Should Football Club Owners really be allowed to change a Clubs Name and/or Crest for Marketing Purposes?

Fast-track back to December 2010, with debts of up to £35million due to the previous seasons relegation from the Premier League, Hull City were on the verge of administration and in need of some serious financial investment.

Up stepped Assem Allam , a local Egyptian businessman worth a reported £150million.

From the get go Allam fully focused his intentions on securing the clubs future and immediately invested £30million into the club, with a further £10million in personal guarantees. From then on the future looked bright for Hull City, debts were being settled and more importantly the team were performing well on the pitch. Under current manager Nigel Pearsons guidance, the team notched up a club record run of 17 unbeaten away matches in the 10-11 season.

The following season they managed to finish 8^th in the Championship under Nick Barmby, however on the 8^th May he was sacked from the club after reportedly making comments about the clubs ownership and transfer policies. Steve Bruce replaced him for the 12/13 season and things only get better for Hull City on the pitch. After a highly successful campaign in the league, the clubs promotion hopes boiled down to the last day and following a dramatic 2-2 draw at home to the already promoted Cardiff City, Hull finally made their return to the Premier League after, this after fellow promotion contenders Watford went down 2-1 at home to Leeds.

In the eyes of the fans, nothing could possibly bring them down right?

Wrong!  

With great shock to the fans, the man who had surely saved the club from financial ruin and cemented his status as a club legend, revealed that he had reregistered the club as “Hull City Tigers ltd”, dropping ‘Association Football Club’ from the name. Now the actual ‘club name’ had not changed but the ‘company name’ had. This move signalled his intentions to eventually change, or in his words “shorten”, the actual club name to “Hull Tigers”, totally dropping ‘AFC’ & ‘City’ from the club name.

In an interview to the Daily Mail on the 8^th August 2013, Allam had this to say:

“In the commercial world, the shorter the name, the better. The more it can spread quickly. My dislike for the word 'City' is because it is common. I want the club to be special. It is about identity. 'City' is a lousy identity. Hull City Association Football Club is too long”

“AFC is redundant, it is not used by the club. The fans never mention AFC, nor do the media,"

His reasoning behind the change was both understandable to me but all gone about in the wrong way. He claimed that the club needed to explore extra avenues of making money in the global market, stating in an interview to the Guardian on the 12th September 2013 that “By next year I will change the name to Hull Tigers." He added, "I cannot afford to run the club by fans' feeling."

Understandably fans reacted in a negative manner towards these plans and immedialty set about trying to block them. A supporters website (www.citytillwedie.com) was set up as a forefront for the campaign against any name change. Hull City fans also demonstrated during games, with fans all standing together and repeatedly singing “City till I die” when the time on the board strikes 19:04.

Clearly however, the fans objections to these plans have fallen on death ears with the recent confirmation of Mr.Allams plans this week, to change the ‘club name’ to Hull Tigers. All this after claiming that nothing would be decided without the fans consent.

Here are just a couple of reactions I received from Hull City fans regarding the recent news:

Darren Norton:

“I am very much against the name change. There is no proven commercial value to the name change. It can’t be positive if the owner has already called the protesters  “a small minority that no longer go to games ". Such naivety has already put into question his sanity, as well as his ability to make rational business decisions. Under the current set up he has no one to question his decisions at board room level”

“The owner stated that no changes would be made without the consent of the fans. He has already back tracked on this promise”

Keysha Mackie:

“It’s just ridiculous, it will break with a 109 years of history and tradition, it’s basically like going to support a brand new club. Fine! it may bring in money and overseas fans and things like that, but I already think without this name change we already have the foundations to become a big club. Dr. Allam did pretty much save us when he first came into the club, so I support him for that as he put his own hard earned money into our club, which was a mess at the time due to the previous owner”

“I suppose when your club is considering a name change its pretty much all about money and the clubs future, talking commercial wise it may have a positive effect on it, but that doesn't mean to say I’m all for the name change because I’m all against it as you can tell”

The FA's Rule 3L states: "Any application for a change of playing name must be received by the Association before 1 April in any calendar year in order for it to be considered by [the FA] Council for adoption in the following playing season.

"The[FA] Council will use its absolute discretion in deciding whether to approve a change in a club's playing name."

Although it is my understanding that the FA have already taken a dim view on this, having already confirmed their intentions to always refer Hull City AFC to their historical name. However something similar to this has already happened before, not so much to the approval of the FA, but they allowed it to pass.

In 2012, current Malaysian owner of Cardiff City changed the club crest, from a bluebird to the Red Dragon and also the team colours, going from Blue to Red. Yet again all this to appeal to a more global market, mainly in his home country of Malaysia and in and around Asia. Now the financial investment of Vincent Tan has done wonders for the club, but is it really worthy throwing a clubs tradition and heritage out of the window? Mr Tan is already an extremely wealthy businessmen, why the need for more money?

