|
Post by simples on Nov 17, 2015 22:48:04 GMT
Excellent result and performance. Everyone to a man battled hard, effort could not be faulted. On seeing City take to the field minus Thomas and Hughes one could have been forgiven for feeling apprehensive about the outcome against tonights high-flying visitors. But its in such situations that a team and its character is forged.
The conditions were difficult, no exaggeration it was difficult not to be blown over by a couple of strong gusts on the way to the ground. That said City acquitted themselves well and proceeded to create several openings in the first half but only had the one goal to show for their enterprise. That was a fine 20 yard effort by Smith who walked away from the standing ball into space and was still unmarked when it was played to him and he hit it into the top corner with the goaly nowhere.
The second half opened up with Boston pressing but City seemed to have weathered the storm (no pun intended) when we lost the ball cheaply in midfield and paid a heavy price with Boston's no. 9 hammering in the equaliser. After that it was an even affair but City squandered one or two good opportunities, but just when it seemed to be heading for a draw City's no 9 was in the right place causing trouble at the near post to divert home a cross from the right. Although I am not sure how much he knew about it.
After that it was all hands to the pumps as Boston launched crosses and long throws into the box but these were dealt with by Gudger and co and so City secured a well deserved win. The pitch I thought was excellent and allowed football to be played despite the blustery conditions.
On a sad note the promising Smith was carried off following a late challenge by their no 2. I cannot find the words to describe the frustration of City having 7 players sent off so far, I don't know if any have been for bad tackles that have inflicted injury to opponents, and yet you can see the opposition defence has been caught out with a ball to the wing and the on rushing defender has got one thing on his mind - and he succeeds in stopping the attack. Yellow card for him, another player out for the City. Hopefully the City player will make a speedy recovery. Lets see if we can make it two wins in a row this Saturday.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Nov 8, 2015 14:44:46 GMT
I thought he did OK yesterday. He provided a lot of support to our full backs when Sheffield threatened and battled hard up front. He created our best opportunity from nothing through sheer persistence and determination. I thought there was a chance for him to play in Minihan in the first half - but its an easy game from the stands.
Sometimes his control lets him down but that is something that he can work on. Personally I think his game has improved with the arrival of Lee Hughes who has given a focus to the attack, with Nti providing the crosses from the right.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Nov 8, 2015 14:33:39 GMT
We missed the attacking flair of Geddes and Hughes, but the team gave their best, with Vaughn being outstanding, and the defence doing very well - just not much creativity going forward. Thanks to all at WCFC for organising the day, and all at SUFC for their hospitality in what is a great stadium. I found all SUFC fans and staff to be very friendly, and hats off to them for the Remembrance Day ceremony which was impeccably staged and observed. As for Leon's negatives - - totally correct decision to close bars and refreshments kiosks. Not disproportionate at all. Why should SUFC staff feel intimidated and threatened by aggressive, drunken, and moronic " once a year supporters " whose lack of intelligence confuses supporting your side with chants, to goading the opposition fans with chants of " where's your steel gone ? ", " one Maggie Thatcher ", " Jimmy Saville - he's one of your own " etc. It was bad enough for me as a City fan to have to suffer these cretins, so why should their staff have to pick out who to serve and who not ? I thought that SUFC handled the situation perfectly, as what else could they do ? A youngster going without food and drink for an hour is hardly a hardship, and I'm sure that any medical need would have been addressed. - Programmes - loads on sale outside, plus i saw a SUFC seller walking around the front of the tier selling them inside 15 minutes before kick off - PA system - I've heard worse so to speak - Substitutions were ok to me, replacing Minihan who'd had a tough time with Weir, and two attacking players being brought on to try and score. Agree totally - perhaps the only excuse is that they are not as far advanced down the evolutionary path as most of us. As for closing the kiosks, brilliant. If you behave like naughty boys you will be treated like naughty boys. If it was a medical emergency I am sure one of the many stewards would known what to do next.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Nov 7, 2015 20:54:05 GMT
I suppose we were spoiled last season. Today Sheffield were a different kettle of fish altogether from last years opponents. Once they took the lead they got into their rhythm, controlled the game while City did well to go in just the 1 goal down. Second half we went close when Nti powered down the right and put over a low cross that evaded both Dunkley and Burton and was scrambled behind for a corner. Man of the match for City was Vaughan who kept the score down until the end when United sealed it with 2 late goals. Today the gap between the teams was evident. Apart from isolated moments we struggled to put them under any pressure, on the occasions we did there seemed possibilities but we lacked incisiveness.
