Mahoney struck his brace after good work by Ince forced Dawson to clear the cross at a perfect height for the midfielders great drive into the bottom left of the net. 2-0 The Boro needed to play with some steel to avoid a rout.
The next fifteen minutes explained 'Brigs' table top position. Chances developed quickly and usually after purposeful approach work. Mahoney came close to his hat trick heading well at the near post under pressure. Boro failed to hold up play and take stock. Rutter lively and willing ran blinkered with nobody offering an outlet. M Jones tried and was clearly frustrated as no foil was available. G Jones and Oates spent too long with their backs to goal watching the ball fly over head from heavy central defenders boots.Bridge forced into a change replace Zico Black with Henders. It was to get worse just after the half hour after two corners are defended the ball is sent forward to find Stephen Brown free in the box, he checks his watch controls with his chest and finishes in style past Priestley. 3-0!
Gerry and Kevin need to plan the half time team talk, whether it be one of few words or one that smashes every cup available in the Irongate ground, it needs to work. Who delivers the team talk?
Boro do manage a more purposeful move with Griff Jones ending it with a blocked shot.Rutter sees goal but fires a poor attempt high. As the nightmare half ends Hill is burgled by Brown who looks to set up but as no support , the referree subjects Boro fans to 2 extra minutes.
Rutter wont start the second half as new signing Adam Roscoe is introduced. He looks to mean business as his first touch is a shot that fizzes past the post. The next ten sees Roscoe encouraging Boro and shows some good link play with Oates and Jones . Boro have their best period of the match and are clearly out to restore some pride. Griff Jones works hard in his own third along side Oates , they desperately need to do a job in the oppositions half. Some confidence is now evident but still no outlet with Roscoe after some tuning a possible for the future games. The home side still look dangerous and Boro could suffer if they push too hard. The first booking sees Porter after using the biggest handbag after a strong challenge on him.Porter looks to make Priestley more embarrassed as he lobs him from just inside the Boro half, it luckily flys wide and over the bar. Boro containing well replace Oates for Brookes on 75minutes. The game as been less entertaining in the second half as Boro work hard to break down any further threat. Damage limitation rather than a go at reducing the deficit, Griff Jones goes off for Traynor . Chappell finds himself in the 6 yard box close in on the keeper but cant convert as the keeper is busy for the first time.Bamber Bridge use double subs to see the game out and cement number 1 spot in the league.
As I watch the players body language as they leave the pitch it is going to be a really hard management task to pick them up. Tuesday night is not far away and any time they have with the squad must be productive. Boro are heading for a difficult period lightened only by returning players, Irongate should close firmly behind them and be forgotten. The next gate to open is a home win, hope is the best weapon in a football fans armour,

see you Tuesday,

Seasons Change

The first day of Autumn seems like the first day of winter as the cold breeze cuts across the impressive Tameside stadium. The lights are already on confirming the nights are drawing in. Good news is that Martyn Forrest as made the journey with the team but will of course not feature. His place is given to Tom Brookes for his first start of the season. The curved perspex dugouts will be home to Rutter, Manning & Traynor. Curzon Ashton's season so far as been a mixed bag of results, the pick being a 5-0 away win at Trafford. The Boro are defending a 100% away record wearing their changed kit.

