A rain soaked Maidstone Road saw a well fought match last night, that unfortunately was curtailed with ten minutes remaining due to a very unpleasant injury to industrious full back Mark Green.
The referee made the difficult call to halt proceedings when it became apparent that the severity of the break to the Chatham man's leg was such that he couldn't be moved until medical professionals arrived. He was finally removed from the pitch some forty minutes later, and was still being treated in the ambulance outside the ground at 10.30.
It was a horrible end to what had otherwise been a tight game with no goals - only Dean Ruddy and his Invicta counterpart Jack Delo kept it that way, both making excellent saves when it mattered. The match though, in reality, fell by the wayside with shocked players leaving the pitch to keep warm in the dressing room, the sight of Green surrounded by staff from both benches awaiting them on their return from the showers.
Mark Green is self employed, and I hope he is adequately insured. I doubt he'll be working again soon - the report on Kentishfootball states that he's got a triple fracture of both the fib and tib. Hopefully he'll return to play with us, but in the meantime I think a decent gesture by the club would be to donate the profits from last night's match to Mark. I'd also like to suggest that those playing last night donate their match fees too. In these uncertain financial times, it would be good to see a display of solidarity amongst non league footballers. This morning, a man is waking up to an uncertain future and a hideous leg break - a little light could go a long way.
The league committee is yet to decide whether to replay the match. I'd like to think both teams would settle for the point that this stalemate deserved, but we'll have to wait and see. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday 30 December 2009
Sunday 27 December 2009
MFI Desk 4 - 0 Resolute Desk
Didn't go to yesterday's Boxing Day derby at Sittingbourne, but a strong Chatham side were well beaten by the Brickies in a match that, according to the Sittingbourne match report at least, we again were off the pace and short of options up front.
To be beaten for the twelfth successive time by local rivals must be some sort of record - I'd like to know of any other regular derby that so often ends with only one result - and must also be corrected next Saturday when they visit us.
I note on the official forum there are calls for Rob Denness to be given his chance back up front for Chatham. I'd echo this, but there were no glory days with him and Cass as some would have you believe. There is a place for Denness in the first eleven, and its on the wing. Shame he hates playing there, but we need someone with his control and eye for a pass, and most importantly, his passion. He bleeds red and black, and deserves his chance to shine. With Barnett coming back fit, it has to be Cass and Barnett leading the line - and AOB needs to get them scoring.
Chatham were undone by three goals coming from players who could have been wearing the MTS shirt yesterday - two from Reeves, who turned us down earlier in the season, and one from the apparently freescoring Hicham Akhazzan, who had a spell with us on his release from Gillingham a few years back.
Heads must not drop after this defeat. Our dubious home form is our next hurdle, with the visit of Folkestone on Tuesday a do-or-die game. Again, former Chats at the ready in the form of Darrren Smith and Siiiimon Austin, let's not get undone like a cheap Christmas sweater from Strood market. Lets show what a good weave will get you.
'Mon les Chats!!!
To be beaten for the twelfth successive time by local rivals must be some sort of record - I'd like to know of any other regular derby that so often ends with only one result - and must also be corrected next Saturday when they visit us.
I note on the official forum there are calls for Rob Denness to be given his chance back up front for Chatham. I'd echo this, but there were no glory days with him and Cass as some would have you believe. There is a place for Denness in the first eleven, and its on the wing. Shame he hates playing there, but we need someone with his control and eye for a pass, and most importantly, his passion. He bleeds red and black, and deserves his chance to shine. With Barnett coming back fit, it has to be Cass and Barnett leading the line - and AOB needs to get them scoring.
Chatham were undone by three goals coming from players who could have been wearing the MTS shirt yesterday - two from Reeves, who turned us down earlier in the season, and one from the apparently freescoring Hicham Akhazzan, who had a spell with us on his release from Gillingham a few years back.
Heads must not drop after this defeat. Our dubious home form is our next hurdle, with the visit of Folkestone on Tuesday a do-or-die game. Again, former Chats at the ready in the form of Darrren Smith and Siiiimon Austin, let's not get undone like a cheap Christmas sweater from Strood market. Lets show what a good weave will get you.
'Mon les Chats!!!
Monday 21 December 2009
"What's going on...
what's going on, I'll tell you what's going on..."
Or some like. Well, an update on all things recent. After the disappointment of yet another home defeat against Worthing (see previous post), we ground out an excellent win at Walton Casuals the following Saturday (12th), with a late Cedric Ngakam goal sealing three points for Chatham.
We were due to battle high flying Godalming on Saturday past, but this match, along with all other games in Kent bar those at Gillingham and Dover, fell foul of the weather. The chance to play a top three side was one that we'd have gladly taken - its vital that we get some back to back wins on the board, but that honour now falls to the Boxing Day trip to sunny Bourne Park where we face old adversaries Sittingbourne.
I say adversaries, because there seems to be a somewhat one sided rivalry between us, that is, they hate us and we don't really care about them.
The rivalry between us was stoked in the national imagination over recent seasons with their comical ditty "All Bling and Burberry", which goes like this;
"All bling and Burberry, high teenage pregnancy, no father on the scene, all robbing cash machines!"
Its funny, and certainly witty. The only problem is that they don't seem to have taken a stroll through the delights of Kemsley recently, or in fact Sittingbourne town centre on a Friday night, whereupon they might realise that we're some sort of chav brethren, perhaps an elaborate town twinning operation that no-one ever knew about. Sittingbourne itself is a Lidl centric gem of a duff town. Chatham is frankly somewhere even the most facistic of totalitarian governments would struggle to come up with a solution to rid the streets of its prolific scum value and the ever growing moutain of base, de-intelligised debauchery. As I said, we're some sort of Chav brotherhood. We should embrace each other...
All joking aside, and rivalry put behind us as we join hands accross the Medway / Swale divide, the Bourne are starting to look like a decent side. Former Chat, Hicham Akhazzan, is banging the goals in for Gary Abott's men, and another former Chat, Matt Bourne, is steadying a solid defence. Like us, if they can get a bit of consistency, they're very much play off contenders, which given their off the pitch woes (low crowds, no money from the Maidstone ground share, had to close the reserve team) would be a welcome jab in the arm. They used to be a big side, until it all went wrong in the 90s. They can be again, but they need to capture the public's imagination -and success on the pitch can do that for them. We're on the up, and meeting them somewhere around the middle of the axies on a graph that would show a halting decline and steady upturn for them, and years of steady growth for us - the hidden attribute in Football Manager speak is the ambition - we've both got it but have we both got enough bite?
I'll keep going on about it until I realise I'm wrong, but Chatham this year appear to have ambition to progress. After seasons of satisfaction at mid table mediocrity, this year is going to be our year - or at least the start of something.
Our fans don't sing. We all know that. But some of us tried the other season, with a song, that personally, and biasedly, I believe to have been better than the Sittingbourne Bling song, which was voted 4th best in the country.
It goes like this - to the tune of Design for Life by the Manic Street Preachers.
I won't be at Bourne Park on Boxing Day. Its just not going to happen. But I will be at the home game against pace setting Folkestone Invicta on tuesday 29th (7.45pm KO), and the Sittingbourne home game on Sat 2nd (3pm) - there will be words or the like here on line at some point after where I'll say what happened and stuff. If you're interested, we've extended the discounts on the door to include as well as NUS, reduced entry for Gillingham ST holders. A great idea. Wonder who came up with it...
Or some like. Well, an update on all things recent. After the disappointment of yet another home defeat against Worthing (see previous post), we ground out an excellent win at Walton Casuals the following Saturday (12th), with a late Cedric Ngakam goal sealing three points for Chatham.
We were due to battle high flying Godalming on Saturday past, but this match, along with all other games in Kent bar those at Gillingham and Dover, fell foul of the weather. The chance to play a top three side was one that we'd have gladly taken - its vital that we get some back to back wins on the board, but that honour now falls to the Boxing Day trip to sunny Bourne Park where we face old adversaries Sittingbourne.
I say adversaries, because there seems to be a somewhat one sided rivalry between us, that is, they hate us and we don't really care about them.
The rivalry between us was stoked in the national imagination over recent seasons with their comical ditty "All Bling and Burberry", which goes like this;
"All bling and Burberry, high teenage pregnancy, no father on the scene, all robbing cash machines!"
Its funny, and certainly witty. The only problem is that they don't seem to have taken a stroll through the delights of Kemsley recently, or in fact Sittingbourne town centre on a Friday night, whereupon they might realise that we're some sort of chav brethren, perhaps an elaborate town twinning operation that no-one ever knew about. Sittingbourne itself is a Lidl centric gem of a duff town. Chatham is frankly somewhere even the most facistic of totalitarian governments would struggle to come up with a solution to rid the streets of its prolific scum value and the ever growing moutain of base, de-intelligised debauchery. As I said, we're some sort of Chav brotherhood. We should embrace each other...
All joking aside, and rivalry put behind us as we join hands accross the Medway / Swale divide, the Bourne are starting to look like a decent side. Former Chat, Hicham Akhazzan, is banging the goals in for Gary Abott's men, and another former Chat, Matt Bourne, is steadying a solid defence. Like us, if they can get a bit of consistency, they're very much play off contenders, which given their off the pitch woes (low crowds, no money from the Maidstone ground share, had to close the reserve team) would be a welcome jab in the arm. They used to be a big side, until it all went wrong in the 90s. They can be again, but they need to capture the public's imagination -and success on the pitch can do that for them. We're on the up, and meeting them somewhere around the middle of the axies on a graph that would show a halting decline and steady upturn for them, and years of steady growth for us - the hidden attribute in Football Manager speak is the ambition - we've both got it but have we both got enough bite?
I'll keep going on about it until I realise I'm wrong, but Chatham this year appear to have ambition to progress. After seasons of satisfaction at mid table mediocrity, this year is going to be our year - or at least the start of something.
Our fans don't sing. We all know that. But some of us tried the other season, with a song, that personally, and biasedly, I believe to have been better than the Sittingbourne Bling song, which was voted 4th best in the country.
It goes like this - to the tune of Design for Life by the Manic Street Preachers.
"Walker gave us power,
Then Binks came and made us free,
What price now, Mid-table mediocrity?
We don't talk about cups...
We only want to stay up...
And we are not allowed to spend,
Because the gate receipts say that would be the end,
Ryman League, For Life,
Ryman League, For Life,
Ryman League, For Life,
Ryman League for Life..."
If we get any good, it won't ever get sung again. Just as well no-one ever does.
I won't be at Bourne Park on Boxing Day. Its just not going to happen. But I will be at the home game against pace setting Folkestone Invicta on tuesday 29th (7.45pm KO), and the Sittingbourne home game on Sat 2nd (3pm) - there will be words or the like here on line at some point after where I'll say what happened and stuff. If you're interested, we've extended the discounts on the door to include as well as NUS, reduced entry for Gillingham ST holders. A great idea. Wonder who came up with it...
Sunday 6 December 2009
Chats 0 - 1 Worthing
A poor performance from both sides in a drab encounter that saw Worthing run out 1-0 winners on a boggy pitch which they adapted to sooner than Chatham (who would still be knocking balls down the middle the next day given the chance), and a match that must have left Donny Logan with plenty to think about.
Saturday saw a debut for new centre half Cedric Ngakam, formerly of Ebbsfleet and Welling (that's two different clubs, desperate 'fleet haven't changed their name again), who came in for the suspended Richard Avery. The Frenchman had a solid game at the back and seems a good addition to the squad. I hope he's versatile, because Payne and Avery have been pretty dependable if unspectacular so far this season and he may struggle to hold down a spot. That said, Payne is suspended next, and I think Cedric is only on loan at present, with Welling team mate Steffan Gaisie.
Ngakam's debut was one of few positives for a Chatham side who despite endeavour seemed tactically clueless at times. The ongoing absence through injury of Brad Potter is starting to become more and more of a thorn in the Chats midfield. Touted as a future Steve Best when he joined, he's looked strong and threatening when played in the middle of the park as opposed to at the back where he won't push out either Ray Powell or David Daryl Hall any time soon. The midfield lacked bite. Wilfort, a powerhouse of a midfielder much like Steve Best can only sop up so many stray balls whilst Solly and Lyons go missing as they did so often on Saturday. I've said it before and I'll say it again, but its got to be one or the other - they are essentially the same player, and they tend to hinder each other's game. Solly is in my opinion our player of the year so far. He in truth had a poor game on Saturday, from which I am sure he'll bounce back. We need a bit of talent on the right side of midfield, and Brad Potter can't return soon enough. A settled centre for Alex O'Brien would surely be Walker, Wilfort, Solly and Potter. Indeed, Byron Walker's return (how many now?) has been lauded by some as a stroke of genius. I love the guy. He's fast, he's tricksy, and he scares defenders. But not on a pitch like the one we have at the moment. The Sports Ground's surface doesn't lend itself to flair very much at the moment. The intricate passing game we've developed is null and void at home, and resorting to route one just doesn't suit Cassie and Gaisie.
I'm sure all of this is in OB's mind too. Of course, he has years of playing experience and tactical genius behind him. I'm just a dumb boy from Twydall. What would I know!
Tomorrow night sees a trip to Ryman Premier side Tonbridge Angels in the third round of the Championship Manager cup. Let's hope for a performance to match that which saw our defeat of Cray Wanderers last month, one of the most assured and confident displays I've seen this season.
