Boro 4 Durham City 2

A classic home win with two from Drew.

Wednesday 29 October 2008

Cup Curse

Opening ten mins dominated by Woodley with Boro penned in their own half but the home team failed to create any scoring chances early on.
12 mins - Chance for Woodley. They were able to counter attack from midfield and get to the edge of the area before steve hill intercepted and cleared.
13 mins - Woodley cross into box resulted in a header from close range (just outside six yard box) which Phil saved well.
20 mins - Boro no shots yet. Woodley shot from edge of area and hit post. Out for corner.
22 mins Boro first shot. Skill from Fitzy on the edge of Woodley area saw him create space before shooting across box where shot hit post before going in. Boro 1-0
34 mins Fitzy free kick. Bending into bottom right corner before keeper tipped it onto post.
42 mins - Boro unable to clear ball from penalty area. Close range shot from woodley well saved by Phil.
Just before half time poor punch from phil led to woodley volley from penalty spot tipped over by phil.
2nd Half

60 mins - Ball into box from Woodley Phil completely missed the line of it before it was tapped in at back post by Woodley's Michael Clarke. 1-1

75 mins - Chappell through ball to Fitzy who was clean through but he took too wide an angle to round the keeper and his shot hit a defender who blocked his line to goal.

87 mins - Poor backpass by woodley. Missed by keeper who kicked thin air and the ball went inches wide of the post.
90 mins - Boro unable to clear again ball tucked away from close range by Mark Haslam. Woodley 2-1.
Boro didn't deserve a point. It was a fair result on a freezing night where even Boro fans didn't want extra time.

Sunday 26 October 2008

Bay'led Out!



After some dismal cup results it was back to the league and the pursuit of points. Colwyn Bay fans already enjoying a pie and a pint in the club house would be looking for the same after thier journey from North Wales, a very friendly bunch that typify what following a non league club means. The sides change round and Boro will be up hill in the first half. New signing Ian Fitzpatrick goes straight in as Griff Jones is starting on the bench. Mike Flynn is in for the missing Kelly. Oates is playing at the back with Lee Unsworth absent. Connell returns.Mark Jones wears the armband and will lead this much changed side. Colwyn Bay will be assisted by the very experienced Graham Branch with over 400 league appearances to his name. The visitors start quickly and show some great movement in and out of midfield. Canning is tackled poorly by Chappel and the foul is given. Challinor takes and finds Black working a space before sending across the box for canning to fire in on goal that looks certain before Priestley pulls a wonder save as he stretches to his right to parry at close range. The save results in a series of corners that have Boro under pressure.Aspinalls best delivery finds the lively Hopley who heads against the bar. The pressure remains on as Priestley makes a mess of a clearance and the waiting Colwyn debutant Mc Graa pile drives the ball back just missing the target. Its all Bay football being played when Black catches the defenders flat and fails to hit the target when well placed to score. A lightening ten minutes action from the welsh visitors. Boro can only offer snippets of play with some decent touches by the new signing who looks to be mobile. A different side to his game is seen as he kicks out at Wood after catching a flailing arm in the mouth. Wood gives him some back a minute later and the ref is right to speak to them both to avoid using cards. Hopley is winning most things in the air for Colwyn and will prove difficult to beat. Boro start to play and manage to string the midfield together before Chappell is up ended and needs treatment to play on. Hopley and Garside are involved in most of the away teams attacking play. Colwyn rue their missed chances when on the half hour Fitzpatrick shows some good footwork and vision to find Sampson on the opposite flank, he cuts into the box and with the defender showing him goal he curls a peach of a shot beyond the keeper and into the top left of his goal. 1-0! The visitors look for a quick response and force the corner that is headed goal bound by the experienced Challinor, the ball is cleared from the line only to land for striker Black to drive low into the corner of the net. 1-1. The game opens up a little with chances starting to appear at both ends.Fitzpatrick plays a lovely dummy to allow Oates to get on the end of the move but the ball runs out of play, Mark Jones was fouled in the build up and referee King chose the wrong option by playing advantage. The welshman try again and Dawson clears well from the corner, Garside is waiting but strikes high over the bar. Howson is holding up when possible but is failing to find the pass . The last chance of the half goes to Fitzpatrick who finds himself free at the edge of the box only to fire woefully wide. The midfield struggled to win the contest although the captain Jones as worked tirelessly to get things going. The ball as been coming back too quickly forcing a tough day on the returning Flynn.
Colwyn Bay chose to replace Aspinall for Hughes at the start of the second half. Howson is trying to win up front and does so to play in Sampson his cross doesnt beat the first man . Howson is in a good position to shoot and does , it takes a deflection off Branch out of harms way. Colwyn are always a threat and are looking to set free the front two by feeding good passes to the edge of the boro box, the good work of Dawson and Oates is avoiding further scoring. The visitors push high and catch the Boro offside numerous times in the next quarter. High , long balls will not do the trick , key passes will unlock it but who will provide them? Bay look undecisive for the first time at the back as they pass along thier own box and Keeper Padry as to be tidy to snuff out Fitzpatrick. Canning is replaced by Mahoney and soon after Colwyn bay take thier chance, Lycett forces a run into the danger area and causes some panic in the Boro box, Howson is back to block a shot and the second shot is blocked by Dawson as Boro fail to clear Priestley decides to punch out instead of catching and the ball drops well for the starter of the Move Lycett to volley straight back and into the back of the net for 2-1. Howson sums up his day when he forces his way into the box but cant get the ball to run for him . Good players lose form and this can be said of Howson, he is substituted along with Chappell as Brookes and Griff Jones are sent on to look for a way back. Referee King loses his crown and topples over when Jones (G) first pass hits him to the pleasure of the crowd. The visitors are the better side today and look to increase the lead Black sends a shot goalbound but the foot of kelly deflects it safely over his own goal. The resulting corner sees a scramble develop in the boro box , two shots are blocked as priestley dives to cover , the final shot deflects to safety. All action is now in the home sides area with Priestlet on his toes to beat forwards to the ball. Hill doesnt clear well enough and Hopley brings a smart save out of Priestley. Boro cant get out of trouble and look like a fighter on the ropes , the odd jab up front relieves some pressure but it needs more. Bay nearly seal it with 5 to go when the corner comes in and McGraa's header smacks the post with Priestley beaten. the ball lands centrally for Challinor to drive the ball straight at Priestley chest. As the home fans consider another home loss Boro move up field and as Fitzpatrick pings the ball at the keeper he fails to hold and the waiting Griff Jones prods home from 6 yards , relief for Boro, devastating for Colwyn Bay. The whistle goes on a game that Boro where lucky to be allowed to come back in. The visitors should have been out of sight in the first and last twenty. Continuous forced changes are not helping the cause but that happens with all teams in this league. Fitzpatrick looked a promise of things to come, Howson will find form . Kelly and Unsworth will return , Roscoe will be back to full fitness,we just need a settled side. The keep going attitude was impressive and lesser sides would have thrown in the towel. The side have proven they can play some great Football, Lancaster away, Lancaster at home, Mossley in the league away. Belief is a big thing when results are not there. Griff Jones bailed us out today, when its not happening its every man to the pumps.

