Make the Nets Bigger (FM2014)

[larrymcg421]

The title of this dynasty is inspired by this scene from the TV show Sports Night.

<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uaT-L3q3i3s" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>

The idea is to play an agressive, attacking style that even Dan Rydell would find exciting.


Team: Vauxhall Motors F.C.

League: Skrill North

History: Vauxhall are a founding member of the Conference North and have hung around the bottom of the league for most of their time, twice avoiding relegation due to other teams folding or resigning. (Vauxhall actually just resigned from the Conf North at the end of the 2014 season, but obviously I will be preventing that from happening.) They are predicted to finish 20th, but have a decent financial situation.

Tactic: I will be running a 4-3-3. Up front we have two Advanced Forwards and a False 9. In the midfield, we will have a Box to Box Midfielder, an Advanced Playmaker, and a Ball Winning Midfielder. The back line will be two Central Defenders and two Deep Wingbacks. I will miss my wingers flying down the side, but this will allow me to limit the number of positions I have to fill.

[larrymcg421]

First thing I do is fire my horrible staff (a Phsyio with a 5 in Physiotherapy, a Scout with 4 in Judging Current Ability). The only people I keep are the Head of Youth Development and Player/Coach Gary Martindale, who is coaching for free. I'm happy with all the new signings, especially Assistant Coach Alan McLeary.

Now here's a rundown of my current roster:

Strikers

Shaun Tuck - Pace (14) is very good for this level and he is also strong in Finishing (10), Work Rate (16), Creativity (11), Acceleration (11), and Agility (10). I hate his Stamina (7), but he's too good not to start.

Lloyd Ellams - He doesn't have any standout stats, but is pretty decent all-around and will be used in the False 9 role.

Aaron Rey - Another fast striker with Acceleration (14) and Pace (13), but low Stamina (8). He's not very good anywhere else, but that speed will get him some playing time.

Matty Kosylo (20) - A young guy that hasn't developed any technical skills. His Acceleration (12) and Pace (12) doesn't mean much when he's 6 or lower in almost everything else.

Jordan Rugg - Oooof. A 5 in stamina? Will have to train that up immediately. Other than that, he has a few decent stats - Finishing (12), Composure (12), and Dribbling (11).

Gary Martindale - 42 years old player coach. Not the worst striker on the team and that's sad.


Midfielders

Tom Rutter - I'm low on midfielder spots, so I'll have to be happy with his Work Rate (18), Teamwork (16), and Passing (10), while hoping that his Stamina (8) and Decisions (6) don't kill us.

Danny Fearnehough - A good athlete with most physical stats above 11, Leadership (12), Teamwork (10), Work Rate (13), and Leadership (12). I'm going to pretend I don't see Decisions (4) and Passing (6).

Matthew Williams - Yikes. This is the only guy who can play the BWM role and he has a 2 in Marking and Tackling. He's another decent physical guy with terrible technical skills, which seems to be the running theme here.


Defenders

Andy Nicholas - A very tall guy who will be very valuable on corners, but I don't like his Marking (7) or Tackling (7). Hopefully his Anticipation (10) and Determination (10) will make up for that.

Tom Hannigan - Another guy with decent size to help against corners, but also 7's in Marking and Tackling. His Anticipation (11), Positioning (11), Bravery (10), and Concentration (12) are pretty nice to have.

David Kocsis - His Tackling (12) will make him a decent backup to have around, that is if he can find the field with his Positioning (5).


Wingbacks

Louis Barnes - Another guy who will be winded by the end of the game - Stamina (7). He's a better support player than a defender. I could play Nicholas here, but I'll need another CD if I do that.

Stephen Wainwright - Stamina (6) for a Wingback!? You suck. He's fast, but nothing else.

Chris Noone - He's really meant to be a winger since he can't defend for crap. Could be useful in situations where I need to go all out for a goal.


Keepers

Zak Jones - He's not a bad keeper - Reflexes (12), Aerial (11), Command (11), Handling (10), but is out of contract and wants $450/week. He's not worth that, so I'll find someone else.


So yeah, this is a pretty big shit sandwich and I only have $323/week in spare payroll.

[larrymcg421]

Here are my three signings so far. Not sure if I'll be able to afford any more, but I really need another defender/wing back.

MC Michael Brough ($170/wk) - A good all-around midfielder who can play any of the three midfield spots.

MC Craig Bentham ($250/wk) - Slightly better than Brough in most categories, but a little older and slower. Both of them have better stamina than the other midfielders.

GK Ben Woodhead ($65/app) - Not as good as Jones in some key categories like Reflexes, Command of Area, and Aerial Ability, but he is much cheaper and good enough to be a starter. Also doesn't have that scary (3) in Decisions.

[larrymcg421]

Preseason did not go very well.

Hibernian 2:2
Wolves Under 21s 0:3
Ashton Utd 2:0
Tranmere 0:4
FC United 0:0
Holywell 1:1

I'm more concerned with our lack of goalscoring than our overall record in the preseason. We played 4 lower division teams and only scored 5 goals in those matches. Hopefully, we will get better as players get more familiar with the tactic.

The bad news is Wingback Louis Barnes will be out for 3 months. This leaves me without a backup at the left side.

As the regular season approaches, I added a few more players...

CD/WB Sam Hibbert ($300 p/w) - A really strong defender with Marking (11), Tackling (11), and Positioning (10), but can also provide some offense at the WB spot. He is very short (5'7") and if I ever play him at CD it will be necessary to pair him with a tall guy.

CD Sam Jones (Loan) - A young guy who is mostly average, but I'm loaning him for free and he'll be a useful backup.

WB Joe Newton (Loan) - Mostly to have a warm body as a backup to Nicholas on the left side.


We are given 40-1 odds for promotion and are expected to be relegated. Altrincham are promotion favorites at 8-1.

Starting lineup as we begin the season:

AF Rugg, F9 Rutter, AF Ellams
BBM Brough, AP Fearnehough
BWM Bentham
WB Nicholas, CD Jones, CD Hannigan, WB Hibbert
GK Woodhead

[larrymcg421]

MC Michael Brough ($170/wk) - A good all-around midfielder who can play any of the three midfield spots.

MC Craig Bentham ($250/wk) - Slightly better than Brough in most categories, but a little older and slower. Both of them have better stamina than the other midfielders.

GK Ben Woodhead ($65/app) - Not as good as Jones in some key categories like Reflexes, Command of Area, and Aerial Ability, but he is much cheaper and good enough to be a starter. Also doesn't have that scary (3) in Decisions.


August 17

Skrill North: Vauxhall vs. Gainsborough

They carve up our defense right away with a goal at the 10th minute. In the 20th minute, Woodhead fails to catch a pretty soft cross into the box and they are able to put it through. Another cross catches our defense sleeping right after halftime. The one positive of this match is after their third goal, we took the ball and pulled one back within a minute.

Final: Gainsborough 3, Vauxhall 1
Goals: Rugg
Assists: Rutter
Top Three: Fearnehough 7.1, Rutter 7.0, Rugg 6.7
Worst: Nicholas 5.6
Possession: 48-52
Shots: 10-6
On Target: 1-5

August 20

Skrill North: Vauxhall at Harrogate

More of the same. We go down 2-0 early (one of those an ugly own goal by Fearnehough). Right after halftime, Hannigan commits a brutal foul and is sent off. We actually start to threaten, but miss a couple of good looks. They connect on a corner and we're down 3-0. However, Rutter makes a great move in the middle and scores in the 71st minute. 10 minutes later, the Harrogate keeper mishandles a corner and Kocsis is there to knock it in. We threaten a few more times but cannot come up with the miracle draw.

Final: Harrogate 3, Vauxhall 2
Goals: Kocsis, Rutter
Assists: Rugg
Top Three: Kocsis 7.2, Rutter 7.2, Williams 6.9
Worst: Wainwright 5.5
Possession: 49-51
Shots: 8-11
On Target: 3-3


August 24

Skrill North: Vauxhall at Workington

We fall down 2-0 yet again, but score before halftime for the first time all year on a powerful strike from Rugg. We manage to equalize in the 70th minute when Fearnehough gets a deflection and puts it through. Unfortunately, Woodhead makes a critical positioning error and basically watches as the winning goal goes by him. We also lost Jones for 5-6 weeks and have an exhausted team that only gets one day off before the next match.

Final: Workington 3, Vauxhall 2
Goals: Fearnehough, Rugg
Assists: Ellams, Rugg
Top Three: Rugg 7.8, Fearnehough 7.3, Nicholas 6.8
Worst: Hibbert 5.9
Possession: 48-52
Shots: 9-11
On Target: 4-7


August 26

Skrill North: Vauxhall vs. Altrincham

This was another rough one. We have a bunch of exhausted guys starting and two others who are playing out of position, while Altrincham are promotion favorites. Still we somehow manage to keep it 0-0 at the half and look pretty good doing it. Fearnehough picks up a slight injury and I can't risk it, so I send him out. Then the barrage comes. Two penalties on throw-ins give them a 2-0 lead and they score a third on a counter. I tried Jones at keeper in this match because Woodhead's mistakes were irritating. Fans are getting understandably upset and want to know why I won't switch to a new tactic.

Final: Altrincham 3, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Wainwright 6.7, Hannigan 6.6, Kocsis 6.6
Worst: Newton 4.5
Possession: 43-57
Shots: 7-12
On Target: 1-8


August 31

Skrill North: Vauxhall vs. Solihull Moors

Solihull pretty much has their way in the midfield, but my defenders play extremely well and prevent anything dangerous from getting near the keeper. It's a pretty boring match until Hannigan heads in a corner in the 67th minute for our first lead of the season. Rutter adds to the lead with a terrific power shot off a misplayed rebound. No matter what Solihull tries, they never threaten. This was a much needed win. Hopefully it's a sign of things to come and not an aberration.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Solihull Moors 0
Goals: Hannigan, Rutter
Assists:
Top Three: Hannigan 7.9, Rutter 7.6, Nicholas 7.5
Worst: Ellams 6.4
Possession: 41-59
Shots: 12-12
On Target: 6-0

This win moves us up to 18th and out of the relegation spots, though it is obviously very early.

[larrymcg421]

Tom Rutter:

http://i1.chesterchronicle.co.uk/incoming/article5387458.ece/alternates/s615/Vauxhall.jpg

[larrymcg421]

September 7

Skrill South: Vauxhall (1-0-4, 18th) vs. Boston Utd (2-1-2, 11th)

Well this was a wild one! Boston Utd score early on and I'm frustrated at being behind once again. But then we start to carve up their defense. Rugg and Rutter are unstoppable, making great moves in the middle and using great teamwork to score. Rutter gets the equalizer, then Rugg scores two terrific goals to give us a 3-1 halftime lead. Boston Utd pulls one back early in the 2nd, but no worries as we continue to threaten. However, poor finishing prevents the lead from increasing and then Boston takes advantage of defensive lapses to score two goals in 3 minutes and take a 4-3 lead. So frustrating! Thankfully, Rutter comes through by heading home a cross in the 87th minute. We blew the one, but at least we salvaged the draw.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Boston Utd 4
Goals: Rugg 2, Rutter 2
Assists: Fearnehough 2, Rugg, Nicholas
Top Three: Fearnehough 8.9, Rutter 8.8, Rugg 8.8
Worst: Hibbert 6.2
Possession: 50-50
Shots: 14-8
On Target: 5-5

September 14

Skrill North: Vauxhall (1-1-4, 18th) at Hednesford (3-2-1, 7th)

Two minutes in and Hednesford score because Hibbert is useless at closing down wingers, once again putting us in the hole. But it was short lived because Hednesford foul Rutter, the penalty is given, and Brough (back from injury) puts it through. Then we take the lead on a beautiful play where Fearnehough beats his man to the ball with a slide that knocks the ball to Rutter who puts it away. In the 2nd half, Ellams gets a great pass from Rutter and puts away the one on one. Then Rutter scores on a free kick and it's 4-1. In typical Vauxhall fashion, we allow them to pull back two goals, but are bale to close up shop for the final three minutes for a great road win!

Final: Vauxhall 4, Hednesford 3
Goals: Rutter 2, Brough, Ellams
Assists: Rutter 2, Rugg (Fearnehough should've been awarded one as well)
Top Three: Rutter 9.1, Ellams 7.2, Fearnehough 7.0
Worst: Hibbert 5.9
Possession: 44-56
Shots: 13-13
On Target 7-7

September 21

Skrill North: Vauxhall (2-1-4, 16th) vs. Stockport (4-1-2, 3rd)

Stockport score at the 12 minute mark and we're behind again! However, Rutter and Rugg do their magic and Rugg scores deep into extra time at the half. Sadly, Rugg got a slight injury on the play and I pull him because I don't want to risk making it serious. In comes Matty Kosylo, who spends the rest of the game missing several great chances with terrible shots. Our defense holds for the draw, but without Rugg's injury I'm sure we would've won this one.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Stockport 1
Goal: Rugg
Assist: Rutter
Top Three: Rugg 7.1, Rutter 7.1, Kocsis 6.9
Worst: Kosylo 5.7
Possession: 47-53
Shots: 16-7
On Target: 3-5

*And Rugg is going to be out 5-6 weeks. Shaun Tuck is ineligible to play until October 10th (not sure why?), so we have some issues at the forward spot. Rutter can't do it all by himself.


September 24

Skrill North: Vauxhall (2-2-4, 17th) vs. Oxford City (3-1-4, 17th)

We actually take a lead in this one! Rutter puts a beautiful through ball into Ellams who puts it away for the 1-0 lead. We miss a couple easy chances and pay for it when Oxford City scores on a cross into the box in the 52nd minute. We keep attacking and Fearnehough puts a great pass into Ellams who scores his 2nd of the game. In the 81st minute Ellams returns the favor to Rutter, whose 8th goal of the season seals the deal for us.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Oxford City 1
Goals: Ellams 2, Rutter
Assists: Rutter, Fearnehough, Ellams
Top Three: Ellams 9.2, Fearnehough 8.2, Rutter 8.0
Worst: Newton 6.2
Possession: 45-55
Shots: 13-5
On Target: 4-1

*Joe Newton went down with injury. He wasn't very good (that 4.5 from earlier still stings) and this will be no problem once Joe Jones comes back, allowing Nicholas to stick to the wingback spot.


September 28

English FA Cup - Second Qualifying Round: Vauxhall at Cambridge C

Cambridge C are a lower division club and I have plenty of time until next match, so no need to rest anybody, although I do give 16 yr old Josh Mogg a shot to play forward. We go up 3-0 in the first half. Brough scores on what looked like a pass into the box that no one saw, including their keeper, so it just rolled to the goal. Mogg also gets the first goal of his career. I take out Rutter and Fearnehough to avoid injury. Then they actually pull back two in the 2nd half. One of them was a great strike at the near post and another the defense just fell asleep. We hold on, but should've won by much more.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Cambridge City FC 2
Goals: Brough, Mogg, Ellams
Assists: Rutter 2, Mogg
Top Three: Mogg 7.8, Rutter 7.5, Brough 7.3
Worst: Rey 6.2
Possession: 45-55
Shots: 9-9
On Target: 6-4


*A very good month for Vauxhall. After starting the season with 4 straight losses, we have 3 wins and 2 draws in our last 5 matches. We now sit in 14th, 4 pts out of relegation but also 4 pts out of the playoffs.

*Rutter came in 2nd in player of the month voting.

[larrymcg421]

October 5

Skrill North: Vauxhall (3-2-4, 14th) at Brackley (4-3-2, 6th)

This was an ugly one. They have a really fast right winger Izak Reid, who we have no hopes of covering. He owns us early in the match by running right by the wingback and sending an uncontested cross into the box that is put through. I set up opp instructions to tackle hard, close down, and mark. I also put in a faster wingback. He still gets by and sends in another cross that puts them up 2-0. We pull one back in the 85th minute when we hassle Reid into a turnover andwe start a break that Mogg eventually converts. We can't do anything else and end our unbeaten streak. Rutter had a terrible day.

Final: Brackley 2, Vauxhall 1
Goals: Mogg
Assist: Fearnenough
Top Three: Mogg 7.2, Fearnehough 6.8, Kocsis 6.8
Worst: Rutter 5.9
Possession: 44-56
Shots: 10-13
On Target: 4-8


October 8

Skrill North: Vauxhall (3-2-5, 17th) vs. North Ferriby (3-2-5, 16th)

Well, this match sucked hard. We played like crap, especially the defense. Woodhead misses two fairly routine saves and the defense fails to mark anyone. We are down 4-0 in the first half. Nothing happens in the 2nd half. What a grotesque performance.

Final: North Ferriby 4, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Bentham 6.7, Fearnehough 6.6, Ellams 6.5
Worst: Nicholas 5.3
Possession: 49-51
Shots: 8-9
On Target: 2-5

October 12

FA Cup - Third Qualifying Round: Vauxhall at Harrogate

We only have two days off after this, so I put Rutter on the bench to rest. Fearnehough is out with an injury. 40 minutes in and Brough is out with an injury. Ugh. Very slow game. Not many chances created. It isn't until the 85th minute when 16 year old Josh Mogg gets a pass from Ellams, dribbles by the defense and beats the keeper. Good victory and Brough won't miss any time.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Harrogate 0
Goal: Mogg
Assist: Ellams
Top Three: Ellams 7.8, Nicholas 7.4, Mogg 7.2
Worst: Hibbert 6.4
Possession: 47-53
Shots: 9-10
On Target: 3-3


October 15

Vauxhall (3-2-6, 18th) at Stalybridge (4-2-4, 13th)

Fearnehough and Brough are still recovering, so we've got Rutter and Hannigan in the midfield. Tuck is back and gets his first start. We go down 1-0 on yet another undefended cross into the box. But we equalize when Rutter gets a great pass to Tuck, who beats the defense and buries the shot. We get a couple of good chances in the 2nd half, but can't convert and have to settle for a draw.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Stalybridge 1
Goal: Tuck
Assist: Rutter
Top Three: Tuck 7.1, Rutter 6.8, Woodhead 6.7
Worst: Mogg 6.2
Possession: 51-49
Shots: 7-9
On Target: 4-4


October 19

Vauxhall (3-3-6, 18th) vs. Barrow (3-4-4, 16th)

Well this one is ugly. After we trade penalties for a 1-1 score, Barrow score three more goals before halftime. A combination of more defensive stupidity and poor play by Woodhead. We pull one back, but they add a 5th before we can pull another back.

Final: Barrow 5, Vauxhall 3
Goals: Brough, Mogg, Fearnehough
Assists: Rutter 2
Top Three: Fearnehough 7.6, Rutter 7.4, Mogg 7.1
Worst: Nicholas 5.0
Possession: 48-52
Shots: 12-14
On Target: 6-10


October 26

English FA Cup - Fourth Qualifying Round - Vauxhall vs. Tamworth

Tamworth are an uppder division club and we have a league game in 3 days, so I rest many starters including Rutter, Fearnehough, and Hibbert. We actually go up 1-0 early on a beautiful cross from Mogg that goes just over the keeper's head and is headed in by Rey. We try to hold on in the second half, but they score on a free kick that really looked like Woodhead should've been able to handle.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Tamworth 1
Goal: Rey
Assist: Mogg
Top Three: Rey 7.1, Mogg 6.8, Hannigan 6.6
Worst: Noone 5.6
Possession: 49-51
Shots: 10-3
On Target 5-1

October 30

English FA Cup - Fourth Qualifying Round - Vauxhall at Tamworth

Starting lineup is in for this return match. Jordan Rugg is finally back. They score on an early corner, but then we return the favor when Nicholas gets hold of a loose ball in the box and scores the weakest goal I've ever seen (the ball crawled into the net). Unfortunately, we can't keep up with their superior skill as they add two second half goals to put it away. Rutter got hurt in the second half, which is about the worst thing that could happen to us, but he's only out for a week.

Final: Tamworth 3, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Nicholas
Assist:
Top Three: Nicholas 7.2, Fearnehough 6.9, Rugg 6.6
Worst: Hibbert 5.8
Possession: 47-53
Shots: 5-18
On Target: 1-9


A really bad month for Vauxhall football. We are now back in relegation zone. I would hit the transfer market, but we have no money. Will have to look at unloading some of these contracts (especially Hibbert).

[larrymcg421]

November 2

Vauxhall (3-3-7, 20th) vs. Learnington (3-5-5, 16th)

Could it get any worse for us? Jones knocks the ball into his own goal and we're in the familiar spot of bring down 1-0. However, just before half, Mogg makes a great move by dribbling around the keeper and firing a shot behind him to even it up. The second half was a snoozer until the 82nd minute when I put Rugg in, hoping his speed could spark a late goal. What actually happened was a horrible goal kick from Learnington's keeper, which just hung up in there, allowing Ellams to intercept and send to Rugg who fired a long range shot that goes in. This is followed a few minutes later by another Rugg goal to seal the deal. A much needed victory for morale!

Final: Vauxhall 3, Learnington 1
Goals: Mogg 2, Rugg 1
Assists: Ellams 2, Fearnehough
Top Three: Rugg 8.5, Ellams 8.3, Mogg 7.2
Worst: Jones 6.4
Possession: 45-55
Shots: 10-4
On Target: 4-1


MC Jamie Vermiglio (Great Leadership, Determination, Teamwork) and WB Phil Roe (Has good speed and decent mixture of offense and defense) join the team on cheap loan deals.


November 5

Vauxhall (4-3-7, 18th) at AFC Telford (3-1-9, 22nd)

Vermiglio and Roe get their chance to start right away. Bentham commits a foul in the box and Telford are awarded a penalty. This is the third time this has happened this season and Bentham has earned a spot on the bench. Thankfully, we come out attacking at the half and Mogg gets a great pass forward to Rugg, who puts it away. We have a great chance int he 89th minute to pull off the win, but Rey sends in a ridiculously weak shot. Guess I shouldn't be too mad at a draw on the road, esp with Rutter out, but this is a team we should be beating.

Final: Vauxhall 1, AFC Telford 1
Goal: Rugg
Assist: Mogg
Top Three: Rugg 7.1, Fearnehough 6.9, Mogg 6.7
Worst: Bentham 6.1
Possession: 44-56
Shots: 8-5
On Target: 4-2


WB Mark Ross (Great Positioning, Teamwork, and Concentration) arrives on loan to hopefully take over Hibbert's spot. We had a deal with a really good striker fall through.


November 9

Vauxhall (4-4-7, 17th) at Histon (10-1-3, 1st)

Histon started off 9-0, but have dropped 3 of 5 matches. We play them pretty well, but yet again go down due to a corner. Both of our wingbacks that I loaned go down with injuries. They add another one before half. We convert a penalty right after the half, but can do no more.

Final: Histon 2, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Brough
Assist:
Top Three: Williams 6.8, Woodhead 6.8, Brough 6.6
Worst: Hannigan 5.8
Possession: 43-57
Shots: 5-6
On Target: 2-3


November 16

FA Trophy - Third Qualifying Round: Vauxhall at AFC Fylde

A lower division club. We have a week off, so all the starters get a shot, including the returning Rutter. We don't really dominate them like we should've. Ellams puts in a couple of goals, including one where the keeper wasn't paying attention. But we need to get better shots if we want to win some more league games.

Final: Vauxhall 2, AFC Fylde 0
Goals: Ellams 2
Assists: Nicholas, Mogg
Top Three: Ellams 8.8, Nicholas 8.4, Hibbert 7.7
Possession: 54-46
Shots: 16-8
On Target: 4-1


November 23

Vauxhall (4-4-8, 18th) vs. Gloucester (5-6-5, 20th)

We fail to mark the striker coming down the middle and they score. Thankfully, we hit back on a counter right before the half as Rugg puts in the equalizer. The second half is boring. We have clearly gotten better defensively, but our offense has disappeared. Rutter has especially fallen off. After 8 goals in his first 7 games, he has none in his last 7. I'm considering moving him back to midfield to take Brough's spot.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Gloucester 1
Goal: Rugg
Assist: Fearnehough
Top Three: Fearnehough 7.6, Rugg 7.1, Woodhead 6.7
Worst: Brough 6.2
Possession: 50-50
Shots: 11-10
On Target: 3-5


November 30

FA Trophy: Vauxhall vs. Cambridge

Cambridge are a Skrill premier team, so this will be a difficult test. I attempt a new tactic here, a 3-4-3. It's a bit awkward because I didn't upgrade the winger spots, but I have a few players (Barnes, Clair, Noone) that have been sitting ont he bench and will be happy to play the wing spots. It was a very exciting match, with counter attack after counter attack. The team employed it well and I was happy not to have to worry about my awful wingbacks. Cambridge scored a late goal in the 85th minute to win 3-2, but I will be trying this tactic again.

Final: Cambridge 3, Vauxhall 2
Goals: Mogg, Barnes
Assists: Rutter, Rugg
Top Three: Barnes 7.3, Rugg 7.3, Mogg 7.2
Worst: Jones 6.1
Possession: 54-46
Shots: 17-13
On Target: 6-6

Not a terrible month for Vauxhall. We went 1-2-1, but still sit in 20th place. Thankfully, the board is very patient and still satisfied with my coaching.

[larrymcg421]

December 2

Vauxhall (4-5-8, 20th) at Oxford City (6-3-7, 15th)

Trying the 3-4-3 again. Interestingly, it's working out much better defensively so far. The extra DC is helping clear all those crosses into the box. It's actually 0-0 at the half, but we catch them off guard when Ellams and Mogg take the 2nd half kickoff and cut right through the defense for a Mogg goal. Ellams adds a goal of his own by making a great midfield interception and then flipping the ball over the keeper. They pull one back right away, but we hold firm to the end and Rutter finally ends his goal drought with a 92nd minute strike.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Oxford City 1
Goals: Mogg, Ellams, Rutter
Assists: Ellams 2, Fearnehough
Top Three: Ellams 9.1, Rutter 7.4, Nicholas 7.4
Worst: Hannigan 5.9
Possession: 49-51
Shots: 11-9
On Target: 6-5


December 14

Vauxhall (5-5-8, 19th) at Gainsborough (10-4-4, 3rd)

The new tactic continues to work well. A long pass from Hannigan catches their defense off guard and Rugg converts the one on one opportunity. Rutter adds another goal in the 25th minute. Then it is frustration time as I watch my guys hit the post 4 times and miss other easy chances. Then they pull one back on a corner that bounces around the box too long. Despite his earlier great pass, Hannigan almost costs us the win with a terrible cross field pass in the 85th minute that is intercepted, but Woodhead makes a great one on one save. We hold on for a great victory! I wish we could've put more in, but I'll definitely take the 3 pts on the road against the #3 team.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Gainsborough 1
Goals: Rugg, Rutter
Assists: Hannigan, Mogg
Top Three: Mogg 7.5, Rugg 7.4, Rutter 7.4
Worst: Ellams 6.4
Possession: 54-46
Shots: 16-10
On Target: 6-3


December 17

Vauxhall (6-5-8, 15th) vs. Bradford PA (7-4-7, 11th)

Nicholas sends a beautiful pass over the defense that Ellams controls. Ellams dribbles around a defender and beats the keeper on the far post! 8 minutes later, Ellams makes another great play by dribbling to the right side of the box and burying a shot in the top corner. Ellams finishes off his hat trick when Mogg sends him a through ball and he easily beats the keeper. We thoroughly dominated this match and it could've been an even more lopsided score.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Bradford PA 0
Goals: Ellams 3
Assists: Mogg, Nicholas, Bentham
Top Three: Ellams 9.6, Mogg 7.8, Nicholas 7.5
Worst: Rugg 6.6
Possession: 52-48
Shots: 15-6
On Target: 7-1


A team is interested in Hannigan. I let him go for free (I do get a 25% next sale) to clear up payroll space. I use the space to sign Winger Neil Cartwight (Crossing 12, Work Rate 11, Determination 12, Teamwork 10).


December 26

Vauxhall (7-5-8, 11th) at Colwyn Bay (6-6-8, 18th)

12 minutes in we send in a cross, the ball rattles around the box before Nicholas is able to put it through. 14 minutes later, Louis Barnes runs down the left wing completely unmarked, gets the pass and beats the keeper easily. After halftime, we get sloppy and allow Colwyn Bay to even it up on two corners that we don't properly defend. However, in the 92nd minute, Ellams sends a through ball to Rutter who scores the miracle goal! What a win!

