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Post by simples on Oct 26, 2014 20:34:18 GMT
Sticking to the football, definitely City's first half. Whether the visitor's were overawed, gave us too much respect or we were playing better 1-0 was a narrow advantage to show for our efforts. Despite our control in this period their keeper, the goal aside, was not unduly tested. A couple of efforts from Wright going inches wide.
The second half progressed with little seen of City in the attacking third. The visitors with nothing to lose gained confidence and with their more direct play started to ask questions of City's back line. When they drew level courtesy of a mistake the signs looked worrying for City. Too many times in the past we have lost to supposedly inferior opposition. I for one would have taken the draw with 10 mins to go. But this team rallied and pressed on to get the winner and job done.
For me their keeper was a class act, in the second half his handling and positioning was assured, he spilled nothing, cutting out numerous crosses before they could develop into dangerous situations. He denied Nti when he was through on goal when the scores were level, pushing the ball behind for a corner (I think we scored from it?). Then Wright with a terrific save from a blistering shot that would have sealed the victory.
If the visitor's play 3 levels below City then one can see why they have had a terrific run. Their keeper oozes calmness and confidence (I am not sure if has played at a higher level) which spreads through their defence. In midfield they can battle with the best and they have a direct approach up front which troubled us.
Here's hoping for a home draw.
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Post by simples on Oct 19, 2014 7:37:30 GMT
If I could echo Mark's comments - a very physical (wrong side of fair) performance at times from Harrogate. I wonder if they consulted with Leamington, or whether they saw the only way to unsettle City was to get stuck in. Really poor challenge on Rowe late on, what warrants a red card these days?
Second half performance was good with 2 cracking finishes. Wright running onto a defence splitting pass as their defenders pushed up. The second a fine piece of individual play from Murphy who picked up a long pass wide on the right touchline, level with the penalty area. With most expecting him to hold it up waiting for support, he went past his man and finished superbly. Not sure if there was a deflection as the keeper got nowhere near it.
What can you say about our 'new' keeper. A tremendous punch away from a corner in the first half was as good a clearance as one is likely to see from any first choice keeper. On the whole he was not given a great amount to do, credit to the defence.
As reported by others above the semblance of a feel good factor about the place. Lets keep feet firmly on the ground though, one game at a time and all that..
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Post by simples on Oct 14, 2014 21:56:14 GMT
Excellent. A game between teams of contrasting style. Leamington not shy to use their physicality, arms all over the place, awkward customers and effective. Always a threat with the ball into the box, if they did not win it they made sure the clearance wasn't comfortable with the possibility of the ball dropping kindly for a forward. City stood up manfully in defence, with Vaughan producing the saves required when called upon. The midfield of Jackman, Geddes, Gater and Deeney in contrast displayed fine control sometimes being too intricate.
The goals could not have come at a better time with Jackman's soon after the restart as good a goal as one is likely to see. He started the move in his own half by playing the ball forwards out of defence as Leamington lost possession going forwards, the ball was sent wide where Williams raced down the wing before sending over a cross which was met by Jackman at the near post to glance a header into the net, their defenders chasing shadows.
In the end the City did enough to see the game out, with the game threatening to get out of hand on a couple of occasions. City's Geddes was cautioned for dissent while there were one or two hefty challenges that seemed to go unpunished apart from a crunching tackle from behind on Jackman that would have merited a straight red - but I may be biased..
Safely through to the next round.
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Post by simples on Oct 1, 2014 12:07:42 GMT
Played much better tonight and his goal was superbly taken. Hopefully this is the turning point in his season. Daniel has great promise, as yet unfulfilled, but with any luck he will get there soon. Agree, it was an excellent goal. He also had a header cleared off the line and a volley straight into their centre half. Hopefully with better fortune he will start knocking them in.
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Post by simples on Aug 30, 2014 21:30:12 GMT
Outstanding result after a terribly slow start. A real battling performance that shows this team has heart and character. Tommo was magnificent and no one is allowed to physically dominate and bully us while he is around. Having said that Tristan Dunkley was the 'game changer' after the first two electrifying runs the Ferriby defence were terrified of him, he won the first penalty with his direct running and played Symo in for the second penalty award. Outstanding, he surely must be given a start next week? Pleased for Danny Nti that he got both goals but he was a lucky lad, he missed two golden chances in the first half and the keeper was extremely unlucky on both spot kicks as he got good hands on both of them but was beaten by the power of the shots. Saying they were top Ferriby showed little guile or craft their main tactic being to hoof it up onto the head of that giant centre forward. Their defence was a little rocky when put under pressure too, if that's the best they can do I don't see them as dominating this league by any means. And as no-one can accuse a winning team of sour grapes I have to say the Ref and his officials were awful, petty, indecisive and weak, a couple of times the game threatened to get totally out of control through poor decision making and allowing blatant fouls to go unpunished. And that last penalty when Symo was hauled down was a clear goal scoring opportunity and should have resulted in a red card for the defender. The only thing you can say in the refs favour was he gave the two blatant penalties. A great win, one I am not sure we would have achieved at the same stage last season. Now to build on this, I think we can, and continue to improve. I agree with all of the above. However we could have been 2 down early on, the keeper was caught trying to clear up field, their player shot against the post and the ball rebounded nicely into Vaughan's hands. They were a strong side in the same sense as Mike Tyson and just as subtle. They went through our players time and again and were grabbing onto Symons for the whole game. Justice being done when a penalty was awarded when he was hauled down. The discipline of the team is to be commended under the most extreme provocation. Up the City.
