It comes to something when the biggest cheer of the day was in the 55th minute when North End finally managed a shot on target from Andy Procter, at this point in time the home side were already 2 down to visitors Doncaster Rovers thanks to two soft first half goals.
It has been noted that when North End go behind this season they very rarely comeback to take any points, so when Donny went one up in the first minute it meant the next 89 minutes would be exceedingly long for the home side.
A poor decision by the referee gave a corner to Doncaster when it looked like a goal kick. From the resulting corner Syers half hit volley looped gently over transfixed players and landed just inside the post. (0-1)
North End offered little in the opening stages of the half and with Cotterill and the impressive Kyle Bennett it looked like Rovers would score when they wanted.
The only action for the home fans to cheer was when two fans started lumping seven bells out of each other, both were home fans.
Rovers increased their lead on the half hour when Cotterill's free kick floated over everyone into the net, not keeper Stuckmann's finest hour. (0-2)
Game over.
The second half started with a spirited Preston trying to fight back, apart from Hayhurst and substitute Elding's narrow misses it was just a matter of having to wait for the referee to put an end to the home fans misery.
Rovers were denied a clear cut penalty when Paynter was clearly fouled however the referee made amends by giving them a penalty when it should have been a free kick to North End.
Paynter scored from the spot. (0-3)
The natives are getting restless at Deepdale.
Preston North End 0 Doncaster Rovers 3 Att 9626
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Game 33 Half decent
This was a half decent game, the first providing as much entertainment than many of the preceding matches in recent months . Sadly though the end product was a goalless draw between Preston and Bury in front of a decent Boxing Day crowd of 12200.
North End started at a breakneck pace having four efforts on goal in the first 2 minutes sadly all were not converted due to their inability to hit a cow's backside with a banjo, Beardsley, King, Hayhurst and Welsh having the efforts.
Bury were defending for their lives in thje first 20 minutes, a Hayhurst shot was blocked by a defender and other shots went high wide and not too handsome.
North End's approach play was good some nice one touch passes but once they got near the goal the moves collapsed.
Indeed it was Bury who should have taken the lead after 25 minutes when Hooper found himself in the clear after clever work by Healy, his shot found the side netting it should have found the side netting it should have been scored.
A chronicly short back pass by Wright let in Hooper but Stuckmann managed to block his shot. Back down the other end North End continued on their shot to miss policy and half time arrived it seemed fairly obvious that Bury were going to sneak a victory.
The best thing that could have happened was that everyone should have gone home at half time as the second half was dire, apart from Thompson's shot for the Shakers in the second half, nothing happened apart from the ball being continually booted into outer space.
Preston North End 0 Bury 0 Att 12200
North End started at a breakneck pace having four efforts on goal in the first 2 minutes sadly all were not converted due to their inability to hit a cow's backside with a banjo, Beardsley, King, Hayhurst and Welsh having the efforts.
Bury were defending for their lives in thje first 20 minutes, a Hayhurst shot was blocked by a defender and other shots went high wide and not too handsome.
North End's approach play was good some nice one touch passes but once they got near the goal the moves collapsed.
Indeed it was Bury who should have taken the lead after 25 minutes when Hooper found himself in the clear after clever work by Healy, his shot found the side netting it should have found the side netting it should have been scored.
A chronicly short back pass by Wright let in Hooper but Stuckmann managed to block his shot. Back down the other end North End continued on their shot to miss policy and half time arrived it seemed fairly obvious that Bury were going to sneak a victory.
The best thing that could have happened was that everyone should have gone home at half time as the second half was dire, apart from Thompson's shot for the Shakers in the second half, nothing happened apart from the ball being continually booted into outer space.
Preston North End 0 Bury 0 Att 12200
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Gaame 32 Slog in the wet
Lancaster City edged out Curzon Ashton 3-2 at a very soggy Lancaster this afternoon. Both teams deserve credit for an eventful 90 minutes in non too ideal conditions. Also, credit goes to the few who managed to get the game on.
Curzon took the lead in the fifth minute when a shot from the left hand side of the box was half saved by McDonald, the ball ran to Evans who dispatched the ball home from a narrow angle.
It took Lancaster three minutes to level the score when a long punt up field was misjudged by the Curzon defender, Green took advantage to chip the ball over the keepers head from 20 yards.
Within a minute Curzon were down to 10, a bit of handbags on the touchline and out came the red card, Metcalfe? being the player to get first use of the shower a good 80 minutes before the rest of the players. City went close shortly afterwards, but from then until half time Curzon ran the game.
Two shots from Curzon’s No 7 both from 30 plus yards were superbly saved by McDonald in the City goal.
Curzon went back in front after 20 minutes a free kick form the left which found it’s way to Hunt who bundled home from close range.
Curzon’s remaining outfielders passed the ball around in difficult conditions keeping City at bay with ease and then on half time came a pivotal turning point, slack defending by City let Evans in, he tried to take the ball round McDonald but the City keeper managed to get in the way of the ball and the danger was cleared.
At half time the mist and rain arrived and finally City managed to get a grip of the game, two goals in the space of three minutes by Kilfin and Elderton turned the games around, Kilfin from a narrow angle and a classic diving header from Elderton from a right wing cross.
It started to become a slog in the mud for both teams until Curzon went for broke both sides playing the counter attack game, Curzon perhaps came closet when a player sliding in at the back post narrowly failed to get a touch on the ball as it whizzed past the post.
City were hanging on at the end but Curzon couldn’t get the leveller which they may have deserved.
Curzon took the lead in the fifth minute when a shot from the left hand side of the box was half saved by McDonald, the ball ran to Evans who dispatched the ball home from a narrow angle.
It took Lancaster three minutes to level the score when a long punt up field was misjudged by the Curzon defender, Green took advantage to chip the ball over the keepers head from 20 yards.
Within a minute Curzon were down to 10, a bit of handbags on the touchline and out came the red card, Metcalfe? being the player to get first use of the shower a good 80 minutes before the rest of the players. City went close shortly afterwards, but from then until half time Curzon ran the game.
Two shots from Curzon’s No 7 both from 30 plus yards were superbly saved by McDonald in the City goal.
Curzon went back in front after 20 minutes a free kick form the left which found it’s way to Hunt who bundled home from close range.
Curzon’s remaining outfielders passed the ball around in difficult conditions keeping City at bay with ease and then on half time came a pivotal turning point, slack defending by City let Evans in, he tried to take the ball round McDonald but the City keeper managed to get in the way of the ball and the danger was cleared.
At half time the mist and rain arrived and finally City managed to get a grip of the game, two goals in the space of three minutes by Kilfin and Elderton turned the games around, Kilfin from a narrow angle and a classic diving header from Elderton from a right wing cross.
It started to become a slog in the mud for both teams until Curzon went for broke both sides playing the counter attack game, Curzon perhaps came closet when a player sliding in at the back post narrowly failed to get a touch on the ball as it whizzed past the post.
City were hanging on at the end but Curzon couldn’t get the leveller which they may have deserved.
Lancaster City 3 Curzon Ashton 3 Att 152
The picture shows City celebrating their first goal
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Game 31 Clueless
Another miserable experience for the vast majority of the 8542 crowd as Preston put in a hapless performance against Crewe Alexandra today. Losing 3-1 at home with all Crewe's goals coming through the black hole that was the centre of Preston's defence.
Irony was that Preston's keeper didn't have a save to make in the entire game, mind you neither did Martin in the Crewe goal.
North End started well keeping Crewe pinned back however any attempts at goal ended up with the visiting supporters behind the goal.
Crewe when they did attack went closest when an Ellis header went narrowly wide from a corner.
On the half hour Crewe took the lead a cross from the left wing found Murphy with nobody near him, easy as you like placed the ball past Stuckmann into the net. (0-1)
Half time came and the home side were booed off, the boos were louder when Crewe scored twice more within 7 minutes of the restart, both goals were similar, breaking from deep Crewe expolited massive gaps in the Preston back line as Inman and Pogba accepted simple but well worked goals. (0-3)
38 Minutes to go, do you read, look at mobile phone, sleep or stay and watch in the vain hope that your side will pull of a miracle score four time and pull of a great comeback.
