FM20 - York City - A MinsterMen Journey

September 2021



Vanarama National League // Kettering Town // Away


Another good start to the month, and probably our best performance to date. Jordan Ponticelli grabbed his usual goal early on to put us ahead. Terry Taylor nicked a rare goal for himself, as he flicked a header past the onrushing keeper. Alex Kempster rounded the keeper and slotted home to make it 3-0 in the 94th minute. Spot on result and performance by the boys.

Vanarama National League // Wealdstone // Home


A draw against Wealdstone may seem like a bad result, but it keeps the points ticking over, and we played fairly well, to be honest. We went behind in the first half in the 37th minute when they scored a cracking team goal and passed it around us with ease. We equalised when Herson Alves slammed home from a tight angle and we were back on level terms. It stayed that way all through the second half and that was that.

Vanarama National League // Aldershot Town // Home


Jamie Thomas secured his first goal for the club, and what a goal it was. He struck home for around 38 yards out. It was struck with venom and the keeper stood no chance. An own goal 6 minutes later meant that we had won another 3 points and rounded off a good display for us once again.

Vanarama National League // Chorley // Away


Another game, another 2-0 win. Kyle McFarlane broke free of the last man and slotted home round the keeper to put us ahead in the 5th minute. We looked comfortable for the remainder of the game and the result became more comfortable for us in the 72nd minute as Connor Kirby slammed one from the edge of the area to make it 2-0.

Vanarama National League // Maidstone // Home


The 2-0 victories are becoming a regular sight for us. Our defence is playing some solid football and the back and it's giving our attackers the freedom to do what they do best: SCORE. James Morton hit a penalty home after Ponticelli was rested. The result was confirmed as Yoan Zouma volleyed home a corner from the far post to make it 2-0. Happy days.

Vanarama National League // Cheltenham // Away


A road win against Cheltenham is never to be frowned upon, but we got lucky. A quick counter with Jordan Ponticelli at the spearhead of it, led to him firing home past the keeper in the 8th minute to give us the lead. We rode our luck as Griffiths pulled off save, after save to deny an equaliser for Cheltenham. We have to win tough games like this in order to be where we want to at the end of the season.





Another unbeaten month and things are looking positive. We are top of the tree, and sit 4 points clear of Northampton who faltered a little this month. Our goal-difference is already racking up and we sit on +21 after 12 games. Our firepower is incredible.



Russ Griffiths
(6 games, 1 goal conceded, 5 clean sheets, 6.98 rating)

Russ Griffiths has been outstanding this month, only conceding the once in the 6 games we played. He also saved a penalty somewhere in that month and won us the game with save after save against Cheltenham. A well deserved POTM trophy is now his.

October 2021



Vanarama National League // AFC Fylde // Away


A boring, drab, 0-0 draw to start the month off. I'm disappointed with how we played, and we should've probably won if we had taken one of our chances. Not much else to report on here, except we got a point.

Vanarama National League // Torquay United // Home


The scoreline suggests we didn't play well, but we absolutely dominated and deserved to win by a bigger margin. An own goal gave us the lead in the 52nd minute, and we deservedly went onto to gain the 3 points.

Vanarama National League // Kidderminster Harriers // Away


What a game of football! It was end to end and had goals galore in it. Martin Onoabhagbe fired home from 5 yards out to put us in the lead before Kidderminster levelled in the 11th minute. It was level for only a few seconds before Jordan Ponticelli slotted home to restore our lead. It was 2-2 on the stroke of half-time as the two sides went in on level terms. Terry Taylor broke the tie in the 61st minute with a fantastic powerful header and Jordan Ponticelli slammed past the keeper in the 70th minute to give us a two-goal cushion. Kidderminster scored the final goal of the game in the 80th minute to make it 4-3 at the final whistle. What a game!

FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round // Nuneaton Borough // Away


The magic of the FA Cup is back, and we eased through the 4th qualifying round with a breeze. Kyle McFarlane was back in the starting line up and scored 4 goals as we romped to a 6-0 victory. Aram Soleman & Alex Kempster scored the other two goals! Easy as you like against a lower-ranked team. Onto the 1st Round Proper.

Vanarama National League // Swindon Town // Away


Our first defeat of the season and it was Swindon Town who inflicted it upon us. 2 penalties in the first 15 minutes was the undoing of us, with Herson Alves scored for us. A disappointing result when we should've and could've won the game. We need more discipline in the box.

Vanarama National League // Northampton Town // Home


A second defeat in a row and I'm not happy about it. This is what happened last season and I'm worried it may happen again. I'll be doing my utmost to not let this happen obviously. 2 decent goals against us, send us home with no points. Disappointing, and against our main rivals so far this season. Frustrating.

Vanarama National League // Ebbsfleet United // Home


My aggressive approach after the previous game obviously had an impact on the players. We were much better today and actually decided to show up. Aram Soleman struck the opening goal in the 24th minute. Emmanuel Adebiyi then turned it on and showed us what a player he is! He scored on the stroke of half-time with a mazy run and finish. In the 84th minute, he struck again and slammed home from 40 yards out. WHAT A STRIKE! Back on track to end the month!





