CC League 1 - 12th/13th August

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12 Aug-19:45 Tranmere v Oldham 4/5 11/5 10/3
13 Aug-15:00 Bournemouth v Bristol City 6/4 9/4 6/4
13 Aug-15:00 Bradford v Milton Keynes Dons 4/6 5/2 7/2
13 Aug-15:00 Chesterfield v Rotherham 11/10 12/5 2/1
13 Aug-15:00 Colchester v Barnsley 7/5 9/4 13/8
13 Aug-15:00 Doncaster v Hartlepool 10/11 9/4 13/5
13 Aug-15:00 Huddersfield v Swansea 4/5 23/10 3/1
13 Aug-15:00 Scunthorpe v Gillingham 13/8 9/4 11/8
13 Aug-15:00 Swindon v Nottm Forest 7/4 12/5 5/4
13 Aug-15:00 Walsall v Southend 8/11 12/5 10/3
13 Aug-15:00 Yeovil v Blackpool 4/5 23/10 3/1
15 Aug-15:00 Port Vale v Brentford 11/8 11/5 13/8

All odds Bet365

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Report from 'Red n'Black.net' on tuesdays 1-1 draw between Bournemouth & Hartlepool.....stick with it, he starts like Adrian Mole

Yesterday was a bit of a strange day for me. I spent the afternoon at Dean Court washing the CherryChange bins that had been surprisingly mistaken for rubbish bins and filled to the brim with empty coke bottles during the summer break. So armed with a mop and some washing up mixture, I got to work whilst also fielding off an army of nutters who kept asking me if I was the 2CR Fugitive. Some were lucky not to walk away with my mop shoved up an intimate place.

Around the ground, preparations were furiously being carried out ahead of our first game of the season. The new groundsman was tweaking the pitch, the bar staff were restocking their counters and the Ticket office staff, working in a really well designed greenhouse (I'm being ironic) in temperatures more suited to lying on a beach, battling to sell tickets against the wishes of their computer system.

First shock of the day was that Fletch was out for the match. He told me that he'd done his back in so had to miss out on what for him is one of his favourite fixtures of the year against his home town.

Sean O'Driscoll went with Dani Rodrigues taking the big man's slot up front partnering James Hayter. That was the only change from the team that drew 2-2 against Franchise FC last week. James O'Connor deputised as left back, Younger on the right with Maher and Howe in the centre of defence. Surman and Spicer were nominally on the wings (left and right respectively) with Stock and captain Browning in the middle.

Hartlepool came to Dean Court determined to get some points on the board after their first-day loss at home to Bradford last weekend. And it was Moss who was called upon to deny a goal on 6 minutes. Proctor was given far too much time in the box, turned and shot only to see Moss dive and turn the ball past the post.

Then Pool's Lee Bullock came close with a header that went wide after connecting with a cross from Butler. Our reply to these opening salvos were a weak grass cutter of a shot from James O'Connor that landed straight into the hands of Greek keeper Konstantopoulos and a couple of comedy dummy corner routines that fell apart.

Things livened up a bit around the 20-minute mark when O'Connor played in a peach of a ball from the left flank. His effort floated over the heads of the Pool defence and Hayter popped up at the right time to stab ball wide of the post. Then Surman had a penalty shout turned down after he tripped whilst weaving his way into the box.

Rodrigues though he had found the opener at the half-hour mark after a pass from Spicer allowed the striker to put the ball past Konstantopoulos. But the off-side flag was already raised (and to be fair, it did look off-side unlike quite a few decisions taken later on in the game).

After a poor start, the Cherries were getting more out of the game with a couple of decent breaks and Stock showing confidence to have a long-range pop shot on goal fizz past the post. Pool were getting frustrated and Butler was the first booking of the match after kicking the ball away in disgust against a decision by the often erratic referee Trevor Parkes.

But despite this good period of play, mistakes started to creep back (particularly in midfield) and Pool finished the half on the up. We had Eddie Howe in particular to thank for keeping the scores level just before the break with a momentous headed clearance from the six-yard box.


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Half time AFCB 0 - 0 Hartlepool

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The second half started with the Cherries on the up. Two penalty calls were quickly waved away by Parkes with Hayter involved in both of the shouts. The first saw James pulled over in the box before he could unleash a shot whilst the second was for a handball.

Browning then conceded a free-kick (and a yellow card) near our penalty area. But some great defensive play from Stock saw the midfielder diving for the live ball after the setpiece and setting up one of the best breaks we've seen from the team since Cardiff.

Stock slid in, won the ball yards from our area and found Hayter. The counter-attack saw four AFCB against two back peddling Pool defenders with Hayter passing out to Spicer. With three teammates steaming into the box, Spicer took the ball closer then elected to shoot when perhaps a sideways pass would have led to a certain goal. His effort though was only kept out by an amazing save from Konstantopoulos.

Hartlepool's reply to this let-off was instant. Some poor defending and a feeble attempt at clearing let Lee Bullock score an incredible goal. The midfielder hammered the ball into the top of the net from twenty-five yards out leaving Moss with no chance whatsoever of stopping the rocket.

The Cherries upped the pressure and won two corners in front of the North Stand. Maher had a close chance off the second kick but again Konstantopoulos was in fine form denying the equaliser.

Konstantopoulos also had a hand in the goal that came seconds later. Rodrigues had spent the entire match battling against an almost Arsenal like approach to offside from Hartlepool's back four. But the striker found his timing just after the hour mark, running behind the defence off a Spicer ball. His shot saw Konstantopoulos get a glove to the ball but thankfully it hit the inside of the post and landed in the net.

Pool picked up the pace with Adam Boyd coming on upfront and the Cherries faithful had to endure a couple of scares. Moss was his usual self though and denied Daly off a corner.

Both O'Connor and Neil Young took advantage of some quick breaks down the wing to put in shots. O'Connor's effort to lob was well read by Konstantopoulos whilst Young saw his effort just go over the bar.

Perhaps the clearest chance to win the match though fell to Hayter. The striker ran behind the defence, beat the keeper and had an open goal to aim at. A Pool defender blocked his shot and then bizarrely, an offside flag was shown. Whilst not in line with the decision, it looked a very poor call from the officials.

