Fool for the City redux - FM 2010 Cambridge City

[BYU 14]

Long story short, I screwed up my game trying to edit the modded database and so I have to start again. Same back story and then off we go. Again this is using Bladesmans most current DB mod of English Football, which now goes to 11 levels, ala Spinal Tap

The original Story

The City grounds had not changed much at all since I played here 25 years ago, in fact I think the same coat of paint adorned the walls and that dank, musty smell still permeated the air and made the locker room smell like a crypt……..

Last year when I returned to Cambridge I had no idea this is how it would end up. It was a simple ceremony to acknowledge by football accomplishments (mostly as a striker with Preston) and celebrate the fact that it all started here. A simple engraved plate, a banner hung at the grounds and a few pints with the supporters afterward. Then it would be back home to London with my baubles and an undying affection for where it started, as a member of the Cambridge City Lilywhites.

After the ceremony Chairman Kevin Satchell invited me to join him hunting in the coming spring and I gladly accepted. This trip turned into a 2 week excursion and as the days went by he opined more and more for the “glory” days of Cambridge City. In our finest hour we had actually won promotion from the now Blue Square Premier League to League 2. It was a glorious time and the most fun I had in my entire career. Now after mismanagement and the resulting financial quagmire that nearly saw the team absorbed by Cambridge United, the Lilywhites languished in the Southern Premier League, a semi-pro/amateur league not even considered a formal part of the English leagues “ladder” and in seventh spot under EPL, a long way form the top indeed.

Now Satchell had no aspirations of landing in the EPL, but he did have another goal in mind. “If only we could make it back to the Blue Square Premier League. It would solve a great many problems and give this club and its supporters what they truly deserve” he stated on the final day of my holiday. “What we need, no who we need……is an icon of the club to take the reigns and steer the Lilywhites to a glory greater than the one in which it resides now.” By the end of the day I had an offer to guide the club and the card of a housing agent as I was set to leave the glamour of London for life patrolling the pitch at City Grounds. In all it merely proved that I was indeed, in the immortal words of Foghat….”A fool for the City.”

A stroll down memory lane……..

Cambridge City are a semi-professional English club currently playing in the English Southern League Premier Division. The club play their home games at The City Ground and possess basic training facilities and a very basic youth setup. The club is affectionately known as The Lilywhites.

As a club which is currently enjoying its best ever spell of success - their last competition win coming as recently as 2009 - The Lilywhites are a club with a growing history. Cambridge City finished runner-up in the English 6th tier for the only time in 2005, won the English 7th tier for the only time in 1963 and finished second once, and won the Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup on six occasions.

A rich history for the supporters perhaps, but it pales in comparison to where I think the club should be. The Southern Premier League is no longer enough, nor is playing second fiddle to Cambridge United. I plan to rectify both these injustices in my tenure.

[BYU 14]

July 6th - 2009

I am brought before the board and they lay out their expectations for the coming season.

I am expected to challenge for the Southern Premier title this season. They indicate that if I think the team can achieve greater things in the league then they are willing to back me by increasing the payroll to accommodate my aspirations. I let them know I think this goal is a good start, so we move on to financials. With that I am given a transfer budget of $0 and a payroll budget of $4.4K p/w for my current level of ambition. We are currently spending $3,862 per week on salaries. With business out of the way I am advised I will be introduced to the media tomorrow. I slip in a request for some transfer money, but am greeted with a resounding no!

The news of my hiring soon hits the papers. (Note I will be sprucing up the graphics a bit in this incarnation)

July 6th, 2009

Lilywhite Legend returns!

The Cambridge City board has announced the appointment of Anthony Crooks as the club's new head coach.

Crooks is said to be relishing the opportunity to coach at The City Ground and the Lilywhites supporters are sure to be hoping he can make a difference to their team. In his first move as Head Coach, he released the entire Cambridge City staff and this was a focus of today’s press conference held at City Grounds for the new Lilywhite boss, who appeared in an equivocal mood as he was introduce to the press.

A journalist from worldsoccer.com brought the topic up with a touch of sarcasm. "You have joined Cambridge City at a time when the coaching staff appears to be a little short-staffed, is this something you will be looking to address quickly?"

