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INTER 2 - 2 CLARA VALE (13/4/08)
Subsidiary League
First and foremost I would like to send my and everybody’s best wishes to Dan. At times things happen that put football in perspective and when a player suffers a type of injury he did today then what follows isn’t important. I am gutted for him…he has been one of our best players this season and he will be a massive miss. It was a 50/50 tackle and both players went in hard but fair, so no complaints on that matter. It was a tackle that characterises the type of player he has been for us this season. He has never shirked from any tackle and gives 100% in everything he does. He has been on the receiving end of a few tackles this season but just dusted himself down and went back for more so I knew it was a bad one when he stayed down. I am sure he will make a full recovery and come back stronger than before. It’s important we as a squad support him and remain positive. If it had been 15 years ago a broken leg meant the end of your football full stop but its amazing how far medical treatment has come and he will be back running starting his recovery in a couple of months. He will be back terrorising opponents’ players’ and managers before you know it I am sure.
On the game, we were well worth a point and it is always nice to score a late goal. It was a good game of football between two committed teams. It was pleasing to see the players bounce back after last week’s performance. The effort and work levels were better but in particular I thought our passing and supporting each other on the ball were the highlights today. Last week we couldn’t string two passes together but we created quite a few chances in the game by playing the ball across the middle and to the wide areas.
The first half was very even but we started the second the brighter and were rewarded with our persistence with the first goal. It was pleasing to see our midfielders attack the box and we have always encouraged them to do this…today two of them got their rewards. We are very lucky to have three or four strong, athletic, energetic midfielders who have the ability to attack the box but then get back and defend when they have to…Its just a shame they scored two between our strikes! Despite trailing though at one stage, the players showed good character to come back and grab the equilizer when at times this season, including last week, we have ended up conceding one or two more.
Overall, a lot better than last week…still room for improvement but the result is pretty much insignificant today.
Team: Clark, Fenwick, Jamieson-White, Matthewson (Capt), Ruffell, Harriott, Gibbon, Henderson, Carling, Bamford, Blacklock. Sub: Passey.
Goalscorers: Gibbon, Passey.
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INTER 1 - 4 CLARA VALE (6/4/08)
League
A poor result which was more than matched by a poor performance to say the least. Its very frustrating when a team plays so well one week and then plays so badly the next and make no mistake today was bad. At times this season when we have been beaten I have commented on the effort and work levels the players have showed – however I can’t and won’t try to defend the players after today. Apart from three or four the rest simply didn’t demonstrate the commitment required. Some players are more than happy to accept the plaudits when things are going well and scoring goals but can’t accept criticism when they don’t perform. Unfortunately that is part and parcel of football. To be honest when only half a dozen of your players turn up on time…it doesn’t fare well for the game itself.
I always had a gut feeling we would struggle today – simply because of the high and the adrenalin rush of last week’s semi final. The league is our bread and butter and is very important because while cups are great, it is inevitably your league position which shows how good a season you have had. Our position shows we have been inconsistent and that is a very accurate assessment.
We struggled today in a number of areas. We were second best all over the pitch and that was particularly disappointing to watch. We stood off them and allowed Clara Vale to play and you can’t afford to do that because they are a good team and credit to them because they took full advantage. In fact, sometimes as a manager you look at teams and see if you can take anything from them whether it be a formation, phase of play or other quality. Last week, we saw Montagu play the game at a high tempo/quick pace in the second half and you look at them and think that is what I would like us to do. Today, I felt there was a lot to admire in the team work Clara Vale shown – they encouraged each other and kept going in the first half when they were well on top but couldn’t find the net. They got their rewards in the second. We were very quick today to shout and have a go at each other when those concerned weren’t doing their job – and that has to be the priority. If you need to shout it should be positive not negative.
Credit to our defence because like last week they worked their socks off and I would say there was only one goal where I thought they could have done better as a unit – other than that they did very well and performed to a good standard. At times, they had four or five players to try and track.
Despite knowing the players five years, I am still learning things about the players and I learned a lot today. At the end of the season, those players who deserve one of the four trophies will receive it on merit and for demonstrating consistency. Some players made my mind up today…unfortunately for them I may add. The games that are played in the snow, rain and hail against the big aggressive teams are more important than the ones played in the sun on a nice day against bottom of the league.