We're still on top of the league 3 months in. This is where we want to be and I'm happy to be here. Our goal difference is still decent and above the rest of our competition. Despite losing 2 games this month we're still on top of the tree. Northampton can draw level with us on points if they win their game in hand though.



Emmanuel Adebiyi
(6 games, 2 goals, 1 assist, 7.10 rating)

Emmanuel has won the award this month after putting in a number of fine performances. He capped the month off with 2 solo goals and has just been consistent this month! He may well be a starter going forward.

November 2021



FA Cup 1st Round // Coventry City // Home


We entertained League 1 side Coventry City in the FA Cup 1st Round, and came away with a credible 1-1 draw. The annoying thing is, is that we had a big chance right at the death to win it but failed to score. Yoan Zouma put us ahead and sent the crowd into mayhem with a powerful header from a corner! We weren't ahead for long though, as Coventry showed their class with a goal in the 66th minute. We head off to Coventry City in a replay.

Vanarama National League // Dulwich Hamlet // Home


We continue our quest to the league title with a nice win against Dulwich Hamlet. An own goal in the 75th minute gave us the lead, before Aran Soleman fired an absolute rocket into the top corner in the 95th minute to put the icing on the cake. 3 points are ours.

FA Cup 1st Round Replay// Coventry City // Away


The replay was a step too far for us! A real shame, as the board, wanted us to reach the 2nd round and I'm not sure they will be happy with me. Coventry showed their class as they were 3-0 up within 38 minutes. We pulled a goal back through Jordan Ponticelli who scored against his old club. They went into the break 4-1 up, before we scored in the 90th minute to make it a credible 4-2 result. Not bad against a League 1 side.

Vanarama National League // Dagenham & Redbridge // Away


A Jordan Ponticelli volley was the decisive goal in our latest win. Not much to say about this but we were in control for the majority of the game. Ponticelli took his chance and fired home his volley in the 4th minute! Happy days.

Vanarama National League // Harrogate // Away


A 94th minute sucker-punch took a point away from us as we lost to Harrogate Town. We didn't deserve to win the game but we definitely deserved a point. in the 94th minute, it fell to Alex Reid on the edge of the box and he powered it right through Russ Griffiths to steal a win for the home team.

Vanarama National League // FC Halifax // Home


Back to winning ways in the league and a perfect way to end the month! Martin Onoabhagbe headed home past the keeper to put us in the lead in the 8th minute. Herson Alves ran the defence silly and topped his performance off with a great solo goal in the 64th minute. Professional performance and an easy win.





We take a 2 point lead into December and also have a game in hand. Northampton are still the team doing the chasing with Eastleigh sitting in 3rd. We're where we want to be but can we sustain it!



Martin Onoabhagbe
(5 games, 1 goals, 0 assist, 7.04 rating)

Martin has been a rock at the back, and has barely lost an aerial battle! He also scored a goal in the final game of the month which shows he is a threat from set-pieces too! He's been a fine player this month!

December 2021



Vanarama National League // Maidstone United // Away


We've been struggling to start off the month on the right foot so far this season, but another point added to the tally. We went ahead early on in the 4th minute when Herson Alves wriggled past his man in the box and let rip with his right foot into the bottom corner. He doubled his and our tally in the 33rd minute with another mazy run and shot. 2-0 at half-time. Unfortunately, we let the lead slip as Maidstone scored twice in the 54th and 68th minute to level things up. Annoying that we were 2-0 up and let them back in it, but at least we didn't lose.

Vanarama National League // Sutton // Home


Sutton United were the visitors to York in our next game, and it was the man in the form Herson Alves who was the match-winner. He drove to the edge of the area and curled one into the top right-hand corner leaving the keeper with no chance. What a patch of scoring he's in! We held on anyway and got the 3 points. Our first of the month.

FA Trophy 1st Round // Boston United // Home


FA Trophy action is back, and we're through the first round and into the second. Boston United were no match for us today. Everything went right and I'm so proud of how we played. James Morton fired one past the keeper in the 20th minute, and we were 2-0 up in the 33rd when Alex Kempster nodded in a header. Happy days.

Vanarama National League // Torquay United // Away


A close fought a match against a decent side. Torquay have been hanging around mid-table all season and can beat anyone on their day. Aram Soleman scored the only goal of the game when he nipped past the last man and raced through on goal, before slotting it under the keeper and into the back of the net. He's been a decent acquisition.

Vanarama National League // Kidderminster Harriers // Home


We've beaten our old foes Kidderminster at their own place. We went behind when we conceded a penalty, before Connor Kirby produced a special strike into the top binns to level things up. Jordan Ponticelli put us ahead in the 65th minute, and we held firm at the back to collect another win.

