FM2K6: The Moors Across the Pond

[lighthousekeeper]

I have always adored the theatre - especially Shakespearian theatre. I consider without reservation my nearly flawless production of Othello at the Keyport Senior Citizen Center to be one of the pinnacles of my life. I can still picture the set - handmade by the cast entirely out of quilts - from Desdmona's handkercheif to Othello's dagger. And I still feel pride every time I gaze on the certificate which proclaims our place in history: "3rd Place - Senior Division, Monmouth County Sub-Division, Production of Othello Category, Fall 1999", and I know that when I die, I'll die as a man of accomplishment. No - a Man of Accomplishment.

http://img431.imageshack.us/img431/6987/quilts7tu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The cast making the backdrop for Cyprus

But now I can only look back on those as my salad days, sitting like a gourmet crouton in the cold, hospital-green confines of the Center. Finding production work since then has proven to be difficult, and my success at the Center didn't propell me to Broadway as I expected. And when I approached Nathan Lane at a Starbucks in Red Bank, he didn't seem at all interested in starting a production company with me, and even less interested in viewing my VHS copy of the aforementioned play back at my apartment. But I have learned, as all great men do, that setbacks are inevitable, and that the best men persevere.

In recent years, I have taken up a new hobby that has helped to serve as a substitute for my true passion of theatre production. I am a serious collector of Shakespearian plates. I probably have one of the largest collections on the East Coast, boasting over 25 plates in total. Here's one of my favorites:

http://img437.imageshack.us/img437/1913/1233wm.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
1964 Collectors Edition 400th Anniversary Plate

The reason I mention my hobby is because it is this hobby that led me to where I am today. I have found that eBay is the best place to obtain my treasured plates. Most people don't recognize the potential for appreciation that these plates possess. As most Commemorative Plate Dealers will tell you, these plates usually appreciate 200-400% in value each year. I haven't done the math, but I'm pretty sure that is a good investment, as 400 is a large number. But back to eBay, one night as I got back from working at the Center, I did my normal eBay search for Shakespeare plates. I had been trying to get an Othello plate to complete my "Tragedies Collection", and was getting desperate. I believe I searched "Moor" or "Moor plate", when I came across a title that quickly caught my eye: "Manager - Moor Green". The description was cryptic, but interesting:

"With last year's fire to our home facilities, our persistent financial woes, and recent poor form, we felt that one way we could earn some money was to auction off the managerial position for our squad on eBay. Our squad of young men is in need of a manager that can lead them in their 2006 season. They are eager to perform and bring glory back to the Moors. ..."

Now there's something about 3am that colors a man's perspective. It may be the moon, the sherry, or the sleep deprivation. Whatever it is, it makes your mind wander down certain paths. And my mind was wandering down the path of Keyport, circa 1999. When I read that description, I thought it was a position to be production manager for an all-male production troupe, whose first play was to be of the great moor: Othello. From the looks of it, they seemed to be based in England - well what better place to perform than in the birthplace of the Master? Plus an all-male troupe - how authentic! I have always been a caring individual, and these guys sounded like they were down on their luck and needed a saviour. I know what it's like to be down and lonely, so I know exactly where they're coming from.

So when I saw the auction was ending in 7 minutes, and that the highest bid was for a mere 2400 pounds, I decided to risk it and bid 2500, hoping that a "pound" was just the british term for "dollar". It might be my life savings, but this just seemed like a chance of a lifetime. And better yet - it seemed like fate.

The next 7 minutes lasted 7 hours, but in the end I won.

The next few days were a blur of confused conference calls, threatening British accents, and embarassed revelations. I think it took about 4 conference calls with the President and Directors for me to finally realize that I had become the newest manager of a football team, then an additional 2 calls for me to realize that I had actually become the manager of a soccer team. Moor Green, a minor league soccer team from somewhere in England that's not London.

It was just as I realized what I got myself into, that the club's ownership began pleading for me to back out. But I've never been one to back down from a challenge. Just as I led the seniors in '99 to glory, I would lead this squad to glory. I might not know much about soccer, but I do know a great deal about inspiring people to perform beyond their abilities. That, and set design. So, despite their insistence to the contrary, I decided to give my 2 weeks notice at the Center and take the position.

This morning I leave for Birmingham, England. Last night I dreamt that I was Othello, the soccer team was my Venetian army, choreographer Jerome Robbins was Iago (I'll explain later), and a pair of talking cleats were my true love Desdemona. I have learned that anytime Jerome Robbins appears in my dreams, that my dream is prophetic. So I followed my instincts and went to Target this morning to buy a pair of cleats (pictured below).

http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/1710/wer8qr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
My new cleats


I'll write more when I arrive in England.

[daedalus]

You . . . you . . . are frightening.

Yet, I'll be reading. :D

[lighthousekeeper]

Having arrived at the Moorlands, I've just had a little time to chat with some of the staff. I spent several hour meeting with Chairman Ian Childs. He let me know the following:


After spending about 3 hours explaining the English soccer promotion rules, he informed me that he expects our team to fight bravely against relegation from Conference North.
He doesn't fully trust me with his money; as such there are no transfer funds available
Our wage budget limit is $21,500 per month (currently $20,457)
I've been told I'm actually getting paid a salary (Child muttered something about union rules). $850 per month. Wow!


I decided it best to impose a forceful will from the onset. National Lampoons European Vacation has taught me most of the essential life-lessons, one of those being that the Brits enjoy being treated with slight contempt. So I informed the Chairman of the following ground-rules.


