HockeyBhoy
8 years ago
11 months ago
1,134
Premium
Congratulations on a great month of December action, and also the new deal.

Hopefully they might think about going full time at the season end now.
siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
Fingers crossed, still hoping they see sense even if we don't go up! And may have just made some money to keep the board happy for a while (just about to post update, all will be revealed #cuprun)
siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
January 2022

Scarborough began 2022 with a massive 2-0 victory away to Carlisle in the FA Cup 3rd Round on New Year’s Day. It took the visitors just 3 minutes to score their first goal of the year and give themselves the perfect start. James Trafford cleared the ball high up field, and Kumwenda did well to get up and flick the ball on to Scully. The midfielder took a touch, then laid back off to Henri Kumwenda who squeezed between two men to break into the box and beat the keeper at the near post. The win was wrapped up in the 80th minute when Scarborough got their second. Brunt knocked the ball back to Galbraith, who in turn fed the ball out wide to substitute Hector-Ingram. The winger chested down superbly before producing a pinpoint cross for fellow substitute Connor Hall to meet the ball at the back post and side foot home. The result means Scarborough found themselves unthinkably in the hat for the 4th round and were suitably rewarded with a massive bumper tie at the Emirates Stadium as they are set to face Arsenal in a few weeks’ time.

The first home game of 2022 saw Scarborough heap further misery on 23rd place Kidderminster Harriers, courtesy of a 3-0 win. Scarborough should have been 1-0 up 4 minutes in, but Jake Kenyon saw his penalty come back off the post before being saved by the keeper. The opening goal came in the 23rd minute, with Galbraith and Scully combining well in midfield before using Kumwenda down the line. The winger whipped the ball in for Chuk Barnabas to smash home. 2 minutes later the lead was doubled, with Barnabas and Kumwenda both involved again. A Kenyon throw was taken down well by Barnabas, who then played the ball to Kumwenda. With no space of his own, the winger laid the ball back to Ethan Galbraith who smashed the ball low and hard into the bottom corner. The match was tied up just after half time, as Galbraith played the ball out to Henri Kumwenda, who in turn took a touch, cut inside and curled his shot in for a well-deserved goal of his own.

Off the pitch, the club were at the centre of plenty of transfer speculation, with bids reportedly coming in for several key players. The main protagonists were Crewe Alexandra, who are believed to have bid for both Dempsey Arlott-John and Jake Kenyon, although Scarborough were reported to have dismissed both bids, deeming neither to be of suitable value. Jake Kenyon was also subject to a bid from Fleetwood Town, and after some negotiation it is believed both clubs have now agreed a fee for the left back, although it remains to be seen if this will lead to the former Manchester United youngster heading back to the North West.

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Kenyon: Could he be on the move back to the North West?


Back on the pitch it was a return to cup action as Scarborough travelled to Essex to face Heybridge Swifts, who they comfortably dispatched 5-0 in the FA Trophy second round. The Isthmian League side found themselves 1-0 down 17 minutes in as a near full strength Scarborough side put them to the sword after two overhit crosses. An initial cross from Arlott-John was recovered by Kumwenda, who then laid back to Kenyon to whip the ball back in. His cross found Egan-Riley on the right, who this time provided the right ball and there was Henri Kumwenda racing into the area to head home. The second goal came courtesy of some great counter attacking play. A Heybridge corner was picked up by Hector-Ingram who drove up the pitch before squaring to give Zac Brunt, in support, the easiest of tap ins. After the break Scarborough turned the screw further and were gifted a third goal. An Egan-Riley throw in was superbly controlled by Hector-Ingram in the box, and his dangerous ball across the area was poorly dealt with by Smith, allowing Henri Kumwenda to slide in and prod home his second of the game. Jahmal Hector-Ingram then got a goal of his own in the 68th minute, as Kenyon and Barnabas played a one-two and the full back’s cross was met with a powerful header at the far post. The rout was complete when Adcock pushed Barnabas over in the area from a Hector-Ingram corner. Henri Kumwenda stepped up to convert the spot-kick and claim a well-deserved hat-trick. Scarborough will face another away trip to face AFC Telford in the next round.

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Kumwenda: Hat-trick hero for second month running


Scarborough went top of the league for the first time as they brushed aside Leyton Orient 2-0 in the re-arranged fixture due to their FA Cup run. With Aldershot not in action, Scarborough took full advantage to claim top spot, now 2 points clear of Aldershot on level games, while Chesterfield in 3rd have a game in hand. The home side thought they had the lead 33 minutes in, when Kumwenda reacted quickest to fire home after Brunt’s shot was saved, but the celebration was short lived due to the offside flag. 6 minutes later it did count, and it was that man again. Galbraith picked out Kenyon with the outside of the boot, and his rushed cross was superbly controlled by Henri Kumwenda, who smashed across the keeper into the corner. On the hour mark, Scarborough had a second goal ruled out, Barnabas this time judged to be fractionally offside after getting on the end of an Arlott-John cross, although the flag was at least questionable. The result was assured with a second goal in stoppage time as the substitutes combined to great effect, not for the first time this season. A deep Sanderson free-kick was only half cleared, and Hector-Ingram picked up the loose ball, broke wide, and played the perfect square ball for Connor Hall, who raced in front of his marker to fire home.

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A crowd of just under 53,000 saw Scarborough battle valiantly against Premier League Arsenal, eventually succumbing to a 3-0 defeat as they crashed out of the FA Cup at the 4th round. The visitors had already defied the odds to get this far, so it was no surprise they found themselves on the backfoot from the off, Arsenal having 6 shots in the opening 10 minutes. The home side eventually took the lead 18 minutes in, thanks to a sublime free kick from Nicolas Pépé. Scully tripped Maitland-Niles on the edge of the box, and up stepped the Ivorian to bend in a superb free kick from 25 yards out, giving Trafford no chance. It was 2-0 four minutes later when Scarborough gave away a penalty as they struggled to cope with the onslaught. Saka showed great trickery down the left to get into the box, and when he was trying to find an angle for the shot Egan-Riley was a little too rash with his tackle, giving the referee no option, and up stepped Nicolas Pépé to grab his second of the game. Scarborough did have one chance of note in the opening half, Kumwenda breaking from deep leaving everyone in his trail, only to be denied by a superb save from Losas. Arsenal wrapped up the tie on 55 minutes, and it was the impressive Bukayo Saka again cutting in from the left, this time finding the space to finish low and hard beyond Trafford. Scarborough were truly outclassed, although they did battle hard and enjoyed their fair share of the ball despite creating little. Arsenal, for their part, had a 100% tackle completion rate, but the 6,000 travelling Scarborough fans should be proud of their team’s effort.

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Scarborough were left frustrated as they returned to league action with a 0-0 draw at The Hive away to Barnet. Slightly jaded from their FA Cup exploits, Scarborough still dominated the encounter with 15th place Barnet creating very little. The home side had keeper Scott Loach to thank for keeping the scores level at the end of the first half as he produced a fantastic save to deny Henri Kumwenda. The winger was slipped through by Barnabas and rode the challenge before looking for the bottom corner, only to be denied. The winger then turned creator as he beat his man and squared for Tom Scully, but this time it was defender Cian Jones throwing himself in front of the ball to deny the goal. At the death Kumwenda had another chance, but his shot just drifted wide of the post as the visitors looked for all 3 points. With Aldershot not in action, the pair are now level at the top of the table on points and games played, with Scarborough sitting top courtesy of a better goal difference, and both sides back in action at home on the weekend.

Scarborough returned to winning ways as they heaped pressure on relegation threatened Sutton United with a convincing 3-0 win. The hosts were handed a boost pre-game with news that midfield star Ethan Galbraith had penned a new contract, which is welcome news after several league clubs have been sniffing round him this month. Coming into this game, Sutton found themselves 23rd in the league having won just 3 games and conceded 45 goals so far in the league, and that fragility showed just 2 minutes in when Scarborough took the lead with a fantastic strike. Henri Kumwenda picked up the ball on the edge of his own box and covered the whole length of the pitch, beating 2 men in the process before firing into the bottom corner for a sensational goal. That lead was doubled 28 minutes in, when Galbraith fed the ball out to Arlott-John, and his cross was met near post by Chuk Barnabas, who headed home. 4 minutes in the second half, the gap opened even further when the maker and scorer from the second goal combined to good effect again. Arlott-John whipped in a corner and Chuk Barnabas showed great movement to lose his man and head home. Sutton did pull one back in the 78th minute but it was scant consolation, although it was a well hit free-kick from Harris that beat Trafford. Aldershot also won, 2-0 against Harrogate Town, so the pair remain on level points at the top with just one game left in the month.

Scarborough lost ground in the title race as they finished the month with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Hartlepool United. The hosts lost against Hartlepool earlier in the season and found themselves behind again on 11 minutes after Kenton Richardson fired home after a scramble in the box following a deep Molyneux free kick. Scarborough had chances to draw level, most notably from Kumwenda, but it took until the 84th minute and the intervention of a substitute to rescue a point. Kumwenda laid the ball off for Brunt, who used Kenyon superbly on the overlap, and his first time cross was superbly met by Jahmal Hector-Ingram, coming off the bench to head home his 5th of the season. The hosts almost nicked all 3 points at the death, when Galbraith played in Hector-Ingram who squared for Connor Hall to finish, but the winger was clearly offside in the build-up. Aldershot secured 3 points with a 1-0 win at home to Chester, so the gap at the top has now opened to 2 points, with Chesterfield now just a point behind in 3rd.

January Results
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Manager’s Review
A mixed bag results wise, with some fine performances, such as the 5-0 hammering of Heybridge and the 3-0 win against Kidderminster. Also, proud to have defeated Carlisle in the FA Cup to secure what was a memorable day at the Emirates Stadium, and despite the loss the lads acquitted themselves superbly, as they have done throughout the cup run. Disappointed to end the month with a draw, but we are still in a superb position to challenge for top spot in the remaining months. Player of the month is Henri Kumwenda, who has been superb this month with 7 goals including the sensational goal against Sutton.
siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
February 2022

Scarborough began the month with a key victory against Woking to remain 2nd in the table, with a 2-0 win at the Kingfield Stadium. Woking were after points themselves, sitting just inside the play-off spots at kick off, but it was the visitors who started the brightest, and took the lead 14 minutes into the clash with a fantastic goal. Jake Kenyon picked up the ball on the edge of his own box and carried forward before feeding Zac Brunt, who ran from just inside his own half to the edge of the opposition box before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner. The 3 points were secured after 35 minutes, when Zac Brunt claimed his second of the game, this time from a direct free-kick just outside the box, bending the ball round the wall and beyond the reach of Craig Ross. Elsewhere Aldershot won on the road at Exeter City, while Chesterfield came unstuck losing 2-1 away to Bromley, meaning the gap between them and Scarborough now opens back up to 4 points.

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Zak Brunt: Double salvo


Scarborough continued their impressive cup form as they saw off AFC Telford 2-1 in the FA Trophy 3rd round tie. Telford sit 17th in the Vanarama National North division, and many were expecting a rout, but it turned out to be a far tighter affair, although Scarborough were value for their win. The visitors opened the scoring in the 26th minute, with midfield duo Galbraith and Scully keeping possession well before slipping out wide to Kenyon. The full-back stood the ball up to the far post, where Chuk Barnabas raced in to head home. Barnabas was then involved in the 2nd goal, as he won the ball back out wide before handing off to Arlott-John. The winger did well to find the time and space to look up and play a perfect square ball across the box to give Henri Kumwenda the easiest of finishes. Telford were then dealt a further blow when Jake Lawlor saw straight red for a lunge on Ethan Galbraith. Bizarrely, despite going to 10 men, Telford hit back 2 minutes later, Ross White hitting across the area and Aaron Williams connecting to poke beyond Trafford, but there was to be no further fightback from the home side. Scarborough will now face another away tie, this time to face Spennymoor United, in the next round.

Promotion hopes took a blow for Scarborough as they crashed to a 2-1 defeat away to Chesterfield, who closed the gap behind them back down to 1 point as a result. Scarborough struggled from the off to cope with the Chesterfield attack, eventually falling behind just before the break. The hosts broke down the right, and Lewis provided a lovely cross field ball for Liam Mandeville to finish in the bottom corner. 4 minutes into the second half, it got worse for the visitors as they gave away a penalty, Tom Scully pulling Joe Rowley back in the box, and Mandeville again doing the damage with a well struck penalty. Scarborough were offered a lifeline when they won a penalty of their own, Arlott-John turning his man in the area before Maguire pulled him down. Connor Hall stepped up and fired into the corner, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation for the visitors. Aldershot again won, coming from behind to beat Ebbsfleet and open up a 5-point gap at the top of the table.

Scarborough returned to winning form as they beat Bromley 2-1 on the road. Bromley find themselves just outside the play-offs, and they found themselves behind just 15 minutes into this clash in the heavy rain at Hayes Lane. Scully laid off to Kenyon, and his overhit cross was recovered on the other flank by Dempsey Arlott-John, who got to the byline and crossed deep, where Henri Kumwenda applied the finish with a fantastic volley. 4 minutes before the break Scarborough got a 2nd goal, Scully and Arlott-John again key, working the ball out of their own area, before Arlott-John released Chuk Barnabas, who chested down, carried to the edge of the area then smashed low and hard beyond Huddart. There was still time for one more goal in the first half, as Dan Wishart hit back with a simple finish after finding himself free in the area from a Bingham free-kick. Elsewhere Aldershot won 1-0 at home, while Chesterfield slipped up away at South Shields, again widening the gap between themselves and Scarborough to 4 points after their impressive victory last week.

Scarborough kept the pressure on at the top of the table as they saw off AFC Fylde 1-0 at home. The pair drew last time out, and it was another tight affair in this one, with Scarborough just edging the chances and probably deserving the win on balance of play. Connor Hall was handed a rare start in the league and he took just 3 minutes to justify the decision, grabbing the only goal of the game. Egan-Riley sent the ball down the line for Arlott-John, and he showed superb technique to beat two men before firing across the box for Hall to apply the finishing touch at the near post. Arlott-John played another telling cross 22 minutes in, but Henri Kumwenda was judged to be just offside, although replays show it was the narrowest of margins. Thankfully, Scarborough were able to hold out for the win, although with Aldershot winning 3-0 away at Dover, it does little to alter their standing.

Scarborough finished the month with another victory in the FA Trophy as they ensured progress to the 5th round with a 3-2 win away at Spennymoor. Last time Scarborough travelled to Brewery Field, they were thumped 4-0 in the final game of the season last year as they rested key players after already securing the title. The visitors clearly looked fired up for revenge and swept into a 3-0 lead at the break. The first goal came just 9 minutes in, an Arlott-John corner superbly met by Tom Scully in the middle of the box. 3 minutes later Dempsey Arlott-John, who was impressive throughout, grabbed a goal of his own, picking up a half clearance from Graham and smashing into the top corner. He then claimed another assist as he was played in down the wing by Galbraith, and his deep cross was poked home by Henri Kumwenda at the break. After the break Spennymoor came out fired up, and cut the deficit after 7 minutes, Connor Bradley finding himself in space on the right and producing a great cross for Glen Taylor to get up and head home. With 11 minutes left Scarborough were given a scare as the home side made it 3-2, a Will Buckley free kick turned in by Camron Gbadebo, but the visitors held out for a win, and will now face either Dorking or York in the next round.

February Results
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Manager’s Review
Great to see we are showing good form in the FA Trophy after our FA Cup form earlier in the year, and we had a solid month in the league but for the disappointing defeat away to Chesterfield. We continue to press Aldershot at the top, although their winning form is just relentless now, but we at least look like securing a play-off on current form, which is more than we imagined after securing promotion last season. Player of the month is Dempsey Arlott-John, who has had a great month for us on the right wing.
siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
March 2022

Scarborough were forced to come from behind to secure 3 points as they grabbed a vital win at home to Wrexham in the opening game of the month. Despite Scarborough having the better of the early play, 18th placed Wrexham took the lead on the hour when the unfortunate Kwaku Oduroh turned into his own net from a free kick. With Aldershot and Chesterfield both in front, Scarborough were desperate not to slip up at home, and the relief was clearly visible when Dion Sanderson scored only his 3rd goal of the season, heading home a Zac Brunt free-kick. Scarborough then threw on both Hector-Ingram and Hall and went more attacking, and it paid off when they grabbed a winner a minute into stoppage time. Brunt fed Hector-Ingram, who made a jinking run down the wing before trying to pick out Connor Hall in the middle. The striker was clattered over by McClelland, and when the referee quite rightly pointed to the spot, he remained completely composed as he stepped up to slot home and secure a massive win.

Scarborough won their fourth league game on the trot as they registered a comfortable 2-0 victory away at South Shields. It Is the 7th time the pair faced off under Barlow’s reign, with South Shields once again battling for promotion at the same time as Scarborough, having followed them through the leagues the last 2 seasons. It took until the 2nd half for Scarborough to get the all-important breakthrough, Arlott-John and Kumwenda combining well down the right. Henri Kumwenda then carried the ball into the box before laying back to Tom Scully, who finished convincingly in the bottom left hand corner. The result was then assured just after the hour when the visitors scored their second. Kumwenda hit a ball into the box, and when Simpson only half cleared Arlott-John picked up the loose ball, slipping through Connor Hall to provide a right footed finish from 12 yards out. There was drama elsewhere, however, as Louis Dennis scored a 91st minute equaliser for Stockport at Aldershot, meaning Scarborough have closed the gap to 3 points, with Chesterfield winning and remaining 4 points behind in 3rd place.

Scarborough ensured progress to the Quarter Finals of the FA Trophy after a 2-1 victory at home to Dorking in the 5th round. With the games coming thick and fast, Scarborough made several changes to the starting XI, noticeably fan favourites Denis Gyamfi and Mohammed Sangaré coming into the team amongst others, while Joe Anderson was in at full-back with Jake Kenyon suspended due to an accumulation of bookings. Scarborough were a goal up inside 5 minutes against the National South side. Brunt & Galbraith combined before sending the ball out to Anderson, who whipped in a first-time cross that was only half-headed clear by Foulston, and Jahmal Hector-Ingram was on hand to half-volley home. Dorking hit back on 28 minutes when a speculative long ball found Barham clean through, and he made no mistake with the finish. The lead was restored, when Scarborough scored their second, and what proved to be the winner, just before half-time. Galbraith floated a ball over the top for Arlott-John, and his square ball cut out the keeper leaving Connor Hall with an easy tap-in to secure the result. Scarborough were handed a tough home tie against promotion rivals Chesterfield in the quarter finals in a few weeks’ time.

Scarborough were again required to come from behind to secure victory in the league as they squared off against Dagenham & Redbridge at home. The visitors sat in 19th and are in a relegation battle, so were handed a massive boost when they took the lead in the 9th minute, a Wood cross being headed home by Saldanha. The lead was short-lived though, and 2 minutes later Scarborough hit back, a Zac Brunt free-kick being met by the head of Kwaku Oduroh for his first ever goal for the club. Level at half-time, Scarborough pushed forward and made several changes, and it was one of those who gave them the lead in the 72nd minute. Brunt laid the ball out to Anderson on the left, and his cross was met in the middle by substitute Chuk Barnabas to side-foot home. The result was secured in the 84th minute when the home side scored a 3rd goal. Egan-Riley received the ball back from Barnabas and swung in a cross, and there was Henri Kumwenda at the far post to volley home. The league table remains the same as both Aldershot and Chesterfield recorded 1-0 victories, Chesterfield at home against Notts County, and Aldershot away at Wrexham.

It was another nervy display as Scarborough registered another 3 points on the road with a slender 1-0 win against Chorley. It was a fairly level game throughout, both sides spurning chances and the only goal coming in the 40th minute for the visitors. Chorley keeper Joshua Bradley-Hurst will feel he should have done better as he came out to claim a corner from Arlott-John. However, when he failed to claim the ball, Henri Kumwenda reacted first to head home into the unguarded goal to heap more misery on the relegation threatened side, who find themselves in 22nd place and in real danger of the drop. Elsewhere the nerves were also on show for Aldershot, who dropped points in a 1-1 draw at home to South Shields, where they found themselves behind until the 86th minute when Freitas-Gouveia pulled them level. The gap is now just 1 point between the top two, while the victory for Scarborough also ensures they now have a play-off berth at the very least from a great first season in the National League.

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With Scarborough forced to reschedule their FA Trophy tie due to international call-ups, they were handed an unexpected 10-day break before their final game of March, which also saw the transfer window close with no outgoings and just one new face coming in. Barnabas, Savage, Egan-Riley, Galbraith were once again representing their respective nations at youth level, while on-loan Henri Kumwenda once again represented Malawi. The on-loan Leeds winger was in sensational form for his nation, scoring 2 against Central African Republic and another double against Liberia 4 days later. During the break the club also welcomed new face Nathan Broadhead, who has signed a short-term contact with the club. The former Everton youngster spent time on loan with Burton previously in league one, making 35 appearances and scoring twice, so brings with him prior league experience which Scarborough hope will benefit them getting over the line in the race to reach League Two in May.

Scarborough finished the month claiming top spot in the league for the first time as they claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory away at Stockport County. Scarborough started the game at a very high tempo, clearly benefiting from their recent rest, creating plenty in the opening exchanges. Nathan Broadhead was also handed a start for his new side, and he made an immediate return on the faith shown in him by opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Barnabas chipped the ball across, and the new arrival showed great composure to bring the ball down and fire home. His debut got even better 3 minutes later, when he returned the compliment, turning Arthur inside out down the right before laying the ball on a plate for Chuk Barnabas to slot home from the edge of the 6-yard box. Scarborough made it 3-0 just 3 minutes later, when Tom Scully got up above everyone to head home a Zac Brunt free-kick. A shell-shocked Stockport were grateful for the half-time whistle and coming back a little more composed in the 2nd half they pulled one back on 53 minutes, Alex Curran getting on the end of a Minihan cross. Stockport then scored a freak second with 6 minutes remaining, a long cross-cum-shot from Sean Shields deceiving everyone, including James Trafford in the Scarborough goal, to give the home side hope, but Scarborough held firm to secure victory. With Aldershot and Chesterfield facing off elsewhere, something had to give, and as the two played out a 0-0 draw, the win for Scarborough put them in pole position for the first time, now sitting 1 point ahead of Aldershot with just 5 games left to play.

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Broadhead: Dream debut for the new arrival


March Results
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Manager’s Review
An outstanding month, perfect results wise and rounded off by taking top spot in the league for the first time proper. The lads have shown tremendous resolve this month in some challenging games, coming from behind and having to defend resolutely when required. We’ve put ourselves in a great position of either securing promotion or at least entering the play-offs with some great form to back us up, we’ve just got to see it over the line now. Special mention for the outstanding debut from Nathan Broadhead too, whose experience next month could be vital. Tough to single out an individual this month, but Tom Scully has been a rock again in the heart of midfield, chipping in with a few more goals and assists.
siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
April 2022

April began with a tough clash against Chesterfield, ironically the team that had just helped them gain top spot in the table, in the FA Trophy Quarter Final. The pair have been going head to head in a battle to secure promotion to League Two for most of the season, both winning a game each in the head-to-heads, so it was no real surprise when this encounter was also a tight affair. Chesterfield took the lead 12 minutes in, Jack Cooper bending in a fantastic effort from a direct free-kick. The home side pushed for an equaliser, but had to wait until the 77th minute, when it came courtesy of a spot kick. Kumwenda broke down the left and cut into the box, where he was caught late on the slide by Temi Eweka. Substitute Connor Hall stepped up and finished confidently to secure the draw, meaning the game will now have to be replayed in a few days.

Unsurprisingly the replay was another tight affair, with both sides going into the break all square as neither could break the other down. 7 minutes into the second half visitors Scarborough took the lead when Scully picked out Henri Kumwenda, and he cut into the box before providing a finish in the bottom corner. Just after the hour Chesterfield pulled level, when another Jack Cooper free-kick caused problems, and defender CJ Egan-Riley was judged to have handled. Niall Huggins stepped up, and although Trafford went the right way the penalty was well placed, giving the keeper no chance to save. It looked like the game may be heading for penalties until Scarborough grabbed a second 7 minutes before the end. A poor clearance from a goal kick fell to substitute Nathan Broadhead, and he raced down the right before picking out Henri Kumwenda with a pinpoint cross, which was equally well met with a powerful header into the top corner for his second of the game. Chesterfield almost pulled level at the death, but Kenyon intervened to clear. The win means Scarborough will now face Leyton Orient in the semi-finals of the competition over two legs for the chance of another trip to Wembley. The Seadogs will be delighted to progress with a real chance of making the final, but also wary of the extra pressure two additional fixtures will put on their already tight schedule in April after needing a replay in this one.