Vanarama National League // Spennymoor Town // Home


After complaining about his amount of playing time, Jamie Thomas repaid my faith in him and scored the opening goal before the stroke of half-time. It was Alex Kempster who has been enjoying an extended stay in the first team lately who scored the second of the game. More points to add to our total.





We've started to build a lead at the top of the table, and it's now up to 6 points. Things are starting to take shape and the contenders are setting up their attack. I'm so pleased with how it's gone so far, but we need to keep going.



Herson Alves
(6 games, 3 goals, 3 assists, 7.27 rating)

Herson has won it this month as he's been unplayable. His trickery down the right-wing has totally confused full-backs all month and he's chipped in with goals and assists equally. What a player to have.

January 2022



Vanarama National League // Dover Athletic // Away


We've finally started a month with a win, and it was a pleasing one at that. Our wings tore the full-backs to shreds and both grabbed goals to cap their fine performances off. We went behind though in the 20th minute to an absolute screamer from Dover. Winger, Herson Alves does what he does best, as he cut inside and fired a low curling shot into the bottom corner to put us back on level terms in the 33rd minute. Aram Soleman, operating from the left got free in the area and tapped in from close range after a corner bobbled to him.

FA Trophy 2nd Round // Brackley Town // Away


I switched the team around a bit so that the fringe players could get a bit of playing time under their belts, and I probably shouldn't have done so much. We weren't really in the game and I'm disappointed that we went out this early in the competition. My own fault I guess. Brackley fired past Griffiths in the 27th minute before Macauley Langstaff equalised with a well struck effort on the edge of the D. We weren't on level terms for too long though as Brackley scored the match-winner in the 67th minute and held on comfortably to progress into the 3rd round.

Vanarma National League // Yeovil Town // Home


I think we've finally figured out how to beat Yeovil Town. Hit them with pace and on the counter. Connor Kirby put us ahead in the 14th minute as we broke with pace and Kirby was free at the back post to tap in after Alves had found him with a cutback. We stayed 1-0 up until the 92nd minute when Kyle McFarlane went on a crazy solo break and dribbled past 3 defenders before slotting it round the keeper to make it 2-0.

Vanarama National League // Bromley // Away


Not the result we wanted, and not much to say about this boring game. A point is better than none.

Vanarama National League // Eastleigh // Away


We were beaten fair and square on the day. Although it's gutting to lose to an injury-time winner, we didn't deserve any points to be honest. It was actually a well-worked goal and I have to hold my hands up and applaud a team when they deserve to beat us, and Eastleigh did that today.





The gap is still growing and currently stands at 8 points, even though Northampton have a game in hand, but I'd rather have points on the board already. It's definitely our title to lose now.



Herson Alves
(5 games, 1 goals, 2 assists, 7.40 rating)

Aram hasn't had a better month performance-wise for us during his time with us, but couldn't find the net enough or assist enough this month. That being said, his direct running and skillful wing play helped us perform well this month and he was a standout for me.

February 2022



Vanarama National League // Kettering Town // Home


What a performance from the boys! Aram Soleman weaved his way into the box, cut inside and fired one past the keeper to put us 1-0 in the 28th minute. We won a penalty and Jordan Ponticelli converted it to put us 2 ahead. Connor Kirby made it 3-0 with a simple finish in the 72nd minute! An easy win, and a cracking performance to boot.

FA Trophy 2nd Round // Sutton // Away


Our only away game of the month, and we just about scraped a win. We weren't great, but we probably still deserved the 3 points. Connor Kirby made it 2 games in a row with a thunderstrike from just inside the box. The keeper didn't move. A 1-0 win was enough to gain all 3 points.

Vanarma National League // Harrogate Town // Home


Our best performance of the month, and against a team that beat us in the last minute last time out. Herson Alves did what he does best, and jinked past his man inside the box, and hit a low one through the keeper's legs to put us ahead. Another Jordan Ponticelli penalty made it 2-0, before Harrogate were reduced to 10 men for a second yellow. It was Emmanuel Adebiyi who made it 3-0 with a decent team goal. Harrogate pulled one back in the dying moments to make it 3-1. A cracking result against a team currently sitting in 5th.

Vanarama National League // Swindon // Home


What a game! We started superbly and were 4-0 up before the 40th-minute mark. Connor Kirby made it 4 goals in the month, with strikes from Terry Taylor and Kyle McFarlane as well. A penalty gave Swindon a lifeline, but it really wasn't going to be enough for them to mark a serious comeback. A hell of a win to cap an unbeaten month off.





An unbeaten month is definitely what we needed. We've still got a good margin at the top, with Northampton now only 5 points behind us. It's going to be a tight run-in I think, so I need this winning run to continue a good while longer now.



Connor Kirby
(4 games, 4 goals, 3 assists, 7.78 rating)

Connor was the clear winner this month! He has been absolutely brilliantly, scoring 4 goals in the process, and also assisting 3 goals. What a player he is turning out to be. He's key in the middle of the park for us.

