FM12 Eastwood Town (2012 BSBN Champs)
 

I've played a bit on my own now and I've enjoyed success with my last venture using Eastwood Town...though I've only shared that info with JIMGA.

I'm going to use a different approach this time around...I'll just sign two players for this initial season and work from there.

With Eastwood, I'm guaranteed to need a lot, but I'll start with a new keeper and a nifty forward by the name of David Lee.

I <3 Lee.

James Gilpin will be joining the team as the keeper. I'll be attempting to sign both to long term deals before we start.

The plan is to play these puppies out...I'm in it for the long haul, not necessarily trying to find better players to promote.

I'm not trying to exceed anyone's expectations.

I care less about the staff and I won't be upgrading them. I'll let their contract run out next season and hire some capable bodies then.

The team:

Keeper Jake Want is not what I want. He's destined to ride the bench behind Gilpin once he signs.

The defenders are passable. Benjamin, Hanson, Caines, and Keane figure to see the most action in the 4-4-2. Caines has a handful of teams interested in him already. I'll have to sign him to a contract. Assistant coach Cooper, Pitham, Troke, Bailey, and Riley are the subs. Hanson, Benjamin, and Bailey all played some roles for me in my last run with Eastwood.

Midfielders are Istead, Gardner, Elliot and Edwards. I think they're a weak bunch. Istead's probably the best. Burge is the backup with guys like Bailey and Hanson helping with depth.

Forwards are Green and Morris. Green the stud until Lee arrives. Knox and Bradley are the subs.

We schedule the reserves and I let the starters play the entire match. 1-1 tie. Starters were as expected

Green, Morris
Istead, Gardner, Elliot, Edwards,
Benjamin, Hanson, Caines, Keane
Want

Our first real friendly is against Nantwich Town and it's the next day...as such we're playing a number of subs...and newly signed David Lee.

Unfortunately, we lose, 2-1. Lee and Bradley miss penalty kicks. Bailey hit an own goal.

Lee, Bradley
Riley, Caines, Burge, Green
Bailey, Keane, Troke, Hanson
Want

Gilpin signs as well. We're fat, dumb, and happy.

I did forget to mention our injured gimp, middie, Nwadike. He's out for a while with an achilles tendon issue.

Lee scores the next day against Bamber Bridge...a 1-1 tie.

Lee, Morris
Gardner, Troke, Elliott, Istead
Benjamin, Caines, Keane, Pitham

Morris left to injury. Knox came in.

We lose to Wrexham, a few days later, 1-0. We played nearly the entire game a man down when Bradley was sent off with a red card. Hanson was nicked up as well. Troke replaced him.

Lee, Bradley
Edwards, Elliott, Burge, Green
Riley, Cooper, Hanson, Bailey

Troke obviously in for Hanson.

We tie at Skelmersdale as we near the season opener, 1-1. Lee knocks in our lone goal.

Caines has two teams after him, Cambridge and Ebbsfleet. Neither are offering a guaranteed contract, just the chance to play for a better squad. Technically I can't offer him anything close to what he wants.

He wants 450, I talk him down to 325. I'm going to have to cut someone for this...I think Riley or Knox are the likely culprits. Both are subs that are making more than just about anyone on the team.

Lee, Morris
Edwards, Elliott, Gardner, Istead
Benjamin, Caines, Keane, Hanson
Gilpin

We finally win one against Stocksbridge, 4-1, in our final friendly of the preseason.

Lee, Green, Caines, and Istead all scored.

Lee, Green
Gardner, Hanson, Caines, Istead
Benjamin, Troke, Keane, Bailey
Gilpin

Offered Knox and Bradley out to clubs, Knox is apparently new to the club and no one wants to pay a 31 year old washed up player 300 bucks (except us, of course).

Bradley does draw interest and he'll be off to Dorchester, a BSB South team. I wish him the best of luck.

Season opener is next. We open at FC Halifax.

FC Halifax: 1-2 (Fav) Draw: 13-5 Eastwood: 9-2 (Blue Square Bet North)

Newly-promoted FC Halifax are clear favorites in this home encounter but will still have to make sure they do a professional job against Eastwood, according to Sky Bet.

The referee for the match will be Darren Bond from Wigan.