Back in the league Kumwenda continued his fine form in April as Scarborough came from behind to record a hard fought 4-2 win against Ebbsfleet United. The hosts found themselves back in 2nd prior to kick off due to their cup replay and now having played a game less than Aldershot, who they visit next in the league. Scarborough took the lead 5 minutes in when Henri Kumwenda broke free of his marker to head home a Dempsey Arlott-John corner. Just before the half-hour, the visitors pulled level when they were awarded a penalty as Oduroh was judged to have leant into Omar Bogle when jumping to clear the ball. Bogle himself stepped up to convert. 5 minutes later Ebbsfleet found themselves in the lead, Burnett’s through ball finding John Goddard who smashed one into the top corner. Scarborough pulled level just shy of the hour, and it was an almost carbon copy of the opening goal. Arlott-John swung in another dangerous corner, and Henri Kumwenda arrived at the near post this time to flick beyond Jordan Holmes. 4 minutes from time the home fans were sent delirious when Scarborough regained the lead. A poor ball forward was comfortably dealt with by Sanderson, who in turn picked out Brunt. The midfielder took a touch and fired a superb ball into space down the left for Henri Kumwenda to run on to, take a touch and slot beyond Holmes to complete his hat-trick. Victory was secured deep into stoppage time when substitute Jahmal Hector-Ingram found space in the box after being picked out by Broadhead, side-footing home into the bottom corner. Aldershot comfortably beat Notts County 3-0 to remain 2 points clear having played a game more, meaning the game in just 3 days takes on even more importance in the race for the title.

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Kumwenda: Another match ball for the ever growing collection


Scarborough took a massive step towards promotion to the football league as they secured a spectacular 4-1 victory against Aldershot, meaning they reclaim top spot with a game in hand, as Aldershot capitulated in this proverbial six-pointer. Scarborough took the lead just 5 minutes in, and it was no surprise the scorer was Henri Kumwenda, who is in the form of his life. Arlott-John broke down the right and cut inside the fullback before delivering his cross. McKinstry had switched off allowing Kumwenda to drop back a yard to claim the ball and produce a swivel finish beyond Walker. Aldershot hauled themselves level in the 34th minute from a deep free-kick. James Rowe lifted the ball into the area, and Paul Heath-Coulson lost his man and flicked the ball beyond the onrushing James Trafford. 3 minutes later Scarborough were handed a chance to go back in front when Arlott-John was again a threat down the right, and when Barnabas went to meet his cross with the header he was blatantly pushed by George Fowler. With usual penalty taker Connor Hall on the bench, full-back Jake Kenyon stepped up, and confidently dispatched into the bottom left, despite Walker guessing the right way. After the break Aldershot looked most like drawing level as they applied pressure in search of the equaliser, but then another error of judgement gave Scarborough one hand on the result. A massive goal kick from Trafford was flicked on by Barnabas, and when Kumwenda picked up the ball and ran into the box, his cut inside was met with another clumsy piece of play from Rowe, and referee Rebecca Welch once again pointed to the spot. Jake Kenyon stepped up again, this time sending it the other way to make it 3-1. With Aldershot desperately searching for a way back into the game, it was no surprise when they left gaps at the back and Scarborough took full advantage to claim a fourth goal. Hall laid off for Tom Scully, who whipped the ball across the area and Dempsey Arlott-John met the cross with a cushioned volley, which in truth Walker should have got more than a hand on, to ensure a massive victory for the visitors. Aldershot find themselves a point behind now with just 2 games left, while Scarborough still have 3 games remaining due to their cup run.

There was nothing to separate Leyton Orient and Scarborough as they drew 0-0 in the first leg of the FA Cup Trophy semi-final. Unsurprisingly, given their run of fixtures and current title challenge, Scarborough made several changes to the starting XI, while there was a familiar look to the Leyton Orient line-up, who beat Scarborough on the opening day of the season but were subsequently thrashed 5-0 by the visitors in the FA Cup 4th qualification round. Both sides had their chances in this tight affair, but Leyton Orient will perhaps feel they should be taking a 1-0 advantage into the second leg after James Brophy had a great chance with just 10 minutes left, but he was superbly denied by James Trafford in the Scarborough goal, keeping his 3rd clean sheet in the competition. In the other semi-final, Aldershot take a 1-0 lead into the second leg after victory away at Bognor Regis.

Scarborough took a massive step towards the league title with a convincing performance away at Harrogate, where they won 2-0 and dominated throughout. Scarborough again made several changes to the starting eleven and were on the front foot from the off against the team who found themselves 20th in the table, precariously close to the relegation spots, creating several chances early on. The breakthrough eventually came just 2 minutes before the break, the only surprise being it took so long. An in-swinging corner from Arlott-John caused panic in the box, and when Chuk Barnabas directed his header goalwards, Ryan Gondoh was unable to get out of the way on the line, deflecting the ball into his own goal. 3 minutes after the restart Scarborough assured all 3 points with a second goal following a swift break from the back. The ball found the way to Brunt in midfield, and when he picked out Henri Kumwenda the winger went on a mazy run down the left, eventually finding himself inside the area to slot beyond Belshaw and add to his ever-growing collection of great goals for the season. With Aldershot not in action until the following evening, Scarborough opened up a 4-point gap at the top, with a chance to potentially secure the title in just 2 days when they host Chester City 24 hours after the Aldershot game.

Scarborough were sensationally confirmed as Champions on Tuesday evening after Aldershot fell away at Barnet in their penultimate game. Aldershot found themselves 4 points behind Scarborough at kick-off, with both side having 2 games left to play. Barnet gave a superb account of themselves at The Hive, in front of a crowd of just over 1,000, and probably had the better of the chances, but it looked like Aldershot had done enough to secure a draw, meaning they were still in with a fighting chance of promotion going into the final stretch, as the game entered stoppage time, but Barnet were not done. A quick-thinking free-kick from Hegarty in his own half released Shaquile Coulthirst, and the former Peterborough & Mansfield striker took a touch before slotting home inside the near post to break the hearts of the 300 travelling Aldershot fans, while sparking celebrations over 200 miles away as it confirmed the return of Scarborough to the football league 23 years after suffered relegation. There was a bitter sweet irony in the fact it was a goal in stoppage time, miles away from their own game, that secured their fate given the dramatic events that day in May 1999 when Jimmy Glass saved Carlisle and in turn sent Scarborough crashing into the non-league, after their own game had already finished and they thought survival had been secured. Scarborough can now focus on next season, although more pressingly they can now focus on potentially doing the double with the league title now secured.

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It was celebration mode at the Flamingo Land Stadium as Scarborough, who secured the league title 24 hours earlier after closest rivals Aldershot slipped up, cruised to a 2-0 home win against Chester. Once again Scarborough made several changes, with a clear eye on the 2nd leg of the FA Trophy semi-final now promotion is ensured, but despite that they still looked more than comfortable in this encounter, managing a total of 25 shots in front of a near full house. The deserved lead finally came in the 51st minute, from the unlikeliest of sources. A Tom Scully free-kick was flicked against the bar by Nathan Broadhead, and when Chanka Zimba failed to clear Joel Latibeaudiere reacted first to bundle the ball across the line for his first ever professional goal. In the 66th minute, Scarborough doubled the lead when one of the few regulars Kumwenda continued his sensational season. A big clearance from Joe Day was picked up by substitute Jake Kenyon, and his first time through ball found Henri Kumwenda in acres of space on the left, using his pace to cut into the box and finish beyond Day. There were further celebrations at full-time as the home side were handed the league title, treating the fans to a lap of honour although they still have 2 home games to go.

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Scarborough secured a trip to the Wembley with a sensational performance as they thrashed Leyton Orient 5-0 for the second time this season in a cup competition. Leyton Orient had reason to be thankful to their hosts after Scarborough’s victory against Chester ensured the O’s would make the play-offs, but any hope they had of building on the 0-0 draw in the first leg was destroyed in the first 45 minutes as Scarborough swept into a 3-0 lead. The first goal came 27 minutes in, and actually started from a Leyton Orient corner, before Kumwenda broke forward with the ball, slipping Chuk Barnabas in down the wing. Barnabas took a touch before cutting the ball across the area for Dempsey Arlott-John to head home. 6 minutes later Scarborough, and Arlott-John, had their second, when a poor half-clearance from an Arlott-John cross by Judd was picked up by Kumwenda, who whipped the ball back out to his fellow winger for a free header beyond the reach of Lawrence Vigouroux. Scarborough went into the break 3 in front after Dempsey Arlott-John got on the end of a Sanderson free kick after losing his marker at the far post, to side foot home and complete a first half hat-trick. Just shy of the hour mark it was 4-0, with Arlott-John this time turning provider. His corner was headed home by Henri Kumwenda, who was inexplicably allowed a free header from the edge of the 6-yard box despite having 4 men around him. The rout was complete in the 82nd minute, and it was another masterful display of counter attacking by Scarborough. A Leyton Orient free-kick was picked up by Galbraith, who broke from his own half down the right before picking out Chuk Barnabas, who got in front of Judd, to volley home. Scarborough will now face rivals Aldershot at Wembley in the final, in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter between the two sides that battled for promotion all season. Aldershot drew 1-1 at home in their second leg, taking the through 2-1 on aggregate.

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Arlott-John: Hat-trick ensures Wembley final


Scarborough ended their league campaign with a frustrating 2-2 draw against Torquay United, who were perhaps good value for more than a single point against the champions. Scarborough gave many of their fringe players a chance in front of the home fans, in what could be their final games for the club, and it showed when Torquay, under the stewardship of Bradley Wright-Phillips, took the lead after just 18 minutes. An Antonio Diaz free-kick evaded everyone leaving Kyle Cameron in space at the far post to head home. Scarborough pulled level 8 minutes later, and there was no surprise in the scorer. Wusiewicz, making just his 2nd start of the season, found Connor Hall from his goal kick. Hall brought the ball down before floating a superb pass out to Henri Kumwenda, who cut inside Moore before slotting beyond Robson. Torquay regained the lead on the hour, and it was poor defending again that led to the goal, Kalala firing a cross all the way across the area, where Jake Andrews slid in at the back post to score. Scarborough were forced to play out the remaining 10 minutes or so with just 10 men after Joe Anderson pulled his calf muscle in the 83rd minute and all 3 substitutions had already been made. Despite the setback, Scarborough rescued the point just 2 minutes later and it was that man again, a throw in from Latibeaudiere collected by Henri Kumwenda who used his pace to beat three men before beating Robson with a long range piledriver. It was a fitting finale to the season from Kumwenda, who’s last appearance at the club will likely be in the FA Trophy, as he ensured his place as top scorer for the season.

Elsewhere in the National League, Dover Athletic were relegated on the final day after a 1-0 defeat away to Dagenham confirmed them for the drop. At the top of the table Chester snuck into the final play-off berth with a 2-1 win at Bromley, who were also vying for a shot at the play-offs, while the third team hoping to make it in, Notts County, fell to a 2-0 defeat away to Wrexham. With the play-off spots confirmed, South Shields will face Chester, while Stockport will host Leyton Orient, with Chesterfield and Aldershot then squaring off against the respective winners. The month ended with more honours for Scarborough as their sensational run in for promotion concluded with Henri Kumwenda taking a final hat-trick, this time of awards, as he picked up player of the month, young player of the month, and goal of the month for that fantastic solo effort against Harrogate.

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April Results
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Manager’s Review
I’ve never been prouder in my life. Having such a tough run of fixtures was always going to be a challenge for the squad, not to mention the calibre of some of the opposition we faced, with the cup wins against Chesterfield and Leyton Orient an example of that. The key moment must be that amazing performance at Aldershot, however. It could be argued they made mistakes, but we were completely professional and clinical as we took full advantage to get one hand on the league title. Absolutely delighted we then saw it through, with some of the fringe players in the squad stepping up fantastically when required. I’ll be sad to see some of them go, but then they all deserve to be playing regularly. There will be no surprise when I say Henri Kumwenda is the player of the month, and great to see the league agree with me for once. He was on a different level throughout April with 11 goals from the left wing, and absolutely outstanding return. How I would love to see him back with the club next season, although after this I wouldn’t be surprised to see Leeds handing him a place in their first team squad, he’s ready for it. Proud to pick up another Manager of the Month award too, but as always, I want to dedicate it to the squad, as they are the ones who make my visions a reality.

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HockeyBhoy
8 years ago
11 months ago
1,134
Premium
Well done on promotion and another piece of silverware.

The Seadogs are back!
siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
@hockeyBhoy Thanks, thought we'd blown it for a while, turns out Aldershot were the bottle boys. Just gutted I'm going to lose Kumwenda, the guy is an absolute phenom at this level....

May 2022

Few were surprised when Chesterfield and Aldershot confirmed they would square off in the National League play-off for a chance to join Scarborough in League Two next season, with both sides being actively involved in the title challenge until the final weeks of the season, although both sides needed extra time to do so. Chesterfield beat South Shields 2-0 thanks to goals from Charlie Wakefield and Layton Ndukwu in the 98th and 104th minutes respectively. South Shields had reached the semi-final after dispatching Chester 1-0 at home in the previous fixture. In the other tie, Aldershot, who lead the league for plenty of the season, took the lead 13 minutes in through Samuel Ayew, before being pegged back on 62 minutes by a Myles Judd penalty. Leyton Orient, who finished 6th in the regular season, did well to hold out to take the side who finished 17 points above them to extra time. Leyton Orient had dispatched Stockport 1-0 away in the previous fixture and may have been dreaming of doing the unthinkable to reach Wembley before George Fowler broke their hearts at the end of the first half of extra time, with what proved to be the winning goal.

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Aldershot secured promotion to League Two after beating Chesterfield 2-0 at Wembley in what was probably the fairest final and outcome given the position of the two sides in the table, second and third, clear of the rest, respectively. Aldershot shook off any disappointment of letting the title slip when they fell away at Barnet last month to take the lead just 9 minutes in, Stuart McKinstry with the goal. The former Fylde man then grabbed a second in the 23rd minute to give his side the promotion on evidence they deserved in front of a crowd of nearly 40,000 fans. Aldershot will now switch their focus to trying to take some revenge on Scarborough, who beat them to the league title, as they return to Wembley next week for the FA Trophy final.

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Loan star Henri Kumwenda received further plaudits as the curtain drew on the league season as he was named National League Player of the Year, while his sensational goalscoring exploits also earned him the Golden Boot, with 23 goals in 45 appearances for the Seadogs. The 19-year-old Malawian joined Scarborough on loan back in August, and made an immediate impact in pre-season, before scoring his side’s only goal of the game in the 2-1 defeat on the opening day. Since then he has continued to excel on the left wing as part of a dynamic front three, culminating with a sensational run of goals in the final month. During his time with the club he also earned his first international call-up, and in total played 4 times scoring 5 goals for Malawi during the year. The Leeds youngster, with just 1 appearance so far for his parent club, will no doubt be highly sought after on his return to Elland Road at the end of the season, although Scarborough are expected to pull out all the stops to try and secure his services for another year as the town welcomes league football for the first time in 23 years.

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Scarborough completed a historic double as they beat bitter rivals Aldershot 2-1 in the FA Trophy final at Wembley. The pair had locked horns continually all season in the challenge for promotion, Scarborough eventually securing the title while Aldershot ensured their place in league two last weekend with victory at Wembley. Scarborough took the lead 31 minutes in, with a fine breakaway goal. Zac Brunt played the ball out to Kumwenda, who went around the outside of his man before cutting back in and playing a beautifully weighted ball for Brunt, who had continued his run into the area, to connect and finish from 10 yards out. Aldershot pulled themselves level on the hour mark, when Javelle McFarlane found space out wide, and his cross found Freitas-Gouveia when Oduroh missed his clearance. The midfielder’s header sailed in just beyond the desperate reach of Trafford in the Scarborough goal. Both sides continued to press, and the game looked like it may be heading for extra time before Scarborough produced a winner with just 6 minuets remaining. A long punt forward from Trafford was gathered by substitute Hector-Ingram, who carried the ball across the middle of the park before sending Kumwenda wide. The winger took the ball to the byeline, before cutting back and floating a ball into the area. Heath-Coulson got above Broadhead to clear, but there was Henri Kumwenda to pick up the loose clearance, create an angle and fire in leaving Evans no chance, and sending the Scarborough fans wild. It proved to be a perfect sign off for the player of the season completing a historic double for his side,

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Unsurprisingly, 5 players from the current crop were added to the Overall Best Eleven after an extremely successful season which saw the club complete the league and FA Trophy double. James Trafford was selected in goal after a brilliant first season with the club, keeping 30 competitive clean sheets since arriving, and conceding just 27 goals in the league, and just 3 in the FA Cup, all at the hands of Premier League Arsenal. The back four remains unchanged, with Jake Kenyon playing a massive part again this season, while Denzel Williams and Isaac Assenso both remain at the club, although they have featured infrequently this term. Max Murphy remains at right-back, now plying his trade with Shildon who finished 5th in the Isthmian South Central Division. Tom Scully was inducted into the midfield trio after a first season that saw him score 9 times and claim 11 assists, where he joins Galbraith and Brunt, both stalwarts of the team in their second season with the club. Perhaps the least surprising was Henri Kumwenda, elected on the left after his sensational season on-loan from Leeds where he scooped all before him. Connor Hall and Arlott-John, again key players this season, complete the XI. Centre-half pairing Kwaku Oduroh and Dion Sanderson were added to the bench alongside some familiar names, past and present. Thomas Taylor is now first choice between the sticks at Sleaford, while Connor Thomson is a first team regular back at Gateshead. Forgotten men Kieran Glynn and Chris Dawson remain at the club, although they barely have an appearance between them, while Mohammed Sangaré, a star in last season’s promotion campaign, has found himself behind the fantastic form of Scully this season.

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Henri Kumwenda also swept up the votes at the Scarborough awards evening, earning 43% of the votes to earn the fans player of the season to add to all his other awards. Second place went to Tom Scully with 24% while Ethan Galbraith came in 3rd with 20%. Goal of the season surprisingly went to Tom Scully rather than one of the many stunners from Kumwenda, winning the award for his 25-yard strike against Torquay United. Tom Scully was also named signing of the season, arriving on a free transfer in September after his release from Norwich City, and forcing his way into the first team to become a regular. Young Player of the season was confirmed as Henri Kumwenda, who was top scorer with 36 goals and the best average rating at 7.48. Dempsey Arlott-John finished the season with most assists, 22 in total, while Ethan Galbraith boasted a very solid 91% pass completion rate for the season. Most Player of the match awards went to Henri Kumwenda again, with 13, while Kenyon was top of the bad-boys with 13 yellow cards, although Scarborough managed a whole season without a dismissal.

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Off the pitch the club announced they would be looking to expand the stadium by 1,500 seats after securing promotion to the Football League. With developments expected to take around 7 months to complete, Scarborough will be playing their first season back in league football at The Iron Arena, having agreed a ground share for the season with Scunthorpe United. The expected expansion will cost around £1.9 million, with a large chunk secured via a grant from the authorities.

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The awards continued to come for Scarborough as Manager Sie Barlow was confirmed as the National League manager of the year, with a win ration of 63% over the 46 matches played, just edging out Darren Ryan who managed an equally impressive 60% over 48 games. Third place went to Graham Fenton, who although he missed out in joining Scarborough on their 3rd successive promotion, still had another successful year with South Shields before losing in the play-offs.

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siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
Pre-Season (July 2022)

The big news of pre-season was undoubtedly the fact that Scarborough Athletic had finally turned professional after securing promotion to League Two. The change in status means that they can now attract a better calibre of player, whilst also ensuring that they receive fair market value for their current crop of talent. The changes also led to a restructure of the back-room staff with more coaching spaces becoming available now the club will be training full-time. With Scarborough playing their home games at Scunthorpe while their existing ground is developed, and with the change in personnel after securing professional status, the club will be keen to kick on and secure their status back among the football league.

On the transfer front, there were several new faces and a few departures prior to the first pre-season warm-up match, the biggest of which is undoubtedly the arrival of Zach Clough on a free-transfer. The former Bolton player made a big money move to Nottingham Forest back in 2017, but since then failed to cement a place with the Championship club, spending time on loan back at Bolton and at Rochdale during his time at the City Ground. With his contract expiring, Scarborough swept in to secure his services, hoping his experience of league football will be invaluable in their debut campaign. He was joined at the club by several former Premier league youngsters as Modou Nyassi and Ezekiel Bancroft arrived from Liverpool and Manchester City respectively. Both academy graduates were being released in the summer and will be keen to get their professional football careers back on track with the League Two club. 18-year-old Nyassi is a 6’3” central defender who will add strength and aerial ability at the back, while Bancroft, a speedy 18 year old winger, will be hoping to fill the void left by the departure of Henri Kumwenda, who returned to his parent club after his loan ended.

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There was also a goodbye for several players on their way out of the club, perhaps most noticeable the departure of Marcel Wusiewicz who has moved to Nantwich for £6,000. Wusiewicz was a mainstay between the posts as the club secured promotion to the National League, but has found opportunities limited since the arrival of James Trafford, and the club felt he deserved to be playing regularly at this stage of his career and so were prepared to listen to offers, and so he was allowed to move to the National League North side. Fellow reserve goalkeeper Chris Renshaw is also on the move, joining League Two Plymouth for £5,000. Also out of the door is midfielder Kian Spence who was part of the team back in the Northern Premier but have found themselves out of the reckoning as the club secured back to back promotions into the football league. He joins Stalybridge on a free transfer. Finally, full-back Dennis Gyamfi will spend the season on loan with Darlington as he looks to continue his development.

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Scarborough began their pre-season with a rather disappointing 1-1 draw against Wrexham as they played at the Iron Arena, usual home of Scunthorpe United, for the very first time. Both sides also had goals disallowed in this clash, with Wrexham taking a lead into half-time courtesy of Aden Baldwin’s goal. After the break Scarborough dominated but struggled to find a rhythm, the equaliser eventually coming when Scully found Arlott-John out wide, and his cross was met by new arrival Ezekiel Bancroft, cutting in from the other wing, to head home.

Scarborough registered an impressive 3-0 win against a largely second-string Charlton as they looked sharper in their second pre-season game. The match was agreed as part of the transfer that took Connor Stanley to The Valley last season, although sadly he and many of his first team companions were missing from this one. Scarborough dominated throughout, and it was no surprise when they took the lead into the break, Scully finding Bancroft on the byline, who in turn laid back for Kenyon to whip in a cross which was superbly met by the head of Dempsey Arlott-John. 5 minutes into the second half, new arrival Ezekiel Bancroft scored for the second game running after Egan-Riley sent Arlott-John down the line, and he produced a teasing cross for the youngster to head home. Scarborough added a third at the death as Charlton had everyone forward for a free-kick. Egan-Riley smashed the ball clear and Zach Clough found himself one on one with Ben Amos, the former Forest striker making no mistake to claim his first goal.

Scarborough were in sensational form as they smashed a second-string St. Johnstone side 6-1 at the Iron Arena in their latest pre-season encounter. Zach Clough opened the scoring from the spot after the visitors gave away a penalty in the opening ten minutes. Ezekiel Bancroft then continued his fine start for his new side as he scored for the 3rd successive game. Arlott-John cut the ball back for Galbraith, who picked out Bancroft, the winger taking a touch inside his man to smash home. He then added a second, again giving his marker a torrid time as he picked up the ball from Scully, turned the fullback inside out and then beat Rogers at the near post. St. Johnstone totally capitulated when Scarborough added a fourth soon after. Kenyon laid off for Scully, who sent the full-back down the line, and his cross was met by Dempsey Arlott-John on the volley at the back post. Zach Clough then got his second of the game when the visitors failed to clear an Arlott-John corner, and when Galbraith’s initial attempt was blocked, Clough was free to fire home into the open goal. The sixth came courtesy of the substitutes, as Neblett sent Josh Williams out wide. He in turn released Connor Hall down the left, the striker beating his man before looking up and picking out Jahmal Hector-Ingram at the back post to head back beyond the keeper. St. Johnstone did pull one back when Duffy crossed and Wotherspoon was unmarked to side foot home inside the area, but it was scant consolation as they were truly demoralised and outplayed by the newly promoted League Two side in this one.