Well I stayed but there was no miracle comeback although if Elding had converted a chance at the near post, they may have had a chhance, but the writing was on the wall when North End's first clear site on goal was hit into Preston Bus Station two miles away by Moushino.
Huntingdon did pull a goal back with a header from a corner with a minute to go and had a chance to score shortly afterwards but by then most people had stopped caring.
Preston North End 1 Crewe Alexandra 3 Att 8542
Irony was that Preston's keeper didn't have a save to make in the entire game, mind you neither did Martin in the Crewe goal.
North End started well keeping Crewe pinned back however any attempts at goal ended up with the visiting supporters behind the goal.
Crewe when they did attack went closest when an Ellis header went narrowly wide from a corner.
On the half hour Crewe took the lead a cross from the left wing found Murphy with nobody near him, easy as you like placed the ball past Stuckmann into the net. (0-1)
Half time came and the home side were booed off, the boos were louder when Crewe scored twice more within 7 minutes of the restart, both goals were similar, breaking from deep Crewe expolited massive gaps in the Preston back line as Inman and Pogba accepted simple but well worked goals. (0-3)
38 Minutes to go, do you read, look at mobile phone, sleep or stay and watch in the vain hope that your side will pull of a miracle score four time and pull of a great comeback.
Well I stayed but there was no miracle comeback although if Elding had converted a chance at the near post, they may have had a chhance, but the writing was on the wall when North End's first clear site on goal was hit into Preston Bus Station two miles away by Moushino.
Huntingdon did pull a goal back with a header from a corner with a minute to go and had a chance to score shortly afterwards but by then most people had stopped caring.
Preston North End 1 Crewe Alexandra 3 Att 8542
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Game 30 Hoof
A 124 hardy souls ventured from the comforts of warm living rooms to watch this honest but average game of football between Lancaster City and Burscough. The points were shared in a 2 all draw.
A first half which saw the ball being propelled mainly towards the stars saw Lancaster take an early lead, when Simpson managed to evade the Burscough back line and fire the ball past the visiting keeper.
There was little action for the next 20 minutes although there were some meaty tackles. Burscough’s centre half departed early after a swinging arm seemed to demolish a couple of his teeth.
For a while City decided to actually play some decent football on the ground, but soon resorted again to the aerial route.
Burscough came close to an equaliser when the visitor’s captain was unlucky with a cracking volley which just cleared the crossbar.
On 34 minutes City doubled their lead when Swarbrick received the ball 35 yards out and promptly blasted the ball over the badly positioned keeper into the back of the net. (2-0)
That was as good as it got for City, the visitors had three chances in as many minutes before half time to reduce the award all were spurned. It was a sign of things to come.
It took Burscough until the hour mark to reduce the arrears when Jones powered home a header from a corner. (2-1)
The visitors looked the better side by now and had several chances which went close and then five minutes from time another scruffy goal by Williams from a free kick levelled the score.(2-2)
Burscough pressed for the winner and although they went close they didn’t get it.
A first half which saw the ball being propelled mainly towards the stars saw Lancaster take an early lead, when Simpson managed to evade the Burscough back line and fire the ball past the visiting keeper.
There was little action for the next 20 minutes although there were some meaty tackles. Burscough’s centre half departed early after a swinging arm seemed to demolish a couple of his teeth.
For a while City decided to actually play some decent football on the ground, but soon resorted again to the aerial route.
Burscough came close to an equaliser when the visitor’s captain was unlucky with a cracking volley which just cleared the crossbar.
On 34 minutes City doubled their lead when Swarbrick received the ball 35 yards out and promptly blasted the ball over the badly positioned keeper into the back of the net. (2-0)
That was as good as it got for City, the visitors had three chances in as many minutes before half time to reduce the award all were spurned. It was a sign of things to come.
It took Burscough until the hour mark to reduce the arrears when Jones powered home a header from a corner. (2-1)
The visitors looked the better side by now and had several chances which went close and then five minutes from time another scruffy goal by Williams from a free kick levelled the score.(2-2)
Burscough pressed for the winner and although they went close they didn’t get it.
Lancaster City 2 Burscough 2 Att 124
Saturday, December 1, 2012
GAME 29 Into the third round
In the end Preston North End deserved their 2-0 win over League 2 leaders Gillingham although they had to survive a couple of nervy moments before cementing their place in the third round of the world's most famous cup competition.
North End started like a house on fire and had an early chance which Robertson somehow managed to clear instead of heading towards goal. Wingers Monkana and Holmes were causing the visitors a stream of problems with their speed.
It was no surprise when the home side took a 12th minute lead although there was a touch of fortune about the goal about the goal, Monakana's shot took a deflection and ended up in the net. (1-0)
At that moment in time it looked as if North End would win quite easily but they were give a scare half way through the half when Fish found himself in acres of space, his first effort was tame however his second effort was well saved by a home supporter 15 rows back in the crowd. The Gills fans were about to celebrate a goal from Vincelot however the mammoth reach of Preston keeper Stuckmann pulled out a fine save to save the day.
It became apparent that one goal would not be enough especially when a cross from the right narrowly avoided Burton who was sliding in at the back post.
Within a minute of this miss, the home side had doubled the lead, Davies back pass was woefully short of Fortune who lost the ball to Holmes, the ball squirmed into space were Beavon was on hand to blast the ball home. (2-0) Job done, not quite.
A frenetic start to the second half saw the Gills awarded a penalty for hand ball by Welsh, Burton hit the post with the kick, within a minute Monakana was brought down on his way to goal, most people thought so except Mr Kettle who waved play on. It was end to end stuff as Beavon rattled the Gills post from 12 yards and Stuckmann pulled off a world class save to deny Burton.
As the tempreture began to dip so did the game, North End thought they had scored a third, but a foul on the keeper was given.
Gillingham battled hard but the massed ranks of the home defence kept them at bay.
Preston North End 2 Gillingham 0 Att 5271 with about 400 from Gillingham
North End started like a house on fire and had an early chance which Robertson somehow managed to clear instead of heading towards goal. Wingers Monkana and Holmes were causing the visitors a stream of problems with their speed.
It was no surprise when the home side took a 12th minute lead although there was a touch of fortune about the goal about the goal, Monakana's shot took a deflection and ended up in the net. (1-0)
At that moment in time it looked as if North End would win quite easily but they were give a scare half way through the half when Fish found himself in acres of space, his first effort was tame however his second effort was well saved by a home supporter 15 rows back in the crowd. The Gills fans were about to celebrate a goal from Vincelot however the mammoth reach of Preston keeper Stuckmann pulled out a fine save to save the day.
It became apparent that one goal would not be enough especially when a cross from the right narrowly avoided Burton who was sliding in at the back post.
Within a minute of this miss, the home side had doubled the lead, Davies back pass was woefully short of Fortune who lost the ball to Holmes, the ball squirmed into space were Beavon was on hand to blast the ball home. (2-0) Job done, not quite.
A frenetic start to the second half saw the Gills awarded a penalty for hand ball by Welsh, Burton hit the post with the kick, within a minute Monakana was brought down on his way to goal, most people thought so except Mr Kettle who waved play on. It was end to end stuff as Beavon rattled the Gills post from 12 yards and Stuckmann pulled off a world class save to deny Burton.
As the tempreture began to dip so did the game, North End thought they had scored a third, but a foul on the keeper was given.
Gillingham battled hard but the massed ranks of the home defence kept them at bay.
Preston North End 2 Gillingham 0 Att 5271 with about 400 from Gillingham
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Game 28 Horror injury
A horror tackle on Preston's Scott Laird overshadowed the game against Notts County which ended goalless. A double footed lunge deep in injury time by County's Campbell-Ryce left the Preston full back with a broken leg, Campbell- Ryce was shown a straight red card by Referee Harrington. Laird is now out for the rest of the season, Campbell-Ryce will be back in three games.