The game will be called by its rightful name: soccer. None of this bastardisation of the language.
All player salaries and team finances will henceforth use American dollars, as I have little faith in the longevity of any ecomony based on a symbol that I cannot locate on an American keyboard.
The current Moor logo (shown below) is totally 'stodgy' (see I'm learning their language already). I have decided this logo needs an update to the 21st century. Since the Moors are also known as the blue birds, I am considering the logo below, which I believe is 'spot on'.


http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/6089/moorgreencrest10ok.gif (http://imageshack.us)
Original stodgy logo
featuring two hands holding a ball of poo, a squirrel holding a shotgun, and a dissected frog leg

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/8917/mbalogo2102copy0jq.th.jpg (http://img384.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mbalogo2102copy0jq.jpg)
My new proposed logo

Then met with the Assistance Manager, John Frain. We discussed soccer across the world and which leagues we should keep tabs on. I felt that we should only focus on the best, so naturally the MLS. Frain also suggested adding France, Germany, Italy, Holland, and Spain top leagues. Be my guest, John.

Haven't met the team yet, as the Chairman felt they needed more 'cool down time'. I'l let you know as soon as I meet them.

[daedalus]

I like the new logo!@

[NevStar]

Best dynasty ever... for FM... 2k6... that was written by lighthousekeeper

You show those stodgy gits what for!

:D

[finketr]

Best dynasty ever... for FM... 2k6... that was written by lighthousekeeper

You show those stodgy gits what for!

:D


this will be an interesting read...

oh, the division i work for is abbreviated GITS, henve we are not allowed to use the abbreviation in any communication.

[lighthousekeeper]

Finances:

We currently have $27,000, and lost $4,700 this month alone. Even though we're at our wage budget, I think we'll need to cut some fat.

Staff:

John Frain, our assistant manager, is a former Moors player and seems pretty reliable. He's got very high discipline (17) and is great with youngsters (16), probably since he's not too old himself (36). I think I'll rely on him heavily at the outset.

Our only coach, Rob Elmes, is listed as a coach/striker, though his playing days are numbered. I'll likely have him focus more on coaching this year, as he's got a lot of discipline (16) like Frain and some determination, but doesn't work well with youngsters. Both he and Frain are supposedly adventurous, so I can only hope this is referring to their off-the-pitch personality.

We've only got one scout, Chris Robson, who seems quite average, but at least works cheap. I expect I may need to do some scouting on my own to help find some talent to bring in. I hope to bring some players from the US, if at least to keep my sanity on this island.

We have 3 male nurses on the team, headed by Steve 'Zimmer' Shipway. At 52, he's the oldest member of the club, with an uncanny resemblence to Don Zimmer. We all enjoy poking him in the belly.

The only changes I'd like to make if possible would be to upgrade our scouting staff, but with the limited budget, the staff will likely stand pat.

[lighthousekeeper]

Have I ever mentioned how ambivalent i can be? Despite proclaiming that I wouldn't make any staff changes, I just made an offer to one Rob Campkin, a young scout who, if he accepts, will likely be more reliable than Robson. The offered wage is so small ($150/month) that we can probably pay him from our petty cash. If he accepts, I'll likely send him to live with my mom in Youngstown and scout the US for some young talent.

[lighthousekeeper]

Players

Goaltender:

This shouldn't takelong, as we've only got 1...

James Coates, 20. I have a hard time understanding Coates. Not because of his thick Welch accent, but because he's the highest paid player on the squad yet has no discernable talent. He's got horrible reflexes and handling skills, never rushes out to challenge, and lacks composure. To top it all off, he's never played senior squad conference ball. I'm keeping a close eye on him and despite the fact that he just joined the team, secretly expect to transfer him before the season's through.



Defenders:

Richard Follett, 25. A hardworking, aggressive left-defender who's got the stamina needed for the job, but because of his small frame (5'7'', 149) is an average tackler at best. He's had several years experience with higher league clubs, and will provide much needed experience on the first team.

Phil Midworth, 20. A young fullback who, due to his quick speed and decent stamina, is best suited for a right fullback or wingback. Frain seems to think he's one of our best prospects, and since he's already one of our better defenders, he'll likely make the starting squad.

Lee Collins, 27. Lee brings some on-field leadership to the back four and is one of our best defending aerial assaults, which means he'll likely get the starting nod at central defense.

Guy Sanders, 29. Similar to Lee, Guy is a veteran and an on-field leader. He also is good at jumping and heading, but like Lee is a poor tackler. Because they are so similar on paper, I'm hesitant to put both next to each other on the pitch at DC, but they are both individually the best suited for the position.

Junior English, 20. A natural right defender, Junior may be a little too green for the starting 11. He's got decent speed but needs to work on his technical skills. Our staff thinks that with time he will develop into a decent player.

Andy Penny, 33. Penny has bounced around from club to club and is getting old. Despite the age, he can still run, and he's got the experience to warrant some technical skills. He's most comfortable playing in the middle of the pitch.

[lighthousekeeper]

Midfielders:

Dave Morrison, 30: Althgouh his natural position is MR, I may place him at ML since he's pretty versatile. The staff says he's good at crossing, but horrible at passing, so I can only picture him booming the ball across the pitch to no one in particular. And at 30, he's not getting any better. He did have some success with League Two Leyton Orient, and he seems like a hard worker with a good attitude, so he may have a good impact on the team.

Phil Trainer, 24: Trainer is a local favorite. He can play either MC or ML, and one look at him and you can see his natural athletic ability. He's an imposing force of the pitch, extremely aggressive and good tackler. I expect him to play the left-sided center midfield position. He's one of the few players listed as indispensible to the club.

Peter Faulds, 22: Homegrown, young right midfielder has been a first team regular with the Moors since he was 19. He absolutely loves the team and is a positive force in the lockerroom, but his enthusiasm and attitude can only take him so far. He seems to lack the necessary passing and speed needed for the position. Likely will serve a backup role.

David Bridgwater, 24: Nothing really distinguishing about this central midfielder. Score 2 goals last year for the Moors in a rotation role, and this role will likely continue.

