FM12 Eastwood Town (2012 BSBN Champs)

[Poli]

No score at the half, but injuries to Lee and Hall force me to make changes before the half. In go Christie and Clarke, another new guy.

[Poli]

The second half starts with Morris getting injured. Enter Edwards.

Troke commits a foul, gets a card, and they convert the penalty kick. With just 7 shots on goal between the 2 teams, that's the winner.

Fairly disappointing game. Once Lee was out, obviously our offense was going to suffer...when Morris went down as well...well, all I could hope for was a draw.

[Poli]

Both Lee and Morris are expected out for two weeks. Super.

The loss doesn't hurt us, Hinckley was idle.

[Poli]

Keane will leave the club at the end of the season. I just wasn't willing to pay what he wanted.

Nwadike, though, rejected Maidenhead.

[Poli]

Lee 6.7, Morris 6.1

Hall 6.5, Nwadike 6.6, Gardner 6.6

Riley 6.8, Caines 6, Keane 6.6, Troke 6.5, Hanson 6.7

Gilpin 6.7

Christie 6, McIntosh, Istead, Edwards 6.1, Clarke 6.7

[Poli]

Eastwood: 11-5 Draw: 11-5 Nuneaton: Pick 'Em (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 Nuneaton, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 1st place in the Blue Square Bet North. Eastwood could be overtaken by the likes of Hinckley and drop as low as 5th if they fail to win their next game.

Following Nuneaton's 3 - 1 Blue Square Bet North victory over Blyth last Wednesday, the promotion contenders are currently 4th in the Blue Square Bet North with 48 points from 26 matches.

The referee for the match will be Colin Harwood from Manchester who has shown 17 yellow cards and no red cards in his nineteen Blue Square Bet North games so far this season. Harwood's last Eastwood Town match was Eastwood's convincing 7 - 0 Blue Square Bet North victory over Boston Utd on Saturday 19th November 2011.

[Poli]

Current standings:

1. Eastwood 50
2. Hinckley 49
3. Altrincham 48
4. Nuneaton 48
5. Workington 47

[Poli]

28 Jan 2012

Nuneaton, 14-6-6
@
Eastwood, 15-5-7

Edwards, Christie

Elliott, Cooper, Gardner

Benjamin, Caines, Keane, Troke, Hanson

Gilpin

Burge, Clarke, Wilson, Istead, McIntosh

[Poli]

We're just basically playing for a tie here...and it's no score at the half. Edwards picks up a ding immediately and Troke repays the favor...but is red carded at the same time.

[Poli]

Wilson, Istead, and McIntosh spill onto the field at 65 for Hanson, Edwards, and Gardner. We hold off a barrage by Nuneaton to hold on for the draw.

Thankfully.

655 at the match.

[Poli]

Edwards 6.6, Christie 6

Elliott 6.6, Cooper 6.8, Gardner 6.1

Benjamin 6.7, Caines 7.1, Keane 7.2, Troke 6.8, Hanson 6.6

Gilpin 6.9

Burge, Clarke, Wilson 6.4, Istead 6.7, McIntosh 6.7


Note: Wilson is the 3rd player picked up on loan.

[Poli]

The tie drops us to 3rd.

[Poli]

Troke has been suspended for a match, obviously. I issue a warning and he takes the blame.

[Poli]

Bishop's Stortford: 4-5 (Fav) Draw: 2-1 Eastwood: 3-1 (Blue Square Bet North)

Bishop's Stortford are clear favorites in this home encounter but will still have to make sure they do a professional job against Blue Square Bet North surprise package Eastwood, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood have been playing above all expectations so far this season and find themselves in 3rd 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.

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

The referee for the match will be Peter Banks from Southport who has shown 32 yellow cards and 3 red cards in his eight Blue Square Bet North games so far this season. Banks' last Eastwood Town match was Eastwood's convincing 4 - 0 English FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round victory over Whitby on Saturday 26th November 2011.

[Poli]

David Lee takes 3rd in Player of the Month honors.

