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Post by simples on Dec 26, 2016 13:30:23 GMT
The weather is doing its best. Lets hope the teams deliver as well and may the best team win. Up the City.
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Post by simples on Dec 20, 2016 10:30:44 GMT
Didn't realise it was 'just' 25m. I suppose the full 50 would have cost even more!!! Would it have been too much to combine say the pool with the football ground - the length of the pool plus a few metres either end could have made one side/end of the ground.... never mind.
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Post by simples on Oct 29, 2016 20:54:48 GMT
Comfortable after taking an early lead and playing against 10 men for most of the game. Only criticism is we should have scored more. Altrincham kept going right to the end and City's back line had to be alert to keep the clean sheet.
An observation, Hughes appeared in my eyes to curve his run and slow down almost inviting the challenge which led to the sending off. The win puts us 10 points ahead of the relegation places, something that seemed highly unlikely a few weeks ago when we were trailing at home to Gainsborough and a man down.
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Post by simples on Oct 29, 2016 12:29:00 GMT
Lee Hughes v Wayne Thomas! Now there's something to think about! Adds a bit of spice to the occasion that's for sure. If the balls on the ground I'd say Hughes would have the advantage, anything aerial its Thomas - but we will see.
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Post by simples on Oct 15, 2016 16:52:51 GMT
Proverbial game of 2 halves. Stalybridge, were encouraged in the first and pushed 4 up, little seen of City up front. Just before half time the ball broke to Hughes, his shot came back off the keeper to Nelson-Addy who put City ahead. A body blow to the visitors who had done all the pressing to date. Probably City's first serious effort.
Second half a cracking shot came back off the post for the visitors and when City made it 2-0 shortly after it was a case of City keeping their composure. Chances came and went and the game was finally put to bed in the last 5 minutes. Three very welcome points and a boost to the goal difference and confidence.
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Post by simples on Oct 2, 2016 18:01:40 GMT
I like to think I am a 'glass half full' person but after yesterday's game I thought I would leave it 24 hours before commenting. Everything mentioned above is accurate. I think Hughes sliced shot minutes from the end constituted our only shot. Their keeper wearing an off-white kit left the pitch spotless. Aside from a spell where we forced 3 consecutive corners, his only duty was to catch the last one.
I have followed the City for approx 50 years and this must be one of the most disappointing displays in exiting the FA Cup.
So to look positively I hope we can now 'concentrate on the league' and when the season finishes I hope we can look back on this performance as the low point of the season.
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Post by simples on Sept 6, 2016 22:57:37 GMT
The substitution bringing Bishop on worked a treat. His second goal to put us 2 up and give the team breathing space was an absolute cracker, even though the linesman had flagged I guess the referee must have adjudged the 'offside' player was not interfering with play. We got the rub of the green for a change. As mentioned above it seems every time the ball is played into our area we look vulnerable. I lost count of the number of times their forwards got the first touch to a ball played in. It was good to see English have a good game, it was as if he was trying to prove a point. For me Steele seems to be getting better with every game and maybe a goal will lift his performances still further. Finally congratulations to both teams for an entertaining game, its certainly not going to be dull if you follow Alfreton.
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Post by simples on Jun 4, 2016 8:44:31 GMT
I was not paying full attention and thought we had signed Johnny English, I thought I'd google to find out any info' and discovered my mistake. I hope he turns out to be a special agent. Welcome aboard, I hopey he can transfer his recent successes on to the rest of the team. My slight concern, and this is no disrespect to the current players, is that with the loss of Gudger and Thomas we have lost a bit of physicality. The younger players will be a year older and physically stronger and so I hope they will be able to step up.
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Post by simples on May 18, 2016 9:24:59 GMT
Not sure if this is the appropriate thread for posting this, but here goes.
I ventured to Perdiswell last Sunday out of curiosity, big mounds of earth building up around the swimming pool. I was surprised to see all the area from the Sports Centre at the front to the edge of the golf course (to the North) fenced off. In fact from by the footbridge that leads to Drover's way even the Sports Centre was obscured by a huge mound of earth. Not a blade of grass to be seen within the fenced off area.
