British Steel Challenge

So, I saw this challenge on the website, and after having just casually played the game for a couple of months since it came out due to a combination of essays due in and exams, and knowing full well that if I didn't stop myself from playing too much then I would almost certainly fail, decided to take up the reins and give it a go!

Trophies Remaining 26/36

England
Fa Trophy, Blue Square North/South, Blue Square Premiership, Johnstone's Paint trophy, nPower League Two, nPower League One, nPower Championship, League Cup, Community Shield, FA Cup, Premiership

Scotland
Challenge Cup, Division 3, Division 2, Division 1, League Cup, FA Cup, Premier League

Ireland
Munster Senior cup, Division 1, League cup, Senior Challenge Cup, Premiership

Northern Ireland
Mid-Ulster Cup, Steel & Son's cup, Interim cup, County Antrim Shield, Division two, First division, League Cup, FA cup, All-Ireland/Setanta Cup, Premiership

Wales
League Cup, FAW cup, Premiership

Career History

July 2012-Sept 2013 - Tonbridge Angels (Blue Square Bet South Play-off Winners)
Sept 2013-July 2015 - Wrexham (Blue Square Bet Premier Play-off WInners, FA Trophy Winners, nPower League 2 Winners)
Nov 2015-Nov 2018 - Cork City (Munster Senior Cup, Irish League Cup, All-Ireland/Setanta Cup, Senior Challenge Cup, Irish Premier League)
Dec 2018 - Nov 2019 - Bray Wanderers (Irish Division One)
Nov 2019 - Dec 2019 - Larne
Jan 2020 - Present - Hayes and Yeading




I started out and immediately thought that I should really start where my roots are so took over my local team Tonbridge Angels.



Immediately I realised that I hadn't quite known what I had let myself in for as one look at the squad revealed some significant problems and gaps, particularly in the defense, which became my priority to resolve. With the club having just been promoted as well, the media prediction was a grim outlook, suggesting that we were unlikely to have much of an impact on the league this season, but who knows what could happen!

The transfer scene was quite a busy on with no fewer than 13 players leaving the club over the course of the first season and bringing in 9 players on free transfers, and also a loan signing to help out in the run in to the end of the season.



Rhys Taylor was a particularly good capture as he is apparently according to my scouts a Npower League 2 level player and would certainly help to strengthen my leaky defense as a pair of safe hands between the sticks.





The pre-season got off to a promising start, with a battling 1-0 loss at Longmead to Derby County, a Championship side, which included a thumping free-kick which bounced off the woodwork from Frannie Collin, and my hopes and expectations began to rise for the season ahead.

These hopes were brought crashing down following the next pre-season game, a resounding 3-1 loss to Ebbsfleet where the team played extremely poorly, getting a consolation goal in the 88th minute through Ross Treleaven.

The following game was against Liverpool Reserves, which surprisingly the media had backed us to win! The game started out well enough, with it being goalless at half time, and with me trying to convince the lads that they had a real chance of winning this. However this was again not the case, going down 3-1 for the second time in as many games after Liverpool brought on Joe Allen and Raheem Sterling, two players with Premier League experience, and again a late Ross Treleaven goal was the only consolation from the game.

Our final pre-season game was away against our bitter local rivals Maidstone United, a team a couple of divisions below us. The game started out brightly, and you could tell it was a local derby with challenges flying in left, right and centre resulting in no fewer than 5 bookings in the first half. This was about as exciting as the game got, with neither side able to find the back of the net, and the Angels looking as though it would be a long campaign.

August brought about our first game in the Blue Square Bet South division, and took us away to Maidenhead.



Chomping at the bit to finally get the season underway, it could not have started much better with striker Frannie Collin snatching a goal in the 14th minute. We arguably should have been two up in the 25th minute with that man again hitting the crossbar with a thunderous shot from just outside the area. A rash challenge right on the edge of the area in the 45th minute resulted in a Maidenhead free-kick, and although it was dealt with well by my defense, from the resultant corner they grabbed an equaliser. Slightly wobbled I think by conceding, 2 minutes later we were 2-1 down. A mix up between the defense and the goalkeeper left their striker with an entire goal to aim at and he made no mistake. The second half was a rather boring affair up until the 75th minute when a cross by Nathan Koranteng was converted at the far post by Ross Treleaven to make it 2-2, which is how it remained for the rest of the game.

The following week saw us welcome Salisbury to the Longmead with hopes and expectations of a good showing for the 551 loyal Angels fans who had come to support us. The fans were however, unfortunately let down as despite playing good attacking football, we were unable to find the clinical finish throughout the whole game, falling behind in the 54th minute from a simple set piece, and unable to respond.

Two games in and it was really starting to daunt on me just how big of a challenge this is going to be, but onwards and upwards we went, hoping for a good result in our next game at home to Welling. The players didn't let me down, responding in fantastic fashion to the previous weeks result, bouncing back with a superb 2-1 victory with goals from Nathan Koranteng and Frannie Collin either side of a goal from them.