Starting lineup:
Lee, Green
Elliott, Cooper, Gardner
Benjamin, Caines, Keane, Hanson, Bailey
Gilpin

Subs are Want, Istead, Morris, Edwards, and Troke.

Lee scores quickly after a pass from Green, about 3 minutes into the game. What a start! 20 minutes in I put in the order to "counter" and play prevent defense...a set of orders I hope cause our team to think about possession, staying back and staying safe.

Cooper has no analysis (and he's an idiot anyhow). I tell the guys I'm proud of that first half and out we go.

Green has a free kick bounce off the post, straight to Keane...who nails the easy rebound...and we end with a 2-0 win. Troke and Istead come into the midfield for Gardner and Elliott...Troke pulls a yellow card before it's said and done.

Ratings:


Starting lineup:
Lee (8.3), Green (7.9)
Elliott (6.8), Cooper, Gardner (6.8)
Benjamin (7.5), Caines (6.8), Keane (8.1), Hanson (7.6), Bailey (7.3)
Gilpin (7)

Subs are Want, Istead (6.8), Morris, Edwards, and Troke (6.5).

Lee received MoM.

A few days later it's announced that we've sold a whopping 60 season tickets.

BIG TIME.

I'll move up to our first home game against Guiseley and save there. Getting a little tired.

Eastwood: 11-5 Draw: 11-5 Guiseley: Pick 'Em (Fav) (Blue Square Bet North)

Eastwood go into this game as slight underdogs even though they have home advantage over Guiseley, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood could drop into the relegation zone if they lose to Guiseley and results elsewhere go against them.

Current manager Steve Kittrick joined Guiseley in December 2007 and has been in charge for 4 years.

The referee for the match will be Stephen Smith from Darlington.

Keane and Hanson are named to the Team of the Week.

If there's anything I can do better or you can suggest, I'm open to it. I really don't have much of an idea of what I'm doing outside of what JIMGA has talked to me about.

Ready to roll into our home opener:


Starting lineup:
Lee, Green
Elliott, Istead, Gardner
Benjamin, Caines, Keane, Hanson, Bailey
Gilpin

Subs are Want, Pitham, Morris, Knox, and Troke.

No score at the half. Benjamin's worn out. I'd like to sub him, but I"ll wait till 65 or so. Problem is I don't know I have another true left wing back in the crew. I may sub a left winger instead.

Caines hits a rebound off of a corner in for his first goal at 54. We move Bailey from left to right, Hanson from center to right, and bring Troke into the defensive center.

We sub out Green with Knox as well. The prevent defense orders go in and that's a winner.

Starting lineup:
Lee (6.2), Green (6.8)
Elliott (7.0), Istead (6.8), Gardner (6.7)
Benjamin (7.1), Caines (7.3), Keane (6.8), Hanson (7.8), Bailey (7.1)
Gilpin (6.8)

Subs are Want, Pitham, Morris, Knox (6.7), and Troke (6.5).

Hanson won MoM.

412 there for the season opener.

Corby: 4-5 (Fav) Draw: 2-1 Eastwood: 3-1 (Blue Square Bet North)

Corby are clear favorites in this home encounter but will still have to make sure they do a professional job against Eastwood, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood can overtake a number of teams including Boston Utd and move as high as 1st if they win their next game. Eastwood could drop out of the playoff places if they lose their next match.

Current manager Graham Drury joined Corby Town in January 2008 and has been in charge for 4 years.

The referee for the match will be Scott Duncan from Newcastle who has shown 14 yellow cards and no red cards in his two Blue Square Bet North games so far this season.

With Duncan calling the game, we'll go in with an automatic 'stay on feet' call.

Lee, Green
Elliott, Cooper, Gardner
Benjamin, Troke, Caines, Keane, Hanson
Gilpin

Subs are Want, Nwadike, Edwards, Morris, and Istead.

U18s beat Histon before the match, 1-0.

Before I start, it should be noted we're one of four teams that won their first two games. We're the only one to shut out both opponents, though.

Corby, favored or not, hasn't scored at all this year.

No score at the half. Lee banged a few right at the keeper, but no rebounds were there.