[Poli]

To summarize, the board is delighted with the leadership qualities you are demonstrating.

The team's fantastic overall performance in the Blue Square Bet North has been a particular highlight.

However, some of the the fans have voiced their concern over Mitchell Hanson's performances and that is something that you should think about.

The club recorded a loss of $14.61K last month.

Monthly Turnover: $50.37K
Previous Month: $97.27K
Main Income: Gate Receipts $31.56K

Monthly Expenditure: $64.98K
Previous Month: $80.02K
Main Expenditure: Player Salaries - $19.25K

[Poli]

33.78k in the green currently.

[Poli]

Current standings:

1. Hinckley 52
2. Altrincham 51
3. Eastwood 50
4. Nuneaton 49
5. Histon 49

[Poli]

Feb 1, 2012

Eastwood, 15-6-7
@
Bishop's Stortford, 10-6-12


Edwards, Istead

Hall, Nwadike, Gardner

Benjamin, Caines, Hanson, Keane, McIntosh

Gilpin

Bailey, Clarke, Wilson, Christie, Riley

[Poli]

Bishop was determined to score, taking 3 shots in the first 8 minutes and found the net. Gardner helped with the answer. He found Istead free and clear who hit the net on a one time shot.

Caines picks up a book and Gardner is later removed due to injury. Since it was just before half, I sub Benjamin as well. In go Bailey and Wilson.

[Poli]

Hall and Bailey pick up books in the second half...and Bishop scores on a penalty kick (thank you Caines). They win it as we only manage 4 shots on goal the entire match.


Edwards 6.5, Istead 7.2

Hall 6.7, Nwadike 6.4, Gardner 6.8

Benjamin 6.1, Caines 5, Hanson 6.8, Keane 5.9, McIntosh 6.7

Gilpin 6.8

Bailey 5.8, Clarke, Wilson 6.1, Christie, Riley

[Poli]

I gripe about the penalty afterward and I get a one game suspension.

#winning

[Poli]

Eastwood: 7-1 Draw: 3-1 Grimsby: 1-3 (Fav) (English FA Trophy Third Round)

For minnows Eastwood to have any chance in this difficult match they are going to have to keep it tight against debt-ridden Grimsby and hope they can snatch a goal on the break, according to Sky Bet.

Luton is just one of the fourteen teams that potentially await Eastwood in the Fourth Round if they get through. Eastwood have been performing well beyond expectations in the FA Trophy this season.

Grimsby beat Grantham Town and Alfreton Town while Eastwood beat Whitby Town, Bury Town and Boston United to get this far.

The referee for the match will be John Busby from Oxford, who has shown no yellow cards and one red card in his two FA Trophy games so far this season.

[Poli]

Eastwood fans are all set to welcome Grimsby fans to Eastwood for their English FA Trophy Third Round match.

Grimsby are seen as strong favorites for the match and The Badgers supporters will know that they are unlikely to see an upset.

Eastwood beat Whitby Town, Bury Town and Boston United while Grimsby beat Grantham Town and Alfreton Town to get this far.

[Poli]

Feb 4, 2012 FA Trophy

Grimsby
@
Eastwood

Christie, Istead

Cooper, Nwadike, Elliott

Riley, Caines, Keane, Troke, Hanson

Gilpin

Bailey, McIntosh, Edwards, Gardner, Lee


Lee is dinged and will play the last minutes of a close game. Otherwise he's not going in.

[Poli]

Well, maybe. That's my hope. I'll be in the owner's box eating chili dogs if anyone needs me.

[Poli]

No score in this boring match. I'm tempted to see if the Vols are playing. Wait, it's February. No football. Maybe basketball?

Bah.

Wait, did they just sub Lee in for Cooper? Who's managing the team? Cooper? Did you just bench yourself??

Hey, no score at half. I'll pray for rain and no score at the end. A healthy Lee and Morris would definitely help.