 

My opinion on all this is that I do understand and appreciate the owners intentions behind these changes, however particularly in the case of Hull City and Assem Allam, I just get the feeling that he really doesn’t care what the fans have to say about this. To me he’s taken the “It’s my club and I’ll do what I like” attitude, which I do respect as he is the owner, but is that really a smart move? Is it really worth losing all respect that the fans once had for you?

Surely to protect the Heritage of this beautiful game, which we invented! Plans like this should not be allowed to materialise. But what can the FA do about it? Or even FIFA? That’s just up to them to decide I guess?

 

Comfortable win for The Quakers as Edwards proves the doubters wrong

Curtis Edwards put in a man of the match performance for Darlington as they sailed to a comfortable win in difficult conditions.

Both teams lined up as follows:

Cammell Laird: Atherton, Lundon, Dysart, Hollett, Ferrigan, O'Brien, Couch, Foley, Henders, Young, Woods
 Darlington: Jameson, J.Robinson, Hunter, White, Galbraith, Thomas, Thompson, Edwards, Scott, Dowson, Fisher 

After Wednesday nights DCC tie at home to Sunderland RCA, in which a significantly weaker side was fielded, understandably there were more than a fare few changes to the Starting line up. Hunter, White, Thompson, Edwards, Scott & Dowson were all reinstalled, as well as new signing Nathan Fisher who was making his league debut for the club.

With the rain lashing down and a strong wind blowing over Cammell Lairds Kirklands stadium, from the get go it was plain to see that the weather was having an effect on the game, with several crosses and passes either being misplaced or going harmlessly out of play.

Due to the weather playing it's part on the game, it wasn't until the 15th minute for the first real chance of the game to materialise. Some good link up play involving Dowson and Fisher, led to Thomas hitting a shot across the floor which just missed finding the net by centimetres. After this Darlo managed to get a few more efforts in on goal, firstly Edwards heading just wide of the goal and then Fisher had a shot that went wide of the oppositions goal.

Darlington's best chance of the half fell to Steven Thompson in the 40th minute, after some great passing between him and Dowson, the ball fell to Thompson who, one on one with the keeper, somehow managed to hit his shot just wide of the goal. So bad was the miss that a few Darlington fans were still cheering thinking it was a goal, seconds after the shot went out of play.

Cammell Laird had rarely threatened Darlington's goal in the first half, leaving Jameson in the net with little to do.

Both teams went into halftime at 0-0, Darlo having the much better chances and creating some really good passing moves. In my opinion, after the way the first half had panned out, Darlo really should of been leading the match already.

Into the second half and both teams were unchanged, thankfully the conditions had also improved during the interval.

First chance of the 2nd half fell to the hosts, no doubt after receiving a rollicking from the their manager, they managed to create an effort that harmlessly went over the bar, that was on 50 minutes and just 3 minutes later the first goal of the game arrived!

A cross into the box from the left by Galbraith was surely about to be headed into the net by Fisher, however for some reason Atherton in the Cammell Laird goal went to save it with his feet, a move that he soon regretted with the cross nestling into the bottom of the goal, 1-0 to the Quakers! Although it is still disputed who's goal it actually was, with Fisher clearly claiming it with his celebrations.

However in the 68th minute Fisher nearly claimed what would of certainly been his goal, only for the ball to be cleared off the line by Dysart.

Cammell Laird were creating chances but really only one actually threatened the goal. A un-marked Laird player managed to head the ball down low and it did have Jameson scrambling for a minute, however he made the save look easy, no problem!

The Quakers dominated the second half and eventually managed to finish the game off in stoppage time. A clumsy challenge on Thompson in the box left Galbraith with the simple task of putting the ball into the back of the net, which he did albeit for after a good hand from Atherton, but the ball found the side of the goal.

2-0 to the visitors, game over!

Man of the match for me goes to young Curtis Edwards. Although all round it was a brilliant team performance, the youngster put in a confident performance after a difficult week. Breaking up plays and starting off some really good attacks, top effort!

Darlo avoid the Axe after 0-0 stalemate

Dull, lifeless and boring is the only way I can describe this game really. In a match that pitted together two teams fighting for promotion it was little wonder that some fans were anticipating a tough, but entertaining game between two good attacking sides.

Darlo were forced into a couple of late changes before the game, Peter Jameson making his debut for the club came in to replace the injured Mark Bell and Jordan Robinson replaced Pilatos at RB due to personal reasons. Another new signing, Nathan Thomas came in ahead of Jonny Davis who had been dropped to the bench, no doubt due to fatigue after Wednesdays FA trophy tie vs Buxton.