Hopefully, Barnett has recovered from the illness that ruled him out on Saturday. Gaisie has yet to extend his loan spell, but if he has, Barnett's got a challenge on his hands. Perhaps if he can put a tackle in from time to time, he may be what we need in midfield. His presence and ball control alone suggest he's more than halfway competent in such a role.
This correspondent won't be at the Longmead, but I'll try to bring some sort of update along the way.
Up and at 'em Chatham!
Chatham line up vs Worthing (with ratings!); Ruddy (6), Powell (7), Ngakam (7), Payne (6), Probets (7), Walker (6), Lyons (6) Solly (5), Wilfort (7), Cass (6), Gaisie (7) - Subs, Ascheri for Walker (6), Scott for Cass (6)
MOTM - Cedric Ngakam
The ref: Buck of Istead Rise. It stops with him you know. Had a very good game.
Saddest Sight: Cass looking lost for most of the game wondering what he had to do to get a sniff at goal. We've got to get the man some crosses so he can do what we're paying him for! He even looked lost after the game heading for the dressing room alone, then standing waiting for his team mates.
Second saddest sight: The criminally obese Worthing supporter who seemed to not even be accepted by his own fans, desperate to start some sort of trouble. He didn't take well to a well intentioned shout of "Small Town in Sussex" (everyone knows that non-league banter is just that - banter), but he missed the point. This was met with a shout of "Small town in Kent!" then lots of random expletives, reminders that he supported Millwall (which must seem "hard" in Worthing but in North Kent is not a rarity and not that impressive given our sink estates and high streets) and people being declared C-bombs, before being warned by our Chairman. A shame really, because the Worthing support was the most impressive I've seen in a long time, a friendly bunch, well behaved and passionate for their team. And given this season's change in fortune and management team for them, I'd like to see them go up. They had an off day but still beat us - clearly the best team we've played this year.
Saturday saw a debut for new centre half Cedric Ngakam, formerly of Ebbsfleet and Welling (that's two different clubs, desperate 'fleet haven't changed their name again), who came in for the suspended Richard Avery. The Frenchman had a solid game at the back and seems a good addition to the squad. I hope he's versatile, because Payne and Avery have been pretty dependable if unspectacular so far this season and he may struggle to hold down a spot. That said, Payne is suspended next, and I think Cedric is only on loan at present, with Welling team mate Steffan Gaisie.
Ngakam's debut was one of few positives for a Chatham side who despite endeavour seemed tactically clueless at times. The ongoing absence through injury of Brad Potter is starting to become more and more of a thorn in the Chats midfield. Touted as a future Steve Best when he joined, he's looked strong and threatening when played in the middle of the park as opposed to at the back where he won't push out either Ray Powell or David Daryl Hall any time soon. The midfield lacked bite. Wilfort, a powerhouse of a midfielder much like Steve Best can only sop up so many stray balls whilst Solly and Lyons go missing as they did so often on Saturday. I've said it before and I'll say it again, but its got to be one or the other - they are essentially the same player, and they tend to hinder each other's game. Solly is in my opinion our player of the year so far. He in truth had a poor game on Saturday, from which I am sure he'll bounce back. We need a bit of talent on the right side of midfield, and Brad Potter can't return soon enough. A settled centre for Alex O'Brien would surely be Walker, Wilfort, Solly and Potter. Indeed, Byron Walker's return (how many now?) has been lauded by some as a stroke of genius. I love the guy. He's fast, he's tricksy, and he scares defenders. But not on a pitch like the one we have at the moment. The Sports Ground's surface doesn't lend itself to flair very much at the moment. The intricate passing game we've developed is null and void at home, and resorting to route one just doesn't suit Cassie and Gaisie.
I'm sure all of this is in OB's mind too. Of course, he has years of playing experience and tactical genius behind him. I'm just a dumb boy from Twydall. What would I know!
Tomorrow night sees a trip to Ryman Premier side Tonbridge Angels in the third round of the Championship Manager cup. Let's hope for a performance to match that which saw our defeat of Cray Wanderers last month, one of the most assured and confident displays I've seen this season.
Hopefully, Barnett has recovered from the illness that ruled him out on Saturday. Gaisie has yet to extend his loan spell, but if he has, Barnett's got a challenge on his hands. Perhaps if he can put a tackle in from time to time, he may be what we need in midfield. His presence and ball control alone suggest he's more than halfway competent in such a role.
This correspondent won't be at the Longmead, but I'll try to bring some sort of update along the way.
Up and at 'em Chatham!
Chatham line up vs Worthing (with ratings!); Ruddy (6), Powell (7), Ngakam (7), Payne (6), Probets (7), Walker (6), Lyons (6) Solly (5), Wilfort (7), Cass (6), Gaisie (7) - Subs, Ascheri for Walker (6), Scott for Cass (6)
MOTM - Cedric Ngakam
The ref: Buck of Istead Rise. It stops with him you know. Had a very good game.
Saddest Sight: Cass looking lost for most of the game wondering what he had to do to get a sniff at goal. We've got to get the man some crosses so he can do what we're paying him for! He even looked lost after the game heading for the dressing room alone, then standing waiting for his team mates.
Second saddest sight: The criminally obese Worthing supporter who seemed to not even be accepted by his own fans, desperate to start some sort of trouble. He didn't take well to a well intentioned shout of "Small Town in Sussex" (everyone knows that non-league banter is just that - banter), but he missed the point. This was met with a shout of "Small town in Kent!" then lots of random expletives, reminders that he supported Millwall (which must seem "hard" in Worthing but in North Kent is not a rarity and not that impressive given our sink estates and high streets) and people being declared C-bombs, before being warned by our Chairman. A shame really, because the Worthing support was the most impressive I've seen in a long time, a friendly bunch, well behaved and passionate for their team. And given this season's change in fortune and management team for them, I'd like to see them go up. They had an off day but still beat us - clearly the best team we've played this year.
Saturday 28 November 2009
Do it. Do it. Win at Met Police... Do it!
Says Don Logan...
But I don't think we can boss...
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO.... DO IT. DO IT. DO IT.
Monday 23 November 2009
Three on the bounce - let's turn it around
Well, having had some time to reflect, and to read Rochester Valiant's match report, a bit more comment, as promised, on Saturday's 4-3 defeat at Fleet Town.
I mentioned the other week that I was disappointed that I'd been unable to attend the Corinthian Casuals home match. I mentioned was disappointed not to attend the Fleet away game. I still am.
Yes, we lost 4-3. Again, as AOB says on yourmedway, we capitulated at the worst possible moment. But AOB promised us excitement at the start of the season. I've mentioned we need to shore the defence up. Sure, we need to stop leaking goals, but if we go up with a goal difference of not very much, as long as we go up, how we achieve it doesn't matter. Yes, we'd all love to see a successful team at The Theatre of Slapstick. But the ground wouldn't be living up to its moniker if it weren't for the heart attack inducing moments that are becoming so frequent this season. I've lost count of how many games we've either won or lost or thrown away in the dying stages. It would of course be fantastic to be doing a Dartford, running away with the league with clean sheets left right and centre, but I'm not going to complain about the fun that is following the Chats this season.
To be frank, in the five seasons I've been watching us, this is still the most exciting I've seen it. We look awesome at times, and we've not even settled in yet. We were understrength on Saturday, and still scored three times. We've got too many strikers, I've said as much on the forum, but what's that to moan about. There were times over the last four years where we had no strikers - well, none who could cut the proverbial. Now we have, in my mind, the potentially best strike partnership in the league in Barnett and Cass, and now Steffan Gaisie, threatening to bring it on further. We've got Justin Ascheri, Byron Walker and Ray Powell, who I still think looks better up front than at the back.
There's been some chat on the forum about how we can improve at the back. I don't think dropping Dean Ruddy is the answer. Richie Stroud was conceded goals freely as well. And I don't think there's much difference between them - its simply the cost of playing such attack minded football. There's also talk about the apparent indiscipline - having given this some thought, is it the cost of the fire that AOB has put into the team? Can we be critical?
Tomorrow sees the visit of Ramsgate to TOSC. The Rams are good away from home, having lost just twice, scoring ten goals in their seven games. But we're good enough to beat them. Its a big game - we've got to turn it around before Met Police away on Saturday.
I have no doubt that AOB is going to turn it round. I've no doubt that this man is the man to make this club great. Come on the Chats!
I'll let you know how we get on.
I mentioned the other week that I was disappointed that I'd been unable to attend the Corinthian Casuals home match. I mentioned was disappointed not to attend the Fleet away game. I still am.
Yes, we lost 4-3. Again, as AOB says on yourmedway, we capitulated at the worst possible moment. But AOB promised us excitement at the start of the season. I've mentioned we need to shore the defence up. Sure, we need to stop leaking goals, but if we go up with a goal difference of not very much, as long as we go up, how we achieve it doesn't matter. Yes, we'd all love to see a successful team at The Theatre of Slapstick. But the ground wouldn't be living up to its moniker if it weren't for the heart attack inducing moments that are becoming so frequent this season. I've lost count of how many games we've either won or lost or thrown away in the dying stages. It would of course be fantastic to be doing a Dartford, running away with the league with clean sheets left right and centre, but I'm not going to complain about the fun that is following the Chats this season.
To be frank, in the five seasons I've been watching us, this is still the most exciting I've seen it. We look awesome at times, and we've not even settled in yet. We were understrength on Saturday, and still scored three times. We've got too many strikers, I've said as much on the forum, but what's that to moan about. There were times over the last four years where we had no strikers - well, none who could cut the proverbial. Now we have, in my mind, the potentially best strike partnership in the league in Barnett and Cass, and now Steffan Gaisie, threatening to bring it on further. We've got Justin Ascheri, Byron Walker and Ray Powell, who I still think looks better up front than at the back.
There's been some chat on the forum about how we can improve at the back. I don't think dropping Dean Ruddy is the answer. Richie Stroud was conceded goals freely as well. And I don't think there's much difference between them - its simply the cost of playing such attack minded football. There's also talk about the apparent indiscipline - having given this some thought, is it the cost of the fire that AOB has put into the team? Can we be critical?
Tomorrow sees the visit of Ramsgate to TOSC. The Rams are good away from home, having lost just twice, scoring ten goals in their seven games. But we're good enough to beat them. Its a big game - we've got to turn it around before Met Police away on Saturday.
I have no doubt that AOB is going to turn it round. I've no doubt that this man is the man to make this club great. Come on the Chats!
I'll let you know how we get on.
Saturday 21 November 2009
Sinton 4-3 AOB
Very quick post this - score fresh in off of NLN24 live - but Chatham beaten again - three on the bounce - 4-3 at Fleet Town.
Full reaction to follow.
Full reaction to follow.
Wednesday 18 November 2009
(Whyte)Leafy Suburb 3-1 Urban decay
Didn't go. You all knew that anyway. On first impressions from the NLN24 vidiprinter, I'm really glad I didn't. Appears we started where we left off on Saturday, as we were 3-0 down after 22 minutes. That means we conceded six goals, yes, SIX, in the space of 37 competitive minutes of football. Nowhere near good enough. OB - we hear the talk, but something's got to happen fast. This side, and your leadership are so much better than that. Even under Phil Miles with a bad squad we weren't that leaky.
On a positive, the Whyteleafe forum is all talk about game of two halves cliches, but one of their supporters has commented that we were strong in the second half and pegged them back, (as opposed to the general swell of opinion is that the ref had money on a draw or something). Let's take that second half performance to Fleet on Saturday, in what is a massive six pointer. 3 points please lads.
On a positive, the Whyteleafe forum is all talk about game of two halves cliches, but one of their supporters has commented that we were strong in the second half and pegged them back, (as opposed to the general swell of opinion is that the ref had money on a draw or something). Let's take that second half performance to Fleet on Saturday, in what is a massive six pointer. 3 points please lads.
Monday 16 November 2009
Anyone need a coach?
No, not Kingsferry. Or Buzzlines for that fact.
Looks like Lee Barnett's business is growing in strength. Let's hope he's back leading the line for us soon. My prediction - he'll be player managing us in the Conference in ten years time. You read it here first.
http://www.skillschoolsacademy.co.uk/coaches.html
I wanted to make some sort of joke about this, but you've got to respect it all really.
Looks like Lee Barnett's business is growing in strength. Let's hope he's back leading the line for us soon. My prediction - he'll be player managing us in the Conference in ten years time. You read it here first.
http://www.skillschoolsacademy.co.uk/coaches.html
I wanted to make some sort of joke about this, but you've got to respect it all really.
Dedication, Dedication...
Dedication, is what you need... and we seem to have it in abundance at the moment. Maybe its in no small part thanks to our new American goalkeeper, Dean Ruddy.
Ruddy, above on the left, holds the world record for hugging strangers... in some countries, it would be illegal -but remember the old American addage, and Team America theme tune, "Freedom is the only way, yeah!". Personally, I think he looks a bit bored of it. Perhaps it hug number 3876.
Fuller details can be found here, along with an interesting American take on why Deano should represent his country, what with him being a first division footballer and all...
Shocking absence - and a shocking result
Stop-start would seem apt to describe both my recent blogging, and the Chats recent results. Having gone four unbeaten with last week's superb performance and victory over Cray, we were back down to earth with a bump on Saturday, beaten again on home soil, this time by fully amateur historical scamps, the Corinthian Casuals. I'm sure Jimmy Hill was rubbing his massive chin in delight whilst shouting "i-i-i-i-it was an encounter, good game good game, look at Rodney Marsh, nick me Copper!!".
