FM: Harrogate's (hopeful) ascendency

[Eaglesfan27]

See my struggle to survive my first season as an LLM manager in this thread: http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=32963


In my second season, I will be more aggressive in trying to pursue some permeanant players who I feel can help the club. My goal is to ensure that we are promoted this year (and therefore able to support the slightly higher wage bill.) This could be a dangerous tactic if we fail to achieve promotion. I'm hopeful that Christopher Engles will be better known in the soccer world, and actually convince a few more good loan players to join us throughout the season.

[Eaglesfan27]

July 5th, 2005 -

On July 1st, I reviewed the local trade rags to find out which clubs released guys on free transfers. I noticed several names that my scout had turned me onto earlier in the year (and a few who were prior loan players!)

I decided to go after Stuart Wall, a young defender, who had come through Coventry's system. My scout thought he would be an excellent signing that would break into the first lineup immediately. I watched the videotape my scout shot, and I had to agree. So I offered this 17 year old centre defender, 300 dollars/week. He agreed and signed on July 5th, 2005.

Another name that I noticed had been released was Mark Smyth! Liverpool felt he wouldn't be of any help to him and he was available on a free transfer. I called Mark and immediately asked him how he would feel about playing for me again. He told me that he really enjoyed his time here, and he felt I was a good coach. He'd be glad to come back if we could work out the money.

I asked him how much he wanted. The 20 year old replied, 500 a week. I asked him if he could make do with 420/week. He agreed! I now had acquired two players who cost only slightly more than Turley. I'm convinced that Turley's inaccuracy makes him expendable. Hopefully, I'll be able to find a buyer.

The third player that I noticed was available who excited me was Greg Kelly who had been released on a free transfer by Huddersfield. I called Kelly up on the 1st too and asked him how he would feel about rejoining our group. He said that he really liked what we were doing and he would consider it. I asked him how much money he would want. He replied 700/week. I told him that I really wanted him to join us, but I could only afford 550/week. He thought about it for a few days and agreed to join us on the 5th as well!

Finally, I noticed that Jermaine Palmer was available. He is a young striker whom my scouts have repeatedly recommended. Watching the video tape, it was apparent that this kid was a real speedster who had great touch around the net. I offered him a modest deal hoping he would accept. He asked for 1200 dollars per week. I told him the most I could offer was 700/week. He agreed to the deal on the 5th as well.

Hmmmm.. I might be overspending..

[Eaglesfan27]

Realizing that I might be overspending, I start looking at what players are expendable. With Scarsella's great play, I decide that Pettinger is expendable. He is 29, and I might have a chance to move him. I transfer list him immediately, hoping to get rid of his 550 dollar/week salary.

I look at Wood who is a young 22 year old defender, and I review my notes on him. He played well at times, and he is quite talented. However, he lacks determination and is lazy on the pitch at times. He made too many bad plays last year, and I decide to list him to see if I can move his 460 dollar per week salary.

James Turley is an easy target for transfer. Yes, he has great speed. But, he doesn't finish plays. Also, due to an esclator clause in his old contract, he is guaranteed 800 dollars/week. I decide to transfer list him immediately.

I also transfer list Michael Ord, a 24 year old DC who spent the entire year on my reserve squad and has minimal talent.

Finally, I transfer list James McDaid, a 19 year old reserve striker who isn't showing any potential at this point.

[daedalus]

Nice. Love getting those guys back for free. Good start to the new season! :D

[Kevin]

Great dynasty report!

Not too many people double major in English Lit and Pre-Med.

[Eaglesfan27]

Great dynasty report!

Not too many people double major in English Lit and Pre-Med.

I certainly wasn't an English Lit major (and think my writing style leaves a lot to be desired) but thanks for the compliment.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nice. Love getting those guys back for free. Good start to the new season! :D
I definitely agree. I was really shocked to see both Kelly and Smyth available. I just had to go over my wage bill to get those guys. Hopefully, we can move some of the chaff now :)

[SirFozzie]

Geez, with all these guys returning to Harrogate, it's deja vu all over again

[FrogMan]

Woot, go Harrogate!!! :)

Another name that I noticed had been released was Mark Smyth! Liverpool felt he wouldn't be of any help to him and he was available on a free transfer. I called Mark and immediately asked him how he would feel about playing for me again. He told me that he really enjoyed his time here, and he felt I was a good coach. He'd be glad to come back if we could work out the money.

You know what's funny. I have just realized that I have Mark Smyth signed for a season long loan. :) He's currently playing with the reserves and I don't pay one dime of his salary, and since the season is still kind of young, I had not paid too much attention to him :)

Just like in your game, I'd think that Liverpool doesn't see him as fitting their plans, since they are asking $200k for him while his value hovers around $900k. Hmmm, I'll have to give him some first team playing time and see if he could make it on our team, at least as a long time investment...

FM

[Eaglesfan27]

July 11th, 2005 -

I'm going to go into a little less detail for friendly matches as I have a better feel for my team. However, I'm playing mostly higher league foes, and it will be interesting to see how we do. The first match will be against Chester City in League 2 play. I'm using a lineup that could be very similar to our regular season starting lineup. I'm going to try using my 4-3-1-2 that I hope to use as my primary tactic during the regular season. Here is a pic of it:

http://64.17.163.76/images/Harrogate%20Tactics.jpg

[Eaglesfan27]

4 minute mark: Stuart Wall makes a great tackle to save a likely goal. Nice way to start off impressing the new boss.

10 minute mark: smyth receives a long pass from Wall.. Smyth burns his defender.. dribbles into the box.. to his left.. keeper comes out to close down the angle.. Smyth shoots.. it's past the keeper with the narrow angle shot.. it hits the left post and bounces out. Keeper collects the rebound.

18 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball inside the box.. centers to Palmer.. Palmer shoots.. past the keeper.. it hits the crossbar! Kelly gets the rebound.. shoots.. the keeper smothers the point blank shot.

44 minute mark: Wright dribbles up the left side of the pitch.. past midfield.. draws the defender to him.. flicks the ball ahead to Smyth.. Smyth dribbles into the box at the left corner.. dribbling towards the left post.. the keeper comes out.. Smyth goes for the sharp angled shot.. towards the far post... it's.. inside the post.. GOAL!!!! 1-0 The announcer calls it a sensational goal and it was!

1-0 at the half.

I'm just trying to get guys fit, and most of the guys are verging on being tired in this first friendly, so I yank the entire starting unit except for my keeper and Wall, the young DC (I only really have one backup DC except for Shepherd who started this game at MR.)

58 minute mark: Farrell gets the ball inside the right half of the box.. he dribbles towards the right post.. shoots for the far post.. just wide.

69 minute mark: Krief plays the ball into the left side of the box.. Turley takes it.. dribbles to his left.. has the keeper out of position.. shoots.. well over the bar.. (darn it, I want him to score and raise his trade value.)

76 minute mark: Krief plays a through pass to the edge of the box for Farrell.. Farrell dribbles one step forward.. shoots for the lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0

80 minute mark: Krief passes to Hunter at AMC... Hunter quickly plays it forward to Turley inside the left corner of the box.. Turley takes one step and shoots.. goes for the narrow angle.. into the left corner of the net.. GOAL!!!! 3-0 (that's more like it.. increase that trade value!)

Game over. 3-0 Win. I know it's just a friendly, but I really liked how my team played a presumably more talented team. Chester used most of their starters in this game.

We outshot them 17-12.

Mark Smyth wins MoM in 45 minutes of play with a 9 for form. He completed 6 of 9 passes, 0 of 0 tackles, 0 of 1 headers, 5 runs past his man(!), and a goal.

Stuart Wall also played exceptionally well, despite playing the 2nd half tired. He had a 9 form for the match, and I have a feeling that he will be a key component of my defense this year as well as a potentially dominant DC in the league despite being only 17 currently.

[Eaglesfan27]

Today we are playing Chesterfield (League 1) at home. We are using the same tactic and same lineup as last game.

Most of the game was relatively boring, but I like the pep our guys showed on the field. Adam Forry drove a powerful shot that rebounded off of Stuart Wall and into the goal for the only goal of the game.

Therefore, we lost 1-0

We were outshot 12-6, but many of our players played quite well. The most notable were Mark Smyth, Jermaine Palmer, and Richard Dunning who all had solid 8's. Dunning won MoM with 15 of 17 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 1 of 1 headers, 1 pass intercepted, and 3 runs.

[RPI-Fan]

Is all your talk about extending your contract, stuff that is actually in the game?

[Eaglesfan27]

Yes and No. I have a contract, but there was no talk about it being extended. It just happened. The dialog is creative license (sorry if I misled anyone by this.)


Edited to add: I did base my uncertainly on the fluctuating level of confidence that my boss and the fans had in me. Those are in the game, and can be viewed at any time.

[RPI-Fan]

Yes and No. I have a contract, but there was no talk about it being extended. It just happened. The dialog is creative license (sorry if I misled anyone by this.)


Edited to add: I did base my uncertainly on the fluctuating level of confidence that my boss and the fans had in me. Those are in the game, and can be viewed at any time.

Where do you view your contract info? I couldn't seem to find this... I wonder if it's part of DEBUG_MODE?

[Eaglesfan27]

July 24th, 2005 -

Today is my third friendly, and this is an important one in my mind. I'm using the same starting lineup and I'm playing Dorchester who is English Conference South. I expect to dominate them, and am hopeful that we play very well. Next game, I will start backups and play my starters much less as it will be our second to last friendly.

In the first 10 minutes, Mark Smyth had several good scoring opportunities, and he just couldn't get it by the keeper who managed to smother each shot. At the 15 minute mark, he sent a blistering shot past the keeper, but it hit the right post and bounced out.

At the 21 minute mark, Joseba Barandiaran hit a rebound right past Scarsella.

1-0 at halftime. I'm actually pleased with the team's play despite the score as we outshot our opponent 13-3 and generally dominated ball possession.

I bring in all of the subs except for Wood this time (I want to give Wall some breathers during this preseason.) I also decide to give Pettinger some game time this game.

We do little in the second half which I find somewhat disappointing. We end up losing 1-0.

We outshot the opposition 13-5. Craig Bradshaw the opposing keeper wins MoM.

[Eaglesfan27]

Where do you view your contract info? I couldn't seem to find this... I wonder if it's part of DEBUG_MODE?
I go to my teams Staff Screen. On there, it lists how much each staff is making and when the contract expires. My manager is on that list.

[Eaglesfan27]

The fourth friendly is where I'm going to experiment a bit, and also try to get my backups in a little more. We are playing Stockport who are in English League 1 this game.

My subs don't do bad in the first 45 minutes. It's not all subs as I don't have enough defenders. I'm playing the kid, Walls, with the backup team and he is clearly shining. I think I'm falling in love with this kid. I just hope he can perform when the games really matter.

0-0 at the half.

A really solid defensive second half. My starters and defenders are playing really good team ball at the moment. Hopefully, this will carry over to the regular season.

We end up with a 0-0 tie.

We outshot the opposition 10-7.

Neil Cutler, the opposition's keeper won MoM.

Smyth looked dominant in his 30 minutes on the pitch where he had 4 shots on goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

August 1st, 2005 -

Mr. Fotherby called me into his office today. He told me he is quite pleased with my current management of the club. He thinks my acquisitions will help boost us past the fans expectations of a midtable finish.

After my meeting with Mr. Fotherby, I decide to contact several premiere clubs and see if they will loan me a right winger. Also, I see one striker I really want, David Bellion, and I make a loan offer for him. All of these clubs will likely laugh in my face. Well, laugh in my face over the phone, but it is worth a shot.

Today is my final friendly against Southampton's reserves. This will be a final tune-up and I just want everyone to stay healthy.


Adam Lallana shocked us with a quick goal from 30 yards out at the 2 minute mark: Scarsella seemed to be shocked as it curved into the net.

Other than that breakdown we played a very disciplined first half in which our opposition outshot us 5-4. Smyth put tremendous pressure on the keeper 2 different drives down the field. I remove all of my starters at the half, determined to keep them healthy for the start of the regular season.

At the 58 minute mark, Morris my striker centered for Hunter who was in at AMC.. Hunter powered the shot into the left upper corner of the net.

1-1 final score.

We outshot them 11-10

Their keeper, Michael Poke, won MoM.

Time for the regular season to start!

A few thoughts. I like our depth much more at this point. There are more guys than last year that I feel comfortable playing on the pitch. This means I will have to rotate guys more and rotate subs more this year assuming that injuries don't hit us too hard. Also, Atkins should be back from his surgery in a few weeks. It will be interesting to see if he can be as effective as he was in the past. Finally, if any of these stud players who are listed for loan actually agree to come play for us our depth will be even more impressive.

[Eaglesfan27]

August 2nd, 2005 -

WOW!! I've really wanted to add a little depth at right wing (despite my rising wage bill) and today I received word that Manchester Utd's Benjamin Collette has been released on a free transfer. He doesn't have the classic great speed that I would like at the position, but he has acceptable speed. More importantly, he appears to have great skill at passing and he has played very well while on loan for teams that I played against. Hopefully, he will consider joining my team. It can't hurt to ask.

[Eaglesfan27]

WOW (part deux)!

When I first contacted Benjamin, he told me "There is no bloody way I'm coming to play for you."

I told him to talk to Mark Smyth and gave him the phone number.

2 days later, Benjamin called me back and said that he would agree to play for me for 500 dollars/week!

On the same day, I was informed that Manchester Utd accepted my loan offer for David Bellion. I just hope, he will agree to come play here (which seems unlikely.)

[duckman]

EF, I'm enjoying the dynasty. Took me a good part of the day to get to this point. I've never watched much "soccer", so I'm still trying to get all the terminology down. If I wasn't so freaking broke, I would invest in the game, so I could. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks Duckman.

As for this update, bad news! My computer crashed (through no fault of FM as far as I can tell) and I'm not usre how much time I've lost. I have it autosaving every week I think.

No matter how much time I have lost, there will be a tough decision. I think I made a mistake in signing Collett as my wage budget is getting too high. However, I don't really want to alter the "history" of my dynasty either.

[Eaglesfan27]

Darn it!!! My game wasn't saving every week, but every other week. I'm now back at July 27th, 2005.

This is very annoying (again through no fault of FM that I can see.)

[duckman]

Looks like it's time to hit the time machine. ;)

[daedalus]

I would be tempted to go ahead and go over the wage limit a smidge since you are not using much of your transfer budget. Plus, y'know, winning cures many ails!

Oh, and perhaps someone else would be willing to renegotiate to bring down wages?

[CraigSca]

How much was Benjamin Collette making at MAN U? Is that realistic to accept $24k a year for a guy playing in the Premier League (at one point, anyway). Was he just extremely over valued playing for them of is the salary structure in the EPL vastly different than what I come to expect from American sports? Aren't some football players making millions of dollars a year?

[Tekneek]

I wouldn't think it is unusual for guys who come up through the systems of major clubs to end up unemployed and signing with small clubs. They see a chance to stay fit, play football, and without that they would have to get a real job. It's awfully hard to get back in the high life while working a non-footballing job.

[Eaglesfan27]

I would be tempted to go ahead and go over the wage limit a smidge since you are not using much of your transfer budget. Plus, y'know, winning cures many ails!

Oh, and perhaps someone else would be willing to renegotiate to bring down wages?
Well, I'm going over more than just a smidge.. more like 20-30% over!

That being said, I wouldn't load a save game to try to reverse my mistakes, so I don't think I should try to undo them just because it crashed. I will offer Collett the same deal again, and hopefully he takes it again.

[Eaglesfan27]

Well, I'm back to the same point of where I was before the crash, and Collett just signed with us again. All is right with the timeline.

Edit: Even though saving seems to take painfully long on my computers sometimes, I'm changing the frequency of autosaves to every week.

[thealmighty]

When you say you found this or that player that you like, or offered a loan kinda thing, how much time and how many teams do you have to scour to find these players you want or are interested in? In other words, do you have to go through all the teams or is there a page with available players to look at?

[Eaglesfan27]

Basically, I have 1 scout (most teams have more, but I can't afford them) and I can tell him to scout a large variety of things. I generally have mine scout England. You can tell them to look for a certain type of player. You can also look at the more famous teams, but obscure players will have their ratings hidden (there is an option to turn this off if you don't want it.) I do very little scouring of teams. I generally watch big matches on TV, and I rely on my scouts. Also, if I hear about a player in the media who sounds interesting, I will check them out (if it is a player I could realistically get information on) Most of the players I have added, I either watched a match of theirs or heard about them in the media.

[Eaglesfan27]

Today, I decided on my starting lineup for our season opener. Let's take a look at it (as well as the tactic):

http://64.17.163.76/images/Harrogate%20Tactics%202.jpg

Of note, I had a hard time deciding to move Farrell to the bench, but Palmer played better in the friendlies and he appears to have more talent in practice.

However, if Palmer doesn't play well, I won't hesitate to give Farrell a chance to start alongside Smyth.

I picked Dunning as the 5 bench player over several possibilities because I think he is one of my most versatile defenders. He does well wherever I play him on the pitch.

Hunter made it on the sub list because he can play just about any midfield or striker position with at least some skill.

Wood made it on the bench because I want to get him some time and hopefully make him attractive to potential suitors. I really want to move his relatively high salary despite his young age, 22. He just makes a few too many stupid mistakes to trust him as my long term answer at DC.

[Eaglesfan27]

August 13th, 2005 -

Mark Atkins was cleared by the physio to resume playing today. It's the day of our game, so I have a tough choice as he lacks match practice. I decide he will replace Dunning as the 5th sub and if we get a sufficient lead we will work Atkins onto the pitch.

We host Gainsborough today. Gareth Grant appears to be their most dangerous striker. David Jervis reportedly looks much improved and appears to be their key in the midfield as he plays left wing. Ben Purkiss appears to be a talented right fullback. Jamie Holmshaw is in goal, and it will be interesting to see how he rises to the challenge of facing our potent strikers. Hopefully, it won't be pretty for him ;)

We are 5:4 favorites. It's a beautiful sunny 73 degrees today.

[Eaglesfan27]

5 minute mark: Collett makes a nice interception of a pass on the right wing. He dribbles a few steps and crosses it to Smyth who quickly heads it to Palmer who is open inside the box.. Palmer shoots.. the Holmshaw reacts and tips it over the bar.

15 minute mark: Scarsella kicks the ball to Smyth who gets it on the left side of the pitch around midfield.. Smyth starts dribbling up the left sideline.. he draws two defenders to him.. he passes it perfectly between them to Kelly.. Kelly takes the pass dribbles inside the box.. shoots.. upper right corner... GOAL!!!! 1-0

32 minute mark: Wall makes a key tackle to prevent Gareth Grant from getting a point blank shot at the goal.

40 minute mark: Smyth gets a yellow card for a hard tackle on Ben Purkiss.

44 minute mark: David Jervis gets a yellow card for an illegal tackle on Grant Black.


1-0 at the half. We have outshot them 6-1 (3-0 for on target shots.)


48 minute mark: Collett picks up a significant knock. I'm going to sub him out as soon as we get a break in the action. With Collett writhing on the pitch, Gareth Grant gets a great pass from Purkiss. Grant takes the shot from 10 yards out.. towards the left corner.. Scarsella makes a fantastic dive to tip it over the bar. The announcer calls it brilliant.

49 minute mark: Black is hurt seriously too on a tough tackle by their midfielder, Chris Dickman (what an appropriate name), Surey receives the pass from the keeper and kicks it out of bounds so both Black and Collett can receive attention. I sub in Atkins for Collett (I'm worried about how effective Atkins will be, but he is one of the few subs that has some strong ability at right wing) and I sub in Wood for Black.

71 minute mark: I've noticed that Atkins is much slower than before (and he was never a speedster), I wonder if he can play right wing or midfield any longer. Despite this, he does manage to get in position to receive a great cross from Smyth. Atkins is by the right goal post.. he heads it.. just over the bar.

74 minute mark: Wall makes another excellent intervention inside my box to prevent a good shot on goal.

75 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball in the left corner.. he centers to kelly.. Kelly shoots a blistering shot on goal.. the keeper barely tips it over the bar.

80 minute mark: Lee Ellington (substitute striker) gets the ball inside the right half of the box.. my keeper comes out to challenge him.. he passes across the box to Grant who is by the left goal post.. my keeper is out of position.. Grant heads it in. GOAL. 1-1

I decide at this point, there is no need to save my 3rd sub. I bring in Farrell for Palmer who has played solid, but not spectacular and is now tired.

83 minute mark: Farrell gets a yellow card for an illegal tackle on Neil Allison.

Game over. 1-1 tie. Somewhat disappointing result, particularly as we controlled ball possession most of the game.

We outshot them 12-5.

Ben Purkiss won MoM, 18 of 31 passes, 12 of 13 tackles, 3 of 4 headers, 7 passes intercepted.

[Eaglesfan27]

August 17th, 2005 -

Atkins has looked horrible in practice the last 3 days. His skills seem to have severely declined as he is now 36 and trying to come back from this injury. However, he is very crafty. He was such a dominant player for us last year, that I decide I will give him his starting job back at least temporarily. I will be watching him very closely however.

Also, in our last match, Grant Black hurt his shoulder. He may miss our next match. Andy Farrell twisted his ankle in his limited action. He is expected to miss 2 weeks.

[Eaglesfan27]

Today we travel to play Hednesford Town. They won the English FA trophy last year, and they should be an interesting challenge. They are led by James Walshaw who is a striker on loan from Burton. Ashley Dodd is their most consistent midfielder. Richard Teesdale played very solid defense for them last game as one of their DC's. Adam Jenkins is an average keeper.

I'm mildly surprised to see they are 6:4 favorites.

Our starting lineup will be the same for this game except Atkins is in at the MC spot instead of Surey who will replace Atkins on the bench. As I've previously mentioned, I'm concerned if Atkins has the speed to play the game any longer, but we will see.

It's 45 degrees and muddy today.

Edit: Since Farrell is still hurt, Turley will be the sub on the bench in his place.

[jbmagic]

does weathers have an affect in fm 2005?


like if it too muddy, will they be more slips and slowness?

if its hot will they fatigue faster?

etc,etc

[Eaglesfan27]

Yes. Weather definitely has a realistic effect in my opinion.

Also, my laptop just froze up again. So, I'm going to take a break from FM for now as I have other games I want to play on my non-laptop and my laptop is annoying me. I'll replay this game again later today probably.