Final: Vauxhall 3, Colwyn Bay 2
Goals: Nicholas, Barnes, Rutter
Assists: Rutter, Fearnehough, Ellams
Top Three: Rutter 8.2, Barnes 7.3, Nicholas 7.3
Worst: Hibbert 6.1
Possession: 60-40
Shots: 21-7
On Target: 6-5


December 28

Vauxhall (8-5-8, 8th) vs. Harrogate (14-2-5, 2nd)

Harrogate scores only 6 minutes when they put through the rebound off a free kick. We equalize in the 18th on a penalty that Brough converts. We go ahead on a corner that bounces off a Harrogate defender. They keep threatening, but Woodhead makes some great saves. Backup winger Noone misses two clear cut chances. Thankfully this didn't hurt us as the defense closes up shop and we take our 5th win in a row!

Final: Vauxhall 2, Harrogate 1
Goals: Brough
Assists: Brough, Fearnehough
Top Three: Brough 7.3, Nicholas 7.2, Fearnehough 6.8
Worst: Noone 6.2
Possession: 46-54
Shots: 11-5
On Target: 5-3


*Well, that was a terrific month of Vauxhall football! The 3-4-3 has been a tremendous success! We are now in 9th place, only 4 pts out of 5th.

*I win Skrill North Head Coach of the Month.

*The board is so delighted with our recent run that they give me a contract extension and a small payroll increase. I pick up Tom Denton for some depth at Forward (and he might even be able to start). I renew the loan with Phil Roe, since now he can play Left Wing instead of Wingback.

[mrtourette]

That's a damn impressive month, nice to see it rewarded by the board.

[larrymcg421]

January 4

Vauxhall (9-5-8, 9th) at Boston Utd (9-8-7, 7th)

We get things started with a great counter that leads to Rutter with a wide open opportunity that he converts. Then we begin to struggle. Poor marking allows opposition strikers to roam free in the box and they score two before half. Poor passing is really dooming us in this one. Thankfully, Mogg saves the day when he buries a shot after being set up by Fearnehough. Our winning streak ends, but our unbeaten streak is still alive.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Boston Utd 2
Goals: Rutter, Mogg
Assists: Fearnehough, Ellams
Top Three: Rutter 7.4, Ellams 7.3, Mogg 7.1
Worst: Brough 6.1
Possession: 54-46
Shots: 8-7
On Target: 2-5


January 7

Vauxhall (9-6-8, 11th) vs. Colwyn Bay (7-6-10, 15th)

We dominate from the beginning. Rutter beats the Colwyn Bay defense in the first 2 minutes to put us ahead. Just 6 minutes later, we take a 2-0 lead when Rutter puts a through ball to Denton, who hammers it home. Rutter assists one more time when he gets the ball to Roe, who is unmarked on the left wing and puts it by the keeper. We have several more chances and this could've been much, much worse for Colwyn Bay

Final: Vauxhall 3, Colwyn Bay 0
Goals: Rutter, Denton, Roe
Assists: Rutter 2, Denton
Top Three: Rutter 9.2, Denton 8.8, Roe 7.8
Worst: Fearnehough 6.4
Possession: 59-41
Shots: 19-6
On Target: 8-0


January 10

Vauxhall (10-6-8, 8th) vs. Hednesford (8-5-10, 15th)

We only have a day off after this one, so several starters take a rest, including Rutter and Fearnehough. The result is a match that Dan Rydell would not enjoy. We take an early lead when a cross gets deflected and Brough picks up the rebound and puts it through. We thoroughly control the rest of the match, but cannot get any strong scoring threats going. But we get 3 pts with backups and that's awesome.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Hednesford 0
Goals: Brough
Assists: Cartwright
Top Three: Brough 7.5, Jones 7.0, Woodhead 6.9
Worst: Rugg 6.3
Possession: 60-40
Shots: 11-5
On Target: 2-1


January 12

Vauxhall (11-6-8, 7th) at Stockport (10-9-5, 6th)

3 matches in 6 days is taking a toll, so we have to resort to some creative positioning to field a defense (Vermiglio playing DC). We struggle to handle Stockport's Liam Dickinson. After Fearnehough catches the keeper off guard with a shot that goes around a defender, Dickinson runs right through our defense twice to take a 2-1 halftime lead. Fearnehough gets it to Denton on a beautiful counter and we equalize. Then they score off a free kick when their other striker somehow gets the ball by himself in the box. However, we immediately take the next kickoff and score thanks to a great through ball from Mogg to Denton. A road draw when we were gassed is definitely a good thing.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Stockport 3
Goals: Denton 2, Fearnehough
Assists: Mogg 2, Fearnehough
Top Three: Denton 8.8, Fearnehough 8.3, Mogg 8.1
Worst: Woodhead 6.3
Possession: 49-51
Shots: 15-15
On Target: 7-5


January 18

Vauxhall (11-7-8, 6th) vs. Brackley (13-4-8, 4th)

Rutter makes a great play by dribbling down the right side of the box, holding it up as the defense flies by, then flings a pass to Denton who puts it away. Rutter extends the lead with a goal of his own, although it looks like it was meant to be a pass that just rolled in. They pull one back after halftime on a free kick to the box. This is currently our bigggest weak spot. We miss several 2nd half chances, but hold on for the victory.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Brackley 1
Goals: Rutter, Denton
Assists: Rutter
Top Three: Rutter 8.3, Denton 7.7, Fearnehough 7.0
Worst: Jones
Possession: 56-44
Shots: 17-9
On Target: 8-4


January 25

Vauxhall (12-7-8, 5th) vs. Worcester (4-8-14, 22nd)

We open scoring again when a cross is headed from Ellams to Denton into the goal. We miss a couple chances and enter the half only up 1-0. It gets a little scary after the half as they have two really good chances, but Woodhead makes solid saves. Denton finally extends the lead in the 58th minute when he loses the defense and grabs a pass from Rugg. Fearnehough then scores when he sends a cross into the box and the keeper collides with his own defender, letting the ball freely bounce in. We get a little sloppy here and allow them to pull one back. Denton grabs a hat trick after a horrible Worcester turnover on a throw in. Worcester pull back one more, but that's it.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Worcester 2
Goals: Denton 3, Fearnehough
Assists: Bentham, Cartwright, Mogg, Roe
Top Three: Denton 9.5, Mogg 7.8, Fearnehough 7.5
Worst: Jones 6.6
Possession: 59-41
Shots: 16-7
On Target: 9-3


*Another month of unbeaten football. We're on a roll!

*Tom Denton was named player of the month. He is proving to be my best signing so far, scoring 7 goals and averaging an 8.24 in 4 matches.

*I finished 2nd for Coach of the Month.

*We have now gone 12 straight league games without a loss and sit in 3rd place, although we have a game in hand.

[larrymcg421]

That's a damn impressive month, nice to see it rewarded by the board.

Yep! They were only expecting me to avoid relegation, so must be delirious at our current results.

[larrymcg421]

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>19</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>+28</td> <td>60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Harrogate</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>15</td> <td>3</td> <td>9</td> <td>+12</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>+7</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Gainsborough</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>5</td> <td>+12</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Brackley</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>+5</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>+10</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>Altrincham</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>10</td> <td>+2</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Oxford City</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>+3</td> <td>41</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>North Ferriby</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>12</td> <td>2</td> <td>14</td> <td>+2</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>Boston Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>+1</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>Gloucester</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>0</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>Workington</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>+7</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>Bradford PA</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>12</td> <td>-9</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>Hednesford</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>12</td> <td>0</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Barrow</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>11</td> <td>-10</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Solihull Moors</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>12</td> <td>-1</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Colwyn Bay</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>12</td> <td>-2</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>-12</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>Stalybridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>-7</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>Leamington</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>13</td> <td>-9</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>AFC Telford</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>9</td> <td>3</td> <td>16</td> <td>-19</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>Worcester</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>5</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>-20</td> <td>23</td></tr></tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

February 1

Vauxhall (13-7-8, 3rd) at Bradford PA (10-6-12, 13th)

A very uneventful first half as neither team generates a strong scoring threat, although we control possession. We finally break through in the 52nd minute when Rutter heads in an uncontested cross from Ellams. Woodhead makes an unbelievable diving save to prevent an equalizer. Then Rutter adds a 2nd goal on the ensuin counter attack.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Bradford PA 0
Goals: Rutter 2
Assists: Ellams, Williams
Top Three: Rutter 9.1, Hibbert 7.5, Jones 7.5
Possession: 58-42
Shots: 16-11
On Target: 9-2


February 8

Vauxhall (14-7-8, 2nd) vs. Histon (20-3-5, 1st)

Would be nice to win this one, even if we probably can't catch Histon. They have great athletes and almost catch us off guard a couple times. We break through in the 32nd minute when Barnes sends in a cross that bounces in front of Rutter, who knees it in. Then only 4 minutes later Barnes sends in another cross that the keeper tries to deflect out of bounds. Rutter grabs right before it goes out and makes a great backwards pass to Ellams who beats the keeper. Then in the second half, Brough finds an opening and fires a long range shot right through the defense that the keeper can't reach. Histon never threatens after this. The bad news is that both Fearnehough and Bentham go down with injuries. Still a great victory over the #1 team and maybe we do have an outside shot at the title.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Histon 0
Goals: Rutter, Brough, Ellams
Assists: Rutter, Barnes, Cartwright
Top Three: Rutter 8.6, Brough 8.3, Jones 7.6
Worst: Bentham 6.6
Possession: 52-48
Shots: 12-8
On Target: 6-4


*Bentham is out for a couple weeks, but Fearnehough will be out for two months. This stings as he has been one of my best players. I might move Rutter back to midfield to compensate.


February 15

Vauxhall (15-7-8, 2nd) at Leamington (9-7-13, 17th)

We struggle without Fearnehough and Leamington actually takes a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute. That's where it stands at the half. Int he 2nd half, a Leamington defender misses a tackle on Ellams, who breaks free down the middle and places a shot over the keeper's head. Still, it looks like we're going to suffer defeat until the 91st minute, when Sam Hibbert (of all people!) beats the keeper from just outside the penalty box. Another dramatic victory.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Leamington 1
Goals: Ellams, Hibbert
Assists: Barnes, Rugg
Top Three: Ellams 8.3, Hibbert 7.3, Mogg 6.9
Worst: Cartwright 6.2
Possession: 52-48
Shots: 12-8
On Target: 6-4


February 22

Vauxhall (16-7-8, 2nd) vs. AFC Telford (10-4-16, 20th)

We really need Fearnehough back. AFC Telford score first on a corner that is headed in. We get almost no threat going for the whole first half, despite dominating possession throughout. They close up shop in the 2nd and time keeps passing with almost no threat. It isn't until the 81st minute that we are awarded a penalty. Brough's shot is deflected, but he's able to gather the rebound and hit it in. We have to settle for the draw here, but at least it's not an embarassing loss.

Final: Vauxhall 1, AFC Telford 1
Goals: Brough
Assists:
Top Three: Nicholas 7.2, Woodhead 6.9, Rutter 6.8
Worst: Williams 6.4
Possession: 59-41
Shots: 19-7
On Target: 8-1

*Despite that draw, I win Coach of the Month.

*I highly doubt we can catch Histon now. If we won every remaining match, Histon would need to lose 6 more matches and they've only lost 6 all year. We're still in a great spot for the playoffs.

*A team wants Chris Noone for some reason. He was one of my highest salaries and rarely played, so I'm happy to let him go.

[larrymcg421]

March 1

Vauxhall (16-8-8, 2nd) at North Ferriby (14-3-14, 8th)

North Ferriby embarassed us last time, so I tell the team to seek revenge. Once again, the absence of Fearnehough is felt, as our offensive output has really tailed off. It's scoreless at the half. Early in the 2nd, Barnes sends in a really low cross that caught Ferriby off guard and they knock it into their own goal. And that's it for the scoring. Happy our run is continuing, but disappointed at the lack of scoring.

Final: Vauxhall 1, North Ferriby 0
Goals:
Assists: Rugg
Top Three: Woodhead 7.1, Nicholas 7.0, Mogg 6.8
Worst: Cartwright 6.4
Possession: 61-39
Shots: 14-6
On Target: 5-3


March 8

Vauxhall (17-8-8, 2nd) at Guiseley (11-8-13, 15th)

We are just stuck in a run of bad form. Fearnehough missing is a problem, but it has to be more than that. We just can't get any decent shots on goal lately. Guisely score early in the first half and no matter what I do in the 2nd half, we cannot convert a goal and our unbeaten streak comes to an end.

Final: Guiseley 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Woodhead 6.9, Nicholas 6.8, Rutter 6.7
Worst: Hibbert 6.0
Possession: 50-50
Shots: 6-16
On Target: 2-5


*I loan Kieran Walmsley, who can play either Midfield or Winger and has nice attributes for both.

March 15

Vauxhall (17-8-9, 2nd) vs. Stalybridge (8-10-15, 21st)

Kieran Walmsley had a horrendous debut, but no matter because the Rutter we all know and love is finally back. He puts us on the board by taking a long goal kick that is misplayed by the Stalybridge defense and beating the keeper one on one. Stalybridge pulled one back before half, but Rutter immediately puts us back on top with a header. Then Nicholas fires a power shot from just outside the penalty area to put us up 3-1. We hit the post a few times, but they never threaten again.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Stalybridge 1
Goals: Rutter 2, Nicholas
Top Three: Rutter 9.1, Barnes 7.7, Bentham 7.5
Worst: Walmsley 6.0
Possession: 59-41
Shots: 22-4
On Target: 10-3


March 23

Vauxhall (18-8-9, 2nd) at Worcester (7-12-16, 22nd)

Don't even feel like writing up this one. Basically, we return to shit form and allow the worst team in the league to completely dominate us. Forget about the league title. We will not make the playoffs if we don't snap out of this.

Final: Worcester 3, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Denton 6.7, Walmsley 6.6, Rutter 6.5
Worst: Brough 5.7
Possession: 54-46
Shots: 10-7
On Target: 2-4


March 29

Vauxhall (18-8-10, 2nd) at Barrow (11-10-15, 17th)

They score right away. Are we going to fucking lose again? I'm so frustrated right now. Thankfully, this was just an aberration and we mostly dominate the match. Denton scores his first goal in a month and Rutter picks up 2 assists. This was a crucial victory with playoff spots on the line.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Barrow 1
Goals: Denton, Hibbert, Ellams
Assists: Rutter 2, Denton
Top Three: Rutter 8.7, Denton 8.4, Ellams 7.6
Worst: Jones 6.0
Possession: 57-43
Shots: 18-8
On Target: 6-3


*A very frustrating month. Here's hoping that Fearnehough's upcoming return will get us going again.

*We need two wins and a draw to clinch a playoff spot.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>P</td> <td>W</td> <td>D</td> <td>L</td> <td>GD</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>24</td> <td>3</td> <td>10</td> <td>+29</td> <td>75</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>+14</td> <td>65</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Harrogate</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>20</td> <td>3</td> <td>14</td> <td>+16</td> <td>63</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Gainsborough</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>15</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>+11</td> <td>58</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Boston Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>15</td> <td>11</td> <td>11</td> <td>+5</td> <td>56</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>Brackley</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>17</td> <td>5</td> <td>14</td> <td>+1</td> <td>56</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>14</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>+12</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>Oxford City</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>+1</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>Solihull Moors</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td> <td>13</td> <td>+8</td> <td>52</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>Workington</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>13</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>+9</td> <td>50</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>Bradford PA</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>14</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>-9</td> <td>50</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>Colwyn Bay</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>13</td> <td>+4</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>North Ferriby</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>15</td> <td>4</td> <td>18</td> <td>0</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>Altrincham</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>14</td> <td>7</td> <td>16</td> <td>-6</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>-5</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>Gloucester</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>10</td> <td>14</td> <td>13</td> <td>-7</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>Hednesford</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>12</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>-7</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>Barrow</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>16</td> <td>-16</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>Leamington</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>17</td> <td>-15</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>Worcester</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>9</td> <td>12</td> <td>16</td> <td>-11</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>Stalybridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>9</td> <td>12</td> <td>16</td> <td>-13</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>AFC Telford</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>11</td> <td>6</td> <td>19</td> <td>-21</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
Sports Interactive, the developers of Football Manager (http://www.sigames.com/)

[larrymcg421]

April 5

Vauxhall (19-8-10, 2nd) vs. Guiseley (14-9-14, 11th)

Remember that shitty team from earlier in the season? Well they're back! Seriously, we are at home and go down 2-0 in the first 10 minutes. They add one more before the half. I yell at the team and this inspires them to get one back in the 2nd half, but that's it. Right now it doesn't really matter if we make the playoffs. We will lose even if we do.

Final: Guiseley 3, Vauxhall 1
Goals: Ellams
Assists: Denton
Top Three: Ellams 7.1, Denton 6.7, Rutter 6.6
Shots: 7-15
On Target: 3-7
Possession: 54-46


April 12

Vauxhall (19-8-11, 2nd) at Gloucester (10-15-13, 16th)

We open things early when Ellams makes a great touch pass to Denton who buries the goal. Ellams makes another great play when he dribbles around a defender and fires a power shot into the corner of the net. Up 2-0 at the half, we coast the rest of the way, but Ellams adds another goal in the 80th.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Gloucester 0
Goals: Ellams 2, Denton
Assists: Denton 2, Ellams
Top Three: Ellams 8.9, Denton 8.3, Hibbert 7.5
Worst: Rutter 6.2
Shots: 9-4
On Target: 5-0
Possession: 54-46

*Just one win or two draws in our final three matches gets us in the playoffs.


April 19

Vauxhall (20-8-11, 2nd) vs. Workington (13-14-12, 10th)

Workington get on the board early by heading in a cross. However, Matthew Williams scores on a power strike from outside the penalty area and then puts us ahead on a penalty in the 56th minute. We miss several 2nd half chances and pay for it when Workington equalize on a cross into the box where nobody marked the attacking forwards.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Workington 2
Goals: Williams 2
Assists: Jones
Top Three: Williams 8.8, Woodhead 6.7, Barnes 6.7
Worst: Ellams 5.9
Shots: 17-6
On Target: 6-2
Possession: 51-49



April 21

Vauxhall (20-9-11, 3rd) at Altrincham (14-8-18, 18th)

A road game after one day rest. Rutter finally appears again with a terrific shot in top corner to put us up in the 33rd minute. 5 minutes later, Mogg takes a long kick from Woodhead that the defense misplays and beats the keeper! Yep, that's an assist for Woodhead. Altrincham are able to pull one back in the 71st minute, but we close up shop and clinch a playoff spot.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Altrincham 1
Goals: Rutter, Mogg
Assists: Denton, Woodhead
Top Three: Woodhead 7.4, Mogg 7.4, Walmsley 7.2
Shots: 12-9
On Target: 4-3
Possession: 53-47


April 26

Vauxhall (21-9-11, 3rd) vs. Solihull Moors (16-12-13, 8th)

Without any pressure, the team relaxes and plays their best match in a long time. Solihull actually gets the scoring started, but Rutter equalizes before the half. Then we erupt for three second half goals and go into the playoffs on a high note.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Solihull Moors 1
Goals: Ellams 2, Rutter, Denton
Assists: Ellams 2, Bentham, Cartwright
Top Three: Ellams 9.5, Rutter 7.8, Bentham 7.7
Worst: Wainwright 6.4
Shots: 12-7
On Target: 7-2
Possession: 47-53

[larrymcg421]

Playoffs - Leg 1: Vauxhall at Gainsborough

Gainsborough: Even, Draw: 11-5, Vauxhall: 11-5

ST Rutter, ST Ellams, ST Denton
LW Roe, CM Walmsley, DM Bentham, RW Cartwright
CD Nicholas, CD Jones, CD Brough
GK Woodhead

3': Great teamwork by the strikers gets the ball to Denton on the ride side of the box, but his shot is soft.

15': We send in a corner that bounces around but is eventually cleared.

18': Great defense sets up a counter attack which is finished by Cartwright on the right wing! 1-0

28': They pull off a counter of their own and our defenders lose their striker, who places a shot over Woodhead. 1-1

30': Woodhead mishandles a free kick and it bounces in the goal. Ugh! 1-2

Halftime: I tell the team to show me something else in the second half. I bring in Fearnehough, who I was trying to save for the return match.

49': We get a great opportunity in front of goal, but pass it too many times and Cartwright fires a weak shot.

51': Denton equalizes off a great through pass from Ellams. 2-2

80': Denton has another clear cut chance, but puts it over the goal.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Gainsborough 2

*A draw away from home is good for the first leg. Now we just have to win at home to advance.

*Guiseley won the first leg of their playoff match 3-0. They beat us twice this year, so I'm not thrilled about the prospect of having to face them if we advance.

[larrymcg421]

Playoffs - Leg 2: Vauxhall vs. Gainsborough

Vauxhall: Even, Draw: 11-5, Gainsborough: 11-5

ST Ellams, ST Rutter, ST Mogg
LW Barnes, CM Fearnehough, DM Vermiglio, RW Cartwright
CD Nicholas, CD Hibbert, CD Jones

1': They head in a long throw in and we're already down. 0-1

7': Rutter hits the side of the net.

9': Off a long goal kick, Mogg gets a one on one opportunity, but the keeper makes a great save.

17': Ellams gets it inside the box but fires an awkward shot that isn't even close. We keep threatening, but our finishing is poor.

19': More of the same. We get several shots in the box, but they are either deflected or off target.

27': Mogg gets denied again, but Rutter is there for the rebound and equalizes! 1-1

41': Our constant threats finally pay off when Mogg sends in a cross and Rutter heads it home. 2-1

Halftime: Rutter is down to 74%, so I make the tough decision to sit him and put Denton in. I also bring in Brough for Fearnehough.

49': Hibbert gets sent off for a red card! Are you kidding me?

56': We get a break, but Brough sends it over the goal.

73': Denton fires it high and wide.

76': Nicholas misplays a goal kick and their striker has a one on one chance, but thankfully misses it.

78': We are trying to close up shop, but they've had three straight breaks. They keep missing the shots.

86': A dangerous corner bounces high, but Woodhead pushes it over the bar.

91': We catch them pushing up too high and get past the defense. They trip Mogg and get their own red card.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Gainsborough 1

*We are through to the final! Guiseley will indeed be our opponent. We get a week to rest.

[larrymcg421]

Skrill North Playoff Final: Vauxhall vs. Guiseley

This is what it's all about. Win and we promote. Lose and we face heartbreak. Guiseley beat us twice this year, including 3-1 at our place.

ST Rutter, ST Mogg, ST Denton
LW Ellams, CM Fearnehough, DM Bentham, RW Cartwright
CD Nicholas, CD Jones, CD Brough

3': We concede a corner early, but defend it well.

5': Woodhead makes a great one on one save.

21': We win a corner, but Mogg sends a weak pass that is intercepted and almost leads to a break.

26': Rutter hits the side of the net.

28': A corner sits in front of the box forever. The defenders try to battle for it, but Guiseley are able to put it through. 0-1

36': Lazy passing gives them another break, but Woodhead grabs the loose header.

37': Woodhead's ensuing goal kick is headed to Mogg, who pushes it to Rutter just outside the penalty box and he puts it away! 1-1

38': They come back down immediately, but Woodhead makes a terrific diving stop.

Halftime: I move Ellams back up to striker to replace Denton and bring in Roe for the LW spot.

51': Jones, who will never ever play Vauxhall football again, just watches a corner go right in front of him. Guiseley easily put it through. 1-2

62': We are not threatening. They get another break, but miss the shot.

74': Still not threatening. Game is being played on our half. I make some desperate substitutions (Williams in for Fearnehough and Barnes in for Roe.)

78': We are given a free kick, but Cartwright decides to give the ball to the fans.

82': Barnes sends a cross to the same person.

85': They misplay a pass to Cartwright who gets it all alone on the left side of the box and beats the keeper!!! 2-2

Extra time: Barnes gets hurt right before the whistle. I pay for all my substitutions now because we'll be a man down.

92': Brough sends in a dangerous free kick, but we can't get anyone there to meet it.

93': Woodhead makes a diving save on a dangerous header.

95': We win a corner. Mogg sends the cross in and Rutter's header is just wide.

99': Very dangerous cross into the box is cleared by Brough.

105': Looked like they had a goal, but the flag was up.

2nd Extra Time: We have played well being a man down, but all the action is taking place in our half. of the pitch.

108': We get several great chances off a corner, but can't convert.

109': Another diving save from Woodhead.

113': Ellams shot is wide.

115': When I mean Jones will never play Vauxhall football again, I mean it! Deep in our own corner he sends a cross field pass that a Guiseley player gets right in front of the goal. Somehow, Woodhead comes up with another amazing save.

And we go to penalties!

Brough converts. 1-0
Adams converts. 1-1
Williams converts. 2-1
Ibie converts. 2-2
Ellams misses! No! 2-2
Rothert converts. 2-3
Mogg converts. 3-3
Hobson converts. 3-4
Cartwright converts. 4-4
Irie-be converts. 4-5

And we fail to promote. Devastating.

[bbgunn]

Ugh, disappointing, but you can hold your head high. That was an amazing season. Get 'em next year.

[mrtourette]

Yeah unlucky, losing a play-off final on penalties is heartbreaking.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>C</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>24</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>72</td> <td>47</td> <td>+25</td> <td>77</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Harrogate</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>24</td> <td>4</td> <td>14</td> <td>72</td> <td>48</td> <td>+24</td> <td>76</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>85</td> <td>66</td> <td>+19</td> <td>75</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gainsborough</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>18</td> <td>15</td> <td>9</td> <td>67</td> <td>51</td> <td>+16</td> <td>69</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>P</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>19</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>65</td> <td>54</td> <td>+11</td> <td>66</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Brackley</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>20</td> <td>6</td> <td>16</td> <td>55</td> <td>52</td> <td>+3</td> <td>66</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>17</td> <td>13</td> <td>12</td> <td>62</td> <td>51</td> <td>+11</td> <td>64</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Boston Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>17</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>59</td> <td>55</td> <td>+4</td> <td>63</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Solihull Moors</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>16</td> <td>12</td> <td>14</td> <td>60</td> <td>52</td> <td>+8</td> <td>60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Colwyn Bay</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>16</td> <td>11</td> <td>15</td> <td>61</td> <td>57</td> <td>+4</td> <td>59</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bradford PA</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>16</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>67</td> <td>75</td> <td>-8</td> <td>57</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Workington</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>13</td> <td>16</td> <td>13</td> <td>65</td> <td>57</td> <td>+8</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>North Ferriby</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>17</td> <td>4</td> <td>21</td> <td>57</td> <td>58</td> <td>-1</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Oxford City</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>17</td> <td>66</td> <td>71</td> <td>-5</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Altrincham</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>19</td> <td>63</td> <td>72</td> <td>-9</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barrow</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>13</td> <td>11</td> <td>18</td> <td>46</td> <td>62</td> <td>-16</td> <td>50</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gloucester</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>11</td> <td>16</td> <td>15</td> <td>47</td> <td>59</td> <td>-12</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stalybridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>11</td> <td>15</td> <td>16</td> <td>38</td> <td>48</td> <td>-10</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hednesford</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>21</td> <td>53</td> <td>68</td> <td>-15</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>R</td> <td>Leamington</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>12</td> <td>11</td> <td>19</td> <td>52</td> <td>68</td> <td>-16</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>R</td> <td>Worcester</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>10</td> <td>13</td> <td>19</td> <td>54</td> <td>67</td> <td>-13</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>R</td> <td>AFC Telford</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>24</td> <td>48</td> <td>76</td> <td>-28</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

Season stats...

Strikers

Tom Rutter - 40 Apps, 24 Gls, 14 Ast, 9 PoM, 7.38 Rat
Lloyd Ellams - 37 Apps, 15 Gls, 13 Ast, 8 PoM, 7.10 Rat
Josh Mogg - 25 Apps, 6 Gls, 10 Ast, 1 PoM, 6.96 Rat
Tom Denton - 18 Apps, 11 Gls, 6 Ast, 1 PoM, 7.24 Rat
Jordan Rugg - 14 Apps, 9 Gls, 7 Ast, 6.89 Rat
Aaron Rey - 8 Apps, 0 Gls, 0 Ast, 6.34 Rat
Gary Martindale - 2 Apps, 0 Gls, 0 Ast, 6.30

As good as Rutter and Ellams were, we were really doomed by poor finishing. There were too many matches this year where we had a huge advantage in chances but couldn't convert enough of them to matter. Rutter and Ellams will be kept, but the rest are gone (unless I can loan Denton again).