It’s amazing what a week in football brings…even at Under 16! There were a few frustrated figures after today’s game…which is good in that it shows they care and want to do better. This does however need to be done on the pitch where they can influence the outcome. Its easy to look at other things to blame and say I/we should do this/that etc in a group but as individuals they need to take more responsibility on the pitch for their own performance first.
I think we need to take stock and have a week’s break. Last week was disappointing results wise and today…well we got what we deserved…it could have been a lot worse. Losing two games doesn’t mean the end of the world. The players need to recharge their batteries and come back stronger next week – whoever it may be. The end of the season seems a long way off at the moment and that should be a good thing. We want to finish on a high not a low – today simply wasn’t good enough. Mark and myself have said it and say it again that if the players perform the way they are capable of performing and keep that level of performance high then we can match any team. The season is drawing to a close and time is running out, but only the players can put it right and do something about it. The players could win all the remaining games or do the opposite - it is up to them.
Team: Ruffell, Harriott, Jamieson-White, Blacklock (Capt), Wright, Henderson, Gibbon, Passey, Carling, Clark, Bamford. Subs: Misz, Fenwick.
Goalscorer: Harriott
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MONTAGU 5 - 3 INTER (AET) (30/03/08)
NACYP CUP SEMI FINAL
‘Its disappointing to lose any game but to lose a semi final after having a good lead is heart breaking for the players. I thought they were fantastic today…every single one of them. For an hour in fact we were absolutely outstanding. I am not going to mention the word unlucky because I hate it though! The difference being is that we just ran out of legs in the second half. But that’s why Montagu are first division and we are only third...they can produce the effort and quality for longer periods and have that little bit extra quality and consistency when it is needed most and good luck to them for the final. If we had played this season like the way we did today, we wouldn’t be sitting in mid-table but leading the league outright by about twenty points!
I thought the first goal was always going to be important and we had good chances before we actually did put the ball in the back of the net…little did I predict we would score the first three! Having said that I thought we deserved the lead. The players worked their socks off and never gave them the opportunity to play. They were always going to come back at us in the second and I am tempted to say we helped their case a little by not continuing to play the way we did in the first but it was nearly impossible for the players to maintain the levels they were working at. Even at three nil up I had a gut feeling the match wasn’t over and unfortunately that proved to be the case. We could have kept the ball better of course but lets give credit to Montagu, they raised their game and showed why they are a first division side. Our keeper must have made a dozen top quality saves and kept us in it.
Looking at the players at the end there were a lot of cuts, grazes, bruises you name it…they were there, even popped lips! They should be congratulated on a great cup run that had to come to an end some time. We always say that if the players give their very best and it still isn’t good enough then so be it. We had that today and I can’t have any complaints. We just fell short but the players should be proud of their performance…I know the fans are after seeing the 6,000 black and blue army applaud them off and deservedly so…credit to the fans too by the way today, top class support and as vocal as ever throughout! Keep the faith.
Goalscorers: Bamford, Carling, Passey
Team: Ruffell, Harriott, Wright, Matthewson (Capt), Jamieson-White, Henderson, Gibbon, Passey, Carling, Blacklock, Bamford. Subs: Fenwick, Misz.
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INTER 2 - 1 SEGHILL (16/3/08)
(Subsidiary League)
A good result despite a poor performance - and you have heard the cliché before that it is a sign of a good team when you can still win despite not playing well. Credit to our players because we got a bit of a battering in the second half but they showed good character to come through that and keep going till the very end. We will take the three points though because it has happened to us so many times this season when we have been the better team but come away with nothing so I aint complaining.
I was standing right next to the Seghill manager when we scored the winner and I turned to him and said his team didn’t deserve that. They were by far the better team and although we matched them for effort and commitment – football wise they played us off the park…particularly in the second half and they played more than their part in a competitive, well fought match. First half we probably shaded it and should have put some of the chances we created away…but we didn’t and they had a real go at us. Our defence should be applauded because they were pretty much under the cosh all of the second half but were resolute and stood firm.
I was disappointed the way in which we played today and this was probably because I couldn’t help compare it with that of last week against Ashington. We were fantastic last week in many ways, and I said last week that we should set that as the mark and keep those standards up. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen for a few reasons.