see you soon

Tuesday 21 October 2008

Cup Conceded

Radcliffe Borough entertain Trafford as they will be looking to defend the trophy that stands proud in the trophy room. The trophy was magnificently won at Oldhams Boundary Park against favourites Hyde United last season. Recent cup form will require an upturn if Boro are to hold on to the Manchester FA Premier Cup.Trafford are delayed in kicking off as the corner flags are not in place, a firework is thrown over the stand and i hope the flags are not on the local bommy. Mark Jones is named as captain in the absence of Si Kelly. Boro line up as 5-3-2 with Sampson and Oates in high wider positions. It is good to see that Adam Roscoe as made the bench. The game gets under way and Trafford move forward first with some intent , the ball from Coppin to Lundy is just too long and runs to Priestley.The first five minutes belong to the visitors as they shape a corner that is headed wide from a near post position by Lundy. A deflected shot bound for the target is their next foray and when Unsworth gives a gift to the Trafford midfield the ball is set up for Wilkinson to drive into the box, as he is closed down he trys the chip but offers no real threat. Passing is inconsistent for both sides until on 12 minutes Trafford find the feet of Barnes who shoots quickly catching Priestley out he dives late to tip the ball for a corner, the first of three that are dealt with. Boro get the ball moving after 20 minutes with more purpose. Howson holding up well brings midfield into play Battersby moves the ball across the field well before it is cleared to Sampson, he delivers in well for Oates to send back across goal, Chappell finds the header but not the power or direction to worry the keeper. Some better football being played after 25 minutes of nearlys and not quites. Battersby as had a long chat with the ref, shortly afterwards the visitors appeal for the penalty as Wes Wilkinson goes down like a tramp on a kipper in the boro box, he was nudged but the referee Ogden is happy to wave away. Unsworth & Dawson go long to look for Howson, Oates is at the end of one but the race is won by Rooney the Trafford keeper , he heads clear from outside his box. Sampson looking lively after his recent injury links well with Chappell around the Trafford box and are unlucky not to benefit. Mark Jones workhorse mentality shows as he moves the ball across the centre circle inviting others to join in , he chooses a switch to Sampson who is looking a threat high right of the field. The ball is cleared and Mark Jones starts again and repeats the move this time Sampson works a great position but mis hits the shot across the box and out. Mackay of Trafford is pushed down Boro's left flank and is heading for goal Sampson shadows him well and forces him to shoot unbalanced, the ball flys over the stand. Steve Hill acts as a barn door as he cynically blocks the threatening run of Wilkinson, hill sees yellow. As the resulting free kick leads to nothing the ball is played clean through for Wilkinson who as Priestley to beat, Priestley stands strong and beats the chance away, great save. Trafford are pushing and are unlucky when Mackays cross sees Halligan head wide. Dawson is starting to look like Boros best attacking option as he finds himself on the end of two glorious chances to take the lead , the keeper is good for one and he thanks lady luck for the other. The game as opened up in the last 15 . Mark Jones tracking back across his box fouls the attacker, they take quickly before Boro set and the quick shot is saved and gathered well by Priestley. The ref adds two minutes and Dawson is called to action to stem the last chance of the half. Boro are lacking up front and any threat is coming from set pieces and defenders getting forward.