Midfielders

Danny Fearnehough - 32 Apps, 4 Gls, 10 Ast, 1 PoM, 7.04 Rat
Craig Bentham - 30 Apps, 0 Gls, 4 Ast, 6.66 Rat
Michael Brough - 22 Apps, 7 Gls, 1 Ast, 1 PoM, 6.66 Rat
Matthew Williams - 20 Apps, 2 Gls, 1 Ast, 1 PoM, 6.72 Rat
Jamie Vermiglio - 11 Apps, 0 Gls, 0 Ast, 0 PoM, 6.58 Rat

We really struggled when Fearnehough went down and were never the same, even when he got back. Bentham was never great and had a couple of awful moments early in the season, but was pretty consistent by the end. I will keep the two of them.


Wingers

Neil Cartwright - 16 Apps, 2 Gls, 4 Ast, 6.70 Rat
Louis Barnes - 13 Apps, 1 Gls, 3 Ast, 6.73 Rat
Phil Roe - 10 Apps, 1 Gl, 0 Ast, 6.64 Rat
Stephen Wainwright - 3 Apps, 0 Gls, 0 Ast, 6.28 Rat
Karl Clair - 2 Apps, 0 Gls, 0 Ast, 6.30 Rat

We didn't have wingers in our original formation, so I didn't upgrade that spot. I will definitely be looking to get some good people here for next season.


Defenders

Andy Nicholas - 41 Apps, 2 Gls, 2 Ast, 6.74 Rat
Sam Hibbert - 33 Apps, 2 Gls, 1 Ast, 6.51 Rat
Tom Hannigan - 21 Apps, 0 Gls, 0 Ast, 7.06 Rat
David Kocsis - 9 Apps, 1 Gls, 1 Ast, 6.58 Rat

Looking back, I definitely should've kept Hannigan. Hibbert was my worst signing, although he did better once I moved him from WB to CD.


Goalkeeper

Ben Woodhead - 44 Apps, 68 Allowed, 8 Clean Sheets, 6.75 Rat

Woodhead struggled at times but played brilliantly at others, especially in the playoff final. I could probably use an upgrade here, but there are more pressing areas.

[larrymcg421]

Ugh, disappointing, but you can hold your head high. That was an amazing season. Get 'em next year.

Yeah unlucky, losing a play-off final on penalties is heartbreaking.

Thanks guys. It was definitely heartbreaking, but that's what makes this such a great game.

[larrymcg421]

Offseason

The only people I re-sign from last year's squad are Rutter, Fearnehough, Woodhead, Ellams, and Bentham. Aaron Rey and Gary Martindale are sticking around for free. This leaves lots of holes and not as much money as I'd like to fill them. Even after finishing 2nd in the league, we are heavily underfunded compared to our competitors.

CD Dominic Kennedy ($250 p/w) - A terrific physical player who should help us defend corners and crosses, but is not a good cover guy.

ST Alex Johnson ($425 p/w) - Has strong Finishing (11) and other solid attributes. I will have to train up his Stamina (7), but I have high hopes for this guy.

ST George Conway ($110 p/app) - Young striker who can fill one of the backup roles. Fast and has good finishing.

ST Craig Mahon ($350 p/w) - A very fast striker (12 Acc, 13 Pace) who can also back up the winger spots if needed.

CD Spencer Harris ($375 p/w) - A better technical defender, with good Marking (11) and Tackling (11), but no huge weak spots.

CD Luke Blakely ($325 p/w) - Has really strong Bravery (12), Stamina (11), Strength (11), and Marking (10), with no huge weak spots in his game.

ST Kim O'Callaghan ($55 p/w) - 16 year old striker who is really fast but weak on technical skills. Could be effective in spots.

Then I sign the following people on loan, for no charge:

CM Ben Jago
CM Mitchell Duggan

Mostly for depth, but they have some decent skills and I get to loan them for free.




Starting Lineup as we enter the 2014-15 season:

ST Rutter, ST Mahon, ST Johnson
LW Ellams, CM Fearnehough, DM Bentham, RW Conway
CD Kennedy, CD Harris, CD Blakely
GK Woodhead

Yep, we only return 5 starters from last season and I'm uncertain how things are going to go. We were getting away with paying very low wages to guys that already had contracts when I joined the team. Replacing them (or re-signing) came at a huge cost and we didn't get a big increase in payroll. As it is, we are overbudget and we have serious depth issues (especially at the wing and defense spots). I will be keeping my eye on the loan market.

[larrymcg421]

Preseason is uneventful and nobody gets injured. So lets get the season underway.

August 16

Vauxhall (0-0-0) vs. Harrogate (0-0-0)

In the 9th minute, Harrogate go ahead on a corner that is headed in. The team is a little rusty and fails to generate significant threats. It isn't until the 81st minute that Conway gets the ball to Fearnehough in the box, who places an angled shot over the keeper for the equalizer. This motivates the squad and we get some strong threats the rest of the way, but can't convert.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Harrogate 1
Goal: Fearnehough
Assist: Conway
Top Three: Fearnehough 8.3, Woodhead 6.9, Kennedy 6.7
Worst: Blakely 6.3
Shots: 10-4
On Target: 5-3
Possession: 52-48



We finalize a deal with Lee Pugh for $400 p/w. He's a winger who has speed and can hit strong crosses. This puts us further over budget, but was necessary.





August 20

Vauxhall (0-1-0, 16th) at Cambridge City (0-0-1, 21st)

Camebridge City are one of the three promoted teams. In the 13th minutee, Cambridge defenders fail to clear a ball in the box and Ellams gets hold of it and puts it by the keeper. Then in the 34th minute, we are awarded a penalty. I tell Ellams (who missed the penalty in the playoff final) to take it and he converts for the 2-0 lead. A very emotional moment for Vauxhall and our fans. Then Pugh sends a cross to Mahon, who heads it in.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Cambridge City 0
Goals: Ellams 2, Mahon
Assist: Pugh
Top Three: Ellams 8.6, Mahon 7.8, Harris 7.5
Worst: Johnson 6.4
Shots: 11-8
On Target: 5-2
Possession: 54-46




August 23

Vauxhall (1-1-0, 3rd) vs. Altrincham (1-1-0, 6th)

Our lack of depth is gonna make this one interesting. We are starting lots of guys under 90% (some close to 80) and have to put a couple people out of position and call up Mitchell Duggan from the U-18 Squad. 33 minutes in, Duggan sends a cross in that the keeper can't handle and Jago (playing out of position at strike) puts it through. They equalize early in the 2nd half on a corner, but then it is Aaron Rey who scores the winner when he receives a terrific pass from Fearnehough.


Final: Vauxhall 2, Altrincham 1
Goals: Jago, Rey
Assist: Fearnehough, Dugga
Top Three: Fearnehough 7.6, Jago 7.4, Rey 7.1
Worst: Push 6.3
Shots: 15-8
On Target: 5-5
Possession: 56-44




August 30

Vauxhall (2-1-0, 2nd) vs. Worksop (0-1-2, 20th)

Worksop is another promoted team and they also happen to be the team that we loaned Tom Denton from last season. He gets things started by firing a strong strike to beat Woodhead at the near post. We are down 1-0 at the half, but come right out at halftime with some beautiful teamwork that leads to a Mahon goal. Then Ellams puts us ahead by scoring on a free kick! The defense closes up shop and we conclude a solid opening month of Vauxhall football.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Worksop 1
Goals: Mahon, Ellams
Assists: Johnson 2
Top Three: Johnson 7.5, Ellams 7.4, Mahon 7.1
Worst: Bentham 6.3
Shots: 13-3
On Target: 6-3
Possession: 56-44



*This was a good start, but we beat two promoted teams, so hard to get too excited. The win against Altrincham is the most impressive, since we fielded an exhausted, patchwork squad.

*My job status is still very secure, but the board is really upset with me for the payroll management.

[larrymcg421]

September 6

Vauxhall (3-1-0, 3rd) at Barrow (2-1-1, 8th)

33 minutes in, a shot by Johnson hits the post, but the keeper dove to try to stop it and thus had no chance when Pugh came in to grab the rebound. They equalize just before the half on a penalty. Frustration! However, Mahon explodes for two goals in the 53rd and 71st minute to give us a 3-1 lead. They pull one back late, but we hold for the win.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Barrow 2
Goals: Mahon 2, Pugh
Assists: Johnson 2, Bentham
Top Three: Mahon 8.8, Pugh 7.4, Johnson 7.2
Worst: Duggan
Shots: 14-11
On Target: 5-3
Possession: 56-44


September 9

Vauxhall (4-1-0, 2nd) at Bradford PA (1-1-3, 17th)

These short rest games are going to be really tough this year. A very boring game, although we control possession throughout. It's 0-0 at halftime and nobody scores until the 60th minute when O'Callaghan makes a defender slip and beats the keeper. The defense shuts them down. Rutter goes down late and will be out for 8-11 days.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Bradford PA 0
Goal: O'Callaghan
Assist: Conway
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.2, Conway 7.4, Kennedy 7.3
Worst: Ellams 6.3
Shots: 9-0
On Target: 1-1
Possession: 56-44


September 13

Vauxhall (5-1-0, 2nd) vs. Skelmersdale (3-1-2, 9th)

Skelmersdale are the other recently promoted team, but have done well so far. They continue to do so as 5 minutes in, they catch our defense off guard with an easy through pass that is converted for a goal. Johnson equalizes on a counter in the 17th minute, but only 8 minute later, they retake the lead on a power shot from outside the box. They close up shop and we can't equalize.

Final: Skelmersdale 2, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Johnson
Assist: O' Callaghan
Top Three: Johnson 7.4, O'Callaghan 7.2, Woodhead 6.8
Worst: Smith 6.1
Shots: 13-6
On Target: 5-4
Possession: 60-40


FA Cup - 2nd Qualifying Round

Vauxhall vs. Biggleswade Town

We have a week off after this, so the starting lineup is in against a lower division team. Fearnehough scores less than a minute in on a rebound and it looks like it could be a route. However, we get nothing going for the rest of the half. They equalize in 51st minute on a corner. Despite several chances, we can't find the net in the second half and will now have to do a return match. Also, Dominic Kennedy got hurt and will be out for a month.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Biggleswade Town 1
Goal: Fearnehough
Assist: Mahon
Top Three: Fearnehough 7.3, Woodhead 6.9, Harris 6.7
Worst: Bentham 6.3
Shots: 11-6
On Target: 4-2
Possession: 58-42


September 24

FA Cup - 2nd Qualifying round

Well, we no longer have the week off. If we're going to win this one, it will have to be the backups. I scrape the bottom of the barrel for this one, including 43 yr old Gary Martindale. The backups actually play well, but still can't put anything away and it is 0-0 at the half. However, Ben Jago and Anthony Bolland score 2nd half goals and we advance. Ellams gets hurt and will be out for 5-6 weeks.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Biggleswade Town 0
Goals: Jago, Bolland
Assist: O'Callaghan
Top Three: Jago 7.6, O'Callaghan 7.6, Bolland 7.5
Worst: Mahon 6.6
Shots: 10-6
On Target: 4-3
Possession: 62-38


September 27

Vauxhall (5-1-1, 3rd) vs. Tamworth (4-0-3, 9th)

Tamworth is a recently relegated team that we faced last year in the FA Cup. Rutter is back and finally gets his first goal of the season in the 14th minute with a nice shot at the far post. That's all the scoring that would be done as we completely dominate possession and frustrate Tamworth.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Tamworth 0
Goal: Rutter
Assist: Fearnehough
Top Three: Fearnehough 7.3, Rutter 7.1, Woodhead 6.9
Worst: Johnson 6.6
Shots: 13-4
On Target: 7-1
Possession: 61-39

September 30

Vauxhall (6-1-1, 2nd) at Colwyn Bay (5-3-0, 3rd)

Another tough test as we're on the road on short rest. This was a really frustrating game. There were two huge defensive lapses that allowed Colwyn Bay's two goals - one an own goal on a corner and the other with a stupid pass deep in our own area. O'Callaghan and Mahon come through in the 2nd half to salvage the draw, but this is a match we should've won.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Colwyn Bay 2
Goals: O'Callaghan, Mahon
Assists: Rutter, O'Callaghan
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.2, Rutter 7.6, Mahon 7.2
Worst: Bentham 6.2
Shots: 14-11
On Target: 6-3
Possession: 53-47

*Through 9 games this season, we have allowed 9 goals. At the same point last season, we had allowed 21.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td><td>Inf</td><td>Team</td><td>
</td><td>Pld</td><td>Won</td><td>Drn</td><td>Lst</td><td>For</td><td>Ag</td><td>G.D.</td><td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>1st</td><td>
</td><td>Stalybridge</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>7</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>24</td><td>7</td><td>+17</td><td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>2nd</td><td>
</td><td>Gainsborough</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>16</td><td>8</td><td>+8</td><td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>3rd</td><td>
</td><td>Vauxhall</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>16</td><td>9</td><td>+7</td><td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>4th</td><td>
</td><td>Colwyn Bay</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>5</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>20</td><td>10</td><td>+10</td><td>19</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>5th</td><td>
</td><td>Gateshead</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>5</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>17</td><td>8</td><td>+9</td><td>19</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>6th</td><td>
</td><td>Hyde</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>13</td><td>8</td><td>+5</td><td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>7th</td><td>
</td><td>North Ferriby</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>5</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>20</td><td>14</td><td>+6</td><td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>8th</td><td>
</td><td>Tamworth</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>17</td><td>11</td><td>+6</td><td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>9th</td><td>
</td><td>Stockport</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>12</td><td>9</td><td>+3</td><td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>10th</td><td>
</td><td>Lowestoft</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>4</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>11</td><td>11</td><td>0</td><td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>11th</td><td>
</td><td>Skelmersdale</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td>8</td><td>10</td><td>-2</td><td>13</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>12th</td><td>
</td><td>Boston Utd</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>13</td><td>11</td><td>+2</td><td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>13th</td><td>
</td><td>Barrow</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>4</td><td>14</td><td>20</td><td>-6</td><td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>14th</td><td>
</td><td>Workington</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>5</td><td>15</td><td>17</td><td>-2</td><td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>15th</td><td>
</td><td>Altrincham</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>1</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>6</td><td>9</td><td>-3</td><td>8</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>16th</td><td>
</td><td>Hednesford</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>7</td><td>13</td><td>-6</td><td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>17th</td><td>
</td><td>Solihull Moors</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>11</td><td>18</td><td>-7</td><td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>18th</td><td>
</td><td>Harrogate</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>6</td><td>4</td><td>12</td><td>-8</td><td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>19th</td><td>
</td><td>Worksop</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>9</td><td>14</td><td>-5</td><td>6</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>20th</td><td>
</td><td>Cambridge C</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>16</td><td>-10</td><td>5</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>21st</td><td>
</td><td>Bradford PA</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>7</td><td>8</td><td>16</td><td>-8</td><td>4</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>22nd</td><td>
</td><td>Redditch</td><td>
</td><td>9</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>8</td><td>8</td><td>24</td><td>-16</td><td>3</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

October 4

FA Cup - 3rd Qualifying Round

Chorley vs. Vauxhall

Well this is a grotesque performance. Chorley are a lower division squad, but they absolutely destroy us. Our defense is seemingly out of position all match and Mahon misses three wide open scoring chances.

Final: Chorley 3, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Conway 6.7, Woodhead 6.6, Pugh 6.4
Worst: Rutter 5.9
Shots: 12-7
On Target: 1-3
Possession: 58-42

October 11

Vauxhall (6-2-1, 3rd) at Redditch (1-0-8, 22nd)

Well this was quite a game. Redditch have been terrible so far, but they seemed to have our defense's number. We really miss Dominic Kennedy back, because Liam Smith has been terrible. He gifts a goal with another of his stupid cross field passes in front of the box. Thankfully, our offense showed up for the first time and each time they equalized, we were able to go ahead with one more.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Redditch 3
Goals: O'Callaghan 2, Conway, Mahon
Assists: Rutter, Conway, Pugh, Blakely
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.8, Conway 7.8, Mahon 7.4
Worst: Smith 6.1
Shots: 20-9
On Target: 7-4
Possession: 60-40


*Are you fucking kidding me?!!!! Fearnehough got hurt against Redditch and will be out for 5-6 months. That could be our entire season down the drain right there.


October 18

Vauxhall (7-2-1, 2nd) at Boston Utd (3-4-3, 11th)

Kennedy is back. I've moved Rutter to take Fearnehough's spot. It doesn't do much good. We get an early goal when Spencer Harris gets hold of a deflection in the box and puts it through. Boston equalize right before the half when we lose track of their striker. Eventhough they get a red card we can't take advantage in the second half and settle for a draw.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Boston Utd 1
Goals: Harris
Assist:
Top Three: Harris 7.3, Conway 6.7, Blakely 6.7
Worst: Mahon 6.3
Shots: 7-4
On Target: 2-3
Possession: 59-41


October 21

Vauxhall (7-3-1, 1st) vs. Stalybridge (7-2-1, 2nd)

Just 2 minutes in and Harris gives away a penalty, which they convert. About 14 minute later, we equalize when O'Callaghan places a shot just over the keeper's head. Then just before the half, some great team work between Pugh, Johnson, and O'Callaghan leads to O'Callaghan's 2nd goal. Stalybridge get a couple great chances to equalize in the 2nd half, but they send their shots into the stands.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Stalybridge 1
Goals: O'Callaghan 2
Assists: Johnson 2
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.8, Johnson 7.6, Pugh 6.8
Worst: Harris 6.1
Shots: 11-6
On Target: 6-1
Possession: 56-44


October 25

Vauxhall (8-3-1, 1st) vs. Lowestoft (7-2-3, 4th)

Just before half, Liam Smith gets stripped of the ball and Lowestoft convert the easy one on one chance. We really need Kennedy back. In the 50th minute, we manage to equalize when Mahon makes a great backwards pass to Bentham who puts it away. the rest of the 2nd half is uneventful and we settle for the draw.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Lowestoft 1
Goal: Bentham
Assist: Mahon
Top Three: Bentham 7.3, Pugh 6.9, Mahon 6.8
Worst: Smith 6.1
Shots: 15-8
On Target: 4-3
Possession: 52-48


*The Fearnehough injury really, really sucks. Thankfully, I am deep at Striker and can put Rutter in the midfield. Rutter has been shockingly unable to score goals this year, with just 1 in 12 appearances.

*O'Callaghan, who I got for $55 p/w as a backup, has 6 goals and 2 assists in 6 matches. He's earned a starting spot.

*Time to make a decision on loan extensions. I renew Jago and Moynes, but let Duggan and Smith expire. The departure of Smith will hurt my defense depth, but putting a turtle on the back line would probably be more effective than Smith. Plus I have to be careful not to go over the loan limits as loans will be crucial to my title chances. I still have 4 long terms available and 2 more short terms.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stalybridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>31</td> <td>15</td> <td>+16</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hyde</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>23</td> <td>13</td> <td>+10</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>24</td> <td>15</td> <td>+9</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>North Ferriby</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>27</td> <td>20</td> <td>+7</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lowestoft</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>22</td> <td>16</td> <td>+6</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Colwyn Bay</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>26</td> <td>16</td> <td>+10</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>21</td> <td>15</td> <td>+6</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>12</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>18</td> <td>15</td> <td>+3</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gainsborough</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>21</td> <td>20</td> <td>+1</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Boston Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>23</td> <td>15</td> <td>+8</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barrow</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>23</td> <td>23</td> <td>0</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Tamworth</td> <td>
</td> <td>12</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>21</td> <td>15</td> <td>+6</td> <td>19</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Skelmersdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>6</td> <td>17</td> <td>18</td> <td>-1</td> <td>19</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Workington</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>6</td> <td>18</td> <td>18</td> <td>0</td> <td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Harrogate</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>12</td> <td>16</td> <td>-4</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Altrincham</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>-5</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge C</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>12</td> <td>20</td> <td>-8</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Solihull Moors</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>28</td> <td>-11</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Worksop</td> <td>
</td> <td>12</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>16</td> <td>20</td> <td>-4</td> <td>9</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hednesford</td> <td>
</td> <td>12</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>18</td> <td>-10</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bradford PA</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>10</td> <td>14</td> <td>29</td> <td>-15</td> <td>5</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Redditch</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>12</td> <td>16</td> <td>40</td> <td>-24</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

November 8

Vauxhall (8-4-1, 3rd) at Stockport (7-3-3, 6th)

Once again, we control possession, have more shots, but still get beat. Stockport score on two corners and then a misplayed pass gives them their third. O'Callaghan's two goals keep us in it, but not enough. If we don't win the title, this is a match to look back on.

Final: Stockport 3, Vauxhall 2
Goals: O'Callaghan 2
Assists: Rutter, Mahon
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.8, Rutter 6.8, Harris 6.7
Worst: Blakely 6.1
Shots: 14-8
On Target: 6-3
Possession: 57-43


November 11

Vauxhall (8-4-2, 3rd) at Gainsborough (7-3-4, 7th)

More ugliness. We actually go up early on a Ben Jago goal. Then they take the lead on two goals within 9 minutes right before the half. Rutter equalizes right after the half, but then our defense gifts two late goals. Our nets are certainly bigger lately.

Final: Gainsborough 4, Vauxhall 2
Goals: Jago, Rutter
Assists: Woodhead, Rutter
Top Three: Rutter 7.7, Jago 7.3, Woodhead 6.8
Worst: Smith 5.6
Shots: 18-15
On Target: 9-6
Possession: 57-43


November 15

FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round

Corby score on a corner early on and then are able to shut down our worthless offense. Pathetic. Third loss in a row and our 2nd this season to a lower division squad.

Final: Corby 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Woodhead 6.9, Kennedy 6.9, Blakely 6.7
Worst: Mahon 6.3
Shots: 12-11
On Target: 4-3
Possession: 54-46


November 22

Vauxhall (8-4-3, 3rd) vs. Hyde (9-5-1, 2nd)

Very important match if we don't want to fall too far behind in the title hunt. Pugh breaks a scoreless tie in the 41st minute with a terrific shot from the outside of the penalty area. Then O'Callaghan gives us a cushion when he meets a Pugh free kick and puts it in. The defense plays great today and we get a much needed victory.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Hyde 0
Goals: Pugh, O'Callaghan
Assists: O'Callaghan, Pugh
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.5, Pugh 8.2, Blakely 7.4
Worst: Rutter 6.4
Shots: 14-3
On Target: 6-1
Possession: 57-43

*We survive a terrible month and are only 3 pts back in the title chase.

*Fearnehough might be back by the end of the season.

*I make a loan offer to Bobby Lofthouse. He will backup the CM and RW spots. He has speed and creativity.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stalybridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>37</td> <td>20</td> <td>+17</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hyde</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>31</td> <td>20</td> <td>+11</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>North Ferriby</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>10</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>33</td> <td>23</td> <td>+10</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>16</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>30</td> <td>22</td> <td>+8</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>16</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>25</td> <td>19</td> <td>+6</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>16</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>26</td> <td>17</td> <td>+9</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lowestoft</td> <td>
</td> <td>16</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>25</td> <td>19</td> <td>+6</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gainsborough</td> <td>
</td> <td>16</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>31</td> <td>26</td> <td>+5</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Workington</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>2</td> <td>7</td> <td>28</td> <td>23</td> <td>+5</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Boston Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>28</td> <td>22</td> <td>+6</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barrow</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>26</td> <td>29</td> <td>-3</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Colwyn Bay</td> <td>
</td> <td>16</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>28</td> <td>22</td> <td>+6</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Skelmersdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>9</td> <td>26</td> <td>26</td> <td>0</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hednesford</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>19</td> <td>19</td> <td>0</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Altrincham</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>14</td> <td>18</td> <td>-4</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge C</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>8</td> <td>17</td> <td>22</td> <td>-5</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Tamworth</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>10</td> <td>26</td> <td>29</td> <td>-3</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Harrogate</td> <td>
</td> <td>16</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>16</td> <td>21</td> <td>-5</td> <td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Solihull Moors</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>23</td> <td>42</td> <td>-19</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Worksop</td> <td>
</td> <td>16</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>10</td> <td>20</td> <td>28</td> <td>-8</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bradford PA</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>12</td> <td>21</td> <td>39</td> <td>-18</td> <td>9</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Redditch</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>13</td> <td>22</td> <td>46</td> <td>-24</td> <td>8</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

December 6

Vauxhall (9-4-3, 4th) at Workington (8-2-7, 9th)

Well our offense finally showed up for this one, but the defense is still atrocious. I fiddled with my set pieces to try and take advantage of Kennedy's height on corners and it immediately paid off. Then they get two goals in two minute to take a 2-1 lead. In the 2nd half, O'Callaghan equalizes for us twice to help us salvage a draw.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Workington 3
Goals: O'Callaghan 2, Kennedy
Assists: Ellams, Moynes
Top Three: O' Callaghan 8.8, Ellams 7.5, Kennedy 7.4
Worst: Blakely 6.2
Shots: 20-6
On Target: 7-4
Possession: 50-50


December 9

Vauxhall (9-5-3, 4th) at Hednesford (6-4-8, 16th)

It's been a while since we dominated a match and this was a good time to do it. Rutter finally breaks out of his long slump and O'Callaghan has yet another two goal game. I have to figure out how I can extend his contract.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Hednesford 0
Goals: O'Callaghan 2, Rutter
Assists: Rutter 2, Conway
Top Three: O'Callaghan 9.1, Rutter 8.4, Harris 7.4
Worst: Lofthouse 6.5
Shots: 15-3
On Target: 7-0
Possession: 54-46


December 20

Vauxhall (10-5-3, 4th) vs. Gateshead (9-4-5, 7th)

Rutter makes a nice pass to O'Callaghan who scores yet another goal just 35 seconds into the contest. And that would be it for the scoring. The defense plays a nice, solid game. The offense fails to convert several chances, but puts enough pressure to frustrate Gateshead.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Gateshead 0
Goals: O'Callaghan
Assists: Rutter
Top Three: Rutter 7.4, O' Callaghan 7.4, Kennedy 7.4
Worst: Pugh 6.1
Shots: 9-7
On Target: 4-2
Possession: 52-48


December 23

Vauxhall (11-5-3, 3rd) at Harrogate (5-7-7, 17th)

And just when it looked like we had a chance to catch Stalybridge, we throw up this shit sandwich. They go up 3-0 in the first half as we make severe passing mistakes and give them easy breaks. O'Callaghan (of course) and Lofthouse pull two back in the 2nd half, but they get one more while we were in desperation mode.

Final: Harrogate 4, Vauxhall 2
Goals: O'Callaghan, Lofthouse
Assists: Pugh, Mahon
Top Three: Lofthouse, O'Callaghan, Mahon
Worst: Blakely 6.0
Shots: 16-9
On Target: 5-4
Possession: 60-40


December 26

Vauxhall (11-5-4, 4th) vs. North Ferriby (11-3-6, 6th)

A very exciting match as goals are score within minutes of each other. We start with O'Callaghan in the 10th minute and they answer 2 minutes later. They go up in the 30th and Rutter scores 4 minutes later. They go up in the 57th and Mahon answers 1 minute later. Alex Johnson missed a penalty in the 28th minute and I'm officially done with him.

Final: Vauxhall 3, North Ferriby 3
Goals: O'Callaghan, Rutter, Mahon
Assists: O'Callaghan, Mahon, Johnson
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.7, Mahon 8.3, Rutter 7.3
Worst: Kennedy 6.2
Shots: 17-6
On Target: 9-5
Possession: 55-45


December 30

Vauxhall (11-6-4, 4th) at Solihull Moors (3-6-12, 19th)

After O'Callaghan gets things going again (incredible), they equalize just after halftime on a Bentham own goal. This would be a horrible draw for us to take. Thankfully, Mahon comes through just 2 minutes later and we escape with a victory against a really bad team.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Solihull Moors 1
Goals: O'Callaghan, Mahon
Assists: Kennedy, Pugh
Top Three: Kennedy, O'Callaghan, Mahon
Worst: Rutter 6.3
Shots: 12-8
On Target: 4-1
Possession: 56-44


*Stalybridge are now 5 pts clear of us with one less game played. We are 5 pts clear of the 6th place team.

*My biggest concern right now is how do I re-sign O'Callaghan? My budgetary stupidity means I cannot offer him what he's asking, eventhough he only wants a very small amount. He will probably be player of the year and he's only 17.