It seems that now, more than ever, would be a perfect opportunity to synchronise/coordinate any new development while the area resembles a building site to the South and a ploughed field to the North. One lives in hope.
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Post by simples on May 18, 2016 9:06:11 GMT
He will always hold a special place in my memory for his exploits in the FA Cup alone (still a talking point when the family are together). Firstly the penalty save at Coventry just before half time and then part of that memorable penalty shoot out at home in the replay vs Scunthorpe where he twice had to make a save to keep us in the contest.
This is not to overlook his contribution in a team that kept us in National North. When unavailable his presence was missed, that is no criticism of the replacements, more an endorsement of his skill and experience.
Thank you, in football you never know.....
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Post by simples on Apr 24, 2016 14:21:16 GMT
Its been a bumpy journey. Our early season form was such that a relegation battle was apparent. Couldn't score, couldn't defend, disciplinary problems. To have survived and had a cup run, being drawn away to higher graded opponents with the exception of Holbeach great credit is due to all at the City.
I hope once the dust settles City will regroup and come back stronger. This league just gets stronger year on year. I hope it does not take us long to adapt to our new 'home'.
Unfortunately I will not be able to attend our last home match, but I am delighted their status has been preserved as it would have been bad form trying to get news of their progress during a wedding.
And as mentioned above the home games have rarely been dull.
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Post by simples on Apr 9, 2016 21:10:29 GMT
Hughes showed his class in the first half, firstly charging down the keeper's clearance to produce a goal out of nothing, secondly an excellent pass diagonally towards the corner flag by Donellan was picked up by Hughes with still a lot to do, beat his man and then the keeper with a cracking shot from wide on the left. Stockport always looked a threat going forwards or was that City looking suspect at the back? Second half City looked a bit tired, Stockport kept pushing and in the end just as it looked as if we had ridden out the storm Stockport equalised following a scramble. This gave them a lift at the wrong time for City. The visitors' keeper atoned for his mistake by denying Donellan in the first half and Hughes in the second. Disappointing end but hopefully the team can pick themselves up for Tuesday. Its getting too close for comfort.
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Post by simples on Apr 8, 2016 20:28:22 GMT
I was going to ask if we could have some Wrestling/fighting music as a throwback to the Stockport fixture of last season. Anything by Chaka Khan
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Post by simples on Apr 5, 2016 22:22:55 GMT
Agree with both of the above postings. Hughes clinical in front (or should that be to the side) of goal. There have been many occasions in times gone by where similar chances would have failed to trouble the opposition. We needed the 2 goal cushion as Bradford were lively throughout and posed a constant threat going forward. Vaughan pulled off several top saves to keep them out and all the team put their body on the line. Bradford did not help their cause by regularly running offside much to the relief of City fans and players. Still very tight, a win can propel you up 4 or 5 places, and goal difference looking to be the best of the teams in the bottom half. Hopefully Sean Donellan will be back to strengthen the squad on Saturday,
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Post by simples on Mar 26, 2016 19:44:46 GMT
Very entertaining game because of/in spite of the conditions. It took us a while to get to grips with the conditions first half, but when we started to play we showed we could give them a game. One down at half time into a gale I was not too despondent and I think Solihull would be disappointed not to have worked our keeper more. However a well worked goal at the start of the second half and we were on the ropes.
A quick reply courtesy of a mistake by their keeper who chased a ball out to the corner flag allowed Perry to swing the ball in to the box, Nti did well to win the challenge in the air and the ball broke to Burton who smashed it home. This gave the team and fans a lift. From then on the spirit in the side was evident and it was justice when Hughes finished off with a minute to go - another unlikely but vital point. A measure of the intent was that in the last few minutes City had Hughes, Perry, Nti, Murphy and Ward all attack minded players all on the pitch. At a push one could include Minihan and Gater as well. Indeed but for a fine save Minihan could well have won it with a cracking shot from distance.
So both teams draw, but the winner today was football.