With a first win under our belts, things were beginning to look brighter and we didn't have to wait long for the next game when we took a trip to Bromley 2 days later full of confidence and hoping for another great performance. A resounding 2-0 win followed, completely outplaying Bromley right from the start of the game with goals coming for both Frannie Collin and George Purcell either side of half time to end the month on a positive note.

At the end of August we were sat in 6th place in the league on 7 points, looking forward to what September would bring.

(I haven't been able to include all league tables unfortunately as have played ahead without taking screen shots, but once I have caught up on the updates to where I am in the game, then you can expect them after that!)

good luck with this

September brought about 6 games for my lads, who were finally beginning to gel together and start to get used to the tactics I had introduced.



We began the month with a home tie against Basingstoke, which we began brightly, with Oliver Kelly putting us in front after 12 minutes. However we were unable to keep our foothold in the game and Basingstoke slowly began to increase the pressure resulting in an inevitable equaliser coming just before half-time. A quick tactical tweak to ensure that it remained that way before half time was done, and we came out in the second half looking like a new team, coming close to scoring two or three times, however neither side was able to get that vital goal and it remained 1-1.

An away trip to high flying 2nd place Billericay followed, and in a relatively even game, home advantage paid off with the Angels going down 2-0 thanks to a first half Richard Bryan own goal, and a late goal to clinch it coming in the 80th minute.

Another away game 4 days later took us to Havant & Waterlooville where following the disappointing result against Billericay, they made no mistake this time, converting an early second half goal from Frannie Collin and then a late Nathan Korantang goal for a deserved 2-0 victory.

A home game against Boreham Wood was next which got off to the worst possible start, going behind to a 5th minute goal, which it remained until half-time. Following some inspiring words of wisdom, we were a different team after the break, quickly pulling level in the 51st minute through Rory Hill and then grabbing what turned out to be the winner through Frannie Collin in the 73rd minute. A brilliant comeback victory which was greatly appreciated by the nearly 700 strong crowd.

Our next game was our first venture into one of the cup competitions available to us, meeting Thurrock in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round. An easy 3-0 victory followed, with goals coming from Nathan Korantang, Frannie Collin and Oliver Kelly as we completely outplayed our opponents, enjoying 63% of the possession along with 18 shots in comparison to their 3.

Happy to be in the draw for the next round, and already fulfilling one of my board aims we moved forward to our final game in September at home against Sutton Utd. In a game dominated by the referee, dishing out no fewer than 7 yellow cards in the course of the match, and the award of a very dubious penalty against us early in the second half, we fell behind to two well taken first half goals, and despite our best efforts to regain a foothold in the match, could only manage an 86th minute consolation goal through Olly Schulz.

The defeat against Sutton Utd had ended our 3-game winning streak and had left us after 9 games still sitting in 6th position on 14 points.

Thanks Zan, hopefully will have some success with it now that I can concentrate on a bit of FM!

October brought about a busy month for us with 7 games to be played:



Our first game of the month, away at Eastbourne Boro, brought about the return of Ross Treleaven to his former club. In a very topsy-turvy game, we firstly came from behind, following an early Eastbourne goal, with two second half goals from Frannie Collin and Danny Walder before being pegged back in the 75th minute. Nathan Koranteng was the right man in the right place to score in the 84th minute and we were able to see out the game for our 4th win in 5 games.

The next game brought the return of FA Cup action to Longmead, with us welcoming Canvey Island to Tonbridge. In a tight game, where Nathan Korantang got the only goal of the game early in the first half, we progressed to within one game of reaching the first round proper, and a potential much needed injection of cash!

An away game at Farnborough followed and an attempt to keep our good run of form going couldn't have got off to a better start with Nathan Koranteng scoring within 3 minutes. Farnborough continued to threaten and pulled back a deserved goal in the 18th minute. A devilish low cross across the 6 yard box right on the stroke of half-time saw us restore our lead through an Adam Racine own goal. An early second half goal again from Nathan Koranteng opened up a two goal lead and it remained for the rest of the game.

Our next game gave us an opportunity to get in to the FA Cup proper, and standing in our way were Leatherhead. In a rather dull match of few chances we pulled ahead in the 41st minute through Frannie Collin but were pegged back almost immediately just before half time and Leatherhead were able to force a replay. In the replay that followed, we were very below par in the game, falling behind to a 77th minute goal and failing to respond, getting dumped out of the cup in the process, and any potential big money draw that it may have involved.

Our loss in the FA Cup seemed to kick off a a run of bad results for us, firstly going down 3-0 away to Dorchester in a lacklustre second half display, with all three of their goals coming in the final 20 minutes, followed up by another away defeat at the hands of Sutton Utd for the second time this season, thanks to a first half penalty and 38th minute goal.

After a promising start to the month, we had ended it in poor fashion and needed to do something about it quickly in order to correct our alarming slide down the table, where we ended the month down in 9th position after 13 games with 20 points.

November brought about a slightly quieter month on the games front for us with only 5 games to play beginning at home against league leaders Bath:



In a game that could never be called a classic, tactical tweaks were made to try and sure up a wobbly defense, and the Angels managed to frustrate the opponents hitting them twice at set pieces through Sonny Miles and Olly Schulz to take home all three points in a battling rearguard display.

