Tonights game at Atherton LR has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Atherton LR game postponed
Tonights game at Atherton LR has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Sunday, 28 March 2010
GNE 3 Silsden 1
GNE won their 3rd game in a row thanks to another goal each from forwards Garry Kharas and Andy Hurst. Kharas headed in from Dave Young's free kick on 17 minutes for Glossop to lead 1-0 at half time. Silsden equalised on 61 minutes but Hurst restored Glossop's lead on 73 minutes, before Rick Bailey made sure of the points in the last minute. There was still time for a penalty in injury time after Garry Kharas had been brought down, but Dave Young's spot kick hit the post.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
GNE 3 Abbey Hey 1
A good 1st half performnce, with 2 goals just before the break, was enough to secure another home win - Hurst, Kay and Kharas getting the goals. We eased off in 2nd half but, although Abbey came back into it, the result was never in any doubt.
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Steve Targets Highest League Finish
Glossop North End manager Steve Young has told www.vodkatleague.com he has set his sights on achieving the club's highest ever league finishing place this season.
The Hillmens' campaign may not have matched early season expectations, but none the less, Steve is optimistic that his side have turned the corner after a difficult first half of the season.
The recent arrival of strikers Gary Kharas and Andy Hurst at Surrey Street has boosted the squad, and as Steve explained, he had been looking to increase his attacking options since last summer.
"At the end of last season, although it had been a good season for us, we knew we needed two quality strikers, and we lost Dave Hodges over the summer which was a big blow for us. So we came into this campaign knowing that we had to look for three replacements. We've got the strikers now, but we've never properly replaced Hodgie. He had wonderful pace and that caused opposition teams problems, and we've lost that this year.
"That has been a problem because a lot of our game was based around Dave, he was a great outlet for us. People would go on about the diagonal ball we kept playing last season, but we had Dave's pace that could turn defence into attack so quickly".
It's fair to say that the team's early season form was not what most would have expected, and Steve freely admits that the team have not performed to the same standard as last season.
"We came into the season with a bit of pressure on ourselves to be successful, after last season, but really after the first ten games we were out of everything. We were never going to win the league after the start that Newcastle had made, and of course subsequently carried on. So we were looking at ourselves, and probably feeling a bit sorry for ourselves, and all the desire we had started with started to slip away from the players.
"We've still got eight regular first team players and probably twelve squad players in total who played in the Vase run and at Wembley last season, and those players haven't played as well as they did last season. Maybe we over achieved a bit last season, no one will ever know. But the fact is that these players haven't played as well this season as they did last season, and they would all agree with that.
"It's been a difficult season for us, the fans expectation has been a lot higher, ours have as well, and it's just not worked out well for us. I've heard it said that maybe last season the footballing gods were with us, well if we had enough of them last year they've certainly not been with us this year".
The Hillmens' season was probably summed up by their performance in the League Challenge Cup quarter final at Winsford United, which Steve describes as one of the most amazing games of football he has ever seen.
"It got as low as it was going to get at Winsford in the League Challenge Cup, where we went five goals down after half an hour. That summed up our season. Going into the dressing room at half time five goals down, I'm not one who starts throwing cups about or kicking things in the air, but we sat down and talked about what had gone on.
"The players we have here are not stupid footballers, they know if they are playing well or not and they knew it was a bad performance. They didn't set out to play badly but we did, and we got punished every time we made an error. It was the strangest thirty minutes of football I've ever seen, I can't remember anything like it. Every time Winsford went forward they scored, we scored two own goals, and gave them two goals, and you'll never recover from that. We got criticised by the fans and rightly so.
"But the strange thing was that we were the better team towards the end of the first half and for the whole of the second half, and the response I got from the players in the second half summed up their attitude, we made enough chances in the second half to get back into the game, and strange though it may seem it could have been 5-5at the end of the game. But to be five down after half an hour was unbelievable.
"That game has been the story of our season. Very inconsistent at times, outstanding at other times, and we just can't find that middle ground at the moment".
Since then though, Glossop's results have picked and the arrival of twin strikers Kharas and Hurst was a reward for Steve's persistence in tracking both players.
"I've known Gary since he was here in his first spell at the club where he scored a terrific number of goals. He's travelled around a bit, played for a number of clubs at this level and higher over the last five or six years, but I don't think he's ever really settled. He was always someone we desperately wanted to bring back to the club, and I been chasing Andy Hurst for about three seasons as well, and now they are both here.
"We've just got to make sure now that if they are scoring goals at one end, we've got to be making sure we are keeping them out at the other end. We've not had anyone this season who can pick goals up like they can, and if Gary in particular can score as many goals as he did when he was last here, I'll be absolutely delighted".
This corresponding week last season, Glossop were involved in the two legged FA Vase semi final against Chalfont St Peter. Hopes were high that they could enjoy another run in this season's competition, but their interest ended at Barwell in the Third Round, in a game that still rankles with Steve.
"We were robbed at Barwell, the referee was shocking, and the decisions on the day went against us all day long. You can't do anything about that, and no disrespect to Barwell but I thought we deserved to come away from there with a draw at least. I think if we had got them back here it would have been different.
"But Barwell are now in the semi final and they've got Whitley Bay, so they two teams that have beaten us in the Vase in the last two seasons are in the semi final this year.
"I think the draw has favoured Whitley Bay all the way through, I think they have had about five or six home draws. I think Barwell will cause them a problem, they have a great centre forward - who incidentally should never have been on the pitch when he scored against us but there you go - and I have a feeling they will pose Whitley Bay big problems.