*I list several guys, including Johnson and Mahon, but nobody wants them. Sigh. That Johnson contract really bites. 16 appearances, 1 goal, 3 assists.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stalybridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>21</td> <td>14</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>45</td> <td>23</td> <td>+22</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>39</td> <td>26</td> <td>+13</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hyde</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>12</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>39</td> <td>26</td> <td>+13</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>12</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>44</td> <td>33</td> <td>+11</td> <td>42</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>21</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>34</td> <td>23</td> <td>+11</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>North Ferriby</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>39</td> <td>31</td> <td>+8</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lowestoft</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>32</td> <td>25</td> <td>+7</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Colwyn Bay</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>37</td> <td>32</td> <td>+5</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gainsborough</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>36</td> <td>36</td> <td>0</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barrow</td> <td>
</td> <td>20</td> <td>9</td> <td>3</td> <td>8</td> <td>30</td> <td>30</td> <td>0</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Boston Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>36</td> <td>30</td> <td>+6</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Workington</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>39</td> <td>39</td> <td>0</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Tamworth</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>33</td> <td>33</td> <td>0</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Skelmersdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>21</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>31</td> <td>30</td> <td>+1</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hednesford</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>10</td> <td>24</td> <td>26</td> <td>-2</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Altrincham</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>22</td> <td>27</td> <td>-5</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Harrogate</td> <td>
</td> <td>21</td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>27</td> <td>27</td> <td>0</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge C</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>7</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>21</td> <td>27</td> <td>-6</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Redditch</td> <td>
</td> <td>21</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>14</td> <td>26</td> <td>51</td> <td>-25</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Solihull Moors</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>13</td> <td>25</td> <td>50</td> <td>-25</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Worksop</td> <td>
</td> <td>20</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>12</td> <td>22</td> <td>34</td> <td>-12</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bradford PA</td> <td>
</td> <td>21</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>14</td> <td>27</td> <td>49</td> <td>-22</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

January 3

Vauxhall (12-6-4, 4th) vs. Cambridge City (7-5-10, 18th)

Inexcusable. A home draw against a shitty team. On an equalizer in the 89th minute. So frustrating.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Cambridge City 1
Goal: Mahon
Assist: Pugh
Top Three: Mahon 7.1, Woodhead 7.0, Bentham 6.9
Worst: Blakely 6.7
Shots: 8-13
On Target: 5-4
Possession: 62-38


January 10

Vauxhall (12-7-4, 4th) at Altrincham (6-9-8, 17th)

Mahon has been on fire lately and he got us started in the 21st minute with a terrific strike. However, Altrincham are able to equalize when we fall asleep on the counter. We cannot afford another draw to a crappy team, so I treat this like a loss and go all out on the attack. This pays off when Rutter gets hold of a rebound in 82nd minute and puts it through for the winner.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Altrincham 1
Goals: Rutter, Mahon
Assists: Magon, O'Callaghan
Top Three: Mahon 7.9, O'Callaghan 7.6, Rutter 7.3
Worst: Kennedy 6.0
Shots: 11-5
On Target: 5-3
Possession: 57-43


January 17

Vauxhall (13-7-4, 3rd) at Worksop (4-5-14, 20th)

Our old fiend Denton is back, but we take an early 2-0 lead thanks to great work on the wings from Pugh and Moynes. They pull one back late and make it really scary when our old pal Tom Denton has a clear cut chance, but he boots it wide of the net.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Worksop 1
Goals: Rutter, Mahon
Assists: Pugh, Moynes
Top Three: Rutter 7.1, Mahon 7.1, O'Callaghan 7.0
Worst: Bentham 6.5
Shots: 14-11
On Target: 6-4
Possession: 52-48


January 20

Vauxhall (14-7-4, 2nd) vs. Barrow (10-4-10, 13th)

Another one of those frustrating games where we can't get anything going despite controlling possession. It's a scoreless tie until the 69th minute when our former striker Josh Mogg gets ahead on the break. We close him down, but he pauses and waits for a fellow striker to walk right into the box. It's an easy pass and shot. No matter what I do, we can't break their defense and suffer a shutout.

Final: Barrow 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Woodhead 6.9, Kennedy 6.8, Pugh 6.7
Worst: O'Callaghan 6.3
Shots: 9-4
On Target: 2-2
Possession: 56-44


January 24

Vauxhall (14-7-5, 2nd) vs. Bradford PA (3-6-17, 22nd)

Bradford are the worst team in the league and we get ahead of them early on another O'Callaghan strike. Then they have trouble guarding Moynes on the left wing and he comes in for two easy shots from the right side of the box. They actually manage to pull two back before the half, making me extremely nervous. But the defense tightens and the second half is scoreless.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Bradford PA 2
Goals: Moynes 2, O'Callaghan
Assists: O'Callaghan, Ellams
Top Three: Moynes 8.8, O'Callaghan 8.2, Bentham 6.9
Worst: Blakely 6.5
Shots: 13-9
On Target: 7-3
Possession: 59-41


January 31

Vauxhall (15-7-5, 2nd) vs. Colwyn Bay (9-8-10, 14th)

Here's one we dominate like we're supposed to. O'Callaghan and Mahon goals give us a 2-0 first half lead, then a Colwyn Bay own goal puts it out of reach. Meanwhile, Stalybridge is in the middle of a total collapse and we pass them up when Barrow beats them 2-1.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Colwyn Bay 0
Goals: O'Callaghan, Mahon
Assists: Lamb, Mahon
Top Three: Mahon 8.2, Harris 7.7, Kennedy 7.6
Worst: Moynes 6.7
Shots: 17-2
On Target: 5-1
Possession: 61-39

*Stalybridge had a miserable month, especially towards the end. They only got 1 pt out of their last 4 matches, allowing us to overtake them even with that loss to Barrow. We are now in 1st!

*O'Callaghan now has 19 goals and 6 assists in 20 matches this season. His 7.68 rating is the highest in the league.

*Fearnehough is training and should be back soon!

*I extended the loan for Ben Jago one more time and also loaned striker Ross Lamb. Both are free loans.

*I finally got rid of Johnson's contract and O'Callaghan has been signed for next year.

*I finish 2nd in Coach of the Month voting.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>16</td> <td>7</td> <td>5</td> <td>55</td> <td>39</td> <td>+16</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>16</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>53</td> <td>32</td> <td>+21</td> <td>54</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stalybridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>16</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>52</td> <td>35</td> <td>+17</td> <td>54</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lowestoft</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>14</td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>41</td> <td>28</td> <td>+13</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hyde</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>48</td> <td>38</td> <td>+10</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>42</td> <td>29</td> <td>+13</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Boston Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>48</td> <td>33</td> <td>+15</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Tamworth</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>48</td> <td>39</td> <td>+9</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>North Ferriby</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>49</td> <td>42</td> <td>+7</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barrow</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>11</td> <td>42</td> <td>44</td> <td>-2</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Workington</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>50</td> <td>44</td> <td>+6</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hednesford</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>11</td> <td>39</td> <td>33</td> <td>+6</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gainsborough</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>12</td> <td>41</td> <td>44</td> <td>-3</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Colwyn Bay</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>11</td> <td>45</td> <td>46</td> <td>-1</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge C</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>11</td> <td>29</td> <td>33</td> <td>-4</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Harrogate</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>35</td> <td>36</td> <td>-1</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Skelmersdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>14</td> <td>43</td> <td>46</td> <td>-3</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Altrincham</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>26</td> <td>36</td> <td>-10</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Redditch</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>17</td> <td>36</td> <td>64</td> <td>-28</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Worksop</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>17</td> <td>33</td> <td>50</td> <td>-17</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bradford PA</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>18</td> <td>37</td> <td>67</td> <td>-30</td> <td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Solihull Moors</td> <td>
</td> <td>28</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>18</td> <td>26</td> <td>60</td> <td>-34</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

February 3

Vauxhall (16-7-5, 1st) at Skelmersdale (10-4-14, 17th)

Skelmersdale are not very good, but they beat us at our place earlier in the season. And we continue to struggle against them for some random reason. They go up early and we fight the whole match to equalize. We finally do when O'Callaghan nails a brilliant long range shot in the 87th minute. We salvaged a draw, but Stockport pass us for 1st.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Skelmersdale 1
Goal: O'Callaghan
Assist: Mahon
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.3, Rutter 6.8, Mahon 6.7
Worst: Jago 6.1
Shots: 13-5
On Target: 4-3
Possession: 57-43


February 7

Vauxhall (16-8-5, 2nd) at Tamworth (14-5-10, 7th)

Um, what the fuck? Tamworth scored five goals in the first 34 minutes! We pull two back, but they add two more. The defense made every mistake possible. Just a disgusting display of football.

Final: Tamworth 7, Vauxhall 2
Goals: Lamb, Mahon
Assists: Lamb, O'Callaghan
Top Three: Lamb 7.5, Mahon 6.9, O'Callaghan 6.6
Worst: Harris 3.9!!!
Shots: 13-17
On Target: 6-10
Possession: 55-45


February 14

Vauxhall (16-8-6, 3rd) vs. Redditch (8-3-18, 19th)

Mahon beats the defense and scores just 40 seconds into the match. Just 8 minutes later, they equalize with some smart passing inside the box. They go ahead after the half when the entire defense is watching the man with the ball, leaving a wide open Redditch winger to stand alone right in front of the goal and head the ball in. It looks like we might actually lose this game, but miraculously we are awarded a penalty in the 90th minute and Pugh delivers to salvage a draw.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Redditch 2
Goals: Mahon, Pugh
Assists: O'Callaghan 2
Top Three: O'Callaghan 7.2, Mahon 7.1, Pugh 6.8
Worst: Bentham 6.1
Shots: 17-4
On Target: 6-2
Possession: 57-43


February 21

Vauxhall (16-9-6, 5th) vs. Boston Utd (13-11-7, 8th)

Danny Fearnehough is back and it couldn't have come at a better time. He actually opens scoring int he 15th minute when O'Callaghan floats an easy cross for him to head through. Kennedy follows that up with another header on a corner. Just before halftime, a Pugh corner is deflected in the box and Lamb eventually gets to it to put us up 3-0. We score a 4th before they pull one back.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Boston Utd 1
Goals: Fearnehough, Kennedy, Lamb, Mahon
Assists: O'Callaghan 2, Fearnehough
Top Three: Fearnehough 8.9, O'Callaghan 8.8, Mahon 7.8
Worst: Rutter 6.6
Shots: 13-3
On Target: 8-1
Possession: 55-45


February 28

Vauxhall (17-9-6, 3rd) vs. Stalybridge (18-8-6, 2nd)

They start the scoring when our defenders mistime their jump on a corner into the box. We are down 1-0, but then we come out of halftime and score a a pair of quick strikes int he 51st and 53rd minutes to take the lead. 20 minutes later, O'Callaghan scores the backbreaking goal with a pretty play where he fakes out the keeper and gets him to slip, then puts the shot in behind him. We add another when Moynes is left alone on the left wing. A terrific two game performance from the guys.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Stalybridge 1
Goals: Pugh, Lamb, O'Callaghan, Moynes
Assists: Mahon 2, Jago, Pugh
Top Three: Pugh 8.5, Moynes 7.8, Mahon 7.8
Worst: Kennedy 6.0
Shots: 13-6
On Target: 7-1
Possession: 55-45

*What a bizarre month. We shit the bed when we are in the driver's seat, but with our backs against the wall, we put in two of our best performances of the season.

*Even with my overspending, we are only spending $209k per year on salaries, which is 21st out of 22 teams. Gateshead are #1 with $1.42 million, while Stalybridge and Stockport are in the $500k-700k range.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>65</td> <td>38</td> <td>+27</td> <td>64</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>18</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>68</td> <td>51</td> <td>+17</td> <td>63</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stalybridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>18</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>61</td> <td>41</td> <td>+20</td> <td>62</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lowestoft</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>18</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>51</td> <td>34</td> <td>+17</td> <td>60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>54</td> <td>36</td> <td>+18</td> <td>59</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Tamworth</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>16</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>64</td> <td>44</td> <td>+20</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hyde</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>54</td> <td>44</td> <td>+10</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Boston Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>14</td> <td>11</td> <td>8</td> <td>57</td> <td>41</td> <td>+16</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>North Ferriby</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>16</td> <td>5</td> <td>12</td> <td>56</td> <td>45</td> <td>+11</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hednesford</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>14</td> <td>6</td> <td>13</td> <td>56</td> <td>45</td> <td>+11</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Workington</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>60</td> <td>54</td> <td>+6</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barrow</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>14</td> <td>6</td> <td>13</td> <td>47</td> <td>51</td> <td>-4</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge C</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>13</td> <td>35</td> <td>40</td> <td>-5</td> <td>42</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gainsborough</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>11</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>50</td> <td>54</td> <td>-4</td> <td>41</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Harrogate</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>9</td> <td>12</td> <td>12</td> <td>41</td> <td>45</td> <td>-4</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Skelmersdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>17</td> <td>54</td> <td>61</td> <td>-7</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Altrincham</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>13</td> <td>33</td> <td>44</td> <td>-11</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Colwyn Bay</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>15</td> <td>49</td> <td>61</td> <td>-12</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Redditch</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>21</td> <td>40</td> <td>74</td> <td>-34</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bradford PA</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>20</td> <td>44</td> <td>77</td> <td>-33</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Solihull Moors</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>19</td> <td>35</td> <td>69</td> <td>-34</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Worksop</td> <td>
</td> <td>33</td> <td>5</td> <td>8</td> <td>20</td> <td>36</td> <td>61</td> <td>-25</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

March 14

Vauxhall (18-9-6, 3rd) at Lowestoft (18-7-9, 4th)

Two full weeks off because our field sucks and we have to postpone a match. The team is a little rusty and gives up an easy goal in the 13th minute. We regroup and 20 minutes later, Mahon scores a stunning strike from 20 yards out! In the 2nd half, Moynes cuts inside from his wing spot and the defense loses him, allowing Mahon to hit him with a pass for the easy goal. Our defense holds and we get a nice comeback victory on the road.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Lowestoft 1
Goals: Mahon, Moynes
Assists: Lamb, Mahon
Top Three: Mahon 7.8, Moynes 7.4, Woodhead 6.8
Worst: Kennedy 6.1
Shots: 11-8
On Target: 58-42
Possession: 58-42


March 17

Vauxhall (19-9-6, 2nd) vs. Stockport (19-7-8, 3rd)

One of the biggest matches of the season. Stockport use a defensive strategy that frustrates our offense and we head into half with a 0-0 tie. It continues to be uneventful until the 2nd half, when they score on a soft corner that Woodhead fails to catch. We can't break through in the final 20 minutes and suffer a critical defeat.

Final: Stockport 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Moynes 6.8, Jago 6.7, Kennedy 6.7
Worst: Blakely 6.2
Shots: 9-5
On Target: 2-3
Possession: 55-45


March 21

Vauxhall (19-9-7, 3rd) at Hyde (16-11-8, 7th)

16 minutes in, O'Callaghan shows off his agility by faking out a defender and beating the keeper at the near post. It takes only 3 minutes for Hyde to equalize when our defense can't clear a corner. And it looks like we're gonna fall further behind in the title chase, until the 94th minute Woodhead sends a long goal kick that Lamb heads over to O'Callaghan. He splits two defenders and fires a great angled shot that the keeper has no chance to stop. A golden victory! O'Callaghan is a Vauxhall hero!

Final: Vauxhall 2, Hyde 1
Goals: O'Callaghan 2
Assists: Lamb 2
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.8, Lamb 7.2, Kennedy 7.1
Worst: Harris 6.3
Shots: 14-8
On Target: 6-3
Possession: 52-48

*Woodhead got hurt in training and will be out for a week. I call up Nathan Stewart from the U-21 squad and he will get his first start.


March 28

Vauxhall (20-9-7, 2nd) vs. Gainsborough (11-10-15, 15th)

Stewart fills in for Woodhead and has a terrific game in this defensive struggle. In the 58th minute we are awarded a penalty and Pugh puts it through, enough to give us the victory and keep our title hopes strong.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Gainsborough 0
Goals: Pugh
Assists: O'Callaghan
Top Three: Stewart 7.0, Clark 6.8, O'Callaghan 6.7
Worst: Fearnehough 6.5
Shots: 11-7
On Target: 5-3
Possession: 56-44


*Should be en exciting final month. We are 2 pts back with 5 games to play.

*Stockport followed up their victory over us with a draw and a loss, dropping them 6 pts back of Stalybridge.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stalybridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>67</td> <td>42</td> <td>+25</td> <td>74</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>21</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>73</td> <td>54</td> <td>+19</td> <td>72</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>20</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>67</td> <td>42</td> <td>+25</td> <td>68</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>19</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>63</td> <td>41</td> <td>+22</td> <td>67</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lowestoft</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>11</td> <td>56</td> <td>39</td> <td>+17</td> <td>64</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Tamworth</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>18</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>71</td> <td>46</td> <td>+25</td> <td>63</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>North Ferriby</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>19</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>64</td> <td>52</td> <td>+12</td> <td>62</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hyde</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>16</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>59</td> <td>51</td> <td>+8</td> <td>59</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Boston Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>15</td> <td>12</td> <td>10</td> <td>62</td> <td>48</td> <td>+14</td> <td>57</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hednesford</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>16</td> <td>6</td> <td>15</td> <td>61</td> <td>53</td> <td>+8</td> <td>54</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barrow</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>54</td> <td>59</td> <td>-5</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Workington</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>13</td> <td>11</td> <td>13</td> <td>67</td> <td>63</td> <td>+4</td> <td>50</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Harrogate</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>11</td> <td>14</td> <td>12</td> <td>47</td> <td>48</td> <td>-1</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Altrincham</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>14</td> <td>41</td> <td>49</td> <td>-8</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gainsborough</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>16</td> <td>55</td> <td>61</td> <td>-6</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Colwyn Bay</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>16</td> <td>60</td> <td>68</td> <td>-8</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge C</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>16</td> <td>36</td> <td>46</td> <td>-10</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Skelmersdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>20</td> <td>56</td> <td>65</td> <td>-9</td> <td>41</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Redditch</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>9</td> <td>5</td> <td>23</td> <td>43</td> <td>79</td> <td>-36</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Worksop</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>20</td> <td>46</td> <td>66</td> <td>-20</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Bradford PA</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>23</td> <td>50</td> <td>88</td> <td>-38</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Solihull Moors</td> <td>
</td> <td>37</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>22</td> <td>39</td> <td>77</td> <td>-38</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

April 4

Vauxhall (21-9-7, 2nd) vs. Hednesford (16-6-15, 10th)

Mahon scores right before the half to give us a 1-0 lead. Meanwhile, Stalybridge are having a meltdown at home and we look good to overtake them. That is until Hednesford scores two goals in the span of 4 minutes to take a 2-1 lead. We go all out with a desperate attack, but can't get anything through and piss away a chance to take the lead.

Final: Hednesford 2, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Mahon
Assist: Lamb
Top Three: Lamb 7.4, Mahon 7.2, Kennedy 6.8
Worst: O'Callaghan 5.8
Shots: 12-5
On Target: 8-2
Possession: 56-44

Other important matches:

Gainsborough 5, Stalybridge 3
Stockport 1, Lowestoft 1
Gateshead 3, Skelmersdale 1

So with 4 games to go:

1. Stalybridge - 74
2. Vauxhall - 72
3. Gateshead - 70
4. Stockport - 69



April 6

Vauxhall (21-9-8, 2nd) at North Ferriby (20-5-13, 6th)

We take the lead on a play where Ellams beats the oncoming keeper to the ball and puts it away. Only 3 minutes later, they equalize when Harris fails to intercept a long pass. They score on a free kick in the 50th minute and we've pissed away another chance to take the league lead. O'Callaghan equalizes just 5 minutes later, but we needed more than a draw here.

Final: Vauxhall 2, North Ferriby 2
Goals: Ellams, O'Callaghan
Assists: Jago
Top Three: Ellams 7.2, O'Callaghan 7.1, Jago 7.0
Worst: Bentham 6.3
Shots: 12-12
On Target: 4-7
Possession: 50-50

Other important matches:

Stockport 0, Gainsborough 0
Hyde 2, Stalybridge 0

1. Stalybridge - 74
2. Vauxhall - 73
3. Gateshead - 70 (1 less game)
4. Stockport - 70



April 11

Vauxhall (21-10-8, 2nd) vs. Workington (13-11-14, 13th)

An early Ross Lamb goal gets us off to a good start, but it isn't until the 2nd half that we really take charge. O'Callaghan and Mahon score on headers and O'Callaghan adds another goal as we run away with it 4-0. Also, we watch as Hednesford go up early on Stalybridge and hold on for the draw, meaning we take the lead!

Final: Vauxhall 4, Workington 0
Goals: O'Callaghan 2, Lamb, Mahon
Assists: Moynes, Fearnehough, Lamb


Other important matches:

Hyde 3, Stockport 0
Tamworth 2, Gateshead 1
Stalybridge 1, Hednesford 1

Gateshead 2, Colwyn Bay 1

With 2 matches to go....

1. Vauxhall - 76
2. Stalybridge - 75
3. Gateshead - 73
4. Stockport - 70



April 18

Vauxhall (22-10-8, 1st) vs. Solihull Moors (7-10-23, 22nd)

A win for us, a Stalybridge loss, and anything other than a win for Gateshead clinches the title for us. I'm obsessively watching the live league table and score reports.

7th minute: Stalybridge down 1-0
23rd minute: Vauxhall up 1-0 (Solihull own goal)
23rd minute: Stalybridge even 1-1
28th minute: Gateshead up 1-0

As of this point, we have 79 pts, while Stalybridge and Gateshead (who we face next) have 76 pts. Still a 3 team race.

57th minute: Gateshead even 1-1
74th minute: Stalybridge down 1-2
85th minute: Vauxhall up 2-0 (Mahon scores)
93rd minute: Vauxhall up 2-1 (Players caught celebrating early?)

We are champions!!!!

Final: Vauxhall 2, Solihull Moors 1
Goals: Mahon
Assists: Mahon, Lamb
Top Three: Mahon 7.8, Lamb 7.5, Moynes 7.2
Worst: Harris 6.6
Shots: 10-3
On Target: 5-2
Possession: 66-34


April 25

Vauxhall (23-10-8, 1st) at Gateshead (21-11-9, 3rd)

Gateshead blitz us for two early goals as our guys are playing a little too relaxed in this meaningless match. However, they get some inspiration at halftime. O'Callaghan and Lamb score on headers to equalize, and then in the 87th minute, O'Callaghan comes charging in to grab a deflection and he puts it through for the late game winner. What a way to finish the season!

Final: Vauxhall 3, Gateshead 2
Goals: O'Callaghan 2, Lamb
Assists: Pugh, Lamb
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.8, Lamb 7.9, Pugh 6.8
Worst: Ellams 6.4
Shots: 17-6
On Target: 8-4
Possession: 57-43


*After last season's heartbreak, this was awesome to watch.

*O'Callaghan wins Player of the Year and I win Coach of the Year.

*Man, what a collapse by Stalybridge. They came into April with a 2pt lead and proceeded to only manage 1 pt in their last 5 matches.

*Stalybridge and Stockport won in the playoff semifinals, then Stockport beat Stalybridge 3-1 and will join us in the Skrill Premier next season.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>C</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>24</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>85</td> <td>61</td> <td>+24</td> <td>82</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stalybridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>72</td> <td>53</td> <td>+19</td> <td>75</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>P</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>21</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>72</td> <td>48</td> <td>+24</td> <td>74</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>21</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>72</td> <td>49</td> <td>+23</td> <td>74</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Tamworth</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>21</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>83</td> <td>52</td> <td>+31</td> <td>73</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>North Ferriby</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>21</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>72</td> <td>58</td> <td>+14</td> <td>71</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lowestoft</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>20</td> <td>10</td> <td>12</td> <td>60</td> <td>45</td> <td>+15</td> <td>70</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hyde</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>18</td> <td>12</td> <td>12</td> <td>66</td> <td>57</td> <td>+9</td> <td>66</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barrow</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>64</td> <td>65</td> <td>-1</td> <td>65</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Boston Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>16</td> <td>16</td> <td>10</td> <td>69</td> <td>52</td> <td>+17</td> <td>64</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hednesford</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>17</td> <td>9</td> <td>16</td> <td>64</td> <td>57</td> <td>+7</td> <td>60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Harrogate</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>14</td> <td>15</td> <td>13</td> <td>57</td> <td>56</td> <td>+1</td> <td>57</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Workington</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>14</td> <td>13</td> <td>15</td> <td>74</td> <td>74</td> <td>0</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gainsborough</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>14</td> <td>12</td> <td>16</td> <td>66</td> <td>65</td> <td>+1</td> <td>54</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Altrincham</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>13</td> <td>12</td> <td>17</td> <td>46</td> <td>56</td> <td>-10</td> <td>51</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Colwyn Bay</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>17</td> <td>68</td> <td>76</td> <td>-8</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge C</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>11</td> <td>14</td> <td>17</td> <td>42</td> <td>53</td> <td>-11</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Skelmersdale</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>23</td> <td>61</td> <td>77</td> <td>-16</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Redditch</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>11</td> <td>6</td> <td>25</td> <td>51</td> <td>85</td> <td>-34</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>R</td> <td>Worksop</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>8</td> <td>11</td> <td>23</td> <td>51</td> <td>76</td> <td>-25</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>R</td> <td>Bradford PA</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>26</td> <td>56</td> <td>97</td> <td>-41</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>R</td> <td>Solihull Moors</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>25</td> <td>45</td> <td>84</td> <td>-39</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

O'Callaghan's miracle goal against Hyde in the 94th minute (definitely an incredibly play by Lamb as well)...


<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5cyuwj8LnsY" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Ast</td> <td>PoM</td> <td>Pas R</td> <td>Tck</td> <td>DrbPG</td> <td>Sh T</td> <td>Yel</td> <td>Red</td> <td>Av Rat</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Kim O'Callaghan</td> <td>34 (2)</td> <td>28</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>75%</td> <td>1.19</td> <td>0.93</td> <td>42%</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>7.60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Ross Lamb</td> <td>12 (2)</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>0</td> <td>74%</td> <td>0.72</td> <td>1.51</td> <td>55%</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>7.27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Craig Mahon</td> <td>32 (6)</td> <td>19</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>75%</td> <td>1.28</td> <td>0.98</td> <td>48%</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>7.12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Danny Fearnehough</td> <td>15 (2)</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>80%</td> <td>2.37</td> <td>1.15</td> <td>42%</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>7.09</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>William Stewart</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>82%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.90</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Lewis Moynes</td> <td>27 (2)</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>80%</td> <td>1.72</td> <td>1.53</td> <td>35%</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.86</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Tom Rutter</td> <td>30 (1)</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>77%</td> <td>1.35</td> <td>1.46</td> <td>37%</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.83</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Ben Woodhead</td> <td>40</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>59%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.80</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Lee Pugh</td> <td>38 (1)</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>1</td> <td>75%</td> <td>1.61</td> <td>1.20</td> <td>68%</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.79</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Dominic Kennedy</td> <td>39</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>74%</td> <td>2.84</td> <td>0.36</td> <td>29%</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.75</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>George Conway</td> <td>14 (8)</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>81%</td> <td>1.18</td> <td>1.05</td> <td>32%</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.74</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Ben Jago</td> <td>13 (6)</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>76%</td> <td>1.67</td> <td>0.65</td> <td>50%</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.74</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Antony Bolland</td> <td>3 (3)</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>81%</td> <td>3.16</td> <td>-</td> <td>0%</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.73</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Lloyd Ellams</td> <td>18 (4)</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>77%</td> <td>1.37</td> <td>1.08</td> <td>19%</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.69</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Craig Bentham</td> <td>37 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>82%</td> <td>3.24</td> <td>0.35</td> <td>50%</td> <td>10</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.65</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Spencer Harris</td> <td>40</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>73%</td> <td>2.50</td> <td>0.33</td> <td>33%</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.63</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Luke Blakely</td> <td>36 (3)</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>76%</td> <td>2.75</td> <td>0.27</td> <td>0%</td> <td>5</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.56</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Gary Appleton</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Nathan Phillips</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Gary Martindale</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

*Returnees this season include Fearnehough, Rutter, O'Callaghan, Harris, Blakely, Kennedy, ellams, and Bolland.

*Say goodbye to key players from previous seasons like Ben Woodhead, Craig Mahon, and Craig Bentham.

New signees include:

GK Paul Walker ($350 p/w) - Love his Command of Area (12), Communication (10), Positioning (12), Reflexes (11), and Rushing Out (13). The latter was especially a major weakness for Woodhead.

CD Joe Tait ($400 p/w) - By far the best player on the team in Marking (12) and Tackling (12) and can start a break from the back line. I'm mostly worried about his Positioning (6).

LW Jack Clark ($400 p/w) - Great team player with Leadership (15), Teamwork (13), and Work Rate (12). No major weak spots.

ST Jaime Rainford ($350 p/w) - Looks like a good speed striker with a great ability for finding space and handling the ball. Will not be creating goals with his atrocious passing.