The transfer merry-go round gathered pace as Scarborough continued to strengthen their squad for the demands of league football this season, with Basingstoke taking no fewer than 4 Scarborough players while the club welcomed three new arrivals of their own. Denzel Williams, Josh Williams, Chris Dawson and Isaac Assenso have all joined the National League South team, where they will be hoping they can have a similar impact as they did with Scarborough in that tier when they secured promotion at the first attempt. Williams and Assenso were both mainstays of the defence the first two seasons, with Assenso also weighing in with a fair few goals for the club. Josh Williams was more of a back up to the regular full-backs and ended up spending time on loan in Wales with both Bala and TNS, while Dawson was a key player the first year under Barlow but then only made a further 6 appearances for the club.

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Coming into the club are Tom Scott, Matthew Pennington and Stewart Cross. Tom Scott follows the now well-trodden path from the Manchester City academy, where he will again take on the role of understudy to James Trafford between the sticks. The 21-year-old will have no problem fitting in with his new club with so many of his former academy colleagues with the Seadogs. 27 year old Matthew Pennington can play either at right-back or centre half, and joins after being released by Everton, whom he had been with since his teenage years, although he had spent several seasons out on loan throughout his career, including Tranmere, Coventry, Walsall, Leeds, Ipswich and Hull. He brings in a wealth of experience at the back for a relatively young and inexperienced defence. The final arrival is 18-year-old midfielder Stewart Cross, who joins from Curzon Ashton and will be hoping to develop into a strong box to box midfielder with his new club, although he is likely to find himself playing for the Under-23’s initially.

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The penultimate pre-season game saw a comfortable 2-0 win as Scarborough took on Division One South side Northwich Victoria. Both goals came in the first half for Scarborough, the first arriving after 22 minutes of the game. Brunt and Scully combined in midfield, before the ball was sent wide to Ezekiel Bancroft, who showed wonderful skill to bring the ball down before standing up a perfect cross at the far post for Dempsey Arlott-John to head home. Arlott-John then turned provider on 41 minutes when one of his corners, so often a source of goals last season, was met by Zach Clough at the far post to head home his 4th goal of pre-season.

Off the pitch the club welcomed several more new faces, with Dimitri Sea, Raoul Mal and Fin Back all arriving on loan. French striker Dimitri Sea joins the club on loan from Aston Villa, the 20-year-old having made 2 appearances in the Premier League for his parent club in the last 2 seasons. Romanian midfielder Raoul Mal joins from Bristol City, having spent last season as a regular in Serie B on loan with Cosenza. The 22-year-old also has 23 caps for the Romanian Under-21’s national team, scoring 5 goals. He originally joined Bristol City back in 2019 for £650,000 from Pro Vercelli and has also spent a season on loan with Oxford during his time in England. The final arrival is young defensive midfielder Fin Back, who started his career with Nottingham Forest before his talent was spotted by West Ham, eventually making a £3,100,000 move to the London club, although he has yet to start a competitive game in his fledgling career to date. Elijah Okorie, Gus Miles & Sam Roberts were also brought in for the Under-23’s, all arriving on free transfers, Sam Roberts having previously been with Everton and keen to kick start his carer with his new club.

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Scarborough were made to work in their final pre-season encounter as they won 3-2 in Scunthorpe against the reformed Bury. The hosts found themselves a goal behind after 26 minutes when Fin Back, making his debut, gave away a free-kick on the edge of the box. Alvin Whittaker stepped up to curl a superb effort beyond James Trafford in the Scarborough goal. Scarborough hit back 7 minutes later, when new boys Mal and Sea combined, the midfielders cross being met by the French striker, but when his effort came back off the post Ezekiel Bancroft was on hand to slot home the rebound. The home side went into the break behind, however, when in first half stoppage time Kwaku Oduroh gave away a penalty, having been adjudged to handle the ball from an inswinging corner. Alvin Whittaker stepped up to grab his second of the game, sending Trafford the wrong way. It was a changed line-up in the second half, and they eventually pulled level in the 71st minute. Galbraith laid the ball out wide to Hector-Ingram, and his cross into the middle was glanced home by Nathan Broadhead. Scarborough grabbed the winner 5 minutes from time. Mohammed Sangaré did well to win the ball back in midfield, before releasing Nathan Broadhead with a fine through ball, Bury keeper Sheridan unable to keep out the initial shot. Scarborough begin their season proper with a trip to Rotherham in the League Cup before the league gets underway with a home game against AFC Wimbledon a few days later.

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July 2022

Scarborough began the season with a sensational 4-2 win away against Rotherham United in the League Cup first round in midweek. Scarborough boss Sie Barlow handed debuts to Modou Nyassi, Ezekiel Bancroft and Dimitri Sea for the clash against the Championship side, who fielded a mixture of first team and youngsters for the tie. Hosts Rotherham took the lead at the New York Stadium from a set-piece, the corner being swung in by Reece Cole, headed goalward by Michael Ihiekwe and turned in by fellow centre half Curtis Tilt. Scarborough were extremely unlucky not to be level at the break as they hit the bar twice in the closing stages, first when Dimitri Sea saw his header crash off the bar from a Kenyon cross, then Arlott-John beating the keeper but not the woodwork from a deep Scully free-kick. After the break, Scarborough looked to carry on the momentum generated at the end of the first half and took just a minute to pull themselves level. Egan-Riley sent Arlott-John free down the line, and he produced a sublime cross which was met back post by Ezekiel Bancroft to volley home, his first competitive goal for the club after a fine pre-season. Scarborough found themselves in front just after the hour mark, when a Tom Scully free-kick was superbly met by Modou Nyassi, who outjumped the Rotherham back line to give his side the lead. The advantage was short lived, however, when Rotherham hit back just a minute later, Héry laying off for Reece Cole to fire home from just outside the area. Scarborough continued to press and regained the lead just 5 minutes later. Egan-Riley received the ball back off Sea, and his cross was met by Nathan Broadhead, coming off the bench, with a smart side foot finish. As Rotherham pushed for a way back into the game, they left gaps at the back, and these were exploited with 6 minutes left when the visitors grabbed a 4th. Galbraith picked out Broadhead, behind the Rotherham back line, and his deep cross was met by a completely unmarked Dempsey Arlott-John to seal the tie. Rotherham’s frustration was compounded in stoppage time when Bastien Héry was sent off, receiving a second yellow for a foul on Zac Clough. The travelling supporters, over 1,000, were delighted to see their team begin the new era with such an impressive performance. Scarborough were handed another away trip, this time to League One Lincoln City, the following day in the 2nd Round draw.

Scarborough celebrated their return to league football with a fantastic 2-0 win as they got the season underway against AFC Wimbledon. Scarborough, playing their first league game in 23 years, named new arrivals Fin Back and Raoul Mal in the starting XI for their opening League Two fixture, being played at the Iron Arena, home of Scunthorpe United, and the home side took just 12 minutes to take the lead in their new surroundings. Fin Back robbed the ball off Anthony Hartigan in the middle of the park and looking up spotted the run of Dimitri Sea and played a superb ball over the top, allowing Sea to take a touch and finish beyond Burge at the near post to open his account. Scarborough almost doubled their advantage at the start of the second half, from another counter-attack. A Wimbledon free-kick was headed clear and Raoul Mal picked up the loose ball, drove forward and picked out the run of Sea, but this time Lee Burge was equal to his effort to produce a superb save. The lead was eventually doubled just shy of the hour, Kenyon receiving the ball back from Sea and hitting a first time cross, which was met by Nathan Broadhead, getting above Archie Procter, to head home and secure the 3 points on the opening day.


There was another new face through the door as the month drew to a close, as the club confirmed the arrival of Levi Colwill on a season long loan. The 19-year-old left back joins from Premier League Chelsea, and Scarborough had reportedly been trailing him for some time as they looked to bring in quality competition for Jake Kenyon at the back. Born in Southampton, Colwill has been with Chelsea since he joined the under 9’s. The defender, who can also play at centre-half if required, is a former England Under 17 youth international and will add further depth to the Scarborough squad as they cope with the increased demands of League Two football.

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July Results
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Manager’s Review
A confident and pleasing start to the season, with an excellent win against Rotherham in the league cup, and a solid victory against Wimbledon on the opening day of the season. The new arrivals have all settled quickly, featuring in the winning start. Player of the month goes to Nathan Broadhead, who found opportunities somewhat restricted at times last season, but has started well this season scoring in both the opening two games.
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August 2022

August began with the draw for the group stages of the English Football League trophy, where each team will play 3 games with the top 2 teams progressing through to the second stage. The competition sees clubs from the lower tiers of league football mix with the Under 23 sides of some bigger clubs, a move which has drawn criticism from many fans since it’s conception. Scarborough were handed a tough task as they were drawn in Group F where they will face Bradford City, Coventry City and Manchester City Under 23’s. The match against the City Under 23 side is bound to draw a lot of interest given the relationship between the two clubs, Scarborough having taken several academy players from the reigning champions since Barlow took over, with current first team players Oduroh, Egan-Riley, Trafford, Latibeaudiere, Bancroft and Scott all having spent time with the Premier League club before moving on to the Seadogs.

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Scarborough maintained their unbeaten start to the season as they picked up a point away to Oldham Athletic. Both sides had their chances to win the game, but neither could find a way through as both sides had to settle for a point. Scarborough handed a start to new arrival Levi Colwill as one of several changes from the win at home against Wimbledon the previous weekend. Oldham had the best chance of the first half, hitting the visitors on the counter through Adeboyejo, who in turn set up Zak Dearnley but the striker failed to trouble Trafford with his effort. In the second half, another counter saw Adeboyejo this time go it alone but Trafford was more than equal to the attempt, while at the other end Donnelly produced a smart stop to deny Raoul Mal. Zach Clough had a chance to nick all 3 points at the death as he lost his marker in the box, but he was unable to direct his header on target as the match drew to a close, Oldham drawing their second game in succession while Scarborough have picked up 4 points so far this campaign.

Scarborough continued their impressive cup form in recent seasons as they edged past Lincoln City and into the 3rd round of the League Cup at Sincil Bank. The visitors should probably have won the match in normal time but needed penalties to see of the side currently one leg above them. Scarborough were handed a massive boost just 19 minutes in as Martin Atkinson dismissed Josh Ginnelly for a second bookable offence, leaving the hosts to play 70 minutes with just 10 men. Despite several chances, Scarborough were unable to break through, keen not to over-commit going forward at the risk of being hit on the counter. Scarborough were then handed a golden chance to progress when on 83 minutes Lincoln were dramatically reduced to just 9 men, Atkinson showing another red, this time to Aaron Lewis who was booked twice in the space of a few minutes for persistent fouling. Unsurprisingly, Scarborough threw everything forward and thought they’d won at the death when Raoul Mal poked home a Zach Clough free-kick, but the celebration was short lived when the assistant flagged for offside, meaning Lincoln had somehow managed to hold on and penalties would be needed to decide the outcome. Scarborough had thrown on Clough, Mal and Broadhead during normal time in the event of penalties, and all 3 made no mistake from the spot, along with Sea and Kenyon. Lincoln also converted all five meaning sudden death would be used to decide the winner, and when Alex Machuca saw his penalty come back off the post the home side saw the tie slipping away. Full-back CJ Egan-Riley was a measure of calm as he smashed home his spot kick to send the travelling fans wild and secure a 3rd round tie at home to Premier League side West Bromwich Albion.

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Scarborough continued their impressive start to League Two football as they secured a 1-0 win at home against Macclesfield Town on Saturday afternoon. Coming just two days after the League Cup tie, Scarborough were forced to make several changes again, including naming Ethan Galbraith as captain for the first time, and that showed in the early exchanges as they struggled to get a foothold in the game. They did take the lead, however, just before half time, when Raoul Mal hit a free-kick across the box, and Dimitri Sea lost his marker far post to head home. Sea had several more chances second half to put the game beyond Macclesfield, but he failed to double his tally, firing wide twice and forcing a good save from David Robson with a header late on. Most pleasing was first time skipper Ethan Galbraith picking up the man of the match award for a dominant midfield display.

Scarborough heaped more misery on Cheltenham Town, who have only picked up a solitary point so far, with a 2-0 victory at the Iron Arena last night. The struggling League Two side, under the stewardship of former Blackburn midfielder David Dunn, have scored just twice this season, and drew another blank as they came up against a resilient Scarborough side, who move up to 3rd place after victory. Both goals came in the second half of the game after the hosts had made all three changes. The first goal was built from the back as Oduroh brought the ball forward, laying of for Mal, who in turn switched the ball to Galbraith. The midfielder knocked it on for Ezekiel Bancroft, who cut in from the wing across the box before unleashing his shot, Lapworth getting a hand to it but unable to keep it out. Victory was confirmed 3 minutes from time, when Scully whipped in a free-kick and Kwaku Oduroh got above the defence to head home, his 1st goal of the season. Scarborough fans received an extra boost post game when Barlow rejected speculation linking him with the Oxford United job, keen to underline his commitment to seeing through the first season back in the league.

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Mansfield handed Scarborough their first defeat of the season at the weekend as they won 2-1 at the One Call Stadium. The first half was a balanced affair, with neither team making anything of note, but 3 minutes after the restart Mansfield got their noses in front. Wide man Otis Khan whipped the ball in, where Gassan Ahadme got above Tom Scully to head home. Scarborough hit back on the hour after getting two opportunities to draw level. Scully sent the ball out to Arlott-John, who cut back for Mal. His shot deflected off team-mate Dimitri Sea, giving Ezekiel Bancroft the opportunity to fire home the equaliser. Mansfield regained the lead in the 70th minute, Otis Khan curling in direct from the free-kick to hand his side the win.

Scarborough put on another proud display in the league cup on Wednesday evening, holding Premier League side West Bromwich Albion to a draw before eventually crashing out on penalties. Scarborough had done superbly well to reach the third-round stage, beating higher league opposition in both previous rounds, and it looked like an upset might be on the cards again when Kwaku Oduroh hit the bar with his header from a Raoul Mal free kick. After the break, the visitors showed their obviously quality in possession, although clear cut chances were a struggle to come by. The best chance fell to Liam Millar 10 minutes from time, but he fired wide from a guilt edged opportunity when it was easier to score. That meant for the second cup tie running, the match would be decided by penalties. Once again, all 5 first choice penalty takers were superb, meaning the shoot out once again when to sudden death. The first three, Scully, Nyassi and Egan-Riley, made no mistake, but it was Kwaku Oduroh who was the unlucky man, seeing his spot kick saved by Brice Samba, who also scored a penalty of his own, that led to his side crashing out 9-8 in the shoot-out. Despite the result, Scarborough should be proud of how well they ran the Premier League side in front of a near full house at the Iron Arena.

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Scarborough swept aside Shrewsbury Town 4-1 as they maintained their fantastic home record at the weekend. The Seadogs have won every game so far at their temporary home in Scunthorpe, and they were in scintillating form once again as they brushed aside a Shrewsbury side who came into the game top of the pile. The hosts took just 11 minutes to get off the mark, when Kenyon picked up a long clearance and fired the ball back into the box, Galbraith flicking on and Ezekiel Bancroft taking a touch before side footing home. Shrewsbury pulled level, against the run of play, in the 21st minute when Lifumpa Mwandwe met a Grant free-kick and his header smashed in off the bar. Scarborough needed just 2 minutes to restore the lead, such was their dominance, and it came from a goal kick. Trafford picked out the run of Bancroft down the left, who took it to the byeline before cutting the ball back to give Dimitri Sea the easiest of finishes from 6 yards out. Scarborough made it 3-1 on the stroke of half time, and it was another counterattack after a terrible free kick from the Shrews was picked up by Brunt, who strode the length of the pitch to get a shot away. When his shot was saved, McWillians and Ross contrived to get in each other’s way when attempting to clear, and Dimitri Sea stole in to roll the ball into the empty net. Dimitri Sea completed his hat-trick in the 85th minute, thanks again to the high pressing game from the home side. Substitute Dion Sanderson put pressure on Cummings, and fellow substitute Nathan Broadhead picked up the stray pass and picked out Sea, who smashed the ball into the top corner, giving Burgoyne no chance.

Scarborough finished the month on the wrong end of another penalty shout out after drawing 1-1 with Manchester City Under 23's in their opening Football League Trophy game in front of a sparse crowd at the Iron Arena. Former City youngster Ezekiel Bancroft missed out, as he was away on international duty with Jamaica, but there were starts for Egan-Riley, Latibeaudiere and a debut for Tom Scott against their former club, while Oduroh and Trafford were on the bench. Scarborough were the better team in the 90 minutes although ironically it was a penalty that gave them the lead. Alex Robertson tripped Zach Clough in the area, and Jahmal Hector-Ingram stepped up to fire into the bottom corner. City got back into it through a set piece of their own, a Ben Knight free-kick being volleyed home at the far post by Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the 20-year-old defender who had already started 2 Premier League games this season being named in this one for a strong City side. After the break, Scarborough should have taken the lead, but Clough failed to make his chance count, so once again, for the 3rd time this season, the tie would be decided on penalties, and with all 5 takers scoring, again heading to sudden death. City edged in front when Tarensi made it 8-7, and Zac Brunt was unable to pull his side level, hitting straight at Hugo Souza, meaning City won the additional point on offer in Group F. In the other tie, Coventry beat Bradford 2-1 meaning Scarborough currently sit 3rd in the table.

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Ezekiel Bancroft clearly put behind any disappointment in missing the game against his former team as he scored a fantastic hat-trick on his debut for the Jamaican national team. Bancroft was called into the squad for the first time after his fine form since joining Scarborough, and manager Theodore Whitmore had no hesitation in naming him in the starting XI against Cayman Islands. He took just 3 minutes to mark his debut with a goal in the friendly, before Rolando Aarons made it 3-0 on 22 minutes after an own-goal had put them two up. Just a minute later, Bancroft had his second of the game as Jamaica were in cruise control at the Trelawny Stadium. QPR striker Jerome Sinclair made it 5-0 on the stroke of half-time before Bancroft completed the rout, and his hat-trick just 3 minutes after the restart, unsurprisingly winning man of the match. There was further delight for the youngster as back home he was named Young Player of the Month, in recognition for a fine debut month to his professional career, beating team-mate Dimitri Sea into 2nd place.

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August Results
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Manager’s Review

The players have taken to turning professional far better than expected, and we are already beginning to see the benefits of regular training and tactical work. On current form, they more than deserve to be playing football, and we are currently sitting pretty on merit. The cup heartbreak on penalties was quickly forgotten, as was the defeat against City under 23’s, as competing for promotion has got to be our priority this season, as great as those games are for the fans. Player of the month is new arrival Dimitri Sea, who scored a superb hat-trick against Shrewsbury last time out in the league and has quickly developed an understanding with his new team-mates.
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September 2022

Scarborough began September with an impressive 4-1 win away at Crawley after an extended 10-day break since their last game. The visitors came into this one refreshed after having an unscheduled break due to international call-ups, with no fewer than 6 of the squad away on international duty, most noticeably Bancroft marking his debut with a hat-trick. Scarborough were quick off the blocks and took the lead 8 minutes in when a long ball from Nyassi at the back found Dimitri Sea, who beat Tunnicliffe for pace before slotting home. The lead was doubled half an hour in, with Nyassi again starting the move from the back, Sea flicking on and Ezekiel Bancroft breaking into the box to finish from an acute angle. Crawley hit back on the stroke of half time with a goal of the season contender, Andy Jones taking a short free kick to Tarryn Allarakhia, who unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 30 yards out. Ezekiel Bancroft grabbed his second on the hour, Egan-Riley receiving the ball back from his throw and hitting a first time cross. Sesay missed his header and Bancroft was on hand to half volley home from a tight angle. Victory was complete in the 84th minute, Scully laying out to Colwill who slipped in Bancroft down the line, the winger beating the full-back before squaring for substitute Nathan Broadhead to volley home on the edge of the 6-yard box.

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Scarborough finally yielded their 100% home record in the week with a 1-1 draw against fellow promotion chasers Rochdale. Rochdale took an unexpected lead just 4 minutes in, a Will Ferry cross causing problems in the middle and Adnane Tihadouini turning to finish in the bottom corner. Scarborough pulled themselves level from the spot, after a Kenyon long throw was handled by Aaron Morley in the area. Zach Clough stepped up to finish bottom right, his first goal of the season. Scarborough undoubtedly had the better of the second half but were unable to find a way past Stephen Currie in the Rochdale goal, much to the frustration of their manager. The result means Scarborough and Rochdale both sit on 17 points in the play-off spots, although Rochdale have played a game more.

Scarborough returned to winning ways at the weekend with a tight 1-0 victory away to Stevenage. Scarborough were without injured Fin Back, Kwaku Oduroh and Dimitri Sea for the trip to Hertfordshire, so Nathan Broadhead was handed a rare start down the middle, with Dion Sanderson coming in at the back to partner Nyassi in defence. Scarborough dominated throughout but grabbed their only goal just 3 minutes into the game, Egan-Riley knocking the ball into Scully, who switched play with a superb ball out to Colwill. The full-back took a touch before knocking inside to Ezekiel Bancroft, who took a touch then poked under Ethan Ross. Scarborough controlled the remainder of the game but were unable to add to the solitary goal. The win sees them move up to 2nd place in the table, 3 points behind Bradford City and on level points with Rochdale.

Scarborough sensationally claimed top spot in the league in midweek after securing a 2-0 win in their re-arranged fixture against Cambridge United. The pair were originally meant to play at the end of last month, but the game was re-arranged at the request of Scarborough, who had 6 players away on International duty. Scarborough welcomed back Sea and Nyassi for this one, although Back was still out. It was an even first half and took a moment of class to separate the two sides. Raoul Mal was brought down by Knibbs, and the Romanian midfielder stepped up himself to bend in an unstoppable free kick from 30 yards out into the top corner, his first ever goal for the club giving Burton no chance in the Cambridge goal. The second goal came 9 minutes before half time, Arlott-John switching play over to Ezekiel Bancroft on the other wing, and the winger took it round Kane Wilson before squeezing it in at the near post. The win puts Scarborough joint top with Bradford City, both on 23 points with 10 games played so far.

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Scarborough finished the month with a return to winning ways at home with a comfortable 2-0 win against Northampton in a game they dominated from start to finish. Fin Back returned to the starting XI after his recent injury, where he controlled midfield as Scarborough were good value for the win. The home side almost took the lead 10 minutes in as Sousa could only tip Sea’s effort onto the bar, although he was able to claim the rebound. A few minutes later the visitors were then grateful to Jason Pearce who produced a fine last-ditch tackle to block Bancroft getting the shot away. The deadlock was broken finally in the 38th minute, Tom Scully winning the ball from Watson just outside the box, slipping through Dimitri Sea to run on and finish beyond Sousa. The second goal came courtesy of centre-back Kwaku Oduroh, who lost his marker to poke home a Raoul Mal free-kick. With Bradford losing away at Colchester, Scarborough have daylight at the top of the league for the first time this season as they continue to defy the odds in their first season back in professional football.

The fine form of Ezekiel Bancroft was once again recognised by the pundits as he picked up the League 2 Player of the Month award, just a month after winning the Young Player of the Month. The Jamaican winger has been in fine form again this month, making 5 starts and scoring 4 goals as his side went top of the league for the first time. He beat Oldham striker Victor Adeboyejo and Burton midfielder Daniel Batty, who Scarborough tried to sign in the summer, to the award.

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Elsewhere Raoul Mal came second in the Sky Bet League Two Goal of the Month award, for his sensational free-kick against Cambridge earlier in the month. The Romanian midfielder, on loan from Bristol City, curled one into the top corner from the direct set piece to mark a fantastic first goal for the club. His strike was beaten by that of Otis Khan, who scored against Scarborough earlier in the season, with another free-kick against Newport. Dennis Gyamfi also picked up the National League Player and Young Player of the Month award, as he continues to impress on loan at Darlington. The former Leicester youngster scored twice during the month as he looked solid throughout, with his parent club delighted with his current development at the North East club.