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Post by simples on Mar 19, 2016 19:21:42 GMT
As for the game - it was terrible, no end product, no classy football, of our starting 11 I'd only say that the keeper and Tom Sharpe had a good game. Ologu needs to start, the game only improved when he and Waldron came on, as they both seemed to want to make an impression on the game. Harrogate were rough, and for the most part, our players let them beat us about - even if two of their players went off through injury - it wasn't because of us retaliating. Not the best of games by a long shot, but I suppose the counter argument will be that it was a point won against a team hunting for promotion. Agree it was only the substitutes who livened City up in the final third. Ologu does have that bit of class, hopefully his fitness is not far off. Definitely a point won today. Hopefully a point nearer safety. We seem to be missing the presence of a strong big lad upfront, we need Bakayogo back.
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Post by simples on Mar 19, 2016 19:13:29 GMT
Well done Hereford - riding a wave of successful results. If someone had said that in their first season they would be playing in a Wembley final they would have thought you'd been on the apple juice. Another victory for the 'fans'.
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Post by simples on Mar 16, 2016 19:32:39 GMT
I remember the result but I was away at Swansea University having started the previous September. It took a lot of adjusting being away when the City were playing - I just did not know what to do - at the back of my mind it was always 'I wonder how they are getting on?'. It could be painful being there and watching, but far worse not being there and wondering.
Anyway in those days there was no such thing as local radio, computers were not like they are these days - the internet was a good 20 years away, mobile phones were not to become available for another 15 years and there were probably 3 TV channels. City's results sometimes did not make the national papers. By the time this game came around I had got into the routine of phoning the ground to get the final score. For some reason on this occasion I phoned just before half time to be told it was City who were 3-0 up. I remembered a couple of years previously when we played Oswestry in the Border Counties League. We were 3 up but Oswestry clawed their way back to 3-3 before City eventually won 5-3. So instead of thinking wow thats it a win for City I spent the second half wondering if there would be any more comebacks. We City supporters can be a pessimistic lot at times. I was down to my last 2p (those were the student days and the minimum call charge) and had to judge the timing of my call - too soon and the match would not be over, too late and there might not be someone to answer the phone.
I need not have worried, my timing was perfect, the match had finished and the lady on the phone told me it was 12-2. I was gobsmacked, shocked, all I could say was 'are you sure - I can't believe it' she replied 'neither can we'. For a moment I thought the phone lines in South Wales had got crossed and someone was reporting a rugby score. I double checked the score in the national papers the following day and yes it was true. Happy days.
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Post by simples on Feb 24, 2016 19:48:54 GMT
To quote Stamoo (and others) the speed of the build ups was quick thus allowing City to capitalise on their pace upfront. Murphy on the left, Nti down the right with Bakayoko in the centre were a constant threat to Stalybridge. For me the first goal was definately an own goal but the cross put the defence under pressure so the least Nti deserved was an assist. It was a shame Nti squandered an opportunity for a hat-trick as with a bit of time to tee up his shot he dragged it well wide - we were 3 up then and a fourth would have finished off the game there and then before half time.
With the score 5-0 City decided to utilise their bench - normally it would be senior players coming off to give the youngsters a chance - this time the roles were reversed with Hughes and Burton coming on.
As others have commented Hughes behaviour was unnecessary - City 5 up and enjoying themselves - no need to spoil it. Jackman's appointment as captain has coincided with a marked improvement in discipline. We have got on with the game, leave the ref to referee the game. Under the previous captain I would suspect the referee would have been busier?
On a final footballing note there several examples of quick interpassing in tight situations where the opponents could not get close to the ball, not passing for the sake of passing, but with and end product and the ball being played to the feet of our wide men to run at their defence.
I for one did not notice the cold.
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Post by simples on Feb 13, 2016 10:59:51 GMT
Interesting thought. I was rummaging about yesterday looking for my sun glasses (I haven't flipped yet - off to Cyprus for a week) when I came across a box which contained lots of old bits and pieces including old football programmes and tickets - the memories (happy ones) came flooding back. Anything that helps promote the club be it a ticket stub, fixtures card etc.. is good in my view (hopefully low cost).
