Boro 4 Durham City 2

A classic home win with two from Drew.

Saturday 30 August 2008

Spot kicks end cup journey.





After my 4 and a half mile jouney to Stainton Park i was left wondering how long Boro's cup jouney would take us. The FA Cup is a fantastic competition with hopes and dreams for every club that enters. Remember Chasetown who after visiting the Boro last year enjoyed a great run. With my lucky 7 handed in it was time to sit down to read the much improved match programme accompanied of course with pie, peas & gravy. My appetite now was for cup glory!

Radcliffe kick off this FA cup prelim round with Forrest in for his first start of the season with Waine on the strong Boro bench. Unsworth remains absent from the back four and keeps Howson, Rutter & Brooks company in the dug out. The opening minutes are with Winterton in thier all red kit with Holt and Foulkes showing early promise. Boro then start the game with a cross field move that sees Griff Jones power into the Rangers half looking strong but is tackled well. Connell starts busy and wins a free kick . heald duly steps up to find Craig Dawson who cant direct his header on goal. Connell sparks interest from Sampson who is in the right spot but cant capitalise. Possesion & momentum swings to the blue team. Mark Jones finds Connell who works hard to control , he does and finds Forest who does well to keep his shot down but it flys wide. Connell and Forrest look keen and have the ability to run this afternoons midfield. Griff Jones is edging the contest with full back Robinson . Dawson is fouled and bundled to the ground in front of the dugouts by Sharples . The referee has a chat and calls the Rangers captain over , another new instruction that for minor incidents will only break the game up more, a trend he continues all afternoon. Dawson takes the kick and Oates is free to take a shot on goal, defender gets in the way and the chance is lost. The ref pulls Flynn who as too many words to say to him, again he calls over Captain Si Kelly, rules are rules but common sense please Mr Clayton.

Winterton Rangers are taking the pressure as Forrest offers more by releasing Connell who works hard to find an opening , it closes with a good challenge , Rangers are falling deeper in their own half. Forrest shows some good intent with a fine pass to Connell who in turn puts the ball into the path of Griff Jones who hits the ball in his stride but wide of target. Forrest looks like he is wanting to impress after his time served on the bench by producing a great ball to Mark Jones , he feeds Connell his placed effort goes wide. The 20 minute dominance must produce, Craig Dawson trys with a lofted well placed shot from 25 yards that clears the angle of bar and post. Griff Jones turns up the heat on his shadow and fleeces Robinson to serve a tasty cross that Oates under pressure meets well only to see it wide.

The ball goes back to the Rangers half quickly and Oats sees the driving run of Connell who jostles for a clear view of goal, when he gets one he forces a good hand by the keeper who somehow keeps it out.

Short relief to Winterton sees thier corner cleared easily. Back to the Humberside teams half for Forrest and Connell who combine for the effort of Connells that is wide of the mark.

Winterton start to grow in confidence as they have held Boro well and reduced them largely to shots from distance, they show willing and Foulkes gets forward only to be seen off by Sampson. Sharples playing in red for Foulkes who sets up Holt for a decent shot that goes wide of Halls post. They move again in the right direction with a throw from Mohammed to Holt and back to Mohammed for a good cross that puts boro under pressure to clear, Holt stays in the mix and stubs the ball into Halls hands when it should have been more difficult. With half an hour gone Winterton get back into the game but find Ricardo booked for a foul , his Captain can't defend him.

Forrest collects and loses the ball easily to release Holt who looks dangerous , he can't convert but wins the corner off the repreaved Forrest. The boro lose shape and Rangers see it , Holt shows again to link well with his team mates before Foulkes fires in from the edge of the box. The last ten minutes of the half sees a more end to end game with Forrest providing for Oats and Sampson who in good positions can,t change the scoreboard. Foulkes and Holt look the pick of the visitors and with a lesser back four would profit. Domination in long periods for the boro is not winning the tie, a change, a catalyst is needed .