[tanglewood]

How much was Benjamin Collette making at MAN U? Is that realistic to accept $24k a year for a guy playing in the Premier League (at one point, anyway). Was he just extremely over valued playing for them of is the salary structure in the EPL vastly different than what I come to expect from American sports? Aren't some football players making millions of dollars a year?

Collette was a youth player at Man Utd, so was making peanuts. He is proably earining about the same at Harrogate as he was then.

[Eaglesfan27]

I checked and I actually gave him a raise to come play for us.

[Eaglesfan27]

(In the interest of full disclosure, I was tied 1-1 at the 75 minute mark when my computer froze last time. My last save had been just before this match was scheduled to start)

6 minute mark: Palmer runs over their left wing Marlon Walters who tried a dirty tackle on him. Walters is hurt and out of the match.

23 minute mark: Palmer receives a pass from Scarsella at midfield. He sends a nice pass down the pitch to Smyth who receives it in th edge of the box.. he shoots.. the keeper smothers the shot.

42 minute mark: Atkins takes the corner.. he sends the ball curving towards the near post.. Shepherd meets the ball with a solid header.. past the keeper.. into the back of the net!!! GOAL!!! 1-0

46 minute mark: Black sends a long pass to Kelly.. Kelly dribbles into the box.. draws the 2 defenders.. passes to Palmer.. Palmer shoots.. over the bar.. he seems embarassed at that shot.

61 minute mark: Wright is injured. I sub in Hunter. I also sub Turley for the tired Palmer.

68 minute mark: Smyth receives the ball at midfield on the left side, he dribbles to his right.. he starts cutting across the field.. trying to find a hole in the defense while waiting for his compatriots to catch up.. he dribbles to the right wing.. he starts dribbling up the right wing.. to the right corner.. he crosses it for the near post.. Turley is there.. Turley heads it.. past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 2-0! What a play by Smyth.

Game over. 2-0 win for us.

We were outshot 12-8.

Grant Black wins MoM, 13 of 20 passing, 8 of 9 tackles, 6 of 9 headers, 5 passes intercepted. Scarsella, Kelly, Atkins, and Smyth also received 8's for the match.

[Eaglesfan27]

Today my 6th ranked team hosts the 9th ranked Stafford Rangers. Stafford's defense is led by Craig McAughtrie. Robert Heath has been their most consistent midfielder early in the season. Neil Grayson is still playing at the ripe age of 40, and he still appears to be the most talented striker on the team. Stafford is a 6:4 favorite going into this game.

We are using our same starting lineup for one more match as well as the same bench. Edit: Forgot that Wright is still injured from cutting his leg last week. I'll play Hunter at left wing and Christian Fox onto the bench.

It's a dry cloudy 51 degree day.

[Eaglesfan27]

13 minute mark: Smyth has the ball on the left wing.. he takes it up the field.. great long cross to Kelly. Kelly takes a step.. shoots.. the keeper stops it.

34 minute mark: Atkins tracks down a ball in the right corner (man, he runs slow) and he centers to Palmer.. Palmer whiffs on the pass.. and it sails past him. Goal scoring opportunity missed. I suspect I'll bench Palmer after this game, unless he does something in the next 30 minutes to give Farrell a chance to show he is better.

39 minute mark: Grayson gets the ball on a long pass from McAughtrie. Grayson shoots from 15 yards.. Scarsella saves.. he sends a long kick to Smyth on the left wing.. Smyth dribbles between two defenders.. into the box.. he shoots.. the keeper blocks it but can't control the rebound.. kelly races against a defender to get to the rebound.. Kelly wins the race.. he taps it in.. GOAL!!! 1-0

44 minute mark: Hunter has picked up a knock. I put Fox in for him (out of position)

1-0 at the half.

64 minute mark: Atkins is tired and I sub in Surey for him.

79 minute mark: Benjamin Collett gets called for tripping Grayson.. inside the box.. darn it.. penalty awarded. Grayson takes the penalty himself.. he steps up.. unleashes a whale of a shot.. past Scarsella.. goal. 1-1

89 minute mark: Kelly is hurt. Hopefully it is not too bad. I sub Turley in for kelly at AMC.

Game Over. 1-1 tie.

We were outshot 12-11.

James Lindley, their keeper won MoM because he stopped 6 shots. Only 3 of their shots were on goal and had to be stopped by Scarsella.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post match report:

Greg Kelly suffered the ubiquitous groin strain. He will be out for about 2 weeks.

[SirFozzie]

sounds like Atkins is only good for 60 minutes a game now

[Eaglesfan27]

Not only that, but I'm not sure he is even really good for those 60 minutes. It's unclear to me if he is really better than Surey or the other options. His pace is slower than a snail's now. Despite this, he has played fairly well in the first few games.

[Barkeep49]

When you say that you watch games on TV what does this mean? I've really been enjoying this dynasty and it has really made me more interested in getting the game.

[Eaglesfan27]

You can essentially view any match that you want in the entire universe (if it is an active league.) So, I choose to actually watch some matches even if I'm not in them. I only pick high profile games that would actually be on TV (and are listed as being on TV within the game.) However, if I wanted to, I could watch thousands of games each season.

[jbmagic]

is there sound in the game when you watch a match?

[Eaglesfan27]

Yes. The crowd cheers louder at really big stadiums full of people. It's actually quite a nice touch.

[Eaglesfan27]

September 10th, 2005 -

Today our 7th ranked team faces 8th ranked Vauxhall Motors on the road. Vauxhall has several prominent loan players and are a dangerous team. David Poole, the striker from Manchester United is quite the scorer and has me very worried. Stephen Jordan is a consistent defender on loan from Manchester City. Michael Eckersley is their right winger and he is on loan from Bolton. Mike Kinsella is playing well in goal early in the season.

We are 4:5 favorites.

It's a dry 47 degrees today.

Our starting Lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Palmer
S3: Dunning
S4: Surey
S5: Wood

[Eaglesfan27]

6 minute mark: Collett steals the ball deep in our territory. He plays a long ball down the right wing.. Farrell (first start of the season) races to it.. he gets it.. centers.. Kelly jumps.. his defender jumps.. Kelly heads it.. towards the right upper corner... just inches wide!

18 minute mark: Smyth receives the ball at midfield.. he dribbles past a midfielder.. through 2 defenders.. to the edge of the box.. he passes to Farrell by the right corner of the box.. Farrell immediately centers it back for Smyth.. The keeper is out of position.. Smyth immediately kicks it.. into the center of the net!!! GOAL!!! 1-0

Half time: Up 1-0. Kelly seems to be injured at some point during the match. I'm going to let him play for a bit more to see if he can play through it.

57 minute mark: Kelly looks like he is really limping. I decide I'll pull him at the next break. Wall has a harsh tackle against David Poole.. outside the box. Yellow card for Wall.

58 minute mark: I try Palmer at AMC for Kelly. I also sub in Dunning for Collett (who is winded) at right wing.

64 minute mark: Poole gets the ball inside the box. He is wide open.. just him and the keeper. Poole blasts a shot.. Scarsella smothers it. Gets up.. Kicks it deep. Palmer gets it.. dribbles into the box.. unleashes his own powerful shot. Kinsella deflects it. Jordan clears the rebound.

76 minute mark: Atkins is still looking good as far as stamina goes, and he is playing his best game this season. Barnard is tired. I decide to use my third sub to bring out Barnard and put in Dunning.

79 minute mark: Smyth receives a long pass from Wall. Smyth takes it up the left side of the field.. crosses.. Palmer heads it.. Kinsella barely tips it over the bar.

83 minute mark: Poole gets the ball from Eckersley. Poole takes two dribbles into the box.. shoots.. heading towards the lower right corner.. Scarsella dives.. tips it just wide.. corner kick. On the ensuing corner kick, Paul Robertson hits a nice curving shot towards the near post.. Carl Nesbitt heads it.. towards the far post on the severe angle.. it's past Scarsella.. heading towards the post.. just inside the goal. 1-1.

87 minute mark: Atkins plays a perfect pass to Palmer.. Palmer dribbles past the defender.. into the right side of the box.. the keeper comes out to meet him.. Palmer goes wide.. around the keeper.. open net.. shoots.. over the bar!

Game over. 1-1 tie.

We outshot them 16-12.

Atkins wins MoM, 45 of 52 passes, 2 of 3 tackles, 2 of 3 headers, 3 passes intercepted. 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

September 12th, 2005 -

Mark Atkins finally has a good match, but what happens? Two days later, he sprains a ligament in his knee. He is expected to be out for at least 3 weeks.

[Eaglesfan27]

September 17th, 2005 -

Today my 9th ranked team faces 17th ranked Droylsden on our home pitch. This team has Craig Mawson on loan from Oldham, and he is their most prominent player at this time. Max Howell is playing very good defense for them. David Cameron has been playing well at striker for them. Graham Brett has been their most consistent midfielder, but he hasn't played particularly great.

We are even odds favorites.

Our Lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Palmer
S3: Dunning
S4: Turley
S5: Wood

It's 51 and sunny out. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[Eaglesfan27]

31 minute mark: Surey is called for a rough tackle on Brett. Yellow card.

41 minute mark: Farrell receives a long pass from Black.. Farrell has the keeper alone.. puts on a good move.. shoots.. over the net.

0-0 at halftime.

48 minute mark: Surey hits the goal post with a shot.. flurry of my players get to the ball and shoot.. only to be blocked by defenders.. Finally Brett clears it out of bounds.

50 minute mark: Smyth dribbles the ball into the left side of the box. Max Howell slides and knocks the ball away.. right to Kelly.. Kelly shoots from 20 yards.. the keeper looks surprised.. it's past him.. into the net!!! GOAL!!! 1-0 :)

61 minute mark: Farrell picks up a small injury. I decide to sub him out for Palmer.

70 minute mark: O'Brien their midfielder hits a great shot on goal from 15 yards out. My keeper barely punches it over the bar.

I decide to sub in Dunning for Wright at this point. Also, I put in Wood for Surey who appears tired.

75 minute mark: Shepherd misplays teh ball giving Cameron a wide open opportunity in the box. Cameron shoots.. it's past Scarsella.. grazes the bar as it sails over. I let out a sigh of relief.

82 minute mark: Wood makes a great header that prevents a scoring opportunity.. sends it to Wood.. Wood passes perfectly up the pitch.. Palmer races to it.. he is about to shoot.. Whistle stops play.. Palmer was offside.

87 minute mark: Wood with another great intervention on a pass into the box.. sends it to Dunning.. Dunning sends it to Smyth.. Smyth dribbles into the box.. shoots.. tipped over the bar.

91 minute mark: Sh$! They hit us on the counter-attack.. 2 on my keeper breakaway (why aren't the guys playing all out defense like I'm telling them.) Chris Jones the backup striker and Gary Burke advance into the box.. Burke passes to Jones who is by the right post.. Jones shoots.. Scarsella deflects it.. Burke gets to the rebound.. he shoots the easy rebound goal. 1-1.

Game over. It's early in the season, but a very disappointing 1-1 tie.

We each had 13 shots. We had only 4 shots on goal, they had 8 shots on goal.

David Scarsella wins MoM with his 7 saves.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Report:

Paul Shepherd has pulled his groin. He will miss 2-3 weeks.

Andy Farrell will likely miss most of the week of practice due to a stubbed toe?!?

[Eaglesfan27]

September 19th, 2005 -

Today I was informed of the results of the 2nd qualifying round of the FA Cup Trophy. We will be traveling to play Egham Town. I must admit, I don't know much about them except they are in the regional divisions. They should be an easy matchup for us, but I better get my scout over to check their team out.

[Eaglesfan27]

September 24th, 2005 -

Today my 8th ranked team travels to play the 7th ranked Lancaster team. Lancaster's defense has been very solid in large part to Paul Sparrow who has been playing phenomenal defense through the early part of the season. Steve Jones has been playing very well in the midfield scoring 2 goals and an assist in 5 games. Striker Peter Thompson has been on fire so far, with 3 goals in 5 games. Mark Thornley has been solid in goal for them.

We have 1 win and 1 tie against them in my career.

We are slight 5:4 favorites.

It's 55 degrees and cloudy today.

I'm using the same lineup as last time, except Wood will start at DC for the injured Shepherd. Curtis moves into the empty bench spot.

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Joe McMahon gets a yellow card for an illegal trip on Smyth.

22 minute mark: Surey intercepts a pass about halfway into our end of the field. He sends it to Kelly at midfield. Kelly dribbles up the pitch.. draws a defender.. places a good pass btw two defenders. Farrell gets it into the center of the box.. shoots.. a low shot.. it's heading to the left of the keeper.. he can't get to it.. GOAL!!! 1-0 Farrell's first of the year!

33 minute mark: Wood gets a yellow call for arguing an offside call against Kelly.

1-0 at the half.

50 minute mark: Wall makes a great clearance of a long pass. Collett collects the header off of Wall. He sends a long pass to Kelly. Kelly makes a move on his man.. dribbles into his box.. steps right.. shoots left... it's past the keeper.. GOAL!!! 2-0!! :)

58 minute mark: After stopping a shot, Scarsella passes to Surey. Surey takes it past midfield.. he sends a ball into the box... Farrell races to it.. gets it by the left post.. shoots the extreme angle shot.. towards the far post.. the keeper is out of position.. GOAL!!! 3-0!! Farrell's 2nd of the game!

65 minute mark: Farrell is tired, but I'm leaving him in to give him a shot at the hat trick. Kelly is tired, and I'm subbing in Palmer for him. Wright is tired as well, so I'll sub in Dunning. Finally, with the big lead, I'll rest Smyth. Turley will come in for him.

3-0 final score.

We outshot them 9-7.

6-2 for us re: on target shots.

Ben Surey won MoM. 21 of 31 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 1 of 1 headers, 6 passes intercepted, 1 assist. I had 8 men receive an 8 for form that match! Surey was the only 9 of the match.

[Eaglesfan27]

The local media did a story on us about how good we are doing, and Mr. Fotherby said he is thrilled that we are overcoming the slow start to push towards the top of the table.

Reading the article, I decide it is time to finally start praising some of my guys. I look at our internal grades for everyone on the team, and see that Scarsella has been receiving the most consistent grades on the team, and he has all 8's for the last 5 games. I decide I'll release a story to the press praising him, and see how fans respond.

[Eaglesfan27]

September 27th, 2005 -

Many of the local fans are flooding the media with positive reaction to Scarsella's recent play. He is apparently held in high esteem by the fan. Unfortunately, I notice that Pettinger seems to be quite unhappy with the acclaim that Scarsella is receiving.

[Eaglesfan27]

September 27th, 2005 -

Today our 6th ranked team hosts 19th ranked Stalybridge. This team has been hit hard by injuries to two of their better players. Kevin Parr is their leading midfielder who is healthy. Nathan D'Laryea has been their most consistent defender. Tommy Lee is a 19 year old kid who has just taken over in goal for them. His 1st game, he only conceded one goal.

They beat us both times last year by a score of 2-0 and 1-0.

We are 6:4 favorites.

We are using the same lineup as last game.

It's 51 degrees and cloudy.

[CraigSca]

Really enjoying this dynasty, Eagles. Keep it up and good luck!

[Eaglesfan27]

8 minute mark: Wall with a key tackle on Andy Hayward (their striker) inside the box.

44 minute mark: Ben Smith gets a yellow card for a vicious tackle on Mark Smyth that might have prevented Smyth from scoring. The whistle blew when Smyth was outside the box.

0-0 at the half.

47 minute mark: Brian Byrne with a hard tackle on Smyth.. Yellow card for Byrne.

55 minute mark: Ben Surey gets a yellow card for a tackle on Parr. Wright is mad at the call. He is screaming at the ref. He gets a yellow card too.

62 minute mark: Curtis is subbed in for Wood. I sub in Dunning for Wright.

83 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball at the edge of the box.. powerful shot.. low and away.. just wide right.

Game over. 0-0

We outshot them 9-8, but we each only had 1 shot on goal.

Kelly wins MoM, 25 of 30 passes, 0 tackles, 4 of 6 headers, 1 pass intercepted, 1 run.

[Eaglesfan27]

Really enjoying this dynasty, Eagles. Keep it up and good luck!
Thank you. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

October 1st, 2005 -

Mr. Fotherby called me into his office for our monthly review. He told me, he is thrilled with my management of the club. He'd like to see our wage bill lower, but he is satisfied with the current finances of the club. However, he said as long as I keep winning, he doesn't want me to do anything differently. He hopes I'll stay with the club for a long time.

[Eaglesfan27]

October 1st, 2005 -

Today we travel to play Egham Town. I'm taking a chance against this team of relative unknowns. I'm going to play multiple backups. We are heavy 1:6 favorites. It's 55 degrees and sunny. Here is a look at the matchups:

http://64.17.163.76/images/Harrogate%20-%20Egham%20Match.jpg

[Eaglesfan27]

1 minute mark: Gibson receives a crossing pass at the left corner of the pass. Black tackles him. The ref blows his whistle! Penalty shot. Black is called for a hard tackle.

John Murray takes the penalty shot.. and blasts it past Pettinger.. Goal. Down 1-0.

17 minute mark: My panic abates slightly when I see Wall head the ball to Fox. Fox passes it up the right flank to Farrell. Farrell dribbles towards the right post.. he centers it for Hunter.. Hunter shoots.. to the left of the keeper.. GOAL!!! 1-1!

39 minute mark: Fox is tripped and is screaming in pain. He's holding his knee. It doesn't look good. I move Hunter from AMC to right wing, and sub in Palmer at AMC.

1-1 at the half.

48 minute mark: Wall intercepts a pass deep in our zone. He sends it long to Farrell. Farrell gets it in the right half of the box.. he dribbles right twice.. shoots.. the keeper has come out to cut down the angle.. but it's too late.. the ball is past him.. GOAL!!! 2-1.

66 minute mark: Pettinger with a nice save on a point blank shot by Randall.

68 minute mark: Turley receives the long pass from Wall. He takes it down the left flank. Centers.. Palmer heads it.. not a particularly good strike.. but the keeper can't handle it.. it goes right over his shoulder into the net!!! GOAL!!! 3-1.

With the game in hand, I decide to give Wall a rest and bring in Curtis. Similarly, I rest Surey in favor of Krief.

Game over. 3-1 victory.

We outshot them 18-8.

9-2 advantage for us for shots on goal.

Farrell won MoM, 14 of 18 passing, 1 of 1 tackles, 2 of 4 headers, 7 runs, 1 assist, and 1 goal. 9 for Form. 7 guys got 8's for form. Pettinger was the only one to receive a 6 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Report:

We were awarded 6,000 dollars for the win. We now advance to the 3rd qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Fox twisted his knee, but the early physio examination suggests it is minor and he will only be out for a week or so.

[CraigSca]

You hereby stink. Because of you (and others) I just ordered this game and will have it overnighted. Sigh...looks like I'll be eating Ramen noodles this week :)

[Eaglesfan27]

You hereby stink. Because of you (and others) I just ordered this game and will have it overnighted. Sigh...looks like I'll be eating Ramen noodles this week :)
Well, I'm sorry about that. However, I suspect you'll be happy you got this game once you get the taste of the Ramen noodles out of your mouth. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

October 5th, 2005 -

Today we found out that we will be playing our old foe Runcorn in the 3rd qualifying round of the English FA Cup. Runcorn was relegated from our division last year, and has had to dump some salary as a result. This should aid us in beating them. The match will be in their stadium.

[MizzouRah]

You hereby stink. Because of you (and others) I just ordered this game and will have it overnighted. Sigh...looks like I'll be eating Ramen noodles this week :)

Ramon noodles were a staple of my military days. :)


Todd

[FrogMan]

You hereby stink. Because of you (and others) I just ordered this game and will have it overnighted. Sigh...looks like I'll be eating Ramen noodles this week :)
Nah, you'll be fine, just as long as you get invited to other people's place for *cough* short *short* Christmas parties. I say short cause, well, you won't be able to stay away from that game for long anyway...

Have fun with it!

FM

[daedalus]

Nah, you'll be fine, just as long as you get invited to other people's place for *cough* short *short* Christmas parties. I say short cause, well, you won't be able to stay away from that game for long anyway...This is why I really, really, REALLY (did I mentioned really?) want a laptop. Laying down and FM'ing. Is there a better definition for bliss?*

*NOTE: That was rhetorical and exaggerated. Much as I love the addiction that is CM/FM, there are many, many greater form of bliss. Jennifer Garner comes to mind at the moment. But, never mind that . . . let's get back to our regularly scheduled programming.

[Eaglesfan27]

Ramon noodles were a staple of my military days. :)


Todd
They were a staple of my college days. If I ever see another Ramen Noodle, it will be too soon. The sad thing is that my wife really enjoys them!

[Eaglesfan27]

October 15th, 2005 -

Today we travel to play Runcorn in the 3rd qualifying round of the English FA Cup. Runcorn's defense has been solidified by David Ness. Mark Cartwright has played reasonably well in goal. Lee Kissock has been their main scoring threat from the striker position with 2 goals on the season. Lee Parle has been their main threat in the midfield, and he plays in the AMC spot in an offense that is quite similar to my own.

We tied them 0-0 at home, and 1-1 on the road last year before they were relegated.

We are heavy 4-6 favorites.

It's a perfect 68 degree day with the sun shining brightly. I'm starting most of my regulars this game as they have had almost 3 weeks off with the long break for international play and I want them to return to tip top match shape. Here is my lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins (Freshly back from injury)
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell (has won the starting job from the newcomer Palmer)

S1: Pettinger (morale really improved after playing last game - will try to get him some more playing time in the future to keep him happy and sharp.)

S2: Dunning
S3: Wood
S4: Surey
S5: Palmer
S2:

[Eaglesfan27]

9 minute mark: Collett gets the ball deep in our zone on the right side of the pitch. He sends a long pass down the field.. it's rolling into the box.. Smyth gets to it.. the keeper comes out to cut down the angle. He shoots.. it's heading towards the right post.. just wide.

11 minute mark: Ness trips Kelly who is trying to get a breakaway.. Yellow card for Ness. Free kick for us.

17 minute mark: Will scramble for a goal in front of Runcorn's goal. Atkins hits a defender in the body with a shot. It's Ness.. he looks hurt. Kelly shoots the rebound.. hit the crossbar.. Smyth gets off a shot that the keeper deflect.. Kelly gets another shot that hits a defender.. finally they clear the ball. Ness needs prolonged treatment for his injury.

25 minute mark: Farrell gets a long pass from Collett. Farrell plays a great ball centering it for Kelly.. Kelly shoots.. low and away to the left corner.. it's past the keeper... it's wide by inches.