Curzons in form forward Norton is the first to scent goal after Dawson concedes the first corner of the game. The no 9s solid header from under the bar goes into the cold night air and for the next 20 minutes both teams tend to favour looking into the floodlights rather than grass in front of them. Some tame efforts that only keep the goalkeepers warm are the highlights of the first 30 minutes until the referee takes centre stage to have Chris Curley seeing red for an alleged stamp on Griff Jones . I among others saw it as a clash of boots and nothing intentional . The home side are down to ten at a time when players were starting to be more patient and find a pass or two that are controlled by feet rather than the head. Mark Jones as been pressing and forcing in midfield but is yet to look to involve Brookes and Chappell in is game plan. Brookes and Chappell although willing and able seem to have no objective or direction. Mark Jones can hunt and supply but a leader is needed to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Curzon have this by the name of Norton who takes the ball well on his chest to control but can't finish. The team in blue pick up the tempo and look to be more purposeful and wont allow Boro the one man advantage. Michael Norton in the last five of the half provides a great run and strike to force a good save low down by Priestley. Brookes shows good control and supplies Chappell who hits the ball too high of the target. Griff Jones provides a solid tackle to set Brookes free who in turn feeds Oates who shoots but is no test. My longing for soup and the excitement of queuing for it describes the entertainment both sets of supporters have endured.

I am hoping a copy of the leaked Arsene Wenger team briefs as found its way into the Boro dressing room and a vocal leader is elected from the many talented players available.

As i take my seat for the second half the ball is swung in for the head of Dawson and thump! 1-0 the Boro 1 minute in , playing ten men the record must stay intact.The game livens up, some strong challenges in the centre of the park has Mr Knowles speaking to the home side captain, Birch. Worsley and Elliott start to combine well on the boro right. Sampson is beaten well for speed and a good cross comes in that the emerging Elliott cant finish. Michael Oates as the chance to threaten but cant work a better sight and as no finish. The Boro centre backs are tested and they prove indecisive as the threat of Norton is seen as he pounces on 53 minutes and confidently finishes past Priestley 1-1. Buoyed by his goal the forward chases down hard to force Boro into conceding a corner. The ref blows for handball by Unsworth on the very edge of his own box. Edghill steps up and lines up Norton who drives against Kelly who spoons the ball out for a corner. The corner is taken well by the boro keeper as Curzon grow in confidence. From open play a hopefull ball is sent toward the visitors goal and Priestley claims but then can not hold only for the ball to run very kindly for the easiest of tasks for Elliott to slide the ball home. The restart is on the hour and Boro are yet to capitalise on the extra pair of feet on the pitch. They swop Chappell for the former England schoolboy Rutter . A surprise as Chappells mobility offered more than that of Griff Jones's cul de sac forward play. Rutter introduces pace to the Radcliffe Borough eleven and gives the full back some thinking to do.

Curzon break well and a better cross would have seen results, they are now the most likely by far. Mark Jones sees some of his industrial running nearly pay as he meets Hills decent free kick but is left holding the head that missed the target. Adam Jones and Elliott queue up to take advantage of a mis shaped defence but cant convert the two attempts. The referee as his card out when Edghill delivers an awful tackle in midfield , the colour is yellow , it was worse than the earlier sending off. Oates keeps running and trying to force something , the keeper stays cool and plays it out on the floor to frustrate even more.

Curzon break with purpose and with the boro players pressing Unsworth is caught out and the brace for Norton is complete as he takes well in his stride to finish low & hard into the net.

3-1, 20 minutes to go.

Double subs for the Boro, Brookes & Sampson for Manning & Traynor. Manning is quickly involved. Griff Jones shows what he is capable of with his back to goal forcing the marker to turn and foul him while he as control of the ball. The position is good , the free kick from Manning is poor. Rutter out on the right gets free and fires in a shot that as suspicion of handball from the defender.The reulting corner is met well by Kelly but he can only glance to the keeper.Griff Jones does well again to turn his man and win the foul. His hard work is wasted and the kick is sent skyward by Manning. Birch is marked tightly but finds a great pass inside the defence for Elliott to latch on to, Dawson is quicker and he clears. Tom Bailey replaces the effervescent Elliot as Curzon smell the three points. One final fling for Boro as Rutter flies down the right into the danger area and fires the shot of the game just over the bar. The last action sums the night up as Norton chases down hard on Priestley who bangs the ball against him he chases again and keeps the ball in to loft one towards goal, but is safely caught.