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September Results
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Manager’s Review
The months started with our best away performance of the season as we tore apart Crawley, with Bancroft sensational throughout. Since then we have continued to look solid, despite the minor blip against Rochdale, as we look like a real threat at the top of League Two. Player of the Month has to be Ezekiel Bancroft, who already looks like the find of the season as he continues to destroy teams on the left.
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Premium
October 2022

Scarborough began October heaping more misery on Newport County, the Welsh club finding themselves 22nd before the 2-0 defeat against the league leaders. On balance of play, Newport created more but they were far from clinical, managing only 3 shots on target from 14, none of which troubled James Trafford in the Scarborough goal. Scarborough wrapped this one up in the first half, taking the lead in the 26th minute from a classic set piece move, Tom Scully whipping one in and Modou Nyassi getting above Watts at the far post to head home. Scully was involved again in the 2nd goal, just 3 minutes later. His corner was cleared by Howkins, but after receiving the ball back from Kenyon, he worked the ball back into the box, where Arlott-John knocked down and Dimitri Sea applied the finish on the half-volley to secure the points.

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It was an evening to forget for Scarborough goalkeeper James Trafford as his error handed Coventry City a win in the Football League trophy, meaning qualification from the group is now impossible. Scarborough came into this game on just one point, following their draw with Manchester City Under 23’s, although they subsequently lost the game on penalties, and they needed something at the Ricoh Arena to give themselves a chance to progress. The game started well enough and Scarborough could have been in front at the break, but for a fantastic save from Fallows to deny Arlott-John from a Bancroft cross. The crucial mistake came just after the hour mark, Scully laying the ball back to Trafford and his poor first touch allowing Matt Godden to race on and slot into an empty net. With City winning 3-0 away at Bradford that means all hopes of qualification are now gone.

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Scarborough looked to bounce back from the disappointing midweek defeat with a confidence building win against bottom club Yeovil at the weekend, but despite the sheer domination they could only register a 2-0 win, with both goals coming late on. Scarborough started brightly against the team with just 4 points from the opening 12 games, and thought they had taken the lead in the 1st minute, Dimitri Sea heading home a Galbraith cross, but he was judged to be just offside by the assistant referee, a very tight call but probably the right one. Scarborough continued to press, registering 10 shots in the first half, while Yeovil had nothing to offer in attack, but couldn’t find a way through. With frustration growing around the ground, Barlow threw on Mal, Broadhead and Clough to freshen things up, and it was Zach Clough who made an impact, his free-kick finding Kwaku Oduroh unmarked at the back stick to head home. The win was confirmed with a penalty deep into stoppage time, Kenyon whipping the ball into the box, and when Clough’s initial shot was blocked, he was then tripped by Warren as he attempted to have another go. Fellow substitute Nathan Broadhead stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and ensure the win.

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Old rivalries were renewed as Scarborough brushed aside Aldershot 3-0 at the Iron Arena at the weekend. The pair were involved in a battle for promotion last season, with Scarborough winning out. The pair also met in the FA Trophy final, with the hosts once against victorious, and this match followed form as Scarborough took the lead 23 minutes into the game. A Tom Scully free kick was only half cleared by Health-Coulson and Zak Brunt was on hand to volley home for his first of the season. Scarborough doubled the lead just before half-time, when Tom Scully was again the provider, Dimitri Sea meeting his cross to volley home. 2 minutes into the second half it was game, set and match to the home side as they scored a 3rd from the spot. Tom Scully whipped in the ball and Dimitri Sea was pushed over by Omar Beckles when trying to meet the cross. Sea himself stepped up and hit it straight down the middle for his 10th goal of the season, handing Scarborough their 6th consecutive win in League Two as they remain top of the pile with 14 games gone.

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Scarborough suffered only their 2nd defeat of the season as they crashed 2-0 against Bristol Rovers in a match in which they were largely outplayed. Scarborough were dealt a blow pre-game, when regular centre-half Kwaku Oduroh picked up a knock, meaning Dion Sanderson was thrown into the starting XI, and the defence looked unsettled when they were undone just 4 minutes in. Some poor defending allowed Zain Walker to get to the byline inside the box, and he cut the ball back to give Jonson Clarke-Harris the easiest of headers from a few yards out. Visitors Scarborough were then dealt a further blow when Dimitri Sea pulled up after 10 minutes, meaning they were forced into another change, Nathan Broadhead being sent on. Scarborough did go close at the end of the first half, Brunt finding himself some room on the edge of the box but dragging his shot just wide. Just 2 minutes after the restart the damage was done when Bristol Rovers scored a 2nd, Barrett whipping in the free-kick and Richie Smallwood finding the space to head home, condemning Scarborough to defeat.

Scarborough were forced to come from behind to avoid losing their 2nd consecutive game as they struggled at home against Colchester United on Saturday afternoon. Colchester came into this game in fourth place, and it showed as they took the game to the hosts in the first half, taking the lead half an hour in when Akobire crossed and Derrick Smith smashed home on the volley. Just a minute later it got worse for Scarborough as Colchester went 2 in front, Stevenson slipping the ball wide to Callum Harriott who beat his marker and fired into the top corner. Scarborough eventually pulled one back in the 72nd minute, Zac Brunt laying the ball out to Ezequiel Bancroft who broke down the outside and finished across the keeper. The home side continued to push for an equaliser and were rewarded with just 5 minutes remaining when Ezequiel Bancroft got his second of the game. A Tom Scully corner produced a goalmouth scramble, and in the melee, Broadhead was able to poke the ball out to Bancroft in space, who made no mistake slotting under the keeper to rescue the point.

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Scarborough returned to winning ways as they won 2-0 away at Valley Parade in their final game of the month. Scarborough had taken just 1 point in their last 2 games coming into the clash against Bradford City, who were sitting 7th in the league at kick off. Scarborough had the better of the opening 45 minutes and were rewarded when they took the lead just 5 minutes before the break, the fit again Dimitri Sea on hand to poke home after Bancroft saw his shot saved. The winger did well to turn Mason inside out and get his shot away, and when his initial shot was palmed away by Eastwood, Sea was on hand to see it home. Mason’s afternoon got worse on 55 minutes when he was shown a red card for his second bookable offence, bringing down Dimitri Sea as the French striker tried to hit Bradford on the breakaway. Scarborough ensured the 3 points in the 74th minute, Kenyon cutting down the left then laying off for Back, who spotted the run of Ezequiel Bancroft, the winger with a fine finish into the bottom corner to secure victory and dent Bradford’s own promotion aspirations.

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October Results
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Manager’s Review
October was a tough month, and disappointed to be out of the EFL League Trophy, while the defeat at Bristol Rovers was also a disappointment. That said, the performance against Bradford, who are also pushing for promotion, was a real positive, and it was nice to meet (and beat) old rivals Aldershot during the month. Player of the month is Dimitri Sea, who was again in fine form for the club, also picking up the Young Player of the Month award in League Two.

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siepod
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November 2022

November began with a comfortable 2-0 win against Blyth Spartans in the FA Cup 1st Round on Tuesday evening. As expected, Scarborough made many changes to the starting XI for this clash against the Northern Premier Division side, noticeably Connor Hall making his first start of the season. Scarborough looked in control in the opening half hour and took the lead 27 minutes in. Nathan Broadhead whipped the ball into the box, Hall got above Hawkins to cushion a perfect header down for Ethan Galbraith to volley home, the first goal of the season for the midfielder. The result was put to bed on the hour when Scarborough grabbed a second, Brunt receiving the ball from Scully and sending a long ball forward into the danger area. Nathan Buddle tried to bring the ball down before clearing, but his miscontrol allowed Connor Hall to steal in and curl in his first goal of the season, his shot smashing in of the underside of the bar. Scarborough must now wait until the weekend to find out who they will face in the 2nd round.

Scarborough picked up another valuable 3 points on the road as they defeated Solihull Moors 1-0 on Saturday afternoon. Bizarrely, this was the only league game taking place with the rest of the clubs involved in the FA Cup 1st round, Scarborough having played their tie Tuesday evening. They had already had to re-arrange one fixture later in the month due to international call-ups and will also be without several players as they face Bradford City in their final EFL Trophy fixture in midweek unless that fixture is also re-arranged, although Scarborough are likely to field a weakened team anyway after already crashing out. It was a near full strength team in this encounter, however, but they were made to work for the victory, eventually grabbing the key goal 2 minutes before the break. Fin Back knocked the ball to Arlott-John, who raced down the line before whipping in near post, where Dimitri Sea was on hand with the glancing header to divert beyond Siviter. Solihull had a goal ruled out 10 minutes into the 2nd half, Alex Fisher pushing Nyassi before heading home.

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Scarborough were finally successful in pushing back their pending EFL Trophy clash, due to availability of players with several away on international duty. The league had already offered the club the chance to postpone the Carlisle game, but they still looked like being made to play the Bradford clash before common sense prevailed. The club will be without Ezekiel Bancroft, however, when the player heads off to star in the World Cup for Jamaica at the end of the month. Elsewhere, Barlow was once again forced to come out and deny speculation linking him with another club. Recently he had been linked with Oxford and MK Dons, but it was Blackburn Rovers & Fleetwood this time the media were speculating he would join, but fans were delighted to here the manager continues to prioritise progress with the League Two club over any potential move elsewhere.

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Scarborough Athletic announced yesterday evening that the planned expansion of the home stadium had now been complete, meaning the club can now return to playing home games back in Scarborough. When the new club were formed, they were originally forced to play home games outside the town, but since the Scarborough Sports Village was built, they had brought the team home, but recent promotion meant the stadium needed to be upgraded for the demands of league football. The club set out to expand the capacity by 1,500 seats, while also relaying the pitch, meaning the newly renovated stadium can now hold up to 5,500 fans, and they will be hoping for a full house next week when they take on Burton Albion in the league.

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Scarborough swept aside Bradford City 3-0 in their final EFL Trophy group stage game on Wednesday evening. A largely second-string Scarborough made easy work of the match against their League Two rivals in their final Group F game, having already gone out of the competition following a draw against Manchester City Under 23’s and a defeat against Coventry. Scarborough were without both Ezekiel Bancroft and Raoul Mal, both players on full international duty, with Mal making his full debut against Montenegro before featuring on Tuesday evening against Turkey. Bancroft stared in a massive 7-1 win against Surinam at the weekend and was also in action himself on Wednesday evening as Jamaica took on Haiti in their final World Cup warm up game, scoring in a 5-0 rout. Scarborough thought they’d taken the lead 17 minutes in, Kenyon’s cross headed home by Broadhead, only to be denied by the offside flag. 4 minutes later they were in front, Scully knocking out to Broadhead, and his deep cross found Jahmal Hector-Ingram to head back across the keeper and in. The lead was doubled 69 minutes in, Hall knocking the ball back to Kenyon then receiving the return pass before finding substitute Dimitri Sea completely unmarked in the box to side foot home. The visitors added a third, going 1 better than the first team recently, in the 81st minute, Kenyon again involved. His deep free kick found Pennington, who got up above Isgrove to head back across the area where Connor Hall was lurking to poke home, although the victory was in vein as their elimination was confirmed post-game. One competition they were still in though is the FA Cup, where it was confirmed they would face fellow League Two side Colchester United in the 2nd round, who overcame Forest Green 3-1 away in a replay after the pair drew 0-0 first time out.

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Scarborough produced a sensational fightback to win 2-1 on their return to the Scarborough Sports Village, having to come from behind with 10 men to eventually see off Burton Albion. Scarborough were without Kwaku Oduroh and Ezekiel Bancroft, both away on international duty, as they finally returned to their home stadium after playing the opening months of the campaign in Scunthorpe. That meant a rare start at centre-half for loanee Levi Colwill, who is usually seen at left-back. A sell out crowd were disappointed to see the home side fall behind just 10 minutes in, Atkins and McNamara combining to find Luca Navarro completely unmarked in the middle to slot home. Scarborough somehow didn’t pull level 5 minutes later despite a goalmouth scramble, Arlott-John twice seeing his shot blocked by the Burton defence, Brunt then hitting the inside of the post then Dimitri Sea seeing the keeper recover to deny him as he attempted to divert the loose ball goalwards. The task looked even more insurmountable for the hosts when they saw Tom Scully sent off, receiving a straight red card for a two footed lunge on goal scorer Navarro. Changing formation after the break, Scarborough somehow got themselves back into the game from a set piece, Raoul Mal swinging in a free-kick, Nyassi outjumping Bridge to head back across the area where Levi Colwill was on hand to grab his first ever goal for the club. Despite the numerical advantage, Burton were losing their grip on the game as Scarborough continued to knock it round, and it was some fantastic play that eventually led to an unlikely winner on 77 minutes. Brunt laid the ball to Broadhead, who in turn laid off for Back, who played a quick one-two with Clough before slipping Kenyon through in the left of the area. The full-back centred the ball and Nathan Broadhead was on hand to finish beyond Ingram at the near post and send the packed house wild. Unsurprisingly, Scarborough were then happy to waste time to see out the win, which sees them go back to the top of the league just ahead of Mansfield.

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Colchester Untied and Scarborough will have to face off again after the pair saw out a 1-1 draw at the JobServe Community Stadium at the weekend. Scarborough were without Dimitri Sea and Tom Scully through suspension, Scully seeing his ban for his recent red card extended to 3 games, while Bancroft was still on World Cup duty, featuring in a 3-1 defeat against the Netherlands. Colchester had the better chances in this one, and should probably have seen it through, especially after taking a deserved lead in the 83rd minute, Macauley Ward losing his marker to head home. Scarborough were able to pull level against the run of play 2 minutes later however, as they got out of jail when Raoul Mal equalised. His initial corner was cleared by Ward, Broadhead laid back off to Mal who cut into the area and fired beyond the keeper to ensure the replay.

Scarborough put on a far better performance in the cup replay against Colchester United in front of another full house at the Scarborough Sports Village, although only a solitary goal could separate the pair again, who also drew in the league meeting earlier in the season. Bancroft was still away with Jamaica, having an impressive game in a 5-1 World Cup win against Iran, but Sea was back after suspension for the final game in November. Scarborough had the better of the chances in the opening 45 minutes, but it took until the 71st minute for the breakthrough, a Raoul Mal deep free kick finding Kwaku Oduroh at the far post, losing his marker Chilvers to knock the ball home beyond Etimov. Scarborough will now face a trip to Wales in the 3rd round to take on Championship side Cardiff City in the next round.

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November Results

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Manager’s Review
Another couple of tough games against Colchester United, so delighted to edge past them in the cup, but I definitely expect them to be there or thereabouts come the business end of the season. I was also delighted to see the second string put on such a dominant performance away against Bradford City, although the game meant little for the club their desire and commitment definitely has a few of them knocking on the door for the first team. Player of the month goes to Jake Kenyon, who continues to be Mister Consistent at left-back and has been with us on this journey since the beginning.
siepod
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December 2022

In a game of limited chances, Scarborough eked out a 0-0 draw away against Plymouth Argyle. It was a day for the defenders as neither team managed to create any clear-cut opportunities, with Chukwuma going closest for Plymouth, while at the end Zach Clough went on a mazy run down the left but was unable to trouble the keeper with his final effort. The result means Scarborough currently sit second, although top of the table Mansfield also lost, and are currently only a point ahead of the Seadogs, who currently have 2 games in hand on the league leaders, although Scarborough are now on a 5-game unbeaten run. Shrewsbury sit in third place on level points with Scarborough, having played just a game more. Plymouth moved up to 11th in the table with the draw.

Scarborough reclaimed top spot as they beat Carlisle comfortably 2-0 at the Scarborough Sports Village. The clash against the side currently just outside the play-offs was one of the games in hand, rescheduled due to international fixtures, and Scarborough were able to welcome back one of those players, Ezekiel Bancroft, recently returned from the World cup where he starred for Jamaica as they crashed out in the group stages after defeats against the Netherlands and Spain. It was the first time Bancroft had played at the home ground, all his previous games having been during the tenancy at Scunthorpe, and he made an immediate impact on his return opening the scoring at the end of the first half. Scully and Brunt combined in midfield before Scully whipped it into the box, Sea flicked on and Ezekiel Bancroft was there to volley home with his right foot. The result was put beyond doubt in the 79th minute as the hosts grabbed a second goal, Arlott-John laying the ball square for Fin Back, who played a fantastic through ball behind the defence for substitute Nathan Broadhead to race on and finish across the keeper. With Shrewsbury also in action playing their game in hand, a 2-1 win for them away at Cambridge saw them also leapfrog Mansfield to sit second, still on level points with Scarborough.

Scarborough and Shrewsbury remained clear at the top as both won at the weekend, Scarborough handing Newport another 2-0 defeat while Shrewsbury won 1-0 at home against Bristol Rovers. Newport remained in the relegation zone, with only 3 wins all season, coming into the game, while hosts Scarborough were unbeaten in six games and keen to keep that run going against the relegation threatened side. The home side took just 11 minutes to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty after a swift counterattack. A Newport free-kick was cleared, Bancroft picked up and played a one-two with Sea before breaking through into the box, where Mitchell-Lawson made a clumsy challenge to bring the winger down. Raoul Mal stepped up to take the spot kick, and fired under Curtis Anderson, who guessed the right way but was unable to keep the shot out. 10 minutes into the second half Scarborough scored a second goal to secure the 3 points, Fin Back being brought down on the edge of the area. Raoul Mal stepped up again, this time for the free-kick on the edge of the box and did superbly well to get the ball round the wall into the top corner, giving Anderson no chance. With Shrewsbury also winning the pair now find themselves both 5 points clear of Mansfield Town in 3rd place, the Stags crashing to another defeat 2-0 away at Carlisle.

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Scarborough had to come from behind to rescue a point against 22nd placed Southend United as they played their game in hand during the week. It was one of the poorest performances so far this season from Barlow’s team, probably in part due to the current fixture backlog after international postponements, one of which saw them needing to squeeze this fixture in as they travelled to face the relegation threatened side, looking to create some daylight between themselves and Shrewsbury at the top of the league. Southend were the better team throughout, creating more of the chances, although it was Scarborough who took the lead against the run of play with just 15 minutes left. Levi Colwill received the ball back from Dimitri Sea, after his initial throw in, and fired one into the area where substitute Nathan Broadhead beat two men to head home. The lead was short lived, however, as Southend pulled level just a minute later from a goalkeeping howler. Stafford’s free-kick was headed goalwards by Perry, and Trafford failed to catch the ball leaving Millen Baars with the simplest of tap-ins to get his side back in it. Southend then thought they’d won the game themselves after taking the lead with just 2 minutes of normal time remaining. Millen Baars showed some great pace on the right, but when he was denied by a superb sliding tackle from Nyassi, Colwill was then judged to have clashed with Baars and the referee pointed to the spot. Isaac Hutchinson stepped up and sent Trafford the wrong way. Scarborough were handed a lifeline a minute into stoppage time as Southend made a howler of their own, keeper Harry Seaden coming out to claim a Scully free-kick but then kicking the ball straight at Raoul Mal as he looked to launch a quick counter attack, Dimitri Sea on hand to roll the ball into the empty goal. Credit to Seaden he responded well to deny the visitors taking all 3 points as there was even more late drama, another inswinging cross from Colwill met by Broadhead, but this time Seaden was there with a wonderful point blank side to ensure his side took at least a point for their efforts. For Scarborough the point means they have just a solitary point advantage over Shrewsbury, with both sides now level on games played.

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Scarborough crashed to defeat as they came up against old foes Aldershot in the final game before Christmas. Scarborough have had the better of recent clashes between the pair, winning the last 3 games against the Hampshire club, including a 3-0 win last time out, but had no answer after going a goal behind in this clash at the Recreation Ground. Aldershot were handed the lead in the 12th minute when Egan-Riley gave away a foul for his sliding challenge on Ethan Chislett, the second game in succession Scarborough have given away a penalty. Chislett himself took the penalty and made no mistake. Scarborough had a chance to level from the spot after they were handed a penalty of their own, Tyler Blackwood shoving Fin Back in the area, but Raoul Mal saw his penalty saved by Lawrence Vigouroux, who also did well to deny Broadhead late on and hand Scarborough their first defeat in 9 games in the league. There was scant consolation for the Scarborough fans as Shrewsbury Town also lost, 2-1 away at Crawley, meaning they at least retain top spot despite the poor performance.

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Scarborough returned to form with a crushing 4-1 defeat of Stevenage on Boxing Day. After taking just 1 point from the last 2 games, the League Two leaders were keen to get a win under their belt in the traditional boxing day fixtures, as they hosted the side 18th in the league. Scarborough seemed to benefit from the break between fixtures after a somewhat hectic schedule, and it showed as they were quick out of the blocks in this one, taking the lead just 4 minutes into the game. Fin Back squared for Brunt, who in turn picked out Dempsey Arlott-John, the winger taking a touch before firing in the top corner from the edge of the box. The lead was doubled 21 minutes in, as Scarborough were handed a penalty, their third in the last four games, after Nugent brought down Sea after he was played in by Scully. Dimitri Sea himself stepped up to take the penalty, firing into the bottom right hand corner. Scarborough were 3-0 up just before the break, Colwill sending Sea down the left-hand side, the striker weighing in with a perfect cross for Ezekiel Bancroft to volley home from close range. The hosts grabbed a fourth just shy of the hour mark, Brunt breaking from the back down the right-hand side, and his cross picking out a completely unmarked Fin Back who volleyed home with his left foot for his first ever goal. Stevenage did pull one back on 71 minutes, Elliott List crossing and Harry Draper heading home, but it was nothing more than a consolation goal. The visitors were also reduced to 10 men deep into stoppage time as Nugent again brought down Sea, receiving his marching orders for a second booking. Elsewhere Shrewsbury also cruised to a 3-0 victory against Yeovil Town to keep the pressure on at the top.

Scarborough continued their sensational cup form in recent years as they came from behind to win 2-1 against Cardiff City in a memorable FA Cup 3rd Round tie. The Seadogs reached the Fourth Round last year and have already knocked out Championship side Rotherham in the First Round of the League Cup this year before eventually crashing out to West Brom, so there was every chance they could take something from their trip to Wales. The visitors certainly looked up for the challenge, Bancroft heading over just 2 minutes in as the first chance fell to the away side. The deadlock was broken 14 minutes in, when Zerhouni laid off for Cyrus Christie and the full-back fired in off the post from range. If anything, Scarborough looked more like drawing level than the Championship side grabbing a 2nd, and 64 minutes in that’s exactly what happened. A superb Tom Scully corner was met by an equally impressive thundering header from Dimitri Sea, the 16th of the season from the Frenchman, to pull the League Two side level. With a replay looking likely, Scarborough had one last throw of the dice, sending the near 3,000 away fans wild as they nicked a goal and a famous victory at the death. Kenyon and Scully combined, the midfielder then switching the ball out wide to Arlott-John, who cut down the line before crossing deep where substitute Nathan Broadhead had dropped off Christie to head home the winner. Scarborough must now wait until after the weekend ties to see who they will face in the 4th round.

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Scarborough finished the year with a tired looking performance in the 0-0 draw as they travelled to face Northampton. Both sides created chances to steal the points, Scarborough having 2 clear cut chances to Northampton’s 1, but neither side could find the killer touch in front of goal to ensure the victory. Tom Scully had a great game pulling the strings in the middle of the park for the visitors, and his pass to Broadhead late on gave them their best chance, but the substitute was unable to repeat his midweek cup heroics as his shot was tipped wide by Sousa. Shrewsbury were in action in the FA Cup, drawing 1-1 with Doncaster Rovers, meaning they now have a game in hand against Scarborough, who remain top of the league just 2 points clear at the turn of the year, with Bradford City and Mansfield both sitting on 48 points, although Mansfield now have 2 games in hand on Scarborough and Bradford so could easily get themselves back in touching distance with a few wins.

December Results
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Manager’s Review
Definitely fair to say that tiredness caught up with us this month with some stuttering performances during December, although the performances against Stevenage and the sensational cup win against Cardiff show that when the recovery time is there, the performances are still at a fantastic level, especially given this is our first season as a professional club. Player of the month is Tom Scully, who has performed at a fantastic level throughout the month despite the blip in form.
siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
Hope everyone is keeping safe/sane out there, and hope you're enjoying the story, just wish I could play more but still seem to be working all hours god sends (albeit from home), but no doubt this is an emotional release. When it's not stressful that is. Strap in lads, some big news in this one.... (probably not what you are all thinking.. especially you, over there, eating that kit-kat while you're reading)

January 2023

The FA Cup Fourth round draw saw Scarborough Athletic handed an extremely difficult home tie against Premier League side Crystal Palace. Scarborough have done incredibly well to reach the Fourth Round, where they crashed out last season at the Emirates against Premier League giants Arsenal 3-0, and will be hoping home advantage will give them the chance to add to their impressive list of scalps, with the added benefit of the club having returned to their true home ground after a sabbatical in Scunthorpe whilst ground renovations were complete. Scarborough are joined in the Fourth Round by League 2 Carlisle, who were also handed a home draw against a Premier League side as they will face Leicester. National League side Chesterfield were the lowest league side in the draw, although they will need to overcome Championship side Barnsley if they want a trip to Premier League Norwich City, whilst Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury Town have potential away Championship clashes against Swansea and QPR respectively, if they can triumph in their replays.