[Poli]

We allow a goal from 25 yards out about 75 minutes in. I start shoving pretzels in my mouth as fast as I can grab them. I won't be in the owner's box much longer.

Nwadike, Gardner, Elliott, Istead, power shot. GOAL. Did that just happen?

We tied. Hooray!

Istead had bounced to the midfield earlier when Lee entered the game but had just moved back to forward as Christie departed.

McIntosh entered in the final minutes for Nwadike, moving Hanson to the middle.

I'll take the draw.

[Poli]

Christie 6.1, Istead 7.2

Cooper 6.8, Nwadike 7, Elliott 6.8

Riley 7.3, Caines 6.8, Keane 6.8, Troke 6.8, Hanson 6.7

Gilpin 6.7

Bailey, McIntosh --, Edwards, Gardner 6.9, Lee 6.8

785 in attendance.

[Poli]

The press conference afterward (can't believe I can go!) asks me what I thought of the penalty. I told them I was checking out the ladies in the box next to me. I mean, it was a close call.

No need in getting another bannination.

[Poli]

We're playing again in 4 days. Lee and Morris: GET HEALTHY.

[Poli]

Winner of this one gets AFC Telford.

[Poli]

Grimsby fans are all set to welcome Eastwood fans to Cleethorpes for their English FA Trophy Third Round Replay match, one which the hosts are expecting to take a comfortable win from.

Eastwood beat Whitby Town, Bury Town and Boston United while Grimsby beat Grantham Town and Alfreton Town to get this far.

Grimsby: 1-8 (Fav) Draw: N/A Eastwood: 12-1 (English FA Trophy Third Round Replay)

Penniless Grimsby should face little, if any, problems in overcoming what are vastly inferior opposition in the shape of minnows Eastwood, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood know that a win would set up a clash with AFC Telford in the Fourth Round. Eastwood have been performing well beyond expectations in the FA Trophy this season.

Grimsby beat Grantham Town and Alfreton Town while Eastwood beat Whitby Town, Bury Town and Boston United to get this far.

The referee for the match will be Simon Long from Ipswich who has shown 14 yellow cards and no red cards in his three FA Trophy games so far this season.

[Poli]

Feb 8, 2012

FA Trophy

Eastwood
@
Grimsby

Lee, Morris

Elliott, Nwadike, Gardner

Benjamin, Caines, Keane, Troke, Hanson

Gilpin

Wilson, Cooper, Istead, Edwards, McIntosh

[Poli]

Lee sinks a penalty kick 13 minutes in. That's my boy.

Unfortunately, we can't keep up with one of their forwards on a counter and allow Grimsby to tie before the half.

Good job, fellas.

Morris is dog tired. I sub in Edwards for him.

[Poli]

Gardner and Benjamin have picked up books but we're still scoreless. I bring in Istead for Nwadike at 66.

I push the attack at 80 and plan to overload at 88. I don't get that far.

Benjamin clears an attack toward Lee, who heads it further upfield. It's empty grass and Edwards outraces the keeper to the ball. Bad move, Mr. 325k valued keeper. Edwards passes to Lee who scores behind the keeper.

NOW IT IS PREVENT TIME.

WE WIN. Since I sat out the draw in the first match, I will tell everyone that I was the difference.

[Poli]

Lee 8.6, Morris 6.8

Elliott 6.8, Nwadike 6.8, Gardner 6.9

Benjamin 6.9, Caines 6.8, Keane 6.8, Troke 6.9, Hanson 6.9

Gilpin 6.8

Wilson, Cooper, Istead 6.9, Edwards 6.9, McIntosh

Lee picks up MoM. 1,984 came out to watch Grimsby lose this one.

[Poli]

11.2k for winning that one. Thank you very much.

[Poli]

We go to AFC Telford 25 Feb for the next round.

[Poli]

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

Blue Square Bet North surprise package Eastwood's home advantage gives them the edge in what should be a close encounter against out-of-form Colwyn Bay, according to Sky Bet.