The remaining minutes saw some half chances from both sides as the two teams attacked and countered in search of the winner. Stock and Browning in particular showed amazing stamina chasing back at pace to clear the danger seconds before the end.


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Full time AFCB 1 - 1 Hartlepool

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Plus points: Dani deserved his goal and hopefully that will spur him on.

Minus points: I'm not sure that with Spicer and Surman playing in a narrow midfield, that we can effectively keep our shape. Young and O'Connor had no one in front of them many times as they tried to take the ball down the flanks and it closed up options in the last third of the pitch that we normally exploit. It's asking a lot of our full backs to also be prepared to attack on the wings without support and Younger looked knackered at the end.

The referee's..... A bit pedantic with some baffling decisions particularly in the stop-start first half. Same can be said for the linesman on the East Stand side who fell for Pool's trick of raising their hands for offside too many times.

Point to ponder: What has happened to our core business? 3 boxes remain unsold for the season, I counted 70 (yes SEVENTY!) player sponsorship packages still not sold, there's been no auction for the Number 27 shirt this year and although the Cherry Tree was open at 5.30pm, they couldn't serve us drinks as the tills weren't working!

Truth is stranger than fiction: Who is the 2CR Fugitive anyway?

Man of the match: Browning - his performances against Franchise and Pool has certainly answered most of his critics.

In a nutshell: Still waiting for our first home win since February but some very encouraging play was displayed last night.


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Match facts

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Cherries: Moss, Young, Browning, Maher, Stock, Rodrigues (Cooke 85), O'Connor, Hayter, Surman, Howe, Spicer
Unused subs: Stewart, Gowling, Coutts, Hudson
Goals: Rodrigues 64

Hartlepool: Konstantopoulos, D Williams, Nelson, Clark, Humphreys, E Williams, Sweeney, Bullock, Butler (Llewellyn 89), Proctor (Boyd 65), Daly
Unused subs: Strachan, Craddock, Provett
Goals: Bullock 51

Referee: Trevor Parkes
Attendance: 5,406

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....& this is Hartleppols view from 'The Northern Echo'

Bournemouth 1 - 1 Hartlepool United
Bullock goal earns the first point for improved Pool
By Nick Loughlin
ANOTHER draw at Bournemouth for Hartlepool United, with this one offering differing emotions.

Pool made the trip to the south coast for the second time in three League One games and, while they ended last season with a 2-2 draw, they have earned their first point of this season with a 1-1 scoreline.

The May 7 game secured Pool's place in the play-offs, this encounter gave them something to savour after the disappointment of the opening day defeat to Bradford.

Pool were a much-improved side from Saturday's reverse at Victoria Park and left the Fitness First Stadium content with their draw.

Now they must continue the improvement when, with the fixture computer again not too kind to Martin Scott's side, Pool travel to face a lively Doncaster side.

Michael Proctor, paired up front with Jon Daly, went close to grabbing his frist Pool goal just six minutes in, firing a 12-yard volley which keeper Neil Moss miraculously saved.

Daly started at the expense of Adam Boyd, last season's top scorer who failed to fire in the weekend's disappointing opener.

Eifion Williams also made a start, in place of Saturday's debutant Chris Llewellyn on the right wing.

In the back line Darren Williams moved to centre-half, with Ben Clark swopping over to right back.

The changes certainly worked, with Pool looking a lot more fluid throughout and more solid at the back than they did on the opening day.

Antony Sweeney, who scored the decisive goal at the Fitness First Stadium on the final day of last season, should have done better at the same end when he nodded wide from close range.

Proctor suffered a nose-bleed, not from going so close to a first goal, but from a clash with Neil Young and spent the rest of the half with cotton wool stuck in his nostril.

Pool's first booking of the season came after 36 minutes when Thomas Butler was penalised for smashing the ball away after his promising attack was halted by the officials.

While Pool failed to control Bradford talisman Dean Windass at the weekend, at least last night they didn't have to contend with Bournemouth's own hero, Steve Fletcher, as the Hartlepool-born target man missed out with a back injury.

Ritchie Humphreys, again playing at left back, linked up with Butler on the flank and swung over a tasty cross towards Daly, which was half-cleared by the home defence. Eifion Williams fired the loose ball back in, but Moss collected.

Seconds after the restart, the Cherries appealed furiously for two penalties - first when Nelson collided with Eddie Howe then against Darren Williams for handball.

Referee Trevor Parkes played on, but awarded Pool a free-kick 25 yards out at the other end.

Lee Bullock, Humphreys and Butler stood over the ball, but after it was tapped short, Humphreys was tackled as he shaped to shoot.

Dani Rodruigues put his foot in and tore away deep into the Pool half. He passed to Howe and his angled shot was pushed out at full stretch by Dimi Konstantopoulos.

The save was a vital one because Pool soon took the lead.

Daly, impressive throughout, chested the ball off for Bullock and, with only open spaces around him, the midfielder had time to pick his spot from 25 yards and arc the ball over Moss into the net.

Konstantopoulos made a sharp low save to keep out a Shaun Maher header, but was beaten a minute later.

Rodrigues latched on to a Gareth O'Connor pass into space on the right and he charged forward. His shot was almost stopped by Konstantopoulos, but he could only watch as the ball bounced in off the upright.

Boyd, missing from the starting line-up for the first time since last November, was introduced for Proctor.

He soon won a corner and, from Nelson's flick, Bullock tried to loop a header over Moss.

Pool were put under pressure as the home side started to spread play across the park and Scott's side were going to rely on the pace of Butler and Boyd on the counter attack.

The pair combined on 80 minutes, but Boyd, subdued after spending the first hour on the bench, fired high over the bar.

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This is an unhappy report from www.boyfrombrazil.com on Bradford 0 Southend 2

Bradford City 0

Southend United2
David Wetherall Own Goal 0-1
Luke Guttridge 0-2

By Michael Wood

The disappointment hung over Valley Parade like a black cloud. The end of season wins over Bournemouth and Brentford last term had put to bed the idea that this Bradford City side could not do at home what they did on the road but once again an unimpressive side left West Yorkshire with three points.

Disappointment for Colin Todd who needs to find a way to get his team breaking down the two four man lines of defence which marks most League One matches at VP. City's best wins last season at home - Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield and the two mentioned earlier - all came against teams who came to attack. The defeats on the whole were against the likes of Southend who sit back and stay back.