In our next two games we faced the same opponent in both through Staines, both being played away from what was beginning to become a bit of a fortress at Longmead, having only lost 2 games at home in the season so far. The first game was to enter into the FA Trophy competition, where we went ahead through 2 very early goals from George Purcell and Frannie Collin. Everything was looking comfortable until the 28th minute when young full-back Henry Muggeridge was sent off for two bookable offences. A quick substitution was made, and although we rarely threatened going forward after that, the damage had already been done and we held out for a 2-0 win.

Four days later we were back again to play Staines in the league this time, and with the players still with the victory over them fresh in their mind, we began a little complacent, nearly going behind in the 25th minute. A quick half-time hairdryer treatment and a tactical substitution worked wonders with Olly Schulz grabbing a goal in the 54th minute. Things were looking good, and we were playing very comfortable, running down the clock until disaster struck. With practically the last kick of the game Staines equalised in the 92nd minute, dashing our hopes of three consecutive wins and some more much needed points for the league. The game also brought about an injury to leading goalscorer Frannie Collin for about a month, and he would be sorely missed in the games to follow.

Our next game was back at the Longmead against Hayes and Yeading and it appeared we had failed to learn from our mistakes against Staines from the previous game, as we again let a lead slip in the final few minutes after being put ahead through a Ross Treleaven header early in the second half.

Eastleigh was our final game of the month in the FA Trophy, a competition that the board expected us to at least have a bit of a punt at. In a game which Eastleigh dominated, but failed to find the back of the net through a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping, Richard Bryan got the only goal of the game 5 minutes before half time, putting us into the hat for the next round of the draw.

The month ended with us having slightly improved our league table position to 7th, having gone unbeaten, sitting on 25 points.

A busy Christmas schedule, which saw us playing 7 games this month brought about mixed fortunes for the Angels.



We started the month off away against rock bottom Truro and although the game was fairly even during the first half, Truro very rarely threatened, and one goal would more than likely seal it. This came through Ross Treleaven in the 55th minute with Oliver Kelly adding a late sweetner to make it 2-0 and continue our unbeaten run.

We then travelled to Basingstoke a week later, with morale high and high hopes of continuing our run of good form. In a nail-biting conclusion to the game, in which we were trailing 1-0, two late goals from Chris Piper and a 30-yard screamer from Tom Davis managed to bag the Angels all three points. December was looking like it would turn out to be a good month, and we could make a serious challenge on the play-off places!

We welcomed Havant & Waterlooville to fortress Longmead four days later with confidence high, and hoping for a repeat of the reverse fixture earlier on in the season. However, the wheels came off the wagon in spectacular fashion, with us failing to hit the target with a single shot and losing to an early goal in the second half. We were really beginning to miss Frannie Collin as no-one else seemed to be capable of banging in the goals.

Our FA Trophy 2nd round draw against Dartford was up next, and we travelled to the struggling Blue Square Bet Premier League side hoping for a possible upset. It wasn't to be however, falling behind to two first half goals, and although Oliver Kelly succeeded in making the final 10 minutes interesting, we were knocked out of the cup, much to the dismay of our fans.

A run of two straight league defeats followed before and after Christmas against Welling and Dover with the players presumably more concerned with filling themselves up with turkey and stuffing, or too many late nights out at SOS and Mojo's, the local nightclubs. Although Nathan Korantang did get a goal against Dover, a last minute winner from them condemned us to a boxing day defeat, the players still hungover and having a costly lapse of concentration.

We ended the month, and the year with a home game against Bromley, who had been on an appalling run of form since we had last played them, and saw them hovering just about the relegation zone. In a game that the Angels dominated, the lack of the clinical striker we were missing cost us dear as it ended goalless, a very disappointing way to end the year. Hopefully the New Year will bring about a much needed change of fortunes!

We ended the month after playing 22 games on 32 points and sitting in 10th in the league following our recent slump of form.

The New Year brought about the re-opening of the transfer window, one which the Angels would very likely not be entering due to the extremely limited wage budget, and a New Years Day rematch against Dover in the league.



In an extremely dull game, where both sides were clearly suffering from fatigue, the antics of the previous night, or both, neither side failed to dominate and a dull 0-0 draw was played out. Not the fresh start to the year that we had anticipated, but on a positive note, we welcomed back striker Frannie Collin from injury after he came on for the last 15 minutes of the game.

An away game to Weston-super-Mare followed 4 days later and a first half Oliver Kelly goal looked to have clinched the game, until what can only be described as a disgraceful decision from the referee awarded them a penalty, following a blatant dive, in the 87th minute which was unfortunately converted. Two draws to start the year was hardly ideal, but it could have been much worse I suppose.

A home game against Maidenhead followed and we returned to winning ways following 7 games without a win, courtesy of a 20th minute Oliver Kelly goal in an even game of very few clear cut chances. Our winning ways couldn't be continued in the next game away to Eastleigh, following 2 early goals, both from corners from Sonny Miles.Eastleigh responded in the second half and evened the scoreline, and the points were shared in a game that we really should have won.