Again, this piss-poor correspondent missed it. A comment on my last post asks where I've been? As I've said before, this is a blog about the Chatham Town Football Club. Not about me. Yes, some of you have enjoyed my ramblings, and I'm sorry they've been, shall I say, slipshod, of late, but life exists for me away from the Sports Ground. One way or another, I've simply had to prioritise home life ahead of the Chats. That said, things seem calmer now, and I aim to be reporting on next Tuesday's visit of Ramsgate for another midweek Kent derby, and to bring the results and misinformed comment on the do-or die must wins this week, away to Whytleafe tomorrow, and Andy Sinton's Fleet Town on Saturday.
I must admit, I'd love to go to Fleet. One of my favourite away venues, not so much for the sloping pitch, and somehow Ryman acceptable ground (just look at the money we've had to spend to comply and then at some grounds - I could and probably at some point will do an entire post on the subject), but for the fact that its a town where, if you come from Medway and are used to burger vans with no handwashing facilities, endless poundshops and abandoned desolate shopping centres, you feel like you're going to politely be asked to leave at any time.
Anyway, back to Saturday. I was on a plan at the time of the match, returning to these wind battered shores. I have to admit, I was surprised to hear the game was on given the weather forecasts I'd seen from afar (well, the west coast of Ireland, but it seems like another planet there), and there will be many wishing it hadn't been. I'm sure that the gale force winds put paid to any hopes of us bringing in another big crowd - it was over seventy down on the previous Saturday, and only marginally up on the cup game. Those who did attend rightly felt aggrieved that Chatham managed to dominate for 75 minutes and go 3-0 down within another ten. When we collapse its spectacular. Its such a shame, because against Ashford and Cray, we looked liked we'd finally solved the illusive defensive frailties. But we switched off by all accounts. AOB not happy. We grabbed a consolation through David "Daryl Hall" Hall, but missed a chance to go third. Due to other postponements, we remain in the play off spots, but have to hope other results continue to go our way. That's why 'leafe and Fleet are must win games. I have faith in AOB Don Logan - as I said previously, he wants us out of this league - upwards that is - and if we can just get the team to gel, which to be frank it hasn't really done yet, there's no reason why we can't. There's a positive embarrassment of riches in the squad, which could not be said for years - from going from being "just too good to go down", we're now looking more like "too good not to go up". How far we've come in a year is remarkable. If it didn't make me get that annoying The View song in my head (you'd be amazed at what you can achieve in a year), I'd say it more often.
Again, this piss-poor correspondent missed it. A comment on my last post asks where I've been? As I've said before, this is a blog about the Chatham Town Football Club. Not about me. Yes, some of you have enjoyed my ramblings, and I'm sorry they've been, shall I say, slipshod, of late, but life exists for me away from the Sports Ground. One way or another, I've simply had to prioritise home life ahead of the Chats. That said, things seem calmer now, and I aim to be reporting on next Tuesday's visit of Ramsgate for another midweek Kent derby, and to bring the results and misinformed comment on the do-or die must wins this week, away to Whytleafe tomorrow, and Andy Sinton's Fleet Town on Saturday.
I must admit, I'd love to go to Fleet. One of my favourite away venues, not so much for the sloping pitch, and somehow Ryman acceptable ground (just look at the money we've had to spend to comply and then at some grounds - I could and probably at some point will do an entire post on the subject), but for the fact that its a town where, if you come from Medway and are used to burger vans with no handwashing facilities, endless poundshops and abandoned desolate shopping centres, you feel like you're going to politely be asked to leave at any time.
Anyway, back to Saturday. I was on a plan at the time of the match, returning to these wind battered shores. I have to admit, I was surprised to hear the game was on given the weather forecasts I'd seen from afar (well, the west coast of Ireland, but it seems like another planet there), and there will be many wishing it hadn't been. I'm sure that the gale force winds put paid to any hopes of us bringing in another big crowd - it was over seventy down on the previous Saturday, and only marginally up on the cup game. Those who did attend rightly felt aggrieved that Chatham managed to dominate for 75 minutes and go 3-0 down within another ten. When we collapse its spectacular. Its such a shame, because against Ashford and Cray, we looked liked we'd finally solved the illusive defensive frailties. But we switched off by all accounts. AOB not happy. We grabbed a consolation through David "Daryl Hall" Hall, but missed a chance to go third. Due to other postponements, we remain in the play off spots, but have to hope other results continue to go our way. That's why 'leafe and Fleet are must win games. I have faith in AOB Don Logan - as I said previously, he wants us out of this league - upwards that is - and if we can just get the team to gel, which to be frank it hasn't really done yet, there's no reason why we can't. There's a positive embarrassment of riches in the squad, which could not be said for years - from going from being "just too good to go down", we're now looking more like "too good not to go up". How far we've come in a year is remarkable. If it didn't make me get that annoying The View song in my head (you'd be amazed at what you can achieve in a year), I'd say it more often.
Tuesday 10 November 2009
Chatham Town 2-0 Cray Wanderers
Tonight saw the Chats stroll through comfortably to the third round of the Championship Manager Cup, with a very impressive 2-0 win over Ryman Premier League Cray Wanderers.
Cray played a strong side, but looked very poor. Richard Stroud, having a rare outing in goal was rarely troubled and made a couple of good saves when called upon to do so. His confidence needs boosting though, and his decision making is questionable, but its a pretty good thing that the only moan I can have about the game is about a young keeper who kept a clean sheet.
Chatham did the ugly things well, and the pressuring of Cray to keep them in their own half was highly credible. Both goals came in the first half, and it could have easily been 5-0 if not for the heroics of the Cray keeper, who made fine saves from Green and Powell.
In other news, its brilliant, absolutely top of the world brilliant, to read AOB's column in the programme. He wants us out of this division. Avo echoes this. Its all good. Four unbeaten now for the Chats - roll on the Co-Casuals on Saturday.
As AOB would say, always go another round, be positive... Come on the Chats!
Cray played a strong side, but looked very poor. Richard Stroud, having a rare outing in goal was rarely troubled and made a couple of good saves when called upon to do so. His confidence needs boosting though, and his decision making is questionable, but its a pretty good thing that the only moan I can have about the game is about a young keeper who kept a clean sheet.
Chatham did the ugly things well, and the pressuring of Cray to keep them in their own half was highly credible. Both goals came in the first half, and it could have easily been 5-0 if not for the heroics of the Cray keeper, who made fine saves from Green and Powell.
In other news, its brilliant, absolutely top of the world brilliant, to read AOB's column in the programme. He wants us out of this division. Avo echoes this. Its all good. Four unbeaten now for the Chats - roll on the Co-Casuals on Saturday.
As AOB would say, always go another round, be positive... Come on the Chats!
Tuesday 29 September 2009
Blogger missing in action... Chatham down to 5th.
Evening all. Or morning, depending on when you're reading this. Massive apologies for the down time. This blog started life at a time when I foolishly thought I had more spare time on my hands than I had imagined I would have. Turns out time is a slightly more finite commodity than I had previously imagined.
That very same commodity, old father time, is also part and parcel of the reason I simply can't make as many games as I had planned. I'll keep the personal side of things out of here - after all, its a blog about Chatham Town FC, not the author - but I feel the need to offer my sincere apologies for the lack of updates.
Since my last post, we were beaten 2-1 at Merstham on Saturday, meaning they've leapfrogged us to third in the league, pushing us down to fifth. I have to admit to an air of despondency when I saw that result come in, but, on reflection this season is still, at this admittedly very early stage, far beyond what we've become used to over recent seasons.
Last term, our one and only in the Ryman One North, a very misplaced air of optimism pervaded the club and its supporters. Mistakenly believing it to be an easier league, we spent the early months looking very much like relegation certainties. A trip to Norton Sports for a competitive fixture clearly did not fit into the club's long term plans, and the arrival of both Matt Longhurst and Alex O'Brien should, in my opinion, be credited with the turnaround in fortunes.
It was a shock when Longhurst left us - on good terms it must be said - as many had felt he was the man to take us forward when Steve Binks moved on. But it wasn't to be; My immediate response was that the side that it appeared he had brokered would collapse without him, but in truth it became stronger. Lee Barnett began to stand out more, and his growth in confidence as a player was confounded when AOB Big Don Logan joined us, on a temporary basis towards the end of the season.
I think the current positivity can be attributed to the fact that we are unbeaten at TOSC since February this year. Given a four month downtime in the Isthmian, that's not as long ago as it seems, but we've not been a club to be spoilt with things such as form and results for many moons. To go 12 unbeaten at the season's end was to me a beautiful reward for a season that had seen early calamitous performances (the failure to clear our box in injury time at a bitterly cold, windswept athletics stadium in East London for Waltham Forest away for example) turn to our best league finish in 23 years. Personally, the away performance at Ware was the pinnacle of what this club, this side, can achieve. We never gave up. 1-0 down, we dominated from the back to the front. A unit. United. Pushing together, every man standing up. Lee Barnett's performance in that game, marshaling the front line (yes, marshaling - forwards simply are not supposed to do that), was the most assured and noteworthy individual display I've seen at this level ever. It was the first game for ages he hadn't scored in. And he still was man of the match. Its no surprise with hindsight that at that time, he was being scouted by league clubs again. And despite being the best player on the pitch that day, by some distance, the whole team performed superbly. It remains to my amazement that we could ever keep him.
But keep him we did. AOB's first magic trick. AOB's second magic trick - contracting Matt Solly. Solly. Still so young and with so much to give the game - he's what - 22, 23? He never says die, he plays one killer ball per game minimum, and his performances in midfield last season always threatened to turn games or control them - even when we were, lets face it, crap.
And then AOB performed his prestige trick. The return of the Cass. Cassback. Kiss my face. No more needed to be said.
AOB's first managerial season is shaping up, thus far, nicely. Yes, its going to take time for certain elements to bed in. He openly admits on yourmedway this week that Cass's natural game is taking a backseat for the team's playing style. We need to work on that. As I've said before, Cass is a fox in the box, cartarista of a striker. Long balls to run onto will not work. We need crosses and 1-2s. But its coming.
This Saturday sees a visit of Canvey Island's second team Concord Rangers, think Leysdown to Sheppey United 1984 to put it into a kentish context, in the FA Trophy. It'll be a tough game. Last time we met, on the Isle of Quality Holidays (TM) we were beaten 5-0, in what was Lee Barnett's debut. They should note, things are very different now. I just hope they are differnt too - that they have a bit more class than when they last visited us. We were one of their first away games of their inaugural season in the Ryman league. One of their officials behaved like they were at a park game - specifically the then kit man, who's name I can't recall, who was an ex player, retired through injury. It was hard not to notice his behaviour. Towards the end of the second half, he walked from behind the home dugout, fouly abusing the home bench with language not uncommon in Chatham, but not acceptable from a club official. One of the Concord management team also gave the best comment in relation to a frankly evil challenge by Simon Austin as they came off at half time - paraphrasing, it was along the lines of "don't care if you get sent off, just make sure you hurt him". Nice people Concord Rangers. Lets hope they've grown up.
Sadly, again I won't be there - my reports of wit and whimsy are becoming a distant memory, I know. But normal service will be resumed soonish. I promise.
That very same commodity, old father time, is also part and parcel of the reason I simply can't make as many games as I had planned. I'll keep the personal side of things out of here - after all, its a blog about Chatham Town FC, not the author - but I feel the need to offer my sincere apologies for the lack of updates.
Since my last post, we were beaten 2-1 at Merstham on Saturday, meaning they've leapfrogged us to third in the league, pushing us down to fifth. I have to admit to an air of despondency when I saw that result come in, but, on reflection this season is still, at this admittedly very early stage, far beyond what we've become used to over recent seasons.
Last term, our one and only in the Ryman One North, a very misplaced air of optimism pervaded the club and its supporters. Mistakenly believing it to be an easier league, we spent the early months looking very much like relegation certainties. A trip to Norton Sports for a competitive fixture clearly did not fit into the club's long term plans, and the arrival of both Matt Longhurst and Alex O'Brien should, in my opinion, be credited with the turnaround in fortunes.
It was a shock when Longhurst left us - on good terms it must be said - as many had felt he was the man to take us forward when Steve Binks moved on. But it wasn't to be; My immediate response was that the side that it appeared he had brokered would collapse without him, but in truth it became stronger. Lee Barnett began to stand out more, and his growth in confidence as a player was confounded when AOB Big Don Logan joined us, on a temporary basis towards the end of the season.
I think the current positivity can be attributed to the fact that we are unbeaten at TOSC since February this year. Given a four month downtime in the Isthmian, that's not as long ago as it seems, but we've not been a club to be spoilt with things such as form and results for many moons. To go 12 unbeaten at the season's end was to me a beautiful reward for a season that had seen early calamitous performances (the failure to clear our box in injury time at a bitterly cold, windswept athletics stadium in East London for Waltham Forest away for example) turn to our best league finish in 23 years. Personally, the away performance at Ware was the pinnacle of what this club, this side, can achieve. We never gave up. 1-0 down, we dominated from the back to the front. A unit. United. Pushing together, every man standing up. Lee Barnett's performance in that game, marshaling the front line (yes, marshaling - forwards simply are not supposed to do that), was the most assured and noteworthy individual display I've seen at this level ever. It was the first game for ages he hadn't scored in. And he still was man of the match. Its no surprise with hindsight that at that time, he was being scouted by league clubs again. And despite being the best player on the pitch that day, by some distance, the whole team performed superbly. It remains to my amazement that we could ever keep him.