The second half sees both teams use subs to start Unsworth on for Dawson, Mohammed replaced for Davidson.

Radclifes captain gives a silly free kick and is cautioned . Gladly the resulting kick is wasted . Boro find Oats from an early throw by Connell and is unlucky with the run of the ball. The next throw is cleared by Plant and lands for Sampson who fires high and wide. Sloppiness in the midfield sees boro give Wintertons Holt time to work a good move with Archer and Foulkes the ball is heading for sub Davidson but Hall beats him to the cross and handles well. Unsworth is caught in possesion by the increasingly impressive Holt he,lets fly with an exocet of a shot that leaves Hall only watching as it crashes the bar and bounces down on the keepers side of the goal line, what a goal that would have been. Connell and Forrests first half showing is not here in the second half and Jones is left to try and command midfield.


The game is now a two sided affair that could go either way.Both sides enjo periods of attack before Oates forces a long throw taken by Flynn , Connell gets the flick onto Oates strong header against the arms of Plant and the referee decides to point to the spot, PENALTY to boro! Griff Jones steps up and fires right at a good height for the keeper who saves well!

As the home fans are still bemoaning the miss a push in the Boro box on Watson sees the ref balance the penalties and gives a chance from the spot for Wintertons Holt. He sends the ball to the left of Hall who chooses the other way. 1-0 to Rangers.


A spark is needed. After the score is changed Winterton press looking for the next round.Boro change Heald for Rutter on 66 and Connell for Howson. This introduction as sparked interest within the blues . Connell and Forrest although showing well at the start of the first half can' t penetrate and look disinterested when the game is not going there way. Oates comes alive working with Howson , the two show good touches to make the Rangers work.

As Boro push, the reds get stronger and are inspired by the running of Holt. The last twenty minutes remain as Flynn sends in his trademark long throw to find Howson who heads just wide. Rutter receives the ball wide from a strong Howson flick on ,Mark Jones gets involved to find Forrest who can only send it well wide. Again Howson wins the aerial battle and heads on for Sampson to go by him down the flank and into the box to send a cross that cant be met. Keeper Simpson sees yellow as the ref decides he is wasting time. Holt again releases Watson who makes Unsworth show his defensive strengths , working well with Hall they tidy up. A clearance to Oates who heads on well for Howson to show his strength but narrowly is given offside. At the other end Forrest loses the ball to Holt who is free to shoot wide. Rutter is busy and the red defence have more to think about with the partnership of Oates and Howson. Sharples stays cool to find his keeper when Oates and Rutter threaten. The game now looks like a copy of the Chorley game.

Hall clears with his feet well out of his area only to land at the feet of Ricardo who as the wits to look up pick his spot and launch the ball high over the luckless Hall .2-0!

Boro look to reply quickly with Simpson palming an Oates attempt on to his bar. Rangers Sub thier sub for Kinsley with less than 5 to go. Frantic football in the hope of a comeback ensues. Into the last minute of time and Howson is heading for goal with two defenders to fight off his quality and strength show as he pokes the ball past the keeper , goal to the boro!

He goes to collect the ball and get the game going again to find the beaten defender holding the ball, Howson raises his arms through pure frustration and the ref does not like it ,Howson is off!

Before the ref blows for full time he books Holt for time wasting.

The whistle goes and it is all over, the cup journey ends.

A bad day for the boro as the first third of the game belonged to them, unable to penetrate they saw Rangers gain in confidence. The last 20 minutes showed me that the trio of Oates, Howson and Rutter will damage opponents. The back 5 , strong as it is needs a rethink, Kelly , Unsworth, Heald, Sampson are talented enough defenders to see off good forwards as a foursome. Jones needs a free role to express and Griff Jones needs a rest. A damaging result as Howson and his looming suspension will hurt.

Its not all doom and gloom , the season is a few weeks old and we have a strong squad, i am confident Gerry will find the right tactics and line up.