March 2022



Vanarama National League // Dulwich Hamlet // Away


I think this is the first time I've ever dropped points against Dulwich Hamlet so I'm pretty disappointed. We went ahead through Jordan Ponticelli who rounded the keeper and slotted home to give us the lead. We were looking comfortable before a mental lapse at the back let them back into the game. We couldn't regain our composure and the match ultimately drifted out to a draw.

Vanarama National League // Ebbsfleet // Away


What a horrendous start to the month! We could well be throwing all our hard work away here. It's like the nerves had settled in and aren't going anywhere. Ebbsfleet controlled the game and had the better chances, and we were lucky to not lose by more. They scored the match-winner late on in the 80th minute to gain all 3 points.

Vanarma National League // Dagenham & Redbridge // Home


2 goals either side of half-time was enough to give us the much-needed win. Connor Kirby bent one round the keeper to put us ahead in the 39th minute before cultured striker Jordan Ponticelli fired low into the bottom corner to extend our advantage. The game wasn't done then, as Dagenham pulled one back to make it a nervy finish! We held on just about to gain our first win of the month!

Vanarama National League // Maidenhead // Home


Once again, another close game and another where we went into a 2-0 lead. Aram Soleman rocketed one into the top corner leaving the keeper with no chance, before Kyle McFarlane who has now scored over 50 goals for the club, slotted one low and into the bottom corner. We had our advantage cut to 1 within a minute though as Maidenhead looked to make it a close finish. We defended stoutly though and came away with all 3 points.

Vanarama National League // Wealdstone // Away


Two braces from Alex Kempster and Kyle McFarlane meant that we came away with a 3rd win on the bounce. We've rescued the month in some ways. Both players were magnificent and deserved the MOTM award. Happy days have come back to York.

Vanarama National League // Chorely // Home


A disastrous end to the month, as we snap our 3 game win-streak and crumple to defeat. Chorley came to win and they did just that. A Jordan Ponticelli goal was just a consolation for us. Not much else to say except it was a poor game and a semi-poor month.





This poor month results-wise means our lead has dropped dangerously to 2 points. 5 games to go, with a crucial title-deciding game against Northampton at their place. This game is massive!!



Kyle McFarlane
(6 games, 3 goals, 1 assists, 6.99 rating)

It's nice to see Kyle back in form after having an injury-plagued season. He's definitely improving once again and he's scoring goals like he used to. He's had a quality month for us and I'm excited to see if he can win us the title next month!

April 2022



Vanarama National League // Aldershot Town // Away


All the action in this game came in the 2nd half! It wasn't until the 71st minute that the first goal went in, as Jamie Morton thundered one from the edge of the area past the rooted keeper. 6 minutes later Jordan Ponticelli pinged one from distance that left the keeper with no chance once again to make it 2-0. Aldershot had one sent off at the death before they got a consolation in the very last seconds of the game. A good win.

Vanarama National League // Northampton Town // Away


Absolutely brilliant! We were magnificent in this title-deciding game against the rivals Northampton Town. In a game that could have gone either way, we showed fight and passion in order to gain the crucial win. Alex Kempster showed us why he is our starting left-winger. He collected the ball in the middle of the park, danced around 2 defenders before curling an effort from the edge of the box into the top right-hand corner. That goal wouldn't look out of place in the Champions League final. It was that moment of magic that won us the game, as we defended with everything we had. 3 MASSIVE POINTS!

Vanarma National League // Cheltenham Town // Home


The game that could win us the title, and we end up winning it! Jordan Ponticelli smashed one home in the 9th minute before Alex Kempster made sure of the result in the 24th minute! It was as easy as a win you'll ever see. and...

WE WON THE LEAGUE!!! 3 POINTS HERE MEAN THAT WE CAN'T BE CAUGHT AND WE ARE ON THE WAY BACK TO THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE!!



Vanarama National League // AFC Fylde // Home


As we had already won the league, I decided to rotate then pack and give some playing time out. We still managed to grab a draw with fringe players in the squad. Macauley Langstaff grabbed our only goal and impressed me massively. He's done well whenever he's played, and I may reward him with a new contract in the off-season. A deserved draw for the boys.

Vanarama National League // FC Halifax // Away


The final day of the season is upon us, and we were away to FC Halifax Town. The youngsters and fringe players were once again in for this one, and Macauley Langstaff once again scored our only goal! It's nice to see our youngsters stepping up and giving them a good game. A 1-1 draw is good enough for me. Now we can celebrate!!





CHAMPIONIES!! CHAMPIONIES!! OLE, OLE, OLE!!

WE ARE GOING UP, SAY WE ARE GOING UP!!

3 points are the gap that we won the league by, as Northampton Town went up via the play-offs. The two best teams deservedly ended up being promoted into the Football League!!

Player of the Season Award



Connor Kirby has been voted as the Vanarama National League Player of the Season, and his performances have definitely merited this! He scored 9 goals and set up 16 in the league this season. Incredible! His average rating is at an all-time high for him at 7.26.