33 minute mark: Atkins with a *great* pass through 3 defenders to Kelly. Kelly has a clear 1:1 with the keeper. He shoots from 15 yards.. The keeper blocks it, but can't control the rebound. Smyth races to the rebound.. he gets to it before the defender.. he shoots.. the keeper dives and tips it.. but it crosses the goal line.. GOAL!!! 1-0

35 minute mark: Scarsella makes a great save on a close Kissock shot.

36 minute mark: Atkins is tackled at midfield. Whistle blows. Free kick.. Atkins plays the ball up the pitch to Shepherd?!? Shepherd shoots from 22 yards out.. it hits the crossbar.. Farrell hits the rebound off the bar on the half volley.. GOAL!!!! Right past the stunned keeper!! 2-0 :)

43 minute mark: Parle unleashes another hard tackle on Atkins.. Atkins looks hurt... Yellow card for Parle.

44 minute mark: Shepherd body checks Parle to the ground.. I wonder if that was in retaliation for the tackle on Atkins. Shepherd gets a yellow card, and I let out a sigh of relief that it wasn't a red.

With the halftime stoppage in play, I pull Atkins out of the game permeantly and put Surey in for him.

2-0 at the half.

52 minute mark: Collett gets the ball from Scarsella at midfield. Collett passes to Kelly who is right of the box. Kelly dribbles left twice and passes to Smyth. Smyth is 25 yards out.. he unleashes a booming shot. It's heading for the upper right corner.. the keeper can't get to it.. It's in the back of the net.. GOAL!!!! 3-0!

60 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball inside the box after a long pass from Wall. He shoots.. the keeper smothers the shot.

At this point, I sub Dunning for Wright and Wood for Shepherd since the game is under control.

Game over! 3-0 win for us.

We outshot them 18-3 (9-1 on goal)

Mark Smyth wins MoM with a 9 for form, 16 of 20 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 1 of 4 headers, 2 passes intercepted, 2 runs, and 2 goals.

Post match Info:

We won 8,000 dollars with this win and advance to the 4th qualifying round the English FA Cup.

Atkins is fine according to the physio, and really only had the wind knocked out of him.

Shepherd on the other hand has a calf strain and could miss up to 2 weeks.

[Eaglesfan27]

October 17th, 2005 -

Today we found out that we will be traveling to play Cambridge City in the 4th qualifying round of the English FA Cup. They are currently 9th in the English Conference South and should be a challenging opponent.

[Eaglesfan27]

October 18th, 2005 -

Today we are in 6th place and we travel to play Hinckley who are currently in 11th place. Hinckley is led by Michael Keane who is a skilled midfielder on loan from Hull. Adam Willis is the stabilizing force in the defense. Nathan Lamey is a 25 year old dangerous striker. In 6 league games, he has 3 goals and 4 assists. Stuart Tomlinson has played ok in goal.

We tied them 1-1 on the road, and 0-0 at home last year.

Hickley are heavy 4:7 favorites to win. The odds are 4:1 of us winning.

It's a dry 46 degrees.

We are using the exact same lineup as last game, except Wood is in for Shepherd who is out with his injury. Lennie Curtis moves onto the bench.

[tanglewood]

I'd concentrate on the FA Cup run at the moment. If you could get into the 3rd round and get a Premiership side (or even a Champuionship side with a large stadium & fanbase) it'd be a HUGE financial boost.

[Eaglesfan27]

22 minute mark: Lamey gets into the box with a nasty dribble between both of my DC's. He shoots for the upper left corner.. Scarsella can't get to it.. I let out my held breath as it barely sales over the bar.

40 minute mark: Collett gets the ball on the right wing from Wall.. he passes to Smyth.. Smyth dribbles into the ball.. Adam Willis tackles him from behind. The keeper clears the ball.

0-0 at the half.

55 minute mark: Lamey gets the ball at the right corner of the box.. unleashes a great shot towards the left corner of the box.. Scarsella dives.. barely tips it... it goes inches wide. A scrum for the ball ensues in front of our box. After 30 seconds of scrambling for the ball, Wall finally clears it.

70 minute mark: After another wild fight for the ball in front of our net, Scarsella controls a shot... quick kick deep down the field.. Smyth gets to it.. Willis tries to fight the ball away from him.. he does for a second.. but no Smyth recovers the ball.. dribbles into the left edge of the box.. kicks it... powerful shot.. heading to the upper right corner.. the keeper dives, but he can't reach it... It sails into the net!!! GOAL!!! 1-0.

I sub in Curtis for Wood who is tired. Also, I sub in Surey for Atkins who is also tired.

82 minute mark: Black makes a major tackle to save a likely Lamey goal.

89 minute mark: Ramon Calliste gets the ball inside our box.. he dekes the keeper.. I scream at my keeper.. Calliste shoots.. OVER the bar!!! Whew!

91 minute mark: Wall throws himself in front of a shot by Lamey.. deflects it out of bounds.. corner kick.

Wall clears the corner kick.

Game over! 1-0 win for us. I feel very lucky to have won this game on the road against this team that dominated us most of the game.

They outshot us 18-6 (3-2 on goal shots)

Benjamin Collett won MoM, 16 of 27 passes, 3 of 6 tackles, 2 of 2 headers, 6 passes intercepted.

[Eaglesfan27]

October 20th, 2005 -

Today Northern Spirit offered me a deal for my keeper Scarsella. They are offering 0 dollars and 50% of next sale. I think I'll turn it down ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

October 22nd, 2005 -

Today we have an important match with Worksop on their pitch. They are currently 2nd in the league, and we are 4th. This matchup will test our fortitude and I think we can make a big statement with a win. We are 5:4 favorites despite being on the road. We beat them 2-1 at home last year, and tied them 2-2 on the road. They have a diversified offense led by Richard Peacock's 5 goals and Dene Cropper's 4 goals. Peter Keen has played well in goal for them. Let's take a look at the match up screen before we start the match:

http://64.17.163.76/images/Harrogate%20-%20Worksop%20Match.jpg

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Atkins gets a yellow card for a trip on Gavin Smith.

2 minute mark: Wall sends the ball to Wright on the left wing. He sends it down towards the center of the pitch just outside the box. Smyth races to it.. He takes it inside the left side of the box.. shoots... towards the right side of the net.. over the keeper's shoulder.. GOAL!!! 1-0!

8 minute mark: Cropper gets a yellow card for a dangerous 2 footed tackle on Atkins.

19 minute mark: Scarsella easily saves a cropper shot from 20 yards out.

23 minute mark: Farrell gets the ball at the right corner of the pitch.. he centers for Kelly.. Kelly meets the ball with a solid header.. the keeper dives.. he can't get to it!! GOAL!!! 2-0!

35 minute mark: Steve Hawes shoots from 25 yards.. Scarsella makes the save cleanly.

45 minute mark: Scarsella does a nice job intercepting a cross from Peacock intended for Cropper.

2-0 at the half.

50 minute mark: Atkins is looking tired, I sub in Surey for him.

61 minute mark: Cropper gets a point blank shot off after a great pass from Peacock.. Scarsella.. tips it over the bar.

67 minute mark: Peacock gets the ball on the right wing.. dribbles past my winger. Dribbles it towards the box.. shoots.. the keeper deflects it as he is by the right post.. ball heads towards the left corner of the box.. Caudwell gets it.. shoots for the left post.. Scarsella has been running back into position.. dives.. catches it!!! What a save!!

At this point, I sub in Dunning for Wright and Palmer for Kelly.

74 minute mark: Dunning gets the ball on the left wing.. he sends it up the pitch to Smyth.. who is just left of the box.. Smyth centers.. Palmer receives the spot on pass. He quickly settles the ball and shoots.. the keeper can't react quick enough.. it's right into the center of the net.. GOAL!!! 3-0

93 minute mark: Farrell gets the pass from Scarsella at midfield.. He takes a step and sends a pass down the length of the field into the box. Smyth races to it. He beats the defender.. shoots.. low and to the left.. it's past the keeper.. GOAL!!! That is Smyth's second. 4-0.

Game over. 4-0 Win for us.

We were outshot 21-14! (they had 9 on goal, we had 5 on goal)

Scarsella wins MoM with the clean sheet 9 save game. Scarsella, Wright, and Smyth all got 9's for form this game.

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow, I think you owe Scarsella a steak dinner for that performance!
Consider it done. :)

[CraigSca]

Wow, I think you owe Scarsella a steak dinner for that performance!

[Eaglesfan27]

October 25th, 2005 -

Today I discovered that we will be traveling to face our old friends Hinckley in the 1st round the English FA Trophy.

Our upcoming match against Cambridge City in the 4th qualifying round of the English FA cup is our main focus, however, it would be nice if we can win both.

[Eaglesfan27]

October 29th, 2005 -

Today we travel to play Cambridge City to advance in the English FA cup qualifying phase. They are led by their midfielder Louis Riddle who has 2 goals and 3 assists in 11 games. Duncan Roberts, their keeper, has been of average quality this year averaging 1.6 goals conceded per game. Lee Chaffey, their left full back has been their most consistent defender. Robbie Simpson, their 29 year old striker, has provided most of their offense this year and leads the team with 7 goals.

We are 5:4 Favorites.

It's dry and 46 degrees.

We are using the same starting lineup as we did in the game against Worksop as Shepherd is still injured.

[Eaglesfan27]

10 minute mark: Wright gets a yellow card for pulling Riddle's shirt while he is trying to run with the ball.

25 minute mark: Chaffey has repeatedly neutralized our attack in the last few minutes. He is playing spectacular defense.

40 minute mark: Richard Scott gets a yellow card for a trip on Smyth.

44 minute mark: Stuart Graham takes it down the left wing.. he centers for Robbie Simpson.. Simpson hits a powerful header.. Scarsella plays it perfectly and clutches the ball to his chest.

0-0 at half time.

48 minute mark: Scarsella with a nice save on a shot by Simpson from just outside the box.

67 minute mark: Atkins is tired, so I sub in Surey. I also sub in Palmer for Kelly.

71 minute mark: Collett dribbles down the right flank.. turns in.. dribbles toward the right corner of the box.. he sees Smyth open.. flicks the pass to him at the edge of the center of the box.. he shoots for the lower left corner.. the keeper can't get to it.. it hits off the post... and in!! GOAL!!!! 1-0

They sub out Simpson at this point.

78 minute mark: Carlin Itonga gets the ball inside our box.. he is open.. he shoots for the upper right corner.. Scarsella dives and barely tips it over the bar.

89 minute mark: Wall with a key header to clear away a dangerous pass in our own box.

93 minute mark: Wall with another big defensive play.

GAME OVER! 1-0 Victory!! :)

They outshot us 21-12 (9-4 on goal)

Scarsella wins MoM again for another 9 save cleansheet performance. As per a fan's recommendation, we have decided that Scarsella will get a steak dinner for every clean sheet. Hmmm.. steak.

Benjamin Collett also had a 9 for this match.

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow!


With that win we were awarded 18,000 dollars! :eek:

Also, we are through to the 1st round of the English FA Cup! :)

[FrogMan]

great show!!!

FM

[Eaglesfan27]

And how quickly the high ends...

There were so many lower league teams in this draw.... I saw two English Conference teams get each other.. so many League 2 teams. Do I get any of these? No! Of course not. We drew Oldham (Currently 4th place in League 1) Least we are at home and will hopefully set an attendance record.

[Eaglesfan27]

November 2nd, 2005 -

Today we have a very tough choice. We have 4 games in 12 days so I need to rest some of my starters some games. This is a league game where we are currently ranked 2nd (yes!) and we are hosting 17th ranked Burscough. Burscough is having a rough season. Their most consistent defender is Iain Swan who only has a 7.11 avg form (highest on their team.) David Parry is the man in the midfield for them. Darren Connell is their leading scorer with 2 goals. David Blower has been the main bright spot, and he is only averaging 1.2 goals/game.

We've never faced this team as they were promoted from the regional division and have just joined our league this year.

We are 5:4 favorites.

I decide I'm going to rest most of our defense this game, but keep our main scorers on the pitch, with a plan to rest our main scorers in an upcoming league game.

Our starting lineup:

GK: Pettinger
DL: Dunning
DC: Wood
DC: Shepherd
DR: Marc Smith (my young fullback)
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Fox (getting unhappy at the lack of PT)
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Scarsella
S2: Krief
S3: Curtis
S4: Surey
S5: Palmer

It's a dry cool 33 degrees.

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Smyth is tripped inside their zone. Whistle. Free kick. Smyth takes the kick from 30 yards out left side of the pitch. He blasts a shot from 30 yards out that curves towards the left goal post.. the keeper is shocked as it curves.. so am I! It's in the back of the net! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

18 minute mark: Atkins takes a direct kick from Midfield. He kicks it to Wood who is just outside the box. Wood shoots from 20 yards out.. it's over the keeper's left shoulder.. GOAL!!! 2-0.

2-0 at the half.

I find myself amazed to hear that 1265 fans showed up for this game. I'll have to review the attendance from the last few games, as I just realized that our attendance might be going drastically up with us winning so much lately. Last year, we averaged 300 a game, and had 850 as our highest attendance of the year.

With a 2-0 lead at 55 minute mark, I sub in Krief for Atkins, Surey for Kelly, and Palmer for Smyth.

88 minute mark: An intricate series of passes inside their half ends with Fox passing from the right side of the pitch to Krief at the center edge of the box. Krief hit a quick pass to Palmer near the left post who buried a quick shot.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

3-0 game over.

We outshot them 9-5 (7-1 on goal)

Andrew Wright had a 10 for form and won MoM, 26 of 29 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 1 of 3 headers, 2 passes intercepted, 4 runs, 1 assist.

[SirFozzie]

Harrogate for the title!

How's Cambridge United doing in the game? :D

[Eaglesfan27]

November 2nd, 2005 -

Post match report. Today Mr. Fotherby said he is extremely proud of this team. He is not surprised at our excellent play. He believes that I will continue to guide the team to wins. We are currently in 1st place!!! He said, he believes the experts are wrong and this isn't just a lucky start.

[Eaglesfan27]

Harrogate for the title!

How's Cambridge United doing in the game? :D

I hope so! :)

Cambridge United is currently 15th in league 1.

[SirFozzie]

Nice! Must have promoted last year.

[Eaglesfan27]

November 5th, 2005 -

Excellent news. International play has caused our match with Oldham to be postponed til the 23rd. This will prevent us from having 4 close matches next to each other right now. Of course, at the end of the November we will now have 4 matches in 12 days.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've reviewed our official attendance reports, and the attendance at matches have routinely been going up. We are averaging 1100 fans per game our last 5 league games. Much better than last year's total where our high for the season was 834. Hopefully, the trend can continue and we might start selling out all 3800 seats we have available.

[Eaglesfan27]

November 5th, 2005 -

Today we travel to play Hinckley who we recently beat 1-0 despite their domination of possession and shots on goal. This match is for the 1st round of the English FA Trophy (not to be confused with the Cup - as I did last year.) They are using the same starting lineup as just a few games ago. We are also using our same starting lineup. They are still heavy favorites (not quite as much as last time) at 4:6.

It's a muddy 35 degrees today.

Our starting lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Wood
S3: Dunning
S4: Surey
S5: Palmer

I've decided to wait resting my guys as we have a nice break after the next 2 games. I'll have to rest guys soon enough when we play 4 games in 12 days at the end of November - beginning of December.

[Eaglesfan27]

4 minute mark: Wall gets a yellow card for a hard tackle on Lamey. I hope it doesn't curb his aggressive defense.

19 minute mark: Lamey dribbles into the right side of the box.. draws 2 defenders.. passes between them.. Calliste has the ball by the left post.. he slams it into the net.. no real chance for Scarsella to stop that shot. 1-0 we are down.

1-0 at the half.

Adam Willis is continually frustrating our strikers throughout the 1st half.

47 minute mark: Farrell gets the ball at midfield.. sends it to Kelly.. Kelly is at the edge of the box.. Willis is catching up to him.. Kelly shoots.. it's heading for the upper right corner.. just inches wide.

57 minute mark: Barnard makes a key intervention on Lamey in the box.

59 minute mark: Atkins is very tired, so I sub in Surey. I also sub in Palmer for a tired Smyth.

70 minute mark: Scarsella with a brilliant save of a point blank Lamey shot.

80 minute mark: Farrell has a significant injury. I have to bring in a sub. I have no choice but to play Dunning at the spot (very out of position.)

88 minute mark: Wall tackles Lamey hard.. 2nd yellow card.. he is ejected from the match.

Game over. 1-0 loss. We are out of the English FA Trophy.

We were outshot 12-9 (we outshot them 3-2 for on goal)

Tommy Goodwin (DC) won MoM for Hinckley, 25 of 30 passes, 5 of 5 tackles, 9 of 11 headers, 5 passes intercepted.

[CraigSca]

I have to say, I love the fact that international play changed your schedule like that. It shows how well written FM2005 is, to be that dynamic. I've really enjoyed this thread and have thus graded it 5 stars. Keep up the good work :)

[Eaglesfan27]

November 8th, 2005 -

Today we play Gateshead. They were promoted into our league last year. Now they are 2nd in the league just behind my team. We are 1 point ahead of 3 different teams. Gateshead is led the strong defensive play of left fullback David Morgan. Their best striker Vijay Sidhu is just coming back from an injury and we will be the first regular season opponent for him. Gareth McAlindon is their right winger who is the leading scorer on the team with 4 goals. Arran Lee-Barrett is an above average keeper who has played very well for them this year.

We've never played this team before.

It's a cool 38 degrees with slightly overcast skies.

Our starting lineup:
GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wood (wall is out due to the automatic one game suspension.)
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Curtis
S3: Dunning
S4: Surey
S5: Palmer

[Eaglesfan27]

I have to say, I love the fact that international play changed your schedule like that. It shows how well written FM2005 is, to be that dynamic. I've really enjoyed this thread and have thus graded it 5 stars. Keep up the good work :)
Thank you very much. I'm really enjoying playing the game and writing about it.

[Eaglesfan27]

23 minute mark: Andrew Wright receives a pass along the left wing from Shepherd who intercepted a pass deep in my zone. He passes it deep to Kelly. Kelly dribbles into the center of the box.. shoots low and to the right.. the keeper tries to react, but he is too late.. It's in the right side of the net... GOAL!!!! 1-0

25 minute mark: Smyth gets a yellow card for pulling on Sidhu's shirt.

33 minute mark: Barnard intercepts a pass deep in our zone.. he feeds it up the left sideline.. Smyth gets it around midfield. He dribbles across the midfield line.. down the left sideline.. he starts dribbling towards the left corner of the box.. he passes to Kelly just inside the center of the box.. Kelly steps forward.. shoots.. from 20 yards.. low and to the right.. it's past the keeper.... GOAL!!!! 2-0!

2-0 at halftime.

63 minute mark: Ryan Peters, their striker, gets the ball inside our box.. he hits a good solid strike to the lower left corner.. Scarsella dives.. he barely tips it wide of the goal post.

65 minute mark: Kelly is tired, but I decide to give him a few more minutes to complete the hattrick. I do pull Atkins for Surey and Wright for Dunning due to fatigue.

75 minute mark: Smyth sets Kelly up with a breakaway. Kelly is too winded and gets from behind by the defender, but he shoots just as he is about to be caught... it's sailing towards the upper right corner.. it's... wide and high. Time to pull him. He is looking too tired out there.

I sub in Palmer for Kelly.

85 minute mark: Smyth gets called for pulling on David Morgan's shirt. That is his second yellow card. He is ejected!

Game over. 2-0 win for us, and we definitely hold onto first place :)

We outshot our opposition 12-6 (4-3 on target)

Greg Kelly gets a "10" for form and wins MoM. 21 of 27 passes, 3 of 4 tackles, 3 of 3 headers, 3 runs, 2 goals.

[Eaglesfan27]

November 8th, 2005 -

Reporters are starting to congregate around me now. Well it's actually only 2 reporters. I decide to let them know that I'm particularly pleased with Greg Kelly's performance as of late and I feel he has been a key contributor in our current league position.

[Eaglesfan27]

November 9th, 2005 -

Awoke to find this delightful piece in the newspaper:

"Greg Kelly, the in-form attacking midfielder, has set the football world afire with his play at Wetherby Road. Fans of the team are loving every minute of his recent performances."

[Eaglesfan27]

November 19th, 2005 -

Today we play 21st ranked Hucknall on our pitch. We are in 1st place by a point still. Hucknall has recently added David Poole from Man Utd on loan. Clearly, he is their most potent striker. He will play alongside Danny Bacon, who has 5 goals from the striker position. Lewis McMahon on loan from Sheff Wed. has been playing very well along the right wing. Gary Patterson has played very consistent defense for them this year. Josh Lennie has had a rough year in goal averaging about 2 goals a game conceded. I think we'll be able to beat him regularly this game if we get good opportunities.

Last year we lost 1-0 to them and tied them 0-0. This year we beat them 2-0 in our road game with them.

We are even odds favorites to beat them this match.

It's a dry cool 45 degrees today.

Our starting Lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Palmer (playing with a slight injury due to Smyth's ban for this match)
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Curtis
S3: Hunter (may need to play striker if Palmer can't play the whole match or even most of it.)
S4: Surey
S5: Turley<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[Eaglesfan27]

14 minute mark: Mark Smith, Hucknall's midfielder, gets a yellow for a harsh tackle on Collett.

43 minute mark: Collett intercepts the ball in our own zone about halfway in. He sends a long pass down the pitch.. it's rolling into the box.. the keeper looks indecisive about if he should come get the ball.. Palmer beats his defender to it.. he is running good despite his rib injury.. he dribbles to his left one step... he shoots.. going for the sharp angle.. it's heading towards the right corner... the keeper can't get to it.. GOAL!!! Palmer scores!!! 1-0!

1-0 at the half.

50 minute mark: Their keeper kicks the ball very long.. McSweeney races to the ball.. my keeper races to it.. McSweeney gets to the ball first.. he dribbles around Scarsella.. open net.. he shoots it high!! Whew!

61 minute mark: Atkins gets the ball at midfield.. plays a nice ball for Palmer.. he is all alone in the box.. he shoots.. the keeper barely gets to it and tips it over the bar.

Palmer looks quite tired. I decide to sub in Turley for him.

66 minute mark: Poole is the beneficiary of a great corner kick.. he hits a great header.. Scarsella barely tips it over the bar.

72 minute mark: Hunter in for Collett, Surey in for Atkins.