This was a game North End should have won dominating the vast majority of the game. Their first half performance was excellent on and only some poor finishing and excellent defending stopped them from scoring.
An early Sodje header which went wide when it should have gone in set the tone. Wroe was denied by a brilliant save by County's impressive keeper Bialkowski although minutes later the Polish stopper got extremely lucky when he was dispossessed by Beavon at the edge of the penalty, Beavon cut towards the penalty spot and fired in a shot which was going in until a brilliant clearance from the line by a County defender. From the resulting corner County again cleared the ball from the line.
County had a brief period of pressure just before half time which roused the travelling faithful from their slumbers.
The second half was more even with little in the way of goalmouth incident, although Preston possibly should possibly have had a penalty when Sodje was shoved in the back although he possibly did go to ground rather easily.
County managed a couple of tame efforts by Judge but as the half progressed they were quite happy to waste time and slow the game down to a virtual standstill, then that tackle.
Preston North End 0 Notts County 0 Att 8013
This was a game North End should have won dominating the vast majority of the game. Their first half performance was excellent on and only some poor finishing and excellent defending stopped them from scoring.
An early Sodje header which went wide when it should have gone in set the tone. Wroe was denied by a brilliant save by County's impressive keeper Bialkowski although minutes later the Polish stopper got extremely lucky when he was dispossessed by Beavon at the edge of the penalty, Beavon cut towards the penalty spot and fired in a shot which was going in until a brilliant clearance from the line by a County defender. From the resulting corner County again cleared the ball from the line.
County had a brief period of pressure just before half time which roused the travelling faithful from their slumbers.
The second half was more even with little in the way of goalmouth incident, although Preston possibly should possibly have had a penalty when Sodje was shoved in the back although he possibly did go to ground rather easily.
County managed a couple of tame efforts by Judge but as the half progressed they were quite happy to waste time and slow the game down to a virtual standstill, then that tackle.
Preston North End 0 Notts County 0 Att 8013
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Game 27 Twist in the tale
Preston were mugged at the end by Brentford, after dominating the vast majority of the game the home side fell to a sucker punch with a minute to go when centre back Dean mazy run down the left wing led to him putting an inch perfect cross for German to head home the equaliser.
It was the Bees first effort on target and it went in, it got them a barely deserved point.
North End had played well in the first half with efforts from Laird, Wroe and Welsh being saved by the decent Brentford keeper Moore, for the visitors a couple of efforts from Douglas went close.
North End controlled the play and for once it was a decent first half performance.
A bitty start to the second half with neither side looking dangerous until North End took the lead in the 62nd minute, the Bees never really cleared their defence following a North End attack and the ball was headed down to Laird in the area, he tried for a spectacular overhead kick, however shinned the ball into the ground from where it bounced ever so gently into the net.
In control the home side looked to kill off the visitors Buchanan and Wroe all going close, with the clock ticking down towards the end of the game, the points looked bound for the hosts until the late twist in the tale.
Disappointing result although the performance was decent. Try again on Tuesday night.
Preston North End 1 Brentford 1 Att 8804
It was the Bees first effort on target and it went in, it got them a barely deserved point.
North End had played well in the first half with efforts from Laird, Wroe and Welsh being saved by the decent Brentford keeper Moore, for the visitors a couple of efforts from Douglas went close.
North End controlled the play and for once it was a decent first half performance.
A bitty start to the second half with neither side looking dangerous until North End took the lead in the 62nd minute, the Bees never really cleared their defence following a North End attack and the ball was headed down to Laird in the area, he tried for a spectacular overhead kick, however shinned the ball into the ground from where it bounced ever so gently into the net.
In control the home side looked to kill off the visitors Buchanan and Wroe all going close, with the clock ticking down towards the end of the game, the points looked bound for the hosts until the late twist in the tale.
Disappointing result although the performance was decent. Try again on Tuesday night.
Preston North End 1 Brentford 1 Att 8804
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Game 26 Squires Gate
A bright sunny day with a highly entertaining first half with four goals the post being hit twice and the bizarre case of the goal that never was.
Gate struggling this season and were next to bottom whilst their opponents were just outside teh top places in the league.
Gate kicking towards the car park end opened the scoring in the 11th minute when a lucky rebound found Harvie out side the penalty area, his Messi type of run took him past a couple of players before side footing the ball past Town’s keeper.
A frantic 20 minutes followed a you could see thne reason why Gate were struggling, they couldn’t defend.
The home side were lucky not to concede a goal, when a free kick from a Town player looked to have scored direct from a free kick, the ball appeared to be stuck in the net between the post and the bar, the home keeper pushed the ball onto the post where he was then fouled by a Town forward. The referee gave the foul most people on the ground thought it was a goal.
Down the other end Gate went and the lively Harvie hit the post, the ball rebounded to Coar who only had to slip the ball into the net to double the lead, he slipped and the chance went west.
It was a vital miss because Congleton then proceeded to score the times in six minutes, the first from the penalty spot and the other two came from crosses from either wing. Koral scored the penalty and Smith scored the other two. (1-3)
Gate were being run ragged and only the post stop the visitors scoring again. In the gathering gloom as half time approached Gate nearly got themselves back into the game when from a corner a Town defender narrowly sliced the ball over his own bar.
It started to get colder and started to rain as the second half kicked off thankfully with the floodlights on, the game lick the weather deteriorated, Congleton always looked the more likely of the two sides and hit the bar early on in the half.
Gate struggled manfully on bringing a couple of decent saves from Town’s keeper but were always looked likely to be caught on the
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Game 25 depressingly poor
Another 94 minutes of my life gone, never to be returned after watching this clunker of a match last night. Preston and Carlisle shared the points in a game which rarely rose above abject.
Dire football, poor officials(though to be fair to the ref he started well but got worse), gamesmanship and downright cheating. The 9200 crown slumbered through most of the game although the 500 from Cumbria made a bit of noise although not as much as the 4000 they brought last season.
North End started well and thought they had scored from a corner after 3 minutes when Laird's corner appeared to cross the line into the net, Collin clawed the ball back neither the referee or his assistant gave it so play on it was, apparently video evidence did suggest the ball was over the line.
Early stages North End played some decent football however soon ran out of ideas.
Carlisle rarely threatened apart from a shot from Potts from distance which was easily saved by Simonsen.
On the half hour ythe visitors took the lead, a wayward back pass to the keeper was picked up by a Carlisle foirward, Simonsen was way to late setting off for the ball and clattered said forward, penalty, no complaints for me on that one.
Garner scored with ease. (0-1)
Carlisle began to boss the game as North End started to implode at a rapid speed, passes and crosses seemed to be mainly directed to unsuspecting punters in the stand.
The second half was dreadful, Garner going close for the Cumbrians after a fine passing move.
The visitors started to time waste which ios far enough however they reached rock bottom when Huntington and Garner clashed, both players rubbed foreheads and Garner went down as if hit by a sledge hammer, totally disgraceful behaviour. The referee booked both players.The game dragged on and North End's night was summed up by a home attack which ended up with a pass back to the keeper who promptly lashed his clearance into the crowd.
By now North End had made three substitutions and began to look slightly better but another home defeat looked on the cards. There was a certain irony that the leveller came in time added on because of Carlisle's time wasting.
Just as the visiting throng were starting to celebrate victory Holmes fired over a cross which had written on it,"Head me into the bottom left hand corner of the net" Cummings obliged. (1-1)
Little time was left was left and a draw was probably a fair result as neither side deserved anything else. Poor
Preston North End 1 Carlisle United 1 Att 9200
Dire football, poor officials(though to be fair to the ref he started well but got worse), gamesmanship and downright cheating. The 9200 crown slumbered through most of the game although the 500 from Cumbria made a bit of noise although not as much as the 4000 they brought last season.
North End started well and thought they had scored from a corner after 3 minutes when Laird's corner appeared to cross the line into the net, Collin clawed the ball back neither the referee or his assistant gave it so play on it was, apparently video evidence did suggest the ball was over the line.