Manager of the Season



I've been awarded the Vanarama National League Manager of the Year Award! I think I deserve it after guiding us to a league title in just two seasons! I've built a quality young team that is playing with freedom and confidence! Happy days!

Other News



The board has announced that we're expanding the stadium! We're adding another 1,469 seats which is a show that we are on the up! More and more people want to see us play and I don't know why they wouldn't want to ha! What a season it's been for York City!

I never know what to write about when it comes to Pre-Season Friendlies, but once again, we've played a mixed bag of teams including Blackpool, Doncaster & Gateshead. We grabbed some quality victories against Fleetwood Town, Doncaster Rovers & Southport which were all pleasing to see! These friendlies have also given the new lads some time with their new teammates and to learn how we play. It should be one fun season coming up as we struggle to survive in the Football League.



Elliott Watt // CM // Wolves // £15.5k


Elliott isn't the first ex-Wolves player we have signed, as he joins Terry Taylor at the Minstermen. He's going to be another central midfielder and has all the attributes needed to be successful there for us in the Football League. I don't think he will score many, but I'm looking at him to win the ball back and distribute it around the park.

Barry Goodridge // CB // Arsenal // Free


Barry comes into us straight after his release from Arsenal. This tactic seems of signing players from Premier League teams as they get released seems to be working for me. Barry is an imposing CB and has high tackling and heading attributes which should be perfect for him. With the departure of Yoan Zouma due to him going back to Bolton (his parent club), we needed cover and a new starting CB.

David Titov // RB // Brentford // Free


David has massive potential and will more than likely start ahead of Chiori Johnson who's been our starting RB since I signed him in my first season. David can fly up and down the wing and should hopefully nip in with a few assists if I'm lucky!

Ali Al-Hamadi // ST/AML // Swansea City // Loan


With Jamie Thomas being a bust up front, I thought we were lacking one striker so I delved into the loan market and brought in young Ali Al-Hamadi. He will be used in rotation with Jordan Ponticelli & Kyle McFarlane. Hopefully, he can bang a few goals in for us along the way to him improving and returning to Swansea.

Other News



The media has predicted us to finish just below mid-table, and I think this is definitely doable. The players, however, aren't too confident and think we will be relegated. I aim to turn their morale around and try and finish as high as we can. Time to get to work...

July 2022



Carabao Cup 1st Round // Hull City // Away


We got given a ridiculously tough draw in the 1st round of the Carabao Cup, as we had an away day against Hull City (once of Premier League fame). We turned up and played them off their own pitch. Stupendous from the lot of them. Ali Al-Hamadi capped his debut off with a goal when he ran clear of the defence and slotted home to make it 1-0. Kyle McFarlane came on as a substitute and fired one home in the 89th minute to secure passage into the next round. What a game.

League Two // Plymouth Argyle // Home


Not the start we wanted in League Two, but we played fairly well. We went ahead when Jamie Morton ran onto a loose ball and slammed home past the keeper. It went downhill from there as we conceded twice to lose the opener 2-1. A tough game, but I'm not too disappointed, but it definitely could be a long season.



I don't have a league table photo I'm afraid, as I've already played the next game, but it's pointless after only one game in the league anyway.

August 2022



League Two // Port Vale // Away


Our second game in the Football League, and it ended just like the first one, with 0 points and a long journey home. We played quite well, but couldn't find any finish and they took their chance. They deserved to win, but we're playing some good stuff so I'm not disheartened. A win will come.

League Two // Crewe // Home


Finally, we have a win in the league, and it came as we played Crewe at home. Ali Al-Hamadi powered a header home after it came straight to him from a decent keeper save. I'll take that in the 8th minute though, and we finally have something to show for our hard work and good play. Crewe had a man sent off on the stroke of half-time, which helped our cause tremendously.

Carabao Cup 2nd Round // Southampton // Home


We faced Southampton in the 2nd round of the Carabao Cup, and I didn't expect to get anything, let alone a win. We took them all the way to penalties, after a boring 0-0 draw. We battled hard and defended doggedly and held firm. Penalties are always pot luck so I knew we were in with a chance. It ended up being a tense affair, as we won 7-6 with Ali Al-Hamadi stroking the winning penalty straight down the middle whilst the keeper dived to his left. Brilliant stuff from the lads.

League Two // Wallsall // Away


We've hit a bit of good form, and boy does it feel good! We went behind early on in the 10th minute, as Wallsall hit us on the break. Aram Soleman equalised just after the break with a solo run and finish. It was Ali Al-Hamadi who struck the winner, in the 69th minute with a deft finish over the keeper. 2-1 win, happy days have come at last.

League Two // Forest Green Rovers // Away


Another win in the Football League and I can't quite believe what we are doing. We went behind to a good finish, before one minute later Ali Al-Hamadi netted the equaliser. It was FGR who scored the next goal to go 2-1 up, but yet again, one minute later Jordan Ponticelli equalised for us. An own-goal put us ahead in the 59th minute before a late penalty from Jamie Morton put the cherry on top of the win.

