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jameo_94
Makes a change from travelling crowds of 20!
August is a month that doesn't bring happy memories as far as league performance goes, having only picked up 1 point last season, so I will be hoping that we can do better this time around, especially now that I have formed some opinions on some of my new signings.
In terms of fixtures this month we play Stenhousemuir away in the BetFred Cup, with a win here possibly securing us second spot, but only if Hearts fail to pick up points elsewhere.
If not a victory would guarantee us third which would be more than deserved. We then start our campaign with four league games, against Forfar Athletic (H), Queen's Park (A), East Fife (H) and Arbroath (A). A packed month also sees us take on a IRN-BRU Cup 2nd round tie in August as well.
Although on paper this was this easiest game of the group, my previous record against Stenhousemuir was less than convincing, having conceded at least 2 goals in every game against them, and only winning one, and losing three out of five. Ryan Wallace was the difference in a tepid first half as he managed to score a cross? Substitute Scott Ferguson doubled our advantage with a close range header after the break. He then added a third just before time following an excellent Jordan Stewart cross. A real redemption for last season.
A very pleasing campaign as we finish 3rd on the same number of points as Premier League side Hearts! Queen of the South were the quality outfit, even beating Hearts 2-0, making our 4-0 result seem less awful.
Now our attentions focuses on the league - it takes on the exact same format as last season, with each side playing the other 9 teams home and away twice each. The bottom side gets relegated, 9th plays in the relegation playoff, 2nd-4th play in the promotion playoffs, with 1st going up automatically.
Due to our strengthening in the off-season, the bookies have us predicted to finish in 5th position!, considering we were favourites for the drop at the end of last season, that is really impressive. Our first run of four games sees us take on sides "predicted", to finish lower than us so will be a good opportunity to see how we stack up in this division.
A bore draw to start this season, just like the last. We dominated and restricted them to a single shot on target but couldn't score. Hopefully this won't be the same as last season however, otherwise we're going to lose the next seven on the spin!
Ryan Connolly put us 1-0 up on the stroke of halftime following a nice cross from Ally Love. However, Lewis McLear equalised for Queen's Park with 20 minutes to play. It almost went from bad to worse when we conceded a penalty, but Blair Currie saved the spotkick. Two draws - more points than this time last season but hardly convincing.
An even first half was separated by a moment of sheer brilliance, as Przemyslaw Dachnowicz spears a dipping volley from 20 yards into the top corner of the East Fife goal. This was the only goal of the game and a goal worthy of winning any game. East Fife were controlled well and only managed 2 shots on target.
Our first game in the IRN-BRU Cup is against recently-relegated League Two side Albion Rovers, and although we are away, we go into the game as favourites which is good as we are expected to reach the next round (R3) by the board. An excellent diagonal ball from centre-back Jason Krones provided Amadou Kassarate the chance to open up his Clyde account after 20 minutes. Albion Rovers started to push for an equaliser late on, but Captain Steven Bell punished them by doubling our advantage 5 minutes from time.
Our third round opponents?- Stenhousemuir at home for a place in the last 16.
19 year old centre-back Jason Krones got us off to a superb start, crashing home a header from a corner after 41 seconds! It got better, as a minute later, James Carvell slid a through-ball behind the defence for Amadou Kassarate to score his second in two games. Arbroath started to play after half-time and Gavin Swankie pulled one back. Arbroath peppered us with shots, but all were from long range and largely harmless as we achieved a 2-1 victory.
So we finish our first month after 4 league games with as many points as we managed to take in our first 12 league games last season! I can't complain with the start whatsoever, especially with only conceding 2 goals in 6 games. Things are going to step up again next month due to fixture congestion again though.
jameo_94
September is another month full of fixtures, as we now start to play some of the Giants in the league such as Raith Rovers, Airdrieonians and Brechin City as well as potentially playing two fixtures in the IRN-BRU Cup, so squad rotation will be critical to avoid any major injuries.
Having never picked up a point in September, we shall attempt to this time with games against Montrose (A), Brechin City (H), Raith Rovers (A) and Aidrieonians (A). Three away games and tough teams mean I'm not guaranteed any points at all here and it should be a test to see how well we play with the big boys. This alongside a 3rd round IRN-BRU Cup tie against bogey-team Stenhousemuir makes September a tense month.
We had gotten off to a better start to League One life than Montrose but I'm sure they saw their home game against us as an opportunity to kick-start their campaign. After Barry Cuddihy was fouled in the area, Ryan Wallace scored the resulting penalty to put us 1-0 up. After half-time the game entirely changed and Montrose looked threatening going forward and we had no answer to them as McDonald, Macrae and Jordan Stewart's deflected own goal but them 3-1 up with 20 to play. I then decided to go all-out attack as defending and control was no use. McDonald then increased their advantage after 75 minutes, before Ryan Connolly immediately pulled one back. Steven Bell continued his good goal-scoring form to pull another back to put the pressure on with two minutes remaining. Ryan Wallace had an excellent chance to equalise, but it wasn't to be as we gave Montrose their first victory of the season.