Todd had hoped that his re-modelled midfield would be able to push the ball at pace and get around the deep lying back lines and so they managed once when a counter-attacking move resulted in a chance for Andrew Cooke which he should have converted but his over from eight yards. Later and in the same position Luke Guttridge would hit the ball firmly past Donovan Ricketts to give the visitors a second goal.

Disappointment for David Wetherall who converted a cross past Ricketts after Cooke's miss the skipper's bad luck being the only blemish on an excellent performance under trying circumstances.

Those circumstances being the sending off of Darren Holloway after forty-five minutes after he and Mitchell Cole both dove in for a ball on a rainy pitch. Studs were raised for both parties and Referee Kettle brandished the card early and definitely but harshly for the right back who had as much chance of being the guy writhing on the floor as he did getting the early bath. City were issues with an FA fine earlier in the day for bad discipline and that reputation is clearly proceeding us.

After the break Todd shifted players around to give Damion Stewart a debut in a back three but out numbered and seemingly unwilling to maintain possession City conceded and slipped to a home defeat at the first time of asking.

Disappointing for sure. Saturday sees Milton Keynes Dons visit Valley Parade and Todd is charged with trying to find a way to breakdown what will no doubt be another wall in front of the visitors goal lest this season turn into a repeat of last.

Donovan RickettsDarren HollowayDavid WetherallMark BowerAndrew TaylorMarc Bridge-WilkinsonTom KearneySteven SchumacherBobby PettaDean WindassAndrew CookeDamion Stewart for Cooke
Danny Cadamarteri for Kearney

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....& Southends predictably more upbeat view from 'The Little Gazette'

AN OWN GOAL from David Wetherall set the scene for Southend United's first three points of the 2005/6 campaign at Valley Parade last night...


Wetherall had no choice but to put the ball past his own goalkeeper after a fine cross from Wayne Gray at the second attempt forced the defender to touch the ball into the back of the net. The move came on fifteen minutes, and just seconds after Mark Bentley had dallied on an opportunity to give Blues the lead.

The visitors, wearing their predominantly white away strip for the first time, dominated first half proceedings, with Dean Windass missing the Bantams only real chance. Andy Edwards, recalled to the side in the absence of the injured Spencer Prior, and Duncan Jupp were particularly impressive at the back.

For a moment, it appeared that the hosts were threatening to pull level, but in a vindictive overall display, the dismissal of David Holloway by referee Trevor Kettle, much improved from his displays against Canvey Island in the 2003/4 FA Cup first round ties, proved the catalyst for a comfortable second period. Hollowayt lunged in with a savage two-footed challenge on Mitchell Cole that was rightly met with an instant red card.

In the second half, the Shrimpers again seemed at ease with their Coca-Cola League One surroundings, and just after the hour mark, Luke Guttridge made sure of the result with a fine driven finish from twelve yards after Wayne Gray had again peeled off to the left-hand side to deliver a precise pass.

Guttridge was suitably unimpressed by his replacement by Carl Pettefer just a minute or so later, but the Yorkshire club were constantly denied any time to think by a disciplined United outfit, and Darryl Flahavan had just one meaningful save to make from Dean Windass at the end of the game. Marc Bridge-Wilkinson hit the crossbar with a free-kick from just outside the penalty area.

Full match report from Mark Wallis, Marks Out Of Ten by Matthew Donohue and Day Tripping by Adam Duffill, as well as ProgScene by Rob Craven to follow later today.

Southend United (4-4-2): Darryl Flahavan; Duncan Jupp, Andy Edwards, Adam Barrett, Che Wilson; Luke Guttridge (Carl Pettefer), Mark Bentley (Lewis Hunt), Kevin Maher, Mitchell Cole (Mark Gower); Wayne Gray, Freddy Eastwood. Subs not used: Bart Griemink, James Lawson.

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com

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From 'ColUonline' on Colchester 1 Swansea 2

Negative tactics and lapses in concentration cost the U's dear tonight against Swansea City as they lost by two goals to one. Adrian Forbes put the visitors ahead, before Greg Halford equalised. Just minutes later, Lee Trundle scored the decisive winner.


Negative tactics and lapses in concentration cost the U's dear tonight at Layer Road as they gifted Swansea City the three points. Adrian Forbes, one of the smallest players in the team, was allowed to head past Aidan Davison whilst Lee Trundle was gifted the freedom of the U's penalty box to hit a second just minutes after the U's had clambered their way back into the match through Greg Halford's first U's goal this year.

Following the opening day defeat at Gillingham, Phil Parkinson tinkered with his side and surprisingly dropped last season player of the season Pat Baldwin, replacing him with the Spurs loanee Mark Yeates. Karl Duguid moved to left-back, with Chilvers and Wayne Brown in the centre and Stockley at right back. The U's midfield lined up with Watson and Izzet playing in front of the back four, Halford and Yeates out wide, with Danns just behind Iwelumo who was making his home debut. It was a formation that the team looked ill at ease with, and which ultimately proved unsuccessful. Sure, it may be perfect away from him, but at Layer Road it is too negative. Swansea City included ex-U's man Marc Goodfellow in their line-up along with the dangerous Lee Trundle up front.

It was Goodfellow who was involved in the first moment of the match as he raced away from Stockley and fired a ball across the box. It was neither a shot nor a cross and never had Davison concerned or Trundle close enough for it to be of major concern. Izzet was alive to all the possibilities when Kevin Austin elected to head clear instead allowing the ball to run through to Willy Gueret in the Swans goal. Sadly, Izzet's instinctive volley was wide of the goal with the keeper stranded from 35 yards out.

Trundle managed to turn and get himself a yard away from Chilvers but Davison was equal to his shot, while Danns laid the ball off to Yeates only to see his shot hit the Aaron Skelton Memorial Netting above the Layer Road End. A Watson free-kick allowed Iwelumo to challenge Gueret unmarked in the air, but the tall target man saw his header just touched wide by the former Millwall keeper for a corner.

Swansea then opened the scoring pretty much against the run of play - with the U's having had the better of possession without having forced any real openings. A long throw-in was flicked on by Akinfenwa at the near post, and Forbes, the former Norwich man, out jumped a statuesque Stockley to plant his header into the far corner of the net and past Davison. It was a lapse of concentration from the U's with Stockley ball watching instead of being close to his man who was allowed to run at the ball.