See you in Harrogate.

Monday 25 August 2008

Magpies get Hall's handy gift.





Radcliffe go into their fourth game in nine games with an unchanged line up that saw victory at Woodley. Chorley after a free weekend arrive from Victory park without a win on their two league outings. Will teams fly out to Asia when they have a free weekend this season to play in the Unibond Asia cup , come back and then complain of too many games? Perhaps, not, but many an elite club would complain of four games in nine days. Full available squads at this level I believe show good commitment, and after all it is an holiday weekend.


Tony Hesketh's men kick off after a change of ends in their changed kit of yellow. Radcliffe look glad to be back on grass showing some good early touches and movement. This results in a good turn on the edge of the magpies box to release Griff Jones who just cant keep it in play.


Sampson wins a throw and duly finds Griff Jones who is beaten to the ball and from the throw in tests the central defence who clear only to Sampson who fires at goal but can't change the scoreline. The ball lands in tune with a Chorley counter that is promising but not dangerous. The trend starts on a good end to end game.The first round goes to Boro who get to the final third well and with a couple of Flynn long throws pose a threat although Chorley's Smalley is content in defending them.




Chorley move quickly through the park when Burke finds Finch providing Goodeve and Nolan with the chance to ask the question of Dawson who dutifully clears well. On the turn of fifteen minutes Griff gets the better of his shadow for the day Smalley seeking Mark Jones who then gives Heald the time to test the Chorley keeper who passes the exam but gives a corner. Heald sends a good corner in to danger that is sent for another corner by Zac Jones. Sampson provides this time and Heald benefits with a shot that is blocked for Sammo to try again but is too long for Griff. Good pressure early on.


Oates as his job description states his putting his weight into the challenge that the ref disagrees with and Mr Stott as a word or two. The ball is shared between the two teams but mainly won by Heald who's thumping legal tackles must be heard in Chorley pub gardens.




As the game breaths for a Chorley free kick by Goodeve is sent towards goal that is clearly not read by Hall who allows the ball through his hands and .........Catastrophe ,Chorley 1 Boro 0! Greg will struggle to shrug that off. A pity as thus far in the campaign he as been positive.




Heald looks for a quick response driving down the Chorley left he waits support but to no avail the ball lands with the visitors.


Boro come again with a perfect Heald cross met by Dawson who beats the magpie no 1 and the bar by two inches. The game switches to a free kick by Eckersley that Flynn sends back the way it came. Smalley is minding Griff Jones well after Connell sparks interest. Flynn's long throws are cleared well and result in small counter attacks by Chorley.


Half an hour quickly goes with football tennis being played though Chorley look sharp around the boro box.




Connell is frequent in seeing the pass but cant execute as both Oates and Griff Jones are potential customers. Heald continues to be bullish down the left but is seeing too many dead ends. When Chorley pick the pieces the break well. A couple of decisions go the Goalkeepers way as it becomes obvious by both teams the ref does not like strikers challenging for the ball. Chorley are seeing chances made only by boro mistakes


Michael Oates is falling deeper to pursue the ball and the boro frontline looks weakened as he does, his runs across the magpies back four do cause problems , a ball falls for Griff who hesitates to shoot and the half is ending rapidly. Boro finish the half and demand two corners in quick succession with little to worry about by the resolute Chorley defence. They close the half with a corner that is picked clean by Hall.




The floodlights going on for the second half are clearly the signal that the red arrows waited for before the flew over Stainton Park in formation , now i know the lucky 7 and half time draws are great initiatives but they surely can't stretch to that? can they?




No change in staff on the field as Boro start first with a brisk move involving Connell, Kelly & Oates no real threat.A real threat is the Chorley number 9 who proves tricky only for Sampson to cut any tricks short on the edge of the box. Connell is working hard when in possession and forces the ball out to sampson who miscues the cross that is easy for the keeper.