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Scarborough began the New Year on the pitch with a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Plymouth Argyle. It is a match the hosts should have won, against a side currently sitting in 11th in League Two, but bad luck and mistakes contrived to deny them an important victory, although with Shrewsbury Town also only drawing at home against Northampton, the damage to the promotion campaign was limited. Plymouth keeper Umberto Saracco was without doubt the busier of the two keepers, doing superbly well to deny Dimitri Sea from point blank range in the first half. His goal was eventually breached, however, just before the break. Scully and Mal combined in the middle, before using the overlapping run of Egan-Riley down the right-hand side. The full back beat Purrington to whip the ball across, and Ezekiel Bancroft was on hand to volley home with his right foot from just outside the 6-yard box. Scarborough looked like playing out a win until they were reduced to 10 men with just 12 minutes left, substitute Nathan Broadhead coming off just 3 minutes after coming on to the pitch with a what looked like an ankle injury. Scarborough reshuffled the formation in an attempt to protect the lead, but were dealt a further blow just 2 minutes later when a speculative effort from Hamza El Kaouakibi came back off the post to hit James Trafford and go in, the keeper not knowing much about it, handing Plymouth a valuable point as they push to make the play-off spots. After the match it was confirmed Nathan Broadhead had sprained his ankle ligaments and so would be out for several weeks, meaning he will miss the FA Cup 4th round tie among other games.

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Scarborough drew their 3rd successive game as they allowed AFC Wimbledon to twice come from behind to rescue at point at the weekend. A full house at Plough Lane were treated to an electric start to the game, with three goals coming inside the opening 10 minutes of this League Two encounter. Scarborough were without the injured Broadhead, while rumours were growing that Tom Scully could also be on his way out during the transfer window, and it was the midfielder who created the opening goal for the visitors. His free-kick was only half cleared by Isaac Boateng, and Ezekiel Bancroft was on hand to smash home his 15th of the season with just two minutes gone. Inside 5 minutes, the hosts were level, Anthony Hartigan with the free-kick, Trafford coming out and failing to claim the ball, leaving Jack Madelin on hand far post to slot into the empty goal, Trafford’s second mistake in as many games. Just a minute later, Scarborough restored the lead, the midfield trio of Brunt, Scully and Mal controlling possession before Scully chipped the ball forward. Dimitri Sea got up above Procter to flick the ball over the on-rushing keeper Burge to restore the lead. Scarborough looked like holding out for the first victory in 3 with just 10 minutes left, before Wimbledon pulled themselves level again. O’Neill whipped in the free kick and Joe Pigott got up above everyone to head beyond Trafford. Elsewhere Shrewsbury picked up 3 points at Cheltenham, meaning they and Scarborough are now level on points at the top of the league, the Seadogs only holding top spot courtesy of their superior goal difference, although Shrewsbury have a game in hand.

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Scarborough fans were left disappointed today as the club confirmed the departure of midfielder Tom Scully. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder has been allowed to join Barnsley, the deal netting Scarborough somewhere in the region of £500,000. Although the club were keen to keep the player, they felt it would be unfair to stand in his way of Championship football, although they would have liked to have secured a little bit more for the player, who was always keen to speak with the Yorkshire club. Scully originally joined Scarborough at the start of last season, following his release from Norwich City, and he was instrumental as the club secured promotion to the football league, playing in 44 games and contributing 6 goals and 8 assists from his deep lying midfield position. This season he has once again been a regular in the first XI, starting 24 games for the club in League Two, although he has failed to score this season. His departure means the club may now act to bring in a replacement for midfield, although they still have several players to call on and the club currently have former Wolves youngster Sadou Diallo on trial. The club are also hopeful of bringing in a striker on loan, with a deal agreed with the club but the player yet to decide. There were some positives for the Seadog fans, however, as rumours persist that Barlow has recently rejected the opportunity to be interviewed for both Millwall and Sheffield United in the last few weeks, as he remains keen to see how far he can take his current club, although whether the reason departure of one of his key players will change that resolve is yet to be seen.

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Scarborough crashed out of the FA Cup as they were defeated 3-2 against Crystal Palace. A full house turned out to watch at the Scarborough Sports Village to watch the League Two side take on the Premier League club, and despite being outclassed for large parts of the game the League Two promotion contenders gave a fantastic account of themselves against far stronger opposition. The hosts found themselves 3-0 down at the break and showed great resolve to pull themselves back into the game in the 2nd half. Crystal Palace took the lead 20 minutes in, a classic counter attack allowing Martín Rodríguez to split the defence with his pass, Diego Rolan racing through to slot home. Just 2 minutes later it got worse for the hosts, as their illustrious visitors grabbed a 2nd, Rodríguez again the provider as his free kick was powered home by Jack O’Connell, who got the better of Nyassi in the air. Palace ensure Scarborough would have a mountain to climb as they added a third with 7 minutes remaining in the first half, Rodríguez completing a hat-trick of assists as his corner was met at the far post by Jack O’Connell to claim his second of the game. Scarborough came out fired up for the second half, showing a new resolve to try and take the game to the Premier League side, and they were rewarded when they pulled one back on the hour. Raoul Mal swung in a free kick and Kwaku Oduroh lost the impressive Rodríguez at the far post to poke home beyond Olsen. Zach Clough then gave the home fans a glimmer of hope as he grabbed the 2nd goal for his side with 12 minutes still to go. Jake Kenyon swung into the box, and when his cross was only half cleared, Mal and Egan-Riley played a smart one-two, before Mal delivered a perfect ball for substitute Connor Hall, whose flick on found fellow substitute Zach Clough perfectly to fire home. Clough almost snatched a dramatic equaliser late on after a fantastic run, but unfortunately Olsen was able to tip his effort away, ensuring the Premier League club progress despite the scare.

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Scarborough bolstered their squad as they announced two new faces would be joining the club on loan for the rest of the season. Wolves striker Lee Harkin joins from the Premier League side after featuring for the Under 23’s in the EFL Trophy this season. The Northern Irish Under 21 International can play either through the middle or on either wing, meaning he can provide cover across the front free for Scarborough in the coming months as they push for promotion. Also coming in is defensive midfielder Chukwudi Agor, who joins the club on loan from Championship side Derby County, with whom he has yet to feature this season. The 24-year-old joined Derby last season for £35,000 from the ASJ Academy in Nigeria, making just 2 appearances for the club, both in the league. With chances limited at Pride Park, the youngster was keen to move in order to secure some first team football, which he hopes will be possible as he fights to fill the void left by Tom Scully at Scarborough.

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Scarborough returned to winning ways with an absolutely dominant performance in a very impressive 4-0 victory against Oldham Athletic at the weekend. The club had failed to win the last 3 in the league, whilst also crashing out of the FA Cup last weekend, albeit against Premier League opposition in Crystal Palace. The club found themselves sitting 2nd in League Two, 3 points behind Shrewsbury after they won their game in hand last week, coming into this one against the side currently 11th in the league. Arlott-John was out injured, so new arrival Lee Harkin was handed an immediate debut on the right, while Chukwudi Agor was also brought in to the starting XI, Raoul Mal dropping out of the match day squad to allow room for the new loanee. Also coming into the squad for the first time was young goalkeeper Darren Griffiths, brought in to fill the home grown quota with Neblett absent with a cold. Scarborough dominated from the off in front of another impressive crowd at their newly renovated stadium, Bancroft hitting the post with just a minute on the clock, so it was no surprise when they eventually took the lead 7 minutes before the break. Harkin won the ball on the right and cut across the middle of the park before picking out Ezekiel Bancroft with a sublime pass, the winger controlling superbly before slotting under Donnelly to give his side the lead. The advantage was doubled just a minute before half time, Zak Brunt, marking his first start as captain since the departure of Tom Scully, swinging the ball in from a free-kick, and debutant Lee Harkin getting up well above Cargill to claim a goal on his debut. 9 minutes into the second half, Lee Harkin grabbed a second in what was turning out to be a fantastic debut, poking home on the line after Back’s initial shot had been saved from a Colwill corner. The damage was complete in the 78th minute, when all 3 substitutes combined to grab the fourth. Zach Clough swung in the free kick, Ethan Galbraith headed back across the area, and when O’Donnell-Kelly failed to clear on the line Matthew Pennington slid in to bundle the ball over and claim his first ever goal for the club. With Shrewsbury also winning the hosts remain 3 points adrift at the top, but the return to form and the impressive showing from the new arrivals will give them renewed confidence as the month draws to a close with 3 more league games.

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Scarborough won their second successive league game as they registered another impressive performance in the 3-1 win away against Cheltenham. After the impressive 4-0 win last time, there was no surprise that a largely unchanged side was named for the clash against Cheltenham, currently 15th in League Two. Scarborough took the lead with just 7 minutes gone, as Lee Harkin continued his fantastic start for his new club with his 3rd goal in 2 starts. Colwill hit forward for Sea, who got up above the defence to lay off for Brunt. The skipper played a superb through ball to release Harkin, who made no mistake with the finish. The lead was doubled after 13 minutes, Egan-Riley and Brunt with an interchange of passes before the full-back produced a fine cross for Dimitri Sea to head home. Cheltenham pulled on back before half-time after they were awarded a penalty when Oduroh bundled Lloyd over in the box. Dion Donohue converted to half the deficit. Cheltenham were reduced to 10 men just 6 minutes into the second half, Robert O’Keefe seeing a straight red for lunging in two footed on Harkin. Scarborough punished the host further when they also added a third from the resulting free-kick. Kwaku Oduroh spotted the run of Dimitri Sea and hit a perfect ball for the Frenchman to run on and finish, Cheltenham keeper Thomas McGill getting a hand to it but unable to keep it out. With Shrewsbury losing 2-1 away at Burton Albion the victory means Scarborough leapfrog back into top spot courtesy of their better goal difference this season.

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Scarborough’s promotion campaign continued to gather pace as another dominating performance at home saw off Mansfield Town. Scarborough ensured their third successive win with a 5-1 rout against the play-off hopefuls, thanks in large to their clinical finishing in front of goal in a game relatively equal in chances. The hosts took just 2 minutes to get off the mark, Galbraith laying the ball back to Nyassi, and his long punt forward saw Dimitri Sea break the offside trap to bring down the ball and fire beyond Barrett. 7 minutes later, the lead was doubled as Scarborough were handed a spot kick. Bancroft was original brought down by Tomlinson, leading to a free-kick on the edge of the area, and when Mal whipped the ball in Harkin was shoved over by Neufville, giving the referee no option but to point to the spot. Raoul Mal stepped up to plant the penalty in the top corner. Mansfield then hit back through a set piece of their own, Otis Khan whipping one in and Gassan Ahadme getting up to score, but the hope was short lived as Scarborough grabbed a third on the half hour mark. Mal whipped in a great ball from a free-kick and Ethan Galbraith got up well above Khan to head home. Both sides continued to create chances after the break, Scarborough grabbing a fourth just before the hour. Egan-Riley and Mal played a one-two, the full back crossing into the box where Dimitri Sea drifted between both centre halves to get on the end for his second of the game. The rout was complete in the 83rd minute, Dimitri Sea dropping deep to win the ball in midfield before sending Zac Brunt clean through with only the keeper to beat, the skipped more than up to the challenge as he claimed his second goal of the season. With Shrewsbury again also winning, 1-0 against Macclesfield, the pair remain on level points with Scarborough now an impressive 7 consecutive games unbeaten in League Two.

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The transfer drama ramped up on deadline day as Scarborough lost one of their star players, but also swooped quickly to bring in a replacement in a move of undoubted high drama. The fans were worried when Walsall agreed to pay the £825,000 release clause to snatch Ezekiel Bancroft from the League Two club. Bancroft has been a regular for Scarborough this season, scoring 16 times in 33 appearances, whilst also earning an international debut with Jamaica and subsequently going to the World Cup to represent his country. However, the 19-year-old found the opportunity of the switch to League One side Walsall, the West Midlands club currently sitting 3rd and challenging for promotion themselves, too good to turn down. Bancroft joined the club from Manchester City, who will now get a percentage of the fee as part of the deal that brought him to Scarborough, back in the summer and immediately made the left-wing his own, with some fantastic performances quickly winning over the hearts of the fans who were left genuinely gutted with his decision to move on, especially with the club having a real chance of securing promotion to League One, thanks in no small part to the contributions of Bancroft. With the deadline looming, Scarborough were quick to move for a replacement, making a sensational swoop to bring back former star Henri Kumwenda on loan. Leeds had agreed to allow the 20-year-old go out on loan with first team opportunities becoming more limited of late, although the winger had made 11 appearances and scored 3 times for his parent club this season. League One Port Vale were thought to be close to agreeing a deal for the Malawian international when Scarborough stepped in. The former Seadog had no hesitation in returning to the club he holds dear to his heart, scoring 36 goals in 60 appearances during his time with the club last season as they secured the double, and his return is sure to delight the fans who hold him in equally high esteem. Kumwenda is expected to feature straight away, although his return does give the League Two side a selection headache with regards loan signings now, with only 5 allowed in the match day squad and 7 now at the club.

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Scarborough finished the month 3 points clear at the top of the table after a slender 1-0 win against Swindon Town, although Shrewsbury now have a game in hand again in the race for promotion. After a dramatic deadline day, the club were happy to turn attention back to on field matters, with returning star Henri Kumwenda going straight into the starting XI for the League Two game, where he will renew his partnership down the left with Jake Kenyon, Levi Colwill and Raoul Mal missing out on the match day squad. Scarborough had the better of the first half chances but were unable to find the breakthrough, Harkin going closest but seeing his effort tipped onto the post by Will Henry. 6 minutes into the second half, Scarborough got the lead that their domination deserved, and it was all thanks to the brilliance of Dimitri Sea, the striker picking up the ball in the middle of the park before going on a spectacular solo run and finishing from an acute angle. The home side were then dealt a blow when they lost Lee Harkin through injury, the fit again Nathan Broadhead taking his place, as they were unable to add to their solitary goal in the remaining 25 minutes of the game. After the match it was reported Lee Harkin could be out for around 4 weeks with shin splints, which with Arlott-John still out injured will give Scarborough some concern in the coming weeks

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January Results
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Manager's Review
It's been a tough month in more ways than one. Finally returned to form after what was becoming a worrying blip, but also seen an increase in injuries as the demands of the fixture pile up and cup run caught up on us. No getting away from the disappointment of losing two fantastic players during the month. Scully has been a picture of consistency as skipper in the middle of the park, while the progress Bancroft has shown has been nothing short of sensational. Both 100% deserve their chance at a higher level, but the purist in me would have loved them to stick around and achieve that here. On the plus side, delighted to be welcoming Henri Kumwenda back for the remainder of the season, the guy is an absolute pleasure to have around and if anyone can refill the void on the left wing, he is the man. Player of the month goes to Dimitri Sea, who was in great form throughout the month, picking up the League Two player and young player of the month awards as a result, scoring 6 goals in 6 games during the month. Special mention to now departed Bancroft and new skipper Zak Brunt, coming 2nd and 3rd behind Sea in the Young Player accolades.

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siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
February 2023

February began with another new arrival as Scarborough sensational announced possibly the biggest coup in their recent history with the arrival of former Brazilian international David Luiz. The veteran centre back was available on a free, his contract with Premier League Wolves having expired back in the summer, and with the former Chelsea star set to retire at the end of the season he welcomed one last swansong in League Two with the chance to help the club secure a historic promotion to League One, the highest level in the reformed club’s history. Luiz famously came under the raider of British football fans following his £21.5 million move to Chelsea back in 2011, where he won the Champions League and Europa League among others before another big money move of over £40 million to join PSG. With the French side he picked up several league and cups before a shock return to Chelsea in 2016. During his second spell with the club he eventually lifted the Premier League, along with another Europa League, before crossing London to join rivals Arsenal in another shock move, picking up his 3rd Europa league in 2020 before moving to the Midlands to join Wolverhampton Wanderers for just under £10 million. He featured heavily in his first season at Molineux but made only 5 appearances in his final season before release. Alongside his undoubted club ability, he also boasts 57 caps and 3 goals for Brazil, and his experience could prove a massive factor in the final few months of the season as Scarborough look to secure promotion.

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Alongside the stunning arrival of David Luiz, the club also announced a link up with Northern Counties East Premier Division side North Ferriby. The partnership means Scarborough will have the opportunity to send players out on loan to the club, and although the club will have no obligation to play them it will be a good opportunity for some of the fringe and developing players to get some game time under their belt. The union also means the pair will meet in an annual friendly, held at North Ferriby’s Grange Lane stadium, with the lower league club benefitting from the gate revenue. In return, Scarborough will have an opportunity for first option on any promising North Ferriby players. Like their parent club, North Ferriby have also reformed after some hard times, reforming in 2019 and winning promotion from the North Counties East League Division One in 2020. With the new partnership in place, the East Ridings side will be hoping to climb back up the football league pyramid.

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Back on the pitch Scarborough continued their free-flowing attacking form with another impressive 4-0 win on the road against Macclesfield. The Swindon game aside, Scarborough have hit 3 plus goals in four of their last five games, and once again looked keen to attack in this clash. Scarborough handed a debut to superstar new arrival David Luiz in this one, and took the lead just 5 minutes in. Henri Kumwenda picked up a Colwill clearance, driving at the Macclesfield defence before playing a perfectly weighted through ball for Fin Back to race on to and finish with his left. David Luiz had a great chance to endear himself to the Scarborough fans after the visitors were awarded a penalty on 12 minutes, Johnson nudging Mal in the box, but his penalty beat Robson but came back of the post before Macclesfield cleared. Scarborough did double their advantage 22 minutes in, Dimitri Sea getting up above everyone to head home a Zac Brunt corner. Scarborough took a 3-0 lead into the break after another Brunt corner caused problems in the Macclesfield area, Sea heading back across goal and Henri Kumwenda heading home, his first goal since his return to the club. The score-line was complete in the 68th minute as Scarborough got their 4th, a Trafford clearance finding Kumwenda who knocked the ball back for Jake Kenyon, the full back playing a searching ball through for Dimitri Sea, who controlled well before finishing his second of the game. With Shrewsbury only drawing away at AFC Wimbledon, the Seadogs open up a 5-point gap at the top, although Shrewsbury still have their game in hand to play.

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Scarborough needed a very late goal to secure all 3 points against Burton Albion after they had to play out the final stages of the game with 10 men. Scarborough took the lead just 8 minutes into the clash, being held at Walsall’s Banks’s Stadium due to the Burton Ground undergoing redevelopment. Brunt picked up the ball in the middle of the park, picking out Kumwenda, who in turn used Jake Kenyon on the overlap. Kenyon whipped in the cross and Dimitri Sea was on hand, unmarked at the near post, to head past Matt Ingram. Scarborough appeared happy to see out the 1-0 victory, but Burton pulled themselves level in the 77th minute, a deep free kick from Dillon finding Joe Sbarra unmarked at the far post to head home. Scarborough looked to try and retake the lead but were dealt a blow as Jake Kenyon received his marching orders in the 87th minute, receiving a 2nd booking for a late foul on Navarro. Burton pushed on with the man advantage, but found themselves going behind from a classic counterattack, Kumwenda running into space on the break before sliding through for Dimitri Sea to grab his second of the game, and 26th of the season, to clinch a dramatic victory. Shrewsbury again fell, 1-0 away at Aldershot, meaning Scarborough are now starting to gain a real advantage at the top of the table as they enter the business end of the season.

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Scarborough once again struggled against Southend United, as they could only manage a 1-1 draw as they hosted the relegation threatened side. The pair drew 2-2 earlier in the season, and despite Southend continually hovering in the relegation spots, the hosts once again failed to take all 3 points. Scarborough unsurprisingly dominated the chances, taking the lead 10 minutes before half-time after Fin Back was brought down on the edge of the box. Raoul Mal stepped up to curl round the wall and beyond the keeper. Southend pulled themselves back level against the run of play in the 54th minute, Oduroh failing to fully clear a cross, Hutchinson heading back into the danger area and Charlie Kelman on hand to fire home. Southend were reduced to 10 men in the 91st minute, after Terrel Egbri received a second yellow, but they managed to see out the game for a valuable point against the league leaders. Shrewsbury won their game 2-0 meaning the gap is once again reduced, now 6 points splitting the pair with Shrewsbury still having their game in hand.

Scarborough suffered their 4th defeat of the season as they lost 1-0 against Colchester at the weekend. The pair had already met 3 times this season, once in the league and twice in the cup, with Scarborough winning just once in the FA Cup 2nd round replay, and it was another close game again as the pair met at the JobServe Community Stadium. Colchester manager Tim Sherwood had talked down the visitor’s recent achievements in the lead up to this match, so he will have been delighted to come away with the win from an even game. The crucial goal came just 22 minutes into the game, Callum Harriott’s initial free kick effort being cleared, but the ball being worked back out to him on the edge of the box to fire into the bottom corner. Shrewsbury now sit just 3 points behind the league leaders, a Kevin Ross hat-trick seeing them come from behind to win 3-2 away at Rochdale after slipping up in midweek against Oldham with their game in hand.

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Scarborough finished the month with a narrow 1-0 victory against Bradford City to remain top of the league as we head into March. Barlow maintained his 100% record against the West Yorkshire side, who Scarborough have already beat twice this season, although it proved to be a nervy afternoon despite the domination. Scarborough created 15 shots during the game, with 3 clear cut chances, but continued to be frustrated as Bradford looked set to hold out for the draw despite creating little themselves. The deadlock was finally broken with just 9 minutes left, much to the relief of the home supporters. Henri Kumwenda picked up the ball deep in midfield, going on a driving run down the right-hand side before hitting a speculative cross into the box, where Nathan Broadhead beat the offside trap to find himself completely unmarked to poke home. With Shrewsbury dropping 2 points in the 1-1 draw at home against Carlisle, it could turn out to be a valuable late victory come the end of the season.

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February Results
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Manager’s Review
Overall happy with the month, only dropping 5 points despite the mini injury crisis, which is frustrating as the fixture schedule has now calmed down but the injuries keep coming, most frustratingly on the right wing where at one stage Broadhead, Arlott-John and Harkin were all out, with Harkin still to return after starting his career on loan so well. Player of the month again goes to Dimitri Sea, who continues to perform week in week out when selected. Hopefully if we secure promotion, we may stand a real chance of getting him to commit to the club on a permanent basis.

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HockeyBhoy
8 years ago
11 months ago
1,134
Premium
Wow, David Luiz signs for the Seadogs! Incredible capture that.