Both teams lined up as follows:

Lancaster: Hale, Wills, Elderton, Clark, Marshall, Mahoney, Winder, Hunter, Wearing, Jackson, Kilifin

Darlington: Jameson, J Robinson, Galbraith, White, Hunter, Edwards, Moore, Scott, Dowson, Thomas, Thompson

The match started as it meant to go on, lots of passing about in midfield, soft attacks that proved little threat and an extremely whistle friendly referee. The first real chance of the game fell to Lancaster in the 30th minute,  but even that gave Jameson in the Darlington net little to do, saving easily from a shot straight at him.

Other than that there was not much else worth mentioning really, both teams just couldn't produce that bright spark needed in the final third.

Into the second half and the match got a little bit more exciting, ever so slightly however. Just the same old passing moves happening from both teams but a few more chances were being created, Curtis Edwards had a shot blocked early on for Darlo and Lancaster had a shot that went just wide of the post.

The only real nervous moments of the game fell to Lancaster, Winder got down the right wing and brought out a good save from Jameson in the 64th minute. And just a minute later Jameson was forced into making another comfortable but good save, this after a cross was put into the back post from the left and found an unmarked player.

The second half proved to be another dull affair just like the 1st however, Darlo did have a chance in stoppage time, or at least they thought they did. Thompson outmuscled the Lancaster fullback and was clean through on goal, only for the linesman to pull it back for a soft free kick to Lancaster. Thankfully not long after that the full time whistle went.

Both teams got what they deserved really, a dull solitary point. Apologies if I've bored you with this but that pretty much sums up the game.

To be honest it's tough to pick a man of the match as well but if I had to give it to some one it would be Peter Jameson for Darlo. Made the only saves of the game in a confident debut performance.

Attendance: 594

Impressive performance from Andy Warrington frustrates Darlo

A man of the match performance from the experienced Andy Warrington, earned Buxton a replay against Darlo in a game that was packed full of attacking football, mainly from Darlo.

 

From the off Darlo started the much better, getting the ball down well, freely passing it about and it didn't take long for Darlo's first effort of the match. Steven Thompson jinxed past 2-3 Buxton defenders before unleashing a shot from just outside the box, that had to be tipped over the bar by Warrington in the Buxton net. That effort pretty much set the tone for the 1st half, with Buxton camped in their own half for much of the early stages and it was doing Darlo's corner count no harm! Corner after corner from Galbraith, were constantly causing Buxton's defence problems and the ball was forever having to be scrambled away from danger.

 

Buxton however did eventually manage to settle the game down and have a chance of their own, a cross was put in towards the back post but the effort was wasted and went out for a goal kick. Once again Darlo had another period in which they were on top, after some good work down the line by Dowson the striker managed to pull the ball back for Davis, who hit the ball with some force that would of stung the hands of Warrington, who made the save look easy. Warrington was dealing with chance after chance, a shot across the floor by Edwards was comfortably saved down low and from the resulting corner, the ball went all the way through before being cleared off the line, how darlo weren't already leading was a mystery! The last real chance of the half went to Buxton, only for Bell to brilliantly save down low at the post from a lee Morris header.

 

The first half was very much dominated by Darlo but just like Monday night, chances weren't being converted which was really frustrating.

Into the second half and both teams were getting in some early chances, nothing that caused either keeper real danger up until the 57th minute. A crossed whipped in from the right by Leon Osborne found an unmarked Lee Morris at the back post who, with the goal at his mercy, somehow managed to fire his header over the bar, a massive let off for Darlo!

 

Just 3 minutes later though, Steven Thompson punished Morris's miss with a wonderful solo effort, turning in from the right, Thompson took the ball past 2 defenders before hitting a ferocious shot with his left foot that found the top corner. It was nothing more than what Darlo deserved after dominating long periods of the game, shortly after the restart though, Buxton ceased control of the game.

 

On 64 minutes Bruno Pilatos misjudged a cross and the on rushing Buxton forward toe poked the ball towards home but for a last ditch clearance off the line from Alan white. And just a minute later Darlo were yet again let off the hook, a goal bound shot from Lee Morris, after a corner was swing in from the right, was well blocked by Leon Scott at the back post. Darlo then went straight up the pitch and a powerful effort from Dowson was well saved by Warrington with his legs, but just a minute later Buxton went on the counter and a deflected cross from Buxton full back Grant Black, found Matt Thornhill in the box who bulleted a header past a stranded Mark Bell, into the top corner of the goal.