Teams remain the same as the second half gets under way. The home side are asked to defend first and do the task well, controlled passing between Unsworth Oates and Mark Jones sees the ball safe, Dawson again tackles perfectly on the edge of the box, defending is a strength of the team. Boro spend the first 15 of the half only clearing to the half way line. Nothing is sticking in the last third and comes back quickly. Dawson is the threat again when Battersby sends the free kick long for Dawson to be in the right place but uses the defender to climb. Foul given.Barnes in yellow plays in Wilkinson with a great touch in midfield as he races for the box Chappell brings him down , the free kick is smashes at the wall and deflects for a corner. The corner results in a foul on Priestley. Battersby shows a chink in his armour as too much chat after being warned in the first half gets him in the book. Battersby will be missed and another conjuring act by Kevin & Gerry will have to be performed. Sampson delivers a good cross for the head of Dawson who heads just over the bar. When Trafford panic boro on the edge of the box Hill lunges at Wilkinson and the free kick is given . Mackay lines the ball up in front of the assembled wall. The wall, Priestley are onlookers as the ball flys with curl into the top left of the net, wonderful strike. 1-0 64 gone. Once Traffords celebrations finish they double sub with Wilkinson & Hall replaced with Barlow & Woodford. The blues react with a great ball in from Hill , Dawson again meets well and heads to the foot of the post forcing a great save by the keeper to send for a corner. The unproductive duo of Howson and Griff Jones are replaced by Roscoe and Traynor. Howson and Jones G are not firing and some way off last years form, i dont know the answer but the team needs them on song. The pack is shuffled with the Boro going to a straight 4-4-2 ,Hill coming into the centre and Sampson & Unsworth going to full back positions. Traynor sits central and Oates partners Roscoe up front. Trafford are happy to pick up any player making a run and find the nippy Barlow who can only shoot wide across goal. Roscoe gets his first touch and shields well and wins a free kick ,the combination of Battersby to Dawson is used again but the defence wins this time. Manning enters he game for Chappell as the last 15 arrives. Barlow is at it again in the Boro half as the ball comes over is head and the chase is on , he is unlucky when in the box as the ball hits his knee and rolls to Priestley. Oates is looking lively with his switch from back to front and he wins the corner after attempting the cross. The corner as Unsworth heading on goal Keeper palms it onto Oates who bravely heads just wide and collides with the post, very close. The captain for the night Jones goes down in the centre circle with what looks like a twisted ankle , he plays on after treatment. Roscoe shows and looks like he could be an handfull with games under his belt. Trafford are still looking for the second and nearly get it after good work by Lundy who lays up Barlow his chip lands on the top of the bar and out. Boro push but with little threat , Trafford see barlow free again but he chooses the wrong option. The visitors Coppin is replaced by Metcalfe. Trafford use the two minutes added on and should have sealed it as Lundy pokes wide of goal with nobody to beat. Boro made a poor show of defending the cup they won last year, the substitutions added spark to the side but they usually do as subs always have a point to make. The defence look strong and have been beaten by a fantastic set piece. Midfield scrap but struggle to master and the forwards look sluggish and deprived of service. The last few weeks have been a hard slog for a small squad and injuries have caused a lot of pack shuffling. Financial magic wands are not available and we will be reliant on Kevin using trusted contacts to show up any potential gems. I will be there on Saturday because i believe we have the talent in the squad, I was impressed with the warm up conducted by Mike Flynn and would love to see more of him at the club.

see you Saturday.