But keep him we did. AOB's first magic trick. AOB's second magic trick - contracting Matt Solly. Solly. Still so young and with so much to give the game - he's what - 22, 23? He never says die, he plays one killer ball per game minimum, and his performances in midfield last season always threatened to turn games or control them - even when we were, lets face it, crap.
And then AOB performed his prestige trick. The return of the Cass. Cassback. Kiss my face. No more needed to be said.
AOB's first managerial season is shaping up, thus far, nicely. Yes, its going to take time for certain elements to bed in. He openly admits on yourmedway this week that Cass's natural game is taking a backseat for the team's playing style. We need to work on that. As I've said before, Cass is a fox in the box, cartarista of a striker. Long balls to run onto will not work. We need crosses and 1-2s. But its coming.
This Saturday sees a visit of Canvey Island's second team Concord Rangers, think Leysdown to Sheppey United 1984 to put it into a kentish context, in the FA Trophy. It'll be a tough game. Last time we met, on the Isle of Quality Holidays (TM) we were beaten 5-0, in what was Lee Barnett's debut. They should note, things are very different now. I just hope they are differnt too - that they have a bit more class than when they last visited us. We were one of their first away games of their inaugural season in the Ryman league. One of their officials behaved like they were at a park game - specifically the then kit man, who's name I can't recall, who was an ex player, retired through injury. It was hard not to notice his behaviour. Towards the end of the second half, he walked from behind the home dugout, fouly abusing the home bench with language not uncommon in Chatham, but not acceptable from a club official. One of the Concord management team also gave the best comment in relation to a frankly evil challenge by Simon Austin as they came off at half time - paraphrasing, it was along the lines of "don't care if you get sent off, just make sure you hurt him". Nice people Concord Rangers. Lets hope they've grown up.
Sadly, again I won't be there - my reports of wit and whimsy are becoming a distant memory, I know. But normal service will be resumed soonish. I promise.
Tuesday 22 September 2009
Chats reach heady heights of 4th in league
Chatham Town beat Met Police 3-1 tonight, to go 4th in the league, four points adrift of leaders Folkestone. Full comment and unbridled, misplaced excitement to follow in due course...
Come on you Chats!!
Come on you Chats!!
Medway News.
Medway's finest free paper (also sold for 45p in shops, despite coming through your door for free) did me the great honour a few weeks ago of borrowing heavily from my report on the Horsham YMCA match, and in two instances, copying and pasting my work. I penned a long and well thought out argument about this, which I have held pending their next move. The posting that will never appear was quite sympathetic, referring to the new culture of slacker hacks chained to keyboards, fed stories from news agencies and newswire, starved of imagination and the time to report rather than regurgitate. But I chose not to post this.
I chose to wait and see what would happen. Humorously, it would appear that my post of the 26th August, where I comically referred to such a culture before spewing out my own mixed grill of reportage on the Croydon game, did enough to put them off. I joked about other people stealing other writers' work. At this point, I had no idea what the News had done - it wasn't published until the 27th. Since then, the illustrious News hasn't given one column inch to the Chats. I'd like to think that this is in no part due to my comments. I'm completely independent of the club, so I don't see why they should suffer over a potential misunderstanding between the News and this blog.
I'm not a journo by trade. I don't aspire to be. This blog is for the sake of independent thought on all things Chatham Town and non league, and probably in time, anything else that takes my fancy, perhaps even cakes. But please don't copy my work and pass it off. The very idea of this blog's independence is undermined by such actions.
Thank you.
I chose to wait and see what would happen. Humorously, it would appear that my post of the 26th August, where I comically referred to such a culture before spewing out my own mixed grill of reportage on the Croydon game, did enough to put them off. I joked about other people stealing other writers' work. At this point, I had no idea what the News had done - it wasn't published until the 27th. Since then, the illustrious News hasn't given one column inch to the Chats. I'd like to think that this is in no part due to my comments. I'm completely independent of the club, so I don't see why they should suffer over a potential misunderstanding between the News and this blog.
I'm not a journo by trade. I don't aspire to be. This blog is for the sake of independent thought on all things Chatham Town and non league, and probably in time, anything else that takes my fancy, perhaps even cakes. But please don't copy my work and pass it off. The very idea of this blog's independence is undermined by such actions.
Thank you.
"Always go one more round"
Says AOB, often, perhaps too often, in his programme notes.
We failed to go one more round in the cup - for those of you who don't know, Chatham crashed out at Walton last Wednesday, a 2-1 defeat after extra time against ten men, having been leading with just minutes of normal time remaining. Worryingly, it looked like it might have been our year, but Chatham have failed to the achieve relative glory of playing three qualifiers in the World's Greatest Competition Ever Apparently (TM) since 1995. Any suspicion that we may have developed a cup pedigree was put to bed in Walton as quickly and depressingly as a teenage misery returning from said Hop in the eighties, the sound of Morrissey ringing in their ears, the promises of riches from Jonathon King resounding as their head hits the pillow...
In short, we bowed out. Again. Always next year, blah blah blah.... well, yes, there is always next year, but lets face it, if we can get past two games in the completion, not including replays, it'll be something of a miracle. Given that we need to win through seven rounds to even begin to think if such a dream tie as Middlesbrough at home, then.... lets just concentrate on the league shall we?
On the subject of the league, I missed what is called in layman's terms, a stonebonker classic on Saturday. To put you in the picture, on top of not being able to go to pretty much any away games this year, I'm also in unenviable position of missing home games for the next few weeks. I'm not in prison or anything untoward, or seriously ill, just seriously inconvenienced by the fixture catalogue for the coming month. I'll of course continue to pass judgement, rumour and scorn / love (delete as appropriate) on all things Chatham Town - it'll just carry less weight... Still, at least the Medway News will have an excuse not to do any Chatham Town news. Funny thing is they've not even covered an inch on the club since the famous "similar" news story they ran the other week. See my next post for more info...
Moving back to Saturday, Chatham found themselves at home in the league, tail firmly between shamed and tired cup tie legs, for the visit of one of my favourite Isthmian clubs, Leatherhead. AOB rang some changes. Raymone Powell started up front in place of Ascheri, and Tommy Binks came back to the defence. As I said, I wasn't there, but I love the idea of Razor playing up front. He came off the bench in the PSF against Margate and was terrifying in all the right ways (not an Ian Brady way), and I've felt that he could be the missing bite in our front line. So, according to the resurgent John Crow on the official site, it would prove I was right - Powell made a nusiance of himself so much that Lee Barnett scored twice, and Powell bagged one himself. All the drama came in the game's closing moments... 3-1 up on 85, Chatham won a penalty. Lee Barnett, a man who you do not want to face from the spot, steps up to seal the victory and his first hat-trick in Chatham colours. Scuffs it. Saved. Heads drop, Leatherhead steal one back on 86. And another on 88. 3-3. How did that happen... Always go one extra round. Chatham corner on 89. Ben Payne rises... Ben Payne connects... Ben Payne scores... 4-3 Chatham. Five minutes injury time and Michael Dodsworth comes off the bench, and it stays 4-3. Dodsworth the hero... maybe not, but lets give him a mention anyway. But in short, again, we won a game with a late winner. Without such winners, we'd be bottom. Instead we're seventh - with a game in hand (playing as I write at home to Met Police - if we win, we could go fifth).
AOB is still not happy - we're too leaky. My predictions of a rollercoaster season and other cliches appear to be becoming true. But its bloody exciting, isn't it?
We failed to go one more round in the cup - for those of you who don't know, Chatham crashed out at Walton last Wednesday, a 2-1 defeat after extra time against ten men, having been leading with just minutes of normal time remaining. Worryingly, it looked like it might have been our year, but Chatham have failed to the achieve relative glory of playing three qualifiers in the World's Greatest Competition Ever Apparently (TM) since 1995. Any suspicion that we may have developed a cup pedigree was put to bed in Walton as quickly and depressingly as a teenage misery returning from said Hop in the eighties, the sound of Morrissey ringing in their ears, the promises of riches from Jonathon King resounding as their head hits the pillow...
In short, we bowed out. Again. Always next year, blah blah blah.... well, yes, there is always next year, but lets face it, if we can get past two games in the completion, not including replays, it'll be something of a miracle. Given that we need to win through seven rounds to even begin to think if such a dream tie as Middlesbrough at home, then.... lets just concentrate on the league shall we?
On the subject of the league, I missed what is called in layman's terms, a stonebonker classic on Saturday. To put you in the picture, on top of not being able to go to pretty much any away games this year, I'm also in unenviable position of missing home games for the next few weeks. I'm not in prison or anything untoward, or seriously ill, just seriously inconvenienced by the fixture catalogue for the coming month. I'll of course continue to pass judgement, rumour and scorn / love (delete as appropriate) on all things Chatham Town - it'll just carry less weight... Still, at least the Medway News will have an excuse not to do any Chatham Town news. Funny thing is they've not even covered an inch on the club since the famous "similar" news story they ran the other week. See my next post for more info...
Moving back to Saturday, Chatham found themselves at home in the league, tail firmly between shamed and tired cup tie legs, for the visit of one of my favourite Isthmian clubs, Leatherhead. AOB rang some changes. Raymone Powell started up front in place of Ascheri, and Tommy Binks came back to the defence. As I said, I wasn't there, but I love the idea of Razor playing up front. He came off the bench in the PSF against Margate and was terrifying in all the right ways (not an Ian Brady way), and I've felt that he could be the missing bite in our front line. So, according to the resurgent John Crow on the official site, it would prove I was right - Powell made a nusiance of himself so much that Lee Barnett scored twice, and Powell bagged one himself. All the drama came in the game's closing moments... 3-1 up on 85, Chatham won a penalty. Lee Barnett, a man who you do not want to face from the spot, steps up to seal the victory and his first hat-trick in Chatham colours. Scuffs it. Saved. Heads drop, Leatherhead steal one back on 86. And another on 88. 3-3. How did that happen... Always go one extra round. Chatham corner on 89. Ben Payne rises... Ben Payne connects... Ben Payne scores... 4-3 Chatham. Five minutes injury time and Michael Dodsworth comes off the bench, and it stays 4-3. Dodsworth the hero... maybe not, but lets give him a mention anyway. But in short, again, we won a game with a late winner. Without such winners, we'd be bottom. Instead we're seventh - with a game in hand (playing as I write at home to Met Police - if we win, we could go fifth).
AOB is still not happy - we're too leaky. My predictions of a rollercoaster season and other cliches appear to be becoming true. But its bloody exciting, isn't it?
Tuesday 15 September 2009
All the kids want to get backstage, at the Walton Hop...
...get a whisky and coke, no need to prove their age, at the Walton Hop."
Or so said Walton on Thames' least famous "famous" resident, Luke Haines, on his 2006 LP Off My Rocker at the Art School Bop, in his song The Walton Hop, a tribute to the town's now defunct youth disco of the same name, an infamous place of wrongfulness and ruined lives, the hunting ground of Jonathan King and Co.
Paedophiles aside, Chatham Town face Walton's less famous but more well atoned residents, the Walton Casuals tomorrow night in the replay of their FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie. Illness, rather fortunately it transpired, ruled me out of Saturday's first attempt at TOSC, the game being described by all concerned as poor. The highlights are on the FA's official website. And to be frank, its a bit embarrassing. Both sides are capable of much better, and AOB rightly blames a hard pitch on a hot day. The good news is we kept a clean sheet for the first time this season, and we need to get the positivity going. take the clean sheet to Walton, come back with it, and lets go on another 12 game run. We can do it, and if we do a 12 game run now, we're in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, and its Leeds United or Southampton at home. The dream is there.
Tomorrow will hopefully be very much different. The Waterside Stadium is a bleak ground, or at least it was last time I went there and Ross Finn (where is he?) scored a screamer, starting his run at the halfway line before burying it in the top corner. Its the sort of ground that wind howls across, where kids congregate outside (posh kids mind you), and the noise of the nearby leisure centre outdoes the crowd. Chatham will need their wits very much about them. If it does all go wrong though, there's a cracking pub a five minute walk up the Thames called The Weir Hotel. I don't wish to run the ground down - it is no Thamesmead Town; its got the best riverside location I've ever seen a match at - houses opposite sell for over £2million and they're small - but the location isn't reflected in the stadium itself - I came away feeling like I'd seen a game at Strood Sports Centre. By the by really.
Mike Green, the Chats' new programme editor is reporting on this one for Kentishfootball tomorrow, so we can get a decent idea of what went on etc on Thursday. For those of you, like me, unable to attend, live scores should be available on http://nln24.com/live/vidiprinter, a superb service now up and running, that works on iPhones apparently.
Back to the game, its vital we grind out a result tomorrow night. We've got a great chance of progressing and making a name for ourselves this year - the prize is yet again County League (one below us) opposition in the form of the winners of Selsey vs Deal Town, at home. The dream is there. Always go one extra round, as the big man Don Logan says.
Or so said Walton on Thames' least famous "famous" resident, Luke Haines, on his 2006 LP Off My Rocker at the Art School Bop, in his song The Walton Hop, a tribute to the town's now defunct youth disco of the same name, an infamous place of wrongfulness and ruined lives, the hunting ground of Jonathan King and Co.
Paedophiles aside, Chatham Town face Walton's less famous but more well atoned residents, the Walton Casuals tomorrow night in the replay of their FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie. Illness, rather fortunately it transpired, ruled me out of Saturday's first attempt at TOSC, the game being described by all concerned as poor. The highlights are on the FA's official website. And to be frank, its a bit embarrassing. Both sides are capable of much better, and AOB rightly blames a hard pitch on a hot day. The good news is we kept a clean sheet for the first time this season, and we need to get the positivity going. take the clean sheet to Walton, come back with it, and lets go on another 12 game run. We can do it, and if we do a 12 game run now, we're in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, and its Leeds United or Southampton at home. The dream is there.