Looking good for another promotion mate. Surely time a bigger club comes in with an offer you can’t refuse. Good luck , and yet another great update.
bigmattb28
10 years ago
3 days ago
1,474
Premium
Just caught up on this, as if you got David Luiz to sign for you, great coup if for nothing else some solid defense in League 2. Onward and upward!
siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
@HockeyBhoy Had lots of offers but while I'm looking good for promotion I want to see it out. I know there will come a time though when like Scully & Bancroft my head will be turned. Been linked with a few like West Ham and Newcastle in the media but nothing firm come through. Newcastle would be a good one given the premise at the start was to take Scarborough to their former heights, so I could then try the same approach at a club I move to (e.g. get Newcastle back competing for leagues/in CL) etc. Still enjoying my time here though. Couldn't believe it when he agreed to join, think it is because he was retiring anyway as my club reputation isn't that great, but a few bizarre names come up when I tick "Interested" that are down to retire that I don't think would consider it otherwise. Thanks for the kind words as always

@bigmattb28 Yeah, couldn't believe it myself, when I saw he was available thought it would be rude not to go for it. As I was just saying to HockeyBhoy I think it is something to do with players retiring and being without a club for a while as a few other "bigger" names come through in the interested search that all share the same circumstances, as my club reputation is still only fair I think so not like they're coming for the pull of the club (maybe it's the pull of the manager and I'm doing myself a disservice). Cheers for reading and hopefully onward and upward indeed
siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
March 2023

March began with an impressive 3-0 victory against Solihull Moors in the league, the league leaders heaping more misery on the club currently sitting 23rd in the table with just 28 points. Scarborough opened the scoring at home in the 7th minute, Fin Back doing well to skip a challenge before releasing Dimitri Sea with a searching long ball over the top, Sea making no mistake with only the keeper to beat for his 27th goal of the season. The lead was doubled just before the break, Egan-Riley getting the ball back from Dimitri Sea, and his cross being poked home by Henri Kumwenda, who slid between 2 defenders to poke home. Scarborough were reduced to 10 men after 73 minutes as Kwaku Oduroh was dismissed for a second yellow card, fouling Yussuf unnecessarily near the half-way line. Despite the numerical advantage, Solihull failed to break down the Scarborough back line, and as they pushed for a way back into the game, they were hit on the break deep into stoppage time. A long ball forward was knocked down from Sea to Galbraith, Dimitri Sea then continuing his run to be played through, smashing home across the keeper from a tight angle to ensure the 3 points. Shrewsbury also won, 2-1 at home against Mansfield, to keep pressure on at the top with just 8 games to go.

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Years after initially trying, Scarborough Athletic finally announced on Tuesday that they had agreed a senior affiliate link. Barlow tried to forge links with a professional club when he initially took over, but with no suitable partners the plan was put on the back burner, but with an affiliation agreed recently with North Ferriby, the club again investigated the possibility of linking up with a senior affiliate, and this time they were successful. There should be no surprise to learn the club they have gone with are Manchester City, the clubs already sharing a link up of sorts with Scarborough taking on many released youngsters from the City academy, most recently of course Ezekiel Bancroft who looked a star in the making before his move to Walsall on deadline day. The link means Scarborough should now be able to benefit from the academy players before their release, with City having the option to send them on loan to the lower league club while picking up the wages, a benefit to both with Scarborough benefitting from the players and City getting a chance to farm their players in a professional environment. As with the North Ferriby deal, the pairing means there will now also be a potential annual friendly with the Premier League side at Scarborough, with the club benefitting from the revenue it generates, whilst also receiving an annual fee from the current Premier League champions, who have won the title 4 times in the last 5 seasons. Scarborough will be hopeful the partnership can begin bearing fruit in the summer when the transfer window re-opens, although it remains to be seen which league they will be in.

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Scarborough and Carlisle played out a bore draw as both sides claimed a valuable point in the push for promotion. Carlisle currently sit in the final automatic promotion spot, while a win for Scarborough could potentially have guaranteed them a play-off spot at the very least, and that lead to a somewhat nervy affair at Brunton Park. Scarborough named Tom Scott in goal, with Trafford on the bench carrying a slight injury, and the visitors were undoubtedly the better of the two sides in this tight affair. Scarborough did in fact have the ball in the goal, only to be denied by the offside flag. A Jake Kenyon corner was headed back across goal by Dimitri Sea, the unfortunate Bellich bundling into his own net, but Arlott-John adjudged to be offside as Sea connected, the linesman putting his flag straight up. Carlisle were also grateful to keeper Nicholas Hansen, producing a great save to deny Dimitri Sea, then doing well to hold on to a powerful strike from Raoul Mal from the resulting corner. With Shrewsbury winning away at Newport the lead at the top was cut to just 3 points, with the pair going head to head next in what is sure to be a title decider. Meanwhile, with Bradford only drawing the point ensures Carlisle remain 6 points clear in 3rd place, while results elsewhere ensured the Seadogs will at least have play-off football come the end of the season should they suffer a spectacular collapse in form.

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Scarborough took a massive step towards automatic promotion and the League Two title as they grabbed a massive 2-0 victory away at Shrewsbury. The pair have been going head to head for top spot for several months now, and this game was always going to be key to the hopes of automatic promotion to League One, with visitors Scarborough gaining the crucial victory at Gay Meadow. Scarborough took the lead with 6 minutes left of the first half, Egan-Riley receiving back from Harkin before hitting one into the box, where Henri Kumwenda outpaced Bjorn Hardley to poke home. Shrewsbury almost hit back immediately; Jonathan McWilliams unlucky to see his header come back off the bar with Tom Scott beaten. The result was secured in the 71st minute, when Shrewsbury gave away a penalty. Zach Clough whipped in a corner looking for Raoul Mal, and when the Romanian midfielder went for the ball, he was clearly pushed by Hardley, giving Nick Kinseley no option but to point to the spot. Substitute Zach Clough stepped up to finish in the bottom corner, Burgoyne going the right way but unable to get his hand to the superbly placed spot kick. The result means Scarborough are 6 points clear at the top with 6 games left. Elsewhere Carlisle continued their great form, beating Northampton 3-1 away, to remain in the final automatic spot.

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Scarborough secured promotion in sensational style with a crushing 4-1 victory over Crawley Town. Scarborough hit Crawley, currently 15th in the league, for four earlier in the season, and it was a case of déjà vu on Saturday afternoon as they once again brushed aside the West Sussex side, with the home fans being treated to an electric first half of football. Scarborough underlined their attacking intent early on as Galbraith saw his header come back of the inside of the post before being cleared to safety. As the hosts continued to dominate it was no surprise when they eventually took the lead in the 26th minute. Raoul Mal hit a free kick into the box, and there was centre-half Kwaku Oduroh getting up above everyone to head beyond Rushton. 8 minutes later the home side doubled the lead in a bizarre flurry of goals. Kumwenda picked up the ball deep, laying off for Sea, who in turn fed Galbraith. The midfielder played a superb ball over the top for Harkin who beat his man with ease before squaring to give Henri Kumwenda, the man who started the move, the easiest of tap-ins. Crawley Town hit back immediately, Egan-Riley only have clearing a speculative cross and Ashley Nathaniel-George doing well to pick up the loose ball, beat Egan-Riley and finish across Trafford into the far post. All the goal seemed to do was provoke Scarborough further, as just a minute later they restored the 2-goal advantage. Another free-kick from Raoul Mal caused problems in the box, this time Dimitri Sea getting the better of David Sesay to get his head to the ball, seeing his header go in off the bar. The hosts were not done as just 2 minutes later they grabbed another, Galbraith again pulling the strings in the middle finding fit again Lee Harkin out wide, the winger standing up the perfect cross for Dimitri Sea to glance home for his second of the game. Elsewhere Shrewsbury came back from a goal down to win 2-1 at Colchester, a result which ensured promotion for Scarborough, while Carlisle remained in 3rd despite slipping to defeat against AFC Wimbledon, with 4th place Bradford City also losing.

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March Results
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Manager’s Review
An almost perfect month but for the hard-fought draw against Carlisle, who are also pushing strongly for promotion. Absolutely delighted to have secured promotion, with the 2-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town a massive statement in search of adding the League Two title to the trophy haul, while the first half against Crawley was an attacking master-class. Dimitri Sea continued his sensational form, picking up Young Player of the Month again, but for me this month I’m going for Henri Kumwenda, who has been a real boost around the place since his return and is a large part of the reason we have secured promotion despite losing Bancroft.

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siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
April 2023

Scarborough continued to make strides towards the title as they started April with another convincing 4-1 victory, this time Rochdale on the hands of a hammering from the already promoted side. Scarborough secured promotion last time out, but with Shrewsbury just 3 points behind in the table, albeit having played a game more, they couldn’t afford to let their form slip if they wanted to secure the league title. Scarborough once again enjoyed a dominant first half at the Crown Oil Arena, putting the hosts to the sword early on. 10 minutes in Scarborough took the lead, stalwart Jake Kenyon pinging a free-kick over the top where Henri Kumwenda was on hand to loop his header beyond Fielding. 2 minutes later the visitors struck again, Galbraith feeding Kumwenda who showed great control before beating Clarke down the line and swinging a deep cross towards the back post, where Lee Harkin lost Joe Dunne to side foot home. Scarborough went in at half time 3-0 up after grabbing a third on the half hour mark, Brunt heading the ball forward to Harkin, the winger driving forward through the middle with the ball before picking out Dimitri Sea, who produced a fine chip finish to beat Fielding. Rochdale pulled one back 54 minutes in, Brahmi hitting a free-kick into the danger area and Nikola Tavares arriving back post to head home. Scarborough ensured victory when they restored the 3 goal advantage in the 72nd minute, Galbraith and Brunt combining in the middle to slip through Sea, who did superbly well to quickly move the ball on to Henri Kumwenda, who clean through made no mistake slotting home into the bottom right hand corner, meaning they are now 6 games unbeaten in the league. With Shrewsbury winning 3-1 at home against Stevenage they ensured promotion, while also ensuring the title race is not over yet. Carlisle again slipped up, away at Swindon, meaning Bradford City and Mansfield are both now just 2 points off as the race for the final automatic promotion slot heats up.

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Scarborough blew the title race wide open as they crashed to defeat against Bristol Rovers in front of a full house at the Scarborough Sports Village. Scarborough suffered a 2-0 defeat last time the pair met, and there was no doubt they were looking to avenge that result as they dominated the opening half hour, Henri Kumwenda twice going close most noticeably a superb solo run from near on the half way line before being denied by Jonathan Mitchell, before coming off injured to be replaced by Nathan Broadhead. The second half was a similar story, the home side creating but failing to finish, and they were eventually punished for their lacklustre performance in front of goal with just 9 minutes remaining. Josh Barrett swung in a free-kick from the right and former Villa and Birmingham man Gary Gardner got above everybody to head home at the back stick. Fortunately for the Seadogs, Shrewsbury also crashed 2-0 against Bradford City meaning the title is still in their own hands. The win for Bradford sees them leapfrog Carlisle into the final automatic promotion spot, with them Carlisle and Mansfield now all level on 80 points with just 2 games remaining. It was revealed after the game that Henri Kumwenda had torn his hamstring, meaning a sad end to his return to Scarborough as he won’t feature again this season, although Scarborough have no option to terminate the loan.

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Scarborough recorded a narrow 1-0 victory at Huish Park on Monday evening to push Yeovil back into the relegation zone. Scarborough were once again on poor form in front of goal, with Kumwenda missing Arlott-John playing down the left, while Yeovil looked set up to just try and frustrate the visitors, a task they did very well. Scarborough eventually broke the deadlock 2 minutes into the 2nd half, Harkin picking up a clearance from the Yeovil keeper and driving down the right-hand side before looking to swing in a cross. His cross was blocked but Dion Sanderson was on hand on the overlap to get the ball into the middle, where Arlott-John did brilliantly to cushion the header down for Fin Back to smash home, only his third goal of the season but undoubtedly his most important. With Shrewsbury winning 3-0 it was vital Scarborough held on for the win, although Yeovil almost snatched a vital point at the death. Whitely swung the ball into the box, and when Croasdale saw his effort hit the inside of the post Scott Butler was on hand to bundle over the line, but replays correctly show he was offside when Croasdale made contact, heartbreak for the Somerset side who are now back in the relegation zone with just 1 game left after the defeat. The result means a single point in the next 2 games will confirm Scarborough as champions, regardless of results elsewhere, while the battle for 3rd spot will go to the final game of the season with Bradford City, Carlisle and Mansfield Town all level on 83 points.

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Scarborough were sensationally crowned Champions on Saturday after winning their game in hand against Cambridge 2-0 to ensure they cannot be caught in top spot. With every other team already having played 45 games, Scarborough had this game still in the bank from last month, re-arranged due to International commitments for the Scarborough youngsters, and on a sunny afternoon on the east coast they put in a performance worthy of Champions to ensure the promotion fairy-tale continues. Having won promotion from the National League last season, few gave them much chance this season until some great transfer business made people sit up and take notice, and after finding some consistency in the tough months it became a two horse race between themselves and Shrewsbury as to who would take the top spot. Scarborough needed just a point from this game, and duly delivered all three, settling some of the nerves just 24 minutes in as they took the lead. Harkin laid the ball back to Egan-Riley down the right, and his long ball forward found Dimitri Sea, who broke clear of the back line to claim his 32nd, and perhaps most important, goal of the season. 3 minutes later the Scarborough fans were celebrating again, only to be cut short by the linesman's flag. Mal whipped in a corner and when it came back out to him he picked out Broadhead in the middle to head home, but replays show Mal was still offside when the ball was fed back to him. After the break Scarborough went in search of a second, and 10 minutes in found it, a Broadhead clearance finding Sea. The goalscorer broke down the left, and after initially being tackled, he recovered the ball and crossed for Fin Back, arriving in the middle, to head home for his second in two games, and sparking the celebrations. The rest of the game was played out with Scarborough in control but without taking any unnecessary risks, and when the final whistle blew the celebrations erupted, the fans getting to see their team pick up more silverware than they could have imagined when Barlow first took over.

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A largely second-string Scarborough Athletic once again missed out on the points record as they drew 0-0 on the final day away at Swindon Town. With Swindon already safe, and Scarborough already confirmed as champions, there was little riding on this game and it showed in a largely lacklustre first half display from both sides, Scarborough almost completely changed from the side that secured the title with the 2-0 win last week. Scarborough slightly edged the second half, almost scoring 55 minutes in when Arlott-John knocked down for Zac Brunt, who beat his man and tried from distance, but his shot came crashing off the bar. The visitors then had the ball in the net in the 85th minute, a Zach Clough free-kick powered home by David Luiz, but the former Chelsea star was quite rightly ruled offside in the build-up. In the end the score line was probably a fair reflection on balance of play.

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There may have been no drama at the County Ground but there was plenty elsewhere as both the promotion and relegation battle went to the wire. At the start of the day, Bradford City held the final promotion spot by virtue of their superior goal difference, with Cardiff and Mansfield also sitting on 83 points, and Wimbledon in with a slight hope on 81. At the bottom, Yeovil and Southend stat on 32 with Solihull on 30 with only one guaranteed survival. Southend went 1-0 up 19 minutes in, away at Cheltenham, to put themselves as front runners for survival, while 2 minutes later Yeovil handed them an even bigger boost, going 1-0 down to an own goal. With Wimbledon going a goal behind their automatic promotion hopes evaporated. There was high drama when Bradford then went 1-0 down away at Crawley, a Jordy Hiwula own goal, handing the automatic promotion slot to Carlisle, while Yeovil fell 2-0 behind. Southend were 3-0 up at the break and all but guaranteed survival at the bottom, although Cheltenham pulled one back not long after the restart. 52 minutes in Hiwula atoned for his earlier error and put Bradford back in prime contention for the automatic promotion slot, while Cheltenham grabbed a 2nd against Southend. 2 minutes later Crawley grabbed a 2nd, Etete with the goal, meaning with Bradford now losing again Carlisle were back in line. Meanwhile at the One Call Stadium, Rochdale took the lead, meaning Mansfield looked to be out of the automatic chase, leaving events in the Carlisle and Bradford games likely to decide the outcome. Remarkably in Cheltenham, the home side completed the comeback from 3-0 down to unnerve Southend, although with Yeovil still losing, they were still technically safe. 9 minutes from time Ashton Hall sent the Bradford fans wild as he equalised, meaning the Bantams were back in 3rd place, but they were level for all of just 2 minutes before Camará restored the lead for Crawley. Carlisle then took matters into their own hands with just 4 minutes left on the clock, when former Villa man McKirdy scored, meaning that unless Bradford could manage a 2-goal swing, the Cumbrian side would be promoted. Any faint hopes Bradford had were finally crushed as they pushed for an equaliser, Crawley hitting them on the break to make it 4-2 in the 92nd minute. The final outcome being promotion for Carlisle, whilst Bradford and Mansfield must now pick themselves up for the play-offs alongside Wimbledon and Colchester, while Solihull’s defeat at Carlisle condemned them, where they will be joined by Yeovil, Southend surviving despite letting that 3-goal lead slip.

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April Results
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Manager’s Review
Incredible season, a few hairy moments but the team were superb throughout so can’t pick fault. Player of the month I’m going for Fin Back, who has put a shift in every time he’s played in midfield without getting the glory of some of the other regulars, doesn’t score often but could probably not have come up with two more important goals had he tried.
bigmattb28
10 years ago
3 days ago
1,474
Premium
Something that's bothering me, why are Man City able to keep all the gate receipts from your partnership? Surely they don't need them, the amount from the receipts will be pennies compared to the money they make!! Edit, i read that wrong, ignore me

Well done on winning league 2. A season or 2 to become established in League 1 then push on from there
siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
May 2023

Mansfield Town and Colchester United both took a step towards the play-off final as they were victorious in their semi-final first legs on Saturday afternoon. Mansfield missed out on automatic promotion the final day of the season but secured a valuable 1-0 win away at Wimbledon in the first leg, Willem Tomlinson scoring the only goal 11 minutes in, although he was later sent off on 52 minutes. Bradford City, meanwhile, were in prime position for the final automatic spot but blew it on the final day in a 4-2 defeat against Crawley, and that form seemed to carry over into this game as Colchester United recorded a comfortable 2-0 win, Macauley Ward and Derrick Smith with the goals at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Jordy Hiwula, who scored at both ends in Bradford City’s final day collapse, gave the Bantams renewed hope of progressing to the Play-Off final as he opened the scoring with just 1 minute gone at Valley Parade, the hosts looking to overturn a 2-0 defeat in the first leg. Any hope of a comeback were ended, however, when Noah Chilvers scored from the spot to send the away fans wild and book Colchester United a place in the final in 10 days’ time. With Mansfield already holding a 1-0 lead as they took the game back to the One Call Stadium, they were undoubtedly favourites to progress in this tie, and when Sam Bellis scored with 7 minutes remaining in the first half it looked a foregone conclusion. Wimbledon refused to lie down, however, pulling level on the night deep into first half stoppage time through Luke O’Neill. Josh Thomas then pulled them level in the tie with a 71st minute goal, and despite extra time the pair couldn’t be separated, meaning it would be a penalty shoot-out to see who won the right to face Colchester at Wembley. Mansfield had a horrific time from the spot, scoring only one of their penalties, while Wimbledon scored all 4 to progress.

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A massive crowd of over 50,000 turned up to see Colchester take on Wimbledon for the chance to play in League One next season, Wimbledon finishing 2 points better than the Essex side in the table, and making that superiority count at Wembley as they secured a 2-0 victory, both goals coming in the first half. The opening goal came 20 minutes in, Assal crossing and Joe Pigott getting up to head home. Another Assal cross caused problems with 6 minutes left, and when Eyoma bundled Pigott over Mark Heywood pointed to the spot, Joe Pigott picking himself back up to score his second of the game and secure promotion for his side, who will now join Scarborough Athletic and Shrewsbury Town in League One next season.

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The end of season awards unsurprisingly saw French striker Dimitri Sea clear up. The 21 year old, on loan from Aston Villa, was in sensational form as he helped Scarborough secure the League Two title, finishing top scorer in the league with 30 goals in 43 appearances, securing himself the golden boot ahead of Joe Pigott, who hit 27 goals including the 2 valuable goals at Wembley that ensured his side would join Scarborough in League One, while former Man City youngster Jordy Hiwula, who also played a massive part in the promotion run-in, part of which he will probably wish to forget, finished in 3rd with 17 goals.

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Sea’s form also ensured he picked up the League Two Player of the Year award, posting a very impressive 7.49 average rating during the season, a new League Two record. As well as his goalscoring exploits, Sea also managed 7 assists during his season with the Seadogs, and managed an impressive goal every 113 minutes during the season, 62% of his shots on target and an equally impressive 85% passing success rate from the centre forward position.

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The impressive form ensured a landslide victory in the Fans’ Player of the Year award, with Sea earning a massive 67% of the votes. 2nd place was midfielder Ethan Galbraith with 13% while centre-half Modou Nyassi came in 3rd with just 11% of the votes. The goal of the season award was handed to Romanian star Raoul Mal, on loan from Bristol City, for his free-kick against Cambridge back in September. Modou Nyassi, who arrived on a free following his release from Liverpool back in the summer, was named signing of the season while Dimitri Sea also scooped the Young Player of the Season award.

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The impressive season also saw 6 players from the League Champions selected in the PFA League Two team of the Year, unsurprisingly spearheaded by Dimitri Sea, who was joined up front by Joe Pigott of Wimbledon. Fin Back, on loan from West Ham, was named in the midfield for his solid season with the Seadogs, including several valuable goals in the title run-in, where he was joined by Cousins, Brown and Ross all from Shrewsbury. If the midfield had a Shrewsbury feel about it, the defence was dominated by Scarborough with all 4 outfield players name, loan start Levi Colwill at left-back, Kwaku Oduroh and Modou Nyassi in the heart of the defence, and CJ Egan-Riley at right-back, while Harry Burgoyne of Shrewsbury was surprisingly selected ahead of James Trafford, who set a League Two record of his own with 23 clean sheets last season.

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Dimitri Sea was also inducted into the Scarborough Overall Best Eleven squad, albeit he was only selected for a spot on the bench with Connor Hall still holding the spot as famed number 9. CJ Egan-Riley was also inducted for the first time, taking the right back spot from Max Murphy, who dropped into the substitutes. 8 of the current first 11 are still at the club, albeit Kumwenda is only here once again on loan, with Assenso and Williams now starting for Basingstoke Town, while Tom Scully moved to Barnsley in January, helping them avoid relegation so he will have Championship football again next season.

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Following their promotion, Scarborough also announced further redevelopment work at the Scarborough Sports Village. The Seadogs began the current campaign playing a Scunthorpe while the capacity was expanded, eventually moving back home in November. The club have now announced an increase of a further 1,700 seats, which will see the capacity reduced for the duration of the work, which is scheduled to take until December 2023. Elsewhere, the club have also agreed to invest in the redevelopment of the training facilities at the request of Barlow, albeit the work has eaten into a large chunk of cash meaning transfer activity could be reduced next season as a result.

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siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
July 2023

Scarborough celebrating promotion back to the 3rd tier of English football by launching new home and away kits. The rise through the leagues has led to increased commercial interest in the East Coast club, who were delighted to announce in the summer a renewed partnership with McCain Foods, who were a prominent sponsor of the original club during their league reign. The club also announced a kit deal with Puma, who were delighted to be involved with the success story that is the Seadogs in recent seasons. The home kit is a predominantly red number, with white trim and white pin stripes, while the away kit, in another tip of the hat to better times for Scarborough, is a simple reverse of the home kit, the way kits used to be. Both will be available prior to the first pre-season game at the Sports Village against Manchester City Under 23’s, although fans will be keeping a close eye on transfers prior to the kit’s release, with any big new arrivals likely to boost sales in this new era for the club.

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Scarborough welcomed some familiar old faces, along with a phenomenal new addition, as they looked to bolster the squad for the League One campaign, keen to continue the momentum and build on the success of the last few seasons, which have seen them earn back to back promotions into the football league. Levi Colwill will be back for another season, originally agreeing a 2 year developmental loan from Chelsea to provide cover for first choice left-back Jake Kenyon, over the cause of the League Two campaign he found himself being used more and more, occasionally also in the heart of the defence, eventually making the full-back slot his own. In the end Colwill started 37 games, 31 in the league and the 20-year-old will be hoping to feature regularly again. Also, back for another year is Englishman Fin Back. The West Ham midfielder originally returned to his parent club after his loan expired, but Scarborough went in to request him for another season, a request West Ham were happy to allow given his development and game time last season. Like Colwill, Back featured regularly in the League Two promotion campaign, making 34 starts and scoring 4 goals, some of them vital, and the former Nottingham Forest youngster is expected to be a mainstay of the Scarborough midfield again this season as they embark upon life in League One.

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Scarborough were also delighted to announce the signing of Dimitri Sea on a permanent basis. The club had hinted last season that the French striker may extend his stay, and with a pre-agreement in place, although the player’s contract with parent club Aston Villa was set to expire in the summer Scarborough opted to pay the fee and agree terms early rather than risk going head to head for his signature as a free agent. Sea literally tore League Two apart last season, winning every single plaudit on offer in his debut season with the club. In total the 21-year-old hit the net 32 times for the Seadogs in 49 appearances, also winning the golden boot with his 30 League Two goals, after only making 2 professional appearances in his career before joining. The fans will be delighted to see the capture of the striker on a full-time basis and be hopefully he can continue his scintillating form at a higher level. One striker on his way out was Zach Clough, who agreed a deal to move to Qatar for £450,000. Clough joined Scarborough last season on a free after being released by Nottingham Forest, where he had spent 6 years, coming with a big reputation that he sadly failed to live up to. There was no doubting his brilliance, as shown in his display off the bench against Premier League side Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, but sadly those displays were far too infrequent, the former Bolton star making just 2 starts in the league during the promotion campaign. Although the move leaves the squad a little bare, the offer for the 28-year-old was just too good to turn down.