Goodfellow then forced Davison into a save at his near post to concede a corner and perhaps here is also a good point to discuss corners. Easy enough things to defend normally, but you simply ask for trouble if you do not have an out ball for the clearance. At every single corner conceded, the U's cleared the ball only to find it coming straight back at them as there was no one there to challenge. It invites pressure. Swansea always had Trundle on the halfway line, meaning the U's had to keep at least two defenders back to mark - if all eleven U's players are in the box, then where can a U's man pass the ball when, and if, he gets it.

The U's had a let off when the referee adjudged Davison had been fouled as Akinfenwa scored. Goodfellow's cross into the box had taken a deflection off Watson and caught the U's keeper off balance as he jumped. Akinfenwa, who was relegated with Torquay at Layer Road last season, did not appear to hamper the U's man too much as he dropped the ball at his feet, however, referee Singh disallowed the goal - somewhat harshly as per the U's fans in Terrace 4's thoughts.

Halford's saw a free-kick from the corner of the box go over, while from a U's corner, Yeates tried his luck from distance with a shot that whistled just over the bar. The U's then fluffed another free kick - why do teams try to move it a yard instead of just lamping goalwards - before Izzet got in a powerful volley that came through a ruck of players which Gueret did well to save. Halftime and though the U's were behind, thoughts in the crowd were that the U's could get back into the game if Iwelumo get more support up front - he was badly isolated.

Duguid, playing his first competitive game at Layer Road for more than year, was quickly into the action in the second half, sprinting down the line before pulling the ball back to Yeates who saw his shot have the power taken out of it by a deflection, and into the safe hands of Gueret. Yeates had a decent run himself before being fouled, and he got up to bend a shot just over the bar as the U's started to impose themselves on the game. Iwelumo laid the ball off to Izzet who volleyed wide before Parkinson made a decisive change with Williams coming on for the under par Watson.

That immediately gave some much needed support to the U's target man who had ploughed a very lone furrow up front. This pepped up the former Stoke City striker who did well to win the ball down the left before taking past a Swansea defender. He then played the ball inside to Izzet whose one touch lay off was hit with a powerful strike from Neil Danns which rocketed off the far post and back into play before anyone could seemingly react. Such was the build-up it would have been an early contender for goal of the season.

The equaliser came shortly after as the U's mounted the kind of sustained pressure that should have come from the first whistle. Yeates was involved, leaving a defender in his wake, before spotting the run of Williams just inside the box. The ginger haired striker hit a powerful curling shot towards the far corner of the net which Gueret did well to parry out, but it went straight to Halford who coolly slotted the ball into the empty net.

The U's had all the momentum now, and if they carried on like this, the three points would surely be there's. Sadly, they didn't as just minutes later, they let the Welshmen back in front. It was a simple free kick form the back for offside that led to it, and when it was half cleared to Trundle he side stepped a tackle and had a clear run towards goal before firing past an exposed Aidan Davison. All the U's good work in getting back into the game had been blown apart by a lack of concentration at the back.

It was a real body blow for the U's, and in all honesty they never looked like getting another goal back. Duguid's free kick into the box was difficult to deal with but somehow Swansea's defenders were able to concede the corner, whilst a Danns shot was parried and then cleared up by Gueret before the ball crossed the dead ball line. Swansea always looked dangerous on the break (particularly from corners) and managed to see out the game without to much difficulty though some of the challenges were a bit over zealous.

Phil Parkinson has to realise that he needs to get more support alongside Iwelumo if the U's are to break their duck on Saturday. The current system is simply not effective at home when we need to push on more. Of course, had the U's back four not gone to sleep twice, things might have been different, and I'm certainly not going to overly panic just yet. As someone on the terraces said as we left: "We were top of the table at this stage last season, and we ended up in the bottom half of the table". If a successful season means we have to iron out a few issues and lose the first few games then so be it, but we must realise quickly what those problems are.

Man of the Match: Liam Chilvers - can't be blamed for the goals and read the game well at the back. Kept Trundle quiet for most of the game.
Shot of the Match: Danns shot in the second half from 25 yards which hammered against the woodwork with Gueret a spectator.
Moment of the Match: Referee Singh disallowing Akinfenwa's goal after Davison dropped the ball. One question - why?
Muppet of the Match: The U's free-kick trio of Danns, Watson and Halford whose elaborate plan was thwarted when a Swansea City defender got to the ball first.

U's: Davison, Stockley, Chilvers, Brown, Duguid (Howell), Halford, Watson (Williams), Izzet (Guy), Danns, Yeates, Iwelumo. Unused Subs: Gerken and Baldwin.

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....& Swansea view from 'The Western Mail' via Jackarmy.net

Negative tactics and lapses in concentration cost the U's dear tonight against Swansea City as they lost by two goals to one. Adrian Forbes put the visitors ahead, before Greg Halford equalised. Just minutes later, Lee Trundle scored the decisive winner.


Negative tactics and lapses in concentration cost the U's dear tonight at Layer Road as they gifted Swansea City the three points. Adrian Forbes, one of the smallest players in the team, was allowed to head past Aidan Davison whilst Lee Trundle was gifted the freedom of the U's penalty box to hit a second just minutes after the U's had clambered their way back into the match through Greg Halford's first U's goal this year.

Following the opening day defeat at Gillingham, Phil Parkinson tinkered with his side and surprisingly dropped last season player of the season Pat Baldwin, replacing him with the Spurs loanee Mark Yeates. Karl Duguid moved to left-back, with Chilvers and Wayne Brown in the centre and Stockley at right back. The U's midfield lined up with Watson and Izzet playing in front of the back four, Halford and Yeates out wide, with Danns just behind Iwelumo who was making his home debut. It was a formation that the team looked ill at ease with, and which ultimately proved unsuccessful. Sure, it may be perfect away from him, but at Layer Road it is too negative. Swansea City included ex-U's man Marc Goodfellow in their line-up along with the dangerous Lee Trundle up front.