Back to the packing....
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Post by simples on Jan 31, 2016 17:37:32 GMT
In my excitement yesterday I forgot to mention that the team were very 'disciplined' throughout i.e. well behaved, and got on with the game and let the ref referee i.e. no visible dissent. Could this be attributed to the captain? It could have been because we were 2 up early on.
It was refreshing to see the City get the ball forward quicker, with Murphy, Nti and Bakayoko having pace to burn it was great to see them given the opportunity to run at their defence.
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Post by simples on Jan 30, 2016 21:13:02 GMT
Wow. Brilliant. NFU were a big physical side, their #9 dwarfed Thommo, but we were skilful, committed, battled and 'stuffed' them (thats a technical term). Donnellan got 2 by being in the right place at the right time, both created by Murphy who was a constant threat wide on the left. Their half time talk was probably along the lines of 'see their #11, well go slow him down' as their #2 made a couple of hefty challenges on him, but credit Murphy who got up each time without any fuss and continued to give them the run around. How ironic that he was cautioned right at the end for an innocuous challenge. The #9 also played his part, working non-stop to pressure their defence. Is it an optical illusion but has Nti bulked up? He seemed stronger in possession.
What more can one add about this performance? Maybe we should have scored more. You would not think that this was the same team as the previous home game, of course there were changes. It was as if a defibrillator had been used on a sick patient.
The feel good factor has returned on the pitch (or was I overcome by the sunshine today).
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Corby
Jan 16, 2016 19:41:37 GMT
Post by simples on Jan 16, 2016 19:41:37 GMT
Agree with previous 2 posts above. It was only the last 10 minutes that we seemed to step it up and when we threatened there would be a defender getting a block in or if the goaly was called upon he was up to the task. Remember, Weir also had a shot against the post in those final minutes - small margins as they say but why couldn't we have started playing sooner? Too often we kept possesion, knocking the ball back - giving Corby time to regroup. In recent matches Ebby N-A has been able to bring the ball up the middle with pace and keep the opposition defence on their toes. Still it cannot be easy with new faces coming in for it all to gel. Hopefully we can still turn it around but worryingly we have failed to beat 3 of the teams around us at home. On another point I found the colours of the teams difficult to pick out I wonder if the players had similar issues?
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Post by simples on Jan 2, 2016 18:43:09 GMT
Disappointing, at 1-0 up we had a good couple of opportunities. Nti went for placement and the goaly saved well and then Ebby brought the ball forward from his own half and looked like he was going to score but didn't.
Gloucester double teamed on Dunkley. Made their intentions clear early on when they flattened him. They tested the ref and when they found they could get away with it they persisted with their spoiling tactics whenever we threatened. If we resorted to their level we had plenty of opportunities to disrupt their breakaway before it got into the danger area but it took a deflection to draw them level. That said they had hid the post just before.
Second half their forward seemed to have a Worcester shirt in his hand and the ref was not able to spot this. This persisted during the game and Gloucester succeeded in unsettling Worcester and disrupting their build up play. Couldn't tell if it was a pen or not from where I was sat, but once they took the lead they cranked up the gamesmanship. Dunkley had a less effective second half probably as a direct result of being hacked several times. When the final whistle went I was thinking to myself Worcester had done well to avoid all this provocation only to see a red card brandished at Vaughan.
Gloucester won, would I like Worcester to win in a similar manner? Not sure. Hopefully we can keep things together but it is getting ever so close at the bottom.
I think the linesman may have suggested to the ref that an escort may be necessary at the end of the game with the crowd becoming increasingly incensed by what was going on. Only my opinion.
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Post by simples on Jan 2, 2016 9:43:32 GMT
Highlight for me was the win over Solihull Moors in the cup replay, cracking game with both teams playing well and it was the Moors first defeat.