Saturday 18 October 2008

Last Gasp Knockout


First Round Qualifying winners (72)
£2,300

In 1969 The Football Association introduced The FA Challenge Trophy, a knock-out competition for non-League clubs with the incentive of an appearance at Wembley for the finalists.
With amateur clubs still being afforded that opportunity in The FA Amateur Cup (until 1974 when the competition was last played), it was felt that clubs with professional players, who could only enter The FA Cup, should have a more realistic chance of making it to the famed Twin Towers. Entries for the first Trophy competition in 1969-70 included eight clubs who were destined to enter the Football League: Barnet, Cambridge United, Hereford United, Kidderminster Harriers, Macclesfield Town, Scarborough, Wimbledon and Wigan Athletic. Macclesfield beat Telford United 2-0 in the first final, watched by 28,000 at Wembley. Todays game was played at Gigg Lane, Bury loaned home of FC United of Manchester, some recent history between the two clubs should lead us to a good game. The right result will give the winners £2300 , the dirty word money makes the(non league) football world go around (survive). Chairmen will smile at the chance. Fc kick off in front of 1200 plus fans bringing a great atmosphere to the game. Ex Fc Priestley is called into action first and produces a fine save from Carden as Roca found him well. Chris Baguley is in the thick of most of the early play and Boro set out their stall with Dawson and Hill keeping the forwards at bay with some resolute defending. Boro find their way to the last third of FC but are struggling to free up support from midfield. Griff Jones and Howson are given very little. Lee Connell after a heavy challenge is treated in the centre circle. Howson is found off side and the plan of the game is already mapped out. Dawson is doing an excellent job on the Unibond Prem top scorer Kyle Wilson as he limits is chances and on 17 mins shows him what a well timed tackle is. Boro get a sniff when Griff Jones header from a throw falls for Mark Jones who strikes well enough but takes a deflection for the corner. Howson again is caught off as FC keep a tight line. Boro are throwing in some great last ditch blocks against a steady stream of United moves towards goal. The ball falls kindly for Griff Jones who toe pokes Mark Jones in on goal the keeper is quick and spoils the chance.
Priestley looking more commanding of late produces a fantastic save as Jerome Wright sets off on one of his mazy runs, he beats Unsworth , Kelly & Dawson before firing in. Fc move again when good football by Warrender , Carden and Simon Carden to set Wilson in for a shot that clears the hand of Priestley and the bar. The game as a lively spell when Wilson gets to the bye line and crosses for Simon Carden to demand more from Priestley. Boro are playing a good spoiling game and are only missing a that elusive chance . Some niggling tackles resulting in players needing treatment. Dawson is working hard and even though fouled three times, with the referee preferring advantage he loses Patience and sends the ball too long. As the end of the half closes the influential Chris Baguley leaves the field through injury and is replaced by Foster.
The boro team stay alert to the whistle and see off another great run by Jerome Wright who is brought down on the very edge of the box . Wilson ploughs the ball high from the free kick and hits high into the stand.
0-0 at half time Boro will be pleased with that and have had their defencive qualifications well examined by FC.
Oates is the only change as Connell stays in the dressing room. He goes to right back with Battersby taking a more central role. The half starts up as did the first with FC looking the more likely although some poor passing and the final delivery from both sides is evident.Frustration is growing with FC and with Battersby not being able to free up colleagues in midfield it boils over, Wilson who likes to have a niggle is man handled by Battersby and they square up , with Battersby raising his hand and Wilson looking for a part in Coronation Street, the ref puts Battersby into his book. Boro keeping FC at bay enter the best period of the game with Hill playing very well and looking to get down the flank when possible. Howson gets his first scent of goal as he pushes the ball past the defender who recovers well to force the ball away. Howson and Griff Jones combine well for the ball to be floated in for Oates waiting at the edge of the box, he volleys but receives jeers as the ball goes way over the stand. Hill plays a great dummy in midfield as he glides past is marker , Kelly gets involved and he intelligently finds a pass to Chappell who is unlucky as the ball runs to Ashton in the home goal. Its now a more even contest with Boro breaking free of defensive duties when possible. FC always looking capable of a goal. They show it to as Wright breaks down the left and feeds the ball into the 6 yard box Roca cant reach .Chappell does brilliantly getting his toe to it to clear when Wright is bearing down on goal. Battersby is lucky to stay on the field as his frustration in Boros lack of midfield ownership shows. The ref is sensible and calms him down. Simon Carden catches the boro back four flat and flashes a shot wide. Roca leaves the contest and is replaced by Williams. Jerome Wright remains a threat and runs from deep and is heading for goal when he is dumped by Kelly who gets a yellow. Boro respond and win 3 corners in a row but to no avail as FC show they can defend as well as attack. Chappell is replaced Traynor. Boros best chance arrives when Howson meets the cross only for his effort to be cleared off the line at the foot of the post.Battersby and Mark Jones combine well to leave Hill to cross out of play. FC look to finish the game as they enter the last five,Dawson and Unsworth switch off for the first time to give Wright another chance but he luckily wastes his shot. Poor final passes and crosses have been the trade mark of the game but with the referee adding 3 minutes and Boro looking towards a replay Adam Carden sends in a quality croos that is met well by Adam Turner to loop a great header over the impressive Priestley to spoil the Boro day and win the game. Disaster! After Boro playing a perfect first leg type game and the chance of a lucrative cup run gone all focus will be on the league. Boro have proven they can compete away from home against good opposition. The game wasn't beautiful but it was a dogged performance from Boro. Time added on is always a contested point against Manchester clubs, is it not?

I will see you against Trafford, another Manchester Club!