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Post by simples on Jul 16, 2014 20:54:44 GMT
Aw - that's a pity: I liked Daniel and thought he would make the ideal partner for Symmo. That's life. I'm also disappointed to see Nelson-Addy leave: I thought he was the most improved player in the squad come the end of the season. Still, we've got to get used to change. I thought Dan was looking more than useful and towards the end looked like developing into a free kick specialist. As for Nelson-Addy he seemed to get stronger as the season wore on. Both players brought lots of energy to the team, hopefully they won't be missed.
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Post by simples on May 9, 2014 19:38:25 GMT
So this is all about having a successful England team is it? The FA are not fooling anyone. Since its inception its been about how much money is generated, how much money players earn, TV money, agents money. All the time more and more is going to fewer. In short they gauge their 'success' by money. Unfortunately it is not just our FA, just look at UEFA and FIFA. How can somewhere like Qatar host a World Cup? Isn't it obscene that the stadia they have to build will be able to hold the complete population of Qatar and then some?
The 'attractions' of following the local team is you can relate to the players. With the trusts proposals for a community club they are doing far more for football than our sweet FA (sorry). If you want a successful England team then you have to get youngsters 'playing' thegame. Sadly these days kids can't be bothered and playing on the street as was the case years ago is no longer safe. The local team is a way of experiencing the game initially and maybe getting them hooked on the sport (should I say business).
I can only see the FAs proposal of introducing B teams making the fatter clubs even fatter and the smaller clubs struggle even greater. And what is to say that the B teams will not be chock full of non English qualified players.
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Post by simples on Apr 27, 2014 10:52:12 GMT
After yesterday's sparkling win I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Carl and Matt for the way in which they guided City to safety this season. It's never good to say 'I told you so' but in the dark Xmas days there were a number on this message board, who I note have rarely posted since, who were vociferous in demanding a change of management and prophesying relegation and doom. They have been proved wrong, I am delighted to say. In a dire situation, a losing streak, in the relegation zone, with little money or light from the end of the tunnel, Carl and Matt kept cool heads and used their experience and knowledge to persuade some key experienced players to come to City and also got the best out of the existing players to help drive us up the table. That is good management. Also a word about our Chairman and Directors who refused to panic and backed the manager 100% through those dark days. That is good governance. For a Club who, given our recent history are lucky to still be alive and should by rights be in turmoil (look around at others, Vauxhall Motors, Hereford etc) and look at where City are at present. Sound management on and off the pitch, fiscal realism, a strong Supporters Trust, and the real prospect of a brand new home in the City. The future is far from secure yet but both on and off the field I think there is every cause for hope and optimism for a bright future. Well done City and thank you, keep up the good work through next season. Agree with all the above. Nice to finish the season on a bright note and to be looking ahead with optimism. It would be very nice to retain the majority of the players who finished the season.
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Post by simples on Apr 21, 2014 10:10:45 GMT
For an end of season game I thought it was quite entertaining. We started strongly, could have been 2 up before Brackley had got out of the blocks. I recall from last year that they were a well organised side who got a win at our place with some resolute and desperate defending, throwing bodies at the ball (now there's a thought). This time they were always a threat on the break. Their goal came from a free kick from out wide on the right, well delivered with forwards running on to it. A nightmare for keepers, the forward touches it you have no chance, the forward misses it - again no chance. Having taken the lead Brackley's time wasting stepped up a level. Unfortunately Thomas got involved with an off the pitch altercation for which he could have been sent off, but not this time. City's equaliser was fully merited. I am not sure if the highlights will show anything - however the gamesmanship from the goalkeeper prior to taking the kick should have earned him a yellow if not a red. Ethan Moore responded in the best way possible. Again Nti was denied by a cracking save from the keeper. The players performing well on a firm pitch where the ball would bounce off the bumps and get carried by the breeze. Well done City.
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Post by simples on Mar 29, 2014 21:40:48 GMT
On another day against another keeper we would have been out of sight by half time. He denied Nti on 4 occasions with excellent saves. He tipped over an effort from Moore just before the penalty with an excellent reflex save. Just as we entered stoppage time Hutchison fell in the area and a penalty was awarded. Despite the antics of the keeper Moore kept his cool to bring the City level, the very least they deserved.
