All over for another season

As half time approached with Rotherham leading Preston 2-1, came the moment in my view which decided the two leg play off semi final, John Welsh launched a speculative shot towards the Rotherham goal, keeper Collin spilled the ball, which flew narrowly the wrong side of the post for Preston fans. Going in at 2 all may have changed the outcome of the match, sadly for Preston it didn't.
A lovely spring evening in Yorkshire saw a packed New York stadium witness a pretty entertaining game, North End took the lead in the 16th minute after a scrappy opening period when Gallagher curled in a free kick from wide on the left, the ball evaded everyone and end up in the back of the night. (0-1)
The Millers could have levelled almost immediately but Revell's goal bound header was superbly saved by on loan keeper Rudd. Not to be denied within 3 minutes the Millers were level, Pringle's cross from the left found Thomas at the back post, scored with ease. (1-1)
Ten minutes later the game had turned around another Pringle cross and Frecklington got in front of his marker and headed home via the post. (2-1) 
The second half was just all out attack by both sides, the very impressive Pringle crashed a 20 yard effort against the bar, thought the game had turned towards North End in that moment but Agard put that theory to bed when some hapless North End defending led to Rotherham scoring a third, Agard sliding the ball in off the post. (3-1)
With nothing to lose North End threw everything at Rotherham, Garner had good chances, then with time slipping away King launched a speculative shot from 40 yards, it took a deflection cannoned of the post and rolled to safety as did Garner's shot 10 minutes later which also fired across the face of the goal after hitting the woodwork.
With the game lost the Millers nearly added a fourth but Tom Clarke's magnificent block put an end to that.With time almost up Rotherham fans began to get closer to the pitch, which at the final whistle was engulfed in celebrating fans..
In the play offs you need a bit of luck, the Millers had that in the second leg but to be fair they did deserve to win the tie.

Rotherham United 3 Preston North End 1 Att 11576

For North End a decent season although think we ran out of steam in the latter end of the season, regroup and come again next year, however the lack of pace in the side needs to be addressed, compared to last season, this hasn't been a bad year 80 plus points as the Westley used to say Onwards, and Upwards only.

Wonder goal keeps tie alive

Level pegging after the first leg between Preston and Rotherham and to be honest Rotherham probably should have won it, they didn't though thanks to a goal of stunning quality by Preston's Joe Garner.
A raucous atmosphere from 17000 fans on a soggy Saturday afternoon, after an initial Preston flurry Rotherham started to dominate, chasing, harrying and closing down every thing that moved in a white shirt. Long throws and well placed corners peppered the home defence who in fairness did well to keep them out. Just as the storm appeared to have been weathered the Millers scored, ironically from a North End corner. Garner had gone close but the corner was cleared to Revell on the left wing, he shook of a tackle from King advanced into the penalty area and slid the ball under the advancing Rudd. (0-1) North End were hanging on by the fingertips and half time could not come quick enough and survive they did.
Early stage of the second half were even then came Garner's goal, possibly up there with the best I've ever seen, ball in from the right, chested upwards, flicked it round a defender and blasted it home from 25 yards absolutely stunning.
The goal powered the home side on but the Millers should have gone ahead when Frecklington who looked yards offside advanced on goal only to be denied by a brave Rudd save. 
Milsom powered one wide when well placed and Rudd made a fine save from substitute Vuckic at the end. Yes the Millers should have won but all to play for in the second leg.

Preston North End 1 Rotherham United 1 Att 17200

A return to the crease Dire

In the annuals of cricketing history this game will long be remembered as possibly the most inept I have ever played in. Let’s start with the wicket, turgid was not the word, to say it was slow was an understatement. The game was played on a school ground in Kendal, great scenery, with the hills of the Lake District rising high above the town.
We won the toss and as last week lost a wicket in the first over.
A bit of a partnership took us into the 20′s but soon wickets started to tumble, some of the shot selection would have Peter Moores going grey.
Lots count of how many players were out chasing balls that were so wide they were almost on another ground, the bowling was interesting to say the least.
Eventually yours truly went in with the score 60 – 6, got off the mark first ball, then had too face a leg spinner at the other end, played forward to the first ball, almost played five different shots before piopping the ball up in front of the wicket, luckily there was no one there. Then majestically ping one of the bat to cover only to be dropped by the fielder. Eventually succumb to the only ball of the innings which popped up from a length for a mniserable 1.
The innings limped along and we were all out for 81.
More than enough we thought, wrong the two very young openers put on 49 and the writing was on the wall, we didn’t field well, dropped some easy catches and it was left to yours truly to end the match with a head high full toss which was swatted away for four.
A game to forget.

Galgate A 81 Burneside 3rds 83-2