The conditions played a part and although it was difficult to get the ball down and pass it, we made life even more difficult by trying to play fancy stuff trying to take players on when the simple ten yard ball was the better option, and this was our downfall because I don’t think we strung together four or five passes all game. Formation wise I tried something different which worked overall because we won the game. The new one we tried worked better. At least we looked more threatening and created some chances. It’s funny because when you mention you are playing a new formation some players think their game has to change, even though most of them still played in the same position and had the same job to do as last week!! Good players can adapt to any formation and position and it is something we will continue to look at.
I have to say that I am a little concerned at our discipline. We have started to get involved in silly things off the ball and we shouldn’t because we are too good and intelligent team for that. However, there were examples last week and again today. It’s something that could cost us dear. Some times players mis-time tackles and you have to accept a booking – fair enough. But what I won’t accept are bookings for other silly things and I don’t need to expand on it because I know our players will know what silly things I am on about and who it applies to.
Overall – Another win, three points and a good result against a very good team. But if we want to win the subsidiary league we will need to play a lot better than we did today and I know we can do.
Team: Ruffell, Harriott, Wright, Matthewson, Blacklock, Henderson, Passey, Misz, Carling, Clark, Bamford. Subs: Gibbon, Fenwick, Jamieson-White.
Goals: Clark, Bamford
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INTER 3 - 0 ASHINGTON (9/3/08)
NACYP CUP QUARTER FINAL
‘Credit to all of our players because I thought each and everyone of them were fantastic today. If you are going to beat quality sides like Ashington then every player in every position needs to be on their game…and they were today. The players now have a good chance of making a name for themselves and I sure hope they do. They should enjoy it because days like today don’t come along very often…its what you are in it for and it would be tremendous if it could end in a fairy tale after four seasons with them. To be in the semi-finals of a major cup is a great achievement…even more so if you are from outside the top division.
It does make you wonder though how you can play so bad one week and then play with so much confidence and quality the next! Last week we didn’t create one chance on target yet today we looked threatening each time we went past half-way…I guess that’s the cup…win and you go through, lose and you are out…the players responded superbly to the simple scenario. Now and again lower division teams do beat the top division teams…mostly through luck on the day but I have to say I thought we matched Ashington in terms of getting the ball down and passing it about. The effort and desire levels were top class…as they always are to be honest and overall we fully deserved the win. Ashington are a good team who will no doubt have their day if they haven’t already, however today belongs to us. Credit to them, a few of their players had some nice compliments for us at the final whistle and wished us all the best…it is much nicer hearing them for once rather than saying it that’s for sure!
I mention must be given for our second and third goals, which were taken superbly. Our second, was worthy of winning any goal of the month competition and gave us that little bit of breathing space which we needed at the time while also taking a little bit of energy from the opposition. Most times when you strike a ball from 25 to 30 yards out in ends up on the next pitch so it was nice to see it hit the back of the net for once!
I am sure Montagu will be as up for it as much as we will be I am sure of that, but if we play like we did today then who knows? We are in with a chance…the players must believe that. If the players give 100% effort and commitment to the cause then that’s all I can expect. If it isn’t enough to win on the day then so be it.
It is important however that we keep our feet on the ground…there are games to play before the semi-final and we need to make sure we maintain our performance levels to try and finish the season as strong as we can. Wins breed confidence and you can never be short of it. Our priority is Seghill at home next week, who will prove a stern test as they always do’
Team: Ruffell, Harriott, Jamieson-White, Matthewson (Captain), Wright, Henderson, Gibbon, Passey, Carling, Bamford, Blacklock. Subs: Fenwick, Clark, Misz.
Goals: Blacklock (2), Passey
Training: Thursday 5.30 to 6.30 p.m. at Lockey Park
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HEXHAM 2 – 0 INTER (2/3/08)
League Match
Overall I have no complaints whatsoever about the result. Hexham deserved the three points and played a lot better than us on the day. Again there was an abundance of effort, desire and commitment from our lads which was very pleasing to see but we offered nothing in the attacking third – and that’s where goals are made and scored. We didn’t create one clear cut chance which is disappointing considering the amount of goals we have been scoring recently. Today it just wasn’t to be and we could still be playing now and not have scored.