We ended the month away at 21st placed AFC Hornchurch and a fantastic first half performance saw the Angels race into a 4-0 lead, courtesy of goals from Frannie Collin x2, Nathan Koranteng and Oliver Kelly. Complacency took hold in the second half and AFC Hornchurch pulled 2 back, but the damage had been done and we held on for an if anything disappointing 4-2 victory following the second half performance.

We ended the month on 41 points after 27 games, sitting in 8th place, with a real chance of pushing for the play-off places and a possible promotion.

Wow your flying through the months mate good luck, be nice to see the league table each month

Tidy start to this mate, keep it going

Have caught up now so expect to see the league table from now on.

February brought about 5 games for my lads, 4 of them at home, and the month was only really about one player:



Frannie Collin had a fantastic month scoring 8 times in those 5 games, picking up a well deserved Player of the Month accolade.



The month began by welcoming Farnborough to the Longmead. In a dull first half that was only brightened by a bizarre own goal, Frannie Collin sending the ball across the area, only for it to hit Michal Steinke on the back of the head and go past his own keeper. Frannie Collin doubled the advantage shortly after the break, and despite a consolation goal coming in the 80th minute, the Angels held on to start the month off in style.

A week later and it was the turn of Chelmsford to arrive at the Longmead, and once again, they were sent back to Essex with their tail between their legs following a fine display from the Angels. The scoring was opened just before the half hour mark by George Purcell and that is how it remained until the introduction of that man Frannie Collin as a second half substitute, with him grabbing another 2 to go with his goal the previous week, including a 92nd minute penalty, where he calmly stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to guarantee all 3 points for the Angels.

An away game to top of the league Bath came our way the following week, and in a very one sided game the Angels ran out 2-1 winners courtesy of 2 first half goals coming from Frannie Collin and George Purcell. Although Bath pulled one back early in the second half, we were able to hold on for the win and continue our good run of form, making it 4 wins on the bounce!

AFC Hornchurch were next to come to Longmead, and it took until the 74th minute to break the deadlock, the referee awarding a very soft penalty, but Frannie Collin made no mistake from 12 yards, and then doubled his goal tally for the game 3 minutes later to give the Angels perhaps a fortuitous 2-0 victory.

The final game of the month saw us welcome Dorchester. Having lost to them earlier in the season, we were keen to make amends, and the players made no mistakes courtesy of 2 late goals from Frannie Collin who ensured that revenge was completed, and also continued our fine run of form and close out an undefeated month.



In a fantastic month for the Angels, we had gone unbeaten and had moved up to 3rd in the table, and we were just beginning to find form at the right time, with the title still within our grasp, and a real possibility of earning promotion. With just 10 games to go, it was key that we continued to pick up points if we were to stand any chance.

Quality month that matey! Was definitely a month needed and boosting you up to challenge for the title now!

March brought us the beginning of the run in towards the end of the season with half of our remaining games to be played.



We started off the month away at Boreham Wood, the other in form team in the league, who had also won all of their games in February, and their manager (slightly annoyingly I might add) beating myself to the Manager of the Month award. We fell behind to two first half goals, and although Frannie Collin continued his fine goalscoring run, pulling one back in the 67th minute, we were unable to come away from the game with anything to show for our efforts.

We next traveled round the M25 to face Chelmsford, and Frannie Collin got us off to a flyer, scoring within 3 minutes. Chelmsford continued to press, but were unable to come back onto terms, and Oliver Kelly completed the scoring in the 63rd minute with a well met volley from a cross.

We welcomed Eastbourne Boro to Longmead for our first home game of the month, and it looked as though Nathan Koranteng had got us off to a flyer, however he was flagged for offside and the goal didn't stand. He did make amends in the 36th minute, making no mistake this time as he seized upon a poor pass and slotted home under the goalkeeper. Another disallowed goal for Frannie Collin followed in the second half for a slightly harsh foul on their goalkeeper as he came for a cross, and then disastrously with only a few minutes left to play, an under-hit back pass allowed their striker in and he made no mistake.

The following week it was time to welcome Weston-super-Mare to Tonbridge, and with the game looking like it was going to peter out into a 0-0 bore draw, Olly Schulz was the right man in the right place to find the make of the net from a corner. For the second game in a row we were unable to hold onto a lead against lesser opposition, as they equalised in the 90th minute following some poor defending, and leaving a particularly sour taste in the mouth of the manager.

Our final game of the month saw us travel to take on the league leaders Salisbury who had been on a particularly fine run of form during the month, seeing them leapfrog Bath at the top of the table. With the media giving us very little chance of gaining anything from the match, a battling rearguard display actually saw us take the lead in the 55th minute through Nathan Korantang, however their class showed, and they equalised 8 minutes later. A draw was still a fantastic result and much credit went to young goalkeeper Rhys Taylor for keeping us in the match.

