Road to Wembley (again!!)

When the Fleet go Sailing in!!

2008-05-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

None of the difficulties of last year in getting a ticket for this one - even though Ebbsfleet managed to sell 22,000. I went along with Diane, Andrew and Steve and they all thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. Ebbsfleet had asked all their fans to wear red shirts so I wore my Charlton shirt and met quite a few Addicks around the ground (well, I reckon it's the nearest we'll ever get to being there!) The ground was still impressive, even seeing it for the second time. And although it was less than half full for the game, the fact that all the fans were supporters of the two clubs made for a great atmosphere.

So, what about the game. Well, it was much better than the FA Cup Final I saw last year, but that wouldn't be difficult! Torquay started the better but Ebbsfleet gradually took control, getting a penalty 5 minutes before half-time. Up stepped ex-Torquay striker McGhee for the spot-kick and......it was saved. The Torquay fans loved it as he didn't exactly hit it off down there. I must admit to thinking how can a player possibly recover from such an incident. But recover he did. Shortly afterwards Akinde chased a lost cause into the corner, won possession and centred for, yes, you guessed it, McGhee to score - from zero to hero in three minutes!

The second half was end to end with the closest effort being Akinde hitting the post. The last 10 minutes lasted an age for the Fleet fans, but eventually the whistle went and the celebrations began. And they were celebrations. The players were absolutely delighted and showed it - it was a pleasure to witness. And a great way to end the season. A journey that stretched from Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, North Wales, Staffordshire, Cambridgeshire, Kent and Hamphire through to Wembley was over. And I will miss it - no aggro over tickets, exciting matches and the game played in the proper spirit. It successfully took my mind off a disappointing Charlton season.

Next year might be the FA Vase although weddings of relatives may mean, because of date clashes, that it will be put off for another season - which means I'll be able to see more of Charlton - oh joy!!

Aldershot Town 1 Ebbsfleet United 1

2008-03-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

A backs to the wall performance gave Ebbsfleet a 4-2 aggregate win and the opportunity of a trip to Wembley. Aldershot dominated this match but nervous finishing in the first half and lack of creativity in the second were to cost them dear.

In an exciting game the Shots began at a pace and created quite a few openings the best falling to their right winger who hit his shot against Cronin's legs. After about an hour Aldershot took the lead and from then on it was a case of the Fleet holding on in a sort of 9-1-1 formation. But hold on they did even avoiding the threat of Bull, the Aldershot keeper, arriving in their penalty area for a corner kick and nearly scoring an empty netter. Ebbsfleet did make a break 3 minutes into injury time with Long's shot rebounding to an Ebbsfleet forward for the crucial goal.

Cue the celebrations. The army from Kent, who I think never really believed they could win this tie, went mad with Opinek the left back co-ordinating the party. Over the two legs I think Ebbsfleet were the worthy winners if only for their sheer doggedness. They face Torquay in the final, which will be a tough proposition.

A word for Aldershot. Even though they must have been bitterly disappointed about the result they were very gracious in defeat. I, for one, will be glad to see them back in the league next season after an absence of 16 years (especially as I will be able to count them in my quest to do the 92!)

Ebbsleet United 3 Aldershot Town 1

2008-03-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

This was a bit of an epic day for me and my brother, Paul, who accompanied me to this match. The kick off was brought forward to 12.00 to avoid possible trouble with the Aldershot fans. It occurred to me, then, that it would be possible to see the Ebbsfleet match, hop on the train and make it to The Valley for a 3pm kick off. And that is what we did, only missing 10 minutes of the Charlton game because of a cancelled train (although it would have been better to have missed all 90 minutes!) So, a first for me - two games in one day.

Let's talk about Ebbsfleet though. They had been awarded the team of the round for their defeat of Burton, but Aldershot would be a different proposition, surely? Ebbsfleet, however, got at them from the start and, courtesy of two deserved penalties were comfortably 2-0 ahead by half-time. The home crowd were buzzing - maybe Wembley was a real possibility. A healthy crowd of over 2,000 watched the game, including a German TV company, who were filming because of the internet purchase of Ebbsfleet by Myfootballclub.co.uk. I think we were filmed, which is a bit embarrassing as I no longer have an Equity card!