76 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball in the left corner of the pitch.. he crosses it to Surey who is by the far post.. what a pass.. Surey heads it.. right past the keeper... GOAL!!! 2-0

82 minute mark: Barnard intercepts the pass deep in our own zone from Poole. Barnard sends it down the left sideline.. very far down the sideline. Turley races to it.. he centers the ball.. Farrell is by the far post.. he heads it.. the keeper tips it.. but it still hits the back of the net.. GOAL!!!! 3-0

Game over. 3-0 win for us!

We outshot them 10-7 (6-2 on goal)

Andrew Wright wins MoM for us, 33 of 38 passes, 1 of 4 tackles, 1 of 6 headers, 3 passes intercepted, 2 runs.

[jbmagic]

nice season so far


what has been the key for you to improve so much from season 1 to season 2?

[Eaglesfan27]

I think the fact that I took a chance and went significantly over my wage budget and brought in these free players. Without a doubt, practicing together has really helped Kelly, Smyth, and Farrell to become a lethal trio up front. Also, acquiring Scarsella halfway through last season was key. His attributes continue to rise, and he looks to me like a keeper who I would actually use in League 2 or even League 1 now. His attributes are quite nice for a lower league keeper. Oh yeah, Wall has been a "wall" for our defense. The guy is playing great. We have much more depth this year. Palmer was also a nice pickup and can play well as a backup as can Hunter. Our wage bill is high, but the chairman doesn't seem to mind as he keeps gushing about us in the media. I just hope we don't go bankrupt (if we do, the league appointed bankruptcy receivers will make us sell players.)

[Eaglesfan27]

November 23rd, 2005 -

The day has arrived. It's time to play Oldham in the 1st round of the English FA Cup. Where to start when talking about this team? Well, as if they weren't already good enough they have an excellent looking keeper on loan from Aston Villa. His name is Rhys Evans and this 23 year old looks like the real deal. Scoring against him will be tough. Dean Holden, their right fullback looks like he will make the defense very strong. Their main DC's, Will Haining and Danny Hall also look talented. Their midfield has had a bad year, and that gives me a bit of encouragement. Their strikers, Wayne Andrews and Rodney Jack have both looked good this year. This will be a very difficult match.

Not surprisingly the oddsmakers agree. Oldham is 1:10 odds to win this match. We are 15:1 odds to win the match. I wonder how the league would feel if I put 20 on my team?

It's going to be a dry crisp 37 degrees. Here is a look at the preview of the match. I notice that they are playing several backups against us, and this gives me a glimmer of hope:
http://64.17.163.76/images/Harrogate%20-%20Oldham.jpg

[BreizhManu]

good luck

[Eaglesfan27]

9 minute mark: Scarsella saves a strong shot that came from Wayne Andrews 15 yards out.

15 minute mark: Oldham has totally dominated the first 15 minutes, but we get a breakaway on the counterattack. Kelly is tripped by Adam Griffin. Wayne Andrews argues the call with the ref. Andrews gets a yellow card.

26 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball from Collett in the box.. he shoots.. the keeper easily saves it.

40 minute mark: We've actually been getting some good plays in their zone, but Mark Arber is playing great defense for them.

42 minute mark: Rodney Jack gets a yellow card for tripping Smyth!

0-0 at halftime!

55 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball inside the left edge of the box, after a great pass from Atkins. Dean Holden quickly closes in and slide tackles Smyth knocking the ball away.

62 minute mark: Carl McGuire gets a yellow card for pulling Collett's jersey.

70 minute mark: Andrews gets an errant pass from Shepherd.. and goes by him.. 1-1 with the keeper.. Scarsella deflects the shot and Wall clears the rebound.

85 minute mark: Scott Vernon a backup striker.. gets a great pass in our box.. he looks sure to score.. he shoots it.. just wide right.. I let out a sigh of relief.

I sub Smyth out for Palmer, and Surey out for Atkins.

Wow.. Game over. 0-0 tie! I see this as a major moral victory against this tough team. We had an almost full house of 3624, and we will now get to go play in their stadium for a rematch game to decide this round of the English FA Cup once and for all.

We both had 8 shots (4-2 on goal in their favor)

Scarsella won MoM with an 8 for form for his 4 saves which were all very good saves.

[BreizhManu]

good performance, else can't remember but I think in the cup you get 50% of ticket revenues, so let's hope there's a big crowd for the rematch :)

[SirFozzie]

yup, this is why small teams hope for an away game at bigger teams in th FA CUp. Because they get PAID. :)

[CraigSca]

I'd like to read the thrashing Oldham gets in their local papers after only tying a "lowly" conference team :)

[SirFozzie]

Eh, it happens, it's one of the things that makes the FA Cup so loveable. because truly, any team can win it.

[Eaglesfan27]

November 24th, 2005 -

No big articles on our 0-0 tie of Oldham. However, I read today that Hinckley has sold Adam Willis for 28,000 dollars to Wycombe (league 2.) I'm very glad to see Willis leave my division, and I think this will be of significant help in beating Hinckley in future matches unless they obtain a similar quality DC.

[Eaglesfan27]

November 26th, 2005 -

The rematch is about to start against Oldham. I see no choice but to play our best guys, so we are starting the same 11, with the same reserves. This game will go into extra time if it is tied at the end of regulation, and it will go to penalty shots if it is tied after that. Again we are 15:1 underdogs, with Oldham being 1:10 favorites to win the match.

It's supposed to be a overcast 35 degree day. I hope the cold doesn't keep the crowds away. They have a 13,624 all seater stadium.

Surprisingly, Oldham is using almost the same lineup, except Richard Lomax is in at right wing. Also Mark Bonner is in at midfield instead of Eyre.

[rexallllsc]

What skin is that? Stone? (Awesome reading, btw)

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Wall with a big tackle on Rodney Jack in the box.

20 minute mark: After a flurry of activity in front of our own goal, Wall clears it to Smyth who take it to midfield.. fires a pass up the field to Kelly. Kelly has a shot.. he goes for the right corner of the net.. Pogliacomi dives.. tips it wide of the net.. wow we almost scored!

25 minute mark: Barnard with a big tackle on Lomax who is abusing Wright. Lomax is looking very good for Oldham along the right wing.

32 minute mark: Scarsella stops a blistering shot from Bonner that was taken from the Center of the box.

44 minute mark: Collett plays a great ball down the right sideline for Farrell.. he races into the corner.. he has room.. he sees Kelly.. good centering pass.. great shot from Kelly from 10 yards out... It's heading towards the right corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it wide again.

Halftime: 0-0 score. Only 3297 fans showed up :( Oh well, still better than most of our games.

47 minute mark: Black with a key header to prevent a Lomax cross from reaching Wayne Andrews for an almost certain goal.

52 minute mark: Kelly gets a yellow card for a trip on Mark Bonner. Smyth argues the call and gets a yellow card too!! F#!#

60 minute mark: Atkins is tired (as are several other guys) but this game could go another 60 minutes with extra time. I decide to try to get a bit more out of Atkins before subbing him. I also have to consider who are my best penalty shooters.

70 minute mark: Wall with a good header to clear away a Lomax cross.

74 minute mark: DARN IT!! Smyth gets called for a two legged tackle on the left fullback Griffin. Yellow card.. that is his 2nd. He is ejected.

Atkins is truly exhausted (and isn't a good penalty taker) so I sub in Surey who is my best at the position, but also a poor penalty taker.

80 minute mark: Surey plays a free kick to Shepherd... he shoots from 22 yards out.. it's a screamer.. just over the bar.

88 minute mark: Our defense withstands a flurry of shots from in our own end zone with Wall finally clearing it. We are a tired team, but I decide to keep my 2 subs on the bench for a little longer.

Regulation time is over. 0-0 tie still!

Time for extra time:

I sub in Dunning for Wright (exhausted.) Dunning is a poor penalty taker, but Wright isn't one of my top 5 anyway. I also sub in Palmer for Farrell who is exhausted. Palmer is slightly better than Farrell in practice.

96 minute mark: Palmer gets the ball on the breakaway.. after Wall clears a flurry of activity from in front of our goal.. Palmer is racing past the tired defenders.... he takes it towards the right goal post.. he sees Kelly running up towards the center of the net.. he draws the keeper.. he passes.. good pass.. Kelly shoots.. upper left corner.. keeper can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! GOAL!!! GOAL!!!! 1-0 us :)

99 minute mark: Ian Robinson (one of their 3 subs to come on at 75 minute mark: takes a corner kick from right of the goal.. he sends it to the far post.. Scott Vernon (another sub) heads it.. it's a sharp angle.. heading back towards the other post.. Scarsella can't get to it.. it's inside the post.. goal. 1-1 game.

104 minute mark: Bonner stops a Kelly pass to Palmer deep in their zone. Bonner sends it down most of the field to Wes Wilkinson (the third sub).. Wilkinson quickly flicks it to Rodney Jack who is by the left post.. Jack shoots.. Scarsella can't get to it.. It looks like Jack was offside.. no flag.. the goal stands.. 2-1.

Half time of Extra Time: Down 2-1.

109 minute mark: Bonner gets the ball at midfield from their keeper.. he sends it quickly to Scott Vernon who is at the periphery of the box.. Vernon unleashes a quick shot to the upper right corner.. Scarsella dives.. he can't get to it.. goal. We are down 3-1 now.

120 minute mark. Game over. 3-1 loss. I'm proud of how hard the guys fought. We eventually became exhausted, but we played a good game.

They outshot us 16-10 (7-4 on goal)

Wayne Andrews won MoM for Oldham. 35 of 42 passes, 0 tackles, 6 of 10 headers, 1 pass intercepted, 2 runs.

Edited to add: Also amazed that we scored on them while down a guy. Really a great game by my team as I reflect on it a bit more.

[Eaglesfan27]

What skin is that? Stone? (Awesome reading, btw)
Yes, it is Stone skin. Thanks for the compliment.

[Eaglesfan27]

November 29th, 2005 -

Today we host 9th ranked Halifax. They were relegated from the Conference National last year, and they still retain several quality players. Their midfielder Steve Haslam is a very talented 26 year old who has been one of the top guys in our league this year so far. They have left fullback, Ashley Probets on loan from Rochdale and he is playing well also. Steve Basham has scored 5 goals this season from his striker position. Their 27 year old keeper, Dimitrios Konstantopoulos looks *very* good this year. He is averaging 0.65 goals/per game conceded.

Not surprisingly, Halifax is 4:7 favorites to win this match with the odds of us winning being 4:1. Despite this, I need to rest several key guys due to fatigue from the marathon last match.

Kelly will get the game off due to fatigue. Smyth is banned for one game. Farrell will get the game off due to fatigue.

My starting lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Hunter
SC: Palmer
SC: Turley

S1: Pettinger
S2: Wood
S3: Dunning
S4: Surey
S5: Morris

It's a sloppy wet field. The temperature is 36 degrees.

[Eaglesfan27]

21 minute mark: Wall intercepts a pass deep in our zone. His header goes to Hunter who is at midfield. Hunter sends a decent pass down the field. Palmer is racing for it.. the keeper is coming out of the box to get to it.. Palmer beats him to it.. dribbles left.. around the keeper.. flicks it towards the center of the goal.. GOAL!!!! 1-0

39 minute mark: Fowler takes a corner kick.. sends it towards Basham who is by the near post.. Barnard jumps with Basham.. Basham heads it.. it's into the back of the net with a perfect header. Goal. 1-1.

44 minute mark: Turley picks up an injury. I'll have to sub him ASAP.

Half Time. 1-1. I sub in Morris for Turley.

60 minute mark: Surey for Atkins and Dunning for Wright.

Conservative second half by both sides ends 1-1.

We outshot them 3-2 (1-1 on goal.)

Steve Basham wins MoM for Halifax. 24 of 25 passes, 0 tackles, 3 of 6 headers, 1 interception, 1 run, 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post game info:

Despite the tie, we remain in 1st place and we are now 3 points ahead of our nearest competitor. We are 13 games into the season and we are still unbeaten this season (in league play) with a 7 win, 6 draw record for a total of 27 points. The league winner had 80 points last year, and with our next game we will be a third of the way through the season. With the recent loss to Oldham we are out of cup games and we are just focused on league play.

Also of note, we are the beneficiaries of 122,000 dollars in gate receipts this month! This is more than we had the entire year up to this point, and led to an 80,000 dollar profit this month! :)

This profit cut a significant amount of our debt (but did not eliminate it.)

[Eaglesfan27]

December 3rd, 2005 -

Mr. Fotherby has told me he is absolutely thrilled with my management of the club.

Today we are in 1st place still and we face 20th ranked Altrincham on our home pitch. Last year we tied Altrincham 1-1 at home, and lost to them 1-0 on the road. Their most consistent player has been left fullback Chris Adams. Scott Brown has played well in the midfield. Rod Thornley has been their most dangerous striker with 7 goals, but he is injured for this game due to a groin strain. Stuart Coburn their keeper has had a subpar year with almost 2 goals per game conceded.

We are 6:4 favorites.

It's a dry sunny 39 degrees today.

Our lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Wood
S3: Dunning
S4: Surey
S5: Palmer

[Eaglesfan27]

17 minute mark: Mark Maddox gets a yellow card for holding Smyth.

They play turtle for most of the 1st half smothering our offensive opportunities.

0-0 at the half.

48 minute mark: Atkins steals the ball at midfield.. quickly passes to Wright on the left wing. Wright centers to Kelly who inside the left half of the box.. Kelly quickly passes to Farrell who is just a few yards to his right at the center of the box. Farrell shoots.. powerful shot.. left of the keeper.. he can't get to it... GOAL!!! 1-0

65 minute mark: Atkins is winded so I sub in Surey. Also, Dunning is on and Wright is off the pitch.

70 minute mark: Smyth steals the ball at midfield.. he passes up the field to Kelly who receives it just outside the box.. Kelly dribbles between the two defenders.. into the box.. shoots.. heading towards the right lower corner.. the keeper can't get to it.. what a goal by Kelly!!! 2-0

77 minute mark: Dunning gets the ball on the left wing.. he dribbles up the left sideline.. crosses the ball for Kelly who is in the middle of the box.. Kelly heads it.. misplays it.. it's a weak shot towards the right corner.. the keeper looks like he is surprised how it came off Kelly's head.. he tries to move towards the shot, but is too late.. it's in off the post!!! GOAL!!! 3-0!

Game over. 3-0 win for us.

We outshot them 10-1 (4-0 on goal)

Kelly wins MoM, 18 of 24 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 7 of 10 headers, 2 interceptions, 2 runs, 2 goals.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post match: I notice that Atkins also had a 9 for form this game, and his average of 7.56 is third best on the team (behind Kelly and Wright) so I decide to praise Atkins. I would have praised Wright but he only had a 7 this game, and I just recently praised Kelly. Hopefully, the fans will agree. Atkins is definitely getting it done when he can play. Not bad for a 37 year old midfielder.

[Eaglesfan27]

December 4th, 2005 -

Hundreds of fans called into the newspaper to state they agree with my recent comments about Atkins in the media. They hold him in very high regard and believe he is a key component of our top of the league position.

Speaking of which, we are now 6 points ahead of the 2nd place team with our 30 points at the 14 game mark in the season (a third of the way through.)

We have 8 wins, 6 draws, and 0 losses.

We are tied for second in the league with 26 goals scored. Worksop leads the league with 27 goals scored.

We lead the league in goals allowed with only 5 conceded. Scarsella has been getting plenty of clean sheet bonuses. The next team is Alfreton, which is second in the league with 24 points, who have conceded 8 goals.

Our goal differential of +21 is by far the best in the league. Second is Nuneaton with a plus 9 differential.

Kelly has 10 league goals and Smyth has 8. This puts Kelly at 2nd behind leader Gez Murphy who has 15 for Nuneaton, and Smyth is in a tie for 10th.

Andrew Wright's 7.77 form is 3rd in the league. Gez Murphy leads the league with a 8.23, Kye Holly of Gateshead is 2nd with a 7.89.

Greg Kelly is 4th in average form with a 7.76, Scarsella is 6th with a 7.69, and Atkins is 7th with a 7.64. We are the only team in the league with 2 or more guys in the top 10. Droylsden is the only team with 2 guys who are averaging over a 7.50.

[Eaglesfan27]

December 7th, 2005 -

Today we face Northwich for the first time. They were relegated from the English Conference National last year. We are playing on their pitch. They are led by keeper Andy Ralph who has played very well recently. George Glegg provides most of the offense, and he has 7 goals on the year. They have recently acquired Jake Sedgemore on loan from Shrewsbury and my scout believes he is a very talented midfielder. They have also recently acquired Mark Tierney on loan from Oldham and he is a skilled right fullback.

Not surprisingly, they are 4:6 favorites with 7:2 odds that we will win.

It's 50 degrees and sunny today. We are using the exact same lineup as last match.

[Eaglesfan27]

17 minute mark: Glegg gets open in our end.. dribbles into the box.. hits a good shot towards the left corner.. Scarsella easily saves it.

23 minute mark: A very intricate series of passes from Kelly to Farrell to Wright to Smyth to Wright ends up with a Wright shot from 20 yards out. Ralph saves it cleanly.

25 minute mark: Kelly dribbles into the box.. sees Atkins open to his left.. passes between two defenders.. Atkins shoots.. for the topshelf left side... Ralph gets over and tips it over the bar.

36 minute mark: Kelly dribbles into the box.. around the defender.. shoots from 15 yards.. Ralph saves it.

40 minute mark: Glegg collides with Black in our zone. Black appears hurt.

45 minute mark: Sedgemore gets a pass from Glegg. Sedgemore shoots.. Scarsella saves it cleanly.

0-0 at the half.

Black looks really hurt, I decide to pull him from the game despite his insistence that he can play still.

I put Wood in for him.

50 minute mark: Collett with a great defensive play inside our own box. Clears it down the field, but Smyth can't get to it before it goes out of bounds.

65 minute mark: Farrell is tired, so I sub in Palmer for him. Also, I put Dunning in for the tired Collett.

73 minute mark: Dunning gets the ball on the right wing.. dribbles a few steps.. passes it nicely to Kelly. Kelly has it inside the box.. from 15 yards out.. he shoots... heading towards the right upper corner.. it grazes the bar as it sails over.

77 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball inside the box.. three defenders surround him.. they steal it before he can shoot.

80 minute mark: Terry Barwick gets the ball on the counter attack.. Wall is closing in on him.. he shoots from 25 yards out.. it's a long curving shot.. Scarsella waves at it as it sails over his left shoulder as it curves.. it's in the back of the net! Goal. We are down 1-0.

84 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball thanks to a pass from Atkins inside the left edge of the box.. shoots for the right corner.. it's past the keeper... just wide.

88 minute mark: Smyth looks to latch onto the long pass inside the pass.. flag up.. Smyth is ruled offsides.

89 minute mark: Atkins draws a defender to him at midfield... dribbles past him.. passes to Kelly.. he is open inside the box.. he shoots.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

Game over. The unbeaten streak is over. We lose 1-0.

We outshot them 13-8 (5-4 on goal)

Atkins wins MoM, 43 of 50 passes, 7 of 9 tackles, 3 of 7 headers, 1 interception, 1 run, 1 shot on goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post match report: Kelly sprained his wrist and the physio says he will miss a week, including a match in 3 days. I can't help but wonder why he needs his wrist to play soccer. Oh well, it will be good to give him a little rest.

[Eaglesfan27]

December 9th, 2005 -

Grant Black broke 3 ribs in practice today. The physio says he will miss about a month. This is a costly blow to the team. Hopefully, Wood can step it up at right full back.

[CraigSca]

Ugh, some bad injuries there. I've never dominated CM like this, so this is a very interesting read.

My copy of FM2005 didn't come today though it was over-nighted. I think it probably had to do with FEDEX's Memphis hub and yesterday's snow storm. Soo....you have hereby been assigned to pull an all-nighter so I can live vicariously through Harrogate. Get to work! :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Ugh, some bad injuries there. I've never dominated CM like this, so this is a very interesting read.

My copy of FM2005 didn't come today though it was over-nighted. I think it probably had to do with FEDEX's Memphis hub and yesterday's snow storm. Soo....you have hereby been assigned to pull an all-nighter so I can live vicariously through Harrogate. Get to work! :)
I took a break to play some Madden 2005 on my X-Box, and I was going to play something else on my laptop a bit, but reading this, I'm now ready to play some more FM. :)

Unfortunately, I don't think Ms. Eaglesfan would appreciate an all nighter on FM ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

December 10th, 2005 -

Today we play Wakefield and Emley for the first time. This team was promoted into our conference last year. They are currently 22nd and appear likely to be heading back down. Their best player is Robert Pell, a striker, who has 7 goals this year. Scott Clarke, his partner up front, is also dangerous and has 5 goals on the year. However, their midfield has been very inconsistent. Their keeper Paul Cuss has been giving up over 2 goals a game. Mark Monington is their best defender, and he is currently 35 and appears to be fading according to my scout.

We are even odds favorites to win this game.

Our lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Wood (for the injured Black)
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Hunter (for the injured Kelly)
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Curtis
S3: Dunning
S4: Surey
S5: Palmer


It's a wet field and it's 40 degrees today.

[Eaglesfan27]

2 minute mark: F$%@! Wood goes down with an injury. He is holding his leg. It doesn't look good. The physio tells me that Wood must come out of the game. I sub in Curtis at right full back.

6 minute mark: Collett intercepts a pass deep in our turf.. He sends a long pass.. at least 50 yards down the field.. Smyth catches up to it in the left corner of the box.. the keeper comes out to try to cut down the angle.. Smyth shoots for the right corner.. screamer of a shot.. right into the net.. GOAL!!! 1-0

10 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball alone in the box.. left side.. he steps forward one or two steps.. shoots.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

14 minute mark: Smyth burns by his man down the left side of the field.. dribbles towards the left corner of the box.. dribbles around another defender.. into the box.. towards the left post.. draws a third defender toward him.. passes around the defender to Farrell who is by the far post.. Farrell immediately kicks the pass.. into the goal!! GOAL!!!! 2-0

18 minute mark: Collett steals the ball at midfield from the left winger.. plays a perfect pass to the right corner of the box for Farrell.. Farrell catches up to it.. beats the defender.. dribbles three steps.. goes for the narrow angle towards the right side of the net.. shoots.. keeper can't stop it.. GOAL!!!! 3-0. What a way to respond to our loss!

26 minute mark: Pell gets a breakaway in our box.. Shepherd is trying to catch up to him.. Pell falls.. whistle.. oh no.. oh yes.. Pell is given a yellow card for Diving!!