Crooks' response, amid scattered laughter was, "I hadn’t noticed…….Actually I will be bringing some of my staff in over the upcoming days and I look to build a cohesive unit that shares my visions for the future."

When asked about my philosophy, I indicate I will incorporate a 4-5-1 attacking style, which I hope will provide excitement and points for the supporters.

[BYU 14]

After sacking all of my staff I release MC Jamie Eames and DC Leslie Stewart, neither of whom would make an already shaky side, so why bother prolonging the agony.

I really need a solid striker and some midfield depth so they will be early priorities.

My first hire is 42 yr old Brendan O'Connell as my assman, he is a solid motivator and has good tactical knowledge as well, which will come in handy with only 2 spots for assistant coaches.

Next I bring in 25 yr old Peter Dugmore as my physio and Alvin Alston (36) and Stuart Burns (38) as scouts. Neither is world class, but will serve me well for a couple of seasons. With the support staff in place we schedule a little scrimmage.

July 8th, 2009

Crooks gets first glimpse of lads in closed scrimmage

Cambridge City Regulars topped the Reserves 2 - 0 in this evening's intra-squad clash at The City Ground.

The first team took the lead when young striker Lee Corbett scored an effort from the edge of the area in the 60th minute. Young centre-back Bob Blake finally rounded off their victory in the 83rd minute with a real poacher's effort.

Obviously from the papers description the key word is….young. Our youth squad is huge and it is highly possible that we may have a couple of 16 yr olds on the first team when the season rolls around, depending on how the (free) transfer market plays out.

[BYU 14]

The day after our scrimmage I bring on Ian Bowling and John Durnin, both 43, as coaches. Bowling will handle Keepers and Durnin will be in charge of fitness and set pieces, with Assistant O'Donnell overseeing everything else.

I then ask the board to find a parent club as loans will be a key part of our success with no money to spend.

July 13th, 2009

Lilywhites don’t pack ‘em in, but send Eastwood packing

Eastwood Town succumbed to a 2 - 0 loss in this evening's Friendly with the Lilywhites at The City Ground.

Centre-back David Theobald gave Cambridge City the lead with a well timed close range finish in the 16th minute. Late in the first half, Captain Adrian Cambridge had no trouble in scoring from the spot when Foster gave up a penalty, providing the final margin of victory.

I will be playing as many players as possible in the friendlies as I need to find some depth. In this match the entire squad is under 18 in the second half and nobody stands out. Cambridge is 35 and a great leader, but won’t be playing 90 minutes every match. Our other scorer (Theobald) should anchor the center of defense for us and adds some punch on corners.

July 16th, 2009

City edges stubborn foe 1-0 in second friendly

Cambridge City recorded a somewhat fortuitous win over Solihull Moors on a fine summer's evening at The City Ground.

Things did not get off to a good start for Solihull Moors as City's Rob Nightingale scored from the spot after Jake Edwards had given away a penalty. Solihull Moors also saw their 56th minute strike disallowed under controversial circumstances.

Cambridge City had several clear cut chances but failed to make them count, causing some discontent in the crowd as the evening wore on.

Attendance: 68

Not sure how 68 people constitute a “crowd” but at least our local paper enjoyed the weather. Nightingale will do some good stuff for us on the wing this season; he just had no support on his runs tonight.

[BYU 14]

July 19th, 2009

City boss hits the transfer market, Burscough hits back

Cambridge City has snapped up young midfielder Hakeem Adelakun from Crystal Palace on a free transfer, subject to conditions, however, the transfer may eventually rise to $5,000. The youngster previously had 12 months remaining on his old $400 p/w deal.

Vanquished at Vicky Park

On the pitch it there was no exciting news as a fine summer's afternoon at Victoria Park saw Burscough come out on top against surprisingly lackluster Cambridge City 1-0.

Striker Tommy Taylor got Burscough off to a flying start by scoring a placed shot in the 7th minute. City centre-back Alan Taylor fairly summed up his team's performance by nearly gifting Burscough another goal in the 89th minute attempting to clear a corner.

Cambridge City were carved open a number of times but despite the ability of their opponents to create chances, they struggled to put them away.