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Scarborough also bid an emotional farewell to several other key players from their rise through from Non-League football as Connor Hall, Dion Sanderson and Jake Kenyon all agreed deals to move on. Connor Hall is probably the most recognisable striker at the club, joining initially on a free 3 seasons ago after the club won promotion to the National North following his release from Bolton Wanderers. Hall quickly established himself as a fan favourite with the club, scoring 29 goals in his debut campaign as the club won the league. The following season he was number one choice again in the National League, scoring 16 goals in 42 starts as the club won the title. Last season in League Two, however, he found starts somewhat limited, making just 11 appearances in all competitions. The 25 year old was clearly frustrated at the lack of playing time, despite his love for the club, so when an offer came in that was suitable for all parties, the club agreed to let him move on, where he will now be plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Taawoun. Defender Dion Sanderson was also deemed surplus to requirement, with a deal to join MK Dons, also of League One, agreed. Sanderson was another regular in the side that clinched promotion from the National League, but the form of Oduroh and Nyassi last season meant he only got his chance due to injuries, and at 23 years old he had plenty of suitors, eventually opting to join MK Dons where he will be hoping to play against his former team again this season.

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The final player on the move is club stalwart Jake Kenyon, the only first team regular who had been on the dramatic rise from the Northern Premier Division all the way to League One. Kenyon joined back in 2019, keen to get his football career back on track after being released from Bolton Wanderers, and the former Manchester United youngster was an immediate hit, establishing himself as an ever reliable left-back as the club earned promotion, making 39 appearances in the league. The following season he was continually one of the first names on the team sheet, as he made another 45 appearances for the Seadogs. In the double winning season, he was even more called upon, making 56 appearances in total and standing out as one of the most dependable players in the league. Last season he again started in his usual preferred left wing-back slot, but continually found himself under competition from loan star Levi Colwill, eventually making just 27 appearances in all competitions. Despite playing less frequently, clubs continued to show an interest in the 23-year-old, Scarborough turning down several approaches during his time with the club, but when Cypriot side APOEL came in, the player himself made it clear he wanted the opportunity to move to a bigger club, and with Colwill already on the books for another season, and the financial offer too good to turn down, Scarborough reluctantly agreed.

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The fans were naturally disappointed to see so many of their favourite players moving on, but Scarborough tried to appease any disappointment by pulling off yet another sensational coup. The club turned many heads in January when they got former Chelsea star David Luiz to agree to a swansong with the club before his retirement, and this time they went one better with the announcement that superstar striker Mario Mandžukić would play his final professional season with the club. Mandžukić is a household name around the footballing world, earning his world class reputation during a sensational stint with Bayern before a short spell with Atletico and then dominating Serie A with Juventus. Following his spell with the Italian club, the Croatian international, with 33 goals in 89 appearances for the national team, moved to Al-Duhail in Qatar. Being released at the end of the season, he was looking for one last challenge before hanging up his boots, and after speaking with David Luiz he was more than willing to join the Seadogs for the season, where at 37 years old it is expected he will be used more as an impact sub that a regular starter for the League One side. With a wealth of honours, including the Champions League, Bundesliga, Seria A, FIFA World Club Cup, UEFA Super Cup and World Cup runner-up, he is bound to bring bags of experience to the club, with the hope that he can mentor the young talent of Dimitri Sea and others in his final season as a professional footballer before potentially moving into management.

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Another high-profile arrival for the current campaign is midfielder Liam Walsh. The 25-year-old was released from Bristol City in the summer following their promotion to the Premier League, and with Raoul Mal now gone after his loan spell last season the club felt his addition would be a great boost to the squad. Walsh began his career with Everton, spending a season on loan with Yeovil early in his career before then spending a season on loan with Birmingham City in the Championship. After moving to Bristol City, he initially struggled to establish himself, spending a season on loan in League One with Coventry where he made an impact, before eventually forcing his way into the first team back at Ashton Gate. With opportunities limited during the promotion campaign last season, the club felt it was best for everyone to release him from his contract, with Scarborough hoping he can rediscover his form this season at the heart of midfield. Also coming in, initially on trial, is England Youth goalkeeper Nathan Broome. Born in Manchester, like Scott and Trafford Broome was on the books with City, before moving to join Stoke City academy in 2018. During his time with the Potters Broome made only 2 appearances, conceding 4 goals, and although he is highly regarded as a potential future England goalkeeper the club were willing to release him in the summer, with Scarborough bringing him in on trial as a potential new signing for the upcoming campaign.

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Scarborough began their pre-season campaign with a comfortable 4-1 victory away to Division One South Team Pickering Town. There were debuts for Mandžukić & Walsh in the Starting XI, while permanent signing Dimitri Sea unsurprisingly started given his sensational form last season while on loan. Current loanee Levi Colwill, currently in the second year of his loan, also started at left-back after the departure of Jake Kenyon. Pickering took a surprise lead in this one, 24 minutes in when Shanks beat Walsh to the ball, and his cross found Jon Rawlings unmarked to fire home. 10 minutes later Scarborough were level, with a new arrival on the score sheet. Oduroh hit the ball down the line for Arlott-John to chase, and he took it to the byeline before whipping in a cross, and there was Mario Mandžukić up above everyone to power the header home. After the break Scarborough took the lead, and it was fellow debutant Liam Walsh with the goal. Colwill through the ball to Walsh on the left, and the midfielder cut inside before finishing in the bottom corner. Scarborough then changed all eleven players, but continued to control the game, grabbing a 3rd on 74 minutes. Diallo fed the ball out to forgotten man Kieran Glynn, who beat Ingham before crossing for Jahmal Hector-Ingram to head home. 2 minutes later Jahmal Hector-Ingram had his second, the final goal of the game, when Back laid the ball out to Broadhead on the win, and he slipped through Hector-Ingram first time for a comfortable finish.

Scarborough were on the road again for their second pre-season game, heading to face Rushall Olympic of the Premier Division Central in a warm-up. Trialist Nathan Broome started in goal in this one, while Broadhead and Back were also handed a start. Scarborough could have been in front after just 7 minutes, Nathan Broadhead brought down in the box, but he missed the resulting penalty. Just 3 minutes later they were in front, however, when Colwill got 2 attempts to cross the ball. His first attempt was cleared, but second time he picked out Dempsey Arlott-John perfectly at the far post for a side footed finish. Scarborough had a 2nd 24 minutes into the game, Bentham clearing but Back winning the ball, and Walsh playing a sublime first time chip through to Dimitri Sea to provide the finish. 6 minutes before the break Rushall were reduced to 10 men when Josh Thacker saw straight red for a two-footed challenge on Nathan Broadhead. 2 minutes after the break Scarborough went 3-0 up, Liam Walsh with the corner, Sea heading back across the goal and Dempsey Arlott-John applying the finishing touch for his second of the game. Rushall pulled one back late on, a Wright free-kick being headed home by Harvey Smith, but it was scant consolation.

Scarborough welcomed their first influx from the Manchester City partnership as they announced no fewer than 4 players coming into the club on loan from the Premier League champions. The Seadogs confirmed the affiliation back in April, and saw this as a chance to benefit from an influx of quality to the first team squad, while for their part City could see it as an ideal pathway for some of their younger players to progress, given the track record Scarborough have had in recent years for developing youngsters. Midfielder Chris Mochrie joins to bolster the central midfield area, although he can also play out wide, having joined City last summer for £5.5 million but is yet to feature for the side, the 20-year-old will be hoping to get an opportunity to shine in League One. Mochrie does have a fair bit of playing experience under his belt, becoming a first team regular at first club Dundee United before his move to City, as well as earning several caps for the Scottish National team and regularly starting for the Under 21s during his time up North. Attacking option Ben Knight also moved to the City academy, joining back in 2018 from Ipswich, but again has struggled to gain any playing time despite a year on loan with Nordsjælland during his time at the club. The 21-year-old, who can play down the right or in the middle, will be hoping to kick start his career on the East Coast. Fellow academy graduates Callum Forrest and Alberto De Matteis also join. Forrest is a 19-year-old who came into the City academy in 2019 and can play either left back or centre-half and has already featured for England U-21s 4 times to date. 19-year-old De Matteis was born in Italy but came to City last season for £2.5 million from Lazio. De Matteis began his career with Genoa, before a £400,000 move to Lazio. He spent the season before last on loan with Juve Stabia before joining Manchester City, and can play on either wing, or can even step in at wing back. All four are likely to feature heavily during the league one campaign given the undoubted quality they add to the squad.

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Scarborough maintained their 100% start to pre-season with another comfortable run out against Leamington, with all 3 goals coming in the first half. Scarborough handed starts for all four new arrivals, Callum Forrest, Alberto De Matteis, Ben Knight and Chris Mochrie in this one. The visitors were in front 8 minutes into the game, debutante Ben Knight slightly over hitting the corner, but when Dimitri Sea recovered and whipped back into the box, Knight was on hand at the far post to slot home a debut goal. 3 minutes later it was 2-0, Colwill doing well down the left, seeing his initial cross cut out before squaring for Mochrie, who in turn laid the ball back for Fin Back to smash into the bottom corner from 25 yards out, Hutchcox stretching but unable to keep the effort out. The final goal came just after the half hour mark, Sea driving down the left, Mochrie again involved in the link up play, this time Ethan Galbraith producing a special finish into the top corner. Scarborough continued to dominate in the 2nd half, despite 11 changes, but were unable to add any more goals to underline their dominance.

Scarborough claimed another impressive scalp as they overthrew Manchester City Under 23’s 2-0 in their penultimate friendly of pre-season. As part of the affiliate link up, City agreed to send a team to Scarborough for a friendly each year, and this season it was the under 23’s, with a few familiar faces, who made the trip to the East Coast. Scarborough, looking for revenge after the defeat on penalties in the EFL Trophy last season named no fewer than 9 former/current City academy graduates in their starting line-up for this showcase friendly, only Sea and Galbraith of the starting XI having no link to the club (Galbraith coming from across the city at United), meaning a debut for youngster Sam Morton against some of the more familiar faces. The loan signings were keen to impress against their parent club and it was one of those, Alberto De Matteis, who opened the scoring 13 minutes in. The Italian won the ball in midfield, driving forward into the City box, beating the transfer listed Kyle Walker before finishing beyond Dylan Refalo and into the bottom corner. 34 minutes in Scarborough had a second, Sam Morton doing well to rob Alex Robertson in the middle of the park before slipping through Dimitri Sea, who made no mistake with the finish. Second half both sides brought on a fresh XI, but there was no more action of note for the near 3,000 crowd as Scarborough claimed the victory.

Scarborough rounded off pre-season with a 4-2 victory as they hosted Barrow at the Scarborough Sports Village. Several familiar faces returned following the midweek game against Manchester City Under 23’s, although all four loan stars featured once again, as they are sure to this coming season. Scarborough took the lead 13 minutes in, Galbraith heading down for Knight, who switched play out to Sea who had broken off the defender to drift right, the Frenchman then producing a deep cross where Alberto De Matteis was on hand to finish with a half-volley from a tight angle. On the half-hour it was 2-0, as Alberto De Matteis helped himself to a second goal. Egan-Riley laid the ball down the line for Mochrie, who cut into the box before standing up the ball to the far post, where De Matteis was unmarked to head home. Alberto De Matteis completed his hat-trick with the goal of the afternoon, picking up the ball in his own half and driving through the middle of the defence before slotting beyond Borwick. Scarborough went in at half-time 4-0 up as Dimitri Sea grabbed a goal, De Matteis again involved. His shot was saved well by Borwick but the rebound fell straight to Sea to slot into the empty net. After the break a completely changed Scarborough XI conceded twice, first in the 51st minute when Roy Kavanagh volleyed home superbly from a Trafford punch clear, and then with 15 minutes left when Matthew Elsdon got up to head home a Kevin Baker corner, but Scarborough held out for the win to ensure a 100% record pre-season, with the focus now shifted to the opening game of the League One campaign against Port Vale.

Unsurprisingly the loan signings from Manchester City feature heavily in the bookmakers favourites for the League One player this season, with defender Callum Forrest coming out with the shortest odds, closely followed by Alberto De Matteis who has been in fantastic form pre-season. Elsewhere Dimitri Sea, who scooped the League Two golden boot during the promotion campaign, was earmarked as favourite for the top goalscorer, with Mandžukić surprisingly also featuring, although he is likely to feature mainly from the bench this season.

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July Results
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siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
301
Premium
August 2023

There was a feeling of better the devil you know as the draw was complete for the EFL Trophy Northern Section groups stages. Scarborough, who crashed out in the group stages last season, must once again battle with Coventry City and Manchester City Under 23’s as they attempt to progress, with League One Salford City completing the tough group. Scarborough faced both Coventry and Man City last term, with Coventry winning 1-0, and Manchester City earning the extra point courtesy of the penalty shoot out after a 1-1 draw. Both sides progressed to the latter stages while Bradford City finished bottom after a defeat in Scarborough’s only win in the competition. Manchester City went on to win the tournament outright, beating previous holders Arsenal 1-0 in the final thanks to a Liam Delap goal. The game is likely to have even more spice given the link up between the two clubs and so many Scarborough players having a previous connection to the Premier League champions. The pair met in pre-season with Scarborough securing the 2-0 win, but it is likely to be far tougher when they meet for real.

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Scarborough began life in League One with a memorable 3-1 victory away against Port Vale on the opening day. The Seadogs had initially been tipped to struggle in this division before the arrivals of 4 Manchester City youngsters on loan and the additions of Liam Walsh and Champions League winner Mario Mandžukić made people sit up and take notice. With Port Vale winning promotion the previous season, the clash at Vale Park was a good yardstick for how Scarborough can hope to perform this season. Unsurprisingly, all 4 of the City quartet were handed debuts, while Nathan Broome was handed a debut in goal, and Joe Anderson covered at right back for the injured Egan-Riley. Scarborough took just 11 minutes to mark their opening game with a goal, Alberto De Matteis continuing his fine pre-season form with a fantastic free kick, over the wall and giving Mangano in the Port Vale goal no chance. Just a minute later, it was all square as the hosts hit back straight from the kick-off. D’Angelo fed the ball out wide to Gibbons, and his cross was met in the middle by Nelson Agho, getting above Anderson to power home. Half an hour in Scarborough regained the lead, Colwill picking up a half-clearance and switching the ball out to Anderson, who played a one-two with Mochrie before delivering an inch perfect cross for Dimitri Sea to open his account for the season. Scarborough ensured victory just short of the hour mark, a corner from Knight was half-cleared by Jordan, and Callum Forrest cushioned the ball down for fellow centre half Modou Nyassi to smash home.

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Nothing could separate Shrewsbury and Scarborough as they played out a 0-0 draw at Gay Meadow on Saturday. Both sides remain unbeaten, after winning their opening games, Scarborough with that impressive 3-1 win away at Port Vale, and Shrewsbury with a comfortable 3-0 win at home against Walsall, and it was hard to split the pair here. Shrewsbury started on the front foot, earning a corner in the first minute and Aaron Pierre seeing his goal-bound header cleared off the line by CJ Egan Riley. Scarborough grew into the game as the half wore on but were unable to create any clear cut opportunities themselves. The second half was a similar story, Shrewsbury again going closest from a set piece, this time the header going just over the bar. Shrewsbury now travel to face Derby County in the EFL Cup, while Scarborough head across the country to take on Tranmere, keen to maintain their positive start.

Scarborough progressed to the Second Round of the EFL Cup after a narrow 1-0 victory away against Tranmere Rovers. The Seadogs were made to work for their victory against a side they leapfrogged last season, Scarborough winning promotion to League One while Tranmere crashed into League Two after finish 22nd in the league. On balance Scarborough did enough to win this tight affair, and probably should have been ahead at the break, but for some impressive defending. Clearly fired up to make amends, Scarborough took the lead straight from kick-off in the second half. A good passage of possession football culminated in the ball reaching Levi Colwill on the overlap down the left, and when his cross was only half-cleared by Obita, Fin Back was on hand to smash a half-volley into the bottom corner. Scarborough should have had a second after they were awarded a penalty when Obita went in too strongly on Nyassi inside the area from a Liam Walsh free-kick. Walsh himself stepped up to take the kick, but it was an easy save for McGee as it remained just 1-0. The victory saw Scarborough awarded a second-round tie at home against Premier League side Aston Villa.

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Scarborough continued their unbeaten start as they completed a 2-0 win against newly relegated QPR as they finally welcomed League One football to the town. The Seadogs had so far managed a win and a draw on the road as they welcomed London side QPR, who finished 22nd in the Championship last season. The hosts also travelled to Tranmere in the cup in midweek, so pre-season friendlies aside, this was the first time for a lot of home fans to finally see the new arrivals play. It was hard to separate the two until QPR foolishly gave away a penalty, handing the home side the potential advantage. Callum Forrest and Alberto De Matteis linked up down the left, and as the ball was centred, Antef Tsoungui pushed over Sea, giving referee Alan Young no option but to award the spot kick. Dimitri Sea showed his composure as he stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 1-0. With QPR pushing, Scarborough needed a 2nd and it eventually came 76 minutes in, courtesy of the man everyone had come to see. Forrest played the ball infield to Galbraith, who switched play out to Arlott-John. The winger took it to the byeline before delivering a deep cross, and there was Mario Mandžukić, who got above Todd Kane, to head back across the goal from a tight angle, his effort going in off the woodwork to send the home fans into celebration. With QPR considered among the favourites to go up, although it is only August the result is definitely a marker for the season’s expectations from Scarborough.

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Scarborough chalked up another 3 points on the road after another slender victory, this time against AFC Wimbledon. It was the first time this season Scarborough had faced one of their former League Two adversaries, Scarborough winning the league and Wimbledon coming up by virtue of the play-offs, the pair drawing 2-2 in the corresponding fixture last season (Scarborough winning the reverse fixture 2-0). It was a fairly lacklustre first half, both teams showing the effects of playing several fixtures in a short space of time, until a moment of brilliance sealed the game. Skipper Zak Brunt robbed Nesta Guinness-Walker inside his own half before going on a fantastic solo run down the right, cutting inside beating Procter before providing a cool finish beyond Lee Burge. Wimbledon almost pulled level 6 minutes into the second half, but a combination of luck and good defending ensured Scarborough came away with all 3 points. O’Keefe pumped a free-kick into the box, and when the ball fell to Guiness-Walker, his shot was blocked by some last ditch defending. With Broome committed, Alfie Doughty tried to fire home, only to see his effort also blocked. Guiness-Walker’s eyes lit up when the ball fell back to him, but his shot hit the inside of the post before Broome recovered to gather the ball and relieve the pressure. Scarborough remain unbeaten enjoying a near perfect start to life in League One.

There was a familiar feel on Saturday afternoon as Scarborough faced off against Carlisle United, the Seadogs coming out on top with a convincing 3-0 win. The pair met last season in League Two, Carlisle ensuring promotion with a 1-0 win on the final day, with Scarborough winning the tie at home 2-0. The Seadogs also dumped Carlisle out of the FA Cup the previous season, winning 2-0 away from home in the 3rd round. Scarborough were keen to continue their impressive head to head record here and took just 20 minutes to take the lead from a simple but effective set piece. Liam Walsh swung a free-kick into the box, and Ethan Galbraith got up first to head home, Wildsmith coming out but failing to claim the ball. 5 minutes before the break the lead was doubled, Mochrie the creator. The winger broke down the wing, playing a 1-2 with Back, before cutting inside Anderton and Monthe to square the ball, giving Dimitri Sea the easiest of finishes for his 3rd of the season. Scarborough added a flourish to the result in the 93rd minute, grabbing their third of the game. Mochrie was again the architect, once more giving Anderton problems before his cross picked out Mario Mandžukić far post, the former Juventus star with a virtual carbon copy of his first goal for the club, heading back across the keeper from a tight angle to underline the dominance of the home side.

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There was to be no repeat of last season’s giant killing as Scarborough crashed out of the EFL Cup on penalties after a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa in front of the TV cameras. Scarborough reached the 3rd round of the EFL Cup and the 4th Round of the FA Cup last season with some impressive performances along the way, but there was no repeat against Premier League side Aston Villa, who did enough to win in the 90 minutes. Dimitri Sea was facing his former side but saw little of the ball as Brendan Rodgers Aston Villa dominated throughout, eventually being substituted for Mario Mandžukić. The Croatian international, who has hit the target twice so far this season, was to turn villain of the piece against the Villains as he saw his penalty saved. Nathan Broome gave Scarborough hope when he denied Seung-Ho 3rd penalty in, but Egan-Riley missed the crucial final penalty for Scarborough, with Camacho scoring and taking the visitors through. Although Villa deserved to progress, Scarborough can take some credit again for how they set up defensively, denying the Premier League side for 90 minutes, meaning they now haven’t conceded since the opening day.

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August Results
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Manager’s Review
Delighted with the start to life in League One. We’ve looked more than comfortable in this division, and hopefully shocked a few people and made others sit up and take notice. If you’d have offered me an unbeaten first month, I’d have bit your hand off, so I’m immensely proud of the lads, and young Broome in goal has been pretty much impenetrable. The lads also gave a great account of themselves against Premier League Aston Villa, just such a shame to be on the wrong end of a shoot out again. Player of the month goes to Ethan Galbraith, who is sitting deeper this year in the Tom Scully role and doing a fine job so far controlling the game from the middle of the park. Special mention to the City quartet for adapting to life here so quickly, already becoming firm favourites with the fans I hope.

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siepod
9 years ago
1 year ago
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September 2023

Scarborough began the month with their first defeat of the season, as they fell 1-0 away at Grimsby Town. The Seadogs had gone unbeaten throughout August, aside from the defeat against Premier League Aston Villa on penalties, only conceding once, and they looked to continue that fine form at Blundell Park as they controlled the first quarter of an hour. Disaster then struck when winger Alberto De Matteis was sent off for a two-footed tackle on Yac, the poor tackle leaving the ref in no doubt to dismiss the loanee. Despite going a man down, Scarborough still dominated play, bringing Mochrie into the middle and playing a narrow system. They looked set to take a point from the very least until Grimsby took the lead with just 14 minutes remaining. Kilkenny fired a free-kick into the box, and when the Scarborough defence failed to fully clear Max Wright’s header, Mattie Pollock was on hand to take advantage and poke home. Scarborough tried in vain to get back into the game, but were unable to find any opening in the remaining 10 minutes, seeing them drop to their first defeat of the season.

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Scarborough returned to winning ways with an impressive 3-1 victory on the road against fellow League One side Coventry City in the EFL Trophy. The win was all the more impressive given they were without no fewer than 6 first team players due to International call-ups. The weekend clash with Fleetwood had already been re-arranged as a result, but the Seadogs were still expected to commit to this fixture despite the absence of Callum Forrest, CJ Egan-Riley, Chris Mochrie, Mohammed Sangaré, Dennis Gyamfi and Kwaku Oduroh. In came Joe Anderson, Joel Latibeaudiere and Dempsey Arlott-John to the starting XI as a result, with youngster Jake Reid among those handed a place on the bench. Scarborough were in front after 11 minutes, and it was thanks to one of the recalled players, as Dempsey Arlott-John got above everyone to head home a Liam Walsh free-kick. 6 minutes later the home side hit back. Lafferty fed the ball out wide to Moore, and his cross was met by Matt Godden who supplied the finish. With half an hour gone Scarborough regained the lead, Joe Anderson taking a throw on the right, receiving the ball back from Sea, and whipping into the middle where Mario Mandžukić rose above Rumarn Moore to score. The Croatian secured the win deep into stoppage time with his second of the evening, from the spot. Barro pushed Nyassi in the area and when the ref pointed to the spot, Mario Mandžukić stepped up to smash into the corner. The Seadogs now face an extended break before their next game, where they will travel to take on Sunderland in the league.