League Two // Leyton Orient // Home


Back down to earth a little, but a very credible draw against a good Leyton Orient side. It was busy inside the first 10 minutes, as Aram Soleman equalised for us in the 9th minute after going behind in the 2nd. Ali Al-Hamadi fired a rocket past the keeper to put us ahead, but it wasn't long-lasting as Leyton Orient equalised with a superb flowing move. Points shared.

Carabo Cup 3rd Round // Brighton & Hove Albion // Home


We got absolutely spanked, and I'm not surprised as we faced another Premier League outfit. We did well to score and Herson Alves will cherish that goal forever. I can't really say much more, but I'm proud of our run to this round as we've beaten some good teams: Hull City & Southampton. That's a tricky run for a League Two side.

League Two // Bradford City // Home


Another belter of a game and we came out on the right side of the result. Jordan Ponticelli slotted home from close range in the 2nd minute, before Ali Al-Hamadi made it 2-0 with a little flick into the bottom corner. It was 2-1 soon after, before Connor Kirby smashed one in from the edge of the box to stretch our advantage to 3-1. In the 28th minute, it went mental as both teams scored and it was 4-2. Aram Soleman without goal, and a Jack Bainbridge own goal for them. It stayed 4-2 in a pretty uneventful second half and we collect all 3 points.

Lesser.com Trophy Group D // Wolves Under 23's // Away


Another game against a Premier League side (sort of). We were probably favourites for the game, but it was uneventful to say the least. Once again it went to penalties and once again we came out on top. This time Aram Soleman the hero who slotted home the winner after Wolves U23s hit the post on their final attempt. 2 points for a win on penalties in this cup.





Look at that table! We're getting a nosebleed we're that far up. I can't believe what we're doing, but my players are performing each and every week. We're in 5th, and sit on 13 points, only 2 behind top spot. Crazy!



We're 2nd in the Lesser.com Trophy Group D, but still, have plenty of games to play. We'll see what happens next.

September 2022



League Two // Wycombe // Away


ARGH! A 94th-minute equaliser gifts Wycombe a draw. We had played them off the park but didn't kill them off. We actually went behind very early on, but hit back in the 2nd half through Ali Al-Hamadi, then went ahead when Jordan Ponticelli rounded the keeper and slotted home. Like I said before, Wycombe had a late equaliser and it ended in a 2-2 draw.

League Two // Colchester United // Home


Not a great start to the month with 1 draw, and now a loss. Jordan Ponticelli had put us ahead as he went on a solo run and smashed one past the keeper in the 27th minute. A 2nd half revival from Colchester saw them earn all 3 points as they win 2-1.

League Two // Barnet // Home


It was our turn to score a last-minute winner, and we fully deserved it. I would have been annoyed if we hadn't of won as we dominated. We were 2-0 in the first 10 minutes but after I had wrollocked them in the dressing room at half-time, we switched it on and pulled one back through Ali Al-Hamadi. It was 2-2 in the 86th minute when Emmanuel Adebiyi fired a rocket from distance into the bottom corner. Luke Molyneux who came on as a substitute scored the winner as he played a one-two in the box and hit it first time past the keeper who was left stranded on the line.

League Two // Macclesfield Town // Away


Nothing much to say here, apart from the fact we weren't good enough and Macclesfield deserved their win. We need to perform better if we want to finish near the play-offs.

League Two // Notts County // Home


We ended the month with a narrow 1-0 victory against Notts County. This is a massive win for us, and propels us back up the league! That man Ponticelli again fired us ahead in the 8th minute with a well-placed shot into the right corner of the net. We held firm at the back and the match ended in a 1-0 win.





We've dropped a position overall from the end of the last month, but the fact that we are still in the playoffs is pretty amazing! We're performing a lot better than I expected and better than the board expected so they are happy. 20 points from 12 games is a good haul at this stage of the game.

October 2022



League Two // Scunthorpe United // Away


A battling performance from 2-0 down to gain a credible point is a decent way to start the month. We went 2-0 down before Jordan Ponticelli slotted home a penalty before Kyle McFarlane cooly found the bottom corner from the edge of the area to pull us level. I didn't expect us to come back into the game but I'm happy to gain a point.

Leasing.com Trophy North Group D // Macclesfield Town // Away


3 points in the trophy, put us on top in the group after 2 games. We dominated the match from start to finish. Connor Kirby put us in the lead, before Jordan Ponticelli scored his second penalty of the month, with Emmanuel Adebiyi finished things off with a belter from range. 3-0.

Vanarma National League // Rochdale // Home


Another win keeps those points ticking over. I'm proud of how the team keeps playing and battles back from going behind. Rochdale scored in the 8th minute before Aram Soleman went on a mazy run past defender after defender before curling one into the top corner. Luke Molyneux went on to score the winner after being brought on as a substitute. A good 2-1 win.

League Two// Exeter City // Home


We continue our good run of form, with another home victory. It was a tight affair but Jordan Ponticellis superb solo strike gave us an important 3 points.