At the end of the month the league table looked like this:



A slightly disappointing month form wise, particularly the two draws against Eastbourne and Weston-super-Mare, but we were still in the play-off places with 5 games remaining, and perhaps a slightly easier run in (if there is ever such a thing!) as some of the contenders around us.

Thanks Dan, yeah was a great month, think we became a little bit of a one man team though. He ended up scoring 12 in 8 before his little run came to an end, lets hope he finds his scoring boots again for the last 5 games!

The final month of the season was upon us, we were sitting precariously in the final play-off spot and it was just a question of whether we would be able to hold on to that spot over the final 5 games.



Our first game of the month, on April Fools Day was against Billericay and after a bright start, Nathan Koranteng put us 1-0 up with a fantastic 25 yard effort against the run of play, however Billericay continued to pressurise and pegged us back right on the stroke of half time. The second half was extremely end to end, both teams having chances and wasting them and the game ended 1-1.

We then traveled away to Hayes and Yeading hoping for a win that would help certify our position in the play-offs. After a disastrous start, we fell behind due to some poor defending in the 25th minute. A tactical re-shuffle at half time which then led to a desperate all out attack, bombarding the penalty area with long balls and crosses finally paid off in the 61st minute, however we were unable to go on and grab a winner and for the second game in a row it ended 0-0.

A home match against Staines was next up, and we were really beginning to need a win from somewhere to ensure that we at least had a chance going into the final two fixtures of the season. In a rather boring game, neither side was able to get into any sort of rhythm and the game ended 0-0 for our 6th draw in a row.

Our penultimate game of the season saw us travelling to Eastleigh, who were not in the position to challenge us for the play-off position, but could certainly aid others should we fail to get a result against them. The game started in fantastic fashion for the Angels, Olly Schulz grabbing a goal 4 minutes in, a lead which was held until the 69th minute when they scored a well worked and deserved goal to pull it level. Eastleigh continued to threaten, and only thanks to some brilliant defending and some really top class saves, we struggled away with a 1-1 draw.



By this stage, three of the four play-off places had already been decided, and with one game remaining, one of four teams could still occupy that last spot. All we had to do was beat an already relegated Truro in our final game to give us that final coveted play-off spot, although it would never be as simple as that in football. Would we be able to do it?

Oh thats harsh, leaving us to wait for the last game!

got to make it interesting for you!

The final game against Truro was make or break for the Angels. Win, and we were guaranteed a spot in the play-offs. Anything else and we would rely on results in other games to make it through. The plan was go out and attack them straight from the start, get an early goal and settle the nerves of the players, in the hope of then progressing and getting a few more.

It turned out that there were only two other games that would have had an impact on us with Billericay playing Maidenhead and then Chelmsford and Farnborough playing each-other, with the fans taking a keen interest, and keeping upto date via text, radio and smartphones. The message to the players and the press however was that we were unconcerned about the other games, and to concentrate solely on our own match, doing what we could to get the result we needed.

News came through early on that Billericay had gone 1-0 up, 6 minutes in through an audible groan from around the stands, and another groan 4 minutes later told us that they had extended their lead. The players responded fantastically, turning the groans into cheers in the 14th minute as loan signing John Paul Kissock buried that all important goal, putting us back into pole position in the chase for that final place. Two Frannie Collin goals in the second half confirmed the victory, placing us into the play-offs!



The final league table looked like this, with us having squeezed into the final play-off place by a single point ahead of Billericay.



With us having claimed the final play-off spot, we were to face Bath over 2 legs to decide who would get through to the final. Having beaten them on both occasions this season, confidence was high that we could progress, however with the pressure being on would the Angels be able to continue their good run against the team?

The first leg was played at the Longmead, and after an impressive start by Bath, a Frannie Collin goal put us ahead in the 14th minute. Not to be outdone, Bath equalised 6 minutes later. With the game approaching its conclusion, and with the manager beginning to contemplate taking a 1-1 scoreline through to the second leg, Olly Schulz sent the season record 2,274 strong crowd into raptures with a set piece goal in the 85th minute, surely winning the game for the Angels. Bath spent the last 5 nailbiting minutes camped in our half, and although there was some lovely build-up play rarely threatened. The final whistle blew and we would be taking a 2-1 lead into the second leg. With the first leg in the other game going Salisbury 0-4 Boreham Wood, it looked that they would be the opponents in the final for the victors from this tie.

So, 5 days later we traveled across the country to Bath for the second leg of a thrilling play-off tie, knowing that as long as we didn't concede that we would be through. Although it seemed like a fairly simple task, with the dangers that Bath were capable of, another goal really was necessary before we could think about frustrating the opposition. We got to half time with the score on the day still at 0-0, having unfortunately created very few clear cut chances. Just 45 minutes stood between us and a play-off final. With some words of wisdom at half time, the lads were sent back out with one very clear message... Don't let yourselves down now that your so close. The second half dragged by, minutes seeming to take hours until the 84th minute when Nathan Koranteng was put through and had the opportunity to wrap it up for us. A fantastic save from the keeper kept Bath in the match, but they were struggling to create any chances of their own. The final whistle came with the scores still at 0-0 meaning we had progressed through to the final! In the other tie, a resurgant Salisbury, trailing 4-0 from the first leg had won the second leg 5-1 against Boreham Wood, but heart-breakingly for their fans they were knocked out on penalties, meaning our opponents would be Boreham Wood.