Wednesday 15 October 2008

Weather Beaten Blues

All cup competitions are steeped in history so no better place to try to emulate our route to last years final than Seel Park , home of Mossley for the past 96 years. The weather was diabolical but braved by 103 hardy souls. Radcliffe with a six goal haul at the weekend and already victors at Seel Park this season must be confident. Mossley fielding 14 goal Mark Fish and showing steady league form will be no push over at their Tameside historical home.
The injured Sampson is replaced at right back by Battersby, Lee Unsworth returns after injury, the luxury of a full bench with new name Gary Furnival waiting in the wings. The game kicks off in heavy rain with Boro the first to attack, Battersby throws long for Howson to head the ball into space, he delivers the cross but Griff Jones can't reach the ball it is cleared to Hill who cuts inside to shoot wide. Early exchanges sees both sets of players frantically trying to adapt to the conditions.The Lillywhites show promise with Challinor, Fish and Hanlon showing early intentions. Captian Si Kelly receives treatment as play goes on , he gets back in the action after 4 minutes. As he returns Ryan Cook crosses well into the box ,Kelly reacts quickly in front of the inform Fish to clear. Some good interchanging of passes is practised by both sides in the middle of the park. Referee Roberts shows good common sense when he plays the advantage perfectly when Mossley look to attack.Fish looking likely is marshaled well by Dawson to restrict his chance. With players slipping and misjudging balls that die on the bounce it is evident mistakes will be made during the game, i dont believe anybody will be booed (Mr Ashley Cole) as great respect is due to players trying to play and the groundstaff for making it possible. Mossley find some space as Hanlon & Dignan find Dawson clearing is lines well. 23 minutes in and Mark Jones plays Chappell in with a great ball , Chappell waits and then delivers with no one available, as the ball is cleared Mark Jones shoots to only find the defenders boot. Connell concedes the free kick after both he and Howson close down well. Simon Wood delivers and dawson clears for the corner. Corner is too long and move dies. Fish working wide right crosses for Bailey who can only scoop over the target. Mossley are given a goal chance when Priestley on clearing can only find Cook who sets up Hanlon to fire across Priestley and miss the goal . Half an hour as passed when Battersby gets a ball down the line to Howson , inside to Griff Jones who gets back to Howson , the ref calls back for the foul on Griff Jones. The free kick sees defenders clear, only to Mark Jones who when falling fails to threaten the goal. The home side are controlling passes and look to always feed behind the visiting defence. A well disciplined Mossley defence is catching forwards increasingly offside. Mossley's Cook is restricted to long range work. Hill is providing most of the quality passes and asks Griff Jones to hold Mark Jones arrives and smacks the ball wide right of goal under pressure. Howson and Griff Jones panic the keeper as they bear down , the mistake comes but only after a free kick goes against the wall. Mark Jones picks a perfect pass after good work in the corner by Battersby , Battersby is on the return and looks for goal only to be brought down, PENALTY! Howson steps up, way up wide and not handsome. Mossley pick up tempo, a wide ball invites Dignan to cut inside and let fly across Priestleys outstreched arm it batters the post and comes back out to safety. Mossley go again and Blackshaw as the favour of the wind when his shot/cross flashes across the box and out.On the stroke of the half Priestley is left scrambling across goal to gather Dignans effort on goal . The corner he concedes is cleared from under the bar, the 2nd corner stays in but hits the bar, just as the damp crowd will now be doing.
The second half begins in more rain with players emerging with kit 2lb heavier than the first half. Mossley bring on Dan Egan for Mike Fish who looked to be struggling in the first half. The ball is sent back towards the hosts keeper that sticks invitingly in the mud on the edge of the box, Howson reacts and is stronger in the tackle, as the ball squirms away he is left with an open goal to tap in to , 1-0 to the Boro and Howson makes amends his penalty miss. Howson will have enjoyed that after missing two pens in two games and not on the sheet for a team scoring six. He looks a yard short over the last few games, but a player of his calibre will return to form soon. The lillywhites continue to play neat football despite the mud and build well up to the last third. Kelly is needed to read the intentions to break a move that with one more pass could have spelled danger. Their persistence is rewarded on 59 minutes when the boro defence foul as they try to clear from the increasing heavy pitch. Lee Blackshaw steps up to strike well the ball takes a wicked deflection off the wall leaving Priestley flat footed in the rain. All square. Game on. Both sides as well as the pitch would not appreciate 30 minutes more.Kelly plays his pass of the match to find Griff Jones coming deep as he turns the ball is sent too long. Fresh legs are introduce when Mossley replace Lee Blackshaw with Leon Henry. Boro try again with Chappell finding the corner he is out muscled by the Mossley captain Kay. he clears to Hill who instinctly pushes the cross over the six yard box that Howson just cannot make. Dawson defending from the goal kick plays the ball back too strongly and lets Dignan in , he pushes into the box and elects to shoot , into the side netting. Mossley gamble with extra time looming and bring on the 3rd sub Dignan off and Danny Self on. The fresher legs of Henry see him overlap and get in a good cross destined for Egan , the ball is cut out by the toe of Dawson. Griff Jones is taken off and Michael Oates enters the mud fest. The home side have looked the stronger in the latter half of the game the introduction of the two subs settles the game as Self plays a great pass into the run of Egan he fires superbly and sees his shot fly into the net 2-1 the Lillywhites. Boro have a final fling when Hills free kick goes into the mix as the ball is scrambled out Mark Jones pings one in but is blocked and cleared to Unsworth who sends back in Connell reaches and makes contact only for the side netting to ripple. Both sides played as much football as the conditions would allow and is a credit to each team that they attempted to pass through the mud. Some very tired legs left the Field leaving the groundsman some very hard work to do. Radcliffe have another cup competition to face on Saturday, they will be watching the weather forecast as they head for the 115 year old Gigg Lane,