Promotion contenders Eastwood are currently lying in 4th place in the Blue Square Bet North. Eastwood may concede the league advantage to Altrincham due to still being involved in cup competitions which could prove to be distractions, whereas their title rivals have no such problems.

Following Colwyn Bay's Blue Square Bet North 3 - 3 draw with Hinckley last Saturday, Newby's men are currently 17th in the Blue Square Bet North with 35 points from 29 matches.

The referee for the match will be Peter Banks from Southport who has shown 35 yellow cards and 3 red cards in his nine Blue Square Bet North games so far this season. Banks' last Eastwood Town match was Eastwood's 1 - 2 Blue Square Bet North defeat against Bishop's Stortford on Wednesday 1st February.

[Poli]

Current standings:

1. Hinckley 54
2. Histon 53
3. Altrincham 51
4. Eastwood 51
5. Nuneaton 52
6. Workington 50

[Poli]

10 Feb 2012

Colwyn Bay, 9-8-12
@
Eastwood, 15-6-8

Lee, Edwards

Cooper, Nwadike, Hall

Benjamin, Caines, Keane, Hanson, McIntosh

Gilpin

Riley, Clarke, Istead, Morris, Troke

[Poli]

Cooper scores his first goal ever for Eastwood. He has played for this team since 2005 and he just scores his first goal? Wow.

Got lucky with it, at that. Keane came up to grab a loose ball on the Colwyn side of the field...it was kicked away and to Cooper...who one-timed it into the net from about 20 yards out.

We took 8 shots to their 1...and mercy did I think 2 more were going in off corners. They're just doing a great job clearing.

[Poli]

At 65 I sub out the tired Benjamin, Lee, and Edwards for Riley, Morris, and Istead. Morris ain't fantastic, but he's got more energy than either Lee or Edwards at this point.

Turns out to be a bad move, I guess.

Colwyn ties it at 81, and I can't mount an offensive after that.

Gilpin picks up a card, and I have no idea why. He went to pick up a ball near the outer edge of the penalty area with no one around.

[Poli]

Lee 6.8, Edwards 6.8

Cooper, 7.9 Nwadike 6.9, Hall 6.8

Benjamin 6.9, Caines 6.6, Keane 7, Hanson 6.6, McIntosh 7.1

Gilpin 6.8

Riley 6.3, Clarke, Istead 6.5, Morris 6.5, Troke


Cooper's named MoM. 582 in attendance.

[Poli]

A full week off till our next match. This should make the players happy.

[Poli]

Cooper suggests our first team meeting since we haven't won a match in 5 games. I tell them not to let this little run upset our chances at promotion.

The locker room looks very motivated.

[Poli]

Solihull Motors have offered Nwadike a contract.

Guiseley fire their manager.

Cooper's named to the Team of the Week.

[Poli]

Nwadike moves quickly and signs with Solihull...for quite the cheap, I might add. 130 a week. I didn't entertain offering Emeka. He's 33. I brought in 3 middies on free loans that can cover his spot, easily.

[Poli]

Droylsden: 1-6 (Fav) Draw: 5-1 Eastwood: 10-1 (Blue Square Bet North)

Droylsden should face little, if any, problems in overcoming what are vastly inferior opposition in the shape of Blue Square Bet North surprise package Eastwood, according to Sky Bet.

Eastwood are on a poor run of five games without a win and the promotion contenders find themselves in 5th place in the Blue Square Bet North. Eastwood may concede the league advantage to Workington due to still being involved in cup competitions which could prove to be distractions, whereas their title rivals have no such problems.

Following Droylsden's 4 - 2 Blue Square Bet North victory over Hinckley last Saturday, Cale's men are currently 10th in the Blue Square Bet North with 46 points from 30 matches.

The referee for the match will be Colin Harwood from Manchester who has shown 19 yellow cards and one red card in his twenty-two Blue Square Bet North games so far this season. Harwood's last Eastwood Town match was Eastwood's convincing 4 - 1 Blue Square Bet North victory over Guiseley on Wednesday 18th January.