The whistle goes on a poor game with Boro looking ragged. The team throughout the game looked like strangers. Too many players looked unsure of their roles and how to bring the best out of them along side, somebody needs to lead the fight for possesion and control. Howson is sorely missed.

The days are getting shorter as is the squad list, winter will be on us, games postponed , fixture backlogs will put strain on the squad. The manager needs to harvest the best from players now and sow the seeds for spring if we want a fruitful summer.

Get wrapped up it could be a long 'un.

see you at the Irongate, Bamber Bridge.

Sunny Day Clouds Over

Todays visitors from the Arnott Stadium are Durham City. They have travelled in to Stainton Park with an impressive start to the season with no losses notched and only one conceded. With Boro not winning at home the bookies will have this in favour of the North East outfit. A fantastic Sunny day greets all to Stainton Park.

An unchanged starting line up ater the well deserved victory at Lancaster

Rutter is on the bench after returning from Ramsbottom.

Mr Norriss gets the game underway and his first decision is a free kick to the Boro , Unsworth sends it long that Griff Jones in a good forward position can not reach. Durham bring the first threat, a decent cross in sees priestley miss the flight of the ball and luckily it goes by the Durham forward only to reach Richardson who well placed misses the target, a let off.

Boro react well and are playing at a good tempo.Oates and Chappell combine well in the box with Oates supplying a great ball to Chappell who heads well but not well enough to beat the man on the line.

Chappell is on his game when he wins the ball well in the centre circle feeding Forrest who duly returns the pass , Chappell confidently strikes the ball to send it two yard wide. Durhams Morris finds himself in the box but cant get the better of Unsworth. Boro move quickly and realise Griff Jones on ten minutes to send a cross in for the waiting Oates , he slams it into the bar! Great chance. Durham have to defend again after good work by Forrest as he feeds Hill to strike wide. Durham win the first corner that Priestley punches well but falls for the incoming Dodds he fires the ball hard toward the goal, Priestley makes a fine save to his high right .

On 18 minutes Martyn Forrest collapses on the half way line untackled but looking to be holding his throat, both benches and officials react quickly and stop the game . After 15 minutes of treatment and concern from all in the ground he walks from the pitch. The team clearly disturbed by the incident decide not to carry on. Durham accept very professionally and face a long journey home.

After a short time i leave the ground impressed by the professionalism showed by all parties, a sad end to a promising day.

Best wishes and a speedy recovery to Martyn Forrest.

I'll see you at Curzon.

Pressure Points!

No home wins and failing in the FA Cup results in pressure on both the management team and the playing staff. Gerry Luckza as stated on the clubs website that he believes those experienced players still at the club will help the cause as will those needing more experience playing for other clubs. A statement that will relieve or add more pressure to a long season. With only three siting on the bench and no keeper named as sub. Fitness , luck and every ounce of experience will be needed. Lancaster host the Radcliffe team on the back of a good away win and a steady start to the season. A full bench will support them in gaining any home advantage. The Dolly Blues kick off and quickly find some rhythm with a four man move that sees Reid get a shot away and shows City mean business. Heffernan fouls Mark Jones in the centre circle with the resulting free kick being flicked on by Dawson who gains a corner. The corner is cleared long and Unsworth is alert to stem the danger.
A lively opening 5 with both Lancaster wingers showing good pace and touches. Sampson and Hill will need full concentration. Both teams are giving signs of attacking football with flow only broken by free kicks that are not productive.
Time for the assistant to help his man in the middle when Griff Jones is up ended in or on the line of the box , the assistant being closest to the incident allows the ref to give a free kick. Hill steps up to power over and high. City force some defending with a shot from Foster who cant hit home. The clearance finds Griff Jones up alone as he hits a poor effort , but is then given offside.
The game swings again with the dangerous Lee Dodgson outstrips the Radcliffe right flank and delivers well to see Unsworth clear his lines , the corner gives a shooting chance to City but sees Oates working hard in his box to block. With half an hour gone the Boro midfield is holding well and waiting for opportunity with Jones and Forrest combining well. A good insight into how well youth and experience work well together. Hill takes the free kick won by Griff Jones demanding the Blues captain clears wisely with Dawson waiting. Dawson is back in action from the corner as he fires narrowly wide as the cornered cross is scrambled to him. Oates continues to defend from the front and is using the strong support of Jones and Forrest well.