Gardner and Elliott come off for Istead and Nwadike around 65. With no score, we'll push into attack mode to try and generate a chance or two.

It doesn't last long. Benjamin picks up two yellows in 2 minutes and is sent off. We back into a turtle mode until the extra time. We'll go home with a point down a man.

0-0.

Lee (6.4), Green (6.8)
Elliott (6.7), Cooper (6.8), Gardner (6.8)
Benjamin, Troke (7.2), Caines (6.8), Keane (7.0), Hanson (7.3)
Gilpin (6.7)

Subs are Want, Nwadike (6.8), Edwards, Morris, and Istead (6.6).

That jerk Duncan didn't put a yellow out there until the second half and then made up for lost time...dumping 5 cards in the 2nd half...three to us (Benjamin 2, Gardner 1).

I hope I get a chance to complain.

I don't. Seeing as the media didn't feel it worth mentioning outside of "is he still in your plans", I see to it to give Benjamin an official warning, which he accepts.

Alright, so maybe he deserved it.

Turns out the other undefeated teams either lost or had a draw themselves.

Hanson's named to the Team of the Week again. I love that guy. My only original Eastwood player left on the team after four seasons in my last run.

Eastwood: 7-4 Draw: 11-5 Gainsborough: 5-4 (Fav) (Blue Square Bet North)

Eastwood go into this game as slight underdogs even though they have home advantage over Gainsborough, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood are currently on a three match unbeaten run which sees the relegation candidates lying in 3rd place in the Blue Square Bet North. Eastwood can overtake a number of teams including Hinckley and move as high as 1st if they win their next game. Eastwood could drop out of the playoff places if they lose their next match.

Gainsborough are currently lying in 19th place in the Blue Square Bet North.

The referee for the match will be Matthew Bristow from Manchester who has not shown any cards in his two Blue Square Bet North games so far this season.

U-18s beat Dorchester's, 2-1. Want was in the net for them this time.

Lee, Green
Elliott, Caines, Gardner
Riley, Troke, Hanson, Keane, Cooper
Gilpin

With Want playing the U-18 earlier, we'll not have a keeper sub this game.
Nwadike, Bailey, Morris, Edwards, and Istead are the subs.

Lee scored on a fluke behind the back header that bounds off the keeper's hands and into the net. Gardner adds a goal from way downtown and we're up 2-0 at the half. We're certain to go to prevent defense for the second half with that.

Morris comes in for Riley and moves to a striker spot, Bailey in for Cooper. Nothing of note happens after that.

Lee (8.2), Green (6.8)
Elliott (7), Caines (6.8), Gardner (8.3)
Riley (6.8), Troke (7.2), Hanson (7.2), Keane (6.8), Cooper (7)
Gilpin (7)

Nwadike, Bailey (6.7), Morris (6.6), Edwards, and Istead are the subs.


Gardner nets MoM. 469 in attendance for this one.

Gardner makes the Team of the Week this time around.

Hyde: 4-7 (Fav) Draw: 5-2 Eastwood: 4-1 (Blue Square Bet North)

Hyde are clear favorites in this home encounter but will still have to make sure they do a professional job against Eastwood, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood have helped themselves by holding their opponents scoreless over their last four games but the relegation candidates still find themselves in 3rd place in the Blue Square Bet North. Eastwood can overtake a number of teams including Hinckley and move as high as 1st if they win their next game. Eastwood could drop out of the playoff places if they lose their next match.

Hyde are currently lying in 9th place in the Blue Square Bet North.

The referee for the match will be Scott Duncan from Newcastle who has shown 27 yellow cards and 3 red cards in his four Blue Square Bet North games so far this season. Duncan's last Eastwood Town match was Eastwood's Blue Square Bet North 0 - 0 draw with Corby on Saturday 13th August.

Duncan again. Beautiful.

U-18s take out Solihull Moors, 2-1...overcoming the zealous referee in the process. He sent two Badger players off with red cards...while the Moors failed to get a single card all game.

Hyde will prove to be our toughest match yet...on the road with Duncan officiating. Of course, we'll promote staying on our feet and not touching the opponent...like that did us any good last time.