Hopefully the club can now build on this experience and bring some of their Cup form into the league as we look to climb the table and out of the bottom 3. Personally the Cup runs are quite addictive and what chances of reaching the 1st round proper for a 3rd consecutive season next season. Have the City ever achieved that feat?
But first things first climb the league this season.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Oct 24, 2015 18:20:33 GMT
Great result; I bet that will make for an enjoyable journey home for our hardy fans, who did us proud. The radio gave the second goal to Burton by the way. Trevor Owens fulsome in his praise for City and said they were the better side, with Vaughan only having one serious save to make - and that in added time! The draw for Round One is on BBC Two at 7.00pm on Monday 26th The radio commentary suggested the victory was well deserved, their keeper making several good saves to keep our lead down to a single goal and a nervous finale to endure. On the downside I didn't progress as far with the decorating as intended. On another note, I am not sure how many Gateshead fans were at the game but there was a particularly loud one who must have been sat next to Trevor Owens often drowning out his commentary. Hopefully we can build on this.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Oct 13, 2015 21:49:17 GMT
Just got back. Absolutely cracking game, could have gone either way. In the end an injury time winner was enough. Its not often we have said that about City in the Cup, usually its a last gasp goal that has denied us.
Should have been one down early on but their forward hit the post when clean through and the ball rolled across the line to safety. Solihull opened strongly in both halves but City hung on in there and as the halves progressed managed to gain a foothold and more than match their previously undefeated opponents. All in all a good team effort and we managed to knock the ball about to good effect at times. Gater was up and down the pitch throughout and it was refreshing to see him carry the ball forward committing their defenders and generally being a nuisance.
One observation, how was that not a backpass in the second half? Their defender was pressured to hoof the ball towards his own penalty area where the goaly came out to the penalty spot to claim the catch - I was half expecting him to call for a mark - but thats the funny shaped ball game?
On another note Solihull must have the 'biggest' team I have seen in a while - if shirts were exchanged at the end of the game they would have felt short changed.
Not to take the gloss off tonights performance it is a shame Hughes will be missing for the next round. But hopefully the recent results will add to the confidence and the time will rise to the occasion again.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Sept 12, 2015 19:22:25 GMT
Agree with Tim. Last gasp goal was a blow but Curzon deserved at least a draw in my opinion. They moved the ball well. Lee Hughes seems the best forward we have recruited in a while, scored 2, had at least 2 more on target and another couple of efforts just wide. Nti looks more of a threat wide on the right and seems capable of forming a useful link as goal provider with Hughes in the middle. Aside from a spell early in the second half we do not seem able to close down the opposition when they have the ball. As the game wore on we dropped deeper and deeper and it seemed just a matter of time before the pressure told. Jackman also tried to play, but the remainder try as they might just could not string any passes together. At least with Nti and Hughes the long ball may produce a result. Hopefully Tyler will return to the fray sooner rather than later.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Aug 31, 2015 16:47:39 GMT
Tyler Weir far and away our best player. Todorov up front looks useful, seems as though he could fit the target man role, offers a threat in the air, able to lay it off and is mobile. Danny Jackman brought composure when he came on. Only the end of August but the signs are looking ominous for a long hard battle to stay in the league. The way we are shipping goals is putting pressure on the whole team and at the same time giving our opponents confidence. Oh for a Wayne Thomas to galvanise the back line.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Mar 15, 2015 8:36:35 GMT
Yes, I forgot about that.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Mar 14, 2015 20:07:21 GMT
Just in case anyone missed it there was disappointing news about Wayne Thomas in today's post match interview with Carl Heeley, in that Thommo has played his last game for City, having been offered a coaching job in New York. Carl paid a fulsome tribute to him, but I am sure all City supporters will join me in thanking him for his sterling efforts during his time here and wishing him all the very best in the USA. He was outstanding and not only in his own performances, but in encouraging others. Yes I missed it. Sad for Worcester but excellent for him. A fine professional and a leader, his experience brought on the games of others around him. Thank you and good luck and I am sure the fans will be sad to see you go. (I suspect opponents will not be so sad).