John Snape, 36: What can you say about a guy whose older than the manager, assistance manager, and coach? Snape is best suited for defensive midfielder, and he's got the work rate and tackling skills for that specialty. I may use him when we need to sit back and defend our large leads.

Ben Petty, 28: Ben has always under-achieved, starting out with ASton Villa youth system, then sliding down the conference ladder in stints with Stoke and Hull (Championship level), Burton Albion (Conf. National), and finally our lowly Conference North squad. The fall from grace has definitely built his character, and he's now a remarkably resiliant and hard working character. He's also probably in the best physical shape of any player on the team.

[lighthousekeeper]

Strikers/forwards:

Neil Davis, 31: 31 is definitely old for a striker, and Davis lacks the necessary speed. But the experienced striker still has good finishing skills when he gets an open chance, and is strong when challenged. Frain thinks he's best suited in a rotation role and I tend to agree.

Darren Middleton, 26: Darren is our best shot up front. He's the most exciting Moor player on the field, we good flair and agility, and tries trick shots when given the chance. He was the team's leading scorer last year with 16 and will continue to anchor the front line.

Sean Dowdall, 20: Dowdall provide much needed youth in the front line. Frain believes he is a strong prospect. He score 3 in 6 games last year and will have a greater roation role this year

Rob Elmes, 35: Elmes is also the coach and will only be a part time striker this year.



Well that's the team. Not much talent to go around, and very thin is several places. My first objective will be to find a suitable goal keeper to challenge Coates for the starting position.

[lighthousekeeper]

I am trying to find a good goalkeeper to obtain on loan for the season.

Matthew Bulman looks like a candidate. 18 yr old on the Swindon under 18 squad, looking to get 1st team experience on loan. I will approach for a loan...

[lighthousekeeper]

July 11, 2005:

In an attempt to calm down the Moor Green supporters, who were a little outraged over my arrival, I created the first annual Birmingham Cup, as a series of friendlies involving Moor Green and other lower-league Birmingham teams. I feel that this will give us a chance to pick up some easy wins to give the squad and our supporters confidence, give me a chance to scout some local talent, and give me a chance to avoid uncomfortably silent bus rides.

The cup will consist of 4 teams:

Stourbridge:A strong squad in the Midland Alliance league, three levels below the Moor's Conference North.

Sutton Coldfield:In the Sothern-Western League, 2 levels below the Moors.

Burton Albion: The favorite to win this cup, a member of the Conference National league, one step above the Moors.

We have drawn Stourbridge in the first round, which will be played in 5 days.

[edited because my season crashed, forcing a restart after playing the 1 friendly.]

[lighthousekeeper]

July 15, 2005:
Here's the lineup for our first friendly against Stourbridge. (Our scout scouted them and said they were a mediocre team, as expected. If we lose, we'll be devastated.)

GK Coates
DR Midworth
DL Follett
DC Collins
DC Sanders
MR Morrison
ML Faulds
MC Trainer
MC Bridgwater
FC Middleton
FC Davis

We're using a vanilla 4-4-2, easy tackling.

[lighthousekeeper]

July 15, 2005:

2 minute mark: Our Lee Collins gets a yellow card for upending their striker. I'll have to watch out for this guy's temper...

first half: i instruct the team to use a slow tempo, and they listen. we do well defensively, but don't even attempt to mount an attack.

halftime: 0-0
My first team talk and I'm tentative. Even though I don't think they've been playing well against this supposedly inferior team, I tell them their doing well and to keep up the good work. i instruct the team to pick up the pace a bit.

I also bring in Petty to replace Faulds at ML.

65 minute: after more of the same lack of offense, i bring on Dowdell and Penny to replace Collins and Davis. I also tell them to pick up the pace even more and switch to normal tackling.

90 minutes: full time over and we're going to penalties!

They go first:
Romulus: Dixon scores!
Moors: Midworth scores! Tied 1-1.

Romulus: Davies misses!
Moors: Morrison shoots wide! Tied 1-1.

Romulus: Wright scores!
Moors: Middleton scores! Tied 2-2.

Romulus: Darby shoots wide!
Moors: Penny scores! We're up 3-2.

Romulus: Lewis shoots, saved by Coates!
Moors: win 3-2 on penalties!!

We advance to the finals in the Birmingham Cup!

[lighthousekeeper]

uh oh. After the match, 3 players are complaining that they're too out of shape to play our Finals match tomorrow: MIddleton, Bridgewater, and Morrison. "Very tired after their last match and will need to be nurtered back to fitness in time for the new season." I guess that's waht the male nurses are for.

Also, the team spirit seems a little low, so maybe they didn't buy my upbeat pep talk and knew that the 0-0 p3-2 victory was a little embarrassing...

[lighthousekeeper]

(Yes this has the makings of a crappy dynasty. Very infrequent updates with sparse information...)

Well I finished my first season as Moor Green manager. And I'm glad to say it's not going to be my last either. I don't know what the big deal is - I started the year not knowing anything about soccer, and still managed to lead our club to the Conference North Championship. It wasn't even close, as we went on to a 28-8-6 record, 22 points ahead of second place Stafford and a +44 goal differential:

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/3524/moor18rs.th.jpg (http://img520.imageshack.us/my.php?image=moor18rs.jpg)

Our success was due primarily to some key players brought in on loan. Our leading scorer was striker Chris Williams who was loaned in from League 2 Stockport for 9 months. He scored 21 goals in 26 league games, with an average rating of 7.73.

Our second biggest impact player was also a loaner: AML Matty Robson, loaned in from League 1 Hartepool. He had 4 goals and 10 assists in 26 games with a rating of 7.50. He was clearly dominant on the pitch, dribbling past all opponents and was great at holding up the ball.