Smart Osadolar - in at STC for the injured Ryan Connolly made his claim for first-team football with a brace in the first half, converting from long balls. Jamie Longworth replied with his own brace to level the scores up with half an hour to play. The game ended this way and went to extra-time. For some reason my defenders decided not to mark the only Stenhousemuir player in the box from a cross and Mark McGuigan was left with a simple tap in just before half-time in extra-time. I hate Stenhousemuir. Disappointingly out of yet another cup - this one was winnable.
A good first half against 2nd placed Brechin saw us go in behind as Isaac Layne scores with their only shot on target despite us having the ball cleared off the line and plenty more chances. Jordan Allan doubled the advantage after poor goalkeeping from Cameron Belford. Scott Ferguson pulled one back for us with 5 minutes to go, and Smart Osadolar equalised from Ferguson's assist to give us a
deserved pointafter having both twice as many shots and shots on target. But no, Cameron Belford in goal - in the side as he had complained about lack of football - conceded a ridiculous injury time goal to Allan again, showing him the whole goal and letting the ball slip through his hands. Frustrated and furious.On paper, one of the hardest fixtures of the season and on the back of three defeats having never picked up a point in September, the omens were against us. However, David Gormley got us off to an excellent start, following in after Smart Osadolar's shot was saved. Dundee Utd loanee Declan Glass soon levelled for Raith however. Smart Osadolar got one of his own after half-time, tapping in Ryan Wallace's inviting cross. It was not meant to be as yet again we concede a stupid last minute equaliser. This is my first point in September at the 7th time of asking however
Shane Sutherland got high-flying Airdrie off to a good start to end a counter-attacking move. James Carvell equalised with a deflected free-kick shortly after. Logan Chalmers then put them ahead from a long through ball. Sutherland then got his second as he intercepted a back-pass that Belford was far too slow to get onto. Smart Osadolar then came on for the underwhelming Amadou Kassarate and got us back in the contest on 65 minutes. Przemyslaw Dachnowicz finally got our deserved equaliser with a blockbuster 9 minutes from time. The difference in the game was the two goalkeepers, with Jim Hamilton making some excellent saves for Airdrie, and Belford making only one save that made the highlights reel.
More goals scored than last month, but so many avoidable goals conceded (including 2 in added time which lost us 3 points) mean Cameron Belford's time under me is now done. My first points in September mean that we are currently 4th in the league, but could easily slip down to 9th after the next result. Without a win in 4, so next month is critical.
jameo_94
October was when I played some squad building friendlies during the reduced fixture list last season which kick-started our amazing promotion bid, so after 4 games without a win I am going to do the same again. In terms of league fixtures this month is simple, as we play Livingston (H) and Forfar Athletic (A). These sides currently occupy the bottom two spots in the league so 4 points minimum is essential here.
Smart Osadolar - my only reliable striker - got us underway after clinically slotting home after 10 minutes. Dylan Mackin equalised for Livingston with a superb shot into the top corner. An even game ends level.
We then played two friendlies against weaker sides, picking up a dominant 5-0 win, before a disappointing 1-1 draw, despite battering the opposition.
Paul McLean gave away a penalty in the first minute which Millar converted for Forfar. Smart Osadolar equalised to continue his good goalscoring form, but it was a dull game aside from that, stretching our winless run to 6 games - 4 draws on the spin.
A 7-1 friendly win and important morale-boosting team-talk mean that hopefully November will start positively and we can get playing as a team finally. I am still looking for jobs as it doesn't look like silverware is on the cards here this season, more like mid-table mediocrity.
jameo_94
November is critical for two reasons - 1) It is now that our form must turn round if we want to end up challenging for the title at the end of the season as we are already 11 points off the pace. 2) If we don't start turning it round, then November is the first time that clubs start sacking under-performing managers so I may have the opportunity to jump ship and look for my first silverware. Another light month in terms of fixtures, with this month seeing us play Queen's Park (H), Arbroath (H) and East Fife (A). The reverse fixtures saw us pick up 7 points of a possible 9, and I would like to replicate the same this month.
Smart Osadolar got us off to a good start, following in after Scott Ferguson's effort was saved. The turning point was 5 minutes before half-time, when Barry Cuddihy accidentally deflected a long shot past his own keeper, levelling the scores. Jack Leitch then hit a blockbuster to put a previously quiet Queen's Park 2-1 up before the break. Ally Love netted a penalty after the restart to level the scores with his first for Clyde, but despite dominating the game apart from a 5 minute spell, we come out with another draw.
Just before the game we get the news that influential midfielder Przemyslaw Dachnowicz is out until the new year, just to darken the mood of the squad that little bit more! 6 shots on target compared to 0 for Arbroath, but no goals to show for it. The draw machine continues.
In a game so unimaginably low on quality, it took until the 68th minute for either side to have a shot on target. East Fife had their first shot on target after 80 minutes - the second across the whole game. 7 straight draws, without a win in 9.