 

With both teams going for it the match had quickly turned into a game of end to end football, brilliant to watch for a neutral but nerve racking for both sets of supporters. 

 

Thompson was really making Warrington work for his wages this afternoon, the winger got in a couple of decent efforts towards the end, one brought a good save round the post from Warrington and the other, a free kick that just went wide of the goal.

 

Then came the most brutal moment of the game! Thompson took on the defender, got into the penalty box before eventually being brought down under a clumsy challenge, PENALTY TO DARLO IN THE 92ND MINUTE! Up stepped Thompson against Warrington, who remember has had a cracking game so far and what do you think happened? Thompson went to place the ball but Warrington parried the ball away into the path of an on rushing David Dowson, and guess what? Warrington saved the rebound! That turned out to be the last chance of a match that Darlo probably should of won, but for the heroics of Warrington in the Buxton net.

Buxton starting line up: Warrington, Black, Green, Istead, Palmer, Ryan, Thornhill, Stevens (Lugsden 56), Morris, Osborne (Broadhead 90), King

Darlington starting line up: Bell, Pilatos, Scott, White, Hunter, Davis, Edwards,Thompson, Galbraith (J Robinson 64), Dowson, Johnson

Man of the match for me has to be Andy Warrington, single handedly kept Darlo at bay for the full 90 minutes.

 

Attendance: 443

 

The replay will be played this Wednesday night at Heritage Park.

A Great Advert for Non-League Football – Blyth v Ilkeston Evo-Stick Premier

 

First of all before writing this entry, I’d like to just take a moment to offer my condolences to the family of former Blyth Spartans AFC striker Scott Bell, who unfortunately lost his 2 year battle with Motor Neurone Disease last week, at the age of just 35yrs old. The much loved former Blyth frontman had made 125 appearances for the Spartans and had netted 50 times in a stint that spanned 3 years, which included a league and cup treble. In the words of all involved with Blyth Spartans “Rest in peace Bellveccio.”

 

Being a fond lover of non-league football, I’m always on the lookout for an exciting local game that’ll deliver that fix of good football we all crave, so when the opportunity arose to attend Blyth Spartans v Ilkeston in the EvoStick- Premier, once again, there was only ever going to be one answer! Setting off on the 51 mile trip straight up the A1 just after quarter past 5, me and my fellow companion were both looking forward to what on paper, looked an extremely attractive match-up.

Arriving in Blyth about 18:45 the first thoughts that immediately entered my head, was to be honest, grim! Although darkness had already set in, Blyth really gave us both that feeling of being in Boro, not surprising really with Blyth being a harbour town. Unfortunately for us, my little friend here didn’t 100% know where Croft Park was (home of Blyth Spartans) so how do you go about looking for a non-league ground in the middle of an unknown territory? Scan the skyline for floodlights of course! Then vuala! As if by magic we were there.

 

Parking in a street just outside the ground, from first appearances Croft Park looked like a ground packed  full of character and it didn’t disappoint. First things first though, straight to the bar! The club bar at Blyth or shall I say function room, is an extremely spacious, warm, cosy and inviting area. Club bars and social areas at non-league clubs are another massive reason why I have a passion for these leagues, no matter where you go you’re always welcomed into a friendly, family atmosphere and you get that sense of belonging, even as a neutral! Paying an acceptable £10 (which is pretty average for this league) into Croft Park you’re immediately greeted by a sort of mingling area for fans, you have you’re toilets on one side and the Burger van on the other, three guesses where I headed straight away! £3.20 for a decent Cheeseburger and a can of coke was more than satisfying.

Croft park is built up of 4 stands, one large seated stand by the side of the pitch where the dug outs are situated and immediately opposite you have a fairly large covered terrace, which you could probably get a good 400-500 squeezed in to. Behind both goals you have covered terraces covering the full length of the goal line. All in all Croft Park can accommodate around about 4435 (556 seated) spectators.

 

Both teams lined up as follows:

Blyth - Misiweicz, Airey, Purewal, Buddle, Watson, Mullen, Horner, Hubbard, Wearmouth, Davis, Maguire

Ilkeston - Allinson, Baker, Webster, Gordon, Maguire, Storey, Reid, Wilson, Ricketts, Richards, Stokes

Onto the Match!

Before kick off a minutes applause was observed by all in Croft Park in respect of the late Scott Bell.

