FM: Harrogate is Moving on Up.. [Archive] - Front Office Football Central

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 01:33 PM

July 10th, 2006 -

Our first friendly is at home against Reading. I'm starting our best 11 with the plan to get them used to playing together again and to get them in game shape.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Shepherd (for the injured Black)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey (Atkins looks even slower and isn't the best option anymore - he is still a very solid backup I think)
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

During most of the 1st half, we dominated the time of possession. However, Reading's defense was quick and they shut down most of Smyth and Kelly's forays into the Reading box. Wall and Morley did a nice job of shuting down the counter attack, and Scarsella made 3 very good saves on shots that did get through.

0-0 at the half. I trot out my 2nd team to get them some work.

I'm happy to see that I now have a backup at every position.

I'm also happy to see that Reading (in English Championship now) has helped us draw a full house to our stadium of 3,774 fans!

The beginning of the 2nd half, I find myself amazed with the versatility of Dunning. He is playing well at DC and stopping the Reading attack.

54 minute mark: Dean Morgan receives the ball in the right corner.. wicked cross to Sam Parkin by the far post. My backup keeper, Dan Bridges tries to intercept the pass but he can't get to it. Parkin easily heads it into the net. 1-0 Reading.

88 minute mark: Dan Bridges makes a really nice save on a 20 yard curving shot.

Even though we lost 1-0, I found several things to be happy with. The 1st team played very well together. Simon Sturdy looked good as the backup left winger. The kid might finally be developed enough to be useful in a pinch. Ditto for Marc Smith at left fullback. Dan Bridges, who is only 19, looked quite good in goal. He really didn't have much of a chance on that first goal, and he made 3 nice saves. Our staff believes he led the team with an 8 for form.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 01:34 PM

Congrats on the promotion. Very detailed dynasty...I'm digging it.
Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying it.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 01:45 PM

July 11th, 2006 -

Today the World Cup Golden Boot award was given to Peru's Claudio Pizarro for his 5 goals. Brian McBride of the USA came in 2nd, and David Trezeguet of France came in 3rd.

Turkey's Sanli Tuncay was recognized as the World Cup's Best Player. David Beckham of England came in 2nd. DaMarcus Beasley of the USA came in 3rd.

Tim Howard of the USA won the award for best World Cup Goalkeeper. Paul Robinson of England came in 2nd.

My scout pointed out a promising keeper to develop yesterday. Richard O'Connor came up through the Chelsea youth academy but was released on a free transfer. Word is that he has some promise with particularly quick reflexes. I decide to contact him. He states he wants 220 dollars/week. I offer him 160 dollars/week for 2 years. Today, he decided to accept this deal.

We now have 2 potentially quality young keepers to develop behind Scarsella.

thealmighty

12-30-2004, 02:31 PM

BreizhManu

12-30-2004, 02:52 PM

July 10th, 2006 -

With the recent release of Turley and a few other players, we are finally under our wage budget of 6,200 dollars/week.
you shouldn't really worry about the wage budget, last season I was 30,000€/month (54,000€ instead of 25,000€) above my wage budget, I ended earning 47,257€ at the end of the season.

Winning the league and a cup helped a lot, having a competitive team always bring money.

BreizhManu

12-30-2004, 02:55 PM

dola

btw something funny, in my game just like in your, Klinsmann was fired just after losing to Brasil on PK in the world cup final.

Looks like the German Federation is run by a bunch of assholes http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

SirFozzie

12-30-2004, 02:56 PM

Also, could you tell me what the levels of play are- exactly how high are you now and how far do you have to go to get to the top league?

He's still got a way to go. The Conference is the FIFTH highest league in English Football, it's also the dividing line between "semi-pro" and true "professional" football.

Here's how the English Pyramid works out.

English Premier League
Coca-Cola Championship
League 1
League 2
Conference National
Conference North/South

But at least some of the Conference games get televised (you saw he got paid for TV rights, right? :D)

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 03:04 PM

I'm into this like it was my team. Keep it up.

Congrats on the promotion. Is it bad thath, having read some of your other stuff, I expect you to promote again at the end of this season? Pressure is on. :)

Things I may have missed: Did you ever hire any more physios? Also, could you tell me what the levels of play are- exactly how high are you now and how far do you have to go to get to the top league?
Thanks. I also expect to get promoted again, despite Mr. Fotherby's expectations that we will battle against relegation.

I really like the strength of our first team. I think that Smyth, Kelly, and Palmer can be dominant or at least very good even in this league. I also like my defensive line now that I've acquired Wall and Morley. As long as Wall continues to progress and doesn't crack under the pressure of starting, I expect him to be VERY good. The biggest obstacle could be if too many big clubs increase their pursuit of Kelly, Smyth, and Scarsella. I'm still shocked by that offer of 170,000 dollars for Smyth last year.

I'm in the English Conference National now.. If I get promoted, I will go to League 2. If I can somehow get promoted there then I will get promoted to league 1. If I can win that, I would get promoted to the European Championship League. If I can promoted from there, I would enter the English Premiere League (where Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and the other very elite teams play.) Quite honestly, I doubt I can take this team that high, but I will try! Right now, the team is still very low in the grand scheme of things.

I still only have 1 physio. I'm placing a priority on getting a coach for my keepers, because Atkins isn't very good at that. Actually, he is downright horrible. I feel the need to develop a young keeper, because I'm afraid Scarsella is eventually going to want to go to a higher level club. I'm hoping that I can hire an additional physio after getting promoted to League 2 (keeping my fingers crossed that this will happen this season.)

In summary, I'm in the 2nd lowest league of 6 levels of play.

BreizhManu

12-30-2004, 03:04 PM

I'm in the English Conference National now.. If I get promoted, I will go to League 2. If I can somehow get promoted there then I will get promoted to league 1. If I can win that, I would get promoted to the European Championship League. .
yeah sure http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 03:05 PM

SirFozzie's answer is much more clear :)

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 03:14 PM

Oops. I even took a while typing that and checking it for errors.

Edit: Of course, it should be the England Championship League (Which is apparently called the Coca-Cola Championship?)

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 03:18 PM

July 13th, 2006 -

Former EPL keeper, Nigel Martyn has agreed to come coach for us! He still has significant playing skills, but he is only willing to be a coach. I wonder if he will ever change his mind should Scarsella go down with an injury. In any case, by all reports, Martyn is an excellent teacher who should be wonderful in instructing our young keepers.

SirFozzie

12-30-2004, 03:19 PM

Oops. I even took a while typing that and checking it for errors.

Edit: Of course, it should be the England Championship League (Which is apparently called the Coca-Cola Championship?)

Coca-Cola actually supports The Championship and Leagues 1 and 2, I've seen it referred to as the Coca-Cola Championship, just like the premier league is "officially" recognized as the "Barclaycard English Premier League"

SirFozzie

12-30-2004, 03:43 PM

after your in the English Premier League , what is there left to do?

By finishing in the top X amount of positions (varies from year to year), you earn the right to play in European competitions (a nation gets a certain amount of entries ino the two European competitions, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup) depending on how well that nation's teams have done over the last five years.

There's also a mini competition, called the Inter Toto cup (also known as the Inter Two-Bob, because the level of the competition is lower), that gives three teams a berth in the UEFA Cup.

jbmagic

12-30-2004, 03:43 PM

He's still got a way to go. The Conference is the FIFTH highest league in English Football, it's also the dividing line between "semi-pro" and true "professional" football.

Here's how the English Pyramid works out.

English Premier League
Coca-Cola Championship
League 1
League 2
Conference National
Conference North/South

But at least some of the Conference games get televised (you saw he got paid for TV rights, right? :D)

after your in the English Premier League , what is there left to do?

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 03:47 PM

July 14th, 2006 -

Playing our old buddies Worksop today mainly as a good confidence builder. I plan on our goals scoring at least a goal or two in the first half before I pull the starters. Worksop also has their starters in the game, including the dangerous Dene Cropper.

Only change is that Black is in at right fullback for Shepherd.

19 minute mark: Palmer intercepts a pass at midfield... he sends a quick pass to Smyth who is 25 yards out.. Smyth takes a few dribbles to the edge (right corner) of the box.. he shoots.. lower right corner.. it's a very hard shot.. into the goal before the keeper can even really react. GOAL!!! 1-0.

39 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball at the left edge of the box.. crosses for Palmer at the far post.. Palmer heads it.. Kristian Rogers leaps and makes a great save!

End of 1st half, I'm quite happy that all of my starters have 7's for form. They all played well, and are nicely rounding into shape. I bring in my entire second team.

52 minute mark: Bridges with a nice save on a shot by Cropper!

56 minute mark: Bridges tips another Cropper shot over the bar. Cropper is abusing Curtis. Curtis is just too slow to keep up with him. Dunning is trying to help, but not doing so great.

61 minute mark: Cropper with a dribble between Curtis and Dunning.. shoots for the upper right corner from 15 yards out.. Bridges can't get to this one.. GOAL. 1-1.

65 minute mark: Cropper receives a long pass.. he is all alone in the box (sheesh when is Worksop going to put in the subs).. Cropper shoots.. Bridges dives to his right.. tips it over the bar.

75 minute mark: Most of Worksop's players have been subbed out.. but not Cropper.. he runs into the box.. Shepherd tackles him.. nice tackle! Cropper looks hurt. He has to limp off the field.

Game over. 1-1 tie.

Dan Bridges had a 9 and won MoM. He played quite well, all things considered.

Really, everyone played well this game, and I'm quite happy with what I'm seeing on the pitch in these tune up games.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 03:48 PM

Coca-Cola actually supports The Championship and Leagues 1 and 2, I've seen it referred to as the Coca-Cola Championship, just like the premier league is "officially" recognized as the "Barclaycard English Premier League"
Makes sense. Those darned sponsors getting into everything.. oh.. I almost forgot they are giving Harrogate 60,000 dollars a year. LOVE those sponsors!

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 03:50 PM

after your in the English Premier League , what is there left to do?
Win it all! Be the best, in the best league in England. It's extremely hard to do (even if you are controlling one of the powerhouse teams.) Also, try to win the English Premier League, the European Championship, and the English League cup in the same year. Doing the triple is always fun! (I did it once with Man Utd in CM 03/04 :) )

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 04:01 PM

July 17th, 2006 -

Germany appointed Hertha boss Ottmar Hitzfield as the new German National Coach.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 04:16 PM

July 18th, 2006 -

Today we host EPL team Q.P.R. I'm hoping for a large crowd.

Again, I will start our top team for the first 45-60 minutes, and then bring on the subs.

16 minute mark: Jamie Cureaton gets called for a trip on Wright. Yellow card for Cureaton... he argues with the ref.. he is in the ref's face.. second yellow card.. he is outta here!

The first half is over. 0-0 at the half. Their defense is so quick to shut down Smyth. Smyth had one opportunity in the box, but their defenders quickly closed in on him. However, our defense played very well also, and we shut down all of Q.P.R's opportunities before they really developed. I'm very happy with my defensive line.

I decide to leave the starters in for a few more minutes as their wind is improving and they aren't too tired yet. I want to build up some more endurance in them.

60 minute mark: Scarsella made a few good saves in the 2nd half. Now, I'm putting in the entire second string.

80 minute mark: I'm amazed as Bridges makes a nice save.. quickly passes it to Fox at midfield.. Fox sends a through ball to the edge of the box.. Lee Morris gets to it.. shoots.. could it be?... no WAY wide right.

Game over. 0-0 tie. Scarsella wins MoM and played quite well.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 04:55 PM

July 23rd, 2006 -

Today we host Lincoln City (League 2) and I'm hoping to see how our regulars fare against a team that is slightly above us in quality. Hopefully, we'll have a nice crowd today. With this being our 4 friendly, this will be the game where I try to push my starters the most, making sure they are nice and fit for the season. I'll likely rest my starters most of the 5th game, and then play them quite a bit in the 6th friendly as their is a long layoff between the last friendly and the start of league play.

3 minute mark: Ryan France steals the ball at midfield.. he dribbles down the right side of the field.. around Morley.. passes it into the center of the box for Francis Green. Green immediately kicks it low and to the left of Scarsella.. Scarsella is a second slow reacting. GOAL. Down 1-0.

Half time: We are down 1-0 and I'm somewhat disappointed by my Trio of Palmer, Smyth, and Kelly. They don't appear to be playing very well this half with the exception of Smyth who is doing alright (but not great like I expect.)

65 minute mark: I've seen enough from the starters, and decide to bring in the 2nd string.

Game over. 1-0 loss. I'm very happy with what I saw from the 2nd string. Kelly was disappointing with his effort this game. Hopefully, that doesn't carry over to the league play.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 05:25 PM

July 27th, 2006 -

Our 5th friendly is at Southport of the English Conference North. We'll be starting mostly backups. I'm going to give our new backup keeper Richard O'Conner a start this game as I've already seen that I can play Bridges in short burst and I want to see what O'Conner can do.

It's 0-0 at half time. We totally dominated time of possession even with mostly backups. O'Conner never faced a shot. However, our 3 shots were easily stopped by the opposing keeper.

Our backups played the whole game.. It's hard to judge how O'Conner played since he never faced a shot the whole game. We only had 3 shots on target which Steve Dickinson stopped for Southport. Overall, I'm quite happy with the quality of play of my backups.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 06:02 PM

July 31st, 2006 -

Today we host Darlington (League 2) at home in our final friendly. After reconsidering, I decide that I'm going to play my starters most of the game due to the 13 day layoff before the start of league play.

At the 8 minute mark: Surey intercepted the ball at midfield.. dribbled to the left wing.. sends a long pass towards the box.. Collett jumps.. heads it.. into the GOAL!!! 1-0.

29 minute mark: Collett is injured and will have to leave the game. Darn it! I bring on Fox who is really developing.

Halftime: 1-0 with our defense preventing most scoring opportunities. I think that Wall and Morley are starting to get to know each other better and cover for the other. The defensive line is truly impressing me in these friendlies. Hopefully, they can keep the superior play up once league play starts.

70 minute mark: Scarsella has made several nice saves. I decide to bring in the 2nd team. Overall, the team is playing well but the offense needs to become sharper as the season progresses.

90 minute mark: Marc Smith with two big tackles from the left fullback position. Bridges then proceeds to stop a point blank shot from the striker, Danny Allen.

Game over. 1-0 win for us.

They outshot us 15-9 (4-1 on goal)

Scarsella wins MoM.

Alright, it's time to start league play! :)

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 06:16 PM

August 2nd, 2006 -

Today the oddsmakers published the odds of each team winning the English Conference National. Barnet are 6-4 favorites. Hornchurch, Morecambe, and York are all 7-4 contenders. Aldershot is considered a possibility at 2-1 odds. Exeter is next at 6-1. We are long shots at 33-1 to win promotion. I wonder if anyone would mind if I put 50 dollars on us?

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 07:14 PM

August 10th, 2006 -

Two days ago my scout spotted two guys who had been released on free transfers that he thought I should sign. He brought me plenty of video footage to back up his assertion. First was Joe Barnett. Joe is a versatile 18 year old who has been known to line up anywhere along the defensive line or midfield he can play DL, DC, DR, ML, MC, or MR. He has very good speed and excellent acceleration from looking at the video tapes. His main problem is a lack of strength. Hopefully that might develop as he gets older. It's clear that he plays with a lot of determination when he plays. I'm somewhat surprised that Liverpool let him go on a free transfer. He played well in 2 games for them last year. In any case, I contact him and he says that he wants 220 dollars/week and he wants to be guaranteed a big role. I tell him that I will offer 190 dollars/week, but I can only guarantee that I will rotate him onto the field. Today, two days later he agreed to my offer as he is anxious to play regular football again! I think Joe will be a very valuable sub who can fill in at quite a few spots.

The second player was Mike Davies who was released on a free transfer by Chelsea. Mike Davies is a 17 year old attacking midfielder who can play in the center or out on the right wing. Much like Joe, Mike has excellent speed but lacks strength. He can really get pushed around out there. However, Mike has excellent determination which I like. He seems to be a gifted passer, but has difficulty with crossing passes. Hopefully, he can develop that skill. I see him being a very valuable sub as well. He asks for 280 dollars/week and a major role on the team. I tell him that I will pay him 240 and offer him a spot in the rotation. Today, he agreed to his deal as well! Now, we are a little over the wage budget, but I feel we just upgraded the talent of our second team quite a bit. Plus, both of these guys are young and could develop into very good players if they can develop some strength and work on the weak areas in their games.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 07:21 PM

August 11st, 2006 -

Darn it. The vultures are spreading to other morsels on my team. Now, Macclesfied (League 2) wants my left winger Andrew Wright. They are making an enquiry to see how much I want for him. I decide to tell them that he is an important first team player and I don't plan on selling him at any price.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 07:32 PM

August 12th, 2006 -

Today we start the regular season! We travel to play Kidderminster for our first game. Kidderminster was relegated from League 2 last year, and should be a tough matchup. They have right winger Jemal Johnson on loan from Blackburn and he appears to have played very well last year. Aaron Wilbraham is a skilled striker. Adam Bartlett is a 20 year old keeper who looks like he could be very good one day. Heck, my scout says he already looks good.

Not Surprisingly, Kidderminster is a heavy 4-5 favorite. This will be our first meeting against them ever.

It's going to be a dry, hot day with temperatures in the low 90's.

Lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey (Atkins is definitely 2nd or 3rd team with his total loss of all speed.)
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Dan Bridges
S2: Dunning
S3: Farrell
S4: Joe Barnett (his versatility makes him a sure sub or starter almost every game)
S5: Mike Davies (tough decision - but I want to give him a chance to play if we get a good lead.)

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 07:57 PM

1st minute: Wall intercepts a pass by Jemal Johnson at midfield (what the heck was he doing rushing up there!?!) and Wall immediately passes it to Collett on the right wing.. Collett plays a through ball that bounces just outside the box.. Kelly is racing to it.. Bartlett is racing to it.. Kelly beats him to it.. uses his chest to gain control of it.. dribbles to his right.. the keeper is out of position now.. Kelly shoots.. into the net!!! GOAL!!!! 1-0! What a start to our season!

5 minute mark: Smyth steals the ball from Jemal Johnson.. he has it on the left wing.. plays a perfect ball between a few players that bounces at the edge of the box.. Palmer gets to it.. dribbles once to his left.. shoots.. going for the left side of the net.. It's past Bartlett... GOAL!!!!! 2-0! What an amazing start!!! :)

13 minute mark: Johnson gets the ball at midfield.. he sends it to the left corner.. Enoch Showunmi gets to it.. he centers for Aaron Wilbraham in the middle of the box... Aaron has the ball in the box.. he shoots for the lower right corner.. Scarsella runs over.. dives.. tips it wide of the goal.

23 minute mark: Johnson takes a long range shot which Wilbraham redirects inside the box.. suddenly instead of heading towards the center of the net.. it's off his head towards the upper right corner.. Scarsella moves with amazing reflexes.. blocks it.. Wall clears the rebound.

28 minute mark: Jemal Johnson gets the ball.. great through pass to Showunmi (who I had a chance to sign, but didn't due to a lack of footspeed)... Showunmi unleashes a blistering shot for the upper right corner.. Scarsella dives.. he can't get to it.. GOAL. Still up 2-1.

31 minute mark: centreback Wayne Hatswell bodychecks Kelly as he tries to dribble into the box. Whistle Blows. Hatswell is given a redcard for the illegal bodycheck! Nah Nah Na Nah... Nah Nah Na Nah .. Goodbye.

Halftime: We are up 2-1.

54 minute mark: Wright gets a pass from Barnard at the left wing. Right Winger Mazin Ahmad tackles Barnard.. Barnard gets up before Ahmad.. gets to the ball.. flicks a pass down the field to Smyth.. Smyth immediately centers for Kelly who is about 18 yards out at the center of the field. Kelly immediately unleashes a shot so hard that I couldn't even see it. It was a blur! The keeper had no chance to react as it sailed to the left of him! GOAL!!!! 3-1.

62 minute mark: Johnson has the ball at midfield.. he passes it into the box.. Jesper Christiansen (who had just come on for Showunmi) unleashes a hard shot.. Scarsella blocks it.. then pounces on the rebound!

64 minute mark: Farrell on for Palmer (slightly injured) and Matt Davies on for Collett.

72 minute mark: Barnett on for Wright.

Game over! 3-1 win!

They outshot us 9-6 (5-3 on target)

Greg Kelly was one of 8 guys to get an "8" for form. The remainder of the team had 7's. Kelly won MoM, 12 of 19 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 6 of 14 headers, 4 runs, 2 goals.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 08:09 PM

August 13th, 2006 -

Mr. Fotherby couldn't hide his delight after the game. He is gushing to the press about what a great manager I am. He also told them, he fully expects me to prove the pundits wrong this season.

Glad to know that he has confidence in me.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 08:25 PM

August 15th, 2006 -

Only 3 days after our first win, we have our second match. This time we are facing Farnborough on the road. They finished 15th in the conference last year. They are led by striker Ali Chaaban who is a 23 year old from Lebanon with very good speed. Stephed Hughes is a skilled midfielder, but the remainder of the midfield doesn't look particularly skilled. Lee Miles is an above average defender. Keeper Craig Halloway is a former Arsenal youth product who has played well for Farnborough the last few years.

We played this team in a friendly 2 years ago, and won that match 3-0.

We are 6:4 favorites.

It's a slightly overcast day with temperatures in the high 60's.

Lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Barnett (Wright is still tired from the last game)
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Dan Bridges
S2: Dunning
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Mike Davies

I really like the improving depth on my team and that I can finally start feeling comfortable with some changing of my lineups from game to game.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 08:57 PM

1st minute: Barnard gets a yellow card for a trip on Chaaban.

6 minute mark: Hughes gets the ball on a long pass from the defender.. they have a 2-1 breakaway on the counter attack.. Hughes dribbles towards the left post.. Wall tries to cut off the passing lane.. Scarsella is playing Hughes.. Hughes passes to the center of the box for Chaaban.. Scarsella runs towards the center of the net.. Chaaban shoots.. Scarsella dives.. he tips the ball over the bar.. what a save!

On the ensuing corner, Paul Harkness aims for the far corner where Chaaban is there. Morley jumps, but mistimes it.. he misses the header.. Chaaban heads it.. Scarsella can't get to it.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

44 minute mark: Barnett with a great steal in the enemy's turf.. he passes to Smyth in the left corner.. Smyth centers for Kelly.. Kelly hits it on the half volley.. over Halloway's left shoulder.. GOAL!!! 1-1.

Half time: 1-1.

61 minute mark: Morley makes another mistake giving Chaaban a wide open opportunity in the box.. Chaaban shoots.. Scarsella blocks it. Morley has had a bad game.. 4 for form.. I yank him for Shepherd.

68 minute mark: Hughes steals the ball from Collett, passes it to Harkness.. Harkness has it in the right corner.. Harkness sends a fast pass across the pitch.. Striker Lee Riddell dives by the near post.. diving header connects with the ball.. into the net. GOAL.. Down 2-1.

70 minute mark: Davies on for Collett, Farrell on for Palmer.

82 minute mark: Surey gets the ball from Wall.. Surey dribbles up the field.. shoots from 22 yards out.. Halloway saves it.

85 minute mark: Davies takes a throw in deep in enemy turf along the right sideline.. Barnett takes it to the right corner.. nice cross.. Kelly is by the near post.. he hits it on the half volley.. it's heading towards the near goal post.. just inside the post.. GOAL!!!! 2-2. That is Kelly's 2nd!

89 minute mark: Shepherd with a key header to prevent a corner kick from meeting Riddell's head.

Game over. 2-2 tie.

We were outshot 17-6! (9-4 on goal)

Greg Kelly won MoM, 11 of 16 passes, 2 of 3 tackles, 4 of 13 headers, 3 interceptions, 1 run, 2 goals.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 09:13 PM

August 17th, 2006 -

Peterborough (3rd in League 1 currently) have sent an enquiry for Scarsella. I'll tell them the same thing that I keep telling everyone. He is not for sale! However, the number of interested teams is growing to a truly disconcerting number.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 09:30 PM

August 19th, 2006 -

Today we play our first home game in the new conference. We are currently 6th in the league, and we face 21st place Hornchurch. Hornchurch finished 3rd in the conference last year, so their current position is surprising. However, their star striker Bertie Brayley has been injured for the first week of the season and he is still out. Charlie Taylor is a talented striker, and we must keep a close eye on him. Stuart Lewis a young but talented 18 year old midfielder. Lee Matthews has played very good defense in front of the keeper. Speaking of the keeper, Matthew Baker has played well so far this year, only giving up a goal a game, but Hornchurch didn't score any goals in either of those games. Hopefully, we won't give up their first goal of the season.

This is our first meeting with this team ever.

We are 6:4 favorites.

It's an overcast day with highs in the low 50's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright (back in after some rest - Also Barnett injured his shoulder in practice the other day and will miss 3-4 days.)
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Dan Bridges
S2: Dunning
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd (played well as a defensive sub last game.)
S5: Mike Davies

SirFozzie

12-30-2004, 09:34 PM

Nice, two games, four points on the road.