50 minutes in and a good move by Boro involving Griff, Heald & Connell show they can ping the ball quickly in front of the Chorley back four.


As Boro look lively Kelly concedes a free kick that results in the front three linking well without further test of Hall.


Great defensive tackling by Henry of Chorley ends Healds run but provides a shot for Mark Jones who, when central shoots high and wide.


Some niggly fouls around the middle of the park breaks up momentum for each team. Boro give away a soft freekick when Dawson pulls the shirt of Eckersley, he takes the kick to Henry and on to Finch who Dawson arrives late on in a great spot for Chorley. Hall lines up a wall of four but sees the ball kicked high and rising above his goal.


Connell goes off looking tired passed the hour mark replaced by Howson who impacts by making his presence felt and the keeper plays safe. The team are lifted by Howson as they see a goal from him. Sampson steps up a gear and delivers his two best crosses of the game , Howson can not get to them. Mark Jones & Howson combine well but are beaten and Chorley break ,Jones tactically fouls in the centre.


20 minutes to go and Rutter is on for Waine. Finch leaves the pitch for Sharrock and the game picks up.Within minutes of the substitutions Chorley break well on the left of Boro's box with Nolan back healing for Goodeve who introduces full back Henry to ram home a shot across Hall for their second of the game , a very good goal, 2-0.




Flynn is replaced by Chappell who's first touch is a foul. the free kick is delivered and Chorley pose a threat through Nolan who as a dig but is saved to allow Eckersley a second bite, boro under pressure.


Pressure is off with a quick move down the left with a ball in that finds Howson perfectly placed on 76 to make the game interesting. Boro 1 Chorley 2.


The final 15 sees Boro go for broke with the positive forward play by Rutter and Howson . Rutter finds the right wing well and exploits , looks a quality player who added spark and menace to the wing.


Farrell enters with Burke going off defensive duties beckon. With the game now wide open with Boro having a go no threat is heading Boro's way. Some great crosses by Sampson and Rutter on a different day could have brought a prize.


The whistle goes after some pressure too late by Boro, Chorley defended well throughout and where always able to punish on the counter. The way the game finished posed the question , is this how we start? At times early on i felt too much respect was given, although this can not be said of a couple of fouled mouth players and supporters who got very personal over Halls mistake and some refereeing decisions, even Mark Halsey's attendance on the terrace, the premiership ref, didn't pursuade the man in the middle and his assistants to lay the law down .


A good game of football was enjoyed by a good bank holiday crowd although the result perhaps not.






I had a good result by winning the half time bubbly! If your not in it you can't win it! Get your quids out for the cause next week.








Saturday 23 August 2008

Gone in sixty seconds.





Capelo's Italian styling clearly impacted on the national squad but unfortunatly only in the hair salon, more time obviously spent in hair pieces Mr James & Bentley than set peices. I preferred the Luczka style the previous night of honest , solid and patient football, result 2-0. Hopefully those leaving televised Beijing for live Bredbury will find much the same today at the Lambeth Grove stadium .


Woodley kick off on the synthetic pitch and before the guy in front of me gets his fork into his meat & potato, Heald sends a ball across field for Samson to send it in field and the alive Jones (g) picks out the run of Oates with the keeper attempting to close, the defenders are shrugged off and a cool finish is added to Oates goal scoring CV. 1-0 the boro 61 seconds!


Woodley are left blaming anyone in earshot.



Some minutes later Boro use the same route with Jones finding Oats on the same route to goal but this time the tackle comes in freeing the ball for Heald to fire one over. A good start.