League Two // Cambridge United // Away


A hattrick from Cambridge United's Harvey Knibbs before half-time put any chance of a victory for us in the bin. We did grab a goal back in the second half through Ali Al-Hamadi but we were never really in the game. A poor performance for us.

League Two // Mansfield // Away


Superb performance after the disappointing turnout last week. We ended up demolishing Mansfield with James Morton side-footing into an open net in the 3rd minute. Kyle McFarlane grabbed two goals in quick succession to cap his fine return to form this month. Luke Molyneux also netted a brace with two similar goals as he cut in from the left and curled into the bottom corner. A very positive 5-1 away win.

League Two // Bristol Rovers // Home


A late goal for Bristol Rovers gifted them the 3 points in a very tight affair that could've gone either way. Unfortunately, it went Bristols way this time around Kyle McFarlane scored an equaliser after we had gone behind early doors. It was a real sucker punch as the ball bounced around in the penalty area from a corner and Bristol bundled it home from close range. Not an ideal way to end the month.





We're still in the playoff positions! We're also still in with a shot of the title as we sit 6 points behind Walsall. It's a close league this season and a couple of bad performances next month could see us slip to midtable. I'm pleased with where we are at the moment though.



Kyle McFarlane
(4 games, 4 goals, 1 assists, 6.98 rating)

Kyle is back from injury now and is playing some of his best football. He's come up through the ranks with me and I'm pleased to see his talent shining through in the football league. How high can he go? Who knows, but he is definitely performing well for me now.

November 2022



FA Cup 1st Round // Accrington Stanley // Away


The FA Cup has kicked off this year, and we're through to the 2nd round after beating high ranked opposition Accrington Stanley (who are they?). It was a game that either team could have won, but we had a bit of luck on our side and progress nicely into the next round. Terry Taylor headed home from a corner in the 75th minute to put us ahead. A last gasp equaliser for Accrington meant that we headed to extra time. It didn't go to plan at first, as Terry Taylor got sent for an early shower for 2 yellows. A penalty 5 minutes later, was slotted home by Jamie Morton into the bottom right corner to put us through. An unexpected victory? FA Cup Magic!

Leasing.com Trophy North Group D // Grimsby Town // Away


A penalty defeat meant that we left with 0 points in our final group stage game. We went behind early, before Luke Molyneux equalised with a booming shot from distance. Grimsby went ahead in the 71st minute, but a late late goal from Elliott Watt right into the top corner from a tight angle meant that it went to penalties. It was all level before Luke Molyneux sent his high over the bar and the points went to Grimsby. We still qualify for the next round though.

League Two // Nothampton // Home


We sent Northampton Town home disappointed but we were ecstatic after claiming a win in a tight contest. Connor Kirby slammed home from the middle of the box in the 3rd minute which ultimately turned out to be the winner. It was end to end and frantic at the end but we hung on and claimed all 3 points.

League Two// Tranmere Rovers // Away


Another game in the league, and another late goal that wins it for us. Aram Soleman had a fine game as he scored two wonderful solo goals. He is amazing on the ball and can skin a defender at ease. Herson Alves slammed home from close range in the 89th minute to win us the 3 points. Happy days.

FA Cup 2nd Round // Hartlepool United // Home


We've progressed to the 3rd round of the FA Cup and could earn a game against one of the big boys once the draw is announced. Hartlepool put up a good battle, but our quality showed through and we were the better team. Jordan Ponticelli capped his MOM performance with a hattrick, which was completed via the penalty spot in the 94th minute. Jack Bainbridge opened his account for the club with a powerful header. A good performance by the boys against a lower-ranked outfit.





We've cut the gap to 4 points at the top, and also move into the automatic promotion spot whilst doing so! I'm still in denial about how well things are going but maybe I need to start believing we can do this!

December 2022



League Two // Stevenage // Away


An absolute scorcher of performance to start off the month! Connor Kirby got us off to a flyer as he scored within half an hour to put us ahead. Jordan Ponticelli then converted from the spot like he usually does to put us 2-0 up. Jack Bainbridge then scored his second of the season with a flying header to put the cherry on the top and we ended up winning 3-0.

Leasing.com Trophy North 2nd Round // Rotheram United // Away


We had progressed last month into the knockout rounds of the Leasing.com Cup and were handed a tough away draw against Rotheram. We should've won and deserved to with our performance but a sucker punch goal in the last minute of injury time meant that we exited the cup at the earliest knockout stage. Kyle McFarlane had earlier drawn us level in the 56th minute.

League Two // Chesterfield// Away


A comeback win is always pleasing. We started off poorly and paid the price for it as we went behind on the stroke of half-time. I roasted them in the dressing room and they came out like they wanted to win it after all. James Morton drew us level as he tapped in from close range after he was picked out perfectly by Herson Alves. It was our time to score a last-minute winner through Herson Alves as hen rounded the keeper and passed it into an empty nett in the final minute of the game. A good comeback win.