I'd put a fiver or two on you guys getting promoted for the 2nd straight season, but, it's not going to be easy.

BTW, do you guys sell season tickets? :D

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 09:54 PM

1st minute: Black intercepts it in our zone.. passes to Collett.. Collett with a great pass to Smyth.. he dribbles.. burns the defense.. into the box.. shoots.. wide right.

7 minute mark: Collett with an interception at midfield.. he passes it up to Kelly.. Kelly dribbles into the box.. shoots.. Baker deflects it.. Smyth races to get to the rebound.. Lee Matthews beats him to it.. Matthews attempts to clear.. Surey intercepts the clearing pass.. heads it to Kelly at the left side of the box.. Kelly immediately passes towards Palmer at the right post.. Palmer gets the pass.. jams it in! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

20 minute mark: Kelly was run over by Matthews.. he looks hurt.. he limps off the field.. the physio examines him.. both the physio and he think he can still play.. I decide to watch him closely.

28 minute mark: Surey intercepts a pass at midfield.. he plays it to Collett on the right wing.. Collett passes it to Kelly.. Kelly dribbles down the middle of the field.. into the box.. he shoots.. Baker blocks the shot.. Smyth is racing Matthews for the rebound.. Smyth beats him to it.. taps it in! GOOOOOAAALLLL!!! 2-0 :)

42 minute mark: Taylor gets a long pass from Stuart Lewis.. running into the box.. Morley catches him from behind with a clean tackle.. sends the ball to Scarsella.

Halftime: 2-0 lead for us.

46 minute mark: Wall intercepts the ball from Taylor who was trying to dribble into the box.. passes to Barnard.. Barnard with a sharp pass to Kelly who is about 35 yards out.. Kelly draws two defenders.. passes to Palmer. Palmer turns on the speed.. burns a defender.. into the box.. dribbles to his right.. draws the keeper out.. dribbles right some more.. shoots the sharp angle.. Baker blocks it.. right back to Palmer.. he shoots the rebound.. it's past the keeper.. into the left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0!

63 minute mark: Farrell on for Smyth, Davies on for Surey.

Game over: 3-0 win!

We outshot them 16-3 (8-0 on target)

Palmer wins MoM, 19 of 22 passes, 0 tackles, 3 of 9 headers, 1 interception, 5 runs, 2 goals. Of note, Kelly had all 3 assists this game and also had a 9 for form.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 09:56 PM

Nice, two games, four points on the road.

I'd put a fiver or two on you guys getting promoted for the 2nd straight season, but, it's not going to be easy.

BTW, do you guys sell season tickets? :D

I put 50 on us myself ;) I agree it's going to be tough, but I like our start so far :)

Yes, we do sell season tickets! I recommend getting them now before we become sold out every game :D

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 10:02 PM

After the match, Mr. Fotherby insisted on giving the team a victory party! Morale is very high all throughout the team and the organization right now. Happy times.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 10:08 PM

I decided to praise Wright's recent performances (8 in every game so far) to a local newspaper reporter.

Wright responded in the newspaper the next day, saying he was glad to accept my praise but didn't feel he did enough this year yet to warrant it. I like his humility.

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 10:53 PM

August 26th, 2006 -

Today we are in 3rd place and we are hosting York which is in 10th place. York finished in 7th last year. York is led by a superbly talented young left fullback, Kris Taylor. Darren Dunning is a talented midfielder who has been playing well. Levent Yalcin and Andy Bishop are both talented young strikers. However, David Stockdale is an average keeper at best who has been having problems this year. If we can get past the defense in front of him, I think we can score on them without too much trouble.

We've never played York before.

York are HEAVY 4-7 favorites.

It's a slightly overcase day with temperature in the mid 50's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Dan Bridges
S2: Barnett
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Mike Davies

Eaglesfan27

12-30-2004, 11:21 PM

11 minute mark: We've been applying constant pressure early. Surey intercepts the keeper's goal kick at midfield with a well directed header towards Palmer.. He gets it at the right corner of the box.. dribbles towards goal once.. shoots for the far left post.. just wide.

13 minute mark: Barnard gets a yellow card for a trip on Andy Bishop.

29 minute mark: Smyht gets the ball on the left wing.. dribbles up the sideline.. crosses for Kelly.. Taylor intercepts it in the box. Taylor is stopping a lot of potential scoring opportunities, but we are controlling possession.

Half time: 0-0 game, but we've dominated time of possession. We've outshot our opponent 8-0 (only 2-0 on target shots)

46 minute mark: Collett bodychecks Darren Dunning! Collett pushes him after that. I'm not sure what made Collett so mad. Red Card for Collett! I pull Palmer out and bring in Davies to play right wing in my modified 4-3-1-1.

53 minute mark: Davies with a great pass to Kelly.. he is dribbling into the box.. Kevin Dawson the DC catches him from behind. The defense for York has been playing great all game, preventing us from getting really good offensive opportunities.

60 minute mark: Surey bodychecks Dunning! Dunning is getting under my team's skin :( Yellow card to Surey. Wall argues the call... Yellow card for Wall!

70 minute mark: Surey gets called for a trip on Dunning.. second yellow card.. he is ejected! I'm now down two men :(

I decide to sub in Farrell for Smyth who is tired. Also, I sub in Shepherd for Wall (so he doesn't get a 2nd yellow card.)

76 minute mark: They finally get a shot off, from Dunning from 20 yards out, but Scarsella saves it easily.

89 minute mark: Nathan Jones gets the ball at midfield and plays a perfect pass towards the right corner of the net for Paul Robinson, their substitute striker.. Robinson heads it into the goal before Scarsella can react. Goal. 1-0.

Game over. 1-0 loss. Very disappointing. How did Dunning get in their heads? Did he sleep with their wives and take pictures? Sheesh, my guys lost composure and it cost us this game. We were totally dominating the game until the two men went off the pitch.

We outshot them 13-6 (4-2 on goal.)

Darren Dunning own MoM, 26 of 36 passes, 4 of 4 tackles, 1 of 3 headers, 4 interceptions, 6 fouls drawed(!)

jbmagic

12-31-2004, 02:35 AM

have you notice a different play of style in your new division from your previous division?

what your current formation you settle in using so far?

thanks

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 12:22 PM

have you notice a different play of style in your new division from your previous division?

what your current formation you settle in using so far?

thanks
I've noticed that everyone is more skilled.. the defenders are quicker which is neutralizing my attack to some extent.

I've been using a 4-3-1-2 since the beginning of last season.

I have Barnard - Morley - Wall - Black along the back line.

Then across the middle line, I have Wright - Surey - Collett

I have Kelly along a 3rd line by himself (with instructions to run up and join the forwards)

Finally, the 4th line which are my forwards Smyth - Palmer.

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 12:47 PM

August 28th, 2006 -

York just sold their talented young left fullback, Kris Taylor, to Blackpool for 60,000 dollars. Glad to see one of my competitors weakening themselves. I just hope I don't find myself forced to do that in the near future.

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 12:55 PM

August 30th, 2006 -

Wow! A team is approaching me about borrowing one of my young players! In this case, Moor Green wants to borrow my 17 year old keeper, Richard O'Connor for 3 months. I don't plan on playing Richard much this season barring injuries, so I decide the first team action will be good for him. I make sure that I can recall him at any time, which I plan on doing if they don't play him. Hopefully, he agrees to go and get some experience.

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 01:03 PM

September 1st, 2006 -

Today Barnet sold their young star midfielder, 19 year old Jamie O'Hara, for 200,000 dollars to Plymouth. Barnet fans are angered that the team weakened themselves. I'm quite happy to see one of the reported top teams get weaker. Of course, it will be interesting to see who they bring in with the money.

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 01:12 PM

September 1st, 2006 -

The joys of being in a more professional conference! Today the conference announced their monthly award winners.

Canvey's Island's Jeff King won Manager of the month. I didn't finish in the top 3. Jeff led his team to 4 wins in the 1st month.

Burton Albion's Alan Martin won player of the month. The centreback has an 8.35 form for the month! Tim Sills of Aldershot Town came in 2nd, and Ceri Hughes of Newport County came in 3rd.

Aldershot's Brett Johnson won Young player of the month. The 21 year old left fullback has an 8 form for the month. Garry Hunter of Morecambe came in 2nd, and Matthew Coad of York City came in 3rd.

Garry Hunter of Morecambe won the goal of the month award too for a goal against Barnet which he dribbled it from the midfield, into the box, and then beat the keeper.

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 01:54 PM

September 9th, 2006 -

We are currently in 6th place and we travel to play 9th place Kettering today. Kettering was promoted from English Conference South last year. Liam Folds, their right fullback, has been playing very well for them this season. Young midfielder, Ryan Catney, has played very well also. Their striker, Darren Lynch, is averaging a goal a game and has 4 on the young season. Their keeper, William Coyles has been above average and will be tough to beat I suspect.

Kettering is a 5:4 favorite.

They beat us once, and we beat them 3-0 the last time we played them.

It's supposed to be sunny with temperatures in the low 50's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Atkins (playing due to Surey's ban for this game. He will be on a very short leash as I'm afraid his further diminishing of his physical skills may make him a liability on the pitch.)
MR: Davies (for the banned Collett)
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Bridges
S2: Barnett
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Dunning

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 02:31 PM

3 minute mark: What was I saying about Atkins? He may have the foot speed of a snail stuck in rubber, but he manages to steal the ball at midfield on a long pass from the keeper that was intended for Lynch. He immediately plays a wonderful through ball which Palmer gets to just before Coyles reaches it.. Palmer dribbles to the left of the keeper.. fires the ball into the open net.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

13 minute mark: Palmer tries to steal the ball from left fullback Andy Lodge. Slides into him.. Palmer gets a yellow card for a rough slide.

22 minute mark: Wall intercepts a long pass.. plays it to midfield for Smyth.. he dribbles a few steps.. plays a through pass into the box for Palmer.. Palmer dribbles once.. defender closing in on him.. shoots for the upper left corner.. the keeper blocks it. Folds clears the ball.

30 minute mark: Morley gets whistled for holding Lynch's shirt as Lynch was trying to run by him. Yellow card for Morley.

32 minute mark: Lynch gets an open opportunity in the box after Catney makes a great pass to get it to him from the left wing.. Lynch dribbles right.. shoots for the lower left corner... Scarsella tries to get to it.. but it's by him.. GOAL. 1-1.

37 minute mark: Atkins takes the corner kick and sends it out towards the right corner of the box.. Wall heads it from 15 yards out.. into the upper left corner of the net.. the keeper looks like he was screeened.. GO... OH NO! The goal is disallowed as Wall is judged to have unfairly unjumped with Wayne Diuk.

49 minute mark: Catney gets a yellow card for pulling on Kelly's shirt.

53 minute mark: Black with an excellent tackle to prevent a Lynch breakaway.

55 minute mark: Wayne Diuk dribbles past Atkins.. into the left side of the field.. in our zone.. crosses for Drew Roberts.. Roberts jumps with Wall.. outjumps Wall.. heads it.. Scarsella has no chance as it sails into the upper left corner of the net.. GOAL. Down 2-1 :(

58 minute mark: Lynch gets the ball inside the left edge of our box.. passes to Catney.. Catney shoots for the upper right corner.. Scarsella gets in front of it and catches it.

I've been trying to get subs on, but to no avail... 58 minute mark (again): Catney steals the ensuing Scarsella kick.. dribbles past Atkins.. passes to Burgess.. Burgess dribbles into the box.. shoots..going towards the lower right corner.. Scarsella dives.. can't get to it.. GOAL. We are now down 3-1.

Finally I get to make my subs. Atkins has a 7 for the match, but he is tired and repeatedly getting beat. I bring in Barnett. Also, Morley is playing tentative with his yellow card so I bring in Shepherd.

69 minute mark: Kelly steals it at midfield... dribbles across the midfield line.. plays a great through ball into the left corner of the box.. Smyth is racing two defenders to it.. he beats them, but they are closing in fast.. he immediately shoots.. for the upper right corner.. Coyles tried to come out and cut down the angle, but this one sails over his left shoulder..into the net.. GOAL!!!!!!! Down 3-2 still.

73 minute mark: Shepherd with a big header to prevent a pass from reaching Lynch.

87 minute mark: Barnett steals it at midfield.. nice pass to Kelly on the wing.. Davies on the wing.. Davies passes to Kelly.. Kelly passes to Palmer on the right edge of the field. Palmer centers for Kelly at the right corner of the box.. defense closed in.. Kelly passes between them.. aiming for Smyth by the left post.. Kelly's pass is offtarget and behind Smyth.. out of bounds.

91 minute mark: Barnett sends a long pass from Smyth.. Hodges makes an amazing leap and heads it away before it can reach Smyth.

93 minute mark: Davies gets the ball.. dribbles up the right wing.. centers for Barnett who is on the edge of the box.. Barnett is about to shoot.. Whistle.. Game over!

Game over. 3-2 loss.

We both had 8 shots. We both had 5 shots on goal.

Wayne Diuk won MoM for Kettering, 22 of 24 passes, 4 of 7 tackles, 2 of 6 headers, 1 interception, 2 assists.

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 02:49 PM

September 11th, 2006 -

Chesterfield (League 1) just offered 36,000 dollars for Scarsella. I turned down the offer. There are now officially 7 different teams interested in Scarsella at this point in time. Leave my keeper alone you vultures!

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 03:18 PM

September 16th, 2006 -

We are in 10th place. Today, we host 3rd place Newport County. Newport is led by the astounding play of Ceri Hughes who is a very dangerous 35 year old midfielder. Hughes played on the Welsh national team at one point in the past and still has some significant skills. Jonathan Coates is a dangerous left winger who has also had several nice assists this year. Ashley Williams is a young right winger who is also playing very well. The midfield is clearly this team's strength at this point. Kevin Aherne-Evans is a speedy defender who has been shutting down the opposition's strikers along with his partner at centreback Gethin Jones. Thomas Carroll has been their main striker this year so far. Keeper, Jamie Speare has 3 clean sheets in 5 games but that appears to be due in part to facing very few good scoring opportunities.

We've never played this team before.

We are heavy 4:5 favorites this game!

It's a sunny day with temperatures in the 50's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Bridges
S2: Barnett
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Davies

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 03:38 PM

15 minute mark: Gethin Jones gets a yellow card for pulling Kelly's shirt.

39 minute mark: Their defenders have been mostly staying back and using speed to negate our strikers.. however, suddenly we catch them on the counter attack.. Scarsella kicks it long to Kelly.. Kelly and Smyth have just two defenders back.. both defenders rush to Kelly as he enters the box.. passes between them to Smyth.. Smyth shoots for the upper right corner.. the keeper can't get to it.. GOAL!!!!! 1-0.

42 minute mark: Wall intercepts a pass intended for Carroll.. heads it to Surey. Surey passes to Smyth at midfield.. Smyth plays a very good through ball to the right corner of the box for Palmer.. Palmer finally burns the defenders.. he's 3-5 yards ahead of them.. two strong dribbles to his right.. keeper tries to play the angle.. Palmer shoots for the near corner.. it's past the keeper.. it just makes it inside the post.. GOAL!!!!! 2-0. That is Palmer's 5th goal of the year.

60 minute mark: Wright gets the ball on the left wing.. passes to Smyth in the left corner.. Smyth immediately passes to Wright on the left corner of the box.. Wright shoots.. it sails over the keeper's right shoulder... GOAL!!!! 3-0.

65 minute mark: Davies on for Collett, Barnett on for Surey.

65 minute mark: Barnett steals the ball at midfield.. plays a long pass for Palmer at the right corner of the box.. the pass is a little high for Palmer.. he jumps and heads it.. right to Kelly at the center of the box! Kelly shoots.. lower left corner.. the keeper doesn't have a chance.. GOAL!!!! 4-0. That is Kelly's 5th goal of the season.

Game over. 4-0 win!

We outshot them 10-5 (7-1 on goal)

Smyth gets a 10 for form and wins MoM, 21 of 23 passes, 0 tackles, 3 of 6 headers, 2 runs, 2 assists, 1 goal.

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 05:33 PM

September 19th, 2006 -

Mark Smyth was named to the English Conference (National) Team of the Week.

The team's morale is superb all around after the big win a few days ago. Hopefully, this can start a nice winning streak.

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 05:40 PM

September 21st, 2006 -

Darn it! Cambridge United has joined in the Scarsella hunt. They just offered Stephen Smith a young midfielder plus 8,000 dollars in cash for Scarsella. I turned them down.

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 06:03 PM

September 23rd, 2006 -

We are currently in 8th place, and we are traveling to play 19th placed Crawley today. Crawley is led Ryan Yeomans who has been spectacular in goal. Unfortunately, for him the defense in front of him has been shoddy, and he has faced a lot of shots this year. He has also been the victim of poor offensive support with Charlie MacDonald being the only player with more than 1 goal on the team. In fact, MacDonald has scored 3 goals, and only one other player has scored 1 goal, right winger Mo Harkin. The 4 goals scored all year hasn't been enough to combat what the defense has allowed into the net.

Despite this, Crawley is a 6:4 favorite.

We've never played Crawley before.

It's sunny in the high 50's today.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Bridges
S2: Barnett
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Davies

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 06:35 PM

26 minute mark: Wall gets a yellow card for a trip on Charlie MacDonald.

28 minute mark: Barnard intercepts a pass intended for MacDonald, heads it to Surey at midfield. Surey dribbles down the field.. between two defenders into the box.. Surey dribbles around a third defender.. shoots from 15 yards out.. lower left corner.. Yeomans can't get to it... GOAL!!!! The announcer says, "What a magical goal from Surey!" I couldn't agree more. 1-0.

36 minute mark: Kelly it tripped by Robert Traynor. Kelly takes the free kick from 30 yards out... over the wall.. sailing towards the goal.. right by the keeper's right shoulder.. into the back of the net!!!! GOAL!!!!! 2-0 I don't know how Yeomans let that one in.

41 minute mark: Sean Hankin gets a yellow card for Tripping Kelly.. Kelly is running by these defenders at will.

44 minute mark: MacDonald receives a long pass from Hankin.. he beats Morley.. into the box.. shoots.. Scarsella deflects the shot.. Wall clears it.

Halftime: 2-0 lead for us.

60 minute mark: Barnett on for Surey. Davies on for Kelly.

70 minute mark: Wright intercepts the ball.. passes to Palmer who is on the left side of the field for some reason.. Palmer centers for Davies.. Davies turns on the jets.. dribbles past the DC.. into the box.. the keeper comes out part way to meet him.. Davies with a booming kick.. lower left corner.. just out of the keeper's reach.. into the back of the net!!! GOAL!!!!! 3-0. That is Davies' first goal for us.

71 minute mark: Barnett steals the ball at midfield.. passes it to Smyth on the left wing.. Smyth plays a through ball for Davies.. Davies has the speed.. he flies past the defenders.. gets to the ball.. just at the edge of the box.. dribbles towards the net.. the keeper comes out to meet.. dribbles to his right around the keeper.. shoots.. right into the open net! GOAL!!!!! 4-0! That is Davies' second goal in a 1 minute burst!

84 minute mark: Barnard with a misplay as he heads a long pass right to Charlie Mapies.. Mapies immediately centers for Georgie Smith in the box.. Georgie Smith hit the kick shot from just right of the center of the box.. and he slammed it into the upper left corner. Very little chance for Scarsella.. GOAL. 4-1.

Game over. 4-1 win.

We outshot them 15-9 (8-4 on goal)

Despite only playing 30 minutes, Davies wins MoM, 5 of 5 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 3 of 3 headers, 4 runs(!), 2 goals.

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 06:49 PM

September 26th, 2006 -

Today we are in 3rd place and we host 5th placed Woking. Woking has played well despite their best forward Raphael Nade missing the last few weeks with a partially torn groin muscle. Amos Foyewa has stepped up and has 5 goals on the season. Left winger Steve Evans has played very well with 3 goals and 3 assists. Right fullback Simon Jackson has led the defense well this year. Keeper Lee Harrison has either been great or horrible. In 3 games he has conceded 9 goals, but he has 4 clean sheets in the other games.

This will be our first match ever against this team.

They are even odds favorites.

It's a sunny day with temperatures in the low 50's.

The team is in good shape, despite playing 3 days ago. I decide to use the same lineup.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Bridges
S2: Barnett
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Davies

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 07:08 PM

18 minute mark: Kelly takes the corner kick.. sends it towards the near post for Wright.. Wright jumps.. heads it.. it hits off the left goal post.. and into the net! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

39 minute mark: Amos Foyewa receives a long pass from their right fullback on the right edge of my box.. dribbles into the box.. passes the ball between Wall and Morley.. Alex Tiesse has it at by the left post all alone.. quickly shoots.. easy goal for him to hit. GOAL 1-1.

41 minute mark: Barnard intercepts a pass deep in our zone.. sends it down the left sideline to Smyth. Smyth dribbles into the left corner of the field.. centers for Palmer in the middle of the box.. Palmer heads it.. towards the right upper corner.. Harrison can't get to it.. GOAL!!!!! 2-1.

Halftime: 2-1.

50 minute mark: Wright throws the ball in.. towards Palmer in the box.. Palmer is tackled by Patrick McCarthy.. Whistle blows.. Penalty shot awarded!

Barnard steps up to take the penalty shot.. powerful blast.. over the bar.

61 minute mark: Barnett on for Surey and Davies on for Kelly.

64 minute mark: Harrison stops a shot by Davies.. feeds it out to Karl Murray on the right wing.. Murray plays a nice long through ball for Stevie Ferguson.. Ferguson is behind our defense.. wide open.. races into the box with the ball.. shoots.. lower left corner.. Scarsella dives.. it's past him.. GOAL. 2-2 game.

73 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball at midfield.. sets up Palmer.. Palmer dribbles into the box.. tries to draw the keeper out.. he stays back.. Palmer shoots.. the keeper, Harrison, tips it just wide of the net.

80 minute mark: Barnett takes a free kick from the right outer edge of the box.. right to Davies.. Davies heads it.. Harrison blocks it.. Palmer shoots the rebound.. a defender blocks it.. Smyth gets the rebound.. a defender blocks his shot.

Game over. 2-2 tie.

We each had 8 shots. We each had 4 shots on goal.

Simon Jackson wins MoM, 17 of 27 passes, 7 of 9 tackles, 2 of 3 headers, 7 passes intercepted.

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 07:37 PM

September 30th, 2006 -

We are still in 3rd place and we host Barnet which has fallen to 17th place early in the season. Barnet ended the season in 5th place last year, and barely missed winning promotion during the playoffs. Barnet sold two players earlier in the year, and their best remaining striker, Giuliano Grazioli, has been injured for the past few weeks. None of the other strikers has even 1 goal. Sagi Burton and Ismail Yakubu are playing excellent defense in front of keeper Mark Paston.

We have never played them before.

They are even odds favorites.

It's going to be an overcast day with temperatures in the mid 50's.

Mark Smyth was injured yesterday in practice and while he is day to day, I'm going to rest him.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Farrell
SC: Palmer

S1: Bridges
S2: Barnett
S3: Dunning
S4: Shepherd
S5: Davies

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 07:56 PM

1st minute: Kelly gets called for tripping Sagi Burton. Yellow card for Kelly.

4 minute mark: Right fullback, Damien Batt, gets a yellow card for Bodychecking Farrell.

30 minute mark: Collett has the ball on the right wing.. great pass to kelly.. Kelly dribbles into the box.. tackled by Burton.. the tackle knocks the ball towards the left corner of the box.. where Farrell is in perfect position.. he kicks it immediately.. upper left corner.. Paston dives.. he can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

Half time: 1-0 lead. I just noticed our attendances are up this year. This game we have 2185 fans!

47 minute mark: Morley intercepts a long pass.. sends it up the field towads the box.. Kelly races to it.. as does a defender.. Kelly heads it.. over the defender.. and the keeper who came out to get it! It's in the net.. fluke goal!!! GOAL!!!! 2-0 :)

66 minute mark: Davies on for Kelly who is tired. Dunning on for Farrell who is tired.

88 minute mark: Collett takes the ball up the right sideline.. crosses for Davies.. he heads it... it clangs into the crossbar. The defense clears it.

Game over. 2-0 win :)

We outshot them 9-5 (5-1 on goal)

Collett wins MoM, 19 of 26 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 3 of 3 headers, 4 interceptions, 3 runs.

Eaglesfan27

12-31-2004, 08:10 PM

October 1st, 2006 -

I won manager of the month for guiding the team to 3 wins in the last 5 games! Martin Murray of Kettering Town came in 2nd, and John Cunningham of Dagenham and Redbridge came in 3rd.

Scarborough's Steve Burton won player of the month with 5 goals in 5 games this month. Ashley Lyth of Scarborough came in 2nd, and Mark Smyth of Harrogate came in 3rd.