Tomorrow will hopefully be very much different. The Waterside Stadium is a bleak ground, or at least it was last time I went there and Ross Finn (where is he?) scored a screamer, starting his run at the halfway line before burying it in the top corner. Its the sort of ground that wind howls across, where kids congregate outside (posh kids mind you), and the noise of the nearby leisure centre outdoes the crowd. Chatham will need their wits very much about them. If it does all go wrong though, there's a cracking pub a five minute walk up the Thames called The Weir Hotel. I don't wish to run the ground down - it is no Thamesmead Town; its got the best riverside location I've ever seen a match at - houses opposite sell for over £2million and they're small - but the location isn't reflected in the stadium itself - I came away feeling like I'd seen a game at Strood Sports Centre. By the by really.
Mike Green, the Chats' new programme editor is reporting on this one for Kentishfootball tomorrow, so we can get a decent idea of what went on etc on Thursday. For those of you, like me, unable to attend, live scores should be available on http://nln24.com/live/vidiprinter, a superb service now up and running, that works on iPhones apparently.
Back to the game, its vital we grind out a result tomorrow night. We've got a great chance of progressing and making a name for ourselves this year - the prize is yet again County League (one below us) opposition in the form of the winners of Selsey vs Deal Town, at home. The dream is there. Always go one extra round, as the big man Don Logan says.
Monday 7 September 2009
In other news
Trawling through the internet, I found Chatsnap's photostream on the Flickr. Amongst the usual, This Sporting Life grit of action at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy, there are some excellent photographs. Included among these, is, rather worryingly, one taken of the Medway from Fort Pitt that, if it had been taken a few years ago, would have actually construed a stalking exercise as it would actually be of my old flat.
Snappy's photos can be found here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37868543@N02/
Snappy's photos can be found here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37868543@N02/
Saturday 5 September 2009
Worthing 2 - 0 Chatham
Again, an away match, and I didn't go. No report on the official site yet (actually, no reports for our last two games on the official site yet - apparently all roads end at Horsham YMCA), and no report yet on the Worthing site, but we were beaten two goals to nil where the road meets the sea, and now find ourselves back in the familiar mid table mediocrity to which we have been accustomed over the years, in thirteenth place on seven points.
The new Ryman Leage website will feature a team list at some point, and it will be interesting to see. The Worthing forum, whilst not critical of us, seems confused by our lack of firepower. Perhaps a bad day at the office for the lads, but the suggestion that we did not force one save from Worthing's keeper sounds worrying. We did apparently make a good fist of making a match of it for the first twenty minutes, but then switched off, making a boring encounter for all.
Their goals were - according to the wonders of second hand knowledge, in turn, a screamer, and a howler, where our defence ball watched until such point it crossed the line. Such imagery makes me think of Matchday 2 on the Spectrum or C64 back in the day - I can see various Chats players running in the wrong direction and doing that strange thing the sprites did on said computer game when confronted with another sprite - to just keep moving backward and forward. Anyway, that's by the by really. We were beaten, and apparently didn't turn up. It'll be interesting to see Don Logan's opinion if that is indeed the case, because he has previously stated in programme notes that he doesn't do players that only turn up for the big games. Money and mouth time perhaps, particularly given next weeks big stakes FA Cup 1st Qualifying round tie with Walton Hop Casuals. A win could potentially set us up with a lucrative tie against Conference South opposition, but we have a strange record against Walton Casuals over recent seasons, having taken it in turns to hand out 4-0 drubbings to each other on both of their last two visits to the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy. I can't help but think given the hard work we made of lower league opponents Eastbourne United over two matches in the last week, that we (1) need a rest, and a week until the next game is a good thing and (2) we need to pick things up a gear. Has the victory over Croydon got to our heads? Are all the pre-season expectations and hype (which I have happily gone along with myself, rather guiltily) done for us? Let us not forget, if it were not for two injury time winners, we would now be 19th in the league...
Come on Chatham - stop pratting about at the back of the class. You may be a gifted child, but the silliness is doing you no favours. Start working please.
The new Ryman Leage website will feature a team list at some point, and it will be interesting to see. The Worthing forum, whilst not critical of us, seems confused by our lack of firepower. Perhaps a bad day at the office for the lads, but the suggestion that we did not force one save from Worthing's keeper sounds worrying. We did apparently make a good fist of making a match of it for the first twenty minutes, but then switched off, making a boring encounter for all.
Their goals were - according to the wonders of second hand knowledge, in turn, a screamer, and a howler, where our defence ball watched until such point it crossed the line. Such imagery makes me think of Matchday 2 on the Spectrum or C64 back in the day - I can see various Chats players running in the wrong direction and doing that strange thing the sprites did on said computer game when confronted with another sprite - to just keep moving backward and forward. Anyway, that's by the by really. We were beaten, and apparently didn't turn up. It'll be interesting to see Don Logan's opinion if that is indeed the case, because he has previously stated in programme notes that he doesn't do players that only turn up for the big games. Money and mouth time perhaps, particularly given next weeks big stakes FA Cup 1st Qualifying round tie with Walton Hop Casuals. A win could potentially set us up with a lucrative tie against Conference South opposition, but we have a strange record against Walton Casuals over recent seasons, having taken it in turns to hand out 4-0 drubbings to each other on both of their last two visits to the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy. I can't help but think given the hard work we made of lower league opponents Eastbourne United over two matches in the last week, that we (1) need a rest, and a week until the next game is a good thing and (2) we need to pick things up a gear. Has the victory over Croydon got to our heads? Are all the pre-season expectations and hype (which I have happily gone along with myself, rather guiltily) done for us? Let us not forget, if it were not for two injury time winners, we would now be 19th in the league...
Come on Chatham - stop pratting about at the back of the class. You may be a gifted child, but the silliness is doing you no favours. Start working please.
Tuesday 1 September 2009
Eastbourne United Association 1 - 2 Chatham Town (AET) FA Cup Preliminary Round Replay
Just a very quick posting, again, an away game so I wasn't present, but Chatham Town stumbled in to the 1st Round Qualifying of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win away to "plucky" Sussex League Eastbourne United Association last night.
They will face fellow Ryman 1 South side Walton Casuals at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy on Saturday 12th September, the prize being a spot in the next round, and the possibility of being drawn against a Blue Square South side. Some potential glamour ties spring to mind, perhaps a trip to either Weymouth or Weston Super Mare, but lets just get through the next round first.
Goals last night were from Jim Lyons, who opened the scoring before we were pegged back, and an extra time winner from Beast Barnett.
Well done all.
Normal service to be resumed at some time (as in longer reports - but as I said, I didn't go - hopefully, not enough here for anyone else to steal).
They will face fellow Ryman 1 South side Walton Casuals at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy on Saturday 12th September, the prize being a spot in the next round, and the possibility of being drawn against a Blue Square South side. Some potential glamour ties spring to mind, perhaps a trip to either Weymouth or Weston Super Mare, but lets just get through the next round first.
Goals last night were from Jim Lyons, who opened the scoring before we were pegged back, and an extra time winner from Beast Barnett.
Well done all.
Normal service to be resumed at some time (as in longer reports - but as I said, I didn't go - hopefully, not enough here for anyone else to steal).
Saturday 29 August 2009
Chatham Town (1) 1 - (0) 1 Eastbourne United Association - FA Cup Preliminary Round
Cup fever landed officially at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy today as Sussex County League Eastbourne United Association visited for the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup.
Chatham Town manager Don Logan decided to start Lee Barnett in place of Justin Ascheri, pairing him with Brendon Cass, with Tom Davey starting in place of the injured Mark Green. Razor Powell started at right back, with recent incumbent Brad Potter starting in place of the injured Richard Avery (see note at bottom).
It took just three minutes for the game to come alive, when Lee Barnett started a move in the middle of the park, finding Steve Hafner on the wing. Running into the box, Barnett was first to reach Hafner's cross to send the ball home past United's keeper Nick Maynard.
After the goal, Chatham kept searching to break down their opponents, but found it tough to win the second ball against a spirited and packed midfield, Solly and Lyons very much outnumbered at times, but were composed at the back. The game was played with the gusto of a cup tie, and there were plenty of mini battles taking place, the referee doing a good job of allowing the game to be played in the spirit of the occasion.
That said, Eastbourne United did threaten themselves. They're a tidy passing side, and the midfield had plenty of possession but they rarely threatened, their best chance falling when Ben Billings got goalside of Ray Powell but sliced his shot well wide.
At half time, Chatham could consider themselves unlucky not to have added to their lead, but for all their possession, there were too many long balls played forward into space for Cass, who at times was operating as a lone striker as Barnett became embroiled in holding the ball up in midfield. Cass, a true fox in the box striker if ever there was one, does not have the pace for this type of game, so despite his best endeavours it was no surprise to see him replaced in the second period by Justin Ascheri.
The second half appeared much the same, although it was something of a sucker punch to what had for once looked like a sturdy back four when United's Steve Dallaway (who has a Diana haircut by the way) hit a speculative but well aimed drive from outside the box past an outstretched Stroud to level the tie. At this point, Chatham got a bit more interested, but couldn't do enough to clinch the game. Barnett pushed forward more, taking advantage of the jinking runs of Ascheri and Solly to get himself into the box, but was let down too many times in service to be able to really create. He tried and tried, and his persistence was nearly rewarded when he managed to shield the ball from two defenders, turn and fire a shot in that hit a 'bourne defender on the arm, the referee resolutely not giving a penalty on the old "ball to hand" logic. Barnett had earlier headed a cross inches wide, and it was summed up that this was not to be Chatham's day when with the last kick of the game, a shot come cross from Tom Davey hit the join of the upright and the bar. In truth, it would have been an injustice for United had Chatham again won a match with the last kick of the game, and they will be tough opponents for the Chats on the long trip to the south coast this coming Tuesday for the replay.
Chatham: Stroud; Probets, Powell, Payne, Potter; Lyons, Solly, Hafner, Davey; Cass, Barnett (subs Binks, Ascheri, Dodsworth, Ellis)
Highlights: A much better "90 minute" performance. AOB wanted one, and he got it. Shame it wasn't rewarded, but their goal was an old school screamer.
Lowlights: The lengthy injury to United keeper Nick Maynard that added ten minutes to the first half. Ambulance job.
The ref: Let it be cup tie. Well done.
In conclusion: A good performance, but didn't get the result. Will be a tough trip to their ground on Tuesday, particularly if their support can remain as vocal as it was today. We need to get that sort of thing going again. Where are the West Stand Boys????
MOTM: For my money, it was Ben Payne, did a no nonsense job at the back, and is looking more assured with each game.
Pointless fact: There was no alcohol allowed out of the bar today as it was a cup game, but, in good news there are plans afoot to refurbish the bar area, which will be welcome.
Next up: Them, at their place, on Tuesday night, the first of two long trips to the south coast in five days (Worthing away next Saturday). Must win it to keep a cup dream alive (and, if we go out, there's no home game until the 19th - three weeks away - I can't stand it when the fixtures go like that)
Note: Richard Avery is injured. I was mistaken when I thought his substitution at half time last week was anything other than injury related. Please do note that I have no official sources of information at the club, and wish for it remain that way. What you read here is always my opinion and is always therefore sujbective.
Chatham Town manager Don Logan decided to start Lee Barnett in place of Justin Ascheri, pairing him with Brendon Cass, with Tom Davey starting in place of the injured Mark Green. Razor Powell started at right back, with recent incumbent Brad Potter starting in place of the injured Richard Avery (see note at bottom).
It took just three minutes for the game to come alive, when Lee Barnett started a move in the middle of the park, finding Steve Hafner on the wing. Running into the box, Barnett was first to reach Hafner's cross to send the ball home past United's keeper Nick Maynard.
After the goal, Chatham kept searching to break down their opponents, but found it tough to win the second ball against a spirited and packed midfield, Solly and Lyons very much outnumbered at times, but were composed at the back. The game was played with the gusto of a cup tie, and there were plenty of mini battles taking place, the referee doing a good job of allowing the game to be played in the spirit of the occasion.
That said, Eastbourne United did threaten themselves. They're a tidy passing side, and the midfield had plenty of possession but they rarely threatened, their best chance falling when Ben Billings got goalside of Ray Powell but sliced his shot well wide.
At half time, Chatham could consider themselves unlucky not to have added to their lead, but for all their possession, there were too many long balls played forward into space for Cass, who at times was operating as a lone striker as Barnett became embroiled in holding the ball up in midfield. Cass, a true fox in the box striker if ever there was one, does not have the pace for this type of game, so despite his best endeavours it was no surprise to see him replaced in the second period by Justin Ascheri.
The second half appeared much the same, although it was something of a sucker punch to what had for once looked like a sturdy back four when United's Steve Dallaway (who has a Diana haircut by the way) hit a speculative but well aimed drive from outside the box past an outstretched Stroud to level the tie. At this point, Chatham got a bit more interested, but couldn't do enough to clinch the game. Barnett pushed forward more, taking advantage of the jinking runs of Ascheri and Solly to get himself into the box, but was let down too many times in service to be able to really create. He tried and tried, and his persistence was nearly rewarded when he managed to shield the ball from two defenders, turn and fire a shot in that hit a 'bourne defender on the arm, the referee resolutely not giving a penalty on the old "ball to hand" logic. Barnett had earlier headed a cross inches wide, and it was summed up that this was not to be Chatham's day when with the last kick of the game, a shot come cross from Tom Davey hit the join of the upright and the bar. In truth, it would have been an injustice for United had Chatham again won a match with the last kick of the game, and they will be tough opponents for the Chats on the long trip to the south coast this coming Tuesday for the replay.