Lee, Green
Elliott, Caines, Gardner,
Benjamin, Troke, Hanson, Keane, Cooper
Gilpin

Nwadike, Bailey, Edwards, Morris, Istead

No score at the half. We had some chances around the 30 minute mark but came away with nothing.

Still no cards or score at 70, we sub Bailey in for Cooper, Nwadike for Gardner. We begin pressing for a goal late in the half, ultimately hitting overload with a few minutes left but come away empty.

I'll take a point on the road.

Lee (6.9), Green (6.8)
Elliott (6.8), Caines (6.8), Gardner (7.2),
Benjamin, Troke (6.8), Hanson (7), Keane (6.8), Cooper (7.1)
Gilpin (6.8)

Nwadike (--), Bailey (--), Edwards, Morris, Istead

Eastwood: 13-8 Draw: 2-1 Solihull Moors: 6-4 (Fav) (Blue Square Bet North)

Eastwood go into this game as slight underdogs even though they have home advantage over Solihull Moors, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood have helped themselves by holding their opponents scoreless over their last five games but the relegation candidates still find themselves in 3rd place in the Blue Square Bet North. Eastwood could go top of the Blue Square Bet North if they manage to beat Solihull Moors and other results go their way.

Solihull Moors are currently lying in 1st place in the Blue Square Bet North.

The referee for the match will be Paul Davison from Stockton-on-Tees, who has shown one yellow card and no red cards in his two Blue Square Bet North games so far this season.

1st vs 3rd at our place...short rest. I believe the Badgers will see their first loss today.

Lee, Green
Elliott, Istead, Gardner
Benjamin, Caines, Keane, Troke, Hanson
Gilpin

Knox, Bailey, Edwards, Morris, Pitham

Gilpin allows his first competitive goal of the year 10 minutes in. Lee answers to tie it up 5 minutes later. 1-1 at the half...Lee and Caines have been dinged up but will keep fighting hopefully through 65.

Nothing at 65 (except a Gardner yellow)...Benjamin and Elliott are the most tired so they are subbed for by Bailey and Pitham. Pitham takes Hanson's defensive slot and Hanson moves to midfield.

Should it be tied at 85, Bailey will make a move to right wing and Troke to a defensive midfield. We will press for a goal at that point.

That's how it goes, unfortunately. 1-1 draw...again, the first place team, I will take it.

Troke picked up a good yellow at the end to keep them from having a 1 on 1 chance.

Lee (7.3), Green (6.8)
Elliott (6.5), Istead (6.7), Gardner (6.6)
Benjamin (6.6), Caines (6.6), Keane (7), Troke (6.7), Hanson (6.6)
Gilpin (6.7)

Knox, Bailey (6.5), Edwards, Morris, Pitham (6.5)

Lee garners MoM. 396 were in attendance.

U-18s take out Blyth, 2-0, to finish out the month of August.

The win sends the U-18 squad to the second round of the U-18 cup.

Hanson finishes 3rd in Player of the Month.

I finish 2nd as Manager of the Month.

I don't know a good way to post the league table, but we are in 3rd, a 3 way tie at the top.

Solihull, Hinckley, and Eastwood all have 3 wins and 3 draws.

As far as board and fan confidence, stature and competitions are mid-level. Salaries are okay as well, though slightly bumped to the right since I'm under what the limit is. Squad harmony is even better and rated as good.

The fans are good, but far better than squad harmony, with my transfers. I was worried what they'd think of Bradley leaving without a chance to impress. They're okay with the matches and players, though they're happier with the matches.

The overall confidence is stable. They love that I added David Lee, but they think the soccer hasn't been exciting enough.

Financially, the team lost 17445 last month and are at a negative 16669 on the season.

While I'd love to ask for more salary and more this, that, and the other, I'm not going to while we are in the red.

To summarize, the board is satisfied with your coaching of the team.

Your capture of David Lee, who the fans believe to be a very good signing, has been particularly pleasing.

The club recorded a loss of $17.44K last month.

Monthly Turnover: $24.73K
Previous Month: $15.11K
Main Income: Gate Receipts $16.6K

Monthly Expenditure: $42.17K
Previous Month: $28.34K
Main Expenditure: Bonuses - $10.77K

Forgot you got a monthly report I could spit out.