20 minutes in and a peach of a pass by Hill across field to Griff Jones who just cant take in his stride falls well for Mark Jones to fire in , just wide!

Radcliffe are looking comfortable in this competitive first half limiting the home team playing in front of the back line . Reid and Dodgson are the likely threat but are marshaled well by the strong play of Hill and Sampsons awareness.
The pace of the impressive City fullback Uberschar finally breaks the barrier as he gets past Forrest then Hill who fouls but advantage is won and lost as Forrest recovers. The ref pulls it back for the free kick that is wasted with an hopeful long shot. Ubershar features again with a good cross met by Jackson who can only loop his header over and wide of Priestleys goal.

The two city wingers switch sides proving Hill and Sampson have won the early battle. Hill shows his strength again as Foster and Dodgson push forward, chance ends. The two Unibond outfits show some good short passing moves in and around the centre of the park with both sets of players matching each other. The balance is tipped in Boro's favour on 40 minutes when Griff Jones and Chappell link well to allow Mark Jones to set his sights and produce a text book finish across the City keeper who's next touch will be picking the ball from the net! Fantastic!

As the fleeting half is closing Griff Jones runs hard to get on the end of a long ball he lofts a shot that Oates chases he collides with the keeper a touch late but he as to challenge. The ref as a word, after he blows his whistle and walks to the tunnel Barrie Stimpson the City manger as strong words mainly in frustration, a good sign for Boro to capitalise on.

Brookes is introduced for Chappell as the 2nd half starts , Oats starts in support just behind the front pair with Brookes starting in a centre forward role. Griff Jones takes the left .
Phil Priestley is in action first and makes a flap at a cross that could have been worse. Lancaster keep playing a good passing game but have yet to open up Boro enough to capitalise. Hill and Brookes line up a free kick on 25 yards , Hill balloons it over. Lancaster are looking for an equaliser and the Uberschar is driving on the flanks trying to include his forwards more and more. Griff Jones flicks a great pass into the path of Oates as he advances down the right he is bundled off the ball on the line by the defender and pleads for the corner the assistant denies him.
Boro are now only using the forwards as an outlet from defensive duties. Boro begin to fight hard as Griff Jones is lucky the ref did not see his little afters when he was fouled on half way. The next 25 minutes largely sees the ball in the Boro's half as city introduce Entwistle & Helliwell for Ward & Marshall. They slot fresh legs in midfield for Forrest and Jones to combat. The Dolly Blues push hard with some real pressured football. The Boro defence is holding well with the experienced Unsworth conducting whilst Kelly and Dawson defend with real quality.
Quality defending is needed when again city demonstrate some good short play and passing around the edge of the box, they are now finding the target area more with chances stacking up.

The best chance arrives to equalise on 78 when great football between the City forwards sees the ball struck hard against the post and away from danger, the chances are increasing. Forrest and Brookes with help from Griff Jones relieve the pressure by holding and running when required.

The game should have been over when Brookes and Griff Jones find themselves with acres to run into after good work by Forrest , G Jones fires across tamely , Brookes picks up and beats the keeper but not the defender. The home crowd are getting frustrated and Citys play becomes rushed but are still owning all the possession. Two corners in quick succession needs Dawson to be strong assisted with Kelly he closes the threat after Reid fluffs his chance. Uberschar is replaced by Fildes as they continue to attack. Best chances fall to Fildes in the last ten that he can not convert.
Boro remain intact as they manage to give the defensive line short breathers whilst Brookes, Oates and G Jones feed on scraps. The City sub Fildes is the only name in the book as he contests a decision when he clearly wanted a free kick for another challenge by Forrest. Forrest keeps the challenges going and his late on the far side in front of the dug outs, the City bench errupts , free kick is given . The 2 minutes extra is given for more Lancaster pressure.