Attendance: 66

I am going to need some of these young players to grow up real quick as we were horrid in the 2nd half. Adelakun should start at DMC, which is a key spot in my scheme and we certainly could have used him today, though I am not going to fret over losing a pre-season match.

On the Bus ride home the groundskeeper calls to get my preferred field dimensions. The largest field The City Ground's facilities can accommodate is 119yds long and 79yds wide and I take every inch of it as I want to spread the pitch and attack.

July 21st, 2009

City rolls Rangers

A highly polished performance from Cambridge City saw the lads earn a 3 - 0 win over Concord Rangers at Thames Road.

Winger Rob Nightingale gave Cambridge City the lead with a real poacher's effort in the 26th minute for the only first half scoring. Centre-back Bob Blake had a chance to score from the penalty spot for The Lilywhites in the 50th minute, but missed the attempt, but followed the miss with a put back after an error from Rangers Gary Watts.

Young midfielder Stephen McAnuff completed the rout with a well timed close range finish in the 88th minute.

Attendance: 28

McAnuff is seeing his first action and the 16 year old Mid Fielder caught my eye. He is only rated a ½ star prospect, but he looked good in space in today’s match, so he will get some more minutes behind Cambridge and Tom Pepper in the mid-field.

I later get word from Satchell that the board will not be seeking a parent club, which means we are stuck with big brother Cambridge United as our only linked club at the moment.

[BYU 14]

July 23rd, 2009

City holds serve in friendly draw

Cambridge City 1 - 1 Glenn Hoddle Academy

Plucky Cambridge City more than earned their draw with Glenn Hoddle Academy at The City Ground much to the frustration of the GH Academy fans in attendance.

Noone scored from the penalty spot for the visitors after Theobald gave away a penalty to but the Lilywhites in an early hole. With time rapidly running out however, substitute Striker John Frendo scored an effort from the edge of the area to equalize for Cambridge City. It was better late than never for the fans, who were clearly delighted with Frendo's impact.

Enjoy Frendo while you can, because he has done nothing to impress me, short of this lucky strike, which he took with his eye practically closed. He is lazy and seems to be a cancer, so I will look to move him down or out as the season approaches.

[BYU 14]

July 28th, 2009

The Battle of Cambridge

Cambridge City failed to cause an upset at The City Ground as Cambridge United coasted to an expected 3 - 1 victory in the inter-City friendly.

Cambridge United took the lead when striker Chris Holroyd scored a placed shot in the 41st minute. Then controversy followed, as Cambridge City was denied claims by winger Andy Parkinson for a penalty. United struck again, when an error from Paul Hall allowed midfielder Luke Berry to score an effort from the edge of the area.

Under-18 midfielder Jonathan Oakes gave the Cambridge City fans a glimmer of hope after 73 minutes with a real poacher's effort, but striker Adam Marriott completed the rout, scoring for United with a well timed, close range finish in the 87th minute.

Attendance: 735

New signings at the City Ground announced.

After the loss to cross town rival Cambridge United, City boss Anthony Crooks announced the club had come to terms with three players.

Veteran right winger Paul Hall comes from Stratford on a free transfer. The Jamaica international, who played for Blue Square South outfit Newport Co before joining Stratford, has said that he is looking forward to this new chapter in his career.

Next was the announcement of Jack Morris from Southend on a free transfer. Subject to undisclosed conditions, the transfer could rise to $4,500. Morris is a versatile player who can play both fullback and wing on the left side, as well as midfield in a pinch. He played for Arsenal before joining Southend and is said to have welcomed the move.

Fans of City are said to be especially delighted with the third player and feel the club has landed a real bargain with the signing of left winger Darren Wheeler. This signing has really caught the imagination of the public at The City Ground and supporters feel the 25-year old will prove to be a great piece of business

I am really happy with all three signings and they will give me the depth and talent I need on the wings. Nightingale is firmly entrenched at the RW spot, but Hall gives us another solid option and allows me to play Nightingale in the central midfield from time to time. The other two will rotate at the left spot and allow me to unload Ashley Fuller, who is not even worthy of a spot on an SPL side.

The Hall signing looms even larger after Peter Dugmore comes to tell me that Adrian Cambridge has sustained a twisted ankle after falling awkwardly during the match against Cambridge and will miss 5-6 weeks! He is the glue on this team and we could struggle in his absence. This is a big blow!