Chatham: Stroud; Probets, Powell, Payne, Potter; Lyons, Solly, Hafner, Davey; Cass, Barnett (subs Binks, Ascheri, Dodsworth, Ellis)
Highlights: A much better "90 minute" performance. AOB wanted one, and he got it. Shame it wasn't rewarded, but their goal was an old school screamer.
Lowlights: The lengthy injury to United keeper Nick Maynard that added ten minutes to the first half. Ambulance job.
The ref: Let it be cup tie. Well done.
In conclusion: A good performance, but didn't get the result. Will be a tough trip to their ground on Tuesday, particularly if their support can remain as vocal as it was today. We need to get that sort of thing going again. Where are the West Stand Boys????
MOTM: For my money, it was Ben Payne, did a no nonsense job at the back, and is looking more assured with each game.
Pointless fact: There was no alcohol allowed out of the bar today as it was a cup game, but, in good news there are plans afoot to refurbish the bar area, which will be welcome.
Next up: Them, at their place, on Tuesday night, the first of two long trips to the south coast in five days (Worthing away next Saturday). Must win it to keep a cup dream alive (and, if we go out, there's no home game until the 19th - three weeks away - I can't stand it when the fixtures go like that)
Note: Richard Avery is injured. I was mistaken when I thought his substitution at half time last week was anything other than injury related. Please do note that I have no official sources of information at the club, and wish for it remain that way. What you read here is always my opinion and is always therefore sujbective.
Wednesday 26 August 2009
Cash 3 - 4 Chats
I was unable to attend last night's match at the Keith Tuckey Stadium. I'd mentioned in previous post though, my fear of the game. Athletico Croydon had got off to a flyer in the league - scoring twelve without reply in their opening two games against our kentish neighbours Whitstable and Ashford, before being held to a goalless draw at pre-season joint favourites, but yet to ignite, Met Police.
Well, as will probably be the case for most away games this season, there has to be an alternative to the official version of events, and what better way than to do this shambolically, by paraphrasing other people's work and journalism? If everyone else is doing it why can't I?
In short, Chatham went to the game very much underdogs - and came from 3-1 down to win 4-3, with Brendon Cass bagging the winner in stoppage time. According to Athletico's official site, Matt Solly was an instrumental part of our victory, and on one of the galacticos forum postings states that Steve Hafner had a good half. Chatham's goals were scored by Cass (2), Solly and Barnett, the big former Slade Green hit man again a second half substitute. I'm beginning to suspect that this is tactical, but am now struggling to believe that Justin Ascheri can keep his place, particularly now that Lee is off the blocks in the goal race. Yes, he's been slow to score this season (1 in 4 games, all started on the bench), but the man scored 16 in 19 games for us last season, having already scored 12 for Slade Green before he joined us in November. His only fault for my mind is that he can read the game better than most of his team mates, and if they're not on his wavelength, its frustrating for all.
Anyway, I've digressed. McCartney, over on kentishfootball, didn't cover the game, but has since interview Big Don Logan (AOB - see post on YMCA game for reference). He's still not happy - he wants to see 90 minutes from us, and I think he's going to get it this Saturday against Eastbourne United in the Cup. Turns out Avery's done his hamstring, so let's hope that Tommy Binks is back from his working excursion to Abergavenny or wherever it is that he's gone, to shore up our defence. However we look at the league table, and two injury time winning performances in a week, we've shipped more goals than anyone bar Ashford (who are bottom), but if we keep scoring one more than "them" (whoever "them" are each game), we can't go far wrong - we just may all die of stress in the meantime...
On the whole though, its hard to be negative about the whole thing. I wish Croydon well. McCartney quoted that "some fans" referred to us on the Croydon forum as a "nothing club". In truth, one fan said that, and more than that were complintary, commenting that Chatham deserved their win. It also says on McCartney that Croydon were "cocky big spenders" who had hired the £600 England team bus for last week's trip to Whitstable. That may be true, but £600 to take 16 players, perhaps four members of coaching staff, and perhaps ten committee members and supporters (and limiting numbers to 30 is lets face it for a bus, on the light side), that works out at £20 each return, or £10 single. Cost of a train from Thornton Heath to Whitstable? £24.10. I don't think its fair to refer to Croydon Athletic as "cocky". In fact, I think its unhelpful. What is a bit cocky though, is that the Croyon supporter who posted video on youtube of the game, missed our last two goals... never mind, we'll have to make do with imagination.
Well, as will probably be the case for most away games this season, there has to be an alternative to the official version of events, and what better way than to do this shambolically, by paraphrasing other people's work and journalism? If everyone else is doing it why can't I?
In short, Chatham went to the game very much underdogs - and came from 3-1 down to win 4-3, with Brendon Cass bagging the winner in stoppage time. According to Athletico's official site, Matt Solly was an instrumental part of our victory, and on one of the galacticos forum postings states that Steve Hafner had a good half. Chatham's goals were scored by Cass (2), Solly and Barnett, the big former Slade Green hit man again a second half substitute. I'm beginning to suspect that this is tactical, but am now struggling to believe that Justin Ascheri can keep his place, particularly now that Lee is off the blocks in the goal race. Yes, he's been slow to score this season (1 in 4 games, all started on the bench), but the man scored 16 in 19 games for us last season, having already scored 12 for Slade Green before he joined us in November. His only fault for my mind is that he can read the game better than most of his team mates, and if they're not on his wavelength, its frustrating for all.
Anyway, I've digressed. McCartney, over on kentishfootball, didn't cover the game, but has since interview Big Don Logan (AOB - see post on YMCA game for reference). He's still not happy - he wants to see 90 minutes from us, and I think he's going to get it this Saturday against Eastbourne United in the Cup. Turns out Avery's done his hamstring, so let's hope that Tommy Binks is back from his working excursion to Abergavenny or wherever it is that he's gone, to shore up our defence. However we look at the league table, and two injury time winning performances in a week, we've shipped more goals than anyone bar Ashford (who are bottom), but if we keep scoring one more than "them" (whoever "them" are each game), we can't go far wrong - we just may all die of stress in the meantime...
On the whole though, its hard to be negative about the whole thing. I wish Croydon well. McCartney quoted that "some fans" referred to us on the Croydon forum as a "nothing club". In truth, one fan said that, and more than that were complintary, commenting that Chatham deserved their win. It also says on McCartney that Croydon were "cocky big spenders" who had hired the £600 England team bus for last week's trip to Whitstable. That may be true, but £600 to take 16 players, perhaps four members of coaching staff, and perhaps ten committee members and supporters (and limiting numbers to 30 is lets face it for a bus, on the light side), that works out at £20 each return, or £10 single. Cost of a train from Thornton Heath to Whitstable? £24.10. I don't think its fair to refer to Croydon Athletic as "cocky". In fact, I think its unhelpful. What is a bit cocky though, is that the Croyon supporter who posted video on youtube of the game, missed our last two goals... never mind, we'll have to make do with imagination.
Monday 24 August 2009
A clarification...
I don't believe in going back and editing posts - its dishonest. Unless of course, whatever I've said is libelous, in which case, I'm not that stupid (but thinking about it, and that libel actions are very expensive, I'm unlikely to be in a position where libel threats are ever a problem - I don't think the Barclay brothers play semi-pro).
Moving on though, and this has not been prompted by any contact, I realise my comments about the match programme at the end of the YMCA report could suggest it was previously not a good read - this was not the intended point. It was pointed towards other programmes in the league, not our own, which has always been good. It was also meant as a point of gratitude given Mike Green's other work commitments and the short time scale he had in arranging it and editing it. So here's a re-write:
"The matchday programme is back to the sensible price of £1.50 (last seasons cost increase to £1.60 was necessary due to the economic situation but not convenient to find the right change for - also, many supporters give £2 and let the club keep the change rounding out of a total £10 spend including the gate fee). Given Mike Green's recent introduction as editor, on what I understand is a temporary basis as cover for John Crow, he has done a sterling job in arranging its quick professional production at short notice, and the "behind the red door" feature is a good way of bringing all the hard work of club volunteers to the fore, and the "Chat Box" feature makes the club seem less secular. Good work, and good value given some of the other programmes available at this level"....
Moving on though, and this has not been prompted by any contact, I realise my comments about the match programme at the end of the YMCA report could suggest it was previously not a good read - this was not the intended point. It was pointed towards other programmes in the league, not our own, which has always been good. It was also meant as a point of gratitude given Mike Green's other work commitments and the short time scale he had in arranging it and editing it. So here's a re-write:
"The matchday programme is back to the sensible price of £1.50 (last seasons cost increase to £1.60 was necessary due to the economic situation but not convenient to find the right change for - also, many supporters give £2 and let the club keep the change rounding out of a total £10 spend including the gate fee). Given Mike Green's recent introduction as editor, on what I understand is a temporary basis as cover for John Crow, he has done a sterling job in arranging its quick professional production at short notice, and the "behind the red door" feature is a good way of bringing all the hard work of club volunteers to the fore, and the "Chat Box" feature makes the club seem less secular. Good work, and good value given some of the other programmes available at this level"....
Saturday 22 August 2009
AMAT (1) 1 - (1) 1 YMCA
Or, what we mean to say is Chatham Town FC 1-1 Horsham YMCA.
Chatham last met YM as they're known by their fans in the last home game of the 2007-2008 season, and ran out 3-2 winners. YM have since lost the entire first and second strings that took part in that campaign, and re-emerged into the Ryman 1 South at the invitation of the league for this season having finished third in the Sussex County last term. They've come along a long way, and controlled the match today for much of the first half, taking advantage of apparent disarray at the back for Chatham, and took a deserved lead when Chatham's argumentative defence dropped a gear looking for a handball decision that never came, to see Richard Stroud well out of position and beaten with a well placed shot hit from the outside of the box. It was a little unfair on Stroud, who had been a seeming voice of reason at the back of a shaky back four, Brad Potter looking somewhat uncomfortable at right back, and captain Avery unable to gather control. Stoud had earlier kept the scores level when perhaps we should have been behind after he somehow got a hand to a fierce shot, against his momentum when scrambling back crablike across his line, so he was justifiably disappointed at the manner of the goal that gave YM their deserved lead.
Those of the Chatham faithful who were at the last meeting of these two sides, will remember it particularly for that rarity in football, a goal from the halfway line. On that occasion, Steve Hafner took a cheeky free kick, and spotted then YM keeper Craig Meehan off his line to send the fans into raptures. Well, Hafner scored his first competitive goal for Chatham since that game again today, in similar style on 40 minutes - spotting Horsham's keeper off his line, he shot this time from further out, hitting the ball first time after it was rolled back to him, the ball sailing over the hapless keeper to the jubilation of the home support.
He then skied a much easier volley on the stoke of half time, the matchball being lost in the trees at the White Road end, well beyond the reach of the bravest fireman.
Half time came, and the noise from the home dressing room was something to behold. Whilst subs Barnett, Dodsworth and Powell took potshots at Dan Ellis in goal, even they could hear from the penalty area the wrath of Alex O'Brien fall down upon his team. AOB has passion - no doubt about it, and his half time pep talk reminded me of the scene in Sexy Beast where Ben Kingsley's Don Logan character snaps - you know, "Do it, YES YES YES YES C**T". The result of this - a little bit more fight in a second half that saw the immediate introduction of Tom Davey for the injured Mark Green (yet to impress on the left wing, but lets give him a chance), and Lee Barnett on for Richard Avery, who didn't look like he was carrying any knocks other than one to his confidence - perhaps AOB's rant was aimed in one particular direction...
Regardless of the what's and why fors, the defence still looked fragile at times. Jim Lyons, slipped in to the back to partner Ben Payne, with Lee Barnett playing a supporting role to Ascheri and Cass. The midfield started to flow a bit more at this point, but there's part of me that thinks this was more due to the fact that Solly then had more room. He and Lyons are two similar players, and they stifle each other to some extent.
Chatham did look more dangerous in the second half, Cass and Barnett combining well, with Tom Davey an effective threat down the left when Ascheri allowed him space to work the ball. In truth, Justin had a poor game today, his touch apparently left in the dressing room before hand, but his passion shone through - the lad just does not stop chasing every ball, something that both he and Cass do well and is refreshing to see.
I hope that Barnett's place on the bench is fitness related rather than tactical. He was our most potent threat going forward, but had to wait for the ball too many times - it was as if sometimes he couldn't buy a pass.
A lot of positives though - the second half performance just about justified a point,with improved passing and invention. But let's pick this up for Croydon Athletic away.
Chatham: Stroud, Probets, Avery (HT - Barnett), Payne, Potter, Solly, Lyons, Hafner (Dodsworth 70), Green (HT - Davey), Ascheri, Cass.
Unused subs: Powell, Ellis.
Highlights: Hafner's magic trick. Again.
Lowlights: Bickering in the back four, lack of confidence. Why did they all look so nervous for the first half?
The ref: - Did an alright job. Fairly innocuous.