Nuneaton: 4-7 (Fav) Draw: 5-2 Eastwood: 4-1 (Blue Square Bet North)

Nuneaton are clear favorites in this home encounter but will still have to make sure they do a professional job against Eastwood, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood are currently lying in 3rd place in the Blue Square Bet North. Eastwood could fall out of the play-off places if they lose to Nuneaton and results elsewhere go against them.

Nuneaton are currently lying in 9th place in the Blue Square Bet North.

The referee for the match will be Declan Ford from Melton Mowbray who has shown 5 yellow cards and no red cards in his three Blue Square Bet North games so far this season.

U-18s lose to Blyth, 1-0.

On to Nuneaton:

Lee, Green
Elliott, Cooper, Gardner
Benjamin, Caines, Keane, Troke, Hanson
Gilpin

Nwadike, Istead, Morris, Edwards, Bailey are the subs.

Zilch at the half. Not much to report, either. Both teams running a 5-3-2.

Around the 67 mark I sub in Edwards for Green (Eddie hasn't played since the season started) and Nwadike goes in for Gardner.

We'll slowly ramp up the tempo if there's still no score.

Unfortunately, they score twice...and despite pushing to tie, I come up empty. Troke ends up injured and I brought Morris in to add to the attack.

Lee (6.6), Green (6.8)
Elliott (6.5), Cooper (6.6), Gardner (6.8)
Benjamin (6.7), Caines (6.6), Keane (5.9), Troke (6.7), Hanson (6.6)
Gilpin (6.6)

Nwadike (6.4), Istead, Morris (--), Edwards (6.4), Bailey are the subs.

Troke's injury ends up being serious enough I have to spend 1k to get him to a specialist. He's out 1-2 weeks rather that 6-7. Honestly, he's logging minutes in this 5 man d-line and I can't afford to lose him for 6-7 weeks.

The U-18 second round cup was drawn and we play npower's Derby U-18. At least it's next month.

Thank you, FM.

Eastwood: 13-8 Draw: 2-1 Bishop's Stortford: 6-4 (Fav) (Blue Square Bet North)

Eastwood go into this game as slight underdogs even though they have home advantage over Bishop's Stortford, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood are currently lying in 6th place in the Blue Square Bet North. Eastwood can overtake a number of teams including Nuneaton and move as high as 1st if they win their next game.

Bishop's Stortford are currently lying in 15th place in the Blue Square Bet North.

The referee for the match will be Tony Harrington from Hartlepool.

Speaking to the media ahead of Bishop's Stortford's clash with Eastwood, Rod Stringer appeared reluctant to comment on Eastwood head coach Rodney Polston.

When pushed by Dan Armstrong from Pitchero Non-League however, Stringer did eventually come up with a response, saying "The field looks to be in a bad state, it's treacherous and could be a real danger to the players."

This is the first time that Stringer has talked openly in the press about Polston.

Bishop's Stortford are currently lying in 15th place in the Blue Square Bet North.

Dear Stringer,

Suck it.

Love,

Poli

U-18s play before us, Dover took a 2-1 lead thanks to an own goal, but we storm back to win, 3-2.

Lee, Green
Elliott, Istead, Gardner
Benjamin, Caines, Hanson, Keane, Cooper
Gilpin

Nwadike, Bailey, Edwards, Morris, Pitham.

No score at the half. A few chances for us, but nothing crazy.

Lee scores on a crossing pass at 50 and it's game over. I hadn't realized it but Bishop hadn't had a shot on my goal to that point.

At 67 they still didn't have a shot on us. I went to prevent, brought in Nwadike and Bailey for Elliott and Istead.

Lee would add another at 83 with an intercepted pass by Green and shovel to Lee. Cooper would pick up a yellow at 85.

Bishop ends without a shot on goal. Take that, Stringer.

Lee (8.8), Green (7.1)
Elliott (6.8), Istead (6.8), Gardner (6.8)
Benjamin, Caines(6.8) , Hanson (6.8), Keane(6.8) , Cooper (7.4)
Gilpin (6.8)

Nwadike(6.8), Bailey(6.8), Edwards, Morris, Pitham.

Lee obviously won MoM. 376 were in attendance.

We draw Wakefield of Northern Premier D1N in the English FA Cup Second Qualifying Round. It'll be at their place on October 1st (it's Sep 14 now).