But we had some great homegrown performers as well:
- Striker Darren Middleton, with 16 goals in 31 games (7.13 rating)
- Central defender (and captain) Guy Sanders, with average rating of 7.47 in 40(!) league games.
-Striker Chris McDonagh, with 19 goals in 31 games (7.26 rating) and voted Fans Player of the Year. (I grabbed him on a free transfer from Conference North foe Leigh RMI at the start of the season.)
-MC Hristo Panayotov: For some reason I love this Bulgarian - maybe it's because I nabbed him from obscurity on a $1K transfer. But for some reason he really stands out on the pitch. He played in 26 matches for us, with a 7.27 average rating, 4 goals, 3 assists.

Despite a transfer budget of $0, we managed to get the job done. We also turned a nice profit for the owners, ending the season with a $350,000 profit, after starting with $0.

Needless to say, both the board and supporters were gushing. The board rewarded me with a pay cut for the next two seasons. I figured, what else am I going to do, go back to working at the Senior Center? Might as well stick with soccer, even if it is so easy.

So we're forging ahead with season 2, in the intimidating Conference National. Already the players seems bigger and more athletic. This past season seemed more like a series of MIT intramural pickup games.

[lighthousekeeper]

Start of Season 2 (2006-2007)
July 16, 2006:

The 2006-2007 pre-season has started and I have an ominous feeling. Taking a look around at the other teams and I'm quickly intimidated. I'm not letting on to the rest of the team, but I fear we may be overmatched. Most of the other teams play soccer full time, whereas most of our guys work during the day at the local Bill's Fish Bar or Spice in the City, coming to practice smelling of tartar sauce and curry.

I've decided that I need to bring in some help - I need at least one player with experience at this level or higher to help calm our boys down if they ever start feeling outclassed. I've set our scouts out to find the best choice for the 30K (this year's transfer budget) burning a hole in my pocket.

Last season, I scheduled all the friendlies, but I felt that I may have overscheduled, as our team went into opening day a little tired. So this year I decided to let Assistant Manager John Frain take charge of scheduling friendlies.

[lighthousekeeper]

July 28,2005:

My assistant manager still hasn't scheduled any friendlies, and I'm growing a little concerned. The note I left for him is clearly posted on the office fridge: "John: schedule friendlies".

Yesterday he opened the fridge 5 times to get a Snapple. I know he's read the note. He know's I know too...


In other news, I'm trying my best to bring in some talent, but I'm overshooting and all the guys I'm after just aren't interested in joining our team.

I did sign 19 yr old left defender Duane Eastell on a free transfer, who played 1 game for Conference National Cambridge last year. He's not the big gun we need, but may be the starting DL for us, and was willing to work for cheap ($475/mo).

[lighthousekeeper]

August 3, 2005:

The season starts in about 1 week, and Frain still hasn't scheduled any friendlies. I'm reminded of that episode of Everybody Loves Raymond, where Raymond and his wife both know the luggage is sitting on the steps. It's been sitting there for weeks. It would be easy for either one of them to move the luggage back upstairs. But neither one budges out of spite - feeling that it's the other person's responsibility. I feel Frain and I are currently in a similar war of spite. I can only hope hilarity ensues in real life like it did on TV.

Will keep you posted...

[lighthousekeeper]

August 12, 2005:

Well today is opening day, and we didn't play any preseason games. The team is fit, but certainly a step or two off the pace. Frain and I haven't spoken in weeks.

And to make matters worse, I haven't been able to land the big gun that I feel I need.
The only other player I've brought in is 19 yr old DR Tom Matthews from Hull. He's certainly got experience at this level, and was loaned out to Conference National Halifax last season where he had an average rating of 6.64 in 11 games. So I'm pretty sure he'll be able to hold his own. His loan ends in April, so he'll be with us for the majority of the season.

Today we play our first Conference National League game against Woking. They are clear favorites...

[lighthousekeeper]

August 12, 2005 (post game against Woking):

Oh crap. Crap crap. Looking back I should have swallowed my pride and scheduled some friendlies. In our game against Woking, we looked like our legs were in cement.

They scored right out of the gate, in the 3rd minute. Then again, then again, then red card against us, then scored again. In what I called during our halftime talk as "The Longest Half Ever", they scored 4 times. I pondered getting into my car to leave at one point, but realized that our goalkeeper Coates drove me to the game. But the keys might be in his locker, I thought. Nah - I'll stick around.

We caught our breath a little after the half and held them to 1 more goal and even managed a goal of our own in the 74th minute from one of our late season lickups from last season: French native Nadjim Bensalahdine (MC), who's only 21 but plays with a great deal of flair. I like the combination of the Bulgarian Hristo Panayotov and Bensalahdine in the center of the pitch an I hope these youngsters will grow together.

Final score: 5-1. Welcome to the big (little) leagues.

[lighthousekeeper]

August 26, 2005:

The next three games we don't fare too much better. We are clearly dominated in all games, and since our players are not match fit, I'm forced to play a lot of our backup players.

August 15th: Chester 3 - Moor Green 0
August 19th: York 2 - Moor Green 0
August 26th: Crawley 3 - Moor Green 2

We are firnly in last place and consistenly overmatched.

My struggles to bring in some talent continue, and I'm getting desperate, offering contracts to scores of top-notch guys, hoping that one will bite.

I've managed to sign attacking midfielder Dean Cox from Championship squad Brighton and Hove Albion. He's only 19, but will likely start and looks to be capable of playing at this level. He's our highest transfer so far ($3K), but only demands a $400/mo salary.

Have also brought in on loan 20yr old striker Jack Wilkinson from League 1 Hartlepool. He had a mediocre season last year as a backup in 10 games (6.25 rating), but I'm hoping his skills are still improving, and he will fare better against lower division opponents.
Big gun, where are you?

[lighthousekeeper]

August 28, 2006 (pre-game againt Weymouth):

Weymouth were the Conference South champs last year, and we were the Conference North champs. So, even though the odds-makers are favoring Weymouth, I'm hoping we've got a good shot to win this one. Everyone knows that we need it badly.