Mark Smyth won young player of the month! He has 3 goals and 9 assists on the season. Jordan Fitzpatrick of Dagenham and Redbridge came in 2nd, and Garry Hunter of Morecambe came in 3rd.

Thomas Carroll of Newport Co. had the goal of the month vs York with a well placed shot between two defenders.

Cambridge just offered Stephen Smith and 8,000 for Scarsella again. I turned it down again.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 01:16 PM

October 14th, 2006 -

We've had several more offers for Scarsella from Cambridge, Bristol Rovers, and Parramatta Power. Scarsella seems to be flattered by all of the interest, but quite content to stay with us.

Today we are in 4th place and we host Forest Green which is currently in 20th place. None of Forest Green's players have really played well. Ben Cleverley appears to be their best midfielder. Danny Greaves appears to be an above average keeper, but they have been plagued by an inability to score. They have 4 goals in 9 games. None of their strikers have scored, as all 4 goals have been scored by 3 different midfielders: right winger, Phil Rowland, MC Ben Cleverley, and Left winger Korey Nix.

Despite this they are even odds favorites (I think the oddsmakers are smoking some good stuff - either that or the odds are all set before the season starts and don't get updated?)

We beat them last year 3-0 in the 3rd round of the FA trophy.

It is going to be a sunny day with temperatures in the mid 40's.

Lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyh
SC: Palmer

S1: Bridges
S2: Barnett
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Davies

I've noticed that despite my earlier assertions, I'm reluctant to rotate guys. I feel comfortable with guys I'm not playing in a pinch, but I think this lineup gives me the best chance to win and will likely rely on it til about midseason when I'll start giving guys more rest as needed.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 01:40 PM

1st minute: Striker Nathan Thomas gets the ball in the right corner of the field.. he centers for Ben Cleverley by the near post.. Cleverley heads it.. into the near corner of the net. GOAL. Maybe the oddsmakers weren't crazy.

Halftime: Forest Green has played one of the first 4-3-3 formations I've seen ever as a coach. They are dominating ball possession and shots on goal. My team needs to come out stronger in the 2nd half. 1-0 lead for Forest Green.

47 minute mark: Palmer steals it from left winger Korey Nix.. he dribbles down the right sideline.. to the right corner of the pitch.. centers for Kelly.. Kelly outjumps the DC.. heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

54 minute mark: Surey steals it at midfield.. passes to Smyth who is just outside the left corner of the box.. he passes it between two defenders to Kelly.. Kelly dribbles to his left.. shoots for the left upper corner.. it hits the post.. bounces in off the post.. GOAL!!!! 2-1.

59 minute mark: Kelly takes the corner kick.. heads it to Atkins at the near post... Atkins heads it.. but the centreback Michael Lea heads the shot away. He saved a goal for sure.

62 minute mark: We've been dominating the last 17 minutes but now they are counterattacking again.. Cleverley receives a nice cross from Phil Rowland.. heads it.. Scarsella barely tips it over the bar.

Morley has had a relatively bad game. He had a 5 form at halftime, and has only raised it to a 6. I decide to pull him for Shepherd. Also, Barnard is slightly hurt, I decide to put in Barnett (his versatility is great.)

66 minute mark: Collett steals it from the right winger.. dribbles up the sideline.. we have a 3 on 1 breakaway! Collett could pass, but he shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. but Smyth is there to put away the rebound.. GO... what.. Palmer went offside! That bloody jerk! I can't believe he managed to go offside on that play!

77 minute mark: left fullback Brian Healy dribbles up our left sideline.. he crosses for Cleverley.. Cleverley heads it from the center of our box.. towards the upper left corner.. Scarsella watches it sail over his shoulder.. GOAL. 2-2.

Game over. 2-2 tie.

They outshot us 17-7 (7-5 on goal)

Kelly wins MoM, 22 of 26 passes, 0 tackles, 7 of 9 headers, 2 interceptions, 2 runs, 2 goals.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 07:49 PM

October 16th, 2006 -

Greg Kelly was named to the National Conference Team of the Week today.

The 4th qualifying round the English FA Cup was drawn today. I could have drawn a much weaker team, but we ended up getting Barnet from the English Conference National for this match. It's on their pitch no less. At least, Barnet has been playing severely under their expectations this year. We will be playing them in 12 days on 10/28/06.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 07:53 PM

October 17th, 2006 -

Oxford has joined the hunt for Scarsella. They offered 20,000 dollars for him. I declined.

My scout recommended a young left fullback named Michael Foulkes who was recently released by Northwood. It seems odd to even consider him, but the kid has a certain determination that I like along with some good physical skills. I decide to contact him, and he says he will be glad to be a rotation player and play for 100 dollars/week. I decide to take a chance on this kid and offer him the deal.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 07:57 PM

October 17th, 2006 -

We are currently in 4th place, and we travel today to face 10th placed Burton. Burton's Robbie Talbot has been a deadly scorer this year with 10 goals already on the season. Right fullback Alan Martin has played very good defense, but his fellow defenders haven't been as steady. This has led to Neil Thomas the keeper giving up quite a few goals this year. Hopefully, we can pepper him with plenty of shots.

I've noticed that we lead the league in scoring goals by a wide margin with 24 goals. The next closest opponent has 17. Our defense is middle of the pack so far though.

We have never played Burton before.

They are 4:5 heavy favorites.

Our lineup is the same as last time except that Wright injured his shoulder in training the other day. As a result Barnett will start at left wing. Dunning will take Barnett's place in the sub list.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 08:13 PM

6 minute mark: Morley with a huge tackle to prevent a likely Talbot goal.

18 minute mark: Collett with a great cross from the right wing to the far post to Smyth who heads it to Palmer.. who immediately kicks it.. right into Thomas's arms.

19 minute mark: Kelly is tripped by the DC, Darren Stride. Talbot argues the call.. yellow card for Talbot!

28 minute mark: Left winger, Aaron Webster dribbles around Collett.. into our zone.. towards the corner.. crosses to the near post for midfielder Anthony Jubb. Jubb heads it... Scarsella leaps and saves the header!

34 minute mark: Aaron Webster gets whistled for unfairly jumping with Black. Webster argues the call.. the ref warns him.. Webster continues to argue the call.. the ref gives him a yellow card.. he continues to argue the call even more! The Ref gives him a second yellow card.. He is out of here!

The ref moves the free kick forward 10 yards, penalizing Bury for dissent.

Half time: 0-0.

64 minute mark: Palmer has looked lacksidasical and only has a 5 for form. I put in Farrell for him. Kelly is tired, so I bring in Davies for him.

83 minute mark: Barnard sends the ball down the left sideline towards the corner.. Smyth gets to it.. centers for Davies by the far post.. Davies heads it.. just inches wide of the post.

85 minute mark: Barnett takes the ball down the left wing.. centers for Davies in the middle of the box.. Davies with a powerful header.. Thomas barely tips it over the bar.

Game over. 0-0 tie. I can't complain too much about a point on the road.

We outshot them 7-5 (4-1 on goal)

Surey wins MoM, 23 of 32 passes, 8 of 9 tackles, 0 of 2 headers, 2 interceptions.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 08:50 PM

October 21st, 2006 -

Michael Foulkes signed today, and said he is excited to be joining such a talented team. The kid sure knows how to brown nose ;)

Today we host Dag & Red. We are currently in 5th place in the conference, and Dag & Red are 12th place. Two of their best defenders, Tim Cole and Shane Blackett, are injured for this match. Kye Holly has been a very competent right fullback this season. They rely on attacking midfielder, Mark Bentley for most of their offense and he has 7 goals on the season. They are relying on an 18 year old kid in goal named Stephen Henderson. Henderson is quite talented and has had 4 clean sheets, but he averages 2 goals/game conceded in the other games. It will be an interesting matchup.

We've never played this team before.

This is the first team that I can remember playing that also uses a 4-3-1-2 and relies on heavy scoring from the attacking midfielder. It will be interesting.
They are 6:4 favorites.

It's a rainy day with temperatures in the low 50's.

We are using our most recent lineup except Wright is back at left wing, and Barnett is going back to being a sub. Barnett is starting to complain about my using him all over the pitch and he wants to be played more at right fullback or right winger.

RPI-Fan

01-01-2005, 08:53 PM

We are using our most recent lineup except Wright is back at left wing, and Barnett is going back to being a sub. Barnett is starting to complain about my using him all over the pitch and he wants to be played more at right fullback or right winger.

Woh, more details on how this occured?

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 09:19 PM

2 minute mark: The left MC, Glen Southam dribbles up the left side of the field.. crosses to the far post Bentley... Bentley heads it.. into the crossbar.. Morley clears the rebound.

5 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball from Surey about 30 yards out.. dribbles towards the box.. draws 2 defenders.. passes the ball between them to Palmer who is by the right post.. keeper comes towards Palmer.. Palmer centers for kelly who has run into the box.. Kelly hits it on the half volley.. GOAL!!!! 1-0 What a two man game! That is Kelly's 10 goal of the year!

12 minute mark: My heart skips a beat as Tony Boot falls inside the box as Black is chasing him.. Yellow card for.. Boot for diving!

14 minute mark: Palmer gets the ball at the right wing.. passes to Kelly who is 30 yards out.. Kelly dribbles past the DC to the edge of the box... he shoots from 20 yards out.. towards teh lower right corner.. fast hard shot.. keeper dives.. can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

36 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball at midfield.. dribbles past his man.. towards the box.. two defenders coming to meet him.. he passes to Palmer by the right post.. Palmer shoots.. the keeper barely tips it over.

Halftime: 2-0.

54 minute mark: Palmer gets the ball at midfield.. plays a great throughball to the left corner of the box.. Smyth gets to it... shoots.. wide right.

56 minute mark: Scarsella with a huge save of a pointblank Fitzpatrick shot.

61 minute mark: I was considering putting Barnett in at right fullback, but Wright is tired. So, despite his complaining to me quietly, I put Barnett back in at left winger. I also put in Davies for Collett.

94th minute: Kelly has been trying for the hattrick all night.. he intercepts the ball at midfield.. passes to Davies on the wing.. Davies dribbles up the sideline.. burns a man.. passes it to Kelly at the edge of the box.. Kelly hits a low drive to the right corner... it's in the net! GOAL!!!! 3-0! Kelly has his hattrick.

2 seconds later the final whistle blows.

Game over. 3-0 win.

We outshot them 15-9 (9-4 on target)

Kelly wins MoM, 29 of 36 passes, 3 of 4 tackles, 4 of 5 headers, 1 interception, 5 runs, 3 goals. 10 Form for the match. Palmer also had a 10 form for the match and has had low morale for some reason.. I decide I will praise Palmer in the postgame interview.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 09:21 PM

Woh, more details on how this occured?
I noticed he had an unhappy tag. I checked his profile and I see that he has a concern that he isn't being played at his strongest position. According to my coaches, and my own belief his best position is right fullback and right winger, but he is rated at all 3 defender and midfield spots. Implying a conversation occured was me taking artistic license.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 09:53 PM

October 22nd, 2006 -

Mr. Fotherby was praising our team in the media. However, the sports columnist said that our early form is very impressive but he is sure that we won't be able to maintain our challenge for the league title. He said, "anyone but the most diehard Harrogate fans expect their early good form to peter out and for the team to be unable to maintain a challenge for a title."

The fans agree with my comment last night that Palmer has been a key player for us in helping us maintain our high league position.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 10:04 PM

October 25th, 2006 -

Mike Davies seperated his shoulder in practice today. This is a significant loss as Matt has played with a lot of energy off the bench. Mike will miss approximately 4 weeks.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 10:16 PM

October 28th, 2006 -

Preston North upset Liverpool 1-0 in the 3rd round of the English Cup today. Preston keeper Danny Coyne really put on a fine display in goal with 12 saves.

Speaking of keepers, Oxford just offered 36,000 dollars for Scarsella. I continue to tell these vultures to buzz off.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 10:22 PM

October 28th, 2006 -

Today we travel to play Barnet in the 4th qualifying round the English FA cup. Barnet is currently 16th in the English Conference National, but have won their last few games as they have had some guys recover from injury. Their keeper, Matthew Baker, has played incredibly in goal the last 5 games. 19 year old Callum Legate is playing wonderfully in the midfield. Giuliano Grazioli has been their main scorer from the striker position, but he doesn't start every game or even many games. It will be interesting to see if he starts this one.

We beat Barnet 2-0 earlier this year.

Barnet are 4:6 favorites.

It's an overcast day with temperatures in the low 40's.

Our lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Bridges
S2: Barnett
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Dunning (for the injured Davies)

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 10:56 PM

11 minute mark: Scarsella with a great save of a shot by Grazioli from 15 yards out.

13 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball at midfield.. tries to hit Palmer with a long pass.. passes it over his head and out of bounds.. Goal kick.

18 minute mark: Surey intercepts a keeper kick at midfield.. heads it to Palmer.. dribbles past the defender.. into the right side of the box.. shoots.. the keeper blocks it.. defense clears it.

21 minute mark: Collett gets it on the right wing.. lays a perfect pass on the edge of the box for Kelly.. Kelly has it.. takes one step.. shoots.. way wide right.. don't see that much from him.

23 minute mark: Surey intercepts it at midfield.. passes to Kelly.. Kelly dribbles into the box.. three defenders surround him.. he somehow passes it to his left.. right to Smyth.. Smyth hits a powerful kick towards the upper right corner.. it hits a defender.. deflects into the left corner of the net.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

44 minute mark: Smyth receives a pass from Wall at the left wing midfield.. sends a nice through ball to the right corner of the box.. Palmer races to it.. shoots for the upper left corner.. the keeper had come out to cut the angle off.. he deflects it.. it's rolling towards the goal... DC, Sagi Burton gets to it just before it crosses the goal line and clears it.

Halftime: 1-0. We've dominated ball possession and our defense has generally stopped any attacks before they could be true threats except for early in the game. The entire team is playing very well so far.

63 minute mark: Morley has had a bad game. He has had quite a few 6's for form this year, and I'm looking at my stat sheet seeing his average is 6.58. I think it's time to demote him for a bit. For the time being, I sub in Shepherd for him. Also, I sub in Barnett for Collett.

87 minute mark: Black with a big block of a shot by Grazioli.

89 minute mark: Barnett steals it from the left winger.. passes to Smyth who is at the left corner of the box. Smyth shoots.. hits the crossbar. The defense clears it.

Game over. 1-0 Win! Shepherd also played poorly at DC with a 6 for form. Besides Morley and Shepherd, everyone had a 7 or higher (as they have most of the season)

We outshot them 13-6 (9-2 on goal)

Matthew Baker won MoM for his 8 saves.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 11:01 PM

October 28th, 2006 -

Winning has its privledges. Since we are in the English Conference National, that was our only qualifying round. We are through to the first round of the English FA Cup.

We received 18,000 for that win.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 11:02 PM

Another note. We are averaging around 2,000 fans at our home games, and we are finally making money this season. We are no longer in debt, and have almost 100,000 dollars in the bank! :)

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 11:07 PM

October 30th, 2006 -

Today we heard about the draw for the 1st round of the English FA cup. Not the most favorable draw we could have had. We will host Shrewsbury (13th in League 2 Currently.) Still we could have had a worse draw.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 11:20 PM

November 1st, 2006 -

Farnborough Town's Dean Austin has won Manager of the Month after guiding his team to wins in all 4 of it's games in October.

John Keeley of Kidderminster came in 2nd, and Glenn Cockerill of Woking came in 3rd.

Woking's Alex Tiesse won Player of the Month. Greg Kelly came in 2nd, and Paul Scott of Bury came in 3rd.

Aldershot Town's Tyron Smith won young player of the month. Ryan Catney of Kettering Town came in 2nd. Wayne O'Sullivan of Exeter City came in 3rd.

There was a news article today saying that Brighton (8th in league 1) are one of several prestigious teams that are going to be chasing highly regarded Harrogate youngster Mark Smyth. The reporter is now calling me to ask if I want to respond to the speculation for his follow up article. I have the sense that Mark isn't particularly ambitious and I know we need him so I decide to say, "I'm not selling Mark to any of these clubs" and I issue a hands off warning.

Eaglesfan27

01-01-2005, 11:41 PM

November 4th, 2006 -

We are currently in 3rd place and we travel to play 8th placed Morecambe today. Morecambe's main scoring threat, AMC Garry Hunter, is suspended for this match due to receiving two yellow cards in his last match. He has 9 of their team's goals this year, and no one else has more than 3. Striker, Danny Carlton, is their nex tmost dangerous scorer and he is quite talented. Their keeper, Jonathan Tuffey is above average. Their entire defensive line is solid, and it's led by left fullback David Perkins.

This will be our first match ever against them.

They are even odds favorites.

It's going to rain most of the match. Temperatures will be in the mid 30's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett (Morley has 6.54 avg form, lowest on the team among regular starters - only one below 7. It's time to completely bench him a few games to see if he can find his game again after some rest and reflection. Also, I'm hoping regular PT will make Barnett happy.)
DC: Wall (playing well despite his young age.)
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Bridges
S2: Fox (he really developed last year.. deserves some PT)
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd (only other player with under a 7 for form.. will get one or two more performances to show trend of improvement.)
S5: Dunning

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 12:21 AM

The first thing I notice is that they are the first time I've ever played to come out in a 4-4-1-1. Should be interesting.

10 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball from Surey who intercepted it at midfield.. Kelly dribbles past the defender.. shoots from 15 yards.. Anthony Williams who started in goal for the first time this year blocks it.. Kelly gets the rebound.. shoots.. Williams blocks it again. Defender clears it.

23 minute mark: Danny Carlton gets a long pass in our box.. he is all alone.. he dribbles to his left.. around Scarsella.. Carlton shoots... over the bar! Whew, he missed the open net.

31 minute mark: Surey steals the ball at midfield.. passes it to Palmer.. Palmer passes it to Smyth in the left corner of the box.. Smyth shoots for the upper right corner... inches wide.

36 minute mark: Barnett intercepts a long pass from the keeper.. heads it to Surey.. Surey passes to Kelly.. Kelly dribbles to the edge of the box.. hard shot.. just over the bar.

43 minute mark: Wall with a great tackle on Carlton to prevent him from shooting at point blank range.

Halftime: 0-0. Barnett has a 7 at DC.

53 minute mark: Barnett with a great tackle inside the box on Stefan Bailey.

58 minute mark: Morrison gets a great pass from Bailey.. quick pass to Carlton in the box.. Carlton shoots for the lower right corner.. Scarsella dives, but it's too quick.. into the net. GOAL. Down 1-0.

59 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball at midfield.. passes to Palmer who is at the edge of the box.. Palmer passes to Smyth.. Smyth draws two defenders to him.. passes between them to Palmer who is 10 yards from the goal.. Palmer shoots.. towards the lower left corner.. Williams has no chance.. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

I love how my team responded immediately.

62 minute mark: Black with a steal in our zone.. sends it to Collett.. Collett with a great through ball which Kelly gets at the right corner of the box.. Kelly dribbles two steps.. shoots.. over the bar. He has had a really off game with a 6 for form. He is tired, and I decide I will sub him out at the next opportunity. They send a long goal kick on the counter attack.. Barnett has great speed and he catches Carlton from behind and tackles him cleanly.

65 minute mark: Dunning on for Kelly, and Fox on for Collett (tired.)

71 minute mark: Flurry of activity in front of our goal.. several defenders stop shots.. Scarsella stops 3 shots.. finally Wall clears it out of bounds.

73 minute mark: Curtis the new striker gets a breakaway.. Scarsella blocks his shot.. Twiss the AMC is racing towards the ball.. Barnett beats him to it and clears it to prevent a sure goal.

75 minute mark: Curtis gets the ball in the left corner of the field.. crosses for Twiss.. Twiss settles it.. immediately shoot.. lower right corner.. Scarsella dives.. it's just out of his reach.. GOAL. Down 2-1.

84 minute mark: Surey sends a great pass to Dunning just outside the box.. Dunning dribbles.. he is too slow.. the defender quickly catches up to him from behind and tackles it free.

90 minute mark: Fox gets the ball on the right wing thanks to a pass from Wall.. Fox plays it down the right sideline.. Palmer gets to it.. centers for Smyth by the far post.. it's wide open net... Smyth heads it.... OVER the bar!

Game over. 2-1 loss. However, I discovered Barnett can play DC VERY well, at least from a one game sample. He has an 8 for form, and his speed was spectacular to watch in our defensive line. I think he has earned at least 2 more starts at the position. Hopefully, he'll become happy with regular PT.

They outshot us 18-14 (6-4 on goal)

Surey has a 9 and wins MoM, 20 of 23 passes, 11 of 11 tackles, 3 of 5 headers, 3 interceptions.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 12:31 AM

NO!

November 4th, 2006 -

Mark Smyth has told a national football website that he owes it to himself to look seriously at moving to a bigger club.

The Striker admitted that he has always been excited by the prospect of playing at a higher level and given the interest from Brighton, he would certainly consider any forthcoming offers.

Darn it! The dream team of Kelly, Palmer, and Smyth might be breaking up :(

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 12:34 AM

November 4th, 2006 -

Mark Smyth game into my office today and told me that he wants me to move to him a bigger club at the next available opportunity. He is unhappy playing at this level of play, and while he appreciates me giving him a chance to prove himself he feels that he is a player who is of higher calibre than the English Conference National.

Quite honestly, I don't see how I can keep him. I think if he is miserable, it will ruin team chemistry. Of course, if I move him, it might ruin team chemistry as well. A tough decision. If I do move him, I need to get at least close to his 220,000 dollar value and use that money to bring in a good young striker.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 12:45 AM

November 6th, 2006 -

After Smyth walked into my office, I thought long and hard about what to do. I decided to offer him a new deal!

I brought him into my office to see what he wanted. He said that wanted a significant pay raise to 700 dollars/week (420/week before) I decided to offer him almost a 100% pay raise with a new salary of 800 dollars per week. I also guaranteed him some preimere perks. I noted that he wanted a 260,000 dolllar buyout clause. I countered with a 400,000 dollar buyout clause. He wanted to sign through June 2008. I countered with an offer to stay through June 2009.

He told me he would sleep on it. I waited patiently that morning for his reply. He came into my office at 9:00 AM and told me that he agreed to sign the contract. He feels if a team wants him bad enough, they will pay the 400,000 dollars. He also is touched that I want to make him the highest paid player on the team.

Desnudo

01-02-2005, 12:45 AM

I've got about 5 or 6 players who are unhappy because they want to move to a larger club. I choose to ignore them, the ungrateful sods. :)

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 12:46 AM

Addendum -

At least this new contract eliminates the worry of a club taking him under minimal compensation as his contract runs out. Now, I've bought myself some time to consider this situation.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 12:47 AM

November 6th, 2006 -

12:00 Noon, Mark Smyth told me he is really happy to have signed this new contract and he looks forward to staying with the club.

I hope he means it.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 12:53 AM

November 7th, 2006 -

Despite the loss last game, we remain in 3rd place. We host 15th place Stevenage today. Stevenage finished 8th in the conference last year. They have a high scoring offense, that is only just below my team's pace. Midfielder, Richie Hanlon, has 8 goals on the year. Striker, Anthony Elding, has 7 goals. Barry Laker quarterbacks the defense. New keeper Chris Neal is a very good keeper. He will be hard to beat.

We've never faced this team before.

They are even odds favorites.

It's going to be muddy with temperatures in the high 30's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Bridges
S2: Fox
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Dunning

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 01:22 AM

30 minute mark: Scarsella saves a shot from Elding.. kicks it to Collett on the right wing at midfield.. Collett outjumps the left winger.. heads it towards the corner for Palmer.. Palmer gets it at the corner of the box.. centers for Kelly.. Kelly quickly shoots for the lower right corner.. Neal dives.. he can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

45 minute mark: Barnett with a big header to keep the ball away from Hanlon on a cross in the box.. Barnett heads it to Surey.. Surey with a great through ball for Kelly.. Kelly dribbles between two defenders.. shoots for the right corner.. hits the crossbar.. the defense clears it.

Halftime: 1-0 lead.

62 minute mark: Laker tackles Palmer, and Palmer looks hurt bad. Farrell on for Palmer. Also Fox on for Collett.

66 minute mark: Phillips gets it to the right of the box.. centers for Elding.. Elding hits it on the half volley.. past Scarsella... GOAL. 1-1.

68 minute mark: Surey passes it back to Barnard.. Barnard with a great through ball long to the box.. Farrell gets to it.. it's just him and the keeper.. dribbles to his left.. shoots.. Neal blocks the shot.. Laker clears it.

75 minute mark: Fox takes the free kick from 35 yards out.. sends it to Kelly on the edge of the box.. Kelly starts to go right and spins around counterclockwise and suddenly accerlates to his left.. what a move! Dribbles past the defender.. into the box.. shoots for the left corner.. it's in! GOAL!!!! 2-1.