ST Adam Hubbard ($180/app) - Another fast striker with amazing Off the Ball (13) and Finishing (14). Also has weak passing.

CD John Beales ($45 p/w loan) - Mainly to be a backup defender. Pretty strong and tall.

CM Kane Willis ($20 p/w loan) - A decent player without any huge holes in his game and he can play 4 different spots to help us with depth.

*We are actually under budget, even with the lower expectations (avoid relegation) selected. If we add anyone else, it will be via the loan market.

*Fearnehough gets hurt in preseason and will be out for 3 weeks. His injury issues are a concern and I have a feeling Rutter will be playing lots of CM instead of ST this season.

*We are given 50:1 odds for promotion. The media predicts us to finish 24th.


Our opening day starting lineup:

ST O'Callaghan, ST Rainford, ST Hubbard
LW Clark, MC Rutter, DM Blakely, RW Ellams
CD Tait, CD Harris, CD Kennedy
GK Walker

[korme]

Just wanted to post and share that I am following along

[larrymcg421]

August 8

Vauxhall (0-0-0) vs. Aldershot (0-0-0)

Walker makes a great early save. Then on the counter, it's the O'Callaghan show all over again! They equalize on a header just before halftime. Right after the half, O'Callaghan puts as ahead and we look good for the victory until the 75th minute when the dreaded corner does us in again. A draw is a good start for us in the higher division, but I wish we could've closed the deal.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Aldershot 2
Goals: O'Callaghan 2
Assists: Hubbard, Rainford
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.8, Hubbard 7.1, Walker 6.8
Worst: Harris 6.4

August 11

Vauxhall (0-1-0, 12th) at Salisbury (1-0-0, 6th)

Gonna be a rough game as our guys aren't liking the short rest this early in the season. In the 31st minute, we get beat on a counter. Walker makes several great stops to keep us in it. We have a few chances in the 2nd half, but the shots go wide. The guys fought hard here, but we were just too tired.

Final: Sailisbury 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Kennedy 6.7, Tait 6.7, Hubbard 6.6
Worst: Clark 6.4


August 15

Vauxhall (0-1-1, 16th) vs. Lincoln (2-0-0, 2nd)

We spend almost the entire first half on their side of the field, but fail to convert many easy chances. Ellams in particular is horrible. They score on a soft header that caught Walker out of position. In the 2nd half, Rutter goes down with injury and we continue to miss easy chances. I can't remember the last time we were shut out in back to back matches. Rutter will be out for 2 months.

Final: Lincoln 2, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: O'Callaghan 6.9, Bolland 6.8, Rutter 6.7
Worst: Rainford 5.9


We bring in MC Michael Pino and RW Alex Hewitt. Pino is mostly for depth, but Hewitt looks to be a solid starter for us.


August 18

Vauxhall (0-1-2, 21st) vs. Eastbourne Boro (1-0-2, 15th)

I wish I could fine a defensive player for sending a cross field pass in front of the penalty area. We battle hard for 30 minutes and go down because of that stupid mistake. They add insurance on a header in the 50th minute and we never really threaten. Three straight games without a goal now and Rainford will now be out for a month.

Final: Eastborn Boro 2, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Walker 6.7, Tait 6.7, Blakely 6.6
Worst: Kennedy 6.0


August 22

Vauxhall (0-1-3, 23rd) at Ebbsfleet (1-1-2, 14th)

18 minutes in and we are down 4-0. Seriously, we make every mistake possible, can't complete a single pass, and they convert each opportunity. Make the nightmare end! We actually pull one back before the half, but it was meaningless.

Final: Ebbsfleet 5, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Kennedy
Assist: O'Callaghan
Top Three: O'Callaghan 7.5, Pino 6.8, Kennedy 6.7
Worst: Ellams 5.2


I loan Elliot Peake, a striker, to help deal with the Rutter and Rainford injuries.

August 29

Vauxhall (0-1-4, 23rd) at Newport Co (1-1-3, 18th)

Our passing is horrendous in the first half and gives them several opportunities. We're lucky they only convert one of them. Even O'Callaghan is having a terrible day as he misses two clear cut chances. He finally scores in the 2nd half with a quick strike that their keeper wasn't ready for. We hold on desperately for the draw and try to take some positives into next month.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Newport Co 1
Goal: O'Callaghan
Assist: Ellams
Top Three: O'Callaghan 7.2, Ellams 6.8, Hubbard 6.7
Worst: Blakely 6.0


*The opening match gave me hopes, but we've played like crap. We just look totally outmatched in every way.

*Injuries have not helped. Fearnehough just came back, Rainford and Rutter are both still out.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>15</td> <td>6</td> <td>+9</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>12</td> <td>3</td> <td>+9</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>11</td> <td>8</td> <td>+3</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>16</td> <td>7</td> <td>+9</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>12</td> <td>6</td> <td>+6</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>+4</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastbourne Boro</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>+1</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>12</td> <td>7</td> <td>+5</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>14</td> <td>12</td> <td>+2</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>+6</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>+1</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dartford</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>-2</td> <td>9</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>0</td> <td>8</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nuneaton</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>12</td> <td>11</td> <td>+1</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>12</td> <td>15</td> <td>-3</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>-3</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>16</td> <td>-7</td> <td>6</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>0</td> <td>5</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>10</td> <td>-4</td> <td>5</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>13</td> <td>-7</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>12</td> <td>-7</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>12</td> <td>-5</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>16</td> <td>-9</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>6</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>13</td> <td>-9</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

Just wanted to post and share that I am following along

Thanks!

[larrymcg421]

September 1

Vauxhall (0-2-4, 24th) vs. Kidderminster (1-0-5, 21st)

A match we badly need to win. A scoreless tie is broken in the 32nd minute when O'Callaghan's corner is headed in by Joe Tait. They equalize on a "fluke" goal that was meant to be a cross, but bounced off the keeper into the net. Then 12 minutes later we lose track of their right winger and suddenly we're headed to another loss. However, we come right back and two minutes later Hewitt finds himself all alone on the right wing and easily beats the keeper. Then just two minutes after that, Fearnehough sends a beautiful through pass in to Peake, who puts it away. We hold on for a great comeback!

Final: Vauxhall 3, Kidderminster 2
Goals: Peake, Hewitt, Tait
Assists: O'Callaghan, Pino, Fearnehough
Top Three: O'Callaghan 7.9, Hewitt 7.4, Tait 7.4
Worst: Ellams 6.3


September 5

Vauxhall (1-2-4, 22nd) at Histon (2-1-4, 17th)

Deflected, missed, missed, hit the post, deflected, missed. That's how the first half goes as we fail to capitalize on numerous opportunities. Then Histon come through with a goal in the 81st minute and we lose yet again.

Final: Histon 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Kennedy 6.9, Clark 6.7, Hubbard 6.7
Worst: Tait 6.2


September 8

Vauxhall (1-2-5, 23rd) at Chester (6-0-2, 4th)

They are dominating possession, but we're holding pretty firm and preventing good shots. A great athletic play by O'Callaghan starts a break that Hubbard finishes. 6 minutes later, Harris loses their top striker in the box and they equalize. With time winding down and it looking like a draw, O'Callaghan gets to a loose ball, knees it past a defender, then sends it over to Peake who crosses it back in. O'Callaghan finishes with perfect timing. A terrific win for Vauxhall!

Final: Vauxhall 2, Chester 1
Goals: Hubbard, O'Callaghan
Assists: O'Callaghan, Peake
Top Three: O'Callaghan 7.9, Hubbard 7.2, Peake 6.8
Worst: Harris 6.2


September 12

Vauxhall (2-2-5, 20th) vs. Braintree (4-2-3, 10th)

Oh, it's another one of those matches. We go down 3-0 in the first 28 minutes, all on goals from the same player. Peake actually manages to pull one back for us in the 2nd half and we didn't let them add any more damage, but it's very frustrating to see the guys play this bad.

Final: Braintree 3, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Peake
Assist: O'Callaghan
Top Three: O'Callaghan 7.8, Peake 7.1, Kennedy 6.8
Worst: Hewitt 5.9


September 19

Vauxhall (2-2-6, 23rd) vs. FC Halifax (4-4-2, 10th)

Nobody pays attention to a winger running down the field and FC Halifax go up 11 minutes in. It stays that way until the 2nd half, where Hubbard shows off his great finishing ability with two goals in the 56th and 72nd minute. The defense holds on for our 3rd victory of the season.

Final: Vauxhall 2, FC Halifax 1
Goals: Hubbard 2
Assists: Peake, Clark
Top Three: Hubbard 8.8, Harris 7.2, Peake 6.8
Worst: Beales 6.2



September 22

Vauxhall (3-2-6, 19th) at Sutton Utd (3-2-6, 18th)

Rainford is back for this one. We actually hold possession fairly well, but still fall behind when Walker can't get to a placed shot over his head. Then they score on a cross into the box where Walker slips as he was trying to catch it. We pull one back, but they break our backs with two more in the final minutes. Ugly way to lose.

Final: Sutton Utd 4, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Rainford
Assist: Pino
Top Three: Rainford 7.0, O'Callaghan 6.7, Pino 6.7
Worst: Harris 5.7


September 25

Vauxhall (3-2-7, 21st) vs. Dartford (5-0-7, 16th)

Another match that we were dominating, but couldn't get anything in. I was waiting for the fluke goal from the other team to send us to a loss. However, Kim O'Callaghan completely takes over at the end. In the 72nd minute, he gets a pass, splits two defenders and beats the keeper. Then in the 88th minute, as they were trying furiously to equalize, he torches his defender, gets a long pass from Fearnehough and makes the keeper look silly. Hewitt adds insult to injury with a 92nd minute goal off a deflected free kick.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Dartford 0
Goals: O'Callaghan 2, Hewitt
Assists: Fearnehough, Clark, Rainford
Top Three: O'Callaghan 9.2, Hewitt 7.8, Fearnehough 7.6
Worst: Peake 6.2


*We alternated wins and losses this month, but it was definitely a step up from August.

*The strategy now is to stay under budget and avoid regulation. Hopefully, we can then get a bigger budget next season to make a title chase.

*I am still scouring the loan market.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>36</td> <td>14</td> <td>+22</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>27</td> <td>20</td> <td>+7</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>0</td> <td>4</td> <td>30</td> <td>20</td> <td>+10</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>23</td> <td>18</td> <td>+5</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>21</td> <td>10</td> <td>+11</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>29</td> <td>20</td> <td>+9</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>26</td> <td>19</td> <td>+7</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nuneaton</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>28</td> <td>22</td> <td>+6</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>25</td> <td>27</td> <td>-2</td> <td>19</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>20</td> <td>15</td> <td>+5</td> <td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>25</td> <td>22</td> <td>+3</td> <td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastbourne Boro</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>6</td> <td>19</td> <td>24</td> <td>-5</td> <td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>25</td> <td>29</td> <td>-4</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>7</td> <td>19</td> <td>23</td> <td>-4</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>19</td> <td>19</td> <td>0</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>14</td> <td>19</td> <td>-5</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>12</td> <td>19</td> <td>-7</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dartford</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>0</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>23</td> <td>-8</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>7</td> <td>22</td> <td>26</td> <td>-4</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>2</td> <td>7</td> <td>16</td> <td>25</td> <td>-9</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>16</td> <td>21</td> <td>-5</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>21</td> <td>29</td> <td>-8</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>17</td> <td>30</td> <td>-13</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>28</td> <td>-11</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

October 3

Vauxhall (4-2-7, 20th) at Hereford (7-2-4, 5th)

The guys play incredibly well on the road against a really strong Hereford squad. At this point, I'm really happy with a draw, but then Spencer Harris knocks in a loose ball off a corner and we have the lead. Hereford never really come close to threatening and we've now won 3 of our last 4 matches!

Final: Vauxhall 1, Hereford 0
Goal: Harris
Assist:
Top Three: Harris 7.5, Walker 6.8, Blakely 6.8
Worst: O'Callaghan 5.9


October 10

Vauxhall (5-2-7, 16th) vs. Forest Green (4-3-7, 20th)

And this is how this game can mess with my sanity. We've been on a roll lately, have moved up to 16th, and playing a really bad squad at home. We're up 2-1 (two O'Callaghan goals) as late asthe 60th minute and then everything falls apart. They score on a cross into the box and Blakely is furious, protesting that the player was offsides. He protests so much that he gets a yellow, his second of the game, and is sent off. Forest Green take advantage and score the game winner in the 85th minute.

Final: Forest Green 3, Vauxhall 2
Goals: O'Callaghan 2
Assists: Pino, Hubbard
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.8, Hubbard 7.1, Pino 6.8
Worst: Harris 5.4


October 13

Vauxhall (5-2-8, 19th) at Southport (2-4-9, 24th)

We get several opportunities to take the lead, but frustratingly cannot put them away. It's a 0-0 halftime score when we should've been up by 2 at least. Then Southport score on a free kick in the 50th minute. Our furious attack puts pressure on them, but still can't finish the job, and they score a backbreaker in the 85th minute.

Final: Southport 2, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Hewitt 6.8, Fearnehough 6.7, Harris 6.7
Worst: Clark 5.7


I picked up DMC Luke Foster on loan. He's better than Blakely at that spot and I can move Blakely back to his traditional CD spot.


October 17

Vauxhall (5-2-9, 20th) at Barnet (10-3-3, 3rd)

Once again we head to the break with a scoreless tie, despite spending much of the first half in front of their net. Then they score on a corner and we're down again. O'Callaghan comes through to equalize for us in the 67th minute, but then they score off a free kick in the only a minute later. We try furiously to equalize again, but Barnet score another in the 90th minute to end it.

Final: Barnet 3, Vauxhall 1
Goal: O'Callaghan
Assists: Hubbard
Top Three: O'Callaghan 7.2, Hubbard 7.0, Foster 6.5
Worst: Clark 6.1


October 24

FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round

Vauxhall at Matlock

We have a week off after this, so we can play most of our starters against this lower division squad. O'Callaghan gets an early goal and then Ellams comes through with a hat trick. We coast to victory, although we should beat a team like this by more.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Matlock 1
Goals: Ellams 3, O'Callaghan
Assists: Clark, Peake, O'Callaghan
Top Three: Ellams 9.6, O'Callaghan 7.9, Peake 7.8


October 31

Vauxhall (5-2-10, 22nd) vs. Stockport (4-6-7, 20th)

Stockport get 2 shots on target and score on one of them. We get 10 shots on target and score on none of them. That's how it goes for Vauxhall football these days. I have to find some way to turn this around or we will be relegated.

Final: Stockport 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Foster 6.9, Walker 6.8, Kennedy 6.8
Worst: Fearnehough 6.4


*I loan RW Mark Dark, who is a very good crosser, to help out at the RW spot.

*We have scored the 2nd fewest goals in the league. So much for the thread title.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>12</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>40</td> <td>26</td> <td>+14</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>42</td> <td>19</td> <td>+23</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>12</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>42</td> <td>25</td> <td>+17</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>11</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>34</td> <td>23</td> <td>+11</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>11</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>28</td> <td>13</td> <td>+15</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>9</td> <td>2</td> <td>7</td> <td>37</td> <td>26</td> <td>+11</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>43</td> <td>33</td> <td>+10</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nuneaton</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>39</td> <td>33</td> <td>+6</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>34</td> <td>35</td> <td>-1</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>34</td> <td>40</td> <td>-6</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>33</td> <td>39</td> <td>-6</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>8</td> <td>30</td> <td>30</td> <td>0</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastbourne Boro</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>8</td> <td>24</td> <td>34</td> <td>-10</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>9</td> <td>28</td> <td>39</td> <td>-11</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>10</td> <td>25</td> <td>30</td> <td>-5</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>8</td> <td>19</td> <td>26</td> <td>-7</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>26</td> <td>23</td> <td>+3</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>29</td> <td>34</td> <td>-5</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dartford</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>0</td> <td>11</td> <td>26</td> <td>34</td> <td>-8</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>9</td> <td>21</td> <td>30</td> <td>-9</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>10</td> <td>23</td> <td>32</td> <td>-9</td> <td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>11</td> <td>20</td> <td>34</td> <td>-14</td> <td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>10</td> <td>34</td> <td>41</td> <td>-7</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>18</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>10</td> <td>21</td> <td>33</td> <td>-12</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

November 3

Vauxhall (5-2-11, 22nd) at Guiseley (7-2-9, 14th)

It's our old friends Guiseley, who beat us in the playoff final two seasons ago. Would love to get revenge. We get started right away as Hewitt outruns the fullback, gets a pass, and is able to run right at the goal. then right after the half, Pino extends the lead with a long range shot outside the penalty area. The defense is playing solid and we manage to extend the lead in the 70th minute when Clark beats the fullback on the other side. Great win, both for revenge and to end our terrible form.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Guiseley 1
Goals: Hewitt, Pino, Clark
Assists: Peake, Tait, Ellams
Top Three: Clark 8.0, Pino 7.8, Hewitt 7.6
Worst: Kennedy 6.6


November 7

FA Cup: 1st Round

Vauxhall at FC Halifax

It would be nice to win and get some much needed money, but it was not to be. They score twice in the first 27 minutes on basically the same play, a cross in to their striker who we cannot cover. Then in the 2nd half, Harris knocks the ball into his own goal. Fearnehough pulled one back, but we never gave them a scare.

Final: FC Halifax 3, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Fearnehough
Assist: Hubbard
Top Three: Fearnehough 7.3, O'Callaghan 6.7, Dark 6.7
Worst: Rainford 6.0


November 14

Vauxhall (6-2-11, 21st) at Nuneaton (8-4-7, 10th)

I start Rutter for the first time in a while and it pays off immediately as he sends a great through pass to Hubbars who puts it away for the early lead. Then my blood starts to boil as Nuneaton score twice in a 3 minute span to take the lead. Thankfully, Rutter is able to equalize just before halftime, off a header from O'Callaghan. In the 2nd half, we manage to take the lead on another O'Callaghan to Rutter combination. Then O'Callaghan provides some insurance by scoring one of his own. Nuneaton pull one back to provide a late scare, but we hold on for a great win.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Nuneaton 3
Goals: Rutter 2, O'Callaghan, Hubbard
Assists: O'Callaghan 2, Rutter, Hubbard
Top Three: O'Callaghan 9.0, Rutter 8.8, Hubbard 8.3
Worst: Walker 6.3

*Pino's loan is over. With the loan deadline approaching, we pick up CM Martin Dey and DM Adam Everitt.


November 21

Vauxhall (7-2-11, 18th) vs. Cambridge (5-4-11, 24th)

Surely, we're on a roll now and should be able to dispense with the worst team in the league at home. Oh, why do I get my hopes up? They score twice in a 4 minute span to take a 2-0 halftime lead. Hubbard manages to pull one back in the 2nd half, but then they close up shop and we can't break through. What a stupid loss.

Final: Cambridge 2, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Hubbard
Assist: O'Callaghan
Top Three: O'Callaghan 7.1, Hubbard 7.0, Walker 6.8
Worst: Harris 5.8


November 24

Vauxhall (7-2-12, 21st) vs. Alfreton (7-5-9, 15th)

Another one of those games where we completely dominate possession, but can't finish the job. It is a scoreless tie until the 50th minute when Hubbard - on a roll lately - puts through a deflection. It is only 6 minutes later when they equalize on a long throw-in. Thankfully, O'Callaghan comes through with another great play, sending a perfect pass to Peake, who puts through the game winner.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Alfreton 1
Goals: Hubbard, Peake
Assists: Blakely, O'Callaghan
Top Three: Hubbard 7.2, Peake 7.1, O'Callaghan 7.1
Worst: Rainford 6.3


November 28

FA Trophy: 1st Round

Vauxhall vs. Weymouth

Weymouth are two divisions lower than us, so we should beat them pretty handily, but we go into halftime with a scoreless tie. In the 50th minute, Luke Foster randomly decides to make a central run from his DM position, gets the pass from Fearnehough, and scores. He looked like a striker there. That was all the scoring to be done. Kind of embarassing that we only won 1-0, but I'll take the victory and move on.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Weymouth 0
Goal: Foster
Assist: Fearnehough
Top Three: Foster 8.2, Fearnehough 7.0, Kennedy 6.9
Worst: Tait 6.3


*Definitely a better month for Vauxhall. The Cambridge loss doesn't look so bad when they followed it up by beating Stockport 2-0 and Guiseley 5-0.

*The Free Transfer and Loan deadlines just passed, so we're stuck with who we have for a while.

*Our full loan list....

RW Alex Hewitt - End of season.
ST Elliott Peake - End of season.
CM Kane Wills - End of season.
CD John Beales - End of season.
CM/DM Adam Everitt - Expires 2/20
CM Martin Dey - Expires 2/19
RW Mark Dark - Expires 1/23
DM Luke Foster - Expires 1/14

*The loan window reopens on Feb 6.

*Kim O'Callaghan is drawing interest from other clubs and managers are coming to our games to watch him. I'm considering hiring Clive Bundy's militia to deal with them.

*We are spending $290k on salaries. The next lowest team is Guiseley with $351k. Then Histon with $456k. The average salary is over $1 million and Forest Green leads the league with $2.01 million.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>14</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>48</td> <td>31</td> <td>+17</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>50</td> <td>30</td> <td>+20</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>13</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>44</td> <td>32</td> <td>+12</td> <td>42</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>46</td> <td>25</td> <td>+21</td> <td>41</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>12</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>36</td> <td>22</td> <td>+14</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>45</td> <td>48</td> <td>-3</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>10</td> <td>3</td> <td>9</td> <td>41</td> <td>45</td> <td>-4</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>10</td> <td>2</td> <td>10</td> <td>42</td> <td>36</td> <td>+6</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>50</td> <td>41</td> <td>+9</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nuneaton</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>46</td> <td>40</td> <td>+6</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>10</td> <td>1</td> <td>11</td> <td>38</td> <td>37</td> <td>+1</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>28</td> <td>31</td> <td>-3</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastbourne Boro</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>9</td> <td>3</td> <td>11</td> <td>33</td> <td>46</td> <td>-13</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>11</td> <td>35</td> <td>37</td> <td>-2</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>11</td> <td>33</td> <td>39</td> <td>-6</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>10</td> <td>27</td> <td>33</td> <td>-6</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dartford</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>11</td> <td>30</td> <td>37</td> <td>-7</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>35</td> <td>43</td> <td>-8</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>30</td> <td>28</td> <td>+2</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>7</td> <td>5</td> <td>11</td> <td>34</td> <td>37</td> <td>-3</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>2</td> <td>12</td> <td>30</td> <td>41</td> <td>-11</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>11</td> <td>41</td> <td>47</td> <td>-6</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>23</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>13</td> <td>33</td> <td>56</td> <td>-23</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>30</td> <td>43</td> <td>-13</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

December 5

Vauxhall (8-2-12, 21st) at Dag & Red (10-2-10, 8th)

Ugh, this one hurts. We actually take a lead on a 1st half Hubbard goal. They equalize in the 62nd minute when Walker can't catch a very soft cross that was floated into the box. It bounces behind him and they run up to put it through. Then, just when I thought we would at least be able to salvage a nice road draw, they score in the 86th minute.

Final: Dag & Red 2, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Hubbard
Assist: Hewitt
Top Three: Hubbard 7.1, O'Callaghan 6.7, Hewitt 6.7
Worst: Everitt 6.1


December 12

FA Trophy: 2nd Round

Vauxhall vs. Maidenhead United

Maidenhead are a division lower than us, in the Skrill South. We control the match as expected. Eventhough we're only up 1-0 in the first half, it's pretty comfortable because they're never sending any threatening balls in our area. We add to it in the 2nd half and coast to an easy victory.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Maidenhead United 0
Goals: Hubbard, O'Callaghan
Assists: Rainford 2
Top Three: Hubbard 8.3, Rainford 8.1, O'Callaghan 7.8
Worst: Clark 6.6


December 15

Vauxhall (8-2-13, 22nd) at Aldershot (8-6-9, 13th)

Aldershot have our old GK Ben Woodhead. They go up 2-0 on a cross and a penalty. Hubbard continues to be on fire and pulls one back before halftime. It looks like we have a great chance to equalize, but they beat us on a counter to extend their lead. Hubbard pulls back one more, but we can't get the equalzer.

Final: Aldershot 3, Vauxhall 2
Goals: Hubbard 2
Assists: O'Callaghan, Dey
Top Three: Hubbard 8.8, Dey 8.0, O'Callaghan 6.9
Worst: Tait 5.7


December 30

Vauxhall (8-2-14, 23rd) at Lincoln (13-6-6, 4th)

Two weeks off due to a waterlogged field, but it's the same old Vauxhall football. Inability to put chances away. Inability to stop opposing chances. We go up 1-0, miss several chances to extend that lead and they equalize. We go up 2-1, miss several chances to extend. They equalize and take the lead. We come right back down and score only a minute later to salvage the draw. A road draw against Lincoln should be a good thing, but we should've got 2 more pts out of this one.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Lincoln 3
Goals: Hubbard 2, Dark
Assists: Peake 2, O'Callaghan
Top Three: Hubbard 8.8, O'Callaghan, 7.5, Dark 7.4
Worst: Harris 6.2

*Relegation is a real possibility at this point. Every time it looks like we'll go on a run to get out of the relegation spots, we have a shitty month like this one.

*At the end of last season, the board decided to build a new field and took out a huge loan to do it. Meanwhile, we don't have enough money to get players that can compete and they refuse to increase the budget.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>25</td> <td>16</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>56</td> <td>35</td> <td>+21</td> <td>54</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>14</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>49</td> <td>37</td> <td>+12</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>56</td> <td>31</td> <td>+25</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>14</td> <td>4</td> <td>8</td> <td>56</td> <td>40</td> <td>+16</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>8</td> <td>38</td> <td>25</td> <td>+13</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>25</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>52</td> <td>51</td> <td>+1</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>52</td> <td>50</td> <td>+2</td> <td>41</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>12</td> <td>3</td> <td>11</td> <td>47</td> <td>40</td> <td>+7</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>57</td> <td>45</td> <td>+12</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>12</td> <td>1</td> <td>13</td> <td>45</td> <td>43</td> <td>+2</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>44</td> <td>48</td> <td>-4</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>11</td> <td>4</td> <td>11</td> <td>36</td> <td>41</td> <td>-5</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nuneaton</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>10</td> <td>53</td> <td>45</td> <td>+8</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>11</td> <td>41</td> <td>41</td> <td>0</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastbourne Boro</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>10</td> <td>3</td> <td>13</td> <td>38</td> <td>52</td> <td>-14</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>37</td> <td>35</td> <td>+2</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>12</td> <td>45</td> <td>52</td> <td>-7</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>12</td> <td>37</td> <td>44</td> <td>-7</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>38</td> <td>42</td> <td>-4</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>25</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>12</td> <td>31</td> <td>41</td> <td>-10</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dartford</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>14</td> <td>36</td> <td>51</td> <td>-15</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>25</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>14</td> <td>36</td> <td>49</td> <td>-13</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>15</td> <td>34</td> <td>59</td> <td>-25</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>12</td> <td>36</td> <td>53</td> <td>-17</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

January 2

Vauxhall (8-3-14, 22nd) vs. Ebbsfleet (11-5-10, 9th)

It's a pretty fierce defensive struggle (we are called for 24 fouls), but it is scoreless at the half. Right after the half, we are called for a penalty and that's the ballgame. We can't threaten no matter what we try to do.

Final: Ebbsfleet 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Walker 7.2, Dey 6.8, Hubbard 6.7
Worst: Kennedy 6.2



January 9

FA Trophy: Third Round

Vauxhall at Ebbsfleet

Back to back matches against Ebbsfleet. Once again it is scoreless at the half and once again they go up right after the half. However, this time O'Callaghan came through with two goals, including a dramatic 87th minute game winner. The bad news? O'Callaghan goes down with injury right after this and we will be without him for 3-4 weeks. I hate the world.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Ebbsfleet 1
Goals: O'Callaghan 2
Assists: Hewitt, Peake
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.8, Tait 7.1, Hewitt 7.0
Worst: Hubbard 6.3


January 12

Vauxhall (8-3-15, 24th) at Eastbourne Borough (10-3-14, 18th)

Without O'Callaghan, the guys know they have to step up. Rutter gets things started with a header. Then Ellams scores on a penalty. They manage to pull one back when Walker gets caught in no man's land. But it only took a minute for us to go right back down and extend the lead on a Rutter to Everitt combo. The only thing that happens in the 2nd half is that we add two more goals to have our most complete victory of the season.