Bensalahdine is out with a virus and striker McDonagh.

I've asked my coaches to select the lineup, and I'm surprised to see that all have selected our backup keeper (Wayman) over our struggling starter (Coates). Coates started 90% of the games last year and was good enough to lead us to the title. But his rating this year is at 5.5, wheras Wayman's is 7.0 (as sub in 2 games). Wayman is only 18, but everyone feels he has more potential. I guess it might be time to shake things up a bit.

SO here's the lineup:

GK Chris Wayman
DR Phil Midworth
DL Duane Eastell
DC Leon Legge
DC Guy Sanders
MR Peter Faulds
ML Richard Follett (out of position, normally DL)
MC Hristo Panayotov (despite 78% condition)
MC Cathal Lordan (despite 77% condition)
FC Sean Dowdell
FC Darren Middleton


We are in need of a rest, so I don't have high hopes for this game.

[lighthousekeeper]

August 28, 2006 (post match Weymouth):

- 7th minute: they score after a crowded series in front of our net. looks like another long game. 1-0 Weymouth.
- 30th minute: score from their striker Kirk Jackson. 2-0 Weymouth. Our keeper is looking slow to respond to their counterattacks.
-84th minute: In a desperate long shot on goal, Darren Middleton (who was brought on in the 74th minute subfor Simon) managed to get one in!!! I'm grateful that we're not shut out. 2-1 Weymouth

Final score 1-2. Another loss.

[lighthousekeeper]

September 1, 2006:

Just played our next match against Accrington- and yet another loss. This time we went down 2-0. We are being compltely dominated on the pitch.

[Tekneek]

You've really adapted well to life over there. Keep up the good work.

[CraigSca]

It's refreshing to see an American teach the Brits how the game is played!

[lighthousekeeper]

November 7, 2006:

Yes another jump ahead in time. I was able to win a game or two, but I'm still firmly in last place in the conference after playing 17 games. Here's how we currently stand:

http://img372.imageshack.us/my.php?image=moor1copy5yf.jpg

[lighthousekeeper]

I'm trying to figure out how best to post my current squad...blue players are players in on loan.

Pkd Inf Name Position Nat Height Weight Age Value
- James Coates GK WAL 6'0" 187 lbs 21 $6K
- Chris Wayman GK ENG 5'10" 178 lbs 18 $0
- Slt Leon Legge SW, D C ENG 5'8" 165 lbs 21 $5K
- Yel Tom Matthews D R ENG 5'9" 156 lbs 19 $55K
- Inj Phil Midworth D RC ENG 5'10" 169 lbs 21 $10K
- Duane Eastall D L ENG 5'10" 165 lbs 19 $2K
- Steven Reed D L ENG 5'9" 169 lbs 21 $18K
- Guy Sanders D C ENG 6'0" 185 lbs 30 $8K
- Michael Ellison WB L ENG 5'10" 171 lbs 20 $1K
- Russell Penn M R ENG 5'11" 176 lbs 20 $1K
- Cathal Lordan M RLC IRL 6'0" 169 lbs 19 $16K
- Phil Trainer M LC ENG 6'0" 182 lbs 25 $22K
- Matt Crowell M C WAL 5'11" 174 lbs 22 $50K
- Hristo Panayotv M C BUL 5'10" 171 lbs 21 $28K
- Unf Dean Cox AM RL ENG 5'10" 158 lbs 19 $20K
- Unf Lee Hall AM LC ENG 5'9" 163 lbs 18 $550K
- Nadjim Bensalah AM C FRA 5'10" 165 lbs 21 $26K
- DarrenMiddleton AM/F C ENG 5'11" 174 lbs 27 $85K
- Sean Dowdall ST ENG 6'0" 176 lbs 21 $7K
- Chris McDonagh ST ENG 5'10" 165 lbs 20 $110K

[lighthousekeeper]