Having drawn every game for two and a half months, and without a win in three, we aren't doing badly in the league position-wise but we are now 14 points off the top of the table at this early stage. We will have to be within 10 points at Christmas (roughly halfway) of the leaders or I will have to bid Clyde a fond farewell as I don't think that I can take the team any further.
jameo_94
December will either be my final month with Clyde, or the start of our title challenge proper. Currently with 7 consecutive draws, almost always being in charge but lacking the cutting edge to make the difference. 13 games into the season and we've only lost twice, but equally we've only won twice. This month sees us play Brechin City (A), Montrose (H), Raith Rovers (H), Livingston (A) and Airdrieonians(H). We ideally need 11 points out of 15 if we are to close the gap at the top but will probably need more. However to start the month we will play second tier Dumbarton (A) in the Scottish Cup Third Round, which we need to win to match expectations. They are in a higher division, but we beat them 3-1 in a pre-season friendly.
A thrashing, no other name for it as David Hopkirk and Kevin Nesbet combine for 5 goals which we can only answer with Amadou Kassarate and Regan Hendry goals. Annihilation.
Blair Currie kept us in the game as a far superior Brechin side won 1-0.
This game showed me that we have no chance of winning the league, and for the sake of my career/challenge, I will leave The Bully Wee with a heavy heart.
jameo_94
Back to the job centre I go - without having won any silverware in my first 18 months of football management. There are 24 current positions available, but 12 of them are in England, and of those that aren't, only 3 are achievable, and two of them are for basement sides with little/no prospects. I'm going to have to wait for a while until the right job becomes available.
So, having waited a while - there are 3 jobs which I have applied for and have been interviewed for - all back in Scotland. The jobs are Second Tier Dumbarton, Third Tier Livingston and Fourth Tier Stranraer.
Dumbarton - currently bottom of the table after 13 games without a win, perhaps a strange choice, but this job would guarantee a reputation increase which would help me in the future. Additionally I didn't apply for this job, they approached me.
Livingston - having been predicted to win the title this year, they currently sit 8th, 15 points off the pace and in financial turmoil, but have the squad and the 'name' to attract bigger players to the club and within a season should be back in the Championship.
Stranraer - currently sat 5th in League Two, taking this job would be a step backwards in terms of moving down the leagues, but a side who are only 5 points off the top and have the squad to make an immediate return to League One, this is probably my best chance to get my first Silverware and actually win the League Two title this time around.
Stair Park - a 4,178 capacity stadium, home to The Blues - Stranraer F.C. (founded in 1870) - the scene for the next stage of my managerial career.
My task: Automatic Promotion and the Ladbrokes League Two title.
Currently we are in 5th in the table - 5 points off top spot with 15 games to play, although the squad looks thin and plenty of players want to move to bigger clubs. I need to do the most business I can in the last 10 days of the transfer window to boost our chances.
As far as January goes fixture-wise, we have two games - one on the day of my arrival against Cowdenbeath (H) and the following week against Stenhousemuir (H), both of whom we can overtake in the table with victory.
Ross Davidson got my stint at Stranraer off to an excellent start as he tapped in after Greg Leyden's piledriver was saved. Lewis Allan then doubled our advantage before the half hour mark. Tom Johnstone pulled one back with Cowdenbeath's first effort on target, but an excellent first half saw us through as 2-1 winners.
My first piece of transfer business was to pick up Smart Osadolar from my old employers for £500, the club don't rate him, but he scored 17 goals at this level last season and already has 9 in League One this term!
I hate playing Stenhousemuir, and Jamie Longworth continued to torment me as he scored a long-range effort to open the scoring. Smart Osadolar then made an immediate impact as he stood a cross up to the far post which Robbie Bruce powered home to level the scores. Thomas Halleran however gave Stenhousemuir the win as he headed home from a corner, meaning we fall 7 points behind Stenhousemuir.
Not a bad start to life with Stranraer, as I have brought in my old assistant manager Pete Bachelor, as well as my old scouting team from Clyde, as well as robbing my former employers of Smart Osadolar. A win and a loss to two of my title rivals could have been better but I can't complain. We are 5 points off the nearest side in 4th, but only 2 points separate the top 4 ahead of us.
In additional transfer news, to bolster our weak squad depth we have brought in ex-Cowdenbeath striker Cameron Muirhead (14 goals last season and only 20), veteran pro centre-back John McCombe and new first-team right-back Ewan McNeil.
tongey
jameo_94
With the squad now as full as it's going to be - disappointingly no more loans available and couldn't quite get the money to sign Przemyslaw Dachnowicz - we will have to deal with what we've got. 14 games over 4 months to cover a 7 point deficit to the current league leaders Stenhousemuir. This month sees us face lowly Huntly (A), before challenges against title contenders Stirling Albion (H) and Peterhead (H), before finishing the month against Elgin City (A).