League Two// Carlisle United // Home


Our first home game of the month and we put in a fine performance for our fans. Jordan Ponticelli fired a rocket into the top corner to put us in a deserved lead. It was Connor Kirby who fired a second in as he let rip from the edge of the area which left the keeper with no chance. We finished the game 2-0 winners.

League Two // Scunthorpe United // Home


After putting on a great display for the fans last time around, we were so poor this time around. It was a dismal match with hardly any attacking play, and it ultimately ended in a stalemate. The quicker we move on the better.

FA Cup 3rd Round // Wallsall // Home


ARGH! We exit the FA Cup thanks to a dramatic penalty shootout. It was equal and boring until the 85th minute when all the action started. Kyle McFarlane looked to have scored the match-winner when he raced through on goal and slotted it under the keeper in the 89th minute. I thought we were through, but Wallsall hit back immediately in the 91st which sent it to extra time, and then penalties. The penalty shootout was poor and the keepers were on top form saving 4 of the first 5 penalties each. It went to sudden-death and Wallsall converted whilst we missed. A cruel way to exit the cup and a matchup against a Premier League side maybe.





We're up to 2nd position after that unbeaten month in the league. We've been so so good, and maybe, just maybe we can win this league. We have a game in hand on Cambridge who currently sit top of the league. If we win that game in hand, we will be a point behind. What is going on haha!

January 2023



League Two // Macclesfield Town // Home



Lineup - Griffiths, Titov, Bainbridge, Taylor (Hamalainen), Garret, Morton, Kirby, Watt (Okansen), Ponticelli, Soleman (Molyneux), McFarlane

A good win to start the month off! Macclesfield really wasn't too much of a threat and we picked them off and comfortably won the game. Kyle McFarlane grabbed two more goals to add to his tally and is back to being my first choice striker again. An easy win.

-

League Two // Exeter City // Away



Lineup - Griffiths, Johnson, Bainbridge, Taylor, Garrett, Okansen (Kirby), Morton (Adebiyi), Watt, Ponticelli, Soleman (Molyneux), McFarlane

After a convincing win last game, it was back to Earth as we could only manage a draw against Exeter. We went ahead through Jordan Ponticelli but couldn't hold on and conceded just after the break. We had a few chances to win it but couldn't take one of them, unfortunately. A point gain though.

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League Two // Port Vale // Home



Lineup - Griffiths, Titov, Bainbridge, Taylor, Hamalainen, Okansen, Kirby, Watt (Morton), Ponticelli, Soleman (Molyneux), McFarlane

A terrible terrible performance and result to boot. We were outclassed and outplayed as we succumbed to a 3-0 defeat. We shall move on quickly...

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League Two// Cambridge United // Home



Lineup - Griffiths, Titov, Bainbridge, Garrett, Hamalainen, Okansen (Kirby), Morton, Watt, Ponticelli (Alves), Soleman (Molyneux), McFarlane

Another defeat as we slip to two defeats in two at home. We are in danger of falling down the league if we continue this. We probably deserved a draw, but couldn't finish one of our clear cut chances and that was the difference. Cambridge took their chance and we didn't. Another loss.

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League Two // Plymouth Argyle // Away



Lineup - Griffiths, Johnson, Onoabhagbe, Garrett (Bainbridge), Hamalainen, Okansen, Kirby, Taylor (Morton), Ponticelli, Soleman (Molyneux), McFarlane

We're back to winning ways and we just about scraped the win. Kyle McFarlane went through one on one after beating the offside trap and side-footed it past the keeper into the back of the net. I'll take a win to get us back on track.

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League Two // Crewe Alexandra // Away



Lineup - Whitley, Titov, Oboabhagbe, Taylor, Garrett, Okansen, Adebiyi, Watt (Kirby), Ponticelli (Alves), Soleman (Molyneux), McFarlane

A frustrating game, where we weren't really in the game, but once again could've won it at the end. Crewe took their chance late on to kill us off and went on to win the game. 3 points down the drain.

League Two // Forest Green Rovers // Home



Lineup - Whitley, Johnson, Onoabhagbe, Bainbridge, Garrett (Hamalainen), Morton, Okansen, Watt (Kirby), Ponticelli, Soleman (Molyneux), McFarlane

A really pleasing performance and a great way to round out the month. FGR isn't doing well in the league so a win was expected but the performance was great. McFarlane and Molyneux grabbed the goals for us and we really deserved our win.





A mixed month of results, and I think we can be pleased with how we performed. We only really had two bad defeats but we moved on quickly and regrouped well. We sit in 4th position, still defying what everyone thought in pre-season. Automatic promotion is definitely still within our grasp as we sit 6 points behind 1st placed Cambridge United.



Kyle McFarlane
(7 games, 6 goals, 0 assists, 7.10 rating)

Kyle has become our first choice striker once again after injuries have plagued him. He's back to his best and scoring for fun. Let's hope he can continue this into the latter part of the season! Well done Kyle.