[BYU 14]

July 30th, 2009

Lilywhites welcome Striker

Cambridge City has signed young striker Jerson Dos Santos on a free transfer.

Dos Santos had been without a club for a while and is said to have welcomed the opportunity to get back into soccer. City boss Crooks has indicated Dos Santo’s resolute style should blend well with his tactical philosophies and he hopes he will provide a spark to the City attack as he gains his legs.

I meet with Adrian Cambridge (the players' representative) and let him know that I will pay out a normal collective squad win bonus this season. As a result of the agreement, the players will be paid a total of $16K to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis if they manage to win the Southern Premier.

I do offer an increased bonus for cup competitions, with the players receiving a total of $25K to be shared among the squad if they win a cup. Should the team fail to win a competition, the bonus will be scaled down depending on the final position

This seems to make Cambridge happy and I introduce him to Dos Santo’s as well, who has just arrived. Jerson is serviceable for my rotation up front and I still hope to land a better option, but if not, he will do. As mentioned Frendo has no spot in my lineup and veteran Neil Midgley is a fan favorite, but on the down side of his career and is more valuable as a mentor at this point, than a player.

[BYU 14]

July 31st, 2009

City stuns Bolton reserves

Cambridge City had luck on their side as they played out an entertaining Friendly match against Bolton Wanderers Reserves, winning 1-0.

Things did not get off to a good start for Bolton Reserves as young striker Jerson Dos Santos seized on an error by Mark Connolly to score a fine header from pointblank range inside of 30 minutes.

City were often prevented from playing as they wanted to due to the number of fouls committed by their enthusiastic opponents, who seemed to grow frustrated as they were unable to put the ball past Zac Barrett, despite enjoying an advantage in possession.

Attendance: 1890

City sign companion for Dos Santos upfront.

The Lilywhite supporters, already happy with Dos Santos’ fruitful debut are reportedly delighted that head coach Anthony Crooks has landed the club a real bargain with the signing of French striker Laurent Cluzel. The recent signing has really caught the imagination of the public due to his tremendous pace and supporters feel the 26-year old will prove a great addition.

A great start for Dos Santos and while I was happy to find Cluzel, I feel the supporters are blinded by his pace and are tending to overlook his shortcomings. I am still looking for a better option, but Cluzel will give us a player that I can bring on in the second half to exploit tired legs and possible slip behind a time or two to generate late game scoring chances. If I can find someone better I will likely send him out on loan to develop more. (I have asked the board for a feeder club and await their verdict)

We are closing in on the start of the SPL season with but two friendlies left and I would be remiss not to add the inw over Bolton Reserves should be a big boost. Assistant coach Brendan O'Connell has left me a memo of some important dates in the month ahead:

From the Desk of Brendan O’Connell – Cambridge City FC

8.1.2009 - English FA Cup First Qualifying Round Draw
8.1.2009 - Cambridge C v Northampton (Friendly)
8.7.2009 - Cambridge C v West Allotment (Friendly)
8.12.2009 - Holland v England (Friendly)
8.15.2009 - English FA Cup First Qualifying Round
8.15.2009 - Cambridge City Under 18s v Brackley Under 18s
8.15.2009 - Banbury v Cambridge City (Southern Premier)
8.16.2009 - English FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Draw
8.18.2009 - Stevenage Under 18s v Cambridge City Under 18s (Under 18s Cup)
8.19.2009 - Cambridge C v Evesham (Southern Premier)
8.22.2009 - Hitchin Under 18s v Cambridge City Under 18s
8.22.2009 - Bedford Town v Cambridge City (Southern Premier)
8.23.2009 - Under 18s Cup Second Round Draw
8.26.2009 - Cambridge City v Merthyr (Southern Premier)
8.29.2009 - English FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
8.29.2009 - Cambridge City Under 18s v Harrow Under 18s
8.29.2009 - Truro v Cambridge City (Southern Premier)
8.30.2009 - English FA Cup Third Qualifying Round Draw

[BYU 14]

With just two friendlies left I make my cuts and end up sending all of my under-18 players down with the exception of back up keeper Chris White. He will play in some reserve tilts and get a cup start or two against lower level teams, but Barrett will be the workhorse. MC Stephan McAnuff is one that I will bring up later as I liked his preseason play, but I would rather have him starting now instead of coming off the bench.