From the off there was some really good, attractive attacking play on show and it didn’t take long for the first chance of the game to materialise, a shot from Ilkeston’s Kane Richards from just 10 yards out went wide of Blyth’s near post and it didn’t take long for Blyth to punish that miss. Just a few minutes later Aaron Wearmouth burst into the Ilkeston penalty box and was hacked down by Matt Baker, penalty to Blyth in which in form Craig Hubbard duly dispatched into the back of the net. With Blyth 1-0 up Ilkeston immediately went on the lookout for an equaliser and they nearly got it straight away, with a good chance that just couldn’t find the net. However Ilkeston were soon rewarded with one of the best goals I have ever seen! From absolutely nothing, Ilkeston’s Laurie Wilson spotted Blyth’s Michal Misiewicz off his line and he took his chance, from just on the halfway line Wilson unleashed a powerful but speculative shot that had Misiewicz scrambling to get back on his line, but he had no chance and to the delight of the few travelling Ilkeston fans, the effort flew in to the top corner of the goal. Blyth kicked the game back off but in a half full of attacking play, the only one realistic chance before half time fell to Ilkeston’s Jason Stokes who’s chip over an advancing Misiewicz landed harmlessly on top of the net.

 

Into the 2^nd half and immediately Blyth went 2-1 up. A pacey cross into the box by Aaron Wearmouth, who so far for me had looked impressive with his workrate, was met by Danny Maguire who with the flick of his boot, left Allinson in the Ilkeston goal clawing at thin air. And just minutes later Blyth nearly went 3-1 once again through Danny Maguire, his header after a mistake by Allinson was met with a last ditch clearance off the line by Baker. However Danny Maguire did eventually get his second of the night after a cross by Ash Davis found an unmarked Maguire in the 6yrd box with a simple tap in past a stranded Allinson, whose defence had literally gone missing. With the game seemingly all but over, it appeared that Blyth sat back a little which allowed Ilkeston to go in search of a goal that would get them back in the game and it was Blyth’s own lack of concentration that allowed Kane Richards to stroll into the box, only for a clumsy challenge from Lewis Horner gave Ilkeston that lifeline back in to the game from the penalty spot. Aaron Webster stepped up and converted the chance that gave Ilkeston an opportunity to take home at least a point from the game with 15mins still to go. After that though Ilkeston really only created one decent effort on goal which was wasted by James Reid who from only 8yrds out, fired over from a cross by Richards. Blyth held on for the last 15mins to earn a hard fought 3 points.

 

Man of the match for me had to be Aaron Wearmouth. The lanky winger who I’d previously seen play in the colours of Bishop Auckland, had seriously impressed me in the 70mins he did have on the pitch.

Just a quick look into the bar to check up on the latest England score before we set off back home, more than satisfied with what we had seen. Blyth played a lot better than what I had expected and left me in no doubt that this season, could be the season that they make their return to the Skrill North.

Attendance on the night was 311.



Darlo Comfortably put Ossett to the sword on a day that spelt the end for Hinckley Utd

 

Rewind the clock back to the 7^th January 2012, Barrow away, a day that all Darlo fans will never want to take part in again. On what was expected to be our last ever game as a club, nearly 1000 Darlo fans made the short trip to Barrow and watched us go down 3-0 on a highly emotional afternoon for all involved. That feeling of ‘What if?’ is the worst feeling I have ever had the misfortune of having, not knowing whether this really was the end of the club I have and always will love. Now come back to the present day, Saturday 5^th October will now be forever known as the day that Hinckley Utd FC ceased to exist. As a Darlo fan, I can fully understand what was going through the heads of those diehard fans that made the trip down to Chesham knowing that today, was going to be the last ever time they would see their club play. Coincidentally just as we did, Hinckley were beaten 3-0, a result that at the end of the day wouldn’t have mattered to the Hinckley faithful. On behalf of everyone associated with Darlington 1883 I express my deepest sympathies to all involved with Hinckley Utd, you can and you will return, believe!

 

Now back to discussing todays game!

Finally, after a long and highly successful year Darlo returned to a recognised FA competition and what better competition could it be other than the FA Trophy, a trophy that just 2 years ago, Darlo lifted under the Wembley Arch in front of 10,000+ jubilant Darlo fans. The draw had pitted us against fellow Evo Stick North side Ossett Town away from home, who’s neighbours Ossett Albion had just been but to the sword in midweek after a humiliating 7-0 loss to us at HP. Without sounding arrogant it was very much a relatively easy tie for us and even better was that Ossett was only a simple 72mile trip straight down the A1(M). So just after 12pm we departed from Darlo and headed towards Ossett. Knackered and alone on the supporters coach after I’d been bailed on, I really could not be bothered with the game in all honesty but the fact that it was a match marking our return to the FA Trophy, it did excite me just a tad.