The second half was a more even affair with a goal each meaning that 'The Fleet' take a two goal advantage to Hampshire. Who will prevail? Aldershot have already beaten Ebbsleet 2-0 at the Recreation Ground earlier this year so I would not bet against this going all the way to penalties. That would be a cruel way to decide matters.

Ebbsleet United 1 Burton Albion 0

2008-02-29T04:22:00.000-08:00

It took nearly 3 and a half hours but finally a goal was scored in this tie. 5 minutes from the end of extra time Stacy Long (ex-Charlton, of course) hit a speculative shot at goal which squimed under the body of Saul Deeney into the net. It meant there wouldn't be penalties (which I reckoned would have ended 0-0 anyway!) and aslo means I get to visit Northfleet again in a bit less of a hurry - leaving a conference at 4.00 to arrive by 7.30 and then getting into my hotel bed at about 2.30 did not do a lot for my levels of concentration on Wednesday!

I watched the game with my brother who lives nearby and we found it all quite entertaining. I think he was a bit surprised by the standard of the football (apart from the finishing that is!) Being a Charlton fan I'm not surprised he was impressed. The ground reminded me of a smaller version of The Valley as it was in the 1970s. It is pretty ramshackle but decked out in red and listening to those lovely north Kent accents made me quite nostalgic. It will be good to go there again in more leisurely circumstances.

It is a pity to leave Burton behind. having seen them 6 times they are obviously a club who can go places. I just wonder if they have reached their potential for the moment and need to do something to attract bigger crowds and then go full time. Keeping Nigel Clough around will be the key. I will predict that the right back, Brayford, will be playing league football within 2 years - all I need to remember now is to look back on here and check if I was right.

Prediction goes wrong!

2008-02-29T04:18:00.000-08:00

Well, happily I am not off to Devon and the only chance of seeing Torquay is now at Wembley. I can't say I'm sorry about that as I am already visiting Plymouth in April to watch the mighty Addicks. Oh yes, the draw means a trip to Aldershot, currently riding high at the top of the Blue Square Premier, the match to be played over two legs (it's the nearest I'll ever get to watching Champions League football!) If Aldershot manage to get promoted it will also mean I collect a new league ground by default.

Burton Albion 0 Ebbsfleet 0

2008-02-24T15:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess it was inevitable. Having gone all the way to Wembley last year and most of the way this year, this was my first 0-0 draw. And the game was as bad as a goalless match could be.

I am recovering from neck ache today as the beautiful game was turned into an aerial ping pong competition. Chances were few and far between, although both sides did hit the wood work. The windy conditions didn't help the two teams and a draw seemed inevitable from the moment Burton hit the post in the 2nd minute - especially as I am now faced with a sprint down to Kent on Tuesday and missing part of the Conference I am attending. I will get a chance to see my brother which will be good.

Writing this before the draw I know that York, Aldershot and Torquay are the other semi-finalists so I will happily predict a trek down to Devon in my mystic Meg moment!

Histon 0 Burton Albion 1

2008-02-11T05:21:00.000-08:00

The march of the Brewers towards Wembley continues. This was what you would call a 'gutsy' performance. Clare put Burton in the lead after 10 minutes and for the other 80 it became, increasingly, one way traffic. I think everyone knew that, if Histon did score they would run out easy winners. However, on a quagmire of a pitch in heavy rain they could not get the ball in the net.

So, it's Burton v Ebbsfleet in what, for many Brewers fans, seems to be a chance to right some wrongs over various results that have gone the way of the Kent based team in the last few matches. My only wish is for a postive result as the prospect of a midweek dash down to Gravesend for the replay does not fill me with joy.

It's the team with a thousand 'directors'

2008-02-11T05:17:00.000-08:00

Burton or Histon will face Ebbsfleet at home in the quarter finals. For those who don't know, Ebbsfleet are the team that are effectively run by the fans in that team selection, transfers etc are all done by them with the manager acting purely as coach. At least that is how I think it operates. maybe I'll find out a bit more between now and 23rd March.