It was Goodfellow who was involved in the first moment of the match as he raced away from Stockley and fired a ball across the box. It was neither a shot nor a cross and never had Davison concerned or Trundle close enough for it to be of major concern. Izzet was alive to all the possibilities when Kevin Austin elected to head clear instead allowing the ball to run through to Willy Gueret in the Swans goal. Sadly, Izzet's instinctive volley was wide of the goal with the keeper stranded from 35 yards out.

Trundle managed to turn and get himself a yard away from Chilvers but Davison was equal to his shot, while Danns laid the ball off to Yeates only to see his shot hit the Aaron Skelton Memorial Netting above the Layer Road End. A Watson free-kick allowed Iwelumo to challenge Gueret unmarked in the air, but the tall target man saw his header just touched wide by the former Millwall keeper for a corner.

Swansea then opened the scoring pretty much against the run of play - with the U's having had the better of possession without having forced any real openings. A long throw-in was flicked on by Akinfenwa at the near post, and Forbes, the former Norwich man, out jumped a statuesque Stockley to plant his header into the far corner of the net and past Davison. It was a lapse of concentration from the U's with Stockley ball watching instead of being close to his man who was allowed to run at the ball.

Goodfellow then forced Davison into a save at his near post to concede a corner and perhaps here is also a good point to discuss corners. Easy enough things to defend normally, but you simply ask for trouble if you do not have an out ball for the clearance. At every single corner conceded, the U's cleared the ball only to find it coming straight back at them as there was no one there to challenge. It invites pressure. Swansea always had Trundle on the halfway line, meaning the U's had to keep at least two defenders back to mark - if all eleven U's players are in the box, then where can a U's man pass the ball when, and if, he gets it.

The U's had a let off when the referee adjudged Davison had been fouled as Akinfenwa scored. Goodfellow's cross into the box had taken a deflection off Watson and caught the U's keeper off balance as he jumped. Akinfenwa, who was relegated with Torquay at Layer Road last season, did not appear to hamper the U's man too much as he dropped the ball at his feet, however, referee Singh disallowed the goal - somewhat harshly as per the U's fans in Terrace 4's thoughts.

Halford's saw a free-kick from the corner of the box go over, while from a U's corner, Yeates tried his luck from distance with a shot that whistled just over the bar. The U's then fluffed another free kick - why do teams try to move it a yard instead of just lamping goalwards - before Izzet got in a powerful volley that came through a ruck of players which Gueret did well to save. Halftime and though the U's were behind, thoughts in the crowd were that the U's could get back into the game if Iwelumo get more support up front - he was badly isolated.

Duguid, playing his first competitive game at Layer Road for more than year, was quickly into the action in the second half, sprinting down the line before pulling the ball back to Yeates who saw his shot have the power taken out of it by a deflection, and into the safe hands of Gueret. Yeates had a decent run himself before being fouled, and he got up to bend a shot just over the bar as the U's started to impose themselves on the game. Iwelumo laid the ball off to Izzet who volleyed wide before Parkinson made a decisive change with Williams coming on for the under par Watson.

That immediately gave some much needed support to the U's target man who had ploughed a very lone furrow up front. This pepped up the former Stoke City striker who did well to win the ball down the left before taking past a Swansea defender. He then played the ball inside to Izzet whose one touch lay off was hit with a powerful strike from Neil Danns which rocketed off the far post and back into play before anyone could seemingly react. Such was the build-up it would have been an early contender for goal of the season.

The equaliser came shortly after as the U's mounted the kind of sustained pressure that should have come from the first whistle. Yeates was involved, leaving a defender in his wake, before spotting the run of Williams just inside the box. The ginger haired striker hit a powerful curling shot towards the far corner of the net which Gueret did well to parry out, but it went straight to Halford who coolly slotted the ball into the empty net.

The U's had all the momentum now, and if they carried on like this, the three points would surely be there's. Sadly, they didn't as just minutes later, they let the Welshmen back in front. It was a simple free kick form the back for offside that led to it, and when it was half cleared to Trundle he side stepped a tackle and had a clear run towards goal before firing past an exposed Aidan Davison. All the U's good work in getting back into the game had been blown apart by a lack of concentration at the back.

It was a real body blow for the U's, and in all honesty they never looked like getting another goal back. Duguid's free kick into the box was difficult to deal with but somehow Swansea's defenders were able to concede the corner, whilst a Danns shot was parried and then cleared up by Gueret before the ball crossed the dead ball line. Swansea always looked dangerous on the break (particularly from corners) and managed to see out the game without to much difficulty though some of the challenges were a bit over zealous.

Phil Parkinson has to realise that he needs to get more support alongside Iwelumo if the U's are to break their duck on Saturday. The current system is simply not effective at home when we need to push on more. Of course, had the U's back four not gone to sleep twice, things might have been different, and I'm certainly not going to overly panic just yet. As someone on the terraces said as we left: "We were top of the table at this stage last season, and we ended up in the bottom half of the table". If a successful season means we have to iron out a few issues and lose the first few games then so be it, but we must realise quickly what those problems are.

Man of the Match: Liam Chilvers - can't be blamed for the goals and read the game well at the back. Kept Trundle quiet for most of the game.
Shot of the Match: Danns shot in the second half from 25 yards which hammered against the woodwork with Gueret a spectator.
Moment of the Match: Referee Singh disallowing Akinfenwa's goal after Davison dropped the ball. One question - why?
Muppet of the Match: The U's free-kick trio of Danns, Watson and Halford whose elaborate plan was thwarted when a Swansea City defender got to the ball first.

U's: Davison, Stockley, Chilvers, Brown, Duguid (Howell), Halford, Watson (Williams), Izzet (Guy), Danns, Yeates, Iwelumo. Unused Subs: Gerken and Baldwin.

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Doncaster 1 MK Dons 1, from 'Penneys from Heaven'

Doncaster were held to a 1-1 draw against the MK Dons with a silly defensive mix-up 14 minutes from the end of an entertaining game costing them maximum points.

Rovers deservedly led at Belle Vue with a 66th minute goal from summer signing Paul Heffernan, but the costly blunder came 10 minutes later.

Goalkeeper Andy Warrington and substitute Stephen Roberts hesitated over a bouncing ball that could easily have been cleared and it led to a goalmouth scramble from which Izale McLeod snatched the equaliser.

The visitors had been the better side at the start as Doncaster began shakily with Warrington having to save with his legs at the near post to deny Aaron Wilbraham in the fifth minute.