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Scarborough fell to their second successive defeat in the league as they faced a 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland. The pair had met once previously here, back in Barlow’s first season in charge, the black cats cruising to a 5-0 victory in the FA Cup first round that day, with Scarborough keen to make a better impact this time out. Scarborough were still without Albert De Matteis, who received a further 2 game ban for his red card against Grimsby, while Ben Knight was still side-lined with sprained ankle ligaments, meaning a start for Mandžukić on the wing while Liam Walsh partnered Fin Back in central midfield. Sunderland dominated the first 45 minutes, amassing 10 shots on goal, so it’s no surprise they took he lead in first half stoppage time. Gooch’s cross was met by an attempted clearance from Levi Colwill, but when the ball deflected off Aaron Collins, George Cooper was on hand for the easiest side foot home to give his side the lead. After the break it was a similar story, Sunderland dominating the chances, Broome doing well to deny Cooper a second with a fingertip save. Scarborough did throw caution to the wind at the end in search of an attempted equaliser, but to no avail. They will now hope to pick themselves up for the visit of Oxford on Tuesday evening.

Scarborough’s recent dip in form continued as they crashed to a 3-1 home defeat against Oxford United on Tuesday evening. James Trafford came in between the posts, with Nathan Broome out with a slight knock, while Ben Knight returned to the bench, although not fit enough yet to return to the starting XI. With Mandžukić also carrying a slight knock, Nathan Broadhead also started on the wing. Oxford took the lead 22 minutes in with a genuine goal of the season contender. Carvalho crossed from the left and Cameron Brannagan produced a stunning long-range volley into the top corner, Trafford having no chance. 5 minutes before the break the visitors doubled their lead with another fine goal, this time James Bolton delivering the cross, Nunn with the cushioned header and Anthony Forde seeing his volley go in off the post with Trafford desperately trying to reach it. Scarborough pulled one back on the stroke of half time, Galbraith laying the ball out wide for Colwill, and when his cross was cut out, Liam Walsh played a first time through ball to Nathan Broadhead, who remained composed to side foot into the bottom corner. After the break the hosts looked for a way back into the game as they pushed forward. Disaster struck in the 76th minute, Liam Walsh going off injured with all 3 substitutions made, and 3 minutes later Oxford reaped full reward from the man advantage as they scored a 3rd. Carvalho again with the assist, this time from the corner, and Ron Atkinson with the glancing near post header beyond Trafford. Scarborough have now slipped to 8th in the league and will be hoping to arrest the recent slide with a trip to Walsall at the weekend.

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Scarborough halted their current slide as they hung on for a valuable point away at Walsall at the weekend. The club had lost 3 successive league games coming into this encounter, and after holding a team meeting in the week the fans were hoping for a positive reaction on the pitch. Nathan Broome returned in goal, while Alberto De Matteis also returned after his suspension, although he started on the right in this game. On the right for Walsall was a familiar face in Ezekiel Bancroft, the former Seadog being a hit during his time with the club before an £825,000 move to the Saddlers. The match itself was a fairly even affair, with both sides having chances to win it, Scarborough going close through Sea while Candlin should have done better with the best chance of the game for Walsall. Callum Forrest picked up the man of the match award for a solid display at the back, with the club keeping their first clean sheet of the month after such a solid defensive line in August. Next up will be the visit of Fleetwood, who currently sit just outside the relegation places, and hopefully 3 points and a return to winning ways.

Scarborough finally returned to winning ways with a slender 1-0 win against Fleetwood Town in the week. The match had originally been scheduled to be played early in September, but due to international commitments was re-arranged for midweek in the last week of the month, with Scarborough keen to turn their recent form around against Nigel Adkins side. Ben Knight returned to the starting XI, while Chris Mochrie returned to his more usual role on the right wing, De Matteis switching back to the left for this one. Scarborough dominated throughout and should have been ahead at half-time, Mochrie doing superb to win the ball and beat the defence, the only thing missing was the finish. After the break, Scarborough again continued to knock on the door, Brunt winning the ball in midfield and some great build-up play seeing Mochrie slip in De Matteis, who beat his man but fired just wide of the post. Scarborough then had the ball in the net, although a very dubious call ruled out for offside. A Chris Mochrie corner was headed across the area by Sea, and De Matteis slotted home, the flag ruling out although replays show he was clearly level with the defender. As frustration grew, it was left to the substitutes to ensure victory in the end. A long goal kick from Broome was superbly brought down by substitute Mandžukić, who in turn laid the ball off for fellow substitute Dempsey Arlott-John to fire a superb shot into the top corner, Crellin with no chance. The relief was there for all to see as the final whistle blew to ensure victory, moving Scarborough back into the play-off places. They will now hope be hoping they have turned the corner and can finish the month with another victory.

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Scarborough finished the month with back to back wins as they secured another 1-0 home victory, Gillingham this time the team on the losing end. To be fair to the home side, they should have won by more and it was a fairly dominant display but for the lack of finishing. In the opening 10 minutes, Dimitri Sea hit the bar, Colwill winning the ball at the back and starting the attack, then being on hand at the end to provide the cross for Sea, who was unlucky not to see his header go in. The only goal of the game came 32 minutes in, when Zac Brunt saw his initial shot half blocked, Mochrie recovered the ball, drifting wide before his cross found Sea to head down, Brunt this time making no mistake as he fired into the bottom corner. The Seadogs now face another 10 day break before facing Manchester City Under 23’s in the EFL Trophy group stages.

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September Results
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Manager’s Review
A poor month overall, although the last few games suggest we may have turned the corner now. I came into the month full of expectation, given the way the defence were performing and the impressive draw with a Premier League side, things seemed to be very much on the up. Grimsby aside, where we suffered thanks to the stupidity of own of our own, we looked like we could continue in the same vein after a 3-1 win against Coventry despite having players missing, but them the wheels just seemed to fall off a bit, as we lost our defensive composure and became lacklustre in front of goal. The two 1-0 victories, although not great for the fans, at least suggest we are dealing with the defensive issues, and hopefully the flee scoring attacking will return next month. Tough to pick a player of the month from that if I’m honest, Ethan was again fairly consistent, and Mario stepped up when relied upon, but nobody gave that little extra to be worth of the award, so I’m abstaining for September.
siepod
9 years ago
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October 2023

Scarborough began October with a dominant 4-1 win against Manchester City Under 23’s in the Group stages of the EFL Trophy. Scarborough came into this off the back of a 10-day break, knowing victory would see them secure progress to the 2nd round for the first time. Scarborough fell at the first hurdle last season, including a draw against City before eventually losing on penalties. The pair also met pre-season, with Scarborough victorious that time with a line-up heavily influenced by City. The break meant Scarborough had a virtual full-strength squad to choose from, only Liam Walsh yet to return to full fitness following his ankle injury. That meant Forrest, Mochrie, Knight and De Matteis all started against their former team-mates, while Egan-Riley also featured against his former side, with Trafford, Oduroh and Amankwah on the bench. Scarborough started well, De Matteis again causing his parent clubs problems, as in the pre-season friendly, forcing a great save from Bazuna early on. Scarborough took the lead just before the break. Galbraith stuck out a leg in midfield to win back the ball, Fin Back laid out wide to Egan-Riley and his cross was flicked home at the near post by Chris Mochrie. City hit back straight after the break, Esposito’s free kick causing problems in the box, and when Tadic and Rogers both saw their shots blocked Felix Correia was on hand to tap home. The equaliser forced the hosts to once again go on the front foot, and they took the lead in the 69th minute. Alberto De Matteis whipped in a free kick and Ethan Galbraith got above everyone to head home. With 12 minutes to go the lead was increased further, Sea breaking on the right before spotting the run of substitute Zac Brunt, and delivering an inch perfect pass for the skipper to run on and slot past Bazuna. With 6 minutes remaining, the score line took on an emphatic feel as the home side scored a fourth. With City looking for a way back, Scarborough hit them on the break, Egan-Riley again causing problems with the cross and Mario Mandžukić getting above everyone to claim his 5th goal of the season.

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Scarborough continued their fine start to October with a tough 2-1 victory as they hosted the visit of Rotherham United. Liam Walsh finally returned to the stating XI after injury, with Fin Back making way. The home side edged in front after 25 minutes from a set piece. A deep free-kick from Liam Walsh was headed goalwards by Modou Nyassi. Jonathan Mitchell did well to push his header onto the bar, but Callum Forrest was quickest to react, sliding to poke the ball over the line to claim his first goal for the club. Rotherham hit back just before the break, and it was another set piece routine. Hudson’s free kick was headed goalwards by Hector, and Jay De Silva flicked the ball home, although replays suggest he may have been just offside. Scarborough regained the lead and ensured all 3 points with a goal in the first minute of the second half. Liam Walsh laid the ball out to Chris Mochrie, and his deep cross was volleyed home at the back stick by Alberto De Matteis. Scarborough lost De Matteis to injury late on, Broadhead taking his place, but they held on for the victory.

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Scarborough were left frustrated after a 0-0 draw away against Coventry City, despite a totally dominant performance throughout. With De Matteis injured, Nathan Broadhead came in on the left, while Fin Back returned in midfield. Scarborough had the better of a first half they completely controlled, Sea going close several times while Broadhead should also have done better. The second half was a similar story, Scarborough creating a total of 17 shots over the course of the evening, but again poor finishing undid them. The best chance fell right at the death, when Dimitri Sea won the ball on the halfway line and broke all the way into the Coventry box, but his final effort was too close to Hein, allowing the Coventry keeper to make an easy save. Scarborough will hope that Sea breaks his goalscoring drought soon. The striker, who finished top scorer in League Two last season and was tipped to win the award in League One this season, has now gone a worrying fourteen hours without hitting the target, although Scarborough largely continue to keep faith with him.

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Scarborough heaped more misery on bottom club Forest Green Rovers as they recorded their most emphatic win of the season, a 4-0 win. It was a largely unchanged Scarborough side, although Mario Mandžukić was handed a rare start, and he certainly restored the faith shown in him. Scarborough took the lead 8 minutes in from a Ben Knight free-kick. Nyassi got up at the back stick to head back across goal, and Callum Forrest was left completely unmarked in the middle for an easy header home. 26 minutes in the hosts grabbed a 2nd, as Mochrie played a superb reverse ball over the top for Dimitri Sea. The forward did brilliantly to beat McGinley on the byline before his perfect cross found Mario Mandžukić in space to head into the bottom corner. 6 minutes later the Seadogs were even further ahead, courtesy of another Ben Knight free-kick. This time Callum Forrest got up above Ngouemou to head home, his second of the game. The final goal of the game came with 13 minutes left, Ethan Galbraith doing well to recover the ball out wide, beating Matty Downing before picking out Mario Mandžukić on the penalty spot in the middle, the Croatian making no mistake with a well-placed header. It was a great result for the hosts, the only negative being that Dimitri Sea once again failed to hit the mark, although he did claim an assist as well as causing a threat throughout. Scarborough finish the month with a trip to Salford.

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Scarborough ensured an unbeaten end to the month as they held on for a 2-0 victory away at Salford City. The visitors dominated the first half, taking a 2-0 lead into the second half, although they then had to hold on to ensure the result. Scarborough took the lead 22 minutes in, the away fans delighted to see striker Dimitri Sea finally end his drought. A Nyassi free kick found Mochrie out wide in space, and his cross was met at the near post by the head of Sea, who had enough power to direct his header over Coleman into the roof of the net. As with many a football pun, like buses Dimitri Sea then ensured his drought was well and truly over grabbing a second 12 minutes later, like buses. Some great possession football between Colwill, Galbraith and Back found Mochrie on the wing. He played a quick one-two with Back before playing a perfectly weighted through ball for Sea to slip under the keeper at the near post. Salford looked for a way back in second half but were unable to break down a resolute Scarborough defence, meaning Scarborough won 5 and drew 1 during the month.

October Results
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Manager’s Review
Proud of the turnaround since last month. The performance against City set the tone for the month, and with a chance to rest and get some of the players fit again we started to look more like the team we had seen in August. Some great performances throughout the team but player of the month is Callum Forrest, solid at the back and also scoring 3 times during the month, joint top scorer in October.

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siepod
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Premium
November 2023

Scarborough began November with a fantastic 2-1 victory against high flying Scunthorpe United despite being reduced to 10 men for the majority of the 2nd half. The match saw Scarborough travel to Scunthorpe, where they played part of last season during ground redevelopment, to face the side sitting just behind them 3rd in the league. It was also an opportunity to renew acquaintance with former Seadog Connor Stanley, who joined Scunthorpe from Charlton in the summer. In a tense first half, there was little to separate the two and even less of note, but that was all to change at the start of the second. Scarborough broke the deadlock one minute after the break, Galbraith and Mandžukić combining to release Callum Forrest down the left, and his cut back found Ben Knight, who found the bottom corner with a superb long-range strike. 4 minutes later Scarborough were then down to 10 men, Mandžukić seeing red for an unnecessary two footed challenge on Jack Grimmer. Scunthorpe made their advantage pay in the 65th minute, an Elliott Bennett free-kick finding Mark Beevers completely unmarked in the area to fire home. Scarborough had sacrificed Sea when reduced to 10, playing only with wide men, and it was one of them who helped give them an unlikely victory here. Chris Mochrie went on a fantastic breakaway run down the right, beating Elliott Bennett before his cross was then diverted into his own goal by Mark Beevers, having the unlucky distinction of having scored at both ends. After the surprise goal, Scarborough were happy to try and keep the ball in the corner and play down the clock, which they did superbly despite 5 minutes of stoppage time for a fantastic and valuable 3 points on the road.

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Scarborough continued their fine form with another impressive performance as they brushed aside Blackpool 3-0 in the week. The Seadogs seem to have found their goalscoring rhythm again, albeit they were helped by Blackpool being reduced to 10 men. Scarborough were without Mandžukić due to his red card last time out, while Ben Knight also missed out due to an accumulation of bookings so far this season. De Matteis was still out injured, while Egan-Riley also sat out with a slight knock. That meant Arlott-John, Liam Walsh and forgotten man Dennis Gyamfi were handed starts. The hosts took the lead 34 minutes in, Liam Walsh out to Arlott-John, who played a superb chipped ball through for Dimitri Sea. Sea took a touch and then slipped in Zac Brunt, who smashed into the bottom corner. 5 minutes later Blackpool were reduced to 10 men as Teddy Howe received a second booking for pulling back Arlott-John. 2 minutes into the second half, Scarborough doubled their lead, Mochrie breaking into the box. When he was initially tackled, he recovered the ball, and found Gyamfi who in turn picked out Zac Brunt, unmarked, for his second of the game. The match was put beyond doubt in the 55th minute, poor marking to blame again for the visitors. An initial corner was recovered by Arlott-John, who in turn found Brunt. The in-form skipper beat Garrity before picking out Dempsey Arlott-John, completely alone at the far post for an easy finish.

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Scarborough renewed acquaintances with Burton Albion as they travelled to the Pirelli Stadium for an FA Cup 1st Round tie at the weekend. The pair met twice last season in League Two, with the Seadogs winning both times, and it was the visitors who were celebrating again on this occasion with a 2-0 win. It took just 5 minutes to take the lead, the goal coming from a throw. Forrest took it short to Colwill, who in turn played a one-two with Knight before producing a fine cross, and Chris Mochrie was on hand to apply the finish with his head. The result was sewn up in first half stoppage time, Galbraith picking up a loose clearance and laying off for Egan-Riley, who played a great first time ball up to Dimitri Sea, the Frenchman turning Greenidge before unleashing a shot across Ingram and into the bottom corner. Scarborough were handed a home tie against either Leyton Orient or Exeter City in the 2nd round following their victory. Scarborough were handed a further boost when manager Barlow rebuffed the latest speculation, this time linking him with Crystal Palace, with rumours abound that he rejected both Aston Villa and Crystal Palace of the Premier League in recent days.

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Scarborough lost their final group game 2-0 against Salford City in the EFL Trophy, although the result was of little significance as they had already ensured progress to the next round. With qualification secured, unsurprisingly the visitors made several changes as they took on Salford City at Edgeley Park. Scarborough probably had the better of the game still but were unable to take their chances, while a horrendous mistake from James Trafford was punished by the hosts. Oumar Traore took advantage of the poor control from Trafford to slot the ball into the empty net after 62 minutes. The result was confirmed in the 90th minute when Ryan Alebiosu headed home inside the area.

Scarborough continued their fine league form with a convincing 3-0 win as they hosted MK Dons at the Scarborough Sports Village. A crowd of around 5,000 turned up to watch another dominant attacking display from the seadogs, who continue to look like potential promotion candidates on current form. The hosts took the lead 3 minutes before the break. Walsh found Ben Knight out in space on the right, the youngster beating Lazaar before crossing for Dimitri Sea to head home near post. 11 minutes into the second half the lead was doubled, Liam Walsh again involved as he played a great ball over the top for Dimitri Sea to lose his marker and finish. The result was secured 13 minutes from time, a Walsh free-kick only half cleared, the clearance falling to skipper Zac Brunt who smashed into the bottom corner.

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Charlton moved back to the top of the table as they defeated fellow promotion rivals Scarborough 1-0 at the Valley in midweek. The pair were supposed to meet earlier in the month, but the game was re-arranged due to a number of international call-ups again for Scarborough. Charlton probably just about edged the game, the only goal coming 8 minutes before half time, Mwandwe finding room down the right to deliver a cross, and Sead Haksabanovic was completely unmarked in the middle to head past Broome. The result sees Charlton sit top on 42 points, with Ipswich Town second on 40. Scarborough drop to 3rd, with 39 points, although Charlton and Scarborough both still have a game in hand on their rivals.

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November Results
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Manager’s Review
The month was going well, the defeat to Salford aside, but frustrated to end November with defeat, although Charlton are an excellent team, as is underlined by their league standing. The goals have at least started to flow again the last few months which is great to see. Player of the month is Zac Brunt, the skipper has been in tremendous form this month, and continues his fine form in front of goal.

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siepod
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1 year ago
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Premium
December 2023

Scarborough ensured their name would once again be in the hat for the FA Cup 3rd round as they dismantled Exeter City in their Second-Round clash at the Scarborough Sports Village. It was the first game at the stadium since the renovations were completed, meaning although the capacity was reduced it was an all-seater stadium for the first time for this tie, and Scarborough looked keen to entertain the fans who turned out, taking the lead 7 minutes in. De Matteis broke from the back, spotting Chris Mochrie marauding up the other wing unmarked. He picked out his fellow winger, who got a shot away. When Ward got across to save, Fin Back was on hand to finish the rebound. 2 minutes before the break the lead was doubled, Mochrie again the provider, this time winning the ball on the edge of his own box and driving all the way down the right before cutting the ball back for Liam Walsh, who smashed a shot, only to see his effort deflect off Dimitri Sea and in. The final goal came 7 minutes from time, Knight and Galbraith playing a one-two before finding Callum Forrest in space, his cross being met by substitute Dempsey Arlott-John with a free header at the far post.

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Scarborough recorded another win on the road as they travelled to face Wycombe in League One, the Chairboys struggling near the bottom of the table before the clash. Scarborough underlined their league superiority as they took the lead with just 7 minutes gone. Egan-Riley launched a long throw into the box and as the hosts failed to clear Fin Back was on hand to fire home. Scarborough doubled their lead 6 minutes into the second half, with a near carbon copy of their first. Egan-Riley again caused problems with his throw, and this time Allsop came out in an attempt to snuff out the danger, but when he failed to collect Dimitri Sea was left with an easy finish into an unguarded net. The final goal came with 4 minutes remaining, Liam Walsh producing a superb delivery from a free kick, and centre half Modou Nyassi losing his man to head home. With Charlton losing at home to Rotherham the result saw Scarborough move top of the league on level points with the Addicks.

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Scarborough dropped back down to second as they could only manage a 0-0 draw as they hosted Peterborough United in League One. Chris Mochrie was absent through injury, so Dempsey Arlott-John was handed a start, and he looked lively as Scarborough tried to break the deadlock in the first half, enjoying more of the possession and the chances but without making the breakthrough. It was a similar story in the second half, Scarborough again doing the majority of the creating, Sea seeing his header go just over the bar with probably the best chance for the hosts. With Charlton winning 2-0 away at Coventry City it means they regain top spot from the Seadogs.

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Scarborough ensured their progress to the EFL Trophy 3rd round stage for the first time as they recorded a 2-1 victory over old adversaries Carlisle United at the Scarborough Sports Village. The pair met a few years ago in the FA Cup, then twice again last year in League Two, and Scarborough had already recorded a 3-0 victory against them this year in League One before their latest clash. With Colwill still out, Forrest filled in at left-back while Oduroh partnered Nyassi in the middle. Ben Knight also started on the right wing in this one. The hosts took the lead 32 minutes in with a sensational goal from Alberto De Matteis. Forrest won the ball back and knocked forward to De Matteis, who ran from inside his own half, taking on several defenders, before smashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner. The qualification looked secured until Carlisle hit back with 16 minutes left, Scougall with the free-kick, Monthe heading back across the area and John Mellish in the right place to head home. Scarborough ensured progress with a last-minute goal. Brunt won the ball in midfield, slipping down the line for substitute Broadhead, who had time and space to pick out fellow substitute Mario Mandžukić with a perfectly weighted pass, the Croatian obliging with the finish. Scarborough will now take on Sunderland in the next round at the Stadium of Light next month.

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Scarborough fell out of the automatic promotion sports as they crashed to a 2-1 defeat against Queen’s Park Rangers. The Seadogs had beaten QPR earlier in the season, but there was to be no repeat as they were outclassed despite taking the initial lead. Visitors Scarborough went in front 10 minutes before the break, a Liam Walsh corner headed home by Modou Nyassi, who got above the hosts defence to power home. QPR levelled things up just after the hour with a classic route one goal. Goalkeeper Brandon Austin smashed the ball upfield, and Callum Cooke got on the end to smash beyond Broome. QPR ensured the win in the 84th minute, a throw on the left leading to Sinclair beating Oduroh before getting in a cross, and De Preville was on hand to apply the finish. The result sees Scarborough drop down to 3rd in the table.

Scarborough’s league hopes were dented again at the weekend as they were held to a goalless draw at home to AFC Wimbledon. Scarborough were the better team throughout and were handed a golden chance to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty just 9 minutes into the clash. A dangerous ball into the box appeared to hit the arm of Procter, and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty. Liam Walsh stepped up, but Lee Burge guessed correctly and was able to push the ball to safety away from the advancing Scarborough attack. The hosts continued to create, with a total of 6 shots on target, but were unable to find a way past Burge, who unsurprisingly was named man of the match. Ipswich won while Charlton, who have a game in hand, drew meaning Scarborough are currently 2 points of the top spot as they enter the festive period.

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The poor form continued for Scarborough as they lost to league leaders Ipswich Town 2-0 on Boxing Day. The Seadogs were hoping to turn the corner in this festive fixture at Portman Road, but once again found themselves undone by clinical finishing and failing to take their own opportunities. Scarborough edged possession and the chances were fairly even, but when the big chances presented themselves Ipswich made no mistake. The opener came on 26 minutes, Fraser Alexander with a square ball and Sammie Szmodics smashing into the bottom corner beyond the reach of Nathan Broome. The win was confirmed for the hosts on 68 minutes, when Szmodics got his second of the game. Danny Brookes found space down the right to cross, and Szmodics was on hand with a pinpoint header into the bottom corner.

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Scarborough slumped to defeat again at the weekend as they fell to a 1-0 loss at home to struggling Port Vale. The Seadogs are in their worst run of form under Barlow, and despite playing a club who were struggling recently, they once again came unstuck meaning they have failed to win now for 5 league games on the trot. Port Vale had more of the play throughout, so it was no surprise when they took the lead with 5 minutes left in the first half, Charlie Wyke doing well to cross and Simone Minelli on hand to head home. Scarborough failed to muster a fight back in the second half, their best chance coming when Dempsey Arlott-John did superbly well to beat three men and get the ball across, but Nathan Broadhead couldn’t keep his header down. Worryingly, the Seadogs now have just one day to recover before the New Years’ day clash against 5th place Shrewsbury Town where they will hope to arrest the slide.

December Results
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Manager’s Review
The month began brightly but we have fell away massively in recent weeks, and the form has become somewhat alarming as we concede sloppy goals and fail to take the chances of our own. The few bright sparks were progressing in the FA Cup and EFL Trophy, but we will need to find some form again in the league if we want to remain in contention for promotion coming into the new year. Player of the month goes to Modou Nyassi.

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