By this time Histon were a man down, their forward got himself booked for time wasting and moments later got a second yellow when he went in on the City keeper following a through ball that had already been gathered. Absolute madness. His sending off certainly took the pressure off the City defence as up to then Histon had made good use of the wind to get at our defenders.
As mentioned above Devaney was definitely up for it, the commitment was there from all the team. It also looks as though Nti may be a free kick specialist being denied twice today by absolutely brilliant saves.
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Post by simples on Mar 23, 2014 21:54:00 GMT
Bit frustrating at times. Excellent strike from Deeney left footed across the goalkeeper into the far corner (hard and low a la Bobby Charlton) to give City the lead. Minutes later a fierce shot from Nti flashed inches wide. 2-0 would have made it a more comfortable second half. So it was with a single goal lead that City started the second half. The Motors who, like Stalybridge, are not afraid to pass it around and play from the back got into the game more and more as the match wore on. City should have had the game wrapped up well before then. But despite their possession they were frustrated by running into offside positions time and again as well as some bad luck where the ball hit the bar and came back out evading the far post as it rolled along the line. However Nti finally sealed it with a well timed run on to a Moore through ball to make the last couple of minutes easier to bear.
Negative points were the loss of discipline towards the end where Deeney spoiled his day by getting cautioned for dissent and the lack of thought (its easy from the stands I know) when the opposition defence hold their line and the forwards run through to be caught offside by yards.
Positive points were the win, Deeney's goal, Nti's strong running, Thomas' solidity at the back. The whole team got stuck in to grind out the victory. It cannot be easy having new faces introduced into the team but the back 4 look a solid unit which must add to the stability.
The new goaly did what he had to do well, a couple of shots could have popped out but he held onto everything. There was a nasty moment after he had claimed a cross where he was barged and fell to the ground clutching the ball. For one moment I thought we might be looking at Goaly #8. I cannot recall a season like this one for injuries to keepers.
Survival? Almost there.
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Post by simples on Mar 2, 2014 21:28:57 GMT
I thought the City applied themselves well all over the pitch. Stalybridge looked dangerous when they did get forward, fortunately for City their defenders liked to over indulge and played themselves into trouble on several occasions.
I believe they are a full time side and this week they must have been mostly practising shirt pullling and holding off theiir opponents (not always fairly).
It was good to hear the fans get behind the team, especially in the last 10 minutes when the City were trying to run down the clock and keep possession in the corner. For me the 500 at Aggborough seem to generate more atmosphere than double that at the lane. Hopefully a couple more wins and we might start thinking about safety.
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Post by simples on Mar 1, 2014 21:03:19 GMT
I suppose the younger ones can do the running around for him, he can provide the experience. Lets hope he's better than Matt Regan whom we had on loan from Tamworth earlier this season. Having seen him play today first impressions were good. Not much got past him. Solid, dominating, built like a brick out house. Just the job.
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Post by simples on Feb 28, 2014 23:37:27 GMT
I suppose the younger ones can do the running around for him, he can provide the experience. Lets hope he's better than Matt Regan whom we had on loan from Tamworth earlier this season.
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Post by simples on Feb 22, 2014 22:08:09 GMT
Looking at the team sheet it would appear that we had only one recognised centre back. Surely Sam Smith could have been recalled from Rushall? Particularly as it seems the second goal conceded was a header from a corner. May be just coincidence but lost Grimes now lost two. More than a coincidence. I thought Grimes was just the job, no frills, strong, won the challenges - just get it out of harms way, relieve the pressure. When his loan was extended for 2 months I thought rather optimistically that should see us to safety. Unfortunately no sooner was his extension announced then he was recalled.
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Post by simples on Feb 8, 2014 19:48:10 GMT
What a great result (again!). That's five wins out of six! With Barrow turning North Ferriby over it makes next Saturday's game (if it goes ahead) an intriguing one. Hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves. Arguably a match between 2 of the form sides, who would have thought that 5 weeks ago?
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Post by simples on Feb 8, 2014 19:45:39 GMT
It appears that since the arrival of Brown, Taundry was the one to sit on the bench. If one had to choose between the two, on current form I would pick Brown. I still think that Taundry had a lot to offer and certainly stiffened the midfield when he arrived. Up until his arrival, we didn't have anyone outside of the back four who could tackle - with the opposition running through our "challenges" at will. Sorry to see him go, but the club is bigger than any individual. Hopefully both sides benefit from the outcome.
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Post by simples on Jan 18, 2014 19:31:54 GMT
It took a bit of a scrambled goal but you could see the players confidence rise. The last 15-20 mins was as good as I've seen all season. Maybe that bit of luck could be the turning point. Debutants had a good game. Referee was truly shocking & I've no idea why goal was ruled out. I was stood that side of the goal & the ball didn't go out & surely not for offside He disallowed it because the ball went out of play, allegedly. Definitely not offside.