78 minute mark: Smyth steals teh ball from Laker deep in their zone.. passes it to Kelly who is by the right corner of the box.. Kelly unleashes a quick powerful shot towards the right corner.. it barely skates past the post.. GOAL!!!! 3-1. That is Kelly's hattrick. That is his 15th goal on the season.

Game over. 3-1 win.

We outshot them 14-10. (5-3 on goal.)

Greg Kelly has a 10 for form. He wins MoM, 19 of 25 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 4 of 8 headers, 1 interception, 5 runs, 3 goals.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 01:27 AM

After the game, a national media member approached me and asked me about David Scarsella. He said, "David is becoming increasingly appealing to a number of teams with his recent form. Do you think he will stay at Harrogate?"

I replied, "As far as I'm concerned, David is part of this team and that is the way it will stay."

Barkeep49

01-02-2005, 09:11 AM

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 04:34 PM

Just wanted to say again how much I enjoy the dynasty. One of the most enjoyable aspects for me, as I enjoy my winter break, has been the regular updates. It's nice to know that there's a good shot that this will be updated each of the two to three times a day I check the board.
Glad you enjoy it. I just woke up as I was on call last night and didn't get to bed til 10 AM as it was a busy call. About to fire up FM now :)

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 04:57 PM

November 11th, 2006 -

Today we host Shrewsbury in the 1st round of the FA Cup. Shrewsbury is currently 13th in league 2. They are led by centreback Mark Williams who really solidifies the defense. Midfielder, Jamie Tolley, has taken over leadership of the midfield since attacking midfield Ben Smith has been hurt most of the year. Keeper Joe Hart is above average and has 4 clean sheets on the year. Striker Luke Rodgers leads the offense with 5 goals.

We've never played this team before.

They are 4:7 favorites with the odds of us winning 4 to 1.

It's going to be sunny with temperatures in the mid 40's.

I'm using the exact same lineup as last game. Here is hoping Barnett can have another good game at DC alongside Wall.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 05:25 PM

1st minute: Barnett with a big tackle on Rodgers in the box. Wall clears it to Collett. Left winger, George Jermy trips Collett. Yellow card on Collett.

4 minute mark: Black had already made several big blocks of passes/shots from his right fullback slot. This time he heads away a cross from Jermy and the ball goes to Surey in the center of our zone. Surey passes to Smyth on the left wing just past midfield.. Smyth heads the pass towards the edge of the box... Hart comes out to get it.. Kelly beats him to it.. dribbles to the left of the of the keeper.. going right around him.. flicks it into the open net.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

25 minute mark: Surey intercepts a keeper pass at midfield.. passes it to Kelly at the edge of the box.. Kelly shoots for the lower right corner.. it's past the keeper... inches wide.

33 minute mark: Kelly gets a yellow card for pulling midfielder Kevin Street's jersey.

35 minute mark: Kelly shows a great flash of speed getting the ball at midfield.. dribbles down the center of the field.. past two defenders.. into the box.. he has Palmer open by the right post.. he shoots.. right into the keeper's arm. That seemed like a poor choice.

42 minute mark: Jermy gets the ball after a throw in on the left sideline.. crosses for Tolley.... Tolley outjumps Wall.. heads it towards goal.. it sails over Scarsella's left shoulder... into the net. GOAL. 1-1.

43 minute mark: Black steals the ball deep in our zone.. hits it to Palmer at midfield.. Palmer plays a through ball towards the center of the box.. Smyth races to it.. the keeper races to it.. they get to it at just about the same time.. Smyth is there a fraction of a second quicker.. steps to his left with the ball.. fires a shot just barely past the keeper's outstretched arm.. into the net! GOAL!!!!! 2-1. That was Smyth's 5th goal on the year (he has been much more of an assist man so far this year.)

Halftime: 2-1 us. Everyone of my players has a 7 for form, except for Palmer, Smyth, and Kelly who all have 8's.

51 minute mark: Wall gets a yellow card for pulling Rodger's jersey.

71 minute mark: Tolley's free kick from 22 yards out deflects off the wall to Rodgers who has a great shot from 10 yards out.. Rodgers shoots.. Scarsella does a great job to tip it over the net.

74 minute mark: Palmer picks up an injury and has to go off. Farrell on for him. I decide to put Shepherd on for Wall since Wall has a yellow card and is playing a little tentative (Barnett bailed him out with a big tackle a minute ago.)

80 minute mark: Mark Williams clears a pass from Surey that was intended for Smyth.. he sends it to Tolley.. Tolley with a great through ball to Rodgers.. Shepherd misses him.. Rodgers has the shot from about 5 yards.. Rodgets shoot.. upper left corner.. Scarsella can't stop it. GOAL. 2-2. (I knew I was going to regret taking out Wall :()

85 minute mark: Collett plays the ball back to Scarsella.. great pass from Scarsella to Smyth.. he dribbles into the box.. shoots from 20 yards out.. Hart blocks it.. Farrell gets the rebound.. shoots.. Hart tips it over the bar.

89 minute mark: Shepherd gets a yellow card for pulling on Tolley's jersey. Referee Keith Hill calls a tight game.

Game over 2-2 tie. This one is going to be replayed on Shrewsbury's pitch. I hope a big crowd shows up.

We each had 11 shots. We each had 5 shots on goal.

Greg Kelly wins MoM, 18 of 28 passes, 1 of 3 tackles, 3 of 8 headers, 2 interceptions, 4 runs, 1 goal.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 05:30 PM

Post Match Info: Grant Black injured his shoulder. He will miss around a week.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 05:32 PM

November 12th, 2006 -

Atkins injured his ankle in training today. He has severely sprained it, and will likely need about a month to recover.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 05:37 PM

November 13th, 2006 -

Greg Kelly was selected for the Conference National Team of the Week.

The 2nd round of the English FA Cup was drawn today. If we beat Shrewsbury in the replay match, we will go face Brighton on their pitch. I find this quite ironic since they want Smyth. Hopefully, we can win the rematch so we can play and beat Brighton (although I know they will be very tough.)

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 05:53 PM

November 15th, 2006 -

Darn it. Brighton made an enquiry into how much we want for Smyth. I'm debating on telling them the buyout amount of 400,000 dollars or he is not for sale. I've gotten him back to being happy, but he might become unhappy if I totally reject this enquiry. Then again, he might become upset if he thinks I want to just make a ton of money off of him. I decide to tell them he is not for sale. If he complains, I will have to consider moving him..

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 06:04 PM

November 18th, 2006 -

My scout is recommending signing left/right winger Tom Baker who was recently released from Barnsley. Baker appears to be a gifted passer with a variety of pass types from watching him on tape. He also has good speed. I decide to contact him and he tells me he wants 220/week and he wants to be a regular starter. I tell him that I will offer 180/week to be a backup. I'm waiting to hear his response. He is only 21, and with some development he could become a very good player.

BreizhManu

01-02-2005, 06:08 PM

ask for 400k, and if they accept, well, he is not the only fish in the sea...

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 06:11 PM

November 18th, 2006 -

Today we travel to play Worcester. They won the English Conference North the year before I did. They finished in 11th in the English Conference National last year, but are currently in 18th. They have been hard hit by injuries and barely have enough men to field a team. Midfielder Antony Sweeney has played very well this year. Left fullback Les Hines has been the main man on defense. Centerback Mark Ricketts has also played well. Most of the offense has been provided by striker Mark Owen who has 5 goals on the year. Danny McDonnell is a good keeper who has been overwhelmed by a high number of shots faced and has given up about 2 goals a game as a result.

We tied them and lost to them in our 1st season two years ago.

They are 6:4 favorites.

It's a sunny day with temperatures in the high 50's.

We are using the same lineup as last game except Morley gets a chance to redeem himself by playing right fullback for the injured Black.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 06:39 PM

6 minute mark: Palmer gets the ball along the right sideline.. turns on the speed.. races down the sideline.. crosses for the near post.. Kelly heads it.. into the crossbar. Ricketts clears the rebound.

35 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball at midfield on a pass from Wal.. dribbles down the center of the field... past a defender.. past another defender.. shoots from 25 yards out.. laser beam of a shot towards the upper right corner.. hits the crossbar.. bounces back and the defense clears it.

41 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball just outside the box.. dribbles into the box.. two defenders in front of him.. crosses to his left for Wright.. Wright shoots.. McDonnell cleanly saves it.

Halftime: 0-0.

47 minute mark: Barnett misplays a long pass that gets through to Owen.. Barnett recovers.. uses his speed.. tackles Owen in the box before he can get off a shot!

58 minute mark: Smyth puts a move on Ricketts.. he's into the box.. Ricketts tackles him from behind. Ricketts is hurt.

60 minute mark: Ricketts is still on the sideline getting treatment as Smyth receives a long pass from Surey.. Smyth dribbles into the left corner of the box.. shoots.. McDonnell blocks it.. Palmer tries to get to the rebound which has rolled towards the right post.. the left fullback Hines gets to it... Palmer steals it from Hines! Shoots.. into the net! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

75 minute mark: Barnett heads away a good cross that was heading towards Owen.

85 minute mark: Morley with a nice header in the box to prevent a pass that was heading towards Sweeney.

86 minute mark: Morley with a header to keep Owen from getting the ball in the left corner of the pitch.

88 minute mark: Barnett with a big tackle on Owen just outside the box.. they are putting on the pressure down the stretch.

90 minute mark: Jermaine Easter heads a ball towards goal.. whistle blown.. he unfairly jumped with Collett.. Collett is hurt, but tells me he wants to finish the game.

92 minute mark: Scarsella goes to clear a pass and sends it to Owen.. Owen is all alone with Scarsella inside the box. Owen shoots.. Scarsella tips it to the ground.. it's rolling towards the goalline.. I'm sure it's going to go in when Scarsella races back and dives on it.. just before it crosses the goalline.. Whew!

93 minute mark: Wright is tackled by Sweeney. Wright looks hurt. Whistle blows.. Game over.

Game over: 1-0 win for us.

We were outshot 15-8 (but we led with 6-5 for on target shots.)

Stuart Wall wins MoM, 20 of 25 passes, 11 of 11 tackles, 5 of 5 headers, 7 interceptions, , 9 for form.

Morley had an 8 for form, and took a step towards redeeming himself and getting some regular PT. In fact, 8 guys on the team had 8's for form. Surey and Barnett were the only 7's.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 06:52 PM

November 21st, 2006 -

Stuart Wall was selected to the English Conference team of the week.

Davies has returned to full strength from his injury.

Tom Baker agreed to my proposed deal and will be joining the team shortly.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 06:58 PM

November 22nd, 2006 -

Today we travel to Shrewsbury for the rematch. They are starting the same guys. We are starting our same guys, except Davies replaces Fox on the bench. I like Fox, and feel bad for the kid but he doesn't seem to have the skill to take us to the next level. Perhaps, I'm shortchanging him. However, Davies has really impressed in his limited play this year, and I feel he deserves some PT.

It's a cold overcast day with temperatures in the mid 30's.

They are 4:7 favorites.

lighthousekeeper

01-02-2005, 07:20 PM

Could we get a rundown/update of your non-active roster? I'm curious who you've got that not in your 16 lineup players.

great dynasty btw. if you keep this up , i don't need to buy fm.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 07:21 PM

5 minute mark: Morley with a big header to prevent Rodger from getting a good cross.

21 minute mark: Morley with a header to send the ball to Surey at midfield.. Surey passes to Palmer in the right corner.. the defense closes down real quick. The defense looks very fast today.

32 minute mark: Wright steals the ball at midfield.. sends the ball on a rope to Palmer who is just outside the right corner of the box.. Palmer takes two steps into the box.. shoots for the upper left corner... Hart can't get to it.. it's in the net.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

33 minute mark: Collett steals the ball along the right wing.. sends a great through ball to Kelly who is all alone in the box.. Kelly dribbles to his left.. trying to get around the keeper.. the keeper is in position.. Kelly suddenly does a nice change of direction.. sharply to his right.. shoots for the lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. 2 goals in a minute!

37 minute mark: Collett takes a free kick from about 40 yards out along the right wing.. sends a long pass into the center of the box.. Kelly outjumps the defender.. heads it towards the right corner of the net.. Hart dives.. can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! 3-0! 3 goals in 5 minutes!

43 minute mark: Collett takes a free kick from 40 yards out.. almost the same spot.. Kelly gets the pass.. settles it in the box.. defender closing on him.. shoots.. upper right corner.. Hart dives.. barely tips it over the bar.

Halftime: 3-0 lead. Furthermore, the attendance is announced at 6,876 fans!

50 minute mark: Barnett with a nice tackle to stop Rodgers as he enters the box.

65 minute mark: Davies on for Collett who has had a very nice day.

78 minute mark: Scarsella tries to catch the corner kick that was hit by Tolley aiming for Rodgers at the far post.. Scarsella bobbles it.. into the goal! Own GOAL. 3-1.

Kelly is very tired. I gave him his chance for the hattrick, but it's just not happening.. I debate on pulling him, but decide I will leave him on for a bit more.

Game over. 3-1 win for us!

We each had 10 shots, but we had 4 shots on goal to their 3.

Collett wins MoM, 23 of 29 passes, 1 of 4 tackles, 2 of 3 headers, 3 interceptions, 3 runs, 2 assists.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 07:25 PM

Post Game Info:

We won 24,000 dollars for the win! However, we also received over 100,000 dollars from over sources (gate revenue, etc, etc.) this game. Our coffers just doubled from 120,000 dollars to 250,000 dollars in the bank!

So far on the season, we have turned a 420,000 dollar profit.

We will play at Brighton in 10 days.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 07:51 PM

Could we get a rundown/update of your non-active roster? I'm curious who you've got that not in your 16 lineup players.

great dynasty btw. if you keep this up , i don't need to buy fm.

Sure. However, I hightly recommend buying the game when you have the time/money. :)

GK - Richard O'Conner - He is an 18 year old keeper I picked up this year. He is on loan at Moor Green and is developing nicely. Starting almost every game for them, he has an average form of 7.54. I acquired him after he was released by Chelsea, and his value has doubled for me this season to 32,000 dollars. I think he could be special, but Scarsella is in my eyes better at this time. However, when O'Conner gets back from loan, he might push Bridges for the backup spot.

Christian Fox - A 25 year old attacking midfielder and right winger who was developing nicely when he was getting regular PT. Has regressed some since he started mostly playing for the reserves (my reserves finally play a schedule this year!) I like him, but he isn't talented enough to get regular PT unless I have injuries. He could play ok in a pinch.

Mark Atkins - 38 year old midfielder/coach has lost all of his physical abilties. He is a very smart veteran and could play in a pinch, but he is a shadow of himself. I don't foresee him playing for us anymore unless we've clinched the division or are hard hit by injuries.

Tom Baker - 21 year old winger who can play either side. Looks very good in practice. My only concern is that he doesn't show as much composure as I thought he would on the pitch. I'm not sure if he will develop with time or not, but he was a cheap investment as I got him on a free transfer from Worksop.

Simon Sturdy - 21 year old left winger who like Fox is another one of my original players. I like this kid as he is very determined, but he simply doesn't appear to have the talent to play, particularly if we advance to the next level of play. He'll only be seeing the field if we get hit heavy by injuries or he develops quite a bit more.

Lee Morris - 20 year old striker who is also an original on the team. Morris might develop, but right now his skills are very raw. He is very brave which is best quality, and this helped him score a goal or two for us in the past. However, he is not skilled enough to play now. He is 5th on my striker depth chart.

Colin Hunter - 30 year old attacking midfielder/striker. He is another original player. I like Hunter's versatility, but the lack of PT and age seem to slowly be robbing of him of skills. I'd play him if injuries hit, but he is 3rd string at AMC, and 4th on the depth chart at striker.

Lennie Curtis - 33 year old defender who never really pleased me. He has great determination but he loses track of his man way too often. I had to use him the first year, but he hasn't played much last year or at all this year. He has announced he will retire after the year is over as he feels the game is passing him by.

Dominque Krief - 23 year old midfielder who is an original. He has great speed, good heart and determination. Lacks technical skills and has never really developed. His grit and speed were good enough to make him dangerous at the bottom level of play, but I don't think they are enough this year. I don't plan on playing him unless plenty of injuries occur.

Michael Foulkes - 21 year old left fullback who I just acquired from Northwood. I love his physical skills as well as his supreme bravery and determination. I hope he develops better tackling and coverage skills. He could be a valuable player for me one day.

Marc Smith - 21 year old left fullback who was an original on the team. I've always liked this kid and felt a twinge of guilt when I acquired Foulkes and pushed Smith further down the depth chart. However, Smith just isn't as talented physically or mentally as Foulkes. I might still give him some PT if we clinch the league and see how he plays.

James McDaid - 21 year old striker whom I acquired this year from the hometown. McDaid has wonderful mental qualities on the pitch. He makes smart decisions and anticipates the ball well. He lacks good footspeed, and probably will never play for us, but he is cheap insurance.

Sam Warburton - 19 year old defender who was signed from my hometown. Warburton is exquisitely cheap at 20 dollars/week. He has some skills, but needs to develop a lot before he will ever play on the first team.

That is everybody who you haven't heard about by reading this thread. They are about 17 guys I will be playing regularly for now. With Morley's last 2 performances, he will likely rotate in at right fullback with Black.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 08:11 PM

November 25th, 2006 -

We are currently in 3rd place and we travel to face 5th place Scarborough. They are led by their talented 23 year old centreback Ashley Lyth who has been playing very well this year. Striker, Steve Burton has 10 goals on the year so far. Scott Kerr, their most consistent midfielder this year is out with an ankle injury. Their keeper, Gareth Downey has amazing reflexes and is hard to score against.

This is our first match with them.

Scarborough are even odds favorites.

It's a muddy day with temperatures in the mid 30's.

Our lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Morley (Black is back from injury but will be on the bench this time.)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Davies (Kelly is tired and I decide to give him this game completely off as it is the 2nd of 3 games in 6 days.)
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Bridges
S2: Hunter (might need him if Davies is tired or injured)
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Black (moves ahead of Dunning for his excellent play at right fullback. He can come in if needed and move Morley to centreback. I only expect this to happen if one of my DC's is tired or hurt.)

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 08:35 PM

24 minute mark: Palmer gets the ball at midfield.. plays a great through ball to the left corner of the box.. Smyth gets to it.. shoots.. Downey with a great save.

26 minute mark: Ryan Wilkie steals it from Barnard deep in our zone.. passes to Keith Gilroy at the edge of the box.. Gilroy passes between my two centrebacks.. nice pass to Steve Burton.. Burton shoots for the lower right corner.. GOAL. 1-0.

29 minute mark: Wall intercepts an attack into our zone.. passes it to Surey at midfield.. Surey passes it up the field.. Palmer gets to it.. dribbles into the box.. shoots.. Downey with the save.

38 minute mark: Surey with a pass to Davies. Davies is 35 yards out.. dribbles past two defenders.. turns on the speed.. into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. barely wide.

45 minute mark: Kerr plays a great ball to Burton in the box.. Burton shoots.. Scarsella saves it!

63 minute mark: Davies is lacking conditioning and is tired. Hunter on for Davies.

71 minute mark: Quinn gets the ball on the left wing.. dribbles down the left sideline.. crosses for Burton who is by the far post.. Burton outjumps Wall.. heads it.. into the net. GOAL. 2-0.

77 minute mark: Surey gets the ball at midfield.. very good through ball to Palmer.. dribbles into the box.. tries to go to his right around the keeper.. Downey maintains good position.. backpedaling smoothly.. Palmer shoots.. Downey blocks it.

86 minute mark: Palmer gets the ball 40 yards out.. dribbles past one defender.. another defender.. makes a deke move on a third defender.. shoots for the lower right corner.. Downey dives.. knocks it wide of the post.

Game over. 2-0 loss.

They outshot us 17-7 (9-3 on goal.)

Keith Gilroy won MoM, 37 of 46 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 1 of 4 headers, 2 interceptions, 3 runs, 1 assist.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 08:49 PM

November 28th, 2006 -

Mark Barnard was selected to the English Conference Team this week.

The 3rd round of the English FA trophy occurred today. We will be hosting Dag & Red from our conference.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 09:06 PM

November 28th, 2006 -

We are currently in 4th place. We host Canvey Island which has fallen to 14th place after a strong start. Canvey Island barely avoided relegation last week. Canvey Island has been led by the play of left wing Sean Evans. Keeper Martin Brennan has been either brilliant or absolutely mediocre. He has 8 cleans sheets, but is giving up 2.7 goals/game in his other games. Striker Lee Boylan is one of 3 players with at least 5 goals. His partner up front Oliver Berquez also has 5. Right winger Ben Sedgemore also has 5 goals.

This is our first meeting ever with this team.

We are 5:4 favorites.

It's an overcast day with temperatures in the mid 30's.

Our lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Morley (An 8 for form in every single game started at right fullback keeps him in the lineup.)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Bridges
S2: Davies
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Black (I feel bad keeping him on the bench, but I'm riding the hot hand at this time.)

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 09:19 PM

8 minute mark: Wright gets the ball on the left wing.. crosses to Palmer at the far post.. Palmer shoots.. Brennan blocks the shot. Great save by Brennan.

27 minute mark: Palmer gets the ball at midfield.. dribbles up the field.. past a defender.. past another defender.. into the right side of the box.. crosses to Smyth.. Smyth heads it.. wide open net.. the header hits the crossbar.

Half time: 0-0.

81 minute mark: Surey gets the ball at midfield.. passes to the right corner.. Palmer gets to it.. crosses for the far post.. it's over Smyth's head.. Smyth runs to the left corner and gets it.. Smyth crosses for Kelly. Kelly is in the middle of the box.. heads it towards the goal.. Brennan blocks it.. Kelly fights Brennan for the rebound.. pokes it by him.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

Game over. 1-0 win for us.

We outshot them 6-2 (2-0 on goal.)

Collett wins MoM, 11 of 16 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 0 of 1 headers, 1 run, 3 fouls drawn. Interesting selection.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 09:24 PM

Post Match Info: Collett severely bruised his shin during the match. He is expected to miss 5 days. Collett is going to miss the match against Brighton in the 2nd round of the FA cup.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 09:36 PM

November 30th, 2006 -

Richard O'Conner returned from Moor Green today. He told me he really enjoyed getting 1st team experience and he thinks it helped him develop as a player. I can't wait to watch him in practice.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 09:44 PM

December 1st, 2006 -

Mr. Fotherby and I had our regular monthly meeting. He continues to believe I'm the greatest manager to ever come to the club. He is delighted with my performance.

Scarborough's Tommy Coyne won Manager of the Month with 4 victories in 5 games this month.

Paul Fairclough of Barnet came in 2nd, Glenn Cockerill of Woking came in 3rd.

Farnsborough Town's Lee Miles won player of the month. Wayne O'Sullivan of Exeter City came in 2nd, and Lee Riddell of Farnsborough Town came in 3rd.

Exeter's City Wayne O'Sullivan won young player of the month. Brett Johnson of Aldershot town came in 2nd, and Andrew Bond of Worcester came in 3rd.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 09:58 PM

December 2nd, 2006 -

Today we travel to play Brighton in the English FA Cup's 2nd round. Brighton is 11th in English League 1, and they have a very talented team. However, two of their top players centreback Danny Cullip and left fullback Kerry Mayo are out with injuries. Keeper Ben Roberts is very good, and he will be tough to beat. In League 1 play, he is giving up under a goal a game. Their offense isn't quite as potent, but Striker Chris McPhee is good. He has 8 goals on the year. Word in the football world is that he is unhappy with his current contract and has been pouting a lot. Their other striker, Jamie Mackie hasn't been playing very well and he only has 1 goal and 2 assists on the year despite starting most of their games. It's now more clear why they want Mark Smyth so bad. In any case, this weakness gives me some hope for this game.

We've never played this team before.

They are heavy 1:6 favorites. Odds are 10:1 on us winning.

It's going to be sunny with temperatures in the high 50's.

Here is a look at the starting lineups:

http://64.17.163.76/images/Brighton%20-%20Harrogate.jpg

Here are our reserves:

S1: Bridges (I thought about O'Conner but decided not for this one. If either of them have to play it will be ugly anyway.)

S2: Baker (an impulse start. Davies is starting for the injured Collett, and I think Baker has become my 3rd best winger in practice.)

S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Black

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 10:30 PM

3 minute mark: McPhee gets the ball in the left corner.. crosses to Mackie.. Mackie shoots from 15 yards out.. going for the upper right corner.. Scarsella dives.. catches it!

6 minute mark: Morley gets the ball after intercepting an offensive attack.. passes to Palmer on the right wing.. Palmer passes to Davies who is ahead of him.. Davies dribbles towards the right corner.. centers for Smyth.. Smyth shoots from 20 yards out.. towards the center of the net.. I can't believe it as it sails over the right shoulder of Ben Roberts into the net! GOAL!!!! 1-0. (I have mixed feelings about this.. Glad we scored.. bad that Smyth might make them want him even more ;))

12 minute mark: Flurry of activity in front of our net that finally ends with a McPhee shot from 10 yards out.. Scarsella with a great play to tip it over the bar.