November 18, 2006:
<table bordercolor="#000000" width="90%" align="center"><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>Pkd</td> <td>Inf</td> <td>Name</td> <td>Position</td> <td>Morale</td> <td>Form</td> <td>Con</td> <td>Apps</td> <td>Gls</td> <td>Av Rat</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>GK</td> <td></td> <td>Chris Wayman</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>6-7-7-6-7</td> <td>96%</td> <td>6 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.56</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>DR</td> <td>Yel</td> <td>Tom Matthews</td> <td>D R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>7-7-6-6-6</td> <td>98%</td> <td>17 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.39</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>DL</td> <td></td> <td>Steven Reed</td> <td>D L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>8-7-6-7-7</td> <td>99%</td> <td>5</td> <td>-</td> <td>7.00</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>DC</td> <td>Bid</td> <td>Lee Collins</td> <td>D C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>7-7-7-6-6</td> <td>95%</td> <td>1 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>5.75</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>DC</td> <td></td> <td>Guy Sanders</td> <td>D C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>6-7-7-6-7</td> <td>99%</td> <td>15</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.73</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>MR</td> <td></td> <td>Dean Cox</td> <td>AM RL</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>9-8-7-7-6</td> <td>98%</td> <td>13</td> <td>2</td> <td>7.15</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>ML</td> <td></td> <td>Lee Hall</td> <td>AM LC</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>7-7-6-7-8</td> <td>97%</td> <td>8</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.13</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>MC</td> <td></td> <td>Cathal Lordan</td> <td>M RLC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>5-6-6-6-7</td> <td>100%</td> <td>11 (4)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.67</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>MC</td> <td></td> <td>Matt Crowell</td> <td>M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>7-8-6-6-7</td> <td>99%</td> <td>7 (1)</td> <td>1</td> <td>7.00</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>FC</td> <td></td> <td>Chris McDonagh</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>7-7-7-9-6</td> <td>97%</td> <td>11</td> <td>6</td> <td>7.00</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>FC</td> <td></td> <td>Darren Middleton</td> <td>AM/F C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>9-9-6-8-8</td> <td>98%</td> <td>14 (3)</td> <td>10</td> <td>7.06</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S1</td> <td></td> <td>James Coates</td> <td>GK</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>8-8-6-7-7</td> <td>100%</td> <td>14</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.57</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S2</td> <td></td> <td>Michael Ellison</td> <td>WB L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>6-7-6-7-7</td> <td>96%</td> <td>0 (9)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.22</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S3</td> <td></td> <td>Nadjim Bensalahdine</td> <td>AM C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>6-7-8-7-7</td> <td>99%</td> <td>9 (5)</td> <td>1</td> <td>6.71</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S4</td> <td></td> <td>Sean Dowdall</td> <td>ST</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>7-6-7-6-7</td> <td>98%</td> <td>8 (5)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.77</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>S5</td> <td></td> <td>Duane Eastall</td> <td>D L</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>6-7-6-6-7</td> <td>99%</td> <td>14 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.25</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td></td> <td>Phil Trainer</td> <td>M LC</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>6-8-10-6-6</td> <td>100%</td> <td>11 (2)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.85</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td></td> <td>Russell Penn</td> <td>M R</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>6-5-6-7-7</td> <td>96%</td> <td>4 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.20</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Inj</td> <td>Phil Midworth</td> <td>D RC</td> <td>Good</td> <td>7-7-8-7-7</td> <td>80%</td> <td>10 (3)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.92</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td>Slt</td> <td>Leon Legge</td> <td>SW, D C</td> <td>Poor</td> <td>8-7-7-6-5</td> <td>99%</td> <td>17</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.71</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td></td> <td>Hristo Panayotov</td> <td>M C</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>7-7-7-8-6</td> <td>99%</td> <td>10 (6)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.75</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td>-</td> <td></td> <td>Peter Faulds</td> <td>M R</td> <td>Okay</td> <td>8-8-8-7-7</td> <td>90%</td> <td>4 (1)</td> <td>-</td> <td>6.40</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td></tr></table>


League Match #19:

We play a home game against Petersborough, despite being 7-1 underdogs. I'll be estatic if we can escape with a draw.

I decide to play Chris Wayman in goal instead of the struggling James Coates. Coates has allowed 10 goals in the last three games. Plus I yelled at him after the last game, and he's a little sore.

I'm also playing Lee Collins in for Leon Legge. Legge is unsettled after coming off a 5 form in the last game. Collins has been playing on our reserve squad most of the year, but I feel I need his leadership.

For the first time I go with a 4-4-2 defensive formation.

2nd minute: Petersborough DL Tibor Selymes gets a yellow card for tripping McDonough.

8 minutes into the game and I realize the defensive formation won't cut it - I switch back to a 4-4-2 normal formation

11th minute: Petersborough DR Adam Newton gets a yellow card.

16th minute: Captain Guy Sanders gets a red card for tripping their striker who was sure to get a goal on a 1 on 1. Selymes scores on the penalty kick. Down 0-1

33rd minute: Benjamin scores. we're down 2-0. And we're getting totally dominated.

At the half, we've collected 2 yellows and 1 red card.

50th minute...another goal... down 3-0

71st minute: Dowdall on for Dean Cox, so I move from a 4-4-1 to a 4-3-2.
71st minute: Bensalahdine on for the tired Lordan.

71st minute: Beautiful center from Dowdall to Hall, scores!!! Now down 1-3.

Final Score: Petersborough 3 - Moor Green 1

<table bordercolor="#000000" width="90%" align="center"><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>Pos</td><td>Inf</td><td>Team</td><td></td><td>Pld</td><td>Won</td><td>Drn</td><td>Lst</td><td>For</td><td>Ag</td><td>G.D.</td><td>Pts</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>1st</td><td></td><td>Crawley</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>12</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>36</td><td>25</td><td>+11</td><td>40</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>2nd</td><td></td><td>Cambridge</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>11</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>36</td><td>19</td><td>+17</td><td>39</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>3rd</td><td></td><td>York</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>11</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>32</td><td>22</td><td>+10</td><td>36</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>4th</td><td></td><td>Hereford</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>10</td><td>5</td><td>4</td><td>35</td><td>22</td><td>+13</td><td>35</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>5th</td><td></td><td>Peterborough</td><td></td><td>18</td><td>11</td><td>2</td><td>5</td><td>34</td><td>29</td><td>+5</td><td>35</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>6th</td><td></td><td>Accrington</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>9</td><td>7</td><td>3</td><td>35</td><td>22</td><td>+13</td><td>34</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>7th</td><td></td><td>Weymouth</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>8</td><td>8</td><td>3</td><td>39</td><td>22</td><td>+17</td><td>32</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>8th</td><td></td><td>Scarborough</td><td></td><td>18</td><td>9</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>39</td><td>28</td><td>+11</td><td>31</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>9th</td><td></td><td>Forest Green</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>9</td><td>4</td><td>6</td><td>31</td><td>25</td><td>+6</td><td>31</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>10th</td><td></td><td>Grays</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>9</td><td>3</td><td>7</td><td>31</td><td>30</td><td>+1</td><td>30</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>11th</td><td></td><td>Morecambe</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>8</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>31</td><td>24</td><td>+7</td><td>29</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>12th</td><td></td><td>Kidderminster</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>5</td><td>10</td><td>4</td><td>22</td><td>23</td><td>-1</td><td>25</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>13th</td><td></td><td>Aldershot</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>7</td><td>22</td><td>23</td><td>-1</td><td>24</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>14th</td><td></td><td>Woking</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>5</td><td>8</td><td>6</td><td>29</td><td>25</td><td>+4</td><td>23</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>15th</td><td></td><td>Halifax</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>6</td><td>5</td><td>8</td><td>30</td><td>35</td><td>-5</td><td>23</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>16th</td><td></td><td>Altrincham</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>8</td><td>26</td><td>31</td><td>-5</td><td>21</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>17th</td><td></td><td>Newport Co</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>4</td><td>7</td><td>8</td><td>21</td><td>33</td><td>-12</td><td>19</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>18th</td><td></td><td>Burton</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>4</td><td>6</td><td>9</td><td>25</td><td>33</td><td>-8</td><td>18</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>19th</td><td></td><td>Dag & Red</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>11</td><td>17</td><td>27</td><td>-10</td><td>18</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>20th</td><td></td><td>Tamworth</td><td></td><td>18</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>9</td><td>20</td><td>33</td><td>-13</td><td>17</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>21st</td><td></td><td>Chester</td><td></td><td>18</td><td>3</td><td>7</td><td>8</td><td>21</td><td>27</td><td>-6</td><td>16</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>22nd</td><td></td><td>Kettering</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>3</td><td>6</td><td>10</td><td>17</td><td>33</td><td>-16</td><td>15</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>23rd</td><td></td><td>Gravesend</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>2</td><td>7</td><td>10</td><td>13</td><td>27</td><td>-14</td><td>13</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td>24th</td><td></td><td>Moor Green</td><td></td><td>19</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>14</td><td>22</td><td>46</td><td>-24</td><td>9</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