Benjamin and Lee are named to the Team of the Week.

Colwyn Bay: 5-4 (Fav) Draw: 11-5 Eastwood: 7-4 (Blue Square Bet North)

Eastwood Town go into this away game with every chance of walking away with something against slight favorites Colwyn Bay, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 4th place in the Blue Square Bet North. Eastwood can overtake a number of teams including Hyde and move as high as 1st if they win their next game. Eastwood could drop out of the playoff places if they lose their next match.

Colwyn Bay are currently 20th in the Blue Square Bet North.

The referee for the match will be Scott Duncan from Newcastle who has shown 44 yellow cards and 3 red cards in his eight Blue Square Bet North games so far this season. Duncan's last Eastwood Town match was Eastwood's Blue Square Bet North 0 - 0 draw with Corby on Saturday 13th August.

Lovely. I hate Duncan.

U-18s defeat Salisbury 1-0.

Lee, Green
Elliott, Istead, Gardner
Benjamin, Caines, Hanson, Keane, Cooper

Nwadike, Morris, Edwards, Bailey, Riley

No score at the half. Istead picked up a silly yellow card 6 minutes in.

Lee scored at about 53, and then the yellow cards poured in.

Gardner, Cooper, Benjamin all picked up yellows. Cooper was called for a foul awarding Colwyn a penalty kick to tie.

Minutes later Cooper would make a defensive mistake leaving the opponent the ball and a near open net.

We lose, 2-1, in the last 5 minutes of the game.

I hate DUNCAN.

Lee (7.2), Green (6.7)
Elliott (6.5), Istead (6.8), Gardner (6.6)
Benjamin(6.7), Caines (6.8), Hanson (6.4), Keane(6.7), Cooper (5.1)
Gilpin(6.7)

Nwadike (6.3), Morris (6.4), Edwards, Bailey, Riley

The loss, fortunately, only drops us to 5th.

We have a quick turnaround with Droylsden in 3 days.

David Lee's been noted as leading the league in offsides with 18 in 8 games.

Eastwood: 7-4 Draw: 11-5 Droylsden: 5-4 (Fav) (Blue Square Bet North)

Blue Square Bet North surprise package Eastwood go into this game as slight underdogs even though they have home advantage over struggling Droylsden, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 5th place in the Blue Square Bet North. Eastwood can overtake a number of teams including Altrincham and move as high as 1st if they win their next game. Eastwood could drop out of the playoff places if they lose their next match.

Droylsden have been disappointing in the Blue Square Bet North so far this season and find themselves in 21st place.

The referee for the match will be Colin Harwood from Manchester who has shown 6 yellow cards and no red cards in his six Blue Square Bet North games so far this season.

Eastwood 4-3-2
Droylsden 2-4-4

Lee, Green
Elliott, Cooper, Gardner
Benjamin, Caines, Keane, Troke, Hanson
Gilpin

Knox, Bailey, Edwards, Morris, Pitham

No score and only 4 shots on goal in the first half. Lee banged one into the post but got nothing for it.

Lee hits a PK at 50, we go prevent after that. I sub out Cooper and Gardner for Bailey and Edwards. Bailey takes Hanson's spot. Hanson moves to midfield. Edwards went in as an attacking left wing.

Ideally, I will get rid of Edwards and Morris. Outside of providing striker depth, I don't particularly like using attacking wings...and given our use of the 5-3-2, I never use them.

Lee (6.5), Green (6.1)
Elliott(6.6), Cooper(6.6), Gardner (6.2)
Benjamin(6.6), Caines(6.7), Keane(6.6), Troke(6.6), Hanson (6.2)
Gilpin (6.7)

Knox, Bailey (--), Edwards (--), Morris, Pitham


357 in attendance. The win puts us in 4th.

U-18s play and win again. This time against Corby, 1-0. Want may suck at the senior club level, but he dominates at the youth level.

Blyth: 6-4 (Fav) Draw: 2-1 Eastwood: 13-8 (Blue Square Bet North)

Eastwood Town go into this away game with every chance of walking away with something against slight favorites Blyth, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 4th place in the Blue Square Bet North. Eastwood can overtake a number of teams including Solihull Moors and move as high as 1st if they win their next game. Eastwood could drop out of the playoff places if they lose their next match.