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Post by simples on Jan 18, 2014 19:15:17 GMT
Excellent. Fully deserved. Not wishing to knock the officials but City got nothing this afternoon. They overcame the opponents, the conditions AND the officials. Well done City.
The 3 newcomers were solid and had a presence. Brown was a man mountain physically and metaphorically, organising the team at defensive set pieces. It was his free kick at the other end that was spilled by the keeper to put us 2 up.
Two wins on the bounce, dare we dream of more.
As for the disallowed goal, it was a big call by the linesman who was nearer the play than I was. As it was it did not affect the result. I can say that now we won.
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Post by simples on Jan 12, 2014 22:21:03 GMT
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Post by simples on Jan 12, 2014 22:14:02 GMT
Think I've just answered my own question.
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Post by simples on Jan 12, 2014 22:11:40 GMT
How do you post attachments/photos? I wandered by the ground earlier today. They may be of interest. Thanking you. Attachments:
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Post by simples on Dec 30, 2013 10:38:01 GMT
I remember a rugby following friend of mine returning from a match at Gloucester and feeling despondent, not only had the Warriors been beaten but they had taken quite a ribbing from the fans down there. 'Don't worry' I said 'rise above it. Remember, they are down stream from Worcester and I believe they take their drinking water from the Severn. Now, if you'll excuse me nature calls'.
For you decent Gloucester fans there is always bottled water.
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Post by simples on Dec 29, 2013 12:12:45 GMT
From a Worcester perspective, on the pitch, disappointed by the result. Hopefully our inconsistency will not be our downfall. Not wishing to knock the players and staff, and to perhaps state the obvious, if only we could hit the target with our shots. As we know going close counts for nothing. From my angle the goal was a well hit shot that dipped over the keeper, what led up to it seemed unclear with a couple of city players falling over (outmuscled?). The performance picked up in the second half but Gloucester managed to keep us out. I think Moore battled hard throughout and a shame he couldn't get on the score sheet. Finally, I wonder what Veiga would be like as an outfield player?
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Post by simples on Dec 22, 2013 17:44:15 GMT
Very well done to Carl, Matt and the Lads for a crucial win, they had to scrap and fight to grind out those 3 points. It's winning games in this manner that will see us escape from danger. Excellent work rate and team spirit. Incidentally, Sunday afternoon after a crucial win and only 4 posts? I wonder how many posts there would be had we lost! Makes you think ........... Last minute shopping? Also a nice touch by the public address announcer for a round of applause for the young ball boy opposite the main stand. He was probably no more than 3 or 4 and slightly bigger than the ball itself, but he was enthusiasm personified as he ran 30-40 yards to retrieve the ball, his little legs a blur. As for the footy its this fight and spirit that will do our chances no harm at all.
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Post by simples on Dec 21, 2013 19:55:27 GMT
A nice Christmas present from the team today. They ran their socks off, the early goal giving them that extra lift and belief (confidence?). In the second half they dug in and somehow managed to keep out the increasingly frustrated visitors, who knocked the ball about nicely but fortunately for City not quite able to convert their pressure into goals. A little more steadiness with the final ball and we might have sneaked a second to give the fans a less nerve wracking final few minutes. It was a game where the fans were behind the team throughout, willing them to win the challenges. I am not sure if the players felt this but they responded, getting their foot in, making strong tackles. Great stuff. Hopefully we can build on this.
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Post by simples on Nov 26, 2013 22:34:33 GMT
0-0 might indicate boring, tedious - but while not exiting, edge of the seat stuff it was certainly absorbing. No clear cut chances for either side, but City went close on a couple of occasions the best being a cushioned volley from Weir that their keeper did well to keep out as he back pedaled towards the far post.
Noone had a bad game and as mentioned above while looking solid we did not have a real threat. Leslie in midfield had some neat touches, while Taundry did his best to subdue any threats. Deeney seems to have slotted well in midfield. The front 2 of Moore and Nti put plenty of effort in, closing down the Guiseley back line who passed it around, but rarely threatening.
Hopefully something to build on.
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Post by simples on Nov 25, 2013 18:42:24 GMT
I'm not amoosed at that pun. Angus shown the Dior
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Post by simples on Nov 23, 2013 17:20:19 GMT
City win 2-1. Hoping this is the beginning of a run to take us up the table. Very tight at the bottom with at least 5 teams really in the 'scrap' for survival, and the ones above them within touching distance.
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Post by simples on Nov 23, 2013 17:17:52 GMT
City win 2-1. Hoping this is the beginning of a run to take us up the table. Very tight at the bottom with at least 5 teams really in the 'scrap' for survival, and the ones above them within touching distance.
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