Young loanee Michael Kelly chipped a ball in which Robbie Bruce headed home 20 minutes in. A route one ball from the edge of Huntly's box then caught out my entire defence as Paul Napier equalised. With the game almost done, Smart Osadolar floated a cross to the far post that substitute Lewis Allan headed home for our winner.
In the second half Robbie Davidson got brought down in the box, but Tommy Caffrey failed to score his first goal for us, seeing his spot-kick saved (interestingly he wasn't our penalty taker?). We dominated possession and chances but were heartbroken when Cameron netted with the last kick of the game despite being offside.
It's early in the season to use the phrase must-win, but considering how the previous game went I can't think of anything more appropriate. Decided to change to a 5-3-2 with Wingbacks since our previous game ended goalless and we really need to go for it to stand a chance of catching those above us and probably need to win 8-9 of our final 12 games. We also have 3 strong CM's, and lack strength out wide. It started about as badly as possible when Rory McAllister responded quickly to a second-ball from a free-kick after 2 minutes. However we quickly came back into the game and deservedly equalised when McCallum crossed to strike partner Tommy Caffrey who scored his first for us with a stooping header on the brink of half-time. Donald McCallum then flicked in an inspired winner himself midway through the second half. C'mon The Blues!
A game we should have won, but Tommy Caffrey and Donald McCallum both missed big chances as well as McCallum hitting the post. Must do better as we can't afford to drop points.
Considering we are 10 points behind Stirling with 10 to play, in order to win the title we will probably need to win 8-9 of our 10 remaining games or hope that both they and Stenhousemuir seriously slip up. The other slightly concerning news is that although we are due to play each side once again, we play Stirling, Cowdenbeath, Peterhead and Stenhousemuir away.
jameo_94
I promised the league title when I took this job, and I have some personal business to settle having missed out by a point last season. Currently 10 points adrift with 10 to play, every game becomes critical, but with a new formation and positive dynamic, things are going our way. This month is crucial to leave with a minimum of 10/12 possible points, as we face lowly Albion Rovers (H) and Annan Athletic (H), before facing struggling Cowdenbeath (A) and finally mid-table Edinburgh City (H)
We need to ideally be within 6-7 points heading into April and our final 6 games, especially since we play Stirling, so we need other teams to be kind to us as well as doing as much as we can.
Chris McGowan was the difference in a first half that was low on quality as he finished a corner routine off to score his first career goal. We were the better side in the second half but didn't add to our lead. Stirling also drew so the gap is down to 8.
Cameron Muirhead got us off to a flyer with his first for the club in the first 10 minutes. Muirhead then completed his brace 10 minutes from time from a long Robbie Bruce through-ball. On another note we restricted them to 0 shots on target. Stirling also lost a thriller 6-7 to Stenhousemuir, which now puts them top, and I am 7 points behind them.
A woeful start to the match saw us go down inside half an hour as Billy Naismith's header from the edge of the box, relatively central and low down, manages to beat our keeper. We switched from playing on the counter, to an attacking strategy with 15 minutes to go, as we'd so far forced good saves from Martin in the Cowdenbeath goal but hadn't found a breakthrough, and it paid dividends, as Cameron Muirhead bagged against his former employers with 3 to play. We continued in the same fashion, which was our downfall as Naismith grabbed his second at the death to drop us another point off the pace.
Scott Robertson - back from a 6 month cruciate injury - lashed home the opener inside 4 minutes. We were probably the second best side throughout but managed to hold out for the 3 points.
We won 9 out of the 10 points I wanted in March, although it almost certainly won't be enough now that we are 7 behind Stenhousemuir and 8 behind Stirling with just 5 to play. I can take 3 points off each of them, but I would require them to drop an extra 4-5 points each respectively, and that's presuming I'll both beat them, and win all of my remaining games! I feel that my time at Stranraer will be a short one indeed.
jameo_94
jameo_94
Our final month of the season sees us play potential playoff rivals Elgin City (H) and then Albion Rovers (A) who may need a victory to secure their place in the division.
Sean McKenzie put Elgin in front in the first half with a good header. We were disappointing and the side got a roasting in the dressing room at the break. We were better second half, and Ross Davidson's shot got deflected for our equaliser.
Going into our final game of the season, we can finish anywhere between 3rd and 7th, although we currently sit 4th and a win will guarantee us a playoff spot. Evan McNeil scored the only goal of the game as he scores a direct free-kick to take us into the playoffs in 4th.
The Playoffs see us take on the 9th placed side from League One - East Fife.
Scott Robertson's deflected effort took us into a 1-0 lead following a corner. After half an hour Cameron Muirhead flicked home Greg Leyden's cross to give us a big advantage both on the night and over the tie in general. That man Muirhead then added his second just before full-time as Donald McCallum unselfishly squared past the East Fife keeper to give him a tap-in. Totally in control, but looks like we will probably have to face the old enemy in Stenhousemuir in the final as they won the first leg of their playoff against Peterhead 2-0 away from home.
The best performance I've witnessed during my time at Stair Park.