|
|
|
Post by simples on Mar 5, 2015 12:53:32 GMT
What bugs me is that this comes in the same week that Dave Mackay passed away. Anyone old enough will remember the photograph of him having Billy Bremner by the throat because Bremner had been kicking the leg that Mackay had broken twice. What happened - nothing apart from they both got on with the game probably had a beer afterwards and a laugh about it in later years, no FA bans no mock outrage by the media and pundits who have achieved nothing! I saw the photo and remember reading about the incident some time ago. People viewing 'just' the photo or 'just' the video would not fully understand the reasons for the reaction. However I bet Billy Bremner was fully aware of Mackay's injuries - not sure if the Stockport player was as well informed regarding Shabir.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Mar 3, 2015 22:43:08 GMT
City dug in, battled hard with 10 men for 3/4 of the match and fully deserved the point. Playing against Guisley with 11 was hard enough and when Brown was sent off the whole game changed. It became a battle of attack v defence. Symons goal lifted the team and despite enjoying the lions share of possession City's goal was not unduly threatened mainly thanks to some wayward shooting from the visitors.
Second half Nti came on for Dunkley who seemed to be struggling with an injury and the game continued its attack v defence scenario. The visitors passing the ball looking to create the opening, City gamefully chasing around plugging the gaps. And on occasion City chose their moment to counter attack to good effect but with no reward. Just when it looked as though the storm was weathered Guisley equalised, much to the frustration of Symons who was booked for dissent.
Man of the match Symons who single handedly occupied the visitors defence all night, running himself to a stand still. But it was a team effort with every one of them emerging with credit. As for the sending off it appeared harsh. No doubt it was a foul. Worthy of a yellow, not sure about a red one though. If any lesson is to be learned maybe the challenge should have come sooner with the attacker further from goal - but its easy watching from the stands. Up to then we had matched the visitors, choosing to get the ball forwards quickly in contrast to earlier in the season when we would take several passes. Maybe not trusting the pitch.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Feb 22, 2015 8:33:40 GMT
Oh, and how was he not sent off?! Steve Exactly, and if you see the video footage you will see their #2 grab Shab round the neck and throw him down. By then it could have escalated further.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Feb 21, 2015 18:05:12 GMT
About the only thing the ref got right! Mind you a blind man with his eyes shut would have spotted that one. Again the opposing forwards go lunging in on the defenders, Shabir being the victim on several occasions. Shame about his reaction as it is the only thing that spoiled the day. Why was Thomas booked? From where I was sat he was flattened and the County player rightly booked. As for the returning Glover, aside from winding up his ex team mates, largely inconspicuous.
On to football matters. We know what to expect from the experienced players but for me I thought Waldron, who played the whole game, did not look out of place in midfield.