As the whistle goes a draw would have been good for the pressure endured in the second half, all three is fantastic and well won for the efforts of all in a Boro shirt. Lady luck played its part as did the tireless running of the midfield , experience as clearly rubbed off on a defensive line that was never going to lie down.

Pressure,what pressure?

Homesick Blues!

My first game back in the early seventies the arrival on to the terraces at the old home of Bolton as always stuck with me, why, a floodlit pitch. There is something about that light on a well manicured surface. It encourages the atmosphere, everybody as kids wanted to play under lights, didnt they?Who will win under these lights tonight. Clitheroe the visitors come to the game in third and on a winning run having scored over a dozen in the first five games. Boro need to break the home duck. Sadly the only Sheikhs that will be seen at Stainton Park will be those of the two captains hands before the kick off, so no new faces in this week, but some leaving meant a good shake up on the team sheet. Notably Greg Traynor swapping shirts with the Ashton bound Connell for his debut.

Rutter sees the first of the action from his right back position after Unsworths free kick finds Griff Jones to flick back to the advancing full back who's first strike is blocked but the second struck well goes wide 2 minutes in and a bright start. Again Griff Jones is heading goal bound from Mark Jones ball and looks to have the better of the centre half but sees his chance end at the touchline. Clitheroe spurned on by good vocal support win the first corner, the corner comes to nothing but the two teams early ambitions are clear, they both want a win. 3 corners in the space of 6 minutes for the Shawbridge lodgers held little danger for the boro but good approach play involving Hankin through the middle and good running off the ball by Johnson & Morley indicated the reason for reaching 3rd in the league.Some early pressure for Boro to defend , Sarginson checks to see if Priestley on his return is alert as he fires one into his midrif. Big Phil was previously as he defended a corner and released the pacy Rutter for his speculative long distance effort on goal , that never threatened the net. The game is at a great pace with both sides looking to attack when ever they can , the referee is letting the game go . The wall of blue does its job as Chappell gives opportunity at the edge of the box for a silly foul. The first 20 minutes have flown and ends with sharp work from Mark Jones and Rutter , Howson joins the Party that is spoilt by the cool defending of the steady looking Scott Redhead. Clitheroe start to find passes behind Boro with Hankin and Lomax asking more of the Radcliffe backs. The game as hardly taken breath when the referee delivers his Churchill speach to two forwards in orange and black who pulled out handbags over a decision made. Shots not finding the target end in more corners for Clitheroe who cannot capitalise.

Bang on the half hour Mark Jones shows real grit and wins well off the impressive Smith, he introduces Traynor ,he finds Griff Jones who can only fire weakly at Mann. End to end football sees the involved Hankin fire hard, high and enough to adjust the aerial on the house at the end of the ground.
Both sides are on equal terms with no real menace heading towards the break, but as the groundsmen is reaching for his fork the deadlock is threatened by a Clitheroe break ending with an effort just over the bar . Griff Jones and Rutter combine on the flank from the corner of Hill , Howson cant threaten but wins the kick sent harmlessly long by Hill. Clitheroe work thier best corner that sees Smith and Flannery share the headers before Flannery heads narrowly over. On 46 mins Howson as the best chance yet as he meets a great in swinging ball from Mark Jones who was fed by the advancing Kelly. Howson heads wide with the goal an easier choice. Half time 0-0. Lots of huff and puff but no team as blown the defenders houses down.