41 minute mark: Collett passes the ball up the right wing. Farrell gets to the ball.. he is in the right corner.. he centers it to Smyth who is in the middle of the box. Smyth immediately shoot for the lower right corner. The keeper is totally out of position.. easy GOAL!!!! 4-0 :)

That is Smyth's 10th goal of the year.

Half time: 4-0 score.

57 minute mark: Shepherd with 2 big clearances of offensive efforts by the opposition.

58 minute mark: With the game in hand, I give Wall a rest and bring in Dunning (my utility man who seems to do ok wherever I put him) and I also sub out Atkins for Surey.

63 minute mark: Curtis steals the ball deep in our zone.. he passes to Surey.. Surey sends a long pass to Smyth who races past both defenders... gets the ball for a breakaway.. dribbles confidently into the box.. dribbles to his left.. around the keeper.. shoots a really soft shot.. the keeper scrambles back into position.. blocks it, but can't control the rebound.. Smyth gets the rebound.. unleashes a hard shot.. into the net.. there is his hat trick!!!! GOAL!!!! 5-0 :)

Game over. 5-0 win! (Our largest ever)

We outshot them 16-9 (9-1 on goal)

Smyth wins MoM (big surprise), 14 of 20 passes, 0 tackles, 2 of 3 headers, 1 pass intercepted, 5 runs, 1 assist, 3 goals. 10 for form.

I really want to praise Smyth to the media, but I just did so for Atkins recently. I fear that the team will stop listening to my praise if I offer it too frequently, so I stop my inclination to praise Smyth after this match.

[Eaglesfan27]

(OOC) Probably no more updates tonight as Ms. Eaglesfan left work early as the restaurant was dead tonight. I'm looking forward to lots of FM tomorrow when she is at work. I really can't wait to see how this emotional high carries the team into the upcoming games. /(OOC)

[CraigSca]

(OOC)I'm looking forward to lots of FM tomorrow when she is at work. /(OOC)
me too :). It's my early morning with the kids, so I'm waiting here patiently. Paging EaglesFan, paging Eaglesfan :D

[Eaglesfan27]

Despite my general self-imposed moriatorium on signing players, I keep sending my scout out into the English countryside. Today, he brought back video and impressions of a kid who is too good to just ignore. Sean St. Ledger has been with Petersborough the last 4 years. He only appeared in 2 matches for them last year, but had a 7.50 average in form. My scout seems to believe he has all the qualities to make an exceptional lower league defender. I have to agree with him. The kid has just been released on a free transfer. I decide to offer the kid 300 dollars a week to come play for us.

[Eaglesfan27]

December 14th, 2005 -

St. Ledger told me that he wasn't really interested in playing English Conference North football, as he felt he was a higher quality player. Against my better judgement, I offer him another offer of 400 dollars per week.

[Eaglesfan27]

December 17th, 2005 -

Today we travel to play 5th ranked Alfreton. They have the 2nd best defense in the league behind our own. Adam Capp, their 21 year old keeper, has played phenomenally this year with 10 clean sheets. Carl Bradshaw, their best DC, is suspended for this game and that will likely work to our benefit. Mark Ashton, their right fullback, is the best active defender in this game for their side today. Peter Duffield is an explosive striker who has had 6 goals in the last 3 games, and has 12 on the season.

Despite this we are even odds favorites to win this game on the road.

It's going to be around 50 degrees with periodic showers throughout the game.

Our lineup:
GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Wood (for the injured Black)
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly (freshly back from his injury)
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Curtis
S3: Dunning
S4: Surey
S5: Palmer

[Eaglesfan27]

9 minute mark: Intricate series of passes for Alfreton up the field.. Grant Brown to Chris Bettney to Chris Dolby to Bettney at the edge of the box.. to Mark Sale inside the right half of the box.. Sale hits a quick accurate shot.. it's heading for the upper right corner.. Scarsella dives.. it's past him.. into the net. Goal. We are down 1-0.

15 minute mark: Atkins intercepts a long pass at midfield.. sends it to Wright on the left wing.. Wright plays a good pass up the field.. towards the center of the box for Kelly. He is beating his man to the ball.. dribbles inside the box.. to his left.. around the keeper who has come out... open net.. he blasts it into the center of the net!! GOAL!!! 1-1.

22 minute mark: Dolby takes the ball up the left wing.. dribbles around Collett.. down the left sideline.. crosses it.. Mark Sale outjumps Wall.. he heads it.. Scarsella can't get to it as it sails over his shoulder.. goal. Down 2-1.

27 minute mark: Mark Hume gets a yellow card for a trip on Smyth just outside the box. Atkins takes the direct kick from 21 yards.. the wall is formed.. Smyth blasts a shot through a little crease in the wall.. it's heading for the upper right corner.. the keeper seems like he can't pick it up... it's past him before he can react.. GOAL!!! 2-2.

That is Atkins' first goal of the year.

38 minute mark: Wall intercepts a pass intended for Sale deep in our box.. he sends a LONG pass down the length of the pitch. Smyth races two defenders to get to it as it is rolling toward the box.. he gets to it.. dribbles to his left.. shoots to the right of the keeper... Capp dives.. can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! 3-2.

42 minute mark: The opposition has a corner kick in our zone. Kelly jumps with Sale.. he gets called for unfair jumping! Penalty kick awarded :(

Peter Duffield steps up to take the penalty kick... he shoots to his right.. Scarsella anticipates and moves to his left.. blocks the shot!!! Duffield has the rebound.. he shoots.. Scarsella recovers and smothers the shot!!! What a play by Scarsella!

44 minute mark: Barnard intercepts a pass deep in our zone.. he sends it to Smyth who is just past midfield.. Smyth dribbles past a defender.. dribbling.. still running faster than the defense.. into the box.. towards the left post.. the keeper is trying to cut off the far post angle.. Smyth shoots towards the left post... the keeper can't quite get to it.. GOAL!!! 4-2 (what a scoring outburst considering we had only given up 6 league goals coming into the match and they had only given up 10!)

Halftime: 4-2 us.

47 minute mark: Wall intercepts a pass deep in our zone. He sends it to Kelly at midfield.. Kelly plays the ball up for Smyth.. he is at least 10 yards ahead of the nearest defender.. dribbles into the box.. surprised he wasn't called for offside.. keeper comes out to take away the angle.. Smyth shoots for the right post.. Capp smothers the shot.

48 minute mark: Kelly intercepts the pass at midfield.. he sends it to Smyth on the left edge of the box.. Smyth dribbles into the box.. shoots for the right post.. past the keeper.. it's sailing towards the goal.. grazes the bar as it goes over. Smyth seems determined to get the hattrick.

52 minute mark: Collett slips on the wet field and he looks hurt.. the physio has determined that he isn't fit to play any more this match. I sub in Dunning for him.

65 minute mark: Surey on for the very tired Atkins, Palmer on for the similarly tired Kelly.

66 minute mark: Palmer is racing past Mark Hume who throws a vicious trip... 2nd yellow card for Hume! He is ejected.

71 minute mark: Scarsella cleanly saves a hard Duffield shot.. he sends it to Farrell who is at midfield.. Farrell plays the through ball for Smyth towards the edge of the box.. Smyth gets it.. dribbles towards the center of the box.. the keeper tries to anticipate his move.. smyth dribbles to his left.. shoots for the lower right corner.. Cap can't get to it.. GOAL!!! 5-2. That is Smyth's hattrick!!

73 minute mark: Surey intercepts the pass at midifeld.. he sends it down into the right corner.. Farrell races to it.. he gets to it.. he centers for Smyth who is by the far left post.. Smyth gets the pass.. shoots for the center of the net... it's past Capp!! GOAL!!!! 6-2. Smyth has 2 in 2 minutes and 4 for the match. I think that is a league record!! Smyth now has 15 goals on the year!

Game over. 6-2 win. I'm thrilled with the amazing offensive outburst against this team that had given up 10 league goals in 16 or 17 previous league games.

They outshot us 16-15. (10-7 on goal in our favor)

Andrew Wright, Andy Farrell, and Mark Smyth all had 10's for form, but Smyth won MoM this game. Smyth completed all 15 of 15 passes, 0 tackles, 1 of 2 headers, 8 runs, 1 assist, 5 shots on goal, 4 goals.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Benjamin Collett partially tore 1 of his ankle ligaments. I sent him to a specialist who recommends no game action for 3 weeks while he undergoes intensive physiotherapy.

Mark Smyth tweaked his knee and the physio believes he will be out for about a week, which means he will miss our upcoming match with Barrow at the bare minimum.

Ben Surey strained his quadriceps muscle and will miss at least 5 days, including the game against Barrow.

Mark Smyth set a league record with 4 goals in a match.

We set a record for the highest scoring league game with the 6-2 final score.

Mr. Fotherby is absolutely giddy at our recent performances and is gushing about me to the media.

[Eaglesfan27]

St. Ledger told me there was no way he would play for an English Conference North team. I decided to listen to him, and didn't offer him any further deals.

[Eaglesfan27]

December 20th, 2005 -

Today we travel to play 7th ranked Barrow. We are currently in 1st place and 7 points ahead of the 3 teams tied for 2nd. This is a game marked by injuries as we both have 5 players out with injuries. Unfortunately, Barrow's leading scorer Michael Kewley is not one of the injured players. Kewley has been on a goal scoring streak lately, and he has 14 on the season. However, their top midfielder (and second leading scorer) Graham Anthony is out this game due to a sore shoulder. Their main right winger, Ian Kilford, is also out with an injury. Their top defender, Mark Salmon is looking good in the last 5 games. Their keeper, Simon Bishop, has had a very good year.

Possibly due to all of our injuries, they are 6:4 favorites.

We are expecting light showers, and it is 35 degrees today.

Our starting lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Wood (for the injured Black)
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Fox (for the injured Collett)
AMC: Kelly
SC: Palmer (for the injured Smyth)
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Curtis
S3: Dunning
S4: Hunter
S5: Turley

We beat them 1-0 on the road last year, and tied them 1-1 at home.

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Wall gets the ball deep in our zone.. long pass for Palmer.. he races to it.. Salmon and his good speed beat Palmer to the ball.

11 minute mark: Palmer gets the ball at midfield from Wall.. he sends a through ball to the edge of the box.. Farrell gets to it.. he is about to shoot.. flag.. late offsides call against Farrell.

16 minute mark: Karl Colley (DC) gets a yellow flag for a trip on Atkins.

23 minute mark: Atkins is tripped just outside the edge of the opposition's box. Fox takes the free kick from 21 yards out... shoots a shot between two defenders in the wall... the keeper is late picking it up.. it's heading towards the left corner.. it hits the back of the net... GOAL!!! 1-0! What a debut by Fox after a long layoff.

40 minute mark: Atkins intercepts a pass at midfield (I'm amazed at his level of play considering he has lost most of his speed).. he feeds it to Fox on the right wing.. Fox plays a ball up the field towards the left side of the box for Palmer.. Palmer gets to it.. dribbles once.. shoots.. heading towards the right side of the goal... the keeper tries to get to it, but he can't... it's in the back of the net!! GOAL!!!! 2-0.

44 minute mark: Scarsella stops a point blank shot by Gavin Knight.

Half Time: 2-0 us.

53 minute mark: Atkins seems hurt. I sub in Dunning for him. Farrell seems very tired, so I sub in Hunter for him. Palmer also appears to have an injury that is significant enough that I decide not to leave him in the game. I sub in Turley for him.

71 minute mark: Scarsella with a nice save on a Knight shot.

73 minute mark: Great tackle by Wood on Kewley in our box.

79 minute mark: Wall clears the ball after a flurry of shots on goal (2 of which reached Scarsella who blocked them) and he sends it to Hunter.. Hunter plays a through ball to Turley who still has great speed.. Turley takes it into the left side of the box.. gets the keeper to come out and challenge him.. dribbles to his left.. and unleashes a powerful high shot.. WOW.. it doesn't go over the net for once.. it's into the back of the net... GOAL!!!! 3-0.

Game over. 3-0 win for us on the road.

We both had 10 shots, we both had 4 shots on goal.

Stuart Wall wins MoM, 14 of 19 passes, 10 of 11 tackles, 7 of 11 headers, 2 interceptions.

[SirFozzie]

Dang. Unstoppable!

[Eaglesfan27]

December 22nd, 2005 -

Mr. Fotherby threw a huge party for the entire team. He states he is absolutely thrilled with the team's progress and he is fully expecting us to be promoted much to the shock of the pundits who predicted a mid table finish. The team baths me with champagne. I remind them that we still have half of a season to play.

In other news, multiple managers are fired during this joyous season, including several managers in the EPL. I'm too liquored up to worry about who is going where at the moment. Cheers!

[Eaglesfan27]

December 23rd, 2005 -

As I try to get over my hangover, I read that Harry Redknapp has taken over the Fulham job in the EPL. I find this to be a peculiar choice.

I try to figure out who is going to play in our upcoming match against Southport in 3 days. I'm worried that guys are starting to get tired, and I need to try to get myself to rotate some new faces in a bit more.

[Eaglesfan27]

December 23rd, 2005 -

Sweet, I just read that Nuneaton who are currently 2nd in the league, tied 22nd ranked Wakefield & Emley 1-1. Hopefully, we can continue to widen our lead on the league.

[Eaglesfan27]

December 26th, 2005 -

Today my 1st ranked team hosts 14th ranked Southport. We tied them 0-0 last year, and lost to them 2-1 the other game. Southport has Mark Devlin on loan from Macclesfield and the keeper Lewis Edge on loan from Blackpool. Their top DC, Neil Fitzhenryis suspended for this match. Lee Mulvaney has been their top scorer this year from the striker position.

Interestingly, the oddsmakers think they are the favorites with even odds betting.

Our lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Wood (for the injured Black)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey (giving Atkins a day off to rest him)
MR: Fox (for the injured Collett)
AMC: Kelly
SC: Palmer (for the still injured Smyth)
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Curtis
S3: Dunning
S4: Hunter
S5: Turley

It's a rainy 35 degree day today.

[Eaglesfan27]

30 minute mark: Surey gets the ball at midfield.. he flicks a pass ahead into the box.. Farrell races to it.. dribbles to his right past the keeper.. is about to shoot.. whistle.. offsides call against Farrell.

36 minute mark: Surey gets the ball at midfield after stealing a keeper kick.. he sends it towards Palmer in the left corner.. Palmer gets it.. centers for Farrell.. Farrell jumps.. the keeper Lewis Edge pushes Farrell out of the way.. Penalty awarded!!!

Barnard steps up confidently to take the shot.. he looks right.. shoots a very hard shot to the lower left corner... the keeper dives, but isn't even close.. GOAL!!! 1-0.

Halftime: We lead 1-0.

46 minute mark: Wright gets the ball after a throw-in on the right side of the pitch.. he crosses it into the box.. Kelly jumps to head it, but misstrikes it.. it goes at a wierd angle off his head.. the keeper is stunned as it sails into the left corner of the goal.. GOAL!!!! Fluke goal puts us up 2-0.

50 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball at midfeild from Wall. Kelly flicks it towards the left corner of the box.. Palmer gets to it. He dribbles twice.. shoots.. Edge smothers it.

51 minute mark: Wall intercepts a long pass with a header and sends it to Surey at midfield. Surey sends it out to Fox on the right wing. Fox sends a long pass to Kelly.. Kelly beats his man to get to it.. he dribbles left twice.. shoots the extreme angle for the right post.. it's past the keeper... it's.. IN! GOAL!!!! 3-0, Kelly's 2nd!.

69 minute mark: Turley in for the slightly injured Palmer. Hunter in for the tired Farrell.

Game over. I notice one of our highest league attendances of 1440 people. We won 3-0.

We outshot them 10-4 (6-1 on goal)

Greg Kelly wins MoM, 16 of 22 passes, 2 of 4 tackles, 5 of 13 headers, 1 interception, 3 runs, 2 goals.

[Eaglesfan27]

December 28th, 2005 -

Sean St. Ledger just signed with Chesterfield who are in 12th place in League 1. Least he kept his word and went for the higher quality league.

[Eaglesfan27]

December 28th, 2005 -

Today we travel to play 2nd ranked Nuneaton. We are currently 10 points ahead of them. They are led by the *amazing* Gez Murphy who has 32 goals on the year!! His partner Avun Jephcott has 11 goals of his own. Matt Collins is a dangerous right winger and is a key link to this high powered offense. Gary Fitzpatrick also has had quite a few assists in the midfield this year. Fortunately, their defense has been somewhat soft and Derek Slattery has been allowing about 2 goals a game.

Nuneaton is a slight 5:4 favorite.

We have won 2-0 at home, and lost 2-1 on the road against them last year.

Our Starting Lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Wood (for the injured Black)
ML: Dunning (want to give Wright a break since this game is only 2 days after our last game.)
MC: Atkins (giving Surey a day off to rest him)
MR: Fox (for the injured Collett)
AMC: Kelly (playing too well for me to sit him against a top foe.)
SC: Smyth (well rested after recovering from his injury)
SC: Farrell (also playing too well to rest him.)

S1: Pettinger
S2: Curtis
S3: Palmer
S4: Hunter
S5: Turley

It's a wet muddy 35 degrees today.

[Eaglesfan27]

6 minute mark: Matt Collins plays a nice through ball to Gez Murphy.. the guy shoots an unbelievably powerful shot towards the lower left corner. Even more amazingly, Scarsella dives and tips it just wide.

8 minute mark: Dunning takes the ball down the left side of the pitch.. past a defender.. crosses it to Kelly.. Kelly jumps to head it.. it's towards the center of the goal.. just over the bar.

9 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball in the left corner after Dunning passed it up the line.. Smyth centers it for Farrell who is by the far post.. Farrell jumps.. he misses it and it sails through the rest of the box.

11 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball at the edge of the box.. he passes to Dunning in the left side of the box.. Dunning shoots.. Slattery saves it.

14 minute mark: Gez Murphy receives a long pass in our box.. he shoots one of the hardest shots I've ever seen.. I let out a sigh of relief as I heard the loud clink of it hitting the crossbar. Shepherd clears the rebound.

30 minute mark: Farrell gets a yellow card for a trip on Gary Fitzpatrick.

39 minute mark: Dunning gets a yellow card for a trip on Gary Fitzpatrick.

45 minute mark: Smyth receives a Fox pass at the left edge of the box. Farrell centers for Farrell who heads it.. it bounces off the bar.. the defense clears it.

0-0 at the half.

47 minute mark: Wall with a key tackle on Gez Murphy inside the box.

50 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball at the edge of the box.. dribbles a few steps.. shoots.. Slattery blocks it.. Chris Farman clears it.

51 minute mark: Nice series of passes to move it down the field.. First from Barnard to Atkins.. to Dunning on the left wing.. to Atkins at midfield again.. to Dunning further up the left side of the field.. to Smyth in the left edge of the box.. to Kelly at the center of the box.. Back to smyth who is further inside the box on the left side.. Smyth shoots.. goes for the near left corner... low ... Slattery can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

61 minute mark: Gez Murphy gets the ball inside our box.. Wall is closing in on him.. Murphy shoots.. Scarsella dives.. gets his body in front of the ball.. Wall clears the rebound.

On the ensuing clearance.. Smyth gets the ball.. dribbles up the field unimposed.. into tbe box.. he is in the left half of the box.. shoots for the left corner.. Slattery dives.. tips it wide.

Farrell has picked up an injury on the play. He has to be removed from the game. I sub in Turley for him. I also sub in Palmer for Smyth. Atkins looks tired as well. I move Shepherd up to MC, and bring in Curtis at DC.

On the ensuing corner, Fox takes the corner and curves it towards the near post.. Dunning outjumps his man.. heads it towards the near post.. Slattery can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

71 minute mark: Scarsella saves a 25 yard shot by Gez Murphy.

83 minute mark: Wall bodychecks Gez Murphy.. no penalty.. Murphy is dazed and confused. He has to come out of the match.

88 minute mark: Wood is injured on a hard hit by Michael Love. Wood can't continue.

Game over. 2-0 win for us.

They outshot us 13-11 (6-6 for on goal)

Scarsella wins MoM for his amazing saves. The steak house is really getting to know us quite well now.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

The Physio says that Richard Dunning has slightly seperated his shoulder. He will be out for about 2 weeks. Andy Farrell bruised his ribs and will need to miss a few days.

After the match, the 2 reporters approached me for a big story they are doing. They asked me about David Scarsella. They tell me that several clubs are interested in him, including several league 1 and league 2 clubs because of his recent sensational form. They asked me to comment on how confident am I that I will be able to keep him.

I replied, "David has shown himself to be one of my best players. No way will he be leaving."

Mr. Fotherby also made a comment to the reporter that he is thrilled with my management of the club, and he is quite confident that we will keep the team together and earn promotion.

[SirFozzie]

Uh oh.. Hope Scarsella doesn't have bigger ambitions, you may have opened pandora's box right there..

[Eaglesfan27]

December 30th, 2005 -

Mark Atkins reminds me of several players whose contracts are due to expire in 6 months:

Nick Buxton is a 29 year old backup to the backup keeper. I decide that I will not be renewing his contract.

Mark Atkins is a 37 year old player/coach. He is still very effective in the midfield due to great positioning and anticipation despite his poor physical skills. I decide to offer him a deal for another year as a player/coach. He has been making 300 dollars a week, I decide to offer a slight pay cut of 280/week.

Mark Barnard is a 30 year old left fullback who is an efficient tackler, a good position defender, and an excellent penalty shooter. He has been making 90 dollars a week, and is asking for 160/week. I decide to offer him 140/week.

Paul Pettinger is a 30 year old backup keeper who is currently making 550 a week. I've had him transfer listed for 6 months and no team has shown any interest. He is unhappy with all of the acclaim that Scarsella is getting. He makes it clear that he is uninterested in resigning if he isn't going to be a starter. I decide not to renew his contract at this time. With this decision, I realize that I will have to acquire a young backup keeper in the upcoming months.

Paul Shepherd is a 28 year old central defender/midfielder. He plays excellent position defense and is only making 110/week. He has played very well, and he wants 260/week. I decide to offer him 220/week.

Andrew Wright is a 27 year old left winger who is among the top 3 in the league with his average form of 7.88. He has played very well all year and is a highly skilled player. He has been making 90 dollars/week. He is requesting 280/week, and I decide to offer him 240/week.

Richard Dunning is a 24 year old left fullback/left midfielder who has played reasonably well at just about any position for me. He has excellent physical attributes, but is fairly technically limited. He has been making 110/week and is now requesting 140/week. I decide to offer him 120/week.