MOTM: Brendon Cass. Missed a sitter with his head, but worked well creating movement at the front as part of the triangle with Barnett and Ascheri. Was let down in service a few times, as was Lee Barnett. If that triangle can get going, it'll bag fifty goals this season.
In conclusion: A fair result, but we need to start playing with a winners' attitude. Where's the confidence guys?
Pointless fact: The matchday programme is down to the sensible price of £1.50 again (went up to random £1.60 last season), and was actually not a bad read. I'd like an audiobook version for AOB's programme notes though... Ben Kingsley could have a serious threat on his hands.
Next up: At home, 29th August - Sussex County League Eastbourne United Association in the FA Cup Preliminary round. We're only 12 games from Wembley, or 10 from equaling our club record quarter final performance back in the days of Victoriana and pea-soupers on the lines...
Away: This tuesday, to league leaders Croydon Athletic. The big spenders were held today by underachieving Met Police 0-0; I am sure that AOB's Kingsley impersonation will do the trick at the Keith Tuckey stadion.
Chatham last met YM as they're known by their fans in the last home game of the 2007-2008 season, and ran out 3-2 winners. YM have since lost the entire first and second strings that took part in that campaign, and re-emerged into the Ryman 1 South at the invitation of the league for this season having finished third in the Sussex County last term. They've come along a long way, and controlled the match today for much of the first half, taking advantage of apparent disarray at the back for Chatham, and took a deserved lead when Chatham's argumentative defence dropped a gear looking for a handball decision that never came, to see Richard Stroud well out of position and beaten with a well placed shot hit from the outside of the box. It was a little unfair on Stroud, who had been a seeming voice of reason at the back of a shaky back four, Brad Potter looking somewhat uncomfortable at right back, and captain Avery unable to gather control. Stoud had earlier kept the scores level when perhaps we should have been behind after he somehow got a hand to a fierce shot, against his momentum when scrambling back crablike across his line, so he was justifiably disappointed at the manner of the goal that gave YM their deserved lead.
Those of the Chatham faithful who were at the last meeting of these two sides, will remember it particularly for that rarity in football, a goal from the halfway line. On that occasion, Steve Hafner took a cheeky free kick, and spotted then YM keeper Craig Meehan off his line to send the fans into raptures. Well, Hafner scored his first competitive goal for Chatham since that game again today, in similar style on 40 minutes - spotting Horsham's keeper off his line, he shot this time from further out, hitting the ball first time after it was rolled back to him, the ball sailing over the hapless keeper to the jubilation of the home support.
He then skied a much easier volley on the stoke of half time, the matchball being lost in the trees at the White Road end, well beyond the reach of the bravest fireman.
Half time came, and the noise from the home dressing room was something to behold. Whilst subs Barnett, Dodsworth and Powell took potshots at Dan Ellis in goal, even they could hear from the penalty area the wrath of Alex O'Brien fall down upon his team. AOB has passion - no doubt about it, and his half time pep talk reminded me of the scene in Sexy Beast where Ben Kingsley's Don Logan character snaps - you know, "Do it, YES YES YES YES C**T
Regardless of the what's and why fors, the defence still looked fragile at times. Jim Lyons, slipped in to the back to partner Ben Payne, with Lee Barnett playing a supporting role to Ascheri and Cass. The midfield started to flow a bit more at this point, but there's part of me that thinks this was more due to the fact that Solly then had more room. He and Lyons are two similar players, and they stifle each other to some extent.
Chatham did look more dangerous in the second half, Cass and Barnett combining well, with Tom Davey an effective threat down the left when Ascheri allowed him space to work the ball. In truth, Justin had a poor game today, his touch apparently left in the dressing room before hand, but his passion shone through - the lad just does not stop chasing every ball, something that both he and Cass do well and is refreshing to see.
I hope that Barnett's place on the bench is fitness related rather than tactical. He was our most potent threat going forward, but had to wait for the ball too many times - it was as if sometimes he couldn't buy a pass.
A lot of positives though - the second half performance just about justified a point,with improved passing and invention. But let's pick this up for Croydon Athletic away.
Chatham: Stroud, Probets, Avery (HT - Barnett), Payne, Potter, Solly, Lyons, Hafner (Dodsworth 70), Green (HT - Davey), Ascheri, Cass.
Unused subs: Powell, Ellis.
Highlights: Hafner's magic trick. Again.
Lowlights: Bickering in the back four, lack of confidence. Why did they all look so nervous for the first half?
The ref: - Did an alright job. Fairly innocuous.
MOTM: Brendon Cass. Missed a sitter with his head, but worked well creating movement at the front as part of the triangle with Barnett and Ascheri. Was let down in service a few times, as was Lee Barnett. If that triangle can get going, it'll bag fifty goals this season.
In conclusion: A fair result, but we need to start playing with a winners' attitude. Where's the confidence guys?
Pointless fact: The matchday programme is down to the sensible price of £1.50 again (went up to random £1.60 last season), and was actually not a bad read. I'd like an audiobook version for AOB's programme notes though... Ben Kingsley could have a serious threat on his hands.
Next up: At home, 29th August - Sussex County League Eastbourne United Association in the FA Cup Preliminary round. We're only 12 games from Wembley, or 10 from equaling our club record quarter final performance back in the days of Victoriana and pea-soupers on the lines...
Away: This tuesday, to league leaders Croydon Athletic. The big spenders were held today by underachieving Met Police 0-0; I am sure that AOB's Kingsley impersonation will do the trick at the Keith Tuckey stadion.
Thursday 20 August 2009
Money will out.
Croydon Athletic sit top of the Ryman Leauge Division One South after two games, with a 100% record, 12 goals scored and two clean sheets. The Thornton Heath based side have seen a recent turn around in fortunes, that is shrouded by mystery and rumour. Those rumours though (have a look at the kent league forums to see what's being said about them and Holmesdale FC), are probably based on a jealousy of the apparent wealth of new investor Mazhar Majeed, a property developer with a passion for the game. Whatever the truth is, its easy to believe the talk of large amounts of money changing hands up there, and worryingly, the league is beginning to look very much like a one horse race already.
The changes at the Keith Tuckey stadium appear to have come to fruit around the turn of the year. Since Christmas, the Rams have lost just twice in the league. They have an impressive squad http://croydonathletic.net/web/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=284&Itemid=107
and a management duo with plenty of experience higher up the pyramid in the form of former Grays manager Tim O'Shea and his assistant Neil Smith. Its hard to believe they come cheap, and some of the players are certainly not in the £40 a game category.
Given that their attendance seem to average at the 150 mark, I worry for Croydon Athletic. There's no sour grapes in that at all either - I'd worry if we were seemingly overstretching ourselves by that amount. We're clubs of a similar size and stature, both of whom have much larger neighbours up the road (Gillingham in our case, Palace in their's), impacting on the ability to increase crowds and profile. We've seen too many clubs boom and bust over recent years, Fisher, Hornchurch, Telford, Canvey Island. Do we need another one? With commercial property developers undeniably at risk during the economic slowdown, how safe are they?
I hope it all works out well for Croydon. I've visited them twice with Chatham, and we recieved a friendly enough welcome. They're a tidy club much like ours, providing those who don't neccessarily want, or can't afford to enjoy, professional football with the fix that comes from such community based clubs.
More "pitchside", I'm dreading the away fixture next week. Something makes me think they're going to make us look very ordinary. Last time we went there, we were beaten 6-2; a similar scoreline this early in the season would not do wonders for our confidence...
The changes at the Keith Tuckey stadium appear to have come to fruit around the turn of the year. Since Christmas, the Rams have lost just twice in the league. They have an impressive squad http://croydonathletic.net/web/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=284&Itemid=107
and a management duo with plenty of experience higher up the pyramid in the form of former Grays manager Tim O'Shea and his assistant Neil Smith. Its hard to believe they come cheap, and some of the players are certainly not in the £40 a game category.
Given that their attendance seem to average at the 150 mark, I worry for Croydon Athletic. There's no sour grapes in that at all either - I'd worry if we were seemingly overstretching ourselves by that amount. We're clubs of a similar size and stature, both of whom have much larger neighbours up the road (Gillingham in our case, Palace in their's), impacting on the ability to increase crowds and profile. We've seen too many clubs boom and bust over recent years, Fisher, Hornchurch, Telford, Canvey Island. Do we need another one? With commercial property developers undeniably at risk during the economic slowdown, how safe are they?
I hope it all works out well for Croydon. I've visited them twice with Chatham, and we recieved a friendly enough welcome. They're a tidy club much like ours, providing those who don't neccessarily want, or can't afford to enjoy, professional football with the fix that comes from such community based clubs.
More "pitchside", I'm dreading the away fixture next week. Something makes me think they're going to make us look very ordinary. Last time we went there, we were beaten 6-2; a similar scoreline this early in the season would not do wonders for our confidence...
Wednesday 19 August 2009
Chatham Town 3 - 2 Burgess Hill Town
Didn't make the game (yes, shameful, absolutely shameful) but we won 3-2, with the last kick of the game. I went to bed last night with that knowledge imagining a tap in - last kicks usually are, generally coming from set pieces, but no, the Kentishfootball report by Mike Green informs us it was a 30 yard chip from Justin Ascheri. I have to admit, in the past I've not been overly impressed by Ascheri, but he seems to be coming into himself. He is terrier like up front, and never stops running - and it seems his persistence was paid off with a brace last night.
The other goal was by man-god Brendon Cass. He's now scored every time he's played at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy since his return (although last night was the first competitive game).
I do have a couple of concerns though. I'll have to do some digging, but I assume Barnett isn't fully fit and neither is Cass, Barnett coming on for Cassie in the 65th minute last night. Also, no place on the bench for either Denness, Binks or Ruddy last night. Hope they haven't left the club (particularly Ruddy, but, if Stroud is staying his options could be limited). You never know, they're all injured... not nice to wish ill on people in most circumstances, but I think it would be a travesty if both Rob and Tommy were to be sidelined permanently, they probably bleed red the amount of time they've been at the club (hang on, I think I've missed something there...).
Anyway, AOB wanted a performance - he's worried about our near capitulation in the second half, and says we were over run at times. We're possibly missing the Steve Best figure in midfield, and with OB himself now taking a backseat playing wise, I'd like to see Dodsworth in the mix. For a player who used to model himself on Beckham according to my sources from his junior days, he was certainly more in the Roy Keane mode at the end of last year. Lyons may have more creativity going forward, but we need a hard tackling midfielder to back up Matt Solly.
Additionally, when both Cass and Barnett are fit, how will we fit them in with the ever improving, and lets face it darned inconsiderate form of Ascheri? Barnett could fit in well behind the two of them, but that'll mean losing space on the wings. Interesting challenges for AOB await...
Saturday sees the visit of YMCA, followed the next week by the visit in the FA Cup of Sussex League champions Eastbourne Association. YMCA leapfrogged back to this level courtesy of the seaside club's non application for promotion, so two tough games that we must not underestimate coming up. How lovely would a cup run be eh?
The other goal was by man-god Brendon Cass. He's now scored every time he's played at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy since his return (although last night was the first competitive game).
I do have a couple of concerns though. I'll have to do some digging, but I assume Barnett isn't fully fit and neither is Cass, Barnett coming on for Cassie in the 65th minute last night. Also, no place on the bench for either Denness, Binks or Ruddy last night. Hope they haven't left the club (particularly Ruddy, but, if Stroud is staying his options could be limited). You never know, they're all injured... not nice to wish ill on people in most circumstances, but I think it would be a travesty if both Rob and Tommy were to be sidelined permanently, they probably bleed red the amount of time they've been at the club (hang on, I think I've missed something there...).
Anyway, AOB wanted a performance - he's worried about our near capitulation in the second half, and says we were over run at times. We're possibly missing the Steve Best figure in midfield, and with OB himself now taking a backseat playing wise, I'd like to see Dodsworth in the mix. For a player who used to model himself on Beckham according to my sources from his junior days, he was certainly more in the Roy Keane mode at the end of last year. Lyons may have more creativity going forward, but we need a hard tackling midfielder to back up Matt Solly.
Additionally, when both Cass and Barnett are fit, how will we fit them in with the ever improving, and lets face it darned inconsiderate form of Ascheri? Barnett could fit in well behind the two of them, but that'll mean losing space on the wings. Interesting challenges for AOB await...
Saturday sees the visit of YMCA, followed the next week by the visit in the FA Cup of Sussex League champions Eastbourne Association. YMCA leapfrogged back to this level courtesy of the seaside club's non application for promotion, so two tough games that we must not underestimate coming up. How lovely would a cup run be eh?
Tuesday 18 August 2009
Where are they now? (Brad King)
A new feature that occurred to me - where are those players from yesteryear (well, the last few seasons at least), and what are they up to now? Any ideas on anyone, let me know...
First installment : Bradley King...
Who could forget little Brad eh? I remember coming home from an away match at Sittingbourne by train, to see Brad stood at the station - making his way home to Sheppey by himself. Regularly berated with the intelligent shout of "boy" by opposition fans, Brad was a tidy full back who looked good going forward, so it was no surprise that after his perhaps dishonourable discharge from Chatham Town FC that he spent large parts of last season playing as a striker for Ashford Town's reserves. Back in first team football, he's playing at the back again, still in Medway, for Kent League Lordswood.