The second half gets under way without changes , first blood to the blues as Howson is found in the box but his looped shot from behind him goes over and wide. Boro stay in the last third with Griff Jones back heeling the ball into the path of Hill who can only find the keepers arms. Dawson sends a ball from his own half across field to the forward thinking Rutter who controls well with head and feet he sends in a shot that deflects, corner. Result of the corner sees a free kick sent up field by the keeper lands with McManus who brings Fisher into the game , Dawson sweeps well and clears the danger. Corners are won by both sides but none converted as the hour approaches with the woodwork saving Boro twice in as many minutes with Priestley well beaten the signs are there. The blue bench respond by replacing the unimpressive debutant with Oates in midfield. No sooner is Oates on when Clitheroe beat the woodwork and the keeper when a fantastic strike across the face of goal smashes the net, 1-0 to the visitors and Carl Lomax adds to his tally.


Boro need a response and the captain leads the way by meeting Rutters in swinging corner full on , keeper nowhere as the ball thumps the post and out.With 20 minutes to save the game Boro have opted for the long ball as the game is becoming more frantic. Chappell leaves the field and is replaced by Brookes. Rutter is trying to get down the flank he as patrolled but often runs out of room, on this occasion he tackles the assistant as the crowd cheer .


Sarginson is given a rest and replaced by Osbourne for Clitheroe. Nail biting time as we enter the last ten, Boro still with the long ball cant get it passed the two giant centre halves. When the ball is controlled brilliantly by Griff Jones he uses the floor to find Brookes whose shot wins a corner. The corner is cleared but the threat of the visitors is still alive.Steve Hill leaves the game for Manning. Unsworth is beaten hands down by Lomax who finds his strike partner very lonely in front of goal but he cant make it two. Hook letting off springs to mind. As the game opens to enable Boro to push , we look vunerable. With Unsworth gifting the ball at the edge of his box to


Hankin he gives to Lomax who must hit is brace ,but no, the roof of the stand feels the force. Radcliffe frantically try to force a draw and on 90 nearly get it, Manning sweeps his free kick into Howson who well placed beats the keeper for speed but not direction.


4 mins of added time is not enough as Rutter shoots desperately wide from a central free kick. Clitheroe should have put it to bed as the influential Hankin gives the substitute Osbourne time to read the programme before finishing, luckily he didn't want to double the lead.

As Clitheroe celebrated a good win my walk to the exit was long as i felt we played well against a team in real form but as a team we didn't gel, understandable with players drafted in, but the players new to the sheet largely didnt look strong enough for the fight. No real service to Howson who i saw for the first time heavily beaten in the air. Jonah worked tirelessly but couldn't find the pass. The game however was played at tempo with two teams wanting to play Football. No silly games and disrespect was seen throughout, a credit to the league.



The lights will be switched off and i await the next game whatever that will bring. Lets hope its a win.

Wet Weekend & Pundits

Well the rain got the better of the Harrogate railway pitch and it was a change of plan for me. Got the Lucky 7 sheets over to Stainton Park and then, what do i do next? After being filled all week with ridiculous transfer millions changing hands, i plumbed for a day watching the internationals and overpaid football pundits waffle about it.

Is it me or does anybody ever wonder why the likes of Hansen, Redknapp,Shearer et el have not managed, simple really they can't. The money is easier if they dont dip there once talented feet into the managerial whirlpool. Easy from a distance. Why cant these very expensive sports stations get somebody interesting on the panel. A fifa qualified referee would be good, he could explain the decisions the man in the middle is making, the ever changes in law, the introduction and expectations of the respect campaigns.

The referees are currently wired up to thier assistance wouldnt it be good if we could hear the conversation!

When the players talk themselves into the book what are they saying , who studies the rules the player or the officials? Ill go for the officials. Dont get me wrong officials can make some howlers , but so can keepers and forwards, all play a part in the game.

Of course the pundits will criticise the officials all day and night but thats another part of the game they are not qualified in, why, because you have to make a decision on the rules of the game, not on which channel pays the most .

You are the ref, try this link.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/youaretheref

see you at the Clitheroe game.