With things pretty much wrapped up bar the playoffs in the Blue Square Premier (more on that in a later blog) - here's my take on the BSP's best XI this season.
GK: Nikki Bull (Aldershot Town)
Quite simply the best goalkeeper in the division, and a match winner in his own right. Every successful team needs a good goalkeeper behind the sticks, and in Bull Aldershot had that man. With his contract up in the summer, it remains to be seen if Bull will stay with the Shots. League clubs will surely come calling regardless.
DR: Dan Gleeson (Cambridge United)
Part of an excellent Cambridge defence which has only conceded 17 goals at home all season. Tall, strong, and composed on the ball, Gleeson is also willing to get forward and support the attack.
DC: Michael Morrison (Cambridge United)
Towering centre-half, who is the interest of many Championship and Premiership clubs. At only 20, has shown maturity beyond his years at times this season, playing over 40 games in total. A defender with a very bright future in the game.
DC: Luke Foster (Oxford United)
Though Oxford have underachieved and struggled with goals this season, Foster has impressed throughout, playing in a number of positions, but is most comfortable in the centre of defence. A vital player for Darren Patterson's men next season.
DL: Kevin Nicholson (Torquay United)
His set-pieces and assists have been integral to Torquay United's success this season. As good a left foot as you'll see in the division, and a good defender to boot. Is yet to miss a league game for the Gulls, such is his consistency and fitness levels.
MR: Scott Davies (Aldershot Town)
The on-loan Reading man has added guile and creativity to the Shots midfield, with 11 goals and numerous assists. Aldershot will surely be enquiring about his services next season, as will others.
MC: Chris Hargreaves (Torquay United)
Evergreen at 36, 'Greavsie' has been vital for the Gulls. A calming influence in the centre of the park, Hargreaves never fails to use the ball well, is strong in the tackle, and gets up and down the pitch like he was 26.
MC: Ben Harding (Aldershot Town)
The link between defence and attack for the Shots. High energy levels and excellent use of the ball make him vital for Gary Waddock's Aldershot. Will surely be looking forward to another crack at the Football League.
ML: Jamie Cook (Crawley Town)
A suprising choice perhaps, but on his day Cook is as good as anyone in the division. Experienced at non league level and 11 goals from midfield is not a bad return for the attacking midfielder, who is at home anywhere across the midfield.
FC: Stuart Fleetwood (Forest Green Rovers)
Fleetwood went off the boil somewhat after the departure of his strike partner Mark Beesley in January, but 27 league goals in one season still isnt a bad return. Pace to burn and a natural finisher in front of goal, Fleetwood is leaving the New Lawn in the summer and certainly wont be short of offers.
FC: Mark Beesley (Cambridge United)
The perfect foil for Fleetwood, in what was a partnership made in heaven. It was no coincedence Fleetwood's goals dried up considerably when Beesley left for Cambridge. A skilful and intelligent footballer, Beesley is at home up front or 'in the hole'.
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So there we have it. Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment!
Monday 28 April 2008
Sunday 27 April 2008
A fascinating finish at the bottom in League One..
And then there were 4. The relegation battle in League One took another turn yesterday, setting up a grandstand finish on the final day. With Port Vale and Luton already relegated, I'll be having a look at the 4 teams involved.
Gillingham:
A team who has struggled throughout the season, despite the change in manager. After losing 5 of their first 6 games in charge, Ronnie Jepson was sacked and replaced by Mark Stimson, a proven manager in non-league with Grays Athletic and Stevenage Borough. The gamble hasnt paid off however, as the Gills have continued to struggle. Stimson has tried to make his mark by bringing in players he knows well from his days in Non-League, mostly from his time with Stevenage, but the players have struggled to make the step up.
After leading 1-0 against Swindon for much of yesterday's game, a last gasp equalizer from the Robins was a massive blow to their chances of survival. Needing a win away at Leeds on the final day and other results to go their way, Gillingham's chances certainly look bleak. Favourites to drop.
Bournemouth:
What a remarkable turnaround for the Cherries. Kevin Bond's team looked all but doomed after taking a 10 point penalty for going into administration, but 6 wins in the last 6 games has given them hope. The financial problems seem to have been put to one side at the moment, with the club's long term future still in considerable doubt, and the players deserve immense credit for putting it all to the back of their minds.