Wilbraham flicked on a free-kick five minutes later to set up a chance for McLeod but his shot on the turn flashed narrowly wide.

But it was all Doncaster for the rest of the half, although Warrington had to make another brilliant save on the stroke of half time to prevent Dean Lewington scoring against the run of play.

Summer signing Sean Thornton looked impressive in midfield for Rovers and he was involved before Heffernan had a shot well saved in the 18th minute.

But, although they were outplayed at times, the Dons worked tremendously hard in all areas with McLeod always a threat with his pace upfront.

Rovers finally made the breakthrough in the 66th minute when Heffernan, a £125,000 summer signing from Bristol City, repaid part of the fee with a splendid header from James Coppinger's left-wing cross.

But they were unable to add to this score, despite looking well in control, and the blunder in the 76th minute caused red faces all around.

McLeod deserved the credit for striking in opportunist style after making space for himself with some tricky footwork.

Rovers raised their game in the closing stages but Paul Green missed a great chance with the goal gaping and then a brilliant cross from Thornton, which was begging to be converted, sailed past everyone.

Coca Cola League One, Tuesday 9th August 2005 @ 19:45; Earth Stadium





Heffernan 66
McLeod 76





Starting Line-ups
Warrington 6
3 Ryan 7
5 McGuire (Roberts 46) 6
23 Foster 7
15 Fenton 6
8 Thornton 7
21 McIndoe 6
20 Green 6
26 Coppinger (Guy 83) 7
14 Heffernan 8
9 Roberts, N (Fortune-West 75) 7
Substitutes
31 Richardson
4 Roberts, S (McGuire 46) 5
19 Ravenhill
13 Fortune-West (Roberts 75)
7 Guy (Coppinger 83)
16 Goal Attempts 11
6 On Target 8
10 Off Target 3
0 Hit Woodwork 0
9 Offsides 7
10 Corners 4
8 Fouls 17
Starting Line-ups
Baker 6
19 Crooks 7
3 Lewington 7
5 Morgan 7
6 Chorley 7
13 Edds 7
16 Oyedele 7
7 Small 7
11 Smith (McKoy 69) 6
21 Wilbraham 6
10 McLeod 8
Substitutes
12 Martin
20 Palmer
4 Harding
22 McKoy (Smith 69) 6
14 Kamara

Referee
E Ilderton, Tyne & Wear
Attendance
5232

Doncaster Rvs. Cards
McIndoe 10 dissent
Thornton 19 unsporting behaviour
Roberts 43 unsporting behaviour
Milton Keynes Cards
Crooks 41 unsporting behaviour
Small 57 unsporting behaviour

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...& from 'Milton Keynes today - Online Citizen'

Doncaster 1, MK Dons 1
IZALE McLeod's fantastic individual goal rescued a late point for Dons in a hard-fought draw at Belle Vue.
McLeod somehow wriggled free in a crowded box to level in the 76th minute, after Paul Heffernan had given Doncaster a 66th minute lead.
Milton Keynes' boss Danny Wilson sprang some major surprises in his team selection after tough-tackling midfielder Paul Mitchell was ruled out with a niggling injury picked up in the 2-2 opening day draw with Bournemouth.
Dean Lewington replaced him in an unfamiliar central midfield role, with Wade Small moving to the left, Shola Oyedele brought in at right-back with Gareth Edds in right midfield.
The Dons started brightly and Aaron Wilbraham should have given them the lead just five minutes in when McLeod's cross found him unmarked just six yards out, but Rovers' goalkeeper Andy Warrington saved well at his near post.
The towering Wilbraham returned the favour moments later, flicking a header on which McLeod raced on to and fired just wide.
But Doncaster took control and carved out a series of chances from the wings as their passionate home support roared them on.
James Coppinger was the man pulling all the strings as he rained in the crosses from the right, with Dons' skipper Ben Chorley almost turning one into his own net as the pressure mounted.
Another of his pin-point crosses found Heffernan in the box, who swivelled and forced Dons' keeper Matt Baker into a smart save.
At the other end, Lewington almost handed Milton Keynes an unlikely lead moments before the break when his terrific surging run ended with his left-foot shot being turned sharply round the post by Warrington.
The home side piled on the pressure after the break with Heffernan forcing Baker into another good save at his near post, before Lewington blocked the talented Michael McIndoe's goal-bound strike with a superb flying challenge.
But Doncaster were not to be denied and an unmarked Heffernan eventually broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, heading home Coppinger's cross from seven yards.
Rovers pressed for a second but they were suddenly pegged back by a fantastic individual goal from Dons' top scorer McLeod fourteen minutes from time.
The 20-year-old collected the ball on the edge of a crowded Rovers' box, twisted and turned and somehow wriggled free of four defenders before firing a fierce left-foot strike low into the bottom corner
Rovers came closest to a winner in the dying minutes but Baker denied substitute Lewis Guy with a fantastic sprawling save to ensure the Dons went home with a point.

[Swooperman]

From 'The Huddersfield Net'

Huddersfield Town 1 - 0 Bristol City
League 1
10-08-2005
A lot better tonight. Jacko has abandaned the 3-5-2 system and reverted to 4-4-2 and it looks a lot better, albeit we are lacking in out and out wingers... however,

The team played a lot better, created plenty of chances and finally broke the stubborn Bristol defence on 89 minutes just as the first of the crowd began drifting out to chase buses and head for their cars....

Abbott nodded in a great cross from sub Andy Holdsworth and after he missed a hat trick of chances earlier, I am sure he was very relieved to hit the target.

The first win has arrived and that lifts the pressure off the team. Holdsworth played particulary well when he came on and is a possible to start on the right wing next match.

The one blow of the evening was seeing Dave Mirfin stretchered off, but it seems to have been a hamstring pulled rather than anything major, so maybe a couple of weeks out only.

Tonights team marks ;

Rachubka 7, Mirfin 7, McIntosh 7, Clarke 7, Adams 7 Brandon 7, Worthington 6, Hudson 7, Schofield 6, Abbott 7, Booth 7 subs GTF 7, Holdsworth 8, Carss 6.

Much improved for likes of Adams and Hudson from Saturday, however Worthington was disappointing, some passing dire and i got the feeling he wasn't being subbed due to being captain.