I get a very welcome surprise as Cambridge United has sent Adam Marriot down on loan. Rated 4 stars, he is the missing piece and I am excited to have him. He and Dos Santos will split time probably 60/40 in terms of starts and I will loan out Cluzel if I get a Feeder club. I am keeping 18 right now, but am still looking for one more mid-flielder. Overall I think we can compete, so without further adeiu, meet the first team for the start of the 2009 campaign.

[BYU 14]

My projected Starting lineup for the opener against Banbury

[BYU 14]

August 1st, 2009

Nil for Northampton

Cambridge City 1 - 0 Northampton Town

Cambridge City had luck on their side as they played out an entertaining Friendly match against Northampton Town. The match was certainly not one for the purists with neither team able to keep the errors out of their game.

When Ainsworth gave away a penalty, City striker Dos Santos confidently stepped up to score the opportunity. Northampton were nearly gifted a goal in the 83rd minute after Jonathan Oakes' lapse in concentration, but they failed to capitalize on the opportunity presented to them.

Cambridge City were carved open a number of times but despite the ability of their opponents to create chances, they struggled to put them away.

Attendance: 585

Another nice effort from the newcomer and he will be a fan favorite in no time if this form holds up. One friendly left until the SPL season opens!!

August 7th, 2009

Lilywhites get their “Allotment”

Cambridge City showed their superiority in a 1 - 0 victory over West Allotment Celtic during their final Friendly game at The City Ground, but they could and should have scored more.

With the game nearing an end, it was Jerson Dos Santos who scored a placed shot from close range to give City the lead in the 81st minute. Dos Santos' scorcher delighted the fans and was his third goal in as many matches.

Cambridge City were often prevented from playing as they wanted to due to the number of fouls committed by their enthusiastic opponents

Attendance: 64

McAnuff out

City Physio Peter Dugmore has reported that Stephen McAnuff has sustained a damaged elbow after the central midfielder fell heavily during the match and It is likely that McAnuff will be out for between 2 weeks and 3 weeks while he is treated.

Dos Santos does it again, I am rethinking my plan to give Adam Marriott the start at striker, though I will likely give it a couple more games and split halves between the two to see who performs better when it counts. Tough break for McAnuff, I was considering keeping him around early on for some match time here and there, while leaving him available for the reserves as well.

The board also announces the final sales figures for season tickets and we have sold a whopping 59. Wow, Lilywhite fever……Catch it!!

On August 11th the board issues a press release……I finally have a feeder club, just in time to off load some players before our first league match in 4 days.

Cambridge City and Arlesey Town are pleased to announce a new link between the two clubs. Under the terms of the deal the following will apply effective immediately:

Cambridge City will be able to send players on loan to Arlesey Town. During the loan spell the player's salary will be paid in full by Cambridge City. Arlesey have no obligation to play the player and he may be recalled by Cambridge City at any time.

Arlesey will host an annual friendly between the two clubs with all gate receipts to be kept by Arlesey, but Cambridge City will be under no obligation to field a full-strength team.

[BYU 14]

The day before we open I send French striker Laurent Cluzel to Arlesey on loan until the end of the season. This works well for all as he will start there and stay sharp in case either Marriott or Dos Santos gets hurt and I need to recall him.

August 15th, 2009

Season off on a flyer

Banbury United 0 - 2 Cambridge City

A highly polished performance from Cambridge City saw our lads earn a 2 - 0 season opening win over Banbury United at Spencer Stadium.

Veteran winger Paul Hall got City off to a flying start by scoring a powerful effort in the 10th minute. With Banbury in the hole, there was controversy as midfielder Lewis Travers then had a penalty shot turned down shortly thereafter.

Defensive midfielder Patrick Bexfield completed the scoring for the Lilywhites with a freekick from the edge of the area in the 56th minute. Late in the contest City were denied their own claims for a penalty after Hall was taken down in the box.

Hall picked up the man of the match award as he belied his increasing years with some delightful touches and capped his performance with a goal. The new Cambridge City signing has already made it known in recent days that he is pleased to be part of the setup at The City Ground.