Early stages North End played some decent football however soon ran out of ideas.
Carlisle rarely threatened apart from a shot from Potts from distance which was easily saved by Simonsen.
On the half hour ythe visitors took the lead, a wayward back pass to the keeper was picked up by a Carlisle foirward, Simonsen was way to late setting off for the ball and clattered said forward, penalty, no complaints for me on that one.
Garner scored with ease. (0-1)
Carlisle began to boss the game as North End started to implode at a rapid speed, passes and crosses seemed to be mainly directed to unsuspecting punters in the stand.
The second half was dreadful, Garner going close for the Cumbrians after a fine passing move.
The visitors started to time waste which ios far enough however they reached rock bottom when Huntington and Garner clashed, both players rubbed foreheads and Garner went down as if hit by a sledge hammer, totally disgraceful behaviour. The referee booked both players.The game dragged on and North End's night was summed up by a home attack which ended up with a pass back to the keeper who promptly lashed his clearance into the crowd.
By now North End had made three substitutions and began to look slightly better but another home defeat looked on the cards. There was a certain irony that the leveller came in time added on because of Carlisle's time wasting.
Just as the visiting throng were starting to celebrate victory Holmes fired over a cross which had written on it,"Head me into the bottom left hand corner of the net" Cummings obliged. (1-1)
Little time was left was left and a draw was probably a fair result as neither side deserved anything else. Poor
Preston North End 1 Carlisle United 1 Att 9200
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Game 24 Into the 2nd round
The 4700 who made the effort didn't see a classic as Preston beat Yeovil 3-0 in the FA Cup First round at a decidedly chilly Deepdale today, two goals just before the break and another mid way through the second half saw the home side into the second round draw at lunchtime tomorrow.
North End started well although the early injury to Cansdell-Sherriff disrupted the balance of the side. The lively Marsh-Brown had already caused panic in the home defence causing Sherriff's hamstring to go twang whilst in pursuit of the speedy winger.
Madden had two glorious chances to put the visitors ahead, the first firing narrowly wide of the post, whilst the second should have been buried, as the home defence left the ball to each other Madden could on fire tamely wide. It was a costly miss.
In the space of three minutes North End scored twice, both goals were similar dfence splitting pass into the old inside left position, the first slotted home by Byrom under keeper Stech's body and the second scored by Amoo who calmly took the ball round the keeper and passed the ball into the net.
Yeovil came back into the game although a tackle by Marsh-Brown on Wroe should have led to a red card, he got yellow. On the brink of half time some brilliant defending by both Laird and Huntington on the goal line stopped the visitors from getting a goal back.
Yeovil needed to score early in the second half, they started well but the only thing they got for their early efforts was a red card for Upson. He clattered through the back of Wroe and got first use of the shower.
He also was sent off in the league game 5 weeks previously.
Yeovil, fought valiantly substitute Reid causing a few problems, but when Robertson headed home Laird's pinpoint corner with twenty minutes to go, it was game, set and match to the home side.
There was still plenty of time for Madden to miss an absolute sitter for the visitors although Simonsen did make a good save, North End should have had more goals but a place in the 2nd round had already been obtained.
Harrogate Town at home would do nicely.
Preston North End 3 Yeovil Town 0 Att 4737
North End started well although the early injury to Cansdell-Sherriff disrupted the balance of the side. The lively Marsh-Brown had already caused panic in the home defence causing Sherriff's hamstring to go twang whilst in pursuit of the speedy winger.
Madden had two glorious chances to put the visitors ahead, the first firing narrowly wide of the post, whilst the second should have been buried, as the home defence left the ball to each other Madden could on fire tamely wide. It was a costly miss.
In the space of three minutes North End scored twice, both goals were similar dfence splitting pass into the old inside left position, the first slotted home by Byrom under keeper Stech's body and the second scored by Amoo who calmly took the ball round the keeper and passed the ball into the net.
Yeovil came back into the game although a tackle by Marsh-Brown on Wroe should have led to a red card, he got yellow. On the brink of half time some brilliant defending by both Laird and Huntington on the goal line stopped the visitors from getting a goal back.
Yeovil needed to score early in the second half, they started well but the only thing they got for their early efforts was a red card for Upson. He clattered through the back of Wroe and got first use of the shower.
He also was sent off in the league game 5 weeks previously.
Yeovil, fought valiantly substitute Reid causing a few problems, but when Robertson headed home Laird's pinpoint corner with twenty minutes to go, it was game, set and match to the home side.
There was still plenty of time for Madden to miss an absolute sitter for the visitors although Simonsen did make a good save, North End should have had more goals but a place in the 2nd round had already been obtained.
Harrogate Town at home would do nicely.
Preston North End 3 Yeovil Town 0 Att 4737
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Game 23 Leaders take the points
A trip to league leaders Mossley saw Lancaster City go down by 2-0 on a sunny but chilly day on the Cheshire/Lancashire border.
This was a decent Lancaster performance however a couple of goal keeping lapses split the side.
Mossley started well, they were almost ahead in the opening seconds as City were caught cold, a header flashed narrowly past the post.
City struggles continued and they were lucky not to go a goal down when a Hind shot rattled the City crossbar, City were pinned back hardly getting within the Mossley half, until a Branco mazy run caused chaos in the Mossley ranks, he beat three players although his shot hit a Mossley backside. This spurred the visitors on and they began to look dangerous Swarbrick going agonisingly close to putting them ahead. Wilson in the City midfield having a super game. Half time came at the right time for the league leaders who were under the cosh.
Within four minutes of the re start Mossley were ahead a shot from Coppin seemed to be deflected but McDonald in the City goal appeared to dive over the ball as it dribbled into the net. (1-0)
Mossley were in control and a Coppin shot hit the post and another effort only just missed.
As with the first half City suddenly got on top, forcing the home side back although the not getting close enough to score thanks to the well organised home defence.
Against the run of play the home side scored the second, a free kick was spilled by McDonald and Madeley didn’t miss from the rebound (2-0)
City battled back bravely and an Elderton header only just cleared the bar but it was a pointless day for the Dollies.
This was a decent Lancaster performance however a couple of goal keeping lapses split the side.
Mossley started well, they were almost ahead in the opening seconds as City were caught cold, a header flashed narrowly past the post.
City struggles continued and they were lucky not to go a goal down when a Hind shot rattled the City crossbar, City were pinned back hardly getting within the Mossley half, until a Branco mazy run caused chaos in the Mossley ranks, he beat three players although his shot hit a Mossley backside. This spurred the visitors on and they began to look dangerous Swarbrick going agonisingly close to putting them ahead. Wilson in the City midfield having a super game. Half time came at the right time for the league leaders who were under the cosh.
Within four minutes of the re start Mossley were ahead a shot from Coppin seemed to be deflected but McDonald in the City goal appeared to dive over the ball as it dribbled into the net. (1-0)
Mossley were in control and a Coppin shot hit the post and another effort only just missed.
As with the first half City suddenly got on top, forcing the home side back although the not getting close enough to score thanks to the well organised home defence.
Against the run of play the home side scored the second, a free kick was spilled by McDonald and Madeley didn’t miss from the rebound (2-0)
City battled back bravely and an Elderton header only just cleared the bar but it was a pointless day for the Dollies.
Mossley 2 Lancaster City 0 Att 202
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Game 22 At the death
On a mild Lancastrian night, those goliaths of world football Lancaster City and Radcliffe Borough shared the points in a mildly entertaining game of football.
144 attended giving the thumbs down to the Champions league rubbish which clogged up the TV airways last night. Lancaster took the lead in the 12th minute when a glorious cross field pass found McKenna on the right hand side, his cross found Kilfin inside the area and he finished with aplomb. (1-0)
City should have gone further ahead when Wilson was played in, sadly he dawdled on the ball and the chance was lost. It was to prove costly when City keeper McDonald dropped the ball onto the head of Radcliffe’s Karembo and rather by chance the ball dropped into the net. (1-1)
From then until half time the game was dominated by the referee, who blew for everything, he also like to lecture players at length and completely ruined the flow of the game.