The day was upon us, Sunday 19th May 2013. Play-off Final day. 90 minutes stood between us and playing Blue Square Bet Premier League football next season, and also ticking off the first cup on the list. Tensions couldn't be greater as we awaited kick off. Due to Boreham Wood having finished above us in the league, the game was to be played on their patch, something which could make the task slightly more difficult for us. The first half came and went, neither team able to get a foothold in the game, and really just feeling each-other out, the half-time whistle coming with the scores deadlocked at 0-0. The second half burst into life however with Nathan Koranteng scoring in a crowded penalty area from a corner in the 54th minute. almost immediately from the kick-off however, Boreham Wood attacked and equalised. The remainder of the second half saw both sides try and find a winner, whilst at the same time remaining secure at the back, and after 90 minutes the scores remained at 1-1, taking us into extra time. Jubilation struck as leading goalscorer Frannie Collin bagged a goal in the 97th minute to make it 2-1 to the Angels, but unfortunately managed to get injured in the process, and having used all three substitutes, we had to play the remaining 23 minutes with 10 men. The tactics were altered, and it was just a case of retaining the lead for the last period in extra time. Although Boreham Wood had chances, they were unable to take advantage of them and the full time whistle was met with an almighty cheer from the travelling supporters. We had done it! We had won promotion and also placed the first trophy into the trophy cabinet.





To add icing to the cake I was also awarded Manager of the Season for the achievement of guiding the Angels to promotion!



Not a bad start to the challenge, or bad first season in management, but keeping the Angels up next season may be a tough ask.

So having gained promotion to the Blue Square Bet Premier League via the play-offs at the end of last season, a squad overhaul was going to be needed to at least have a chance of fighting off relegation. With 17 players leaving the club to try and free up some wages, 10 players were brought in on a permanent basis, and two season long loan signings were made to plug the gaps that had appeared.



The board also decided over the summer that the club would turn professional over the summer, allowing me to spend more time training with the players, and hopefully improving our overall play as a result.

The squad looked like this as the first game approached, with the only real weaknesses being a lack in squad depth for both central defense and in the middle of the park, with hopes of bringing in at least another one loan signing as a utility player to help with these problems. An understudy to Rhys Taylor had been sent out on loan to gain some much needed first team action, with the ability to recall him, if necessary.



Preseason as a whole had been mixed, with some good results coming against Maidstone and Crawley Down, but a disappointing showing against Oxford United didn't really reveal a great deal on how the season may pan out.



As we start the second season, the hope is initially staying out of the relegation fight, and maybe get a good cup run and try and get one of those trophy's with a potential to re-deciding season objectives come the middle of the season.

Well done mate, remember your meant to send me the screenshots of the title and the inbox message saying you've won the title if you want it to be added to the list!

well done on your first trophy

Will do that from now on mate

Thanks mate, hopefully won't be too long before the second!

The first game of the new season approached with form and morale high after some good performances during preseason. August was a busy month for us with six league games to play, and we hoped to start the campaign off well.



We welcomed Wrexham to the Longmead on the first day of the season and after a good defensive display, new signing Ricky McIntosh grabbed a debut goal in the 77th minute to give us an opening day victory.

3 days later we traveled to Woking knowing that they were going to be a much sterner test. With training having gone well, we again defended fantastically, only allowing them 2 shots in the whole game and grabbed a 2-0 victory courtesy of late second half goals from Frannie Collin and a debut goal from Jake Hyde.

Gainsborough were the next team we faced on our travels, and in a very lacklustre first half display, we should arguably have been behind going in at the break. A rousing team talk at half time saw a completely different side come out after the break with three quick goals coming through Frannie Collin x2 and Jake Hyde to put us 3-0 up. A penaly in the 78th minute gave Gainsborough a glimmer of hope, but the Angels stern defense stood, giving us a 3-1 victory and three back-to-back victory's!

A Mansfield side then arrived at Longmead, and a good performance from the entire team saw us grind out a 0-0 draw, continuing our unbeaten run.

A journey up the M11 to Cambridge came next, and in an even game statistics wise, we were just able to take our chances better than our counterparts, racing into a 2-0 lead within the first 30 minutes, courtesy of goals from Frannie Collin and Tom Davis, before adding 3 further goals after the break through Frannie Collins, Jake Hyde and Joseph Connor to give us a resounding 5-0 victory!

The final league game of the month saw us welcome Alfreton. Wanting to end the month on a high note, we played good attacking football, however an injury to Frannie Collin midway through the first half, which will see him miss 6 weeks dented our chances slightly. Alfreton defended very well, and took their only clear-cut chance of the game, earning them a fortuitous 1-0 victory and ending our unbeaten run.

At the end of the month, the league table looked like this, with the Angels currently occupying 3rd spot with 13 points from 6 games. A fantastic start to the season, despite the Alfreton result, however there is still a long way to go!