I wasn't at Gateshead but followed the game on the radio, the commentary painted a picture of their keeper standing between the City and a convincing win against higher graded opposition and yet it took a fantastic save right at the end to deny the home side a draw - such is football. As for the Sheffield game I still feel we could have done better, but not to be. United had a bit more time on the ball than perhaps they are used to but that said it was only in the last 10 minutes that they sealed the win. If only we could have converted the chance that flashed across the face of goal.
There we have it a few what ifs and if only's and hopefully we can continue to compete.
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Post by simples on Dec 28, 2015 21:04:05 GMT
IMHO a point won today. Highlight for me was the performance of the 2 young centre backs and that tremendous double save by Vaughan. It could be the games and injuries catching up with the City, looked disjointed going forward. Brackley on the other hand were full of running but fortunately failed to execute in the final third. Jackman and Vincent coming on briefly rallied the troops.
If there is a gripe it would be to ask Nti to play to the whistle, it looked as though he went down/stopped expecting a foul rather than continue playing. From where I was sat I am sure he could have driven on but it is easy from the stands.
Hopefully no further injuries today.
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Gedds
Dec 23, 2015 20:50:47 GMT
Post by simples on Dec 23, 2015 20:50:47 GMT
Thanks for the memories. Did not see the rabona goal but his goals at Coventry and at home to Scunthorpe will be the talk at our dinner table for years to come. Hopefully all can move forwards.
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Post by simples on Dec 22, 2015 22:52:37 GMT
Very frustrating defeat. Fine margins the difference. Great start, always looked a threat down the flanks. Southport always looked dangerous from set plays. They used their bodies better to shield the ball. It was never a free kick for the final goal but I suppose that is part of the professionalism of a full time, well drilled side. Hopefully we can maintain this level of performance for the remainder of the season and the results will follow.
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Post by simples on Dec 20, 2015 18:46:43 GMT
Echoing most of what has been said above. Very important win, as the league table shows very tight at the bottom. If we have a good 10 days we could give ourselves a bit of breathing space.
As for the game it showed that it can be difficult to play with the wind, meteorologically speaking. The goal in the first half was absolutely brilliant - the sort that lifts your team and deflates opponents. It came as the ball was played across our area during a Gainsborough attack, the ball was cleared forward where Nti on the right wing galloped towards the by-line outpacing the defenders and put over a wonderful cross from the corner flag which Hughes dispatched confidently from six yards, 1-0.
The second half saw the City penned back and come under increasing pressure, being 1 up City did not have to force the issue. Gainsborough did not create much and were guilty of over hitting their passes to the relief of City. When the ball was knocked forward Hughes was often fighting a lone battle and his frustration showed when he was booked for kicking the ball away having been adjudged to have fouled.
The substitutions coincided with City getting hold of the ball and knocking it about and Gainsborough getting more desperate. The 2nd goal came minutes from the end but City had a glorious opportunity earlier when they surged forward down the left but Dunkley failed to control the ball on the edge of the area with the goaly to beat and the chance was gone. Ebby Nelson-Addy showed great energy with a couple of surging runs and deserved his goal.
I think the ref was fair to both teams - his booking of their captain in the first half for hand ball when jumping up to block a cross was particularly harsh.
A good battling performance all round with potentially 4 of the first choice back 5 not playing.
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Post by simples on Nov 21, 2015 20:43:32 GMT
Good win against fellow strugglers today. First half nothing to chose between the teams and our defenders had to be on their game to keep Telford out. Second half was a different story with 3 good goals. Thomas unmarked beyond the far post got the important first goal with a looping header that dropped inside the angle of the near post and crossbar. Second goal by Deeney was a terrific strike from a free kick 25 yards out. Finally Burton's goal was pure class from the edge of the box, one touch to control, second touch to shoot and the third touch came from the goaly when he picked it out of the net.
Not wishing to tempt fate but Gudger at centre back is getting better with every game. Jackman is in a rich vein of form at the moment and a strong performance from Deeney. As has been mentioned above cover is limited so hopefully no serious injuries or suspensions.
Finally I'd forgotten all about the Campion issue, but the fans in the second half helped to remind me and him and Nti obliged on a couple of occasions by going past him. Better off without him IMHO and to play someone who wants to play for the team.
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