Christian Fox is a 24 year old attacking midfielder/right winger who plays very well whenever he gets on the pitch. He continues to improve in practice and is becoming a skilled passer. He has been making 150/week. He is requesting 240/week, and I decide to offer him 200/week.

James Turley is a 24 year old speedy striker who has poor accuracy. He is currently making 800/week. I haven't had any nibbles on him despite him being transfer listed for the last 6 months. I decide that I will not make a new offer to him and will let him leave the club on a free transfer.

Leigh Wood is a 22 year old sweeper/central defender/midfielder who has been mostly a backup for me this year before Black's injury. Wood's biggest fault is his lack of determination. However, he is a very skilled player. It's tempting to offer him a new deal, but he is currently making 480 dollars/week. He doesn't want to resign with us because we have been attempting to transfer him, and I decide ultimately that his lack of determination and work ethic makes him unworthy of being offered a renewal contract.

Michael Ord is a 24 year old central defender/midfielder who I have never really used. His physical skills have developed, but he is a very indecisive player on the pitch who makes critical mistakes at a position where I don't think we can afford them. He is only making 100 dollars/week, but I decide to let him go after his current contract runs out.

Dominique Krief is a 22 year old midfielder with good speed who has great determination. He lacks technical skill, but I love how he never gives up on a play. He isn't playing much for us, but I would use him in a pinch. He is currently making 110/week and wants 150/week. I decide to offer him 130/week.

Lennie Curtis is a 32 year old Sweeper/DC who is currently making 240/week. His physical skills are starting to deteriorate, but his determination is a nice thing that makes me want to keep him around for a backup. He wants 240/week, and I decide to offer him 200/week.

Jermaine Palmer is my 19 year old striker who has excellent speed. He is developing a nice touch around the net and he has 5 goals on the year with 7 starts and 14 reserve appearances. He is currently making 700/week which is high for a rotation guy, but I feel I need to keep this young potential superstar. He asks for 700/week, and I decide to offer it to him.

Andy Farrell is a 22 year old striker who doesn't look as talented as Palmer during practice, but Farrell has played well. In 22 starts, he has 7 goals and 8 assists. I decide I have to resign him. He is currently making 110/week, and he wants 280/week to renew (plus 30 dollar bonus per goal and 20 dollar bonus per assist.) I decide to offer him the contract he is requesting.

Greg Kelly is a 22 year old attacking midfielder who has been phenomenal for us. He has 13 goals and 7 assists in 23 starts. He is currently making 550/week. He is requesting 550/week again with a 30/goal and 20/assist bonus. I decide to offer him what is requesting. Of note, he is now "worth" 48,000 when he was only worth 12,000 when I acquired him.

Mark Smyth is my 20 year old left footed striker who is now worth 52,000 dollars (16,000 when I got him.) He is currently making 420/week. He has 16 goals and 8 assists in 21 appearances. He wants 420/week to resign as well as a 40/goal, 20/assist bonus. I decide to offer him what he wants.

Grant Black is my 22 year old right fullback who has played better in games than in practice. He has continually made great tackles. He has been making 110/week. He is now requesting 300/week. I decide to offer him 240/week.

Colin Hunter is a 29 year old attacking midfielder/winger/forward whose skills appear to be deteroriating. He is currently making 90 dollars/week. He is only requesting 110/week to be a backup, and I decide I will offer him 100/week.

Ben Surey is a 23 year old defensive midfielder who has played very well in relief and spot starts. He was one of my first big ticket signings and he is currently making 400/week. He is requesting 400/week, and I decide to offer it to him.

David Scarsella is my star keeper who is currently making 300 dollars/week. In 24 appearances, he has 15 clean sheets and only 11 goals conceded (8 league goals.) He is only requesting 300 dollars/week with a 20 dollar/cleansheet bonus as well as a 300,000 dollar release clause. I decide to raise the release clause to 1 million dollars and offer him the contract.

Marc Smith is a 20 year old left fullback who has excellent physical attributes but is still learning how to play the game. However, he has high determination and is only making 100 dollars/week. He wants 110/week, and I decide to offer it to him.

[Eaglesfan27]

Forgot to mention, I'm only trying to extend these contracts for 1 extra year as most of the guys are only asking for contracts to the end of this year.

[Eaglesfan27]

Uh oh.. Hope Scarsella doesn't have bigger ambitions, you may have opened pandora's box right there..
Don't I know it. That is the downside to having a young successful star. I doubt I'll be able to keep him, but I'm sure going to try.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 1st, 2006 -

Andrew Wright signed his new deal.

Greg Kelly signed his new deal.

Richard Dunning also signed his new deal.

Also in today's newspaper:

Thierry Henry has won the World Footballer of the Year award. Ryan Giggs came in 2nd and Jose Antonio Reyes came in 3rd.

Henry also won World Player of the Year, Kaka of Milan came in 2nd, Ruud van Nistelrooy came in 3rd.

Henry also won European Footballer of the Year. Reyes came in 2nd and, Giggs came in 3rd.

Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon won European Goalkeeper of the Year. Dida of Milan came in 2nd. Iker Casillas of Real Madrid came in 3rd.

Roberto Carlos of Real Madrid won European Defender of the Year. Lucio of Milan came in 2nd (OOC note: In CM 03/04 I "discovered" Lucio when I was coach of Man Utd [after advancing from Hull's coach to that job] and he was incredible for me. I'm glad to see him still playing well in FM) Marco Materazzi of Inter came in 3rd.

Reyes won the European Midfielder of the Year award. Giggs came in 2nd and Damien Duff also of Manchester Utd came in 3rd.

Henry won European Striker of the Year. Dimitar Berbatov of Bayer 04 Leverkusen came in 2nd, and Ruud van Nistelrooy came in 3rd.

[SirFozzie]

Not just that. If he does have higher ambitions, you may have just made him VERY unhappy.

Happened with a couple of my players, when I told the press it would take a killer bid to pry them away from me. Ruined their morale completely

[Eaglesfan27]

Not just that. If he does have higher ambitions, you may have just made him VERY unhappy.

Happened with a couple of my players, when I told the press it would take a killer bid to pry them away from me. Ruined their morale completely
Fortunately, at this point his morale is still "superb", but you bring up a very good point. I hope he takes the new deal I offered him. He does mention that he is flattered by the interest being shown in him.

[Eaglesfan27]

Later on January 1st, 2006 -

Marc Smith has signed his new contract.

Jermaine Palmer has signed his new contract!

Lennie Curtis signed his new contract.

Christian Fox signed his new contract.

Ben Surey signed his new contract.

Colin Hunter signed a contract with my new offer.

Dominique Krief signed his new contract.

Grant Black has signed his new contract.

Andy Farrell has signed his new contract!

Mark Atkins has agreed to play and coach for one more year and accepted his pay cut. Atkins indicates that he is likely to retire as a player after the 2006-2007 season.

Mark Smyth has signed his new deal!!!

[Eaglesfan27]

Even Later on January 1st, 2006 -

Today we host 11th ranked Accrington. This is our first match with them since they were relegated from the English National Conference last year. They were the English FA trophy runner-up last year.

They are being led by their keeper Jon Worsnop who is playing VERY well since recovering from a 3 month long injury last month. Lee McEvilly is a talented striker who leads their scoring efforts with 12 goals. Ian Craney is the midfield catalyst. Stuart Howson is an average defender who has been the main anchor of the defense.

Interestingly they are even odds favorites. Being at home, I would have expected our odds to be better this game.

It's a wet 39 degree day.

Our lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Wood (for the injured Black)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey (Atkins is now the guy getting a day off)
MR: Fox (for the injured Collett)
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Curtis
S3: Palmer
S4: Hunter
S5: Turley

[Eaglesfan27]

43 minute mark: Surey intercepts the ball around midfield.. passes it 15 yards up the field to Kelly.. Kelly passes between two defenders to Smyth who is at the left corner of the box.. Smyth dribbles towards the post.. shoots.. towards the right upper corner.. it's past the keeper.. in the back of the net!! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

Halftime attendance: 1556 (the highest I've seen yet.)

1-0 at the half.

61 minute mark: Wall intercepts the ball deep in our zone.. long pass down the field towards the left corner of the pitch.. Smyth gets to it.. centers to Farrell who is in the right half of the box.. Farrell shoots... going for the left corner.. just wide.

74 minute mark: Farrell is tired (and has had a bad game for the first time that I can remember for any of our guys in a long time - I hope he doesn't become complacent now that he has a new contract.) I sub in Hunter for him. Smyth is also tired, so I sub in Palmer. Kelly is also tired so I sub in Turley.

82 minute mark: Nifty passing by the opposition. Tucker takes it at midfield to Chris Butler to Shaun Tuck in our zone..Tuck takes it to the edge of the box.. passes around Wall to Lee Thompson. Thompson shoots.. lower left corner.. Scarsella dives.... he can't get to it. Goal. 1-1 tie.

Game over. 1-1 tie.

We outshot them 6-3 (2-1 on goal)

Matt Carbon (DC) wins MoM, 32 of 40 passing, 4 of 4 tackles, 7 of 8 headers, 9 passes intercepted.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 3rd, 2006 -

Mark Barnard signed his new deal.

Yes!!! David Scarsella signed his new deal with the 1 million dollar release clause.

Benjamin Collett is fully healed from his ankle injury.

I realized that Justin Jackson's contract is expiring. This 31 year old striker has never really impressed me. He is making 140/week, and I decide that I will not offer him a new deal.

Everyone else is either signed til June of 2007 or are the aforementioned guys who I will not resign.

Time for our half year in review now.

[Eaglesfan27]

Here is a look at the league table:

http://64.17.163.76/images/Conf%20N%20Stand%202nd%20season.jpg

[Eaglesfan27]

- Of note, we are 9 points ahead of our nearest competitor.

- Our 13 wins leads the league.

- Our 46 goals is highest in the league. Nuneaton is 2nd with 42.

- Our 9 league goals allowed is lowest in the league. Burscough is 2nd best with 19 goals allowed.

- Our goal differential of +37 is best in the league. Stalybridge is 2nd best with +13.

- We are 14 points ahead of the pace for the last playoff spot.

- My big concern is that some guys will get complacent with their new contracts, however, I didn't want to risk losing them on Bosman deals.

- Andrew Wright leads the league with his 7.95 avg form. Gez Murphy is 2nd with a 7.76. David Scarsella is 3rd with a 7.75 form. Mark Atkins is 5th with a 7.69. Greg Kelly is 6th with a 7.68. Mark Smyth is 9th with a 7.65.

- Gez Murphy leads the league with 19 league goals (14 more in other competitions.)

- Mark Smyth is 2nd with 14 league goals. Greg Kelly is 5th with 12 league goals. We are the only team with 2 of the top 10 goal scorers in the league.

- Mark Smyth is 3rd in the league with 8 league assists. Andy Farrell is tied for 6 with 7 league assists. Greg Kelly is tied for 8th with 6 league assists. Andrew Wright is tied for 11th with 5 league assists. Halifax and Worksop are the only two teams to have even 2 guys with 5 league assists.

- We are also among the least penalized teams. Smyth is 96th in the league for league Yellow cards with 3. He is the only player we have in the top 100.


- Greg Kelly is 7th in the league with 4 MoM awards. Scarsella is 23rd with 3 MoM awards, Atkins is 32nd with 2 MoM awards, and Wright is also tied at 32nd with 2 MoM awards.

- Stuart Wall is 10th in the league with 4.25 tackles/game.

- Mark Smyth is 1st in the league with 3.16 dribbles/game.

- Jermaine Palmer leads the league in accuracy with 81% of his shots being on target. Mark Smyth is 18th at 52%.

- Mark Smyth is 15th with 84% of his passes being completed.

- Our attendance has continually rose throughout the year, and we are averaging 1428 fans in our last 5 home games. Our average last year was around 300.

- Thanks to the increased attendance, we are breaking even most months now, despite the high wage bill. We are still 60,000 dollars in debt, but we were 150,000 dollars in debt at the beginning of the season. The Oldham games really helped erase a nice chunk of that debt.

- Finally, the board is delighted with my management of the club. They would like the wage bill to be lower but they are satisfied with the finances. The fans are delighted with my management of the club. Both are quite pleased that we are performing better than their preseason expectations. My reputation is still obscure, but I'm becoming known as a media friendly manager who is very even tempered. I'm also viewed as a professional manager who is quite loyal to his players.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 6th, 2006 -

Darn it! Today Hartlepool (league 1) made an offer for Scarsella. They offered John Brackstone in a straight up exchange. John is a young promising D/DM L, but I don't want to lose my star keeper. I decide to turn it down, and cross my fingers that Scarsella doesn't become mad at me for preventing him from moving up into League 1 play.

Edited to add: They also offered 20% of next sale and a friendly match at our stadium in the deal. I'm still going to refuse it.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 7th, 2006 -

Today in our first match of the 2nd half of the season we travel to play 17th ranked Gainsborough. They have been led by Carl Alford's play recently. He has 11 goals and has played very well from his striker position. Chris Timons has played very solid defense at the DC position. Chris Dickman has played very well on the right wing, but only has 3 goals and 3 assists. Jamie Holmshaw has played fairly well in goal the last 5 games.

We've lost 1 game and tied 2 games in our past meetings with this team. Our last match was a 1-1 tie at home earlier this year.

We are 5:4 favorites.

It's dry and 42 degrees today.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Wall
DR: Wood
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett (back from injury)
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Curtis
S3: Palmer
S4: Hunter
S5: Surey

[Eaglesfan27]

10 minute mark: Wall clears a ball in our box to midfield.. Farrell receives it.. he passes between two defenders to a space just outside the box.. Smyth is racing a defender to it.. Smyth is just a step ahead of the defender.. he gets to the ball.. he shoots without breaking stride... heading towards the lower right corner from 20 yards out.. Holmshaw dives for it.. he can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! 1-0

14 minute mark: David Jervis gets a yellow card for a 2 legged slide into Farrell. Yellow card for Jervis.

18 minute mark: Adam Burley dribbles the ball down the left side of the field past Atkins.. into the left corner of the box.. crosses.. it looks like it is going towards the far post, but suddenly Luke Staton intercepts it in the middle of the box.. he shoots.. upper right corner.. Scarsella looks surprised.. it's in the back of the net.. GOAL. 1-1 tie.

30 minute mark: Scarsella with a nice save of a hard Dickman shot.

44 minute mark: Atkins steals the ball in our zone, he sends it to Smyth on the left wing.. Smyth takes it across midfield and centers for Kelly who immediately passes it to Farrell who is just outside the box. Neil Allison tackles him from behind with a vicious blow.. whistle.. Red card for Allison. He is ejected. Unfortunately it was outside the box, and no penalty shot is awarded. Lee Ellington argues the call.. yellow card for him! Atkins takes the free kick from 20 yards... screaming shot towards the left lower corner.... past the keeper... just wide.

Half time: 1-1

52 minute mark: Wright takes the ball up the left side of the pitch. He centers for Kelly in the middle of the box.. Kelly goes for the upper right corner.. blistering shot.. just a little high and wide. Kelly buries his head in his hands. He clearly thinks he should have made that shot.

65 minute mark: Smyth is called for being offsides.. He argues with the ref. Yellow card.

70 minute mark: Wright is tackled hard. He looks hurt. He can't play any longer. I sub in Hunter for him. Also, I sub in Palmer for Smyth who is tired and already has that yellow card.

86 minute mark: Dickman tripped Atkins. Yellow card for Dickman.

91 minute mark: Farrell receives a pass from Kelly on the right edge of the box.. he dribbles towards the goal.. he shoots.. Holmshaw saves it.

93 minute mark: Wall intercepts a long pass deep in our box.. he sends a long long pass down the field.. Kelly gets it at about 35 yards from the goal.. takes two steps.. two defenders closing in on him.. he shoots from 30 yards out.. it's between the defenders.... the keeper isn't reacting to it.. he seems to think it's going to go wide.. it's heading towards the upper left corner.. it's just barely under the crossbar and inside the post... GOAL!!!!!!! 2-1!

3 seconds later the final whistle blows!

Game over. Finally a win against this team. 2-1 victory.

We outshot them 9-7. (5-3 on goal)

Stuart Wall wins MoM (I can't believe he is only 17!) 21 of 23 passes, 2 of 3 tackles, 6 of 7 headers, 2 interceptions, and 1 assist.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 8th, 2006 -

Peter Taylor was just hired away from Hull to manage Sunderland in the EPL. I must admit besides the big 3, Hull would be my other big lure. I have a big soft spot for Hull as it was the very first game I ever attended. I won't apply for the job, but if I somehow get offered it, it will be a very hard decision.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 10th, 2006 -

Today we travel to play 14th ranked Hednesford Town. They are led by midfielder Michael Keane who is on loan from Hull. New keeper Ryan Young has played well in his 2 starts this year. Steve Piearce is leading the scoring with 13 goals from the striker position.

We beat them 2-0 at home earlier in the year.

We are 6:4 favorites.

It's 50 degrees and muddy out.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Shepherd
DC: Curtis (The physio says I need to start giving Wall some rest :( )
DR: Wood
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Marc Smith (young fullback needs to play well if one of my defenders are hurt this match - I'm trying to bring in some defensive reinforcements via loans.)
S3: Palmer
S4: Hunter
S5: Surey<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[Eaglesfan27]

(OOC) Most of the 1st half details were obscured by my wife sitting next to me on the couch and asking, "How is this fun?" "It's just a bunch of bubbles chasing down a little bubble!" She then asked, "why aren't your bubbles chasing the little bubble?" (when my defender Curtis was missing a play on the ball) Most of the 1st half was uneventful, but I started saying "GOAAAAL!!" when Smyth finally hit Kelly with a cross for a goal.. she looked at me like I was crazy. She had to leave for work after that point, and she said, "Least I know you aren't out chasing women.. have fun!" /(OOC)


1-0 at the half, thanks to that Smyth to Kelly goal at the 44 minute mark.

60 minute mark: Farrell has had a bad game with a 5 for form. I really hope he isn't getting lazy due to the new contract. In any case, I sub in Palmer for him. I also sub in Surey for Atkins who is tired.

73 minute mark: Steve Piearce gets the ball at the right side of the box on a long pass from Michael Keane.. Piearce shoots.. Scarsella dives and tips it to his left.. Kevin McKinley the other striker gets the rebound and taps it into the net. GOAL. 1-1.

91 minute mark: Shepherd clears the ball to Kelly at midfield. Kelly plays it to the right side of the box.. Palmer races to it.. dribbles to his right.. around the keeper.. has the open net.. shoots it.. over the bar!

Game over. 1-1 tie.

We each had 9 shots. We each had 5 shots on goal.

Greg Kelly wins MoM, 16 of 18 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 2 of 3 headers, 1 interception, 3 runs, 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 10th, 2006 -

Today my scout pointed out a guy named David Morley who was just recently released on a free transfer from Doncaster. The tape and scout impressions make this guy appear like he might be a perfect answer to my recent defensive problems. The guy is rated at DC and DR and would be able to fill in nicely if Black was hurt again as well as provide some relief at DC. He has all of the things I look for in a DC: Good heading ability, decent physical strength, decent pace, good marking, good tackling, and good positioning. I'm going to contact him and see if we can work out a deal.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 11th, 2006 -

Today Guiseley just offered a loan deal from Leigh Wood. I want to sell this guy due to his salary. Guiseley is offering to pay 80% of his wages. This will get the guy some more PT and will relieve some salary, but it could hurt the club if we don't get Morley or a loan DC. I decide I will delay responding for now.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 13th, 2006 -

David Morley had asked for 360 dollars/week. I offered him 300 dollars/week for the next year and a half. He accepted. I see if Guiseley still wants to loan Wood as I find his lack of determination undermines his talent. Morley doesn't appear to have that problem from all of the information that I have. Hopefully, the information is good.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 13th, 2006 -

Guiseley told me they are no longer interested in loaning Wood at this time, as I took too long to get back to them. Although that will hurt the bottom line, I don't mind holding onto Wood as insurance for now.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 14th, 2006 -

Today we travel to play the Stafford Rangers. They are currently in 11th place. We are in 1st place with a 10 point lead on the 2nd place club. Stafford is led by right winger Robert Heath. Craig Wilding has 14 goals and is a dangerous striker. Chris Smith has played solid defense at DC. James Lindley has had a bad streak of games lately in goal. Neil Grayson their 41 year old striker is a dangerous player off the bench.

We have 1 win and 2 ties against them, with a 1-1 tie our last game on my pitch.

It's going to be a wet field and 44 degrees today.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley (time to throw the new guy into the fire - put him alongside my best defender)
DC: Wall
DR: Black (back from injury)
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Wood
S3: Palmer
S4: Dunning (time to get super sub back on bench)
S5: Surey<!-- / message --><!-- sig --><!-- / message --><!-- sig --><!--StartFragment -->

[Eaglesfan27]

10 minute mark: Daniel Edwards dribbles up the left side of the pitch.. he crosses it towards the far post.. Craig Wilding is there.. he heads it by the far post.. it's past Scarsella.. GOAL. Down 1-0 :(

25 minute mark: Wall with a key header to prevent Wilding from receiving another cross.

Half time: Down 1-0.

58 minute mark: Key tackle by Barnard on a Wilding breakaway.

60 minute mark: Wall sends a long ball to Atkins who is trying to break down the field.. he just doesn't have the speed. Chris Smith beats him to the ball and clears it.

65 minute mark: Surey for Atkins, Palmer for Kelly.

75 minute mark: Great header by Morley to prevent Grayson (who came on at 70 minute mark) from getting a good scoring opportunity.

80 minute mark: Despite the opposition keeping 10 men back.. we manage to pass the ball around through 4 different guys: Smyth to Surey to Collett to Palmer to Smyth.. Smyth gets the clean shot from 15 yards left side of the box.. goes for the far post on the angled shot.. past the keeper... it's... just wide.

Game over. 1-0 loss :(

Worse, we were dominated. They controlled time of possession and outshot us 15-5. (3-1 on goal.)

Craig Wilding won MoM, 29 of 33 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 3 of 10 headers, 2 interceptions, 1 run, and 1 goal scored.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 17th, 2006 -

Today Hartlepool offered John Brackstone plus 12,000 dollars. I've also had 3 other less serious offers. I wish all of these vultures would stop trying to pick Scarsella from me.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 21st, 2006 -

Today we host 9th ranked Lancaster City. Despite our loss last game, we are still 10 points ahead of the 2nd placed team. Lancaster's Paul Sparrow is the heart of that team this year. He plays a very strong defensive game. Mark Thornley has been bad in goal as of late. Steve Jones is a creative attacking midfielder. Peter Thompson is a striker who isn't very talented but scores a lot because of grit and determination.