Second half started poorly for Lancaster scorer Kilfin limped off injured followed by Marshall whose mistimed tackle brought a second yellow card quickly followed by a red.
As expected Radcliffe were in control though every credit to the 10 City players who worked their socks off keeping the visitors away from the City goal. Borough started to run out of steam although substitute Connor missed a glorious chance to put them into the lead firing over the top from close range.
City were in the ascendancy McKenna wasting a chance, it seemed the 10 men might be on the verge of sneaking a victory but with five minutes to go, Borough broke away following a save by the City keeper Connor slotted home the rebound. (1-2)
City battled on and were rewarded in the 94th minute when some shambolic Radcliffe defending allowed Swarbrick to sneak the ball into the net. (2-2)
There was little time for any more action as the final whistle blew. City deserved their point.
144 attended giving the thumbs down to the Champions league rubbish which clogged up the TV airways last night. Lancaster took the lead in the 12th minute when a glorious cross field pass found McKenna on the right hand side, his cross found Kilfin inside the area and he finished with aplomb. (1-0)
City should have gone further ahead when Wilson was played in, sadly he dawdled on the ball and the chance was lost. It was to prove costly when City keeper McDonald dropped the ball onto the head of Radcliffe’s Karembo and rather by chance the ball dropped into the net. (1-1)
From then until half time the game was dominated by the referee, who blew for everything, he also like to lecture players at length and completely ruined the flow of the game.
Second half started poorly for Lancaster scorer Kilfin limped off injured followed by Marshall whose mistimed tackle brought a second yellow card quickly followed by a red.
As expected Radcliffe were in control though every credit to the 10 City players who worked their socks off keeping the visitors away from the City goal. Borough started to run out of steam although substitute Connor missed a glorious chance to put them into the lead firing over the top from close range.
City were in the ascendancy McKenna wasting a chance, it seemed the 10 men might be on the verge of sneaking a victory but with five minutes to go, Borough broke away following a save by the City keeper Connor slotted home the rebound. (1-2)
City battled on and were rewarded in the 94th minute when some shambolic Radcliffe defending allowed Swarbrick to sneak the ball into the net. (2-2)
There was little time for any more action as the final whistle blew. City deserved their point.
Lancaster City 2 Radcliffe Borough 2 Att 144
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Game 21 Zero points
The day began well personally, annual two year trip to the optician brought unexpected result, eyes have not got worse, keep those glasses for another two years. From then on the day went downwards faster than a Serbian award for fair play.
Drove to the game and thought something was missing, it was, it was my sodding season ticket, luckily got a replacement ticket, next time I forget it I'll have to pay.
Onto the match Sheffield United scored the only goal just before half time to sneak the points 0-1.
The 11500 saw a turgid first half in which United passed the ball along the back line before hoofing the ball down field for the forwards to chase. North End played like Ray Wilkins in his prime virtually every pass went sidewards.
Personally think that Westley's tactics are to bore everybody into submission before hitting the killer punch when everybody has dropped off to sleep.
Maguire should have given United an early lead however his header when in acres of space found the crowd instead of the net.
North End pressed forwards but apart from a Beardsley header which should have been better directed also found the crowd.
The only other action of note in the first 44 minutes was a Welsh effort for the home side which only just went wide. On the stroke of half time the Blades took the lead. The pass, pass, hoof routine worked as a long ball from the back found Kitson in space, the ball bounced kindly for the tall striker as he lobbed the 6ft 5 keeper Stuckmann to give them the lead. (0-1)
The second half was better although goal scoring chances were as rare as hen's teeth.
North End dominated the early stages but it was the Blades who nearly when North End defender Huntington hammered the ball against his own post, whilst at the other end Beardsley was unlucky with a first time volley which went narrowly wide.
As the game drifted on North End were finding it hard to break down the well organised Blades defence although Monakana was posing a threat down the right hand side.
As North End pressed forward gaps were being left at the back and United should have sewn the game up with a when a speedy break found Williams in space, he screwed his shot horribly wide. United nearly paid for that miss when in the 94th a towering Huntington header was superbly saved by 17yr old keeper Long.
So another disappointing result for the home side, there is every possiblility the Blades when go up this season however they are not a brilliant team.
Preston North End 0 Sheffield United 1 Att 11500
Drove to the game and thought something was missing, it was, it was my sodding season ticket, luckily got a replacement ticket, next time I forget it I'll have to pay.
Onto the match Sheffield United scored the only goal just before half time to sneak the points 0-1.
The 11500 saw a turgid first half in which United passed the ball along the back line before hoofing the ball down field for the forwards to chase. North End played like Ray Wilkins in his prime virtually every pass went sidewards.
Personally think that Westley's tactics are to bore everybody into submission before hitting the killer punch when everybody has dropped off to sleep.
Maguire should have given United an early lead however his header when in acres of space found the crowd instead of the net.
North End pressed forwards but apart from a Beardsley header which should have been better directed also found the crowd.
The only other action of note in the first 44 minutes was a Welsh effort for the home side which only just went wide. On the stroke of half time the Blades took the lead. The pass, pass, hoof routine worked as a long ball from the back found Kitson in space, the ball bounced kindly for the tall striker as he lobbed the 6ft 5 keeper Stuckmann to give them the lead. (0-1)
The second half was better although goal scoring chances were as rare as hen's teeth.
North End dominated the early stages but it was the Blades who nearly when North End defender Huntington hammered the ball against his own post, whilst at the other end Beardsley was unlucky with a first time volley which went narrowly wide.
As the game drifted on North End were finding it hard to break down the well organised Blades defence although Monakana was posing a threat down the right hand side.
As North End pressed forward gaps were being left at the back and United should have sewn the game up with a when a speedy break found Williams in space, he screwed his shot horribly wide. United nearly paid for that miss when in the 94th a towering Huntington header was superbly saved by 17yr old keeper Long.
So another disappointing result for the home side, there is every possiblility the Blades when go up this season however they are not a brilliant team.
Preston North End 0 Sheffield United 1 Att 11500
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Game 20 Fair result
In the end it was a fair result as Preston and MK Dons drew 0-0 at a chilly Deepdale in front of 8200, MK dominated the first half with their neat passing style they were quicker out of the blocks than the home side who looked lethargic through the first half.
Although the Dons had the majority of players chances were few and far betwee although a neat Beavon back flick nearly surprised Dons keeper Martin.
Experienced players Smith and Chadwick posed the main danger to the home side and it was Smith who was denied after 25 minutes, a fine defence slitting pass put Smith in the clear and only the extremely long leg of Stuckmann prevented the Dons from taking the lead. And that was that for the first half, the Sky highlights programmed at half time showed the chance and an offside nothing else featured.
North End started on the front foot in the second half, a determined run by Keane which led to Beavon going agonisingly close with a flicked chance. There was a huge shout for hand ball after a Dons defender possibly handled a Monakana shot, this was waved away by the referee. For once North End looked good at the back repelling what little the Dons tyhrew at them in the second half.North End looked the more likely to score with a Laird shot being saved at the foot of the post by Martin.
The game looked destined to be scoreless when the Dons maybe should have had a penalty when Stuckmann possibly brought down a on rushing forward, looking through my Arsene Wenger eyes thought the Dons player dived(TV replays suggested it was a blatant penalty)
A bit of handbags on the touchline following the non award between the two managers and that was basically that.
Preston North End 0 MK Dons 0 ATT 8257
Although the Dons had the majority of players chances were few and far betwee although a neat Beavon back flick nearly surprised Dons keeper Martin.
Experienced players Smith and Chadwick posed the main danger to the home side and it was Smith who was denied after 25 minutes, a fine defence slitting pass put Smith in the clear and only the extremely long leg of Stuckmann prevented the Dons from taking the lead. And that was that for the first half, the Sky highlights programmed at half time showed the chance and an offside nothing else featured.