Attendance: 353

Around the SPL

The English Southern League Premier Division kicked off a new season today with a total of 2310 spectators turning out around the division. With eight matches played and 24 goals scored, the best viewing was to be found at Bashley Road Ground where a crowd of 359 witnessed an upset during Bashley's 3 - 1 victory over Nuneaton. The highlight of that match was Bashley's Mark Simms scoring in his debut.

Elsewhere, two goals from Stewart Yetton inspired a win for the away team during Clevedon's 1 - 3 defeat against Truro and Shaun Tennant scored the best of the goals in Merthyr's 2 - 1 victory over Rugby with a good header from just inside the six yard box.

Hall is going to be a great addition as he creates danger on the right flank and adds a needed 2nd option in our 1 striker system. Despite some physical decline, his experience allowed him to make some of the younger players on Banbury look stupid at times.

[BYU 14]

August 19th, 2009

Lilywhites dominant in 2009 home debut

In what had been billed as a close encounter, Evesham United were trounced 4 - 0 by Cambridge City at The City Ground. Two goals from Cambridge United Loaner Adam Marriott spurred City to victory in the Southern Premier League encounter.

Marriott got City off to a flying start by scoring a powerful effort in the 2nd minute. Cambridge City then saw a 23rd minute strike from Paul Hall disallowed on a controversial off sides call.

Centre-back David Theobald doubled the Lilywhites lead with a header off a corner in the 33rd minute, before Marriott added his 2nd goal of the game with a powerful effort in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Veteran winger Paul Hall completed the rout with a close range header off of a brilliant cross from Jack Morris in the 63rd minute. Adam Marriott was named man of the match after putting the Evesham United defense to the sword with his two goal effort.

Attendance: 312

Supporter spokesperson Neil Carroll feels the fans are delighted the convincing 4 - 0 English Southern League Premier Division victory over Evesham, especially with how much more dangerous the team looked in the final third of the field.

Particularly impressive were players like David Theobald, Jack Morris and Adam Marriott and others such as Neil Midgley will be wondering how they will break into the team.

Around the SPL

With six teams in action and 8 goals scored, a scorcher was had at New Windmill Ground where a crowd of 478 witnessed Leamington's 2 - 2 draw with Hednesford.

Elsewhere, Charlie Clough scored a curling shot from the edge of the area during Rugby's 0 - 2 defeat against Oxford City and 406 watched Chippenham's 1 - 1 draw with Brackley where Joe Benjamin scored the best of the goals with a close range effort.

A total of 1133 supporters were out in force around the English Southern League Premier Division.

Marriott showed why there are such high expectations and definitely made a strong bid to hold the starting striker spot over Jerzon Dos Santos. Paul Hall however is the most pleasant surprise to date as he forces teams to widen and gives Marriott more room to manuever in the middle. Jack Morris has also shown an early penchant for placing his crosses well early.

[BYU 14]

August 22nd, 2009

City still perfect

Adam Marriott was the best player on the park during Cambridge City's 1 - 0 English Southern League Premier Division victory over Bedford Town this afternoon and the margin of victory should have been even greater.

The 18 year-old striker rounded off a good performance with a goal and was unlucky not to add to his tally as City taught Bedford Town a lesson at The New Eyrie this afternoon.

Marriott’s tally came on a close range header in the 24th minute and he placed two more shots on target that were saved. Overall City had a number of attempts at goal but they were not effective putting it on target with any degree of consistency.

Attendance: 286

Peter Dugmore has reported that Tom Pepper has sustained a twisted ankle after the central midfielder fell heavily during the match and he will be out for between 5 weeks and 6 weeks. This is a huge blow to City’s midfield, already missing Captain Adrian Cambridge.

Our two best midfielders are now out and I need to find a loaner to fill in as Bexfield missed some golden opportunities by a wide margin and played with far too much cockiness for my liking. Overall we only put 4 of 13 on target and that is not acceptable, considering several of those misses came well within the penalty area.

[BYU 14]

August 25th, 2009

News from the Grounds

David Theobald and Adam Marriott were selected in the Southern Premier Team of the Week first eleven, an honor well deserved for both men.

On the injury front City Physio Peter Dugmore reports that there are still a few injury problems persisting within the squad.