see you there

Sunday 12 October 2008

The Stainton Park Six

Taking up my usual position in the stand behind the goal and with both teams warming up for this local derby I felt that there was a real buzz around.The Ammies had brought a healthy keen following , the home support desperate for a home win in the league made for a great football cocktail. Gerry and Kevin had to mix it up again with late withdrawals of Unsworth and Rutter. The bench looked under no pressure with only Manning and Traynor siting on it.
Salford kick off hoping to get off bottom spot and looked lively to the task. Enniss tested the Boro defence and got a shot away for Priestley to take comfortably. Boro respond with a move that sees the visitors delay before clearing with Howson prowling. Boro win the first corner. Salford switch defence into attack and look dangerous with the home defence looking shaky. Priestley saves again low down from Enniss who is played in well by Brackenridge. Ennis involved again with support of Depeiaza , they combine well to let Kelly and his colleagues know they're in a game. Dawson clears from behind his keeper to keep the Salford outfit at bay. Chappell works hard to chase down and force the central defender to sky the ball, Howson latches on to attempt the lob but is off target . Boro find some relief from the early attacks of Salford when Jones (G) finds his way into the box after turning his defender well, he runs out of grass and the chance goes. Salford go again with a great run and cross that beats the defence to fly past the diving header of Depeiaza who is inches away from contact. The first 20 minutes belonged to Salford with a stuttering start by Radcliffe. The last attack wakes the boro up and some great football is played between Sampson, Connell & Hill . Battersby adds his presence to find Connell in acres with the keeper to beat he hits it firmly but Campbell saves well at point blank range. Boro win the free kick that Hill whips in to test the Ammies , Howson wins and the ball falls to Griff Jones who feints the shot and chips a great ball in for Dawson to score his second in 4 days with a convincing header 1-0 ! The ends change and Forrester brings a great one handed safe to his left, a great stop. Salford produce a couple more corners the latter ending in a shot that goes a couple of yards wide. The game is being played at a great tempo for the expectant crowd. A very quick half an hour goes before Chappell wins the ball in a central position, Howson stands strong and feeds Sampson who cuts into the box only to be brought down by Kay, Penalty, up steps Howson , Keeper saves ! Kay gets booked for booting the ball in the air through frustration. He wastes his energy on showing no respect for referee.. The visitors bench see sense and replace him before he is sent off. Danny White replaces him. The tangerine shirts play some good football on the half way line and gets them a free kick that does not result in any threat . Boro start to show the upperhand with some controlled play. Battersby is the main instigator and when he uses Sampson to find Connell he curls a shot low to the right of the keeper who concedes a corner. The ball swings in for Chappell to try and control the ball runs into the path of Connell who fires through a crowd to beat the keeper low to his right, 2-0! A comfortable lead to take down the tunnel.
The second half starts with Boro looking for more Howson and Connell are soon asking questions but it is the improved Griff jones who patiently waits for the chance to better the two defenders and push his shot from in the box passed the unsuspecting Campbell, 3-0 the Boro!
Soon after play starts again and howson finds a splitting pass to Jones (G) who takes his chance but fires high. Mark Jones shows real grit and chases down hard to defend the whole team start to play with confidence and clearly are now enjoying their football. Hill is supplying the best of the passes and one of them on 59 sees Battersby control take aim and score confidently to end the game, a deserved goal based on his recent form. 4-0 up and Chappell is replaced by Manning. Salford remain full of endeavour and are trying to play out of trouble. They are struggling with the step up to this division and it is starting to show. Manning involves himself early and gets to the bye line well his ball fins the keeper instead of Griff Jones. Boro are starting to turn the screw with Salford restricted to small break aways. Griff Jones is free again and proving to be the games best man , he chooses the wrong option this time ,leaving Howson screaming for it. The visitors produce a good move when Forrester & Kelly unite in finding Enniss who fires over the bar and stand. Manning looking sharp goes down the flank and sends the ball in to Battersby who attempts the 1-2 , the ball spins loose in the box and the awareness of Griff Jones and his strength to beat off defenders makes it 5 for the Boro, fantastic! Howson gets a rest on 80 and Traynor joins the party. The away side work hard to find some chances and do manage good shots by Forrester & Bancroft who keeps Priestley awake. The game is secured by six when Hill aims for Dawson who is just beaten by Robinson who clears only to Battersby his clever ball finds Lee Connell , Connell shapes well to fire in a great strike into the corner of the net, 6, yes 6!
The game ends as Dawson defends well to keep the clean sheet. The boro fans leave the stand half in joy , half in disbelief of the scoreline. Perhaps a little flattering given the start Salford made . The game was won by the more experienced side who are more than comfortable playing in this league. Salford will improve but it may take some time. They have a very supportive set of fans.
Wins lead to wins ,

see you at Mossley.