Brad came up through the youth system at Chatham, and was seen by some as an inspiration to the other young players. Since usurped in that role by Michael Scott, Bradley was a fan's favourite, but seemed to fall foul of then first team manager Phil Miles one time too many. Dropped for the opening game of the season in 2007-2008 because of his attitude (anyone remember the official team photo that year - all he could muster was a Reeves and Mortimer style gurn for the lens), he didn't seem to learn his lesson... He came back briefly under the returning Steve Binks, but seemed to fall out of love with the club. Perhaps a case of talent unfulfilled, lets hope he can resurrect his career -he had a lot of promise. Good luck at Lordswood, Bradley.
First installment : Bradley King...
Who could forget little Brad eh? I remember coming home from an away match at Sittingbourne by train, to see Brad stood at the station - making his way home to Sheppey by himself. Regularly berated with the intelligent shout of "boy" by opposition fans, Brad was a tidy full back who looked good going forward, so it was no surprise that after his perhaps dishonourable discharge from Chatham Town FC that he spent large parts of last season playing as a striker for Ashford Town's reserves. Back in first team football, he's playing at the back again, still in Medway, for Kent League Lordswood.
Brad came up through the youth system at Chatham, and was seen by some as an inspiration to the other young players. Since usurped in that role by Michael Scott, Bradley was a fan's favourite, but seemed to fall foul of then first team manager Phil Miles one time too many. Dropped for the opening game of the season in 2007-2008 because of his attitude (anyone remember the official team photo that year - all he could muster was a Reeves and Mortimer style gurn for the lens), he didn't seem to learn his lesson... He came back briefly under the returning Steve Binks, but seemed to fall out of love with the club. Perhaps a case of talent unfulfilled, lets hope he can resurrect his career -he had a lot of promise. Good luck at Lordswood, Bradley.
Sunday 16 August 2009
Godalming Town 3- 0 Chatham Town
Oh dear, oh dear... The new season appears to have got off to a bad start yesterday. I wasn't able to attend (in fact, I won't be going to most away games this season), and there's no match report on either the official site, the forum or the Godalming site or forum, so I can only imagine that we had our keeper sent off and put someone else in goal...
Joking aside, in fairness Godalming are a much improved side from the one which we relegated a few years ago (when Shane Ill Disciplino Suter laughed at a bloke with a broken leg and told him to get up and stop faking it!), but the very scoreline 3-0 strikes dread and anti climax into the heart. AOB is quoted with the Holloway line "bouncebackability" on http://wwwkentishfootball.co.uk// We'll need it for the visit of Burgess Hill on Tuesday night for our opening home fixture of the season, but I'm sure AOB can get it out of the team. He talks of getting into people's eyelids(!) and I think he means it.
Hopefully, yesterday was a blip - and my prediction that we had not tested our defence enough in pre-season is wrong. That said, Godalming finished ninth last year, but bagged 71 goals in the process - more than anyone else outside the play off spots. I'm also worrying that the Chats starting pre-season two weeks later than everyone else for the second season in a row isn't part of the problem. We do look more settled this year (last year Binks didn't pick the same starting eleven two games in a row for months), but maybe our fitness is an issue?
Anyway, roll on two games at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy in a row, Burgess Hill as mentioned, and then Horsham YMCA next Saturday 22nd. For those of you with sharp memories, you'll recall that YMCA were on the receiving end of Steve Hafner's halfway line effort in our last home game in the R1S - YMCA were relegated that year, but have bounced straight back, having by the miracles of the football pyramid been promoted last year despite not coming either first or second in the Sussex County League. They finished third...
Joking aside, in fairness Godalming are a much improved side from the one which we relegated a few years ago (when Shane Ill Disciplino Suter laughed at a bloke with a broken leg and told him to get up and stop faking it!), but the very scoreline 3-0 strikes dread and anti climax into the heart. AOB is quoted with the Holloway line "bouncebackability" on http://wwwkentishfootball.co.uk// We'll need it for the visit of Burgess Hill on Tuesday night for our opening home fixture of the season, but I'm sure AOB can get it out of the team. He talks of getting into people's eyelids(!) and I think he means it.
Hopefully, yesterday was a blip - and my prediction that we had not tested our defence enough in pre-season is wrong. That said, Godalming finished ninth last year, but bagged 71 goals in the process - more than anyone else outside the play off spots. I'm also worrying that the Chats starting pre-season two weeks later than everyone else for the second season in a row isn't part of the problem. We do look more settled this year (last year Binks didn't pick the same starting eleven two games in a row for months), but maybe our fitness is an issue?
Anyway, roll on two games at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy in a row, Burgess Hill as mentioned, and then Horsham YMCA next Saturday 22nd. For those of you with sharp memories, you'll recall that YMCA were on the receiving end of Steve Hafner's halfway line effort in our last home game in the R1S - YMCA were relegated that year, but have bounced straight back, having by the miracles of the football pyramid been promoted last year despite not coming either first or second in the Sussex County League. They finished third...
Monday 10 August 2009
Yet another coup for AOB.
Not so much a blog, or even a piece of news, but to reconfirm the positive steps being taken at the club, I've only just realised that Richard Stroud, who has played in goal for us recently, was a trainee at Premiership Tottenham Hotspur. Don't believe me?
http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/academy/news/academyreport020407.html
I think its fantastic that we're starting to attract players of such a calibre to the Sports Ground. Welcome, Richard. We could possibly be in a position where we have an embarrassment of riches this season. Time will tell.
PS - as an aside, I've mentioned Tottenham Hotspur in two of my posts. Let's hope it doesn't happen again...
http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/academy/news/academyreport020407.html
I think its fantastic that we're starting to attract players of such a calibre to the Sports Ground. Welcome, Richard. We could possibly be in a position where we have an embarrassment of riches this season. Time will tell.
PS - as an aside, I've mentioned Tottenham Hotspur in two of my posts. Let's hope it doesn't happen again...
Sunday 9 August 2009
Stuckism (0) 1 - (0) 0 - Conceptualism
Medway's only member of the literati thus far, the singer songwriter, poet, author and artist Billy Childish, once published an anthology of his poetry entitled "Chatham Town Welcomes Desperate Men." Well, possibly heeding that message, on a balmy Saturday afternoon at the Theatre of Slapstick, Chatham Town welcomed Terry Yorath and Neville Southall OBEs Margate FC for the final pre-season friendly of the campaign.
It was in truth a pretty tepid affair, much in part one would imagine due to players not wishing to pick up silly injuries or suspensions ahead of the new campaign. Some people had other ideas though, Steve Hafner for example, would have expected a straight red rather than an enforced substitution in a competitive fixture after a particularly reckless challenge that caused some uproar amongst Margate's small yet vocal travelling support.
The game had few chances and saw AOB make a few changes from the team that so comprehensively defeated Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday night, Michael Scott taking the place of Tommy Binks at right back, Brad Potter filling in for the absent Richard Avery, with Jim Lyons starting in the resultant midfield spot. Mark Green was tipped ahead of Tom Davey on left of the midfield, and Richard Stroud held on to the number one shirt after his second half appearance on Tuesday.
The game was something of a slow affair, with the apparent terrace apathy transferring itself to the pitch. Justin Ascheri terriered as a terrier does, and Matt Solly appeared solid at the centre of the park as always, and despite their pyramid seniority, Ryman Premier Margate looked perhaps the most threatening but without any real fire power to trouble what at times looked a slightly shaky paring of Potter and Payne at the back. Chatham's best chance fell to an unmarked Ascheri who's point blank shot was turned over well by Margate's massive keeper, and the Gate's best chance came when an umkarked Joe Healey headed wide when unmarked, his miss leaving him to berate himself with a word we will only refer to as the Clarkson/Brown word (or c-bomb for our American friends). The fact that this is even reportable says it all about what was a poor first half, and it was not a surprise to hear similarly course language coming from the home dressing room at half time.
AOB sent out the same eleven that finished the first half for the second period, and it was much business as before to be honest, until the introduction midway through the half of Ray "Razor" Powell for the tired Ascheri. The diminutive defender cum striker paired up well with Brendon Cass, who had again looked sharp but perhaps not best serviced by those around him earlier in the game, and the match picked up some appetite. Having earlier dismissed a strong penalty shout when Cass was felled in the area, the referee had no hesitation on seventy minutes in pointing to the spot for a similar challenge, and Brendon Cass showed his class to send the keeper the wrong way and bury it in the bottom corner.
Chatham pushed for a second, and Powell, who brought much needed aggression to the game was instrumental in a move that saw Jim Lyons this time sky the ball from six yards whilst unmarked, a typical second half highlight of a game that for most parts had flatlined on the excitement ECG.
Chatham kick off in the league next week away to Godalming Town, a side much improved since they were relegated at the TOSC a couple of years ago, and will need to hope that the Chatham defence is a solid at the books would suggest. We've conceded just twice in the six pre season games, and have scored 16. Without wishing to sound negative, there's part of me that doubts we've yet come across a decent front line, but if we can get Lee Barnett fit for the campaign, who knows, maybe we've got a Real Madrid season coming up. Time to see if its another season for Desperate Men.
Chatham line up; Stroud, Probets, Scott, Payne, Potter, Lyons, Solly, Green, Hafner, Cass, Ascheri (subs who got some action were Binks, Davey and Powell)
Highlights: Probably the guts and all performance for half an hour by Ray Powell. Wasn't overly excited by what I saw of him in defence the other night, but as a forward he is energetic, enthusiastic and committed to say the least. Doesn't look like a forward which must shock defences. Will get sent off at least four times this season.
Lowlights: None really, other than one of their players leaving in an ambulance after a freak fall. Hope he's ok.
In conclusion: Let's get on with the competitive games please. This was dullard.
Pointless fact: Sixteen years ago this month, Gate manager Terry Yorath lead Wales to their highest ever Fifa ranking (27th).
MOTM: Michael Scott. Had a great game. Which is a shame for Tommy Binks, as Binks had probably his best season at Chatham yet last term, but will do well to start at right back if Scott keeps showing this amount of natural talent and versatility - converted to attack very well after Green's injury.
It was in truth a pretty tepid affair, much in part one would imagine due to players not wishing to pick up silly injuries or suspensions ahead of the new campaign. Some people had other ideas though, Steve Hafner for example, would have expected a straight red rather than an enforced substitution in a competitive fixture after a particularly reckless challenge that caused some uproar amongst Margate's small yet vocal travelling support.
The game had few chances and saw AOB make a few changes from the team that so comprehensively defeated Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday night, Michael Scott taking the place of Tommy Binks at right back, Brad Potter filling in for the absent Richard Avery, with Jim Lyons starting in the resultant midfield spot. Mark Green was tipped ahead of Tom Davey on left of the midfield, and Richard Stroud held on to the number one shirt after his second half appearance on Tuesday.
The game was something of a slow affair, with the apparent terrace apathy transferring itself to the pitch. Justin Ascheri terriered as a terrier does, and Matt Solly appeared solid at the centre of the park as always, and despite their pyramid seniority, Ryman Premier Margate looked perhaps the most threatening but without any real fire power to trouble what at times looked a slightly shaky paring of Potter and Payne at the back. Chatham's best chance fell to an unmarked Ascheri who's point blank shot was turned over well by Margate's massive keeper, and the Gate's best chance came when an umkarked Joe Healey headed wide when unmarked, his miss leaving him to berate himself with a word we will only refer to as the Clarkson/Brown word (or c-bomb for our American friends). The fact that this is even reportable says it all about what was a poor first half, and it was not a surprise to hear similarly course language coming from the home dressing room at half time.
AOB sent out the same eleven that finished the first half for the second period, and it was much business as before to be honest, until the introduction midway through the half of Ray "Razor" Powell for the tired Ascheri. The diminutive defender cum striker paired up well with Brendon Cass, who had again looked sharp but perhaps not best serviced by those around him earlier in the game, and the match picked up some appetite. Having earlier dismissed a strong penalty shout when Cass was felled in the area, the referee had no hesitation on seventy minutes in pointing to the spot for a similar challenge, and Brendon Cass showed his class to send the keeper the wrong way and bury it in the bottom corner.
Chatham pushed for a second, and Powell, who brought much needed aggression to the game was instrumental in a move that saw Jim Lyons this time sky the ball from six yards whilst unmarked, a typical second half highlight of a game that for most parts had flatlined on the excitement ECG.
Chatham kick off in the league next week away to Godalming Town, a side much improved since they were relegated at the TOSC a couple of years ago, and will need to hope that the Chatham defence is a solid at the books would suggest. We've conceded just twice in the six pre season games, and have scored 16. Without wishing to sound negative, there's part of me that doubts we've yet come across a decent front line, but if we can get Lee Barnett fit for the campaign, who knows, maybe we've got a Real Madrid season coming up. Time to see if its another season for Desperate Men.
Chatham line up; Stroud, Probets, Scott, Payne, Potter, Lyons, Solly, Green, Hafner, Cass, Ascheri (subs who got some action were Binks, Davey and Powell)
Highlights: Probably the guts and all performance for half an hour by Ray Powell. Wasn't overly excited by what I saw of him in defence the other night, but as a forward he is energetic, enthusiastic and committed to say the least. Doesn't look like a forward which must shock defences. Will get sent off at least four times this season.
Lowlights: None really, other than one of their players leaving in an ambulance after a freak fall. Hope he's ok.
In conclusion: Let's get on with the competitive games please. This was dullard.
Pointless fact: Sixteen years ago this month, Gate manager Terry Yorath lead Wales to their highest ever Fifa ranking (27th).
MOTM: Michael Scott. Had a great game. Which is a shame for Tommy Binks, as Binks had probably his best season at Chatham yet last term, but will do well to start at right back if Scott keeps showing this amount of natural talent and versatility - converted to attack very well after Green's injury.
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