The second City goal was an excellent move started from the left hand side of our penalty area. Ball played across the area to the right back (not normally recommended) 2 passes down the right touchline, a cross into the middle and fished off by Geddes. County were down to 10 at this point, but it should not detract from the move. Quality.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Jan 30, 2015 22:32:45 GMT
I see in the WN, city are looking at ground options for next year. Please not Redditch, what a hole that is! Hope we stay at Kiddy. Evesham,simply wouldn't work. Anyone agree? If there was a choice, Kiddy yes please.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Jan 23, 2015 12:59:39 GMT
The impact of Aaron Brown at this time last year was key, and as he was a defender by trade would it not be interesting to see Tommo play up front? Agree, this time last year Brown's presence galvanised the spine of the team. Certainly for the first couple of months he stood out both as player and leader. If has re signed more of the same please.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Jan 18, 2015 14:09:06 GMT
If Nick Wright is the answer to our problems, I don't know what the question is! Made me chuckle.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Jan 2, 2015 8:56:08 GMT
No goals in the last four games is a major worry,not even a shot on target today is an even bigger worry.thats two games on the trot and not one clear cut chance to talk about. once again too many free kicks given away, we don't learn.and how has thommo stopped on the pitch again.we seem more intent on trying to upset opposition and referees rather than trying to play football. we got out of jail today.how has it changed within three weeks?? Heavier pitches? Perhaps not the only factor. Teams see us as the team to beat after all the publicity.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Dec 26, 2014 17:49:29 GMT
Puddles on some parts of the pitch. City kick off and perhaps guilty of over elaborating in tricky conditions. Hednesford with the wind at their backs. The game is close with Hednesford being more direct which suits the conditions more. Hednesford take the lead from a free kick on the touchline level with the penalty area. Ball driven in and sliced past his own keeper for an own goal (I think). HT 1-0. City press strongly in the second half but again guilty of trying to pass through an ever worsening pitch. Hednesford drive the ball forward and earn a corner, they slam the ball home from outside the area possibly a deflection or two, 2-0. City give the ball away from the kick off, the shot comes in from outside the area across the keeper into the bottom corner, 3-0. Hednesford fans giving City the full repertoire of their songs. City fans doing well to keep warm. Hednesford pressing forward for more. 15 minutes to go the ball is played across the half way line, City's right back runs through but the ball sticks in the mud and water. Referee abandons the game, 15 minutes to go, City 3-0 down and out. Biggest cheer of the afternoon from the City fans. Must have played the 'get out of jail free' card today.
Kiddy's game on Sunday must be in serious doubt.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Dec 24, 2014 11:50:41 GMT
Pretty much agree with most comments regarding the game. For what its worth I think the failure to convert chances ultimately cost us, that said I don't think there was one you could call a sitter. There was a lot of good play but we did not seem to extend their keeper enough, he seemed very vulnerable when called upon but made the save to deny Murphy which could have clinched it. Dunkley's shot at the end following a sprint through their defence could have/should have hit the target to possibly earn a draw.
Still it shows the expectations when people are disappointed having extended a team sitting at the top end of the conference.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Dec 22, 2014 22:16:56 GMT
Very best of luck. Last line of defence, first line of attack. Big hole to fill. Hopefully we can be seen as an attractive club for young players to launch (re-launch) their careers.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Dec 18, 2014 0:07:15 GMT
Proud of the team. Tough result to take. Hope we can build on this run and push on in the league and Trophy. Well played City.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Dec 17, 2014 13:04:46 GMT
I think the odds have slightly shaded in our favour: a capacity home crowd, very few away supporters, the opposition still a little bit scared of us, fanatical home crowd pressurising the referee's every decision. Little things can turn cup ties. I said as much to the man in the newspaper shop before setting off for Coventry and I said "supposing they have their goalkeeper sent off?" and look what happened, a game-changing moment. Next time I went in he said I should have taken odds on it. I didn't forecast it, merely remarked it was the sort of thing that can happen. He now thinks I am clairvoyant. I am looking forward to the game with both excitement and dread (any real football supporter - especially of City - will know what I mean). A lot depends on that first goal and when it comes. Ah well, come eleven o'clock tonight it will be a matter for the history books. With the MK Dons v Chesterfield being played just before the next round it seems the stage is set for whoever wins to have a crowded January fixture list. C'mon City - we can do it! Here's hoping the City can give a good account of themselves. With the rub of the green, who knows. I am not sure if its the players that spark the crowd into action or vice versa - C'mon City
|
|
|
Post by simples on Dec 14, 2014 9:41:22 GMT
Unfortunate state of affairs all round, but shaymen2 does have a fair point & you have to feel for the travelling fans. Had we still been at "The Lane" , we would almost certainly have had an early inspection of our own & if it was a case of simply forking the pitch, volunteers would have been there to help. That said, it may be a blessing in disguise for Wednesday night ! Agree, had the roles been reversed I would not have been happy to find it cancelled at such short notice. Our experience of St Georges Lane, where the stand side was in shade from November to February, would have necessitated an early inspection no matter how severe the frost. Big shame as it was a cloudless sky. Hopefully we can all learn about the climatic conditions that can affect our temporary home for future games. Not a completely wasted journey on my part as I picked up tickets for the replay.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Dec 7, 2014 21:25:48 GMT
Seems like a fair result. Not in it first half. Perfect start to the second half. Put Scunny under pressure and they looked vulnerable. However very relieved when they missed a good opportunity towards the end. Far from over.