A vital 1-0 win against fellow strugglers Crewe yesterday leaves the Cherries only one point away from safety with one game to play, and with momentum on their side, you could certainly see Bournemouth getting a result away at Carlisle, who seem to be stuttering after losing their automatic promotion spot, though a win for the Cumbrians could see them regain that spot. Both sides with much to play for.
Cheltenham Town:
The Robins seemingly looked safe at one point, but complacency has seemingly crept into the Robins form, and now relegation is a distinct possibility. Losing manager John Ward to Carlisle early in the season was a blow, but in Assistant Manager Keith Downing they had someone who knew the club and knew the players, making the transition a lot easier.
Just being in League One is an achievement for Cheltenham, who defied the odds last year by staying up. Can they do it again? A 2-1 loss away to Oldham yesterday certainly didnt help matters. A win against 2nd placed Doncaster will confirm safety, but that isnt as easy as it seems, with Doncaster needing to win to confirm automatic promotion. But then again, Cheltenham are used to defying the odds.
Crewe:
A somewhat disappointing season for Crewe, who have struggled all season. Gradi moving away from his management role into a technical director role has hit the Railwaymen hard, with Steve Holland struggling to get to grips with his first job in management. The club has never backed away from their attacking footballing traditions however, which has guaranteed goals - at both ends.
After failing to confirm safety against fellow strugglers Bournemouth yesterday by losing 1-0, a point at home to Oldham will be enough for Crewe on the final day.
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So there we have it. A fasninating climax with much to be settled at both ends of the table. If I was to stick my neck out, I'd say Bournemouth to clinch safety with a win at Carlisle, and Doncaster to clinch promotion and send Cheltenham down in the process with a win at Cheltenham. For me these are the key games, and I for one cant wait for all the twists and turns to come.
Sunday 20 April 2008
A journey into the unknown..
Fron Non-League to the Premier League. From Plainmoor to the Emirates. Being a Torquay United supporter it's all quite unfamiliar territory, but nonetheless, thats where I found myself yesterday. The game was Arsenal vs Reading at the Emirates stadium, and I was in the away end. Being a seasoned veteran of relegation battles, I had to be really. Maybe I could pass on my experience?
Onto the game, and to say I was suprised by Reading's selection would be an understatement. No Hunt, Long or Shorey in the squad, and Doyle left on the bench. Had Reading lost the match before it even started? Was Steve Coppell already looking towards the next game, thinking defeat in this match was already a foregone conclusion? It certainly felt that way. Arsenal's selection was less suprising, with only 2nd place to play for picking their strongest eleven. Adebayor, Fabregas, Hleb, Walcott - all starters. After defeat against Manchester United last Sunday, You feared for Reading's chances against the wounded animal of Arsenal.
The match started, and for the first 30 minutes or so, Reading competed. They were getting into Arsenal quickly and staying tight, and most importantly, stopping them play. There was little attacking intent shown by the Royals, but as far as containing Arsenal went, Reading were doing a good job.
Then came the goal.
Kolo Toure created the goal with a deep cross, but all the credit belonged to Emmanuel Adebayor. His deft touch from Toure's cross took the ball away from Ibrahim Sonko, before coolly slotting the ball past Marcus Hahnemann for his 22nd goal of the season after 30 minutes. Disaster for Reading, and from this point, the rest of the game was a formality.
Reading's heads suddenly dropped, as they stopped getting tight to the Arsenal players. The away team seemed to be spectators, watching in awe as Arsenal passed the ball around with relative ease, with every player wanting the ball. On the contrary, when Reading got the ball, no-one wanted it, and the lack of options from other players made sure the ball was played aimlessley long. Maybe lower-league football wasnt so far away afterall?
Things went from bad to worse 8 minutes later, when Gilberto's long-range shot beat Hahnemann via Bikey's head. 2-0 to Arsenal, things were looking bleak for the Royals.
Arsenal continued to press as half-time approached, with Hahnemann making smart saves from Toure and Van Persie. Reading were clearly rattled, and you felt the half-time whistle couldnt come quickly enough for the Royals. Eventually the whistle did come, putting an end to a one-sided 45 minutes. Arsenal were in complete control and looking comfortable, Reading were devoid of any confidence and looking toothless going forward. Needing three goals, it was an uphill task for the Royals. Surely changes has to be made to salvage something from the game?