 

Arriving outside Ossetts Ingfield ground about 1:30pm, we were greeted by, well not much really other than a Bus Station. So with nowt else to do there was only one direction I was heading, straight to the ground! Admission into Ingfield was only £7, in these leagues turning up to a turnstile doesn’t immediately give you that horrible burning sensation in your wallet, another plus is that the programme I purchased on the turnstile was a bargain at only £2, was a pretty good read aswell! Now onto the ground itself, a relatively basic Non-league ground really, areas of covered and uncovered terracing on either side of the pitch, hard standing behind one goal and a pretty smart looking seated stand behind the other which looked as if it could hold about 300. As a whole Ingfield can hold approximately 1950 spectators. Hospitality at Ingfield was fairly decent as well, although in my opinion the grub was absolutely awful.  I spent £2 on chips that were soggy and not even cooked properly! The club bar or Social Club as it was called, was fairly well sized with the usual TV screens showing that stupid Premier League rubbish, also fairly priced drinks having only paid £2.70 for a pint of wrongbow.

 

 

 

 

 

Both teams lined up as follows:

Ossett Town: Taylor, McGrory, Jeff, Patterson, Fisher, Qualter, Fox, Sharry, Wood, Eyles, Moke

Darlington 1883: Bell, Pilatos, Galbraith, Hunter, White, Edwards, Moore, Scott, Purewal, Dowson, Thompson

Darlo were unchanged after the midweek demolition of Ossett Albion in the league.

Onto the Match!

What can I say other than pure domination in the first half, it took Darlo just 5 minutes to get going at Ingfield through David Dowson, the striker jumping at the opportunity in the 6yrd box to just tap the ball home after a Steven Thompson effort had been blocked and just 9 minutes later Darlo had doubled their lead. A corner floated in from the right by Terry Galbraith was headed into the back of the net by Alan White, Darlo were really getting at Ossett, freely passing the ball about and causing havoc for Ossetts fullbacks all half, through Thompson and Moore. Darlos dominance of the match was yet again rewarded in the 28^th minute, Chris Moore was set up by Steven Thompson and the midfielder fired home to put Darlo 3-0 up before half an hour had even been played. All of Ossetts efforts to get at Darlos goal in the 1^st half were proving futile apart from one chance they did have before Darlo went 3-0 up, a neat pass was played through for Andrew Fox to unleash a powerful shot at Mark Bell who had to tip the ball over the bar for a corner, other than that Mark Bell had little to deal with….well apart from a group of mouthy Joey Essex lookalikes who had congregated behind his goal. Darlo once again went on the attack and scored another 2 in quick succession, firstly in the 44^th minute after David Dowson hard work had gifted Amar Purewal with an easy finish which he took, then just 1 minute later Chris Moore curled the ball home from the edge of the box. Yet again Darlo were going into halftime against an Ossett side with a 5-0 lead.

 

 

The 2^nd half was a quieter affair, with Darlo already leading 5-0 they had every right to relax knowing that their passage into the next round was all but secured. Ossett were being allowed back into the game and it did pay off, getting in some really dangerous attacks before eventually being rewarded with just the one goal, James Eyles tapping home after a cross was whipped in from the left by Steven Jeff. Ossett continued to attack and very nearly got a second through Henry Sibenge but he just couldn’t quite meet the cross that had been put in by James Eyles. In a half with very few chances Darlo eventually got their sixth in the 93^rd minute , a Jordan Robinson cross towards the far post was volleyed across goal by Paul Robinson and the ball nestled in the bottom corner of Taylors goal, the keeper had probably wished he’d never turned up after the final whistle soon after.

Man of the match for me was Curtis Edwards, solid in midfield along with Leon Scott and yet again he showed off his attacking and defensive talents, in my opinion he’s the perfect box to box midfielder that Darlo had been missing early on in the season.

So there we have it, Darlo marching into the next round with an easy 6-1 win! Up next for Darlo in the cup is a tricky trip to Buxton Town FC of the Evo-Stick Premier 2 weeks today. In the league Darlo have Prescot Cables at home next Saturday.  

 



Darlington bounce back from Ramsbottom Drubbing with a Dominant Team Performance away to Salford 28/9/13

 

Tuesday 24^th September is a date that all Darlington fans will want to forget in a hurry, a shambolic performance from Darlington resulted in a humiliating 3-0 drubbing away to Ramsbottom United, to the delight of a few neutral Curzon fans who had also made the trip. The result left a minority of fans questioning where we will actually finish the season in a league that presented a much tougher challenge than the previous seasons domination of the EBAC Northern League. So when the following Saturday came and a tough away trip to Salford City in 9^th place, who themselves were looking like contenders for the play-offs, it would have been understandable that a few fans would have been slightly worried about what the day would bring.