20 minute mark: Mackie gets a yellow card for a hard tackle on Morley.

25 minute mark: Left fullback Ben Phillery gets a yellow card for a tackle on Davies who was about to run by him.

31 minute mark: Surey redirects the opponents attack with a header to Davies.. Davies with a great through ball to Palmer.. Palmer dribbles into the right corner of the box.. Palmer shoots.. just barely wide left.

38 minute mark: McPhee attempts to center the ball for Mackie.. McPhee's pass is partially blocked by Morley.. midfielder Rodgers gets it.. shoots from 20 yards out.. towards the left lower corner.. Scarsella dives.. catches it! Great save!

44 minute mark: Morley blocks a shot by McPhee. Great play. Barnett with a block of a shot by Mackie.

Half time: 1-0 lead for us.

52 minute mark: Wall stops a pass intended for Mackie with a header.

55 minute mark: Scarsella stops a shot from 20 yards by Mackie.

58 minute mark: McPhee dribbles past Wall.. goes to his right.. around Scarsella.. flicks it into the open net. GOAL. 1-1.

61 minute mark: Barnard gets a yellow card for a trip on Schofield.

66 minute mark: Simon Rodger gets a yellow card for a hard tackle on Davies.

75 minute mark: Schofield with a great cross for McPhee.. Scarsella saves the header.

Wright is tired and had gotten a yellow card earlier. I decide to put Baker in for him.

I also decide to put Black in for Barnard who has a yellow card. I debate moving Morley to DC, Barnett to DL, and Black at DR. I also consider just putting Black in at DR. I decide to take the first option.

80 minute mark: Morley with a great tackle on Mackie.. I think I did the right think in trusting him to place DC.

84 minute mark: Schofield crosses for McPhee.. McPhee at the far post.. heads it.. Scarsella is in position and catches it.

93 minute mark: Davies steals it at midfield.. plays a great through ball for Kelly.. Kelly gets it in the box.. tries to put a move on the keeper.. Roberts backpedals.. maintains good position.. Kelly shoots.. Roberts blocks it.. Smyth races to the rebound.. Virgo beats him to it and clears it.

Game over. 1-1 tie! We were dominated, but we managed to hold off for a tie! I think Scarsella played an amazing game.

We were outshot 18-8. (12-5 on goal.)

Scarsella had a great game and 9 for form, but Davies win MoM with a 9 for form, 31 of 40 passes, 4 of 4 tackles, 4 of 5 headers, 3 interceptions, 4 runs, 1 assist.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 10:34 PM

Post Match Info: Mike Davies sprained ligaments in his knee, and will miss at least 2 weeks. Amazing that he played well the whole match. I'm not sure when he was hurt.

5,425 fans attended the match. We just earned 60,000 dollars into the bank. We now have 314,000 in the bank.

The rematch is in 11 days with Brighton on our pitch. Davies will miss it, but Collett will be healthy for that match.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 10:45 PM

December 4th, 2006 -

Today the 3rd round draw for the English FA Cup occurred. If we can somehow get past Brighton we will host Derby (currently 21st in English Championship)

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 11:14 PM

December 9th, 2006 -

We are in 4th place (1 point behind the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placed teams - with GD being in our favor against all of them) and are hosting 10th place Bury. Bury's centreback Paul Scott has played very well this year. Midfielder Terry Dunfield has been very creative. Striker Isaiah Rankin has been a solid finisher with 8 goals on the year. His partner, Lee Matthews is also a good finisher and he has 6 goals. They have a 19 year old keeper in goal. Ben Kirby has been good some games, and bad others. I think we can score on this kid if we can get past the defense.

Bury are 4:6 favorites.

We've never played them before.

It's overcast with temperatures in the high 30's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Morley (An 8 for form in every single game since I started playing him again - including last game where he shifted to DC keeps him in the lineup)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: Bridges
S2: Baker (played well in last 15 minutes of last game.)
S3: Farrell
S4: Shepherd
S5: Black (I feel bad keeping him on the bench, but I'm riding the hot hand at this time.)

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 11:36 PM

19 minute mark: Collett intercepts a keeper kick intended for the left winger... heads it to the right corner of the box.. Palmer gets to it.. dribbles to his right.. around the keeper.. he has open net.. he.. buries it! GOAL!!!! 1-0. That is his 10th of the season.

24 minute mark: Collett steals the ball in our zone.. passes it to Smyth.. Smyth heads it up the field about 10 yards.. Kelly gets to it.. dribbles between two defenders.. into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner... Kirby can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. That is Kelly's 20th goal of the year (not even half of a year up yet.)

36 minute mark: Scarsella plays a long ball down the pitch for Smyth.. gets it in the box.. keeper has come out to cut down the angle.. Smyth shoots.. Kirby blocks it... the defense clears it.

Halftime: 2-0 lead for us.

62 minute mark: Dunfield plays a nice pass between my two centrebacks to get Rankin a good opportunity.. he shoots.. Scarsella saves it!

72 minute mark: Shepherd on for Surey (very tired) and Baker on for Wright (tired)

89 minute mark: Barnett with a big tackle on Rankin in the box.

91 minute mark Dunfield gets the ball from Rankin at 5 yards out.. shoots.. Scarsella tips it over the bar. Wall clears the ensuing corner kick.

Game over. 2-0 win :)

We outshot them 11-10 (5-3 on goal)

Collett wins MoM, 14 of 22 passes, 1 of 4 tackles, 2 of 5 headers, 5 interceptions, 1 run, 1 assit.

Morley had his first non 8 game (a 7) since moving back into the starting lineup.. he has brought his average to 6.89 with the recent spate of good play.

Eaglesfan27

01-02-2005, 11:40 PM

Post Match Info:

The team statkeeper informs me that Smyth's 16 assists is a team record. Not bad. He broke the record in under half of a season.

Next up is the rematch with Brighton at home.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 12:00 AM

December 13th, 2006 -

It's time for the rematch with Brighton, this time on our pitch. We are using the exact same lineup that we used in our last league game.

They are 1:3 favorites. We have 7:1 odds to win.

It's going to be overcast with temperatures in the low 40's.

They are using a 4-4-2 this time. Mackie is not starting this game. Lee Canovile is starting alongside Rodgers in the midfield. Albert Jarrett is starting at left wing. Jon McGovern is starting at right wing. Otherwise, the lineup is the same for Brighton.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 12:13 AM

4 minute mark: Jarrett dribbles down the left sideline.. crosses to Schofield at the far post.. Schofield heads it.. into the net. GOAL. Down 1-0 now.

27 minute mark: Kelly gets it at midfield.. dribbles down the field.. between two defenders.. into the box.. shoots for the lower left corner.. Roberts dives.. tips it wide.. great save.

30 minute mark: Jarrett takes the ball down the left sideline.. great cross to the near post. Canoville heads it.. past Scarsella. GOAL. Down 2-0.

Halftime: Down 2-0. The defense is totally shutting down our attacks.

52 minute mark: Palmer gets it in the right corner.. Palmer crosses.. Cullip heads it before it can get to Kelly. Cullip has played fantastic defense.

70 minute mark: Kelly gets into the box.. shoots.. Roberts blocks it.. Cullip clears it. Many of the 3,339 fans are leaving early.

Game over. 2-0 loss as we were dominated.

They outshot us 6-3 (3-2 on goal)

Centreback Adam Virgo wins MoM, 27 of 32 passes, 7 of 8 tackles, 6 of 6 headers, 4 interceptions, 1 run.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 12:17 AM

Post Match Info:

The team statistician informs me that the 3,339 fans set a gate record for the club with 70,000 dollars this game.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 12:24 AM

December 14th, 2006 -

I think my scout has been smoking some wacky tabacco. He just recommended that I sign Baker from Harrogate. Hmmm... I like the kid too, but that was odd.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 12:26 AM

December 15th, 2006 -

Paul Shepherd damaged his shoulder in practice today. He will be missing about a week.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 12:35 AM

December 16th, 2006 -

Wall injured his knee in practice and will miss a few days (including today's game.) Palmer suffered a thigh strain and will miss about a week.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 12:37 AM

December 16th, 2006 -

Barnet's manager left the team today to become manager of the Wolverhampton Wanderers (17th in English Championship.) Nice to see one of my fellow English Continental managers get a big promotion.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 12:46 AM

December 16th, 2006 -

Crap! I just realized that Farrell is injured too. He suffered a chest injury in practice and will miss the next 3 days.

Today we are in 3rd place and just 1 point behind the 1st and 2nd place teams. We host Lewes which is in 19th place. They have had a rough year and have given up more league goals than any other team in the league. Keeper Ademola Bankole is a 37 year old veteran who still has some skill, but the defense in front of him has been like a sieve. Francis Duku, a centreback, is the only defender who has played well this year. Marc Whiteman has been a very good striker and he has tried to counter the defensive deficiencies with 9 goals. He also has assisted on 4 goals.

We are 2:5 favorites.

We've never played this team before.

It's sunny and temperatures are in the mid 50's.

Our Lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Morley (slides inside with Wall injured)
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Hunter (With Palmer and Farrell hurt, Hunter becomes my best option in this slot.)

S1: O'Conner (young kid has stepped over Bridges on the depth chart due to great practices)

S2: Baker
S3: Morris (young striker might have to play if Hunter becomes tired or Smyth injured.)
S4: Davies
S5: Dunning

Guys who are injured for my team this match: Bridges (would have been replaced anyway), Wall, Shepherd, Atkins, Farrell, Palmer.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 01:06 AM

30 minute mark: Surey with a misplay which Peter Adenyl steals.. good through ball into the box for Whiteman.. he shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL. 1-0. That is Whiteman's 10 goal of the year.

39 minute mark: Hunter is tackled hard with two feet by Aaron Nowacki the centreback. Ref blows the whistle.. reaches into his pocket.. RED card! He is out of here.

44 minute mark: Barnett kicks the corner.. Collett is by the near post.. centreback Francis Duku jumped unfairly with him.. Whistle! Penalty shot awarded! :)

Barnard steps up to shoot the penalty.. lower left corner.. keeper moves but can't get to it.. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

Halftime: 1-1. Hunter is tired (hasn't had much PT so he is out of condition.) I pull him and decide to try Davies up there as a playmaker.

58 minute mark: Collett gets the ball on the right wing.. great pass to Smyth.. Smyth dribbles into the box.. shoots from 20 yards out.. powerful shot.. heading towards upper left corner.. it grazes the bar and sails over.

72 minute mark: Davies gets the ball in the right wing.. great cross.. to Kelly.. Kelly shoots.. Bankole gets in front of it.. blocks the shot.

89 minute mark: Smyth gets it at midfield.. dribbles down the left sideline.. crosses for Kelly.. Kelly settles the pass.. is about to shoot.. Duku tackles him. Clears it.

Game over. 1-1 tie.

We outshot them 10-8, but they outshot us 5-4 for shots on target.

Surey wins MoM, 20 of 21 passes, 10 of 11 tackles, 3 of 5 headers, 6 interceptions.

daedalus

01-03-2005, 08:56 AM

The team statkeeper informs me that Smyth's 16 assists is a team record. Not bad. He broke the record in under half of a season.That boy earnin' his new paycheck, ain't he? :DI think my scout has been smoking some wacky tabacco. He just recommended that I sign Baker from Harrogate. Hmmm... I like the kid too, but that was odd.I've seen that in my tinkerin' with the demo. Generally, it's been because I had the kid set to be scouted then signed them. Still goofy.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 01:20 PM

December 19th, 2006 -

We are currently in 2nd place (3 points behind 1st place Scarborough.) Today we host 17th placed Exeter City. Exeter has several talented players on their team, and have been the victim of bad injuries this year. Several of their guys have recovered and they have started winning some games. Exeter is being led by right winger Jason Price who has 5 goals (he was one of my favorite players back in CM 03/04 when I managed Hull.) Left fullback Dean Moxey has played very well for the defense. Their offense has generally been dormant due to injuries, but they recently acquired striker Adebayo Akinfenwa on loan from Torquay. He hasn't scored in his first two games, but my scout states that he appears to be quite talented.

We've never faced Exeter before.

They are 4:6 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the low 40's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Morley
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Hunter (Palmer and Farrell are both out still.)

S1: O'Conner
S2: Baker
S3: Morris
S4: Davies
S5: Dunning

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 01:37 PM

11 minute mark: Surey intercepts the ball at midfield.. feeds it to Smyth in the left corner... Smyth crosses for Kelly in the center of the box.. Kelly heads it towards the upper right corner... the keeper, Stephen Mildenhall, dives.. can't get to it! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

Halftime: 1-0 in a tame first half, in which our defense is dominating but our offense has generally been shut down.

65 minute mark: Davies on for Hunter. Baker on for Wright.

70 minute mark: Morley with a big tackle to prevent Akinfenwa from having a wide open scoring opportunity.

81 minute mark: Scarsella sends a goal kick to Baker on the left wing.. Baker with a great header of the kick to Smyth on the left corner of the box.. Smyth dribbles once.. shoots for the upper right corner.. hits it off the post.. into the goal! GOAL!!!! 2-0.

Game over. 2-0 win.

We outshot them 8-4 (3-0 on goal.)

Black wins MoM, 16 of 25 passes, 0 of 1 tackles, 0 headers, 12 interceptions(!), 1 run.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 01:41 PM

Post Match Info:

That win puts us into first place! Scarborough and Kidderminster also have 38 points, but we have a superior Goal Differential of +20. Kidderminster's is +12 and Scarborough's is +10. We are now 20 games into the season with a record of 11-5-4. I'll do a half year in review after the next game.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 02:00 PM

December 23rd, 2006 -

We are in 1st place. We are hosting 7th place Aldershot Town today. Aldershot's keeper, Colin Nicholson has played very well this year. Young right fullback Tyron Smith has also played very well. Striker Tim Sills has led the offense with 13 goals. Roscoe D'Sane has also been highly effective with 7 goals and 7 assists. Right winger, Jon Challinor, has played very well also.

We've never faced Aldershot Town before.

They are even odds favorites.

It's going to be sunny today with high temperatures in the low 40's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall (has been recovered from injury and has had good rest.)
DR: Black (played too well last game to sit him.)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer (glad he is back from injury)

S1: O'Conner
S2: Baker
S3: Farrell (also glad he is back)
S4: Davies
S5: Morley

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 02:17 PM

35 minute mark: Kelly gets it at midfield.. passes it up the field to Smyth.. Smyth gets it.. dribbles past a defender.. pass another defender with a nifty move.. into the box.. shoot for the upper right corner.. big left footed shot... over the bar.

Halftime: 0-0. Both defenses playing well.

54 minute mark: Black takes a throw in deep in enemy turf.. throws it to Kelly who is by the left edge of the box.. Kelly draws two defenders.. passes to Wright on the left corner of the box.. Wright with a big powerful shot from 18 yards out.. it sails over the keeper's left shoulder.. GOAL!!!!! 1-0.

62 minute mark: Wright steals it along the left sideline deep in our zone.. passes it to Smyth at midfield along the left sideline.. Smyth dribbles past a defender.. racing towards the box.. past another defender.. shoots from 15 yards out.. towards the upper right corner.. It's past the keeper.. into the net... GOAL!!!! 2-0.

75 minute mark: Wright is tired. Baker on for Wright. Smyth is tired. Farrell on for Smyth. The 2,432 fans give Wright a standing ovation!

Game over. 2-0 win.

We outshot them 9-3 (4-0 on goal)

Wright won MoM, 29 of 38 passes, 1 of 3 tackles, 4 of 5 headers, 2 interceptions, 1 run, 1 assist, 1 goal.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 02:33 PM

Looking in the newspaper, here are the standings at the midpoint of the season:

http://64.17.163.76/images/Season%203%20-%20Midway.jpg

Our 40 goals scored is 1st in the league. Kettering is 2nd with 37. Our defense has only allowed 18 goals which is 3rd in the league. The defense has really settled down since we benched Morley and inserted Barnett into the DC slot. Barnett has played very well at centreback, even though he continues to complain in private to me that he isn't playing his best position. Kidderminster is 1st in the league with only 16 goals allowed, Scarborough is 2nd with only 17 goals allowed.

Our goal differential of +22 is 1st by a nice margin. Kidderminsters is 2nd with +14.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 02:41 PM

For Individual Stats for the Conference:

Average Form:

1. Greg Kelly - 7.70
2. Andrew Wright - 7.58
3. Lee Matthews, Hornchurch - 7.57
4. Alex Tiesse, Woking - 7.57
5. Benjamin Collett - 7.55

Next from my team is Mark Smyth at 27th with 7.40. Ben Surey is tied with a 7.40. Palmer is 36th with a 7.37. Grant Black is 39th with 7.35. We have far more players in the top 50 than any other team.

League Goals:

1. Greg Kelly - 18
2. Darren Lynch, Kettering - 16.
3. Steve Burton, Scarborough - 16.
4. Robbie Talbot, Burton - 12.
5. Tim Sills, Aldershot - 11.
6. 5 people tied with 9 including Jermaine Palmer.

Mark Smyth is 30th with 5.

League Assists:

1. Mark Smyth - 16
2. Chris Moore, Dag & Red - 8
3. Greg Kelly - 7
4. Jon Newby, Bury - 6
5. 13 players tied with 5 including Jermaine Palmer.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 04:22 PM

It's almost the end of December. That means it is time to look for Bosman players soon, and it is time to try to wrap up my own guys to new deals now.

Let's consider the roster:

Atkins - I really only want him back out of loyalty, and really only as a coach. I'll wait til the end of the season to offer him a coach only contract if he retires.

Barnard - 31 year old left fullback is still generally reliable. Makes 140 dollars/week. He wants to sign a neal deal that will take him through June of 2009 for 160 dollars/week. That seems fair so I offer him it.

Morley - 29 year old centreback/right fullback has played well as of late. Currently making 300/week, wants 300/week to sign an additional year onto his contract. Seems like a fair deal, so I agree.

Shepherd - 29 year old defender/midfielder who can play all over the field. Play was poor in first half of season causing him to lose starting job. Still looks good in practices, has good skill level. Currently making 220/week, wants 240/week to add one year extension to contract. I agree to this, but make it clear he is a rotation player. It will be interesting to see if he will sign.

Wright - 28 year old left winger has played very well this year. Looks great in practice. Really is a team leader. He has been making 240/week, now requesting 320/week to sign an additional year. I agree that this is a fair offer, and offer him what he is requesting.

Dunning - 25 year old natural left fullback has played well all over the field in previous seasons. He looks ok in practice, but I question if his determination is enough to play well on this level. I know he isn't good enough to play on League 2 level. I contemplate not offering him a deal. He is currently making 120/week, I decide to inquire what he wants. He says he is unsure he wants to stay with the club since we aren't giving him PT. I decide to offer him 120/week to be a backup to have some insurance.

Fox - 25 year old attacking midfielder/right winger. He really was developing well with PT, but is now regressing without regular PT. He isn't as good as my top two or three options at each position. He is currently making 200/week. He wants 240/week to stay around as a backup. He has played well for our reserve team, and I decide to keep him around, by agreeing to offer him what he wants.

Krief - 23 year old midfielder with excellent speed, physical skills, determination, and not much else. He is making 130/week, and wants 130/week to add another year to his contract. It's mostly sentiment that makes me offer the deal to him.

Collett - Former Manchester Utd right winger has played very well for us this year. He is only 22 and continues to improve. He is requesting 600/week in addition to a 2,000 dollar signing bonus. He also wants a 30 dollar assist bonus. Very fair offer. I agree to offer him what he is requesting.

Curtis - 33 year old defender is planning on retiring. I'm not going to offer him a deal to try to change his mind.

Palmer - Explosive striker can be temperamental at times, but he scores in droves. He is an important part of my trio up front. Currently making 700/week, He wants 700/week, a 10% raise each year, a 100 dollar goal bonus, a 30 dollar assist bonus to sign a 2 year deal. I agree to these terms.

Farrell - 23 year old striker is still ok as a backup. I question if he is good enough to play regularly in league 2. His speed is good, but not great. Not a very good target man. Currently making 280/week, he seems to have declined since signing this last deal. Despite this, he is good insurance and could be my 4th striker (I plan on finding a 3rd through a Bosman signing.) He wants 280/week with a 30 dollar goal bonus, 20 dollar assist bonus, and 10% raise/year. I agree to his requests.

Kelly - 23 year old attacking midfielder/left winger has been excellent as my AMC. He is currently making 550/week, he is requesting 650/week with a 30 dollar goal bonus and 30 dollar assist bonus as well as a 10% yearly raise for a 2 year deal. He also wants a 10,000 dollar signing bonus. I feel this is a VERY fair offer, and I was prepared to pay him 800/week like Smyth. In any case, I offer him what he wants.

Black - 23 year old right fullback who doesn't always look good in practice, but usually plays very well. Currently making 240/week, he is asking for 300/week with a 10% annual raise for 2 years. Seems fair. I don't haggle.

Hunter - 30 year old attacking midfielder/forward. Currently making 100/week. I still think he has some value as an emergency backup. He wants 120/week to sign for an extra year. I like his attitude and agree to his request.

Surey - 24 year old defensive midfielder was my first acquisition for 6,000 dollars. Surey was a great investment and is now worth 52,000 dollars. He has played very well for us and his current salary is 400/week. He is requesting 400/week for 2 more years with 20 dollars/assist. I agree to his request.

Wall - 19 year old defender signed on a free transfer from Coventry. He was 17 when we first started him regularly and he has continued to blossom. He is a workout warrior and looks great in practice. Currently valued at 40,000 dollars. He is making 300/week. Interestingly he is requesting a 4 year deal starting at 280/week with a 10% raise each year. I happily agree.

Scarsella - 24 year old skilled keeper. Signed towards the end of my first year, he quickly seized control of the starting job from Pettinger. He has attracted a lot of attention for the past year. Currently making 300/week. He is requesting 300/week plus a 20 dollar per cleansheet bonus. He also wants a 300,000 dollar release clause. I bump it up to 500,000 and make the offer to him.

Morris - 20 year old striker is currently low on the depth chart, but he shows glimpses of skill in practice. He is only making 90 dollars/week, so I decide to see what he wants. He requests 110/week, plus a 50 dollar appearance fee/game. I remove the appearance fee and offer him 110/week with a 20 dollar/goal bonus.

Sturdy - 21 year old left winger could develop in theory, but he just doesn't look good in practice. Despite only making 100/week, I don't contact him about a new contract.

Marc Smith - 21 year old left fullback not really developing either. However, he has played well in limited time last year. I like his attitude more than Sturdy's. He is making 110/week now. He wants 110/week plus a 40 dollar per appearance fee. I get rid of the appearance fee and offer him 110/week.

The remainder of my players are all signed for 2 or more years.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 04:35 PM

December 25th, 2006 -

Merry Christmas!

Wall signed his contract this morning. He is signed through 2010 now.

Barnard signed through 2009.

Kelly signed through 2009 (YAY!)

Wright signed through 2008.

Palmer signed through 2009 (YAY!)

Farrell signed through 2009.

Shepherd signed through 2008.

Morris signed through 2009.

Collett signed through 2009 (YAY!)

Surey signed a new deal through 2009 (YAY!)

Hunter signed through 2008.

Fox signed through 2008.

Morley signed through 2008.

Scarsella signed through 2009! (YAY!!)

Smith signed a deal through 2008.

Dunning signed through 2008.

Krief signed through 2008.

Black signed through 2009 (yay!)

Wright was named to the English Conference team of the week.

Mansfield (24th in league 2) offered me their head coaching job this morning. I'd have 150,000 dollars for transfer funds and my weekly wage budget could be in the 20,000/week range. The team is devoid of talent, and I think we will be taking their place in league 2. It's easy to turn this job down.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 04:42 PM

December 26th, 2006 -

Today we host Farnborough which are in 13th place. They have been decimated by injuries recently. They will be without their top 3 players (arguably) today. Lee Miles is hurt and is doubtful for the game. AMC Lee Riddell is definitely out for this game. Striker Jermaine Hamilton is out. Right fullback Daniel Simpson is out. They barely have enough guys to field a team. They will be relying heavily on the good play of Lance Cronin who has been a real magician in guarding the net. They will be relying on Ali Chaaban to provide some offense.

We are even odds favorites.

We tied them 2-2 earlier in the year on the road.

It's going to be overcast with temperatures in the mid 30's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Black (played too well last game to sit him.)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: O'Conner
S2: Baker
S3: Farrell
S4: Davies
S5: Morley

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 05:00 PM

11 minute mark: Surey gets whistled for jumping unfairly with midfielder Stephen Hughes. Surey had headed it to Kelly for a breakaway. Kelly argues the call.. Yellow card for Kelly.

12 minute mark: Surey gets a yellow card for a trip on Chaaban.. Palmer argues the call.. yellow card for him too!