The second half started, and no changes were made from either side. It seemed Reading had accepted defeat, and the rest of the match was a case of damage limitation. Arsenal continued to dominate, and were able to play in second gear. Reading rarely threatened the Arsenal goal, not managing a shot until the 80th minute through Bobby Convey. On the otherhand, Arsenal had numerous efforts at goal, and Royals fans have Hahnemann to thank for keeping the score into single figures.
Reading fans remained in good spirits, supporting the team and trying to enjoy themselves as much as possible. Chants were ringing out from the away end despite the lacklustre display on the pitch. Somehow I felt at home.
The final whistle eventually blew up, and like many predicted, Arsenal had comfortably won the match. The sheer lack of ambition from Reading was hard to comprehend, but Reading have bigger fish to fry next week, as they face relegation rivals Wigan. Arsenal on the otherhand were a joy to watch, playing football of a standard that quite simply, I'll never see watching my beloved Torquay. It's a sacrifice I'll have to make.
Onto the game, and to say I was suprised by Reading's selection would be an understatement. No Hunt, Long or Shorey in the squad, and Doyle left on the bench. Had Reading lost the match before it even started? Was Steve Coppell already looking towards the next game, thinking defeat in this match was already a foregone conclusion? It certainly felt that way. Arsenal's selection was less suprising, with only 2nd place to play for picking their strongest eleven. Adebayor, Fabregas, Hleb, Walcott - all starters. After defeat against Manchester United last Sunday, You feared for Reading's chances against the wounded animal of Arsenal.
The match started, and for the first 30 minutes or so, Reading competed. They were getting into Arsenal quickly and staying tight, and most importantly, stopping them play. There was little attacking intent shown by the Royals, but as far as containing Arsenal went, Reading were doing a good job.
Then came the goal.
Kolo Toure created the goal with a deep cross, but all the credit belonged to Emmanuel Adebayor. His deft touch from Toure's cross took the ball away from Ibrahim Sonko, before coolly slotting the ball past Marcus Hahnemann for his 22nd goal of the season after 30 minutes. Disaster for Reading, and from this point, the rest of the game was a formality.
Reading's heads suddenly dropped, as they stopped getting tight to the Arsenal players. The away team seemed to be spectators, watching in awe as Arsenal passed the ball around with relative ease, with every player wanting the ball. On the contrary, when Reading got the ball, no-one wanted it, and the lack of options from other players made sure the ball was played aimlessley long. Maybe lower-league football wasnt so far away afterall?
Things went from bad to worse 8 minutes later, when Gilberto's long-range shot beat Hahnemann via Bikey's head. 2-0 to Arsenal, things were looking bleak for the Royals.
Arsenal continued to press as half-time approached, with Hahnemann making smart saves from Toure and Van Persie. Reading were clearly rattled, and you felt the half-time whistle couldnt come quickly enough for the Royals. Eventually the whistle did come, putting an end to a one-sided 45 minutes. Arsenal were in complete control and looking comfortable, Reading were devoid of any confidence and looking toothless going forward. Needing three goals, it was an uphill task for the Royals. Surely changes has to be made to salvage something from the game?
The second half started, and no changes were made from either side. It seemed Reading had accepted defeat, and the rest of the match was a case of damage limitation. Arsenal continued to dominate, and were able to play in second gear. Reading rarely threatened the Arsenal goal, not managing a shot until the 80th minute through Bobby Convey. On the otherhand, Arsenal had numerous efforts at goal, and Royals fans have Hahnemann to thank for keeping the score into single figures.
Reading fans remained in good spirits, supporting the team and trying to enjoy themselves as much as possible. Chants were ringing out from the away end despite the lacklustre display on the pitch. Somehow I felt at home.
The final whistle eventually blew up, and like many predicted, Arsenal had comfortably won the match. The sheer lack of ambition from Reading was hard to comprehend, but Reading have bigger fish to fry next week, as they face relegation rivals Wigan. Arsenal on the otherhand were a joy to watch, playing football of a standard that quite simply, I'll never see watching my beloved Torquay. It's a sacrifice I'll have to make.
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