Burton Albion 1 Histon 1

2008-02-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

A competitive match finally ended in a draw reflecting how the team's had played.

I realised that this was the first time I had ever actually been to the town of Burton, although being a new ground it has been built on the outskirts of a town dominated by the Pirelli factory - so I didn't see much of the town anyway.

The ground was as impressive as I thought it would be. It is obviously new and well-appointed although because it has stands on all four sides the pitch did seem a bit small. I had a drink in the bar in the ground which was like drinking in a hospital, it was so spartan. Have they never heard of pictures? A few fans were complaining about the state of the pitch - all I can say is they obviously never saw football in the seventies, when grass was a thing of distant memory come February. Burton did proudly unveil their brand new electronic scoreboard, although if I'm honest, I don't think it was any bigger than a beachtowel!

The game was played in ideal conditions with the snow that was threatened never materialising. In fact, it was a bright, cold day. The first half is best forgotten. Histon play a fairly agricultural type of game with their size and physique puttin g off the more skilful Burton players. It was no surprise that the game was goalless after 45 mins, although Histon had a great chance when a header hit the underside of the bar and bounced onto the line and away (except according to the Histon fans, who claimed it was over the line like 1966)

The second half was completely different. It helped that Burton scored first when McGrath hit a shot from 25 yards that got enough of a deflection to take it past the Histon keeper. Burton threatened to add to their lead in the two minutes straight after but Histon weathered the storm and bagan to take the game to the hosts.

A whole raft of substitutions spoilt the flow of the game but Histon gradually began to gain the ascendancy. It was therefore no surprise when Nightingale equalised 5 minutes from time sending the visiting supporters singing all the way home (get it? Nightingale...singing!)

So, a replay it is and a trip to Histon near Cambridge. A quick scan of the teams left in the competition shows that these two have a realistic chance of going all the way. It should, therefore, be a competitive game. I do think that Burton will stand more chance away from home as it should suit their style of play more.

Big boys to clash!

2008-02-02T03:37:00.000-08:00

After a replay saw Histon beat local rivals Cambridge United, they will play at Burton's Pirelli Stadium in Round 3. From what I have seen it is a ground fit for league football, and may indeed host League Two matches next year, so I may collect another ground, by default.

Vauxhall Motors 1 Burton Albion 4

2008-02-02T03:27:00.000-08:00

I need to get this post done before I get to the next match (today!) - just shows how organised I have been.

In truth this game was over in 8 minutes. That's all the time it took for burton to establish a two goal lead and they never looked back from there.

Driving into the ground was interesting as it was like arriving at the sports and social clubs I used to play at when I was younger, when lots of firms still had works teams. This is obviously the route that VM have come up through and their ground, neat and tidy as it is, adjoins Vauxhall Motors Sports and Social Club. As such, it feels a little soulless. There is no fan base as such - no 'local' support. Indeed most of the 800 or so crowd came from Burton, a journey of less than an hour and a half.

The game continued pretty predictably. Burton added a third before half time, number 4 early in the second half and then started saving players for their Blue Square Premier prmotion campaign. Apart from one FA Cup defeat they remain, at the time of this match, unbeaten away from home. Vauxhall got the 'consolation' at the end, a goal that their efforts deserved. They are trying to punch above their weight in the Blue Square North, but I have a feeling that that will be as high as they ever achieve given their circumstances.

Vroom Vroom - have you got a new motor!

2007-12-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

The draw for the 2nd round has paired Burton with Vauxhall Motors from the Blue Square North. Apparently they play in Ellesmere Port. I can't say I've ever been there before so this will be another new experience. The ground holds good memories for Albion as it was where they clinched their Unibond League Championship in 2002. I hope Albion win - I can't see me supporting a team named after a car manufacturer!