After the game, our physio informs me that Cathal Lordan will be out 1-2 months with a back strain.

Guy Sanders has been suspended for 1 match for getting a red card.

[lighthousekeeper]

November 25, 2006:

GK James Coates
DR Wnt Tom Matthews
DL Steven Reed
DC Leon Legge
DC Bid Lee Collins
MR Dean Cox
ML Lee Hall
MC Matt Crowell
MC PR Nadjim Bensalahdine
FC PR Chris McDonagh
FC Darren Middleton


League Match #20:

Leading up to our game with 17th place Newport County, manager Peter Beadle tells the press that their team will definitely win against us. I'm puzzled why any manager would be proud of beating our lowly squad, so I just take the high road, stating that I hope the best team wins.

MC Nadjim Bensalahdine and striker Chris McDonagh were all fired up and wanted to prove Beadle wrong. I respect their unfaltering loyalty, so I put them in the game.

Also, since Collins seemed to do well in the last game (rating of 7), I decide to keep him on the senior squad for now.


3 min: The game starts off dubiously as Bell beats our DC Collins and scores. Fortunately he is offsides, but this just feels like anotherloss is brewing.

18 min: Cox with an interception, dribbles past two defenders, tries to center to McDonagh which bounces off a defender. Cox heads the rebound to McDonagh who has a 1-on-1 and scores! We're up 1-0.

22 min: Cox up the right flank, passes the defender, centers to McDonagh who shoots, GK deflects, the rebound goes right to Middleton, who flicks it in from 4 feet away. up 2-0

59 min: Reed with an AMAZING pass from the centerline to Bensalahdine in the penalty box who one-touch passes to McDonagh for another goal. We're up 3-0!!

83 minute: Cox with a corner, McDonagh with a diving header, goal! Up 4-0!! A rout! Hattrick for Chris McDonagh!

Final Score: Moor Green 4 - Newport 0!

Cox and McDonagh come away with 10 in form. McDonagh is deserving Man of Match.

Looks like Beadle's mind games backfired on him, as it realy inspired McDonagh to kick some Newport ass!

Despite the great win, we're still in last place. But this helps with our goal differential (currently -20).

[lighthousekeeper]

The following Moor players were named to the team of the week:

DC Leon Legge
MR Dean Cox (2 assists)
MC Lee Hall
FC Chris McDonagh (3 goals)

[lighthousekeeper]

November 28, 2006:

Today we drew English Conference South Histon at home in the first round of the FA Trophy.

With our poor league standings I'm really counting on a successful run for the FA Trophy.

[lighthousekeeper]

November 28, 2006:

Today I couldn't avoid telling Newport manager Peter Beadle and the media that I technically outclassed him in our match.

:p

[lighthousekeeper]

December 1, 2006:

19 yr old AM LC Lee Hall came in third in the Conf. National young player of the month award.


(Note: the top 2 goals of the month were scored against us... :o )

[lighthousekeeper]

December 3, 2006:

I made a big move this week that is also a very risky move. I think people could definitely argue it was a stupid move.

I signed Venezuelan icon Juan Enrique Garcia on a $2000 transfer from Scottish premier team Motherwall. Why is this risky? Garcia is a 36yr old striker. And he will be our highest paid player by far, with a salary in excess of $5,000 per month. He has 50 international caps.

I wanted to bring in a vet with higher level experience, and I'm hoping he can come through. All of his skills are still much higher than any player currently on the squad.

Let's hope they don't deteriorate in the next month before he joins our team.

Some ratings that jump out:
Influcence: 14
Finishing: 13
Work Rate: 16
Natural fitness: 15
Flair: 13

[lighthousekeeper]

There's a lot I haven't updated people about (including our relegation from Conference National back down to Conference North...), but as we warm up for the 2007/2008 Conf. North season, I just wanted to post this screenshot of something I haven't seen before. A great striker I somehow got on loan (for the whole season) scored 4 goals before the 10 minute mark in the game. Yeah I know it's against an inferior opponent, but I was still pleasantly surprised:


http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/691/moor1copy5zw.jpg

[lighthousekeeper]

Just to catch everyone up, my second season was not very successful, as our team got relegated from the Conference National. Our team was solidly in last place through the whole season - that is until the last 8 or so games. We started winning and made it close - it actually came down to the last game of the season, but we lost it and are forced to go back down to the Conference North. Surpirisingly, our players, supporters, and management don't seem to mind.