Adrian Cambridge (twisted ankle) is close to a return to full fitness and should soon be available for selection.

Tom Pepper (twisted ankle) is our only long-term injury and it will still be a while before we can think about setting a realistic return date for him.

Rushden's DC Jack Higgins has joined Cambridge City on loan until the end of the season. The 18-year-old central defender told the Cambridge Soccer Daily that he was still learning his trade and that he felt the loan move would be a good step up from playing in the reserves.

In addition, Ebbsfleet's Steven Springett has also joined City on loan until the end of the season and the 18 year old midfielder has said that he is delighted that Cambridge City has given him the opportunity to gain some first team experience.

Cambridge City could see their largest ever attendance on Wednesday with supporters expected to pack The City Ground to see Merthyr Tydfil in the English Southern League Premier Division. Over 300 tickets are expected to be sold for what should be an epic clash on Wednesday.

I get some vital depth for both the back line and midfield, with the beauty of Springett’s loan being that he can also play in the DMC spot and as a central defender as well, should the need arise. Both could be in Cambridge in time for tomorrows match with Merthyr, though neither should see the pitch.

[BYU 14]

August 26th, 2009

City mauls Merthyr 3-0

An efficient performance from Cambridge City earned them a 3 - 0 win over Merthyr Tydfil at The City Ground, as two goals from Adam Marriott paced the Lilywhites to victory.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Cambridge City was denied claims by Paul Hall for a penalty, in a decision that brought howls from the stands. Goal scoring wizard Adam Marriott gave Cambridge City the lead soon after though with a placed shot in the 11th minute. Marriott then doubled City's lead with a screamer into the net in the 52nd minute.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout in the 66th minute as crafty veteran Hall left no doubt, hammering home a beauty off a feed from Nightingale. Merthyr, unbeaten (though still wallowing in 21st place due to a 10 point deduction) coming in was left stunned as the fulltime whistle finally brought the bloodletting to an end.

Attendance: 306

After the match City boss Crooks announced Gillingham's Rashid Yussuff would also be joining Cambridge City on loan until the end of the season. The 19-year-old central midfielder told the Cambridge Soccer Daily that he was still learning his trade and that he felt the loan move would be a good step up from playing in the reserves.

Around the SPL

With eight matches played and 19 goals scored, our choice for match of the day had to be the classic at Cherrywood Road, where a crowd of 790 witnessed Farnborough's convincing 5 - 1 victory over Hednesford. The highlight of that match was Steve Brinkhurst scoring his first ever goal for Farnborough, though he had good company on the score sheet.

Elsewhere, Cédric Abraham scored a well executed finish during Swindon Supermarines' convincing 3 - 0 victory over Tiverton and 436 watched Truro's convincing 3 - 0 victory over Bedford Town where Joe Mason scored the best of the goals with a well timed close range finish.

A total of 2887 supporters were out in force around the English Southern League Premier Division.

Marriott has simply yanked the bulk of the striker minutes away from Dos Santos with force and there is no doubt as to his grasp on the spot in his current form. He is currently leading the SPL in scoring and second in average match rating.

Yussuff completes the squad and he will remain at least until Pepper returns, maybe longer. He will provide some pace and energy in the midfield and I am now content with the makeup of the squad.

Peter Dugmore pops in to let me know that Adrian Cambridge will be back to full training on 2 more days, welcome news indeed if we want to keep this run going.

[BYU 14]

August 29th, 2009

Stalemate for City

Truro City 0 - 0 Cambridge City

Cambridge City could count themselves somewhat fortunate to have escaped with a draw against Truro City in their English Southern League Premier Division game at Treyew Road.

The commitment of Cambridge City to their cause was evidenced by the sheer number of shots they blocked. Time and again they put their bodies on the line in face of relenting pressure from Truro.

Lee Chaffey put in a man of the match performance for city in this one, according to the Cambridge Soccer Daily. The City defender looked tidy and hardly put a foot wrong the entire game.

Attendance: 478

Around the SPL

With eight matches played and 12 goals scored, a cracking match was found at St. James Park where a crowd of 208 witnessed Brackley's convincing 4 - 0 victory over Swindon Super. The highlight of that match was Tom Winters scoring his first ever goal for Brackley.