Final: Vauxhall 5, Eastbourne Boro 1
Goals: Ellams 2, Rutter, Dey, Everitt
Assists: Hubbard, Dark, Rutter, Dey, Ellams
Top Three: Ellams 9.2, Dey 8.7, Everitt 8.4
Worst: Blakely 7.1


January 15

Vauxhall (9-3-15, 22nd) vs. Salisbury (16-6-5, 1st)

As expected, we go down early against the #1 team, but our defense holds firm to keep us in it. And that's when craziness ensues. In the 79th minute, Hubbard gets the ball in the penalty area and beats the keeper. Then we immediately steal the ball at the next kickoff and Hubbard ends up knocking through a cross from Clark. 2 goals in 2 minutes and we had the lead. Then only 3 minutes later, Salisbury catch us off guard on a long pass and equalize. I'll definitely take the draw, but I wish we could've held on for the victory.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Salisbury 2
Goals: Hubbard 2
Assists: Rainford, Clark
Top Three: Hubbard 8.8, Fearnehough 6.9, Clark 6.8
Worst: Kennedy 6.2


January 23

Vauxhall (9-4-15, 21st) at Kidderminster (14-1-14, 9th)

Yet another game where we fall behind early, but mount a comeback. They score in the 11th minute, but then we score two 2nd half goals in a 6 minute span to take the lead. All we have to do is hold the lead. And we cannot. They score off a long goal kick in the 86th minute. Another draw against a good team, but that's 4 pts in two games we let slip away.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Kidderminster 2
Goals: Ellams, Dey
Assists: Hubbard 2
Top Three: Hubbard 8.3, Dey 7.3, Ellams 7.2
Worst: Tait 6.3
January 26


January 26

Vauxhall (9-5-15, 21st) vs. Histon (8-5-16, 24th)

Histon promoted the season before we did. They managed to avoid the drop last year, but they're obviously struggling now. We take it to them with a Kennedy header off a corner and a Harris conversion of a penalty kick. It stood at 2-0 until the 73rd minute when Histon pull one back on a corner and then 7 minutes later, Walker cannot hold on to a soft cross and the ball bounces in. Are we really gonna give up three wins in a row on late goals? Fortunately, Dominic Kennedy comes through again by connecting with a free kick at the perfect time to send it through. We win in the 86th minute!

Final: Vauxhall 3, Histon 2
Goals: Kennedy 2, Harris
Assists: Peake, Hubbard, Everitt
Top Three: Kennedy 9.2, Peake 7.4, Hubbard 7.2
Worst: Tait 6.6


January 29

FA Trophy: Quarterfinals

Vauxhall at Dag & Red

We have a short rest before our next league match, so I have to throw in the scrubs for this one. And the guys fight pretty hard considering that. Dag & Red do go up 2-0 in the first half, but Peake manages to pull one back right before the halftime whistle. We pull out all the stops to try and equalize, but they catch us on a counter and put the game away.

Final: Dag & Red 3, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Peake
Assist: Rutter
Top Three: Peake 7.2, Rutter 7.1, Blakely 6.5
Worst: Fearnehough 5.9


*I'd been wary of changing my tactic at all, especially since it has done so well for me, also because I don't feel comfortable that I know enough to make a smart or meaningful change. However, after the first match this month, I decided to change the "Short Passing" instruction to "Go Route One". I figured that the strength of my current squad is in athleticism, so getting the ball down field and taking advantage of that speed would be better than a short, possession strategy. It seems to have worked so far, but I'll keep monitoring things.

*Loans for Dey (who has been fantastic), Foster, and Dark have been extended for the full season.

*I loaned Willie Dunn to help with Striker depth.

*O'Callaghan still won't talk contract renewal with me and this will probably be his last season with Vauxhall.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>19</td> <td>7</td> <td>5</td> <td>69</td> <td>45</td> <td>+24</td> <td>64</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>73</td> <td>37</td> <td>+36</td> <td>59</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>16</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>61</td> <td>46</td> <td>+15</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>16</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>62</td> <td>57</td> <td>+5</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>16</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>69</td> <td>47</td> <td>+22</td> <td>54</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>30</td> <td>14</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>42</td> <td>29</td> <td>+13</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>14</td> <td>6</td> <td>11</td> <td>64</td> <td>49</td> <td>+15</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>30</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>60</td> <td>58</td> <td>+2</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>14</td> <td>3</td> <td>14</td> <td>51</td> <td>46</td> <td>+5</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>53</td> <td>47</td> <td>+6</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>12</td> <td>8</td> <td>11</td> <td>51</td> <td>55</td> <td>-4</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>42</td> <td>48</td> <td>-6</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nuneaton</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>60</td> <td>55</td> <td>+5</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>54</td> <td>57</td> <td>-3</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>11</td> <td>46</td> <td>44</td> <td>+2</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>14</td> <td>45</td> <td>54</td> <td>-9</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>15</td> <td>45</td> <td>50</td> <td>-5</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>13</td> <td>42</td> <td>50</td> <td>-8</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>30</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>15</td> <td>48</td> <td>57</td> <td>-9</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>47</td> <td>64</td> <td>-17</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dartford</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>17</td> <td>46</td> <td>66</td> <td>-20</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>17</td> <td>43</td> <td>68</td> <td>-25</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastbourne Boro</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>10</td> <td>3</td> <td>18</td> <td>42</td> <td>67</td> <td>-25</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>30</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>17</td> <td>35</td> <td>54</td> <td>-19</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

February 2

Vauxhall (10-5-15, 19th) vs. Newport County (13-7-10, 8th)

Hubbard and Dey gets us off to a fast start with two goals in the first 18 minutes. Then in a 4 minute span, Forest Green score two goals to even it up before the half. I'm really tired of seeing this happen. Thankfully, our offensive production stays strong and O'Callaghan comes through with two goals in the 2nd half.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Newport County 2
Goals: O'Callaghan 2, Hubbard, Dey
Assists: Hewitt, Dey, Clark, Dunn
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.6, Dey 8.2, Dunn 8.1
Worst: Foster 6.3


February 6

Vauxhall (11-5-15, 16th) at Braintree (16-7-8, 4th)

One contract I will NOT be renewing is Paul Walker's. Each of our strikers score in the first half to give us a 3-1 halftime lead. In the 58th minute, Walker kicks a ball right to a Braintree player who sends the ball right back over Walker's head. Then in the 74th minute, Walker can't handle a shot and loses sight of the ball, eventually kicking into his own net. So we end up with a draw snatched from the jaws of victory.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Braintree 3
Goals: Dunn, O'Callaghan, Hubbard
Assists: Dey, Dunn, Hubbard
Top Three: Dunn 7.9, Hubbard 7.7, Dey 7.6
Worst: Walker 6.0


February 13

Vauxhall (11-6-15, 17th) at FC Halifax (9-12-11, 15th)

FC Halifax striker Adebayo Akinfenwa completely owns us in this one. He stakes them to a 2-0 lead on two plays where he embarassed our defenders. Dunn managed to get one back in the 66th minute, but while we were trying to equalize, they got a break and Akinfenwa put the game away by completing his hat trick.


Final: FC Halifax 3, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Dunn
Assist: O'Callaghan
Top Three: Dunn 7.2, O'Callaghan 6.7, Walker 6.7
Worst: Clark 5.7


February 16

Vauxhall (11-6-16, 19th) vs. Chester (17-6-10, 4th)

We hang tough with a really good squad and actually take the lead when they knock it into their own goal on a corner. We hold firm until te 82nd minute when their star striker Tom Peers (21 goals this season) scores on a header. Another late goal denies us a victory!

Final: Vauxhall 1, Chester 1
Goal:
Assist: Hewitt
Top Three: Hewitt 7.4, Clark 6.7, Tait 6.7
Worst: Hubbard 6.1


February 20

Vauxhall (11-7-16, 19th) vs. Sutton United (13-8-13, 9th)

Talk about a fast start. Dunn gets a goal and Hubbard gets two in the first 13 minutes! Yep, 13 minutes in and we are up 3-0. You'd think this game was gonna be a route, wouldn't you? Well that would mean you haven't watched Vauxhall. I watch in terror as Sutton pull one back before the half and another right after the half. They have a couple clear cut chances for the equalizer, but Walker redeems himself somewhat by coming up with big saves to preserve our victory and my sanity

Final: Vauxhall 3, Sutton United 2
Goals: Hubbard 2, Dunn
Assists: Hubbard, Dunn, Foster
Top Three: Hubbard 8.8, Dunn 8.7, Dark 7.2
Worst: Ajayi 6.2


February 26

Vauxhall (12-7-16, 16th) at Dartford (10-7-18, 21st)

Dartford score on a corner only 5 minutes in and shut us down for the first half. Right after the half, O'Callaghan comes through with the equalizer on a header. But we can't get anything else going and it looks like it's gonna be another stupid draw against a team we should've beaten. Then 2 minutes into extra time, Clark fires a long pass that gets to a wide open Hubbard. He sends it into the box and O'Callaghan puts it through for another miracle win!

Final: Vauxhall 2, Dartford 1
Goals: O'Callaghan 2
Assists:
Hubbard, Dark
Top Three: O'Callaghan 8.8, Dark 7.4, Kennedy 6.9
Worst: Tait 6.1


*We have finally put together a good enough run to get some separation from the relegation zone. We are now 8 pts ahead of 21st.

*Dey has been so good, I made a transfer offer for him, which will go through at the end of the season.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>21</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>77</td> <td>50</td> <td>+27</td> <td>71</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>74</td> <td>65</td> <td>+9</td> <td>65</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>18</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>80</td> <td>47</td> <td>+33</td> <td>64</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>18</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>72</td> <td>54</td> <td>+18</td> <td>64</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>75</td> <td>53</td> <td>+22</td> <td>61</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>48</td> <td>37</td> <td>+11</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>64</td> <td>53</td> <td>+11</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>66</td> <td>57</td> <td>+9</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td> <td>12</td> <td>71</td> <td>71</td> <td>0</td> <td>52</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>14</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>64</td> <td>64</td> <td>0</td> <td>50</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>15</td> <td>4</td> <td>16</td> <td>57</td> <td>52</td> <td>+5</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>13</td> <td>61</td> <td>67</td> <td>-6</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>14</td> <td>7</td> <td>15</td> <td>49</td> <td>58</td> <td>-9</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>11</td> <td>13</td> <td>12</td> <td>55</td> <td>51</td> <td>+4</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>16</td> <td>62</td> <td>69</td> <td>-7</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nuneaton</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>15</td> <td>65</td> <td>60</td> <td>+5</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>12</td> <td>7</td> <td>16</td> <td>51</td> <td>54</td> <td>-3</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>16</td> <td>50</td> <td>56</td> <td>-6</td> <td>42</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>15</td> <td>49</td> <td>59</td> <td>-10</td> <td>42</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>16</td> <td>53</td> <td>74</td> <td>-21</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastbourne Boro</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>20</td> <td>52</td> <td>75</td> <td>-23</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>19</td> <td>49</td> <td>79</td> <td>-30</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>18</td> <td>43</td> <td>60</td> <td>-17</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dartford</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>19</td> <td>51</td> <td>73</td> <td>-22</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

March 5

Vauxhall (13-7-16, 15th) at Forest Green (14-7-15, 13th)

Ouch. We got our asses handed to us in this one. We never really threatened and Forest Green just put in goal after goal. The worst part is O'Callaghan got hurt again and will be out for 2 weeks.

Final: Forest Green 4, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Rutter 6.5, Dey 6.4, Hubbard 6.3
Worst: Blakely 4.9


March 8

Vauxhall (13-7-17, 15th) vs. Hereford (16-10-11, 6th)

And we bounce back in a big way against Hereford, possibly ending their playoff chances. Dunn starts things off by taking advantage of a horrible pass and starting a break that he finished. Then an own goal put us up 2-0 at the half. We keep attacking in the 2nd half and Clark gets on the board by grabbing a deflection and striking a powerful shot. Then Hubbard adds one more late to make it a complete route.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Hereford 0
Goals: Hubbard, Dunn, Clark
Assists: Dunn, Rutter, Hewitt, Ajayi
Top Three: Dunn 8.4, Clark 8.3, Kennedy 8.1
Worst: Ellams 6.6


March 12

Vauxhall (14-7-17, 15th) vs. Barnet (19-10-9, 5th)

Another really strong team, but we can't dominate them the same way we did to Hereford. We do start off the scoring when Dunn converts a penalty. Barnet comes back in the 2nd half and takes the lead with goals in the 51st and 78th minute. However, Barnet makes a serious error on a deep throw-in and sends it right to Clark who lobs a beautiful pass to Dunn. Dunn makes the keeper look silly and equalizes in the 88th minute.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Barnet 2
Goals: Dunn 2
Assists: Peake, Clark
Top Three: Dunn 8.6, Peake 6.8, Walker 6.8
Worst: Foster 6.0


March 19

Vauxhall (14-8-17, 15th) at Stockport (10-11-18, 23rd)

Our promotion partners Stockport are fighting to avoid the drop. Dominic Kennedy infuriates me early on by doing my least favorite thing - sending a cross field pass deep in our own half of the field. It's intercepted in a central position and there's no chance to stop the goal. With a gifted lead, Stockport pull back and try to protect a desperately needed victory. It works until the 68th minute when there keeper fails to catch a cross and Hubbard puts it through. They are still able to hold on to the draw, but that might not be enough to keep them up.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Stockport 1
Goal: Hubbard
Assist: Dark
Top Three: Hubbard 7.1, Walker 6.9, Dark 6.8
Worst: Rutter 6.3


March 26

Vauxhall (14-9-17, 14th) vs. Southport (12-10-18, 20th)

We help out our buddies Stockport by completely destroying one of the teams they are fighting with in relegation zone. 1st half goals by Dark and O'Callaghan give us a comfortable 2-0 lead. Then, in the 2nd half, Dunn scores two goals in a 4 minute span to completely put the game away. O'Callaghan adds another one before Southport are able to pull one back.

Final: Vauxhall 5, Southport 1
Goals: Dunn 2, O'Callaghan 2, Dark
Assists: Hubbard 2, Dunn, Dark
Top Three: Dunn 9.5, Dark 9.3, Hubbard 8.7
Worst: Tait 7.1


March 28

Vauxhall (15-9-17) vs. Guiseley (14-6-21, 18th)

We all remember our good friends Guiseley. They beat us in the playoff final last year, one of the most crushing experiences I've had in a text sim. We got some revenge by beating them 3-1 at their place earlier this year. And we continue that by taking an early lead and piling on late. It is a 2-0 halftime lead and we get a 3rd goal in the 75th minute. A 3-0 win is nice, but I want to destroy them, so we still attack and manage to add two more in the 90th and 92nd minute to humiliate them and hopefully send them to relegation land. The last 3 goals all came from backup Elliot Peake.

Final: Vauxhall 5, Guiseley 0
Goals: Peake 3, O'Callaghan, Hubbard
Assists: Hewitt 2, Dark, O'Callaghan
Top Three: Peake 9.6, O'Callaghan 9.3, Hubbard 9.1



*We rebounded nicely from that awful defeat against Forest Green to move all the way up to 12th and are now 11 pts ahead of relegation with 4 matches left. One more win or two draws will clinch survival.

*It should be an interesting relegation battle. There are 6 teams within a 3 pt difference and 3 of them will be relegated.

*The battle for the playoffs is less exciting, with 10 pt gap between 5th and 6th, although the league title race is still open.

*I wish I knew why O'Callaghan won't talk to me about a contract renewal.

*Also, I'm concerned that yet again the board is waiting until the last minute to renew my own contract.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>24</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>97</td> <td>59</td> <td>+38</td> <td>80</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>22</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>97</td> <td>57</td> <td>+40</td> <td>77</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>22</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>83</td> <td>62</td> <td>+21</td> <td>77</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>11</td> <td>86</td> <td>67</td> <td>+19</td> <td>75</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>21</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>82</td> <td>76</td> <td>+6</td> <td>73</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>17</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>53</td> <td>46</td> <td>+7</td> <td>63</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>18</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>74</td> <td>62</td> <td>+12</td> <td>62</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>17</td> <td>11</td> <td>14</td> <td>84</td> <td>84</td> <td>0</td> <td>62</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>60</td> <td>64</td> <td>-4</td> <td>61</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>17</td> <td>9</td> <td>16</td> <td>80</td> <td>77</td> <td>+3</td> <td>60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>15</td> <td>14</td> <td>12</td> <td>65</td> <td>52</td> <td>+13</td> <td>59</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>16</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>79</td> <td>77</td> <td>+2</td> <td>57</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>17</td> <td>5</td> <td>19</td> <td>68</td> <td>64</td> <td>+4</td> <td>56</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>15</td> <td>11</td> <td>16</td> <td>68</td> <td>76</td> <td>-8</td> <td>56</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>15</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>71</td> <td>68</td> <td>+3</td> <td>54</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>19</td> <td>52</td> <td>66</td> <td>-14</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td> <td>18</td> <td>57</td> <td>59</td> <td>-2</td> <td>52</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>14</td> <td>6</td> <td>22</td> <td>64</td> <td>96</td> <td>-32</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>12</td> <td>11</td> <td>19</td> <td>54</td> <td>72</td> <td>-18</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Nuneaton</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>12</td> <td>10</td> <td>20</td> <td>70</td> <td>72</td> <td>-2</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>12</td> <td>10</td> <td>20</td> <td>54</td> <td>67</td> <td>-13</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dartford</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>21</td> <td>62</td> <td>81</td> <td>-19</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>19</td> <td>61</td> <td>88</td> <td>-27</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastbourne Boro</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>11</td> <td>6</td> <td>25</td> <td>63</td> <td>92</td> <td>-29</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

April 2

Vauxhall (16-9-17, 12th) at Cambridge (14-10-18, 17th)

O'Callaghan gets things started by using his speed to beat a defender to a loose ball into the box and putting it away. It's 1-0 at the half, but Cambridge equalize in the 57th minute when we don't even attempt to properly defend a corner. Only 6 minutes later, a Cambridge defender slips and we retake the lead. Cambridge gets several opportunities, but can't convert them and we escape with a narrow win.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Cambridge 1
Goals: O'Callaghan, Hubbard
Assists: Dunn, Hewitt
Top Three: Dunn 7.5, O'Callaghan 7.2, Hubbard 7.1
Worst: Blakely 6.2


April 9

Vauxhall (17-9-17, 11th) vs. Nuneaton (12-10-21, 21st)

This was a very physical match. 24 minutes in, Dark gets injured by a Nuneaton player, who gets the red card. Being up a man, we go on the attack but still can't break through until O'Callaghan gets the ball in a great position and fires a nice angled shot behind the keeper. After the half, Nuneaton actually manage to equalize right after the half, but then we come right back down and Hewitt converts a beautiful placed shot in the top corner. The match continues to be brutal with several yellow cards and Foster is sent off in the 91st minute (how dumb!). They actually get a shot on goal in extra time, but Walker makes the save.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Nuneaton 1
Goals: O'Callaghan, Hewitt
Assists: Dunn 2
Top Three: Dunn 7.5, Hewitt 7.3, O'Callaghan 7.1
Worst: Foster 5.1


April 16

Vauxhall (18-9-17, 11th) at Alfreton (13-12-19, 18th)

We come right down the field after the whistle and Dunn scores off a rebound. Then the match stops. We can't break through, but neither can they. It's a tough, defensive struggle. Then in the 93rd minute, for some reason unbeknownst to me, Fearnehough sends a very high pass towards the middle of the field. It is intercepted by Alfreton and they score on the break. What a stupid play!

Final: Vauxhall 1, Alfreton 1
Goals: Dunn
Assists: Dey
Top Three: Dunn 7.7, Tait 7.0, Dey 6.8
Worst: Hubbard 6.5 (How did Fearnehough get a 6.7 with that nonsense play?)


April 23

Vauxhall (18-10-17, 11th) vs. Dag & Red (20-9-16, 6th)

For whatever reason, Dag & Red seem to have our number this season. They beat us 2-1 earlier in the season and then eliminated us from the FA Trophy 3-1. That continues here as they just completely embarass us at home. For whatever reason, our guys weren't ready to play. Dag & Red go up 2-0 in the first half and then add two more goals in the 2nd half before Hubbard finally pulls one back.

Final: Dag & Red 4, Vauxhall 1
Goals: Hubbard
Assist: Blakely
Top Three: Hubbard 7.0, Hewitt 6.7, Fearnehough 6.7
Worst: Ajayi 5.7


*Well, that was a crappy final two matches for us, but it was still a fantastic season overall. After spending much of the first half in relegation territory, we went on a late run that pushed us all the way up to 11th.

*I still don't have a contract renewal.

[larrymcg421]

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>C</td> <td>Chester</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>26</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>108</td> <td>64</td> <td>+44</td> <td>88</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>25</td> <td>11</td> <td>10</td> <td>93</td> <td>67</td> <td>+26</td> <td>86</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>24</td> <td>10</td> <td>12</td> <td>90</td> <td>69</td> <td>+21</td> <td>82</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>23</td> <td>12</td> <td>11</td> <td>102</td> <td>63</td> <td>+39</td> <td>81</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>Pl</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>23</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>92</td> <td>83</td> <td>+9</td> <td>80</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>21</td> <td>9</td> <td>16</td> <td>84</td> <td>68</td> <td>+16</td> <td>72</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>21</td> <td>7</td> <td>18</td> <td>69</td> <td>70</td> <td>-1</td> <td>70</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>19</td> <td>12</td> <td>15</td> <td>91</td> <td>89</td> <td>+2</td> <td>69</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>17</td> <td>16</td> <td>13</td> <td>71</td> <td>57</td> <td>+14</td> <td>67</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>17</td> <td>15</td> <td>14</td> <td>57</td> <td>51</td> <td>+6</td> <td>66</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>18</td> <td>10</td> <td>18</td> <td>85</td> <td>84</td> <td>+1</td> <td>64</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>18</td> <td>9</td> <td>19</td> <td>87</td> <td>85</td> <td>+2</td> <td>63</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>16</td> <td>12</td> <td>18</td> <td>74</td> <td>83</td> <td>-9</td> <td>60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>21</td> <td>73</td> <td>73</td> <td>0</td> <td>59</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>16</td> <td>11</td> <td>19</td> <td>78</td> <td>80</td> <td>-2</td> <td>59</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>15</td> <td>12</td> <td>19</td> <td>61</td> <td>63</td> <td>-2</td> <td>57</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>21</td> <td>54</td> <td>72</td> <td>-18</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>15</td> <td>9</td> <td>22</td> <td>69</td> <td>100</td> <td>-31</td> <td>54</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>13</td> <td>13</td> <td>20</td> <td>59</td> <td>71</td> <td>-12</td> <td>52</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>13</td> <td>13</td> <td>20</td> <td>60</td> <td>78</td> <td>-18</td> <td>52</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>R</td> <td>Dartford</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>14</td> <td>9</td> <td>23</td> <td>66</td> <td>86</td> <td>-20</td> <td>51</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>R</td> <td>Stockport</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>12</td> <td>13</td> <td>21</td> <td>63</td> <td>93</td> <td>-30</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>R</td> <td>Nuneaton</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>12</td> <td>11</td> <td>23</td> <td>73</td> <td>79</td> <td>-6</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>R</td> <td>Eastbourne Boro</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>26</td> <td>68</td> <td>99</td> <td>-31</td> <td>42</td></tr></tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

<table align="center" width="90%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Ast</td> <td>PoM</td> <td>Pas R</td> <td>Tck</td> <td>DrbPG</td> <td>Sh T</td> <td>Yel</td> <td>Red</td> <td>Av Rat</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>STC</td> <td>PR</td> <td>Willie Dunn</td> <td>18</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>73%</td> <td>1.26</td> <td>1.44</td> <td>45%</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>7.39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>STCL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kim O'Callaghan</td> <td>39</td> <td>20</td> <td>12</td> <td>8</td> <td>73%</td> <td>1.18</td> <td>1.53</td> <td>43%</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>7.33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>STCR</td> <td>Ctr</td> <td>Adam Hubbard</td> <td>43 (1)</td> <td>22</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>75%</td> <td>0.97</td> <td>1.01</td> <td>51%</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>7.24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>MCR</td> <td>Trn</td> <td>Martin Dey</td> <td>21 (2)</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>0</td> <td>76%</td> <td>1.50</td> <td>0.98</td> <td>46%</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>7.00</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Mark Dark</td> <td>20 (1)</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>0</td> <td>74%</td> <td>1.41</td> <td>1.78</td> <td>37%</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.87</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S4</td> <td>Yth</td> <td>Elliott Peake</td> <td>14 (7)</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>76%</td> <td>1.66</td> <td>1.21</td> <td>50%</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.83</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>DCR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Semi Ajayi</td> <td>11</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>67%</td> <td>2.00</td> <td>0.67</td> <td>0%</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.83</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>ML</td> <td>
</td> <td>Tom Rutter</td> <td>11 (4)</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>70%</td> <td>1.17</td> <td>1.44</td> <td>31%</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.80</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>MR</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alex Hewitt</td> <td>26 (6)</td> <td>4</td> <td>8</td> <td>1</td> <td>74%</td> <td>2.44</td> <td>1.07</td> <td>37%</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.79</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>GK</td> <td>
</td> <td>Paul Walker</td> <td>46</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>60%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.75</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Lloyd Ellams</td> <td>11 (6)</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>70%</td> <td>1.70</td> <td>1.04</td> <td>46%</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.64</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>DCL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dominic Kennedy</td> <td>43</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>71%</td> <td>2.44</td> <td>0.35</td> <td>80%</td> <td>11</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.64</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>
</td> <td>Jack Clark</td> <td>38 (1)</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>72%</td> <td>1.97</td> <td>1.17</td> <td>41%</td> <td>10</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.62</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Antony Bolland</td> <td>2 (1)</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>73%</td> <td>1.39</td> <td>1.39</td> <td>-</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S3</td> <td>Rsv</td> <td>Danny Fearnehough</td> <td>10 (6)</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>71%</td> <td>1.51</td> <td>0.70</td> <td>67%</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>DC</td> <td>
</td> <td>Joe Tait</td> <td>44 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>70%</td> <td>2.36</td> <td>0.34</td> <td>33%</td> <td>5</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>DMCL</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luke Blakely</td> <td>31 (5)</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>77%</td> <td>3.45</td> <td>0.46</td> <td>43%</td> <td>9</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.59</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S5</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luke Foster</td> <td>21 (1)</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>75%</td> <td>3.16</td> <td>0.29</td> <td>20%</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.51</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S2</td> <td>
</td> <td>Spencer Harris</td> <td>18 (3)</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>69%</td> <td>3.38</td> <td>0.47</td> <td>67%</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S1</td> <td>Loa</td> <td>William Stewart</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Ctr</td> <td>Nathan Phillips</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

Offseason

*The board finally signed me to a two year deal.

*Unfortunately, payroll budget is essentially the same as last season. The club is still in financial trouble because of the new expensive field the idiots are building.

*Kim O'Callaghan is officially leaving Vauxhall.

*I also terminate the contracts of Fearnehough and Rutter. I'd love to keep them as backups just for nostalgic reasons, but I couldn't afford them anymore.

*Players that will be returning include MC Martin Dey, DC Joe Tait, DC Dominic Kennedy, DC Spencer Harris, DC/DMC Luke Blakely, ST Adam Hubbard, LW Jack Clark, GK Paul Walker, ST Lloyd Ellams.

*Offseason signings:

ST Ricky Miller ($400 p/w) - A very fast striker with great Determination (16), Work Rate (13), Flair (10), and Long Shots (11). Should fit well in our system.

RW Jermaine Knight ($110 p/a) - Mostly to be a backup, he has decent speed and good crossing ability.

DC Neil Byrne ($300 p/w) - Great physical skills. Should be valuable defending corners, which is one of our major weaknesses last season.


And that is enough to break our bank. The rest we get will have to be on loan. The following guys will be on loan at the start of the season.

MC Kevin Brown - Great athlete who can dribble and pass.

LW Mike Khan - Good crossing and creativity. Will challenge Clark for starting spot.

ST Daryl Prescott - Slower than I like my strikers (8 Pace), but has good finishing and heading.

DMC Anthony Martin - Good defender and passer. A little slow and not very determined.

RW Jordan Jones - Very good speed and no major weaknesses. I only have him for three months and he will probably be the starter that whole time.

*I also promote ST Lee Vickers from the youth squad. He has decent finishing and speed.

*That is it for now. I will be keeping an eye on the loan market. I definitely need more depth at striker.

*We are given 50-1 odds for promotion and picked to finish 23rd. Stevenage are favorites at 3-1, with evil Dag & Red at 5-1.