Generally marshalled them well, offering little going forward as we wanted to ensure our place in the final. Ross Mutch got one back for East Fife with 20 to play, and when Jonathan Page then headed home a corner it was squeaky bum time. However we did enough in the first leg and are in the final to face Stenhousemuir.
Harlain Mbayo got us off to a surprising start as he rifled home from a corner inside 20 minutes. Kieran Sommerville then dashed all hopes just 4 minutes later with an emphatic finish. Jamie Longworth then gave the away side the lead with a header after two of my players missed the ball. Big John McCombe then scored his first for the side as he glanced in a corner to level the scores. An even score to a surprisingly even game with both sides having equal numbers of shots and shots on target.
Our season yet again comes down to one game - a winner takes all game. After a dull first half, Ross Davidson's chipped through ball found Cameron Muirhead who volleyed home. Muirhead has now scored in successive years in playoff final second legs, although this time for me and not against me! Despite having few shots and having to defend for large parts of the match, we held on to our lead and got promoted via the playoffs for a second successive season!!
With promotion to Ladbrokes League One once again secured for the second season running, despite not winning the title, I am choosing to leave my role as Stranraer manager to look for new challenges away from Scottish football. Cameron Muirhead proved to be an inspired signing, netting 10 times in 15 matches after I brought him in at the end of January, leading us to promotion.
jameo_94
The main issue I currently have is that I'm making very little progress, with my reputation hanging around 15-20% meaning that all jobs in Argentina, France and almost all of those apart from at dead basement sides in Ukraine and Slovenia are unaccessible. This leaves my options pretty limited, leaving me to Scotland (where I can't get jobs outside League Two or at a middling side in League One where I was previously) and England. Man I knew this random league selection would be my downfall. My only possible option is to now either try to find a low-ranking Slovenian or Ukrainian team I could develop, or work my way through the English leagues.
I have applied for quite a few posts, having some interviews at lower Ukrainian and Slovenian sides, as well as at National League South side Hemel Hempstead Town, and all were offered to other candidates. I then went for a job interview at Bognor Regis Town, in the National League South, and got offered the post!
Bognor Regis Town, situated in Hampshire, in the south of England. A football club with history - being founded in 1883 - The Rocks have only recently experienced football at this level, with their best ever league performance coming last year (7th in the 6th tier). They play home games at Nyewood Lane- a 3,882 capacity stadium, although an extra 300 seat expansion is taking place and will be finished next week.
My task: Consolidate progress made last year and aim for promotion to the National League, as well as building my own reputation and earning coaching badges.
In my first month in charge we will face some pre-season friendlies as well as needing to assess and update the squad ready for the new season. I will also need to assess the backroom staff and see which the best formation and player roles to use are.
From the look of it, we have an incredibly similar side in both stature and wages/player value as what I've been used to in Scotland, so this should work to my advantage. I have got a decent backroom team in with me now and can assess our players and see what needs to be brought in.
Our expectations this season are reasonable, although I hope to finish higher than the board's aim of mid-table in the league.
In terms of league performance we are predicted to finish 11th out of 22. The top side gets promoted outright, whilst the sides in 2nd-7th take part in the Playoffs
jameo_94
With a reasonable playing squad now in place, attention focuses to the league, and I am under no illusions as to how difficult the National League South is, as we face 6 fixtures in the final 21 days of the month! It is crucial that my squad is now up to standard, as we will face each of the other 21 teams in the league twice each for a total of 42 games of the season, so all players will be required to rotate. Our crazy start sees us play Methyr Town (H), Wealdstone (A), Hemel Hempstead Town (H), Poole Town (H), Welling United (A) and Weston-Super-Mare (A). Welling are predicted to finish top of the league, so this is a challenging start, as well as a manic one that will challenge the whole squad.
In terms of bolstering the squad and improving the first team, we had no transfer budget and limited wage budget, so have brought in all players on free transfers. The squad is probably a little large, so all players will be given the opportunity to prove their worth (or not as the case may be), before players will be let go.
Here is the summary of business done so far.
Rollin Menayese [21] (DC/DM)
Grady Diangana [21] (AML/AMC/ML/AMR), Bernardo Rosa [18] (AMC), Jack Broadhead [24] (MC/DC/DM), Matthew Smith [18] (MC)
Michael Elstone [20] (STC), Dan Derbyshire [21] (STC/AMC), Francis Baptiste [19] (STC/AMC)
As you can see, all of our signings barring 24 year-old Jack Broadhead are 21 or younger, so we are building for the future as well as for now. I have signed strikers capable of playing in the poacher role, as we previously had none, in addition to an AMC, AML and Ball-Winning MC. We also got a second DC in as we were short here as well. We may bring in loan signings later in the season as and when we need them, but I need to see the squad play first.
In terms of friendlies played so far we have done okay, but I see these games more as an opportunity to build chemistry, tactical familiarity and player fitness rather than dwelling on results. We lost 3-0 to Gillingham (3 divisions above), despite slightly edging them on the stats! We drew 0-0 with Portsmouth U23's, beat lower-league Braintree 2-1 and Torquay United 1-0 (Torquay are a league higher!)