With Sports still reeling they force a corner that is cleared by Flynn starting his league tally in place of the unavailable Unsworth, the ball falls for Woodley captain Douglas-Pringle who strikes well with the ball always rising and clears the boro bar . Waine concedes a free kick that Collins delivers into the box easily cleared but falls for Douglas-Pringle who can't find the target, a man needs to close his threat . Woodley try to press, a ball over is cleared by Flynn but falls to Ellison who luckily can't contol in a promising position. On clearing Dawson sends a long ball forward that clears everbody and out of play harmlessly ,the start of many harmless balls to be played by both sides in the first half. The first third of the half ends with an attempt by Heald that makes the keeper hold well. With both sides struggling to get hold of the ball woodley break through the middle to reach Headley who shoots high & wide. A late tackle by heald is missed by referee Bonney but the next one 5 yards on is not. Headley finds Hanley who heads wide.



Niether side can find any rythmn with some scrappy passing by both sides. Woodley are rushing the game to claw back the advantage and with more experiance on this fast surface should have put it to better use.



Connell receives a verbal from the ref for questioning some borderline decisions on tackles. Griff uses a neat header close to the touchline to put Waine in a good position moving forward his onward pass is behind the boro attack and the move ends. Horrocks of Woodley is the first name in the book for contesting the foul on Oates. Sampson takes the kick and finds Dawsons head who finds Connetts hands. The ref sees sense when Ellison saves with both hands on the touchline as it was going out. No real impression on goal by either side. Some quality arrives on the 34 minute when Brown of Woodley sends a peach of a corner, curling in sharply Hall parrys the ball and finds the lurking Douglas - Pringle who as left his shooting boots in the car. Good work by the Boro centre halfs ensures Woodleys possesion majority remains just that as the half heads for the oranges.

Flynn is called on to deliver is long throw up field that leads to a scramble on the edge of the Woodley box a failed back heel by griff lands kindly for Dawson to shoot tamely at the goal.

Mark Jones shows his work ethic by chasing down the keeper a task himself and Connell do well throughout the game.

Last action of the half is in the Woodley box with dawson in the mix and failing to connect with the ball after Griff heads on well , he does connect with the woodley full back who receives treatment.

The second half sees the introduction of Phipps for Horrocks from the Bredbury outfit. Early pressure from Boro in and around the Woodley box no real danger but Oates is tackled perfectly by Ellison when in a good position. Connell as his blushes saved when he gives the ball to Hanley who is stopped in his tracks by Sampson, the ball continues towards the boro goal but the header is not strong enough to bear fruit. The game enters a period of tit for tat play with no one player managing to grip the game.Lots of niggly tackles around the park as both teams are frustrated with the lack of progress.


Hope is raised for Sports when Kelly gives a ball away under pressure that falls for Woodleys most impressive captain , he finds Hanley well who shoots wide.


The forwards are not winning against both sets of defenders and with no midfield creation little oppurtunities are presented.


Close to the hour a long throw by Flynn is sent goalward by the woodley centre halves back header , Connett saves well to push over the bar.


Scrappy work in the centre and Sampson fouls with complaints on the decision sees Mark Jones in the book. Heald is seen holding his ground by the assistant and recieves a word or two from the referee.


Some tidier work by Connell sees him break on goal and on reaching the box sends a cross in for Oates with the defender winning.


Boro subs are warming up but Woodley make the change Headley goes off with Queely on,


straight from the change connell finds Griff who cleverly waits for support Oates is anticipating but nothing arrives.


Moving toward the last quarter Douglas -Pringle keeps Woodley going with a good ball to Collins .


A better standard cross is delivered by Woodley with Salmon climbing high to bring a good stretching save by Hall to his right. Best action of the half .


Boro bring on Forrest for Waine and Woodley bring on McDonald for Brown.


Now in the last fifteen Woodley look the more likely with pressure on the Boro box , the back four defend well and the relief comes with Connell finding Mark Jones and works well for Oates to control and shoot wide.


Ten minutes to a clean sheet sees Oates off and Rutter on. Forrest uses a telling pass crossfield to Jones , Rutter in space cant gain advantage . An Heald freekick sees connell head well into space but nobody takes the offer. Rutter is running the line well and invites a foul. The kick is for Heald to take and his cross makes the keeper punch bravely as Connell arrives.