What a fantastic start to the new season that is buddy! Top win against Cambridge!

September brought about another 7 games in the month, however I was only present for 4 of the games due to a job opening up at Wrexham, who are among the favourites to gain promotion in the league, and it was too good an opportunity to turn down.



So we started the month off at Tonbridge Angels with an away game against Kidderminster. They were all over us throughout the entire game, and it looked like we might have nicked it when Jake Hyde grabbed a real poachers goal in the 82nd minute. Unfortunately we were unable to retain the lead, Kidderminster grabbing an equaliser 4 minutes later, and although it was disappointing to concede so late, a draw was still a good result.

We then welcomed Stockport to the Longmead and an early 5th minute goal from Nathan Koranteng for his first goal of the season was the only goal of the game. For large parts of the game we were completely outplayed, but a good defensive showing ensured that we took all 3 points.

Ebbsfleet were next up at the Longmead, and in a game which we dominated, we lost 2-0, falling behind to two first half goals. We were all over them in the second half, and should have scored 4 or 5 goals, but unfortunately the strikers were incredible wasteful, condemning us to only our second league defeat of the season.

We then traveled away to Macclesfield, and an early first half goal from Charlie Collins gave us the lead at half time. Macclesfield were a different team after the break and looked very dangerous, with the Angels holding onto the precious one goal advantage for dear life until Nathan Koranteng doubled the advantage with 7 minutes remaining, and guaranteed the points.

Following the Macclesfield game, Wrexham's manager was sacked for an apparent poor run of form, which was surprising given that during that month they had won 3 games, drawn 2, and lost 2, although they were languishing down in the bottom half of the table. With a club that had been touted as a potential winner of the league now managerless, I declared interest in the job and applied, which didn't go down too well with the board back at Tonbridge, and gave me a choice of either resign, or be sacked. Choosing not to get the sack, I quietly resigned my post, and awaited the good news from Wrexham.



The contract offer was made to me, and to just show the difference in club sizes, the wage cap that Wrexham were offering me to work with was 3 times that which I had at Tonbridge Angels!



A quick look at the squad shows that despite there being some glaring weaknesses, particularly in the goalkeeping position, overall it was a good squad that I felt was going to be more than capable of bouncing back and mounting a serious challenge for both promotion and one of the cups.



So here we were, now at Wrexham, and hoping to rectify our league position and also give one of the cups a good go.



The league table at the end of the month looked like this with Tonbridge having unfortunately gone on a bit of a poor run of form following my resignation, and it was also clear that despite Wrexham being down in 15th place, they were only 12 points off the top, and 6 points from a play-off place, with a large amount of the season still to play and with every chance of being able to achieve promotion this season!

Completely lost track of the date on the game, and forgot to do an update for October, so will do the update for both October and November in this one post.

Both October and November were busy months for us, seeing us play 14 games over the two months, including FA Cup and FA Trophy matches.



Our first game in charge of Wrexham saw us welcome AFC Telford to the Racecourse, and a first half goal from experienced striker Brett Omerod gave us a 38th minute lead. We should have easily scored more, dominating them for almost the entire game, however it remained 1-0 and we took 3 points.

The second game saw us travel to league leaders Barnet. A fantastic start saw our Algerian/British dual nationality midfielder Hamza Bencherif grab a goal for us within the first minute, however over the 90, Barnet were too strong for us and ran out 3-1 winners.

We welcomed Forest Green the following week, and we fell behind to an early goal coming in the 6th minute. We responded brilliantly, with Kevin Thornton equalising in the 12th minute before Brett Omerod tucked home our second 7 minutes after half time. We continued to threaten, but failed to score again as we ran out deserved 2-1 winners.

Next up was Luton and a first half goal from George Donnelly saw us go in at the break leading 1-0. Two second half goals from Luton saw us trailing 2-1 with 20 minutes to go, and despite going all out to find an equaliser, we were unable to and the game ended 2-1.

We welcomed Barrow to the Racecourse next, and an early goal, coming in the 5th minute from Derek Doyle saw us go ahead. An equaliser came in the 41st minute and as the game wore on, it looked as though that was how it was going to end. They had a player sent of in the 92nd minute for two bookable offences and with seconds to spare we found the back of the net through Robert Ogleby sending the fans wild. We were very fortunate to take away 3 points from this game, and needed to improve our performances if we wanted to have any hope of achieving promotion this season.

An away game to Havant & Waterlooville followed, and in an even first half, George Donnelly finally broke the deadlock just before half-time. The score remained 1-0 up until the 76th minute when they were awarded a very soft penalty, later proven to be a mistake by the referee, which they duly converted. Neither side were able to find a winner and we had to make do with a point.

A home game against Dartford rounded the month up, and in a fantastic performance by the lads, we completely outplayed them, yet we just couldn't find the back of the net, hitting the woodwork an incredible 5 times during the course of the game. Finally we had a bit of luck, and a Simon Raynor own goal, the ball bouncing off the post, onto the keepers back and then into the net, broke the deadlock and earned us all 3 points.