Francis Baptiste made an excellent start to his debut, powering home on his left foot after fellow debutant Bernardo Rosa's defence-splitting pass. Keeper and club-captain Dan Lincoln did not impress as much, as he allowed Lewis Smith's shot in at the near post far too easily to leave the score 1-1 at half time. Dan Darbyshire then missed a penalty late on, as we start our campaign off in a disappointing fashion.
Just 2 days after the Methyr Town game, our squad rotation was essential even at this early stage of the season. It paid dividends as Omar Koroma - on his first appearance of the season, set up Rollin Menayese, who scored his first for the club. Lincoln made his second error in two games as he missed a cross that allowed Cregan to equalise for Wealdstone with their first effort on goal. But it was Bernardo Rosa and Francis Baptiste combining again that made the difference, this time Baptiste sliding a ball through to Rosa who finished emphatically. Disappointingly Baptiste went off injured late in the game and will miss our next 4-5 games.
Matthew Smith started us off with his first ever professional goal after being released by Arsenal last season. When right-back Calvin Davies gave away a penalty, our keeper Dan Lincoln redeemed himself for the previous two games by saving the effort from Harry Crawford. A very well controlled game other than the penalty, against a side who had scored 5 in their opening two games and are predicted to finish third!
Young Michael Elstone seized his opportunity in the first team with both hands as the striker scored after 8 minutes from another through-ball by Bernardo Rosa. Fabio Saraiva equalised early in the second half from close range for Poole. We went attacking for the last 15 as we felt we could get something from the game and it paid off, as Rosa laid another ball off to Elstone, who bagged his second with a powerful shot.
Jonathan Afolabi put Welling ahead at Park View Road with a shot from the edge of the box that went in off the post. We were outplayed in the first 20 minutes, and were thrown a lifeline when an under-hit backpass was intercepted by Michael Elstone, who finished emphatically off both posts. Afolabi put them 2-1 up just before the break with another accurate finish, but Joel Kettle had the final say of the half, equalising with a header from a corner. Afolabi was a thorn in our side from start to finish, and demonstrated his class with 5 minutes left as he netted the winner - his hat-trick. He was the real difference between the sides.
A disappointing end to the month, as a goalless draw against the side bottom of the table, and they looked more like scoring!
A good start to life in the National League South, with some good results in the bag and a first XI developing (disappointed to have lost Baptiste but he is back now). Could and should have turned both of our draws into wins, but 7th in the table so far is a fair return for our positive start. Currently 7 points off top side Dartford who have 6 wins in 6, but it is early doors still.
jameo_94
A decent start, and I can tell that we are a force to be reckoned with in this league, especially if Baptiste and Rosa link up as they did in the opening few games. September sees another busy month of 6 fixtures over 21 days, with league games against Dulwich Hamlet (H), Bath City (A), Slough Town (H), Whitehawk (A) and Gloucester City (H). Whitehawk and Bath are currently unbeaten so should prove more challenging. In addition, we start our unlikely march to Wembley in the original cup competition - the FA Cup. We enter in the Second qualifying round (just 10 wins away from Wembley) against currently unknown opponents, and need to make the Fourth qualifying round to meet expectations, but I'd love to make the First Round proper.
After a dodgy couple of games, Bernardo Rosa got back to his excellent ways by smashing in a curling 25 yard shot into the top-right corner inside 10 minutes. Thompson-Brisset then equalised with a precise header that kissed the post on its way in. Ben Swallow put us back in front with a controlled drive from the edge of the box before half-time. George Allen then scored an excellent header - past his own keeper to put us 3-1 up.
The FA Cup Second Qualifying Round draw has taken place, and sees Burgess Hill Town from the tier below us make the 1 hour trip to Nyewood Lane.
7th meets 5th with us in the lower position, but currently 4 points ahead of the side in 8th, so we will remain in the playoffs regardless of this result. Max Ryan put Bath 1-0 up after Dan Lincoln let the ball slip through his fingers. Longelo doubled their advantage after poor work from debutant right-back Kayne Ramsey. Ryan extended their lead to 3-0 at the break after Lincoln yet again let the ball in far too easily. The team got the hairdryer treatment at the break and I made a triple substitution, which paid off immediately as substitute Francis Baptiste pulled one back 45 seconds into the second half. Jack Batten and Paul Field had the final say however, making it 5-1, scoring a goals which Lincoln again should have saved. A truly horrendous result.
Francis Baptiste scored the opener with an absolutely scorching 25 yard drive into the bottom left corner. Slough pushed us hard to give credit to them, but it was Baptiste who laid the ball off to Jack Broadhead, who scored his first for the club with 10 minutes to play.