Saturday 4 October 2008

Star struck Boro


Radcliffe generosity started on the car park with the excellent match day programme being given away. I got myself settled to catch the game in the supporters bar and enjoyed the fayre on offer. The usual hard working fund raisers did the rounds. A couple of days earlier the room was host to the reprieved supporters club meeting that was very positive and the future looks good. I was generously shown around the treatment and physio set up at the club after the meet and was hugely impressed, good to know the players have all the facilities they need to compete and recover.The visitors bring with them a positive start to the season averaging 3 goals a game .To the game..........
Referee Robinson invites Blue Star to kick off , Boro take up the possession and win the first corner after Steve Howsons first run is found by Griff Jones .Dawson is unlucky not to connect but the ref gives Newcastle the free kick. Lee Connell back from his stint at Ashton United is involved with Howson and Jones as boro look lively. Jones puts in a good run from left to right and produces a fine ball for the advancing Howson in a good position , the move breaks down and Blue Star exchange passes well before Jones with Howsons help play in Battersby who checks and floats a cross in that clears the angle of bar and post. Newcastle find their feet and against the early run of play find the net, David McTiernans cross finds Greg Hall and Craig Dawson undecided and with Dawson flat footed Steve Salvin rises to head over Hall, 1-0 to the visitors after 9 minutes played. Boro move forward and win a free kick when Neil Chappell is fouled . Lee Unsworth takes and sees the keeper fluff the catch McTiernan clears. Blue Star have settled and with the goal comfort start to weave some good passing moves together. Paul Bryson is through on goal and with only Hall to beat Unsworth puts in a fantastically well timed solid tackle that saves a certain second. The early goal loss as unsettled the Boro shape and the ball starts to be given away cheaply. Gary Sampson attempts to beat the keeper after turning in field only to see his shot go well wide. Radcliffe start to rush play and mistakes are starting to creep in . Newcastles first corner on 19 minutes sees Dawson clear well under pressure, Blue Stars centre forward Brayson is treated off the field for a blow in the face. A more decisive cross from Mark Jones is matched by the keepers handling. The visitors look calm in possesion of the ball and play very tidily in all departments. Connell works hard in the centre of field to contain and stop any domination . When Griff Jones is fouled , Unsworth wastes the free kick. This will be one of many set pieces offered to Boro that are lacking in delivery quality. Battersby and Griff Jones combine well to force the defender to sky the ball , Howson fights is way to a chance that is blocked only to see the ball passed back to the keeper close in, the referee misses it and the game goes on. The half is shared between the teams with the home side trying to find some way back. The usual outlet is Howson who is finding support short as his colleagues are embroiled in trying to win the midfield . Connell is active the most in this task with Battersby adding some thoughtful play. Brayson is always available for Blue Star and they tend to find him more often than not. As the half time raffle tickets are pulled from pockets Boro defend in numbers and Dawson is strong to avert danger. The whistle goes with hopes of a draw possible.
The temperature is the only change for the second half as it gets colder and rain threatens. Boro warm us up when Howson wins a free kick , a better delivery by battersby finds the head of Dawson as the ball lands griff jones strikes to see the ball blocked , Connell keeps it alive but jones doesn't threaten before it is cleared. The north east team respond well and break down the right with a good cross sent in for the waiting Salvin who is foiled. Mark Jones switches play well in the middle and Simon Kelly reacts and forces the corner. Howson just cant reach the cross and danger is cleared. Newcastle start to grip the game with Steve Bowie and Brayson becoming more evident and dangerous in front of the boro back line. Bowie and Brayson are looking and waiting to penetrate and punish any lapse in concentration. Kelly loses concentration and gifts the ball to Salvin should have converted on the hour. At the other end Griff Jones wins the free kick . With 4 in the wall Battersby strikes and hits it as the ball runs away Mark Jones flashes the ball 2 yard over the middle of the crossbar. Luczka decides on a double substitution with Griff Jones and Connell leaving , Rutter and Oates enter and within minutes the tempo increases with Oates finding Battersby who lays the ball up for rutter to strike at goal , the ball is lashed clear. Newcastle with pace see Chappell give a sloppy ball away and Chris Emms tidys it up by playing a great ball to Bowies path and just as it looks like he his going too wide he slots home past Hall in style. 2-0 . Newcastle look very comfortable. They sub McLen for Tait as they look to secure the away win. Boro are only given scraps by the well drilled Newcastle centre halves and Howson can only glance a cross by Oates when he does well to get down the flank. Boro try the same route but to no avail, the keeper makes a point of clearing as he sends the ball to Ainsworth , he wants his clean sheet. Blue Star threaten again before they take off Salvin for Nicholson . Boro have 15 minutes to respond. As the rain gets heavier Emms is replaced for Fawcett. Brookes replaces Chappell soon after for the Boro who keep pushing but can't push hard enough. Brookes gets his first chance when Battersby whips in a in swinging corner as it drops from the defenders he shoots tamely against the defence. Newcastle pass the ball through the field with confidence and find McTiernan who as a great run across the boro 18 yard line before firing back across Hall who saves well to concede the corner. The corner is taken with the ball clearing all to the far post , Boro are asleep as the ball is sent back and finds the toe of Bowie and it whips past Hall for a flattering 3-0 scoreline. The game is over for Boro whos last flourish sees Brookes strike well in front of goal but allows the keeper to watch it wide. Battersby who beats the defender well finds himself in pole position but only fires at the keepers chest as we enter 90 minutes.
The referee ends the encounter with Newcastle the better team on a solid second half performance. Radcliffes generosity was extended too far and Blue Star will travel the 150 miles back home with their scoring average intact and 3 points safe in the geordie kit bag. As Newcastle stay on the pitch to warm down , Gerry and Kevin are in full conversation and will i am sure share more words to stop us having the worst home form in the league.
see you in Yorkshire

Wednesday 1 October 2008

Double Delight!


Heavy rain throughout the day did not dampen the enthusiasm that shone through the Radcliffe Borough side as they romped to a 2-0 win over a very good Lancaster side in good form. Heavy hearts were lifted from the weekend on a very heavy pitch that played well after good work by the groundsmen. The acquisition of Battersby albeit short announced intent to get things right after recent setbacks,Howson returns and Hall is preferred. Gerry and Kevin have been busy.

