Sunday, 23 December 2007
Vroom Vroom - have you got a new motor!
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
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!"
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!"
Sunday, 9 December 2007
Sheffield 2 Colwyn Bay 2 (Bay win 5-4 on pens)
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
The journey goes 'international'
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
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Sheffield 3 Kendal 2
...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.
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.
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