We set off on the 111mile trip down the A1, M1 and M62 to Salford at 10:30am and still feeling a bit groggy from the previous evenings antics, we really weren’t looking forward to what was certainly going to be a tough match. The journey was both dragging and cramped, it’s certainly not pleasant having to fit into a small Micra with 4 other people for what was going to be a 2 hour trip on a very warm day. We touched down in Salford at about 12:30pm and began the hunt for a parking space. How do you go about finding somewhere to park in an area of greater Manchester that is a hot spot for car crime? Luckily we managed to find a good parking spot just outside Salfords Moor Lane Stadium. Upon first sight of the ground it looked like a very typical old fashioned non-league ground, a perimeter of concrete walls separated the outside world from the delights of moor lane. We arrived at the turnstiles, paid our £7 admission, purchased a programme for only £1.50 (Bargain!) and immediately set off for the club bar. The bar was pretty bog standard to be honest, limited selection of lagers and the usual soft drinks etc. The grub hut was pretty standard aswell, serving the usual Burgers, Pie & peas, soft drinks, tea and all the rest you’d expect from a traditional football menu.

Moor Lane is made of 2 stands on each side and areas of hard standing behind each goal. The main stand situated behind the dugouts was a big old concrete seated area, built in with the old fashioned benches instead of chairs and directly opposite that was a smaller metal shed. As a whole, Moor Lane can hold up to 1400.

 

With both teams looking to bounce back from disappointing defeats they lined up as follows:

Salford (9^th before the match) – O’Boyle, Aston, Browne, Swift, Gorman, Walters, Hodgkinson, Gill, Bond, Bancroft, Mota

Darlington (6^th before the match) – Bell, Pilatos, Galbraith, Hunter, White, Edwards, Moore, Scott, Dowson, P.Robinson, Thompson

Darlington had made a few changes to the squad that was humiliated midweek, Pilatos replaced J.Robinson in the team and Hunter was put into central defence to partner experienced defender Alan White, Leon Scott had also been re-installed ahead of Jonny Davis and Paul Robinson came into to replace the injured Amar Purewal. Unfortunately for new signing Nathan Fisher, his international clearance hadn't come through in time for the match.

Onto the match!

Both teams started bright, getting in early chances that were easily dealt with in a half that offered no real test for either keeper. Steven Thompson, who was particullaly looking dangerous for Darlo got in a chance in the first minute, his shot just going wide of the goal. An early chance for Salford fell to Aaron Swift who from about 20yrds from goal, hit a sweet left footed volley that brought out a cracking save from Mark Bell, which led to a scrap for the ball in Darlingtons box before it was eventually scrambled away. Another chance for Salford was when the ball was picked up outside the box by the attacker who went on a solo run into Darlos box, going past one defender after another before eventually, just yards from goal a last ditch tackle saved Darlo from going 1-0 down. Both teams were shutting each other out well, limiting each team to just minor chances in a very even and tight 1^st half in which Darlo just shaded on possession. A couple of positives to come out of the opening half was that Darlo looked a lot more lively and organised after Tuesday nights debacle, also was the promising performance of young Bruno Pilatos who was making his 1^st league start for Darlo.

Into the 2^nd half and Darlo immediately stamped their authority on the game by going 1-0 up in the opening minutes. A neat pass by Pilatos is met by Moore who takes on the fullback and hits a low ball into the box for Dowson to wrong foot the the keeper with a trademark David Dowson back heel to put the visitors 1-0 up, from then on it was all one way. Darlo had really come out all guns blazing, getting in some really good chances, particularly from Steven Thompson. The tricky midfielder was casuing havoc for the Salford defence,  getting in a right footed shot from 25yrds out that just went wide of the keepers near post. Not long later Thompson had another good chance, cutting inside from the left and shooting straight at the keeper. Thompsons hardwork was soon rewarded in the 71st minute when he picked up the ball just outside the box and with Salfords defenders not closing down quick enough, he unleashed a ferocious right footed shot which left O’Boyle in the Salford net with no chance. Darlo were truly dominating the game, Leon Scott also got in a powerful left footed strike that gave the keeper a bit of work to do. The back four for Darlo were really earning their wages, not giving Salford a sniff at goal all second half apart from one moment late on, a cross was whipped into the box and found an unmarked Salford player who had the chance to pull his team back in the game……..however, he snapped at the chance and ended up putting the ball out for a Darlo throw in. It so easily could have been more than 2-0 but that is how it finished, a performance that put the smile back on the fans and in particular Martin Gray, the resul put Darlo up to 3^rd in the table after a tough midweek.

Man of the Match for me had to be Bruno Pilatos, on his first league start for the club he looked so composed and dealt with what little he had to do with ease, also getting up and joining the attack from time to time.