15 minute mark: Barnett with a tackle on Chaaban.. Chaaban is out of the game with an injury.

30 minute mark: Paul Harkness (ML) gets a yellow card for a trip on Black. Tony Folan argues the call.. yellow card for him too. This ref really loves that yellow card.

45 minute mark: Palmer gets a pass in the right corner from Collett.. Palmer barely gets to it before it crosses the endline.. centers for the near post.. Kelly jumps.. the keeper Cronin jumps.. Cronin bobbles it.. into the net! Own goal for Cronin!!! GOAL!!!! 1-0 us.

54 minute mark: Collett gets a yellow card for a trip on Harkness.

66 minute mark: This ref worries me... I decide to sub 3 of my guys with yellow cards who are too important to lose for the next match. Davies on for Kelly, Baker on for Collett, and Farrell on for Palmer.

68 minute mark: Barnard intercepts it at midfield along the left sideline.. great pass to Davies in the middle of the box.. Davies turns.. shoots.. lower right corner.. past the keeper.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

Game over. 2-0 win.

We outshot them 7-2 (4-0 on goal) Since I've started Barnett at DC, there has been a drastic reduction in shots that Scarsella has had to face.

Barnard wins MoM, 41 of 53 passes, 0 tackles, 1 of 1 interceptions, 16 passes intercepted! (Black intercepted 13 more), 1 run, 1 assist.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 05:11 PM

Post Match Info:

Surey received his 5th yellow card this game, and will be banned for the next game.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 06:44 PM

December 30th, 2006 -

Today we are in 1st place and we host 2nd placed Kidderminster with both teams having 44 points. After the game, one team will be in 1st place. They have the best defense in the league so far. Adam Bartlett has been great in goal this year. The 20 year old keeper continues to improve in skill. Centreback Richard Walker has played very strong defense and has really neutralized the offense. Left Fullback Anthony Tonkin is a stud defender. Striker Aaron Wilbraham has provided 7 goals this year. Midfielder Gavin Strachan has also chipped in 5 goals. Striker Enoch Showunmi has also chipped in 5 goals. Right winger Ian Foster has chipped in 4 more goals.

We beat them 3-1 on the road earlier this year.

They are even odds favorites.

Surey is suspended and Baker is doubtful for this match.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Black (played too well last game to sit him.)
ML: Wright
MC: Shepherd
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: O'Conner
S2: Fox (since Baker is still somewhat injured.)
S3: Farrell (also glad he is back)
S4: Davies
S5: Morley

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 06:59 PM

20 minute mark: Tonkin has neutralized several offensive attacks by my team.

Halftime: 0-0 tie.

The announced crowd is 2,515.

75 minute mark: Palmer gets it in the right corner.. great cross for the far post.. Walker heads it back over the bar to prevent it from reaching Smyth.

77 minute mark: Palmer gets it.. dribbles down the right sideline.. crosses for Smyth who is in the center of the box.. Smyth shoots.. hits the crossbar.. Walker clears the rebound.

80 minute mark: Kelly gets it at midfield.. great pass between two defenders... Palmer gets it in the box.. shoots for the upper left corner.. Bartlett does a good job of turning it over the bar.

87 minute mark: Barnett gets a yellow card for holding Wilbraham's shirt.

91 minute mark: Smyth is tackled hard by Tonkin. He looks hurt :(

Game over. So much for my prediction that one team will firmly have 1st place. 0-0 tie. Although we will remain in 1st by virtue of better GD.

We each had 5 shots, we each had 2 shots on target.

Scarsella gets MoM.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 07:03 PM

Post match info: Smyth just has a bruised rib. He should be good to play in 3 or so days.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 07:04 PM

Interesting tidbit: Kidderminster and my team have the exact same record: 13-6-4. Scarborough has 1 more win, 3 less ties. They are 3rd due to a slightly lower Goal Differential.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 07:11 PM

January 1st, 2007 -

Arsenal's Jose Antonio Reyes won the World Footballer of the Year award. His teammate Theirry Henry came in 2nd, and Ronaldinho of Barcelona came in 3rd.

Thierry Henry won the World Player of the Year. His teammate Reyes came in 2nd. Damien Duff of Manchester Utd came in 3rd.

Reyes of Arsenal won European Footballer of the Year. Henry came in 2nd. Vincente of Valencia came in 3rd.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 07:15 PM

January 1st, 2007 -

Stevenage boss Graham Westley won English Conference Manager of the Month for 6 victories in their last 7 games. I came in 2nd and, Tommy Coyne of Scarborough came in 3rd.

Hornchurch's Lee Matthews won English Conference player of the month, Keith Gilroy of Scarborough came in 2nd, and Cormac Dooley of Lewes came in 3rd.

Bury's David Buchanan won English Conference young player of the month, Alex Tiesse of Woking came in 2nd, and Anthony Barry of Canvey Island came in 3rd.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 07:18 PM

January 1st, 2007-

Manchester United's Tim Howard won European Goalkeeper of the Year. Iker Casillas of Real Madrid came in 2nd, and Petr Cech of Chelsea came in 3rd.

Arsenal's Ashley Cole won European Defender of the year. Santiago Hernan Solari of Real Madrid came in 2nd, Jonathan Woodgate of Juventus came in 3rd.

Arsenal's Jose Antonio Reyes has won the European Midfielder of the Year. His teammate Patrick Vieira came in 2nd, and Vicente of Valencia came in 3rd.

Thierry Henry won European Striker of the Year. Javier Saviola of Arsenal came in 2nd, and Samuel Eto'o of Barcelona came in 3rd.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 07:19 PM

Mark Smyth's goal against Aldershot Town from December 23rd won Goal of the Month for the English Conference.

Eaglesfan27

01-03-2005, 07:22 PM

January 1st, 2006 -

Mr. Fotherby is absolutely delighted with my performance. I decide that with the team's good play and top of the table standing, it is time to make a request. I request that they improve our training facilities which are only barely adequate and really need major improvements.

Mr. Fotherby responded by stating that the lack of funds makes improving the facilities impossible. I glare at him as I know the team has over 400,000 dollars in the bank and I know that the team has made over 590,000 in profit this year. I consider issuing an ultimatum, but decide not to do so at this time.

BreizhManu

01-04-2005, 07:13 AM

happy birthday :D

Eaglesfan27

01-04-2005, 02:36 PM

Thanks! :)

Ms. Eaglesfan couldn't get off work today :(

Since she just left for work, I'll probably be updating this thread sometime today. In the meantime, I'm about to go spend some of my Birthday money that my mom sent me on Rise of Nations (and the expansion pack) before it is out of stores (assuming I can find it.)

I also got an official McNabb Jersey, X-Men 1 and 2 collectors DVD, a couple of CD's for my birthday. Hopefully, I'll get a USC win tonight too :)

Eaglesfan27

01-04-2005, 04:25 PM

January 1st, 2007 -

Don't tell the team, but I forgot we had a game just two days after our last game. We are in 1st place (but tied for points with two teams) and we face York which is in 16th place on the road. York keeper, Nick Culkin, has been playing really well the last few weeks. He seems like he is stopping everything lately. However, he is facing a lot of shots and some goals are leaking through. Matthew Coad is playing very well in the midfield. Levent Yalcin has been dangerous as a striker with 8 goals and all around great plays.

York beat us 1-0 on our pitch earlier in the year.

York are 4:6 favorites.

It's going to be sunny with temperatures in the low 40's today.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey (back into the lineup)
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Farrell (Smyth is out with his rib injury)
SC: Palmer

S1: O'Conner
S2: Fox
S3: Shepherd
S4: Davies
S5: Morley

Eaglesfan27

01-04-2005, 04:57 PM

6 minute mark: Wright steals the ball on the left sideline.. passes to Farrell at the left corner of the box.. Farrell passes to Kelly who is by the left post of the goal.. Culkin attempts to jump and get the ball.. Kelly jumps.. heads it but Culkin blocks it.. Kelly immediately recovers.. kicks the rebound into the lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

20 minute mark: Matthew Coad gets a yellow card for a harsh tackle on Surey.

22 minute mark: Farrell gets a yellow card for a trip on Kevin Dawson.

25 minute mark: Darren Dunning gets a yellow card for a body check on Collett.

27 minute mark: Michael Staley gets a yellow card for holding Kelly's jersey.

29 minute mark: Benjamin Collett gets a yellow card for unfairly jumping with Coad.

32 minute mark: Farrell gets called for tripping Dave Merris.. that is his second yellow card.. he is out of here! Darn it, this ref loves that yellow card.

I change my tactic slightly and run a 4-4-1-1.

35 minute mark: Adam Arthur gets a yellow card for a trip on Wright.

40 minute mark: Greg Kelly gets called for a hard tackle Adam Arthur.. yellow card (I'm not sure I've ever seen so many yellow cards in a half or such a short period.)

Halftime: 1-0 lead for us, and me wondering if I should pull the guys with yellow cards soon..

48 minute mark: Collett gets whistled for pulling Dunning's Jersey.. fortunately he gets away with a warning.

55 minute mark: Dunning trips Palmer with a 2 footed slide from behind. Yellow card for Dunning.. that is his second. He is ejected.

56 minute mark: Andy Bishop gets a yellow card for pulling Barnett's Jersey.

60 minute mark: I pull Kelly due to his yellow card for Davies. Also, I pull Collett for Fox to protect him from getting his 2nd yellow card.

67 minute mark: Coad with a hard tackle on Surey.. second yellow card for Coad. He is out of here. It's now 10 on 9 soccer in my advantage.

76 minute mark: Andy Bishop gets open inside our box.. shoots for the upper left corner from 15 yards out.. Scarsella.. saves it cleanly!

79 minute mark: Graeme Law intercepts our offensive effort.. quick long pass to the left corner of the field.. Nathan Jones gets to it.. puts a move on black.. great cross for the far post.. Scarsella tries to cut it off.. it sails over his head.. Andy Bishop is by the far post.. jumps.. heads it into the open net. GOAL. 1-1.

92 minute mark: Wright takes the ball down the left sideline.. centers for Davies.. Davies hits it on the half volley.. great block by the keeper.. Davies gets the rebound.. shoots again.. keeper blocks it again. The defense clears it.

93 minute mark: Fox gets a yellow card for a hard tackle on Bishop.

Game over. 1-1 tie.

York received 7 yellow cards this game! We received 5! Dave Whitby has made an impression in mind. I'll have to keep a close eye to see when this ref will be calling one of our games next.

We outshot them 11-8 (5-3 on goal.)

Grant Black wins MoM, 20 of 30 passes, 7 of 8 tackles, 10 of 12 headers, 11 interceptions.

Eaglesfan27

01-04-2005, 05:21 PM

(OOC) I don't remember seeing this in CM 03/04. I think this is a very cool touch. /(OOC)

January 6th, 2006 -

Lennie Curtis walked into my office today. He said that he feels the game has passed him up. He notes that he is not getting any playing time this year. He feels it is time to turn over the reins to younger players. He is retiring effective immediately. I knew that he had announced his retirement at the end of the season, but I wasn't expecting him to retire midseason. I thank him for his service, and tell him to go pick up his last check as it was clear that I wasn't going to be able to convince him to finish the season.

lighthousekeeper

01-04-2005, 05:23 PM

After that, I'd bash their coach in the media for resorting to dirty tactics to try to match up with a superior team.

Eaglesfan27

01-04-2005, 05:33 PM

January 6th, 2007 -

We are currently in 2nd as Kidderminster won their last game and surged into first by 2 points. Today, we travel to face Hornchurch which is currently in 19th place. Their offense has been average, but their defense has been horrible this year. They are plagued by injuries and the word around the conference is that most of their players are unhappy to be on the team. They will be without their best centreback Lee Matthews due to injury. Simon Cox has taken over in goal, but he is giving up about 2 goals/game. Their left winger John Martin is injured. Their second best centreback, Reuben Hazell is also out injured. Bertie Brayley is a good striker who has 9 goals but is reportedly very unhappy with his manager. Charlie Taylor his partner also has 9 goals, and is also reportedly very unhappy.

We beat them 3-0 earlier in the year on our pitch.

We are 6:4 favorites.

It's going to be very windy with rain at times. Temperatures in the mid 40's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth (back from injury. Farrell suspended for the game.)
SC: Palmer

S1: O'Conner
S2: Baker
S3: Atkins
S4: Davies
S5: Morley

Atkins came up to me before the match and complained that he has been dedicated to this club and he was concerned that I hadn't renewed his deal. I asked him what he wanted. He said he wanted 280/week to be a player/coach for another year. I told him he would be a backup player, and he understood that. I offered him what he wanted and decided to put him as a backup out of loyalty.

Eaglesfan27

01-04-2005, 06:25 PM

9 minute mark: Brayley gets a breakaway.. into the box.. shoots from 15 yards.. Scarsella saves.. quickly quicks it to Kelly at midfield.. Kelly with a good pass between two defenders.. to Palmer... he is racing to beat the defender who is trying to catch him from behind.. into the box.. shoots from 17 yards.. just to the left of the keeper.. low.. into the net! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

22 minute mark: Surey with an interception at midfield.. great through ball to the right corner of the box.. Palmer gets to it.. shoots.. for the lower left corner.. good save by Cox.

38 minute mark: Danny Shipp gets it at midfield from the keeper, Cox. He plays a great pass around Surey that Barnett misses. Brayley has an opening.. dribbles to his left.. shoot from 17 yards out.. lower right corner.. great shot.. Scarsella really has no chance.. GOAL. 1-1. That is Brayley's 10th.

Halftime: 1-1 tie.

48 minute mark: Wall gets called for a trip on Taylor.. yellow card.. is it outside the box.. it's going to be close.. Yes it is.. on the line.

The free kick is over the bar.

50 minute mark: Shipp gets it just outside the box.. draws Barnett over to him.. passes around Barnett.. Barnard misses the pass.. it's to Taylor just right of the goal.. Taylor hits the severe angle shot.. it's past Scarsella.. hits the left post.. into the net! GOAL. We are down 2-1 now.

54 minute mark: Palmer gets a throw in at the right corner of the pitch.. centers for Smyth.. great pass.. Smyth shoots immediately under pressure.. wide right of the goal!

57 minute mark: Collett intercepts a kick from Cox at midfield.. plays it up the field for Palmer.. Palmer dribbles into the box.. all alone.. dribbles in further.. to 10 yards.. shoots.. lower left corner.. it's past Cox.. GOAL!!!! 2-2. That is Palmer's 2nd.

59 minute mark: Sheku Kamara trips Palmer to prevent him from burning him again.. Yellow card!

69 minute mark: Barnard intercepts it from Brayley in our box.. dribbles a few steps.. long pass down the length of the field almost.. it bounces just outside the box.. Kelly gets to it.. outrunning two defenders.. dribbles to his left.. shoots to the lower left corner.. past Cox... GOAL!!!! 3-2.

71 minute mark: Brayley has a point blank chance.. Scarsella blocks it.. Wall clears the rebound.

73 minute mark: Barnett with a big tackle on Taylor.

77 minute mark: Palmer gets it.. dribbles into the right edge of the box.. tackled by James Murphy.. the ball goes right to Kelly.. Kelly shoots.. lower left corner.. Cox dives.. it's out of his reach.. GOAL!!!! 4-2.

82 minute mark: Collett steals it on the right wing.. passes it on a rope.. right to Kelly at the edge of the box.. Kelly takes two steps in.. hard shot.. heading to the upper right corner.. Cox doesn't have a chance.. it's IN! GOAL!!!! 5-2. That is Kelly's hattrick! That is also his 50th career league goal for us!

Game over! 5-2 win for us.

We outshot them 13-12 (8-8 for on goal.)

The entire team had 8's or higher for form. Collett, Kelly, and Surey all had 10's. Scarsella and Palmer had 9's.

Kelly wins MoM, 28 of 31 passes, 2 of 3 tackles, 1 of 4 headers, 1 interception, 4 runs, 1 assist, 3 goals.

Eaglesfan27

01-04-2005, 06:32 PM

Post Match Info: Grant Black strained his groin this game. He will be out for about 2 weeks. Joe Barnett strained his neck and will need to miss about 5 days.

Eaglesfan27

01-04-2005, 07:59 PM

January 9th, 2007 -

Mark Atkins signed a contract to be player/coach through 2008. He said this will be his last contract and he will retire after it is over.

Benjamin Collett made it the English Conference Player of the Week.

daedalus

01-04-2005, 11:36 PM

BreizhManu

01-05-2005, 05:14 AM

Almost a sweep! Huzzah!
they're way overrated btw, even more than other english clubs, they won the champions league 3 times in a row in my game

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 10:48 AM

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 10:53 AM

January 9, 2007 -

We are currently in 2nd place (2 points behind Kidderminster) and we are hosting Kettering today. Kettering has been solid all year and are currently in 7th place. However, their star striker Darren Lynch is injured and his offense (17 goals on the year) will be missed. Drew Roberts should be an adequate replacement for Lynch this game as he has nice moves around the net. Michael Nardiello is also a talented striker. However, their keeper has consistently let them down this year. So, the team responded. They have recently acquired Michael Poke on loan from Southampton and presumably this talented keeper will be starting this game.

We have 1 win and 2 losses against them. They beat us 3-2 earlier in the year.

They are 6:4 favorites.

It's going to be sunny with temperatures in the mid 40's.

Black and Barnett are out with injuries.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley
DC: Wall
DR: Shepherd (those injuries force him into this slot - I'd rather have Morley in the middle.)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: O'Conner
S2: Baker
S3: Atkins
S4: Davies
S5: Dunning

BreizhManu

01-05-2005, 11:00 AM

In my career, Milan has won the last 2 Champions League. Arsenal hasn't made it past the final 4 in the one year, and not past the final 8 the other year. Am I correct in assuming FM has some "x-factor" when starting a career?
there is some x-factor, since there are plenting of ratings (don't know how much but let's say 50-100 per player), when, as a researcher, you don't know about one you put 0, and the game will assign a random number to it.

of course there is also the potential rating that can be random too by giving it the value -1 or -2, -1 meaning a possible good player (let's say potential around 100-150 on a 200 scale) and -2 a possible future star (around 150-200). And I know Panoz (Italian Researcher, mister overrating in my opinion) use them a lot.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 11:05 AM

39 minute mark: Catney feeds a ball to Nardiello in the right corner of the box.. Nardiello puts a great move on Barnard.. shoots for the lower right corner... Scarsella dives.. but it is past him.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

41 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball inside the box on a nice pass from Collett.. Kelly shoots.. upper left corner.. great save by Poke.

45 minute mark: Pass from Surey to Kelly.. he dribbles between two defenders into the box... shoots for the lower left corner.. Poke dives.. tips it wide.

Halftime: Down 1-0.

60 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball 30 yards out.. feeds it between two defenders to Smyth in the left corner of the box.. Smyth shoots.. Poke blocks it.

62 minute mark: Palmer has a "4" for form! I'm putting in Davies for him. I also put in Baker for Wright who is tired.

Game over. 1-0 loss.

We outshot them 8-4 (3-2 on goal.)

Michael Poke wins MoM.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 11:08 AM

Post match info: Shepherd severely bruised his shoulder and will miss 2 weeks. Also, my physio thinks Smyth is exhausted and needs some time off :(

SirFozzie

01-05-2005, 12:44 PM

a 4 for form? time to come down like a pound of bricks (not a ton, that's if they do it again). Warn for poor performance? :D

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 05:20 PM

January 13th, 2007,

Today we face Dag & Red in the 3rd round of the FA Trophy. Dag & Red is in my conference and they are currently 10th. We've dropped to 3rd in the conference with our last loss. Dag & Red has been hit hard by injuries. They have lost striker Tony Boot to injury for most of the year. They have also had 3 midfielders hurt for most of the season. Their defense is strong. Tim Cole has been playing exceptionally well at centreback. Left fullback Shane Blackett has also played very well. Attacking midfielder, Mark Bentley has been their lone midfielder to remain healthy. He has played exceptionally well and has racked up 11 goals and 5 assists. Striker Chris Moore has 6 goals.

We beat them 3-0 in a league game earlier this year.

They are 5:4 favorites.

It's a wet muddy day with temperatures in the high 30's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett (freshly back from injury just in time as we NEED him this game.)
DC: Wall
DR: Morley (moves back to right fullback with Black and Shepherd hurt.)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Farrell (I'm taking my physio's advice and sitting Smyth. I plan on resting him against weaker opponents the remainder of the year. Not that this is a weak team, but he needs rest now.)
SC: Palmer

S1: O'Conner
S2: Baker
S3: Atkins
S4: Davies
S5: Dunning

Desnudo

01-05-2005, 05:38 PM

there is some x-factor, since there are plenting of ratings (don't know how much but let's say 50-100 per player), when, as a researcher, you don't know about one you put 0, and the game will assign a random number to it.

of course there is also the potential rating that can be random too by giving it the value -1 or -2, -1 meaning a possible good player (let's say potential around 100-150 on a 200 scale) and -2 a possible future star (around 150-200). And I know Panoz (Italian Researcher, mister overrating in my opinion) use them a lot.

I think another x-factor is player movement. Like I saw that Saviola is on Arsenal in this game. That would definitely give them a boost.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 05:42 PM

2 minute mark: For the second time, Kelly gets Farrell the ball on the left edge of the box.. this time Farrell with a good shot.. keeper Stephen Henderson blocks it nicely... the defense clears.

11 minute mark: Farrell gets it at midfield.. decent pass for Palmer.. he has to go out of his way to get it a bit.. defender catching up to him.. Palmer shoots.. Henderson catches it.

35 minute mark: Scarsella saves a Bentley.. long kick to Palmer.. Palmer gets to it.. dribbles towards the right goal post.. crosses for Wright.. who heads it.. just wide into the left side netting.

Halftime: 0-0 tie. We're dominating time of possession, but showing poor finishing so far.

55 minute mark: Chris Moore gets it at the right corner of the field.. he centers for Bentley.. Bentley and Scarsella both jump for it.. whistle.. Scarsella is called for pushing Bentley! :( Penalty shot awarded. Glen Southam steps up to take the penalty shot.. kicks it .. into the lower left corner.. Scarsella had no chance on a great kick. GOAL. Down 1-0.

68 minute mark: Kelly gets a pass from Surey.. dribbles past two men.. into the box.. shoots from 15 yards out.. towards the lower right corner.. inches wide.

70 minute mark: Kelly draws two defenders towards him just outside the box.. passes around them.. to Palmer.. shoots.. wide left.

I decide to rest Kelly and bring in Davies. Wright is very tired, so I bring in Baker.

80 minute mark: Their centrebacks continue to poke away good offensive efforts by Davies and Palmer.

86 minute mark: Collett crosses it for Davies.. Davies heads it.. into the crossbar. Farrell was flagged for being offsides anyway.

88 minute mark: Baker with a great cross for Davies.. Davies heads it.. Henderson barely manages to tip it over the bar.

Game over. 1-0 loss. We are out of the English FA Trophy.

We outshot them 14-6 (7-2 on goal.)

Stephen Henderson wins MoM with some big saves.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 05:43 PM

This loss has convinced me that it is time to see if I can bring in some cavalry. I decide to start making some loan offers for a good striker and a good Defender to bolster the troops as guys get tired.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 05:57 PM

What the F*!$ (F@!$). Ray Houghton has just left Boston United 11th in League 2 to become manager of Barnet which is 13th in the English Conference. Talk about your backward moves.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 06:24 PM

January 17th, 2007 -

We are currently in 3rd place (5 points out of 1st) and we are traveling to face 6th place Newport County. Newport's best two players Ceri Hughes and Lee Phillips are out injured this game. Keeper Jamie Speare has either been great or bad each game with 10 clean sheets and over 2 goals/game condeded in his other 16 starts. Striker Thomas Carroll has provided 7 goals and Carl Wilson-Denis has provided another 6 from alongside him.

We beat them 4-0 earlier in the year.

We are 4:6 favorites.

It's supposed to be sunny and in the mid 30's today.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall (tired, but has to start with injuries to other guys)
DR: Morley
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Davies (Collett is baned for this game due to too many yellow cards)
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth (this is an important game to stay in the top 5 and move closer to the top of table.)
SC: Palmer

S1: O'Conner
S2: Baker
S3: Atkins
S4: Farrell
S5: Dunning

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 06:46 PM

12 minute mark: Davies with a nice pass to Palmer.. Palmer crosses for Smyth.. he heads it towards the center of the net.. Speare managed to push it over the bar.

18 minute mark: Palmer gets it at midfield.. great pass to Kelly.. he dribbles around two defenders.. into the box.. shoots for the lower right corner.. Speare dives.. tips it wide.

23 minute mark: Kelly trips Nathan Davies.. Davies looks hurt.. he can't go on. Game over for him.

40 minute mark: Wall intercepts an attack.. passes to Surey.. Surey passes across midfield to Kelly.. Kelly passes to Smyth.. Smyth dribbles into the left corner of the box.. shoots.. Speare partially blocks it.. it's trickling towards the goalline.. Centreback Gethin Jones clears it.