Colwyn Bay 1 Burton Albion 2

2007-12-23T13:02:00.000-08:00

The weather leading up to the match had not been good but a rise in temperatures in the days leading up to the match gave me cause for optimism as I set out on the long journey again. I had a list of other fixtures in case of postponement so that my journey wouldn't be completely wasted.

I arrived at the ground at midday and apart from a small patch of frost in one corner the pitch looked in tip top condition. Having consulted with the man on one of the burger vans (yes, catering facilities had been doubled) I was happy that there would be a match to watch. I returned for a pint at 1.30 and having left the comfort of the bar went out to see the players warm up.

It was at this point I realised how difficult the conditions were. The players' boots could be clearly heard on the frozen surface and I doubt a league game would have got the go ahead. I'm not sure who the conditions favoured but both clubs seemed anxious to play, although I'm not sure about the players! A couple of the Colwyn Bay players I spoke to didn't seem that keen.

Burton got off to a good start and dictated play early on. A slick move down the left hand side resulted in a cross which was headed on to the post with Jake Edwards netting the rebound. After that it was Colwyn Bay who made the most of the conditions and they thoroughly deserved the equaliser just before half time with a goal from their centre forward.

The second half was dominated by CB and it seemed as if a giantkilling was on the cards until Edwards popped up for his and Burton's second. Albion held on for a less than convincing win, but as their website said it was a case of "job done!"

Sheffield 2 Colwyn Bay 2 (Bay win 5-4 on pens)

2007-12-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

Another long trip to Colwyn Bay now beckons following the Seagulls dramatic win over Sheffield. This was the best game of the run so far and, on balance I think Bay deserved to win.

They were delayed in arriving by traffic problems so only had the briefest of warm-ups before baing made to start the match. However, they started off like a house on fire and dominated the early exchanges, deserving the early lead that they took. Sheffield were playing poorly but gradually got back into the game getting an equaliser just before half time. A closely fought second half produced no further goals so we were into extra time.

Bay drew first blood with a spectacular goal from Wade and looked confident enough to win through. For the third time in the tie, however, Sheffield came back with an equaliser to set up a penalty shoot out. An early miss from Colwyn gave Sheffield the early advantage but two dreadful misses from the home side allowed the Seagulls to progress and set them up for the Burton match.

It's Cloughie!

2007-12-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

No, not Brian but Nigel. Bay or Sheffield have been drawn at home to Burton Albion from the Blue Square Conference in Round 1 and they are managed by Nigel Clough. They are flying high in that league so this will be a tough draw for the Unibond team that makes it through.

Colwyn Bay 1 Sheffield 1

2007-12-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

I've been a bit busy so these posts are a little behind but I will try and write them contemporaneously (!) so that they retain some authenticity. Wow, lots of big words.

I arrived in Colwyn Bay early enough to go down to the beach - I'm sure in summer it is very welcoming but all looked a bit haggard in late November. The club's set up was good, however. Nice bar, friendly people. It was amazing how many seemed to be discussing England's fortunes as England fans. The guys stood next to me on the terrace were chuffed in that they had their picture on the front of the programme - I should have got them to autograph it.

This game was played in difficult windy conditions and it always seemed that CB fancied their chances of a win and revenge for a 3-0 defeat earlier in the season. Bay came out flying and scored early on with Sheffield equalising after 9 minutes - goal fest to come - but it wasn't to be. Bay dominated the game but created few clear cut chances so it's all back to Sheffield for a replay on Tuesday.

The journey goes 'international'

2007-11-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

I will be off to Wales for the 3rd qualifying round as Sheffield face a trip to Colwyn Bay, a fellow Unibond 1 South club. In fact, they were meant to play there in the league on that day so no change in plan is needed. It's quite a trek for me but the place looks quite nice and a good day by the seaside is anticipated, weather permitting

Sheffield 3 Kendal 2

2007-11-04T11:08:00.000-08:00

...or should I say Kendall or Kendle! Between them, Grantham and Sheffield seemed to be in a competition of their own to find as many ways as possible to mispell the name of the Cumbrian town, both in their programmes and notices.