We have 2 wins and a tie against them, with a 3-0 win earlier this season at their place.

We are 5:4 favorites.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley (I hope he steps up more this game)
DC: Shepherd (wall needs rest again - he will probably play every other game)
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey (resting Wright)
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Wood
S3: Palmer
S4: Dunning
S5: Krief

It's a rainy 60 degree day. <!-- / message --><!-- sig --><!-- / message --><!-- sig --><!--StartFragment --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[Eaglesfan27]

16 minute mark: Morley with a big tackle on Peter Thompson to prevent a likely goal.

23 minute mark: Shepherd with a big header.. up the field to Surey.. Surey feeds the ball to Smyth down in the left corner.. Smyth crosses to Kelly. Kelly is alone in the box.. he shoots.. Thornley dives.. Thornley catches the shot cleanly.

27 minute mark: Wright gets the ball from Shepherd.. dribbles towards the left corner of the box.. shoots from 25 yards out.. Thornley saves it easily.

29 minute mark: Wright gets the ball on the left wing.. dribbles it up the field.. past midfield. passes it up to Smyth in the left corner.. Smyth crosses... Kelly gets it in the center of the box.. shoots.. Thornley dives to his right.. tips it.. just wide of the net.

35 minute mark: Farrell gets the ball in the right corner.. he crosses it to Kelly at the near post.. Kelly immediately passes it to Smyth.. Smyth shoots.. Thornley dives.. and catches it.

Halftime: Despite dominating the time of possession and shots (9-1), it's 0-0 at halftime.

59 minute mark: Surey plays a ball into the box.. Kelly gets to it.. shoots from 10 yards.. Thornley smothers the shot.

60 minute mark: I sub in Palmer for Farrell.

Game over. We dominated the action, but Thornley played VERY well in goal.

0-0 tie.

We outshot them 15-1 (9-1 on goal.)

Mark Thornley wins MoM for his 9 saves.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 25th, 2006 -

Hull hired former Macclesfield manager Brian Horton today.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 27th, 2006 -

Yes! Today I finally got an offer on one of my transfer listed players. Moor Green offered 4,000 dollars for Pettinger. They are in the English Conference South in the bottom half of the table. Therefore, I'll be selling him to a relatively non-threanening competitor. Furthermore, the money is better than what I would get if I just let him go at the end of the year, and I'll have his salary off the books.

I agree to the 4,000 dollar deal.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 28th, 2006 -

Hartlepool and Bristol Rovers (both League 1) made offers for Scarsella. One was 6,000 plus John Brackstone (again) and the other was 30,000 dollars plus 20% of next sale. I declined them both. I just hope that Scarsella doesn't end up becoming upset. So far, he says he is happy to stay with Harrogate.

[daedalus]

I see 'em vultures a-circlin', my good man.

What's Scarsella's current value? Have you tried setting his asking price to be fairly high and as 'not for sale'? I'm guessin' you won't quite be in trouble until the offers reaches 6-digits, though.

[MizzouRah]

Excellent read. I had to catch up today. :) You're doing quite well and I hope it continues!

Todd

[Eaglesfan27]

I see 'em vultures a-circlin', my good man.

What's Scarsella's current value? Have you tried setting his asking price to be fairly high and as 'not for sale'? I'm guessin' you won't quite be in trouble until the offers reaches 6-digits, though.
He is currently valued at 24,000, and I've set my asking price to 150,000 ;)

He also has the 1 million release clause which I'm certain will never be triggered. I'm hoping that I can get promoted this season and hold onto him at least that long before I have to let him go. Least then, I should be able to afford an attempt to acquire a new young keeper. Of course, my scout needs to find me a promising keeper like he did with Scarsella ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

Excellent read. I had to catch up today. :) You're doing quite well and I hope it continues!

Todd

Thanks :)

[Eaglesfan27]

January 28th, 2006 -

Despite our tie last match we remain 9 points ahead of the new 2nd place team, Stalybridge. Today we host 9th placed Vauxhall motors. They have Andy White on loan from Crewe and the striker has scored 3 goals in 3 games. Anthony Wright is a dangerous striker alongside him. Alan Griffiths has played fairly well in the midfield. The defense has been average with Mike Kinsella giving up 7 goals in the last 5 games. However, the team recently acquired Matthew Gilks from Rochdale on loan. It will be interesting to see which keeper starts.

We have a 1-1-1 record against them with the tie occurring this season on the road. That was a 1-1 game.

We are heavy 4:5 favorites to win the game.

It's a sunny 46 degree day.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley (I hope he steps up more this game)
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer (trying to give Farrell a wake up call.. 3 "5's" for form in the last 5 games (since signing his new contract.)

S1: Pettinger (transfer hasn't gone through yet.. probably his last game with us.)
S2: Wood
S3: Surey
S4: Dunning
S5: Farrell

S1: Pettinger
S2: Wood
S3: Palmer
S4: Dunning
S5: Krief

[Eaglesfan27]

11 minute mark: Morley intercepts a long pass with a powerful header from our box to about midfield.. Palmer gets it at midfield.. passes it up the field to Smyth.. Smyth races to the ball... runs into the left side of the box.. the keeper comes out to cut down the angle.. Smyth shoots for the far right corner.. it's past the keeper.. heading high.. it's just inside the net! GOAL!!! 1-0

20 minute mark: Morley with a great play to stop a potential Andy White breakaway, strips White of the ball.. plays it up to Smyth. Smyth is running into the box.. Mike Tomlinson the right fullback body checks Smyth!! Smyth is hurt on the ground. Tomlinson gets a.. Yellow card! Yellow!! F#!! A!#%^&! He should have gotten a red. Hopefully, Smyth's injury isn't too bad. I sub in Farrell for Smyth.

41 minute mark: The game has been very chippy.. Atkins just tripped Carl Nesbitt causing him to become injured. No card given.

Halftime: 1-0 lead for us.

51 minute mark: Morley with a nice interception of a pass. Morley passes to Farrell at midfield. Farrell sets up Palmer with a great pass.. Palmer burns his man.. running into the box.. shoots.. Kinsella blocks the shot.. Tomlinson clears the rebound.

62 minute mark: Kelly is tripped by Tomlinson.. no Card!!?! Kelly is hurt.. he is trying to play, but he can't. I sub in Dunning for him.

68 minute mark: Palmer gets a long pass from Wall in the right corner.. centers for Dunning.. Dunning controls the pass.. shoots for the lower left corner.. Kinsella saves it.

85 minute mark: Atkins steals the ball at midfield.. passes it to the right corner.. Palmer gets to it.. he dribbles two steps towards midfield.. he centers the ball towards the far post for Andrew Wright! Wright has come from his left winger position to attack the goal.. Wright heads the long crossing pass.. into the goal.. GOAL!!! 2-0.

92 minute mark: Wright steals the ball at midfield.. he passes to Dunning who is 30 yards out.. Dunning passes to Palmer who is at the right edge of the box.. Palmer immediately gives it back to Dunning with a crisp pass. Dunning is 20 yards out.. shoots for the lower right corner.. Kinsella dives.. he can't get to it... GOAL!!!! 3-0 That is Dunning's first goal ever for Harrogate!

Game over. 3-0 win for us.

We outshot them 14-9. (8-3 on goal)

Palmer wins MoM. 19 of 22 passes, 0 of 0 tackles, 0 of 5 headers, 3 interceptions, 3 runs, 3 assists!

[SirFozzie]

You may want to criticise him to the press, or give him an official warning if he continues to play below a 6.

that's some bad bad play...

[Eaglesfan27]

Post match info:

Farrell picked up a yellow card during this last game which was his 5th. As a result, he has received a ban for the next game.

Smyth hurt his thigh, but the physio believes he will be 100% in the next few days.

Kelly bruised his ribs, but he should be ready to go in a day or two.

Bill Fotherby continues to look absolutely giddy after our wins. He is gushing to the press about the team.

Wow.. after the game, I had a message from Hyde United's manager. He is offering 20,000 dollars plus 25% of next sale on Leigh Wood. I'm taking a chance on letting this talented youngster go, but his lack of determination and work ethic really bothers me. I decide to accept this offer.

[Eaglesfan27]

You may want to criticise him to the press, or give him an official warning if he continues to play below a 6.

that's some bad bad play...
Believe me, the thought has crossed my mind. I'm going to bench him for at least a game or two (well perhaps longer if Palmer keeps playing like he just did this last game.) Hopefully, this benching will be a wake up call. He did have a 7 this last game off the bench.

[Eaglesfan27]

January 29th, 2006 -

Southend (20th in League 2) has fired Steve Tilson. A major news outlet states that Southend wants to hire me to lead the team. A reporter from the outlet called me and asked for a comment. I consider telling him "no comment" but I decide to put this rumor to rest immediately. I tell him that I'm not interested in the job.

[thealmighty]

With always turning down job offers, are there offers you would take, or are looking for? Are you staying put no matter what?

[Eaglesfan27]

January 30th, 2006 -

Mr. Fotherby made an official comment to the media that he was delighted that I reaffirmed my committment to the club by removing myself from consideration for the Southend job. He said that he sees our club rising to great heights with me as manager.

The players also seem more chipper.

Also today, I was informed that Pettinger has agreed to sign a deal with Moor Green and go play for them. This was in doubt as Pettinger has made it quite clear that he really didn't want to leave some of his friends on the team. Ultimately, the promise of first team football seemed to convince him that Moor Green was the right place for him. We finalized the deal and Mr. Fotherby eagerly deposited the 4,000 dollar check in the team's bank account.

Also, Leigh Wood agreed on a new deal with Hyde United. That transaction has been confirmed, and we expect the check for 20,000 dollars to arrive by 5:00 PM today.

[Eaglesfan27]

With always turning down job offers, are there offers you would take, or are looking for? Are you staying put no matter what?
Well at the beginning of this dynasty, I said that I was going to stay until either Manchester United, Arsenal, or Chelsea offered me a job. I'm going to amend that list by saying I might leave should Hull ever offer me a job. Otherwise, I'm fairly certain that I won't be tempted to take any other jobs.

If I am fired, then I of course will consider all jobs but only if it is a higher division than where I am currently.

[SirFozzie]

Umm... if you're fired, you won't have any division, right? :D

[Eaglesfan27]

Umm... if you're fired, you won't have any division, right? :D
You are more of a smart ass than the average bear ;)

I meant to say I will only go to a club in a higher league than where the team was when I was fired ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

January 31st, 2006 -

Today we are 11 points ahead of 2 second place clubs. We travel to play 16th ranked Droylsden. They are trying to raise their fortunes with several good loan players. Jon Cartledge is on loan from Bury and he has been their most consistent DC. Graham Potter is a talented left fullback on loan from Macclesfield. Craig Mawson is on loan from Oldham and has been playing well in goal lately. David Cameron has provided most of the scoring punch with 13 goals.

We've played this team 5 times (twice last year in the 4th round of the FA trophy) and we have a lifetime record of 2 wins and 3 ties against them. Our home match against this year ended in a 1-1 tie.

We are 5:4 favorites to win this match.

It's a muddy 38 degree day with rain continuing throughout the day.

Lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth (ok from injury only 3 days after it occurred)
SC: Palmer

S1: Buxton (backup keeper moves onto sub list with Pettinger's departure.)
S2: Curtis (backup veteran defender moves onto sub list with Wood's departure.)
S3: Surey
S4: Dunning
S5: Turley (Farrell is banned for this match.)

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Collett is checked hard by Avery. Collett is screaming in agony. He will have to be replaced. I remember Turley playing ok at right wing before, so I sub him in. (I really want to show his ability and hopefully get an offer before his contract expires in a few months.)

11 minute mark: Scarsella with a save of a shot by Cameron. Quick kick to Kelly at midfield.. two dribbles.. pass between two defenders to Palmer.. he is streaking down the field.. dribbles into the right portion of the box.. keeper is trying to cut down the angle.. shoots for the left corner.. it's past the keeper.... just barely wide.

13 minute mark: Black with a great tackle on Cameron to prevent a scoring opportunity.

16 minute mark: Steve Brodie gets the ball in our right corner.. he centers with a very crisp pass to Cameron by the near post.. Cameron heads it.. into the upper right corner.. goal. Down 1-0.

21 minute mark: Brodie gets the ball on the right corner of our box.. unleashes a powerful shot.. Scarsella easily saves it.

25 minute mark: Atkins steals the ball at midfield.. passes it wide to Turley.. Turley takes a few steps and passes to Kelly who is at the center of the field about 25 yards from goal.. Kelly passes to Palmer.. Palmer draws two defenders to him.. inside the box.. passes between them.. Kelly gets the ball at about 10 yards out.. shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper doesn't have a chance.. GOAL!!!!! 1-1.

31 minute mark: Brodie gets teh ball in the right corner... centers for Cameron.. he heads it.. into the crossbar. Wall clears the rebound.

Halftime: 1-1.

48 minute mark: Wall intercepts the ball deep in our zone. He passes to Palmer at midfield.. Palmer immediately sends it towards the left corner of the box for Smyth.. Smyth speeds past the defenders.. gets to the ball.. dribbles towards the left post a few steps.. shoots from 15 yards out.. the keeper has played the far post where Smyth usually shoots it.. Smyth shoots for the near (left) corner.. the keeper dives.. it's past him.. GOAL!!!! 2-1.

50 minute mark: Brodie centers for Cameron.. Scarsella deflects the shot.. Mick O'Brien beats Morley to the rebound.. O'Brien shoots for the upper left corner.. Scarsella has no chance to recover.. it's past him... into the net.. GOAL. 2-2 tie.

52 minute mark: Paul Challinor comes into Kelly with a wicked two legged tackle. Kelly is tackled just outside the box. The ref reaches into his card.. give Challinor a red card! He is ejected. Mick O'Brien is furious.. he argues.. yellow card for him. Atkins takes the free kick.. blazes it through a crack in the wall.. it just whistles over the crossbar.

60 minute mark: Atkins intercepts it at midfield.. passes to Kelly who is 35 yards out.. he passes it to the right corner.. Palmer gets to it.. he crosses it to the far post for Smyth. The keeper tries to intercept the pass. Mawson misplays it. It reaches Smyth.. he has the wide open net.. he buries the shot! GOAL!!! 3-2 (that is another 3 assist game for Palmer!)

65 minute mark: Surey on for Atkins and Dunning on for the tired Kelly.

79 minute mark: Palmer passes it into the box for Dunning.. Dunning is about to shoot.. he looks like he is tripped by Cartledge.. no.. he gets called for Diving.. Yellow card for Dunning.

81 minute mark: Morley gets a yellow card for a trip on Cameron. Fortunately, it occurred outside the box.

86 minute mark: Cameron gets the ball inside the right edge of the box.. shoots from 15 yards.. Scarsella with a nice save.

90 minute mark: Barnard with a good tackle on Brodie. Barnard passes it up to Wright. Wright passes to Dunning who is at the left edge of the box.. Dunning dribbles towards the left post.. draws a defender.. he passes around the defender.. Mawson tries to intercept the pass.. he misses it.. Palmer gets the ball at the far post.. quick kick.. slams it into the back of the net.. GOAL!!!! 4-2!

Game over. 4-2 win for us.

We were outshot 15-13. (6 on target shots for both teams)

Palmer had 3 assists and a goal which earned him a 10 for form, but Turley won MoM at right wing! Turley also had a 10 for form, 24 of 27 passes, 5 of 5 tackles, 2 of 4 headers, 4 interceptions, 3 runs. I'm a little surprised, but glad to see Turley perform well and perhaps interest some teams..

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Benjamin Collett has severely strained an ankle ligament. He will require 3-4 weeks of physiotherapy to help him recover.

Stuart Wall is fatigued again and will need to sit out the next game.

[Eaglesfan27]

Febuary 1st, 2006 -

Mr. Fotherby called me into his office and told me that he wants to sign me to a new long term deal and that he is delighted at my management of the club. I told him that I'd be glad to listen to his offer and that I want to stay with the club for the long haul.

[Eaglesfan27]

Febuary 4th, 2006 -

Today we are in 1st place by 11 points and we travel to play the team that has sole possesion of 2nd place, Stalybridge. Stalybridge is led by right fullback Nathan D'Laryea and midfield Kevin Parr. Parr has 12 goals on the season and is the leading midfielder scorer in the league. Damien Hindle has been the team's leading scorer among strikers with 9 goals, but Chris Denham and Phil Eastwood each have 8 goals from the striker position. Tommy Lee has played very well in goal, and has 15 cleansheets on the year.

Stalybridge are 6:4 favorites to win this match at home.

They tied us 0-0 this year, and beat us in both games last year.

It's a wet, muddy, 51 degree day.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Shepherd
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Turley (earned a start at Right wing with his last performance)
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer (earns the start with 2 fantastic starts in the last 2 games.)

S1: Buxton
S2: Curtis
S3: Surey
S4: Dunning
S5: Farrell

[Eaglesfan27]

13 minute mark: Shepherd with a big intervention in our box on Denham. Kelly gets the ball.. passes it up the field to Atkins. Atkins is 15 yards ahead of the defender.. dribbling towards the box.. he just doesn't have the legs.. he is caught from behind as the defender quickly closes the gap and tackles the ball clear.

21 minute mark: Calcutt takes the corner.. Shepherd tries to clear it but he heads it back to Calcutt. Calcutt passes a high pass aiming for the far post.. Gregg Pearce is by the far post.. he outjumps Palmer.. heads it.. it's past Scarsella.. Goal. We are down 1-0. That is Pearce's first goal of the year.

24 minute mark: Turley gets the ball from Atkins on the right wing.. dribbles it up the pitch.. passes to Palmer in the right corner.. he centers for Kelly at the near post.. Kelly settles it quickly.. shoots for the near (right) upper corner.. it's in the back of the net!! GOAL!!!!!!!! 1-1.

31 minute mark: Shepherd gets called for a trip on Denham in our box.. Penalty shot awarded :(.... Calcutt steps up to take it.. Drills it towards the left lower corner.. it hits the post.. and bounces in. Goal. Down 2-1.

33 minute mark: Wright gets the ball on the left wing after our guys pass the ball around a bit. Wright dribbles up the left side of the field.. he centers to the near post for Kelly.. Kelly misses the pass and can't control it. It bounces past him and past the keeper towards the far post.. Palmer gets it.. slams it into the open net!!!! GOAL!!!! 2-2! For the second time, we immediately counter a goal with a goal.

45 minute mark: Shepherd intercepts the ball deep in our zone. He passes to Atkins at midfield. Atkins immediately passes it accurately to Kelly at the edge of the box. Kelly dribbles to his left.. into the box.. the keeper comes out to cut down the angle. Kelly dribbles around the keeper.. shoots .. into the open net.. GOAL!!! 3-2.

Halftime: We are up 3-2.

54 minute mark: Atkins steals the ball at midfield on an errant pass. He dribbles one step and passes to Palmer on the right wing.. Palmer dribbles up the right sideline.. puts a move on the defender to give himself a clear passing lane.. crosses towards Kelly at the center of the box.. Kelly dives and heads the ball.. towards the left corner .. the keeper can't get to it.. it's in the net.. GOAL!!! 4-2!! That is Kelly's hattrick! (as well as Palmer's second assist.)

66 minute mark: Farrell in for the tired Smyth. Surey in for the tired Atkins.

72 minute mark: Scarsella saves a shot from Hindle.. kicks it very long.. it bounces down the field.. Palmer is running with D'Laryea. Palmer manages to position his body to cut D'Laryea off. He dribbles to his right.. shoots for the right corner.. past Tommy Lee.. GOAL!!! 5-2! That's Palmer's 2nd goal.

Game over. 5-2 win for us against our nearest competitor!

We outshot them 15-7. (9-3 on goal)

Greg Kelly wins MoM with a 10 for form, 20 of 22 passes, 5 of 5 tackles, 4 of 6 headers, 1 interception, 2 runs, and 3 goals.

Palmer had a 9 for form with 2 goals and 2 assists. I decide that Palmer has earned some praise. I'm going to talk to the media after the game and tell them how happy I am with Palmer's play.

[Eaglesfan27]

Febuary 6th, 2006 -

Fans are writing in droves praising my praise of Palmer. They all agree that he has been sensational recently.

[Eaglesfan27]

Febuary 7th, 2006 -

Walsall (top of league 2) just offered Jonathan Harkness, a young DL, and 12,000 dollars for Scarsella. I'm turning them down.

[Eaglesfan27]

Febuary 10th, 2006 -

Grimsby (5th in League 2) has offered Dean Gordon, a 33 year old left winger, and 8,000 dollars for Scarsella. I decline this offer as well.

[Eaglesfan27]

Febuary 11th, 2006 -

We are currently 2/3 of the way through the season and our record is 17wins, 9 draws, and 2 losses. We are currently 14 points ahead of 2nd place Halifax. Today we host 19th place Hinckley. Hinckley has been hit HARD by injuries, and they will be without 6 of their best players today. The injured include star strikers Nathan Lamey (torn knee tendons) and Ramon Calliste (sprained ankle.) Matthew Trevett, their best midfielder is out for a week or 2 with a strained groin. Jake Sedgemore, their top defender, is out for two weeks with a sprained ankle. Tyrone Mintus a backup defender is out for 2-3 weeks with back spasms. Leon Jenkins a backup right fullback is out for 3 days with a thigh injury. They barely have enough healthy men to field a team. Their main threat on the field is backup striker Matt Lewis.

Not surprisingly, we are even odds favorites to win.

We have a 1 win, 2 tie, and 1 loss record against them. Our most recent match with them we lost in the 1st round of the English FA Trophy. We beat them 1-0 on the road this year in conference play.

It's a slightly overcast 35 degree day.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Turley (continues to play right wing well)
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer (playing great)

S1: Buxton
S2: Curtis
S3: Surey
S4: Dunning
S5: Farrell<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[Eaglesfan27]

For the first 25 minutes, we dominate ball possession but can't get any good scoring opportunities as they play 10 men back at all times.

26 minute mark: They finally go on the offensive after stealing the ball from Smyth.. they send it long to Matt Lewis. Wall easily dispossesses him of the ball. Wall passes to Palmer who takes it up the right side of the field. Palmer dribbles into the right corner of the box.. shoots.. Stuart Tomlinson deflects the shot to the left wing.. Smyth gets to it.. he can't shoot from where he is at without a severe angle.. he centers for Kelly in the box.. Kelly gets it.. shoots for the upper left corner.. Tomlinson can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. That is Kelly's 20th goal of the year.