Shame we dont have an out and out left winger but Holdsworth looks more than capable at right wing so lets give him a go there.

Marcus Stewart got a warm welcome until about 75 mins when he tangeled with Rachubka and suddenley became enemy number one, quite amusing to see the fans turn on him....

Swansea won again tonight so they will be no easy game on Saturday but at least 3 points in the bag today.

By David Clegg from the Blue-Army mailing list

[A.M.P]

You o.k with the MKdons link this weekend mate?

Shout out if you need any assistance as your doing a top sjob there.

I listened to the entirity of the Bristol city game. Abbot missed some absolute sitters. Although the early 2nd half sending off could have skewed matters Huddersfield could have won this match 3/4-0. The City strikers we're ineffectual again and the team only started to play when down to 10 men...

I heard an Interesting fact that Huddersield havent lost at home for ages (or once in a year or so). I'm wary of backing Bristol at Bournemouth on that showing.

Punters who took Abbot for top scorer should be well satisfied with his performances so far.

AMP

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....& from 'Bristol City Mad'

Striker Pawel Abbott extended Huddersfield's unbeaten home record at the Galpharm Stadium by grabbing the only goal of the game against 10-man Bristol City.

Former Poland Under-21 international Abbott struck in the last minute with a header that ensured Town remain undefeated at home in 2005.

Abbott headed substitute Andy Holdsworth's cross over Robins keeper Steve Phillips to extend the good run to12 games unbeaten at home since January.

And the hit man, who scored 26 league goals last season and was on target on the 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, could have had a hat-trick.

He hit the bar with a powerful long range effort on 24 minutes and planted a free header wide of the target after the break when it seemed easier to score from Danny Adams' perfect cross.

Abbott's performance outshone the uncharacteristically subdued displays from past and present Huddersfield legends Marcus Stewart and Andy Booth. Former Town legend Stewart, who had a four year spell at Huddersfield before a controversial £2.5million move to Ipswich, was marked out of the game.

And Booth, who has scored 110 goals for his home town club in two separate spells, had a generally below-par match. The closest he came to scoring was with a header from an Adams corner in the first half that was cleared off the line.

The home side dominated the opening period and created a hat full of chances that should have seen them take the lead before half-time. And their fluency in the second half was disrupted when the outstanding David Mirfin was stretchered off with a suspected hamstring injury.

City held their own and had opportunities to take the lead against the run of play. David Cotterill fired wide on 20 minutes and Luke Wilkshire, later sent off for a second bookable offence, fired straight at Town keeper Paul Rachubka nine minutes later after a run from deep.

But Mirfin's injury ultimately proved fortuitous as it was his replacement, Holdsworth, who beat two challenges down the right to fire over the cross that allowed Abbott to steal the points for Huddersfield.

Coca Cola League One, Tuesday 9th August 2005 @ 19:45; The Galpharm Stadium





Abbott 89





Starting Line-ups
Rachubka 6
16 McIntosh 6
5 Mirfin (Holdsworth 59) 9
6 Clarke 6
3 Adams 7
11 Schofield (Taylor-Fletcher 72) 7
18 Worthington 6
4 Hudson (Carss 80) 6
7 Brandon 8
23 Booth 7
9 Abbott 7
Substitutes
22 Senior
8 Carss (Hudson 80)
24 Collins
2 Holdsworth (Mirfin 59) 7
10 Taylor-Fletcher (Schofield 72)
13 Goal Attempts 5
7 On Target 2
5 Off Target 3
1 Hit Woodwork 0
1 Offsides 5
5 Corners 1
6 Fouls 15
Starting Line-ups
Phillips 6
16 Fortune 5
6 Carey 7
4 Heywood 6
15 Woodman 6
21 Skuse 7
11 Cotterill (Smith 76) 8
14 Wilkshire 6
3 Smith, G (Brown 52) 6
9 Brooker (Bridges 77) 7
10 Stewart 5
Substitutes
24 Keogh
2 Smith, J (Cotterill 76)
7 Murray
20 Brown (Smith 52) 6
8 Bridges (Brooker 77)

Referee
A Hall, W Midlands
Attendance
11138

Huddersfield Cards
(none)
Bristol City Cards
Skuse 27 unsporting behaviour
Wilkshire 38 unsporting behaviour
Wilkshire 50 second bookable offence

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From 'www.onevalefan.co.uk'...& yes I know its from a bird but its pretty good......

Vale Held At Home As
Gills Make Their Point


Match Facts
Port Vale:
M Goodlad
G Abbey
G Pilkington
S Collins
M Bell
M Cummins
D Sonner
(c Birchall 69)
T Dinning
M Innes
(J Smith 69)
N Lowndes
B Paynter
(H Sam 77)

Other Subs:
J Brain
S Rowland

Gillingham:
J Brown
R Rose
I Cox
C Hope
D Jackman
A Crofts
A Pouton
(M Corneille 85)
M Flynn
A Hessenthaler
(M Jarvis 71)
D Byfield
D Spiller
(P Shields 58)

Other Subs:
D Knowles
L Johnson

Attendance:
4,931

Referee:
G Salisbury

Goals:
Port Vale --
Gillingham --

Possession:
Port Vale 57%
Gillingham 43%

Shots:
Port Vale 7
Gillingham 1

Corners:
Port Vale 1
Gillingham 3

Fouls:
Port Vale 3
Gillingham 7

Bookings:
Danny Jackman (71)





Fan Report:

Kirsty

When Bill Bratt was asked how he was after tonight’s game, he replied “I’d be fine if we could turn superiority into goals.” This statement pretty much sums up Vale’s first home game of the 2005 / 2006 campaign.

The team left the pitch to a standing ovation from the first half performance. An outsider would assume that the starting line up had played together for years, judging by the passing and link-up play, especially between Bell and Innes. In the opening 10 minutes, both strikers in the 4-4-2 formation came close to scoring, and Lowndes’ luck didn’t appear to get any better for the rest of the game, where his contribution was invaluable, but was unable to put the ball in the back of the net.

How Vale failed to capitalise on their Brazil style play remains a mystery. Danny Sonner played the biggest role in this part of the game by winning all loose balls and passing them forward to create chance after chance. But desperation began to set in by the end of the first half when the score line was still 0-0. Minutes after Gillingham’s Byfield miss hit the ball when in a one on one situation with Mark Goodlad, Vale once again came close to separating the two teams when a Sonner cross connected with Lowndes’ head, only for their ‘keeper to deny the Vale their just rewards.