It's nice to have a familiar companion on this new road to Wembley - the Lovell jinx was back. Last season the team I was following won 5 times in 18 matches. This year, the ratio is already down to 1 in 3. So, Sheffield enjoy your cup run - it won't last long!

I arrived at the 'Bright Finance Stadium' shortly after 2.00 having spent about an hour trying to find it in rural Derbyshire. Let's just say that the stands aren't imposing enough to be seen from 100 yards away let alone 1-2 miles. Never mind, I thought, it is a non-league club after all and I'm sure that the cheek that lets them call themselves 'The Club' would be matched by their friendliness. And, of course, I was right. What is it about certain clubs (mainly non-league I have to say) that means that you warm to them immediately - and I did to Sheffield.

It is a tiny 'stadium' but also neat and relatively new - the first one they have owned in their history. They are celebrating their 150th anniversary to the full. This will no doubt be the last time I attend a non-league ground where the announcer mentions an upcoming home game against Inter Milan! OK, it will be held at Bramall Lane, and won't be the first team but who cares.

To the game - Kendal (Kendall, Kendle, Kendill? etc etc) took the lead early on with a neatly taken goal from Mulvaney. I must say that it did look suspiciously offside, but in my experience linesmen are nearly always right with these decisions so I don't think Sheffield could probably complain too much. Kendal dominated the first 20 minutes or so, but Sheffield worked their way back into the game and deserved their equaliser when it came. It was a scrappy affair turned in by Ingall, who celebrated the goal a minute or so later by scything down a Kendal midfielder and earning a booking. 1-1 at half-time was a fair reflection.

The second half was like being at the swimming pool at the Olympics. The Kendal forwards spent most of their time diving in an attempt to get penalties. Arnison was booked for his troubles, but his was the least blatant. How the Kendal officials who were stood near me could feel they should have had lots of penalties is beyond me and the constant whining by the Kendal bench at the referee was unpleasant to hear. For the record, from a neutral's point of view he had a good game.

Sheffield took the lead early in the second half with a thunderbolt shot from Gavin Smith, the right back, who continues to be the club's top scorer this season, adding to the 10 he got last year. The Club looked to have finished it 15 minutes from the end when a shot from Powell, following smart work from Paul Smith, the impressive left back, was parried into the path of Ward for a simple tap in.

That looked to be that - until Kendal were finally awarded a penalty in injury time (after yet another dive!) and Wright slammed it home. Wright immediately ran into the goal to attempt to get the ball back and tried to wrestle it off the Sheffield keeper. Mulvaney, in his frustration tried to kick the ball out of his hands and was deservedly sent off. A pity that the match should end this way as it had been a thoroughly entertaining affair.

At least it wasn't a draw and the prospect of a midweek replay in Kendal has now gone. On Monday the Conference North and South sides will enter the fray as we reach the third qualifying round stage.

The oldest club in the world!

2007-10-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

I must be honest and say that I was not unhappy that Kendal received an away draw. They will be playing Sheffield, the oldest club in the world, at about the time of their 150th anniversary and all the publicity tthey have managed to generate from that occasion. What's more they play just north of Chesterfield, so it's a relatively easy journey for me. Once again, though, the prospect of a Tuesday in Kendal looms over the tie, especially as this time any replay will be in November - brrrr!

A quick look at the Sheffield website reveals they are a club who want to go places. They have recruited loads of sporting celebrities as members (Michael Vaughan, Bobby Robson and Sepp Blatter among them) and have arranged some prestigious friendlies as well. It might be they are distracted by all of this and Kendal could slip in and take the tie. Sheffield are on a par with Grantham in the Unibond League 1 South, so Kendal will be favourites again.

I noticed in this week's Grantham Journal that two lads from Nottingham are doing the same as me in following the FA Trophy and will now be following Kendal - hopefully I will get to meet up with them. They, like me, followed the FA Cup, albeit 2 years ago and not last season. Unfortunately for them they missed out ontickets for the Final in Cardiff - this season should be easier for them.