Woodley go looking for the equaliser and chance the gaps behind them. Boro cant capitalise as Woodley have some half chance shots in the closing minutes, the ref adds 3 minutes to this game of little goalmouth action. The whistle blows and Woodley are the more frustrated. Mark Jones' s reaction to the applauding boro fans sums up his determination and attitude to win. My man of the match goes to Gary Sampson who was comfortable all game with woodleys main threat.


The game was not a pretty one but the 3 points on the board certainly are.





Boro. hall,sampson,heald,kelly (c)flynn,dawson,connell,jones,jones(g)oates,waine. Subs: howson,forrest,chappell,rutter,brookes.


Woodley. Connett,brown,collins,ellison,mcgraph,kerr,headley,douglas-pringle,salmon,hanley,horrocks. Subs: Queeley,edwards,mcdonald,phipps,jarrett.



Monday 18 August 2008

Mossley AFC V. Boro


Travelling to the game a few pubs and restaurants are displaying "book now for christmas" I hope they are not referring to a boro win! Time will tell , i think it will be a lot sooner than that with the squad list is as strong as it is. Mossley got off to a flyer away at Clitheroe with a brace from Fish, and a clean sheet to boot. Boro boss Luczka is hoping to name the same side, and believes Boro played well in the defeat at home to Ossett.


Arriving at a fixture at this level knowing that the clubs share over a hundred and fifty years history between them is testament to all the people who keep the non league flame burning in whatever role. Seel Park is a very tidy ground with great facilities and a stunning backdrop looking across the pitch from the main stand, multi million pound breezeblock and weird shaped floodlights dont do it for me!
After both teams exchanged handshakes Mr Yates the referee allows Radcliffes unchanged side to kick off. First impressions are made quickly by Mossley with the inform Fish breaking to Boro,s right, within minutes of that he showed his intentions of adding to his seasons tally by forcing an error from Dawson and sent a looping shot over the keeper that nestled on top of the net. Dawson would not be forced into anymore errors tonight, his authority was stamped on the game and the conditions with a superb recovering tackle when Fish was hoping for more. The pattern of the game began to form when a ball from Kelly was cleverly directed by the head of Oats into the path of Waine who despatched a telling shot that went just wide of the mark. Mossley quickly realised this was going to get tough and great controlled football from Waine to Oats and on to the overlapping Heald sent Griff Jones free only to end in a poor cross. Communication between the experienced Unsworth and the reliable Kelly kept the back four willing to except any Mossley pressure .

The first quarter of an hour ended with Connell making good contact but struck just wide. The momentum was with Boro and being maintained by great closing down play and strong tackling by the two Jonesies. The hard work nearly paid off on 20 minutes when Connells free kick clears to Heald who hits a powerful shot wide to the right of goal, a goal is needed to make this start official.

Mossley are struggling to make inroads on the Boro defence, they change Leon Henry from one flank to another to try and crack the Boro nut, he is quick but with little support.

Samson works hard on the edge of the box to allow Griff Jones a shot on target just before the heavens opened and Mossley win the first corner on 30 minutes. Kelly clears the ball with a lucky glance that sends the ball over his own goal for another corner. pressure is relieved by Halls handling and claims the wet ball well.

The game starts to quiken even though the heavy pitch gets heavier, Jones is ruling in midfield and wants a part of everything, he releases the ever running Oats the lose ball from him results in pure graft from Si Kelly who works hard to win space and release a very decent shot going narrowly wide.

Mossley get involved as the half starts to disappear in driving rain. Fish finds Blackshaw on the edge of the box who flashes a shot across goal and wide. The Lilywhites try again with Blackshaw finding space to Boros right only to fire in a tame cross cum shot. Dawson on 41 produces his best tackle of the game and atthe same time releases Griff Jones who gets his shot away before the flag pulls him back.