North End started on the front foot in the second half, a determined run by Keane which led to Beavon going agonisingly close with a flicked chance. There was a huge shout for hand ball after a Dons defender possibly handled a Monakana shot, this was waved away by the referee. For once North End looked good at the back repelling what little the Dons tyhrew at them in the second half.North End looked the more likely to score with a Laird shot being saved at the foot of the post by Martin.
The game looked destined to be scoreless when the Dons maybe should have had a penalty when Stuckmann possibly brought down a on rushing forward, looking through my Arsene Wenger eyes thought the Dons player dived(TV replays suggested it was a blatant penalty)
A bit of handbags on the touchline following the non award between the two managers and that was basically that.
Preston North End 0 MK Dons 0 ATT 8257
Saturday, October 13, 2012
GAME 19 Snatched at the death
For the second time in just over a month Wakefield arrived at Lancaster's Giant Axe ground to sneak away with a win, they contributed little to the game except for one thing they scored and City didn't.
The visitors arrived minus six of their better players so this looked like an odds on City win but it was not to be.
A first half offered little in the way of goalmouth entertainment although it was extremely competitive.
City had the edge and for the first twenty minutes or so were virtually camped in the Wakefield half although created absolutely nothing in goal scoring attempts.
Gradually Wakefield began to get a toe hold in the game and it was the visitors who went close with a shot from 20 yards just going over the bar, within a minute Clark went close for City chasing a long ball narrowly put his shot
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Game 18 a win in the JPT
Classic game of two halves the first about as entertaining as being stuck for an hour in Lancaster's infamous one way system.
The early stages were fairly tetchy as Haining the home centre back was less than pleased by a challenge Proctor which cut the home players mouth, he needed an escort from the pitch to get his mouth fixed threatening to disembowel the Preston midfielder, also Cummings the Preston forward was stamped on by a Morecambe dfender.
When football did break out the home side were close to scoring following a run by Brodie by the finish by Reid was powder puff, at the other end Cummings was inches away from getting his head to the ball.
The home side took the lead half way through the half after a bit of shambolic Preston defence, Keane and Huntington managed to make a horlicks of routine passes and the ball was scrambled home by Mustoe. (1-0)
Little of interest happened in the rest of the half apart from the linesman with the yellow flag managing to get most offside decisions incorrect.
The second half however was all action, both teams gave scant regard to any defending and the goals flew in at a rate of knots.
Morecambe should have increased the lead but both Brodie and Bowden missed good chances.
North End leveled the score just before the hour mark when Cummings flicked the ball home from a free kick (1-1) North End started to get on top and Proctor fired narrowly over the top from 20 yards.
Preston took the lead when Sodje lashed home a pass from Robertson from 10 yards. (1-2) The lead didn't last long when Robertson played his part at the other end by giving away a penalty, Brodie scored with ease. (2-2)
Almost immediately Huntington headed home from a corner to put Preston back in the lead. (2-3) End to end stuff, only some determined defending by North End kept the home side out and when a header went over the bar from a Morecambe corner, victory was almost at hand and victory was sealed when a scuffed clearance from home keeper Arestidou found it's way to Sodje who rolled the ball into the unguarded net from 20 yards.
Morecambe 2 Preston North End 4 Att 2577E
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Game 17 Poor
This was a shocker, North End produced a performance of such stunning ineptitude as Oldham cruised to a 3-1 win. As usual the trip to Boundary Park also corresponds with the arrival of a localish ice age,.
Twenty years ago this ground stated Premiership football however the years since then have certainly taken it's toll on Boundary Park.
The old Texaco stand has been demolished, the main stand has areas where the seats have been taken out for sfaety reasons, the phrase past it's best springs to mind.
Luckily there wasn't the usual gale force wind rattling around the old ground but the temperature was distinctly chilly.
North End dominated the early stages and nearly took the lead when a massive throw from keeper Stuckmann found Amoo in space after an Oldham dfender had tripped on a worm cast.
Amoo advanced on goal and has rasping effort was pushed past the post by keeper Bouzanis. To be honest the football was pretty drab, as both sides cancelled each other out and the ball tended to be fired skywards on too many occasions.
Latics took the lead after 27 minutes, King gave away a needless free kick and Baxter duly curled the ball into the net past the outstretched hands of Stuckmann. (1-0)
Neither side threatened in the minutes up to half time although one shot from Beavon was well saved by the home keeper.
The game ambled along for 10 minutes until a fine move down the left hand side of the pitch led to Montano sliding the ball past Stuckmann into the net to double the lead for the home side. (2-0)
From then on in North End disappeared, pass went astray with regularity as Oldham threatened to rack up a few more, Stuckmann had already pulled off one brilliant save early in the second half, when he also did well to block a Derbyshire shot to the near post.
The third goal wasn't long in arriving, gifted by Byrom whose past back to the keeper only found Furman who was able to advance on goal and beat Stuckmann with ease. (3-0)
At this point many of the large away following made for the exits, those that left missed the sending off of Cansdell-Sherriff, seemed a harsh red card, although from my vantage point it was hard to say whether he was last man or not.
Sodje got a consolation for the away side with the last kick of the game but by then noboby really seemed to care. Pitiful
Oldham Athletic 3 Preston North End 1 Att 5496
Twenty years ago this ground stated Premiership football however the years since then have certainly taken it's toll on Boundary Park.
The old Texaco stand has been demolished, the main stand has areas where the seats have been taken out for sfaety reasons, the phrase past it's best springs to mind.
Luckily there wasn't the usual gale force wind rattling around the old ground but the temperature was distinctly chilly.
North End dominated the early stages and nearly took the lead when a massive throw from keeper Stuckmann found Amoo in space after an Oldham dfender had tripped on a worm cast.
Amoo advanced on goal and has rasping effort was pushed past the post by keeper Bouzanis. To be honest the football was pretty drab, as both sides cancelled each other out and the ball tended to be fired skywards on too many occasions.
Latics took the lead after 27 minutes, King gave away a needless free kick and Baxter duly curled the ball into the net past the outstretched hands of Stuckmann. (1-0)
Neither side threatened in the minutes up to half time although one shot from Beavon was well saved by the home keeper.
The game ambled along for 10 minutes until a fine move down the left hand side of the pitch led to Montano sliding the ball past Stuckmann into the net to double the lead for the home side. (2-0)
From then on in North End disappeared, pass went astray with regularity as Oldham threatened to rack up a few more, Stuckmann had already pulled off one brilliant save early in the second half, when he also did well to block a Derbyshire shot to the near post.
The third goal wasn't long in arriving, gifted by Byrom whose past back to the keeper only found Furman who was able to advance on goal and beat Stuckmann with ease. (3-0)
At this point many of the large away following made for the exits, those that left missed the sending off of Cansdell-Sherriff, seemed a harsh red card, although from my vantage point it was hard to say whether he was last man or not.
Sodje got a consolation for the away side with the last kick of the game but by then noboby really seemed to care. Pitiful
Oldham Athletic 3 Preston North End 1 Att 5496
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Game 16 Just got home
Preston duly beat Yeovil 3-2 in a game whic only really came to life, in the second half after a truly dire first half. The visitors tooks the lead from the penalty spot after 6 minutes, a through ball was chased by Ugwu, the ball was going towards the edge of the penalty box, Stuckmann the home keeper dived punching the ball out for a throw in, Ugwu collapsed over the keepers prone body and the referee quite bizarrely gave a penalty, it was the first of many strange decisions by the official. Williams duly converted. (0-1)
The remainder of the first half was eminently forgettable as Yeovil set up shop to keep the score at 1-0 whilst the home side seemed to be quite happy to lump the ball skywards or alternatively pass to people in the stands, can't recall either keeper being remotely troubled after the penalty.
The second half started in similar vein until a couple of thunderous tackles by full back Keane sparked the home side into life.