Halftime: 1-0 lead for us.

57 minute mark: Wall with a nice intervetion on an attempt to get Lewis the ball in our box.

59 minute mark: Wright gets called for a trip on Richard Lavery.. Yellow card for Wright.

61 minute mark: Barnard gets called for a trip on Matt Lewis inside the box.. Penalty shot awarded :(... David Nugent takes the penalty kick.. shoots to the right side of the net.. Scarsella dives to his left.. he can't get to it.. goal. 1-1.

66 minute mark: Surey for the tired Atkins.

81 minute mark: Michael Alexis bodychecks Mark Smyth. Smyth looks hurt. Alexis gets a yellow card. Smyth has to come off. Farrell goes on the pitch.

Game over. 1-1 tie.

We outshot them 8-4 (4-2 on goal)

Andrew Wright won MoM, 21 of 28 passing, 1 of 6 tackles, 3 of 10 headers, 1 interception, 1 run.

[Eaglesfan27]

Febuary 11th, 2006 -

Mick Hickman has been fired by Port Vale (currently 7th in league 2) and the media believes that I'm the top candidate. They are calling my home asking for a comment. I decide to release a comment that I'm not interested in the job.

Word among my peers is that my reputation is growing and I'm no longer considered an obscure manager. There is also word among my peers that they respect my loyalty to the team and my players.

[Eaglesfan27]

Febuary 18th, 2006 -

Morale on the team is superb. We are in 1st place by 12 points and we are traveling to face 10th place Burscough today. Danny Harrison is on loan from Tranmere and he has been dominating in English Conference North play the last 5 games. Iain Swan has played very well at DC this year. Darren Connell has been the main scoring threat for the team and he has 10 goals on the year. Keeper David Blower has been inconsistent lately.

We beat them 3-0 at home in our only match with them ever this year.

We are 6:4 favorites.

It's a sunny pleasant 55 degree day.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Shepherd
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Turley
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Buxton
S2: Curtis
S3: Surey
S4: Dunning
S5: Farrell<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[Eaglesfan27]

25 minute mark: Morley with the header of a long pass into our zone.. he sends it to Atkins.. Atkins sends it towards the left corner.. Smyth gets to it.. he centers it for Kelly who takes it inside the box... shoots.. into the right upper corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

44 minute mark: Morley with a big tackle on Connell inside our box.

Half time: Up 1-0.

54 minute mark: Atkins steals the ball at midfield.. passes it to Kelly who is just right of the box.. Kelly dribbles two steps.. passes to Smyth who is on the left side of the box.. Smyth shoots.. aiming for the lower left corner.. it hits the post.. bounces back.. Iain Swan clears the rebound.

63 minute mark: Atkins steals it at midfield.. passes to Kelly 15 yards in front of him.. Kelly passes it to Smyth at the left edge of the box.. Smyth shoots.. Blower saves it.

70 minute mark: Surey in for the tired Atkins, and Dunning in for Kelly.

75 minute mark: Scarsella with a key save of a Connell point blank shot.

80 minute mark: Dunning intercepts it at midfield.. he plays the ball into the right side of the box.. Palmer gets to it.. he dribbles towards the right post.. draws the defender and the keeper towards him.. passes it towards the far post.. Smyth is there.. the pass sails between the keeper and the defender.. it gets to Smyth.. heads it into the back of the net.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

Game over. 2-0 win. Another steak dinner for Scarsella.

They outshot us 13-9 (5-4 on target in their favor)

Scarsella wins MoM.

[Eaglesfan27]

Immediately after the game, several reporters gathered around me. They informed that Wrexham (13th in League 2) had fired Denis Smith. They believe that I'm the top target for the job. They asked for a comment. I told them that I was not interested in the job, and that I was dedicated to Harrogate.

They also asked for a comment about all of the pundits who said that the club was heading for a midtable finish at the beginning of the season. I decided to take the high road, and not comment for that story other than to say that I was happy with my team's performance.

[Eaglesfan27]

Febuary 21st, 2006 -

Today we are in 1st place by 12 points. We are hosting 6th place Worksop. Worksop's left full back Kevin Davies has been playing very well the past week. Striker Dene Cropper has been on fire lately with 6 goals in his last 3 games. He has 18 on the season. Their main keeper, Peter Keen, is out on a suspension for fighting last game. Kristian Rogers will have to start against us and he let up 3 goals in his only start this year.

We are even odds favorites.

We have 2 wins and a tie against them in past meetings. Our most recent match resulted in a 4-0 win for us on the road.
GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett (freshly back from his injury)
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Buxton
S2: Curtis
S3: Surey
S4: Dunning
S5: Farrell

[Eaglesfan27]

36 minute mark: Wright intercepts the pass at midfield.. he sends a beautiful pass down the field to the very edge of the box.. where it dies.. the keeper rushes out to it.. Palmer rushes to it.. Palmer beats him to it.. Palmer takes one dribble with the ball to the right.. the keeper is out of position after racing for the ball. Palmer shoots at the open net.. GOAL!!!!! 1-0.

38 minute mark: Palmer has a breakaway.. Mark Haran trips him from behind with a nasty two footed technique. The ref calls him over.. RED card!! He is out of here.

1-0 at half time.

66 minute mark: Farrell in for the tired Smyth, Surey in for Atkins.

71 minute mark: Worksop hits us on the counter attack as Peacock has it in the right corner.. he centers for Adam Muller a talented young striker who has come on for Cropper. Muller is by the far post.. he heads it.. into the net. GOAL. 1-1 tie.

91 minute mark: Peacock gets angry and starts shoving Andrew Wright.. RED card! Peacock is gone!

Game over. 1-1 tie.

We outshot them 15-7, but only 2-1 for shots on goal.

Andrew Wright wins MoM with 27 of 38 passes, 0 tackles, 1 of 2 headers, 1 interception, 4 runs, and 1 assist.

[Eaglesfan27]

Febuary 25th, 2006 -

After our tie last match, we are now only 11 points ahead of the 2nd place team. There are 11 games left on the schedule. Today we travel to play 21st ranked Altrincham. Altrincham has gotten a recent boost from newly borrowed midfielder David Mannix from Liverpool. He helped guide them to their first win in 12 games last match. They also have Adam Cottrell, a right fullback on loan from Charlton, and he has stabilized the defense recently. Rod Thornley is still the main scoring threat and he has 15 goals on the season. Stuart Coburn has been bad in goal, but in his defense the defense has played fairly poorly in front of him most of the season.

Interestingly, the oddsmakers have Altrincham as 5:4 favorites!

We have 1 win, 1 tie, and 1 loss against them with the win being a 3-0 contest at home earlier this year.

It's a sunny 51 degree day.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Turley
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Buxton
S2: Curtis
S3: Surey
S4: Dunning
S5: Farrell

[Eaglesfan27]

10 minute mark: Intricate series of passes from Altrincham ends up with Thornley having the ball wide open in the center of our box.. he shoots for the lower right corner.. Scarsella dives.. and catches it! Nice save!

24 minute mark: Scarsella with a nice save on a shot by Thornley.. he kicks it long.. Kelly gets it.. dribbles into the box.. tries to go left around the keeper.. the keeper backpedals and maintains position.. Kelly shoots.. the keeper tips it.. wide of the net.

28 minute mark: Collett with a fancy pass from the right wing between two defenders to Kelly at the right corner of the box.. Kelly shoots for the right corner of the goal.. it's.... just wide.. into the side netting.

Adrian Viveash is repeatedly coming back and stopping Smyth and Palmer from getting breakaways.

Halftime: 0-0.

65 minute mark: Surey on for Atkins, Farrell on for Palmer.

88 minute mark: Surey intercepts it at midfield.. passes it to Kelly at the edge of the box.. Kelly draws the defender.. sends a crisp pass to Farrell on the right side of the box.. he has open net.. he shoots.. over the bar.

Game over. 0-0 tie. Interesting to see two defenders who had excellent speed and generally shut down our breakaway attacks.

We both had 6 shots. We both had 3 shots on goal.

Stuart Coburn won MoM.

[Eaglesfan27]

Febuary 27th, 2006 -

I missed the match on TV, but Manchester United beat Tottenham 1-0 to win the English League Cup. Giggs assisted to Ruud van Nistelrooy for the only goal of the match.

[Eaglesfan27]

Febuary 28th, 2006 -

Despite my telling the media I wasn't interested, Wrexham's chairman Alex Hamilton just offered me the job. He feels that I'm the "perfect guy to lead them back into competition for the league title." He notes that I would only have a 6,000 dollar transfer budget due to debt. Also, I'd have to reduce the 30,000 dollar wage budget some. I look at my measley 3,600 dollar wage budget and consider it for a second. However, I tell him that I'm happy with my current situation and good luck with his search.

[Eaglesfan27]

March 3rd, 2006 -

Today Mark Atkins strained his neck in practice. He will miss at least a week.

[Eaglesfan27]

March 4th, 2006 -

With 10 games left, we are in 1st place by 10 points. Today we host Gateshead which is in 8th place. David Morgan has played excellent defense at left fullback for them. Arran Lee-Barrett has played very good in goal for the team. David Colvin and Ryan Peters are the main two strikers and they each have 8 goals on the season.

We beat them 2-0 earlier in the year in our only match ever.

We are 5:4 favorites

It's raining hard today. The temperature is 61 degrees.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Shepherd
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey (for the injured Atkins)
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Buxton
S2: Curtis
S3: Turley
S4: Dunning
S5: Farrell

[Eaglesfan27]

37 minute mark: Smyth draws two defenders to him in the left side of the box, after receiving a great pass from Collett. Smyth passes to Kelly who is in the center of the box.. Kelly shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. and catches it.

0-0 at the half.

49 minute mark: Shepherd intercepts a pass deep in our zone. Shepherd passes it to Surey at midfield.. Surey passes to Kelly who is about 25 yards from the goal.. Kelly passes it to Palmer in the right corner of the field.. Palmer centers it for Smyth at the far post.. the keeper tries to intercept it but misses it.. Smyth heads the ball.. into the open net! GOAL!!! 1-0.

67 minute mark: Morley with a yellow card for a trip on Ryan Peters.

70 minute mark: Dunning on for the tired Kelly. Farrell on for the tired Palmer.

85 minute mark: Shepherd heads a ball from our box to Smyth at midfield... Smyth passes to Farrell who is 10 yards ahead of him.. Farrell dribbles past a defender.. keeps dribbling up the field.. dribbles past another defender.. around a third.. the keeper comes out to meet him as he enters the box.. Farrell shoots for the lower right corner on the narrow angle shot.. It's past the keeper... it's in the net!! GOAL!!!! 2-0! What an individual effort by Farrell!

Game over. 2-0 win for us.

We outshot them 12-3 (5-1 on goal)

Mark Smyth wins MoM, 9 of 12 passes, 3 of 5 tackles, 2 of 3 headers, 1 interception, 2 runs, 1 assist, and 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Game info: Our nearest competitor tied. So, we are now 12 points ahead of our competition with 9 games to go. That means our magic number is 5 more wins! (we are way ahead on Goal Differential which is the first tie breaker)

[Eaglesfan27]

March 11th, 2006 -

We are in 1st place by 12 points. Today we travel to play Hucknall who are in 17th place. They are led by the tandem strikers, Leon McSweeney and Danny Bacon who have 13 and 10 goals respectively. Paul Mitchell has been a catalyst in the midfield. Keeper play has been a problem for this team all year long, and Robert Brook has recently taken over as the primary keeper. He has given up 7 goals in 3 games.

We have a 2-1-1 career record against them with a 3-0 win this year.

We are even odds favorites.

Today their are gale force winds with driving rain. It's 50 degrees out.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Shepherd (Wall injured his ribs in practice yesterday)
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey (in for the injured Atkins)
MR: Turley (giving him another start to try to provoke interest - also he has played very well in the position.)
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Buxton
S2: Curtis
S3: Collett
S4: Dunning
S5: Farrell

[Eaglesfan27]

4 minute mark: Birch steals it deep in our zone.. he passes to Gary Birch who is getting his first start at Striker today.. Birch shoots for the lower right corner with a quick shot.. Scarsella dives... it's in the back of the net.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

9 minute mark: Turley gets a yellow card for a trip on Paul Mitchell.

12 minute mark: Turley intercepts the ball on the wing.. he sends it down the pitch to the corner.. Palmer races to it.. gets it.. dribbles past a man.. centers for Kelly.. Kelly heads it... into the goal!! GOAL!!!!! 1-1.

14 minute mark: Turley collides with Paul Mitchell... Mitchell is injured.. he will have to leave the game.

19 minute mark: Black intercepts a long pass in our own zone.. he sends it deep down the field to Palmer who gets it inside the right edge of the box.. Palmer holds.. holds.. centers for Kelly who is 10 yards to his left.. Kelly hits the half volley.. into the goal... GOAL!!!! 2-1.

36 minute mark: Shepherd intercepts the pass deep in our box.. heads it to Barnard.. Barnard passes up to Wright.. Wright passes it up the left sideline to Smyth.. Smyth centers for Kelly.. he is by the far post.. he heads it.. into the net!!! GOAL!!!! 3-1! Kelly has his hattrick in the 1st half!

44 minute mark: Mark Smith pushes Surey.. Smith gets a yellow card.

Halftime: 3-1 us.

48 minute mark: McSweeney bodychecks Kelly.. Kelly looks hurt. McSweeney is given a yellow card.. McSweeney argues with the ref.. second yellow card.. he is out of here! On the ensuing free kick from 30 yards out... Surey passes it up the field to Morley.. Morley gets the ball at the edge of the box.. he shoots.. it deflects off a defender's body.. into the net! GOAL!!! Morley's first goal! 4-1. I sub in Dunning for the injured Kelly.

62 minute mark: I sub in Collett for the tired Turley.

91 minute mark: Palmer steals a pass from the left fullback to the keeper.. he dribbles it into the box.. dribbles to his right.. shoots for the upper left corner.. it's past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 5-1.

Game over. 5-1 win for us.

We outshot them 12-9 (8-2 on goal.)

Kelly wins MoM despite only playing a half. 3 of 5 passes, 2 of 2 tackles, 2 of 3 headers, and 3 goals.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post match info: Stalybridge lost their match, allowing Halifax to creep into 2nd. We are now 14 points ahead of the 2nd place team with 8 games to go. 4 wins will guarantee the title at this point. Our record is 20 wins, 12 draws, and 2 losses for a total of 72 points. Coincidentally, we have scored 72 goals on the year which is 1st in the league. We have only given up 19 league goals which is also good for 1st in the league. The differential of +53 is 1st by a wide margin with Stalybridge being second with a +17 goal differential.

[Eaglesfan27]

March 14th, 2006 -

Today we host 19th place Northwich. Northwich has been led by Strikers George Glegg and Mark Quayle who each have 12 goals. Peter Handyside has solidifed the middle of the defense this year. Liam Richardson has played reasonably well in goal.

Northwich beat us 1-0 at their place earlier this year in our only matchup ever.

It's odd that Northwich are heavy 4:5 favorites to win.

It's a muddy 56 degree day.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Shepherd
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Turley
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Buxton
S2: Hunter
S3: Collett
S4: Dunning
S5: Farrell

[Eaglesfan27]

27 minute mark: Surey intercepts the ball at midfield.. he sends it to Palmer.. Palmer dribbles into the right side of the box.. he draws two defenders over.. passes around them both... to Kelly who is at the center of the box.. shoots from 10 yards out.. upper left corner... the keeper can't get to it.. GOAL!!! 1-0! That is Kelly's 25th goal of the year.

38 minute mark: Palmer gets the ball at midfield.. dribbles past a defender.. around another defender.. into the right side of the box.. he passes towards Kelly on his left.. the defender intercepts it with a header that puts it over the goal.. Corner kick.. Turley takes it.. aims for the near post.. Wright jumps by the near post.. he heads it.. into the goal! GOAL!!!!!!! 2-0 :)

42 minute mark: Surey intercepts it at midfield.. he plays a great ball to the right corner.. Palmer gets to it.. dribbles around a man.. centers for Kelly.. Handyside heads it away.

Halftime: 2-0 lead for us.

51 minute mark: Turley gets the ball on the right wing.. dribbles it up the right side of the field.. crosses for Kelly.. Handyside jumps.. whistle.. he gets called for unfairly jumping with Kelly! Penalty shot awarded! Shepherd takes the penalty shot.. he steps up quickly.. shoots.. lower right corner.. the keeper dives.. he can't get to it.. GOAL!!! 3-0

71 minute mark: Dunning on for Kelly, Farrell on for Smyth, Hunter on for Wright.

75 minute mark: Nice series of passes get Robert Senior the ball in the left corner of our box.. he centers for Gregg. He is at the center of the box.. shoots for the left corner.. it hits the post and clangs into the net.. GOAL. Up 3-1.

Game over. 3-1 win for us.

We outshot them 9-5 (6-4 on goal)

Turley wins MoM, 15 of 20 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 2 of 2 headers, 2 interceptions, 3 runs, and 1 assist.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Stalybridge and Halifax both lost. Accrington moves into 2nd with 59 points. We now have 75 and are 16 points ahead of them. With 7 games to go, our magic number is now down to 2 wins!

[Eaglesfan27]

March 16th, 2006 -

Notts County (15th in League 2) has offered me a job as manager of the club. They wold make available 20,000 for transfers, and I could keep the wage budget around 30,000/week (which is where it is now.)

I politely decline the offer.

[Eaglesfan27]

March 18th, 2006 -

Today we travel to play 3rd ranked Halifax. They are a versatile team that has had plenty of goals from midfielders, forwards, and even quite a few from one defender. Steve Bushell has 6 goals from the midfield, and has played a good all around game. Steve Basham has 14 goals from the forward spot. Adam Quinn has played solid defense and even chipped in 2 goals. Craig Perry has been average at best in goal, and has really been helped by a defense that plays well in front of him. I think if we gets shots on him, he'll crack like a nut.

Shocklingly, Halifax is 1:2 favorites. They tied us 1-1 in our only meeting ever earlier in the year.

It's going to be a muddy day. Temperatures should be in the mid 60's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Buxton
S2: Hunter
S3: Surey
S4: Dunning
S5: Farrell

[Eaglesfan27]

6 minute mark: Barnard intercepted the ball in our zone.. plays a long ball towards the left corner.. Smyth gets to it.. centers for Kelly who is in the middle of the box.. Kelly heads it.. it deflects off the defender.. into the goal! GOAL!!! 1-0!

33 minute mark: Bushell passes the ball into the box for Basham.. Basham shoots from 10 yards out.. Scarsella smothers the shot.

42 minute mark: I note that Barnard has repeatedly been thwarting attempts to attack by the opposition.. really great play from Barnard.

1-0 at the half.

48 minute mark: Barnard with another interception of a pass in our zone.. he sends it down the right side of the field... it's heading towards the end line.. Palmer is racing to it.. he just reaches it before it goes out of bounds.. he settles.. centers for Smyth who is by the far post.. Perry tries to intercept the pass but misses it.. Smyth heads it.. into the goal!!!! GOAL!!!!!!!! 2-0.

63 minute mark: Surey on for Atkins who is very tired, Farrell for Smyth, and Hunter for Wright.

75 minute mark: Morley heads a pass away to Surey at midfield.. Surey passes to Hunter on the left wing.. Hunter dribbles quickly up the field.. into the box.. one step.. passes to Palmer who is by the far (right) post.. Palmer kicks it immediately.. slams it into the net.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

80 minute mark: Foster takes the corner kick.. he sends it towards the near post.. Denny Ingram outjumps Wall.. Ingram heads it.. GOAL. 3-1.

90 minute mark: Kirk Hilton takes a free kick from their own half.. he sends a ball into the box that Wall misplays.. Ryan Sugden gets the ball in the box as a result.. he shoots.. lower left corner.. Scarsella is shocked that it made it to Sugden.. he tries to react.. but too late.. GOAL. 3-2.

Game over. 3-2 win!

They outshot us 19-11 (6-5 on goals)

Palmer wins MoM, 18 of 21 passes, 6 of 7 tackles, 1 of 3 headers, 4 runs, 1 assist, 1 goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info: We've secured a playoff spot at the bare minimum. Furthermore, with our win Accrington's tie, we are now 18 points ahead of our nearest competitor with 6 games to go! This means with the tie breaker we are virtually assured of winning the league. With 1 more win or tie, we should officially be declared the league champion!

[condors]

congrats!

[Dawgfan1980]

Keep kickin some ass Eagles! One day, I hope to score 56 goals in two years, much less have a goal differential that high!

[SirFozzie]

You know, I think we need to censure Eaglesfan27 for getting to the point where he needs one more point to clinch the championship and promotion...

and then leaving us hanging.

Boo!

Boo I say! :D

Seriously, great job, Eaglesfan27, enjoying the read ;)

[jbmagic]

when u win the division, what happens? do you get promoted to another league? is there playoffs to be played?

if you do get promoted to another league, what happens there if you win it all ?

thanks

[BreizhManu]

When you win you always clinch automatic promotion (well maybe not in some asian leagues/ Brasil or Belgium D3), in most leagues the top 2/3 get promoted automatically without playing a playoff.

An if you win it all after being promoted you get promoted again or you're national champion (if it's the top division of the country), in Eaglesfan27 case, he would play in Conference (from where he could promote to League 2 -> League 1 -> Championship -> Premiership).

[BreizhManu]

Dola

e.g : I'm currently in Scotland with Stenhousemuir, last season we won Scottish D3 and got promoted to D2 (top 2 were promoted), this season we're leading D2 (top 2 promote) and if we win it we'll play in D1 (only the champion promotes to the Premiership) next season

[Desnudo]

(OOC) Most of the 1st half details were obscured by my wife sitting next to me on the couch and asking, "How is this fun?" "It's just a bunch of bubbles chasing down a little bubble!" She then asked, "why aren't your bubbles chasing the little bubble?" (when my defender Curtis was missing a play on the ball) Most of the 1st half was uneventful, but I started saying "GOAAAAL!!" when Smyth finally hit Kelly with a cross for a goal.. she looked at me like I was crazy. She had to leave for work after that point, and she said, "Least I know you aren't out chasing women.. have fun!" /(OOC)


That is too funny. I don't know if you can frame a reply to that that doesn't make you sound more crazy than she already probably thinks you are.

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks all! :)

As for leaving you hanging, sorry but I never intended to play til 4:20 AM last night.. I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and didn't think falling asleep with my laptop running the game would be a good idea ;)

About to load up the game now :)