A convincing away win in the FA Cup against Preston started off November well, with the pick of the goals coming from our Polish/British dual nationality attacker Adrian Cieslewicz hitting a sweet volley from the edge of the area. The game ended 5-1 and put us into the 1st round proper, where we drew Kidderminster.

The FA Cup game against Kidderminster was our very next game, and despite going behind midway through the first half we looked threatening and grabbed the equaliser just before half-time through Robert Ogleby. With both sides looking for a winner, another soft penalty was awarded against us in the 87th minute, which was duly converted, leaving us crashing out of the FA Cup in the first round.

A home game against struggling Braintree came a few days after our FA Cup exit, and with the players still reeling from the loss, were very below par, failing to score a goal, and the game ended 0-0.

In only our second Blue Square Bet Premier game of the season we traveled to Tamworth where a fantastic start saw us race into a 2-0 lead within 5 minutes, goals coming from Jay Harris and Brett Omerod before they pulled one back just after half-time. A 3rd from George Donnelly restored our two goal cushion, and ensured that we would be travelling back to Wales with 3 points.

We then played our first game in a really winnable competition this season, the FA Trophy away from home against fellow Blue Square Premier side Alfreton. They grabbed an early goal in the 9th minute, however George Donnelly popped up to bury home the equaliser in the 38th minute. In an even second half, neither side was able to grab a winning goal and the tie went to replay.

In the replay game against Alfreton an early Robert Ogleby goal, coming in the 2nd minute was pulled back 3 minutes later, until Brett Omerod restored our lead again in the 21st minute. In a dominant showing we had 31 shots on goal, with 14 on target, and finally booked our spot in the next round when Robert Ogleby scored a 3rd 6 minutes from time. We drew Cambridge in the next round at home, a game which we should win, which would leave us in the quarter finals of the competition.

Our final game of the month saw us travel to Gainsborough and in a very even game which didn't look as though there were to be any goals, one man made the difference, Robert Ogleby scoring 2 goals in 8 minutes to ensure that we took all the points.

A mixed first two months in charge of Wrexham, however with the team starting to get used to the tactics and formations I have introduced, hopefully we should continue our rise up the table over the 2nd half of the season. At the end of November, we were in 12th position on 35 points, 6 points behind the play-off places and 15 points behind leaders Kidderminster.



I was pleased to see Tonbridge doing so well, and in a small way perhaps regretting my decision to leave them at this stage of the season, but felt comfortable moving forward that the decision I had made was the right one.

December was the same as every other month had been this season... busy. With 6 games to play, we were moving into a vital part of the season and to keep our aspirations of promotion on course, as well as me keeping my job, we really needed to start finding some consistent form.



We started the month by welcoming my old club Tonbridge to the Racecourse and in a dominant display ran out 5-0 winners, enjoying near total domination, George Donnelly grabbing a brace alongside goals from Robert Ogleby, Bobby Grant and Adrian Cieslewicz to start the month of with a statement of intent.

An away trip to Wokingfollowed, and in a very even game, neither side was able to find the back of the net, and the spoils were shared.

Next up came the FA Trophy second round game against Cambridge. In a competition that I am hoping to do well in, my players again gave out a signal of intent, destroying them 4-0, goals coming from Andy Frampton, George Donnelly, Brett Omerod and Jay Harris. We were drawn against Braintree at home for the third round, a game I have every expectation we will be able to win.

A tough encounter against Mansfield followed, and in a very even game, where both sides threatened, a 90th minute George Donnelly goal managed to secure all 3 points for us, and continue our run of good form. I had become particularly impressed with the defense, as they had now gone 5 clean sheets in a row, and was hoping that this would continue, however with some tougher games coming up, I knew it was more than likely not going to happen.

We faced Cambridge again on Boxing day, and in a much closer affair than the first game, ran out 2-1 winners. George Donnelly scoring in the 21st minute with a good header, before we were pegged back midway through the second half. A goal from Robert Ogleby in the 82nd minute secured the 3 points and moved us on to our toughest test of the month against top of the table Kidderminster.

Facing Kidderminster I knew was going to be a tough game, they were beginning to open up a gap at the top of the table, and their young striker Anthony Malbon had been on fire for them this season, grabbing 23 goals in 32 appearances. Hoping to be able to deal with him, the game began brightly until a great goal by their man on form put us behind 1-0 just after the 30 minute mark. The second half we were much better, and saw us have 2 goals disallowed for supposed offside, which made me a little bit angry, resulting in me criticising the referee and being forced to serve a touchline ban. Silly me! Our man George Donnelly did manage to rescue us a point however deep into stoppage time, pouncing on a rebound to slot home.



The month had been a good one for us, going unbeaten, and against some strong opposition in the league, as well as progressing our cup run, with a real hope of reaching the final, and potentially being able to cross another one of our trophy's off the list! The league table looked like this as we headed into the New Year, with us being one of three teams tied on points for the last play-off spot. With a bit of luck and with our run of form continued we would be able to move up the table and ensure that we make it into at least the play-offs.