Plenty of changes were made for my 100th game in management, since we are playing lower-league opposition and have two league games within a week. After a disappointing first half, the usual suspects in Rosa and Baptiste were brought on to make a difference, and Baptiste almost made another immediate impact, hitting the bar after 30 seconds. But it was Bernardo Rosa who made the difference, firing home from a tight angle 15 minutes from time. Not wanting to miss out, Baptiste then headed home a second to double our margin of victory.
The reward for our victory is a 122 mile trip to the East coast where we will take on Margate - who were relegated from our current division last season.
Another draw against one of the better sides in the league, away from home. Would've liked the win, but very little separated the sides.
For some reason my defence seemed to stop as Papa Gueye ran onto a long ball and slotted home. Michael Elstone equalised after some poor defending by a Gloucester City defender. Tyreece John-Jules then pounced in the 92nd minute as the game was at a close to leave us with a devastating loss.
A disappointing end to a topsy-turvy month. Results against Gloucester and Bath were horrendous, whilst our performances against Dulwich Hamlet and Slough were excellent. These results leave us 7th still, 10 points off top spot, but we are yet to play a lot of the struggling sides.
jameo_94
An interesting month sees us take on both of the top two sides in the league as well as another side breathing down our necks. We play Chippenham Town (A), high-flying East Thurrock United (A), lowly Brackley Town (H) and finish our month against top of the table - unbeaten Dartford (H). We start the month however, continuing our unlikely march to Wembley in the FA Cup. We are now only nine wins from Wembley, and one win away from meeting our expectations and need to get past Margate (A).
Grady Diangana scored the opener, tucking in a rebound after Francis Baptiste headed against the bar early in the first half. Noble got sent off for a second booking at the start of the second half for Margate, but this seemed to spur them on to perform much better, and they equalised after centre-back Dan Strugnell flicked home from close range after 70 minutes. But the 10 men could not hold on, as Joel Kettle became the second centre-back to score in the game 7 minutes from time, netting the winner for us from close range.
This win not only nets us a useful £8,000, but means that we move into the Fourth Qualifying Round, which both meets competition expectations, and means that we are only one win away from the First Round proper! (and 8 from Wembley). In the Fourth Qualifying Round the National League sides enter the draw, and we have to make an 85 mile trip to Kent to face one of them in Maidstone United (although they are 18th of 24 currently).
Leon Okubuyejo scored a towering header on the counter attack to put Chippenham one up. He then doubled their advantage shortly after the break, as Chippenham's dominance became apparent . He then completed his hat-trick to confirm a dismal day at the office for us. FA Cup hangover
Bradley Goldberg put East Thurrock ahead just after half time, after David Popa squared the ball around the keeper. Left-back George Cox however got a quick equaliser after hammering home a deflected 30 yard free-kick. All square.
Zavon Hines gave Maidstone an undeserved lead on the stroke of half-time. We probably created more chances, but Rosa and Baptiste were having poor games, spurning decent chances. The game totally changed on 70 minutes as Robbie Weir got sent off for Maidstone. We immediately switched to an attacking mindset, missed a few more chances, but were rewarded, when Francis Baptiste finally got the equaliser after 83'. I decided it was now or never to make the First Round, and didn't want an extra fixture in the form of a replay, that we remained attacking against the 10 men, and were rewarded when Bernardo Rosa undid all of his poor work earlier by scoring in the 91st minute. I then set the team to contain, but seemingly they are unaware of what that means, as Johan Ter Horst equalised in the 95th minute for the 10 men, meaning that we will meet again in four days at Nyewood Lane.
We are into the First Round draw as a result of the draw in the first leg, and could meet Football League Side from League One or Two, including QPR, Blackburn, Sheffield United and Charlton! If we make it, then we will face League Two side Coventry City (2 tiers higher) at home for what will make for a spectacle!
After half an hour Francis Baptiste broke the deadlock, as he was sprung by Michael Smith and Jeacock in the Maidstone goal could only tip Baptiste's effort into the top corner. Harley Willard equalised on the stroke of half-time, with a powerful effort that the so-far excellent Lincoln should have kept out. Both sides had good chances to win it, but Lincoln made some excellent saves for us, and we couldn't quite find the winner. So far a stalemate between The Rocks and The Stones, so the game goes to extra time! Baptiste quickly put us in front at the start of extra time, netting after Rosa closed down a clearance just 25 seconds after the restart. Rollin Menayese then increased our lead to 3-1, volleying home from a corner after 100 minutes. After some excellent hold-up play from Baptiste, Michael Smith crashed home an excellent half-volley from the edge of the box to kill off the tie on 110'. Joe Pigott pulled one back after 116', after Dan Lincoln had initially saved Pigott's penalty. Baptiste had the final word however, as his excellent chasing down of defenders supplied Brady Diangana an unmissable opportunity to make it 5-2 and see us through to face Coventry in the First Round proper (and net 13k in the process)!
So after having to play a full 120 minutes after a replay, players are tired and jaded, so who have we got in the league? Oh yeah, top of the table and currently unbeaten Dartford.
Surprisingly only lost 1-0 with a massively depleted squad, with Tom Murphy netting the only goal with a header.