Mossley with Fish hoping to end the half on a high picks up a clearance from Kelly and hits a cracking shot producing a great save just under and over the bar from Hall, the resulting corner gives Nick Boothby the chance of the half heading just over the angle of bar and post when he should have scored. The captain needs to install concentration in his back four during the interval. The half ends with no goals but the promise of some from the boys in blue.

The second half began with Boro being caught offside ,Connell , Oats and Griff Jones are looking for goals.First Corner of the half goes to Mossley and the ball again finds the centre half who cant hit the target.Leon Henry Mossleys number ten is fed with the ball and releases a great shot but again fails the target. Free kick to Boro in the centre circle were Mark Jones thinks the fastest and releases Heald who skips past Parsonage with ease before finding Oats who in turn finds the post, as sure as the rain the goals are coming. Some good battles in midfield with Jonah and Waine winning the medals.

Hall punches clear a Mossley corner that falls for Kirk who drives a shot that is bravely deflected by Connell. Chances keep coming in the opponents third but yet to no avail an hour as gone and Mossley try a change with Dignan on and Kirk off who struggled to handle Oats all night.

Mossley raise their game slightly finding Prout in the clear but his attempt is ruled offside. For the first time Jonah is caught in possession and allows Henry to link with Fish who drives his shot wide.
Heald and Waine have worked hard all night as a pair and constantly provide service for Oats and Griff Jones who need to make it count in the last twenty. A floated Oats cross finds Griff who heads wide.
Mossley relieve the pressure and the resulting corner gives Parsonage a free header again no target found. Boro get it back to the opponents box and find Sampson working to find an opening he does and Oats fires wide. More hard work in midfield sees Waine bide his time and pick a peach of a ball to the impressive Mark Jones who steadies and fires in a great finish low to the keepers left 1-0 the boro!
From the kick off a claim for a pull on Oates in the box is turned down, the team start to feel a victory but must remain focused on the job.
Mossley replace Parsonage with Egan in the hope of getting back into the game with 15 to go.


The change didn't affect Connells hard work in the corner and his determination wins a free kick. The kick is powerful and true from Heald who finds Oats movement and flashing header too much for the keeper 2-0 the Boro.

Prout finds himself in the book for what can only be described as frustration knowing there was no breaking Radcliffe down in midfield. The back four hold solid. Boro come again with a quick throw from Hall to Waine who progresses and finds Griff Jones who works great space to allow a great effort to be tipped over for a corner. Griff is after his goal and shows some great work in and around the box.


Heald as been showing signs of a groin injury for the last five and is wisely subbed for Rutter with less than ten to go. Rutter goes to right back with Sampson filling the left back slot. The last five minutes sees Boro enjoying their football with some great one touch football in the last third . Last task for the defence on 91 as mossley get a corner well cleared to end the Game.


A very good game that i believe was won by a team that showed real togetherness, their technical ability was head and shoulders above Mossley with passes being found , clearances solid and no long ball in what at times were very difficult playing conditions. My man of the match was Mark Jones with a mention in despatches for Craig Dawson. Would i change anything Rutter for Connell , but hey Christmas as come early!


Boro; Hall,Sampson,Heald,Kelly(c)Unsworth,Dawson,Connell,Jones,Jones g,Oats,Waine. Subs Flynn,Forrest,Chappell,Rutter,Brookes


Mossley: Higginbotham,Parsonage,Challinor,kay ,(c),Boothby,kirk,Hanlon,Prout,Fish,Henry,Blackshaw,Subs Dignan,Egan,Wharton,Bowden,Motteshead