Hexham had an array of chances but what is frustrating is that we gifted them their two goals from individual errors and against a team of the quality Hexham have got – you simply cannot do it. Credit must go to our goalkeeper who was excellent throughout and kept us in it. It gave us half a chance of a getting a smash and grab result that unfortunately wasn’t to be. Too many players had a slightly off day and like I have said before against these teams you need all eleven and the substitutes to be on their game if you are to get a result.
It is unfortunate that our good run of form had to end but it could well be a blessing in disguise. We move on to our next game. What is for certain is that we all have to club together and perform like never before if we are to get a result next week against Ashington in the quarter finals of the NACYP Cup. They do have a very good team and will have quality all over the park but it’s a one off game and if we play like I know we can then who knows...we must be positive and give it our best shot.
Team: Clark, Harriott, Jamieson-White, Matthewson (Capt), Wright, Ruffell, Henderson, Bamford, Carling, Blacklock, Misz. Subs: Fenwick, Passey
NEXT WEEK (H) ASHINGTON (NACYP CUP)
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Wallsend Community FC 3 - 5 Inter (17/2/08)
League
‘Without doubt our best result of the season. To go and get anything at their place is difficult enough but to go there and come away with three points is very pleasing and I am delighted for the lads. Make no mistake Wallsend are a quality team who have had some great results this season but today we were well worthy of the win. We are now doing the things that we weren’t doing a couple of months ago...playing with a high tempo, getting the ball wide, delivering quality crosses but most of all a cutting edge and ending moves off with good, quality finishes – all were evident today. Of course when you add effort and desire to that, the chances are you are going to win the game. This result means that we have now lost one out of our last eight – a good run but one we want to continue with now.
I thought first half we were quite professional with the way we played. They had the majority of possession but we defended resolutely and looked to hit them on the break. Our first goal was superbly taken I have to say and our second involving a good move down the left was finished clinically and kind of took the wind out of their sails.
The next goal after half time was always very important – if we score then the game is as good as over but if the score then it’s a different game altogether. Unfortunately the latter happened, 2-1. The reaction from the lads following this goal I have to say was fantastic. We got a hold of the game and looked to play off our front men of who had another good day. Within 10 mins we had restored our two goal fashion, a fourth and then a fifth followed. At this stage we were playing some really good football and looked dangerous each time we attacked.
However – just as you think there is none of that ‘nasty stuff’ left in us we decide to take our foot of the pedal and in some fashion. We gave away two late silly goals that could have been more fatal had their been more time on the clock – a timely! reminder that you can’t let teams back into games otherwise you find yourself up against it and panicking when you shouldn’t have.
Overall though we thoroughly deserved the win against a very good footballing team and credit goes to the small squad we now seem to have – outstanding. We have lost a couple of important players over recent weeks due to injury and lost another key one today in the first half but kept going and played with great spirit and unity. I would say that the group of players we had their today are the most committed we can have and are eager to finish the season strong.
Team: Clark, Fenwick, Jamieson-White, Matthewson (Capt), Wright, Harriott, Henderson, Gibbon, Carling, Blacklock, Bamford. Sub: Misz.
Goals: Misz (2), Henderson, Carling, Bamford
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INTER 7 – 1 LONGBENTON (10/2/08)
NACYP CUP RD 2
A superb result even though I have actually seen us play a lot better this season. I think this has been coming for some time because we haven’t finished teams off this season when we should have and paid the price – today we took our chances however. Too many times we have played well this season and not won so it is nice to do it the other way! I have to say that one or two of the goals were taken very well that primarily involved our front two of whom I thought were outstanding throughout and thoroughly deserved their goals.
Longbenton must be given some credit – they play the game in a good manner and tried to have a real go but left some gaps at the back that we took advantage of. For whatever reason I don’t think we passed the ball as well as them but we certainly matched their commitment and desire. In the end however we showed that extra quality where and when it was needed to score the goals and win the game. We now have a good opportunity in this competition to play against a division 1 team and try and make a name for ourselves. It is the furthest we have reached in a cup competition and I am sure we can give any team a game – and win or lose it won’t be for a lack of trying’.