Elsewhere, Liam Malone scored a well timed close range finish during Oxford City's 2 - 0 victory over Merthyr and 346 watched Hednesford's 1 - 1 draw with Rugby where Matthew Gearing scored the best of the goals with a long range effort.

A total of 2253 supporters were out in force around the English Southern League Premier
Division.

FA Cup draw

Cambridge City will play Isthmian Premier side Hendon in the English FA Cup Third Qualifying Round.

The game will be played at Vale Farm on Saturday September 12th 2009.

The English FA Cup, which has now been running for 137 years, was first won by Wanderers FC in 1872.

The SPL team of week was announced and included James Krause in the first eleven, after a stellar week holding down the left flank for the Lilywhites.

A disappointing draw, but a good result on the road nonetheless against a fellow promotion contender. Chaffey may have won man of the match, but my vote goes to Zac Barrett, who was spectacular in goal, with several point blank saves.

I arrive at the grounds the day after the Truro match to a note from Brendan O'Connell, with a list of important dates for the month of September. A busy month awaits.

9.3.2009 - Cambridge City v Oxford City (Southern Premier)
9.4.2009 - England Under 21s v Wales Under 21s (Euro U21 Ch'ship Quals)
9.5.2009 - England v Slovenia (Friendly)
9.6.2009 - Boreham Wood Under 18s v Cambridge City Under 18s
9.7.2009 - England Under 19s v Croatia Under 19s (U19 International)
9.8.2009 - English Southern League Cup Qualifying Round Draw
9.8.2009 - Latvia Under 21s v England Under 21s (Euro U21 Ch'ship Quals)
9.9.2009 - England v Croatia (World Cup Quals (EUR))
9.12.2009 - English FA Cup Third Qualifying Round
9.12.2009 - Cambridge City Under 18s v Lowestoft Under 18s
9.12.2009 - Hendon v Cambridge City (FA Cup)
9.13.2009 - English FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round Draw
9.16.2009 - Cambridge City v Tiverton (Southern Premier)
9.19.2009 - English FA Trophy First Qualifying Round Draw
9.19.2009 - Bedford Town Under 18s v Cambridge City Under 18s
9.19.2009 - Cambridge City v Brackley (Southern Premier)
9.22.2009 - English Southern League Cup Qualifying Round
9.23.2009 - English Southern League Cup First Round Draw
9.24.2009 - Didcot v Cambridge City (Southern Premier)
9.26.2009 - English FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round
9.26.2009 - Cambridge City Under 18s v Hemel Hempstead Under 18s
9.26.2009 - Uzbekistan Under 20s v England Under 20s (U20 World Cup)
9.27.2009 - English FA Cup First Round Draw
9.29.2009 - Cambridgeshire County FA Invitation Cup First Round Draw
9.29.2009 - England Under 20s v Uruguay Under 20s (U20 World Cup)

[BYU 14]

September arrives with some accolades and our heros in first place in the SPL.

September 1st, 2009

City boss, striker garner League recognition

Cambridge City's Adam Marriott has wowed the fans at The City Ground this month with his impressive performances and has duly won the Southern Premier Player of the Month as the young striker has been lethal this month, scoring over a goal a game.

Truro's Joe Mason came in just behind Marriott in second place with Paul Powell of Didcot rounding off the top three.

Cambridge City's Anthony Crooks has won the Southern Premier Manager of the Month award. The award was made after the Lilywhites boss led his team to four league victories in their last five games.

(SLP) Cambridge City 2 - 0 Banbury (Aug 15th)
(SLP) Cambridge City 4 - 0 Evesham (Aug 19th)
(SLP) Cambridge City 1 - 0 Bedford T (Aug 22nd)
(SLP) Cambridge City 3 - 0 Merthyr (Aug 26th)
(SLP) Cambridge City 0 - 0 Truro (Aug 29th)

There was nothing to choose between the top three and the award could easily have gone to either Oxford City's Mike Ford or Gary Hackett from Stourbridge, who came second and third respectively.

Lost amid the performance of Marriott has been our stellar defensive play in our own end, which is especially encouraging considering we play an attacking style nearly 90% of the time. Zac Barrett has yet to concede a goal in 450 minutes plus of play.