Halftime: 0-0 tie. Barnett has had a poor first half. Everyone else is playing well.

57 minute mark: Palmer gets it from Barnard at midfield.. Palmer dribbles around one guy.. past another defender.. around a third defender. into the box.. dribbles to his right.. shoots.. lower right corner.. it's past Speare.. GOAL!!!! What a goal! 1-0.

65 minute mark: Baker on for Wright who is tired.

77 minute mark: Carroll gets the ball inside the box.. great scoring opportunity.. Scarsella comes out to cut down the angle.. Carroll shoots.. lower right corner.. Scarsella makes a great play to get himself in front of the shot.

I'm glad a lack of subs made me keep Barnett in... he has turned it around in the 2nd half and played very well.

91 minute mark: Coates with a great corner kick to Carroll at the edge of the box.. Carroll with a booming shot for the upper left corner.. Scarsella dives.. tips it over the bar.. What a save!

Barnett does a great job of heading clear the ensuing corner.

Game over! 1-0 win for us.

We outshot them 13-7 (7-3 on goal.)

Jamie Speare wins MoM.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 06:49 PM

Post Match Info:

The Physio states that Smyth, Wall, and Barnett all need some rest after this match. I want to rest them, and not burn them out, but I'm worried about sitting them.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 07:22 PM

January 20th, 2007 -

We remain in 3rd place and 5 points out of 1st. Today, we host 21st place Crawley. They have been the victim of a combination of poor offense and poor defense. Striker Danny Marney is the only player to have played well recently and he is out with an injury. Right fullback, Matt Rees is their most consistent defender. Charlie MacDonald has scored 11 goals on the seasona and he is their most dangerous striker, but he has played poorly recently. Keeper Phil Smith has been average at best.

We beat them 4-1 earlier in the year.

We are 5:4 favorites.

It's going to be muddy with temperatures in the 40's.

Due to fatigue and injuries I will be resting several of my best players against this relatively weak team and hoping for the best..

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley (Barnett is tired and injured)
DC: Dunning (huge risk, but Wall is exhausted. I just have a gut feeling that Dunning will get by on determination.)
DR: Black (Back from injury just in time.)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Davies (Smyth is exhausted and Farrell picked up a minor injury in practice)
SC: Palmer

S1: O'Conner
S2: Baker
S3: Atkins
S4: Hunter
S5: Foulkes (hoping to give the kid some PT if we get a big lead.)

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 07:40 PM

12 minute mark: Morley intercepts a ball in our box.. heads it to Palmer.. Palmer with a great 50 yard pass to Davies.. he puts it right on the number.. Davies turns on the jets.. great speed.. burning past the centrebacks.. 15 yards out.. shoots.. lower left corner.. Smith dives.. it's by him! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

19 minute mark: Dunning with a header to clear an offensive attack!

34 minute mark: Rees tackles Davies.. injures him.. Davies is in terrible pain. Hunter on for Davies.

Halftime: 1-0 lead for us. We are dominating ball possession.

53 minute mark: Surey passes it to the right corner.. Palmer races to it.. crosses to Hunter at the far corner.. Hunter misses it.. races to the left corner to get to it.. crosses for Kelly in the box.. Rees pushes Kelly.. Whistle! Penalty shot awarded!

Barnard steps up for the shot.. shoots a hard powerful shot.. just to the right of the keeper.. and into the net.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

66 minute mark: Baker on for Wright.

80 minute mark: Foulkes on for Barnard.

85 minute mark: Collett steals it at midfield.. sends it down the right side of the field.. Palmer gets to it at the right edge of the box.. crosses to Kelly in the center of the box.. Kelly hits it on the half volley.. upper right corner.. keeper has no real good chance.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

87 minute mark: Foulkes heads away a pass.. sends it to Surey.. Surey passes to Kelly.. kelly passes to Palmer.. Hemsley trips Palmer.. Whistle... it's ruled just outside the box.. Yellow card for Hemsley.

Game over. Satisfying 3-0 win.

We outshot them 7-4 (5-0 on goal.)

Grant Black wins MoM, 16 of 35 passes, 0 tackles, 2 of 3 headers, 16 interceptions.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 07:45 PM

Darn it! I'm putting a hit out on Rees. The Physio says that Davies has had his hip dislocated. He will be out for at least 4-5 months.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 07:55 PM

January 21st, 2007 -

Stockport County (21st in League 1) has just fired Sammy Mcllroy. A TV reporter appeared at our facility today and asked me how I felt being the likely replacement. He asked how I would like working with Jamaican superstar Richard Langley. This all came out of left field and shocked me. I thought about saying no comment, but decided to say, "I think Langley is a very talented player, but I'm happy managing Harrogate and have no plans to leave the team."

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 08:09 PM

January 23rd, 2007 -

Mr. Fotherby announced to the media that he is thrilled that I've reaffirmed my committment to the club and that he sees a long career ahead of me. He believes I will be able to take the team to great heights.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 08:18 PM

January 24th, 2006 -

Peterborough United has fired Barry Fry. That same TV reporter appeared at the team facility and approached me after practice. He informs me that most experts believe that I will be the top choice for the job. The club is currently in 16th place in league 1. He tells me that they have several very talented players including Irish Centreback Patrick McCarthy who has 3 U21 caps and is considered to be a rising star. He asks me for a comment on my interest in the job. I reply, "I'm flattered to be considered a front runner for these jobs, but I don't think it is fair to speculate on these matters. I plan on staying at Harrogate for the forseeable future."

Desnudo

01-05-2005, 09:49 PM

"They have been the victim of a combination of poor offense and poor defense."

At least they are consistent from front to back.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 10:45 PM

January 27th, 2007 -

We are currently in 3rd place. We are now only 3 points out of 1st place. We are 2/3 of the way through the season with 14 games to go. We are now facing the dangerous 5th place Woking on their pitch. Woking has been winning due to the dynamic duo of Stevie Ferguson and Amos Foyewa who each have 15 goals from the striker position. Left winger Steve Evans has set up many of those goals and has also contributed 6 goals of his own. If the defense was more consistent, they would likely be at the top of the table. Keeper, Lee Harrison, has been brilliant in some games. He has 12 clean sheet games. However, he has given up 41 goals in his other 19 appearances. Hopefully, we can catch him on an off night.

We tied them 2-2 at home earlier in the year.

They are even odds favorites.

It's supposed to be sunny today with temperatures in the mid 60's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth (well rested now)
SC: Palmer

S1: O'Conner
S2: Baker (becomes my top right and left wing sub with Davies hurt.. I might try him some at AMC as well)
S3: Atkins
S4: Farrell
S5: Morley

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 11:09 PM

6 minute mark: Ferguson gets it at midfield.. dribbles out towards the left sideline.. dribbles up the left sideline.. great speed.. he burns Black.. crosses for Foyewa.. Foyewa has it wide open inside the box.. shoots.. Scarsella does a great job to get in front of it and block it.. Barnett clears the rebound.

14 minute mark: Woking is dominating us.. they earn a corner kick as Scarsella barely tips a Tiesse shot over the bar. Scarsella manages to punch the corner kick out of danger.

19 minute mark: Surey finally ignites our attack.. great pass to Smyth.. Smyth takes it into the left edge of the box.. defender in front of him.. he passes to kelly by the right post.. intercepted by Liam Cockerill who clears it.

40 minute mark: Evans dribbles it up the left wing.. crosses for Foyewa, Barnett heads it clear before it can reach Foyewa at the last second.

45 minute mark: Smyth gets it at the left corner.. centers for Kelly.. Kelly has a good look.. Karl Murray manages to get in front of Kelly's shot and deflect it wide of the net. Great play by the defender.

Halftime: 0-0.

47 minute mark: Kelly gets it at midfield.. plays a perfect through ball for Palmer.. really nice.. Palmer gets to it.. dribbles into the box.. shoots.. Harrison with a great diving catch. Nice save.

68 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball at midfield after Wall heads it to him.. Smyth dribbles a few steps.. fires a pass to Palmer at the right corner of the box.. great pass.. Palmer dribbles into the box.. 1-1 with the keeper.. shoots for the upper left corner.. Harrison blocks it. Cockerill clears it.

78 minute mark: MacDonald steals a pass intended for Palmer in the box.. Kelly looks frustrated.. MacDonald with a long pass to Evans.. Evans heads it into the box nicely for Foyewa. Foyewa takes two steps to his left.. shoots for the lower left corner.. Scarsella dives.. deflects it.. but it still goes into the net. GOAL. Down 1-0.

Baker on for Wright. Atkins on for Surey.

91 minute mark: Atkins gets a pass from Barnard.. Atkins with a nice pass to Kelly.. Kelly dribbles into the box.. shoots.. Harrison barely tips it wide.

92 minute mark: Baker gets it on the left wing.. plays a through ball into the box.. he hit it a little hard.. it goes to the keeper who easily collects it.

Game over. 1-0 loss.

We outshot them 11-10 (5-4 on goal in our favor)

Lee Harrison wins MoM.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 11:22 PM

January 28th, 2007 -

Today Brighton's manager Mark McGhee was fired. That darn reporter is persistent. He was there at the office today to interview me. He said that I'm clearly their top candidate and they are hoping I will bring Mark Smyth with me. They have a generous transfer budget. He also mentions they have the very talented Adam Virgo at DC. They are currently 24th in league 1. The reporter asked me for my comment on my interest in the job.

I have to admit this job is somewhat tempting, but I will remain true to my club. I tell the reporter that I'm not going anywhere.

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 11:35 PM

January 30th, 2007 -

We are currently in 3rd place. We are 5 points behind leader Scarborough. We host Forest Green today, and they have been absolutely horrible. They are last in the conference and will almost certainly be relegated. They have 1 win on the year. Their defense has a little bit of skill, but their offense is absolutely anemic. They have 16 league goals in 29 games. Keeper Danny Greaves has played well at times, but he is the only one on the team who seems to be giving maximal effort every night. The leading scorer is Ben Cleverley who has 3 goals.

Reflecting back, somewhat embarassingly, we gave up 2 of those 16 league goals in our last match with them. We tied them 2-2.

Furthermore, they are 4:5 favorites!

It's going to be wet and cold today with temperatures in the mid 30's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Morley (Barnett needs rest)
DC: Shepherd (Wall needs rest)
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth (is still in good shape.. I consider resting him, but decide we need this win too bad and he is not in need of rest.)
SC: Palmer

S1: O'Conner
S2: Baker
S3: Atkins (despite total lack of speed, played good last game.. I might give him a bit more time this game.)
S4: Farrell
S5: Dunning

Eaglesfan27

01-05-2005, 11:56 PM

28 minute mark: Darren Davies slides two footed into Collett.. referee blows his whistle.. calls Davies over.. Red Card! He is out of here.

33 minute mark: Palmer gets the ball in the right corner of the field.. centers a pass to the far post.. Smyth and Greaves are there.. Greaves outjumps him and punches the ball.. right to Wright in the box! Wright shoots.. lower right corner.. wide open net.. just inside the post.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.

Halftime: 1-0 lead.

55 minute mark: Smyth gets it in the left corner.. centers for Kelly.. Kelly shoots.. nice block by Greaves.. Palmer gets the rebound.. wide OPEN net.. shoots.. hits the crossbar! Matthew Gadsby clears the rebound.

58 minute mark: Smyth is tired. Farrell on for him. Collett looks like he is limping from that earlier tackle that caused the red card. I decide to put Baker in for him.

75 minute mark: Atkins on for Surey.

91 minute mark: Kelly gets the ball just outside the box.. draws two defenders.. passes between them to Farrell in the left side of the box.. Farrell shoots.. Greaves saves it. Nice save!

Game over. 1-0 win.

We outshot them 17-3 (9-1 on goal)

Danny Greaves wins MoM

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 12:03 AM

Post Match Info:

We are now only 3 points out of 1st place. My physio thinks 4 different guys need rest: Barnard, Wright, Palmer, and Smyth. I don't have a game for 10 days and I decide that our next opponent is too good to rest most of these guys. Hopefully, I don't damage these guys long term, but we need to win now. If they start deteriorating, I'll pick up some new guys.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 12:07 AM

January 31st, 2007 -

NO! Today Black strained his quadriceps in practice. He will miss around 2 weeks.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 12:40 AM

Feb. 1st, 2007 -

Scarborough's Tommy Coyne won English Conference Manager of the Month with 5 wins in his last 7 games.

John Cunningham of Dag & Red came in 2nd, John Keeley of Kidderminster came in 3rd.

Hornchurch's Lee Matthews won Player of the Month. Mark Bentley of Dag & Red came in 2nd. Keith Gilroy of Scarborough came in 3rd.

Stevenage's Owen Price won young player of the month. Alex Tiesse of Woking came in 2nd. Charlie Taylor of Hornchurch came in 3rd.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 12:59 AM

Feb. 7th, 2007 -

Benjamin Collett made English Conference Team of the Week.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 01:22 AM

Feb. 10th, 2007 -

Today we are in 3rd place. We are 3 points behind the leader. Today we host 7th placed Burton. They are fighting to work their way into the playoffs. Burton's Robbie Talbot has been a beast with 17 goals and 6 assists. He has played very well, and has been a major factor in the team's success. He is an extremely dangerous striker. Darren Stride is an above average centreback who has played very well this year. Left wing Aaron Webster has also played well this year. Keeper Neil Thomas has an impressive 15 clean sheets on the year.

We tied them 0-0 earlier in the year.

They are 4:6 favorites.

It's going to be muddy with temperatures in the high 40's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Morley (has to play with Black's injury)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth (This game is too important to rest him.)
SC: Palmer (Ditto.)

S1: O'Conner
S2: Baker
S3: Atkins (surprisingly solid in limited action in the last 2 games.)
S4: Farrell
S5: Dunning

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 01:48 AM

3 minute mark: Palmer gets called for a vicious bodycheck on Stuart Anderson.. Red Card. Palmer is ejected. What a stupid play!

20 minute mark: Smyth gets it on the left wing.. dribbles it up the left sideline.. passes to Kelly inside the box... Kelly shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper isn't going to get there.. it's over the bar.

44 minute mark: Both keepers have made a few easy saves. Smyth dribbles down the left sideline.. around the right fullback.. centers for Surey.. Surey settles it.. shoots from 15 yards.. blistering shot.. Thomas with a good save.

Halftime: 0-0.

48 minute mark: Bloody hell! Barnett gets called for a trip on Talbot.. Yellow card.. Barnett argues the call.. 2nd yellow card! He is ejected! We are now down two men.

I decide to sub out Smyth. I bring on Dunning to play DC, and change to a 4-3-1 formation (with the 1 being an AMC - Kelly)

61 minute mark: Who the heck paid off this ref! Wright gets a yellow card for a trip on Stride. Wright argues the call.. 2nd yellow card! He is gone! We are now down 3 men!

I decide to pull Kelly and put on Baker at left wing, playing 4 along the defensive line and 3 in the midfield. We are just going to try to hold onto the tie at this point.

71 minute mark: Morley intercepts the ball.. dribbles up the sideline.. shoots from midfield.. long shot.. it bounces.. over the keeper's head.. just barely wide left..
Goal kick.

79 minute mark: Talbot leads an attack.. passes to Pearman inside the left half of the box.. Pearman shoots for the right corner.. great save by Scarsella.

88 minute mark: Morley with a good header to prevent a pass from getting to Talbot.

Game over. 0-0 tie. I'm sort of angry at both my players and the ref, at the same time, I'm thrilled the other 8 guys hung together and managed to hold off the opposition for a shutout tie.

They outshot us 15-6 (5-1 on goal.)

Davey Luker won MoM, 36 of 48 passes, 10 of 14 tackles, 4 of 5 headers, 2 interceptions, 1 run.

daedalus

01-06-2005, 02:04 AM

That's impressive.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 02:06 AM

Post Match Info:

Barnard hit his yellow card limit, he will be banned for the next match.

Barnett, Wright, and Palmer each were suspended for one game.

Morley and Surey each sprained their ankles. They will miss about 5 days.

Unfortunately, our next game is in 4 days. Therefore, we will potentially be without our entire defensive line. In total, we will likely be missing 8 guys our next game.

Despite only getting a tie, we are still only 3 points out of 1st place. We are 11 points ahead of the 6th place team.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 02:11 AM

Correction. Wall is tired, but available for this next game. Therefore, my entire defensive line won't miss the game. No rest for the weary. I'm trying to figure out who will start the next game, and at least one or two guys are going to start out of position.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 02:28 AM

Feb 14th, 2007 -

I normally don't play guys the day they finish recovering from an injury, but Black just recovered and I need him to start.

Morley, Barnard, Barnett, Surey, Wright, Davies, and Palmer are the guys who are either hurt or suspended for this game.

We travel to play 13th place Barnet today. Their keeper, Matthew Baker has been strong in goal the last few weeks. However, their offense has been disappointing. Liam Hatch, the striker, leads all scorers with 8 goals. Lee Roache his partner has 6 more. The defense is solidified by Sagi Burton.

We beat this team 1-0 at home earlier in the year.

They are 4:6 favorites.

It's expected to rain with temperatures in the low 40's.

Our Lineup:

GK: Scarsella (might have to be spectacular today for a win)
DL: Foulkes (I almost started Smith, but Foulkes has looked better in practice between the two young fullbacks)
DC: Shepherd (by default)
DC: Wall (tired but I need him to come up big.)
DR: Black (Back from injury.. just in the nick of time.)
ML: Baker (easy choice with Wright out.)
MC: Atkins (tough call, but he has played quite well in limited time the last few games)
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly (Has really cooled off the last month or so. We need him to get it going again.)
SC: Smyth
SC: Farrell

S1: O'Conner
S2: Fox
S3: Krief (likely will have to play as I have no illusions about Atkins endurance.)
S4: Morris
S5: Hunter

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 02:57 AM

1st minute: Simon Griffiths is tripped by Atkins. Free kick. Simon King takes the free kick.. nice pass to Darius Henderson by the left post.. Henderson settles the ball... turns around.. shoots.. past Scarsella.. GOAL. 1-0. Not a good start.

7 minute mark: The left winger, Clist takes it down the sideline.. crosses for Roache.. Wall heads it away but Legate gets it.. passes to Henderson by the right post.. Henderson heads it.. into the goal. GOAL. Down 2-0.

14 minute mark: Robinson has it on the right wing.. centers for Legate.. he heads it to Roache.. Roache heads it from by the right post.. into the net.. GOAL. 3-0. Skillful goal.. our defense looks horrible.

16 minute mark: Scarsella with a long kick... Kelly gets to it.. Burton has the speed to catch him from behind.

20 minute mark: Farrell gets it on the right edge of the box.. crosses to Kelly who is on the left edge of the box.. Kelly shoots.. wide right.

21 minute mark: Farrell with a pass from the right corner of the field to Collett who is at the right corner of the box.. Collett shoots.. nice shot towards the lower right corner.. Baker saves it.

41 minute mark: Atkins hits the corner kick towards the far post.. Shepherd outjumps his man.. heads it.. into the center of the net.. GOAL!!!! 3-1.

44 minute mark: Simon King with a long pass to Henderson.. Shepherd misplays it.. Henderson heads it.. upper left corner.. GOAL.. 4-1. That is Henderson's hattrick.

Halftime: We are down 4-1. Kelly is playing horribly. 4 for form. He looks tired as well. I decide to put Fox in for him. Atkins has played well, but he is tired. I put Krief in for him.

62 minute mark: Farrell gets it on the edge of the box.. puts a move on his man.. dribbles a few steps.. shoots from 15 yards out.. Great save by the keeper.

65 minute mark: Smyth dribbles down the left sideline.. great pass to Fox.. open left side of the net.. Fox shoots for the upper left corner.. over the bar! I decide to pull Smyth as he is tired, and this game is over. Morris on for Smyth.

Farrell is also very tired, but we are out of subs.

75 minute mark: Robinson has it on the right wing.. centers for Legate.. Legate shoots from 30 yards out.. sails over Scarsella's right shoulder.. he should have stopped that. GOAL. Down 5-1 now.

87 minute mark: Dan Beck takes the free kick from 20 yards.. shoots between cracks in the wall.. upper right corner.. Scarsella is late picking it up through the wall.. GOAL.. Down 6-1.

Game over. We got our ass kicked 6-1. That will put a dent in our league leading Goal Differential.

They outshot us 17-11 (11-7 on goal.)

Darius Henderson wins MoM, 47 of 48 passes, 0 tackles, 3 of 6 headers, 1 assist, 3 goals.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 03:04 AM

Post Match Info:

Kelly picked up a suspension for a game due to too many yellow cards.

Crystal Palace has made an inquiry into how much we want for him. I was wondering how long it would be until the vultures started searching him out.

We are still in 3rd place, 4 points out. Our GD has been lowered to +25. That is still better than 1st place Scarborough (+21) and 2nd place Kidderminster (+20), but the margin is much smaller now.

We have 10 games left on the season. We need to get on a roll again.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 09:16 AM

Feb. 15, 2007 -

WTF?!?

Kevin Nugent just left Scarborough (1st in English Conference National) to go coach at Sutton United. Sutton is currently 14th in the English Conference South. I'm confused by these coaches who take what appear to be backward steps down the job ladder.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 09:30 AM

Feb 17th, 2007 -

We are currently in 3rd place. We are 4 points out of 1st place. We are hosting Morecambe which is in 12th place today. Morecambe's offense has been below average this year, but their defense has been above average. Danny Carlton has been their most consistent player and he has 10 goals on the season. Attacking midfielder, Michael Twiss has 4 goals and has played very well in the midfield. Left fullback David Perkins is one of several good defenders, but he has been the most consistent. Keeper Anthony Williams has been very acrobatic in goal, and he has 8 cleans sheets in 18 starts this year.

Morecambe beat us 2-1 on the road earlier in the year.

They are even odds favorites.

It's going to be overcast with temperatures in the low 40's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Baker (for the suspended Kelly)
SC: Smyth
SC: Palmer

S1: O'Conner
S2: Fox
S3: Shepherd
S4: Farrell
S5: Morley

Most of our guys are back (thankfully.) The only guys who are suspended or injured are: Kelly, Davies, and Lee Morris.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 09:49 AM

19 minute mark: Barnett with a big tackle on Carlton in the box. So far, they are dominating time of possession.

25 minute mark: My heart skips a beat as Twiss sets up Carlton with a great pass.. Carlton has it in the box.. shoots from 15 yards.. wide left. whew!

38 minute mark: Wall trips Carlton just outside the box.. yellow card. That will get him a suspension for the next game for too many yellow cards.

45 minute mark: Ruffer does a great job of beating Smyth to a ball in the left corner.. The defense is fast and their speed is neutralizing Smyth, Baker, and Palmer.

Halftime: 0-0.

53 minute mark: Baker with a bad decision to pass it back to the keeper with Twiss in the line of fire.. Twiss intercepts it.. Scarsella does a great job to block his quick shot.. rebound heading towards Carlton.. Wall with a great last second tackle.. ball goes to Chris Blackburn.. he fires a shot into the wide open left side of the net.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

70 minute mark: Smyth gets it.. dribbles down the left sideline.. nice cross for Palmer by the far post.. Palmer heads it.. saved by Williams.

72 minute mark: I sub on Fox for Baker, Farrell for Smyth both due to fatigue. I also tell the team to press the attack more.

Game over. 1-0 loss :( Teams with fast centrebacks are shutting us down for the most part.

We were outshot 13-6 (6-0 on goal)

Jim Bentley (DC) won MoM. He doesn't have great speed, but he has great positioning and technique. 20 of 33 passes, 5 of 5 tackles, 10 of 10 headers, 7 interceptions.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 09:54 AM

Post Match Info:

Scarborough won their match, so we are now 7 points out of 1st place with 9 games to go. We are 7 points ahead of the 6th place team.

Wall is suspended for our next game.

The Physio reports that Smyth and Wright need rest next game. Wall also needs rest. Least one of them will get it.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 10:05 AM

Feb. 19th, 2007 -

Yes! After many rejections (actually many many many rejections), I finally convinced a player to come join us on loan. Wigan's David Moore has agreed to come on loan for 3 months. He will hopefully arrive in time for tomorrow's game to help boost our offense.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 10:29 AM

Feb 21st, 2007 -

I didn't get the chance to watch any of these matches as I was trying to devise some new gameplans, but I saw the summaries on the telly.

In the 1st knockout round of the European Champions Cup:

Barcelona demolished Real Madrid 5-0. It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can come back at home.

Chelsea and Milan tied 0-0. This doesn't bode well for Chelsea going to play on Milan's pitch.

Inter beat Amica 3-0.

Leverkusen and Juventus played to a 1-1 tie.

Liverpool beat Club Brugge 2-0.

Lyon beat Arsenal 2-1! It will be interesting to see if Lyon can hold out on Arsenal's pitch.