*It will be interesting to see how this season will go. Without the extra payroll that I expected, we didn't get to upgrade like I wanted. We relied on O'Callaghan so much the past couple seasons that I'm worried how we'll do without him.

*Speaking of O'Callaghan, he's just sitting there on the free transfer market with no offers and still unwilling to speak to me.

[larrymcg421]

Opening day starting lineup

ST Miller, ST Hubbard, ST Vickers
LW Clark, MC Dey, DMC Blakely, RW Jones
DC Kennedy, DC Tait, DC Byrne
GK Walker


August 6

Vauxhall (0-0-0) at Aldershot (0-0-0)

It looks really bad at the start. Aldershot dominate possession and we can't get anything going. They score on a break in the 17th minute, but miss several chances to extend their lead. That opens the door for us to regroup and make a charge in the 2nd half. It is newly promoted 18 yr old Lee Vickers who gets the equalizer on a great pass from Hubbard. That same combo works again when Vickers sends a pass to Hubbard, who puts through the game winner. What a great way to start the season!

Final: Vauxhall 2, Aldershot 1
Goals: Vickers, Hubbard
Assists: Hubbard, Vickers
Top Three: Vickers 8.2, Hubbard 7.8, Byrne 7.3


August 9

Vauxhall (1-0-0, 6th) vs. Ebbsfleet (1-0-0, 2nd)

Depth is clearly an issue for us. With our players not in midseason form just yet, they are gassed and I have to start many backups. The result is a complete ass kicking at home. Nothing else to say, except it was a nightmare to watch.

Final: Ebbsfleet 4, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Martin 6.4, Kennedy 6.4, Ellams 6.4
Worst: Byrne 5.6


August 13

Vauxhall (1-0-1, 16th) at Staines (1-0-1, 11th)

Ouch. We suck again and this time can't blame it on our backups. That opening match victory seems like a total fluke right now.

Final: Staines 4, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Vickers 6.4, Prescott 6.3, Fry 6.3
Worst: Clark 5.7


August 16

Vauxhall (1-0-2, 19th) vs. Braintree (0-1-2, 20th)

Well this was a nice way to break out of a slump. We control the first half, but can only get one in from Jones to go up 1-0. It is the 2nd half where we take off. An own goal from their keeper is followed by Miller's first of the season and then a double barrel from Vauxhall veteran Lloyd Ellams.

Final: Vauxhall 5, Braintree 1
Goals: Ellams 2, Miller, Jones
Assists: Khan 2, Brown, Hubbard, Jones
Top Three: Ellams 9.0, Jones 8.9, Khan 8.2
Worst: Vickers 6.4


August 20

Vauxhall (2-0-2, 15th) vs. Salisbury 1-1-2, 16th)

Jones and Prescott put in goals only 4 minutes apart to stake us to an early lead. Salisbury pull one back just a few minutes later. We still look good in the 2nd half until Blakely makes an insanely stupid play and gets sent off. They equalize soon after and I'm so furious at Blakely! Thankfully, we regrouped and Tait scored with a header off a corner kick to give us the victory!

Final: Vauxhall 3, Salisbury 2
Goals: Jones, Prescott, Tait
Assists: Clark, Prescott
Top Three: Clark 8.2, Prescott 7.9, Tait 7.2
Worst: Byrne 6.5

*Blakely was suspended for three matches for his brutal foul. I fined him one weeks salary and he accepted it.


August 27

Vauxhall (3-0-2, 10th) at Histon (3-0-2, 8th)

Ricky Miller heads home a Jones cross, then Hubbard gets a long pass from Walker and easily beats the keeper one on one. Hubbard adds another in the 2nd half to make it academic, but the real story is that we're called for six yellow cards and get fined $1.1k as a result.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Histon 0
Goals: Hubbard 2, Miller
Assists: Jones 2, Walker
Top Three: Hubbard 8.8, Jones 8.1, Miller 7.9
Worst: Martin 6.5


August 30

Vauxhall (4-0-2, 7th) at Barnet (3-1-2, 10th)

After three straight wins, we put together a sluggish effort on the road. Barnet control possession 61% of the time and score late in the first half. Our exhausted team can't break through for the equalizer.

Final: Barnet 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Tait 7.2, Fry 6.7, Kennedy 6.6
Worst: Harris 6.2



*We finish the first month in 8th place, not bad at all considering the budget issues. But we'll need to be more consistent if we want to promote.

*We loaned Russel Fry, a valuable asset who can play MC, LW, RW, ST, and has decent skills for each.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wrexham</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>18</td> <td>6</td> <td>+12</td> <td>19</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>14</td> <td>5</td> <td>+9</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastleigh</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>11</td> <td>3</td> <td>+8</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>14</td> <td>7</td> <td>+7</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>18</td> <td>15</td> <td>+3</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>+1</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>3</td> <td>16</td> <td>15</td> <td>+1</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>3</td> <td>13</td> <td>13</td> <td>0</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>3</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>0</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>12</td> <td>10</td> <td>+2</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stevenage</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>13</td> <td>13</td> <td>0</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>12</td> <td>11</td> <td>+1</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>13</td> <td>13</td> <td>0</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>-1</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>11</td> <td>13</td> <td>-2</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>0</td> <td>9</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>3</td> <td>15</td> <td>13</td> <td>+2</td> <td>8</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>-1</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Staines</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>16</td> <td>20</td> <td>-4</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>9</td> <td>16</td> <td>-7</td> <td>5</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>0</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>9</td> <td>12</td> <td>-3</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>11</td> <td>-4</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>16</td> <td>-11</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>7</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>20</td> <td>-13</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

Skrill Premier Total Salaries...

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="256"><colgroup><col style="width:48pt" span="4" width="64"> </colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt;width:48pt" height="20" width="64">Luton</td> <td style="width:48pt" width="64">
</td> <td style="width:48pt" width="64">
</td> <td style="width:48pt" width="64">$2.43m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>$2.09m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td colspan="2" style="height:15.0pt;mso-ignore:colspan" height="20">Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.91m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td colspan="2" style="height:15.0pt;mso-ignore:colspan" height="20">Wrexham</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.83m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td colspan="2" style="height:15.0pt;mso-ignore:colspan" height="20">Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl63">$1.63m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td colspan="2" style="height:15.0pt;mso-ignore:colspan" height="20">Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.61m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td colspan="2" style="height:15.0pt;mso-ignore:colspan" height="20">Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.52m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.48m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.40m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td colspan="2" style="height:15.0pt;mso-ignore:colspan" height="20">Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.31m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.24m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td colspan="2" style="height:15.0pt;mso-ignore:colspan" height="20">Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.24m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td colspan="2" style="height:15.0pt;mso-ignore:colspan" height="20">Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.20m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Eastleigh</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.10m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td colspan="2" style="height:15.0pt;mso-ignore:colspan" height="20">Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.07m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td colspan="2" style="height:15.0pt;mso-ignore:colspan" height="20">Stevenage</td> <td>
</td> <td>$1.02m</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>$948k</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td colspan="2" style="height:15.0pt;mso-ignore:colspan" height="20">FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>$703k</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Staines</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>$652k</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>$562k</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td colspan="2" style="height:15.0pt;mso-ignore:colspan" height="20">Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>$502k</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>$470k</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>$332k</td> </tr> <tr style="height:15.0pt" height="20"> <td style="height:15.0pt" height="20">Vauxhall</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>$297k</td></tr></tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

September 3

Vauxhall (4-0-3, 8th) vs. Forest Green (4-0-3, 7th)

Jones continues to be a terrific addition. 11 minutes in, he sends a great pass into the penalty area, which Prescott meets and puts past the keeper. Harris gives us some cushion in the 53rd minute with a penalty conversion. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough cushion. We have three players go down with injury in this game and the backups cannot hold on to the lead. Forest Green pull one back in the 59th minute and then equalize in the 87th.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Forest Green 2
Goals: Prescott, Harris
Assists: Jones, Hubbard
Top Three: Prescott 7.1, Jones 6.8, Dey 6.8
Worst: Miller 5.3


September 6

Vauxhall (4-1-3, 9th) vs. Hereford (3-1-4, 16th)

After a frustrating first half where Ricky Miller continued to underperform, I give Russell Fry his first chance at Striker and it pays off almost immediately. In the 46th minute, he heads a cross in the net to give us the 1-0 lead. And that's all we would need. The defense (especially Walker) played really well and preserved the victory.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Hereford 0
Goal: Fry
Assist: Jones
Top Three: Walker 8.5, Fry 7.1, Brown 6.8
Worst: Ellams 6.1

*We will be without injured Joe Tait, who has been playing very well, for a few weeks.


September 10

Vauxhall (5-1-3, 7th) at Kidderminster (6-1-2, 2nd)

Another scoreless affair where Miller disappoints and I send in Fry. Once again, Fry comes through. In the 53rd minute he sends in a cross that Kennedy is able to head through. Unfortunately, we cannot extend the lead and pay for it when our defense misplays a long ball from their keeper and they beat Walker one on one. We do hold on for the draw.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Kidderminster 1
Goal: Kennedy
Assist: Fry
Top Three: Kennedy 7.4, Byrne 7.1, Jones 6.9
Worst: Miller 6.2


September 17

Vauxhall (5-2-3, 7th) vs. Southport (6-1-3, 4th)

Anthony Martin gets called for a foul in the 40th minute and Southport convert the penalty. 5 minutes later, we get a fluke goal when a Jones pass into the box just rolls right by the keeper into the net. We'll take it. The 2nd half is uneventful and we have our 3rd draw in 4 games.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Southport 1
Goal: Jones
Assist: Prescott
Top Three: Jones 7.3, Dey 6.8, Walker 6.7
Worst: Martin 5.3


September 20

Vauxhall (5-3-3, 8th) at Wrexham (8-2-1, 1st)

Facing our toughest test of the season, we we put together a terrific performance. Jones gets us started by scoring straight from a free kick. Then we earn a penalty, which Harris converts to send us to the half up 2-0. There is a slight scare when Wrexham pull one back in the 90th minute, but Hubbard scores 2 minutes later to put it out of reach.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Wrexham 1
Goals: Jones, Harris, Hubbard
Assists: Jones, Khan, Prescott
Top Three: Jones 8.3, Prescott 7.6, Hubbard 7.4
Worst: Byrne 6.5


September 24

Vauxhall (6-3-3, 7th) vs. Eastleigh (6-4-2, 3rd)

Another match against a top league squad. This time we fall behind 1-0 on a corner in the 16th minute. Martin makes up for his stupid penalty against Southport with a powerful free kick to equalize before the half. The second half is uneventful until the end. In the 80th minute, Jones scores another fluke when his cross bounces off the keeper and into the net. Then an attempted long throw-in is intercepted by Clark and Prescott finishes off the play to put the game out of reach.

Final: Vauxhall 3, Eastleigh 1
Goals: Martin, Jones, Prescott
Assists: Hubbard 2
Top Three: Hubbard 7.8, Martin 7.6, Jones 7.5
Worst: Dey 6.3


*An unbeaten month of Vauxhall football puts us in 4th position!

*Ricky Miller has scored 2 goals in 9 appearances, with an average rating of 6.53. I warn him that he'll be demoted if he doesn't turn it around.

*I'm considering signing extremely slow (5 Pace/Acc), but extremely skilled (10+ in almost every non-physical category. If Miller doesn't turn it around soon, I may just do that, even if I have to go well over budget to do so.

*We only have Jones for one more month. That'll be a big hole to fill.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wrexham</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>2</td> <td>2</td> <td>26</td> <td>14</td> <td>+12</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>29</td> <td>16</td> <td>+13</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>25</td> <td>17</td> <td>+8</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>24</td> <td>19</td> <td>+5</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>25</td> <td>16</td> <td>+9</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastleigh</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>17</td> <td>11</td> <td>+6</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>16</td> <td>15</td> <td>+1</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>22</td> <td>15</td> <td>+7</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>31</td> <td>25</td> <td>+6</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>28</td> <td>26</td> <td>+2</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>17</td> <td>-4</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>20</td> <td>18</td> <td>+2</td> <td>19</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>18</td> <td>16</td> <td>+2</td> <td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Staines</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>29</td> <td>29</td> <td>0</td> <td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>7</td> <td>19</td> <td>21</td> <td>-2</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stevenage</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>20</td> <td>23</td> <td>-3</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>5</td> <td>1</td> <td>7</td> <td>20</td> <td>27</td> <td>-7</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>20</td> <td>23</td> <td>-3</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>23</td> <td>27</td> <td>-4</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>4</td> <td>1</td> <td>8</td> <td>16</td> <td>23</td> <td>-7</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>26</td> <td>-11</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>28</td> <td>-15</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>16</td> <td>24</td> <td>-8</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>13</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>8</td> <td>12</td> <td>21</td> <td>-9</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

October 1

Vauxhall (7-3-3, 4th) at Sutton United (2-4-7, 23rd)

We continue our great run by ripping Sutton United apart. The only thing Sutton are able to put through is a Luke Blakely own goal. But this was after we'd already taken a 3-0 lead on goals from Prescott, Hubbard, and Tait. Hubbard would add one more late to make it 10 goals in 3 games for us. The bad news is an injury to Prescott, who will be out for a few weeks.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Sutton United 1
Goals: Hubbard 2, Prescott, Tait
Assists: Hubbard, Dey, Jones
Top Three: Hubbard 9.2, Dey 8.0, Tait 7.8
Worst: Miller 6.5


October 8

Vauxhall (8-3-3, 3rd) vs. Gateshead (7-3-4, 5th)

A scoreless 1st half tie is ended when Fry converts a penalty in the 65th minute. We continue to threaten, but can't put the game clincher away. This bites us in the ass when Gateshead score on a free kick in the 94th minute. Ugh!

Final: Vauxhall 1, Gateshead 1
Goal: Fry
Assist: Miller
Top Three: Miller 6.9, Dey 6.9, Fry 6.8
Worst: Byrne 6.1


October 11

Vauxhall (8-4-3, 3rd) vs. Luton (5-2-8, 19th)

This was a wild one. Ricky Miller finally gets on the board by using his speed to score in the 8th minute. Then Luton come back with two more goals before Hubbard is able to equalize for us before the half. The 2nd half was pretty much a repeat. Ellams scores, then we give up two goals and have to fight for the late equalizer, which we get when Anthony Martin converts a penalty in the 82nd minute. An exciting match, but we should not be drawing against this team.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Luton 4
Goals: Miller, Martin, Hubbard, Ellams
Assists: Khan, Miller, Ellams
Top Three: Miller 7.8, Ellams 7.7, Hubbard 7.1
Worst: Byrne 5.7

*Anthony Martin will miss a couple weeks due to injury.


October 15

FA Cup - 4th Qualifying Round

Vauxhall vs. Chelmsford

Dey gets a hat trick as we rip through a lower seeded team. They manage to pull back twice in the 2nd half on stupid errors from our defense, but this one was never in doubt. The bad thing is a late injury to Ricky Miller.

Final: Vauxhall 6, Chelmsford 2
Goals: Dey 3, Fry 2, Byrne
Assists: Ellams 2, Dey, Clark
Top Three: Dey 9.7, Fry 9.0, Ellams 9.0
Worst: Harris 6.7



*Ricky Miller out for 3-4 weeks. This leaves us incredibly thin at Striker. Fry can fill in, but I was counting on him taking over the RW spot when Jones' loan expired.

*Are you fucking kidding me? Ellams gets hurt in trainingjust a few days later. This means we now have 4 strikers on the injured list.

*Nobody on the loan market. I tried to sign Akinyemi, but the board shut me down.



October 22

Vauxhall (8-5-3, 4th) at Cambridge (5-5-6, 13th)

Yikes! Talk about a meltdown. I attempt to play Brown at striker, but he does not know the position and the team just looks lost. Cambridge take a 2-0 halftime lead, but things get crazy in the 2nd half. When Cambridge scores their 4th goal, Blakely loses his mind and gets a 2nd yellow for arguing that it was offsides. (It's not like we were coming back!) Without Blakely, they manage to score one more to really make this painful and we'll now be without him for 2 matches.

Final: Cambridge 5, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Walker, 6.4, Tait, 6.2, Byrne 6.2
Worst: Brown 5.6


October 29

FA Cup: 1st Round

Without Blakely and Martin, we have to start 3rd stringer Anthony Bolland at DM. Mike Khan gets the chance to play out of position at Striker. Khan actually bags a 1st half goal, but in the 2nd half, we give up two free kick goals and cannot find the equalizer. We fall to defeat against a team that is 2 divisions lower than us.

Final: Buxton 2, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Khan
Assist: Fry
Top Three: Khan 7.0, Kennedy 6.9, Hubbard 6.7
Worst: Clark 5.4


*We are able to loan ST Samir Belhout for 3 months and Prescott should be back soon.

*We had a chance to take the lead this month, but instead fall out of the playoff spots.

*We have one more match with Jordan Jones. In 15 appearances, he has 5 goals, 7 assists, and a 7.01 rating.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wrexham</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>11</td> <td>2</td> <td>4</td> <td>31</td> <td>19</td> <td>+12</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>4</td> <td>39</td> <td>27</td> <td>+12</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>29</td> <td>20</td> <td>+9</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>31</td> <td>19</td> <td>+12</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>30</td> <td>20</td> <td>+10</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastleigh</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>21</td> <td>14</td> <td>+7</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>5</td> <td>4</td> <td>33</td> <td>30</td> <td>+3</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>37</td> <td>31</td> <td>+6</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>33</td> <td>22</td> <td>+11</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>8</td> <td>2</td> <td>7</td> <td>18</td> <td>23</td> <td>-5</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>23</td> <td>23</td> <td>0</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>19</td> <td>22</td> <td>-3</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>28</td> <td>23</td> <td>+5</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Staines</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>6</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>35</td> <td>37</td> <td>-2</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>31</td> <td>33</td> <td>-2</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>8</td> <td>27</td> <td>29</td> <td>-2</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stevenage</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>5</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>24</td> <td>27</td> <td>-3</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>6</td> <td>2</td> <td>9</td> <td>25</td> <td>34</td> <td>-9</td> <td>20</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>4</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>28</td> <td>32</td> <td>-4</td> <td>19</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td>9</td> <td>23</td> <td>36</td> <td>-13</td> <td>18</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>5</td> <td>2</td> <td>10</td> <td>23</td> <td>31</td> <td>-8</td> <td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>20</td> <td>29</td> <td>-9</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>4</td> <td>3</td> <td>10</td> <td>22</td> <td>38</td> <td>-16</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>17</td> <td>2</td> <td>5</td> <td>10</td> <td>17</td> <td>28</td> <td>-11</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

November 1

Vauxhall (8-5-4, 7th) at Guiseley (5-3-9, 20th)

Two people playing out of position in this one: Khan at ST and Dey at DM. Dey gets injured about 12 minutes in and I feel like crying at this point. We manage to bounce back and pound Guiseley once again. Our newly arrived loan player Samir Belhout has a fantastic debut with 4 goals total and Brown adds one more.

Final: Vauxhall 5, Guiseley 2
Goals: Belhout 4, Brown
Assists: Jones 2, Hubbard 2, Brown
Top Three: Belhout 9.8, Hubbard 8.3, Brown 8.2
Worst: Harris 6.7

*Martin Dey out for 3-4 weeks. This is getting ridiculous. Right now we have 4 strikers out, two midfielders out, and another midfielder suspended.

*Jones finishes his Vauxhall days with 5 goals and 9 assists in 17 appearances. His 7.06 rating was 2nd on the team.


November 5

Vauxhall (9-5-4, 4th) vs. Dag & Red (8-4-6, 9th)

I have so much hatred for this team. They just destroy us every time and that continues here. We manage to keep it close early and then equalize on an own goal in the 66th minute, but then our defense just runs out of gas and allows 3 goals in the final 10 minutes.

Final: Dag & Red 4, Vauxhall 1
Goal:
Assist: Khan
Top Three: Khan 6.7, Prescott 6.4, Walker 6.4
Worst: Byrne 4.9

*We add RW Jake Sheridan on loan to replace Jones.


November 12

Vauxhall (9-5-5, 7th) at Stevenage (6-5-8, 16th)

Belhout gets us on board early with a 12th minute strike where he dribbles through the center of the defense. Stevenage equalize before the half. Then we go back up almost immediately after the half when Stevenage's keeper knocks the ball into his own goal. We try to hold on for a much needed victory, but a mistimed tackle attempt from Kennedy allows a close range shot that Walker has no hopes of stopping.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Stevenage 2
Goals: Belhout
Assists: Hubbard, Clark
Top Three: Belhour 8.3, Hubbard 7.2, Clark 7.0
Worst: Byrne 6.0


November 19

Vauxhall (9-6-5, 7th) vs. Newport County (7-6-7, 13th)

14 minutes into his first start for us, new loan signee RW Jake Sheridan goes down with an injury. We have to play Khan on the opposite side and he doesn't fare well there. Newport get a goal right before halftime and we only manage 1 shot on target for the entire match. We are just completely falling apart.

Final: Newport County 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Hubbard 6.8, Brown 6.7, Walker 6.7
Worst: Byrne 6.1


*Sheridan out for 7 weeks. We terminate his loan.


November 22

Vauxhall (9-6-6, 9th) at Alfreton (3-5-13, 24th)

Alfreton is the worst team in the league, so surely this is the perfect time to get our mojo back. Wrong. Even with Prescott (and Miller) healthy, we can't get any offensive rhythm going and once again only manage 1 on target shot. Alfreton score in the 38th minute and we lose again.

Final: Alfreton 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Tait 7.5, Hubbard 6.7, Belhout 6.7
Worst: Clark 6.1

*We add RW/MC Ashley Worsfold and RW Charlie Barnett on loan.


November 26

FA Trophy: 1st Round

Vauxhall vs. Gateshead

Hubbard ends his goal drought with a header in the 14th minute. The defense plays one of its better games of the season and ensures that 1 goal was enough. Gateshead only get two on target shots and we advance.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Gateshead 0
Goal: Hubbard
Assist: Khan
Top Three: Tait 7.4, Hubbard 7.3, Dey 6.8



*Wow, what a shitty month. At one point we were one win away from taking over 1st place and now we enter the midway point of the season mired in 12th.

*The injury issues got to a comical point. I tried to get the board to allow me to add more physios, but they can't find the funding. (The ridiculous loan they took out for the new field is still ruining our finances).

*If we don't promote and/or the board doesn't offer more payroll next season, I may start thinking about moving on to a new club.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wrexham</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>14</td> <td>3</td> <td>5</td> <td>44</td> <td>28</td> <td>+16</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>12</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>37</td> <td>25</td> <td>+12</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>11</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>41</td> <td>24</td> <td>+17</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>11</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>37</td> <td>27</td> <td>+10</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>11</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td>43</td> <td>35</td> <td>+8</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastleigh</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>29</td> <td>24</td> <td>+5</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>11</td> <td>2</td> <td>9</td> <td>26</td> <td>28</td> <td>-2</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>8</td> <td>28</td> <td>26</td> <td>+2</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>42</td> <td>31</td> <td>+11</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>10</td> <td>3</td> <td>9</td> <td>44</td> <td>37</td> <td>+7</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>42</td> <td>38</td> <td>+4</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>41</td> <td>40</td> <td>+1</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>5</td> <td>8</td> <td>38</td> <td>30</td> <td>+8</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>9</td> <td>5</td> <td>8</td> <td>35</td> <td>30</td> <td>+5</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Staines</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>10</td> <td>40</td> <td>47</td> <td>-7</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stevenage</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>7</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>32</td> <td>34</td> <td>-2</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>3</td> <td>11</td> <td>35</td> <td>41</td> <td>-6</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>8</td> <td>2</td> <td>12</td> <td>35</td> <td>46</td> <td>-11</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>5</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>35</td> <td>39</td> <td>-4</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>7</td> <td>3</td> <td>12</td> <td>33</td> <td>49</td> <td>-16</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>6</td> <td>5</td> <td>11</td> <td>30</td> <td>46</td> <td>-16</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>13</td> <td>27</td> <td>40</td> <td>-13</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>20</td> <td>34</td> <td>-14</td> <td>17</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>22</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>12</td> <td>26</td> <td>41</td> <td>-15</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

December 3

Vauxhall (9-6-7, 12th) vs. FC Halifax (10-4-8, 8th)

FC Halifax beat us on a counter and take a lead in the 23rd minute. And that's all it would take because our offense has completely disappeared. We get shutout again and have now scored 1 goal in our last 4 matches. Pathetic.

Final: FC Halifax 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Clark 7.1, Kennedy 6.9, Walker 6.8
Worst: Dey 6.2


December 10

FA Trophy: 2nd Round

Vauxhall vs. Eastleigh

I don't really care about the FA Trophy (and neither does the board), but it is frustrating that our offense is still nowhere to be seen. It is now 1 goal in our last 5 matches.

Final: Eastleigh 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Byrne 7.1, Blakely 6.6, Walker 6.6
Worst: Clark 5.9


December 13

Vauxhall (9-6-8, 13th) at Ebbsfleet (11-6-6, 5th)

Well it felt like we had broken out of a slump as we control the pace of the game and get an incredible 22 shots on goal. However, we can only manage 1 first half goal and it takes an own goal for us to get some separation. That own goal was crucial because Ebbsfleet pull one back in the 72nd minute. The defense is strong enough to hold the lead.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Ebbsfleet 1
Goals: Worsfold
Assists: Belhout
Top Three: Belhout 7.5, Worsfold 7.5, Kennedy 6.9
Worst: Miller 6.1


December 26

Vauxhall (10-6-8, 11th) vs. Aldershot (7-6-11, 20th)

Once again the offense is worthless. Neither team gets many opportunities and it is a scoreless tie all the way until the 88th minute when Barnett sends a terrific cross to the far post, which Clark heads in for the dramatic game winner.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Aldershot 0
Goal: Clark
Assist: Barnett
Top Three: Clark 7.3, Kennedy 7.0, Walker 6.8
Worst: Worsfold 6.4


December 28

Vauxhall (11-6-8, 9th) vs. Staines (9-4-12, 16th)

Well now this is the match we've been waiting on. Kennedy and Worsfold get goals in the first 23 minutes to stake us to an early 2-0 lead. Then an own goal right before the half gives us a comfortable margin. In the 2nd half, a slumping Hubbard finally breaks through to make it 4-0. Staines pull one back late, but we win in dominating fashion.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Staines 1
Goals: Hubbard, Kennedy, Worsfold
Assists: Khan 2, Worsfold
Top Three: Kennedy 8.4, Worsfold 8.2, Khan 8.0
Worst: Martin 6.7


December 31

Vauxhall (12-6-8, 7th) at Braintree (8-4-14, 20th)

I don't have an explanation for what happened here. Braintree take an early lead when Byrne falls asleep and lets his man run right by him. No big deal because Clark scores only 2 minutes later. I feel good at this point because we are threatening and it seems to be only a matter of time before we capitalize. In the 40th minute, Tait misses an interception and they have an easy one on one. In the 45th minute, Byrne does the same thing and we're down 3-1. Then Kennedy gets caught in no man's land trying to dribble his way down the field, gets stripped and they go up 4-1. All of this happened in a 5 minute span. We pull one back in the 2nd half, but this was a stupid loss.

Final: Braintree 4, Vauxhall 2
Goals: Clark, Hubbard
Assists: Worsfold, Clark
Top Three: Clark 8.0, Hubbard 7.2, Belhout 6.7
Worst: Byrne 4.4


*It's amazing that after all the turmoil and poor performances we went through that we still have a shot at the league title. We are only 8 pts back. If we can get back to our early season form, we can win this.

*Byrne's contract is terminated. That 4.4 is the last straw. I'll find someone on loan that can do better than that. He finishes his Vauxhall career with 25 appearances and a 6.38 average rating.