This first round affair of the League Challenge cup opened with first blood to the Boro within 2 minutes. Oates in his changed role of right back found the run of Howson who easily made ground to supply a pinpoint pass to the waiting Chappell to send the ball safely into the visitors net. 1-0 the Boro and Chappell is delighted. Within minutes of the restart the obvious ability of Battersby was seen as he sprays a couple of passes around the midfield that are positive and true. Lancaster look nervous after being rocked by the early goal. Boro win the first corner to no advantage. Lancaster show they can pass and move up the field well. They are made to rethink on 7 minutes when Sampson cuts inside from the left to sting the hands of Mark Thornley as he uses both to parry over the bar. A lively start .

The corner sees the keeper punch clear to find Mark Jones with time to manoeuvre and send in a shot that is painfully curling away from goal. City captain Stringfellow as a lunge at Kelly as his defence feel the pressure. Unswoth sends the kick to Howson whos trademark flick on forces action from the defence, Battersby finds Chappell well who is clearly enthused by his goal and feeds Jones whos shot deflects and makes the keeper save smartly above his head. Howson and Roscoe the chosen target for Hall are starting to combine and looks well for the future.

The Dolly Blues remind the home side that there is still a team to beat as they use some good approach play with the lively Lenny Reid always in the mix. Chappell concedes a free kick while doing good work and the result of the kick is a shot wide of Hall by Helliwell. Radcliffes attitude from the start is rewarded as Sampson sends a great ball for Howson to latch on to, he takes the ball in his stride and drives into the box, the defenders only choice is to stop the threat with a foul. Penalty! Howson steps up and strikes through the ball, 2-0.


Lancaster have not thrown in the towel and some composed defending is required by Kelly to clear his lines and set Boro going again.The ball is worked for a non productive corner but displays some good supporting work from defence through midfield as Battersby and Jones control the middle. Jones drives forward with purpose and sends a ball from the ouside of his right peg to the waiting Howson the keeper had to rush . Chappell is playing with a real injection of enthusiasm that I have not seen in him so far this season and is clearly enjoying the game.Oates in the right back slot is lucky not to concede a free kick as he defends his goal but keeps the attack at bay and looks very comfortable in the role. Lancaster are keen to reply and keep the ball on the floor as they look for runs and opportunity, Reid fires in a good shot after breaching the box for Hall to hold well down on his left post. Roscoe who as played his part his tackled hard by Hefferman who forces the ref to use his pencil for a yellow. The tackle came in from behind but was not vicious but caused injury that Roscoe would have to leave the field with. City still have purpose and Reid feeds Jackson to shoot into the chest of Hall. Roscoe leaves the game and Rutter enters from the bench. The visitors are still looking and get a corner that Hall punches well under pressure from Reid , he holds the second corner well.

Rutter joins the action with some good exchanges with Battersby , Oates and Chappell although no end product the football was controlled and not rushed. Lancaster pick up the play and a smart save to the left of Hall is needed as Jackson picks his spot after finding room at the edge of the box. A great half ends with the team heading for the changing rooms with heads high and confidence back in the kit bag.


Lancaster start the second period with some intention and see likely goalscorers in Jackson and Helliwell. The game is not as quick as it was and the sodden pitch must be taking its toll. Rutter dispels this as his pace when chasing down is evident , he is quick. Chappell is crowded out as he looks for his second aided by Howson. Jones switches a great pass across the half way line to Sampson whos one-two with Battersby inside the full back sees Sampsons shot blocked and canons off the beaten defender for a corner. Lancaster still press and are caught offside a couple of times as they show they are keen to respond. The threat of Howson is always around and they are aware. The hour sees the tired Reid replaced by Foster for the visitors . Jones is breaking again with Sampson alongside who again uses the clever positioning of Battersby who as time to pick out Rutter whos shot is blocked. Howson is picking some good runs and more often than not gives the defence plenty to do. Lancaster are making some chances appear but Boro defend well with Dawsons tackle in his own box the pick of the night. Boro clear home lines and Rutter takes brilliantly on his chest to push the ball ahead of him and quickly find the corner of the City box. He waits for support as it is some way behind him, the ball is sent back to start again a better choice then the option of going forward into a packed defence. Chappell is finishing the game as he started and is involved in most things feeding off Howson and supplying. Lancaster are looking like they have conceded the game and start to lose patience. Boro play the patient game along with good short passes and intelligent running. Rutter is covering ground and holding when asked to bring others into the game. Concentration in the last quarter is needed to cap the performance. Entwistle is replaced by Woodward. Oates is written in the refs book for an over zealous tackle that was due to determination rather than malice. Hall blotted his tidy performance in difficult conditions as he gives the ball cheaply to an advancing forward luckily with no attempt on his goal.Luck is involved again when he slams a clearance against Helliwell only for it to hit the bar and land safely.Brookes replaces the rejuvenated Chappell in the dying minutes. Brookes contributes a great layoff to Howson on the edge of the box, but with heavy legs Howson doesnt finish. Lancaster play to the whistle and although beaten well in the first half will be difficult opponents for anyone. As the newly formed Boro band in front of the tannoy box sing 'its just like watching Brazil' i will reserve judgement on that however i will reserve a seat for the next game. An enjoyable first home win, a clean sheet, a league and cup double over Lancaster, a smile on the players faces , Fantastic!


see you Saturday


Paul

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