Both wingers Hayhurst and Monakana began to find a bit of space down the flanks and finally a Hayhurst cross was dummied by Beavon and Monakan only after about 3 attempts finally managed to put the ball in the net. (1-1)
The home side started to take control and it wasn't long before the home side took the lead Monakana's cross being bundled home by Beardsley at the far post. (2-1)
North End were in complete control and were firmly in the driving seat when Upson fouled Monakana, he received his 2nd yellow card and departed for early use of the shower.
North End should really have killed the visitors off missing several chances but finally score again with five minutes to go when Beavon linked with King whose shot from the by line hit Burn and ended up in the net. (3-1) Game over well not quite, from a free kick a minute later Burn scored at the right end with a header from a free kick. (3-2)
Yeovil threw caution to the wind and really should have gone further behind when Beavon blazed over from close range, Yeovil ploughed merrily on and were within inches of bringing the score level when Webster's header was cleared from the line by Wright. The home side clung on to the lead to edge the game.
Preston North End 3 Yeovil Town 2 Att 8520
The remainder of the first half was eminently forgettable as Yeovil set up shop to keep the score at 1-0 whilst the home side seemed to be quite happy to lump the ball skywards or alternatively pass to people in the stands, can't recall either keeper being remotely troubled after the penalty.
The second half started in similar vein until a couple of thunderous tackles by full back Keane sparked the home side into life.
Both wingers Hayhurst and Monakana began to find a bit of space down the flanks and finally a Hayhurst cross was dummied by Beavon and Monakan only after about 3 attempts finally managed to put the ball in the net. (1-1)
The home side started to take control and it wasn't long before the home side took the lead Monakana's cross being bundled home by Beardsley at the far post. (2-1)
North End were in complete control and were firmly in the driving seat when Upson fouled Monakana, he received his 2nd yellow card and departed for early use of the shower.
North End should really have killed the visitors off missing several chances but finally score again with five minutes to go when Beavon linked with King whose shot from the by line hit Burn and ended up in the net. (3-1) Game over well not quite, from a free kick a minute later Burn scored at the right end with a header from a free kick. (3-2)
Yeovil threw caution to the wind and really should have gone further behind when Beavon blazed over from close range, Yeovil ploughed merrily on and were within inches of bringing the score level when Webster's header was cleared from the line by Wright. The home side clung on to the lead to edge the game.
Preston North End 3 Yeovil Town 2 Att 8520
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Game 15 wet night in the cup
On a night the Ark would have been a suitable mode of transport, 4959 hardy souls braved a deluge of biblical proportions to see Middlesbrough end Preston involvement in this seasons Capital One Cup with a 3-1 at Deepdale.
Middlesbrough made 11 changes from their last match, however you would have know in as the "reserve eleven" battered the home side for the first 30 minutes of this game. Two goals in the first 20 minutes gave the Boro a deserved lead in fact they could have had a couple of others in the opening spell, only a great save from Simonsen kept them out.
It was no surprise when they took the lead, an in swinging corner curled straight in from Ledesma, (0-1) within five minutes it was two when a fine Boro move led Zemmama firing home from about 25 yards.(0-2)
With Boro dominating the play this looked like a massacre but gradually as the away took their foot off the pedal the home side slowly began to probe although any chance of them scoring looked as remote as the rain stopping.
A series of corners brought no reward to the home side then out of the blue they reduced the arrears a neat move found Beavon whose inch perfect pass led to King scoring.(1-2)
The rain got heavier as the second half started and Boro were in control again, making the ball do the work, they look as they could step up a gear but North End didn't give Amoo went close with a header and Byrom hit a shot just wide.
Then just as the home side were buiding up a head of steam a major defensive cock up killed the game as Huntington and Simonsen collectively messed up, in the ensuing melee Smallwood bundled the ball home (1-3)
Boro were back in control and looked like they could score at will with substitute Haroun going close, but the home side didn't give up Leutwiler was forced into a fine double save from Laird and Beavon, Wroe went close with a shot that was tipped over and Beavon missed when it would have been easier to score,but with the last kick off the game Emnes nearly made it four for Boro but his deflected shot hit the post.
An entertaining game on a dire night but played on a fantastic playing surface you wouldn't have realised that it had been raining for nearly 50 hours.
Preston North End 1 Middlesbrough 3 att 4959
Middlesbrough made 11 changes from their last match, however you would have know in as the "reserve eleven" battered the home side for the first 30 minutes of this game. Two goals in the first 20 minutes gave the Boro a deserved lead in fact they could have had a couple of others in the opening spell, only a great save from Simonsen kept them out.
It was no surprise when they took the lead, an in swinging corner curled straight in from Ledesma, (0-1) within five minutes it was two when a fine Boro move led Zemmama firing home from about 25 yards.(0-2)
With Boro dominating the play this looked like a massacre but gradually as the away took their foot off the pedal the home side slowly began to probe although any chance of them scoring looked as remote as the rain stopping.
A series of corners brought no reward to the home side then out of the blue they reduced the arrears a neat move found Beavon whose inch perfect pass led to King scoring.(1-2)
The rain got heavier as the second half started and Boro were in control again, making the ball do the work, they look as they could step up a gear but North End didn't give Amoo went close with a header and Byrom hit a shot just wide.
Then just as the home side were buiding up a head of steam a major defensive cock up killed the game as Huntington and Simonsen collectively messed up, in the ensuing melee Smallwood bundled the ball home (1-3)
Boro were back in control and looked like they could score at will with substitute Haroun going close, but the home side didn't give up Leutwiler was forced into a fine double save from Laird and Beavon, Wroe went close with a shot that was tipped over and Beavon missed when it would have been easier to score,but with the last kick off the game Emnes nearly made it four for Boro but his deflected shot hit the post.
An entertaining game on a dire night but played on a fantastic playing surface you wouldn't have realised that it had been raining for nearly 50 hours.
Preston North End 1 Middlesbrough 3 att 4959
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Game 14 Not convincing
A meeting of two clubs in crisis at Lancaster today, the home side managerless and a section of fans unhappy with the decision to sack the previous manager, whilst the visitors Garforth Town, had had the water and electricity cut off at their ground because of unpaid bills and had lost the vast majority of players due to the financial crisis at the club.
The game didn’t promise much and for 65 minutes it didn’t provide much in the way of entertainment.
The vast majority of the visitors only arrived at the ground 40 minutes before the kick off which was delayed to give them time to prepare for the game.
Within two minutes the visitors were ahead when some poor defending by Marshall who was easily beaten by a Garforth forward, the ball found it’s way to Smith who shot home from close range. (0-1)
The visitors grew in confidence and played some decent football on a bobbly pitch, but parity wasn’t long in coming . From a Lancaster free kick on the left the ball was crossed to the back post where Kilfin was able to nob home easily. (1-1)
From then until half time there was absolutely little of interest although Kilfin should have done better from a knock down by City’s on loan Brazilian striker Branco.
The game was stop start due to countless fouls, both City full backs were replaced before half time after having been clattered by visiting players.
Garforth seemed to have the motto they will not be passing at any price, it didn’t make for great football.
Half time came and went the tempreture started to drop but the game continued in the same vein.
A mini flair up between Stringfellow and the Garforth Number 8 should have lead to a rad card for the Garforth player, but a warning was all that was given.
Not for long though the left full back was soon able to use the shower before his team mates when he received a second yellow.
The difference in numbers was soon made to count when substitute Rothwell’s deflected cross found Branco at the back post, easy goal. (2-1)
Within three minutes the game was over as a contest when Rothwell’s cross somehow crossed the line. (3-1)
Garforth collapsed like a pack of cards although still managing to commit as many fouls as they could.
City contrived to waste chance after chance, Swarbrick hitting the bar with a thunderous drive from 20 yards.
City weren’t to be denied, a shot by Rothwell was fumbled by keeper O’Neiell and Branco finished with panache from close range. (4-1)
Branco then wasted a glorious chance from less than 5 yards for his hat trick, he ballooned the ball into the car park, more chances were missed by the home side, but the bast chance to score went to the visitors when keeper McDonald poor cleareance went straight to a Garforth player but his goal bound shot was cleared from the line by Marshall.