*Salisbury City offer me a job interview. They are also a Skrill Premier squad and I'd have quadruple the payroll that I have now. It's tempting, but I want to finish this season with Vauxhall and see what happens before I leave.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>15</td> <td>5</td> <td>7</td> <td>47</td> <td>31</td> <td>+16</td> <td>50</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>15</td> <td>3</td> <td>9</td> <td>58</td> <td>42</td> <td>+16</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>14</td> <td>6</td> <td>7</td> <td>49</td> <td>40</td> <td>+9</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wrexham</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>14</td> <td>5</td> <td>8</td> <td>50</td> <td>38</td> <td>+12</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>6</td> <td>44</td> <td>35</td> <td>+9</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastleigh</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>12</td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td>36</td> <td>27</td> <td>+9</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>12</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>48</td> <td>41</td> <td>+7</td> <td>43</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>12</td> <td>6</td> <td>8</td> <td>44</td> <td>28</td> <td>+16</td> <td>42</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>12</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>50</td> <td>47</td> <td>+3</td> <td>42</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>32</td> <td>33</td> <td>-1</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>12</td> <td>3</td> <td>12</td> <td>31</td> <td>37</td> <td>-6</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stevenage</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>40</td> <td>39</td> <td>+1</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>10</td> <td>47</td> <td>39</td> <td>+8</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>10</td> <td>6</td> <td>11</td> <td>37</td> <td>37</td> <td>0</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>10</td> <td>5</td> <td>12</td> <td>42</td> <td>38</td> <td>+4</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Staines</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>13</td> <td>44</td> <td>54</td> <td>-10</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>44</td> <td>45</td> <td>-1</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>10</td> <td>3</td> <td>14</td> <td>46</td> <td>52</td> <td>-6</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>9</td> <td>4</td> <td>14</td> <td>44</td> <td>56</td> <td>-12</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>26</td> <td>8</td> <td>4</td> <td>14</td> <td>33</td> <td>45</td> <td>-12</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>13</td> <td>36</td> <td>53</td> <td>-17</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>6</td> <td>9</td> <td>12</td> <td>32</td> <td>44</td> <td>-12</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>16</td> <td>36</td> <td>59</td> <td>-23</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>27</td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td>15</td> <td>30</td> <td>40</td> <td>-10</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

January 2

Vauxhall (12-6-9, 9th) vs. Histon (12-3-12, 11th)

Histon score early when we get beat on the flanks and an easy cross is sent in that is headed home. They have a strong defense and bottle us up for most of the match, but we finally break through when Hubbard gets hold of a loose ball in the box and puts it through.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Histon 1
Goal: Hubbard
Assist:
Top Three: Hubbard 7.1, Khan 7.0, Knight 6.8
Worst: Vickers 6.3

*DC Alan Byrne joins us on loan.


January 14

Vauxhall (12-7-9, 8th) vs. Barnet (15-6-7, 2nd)

In a real snoozer that Dan Rydell would loathe, the two teams manage just 3 on target shots throughout the whole match. I have no answer for our offensive woes this season.

Final: Vauxhall 0, Barnet 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Kennedy 7.2, Byrne 6.9, Tait 6.9
Worst: Barnett 6.0

*Willie Dunn, our star Striker on loan last year, is now willing to come join us on a permanent basis. I terminate Ricky Miller's contract to make this happen. Miller was a total bust, scoring 3 goals and 2 assists in 19 appearances.


January 21

Vauxhall (12-8-9, 10th) at Salisbury (8-10-11, 18th)

Another scoreless tie at halftime is broken in the 60th minute when Barnett fires an angled shot from the right side of the box that the keeper can't stop. Then we suffer a total collapse. In the 75th minute, they score on a long range shot from outside the penalty box that Walker should've been able to stop. This is followed by a goal off a corner kick just two minutes later. Just like that we go from victory to defeat against a really bad team.

Final: Salisbury 2, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Barnett
Assist: Dunn
Top Three: Barnett 7.3, Dunn 6.7, Prescott 6.6
Worst: Blakely 6.1


January 24

Vauxhall (12-8-10, 11th) at Hereford (9-5-16, 20th)

Worsfold and Hubbard come through with great goals to stake us to a 2-0 halftime lead. They score on a header in the 59th minute, but we still look good, with several attacking runs. Then in the 82nd minute, they send a cross into the box which we cannot defend and it is put through. Once again we have collapsed and suffer a draw.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Hereford 2
Goals: Worsfold, Hubbard
Assists: Hubbard, Worsfold
Top Three: Worsfold 7.8, Hubbard 7.8, Walker 6.8
Worst: Tait 5.4

*Three draws and a loss, with 5 goals in 4 matches, is not what I had in mind. The league title is probably out of reach and the playoffs are not likely either.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>52</td> <td>34</td> <td>+18</td> <td>58</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>58</td> <td>44</td> <td>+14</td> <td>58</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wrexham</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>15</td> <td>7</td> <td>9</td> <td>58</td> <td>45</td> <td>+13</td> <td>52</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastleigh</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>43</td> <td>30</td> <td>+13</td> <td>52</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>16</td> <td>3</td> <td>12</td> <td>64</td> <td>50</td> <td>+14</td> <td>51</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>30</td> <td>14</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>49</td> <td>40</td> <td>+9</td> <td>51</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>13</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>53</td> <td>45</td> <td>+8</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stevenage</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>9</td> <td>44</td> <td>39</td> <td>+5</td> <td>48</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>50</td> <td>35</td> <td>+15</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>10</td> <td>39</td> <td>38</td> <td>+1</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>54</td> <td>52</td> <td>+2</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>12</td> <td>8</td> <td>11</td> <td>52</td> <td>42</td> <td>+10</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>30</td> <td>12</td> <td>5</td> <td>13</td> <td>34</td> <td>42</td> <td>-8</td> <td>41</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>49</td> <td>49</td> <td>0</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>12</td> <td>3</td> <td>16</td> <td>53</td> <td>58</td> <td>-5</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>13</td> <td>46</td> <td>44</td> <td>+2</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>29</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>12</td> <td>38</td> <td>40</td> <td>-2</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Staines</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>10</td> <td>7</td> <td>14</td> <td>51</td> <td>64</td> <td>-13</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>29</td> <td>10</td> <td>4</td> <td>15</td> <td>46</td> <td>59</td> <td>-13</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>8</td> <td>9</td> <td>14</td> <td>39</td> <td>50</td> <td>-11</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>9</td> <td>6</td> <td>16</td> <td>42</td> <td>55</td> <td>-13</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>8</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>40</td> <td>59</td> <td>-19</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>17</td> <td>34</td> <td>47</td> <td>-13</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>31</td> <td>7</td> <td>5</td> <td>19</td> <td>37</td> <td>64</td> <td>-27</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

February 4

Vauxhall (12-9-10, 11th) vs. Kidderminster (10-7-13, 17th)

Another snoozer that looks like it's headed to a scoreless tie. The defense is playing well, but for whatever reason, the offense has forgotten how to score goals. We do finally manage to win a match when Alan Byrne heads a corner into the net in the 76th minute.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Kidderminster 0
Goal: Byrne
Assist: Dey
Top Three: Byrne 7.4, Walker 7.0, Dey 6.9
Worst: Blakely 6.2


February 11

Vauxhall (13-9-10, 10th) at Forest Green (16-4-12, 4th)

Prescott ends his slump by putting a header through in the 13th minute. We manage to hold that until the end of the first half when Kennedy puts the ball in his own net. Then we try to hold on for the big victory, but Byrne misplays a long ball and allows the opposing striker to have a free run at the striker. The result is another 2-1 loss after going up 1-0.

Final: Forest Green 2, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Prescott
Assist:
Top Three: Prescott 7.1, Walker 6.7, Blakely 6.7
Worst: Hubbard 6.2


February 14

Vauxhall (13-9-11, 12th) at Southport (16-9-8, 3rd)

Khan sends a great pass in to Worsfold, who beats the keeper on the near post. And that's all the scoring in the game. We have 9 more shots on goal, but can't put any through. Dunn, Prescott, and Hubbard all have terrible games.

Final: Vauxhall 1, Southport 0
Goal: Worsfold
Assist: Khan
Top Three: Worsfold 7.1, Khan 7.0, Walker 6.9
Worst: Dunn 6.2

February 25

Vauxhall (14-9-11, 11th) at Eastleigh (16-11-8, 3rd)

After trading goals int he 1st half, we take the lead in the 46th minute when Fry heads home a Khan cross. In the 54th minute we cannot properly clear a cross and the equalizer is scored. Then we have trouble keeping up with the opposing striker who gets wide open and makes Walker look silly. Missed opportunity to make up some points.

Final: Eastleigh 3, Vauxhall 2
Goals: Byrne, Fry
Assists: Dey, Khan
Top Three: Byrne 7.3, Dey 7.2, Fry 7.1
Worst: Walker 6.3


*So I was excited to be able to sign Willie Dunn, who was so good for us last year, but he has yet to score a goal in six matches.

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>20</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>71</td> <td>50</td> <td>+21</td> <td>69</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>19</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>64</td> <td>44</td> <td>+20</td> <td>66</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastleigh</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>17</td> <td>11</td> <td>8</td> <td>51</td> <td>33</td> <td>+18</td> <td>62</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>17</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>57</td> <td>47</td> <td>+10</td> <td>60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>18</td> <td>4</td> <td>13</td> <td>71</td> <td>56</td> <td>+15</td> <td>58</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stevenage</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>16</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>53</td> <td>42</td> <td>+11</td> <td>58</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wrexham</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>17</td> <td>7</td> <td>11</td> <td>64</td> <td>54</td> <td>+10</td> <td>58</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>63</td> <td>48</td> <td>+15</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>14</td> <td>13</td> <td>9</td> <td>58</td> <td>50</td> <td>+8</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>11</td> <td>46</td> <td>45</td> <td>+1</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td> <td>12</td> <td>55</td> <td>44</td> <td>+11</td> <td>52</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>14</td> <td>9</td> <td>12</td> <td>59</td> <td>57</td> <td>+2</td> <td>51</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>15</td> <td>5</td> <td>16</td> <td>64</td> <td>64</td> <td>0</td> <td>50</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>15</td> <td>57</td> <td>50</td> <td>+7</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>12</td> <td>10</td> <td>14</td> <td>55</td> <td>59</td> <td>-4</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>17</td> <td>62</td> <td>71</td> <td>-9</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>17</td> <td>41</td> <td>57</td> <td>-16</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>11</td> <td>8</td> <td>17</td> <td>46</td> <td>51</td> <td>-5</td> <td>41</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>10</td> <td>10</td> <td>16</td> <td>46</td> <td>62</td> <td>-16</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Staines</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>11</td> <td>7</td> <td>18</td> <td>55</td> <td>72</td> <td>-17</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td>17</td> <td>46</td> <td>68</td> <td>-22</td> <td>37</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>9</td> <td>8</td> <td>19</td> <td>42</td> <td>59</td> <td>-17</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>36</td> <td>9</td> <td>7</td> <td>20</td> <td>44</td> <td>68</td> <td>-24</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>35</td> <td>7</td> <td>8</td> <td>20</td> <td>39</td> <td>58</td> <td>-19</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

March 4

Vauxhall (14-9-12, 12th) at Gateshead (15-10-11, 8th)

Willie Dunn finally gets on the board 10 minutes in. Then we fall asleep defensively again and give up two quick goals. Martin Dey strikes back with a long range shot in the 39th minute to equalize for us before the half. Then Hubbard comes alive in the 2nd half with two goals to put the game away. Gateshead pull one back, but not until the 92nd minute.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Gateshead 3
Goals: Hubbard 2, Dunn, Dey
Assists: Clark, Fry, Dunn, Hubbard
Top Three: Hubbard 9.1, Dunn 8.6, Fry 7.7
Worst: Blakely 6.3


March 10

Vauxhall (15-9-12, 11th) vs. Wrexham (18-7-12, 5th)

So after a great performance in the previous match, the teams turns to shit here. It's actually a scoreless tie at the half, but they are dominating and the onslaught is inevitable. They score in the 54th, 64th, and 74th minutes to blow us away.

Final: Wrexham 3, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Fry 6.6, Dey 6.6, Hubbard 6.4
Worst: Barnett 6.0


March 14

Vauxhall (15-9-13, 12th) vs. Cambridge (14-8-16, 16th)

Well we get on the board first on another early Dunn goal. But then it's total disaster. Cambridge score 3 goals in the first half ona combination of poor defensive and goalkeeping play. We manage to pull one back in the 2nd half, but this is a horrendous loss at home against a weaker team.

Final: Cambridge 3, Vauxhall 2
Goals: Dunn, Harris
Assists: Brown, Hubbard
Top Three: Brown 7.7, Dunn 7.0, Harris 6.8
Worst: Kennedy 6.0


March 17

Vauxhall (15-9-14, 12th) vs. Sutton United (12-10-16, 19th)

And we hit rock bottom here. They catch us off guard with a goal in the 1st minute. Things are so bad for our offense these days that we miss a chance to equalize on a penalty. We eventually do equalize, but but Sutton come out strong in the 2nd half with goals in the 47th and 51st minutes. We fight hard to pull one back and it looks like we have a shot until they put it away with another one in the 68th minute.

Final: Sutton United 4, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Byrne
Assist: Dey
Top Three: Byrne 7.1, Dey 7.1, Walker 6.6
Worst: Prescott 5.9


March 21

Vauxhall (15-9-15, 13th) at Luton Town (17-5-17, 11th)

Well, we've been losing to crappy teams at home. No reason to think we can match up against a good team on the road. And sure enough, we are down 3-0 after only 15 minutes. That is the score at the half and I'm resigned to another awful loss. But then we come out in the 2nd half and Hubbard scores goals in the 51st and 57th minutes. Suddenly we're back in it! Then we steal a throw in and Prescott comes through with an equalizer in the 66th minute. Two minutes later, Hubbard completes his hat trick to give us the lead! But this is Vauxhall football, so of course we give up a late equalizer on a corner kick.

Final: Vauxhall 4, Luton 4
Goals: Hubbard 3, Prescott
Assists: Dey, Prescott, Dunn
Top Three: Hubbard 9.6, Prescott 7.7, Dey 6.8
Worst: Walker 6.1


March 25

Vauxhall (15-10-15, 13th) at Dag & Red (21-10-9, 2nd)

This is the team we always lose to. We actually play them pretty well, but a first half goal (thanks to some absurdly poor defensive positioning) is enough for them to hold on to the victory as we can't break through offensively.

Final: Dag & Red 1, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Tait 7.2, Byrne 6.7, Clark 6.6
Worst: Walker 6.0

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>22</td> <td>11</td> <td>9</td> <td>82</td> <td>64</td> <td>+18</td> <td>77</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>22</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>74</td> <td>51</td> <td>+23</td> <td>76</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastleigh</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>20</td> <td>12</td> <td>9</td> <td>59</td> <td>38</td> <td>+21</td> <td>72</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>21</td> <td>5</td> <td>15</td> <td>84</td> <td>66</td> <td>+18</td> <td>68</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wrexham</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>19</td> <td>8</td> <td>14</td> <td>79</td> <td>67</td> <td>+12</td> <td>65</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>18</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>53</td> <td>50</td> <td>+3</td> <td>65</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stevenage</td> <td>
</td> <td>42</td> <td>18</td> <td>10</td> <td>14</td> <td>64</td> <td>52</td> <td>+12</td> <td>64</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>16</td> <td>14</td> <td>11</td> <td>67</td> <td>59</td> <td>+8</td> <td>62</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>17</td> <td>10</td> <td>14</td> <td>62</td> <td>59</td> <td>+3</td> <td>61</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>18</td> <td>6</td> <td>17</td> <td>73</td> <td>70</td> <td>+3</td> <td>60</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>15</td> <td>12</td> <td>14</td> <td>68</td> <td>58</td> <td>+10</td> <td>57</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>16</td> <td>70</td> <td>75</td> <td>-5</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>16</td> <td>61</td> <td>66</td> <td>-5</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>15</td> <td>10</td> <td>16</td> <td>60</td> <td>66</td> <td>-6</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Staines</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>16</td> <td>7</td> <td>18</td> <td>70</td> <td>79</td> <td>-9</td> <td>55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>15</td> <td>9</td> <td>17</td> <td>65</td> <td>58</td> <td>+7</td> <td>54</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>14</td> <td>11</td> <td>16</td> <td>60</td> <td>55</td> <td>+5</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>15</td> <td>6</td> <td>20</td> <td>47</td> <td>66</td> <td>-19</td> <td>51</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>14</td> <td>7</td> <td>20</td> <td>68</td> <td>78</td> <td>-10</td> <td>49</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>12</td> <td>10</td> <td>19</td> <td>50</td> <td>58</td> <td>-8</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>
</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>13</td> <td>7</td> <td>21</td> <td>54</td> <td>75</td> <td>-21</td> <td>46</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>18</td> <td>53</td> <td>74</td> <td>-21</td> <td>45</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>23</td> <td>52</td> <td>70</td> <td>-18</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>41</td> <td>10</td> <td>8</td> <td>23</td> <td>46</td> <td>67</td> <td>-21</td> <td>38</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[SplitPersonality1]

Following along. Good luck the rest of the season.

Nice to see my old team near the top of the table. Go Daggers!

[larrymcg421]

Following along. Good luck the rest of the season.

Nice to see my old team near the top of the table. Go Daggers!

They have killed me in this dynasty!

Thanks for reading!

[larrymcg421]

April 1

Vauxhall (15-10-16, 12th) at Guiseley (13-7-21, 21st)

Prescott scores his first goal in a long, long time and Clark adds another one to give us a 2-0 halftime lead. Possession is about equal in this match, but we hold them to one on target shot and we coast to victory in the 2nd half.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Guiseley 0
Goals: Prescott, Clark
Assists: Dey 2
Top Three: Clark 7.7, Dey 7.7, Prescott 7.3
Worst: Kennedy 6.4


April 8

Vauxhall (16-10-16, 11th) vs. Stevenage (18-10-14, 8th)

Whatever chances we had at making a last second run at the playoffs are dashed. This was a fairly even contest. Stevenage score on a corner in the first half and then we do the same early in the 2nd half. They add a 2nd goal on a stupid defensive lapse and are able to shut us down for the victory.

Final: Stevenage 2, Vauxhall 1
Goal: Kennedy
Assist: Ellams
Top Three: Kennedy 7.4, Clark 6.8, Barnett 6.8
Worst: Byrne 6.0


April 15

Vauxhall (16-10-17, 13th) at Alfreton (10-9-24, 24th)

We are held to a scoreless tie in the first half and I'm frustrated thinking we might draw against the worst team in the league. Thankfully, Willie Dunn finally shows up and bags two 2nd half goals. We really dominated this match and should've won by more.

Final: Vauxhall 2, Alfreton 0
Goals: Dunn 2
Assists: Ellams, Hubbard
Top Three: Dunn 8.7, Hubbard 7.5, Walker 7.0
Worst: Martin 6.4


April 17

Vauxhall (17-10-17, 11th) at Newport County (17-5-12, 8th)

Another frustrating game in which we take 18 shots, but can't score a single goal. Newport beat us twice on counter attacks and we have no answer for them.

Final: Newport County 2, Vauxhall 0
Goals:
Assists:
Top Three: Kennedy 6.9, Hubbard 6.8, Blakely 6.7
Worst: Byrne 5.8


April 24

Vauxhall (17-10-18, 13th) at FC Halifax (20-11-14, 7th)

I'm not sure where this performance came from, but we close a frustrating season by absolutely destroying FC Halifax at their place. Hubbard has a hat trick and Dey adds two goals of his own. As you can see by their record, FC Halifax is a very good squad, so I don't know why we couldn't play this well more often.

Final: Vauxhall 5, FC Halifax 0
Goals: Hubbard 3, Dey 2
Assists: Dunn 3, Clark
Top Three: Hubbard 9.6, Dey 9.4, Dunn 9.3
Worst: Walker 7.5

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pos</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Team</td> <td>
</td> <td>Pld</td> <td>Won</td> <td>Drn</td> <td>Lst</td> <td>For</td> <td>Ag</td> <td>G.D.</td> <td>Pts</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>1st</td> <td>C</td> <td>Barnet</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>24</td> <td>11</td> <td>11</td> <td>89</td> <td>68</td> <td>+21</td> <td>83</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>2nd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Eastleigh</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>22</td> <td>14</td> <td>10</td> <td>67</td> <td>43</td> <td>+24</td> <td>80</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>3rd</td> <td>
</td> <td>Dag & Red</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>23</td> <td>11</td> <td>12</td> <td>76</td> <td>60</td> <td>+16</td> <td>80</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>4th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Wrexham</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>22</td> <td>10</td> <td>14</td> <td>85</td> <td>70</td> <td>+15</td> <td>76</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>5th</td> <td>P</td> <td>Forest Green</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>23</td> <td>5</td> <td>18</td> <td>94</td> <td>75</td> <td>+19</td> <td>74</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>6th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Newport Co</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>19</td> <td>15</td> <td>12</td> <td>75</td> <td>63</td> <td>+12</td> <td>72</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>7th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Stevenage</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>20</td> <td>11</td> <td>15</td> <td>70</td> <td>57</td> <td>+13</td> <td>71</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>8th</td> <td>
</td> <td>FC Halifax</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>20</td> <td>11</td> <td>15</td> <td>56</td> <td>61</td> <td>-5</td> <td>71</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>9th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Luton</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>20</td> <td>8</td> <td>18</td> <td>80</td> <td>72</td> <td>+8</td> <td>68</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>10th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Gateshead</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>18</td> <td>12</td> <td>16</td> <td>75</td> <td>64</td> <td>+11</td> <td>66</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>11th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Ebbsfleet</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>18</td> <td>11</td> <td>17</td> <td>68</td> <td>63</td> <td>+5</td> <td>65</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>12th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Southport</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>18</td> <td>11</td> <td>17</td> <td>65</td> <td>66</td> <td>-1</td> <td>65</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>13th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Vauxhall</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>18</td> <td>10</td> <td>18</td> <td>80</td> <td>79</td> <td>+1</td> <td>64</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>14th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Cambridge</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>17</td> <td>11</td> <td>18</td> <td>74</td> <td>66</td> <td>+8</td> <td>62</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>15th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Salisbury</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>17</td> <td>11</td> <td>18</td> <td>69</td> <td>71</td> <td>-2</td> <td>62</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>16th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Braintree</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>18</td> <td>7</td> <td>21</td> <td>81</td> <td>84</td> <td>-3</td> <td>61</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>17th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Sutton Utd</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>16</td> <td>11</td> <td>19</td> <td>67</td> <td>78</td> <td>-11</td> <td>59</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>18th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Staines</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>16</td> <td>9</td> <td>21</td> <td>76</td> <td>91</td> <td>-15</td> <td>57</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>19th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Aldershot</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>13</td> <td>14</td> <td>19</td> <td>63</td> <td>82</td> <td>-19</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>20th</td> <td>
</td> <td>Histon</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>15</td> <td>8</td> <td>23</td> <td>55</td> <td>78</td> <td>-23</td> <td>53</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>21st</td> <td>R</td> <td>Kidderminster</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>13</td> <td>13</td> <td>20</td> <td>55</td> <td>62</td> <td>-7</td> <td>52</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>22nd</td> <td>R</td> <td>Guiseley</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>15</td> <td>7</td> <td>24</td> <td>59</td> <td>82</td> <td>-23</td> <td>52</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>23rd</td> <td>R</td> <td>Hereford</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>13</td> <td>8</td> <td>25</td> <td>56</td> <td>76</td> <td>-20</td> <td>47</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>24th</td> <td>R</td> <td>Alfreton</td> <td>
</td> <td>46</td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td>27</td> <td>55</td> <td>79</td> <td>-24</td> <td>39</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

<center></center>
<table align="center" width="90%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Ast</td> <td>PoM</td> <td>Pas R</td> <td>Tck</td> <td>DrbPG</td> <td>Sh T</td> <td>Yel</td> <td>Red</td> <td>Av Rat</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>STCR</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Adam Hubbard</td> <td>41 (4)</td> <td>19</td> <td>13</td> <td>6</td> <td>73%</td> <td>0.64</td> <td>0.98</td> <td>35%</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>7.04</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>STCL</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Lloyd Ellams</td> <td>6 (5)</td> <td>3</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>77%</td> <td>1.38</td> <td>0.83</td> <td>45%</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>7.02</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>STC</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Willie Dunn</td> <td>16 (1)</td> <td>4</td> <td>6</td> <td>1</td> <td>72%</td> <td>0.75</td> <td>0.94</td> <td>30%</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.89</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>MCR</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Martin Dey</td> <td>26 (4)</td> <td>3</td> <td>7</td> <td>0</td> <td>74%</td> <td>1.55</td> <td>0.83</td> <td>32%</td> <td>6</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.85</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>ML</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Jack Clark</td> <td>28 (3)</td> <td>3</td> <td>6</td> <td>3</td> <td>69%</td> <td>2.07</td> <td>1.04</td> <td>45%</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.80</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S3</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Mike Khan</td> <td>19 (5)</td> <td>0</td> <td>9</td> <td>0</td> <td>68%</td> <td>2.03</td> <td>1.11</td> <td>19%</td> <td>9</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.73</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S2</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Kevin Brown</td> <td>23 (6)</td> <td>1</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>74%</td> <td>1.95</td> <td>0.89</td> <td>28%</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.71</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>GK</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Paul Walker</td> <td>46</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>50%</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.70</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>DCL</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Dominic Kennedy</td> <td>43 (1)</td> <td>3</td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>67%</td> <td>2.40</td> <td>0.46</td> <td>71%</td> <td>8</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.68</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>DC</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Alan Byrne</td> <td>16</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>1</td> <td>64%</td> <td>2.25</td> <td>0.38</td> <td>50%</td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.68</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S4</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Daryl Prescott</td> <td>29 (3)</td> <td>7</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>71%</td> <td>1.29</td> <td>0.83</td> <td>42%</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.67</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Lee Vickers</td> <td>7</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>74%</td> <td>1.68</td> <td>0.72</td> <td>57%</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.66</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>DCR</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Joe Tait</td> <td>41</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>2</td> <td>68%</td> <td>2.73</td> <td>0.42</td> <td>42%</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.66</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>MR</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Charlie Barnett</td> <td>19</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>0</td> <td>70%</td> <td>2.00</td> <td>1.24</td> <td>38%</td> <td>4</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.63</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S5</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Spencer Harris</td> <td>9 (10)</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>66%</td> <td>2.46</td> <td>0.45</td> <td>80%</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.61</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Russell Fry</td> <td>14 (8)</td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>70%</td> <td>1.90</td> <td>1.22</td> <td>38%</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.61</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>DMCL</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Luke Blakely</td> <td>33 (1)</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>75%</td> <td>3.49</td> <td>0.75</td> <td>25%</td> <td>10</td> <td>2</td> <td>6.56</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Antony Bolland</td> <td>1 (3)</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>74%</td> <td>2.85</td> <td>0.36</td> <td>0%</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Anthony Martin</td> <td>14 (3)</td> <td>2</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>75%</td> <td>2.37</td> <td>0.54</td> <td>100%</td> <td>3</td> <td>0</td> <td>6.55</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S1</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>William Stewart</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Vac</td> <td>Nathan Phillips</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> <td>-</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[larrymcg421]

Offseason

*The board increase payroll to $6000 p/w. While this is an increase, it's stil a pathetically small amount for the Skrill premier. The average payroll is around $22,000 p/w.

*I entertained the idea of moving to another team, but I want to try and ride this out.

*Returning players include ST Adam Hubbard, ST Willie Dunn, ST Lloyd Ellams, ST/RW Ashley Worsfold, MC Martin Dey, DMC/DC Luke Blakely, DC Alan Byrne, and GK Paul Walker

Our new signees:

RW Jeff Atkinson (loan) - He's not very fast, but has good technical skills and should be able to put some good crosses in.

DC Ben Clark ($425 p/w) - He's old, but might be the best defender we've had here. Marking (11), Positioning (13), Determination (14), Concentration (11), and Anticipation (11).

DC Eddie Malone ($190 p/w) - Came very cheap and he has good Marking (12), Determination (14), Stamina (11), and Bravery (11). Weakness in Positioning (7) and Speed (7/7).

LW James Reid ($425 p/w) - Good speed and all-around player with no major weak spots. Can also play Striker.

DM Lleyton Roberts (loan) - Really like his Tackling (12), Determination (12), Teamwork (11), and Work Rate (13). Hoping he can take the starting spot here so Blakely can move back to DC.

ST Marc Williams ($425 p/w) - Hoping his combination of Finishing (13), First Touch (11), Work Rate (11), Flair (10), Composure (10), and Acceleration (11) can prove to be deadly. His major weakness is Stamina (7).

DM Dave Stevenson (loan) - Will compete with Roberts and has a pretty similar skill set.

*We are once again 50-1 longshots for promotion. Favorites are relegated Northampton at 3-1.

*Our stupid new stadium is finally complete and hopefully we can now start making money.

Opening day starting lineup:

ST Hubbard, ST Williams, ST Dunn
LW Reid, MC Dey, DMC Roberts, RW Atkinson
DC Blakely, DC Clark, DC Byrne
GK Walker

[SplitPersonality1]

*Our stupid new stadium is finally complete and hopefully we can now start making money.

The official name of your new home should be "Stupid New Stadium".