Blyth have so far confounded their critics as the pre-season relegation candidates currently lie 14th in the Blue Square Bet North table.

The referee for the match will be Seb Stockbridge from Gateshead who has shown 36 yellow cards and 3 red cards in his eight Blue Square Bet North games so far this season.

I have been wondering why I haven't been able to get some more rotation out of my players and then we recently played a reserve match.

I knew Nwadike needed to get his match fitness up, but I hadn't thought about the others. I thought they'd play reserve matches to help out as needed. I seem to recall in my other games that I'd be asked. I must have a setting changed for this one as I wasn't asked before the match if I'd like first teamers to play or not.

Nwadike played in the the reserve match, but he was the only one I requested. I do have a number of guys needing match fitness, so I set them all for playing if they need it. I also scheduled another reserve friendly to help out.

Ideally I need to get Cooper the heck out of the starting lineup.

Eastwood 5-3-2
@ Blyth 4-1-5

Lee, Green
Elliott, Cooper, Gardner
Benjamin, Caines, Keane, Troke, Hanson
Gilpin

Knox, Bailey, Morris, Edwards, Istead

Hopefully getting some match fitness up for the backups will give us a few more wrinkles to the lineup.

While I hate the idea of facing JIMGA's team, and I'm a big fan of Mole (making his 100th appearance, congratulations), I do love that they're starting a 30 year old keeper who hasn't played in a game in over a year.

I also love seeing notes like two starters are set to make their professional debuts.

Lee and Cooper manage to get cards before the 10 minute mark.

Fortunately, Lee turns around and scores twice...once on a penalty kick, once of the ordinary, kick it in from near the penalty kick area.

Mole scares us with a goal that goes in, but he's ruled offside. Cheater.

Elliott adds a goal from 20 yards out in the 2nd half.

I bring in three guys needing some match fitness: Bailey, Edwards, and Morris, for the middies. Bailey and Hanson swap spots, while Edwards and Morris taking attacking wing spots.

I don't want to rub it in, Blyth, I just need some PT for these guys.

Caines manages to get a card and Mole does finally put one in at 89.

3-1, good guys.

Lee (8.6), Green(6.9)
Elliott (7.7), Cooper(6.8) , Gardner (7.1)
Benjamin (7.1), Caines (7), Keane (6.9), Troke(6.8) , Hanson (7.3)
Gilpin (6.8)

Knox, Bailey (6.3), Morris (6.4), Edwards (6.6), Istead

That win propelled us to 2nd place. I'm fortunate we didn't lose power while I was gone. I had forgot to shut the game down before I left for the day.

Wakefield: 9-1 Draw: 4-1 Eastwood: 1-4 (Fav) (English FA Cup Second Qualifying Round)

Northern Premier D1N team Wakefield are going to have to set up the barricades if they want to come away with a result from this very tough home game against Blue Square Bet North surprise package Eastwood, according to Sky Bet.

Both clubs will be doing everything they can to ensure victory.

The referee for the match will be Paul Curry from Ashington.

David Lee was 2nd in Player of the Month.

I decide that since it's a virtual win before we start to bust out the 4-4-2 attacking set.

Lee, Green
Edwards, Gardner, Elliott, Istead
Benjamin, Troke, Keane, Hanson
Gilpin

Subs: Pitham, Bailey, Nwadike, Morris, Caines, Cooper, Knox

Boy are you in deep do-do :)

A 4-2 win that had me a little nervous at the half...2-2. Lee and Troke had goals in the first half...Troke's on a corner.

Troke came up lame later on, and once Istead put us up again I went to prevent. I did sub in for Troke, Gardner, and Edwards. Morris would add a late goal off a cross pass.

Lee(7.5) , Green (6.7)
Edwards(7.6), Gardner(6.8), Elliott(6.8), Istead (8.9)
Benjamin(6.7), Troke (7.3), Keane (6.8), Hanson (6.9)
Gilpin (6.9)

Subs: Pitham, Bailey, Nwadike (6.8), Morris(7.3) , Caines(6.5), Cooper, Knox


Istead named MoM.