Our bad month in the league continued, as lowly Brackley went 1-0 up at Nyewood Lane thanks to DeVante Jacobs. It took a second half two-minute salvo to rescue the game for us as Montel Agyemang and then Ben Swallow combined to equalise and then give us the lead after 66 and 67 minutes respectively. Our first league win in six games.
Another varied month sees our league position slip to 9th, two points off the playoffs and 17 points behind the unbeaten league leaders Dartford. Our league performance was poor, although we did have difficult fixtures and managed to get our first league win in 6 games in our final game. However, our FA Cup run has been contrasting to this and has brought in extra revenue, been exciting for players and fans alike and we have been excellent.
jameo_94
November sees us competing in the different competitions - the league, the FA Cup, and the FA Trophy - the competition for non-league clubs (English Tier 5 and below).Our current league form is patchy at best, and we can make steps to re-establish ourselves in the playoffs with games against Staines Town (A). Chelmsford City (A) and St.Albans City (A).
We will also be playing in the FA Cup First Round at home to famous Coventry City, as well as making our first appearance this season in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy against Dartford at home (possibly the toughest draw available)
Francis Baptiste put us 1-0 up against the run of play, finishing a Michael Smith through-ball. As Staines pushed for an equaliser, Baptiste got free of the defence and chipped to the back post, where Omar Koroma had a free header to double our lead.
Coventry are currently exactly two leagues above us (7th in League Two), but fortunately are on a poor run of form of three straight losses, which we could use to our advantage. A very even game, with both sides getting a few chances to win the tie, but the game ended 0-0, meaning we will go to a replay for the second round in a row!
Due to our draw, we enter the Second Round draw to find out who we would face should we beat Coventry. We are technically the lowest ranked side left in the competition, so have done excellently to make it this far! Our opponents would be a big-money tie travelling to Loftus Road to face QPR!
So after keeping out higher-tier opposition and having an equal game, we go and lose 4-0 in the league to a side who had previously lost 4 games on the spin - fantastic.
Coventry sacked their manager just before the game, so if there was an opportunity to make the Second Round, it's now! However, this did not go to plan as Marcus Sheldon got them off to an excellent start. Winger Ben Swallow emphatically equalised for us around 10 minutes later. We were clearly the second-best side and Ted Fenn put Coventry ahead in the second half. We went attacking to force extra time - but Adam Neale put the tie out of our reach with 3 minutes to play.
Centre-back Sean Francis got his first for the club, as he pounced from a corner inside 20 minutes to put us 1-0 up. Brady Diangana then gave us our reward for dominating the first half by scoring his first ever league goal on the stroke of half time.
We need to win to match competition expectations, but going up against a side who have lost once all season, and that was against a side two tiers higher and they lost by a late 1 goal to nil away from home, the tie was always going to be difficult. Luke McCormick scored the only goal, as we tried to outplay Dartford, and came surprisingly close, a totally different game to the league match where we just defended last month. An even game, separated by our inability to create clear cut chances.
We are now out of all cup competitions, so attention can focus on the league, which is important and gives us an advantage as most sides are still in the FA Trophy considering we got one of the hardest draws possible. Our league form in November saw 2 wins and a loss (which was embarrassing) that propels us back up into the final playoff spot. Dartford appear to have the league won already, so we need to focus on trying to get into the playoffs and aim on beating last seasons 7th. The season could go either way however, as we are about as far away from 2nd (9 points) as we are 2nd bottom (10 points).
jameo_94
December will take us over the halfway mark of the league season as we start to face sides for the second time in the season. We face 5 games in December, which will help to shape the second half of the campaign, as currently we could just as easily end up high in the playoff places or in a relegation scrap in the coming months. We face basement side Oxford City (A), Hampton and Richmond Borough (H), Methyr Town (A), Maidstone United (A) and Wealdstone (H). We have a 14 day gap between our first two fixtures, and then play 4 over 10 days during the festive period which will test the whole squad.
We are awful away from home.
A good game with some incredibly low-quality moments. Malakai Hinckson-Mars put Hampton and Richmond ahead when he intercepted a short backpass. We equalised in just as dire circumstances, when Johnstone decided to blast past his own keeper when under no pressure. Dan Darbyshire won it with a moment of class for us, sweeping home Ben Swallow's cross.
Playing the first of our reverse fixtures saw us take an early lead when little Bernardo Rosa was left unmarked to head home Omar Koroma's cross. The second half saw us completely capitulate as we became unable to deal with route one balls over the top of our defence to only one striker, despite playing deep, and conceded 3, continuing our awful away form.
I trialled a more defensive formation for this away game, as our away form has been shocking. It appeared to be working, but Jay Rollins' 25 yard screamer is unavoidable regardless of formation. Baptiste equalised for us midway through the first half, but we were immediately behind as Ben Morgan scored from a corner just minutes later. We did however manage to salvage an undeserved draw, as when Baptiste was fouled in the box in added time, Omar Koroma stepped up and levelled from the spot.