Second half Scunny played the ball well from the back and I suppose we did well to keep them out. Roll on the replay. COYB.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Nov 9, 2014 18:03:44 GMT
Just got in. What a brilliant day. Excellent result, performance and atmosphere. The south stand was packed with City (worcester) fans who got behind the team from the first minute right through to the last of the 7 minutes added on. And the players gave them plenty to shout about. No lucky victory, fully deserved.
It is also great that the draw is taking place tomorrow evening as it gives us humble folk a chance to savour the moment and speculate on who we might face in the next round.
Is this the first time we have defeated a league team away from home?
|
|
|
Post by simples on Nov 9, 2014 17:55:39 GMT
Thank you, most generous. It is difficult to make unbiased comments but from Worcester's perspective it could not have gone better, and for an opposing fan to state how I felt the game went confirms it wasn't a dream. Time for tea and to get my breath back.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Nov 3, 2014 20:40:15 GMT
I have a horrible feeling that as a result of the cup-tie exposure George will get noticed and we'll lose him to a higher graded club: he is too good to play at this level really. Still, let's enjoy him while we've got him! Do you remember John Barton, right back, during our cup run of '79. The victory over Plymouth was his last game for us before he was signed by Everton for a record fee for a non-league player. Is that an omen for this weekend? Hopefully a victory and we hang on to George for a bit longer.
|
|
|
Post by simples on Oct 28, 2014 21:43:54 GMT
Call me old fashioned but I don't like the idea of an away kit - I think you should wear your colours unless there is a clash, in which case you wear your change strip. For me I would like to go back to the all red. I guess as Coventry play in sky blue we would have to play in our change strip?
|
|
|
Post by simples on Oct 27, 2014 21:04:43 GMT
It was the 8th January 1983 and the attendance was 11,843. I can remember looking round at the big electronic scoreboard and reading the magic scoreline "Coventry City 0 Worcester City 1" and almost pinching myself in disbelief. Sadly it didn't last. I think the figure of £60k above is a bit ambitious. You can expect a crowd of 8,500; if the average paid per head is £12 and we get 40% (isn't it split 40/40/20 between the two clubs and the FA?) that comes out at about £40k. Way back in the mists of time we also played Coventry at SGL on 5th November 1960, losing 4-1 in front of a crowd of 7,751. Even further back in time we lost 2-0 at Coventry in QR3 on 2nd November 1907, whilst our only victory against them was in QR1 on 7th October 1905, when we won 3-0 away at a time when Coventry were also in the Birmingham League. I remember the game in '83 and the build up to it. Into the 3rd round proper for the first time in my lifetime as a City fan and really looking forward to it. Not often one can say we are still in the Cup at the beginning of January. However a few days before the game gales blew the roof off one of the stands at Highfield Road. Imagine the chaos, people had already bought tickets. It was decided that the game would still be staged at Coventry but with reduced capacity and the main stand closed. Tickets had to be returned and new ones issued. Looking back this exercise went through smoothly given the circumstances. I think the crowd of 11k represented a full house under the restrictions. Hopefully events will go smoother on and off the pitch this time.
|
|