The second half of this game saw Gillingham play the ball more, giving the impression that they will not end this season on the wrong side of the table. Gillingham did not look as sharp as Vale on the ball, but certainly strung together some good passes, resulting in quick chances during the opening part of the second half. In this period however, Nathan Lowndes once again forced the Gillingham goalkeeper to the bottom left corner from a 30 yard strike.

Vale saw a turning point in their fortune when Foyle decided to make a double substitution. He replaced Birchall for Innes and Smith for Sonner; arguably taking off Vale’s best two players of the night. Sonner’s angry reaction was therefore expected. The argument remains that Vale were lacking width in the second half, but creativity was replaced with width.

Michael Cummins had won the majority of balls in the air all game, so it came as no surprise five minutes after the substitution when he attempted a looping header which unfortunately just went over the bar. Gillingham continued to apply pressure to Vale after this point; on many occasions they referred to counter-attack tactics, and it is fair to say that they were unlucky on many occasions not to score either. Unlike Saturday’s away game at Southend, Vale did not sit back and invite the Gills into their own half. Instead, the Vale pushed Gillingham as far back as possible whenever they looked in a likely position to score.

Had Vale played a lesser side than Gillingham, it is unlikely that the score would have been the same.

Player Ratings:
Mark Goodlad 6
Didn’t have much to do, but dealt with everything that came to him.
Mickey Bell 8
Defended the left hand side well, and connected with Innes.
George Pilkington 6
Didn’t have a lot to deal with
Sam Collins 7
Again, not much to deal with, but pushed his defence forward a lot, showing that he’s unwilling to let his place go.
George Abbey 7
Sponsor’s MOTM. Totally Committed.
Mickey Cummins 8
More active than usual, pushed forward and eventually playing almost as winger.
Tony Dinning 7
Was not involved as much as usual, but still got stuck in when it mattered.
Danny Sonner 8/9
Created and defended until he was taken off.
Mark Innes 8
Sharp throughout, and worked well with Bell.
Nathan Lowndes 8
Very unlucky not to score. Showed that he can be tricky on the ball, but disappointing that he didn’t finish any of his great chances.
Billy Paynter – 6/7
Worked hard and unselfishly, but most chances went through Lowndes rather than Paynter.

Fan Snapshot:

Gerry Fielding

The Key Moment: Mark Goodlad's late to earn Vale a deserved point.

Entertainment Value: 8/10

Star Man: Very difficult. Both fullbacks had excellent games while central midfielders were good.

Opposing Star Man: Michael Flynn was hardworking in midfield.

Atmosphere: Great.

Biggest Disappointment: The gate - under 5,000!

Press View:

(The BBC) "Port Vale and Gillingham both lacked the creativity required to unlock their rivals' defences.
Nathan Lowndes, who scored both of Vale's goals during their opening-day win at Southend, squandered his side's best chance with a 34th minute header.

Darren Byfield wasted Gillingham's best chance of the first half, failing to beat Mark Goodlad.

In the second period Byfield had an effort ruled out for offside and Andrew Crofts saw a shot saved."

Match Quotes:

(Martin Foyle)"We didn't do enough to win and I have to give credit to Gillingham. They put out two banks of four, worked extremely hard and made it very difficult for us to break them down."

(Neale Cooper)"It's a massive point for us. Vale are a strong side and all reports said they played very well at Southend on Saturday

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'A Fans view' from Gillsconnect



Spiller limps off Port Vale 0 Gillingham 0 - Match Report

By Alan Liptrott
Date: 10/8/2005

Neale Cooper was full of praise after seeing his team pick up a useful point at Vale Park and remain unbeaten in League One. A number of the squad were not fully fit including Danny Spiller who played on through the pain barrier before limping off during the second half


The Teams

Port Vale
1. Mark Goodlad

2. George Pilkington

4. Danny Sonner (69)

6. Sam Collins

8. Michael Cummins

9 Nathan Lowndes

10. Billy Paynter (78)

12. Tony Dinning

15. George Abbey

18. Mark Innes (68)

20. Mickey Bell
Gillingham
13. Jason Brown

16. Richard Rose

6. Ian Cox

18. Chris Hope

11. Danny Jackman

7. Andrew Crofts

8. Andy Hessenthaler (71)

10. Michael Flynn

25. Alan Pouton (84)

20. Darren Byfield

22. Danny Spiller (58)

Substitutes
24. Jonny Brain(GK)

3. Craig James

11. Jeff Smith (68)

17. Christopher Birchall (69)

23. Hector Sam (78)
Substitutes
12. Danny Knowles (GK)

14. Leon Johnson

21. Matthew Jarvis (71)

24. Mark Corneille (84)

26. Paul Shields (58)


Match Statistics

STAT ATTACK
1 Shots On Target 1
6 Shots Off Target 1
3 Fouls (Conceded) 8
1 Corners 3
0 Yellow Cards 2
0 Red Cards 0
ATTENDANCE: 4931 (inc 392 Gills)

REFEREE: G. Salisbury

Match Report - from PA

Port Vale and Gillingham shared the spoils after playing out a goalless draw at Vale Park.

Both sides won their opening game of the season at the weekend but neither team could find the creativity required to unlock their rivals' defence.

Nathan Lowndes, who scored both of Vale's goals during their opening-day win at Southend, squandered his side's best chance when his header failed to find the net in the 34th minute.


Darren Byfield ready to feed off a Gills corner kick

Darren Byfield wasted Gillingham's best chance of the first half, failing to beat Mark Goodlad after Sam Collins' slip had put him clean through.

Both sides showed more of a cutting edge in the second period and Byfield had the ball in the net only to have his effort ruled out for offside.

Gillingham almost snatched victory deep into stoppage time when a header from Andrew Crofts forced a full- length save from Goodlad, but Vale held on for a deserved point.

View from the Terrace by Alan Liptrott


Danny Spiller doing his best to support Darren Byfield in attack

Before kick-off I would have been very happy if Gills were to pick up a 4 point haul from their trips to Vale Park and Glanford Park. With a number of