Team: Clark, Fenwick, Jamieson-White, Wright, Matthewson (Capt), Harriott, Passey, Gibbon, Carling, Henderson, Blacklock. Subs: Miller, Misz
Goalscorers: Henderson (3!), Blacklock (2), Passey, Carling
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FC MORPETH 3 - 3 INTER (27th Jan –League)
‘I don’t know whether to laugh or cry after this result but overall I thought we were worth at least the point. We played some terrific football at times and more than competed against a team who are so far undefeated this season. At 2-1 we looked quite comfortable and I felt that we had another goal in us. We then picked up three injuries which meant we had to make both personnel and positional changes which disrupted our game.
We gave away a poor goal for their equalizer that made it 2-2, the lad ran through three players and although he finished well – we should have stopped him a lot earlier in the move. This goal gave Morpeth the momentum and they scored a third goal shortly afterwards – a ball straight over the top caught us out, again I thought we should have defended it better and you never like to concede goals as easy as that. Just as I thought we weren’t going to get anything out of the game we then scored an equalizer and deservedly so – they would argue the goal may have been offside but the goal-scorer wasn’t the player standing in an offside position and the lad that was in an offside position, wasn’t interfering with play. We have been on the wrong end of decisions at times this season so it was nice to be on the right side for a change!
Overall I suppose we can’t be too unhappy. We had the opportunity to beat Morpeth today but it slipped us by and in the end we have to be happy we took the point. Certainly those teams vying for promotion will be, that’s for sure, and we should be back on some teams’ Christmas card lists. The team played a lot better than what we have in recent weeks I thought – and if all the players can maintain their effort, concentration levels and keep to their playing position for the whole duration of the game, then hopefully we can start getting some wins – otherwise we our going to break one record and that is the team who draw the most games in a season – currently 5 and counting!
Team: Clark, Harriott, Jamieson-White, Matthewson (Capt), Wright, Henderson, Passey, Gibbon, Carling, Blacklock, Bamford. Subs: Fenwick, Miller.
Goalscorers: Harriott (2), Passey.
Next Game: Hexham (Away)
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INTER 1 - 4 HEXHAM
(League 13/01/08)
Overall, I thought the result slightly flattered Hexham. However, their extra purpose, desire and quality won them the game on what was a quagmire of a pitch. You can’t afford to have three or four players off their game and unfortunately we had that today. You must have all eleven and your substitutes to perform to their very best against the top teams to have a realistic chance of beating these teams. What was particularly disappointing was a couple of the goals that we gave away today – they scored two from corners – twice they had players unmarked and unchallenged which you can’t do at this age group.
To their credit, Hexham are a very good team who play the game as it should be: Hard but fair and then have that bit flair and quality in the last third to kill moves off. They had that and we didn’t. I can’t fault the players’ effort levels because most of them bust a gut at times but that final ball or cutting edge let us down again – as so often this season. A disappointing result but we must now look ahead to our next game.
Team: Clark, Harriott, Jamieson-White, Matthewson, Wright, Misz, Gibbon, Henderson, Carling, Bamford, Blacklock. Subs: Passey, Brooks.
Next Game: Clara Vale (Home)
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INTER 2 – 2 SEGHILL (League)
Well, there’s a surprise…another home draw, the third at home this season out of the six we have played. This time however the fans left a little happier. Normally the ritual is get as many goals as possible in the first half and then stop playing and let the away team see if they can beat it – this time was different and more exciting. The lads’ New Year resolution it seems was to give the away team the honour of leading at half time and try to do to them what most other teams have done this season and come back at the death to snatch either a point or even three!
I suppose we have got to be thankful really, being two nil down at half time wasn’t what we deserved. We had most the possession and guess what that word I don’t like to mention now (goalscoring chances). We didn’t convert any however which is the story of our season and I am beginning to sound like a broken record. Give the players credit, they came back and showed a bit of character and passion when the easiest thing would have been to give up – but they kept going and in the end we deservedly got a point. It should have been three but we have to stop saying that because while you need a certain amount of luck (which we never seem to get by the way), you have to take responsibility and we didn’t have that cutting edge needed to finish off some good play we did throughout the game. We also had a goal taken off for offside but I must give the Seghill linesman credit – he did apologise at half time and admitted it was a mistake which made me feel a hell of a lot better...not.
Team: Clark, Fenwick, Walker, Matthewson, Wright, Harriott, Gibbon, Henderson, Carling, Bamford, Blacklock. Subs: Passey, Banks, Miller, Misz, Jamieson-White
Goalscorers: Passey, Blacklock
Next Week: Home to Hexham