Man Utd and Porto played to a 1-1 tie on Man's pitch.

Valencia and Sampdoria played to a 1-1 tie.

David Moore made it to the team yesterday, and he is already working with the 1st team. Hopefully, he can help reinvigorate the attack.

SirFozzie

01-06-2005, 10:38 AM

Personally, a 0-0 tie at home doesn't bother me..

why?

Because no away goals.

One away goal in the 2nd leg means THEY have to score two, or you win.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 10:44 AM

Feb 24, 2007 -

Today Crystal Palace offered 120,000 dollars, 50% of next sale, and a friendly at our stadium next season for Greg Kelly.

Kelly has really slowed down the 2nd half of the season, but he had an amazing 1st half of the season. I decide to decline the offer and cross my fingers hoping Kelly isn't disappointed.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 10:50 AM

Feb 24, 2007 -

We are in 3rd place and we are traveling to play Dag & Red who are in 6th place and fighting to work their way into a playoff position. Dag & Red has had a varied offense that has scored from many different players and positions. Fortunately, their main leader attacking midfielder Mark Bentley is doubtful for this game due to strained knee ligaments. He will likely not play, and if he does, he will not be 100%. Striker Chris Moore is dangerous and he has 12 goals. Centreback Tim Cole has been playing in a superior fashion the last 5 games. Keeper Stephen Henderson has played very well the last month.

We beat them 3-0 in league play this year, but they beat us 1-0 in the English FA Trophy match as Henderson totally shut us down with a great effort.

They are even odds favorites at home.

It's going to be overcast with temperatures in the low 40's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Morley (for the suspended/tired Wall)
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly (I need him to wake up from this 2nd half funk)
SC: Smyth
SC: Moore (Newcomer looks great in practice.. hoping he can ignite the offense.)

S1: O'Conner
S2: Farrell
S3: Shepherd
S4: Palmer
S5: Baker

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 10:51 AM

Personally, a 0-0 tie at home doesn't bother me..

why?

Because no away goals.

One away goal in the 2nd leg means THEY have to score two, or you win.
Very good point.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 11:15 AM

First thing I notice is that Dag & Red are coming out with a unique looking 4-3-1-2 in an odd alignment that I've never seen before. It will be interesting to see if we can shut down AMC Craig MacKail-Smith who appears to be the focal point of this formation.

6 minute mark: Barnett appears to have picked up a minor injury. I consider bringing on Shepherd but decide to see how long Barnett can play effectively.

8 monute mark: Moore gets the ball in the right corner.. great speed getting to the ball.. centers for Kelly in the right side of the box.. Kelly shoots.. Henderson blocks it and tips it wide of the net.

23 minute mark: Black stands by the near post on a corner kick and makes an important header to prevent Chris Moore from getting a good scoring chance.

25 minute mark: David Moore gets a long kick from Scarsella.. 30 yards out.. turns on the speed.. races up the field.. into the box.. tries to dribble to his right around the keeper.. Henderson backpedals.. Moore shoots.. Henderson blocks it.. Shane Blacklett clears it.

28 minute mark: Chris Moore sets up MacKail-Smith with a great pass... good shot from MacKail-Smith.. Scarsella with a nice play to tip it over the bar.

34 minute mark: Barnett with a good long pass to Kelly.. he dribbles past the centreback.. into the box.. steps to his left.. Henderson maintaining good position.. Kelly shoots.. Henderson blocks it.. defense clears it.

45 minute mark: Barnard intercepts it in our zone.. plays it up the left sideline to Wright.. Wright with a good through ball.. Kelly races to the ball.. gets it just outside the box.. two dribbles into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. Henderson can't get to that one... it is.. just inside the post... GOAL!!!! 1-0.

Halftime: 1-0.

60 minute mark: Kelly with a nice pass to David Moore.. he races past the defender.. showing great speed.. he isn't going to be caught.. into the box.. shoots.. lower left corner.. it's past the keeper.. just wide.

63 minute mark: Intricate series of passes gets MacKail-Smith the ball about 15 yards out inside the box.. he shoots.. Scarsella with a good clean save.

69 minute mark: Collett gets the ball from Black.. Collett with a good pass to Moore..Moore dribbles past his defender.. dribbling towards the right post.. Keeper is trying to block the shot.. defender is trying to cover Smyth who is by the left post.. Moore passes.. past the keeper.. past the defender.. to Smyth.. open net on the left side.. Smyth taps it in.. GOAL!!!! 2-0. What an artistic goal.

72 minute mark: Palmer on for Moore, Farrell on for Kelly, and Baker on for Wright.

Game over. 2-0 win. The team played very well. Except for the subs, everyone got an 8 or higher for form. The subs all got 7's.

They outshot us 18-11 (but we outshot them 8-6 on goal)

Scarsella wins MoM.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 11:25 AM

Feb. 26, 2007 -

Wright and Collett both made the English Conference Team of the Week.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 11:35 AM

Feb 28, 2007 -

Wright sprained his ankle in practice today. He is expected to miss about 2 weeks :(

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 11:42 AM

Feb 28th, 2007 -

Yes! Crawley managed to do the unlikely and tie Scarborough 1-1. As a result, we are now only 5 points (instead of 7) out of 1st place with 8 games to go.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 11:51 AM

March 1st, 2007 -

Barnet's Ray Houghton won manger of the month for the English Conference for 3 wins in the last 5 games. John Dreyer of Exeter City came in 2nd. Dean Harrison of Bury came in 3rd.

York City's Andy Bishop won Player of the Month. He has 5 goals in the last 5 games. Dave Challinor of Bury came in 2nd, and Richard Walker of Kidderminster came in 3rd.

Woking's Luke Oliver won young player of the month. Adam Arthur of York City came in 2nd, and Callum Legate of Barnet came in 3rd.

Former England International player, David Platt has taken over as manager of Brighton. Platt had 62 caps during his playing career.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 11:56 AM

March 3rd, 2007 -

We are in 2nd place (tied for points with Kidderminster but ahead on GD) and we are traveling to play Stevenage which is 9th place today. Stevenage acquired Owen Price on loan from Tottenham about a month and a half ago, and they have ben playing very well since then. Price is a skilled young striker who has 11 goals in 15 appearances. Anthony Elding has played well alongside him, and he has 12 goals on the season. Midfielder Richie Hanlon also has 12 goals. Keeper Chris Neal has played well over the past few weeks.

We beat them 3-1 on our pitch earlier in the year.

They are even odds favorites.

It's going to be sunny with temperatures in the mid 50's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Wall (Barnard needs rest, and I don't trust my young left fullbacks enough for this important game.)
DC: Barnett
DC: Morley
DR: Black
ML: Baker (for the injured Wright)
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly (needs to build on his 1 goal last game)
SC: Smyth
SC: Moore (Newcomer looks great in practice.. hoping he can continue to play well.)

S1: O'Conner
S2: Farrell
S3: Shepherd
S4: Palmer
S5: Fox

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 12:35 PM

First thing that I notice is that Stevenage is one of the first teams to play a 3-4-3 against us. This should be interesting.

1st minute: We get the counter attack going.. Morley hits it out to Baker.. Baker dribbles up the left sideline.. centers for Kelly.. he is all alone in the box.. kicks it.. over the bar!

4 minute mark: Kelly gets it at midfield.. great through ball for Moore.. Moore gets to it.. about to dribble into the box.. vicious tackle from behind by Ben Chenery. Whistle. Yellow card for Chenery.

6 minute mark: Morley gets a yellow card for a trip on Price.

8 minute mark: Collett gets a yellow card for a trip on the left winger, Nurse.

Darn it. The ref is John Pearce.. He loves that yellow card.

12 minute mark: Barnett saves an almost sure goal as he tackles Price after Price receives a great pass that had given him an open net to shoot into.

16 minute mark: Paul O'Brien with a nice pass to get Price the ball.. Price inside the box.. good shot for the lower left corner.. Scarsella dives.. catches the ball.. what a save!

31 minute mark: Baker gets it to Kelly just outside the box.. Kelly dribbles.. being chased by two defenders.. dribbles to his left.. shoots for the lower right corner.. it's past the keeper.. just wide.

33 minute mark: Smyth steals it deep in Stevenage's zone.. passes to Moore.. Moore draws the defender.. quick pass to Kelly.. he is alone in the box.. shoots for the upper left corner.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

35 minute mark: Barnard intercepts a pass.. great long pass to Moore.. Moore shoots from 20 yards out.. towards the lower right corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it wide.

37 minute mark: Smyth gets it at midfield.. plays a great pass for Kelly.. Laker with an amazing play to get back and head it away.

41 minute mark: Wall intercepts the ball.. passes it long for Smyth.. he is all alone.. dribbling towards the box.. flag.. offsides.. Wall is furious.. argues the call.. Yellow card for Wall.

42 minute mark: Smyth gets a long pass from Surey in the left corner of the pitch.. crosses to Moore.. Moore heads it.. the keeper blocks it.

43 minute mark: Ben Chenery gets called for pulling Kelly's jersey... yellow card! That is his second. We'll now have the man advantage as Chenery leaves the field.

44 minute mark: Elding backs into Kelly.. Whistle on Elding. Paul O'Brien argues the call.. Yellow card for O'Brien. The ref moves the free kick up 10 yards for dissent.

Halftime: 0-0.

46 minute mark: Smyth gets it in the left corner of the pitch.. crosses for the far post.. Moore with a diving header... great save by the keeper.

56 minute mark: Moore trips Francis Tierney.. yellow card on Moore.

62 minute mark: Quite a few of my guys have yellow flags, I decide to Pull Moore to protect him from a second yellow card, and put in Palmer. I'm going to give Kelly a few more minutes before I sub in Farrell.

66 minute mark: Richard Hanlon with a great cross to Elding.. he is alone in the box.. Great Save by Scarsella!

83 minute mark: Baker with a nice through ball for Kelly.. Laker catches Kelly before he can dribble.. tackles him.. the ball goes back to the keeper.

85 minute mark: Farrell in for Kelly in an effort to get fresh legs onto score late.

88 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball at midfield.. despite being tired.. dribbles down the field.. Smyth beats a defender.. dribbling towards the left post.. has Farrell open on his right.. Smyth shoots.. keeper blocks it.. Farrell tries to get to the ball, but Laker beats him to it.

92 minute mark: Wall with a big header to clear a corner that would almost certainly have been an Elding goal if it reached it's mark.

93 minute mark: Laker manages to intercepts a cross from Smyth that was intended for Palmer.

Game over. 0-0 tie.

We outshot Stevenage 17-9. (9-4 on goal)

David Wietecha shocks us in only his 3rd start of the season and wins MoM.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 12:37 PM

Post Match Info:

Fortunately Scarborough tied as well. We lost the opportunity to gain ground, but at least we didn't lose any ground either.

We continue to be 5 points out of 1st place.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 12:38 PM

March 4th, 2007 -

Hull have made an inquiry about Wright. I really like Hull and their manager, but I tell them he is not for sale at this point.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 04:59 PM

March 7th, 2007 -

Inter beat Amica 2-0 to win 5-0 on aggregate.

Arsenal beat Lyons 4-1 to win 5-3 on aggregate.

Club Brugge beat Liverpool 1-0, but loses 2-1 on aggregate.

Juventus beat Leverkusen 3-0 to win 4-1 on aggregate.

Milan beat Chelsea 1-0 to win 1-0 on aggregate.

Man Utd beat Porto 5-2 to win 6-3 on aggregate.

Barcelona and Real Madrid tied 0-0. Barcelona wins 5-0 on aggregate.

Valencia beat Sampdoria 3-2 to win 4-3 on aggregate.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 05:45 PM

March 10th, 2007 -

We are currently in 2nd place. We are 5 points out of 1st with 7 games to go. Today, we host 16th place Worcester. Worcester is led by midfielder Antony Sweeney. Centreback Barry Woolley has played very well for them too. Keeper Danny McDonnell has 15 clean sheets on the year. Striker Mark Owen has 11 goals on the year.

We beat them 1-0 on the road earlier this year.

They are 6:4 favorites.

It's expected to be overcast with tempertures in the low 50's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Morley (Wall gets one last game of rest)
DR: Black
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Palmer (Smyth desperately needs rest.)
SC: Moore

S1: O'Conner
S2: Farrell
S3: Shepherd
S4: Baker
S5: Fox

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 06:06 PM

11 minute mark: Robert Warner with a very good pass between my defenders.. sets up Owen in the box. Owen with a blistering shot.. Scarsella had come out to challenge him.. he blocks it... it is trickling towards the goal.. it rolls wide left.

15 minute mark: Kelly steals it at midfield.. passes to Palmer 15 yards ahead of him.. Palmer passes to Moore just outside the right corner of the box.. Moore puts a move on the defender.. beats him.. dribbles into the box.. shoots for the lower right corner.. the keeper dives.. it's past him.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. That is Moore's first goal for us.

Halftime: 1-0 lead. We are dominating ball possession. Wright looks tired. As a result, I will replace him soon.

50 minute mark: Wright takes a little knock. I decide to pull him for Baker.

62 minute mark: Scarsella with a GREAT save of a point blank shot by Sweeney.

67 minute mark: Barnett blocks a shot by Owen.. it goes to their other striker James Stevenson.. Stevenson shoots for the lower left corner.. it's between the defenders.. Scarsella has no chance on this play.. it's in the net. GOAL. 1-1 tie.

Game over. A disappointing 1-1 tie at home.

We outshot them 7-6 (3-2 on goal)

Centreback Mark Ricketts won MoM, he did a nice job of shutting down our offense most of the game. 16 of 34 passes, 3 of 5 tackles, 10 of 14 headers, 5 interceptions.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 06:10 PM

Post match info:

Black strained his wrist. He will miss about a week.

Palmer stubbed his toe!?! He will miss about 5 days.

Fortunately, Morecambe beat Scarborough. We could have gained more ground, be we have gained a point on them. We are now only 4 points out of 1st with 6 games to go.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 06:40 PM

March 17th, 2007 -

We are in 2nd place. We are currently 4 points out of 1st with 6 games to go. Today Scarborough will travel to play 16th place Worcester. We will travel to play 17th place Canvey Island. Canvey's offense has been good, but the defense has let them down this year. They have a variety of goal scorers including their two main strikers, Oliver Berquez and Lee Boylan. Midfielder Anthony Barry also has chipped in 5 goals. Right winger Ben Sedgemore has also chipped in 5 goal.

We beat them 1-0 at home earlier in the year.

We are 6:4 favorites.

It's a muddy day with temperatures in the high 40's.

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Morley (for the injured Black.)
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth (likely no more rest in these last 6 games.)
SC: Moore

S1: O'Conner
S2: Farrell
S3: Shepherd
S4: Baker
S5: Palmer

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 07:04 PM

11 minute mark: Collett gets the ball at midfield.. dribbles up the right sideline.. crosses for Kelly.. great pass.. Kelly has it in the box.. Kelly shoots for the lower right corner.. Great play by the keeper to fling his body in front of it and block it.

12 minute mark: Wall with a long pass to Smyth.. Smyth gets it in the box.. shoots.. over the bar.

23 minute mark: Smyth passes to Moore at the right edge of the box.. he heads it to Kelly.. Kelly shoots for the upper right corner.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

OOC: During this game, I just now realized a BIG mistake that I've made during the 2nd half of the season. I think I forgot to put Atkins (my only outfield coach) back in charge of the correct schedule when I resigned him. If I did.. my guys have been training with no coach for 3 months which would explain this sudden lack of accuracy in the 2nd half of the season! I can't wait to check this after this game. /OOC.

37 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball after a long pass from Barnett.. Smyth dribbles into the box.. shoots for the upper right corner.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

40 minute mark: Gorden dribbles down the right side of the pitch.. long cross for the left side of the field to Sean Evans.. Evans shoots.. lower right corner.. Scarsella can't get to it.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

Halftime: Down 1-0.

70 minute mark: Kevin Dobinson gets the ball inside the right edge of the box... blistering shot to the right corner.. past Scarsella.. GOAL. Down 2-0 now.

Game over. 2-0 loss.

They outshot us 14-12 (6-5 on goal)

Lee Gordon wins MoM, 21 of 27 passes, 1 of 2 tackles, 1 of 2 headers, 5 runs, 1 assist.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 07:10 PM

OOC:

DARN IT! I've been playing over 2 months of the season.. almost half of a season with NO coach teaching my guys. No wonder my offensive production has gone way down! I though they were just tired, but I never reassigned Atkins when I redid his deal. This was such an idiotic mistake that may have cost us promotion. Looking at Kelly and Smyth, I see that there accuracy has definitely declined as the season went on, and now I know why. I'm kicking myself for this one. Hopefully, fixing this can get the guys ready for the playoffs. /OOC

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 07:11 PM

OOC: Atkins was responsible for training every single guy beside my keepers. The entire team has suffered :( /OOC

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 07:19 PM

OOC: Darn it. Now, I've found an apparent bug. My keeper hasn't been on the schedule I set him to all season long. I KNOW that I put him on a customized keeper schedule. I just changed him to the customized schedule again, but he keeps switching back on his own to either First Team or the Generic Keeper schedule. VERY annoying :( /OOC

Edit to add: I'm definitely hitting confirm after doing this each time.

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 08:20 PM

OOC: Apparently from SIGames.com, these are both "known issues." The 1st issue is that coach schedules should not reset after they sign a new salary. I still see the 1st issue as my own fault, as I knew this problem existed and I should have remembered to switch Atkins back in January after he signed his new deal.

The second issue is far more annoying. Apparently, coaches who are ex-players don't keep their schedule assignments and they default to "First Team" schedules. Martin is an ex-player. This is very annoying. I'm going to take a break from the dynasty until I figure out a way to get past this.

Qwikshot

01-06-2005, 08:46 PM

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Barkeep49

01-06-2005, 08:57 PM

What a disappointment from my perspective as a reader, but as someone who plays games I completely understand how these sort of things happen. I hope you do find a way to resolve the issues so that we can get to see you move up to one of the Premeir teams you wanted to coach at the outset.

Miller Time

01-06-2005, 10:00 PM

I totally understand where you are coming from. But I am going to miss my daily reading of your dynasty. It makes it that much tougher that you are right at the end of the season. Again, I have really enjoyed your 2+ seasons so far!

Eaglesfan27

01-06-2005, 10:19 PM

First of all, I don't post it for sympathy or anything. I'm just really frustrated. I'm 50% pissed at myself. 50% pissed at the game for having this bug. Perhaps, It's more like 80-20 me. I can't believe I didn't notice this all year. I was upset earlier and I just posted in the heat of the moment. I'm sure I'll continue this dynasty. Just not tonight.
Probably tomorrow.. despite the problems with this game, I'm enjoying it too much. My addictness rating is getting insane ;)

I'm also really mad because I should have noticed the Atkins problem (I noticed it last year) and I should have put him back on my outfielder schedule. I truly believe I cost myself at least a couple of points, and a likely promotion this season (unless we get fortunate in the playoffs)

Eaglesfan27

01-08-2005, 04:55 PM

OOC:

Alright, I've decided on a workaround. I'm going to change the first team schedule into my customized goal schedule as far as the activities, since I never use it. That should solve the problem for this year. As far as Atkins, I have him on the right schedule now, and he should stick to it. Hopefully, he can get Kelly, Smyth, and Palmer back into top form quickly so that we can either sneak into the top slot in the last few games or at least win the playoffs.

I'll probably start playing late tonight or tomorrow (depending on how late I'm out celebrating tonight)

Eaglesfan27

01-09-2005, 10:41 AM

March 22, 2007 -

Mr. Fotherby finally gave me the green light to expand our staff! I've hired 38 year ol Derek Saunders as a coach today. Derek is talented at coaching both outfielders and keepers. I'm going to have him work with Mark for now to work with my outfielders. I've also given Nigel some direction on how to work with keepers more closely. I've also reminded Mark to pay more attention to the outfield players and not just his own training regimen. Hopefully, we'll see improved results soon. I'm also going after one more coach and an additional physio.

Eaglesfan27

01-09-2005, 10:48 AM

March 24th, 2007 -

Rushden Chairman Stephen Griggs just offered me their manager job! This is a tempting offer. They have a youth academy and top facilities. They are currently 11th in league 1. I will have a 1.6 million dollar transfer budget next year! Also, the wage bill is currently 40,000 dollars and I will have room to raise it! Very tempting offer. However, I can't bail on my guys, yet. I will pass on that job and hope that we can pull off the promotion in the last 5 games.

Eaglesfan27

01-09-2005, 10:50 AM

March 25th, 2007 -

Carl Wilson has agreed to join my managerial staff at Harrogate. Wilson has the reputation of being a great taskmaster who is equally adept at teaching outfielders or keepers. I put him to work with Atkins on improving my outfielders.

Eaglesfan27

01-09-2005, 10:52 AM

Eaglesfan27

01-09-2005, 11:00 AM

March 25th, 2007 -

James Geary has agreed to join my staff as a physio for the club. He will help Marshall maintain the fitness of our players.

Eaglesfan27

01-09-2005, 11:12 AM

March 26, 2007 -

Fox suffered a significant hip injury today and is expected to miss around 3 months.

Eaglesfan27

01-09-2005, 11:13 AM

OOC: Is there something hard coded into the game about First Team being an inappropriate training schedule for Keepers? I've modified every activity to mimic what had been a very successful keeper schedule in the past, but now all of my keeper's ratings are declining. The coach comments state for 2 of the 3 players that they should be on a keeper schedule instead of a first team schedule, and the third says that the player shouldn't continue on the schedule. Very peculiar.
OOC: Never mind. In my second week using these schedules, every player on my team has green arrows going up. Also, for most of my players the coaches are delighted with their training schedules and the players level of dedication.

Eaglesfan27

01-09-2005, 11:57 AM

March 31st, 2007 -

Today we play a critical game against 1st placed Scarborough. We are currently in 2nd place and are 5 points behind them with 5 games to go. Scarborough has been led by the defensive play of Ashley Lyth and the excellent midfield play of Keith Gilroy. Striker Steve Burton has been absolutely lethal with 24 goals on the year. Keeper Gareth Downey has 21 clean sheets, but has given up 1.6 goals/game in his other starts this year. He will be a tough nut to crack.

They beat us 2-0 on their pitch earlier in the year. Hopefully, we can return the favor this game.

They are even odds favorites.

It's going to be rainy with temperatures in the mid 50's today.

Our Lineup:

GK: Scarsella
DL: Barnard
DC: Barnett
DC: Wall
DR: Morley
ML: Wright
MC: Surey
MR: Collett
AMC: Kelly
SC: Smyth
SC: Moore

S1: O'Conner
S2: Farrell
S3: Shepherd
S4: Baker
S5: Palmer

Eaglesfan27

01-09-2005, 12:06 PM

First 10 minutes were very defensive from both sides.

11 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball inside the left corner of the box.. quick shot.. saved by Downey.

16 minute mark: OH NO! One of our worst fears happens as Scarsella hurts himself with a diving save.. he can't finish this match. O'Conner comes on.

23 minute mark: Wall heads away a cross intended for Burton that likely would have been a goal.

38 minute mark: Moore gets the ball in the right corner.. great cross for Kelly.. Kelly shoots.. the keeper barely tips it over the bar.

We are really applying the pressure now.. dominating the ball in their half.

Halftime: 0-0 tie.

48 minute mark: Smyth gets the ball at midfield.. dribbles down the field.. past Lyth! Into the box.. shoots.. the keeper saves it.

50 minute mark: Barnett with a great tackle in the box on Burton.

51 minute mark: Surey steals it at midfield.. passes to Collett on the right wing.. he passes to Moore on the edge of the box.. great cross from Moore to Wright on the left wing.. Wright dribbles into the corner.. crosses to the near post.. Kelly heads it... past the keeper!!! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

54 minute mark: Morley with a huge header to prevent Burton from getting a cross!

56 minute mark: Lyth tackles Kelly just outside the box.. whistle.. Kelly takes the free kick.. powerful shot.. deflects off the wall... into the lower right corner! GOAL!!!! 2-0.

59 minute mark: Smyth gets called for a trip on Gilroy in our own box.. Penalty awarded! :( Gilroy steps up to shoot it.. he shoots to O'Conner's right.. O'Conner dives.. blocks it! Gets up and pounces on the rebound!!!! What a play by O'Conner!

62 minute mark: Morley with a great tackle on Gilroy just outside the box.

70 minute mark: Barnett with a great tackle on Burton.

80 minute mark: Burton gets open in the box.. laser shot for the upper right corner... O'Conner tips it.. just wide! Great save.

91 minute mark: Moore gets it on the right wing.. long pass into the box.. Kelly gets to it.. shoots.. will he get his hat trick.. no! It's over the bar.

Game over. 2-0 win for us :)

We outshot them 18-11 (9-4 on goal)

Kelly wins MoM, 20 of 27 passes, 0 tackles, 3 of 5 headers, 4 interceptions, 2 goals. 9 for form.