A long winter ahead for both sides although Lancaster are now ninth this was not a convincing performance.
The game didn’t promise much and for 65 minutes it didn’t provide much in the way of entertainment.
The vast majority of the visitors only arrived at the ground 40 minutes before the kick off which was delayed to give them time to prepare for the game.
Within two minutes the visitors were ahead when some poor defending by Marshall who was easily beaten by a Garforth forward, the ball found it’s way to Smith who shot home from close range. (0-1)
The visitors grew in confidence and played some decent football on a bobbly pitch, but parity wasn’t long in coming . From a Lancaster free kick on the left the ball was crossed to the back post where Kilfin was able to nob home easily. (1-1)
From then until half time there was absolutely little of interest although Kilfin should have done better from a knock down by City’s on loan Brazilian striker Branco.
The game was stop start due to countless fouls, both City full backs were replaced before half time after having been clattered by visiting players.
Garforth seemed to have the motto they will not be passing at any price, it didn’t make for great football.
Half time came and went the tempreture started to drop but the game continued in the same vein.
A mini flair up between Stringfellow and the Garforth Number 8 should have lead to a rad card for the Garforth player, but a warning was all that was given.
Not for long though the left full back was soon able to use the shower before his team mates when he received a second yellow.
The difference in numbers was soon made to count when substitute Rothwell’s deflected cross found Branco at the back post, easy goal. (2-1)
Within three minutes the game was over as a contest when Rothwell’s cross somehow crossed the line. (3-1)
Garforth collapsed like a pack of cards although still managing to commit as many fouls as they could.
City contrived to waste chance after chance, Swarbrick hitting the bar with a thunderous drive from 20 yards.
City weren’t to be denied, a shot by Rothwell was fumbled by keeper O’Neiell and Branco finished with panache from close range. (4-1)
Branco then wasted a glorious chance from less than 5 yards for his hat trick, he ballooned the ball into the car park, more chances were missed by the home side, but the bast chance to score went to the visitors when keeper McDonald poor cleareance went straight to a Garforth player but his goal bound shot was cleared from the line by Marshall.
A long winter ahead for both sides although Lancaster are now ninth this was not a convincing performance.
Lancaster City 4 Garforth Town 1 Att 171
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Game 13 Not as easy as it sounds
Well it was a comprehensive victory in the end but the scoreline doesn't actually tell the picture of the game, Preston started as they had left off against Crawley on Saturday on the back foot, Hartlepool had two nippy winger who kept firing in cross for the human battering ram that was Steve Howard.
Preston were second best for the best part of 25 minutes as the visitors were quicker to every ball.
Goals however change games and North End scored five of them.
On 28 minutes the home side took the lead, the visitors never really cleared a corner the ball pinged around the edge of the Hartlepool penalty area the ball fell to Beavon whose powerful shot was parried by Flinders in the Pool goal, following a goalmouth scramble the ball landed at the left foot of Byrom who lashed the ball home. (1-0)
Within a minute it was two and praise must go to the referee Mr Bates who allowed a good advantage after a foul on a Preston player, the ball eventually found it's way to Beavon who hammered the ball past Flinders from 20 yards. (2-0)
At this point Hartlepool were in danger of being swamped, Beavon going narrowly wide with a header, somehow Hartlepool clung on to half time without going even further behind.
As with the first half Hartlepool started the second half brightly, Welsh blocking a Franks effort before Monkhouse from close range managed somehow to put the ball over the Preston bar from almost under the cross bar.
Under constant pressure Preston broke away in the 65th minute and virtually killed the game off, Beavon braking down the right and his inch perfect cross was nodded home by King although it has to be said Flinders in the Pool goal should have done better. (3-0)
Minutes later King was inches away from a 4th as Preston ran riot against the visitors.
Wroe and Sodje went close until with five minutes to go Laird headed home the fourth from a corner. (4-0) Laird wasn't finished and with three minutes to go he went on a mazy 40 yards run beating several defenders before blasting the ball past Flinders (5-0)
Looks comfortable but it wasn't.
Preston North End 5 Hartlepool United 0 Att 8312
Preston were second best for the best part of 25 minutes as the visitors were quicker to every ball.
Goals however change games and North End scored five of them.
On 28 minutes the home side took the lead, the visitors never really cleared a corner the ball pinged around the edge of the Hartlepool penalty area the ball fell to Beavon whose powerful shot was parried by Flinders in the Pool goal, following a goalmouth scramble the ball landed at the left foot of Byrom who lashed the ball home. (1-0)
Within a minute it was two and praise must go to the referee Mr Bates who allowed a good advantage after a foul on a Preston player, the ball eventually found it's way to Beavon who hammered the ball past Flinders from 20 yards. (2-0)
At this point Hartlepool were in danger of being swamped, Beavon going narrowly wide with a header, somehow Hartlepool clung on to half time without going even further behind.
As with the first half Hartlepool started the second half brightly, Welsh blocking a Franks effort before Monkhouse from close range managed somehow to put the ball over the Preston bar from almost under the cross bar.
Under constant pressure Preston broke away in the 65th minute and virtually killed the game off, Beavon braking down the right and his inch perfect cross was nodded home by King although it has to be said Flinders in the Pool goal should have done better. (3-0)
Minutes later King was inches away from a 4th as Preston ran riot against the visitors.
Wroe and Sodje went close until with five minutes to go Laird headed home the fourth from a corner. (4-0) Laird wasn't finished and with three minutes to go he went on a mazy 40 yards run beating several defenders before blasting the ball past Flinders (5-0)
Looks comfortable but it wasn't.
Preston North End 5 Hartlepool United 0 Att 8312
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Game 12 Like last season
Crawley's first visit to Deepdale resulted in their first victory as they ran out deserved winners 2-1 thereby bringing the home sides five game unbeaten run to an end. The home side turned in a performance which was akin to some of the rubbish they turned in last season, hopefully it will be a temporary blip.
North End started the brighter with Beavon going close with an effort which went wide of the far post.
Gradually Crawley took control with their neat passing style.
Adams went close for the visitors before a superb last ditch tackle from Buchanan denied Ajose a goal scoring chance.
In truth there was little goalmouth action in a dull first half. The only entertainment came mainly due to the inconsistent referee, most of the poor decisions seemed to go against the home side and tempers started to fray on the pitch. Needless to say the referee was not greeted with a standing ovation at half time.
The game was turned on it's head with two goals within the first 15 minutes of the second half, both scored by Crawley skipper Alexander, his first from a deep cross to the back post and the second a classy curling finish with the outside of his right foot from 20 yards. (0-2)
North End huffed and puffed but the damage had been done, Jones in the Crawley net will probably not have an easier afternoon. North End reduced the deficit with time almost up, a free kick from the right was headed home by Huntington. (1-2)
A shot from Wroe was tipped over by Jones, but to be honest this was a bad day at the office and Crawley deserved the victory.
Preston North End 1 Crawley Town 2 Att 9812
North End started the brighter with Beavon going close with an effort which went wide of the far post.
Gradually Crawley took control with their neat passing style.
Adams went close for the visitors before a superb last ditch tackle from Buchanan denied Ajose a goal scoring chance.
In truth there was little goalmouth action in a dull first half. The only entertainment came mainly due to the inconsistent referee, most of the poor decisions seemed to go against the home side and tempers started to fray on the pitch. Needless to say the referee was not greeted with a standing ovation at half time.
The game was turned on it's head with two goals within the first 15 minutes of the second half, both scored by Crawley skipper Alexander, his first from a deep cross to the back post and the second a classy curling finish with the outside of his right foot from 20 yards. (0-2)
North End huffed and puffed but the damage had been done, Jones in the Crawley net will probably not have an easier afternoon. North End reduced the deficit with time almost up, a free kick from the right was headed home by Huntington. (1-2)
A shot from Wroe was tipped over by Jones, but to be honest this was a bad day at the office and Crawley deserved the victory.
Preston North End 1 Crawley Town 2 Att 9812
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