Sunday 17 August 2008

Opening Day Blues for Radcliffe






The West Yorkshire visitors came to Radcliffe on the back of a strong final league position of 6th . Radcliffe hoping to banish opening day losses had the confidence of a fantastic cup final win and a fighting mentality that secured unibond status. New boss Gerry Luczka had managed to keep the squad together and make some very promising additions.
Both teams looked eager to get the game up and running during the warm up period , the sun was out for a change and the pitch looked in good health. The enthusiastic tannoy man gave out the teams with a few changes for the Boro. Howson missing through injury, Forrest & the ever steady Flynn of last year on the bench, three other subs also named, great to see such a strong bench that bears well for the season. Rutter had a strong pre season and must of been dissapointed not to start. Unsworth gets his debut and a welcome return for Heald on the team sheet at left back.
Ossett kicked off in thier gold and black kit with Boro going up hill. Early pressure came from Boro down the left through a determined run and effort by Oats, a tidy save low down by the visitors Bennett after 4 minutes looked like Boro had the upper hand. Ossett looked untidy in the first 10 minutes with some openings for Boro that lead to nothing. The game turned with two corners in succession for Ossett on 16 minutes after enjoying some good play down the left. From the second corner Boro broke well and found Connell and Mark Jones linking well ,Connell held to long for the pass to the well positioned Oats. With the Ossett dugout screaming encouragement and instruction both Hopkins and Catton had too much grass in front of them down the Boro left and always looked likely to punish Heald who was struggling to recruit help from Waine. Free kicks had been won by both sides with the only outcome being victories to the walls set up by both defence. A blocked shot from each side kept the scores level . Ossett took advantage again of a weak left side when Parker linked well with Catton to bring a save from Hall clearing with his feet. Two tasty tackles a few feet apart sees Ossett get benefit to the annoyance of Mark Jones who argues his point . An indesisive ref and assistant allowed Ossett a throw that was taken long and a powerful looping header by Shane Kelsey settled in the bottom of the Boro net with Hall stranded. Unsworth and Dawson had fell asleep, although they had looked steady as a central pair that will improve given games.
An instant response from Boro that had some great approach work but no end product. Ossett came again down the left with Heald struggling to contend with a winger and an attacking full back throughout the half ,he cut across the sprinting attacker and the penalty was given by Mr Hutchison on 40 minutes.
Kelsey steps up and despaches a great penalty. 2-0. Boro went back at Ossett with Connell being in a good position but found another avenue blocked.Ossett were on top now and looked certian to break effectively towards goal before Dawson with little options but to foul and get a card for his actions in the centre circle. Just over a minute was played extra before the first half closed.

No subs at the start of the second half which saw Boro starting well with some bullish work by Griff Jones freeing himself from his marker and Oats making good runs, again no end product. A series of free kicks and corners did little to inspire from both sides. Defences were on top with any openings having to be worked hard for. The Ossett captain Utley recieved treatment whilst his side attacked , he would be a loss as he marshalled the back four well and always gave encouragement to his fellow defenders. Osset swap a player Dickenson off and Lee Jones on. Shortly after Ossetts Parker crosses to put Hall under pressure who is fouled by Kelsey , with the ball in the net the ref disallows and books Kelsey for his effort.
Just passed the hour mark Boro use the long ball to no effect and continue to do so missing out Mark Jones who as been involved in most things all afternoon.Chappell and Brookes replace Oates and Waine. The game is at stalemate with Ossett looking happy to finish it 2-0.
Kelsey a problem all afternoon breaks to shoot wide before Ossett sub Seed for Sadler . Both managers try to liven the game up Boro bring on Rutter replacing Dawson and bringing Kelly across. Parker goes off for Ossett and on comes Ryan. Ossett look the more likely to score with a poor decision by the ref when a saved shot is not given as a corner. The game ends with the 140 plus fans wondering when the first game of the season will bring three points. On this showing Boro looked promising at times with the lack of Howsons power up front evident. Heald worked hard and deserved my Boro man of the match award for pure enthusiasm in what was a difficult game for him against the games man of the match, the impressive attacking full back Hopkins from Ossett.
How will Gerry fix it for Tuesday? More games together and luck in the fitness stakes will see Boro a strong defensive outfit, but attacks score goals any defence will crack under pressure.




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Recent Reports