Here's the final standings from our 2006-2007 season:


| Pos | Inf | Team | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1st | C | Accrington | 24 | 16 | 6 | 84 | 51 | +33 | 88 |
| 2nd | | Crawley | 25 | 12 | 9 | 84 | 59 | +25 | 87 |
| 3rd | P | Peterborough | 25 | 10 | 11 | 78 | 68 | +10 | 85 |
| 4th | | Grays | 25 | 8 | 13 | 80 | 61 | +19 | 83 |
| 5th | | Weymouth | 22 | 15 | 9 | 94 | 62 | +32 | 81 |
| 6th | | Cambridge | 20 | 17 | 9 | 77 | 58 | +19 | 77 |
| 7th | | Halifax | 22 | 11 | 13 | 74 | 59 | +15 | 77 |
| 8th | | Scarborough | 21 | 11 | 14 | 84 | 62 | +22 | 74 |
| 9th | | Forest Green | 21 | 11 | 14 | 67 | 50 | +17 | 74 |
| 10th | | Aldershot | 20 | 12 | 14 | 66 | 52 | +14 | 72 |
| 11th | | York | 21 | 5 | 20 | 64 | 61 | +3 | 68 |
| 12th | | Woking | 17 | 16 | 13 | 74 | 63 | +11 | 67 |
| 13th | | Hereford | 18 | 12 | 16 | 74 | 60 | +14 | 66 |
| 14th | | Morecambe | 17 | 13 | 16 | 67 | 59 | +8 | 64 |
| 15th | | Dag & Red | 18 | 9 | 19 | 49 | 52 | -3 | 63 |
| 16th | | Chester | 15 | 16 | 15 | 72 | 65 | +7 | 61 |
| 17th | | Kidderminster | 12 | 17 | 17 | 62 | 71 | -9 | 53 |
| 18th | | Burton | 11 | 15 | 20 | 61 | 75 | -14 | 48 |
| 19th | | Tamworth | 10 | 13 | 23 | 44 | 79 | -35 | 43 |
| 20th | | Altrincham | 8 | 13 | 25 | 56 | 88 | -32 | 37 |
| 21st | R | Moor Green | 8 | 12 | 26 | 54 | 88 | -34 | 36 |
| 22nd | R | Newport Co | 7 | 14 | 25 | 39 | 82 | -43 | 35 |
| 23rd | R | Gravesend | 5 | 17 | 24 | 31 | 68 | -37 | 32 |
| 24th | R | Kettering | 5 | 15 | 26 | 39 | 81 | -42 | 30 |

[lighthousekeeper]

Season 3 (2007-2008) Recap:

(yeah I'm only posting once per season...sorry.)

Season 3 saw us back in the Conference North. Our supporters expected us to challenge for the title; the front office wanted nothing less than winning the title. So this was the first year that I had the pressure to succeed.

We played well, although not as well as the first season. We sat in 1st place for most of the season, but had a bad run towards the end, finishing in 2nd place. We then had to play in the playoffs for a chance for promotion back to Conference National.

The playoffs were nailbiting, and one of the great, rare times when playing the game that it was a visceral experience. We once the two-legged semi's against Harrogate, tying the first game at home, then needing a win on the road. It was tied at the end of regulation and tied at the end of overtime, so it went to penalties. Fortunately, we were clutch, winning on penalties 3-2.

The playoff finals were anticlimactic, as we won easily against Northwich 4-1. So after all that we got promoted back to Conference National for the 2008-2009 season. Hopefully we'll fare better this second time around.

Here's the end of season standings for the 2007-2008 season:

| Pos | Inf | Team | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | Diff Pts
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 1st | C | Stafford | 25 | 8 | 9 | 78 | 39 | +39 | 83 |
| 2nd | P | Moor Green | 22 | 12 | 8 | 77 | 49 | +28 | 78 |
| 3rd | | Northwich | 22 | 10 | 10 | 68 | 45 | +23 | 76 |
| 4th | | Leigh RMI | 20 | 13 | 9 | 63 | 45 | +18 | 73 |
| 5th | | Harrogate | 19 | 12 | 11 | 60 | 49 | +11 | 69 |
| 6th | | Worksop | 20 | 7 | 15 | 65 | 58 | +7 | 67 |
| 7th | | Gateshead | 16 | 16 | 10 | 47 | 38 | +9 | 64 |
| 8th | | Bradford PA | 17 | 13 | 12 | 53 | 47 | +6 | 64 |
| 9th | | Hednesford 18 | 10 | 14 | 61 | 59 | +2 | 64 |
| 10th | | Droylsden | 16 | 11 | 15 | 58 | 51 | +7 | 59 |
| 11th | | Burscough | 14 | 16 | 12 | 51 | 56 | -5 | 58 |
| 12th | | Nuneaton | 15 | 11 | 16 | 55 | 52 | +3 | 56 |
| 13th | | Workington | 16 | 7 | 19 | 55 | 61 | -6 | 55 |
| 14th | | Alfreton | 14 | 11 | 17 | 72 | 74 | -2 | 53 |
| 15th | | Wakefield-Emley | 12 | 13 | 17 | 39 | 50 | -11 | 49 |
| 16th | | Histon | 12 | 12 | 18 | 55 | 65 | -10 | 48 |
| 17th | | Lancaster | 11 | 13 | 18 | 43 | 51 | -8 | 46 |
| 18th | | Hinckley | 12 | 9 | 21 | 59 | 72 | -13 | 45 |
19th | | Barrow | 9 | 13 | 20 | 53 | 73 | -20 | 40 |
| 20th | R | Gainsborough | 8 | 14 | 20 | 48 | 64 | -16 | 38 |
| 21st | R | Marine | 7 | 16 | 19 | 42 | 69 | -27 | 37 |
| 22nd | R | Runcorn FC Halton | 8 | 11 | 23 | 42 | 77 | -35 | 35 |