Grantham 1 Kendal 3

2007-10-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

The local paper stating that Grantham did not want another draw following their exploits in the other cup competitions gives you some insight about the mental approach they took into this game.
Beforehand I went for my usual FA Trophy pint in the bar. I bumped into a friend of mine Tracy and her husband who had one excited little boy with them - he was to be the mascot for the day! He was wearing a brand new Grantham town tp and could not wait to get out on the pitch with the boys. Another friend, Michelle who happens to be the Chairman's daughter also arrived in a bit of a fluster. TNT had not delivered the programmes to her house! Disaster! how was I going to get my set for the whole trip to Wembley. She told me not to worry as she would get me one when they eventually do arrive. In its place I got a copy of the official team sheet, which is a nice souvenir.

On to the game - my biggest fear was a replay in Kendal and that never looked like happening. The Unibond Premier side thoroughly outplayed their lower division rivals strolling to a comfortable win in the end, even affording to miss a penalty on the way. Grantham even had a player sent off, such was their determination not to get a draw. Oh well, they can now concentrate on the League. As for Kendal, they do look a good outfit and I might be following them for a little while.

Gingerbread men vs Mint Cake men tasty!

2007-10-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one day - I'm turning into a journalist.

Grantham now step up a notch in the second qualifying round by playing kendal Town from the Unibond Premier, the league above. This should pose more of a problem and Grantham will need to take advantge of being at home if they are to progress through. I dearly hope they do - it will be a darn site easier following them than Kendal in subsequent rounds.

Grantham have continued with a string of good results while Kendal sit near the foot of the table. This has all the makings of a 1-1 draw and a Tuesday night trek to Cumbria - now that will be fun.

Grantham 3 Alsager 0

2007-10-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

Whoops - I should have done this blog at least a week ago - anyway better late than never! I can still remember the game and there is no doubt that Grantham cruised through with 2 goals from Mullarkey(and he should have got a hat-trick!) and a penalty from Gowshall. It is really hard to see that these two teams are in the same league. The biggest shock of the day was not the result but the fact that England had beaten Australia in the quarter finals of the Rugby World Cup - sent shock waves around the stand (not!) but probably did explain the poor gate of less than 200. So having followed Grantham through six games in the FA Cup I can now embark on another cup run with them.

Today's the day!

2007-10-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened since my last post. I have seen Grantham play 6 times in following this year's FA Cup run, which will make it difficult to remain neutral for today's game - so I won't! Grantham currently lie 3rd in Unibond North Div 1 South which suggests a good start to the season. In truth, they have never been over-convincing when I have seen them. Most impressive has been Dave Gilbert, but at 44 he can't play that many games. I noticed that in the home game v Belper on Tuesday he was a sub only and I wonder if he has been rested for the FA Trophy match. The team has a pretty settled look about it and has grown in confidence over the last few weeks with a long undefeated run. The second game at Market Needham and the cup tie at Hinckley saw the best performances of the season so I would think they head into today's match as favourites. The mood among Grantham Town fans seems to be that they shouldn't be in their current league, but realising that they need to fight their way out of it. Support-wise they are among some of the best in terms of numbers in the league so it would be nice to get a crowd approching 300 today.

As for Alsager (pronounced All-sager according to my friend Tony, who is from Stoke) they currently lie mid-table and have only won 1 of their 4 away games in the league up til now. They drew at home on Wednesday in front of a crowd of 70! One interesting tit-bit from Alsager is that this week they recieved their first-ever transfer fee having sold their star player Pete Heler - a piece of history indeed. It will be interesting to see what affect this has on their team.

My prediction: Grantham 2 Alsager 1

Here we go again

2007-09-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

Some of you will know that last season I had my 15 minutes of fame when I followed the FA Cup Competition all the wat from the extra preliminary round through to the Final at Wembley. That journey refreshed my appetite for the game, especially at non-league level so I've decided to do it all again, this time with the FA Trophy.

Once more I have decided to start with the game nearest to me. This will be an all-Unibond clash between Grantham Town and Alsager on October 6th at The Meres in Grantham. As the game draws near I'll post some more entries.