With impressive 3 points in the bag we all set off for home back up the M62 and reflected on what (in my opinion) was our best performance of the season. The whole team had put in a real shift, in particular Dowson, Hunter, Pilatos, Edwards and Thompson. Up next for Darlo is at home against Ossett Albion on Wednesday night. Highlights for the match (if any) can be found on http://www.darlington1883.co.uk/ when eventually uploaded.  

 

Crook Town AFC vs Durham City AFC 25/9/13 – A night that descended into Chaos

As a keen lover of non-league football I’ll always grasp at the chance of attending a good local game, so when one of my mates texted me earlier in the afternoon about going to Crook town vs Durham City in the Ebac Northern League Division 1, there was only ever going to be one answer! So the three of us set off on the short drive to Crook, just 20 miles up the road, in anticipation of what we thought was going to be a decent match and it didn't disappoint!

We arrived in Crook at about 7pm and immediately made our way to the Sir Tom Cowie Millfield Stadium, we were certainly in for a wet night! I’d never been to Crooks ground before so was really looking forward to being able to tick this one off the list and from where we’d parked, just across the road from the ground, it looked like a really exciting prospect.

I don’t know what it is but just seeing those bright floodlights towering over the pitch really gets you going!

We arrived to just a single turnstile open, which is more than enough really and paid our £6 admission into the ground, the cheap admission being another reason why I prefer non-league to the dizzy heights (and prices) of top end football. Going through the turnstile you’re immediately greeted by a grass verge and a path leading up to the ground, the club bar is located just to the left of the turnstile and although we didn’t have time for a quick pint, I did have a nosey in and it seemed like a really cosy and welcoming place.

The Sir Tom Cowie Millfield Stadium is built up of 2 main stands running along one side of the pitch (one large covered terrace and a rather tight and small seated stand) and an area of terracing behind one of the goals, as a whole the ground can hold around about 1500.

Tonight’s match pitted together Crook Town, who were in 14^th place, against a mid-table Durham City outfit who were 10^th. As the match got under way we took our seats, or shall I say benches? In the small stand behind the dugout, both sides had early chances in a first 20 minutes in which Crook just shaded up until the 26^th minute.

 

Josh Gray picked up the ball half way inside Crooks area of the field, weaved his way past 2-3 defenders and slotted home past Crooks keeper. From then on Durham dominated the 1^st half, getting in some good chances against a Crook defence who always looked scared to put a tackle in.

Into the 2^nd half Crook came out all guns blazing and it soon paid off in the 49^th minute, a corner floated into the box was met by Kyle Davis who powered in a header into the top far corner of the goal, it was nothing less than what Crook deserved after starting the half on top. However immediately from the restart Durham went up the pitch and with a low shot across the floor, hit the post.

From then on it was end to end football until the 60^th minute. More slack defending from the Crook defence allowed Durham to just pass the ball about in the box before the ball was laid off to Scott Fenwick, who fired home into the bottom corner at the backpost past a stranded keeper.  After that it was back to normality, end to end football before things really got bizarre!

Crook had just conceded a free kick on the side-line and obviously the offending Crook player was disappointed with the decision, then came one of the most comical refereeing decisions I have ever witnessed!

The offending player then picked up the ball and threw it ‘to’ the Durham player so he could take the freekick, the referee then, somehow believing that the player had threw the ball at his opponent, turned around and issued the Crook player with his second yellow card of the game. A decision which left the Crook management and players both baffled & furious, even some of the Durham players protested his innocence.

To be honest what the ref had just done didn’t surprise me, he’d be shocking all night, constantly getting decisions wrong and handing out yellow cards like there was no tomorrow. It was truly a refereeing performance that would even put the infamous Trevor Kettle to shame.  

The match got back underway and then things immediately took another turn for the worse, another incident in which I did not see resulted in a straight red card for yet another one of Crooks players, then things got even more comical!

With Crook 2-1 down and now down to nine men  with 20 minutes still to go, the floodlights decided to fail, coincidentally. This left Durham’s match personal and fans, understandably, both suspicious and suspecting of foul play and with tempers on both sides flaring, a heated argument between 2 fans resulted in one of them throwing a punch at the other.

The match had truly descended into chaos!

Whether or not foul play had something to do with the floodlight failure we’ll never know, although in my opinion is was probably just one of those things. 

 

  

10 minutes had passed and with no sign of the floodlights coming back on, the referee decided to abandon the match with 20 minutes still to play and then no sooner after the crook players & referee had left the pitch, some of the floodlights which had gone off then started to come back on again. But the ref had already made his mind up and he left to a barrage of abuse from some of the travelling Durham fans.

As we set off for home we all reflected on what had been, although ruined by the ref, as a neutral a thoroughly entertaining match, well worth £6!