"Whitley Bay are a good side, and they deservedly beat us in the final last season, but if there is an area that you might to try and exploit it would be in the centre of the defence, and the Barwell lad is a good player. But really I wouldn't like to call it, maybe home advantage in each game will be the biggest thing, and Barwell's home record has been quite outstanding this season".
Returning to the league campaign, Steve has his sights set on improving on last season's finish.
"We've got 14 games left now, and we have been talking about the remainder of the season with the players. We can get 92 points if we win all our remaining games, and that would be ten more points than we collected last season. If we got up to that sort of total, that's got to guarantee you a top four or top five place.
"The highest this club has ever finished is our fifth place last season, so we are going to try and beat that. We showed in beating Ramsbottom at home last Saturday we can beat other top five sides, so there's no reason why we can't get in there as well".
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Barnsley Pre-Season Friendly Announced
GNE have announced that they will play a pre-season friendly with a Barnsley FC side at Surrey Street on Monday 2 August, kick off 7:45pm.
Barnsley last played Glossop prior to the start of the 2008 season, that ended with the Vase Final, so lets hope their visit has the same effect next time!
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Morro receives his award
David Morris received his Vodkat League Player of the Month Award for February from Vodkat League Chairman Dave Tomlinson prior to kick off against Ramsbottom.
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Matt Cooper leaves GNE?
Although not yet official, we believe Matt Cooper has tonight left GNE.
Matt, obviously unhappy about losing his starting place to Stuart Williams, made Manager Steve Young aware of his decision straight after the final whistle.
Matt, obviously unhappy about losing his starting place to Stuart Williams, made Manager Steve Young aware of his decision straight after the final whistle.
GNE 3 Rammy 2
GNE returned to winning ways with an excellent win over Ramsbottom United.
1-0 down at half time, a fine strike from Adam Oakes levelled things at 1-1 before 3 goals in as many minutes ended with Garry Kharas netting the winner.
After a tough couple of weeks, it was good to see the smiles on the faces of both players and supporters at the end.
Friday, 19 March 2010
Vaughan Parker Painting
Local artist Vaughan Parker has, for the last 8 months, been working on a large scale painting to commemorate our trip to Wembley last May. Although he's now nearly finished it there is still room to immortalise more of you by putting your faces in the crowd.
If you would like to be part of this work of art then you need to see Jim Lockwood at either of the next two Saturday games (Rammy/Silsden) to have your photo taken. If you want to be in the painting next to friends then you need to have your photo taken as a group. If you aren't at these games then you can always email a picture to gnepics@googlemail.com but you need to do that asap.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
End Of Season Party
Following the success of the Christmas event, the Supporters Club are holding an End of Season Party on Saturday May 8th. The party will again be in the clubhouse and the format will be similar to that at Chritmas. By popular demand, Andy and Woody (and you never know, maybe even Dicey) will again be providing the entertainment.
In recognition of the support shown to the supporters club in it's first season admission will be FREE to all members and only £5 for non-members.
Tickets are now available and can be collected on matchdays, starting with this Saturdays home game with Ramsbottom.
Please note: Although free, because of the limited number of people we can have at the party this event has to be all ticket and we expect the tickets to go very quickly.
Also note: This is not the clubs annual presentation night
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Winsford United 5 GNE 2
Our second visit this season to this outpost of rural Cheshire. Regular readers may recall that your ageing scribe was absent for our League visit here at the end of August – aaah, Barcelona, my favourite city in Europe - however, the well known phrase “we’ve been here before” seems to be appropriate.
This phrase is often trotted out in a rather disparaging way when what seems to be a crisis hits. Time-worn know-it-alls tend to come out of the woodwork to claim that “nothing is new” and if we all learned the lessons of history then there would never be such a crisis again. Interesting to note perhaps that such paragons of virtue never seem to be able to predict anything but only react after the event!
There are a couple of examples here which may be of interest – or not.
Recently, the Director General (Witchfinder General?) of the BBC came under attack for the way he handled the crisis involving Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand relating to an on-air attack on the actor Andrew Sachs. Had he know his history, he would have recalled a similar incident in 1941 involving an unscripted joke by the comedian Sydney Howard which was considered to be insulting to the then Director of Variety. Mr. Howard was immediately suspended for six months and the whole incident was quickly forgotten.
We are all aware of the crisis in the banking industry of the last couple of years. All sorts of doom merchants appeared regularly on TV and radio declaring that “the end of the world is nigh” and making similar cataclysmic statements. Little did they know that exactly the same sort of financial crisis happened in 1857. Starting with railway companies in the US sinking under a burden of debenture debts, banks were unable to honour convertible notes due to a lack of liquidity. The effect of this then spread to the UK and other countries where finance houses had been rashly overtrading on the capital of their creditors. Banks collapsed. Does this sound familiar? Yes it does. In 2008/09, substitute “derivatives” for “convertible notes” and replace “Banks collapse” with “banks were rescued using tax-payers money” and we have something very similar. So, what happened after 1857? Did the whole financial world collapse, never to be seen again? Well, as we know, it did not. It rose again only to be hit by the Wall Street Crash of 1929!
The quote “History is Bunk” is accredited to the car maker Henry Ford. What he actually said, in 1916, was "History is more or less bunk. It's tradition. We don't want tradition. We want to live in the present, and the only history that is worth a tinker's damn is the history that we make today." Well, dear reader, as ever I leave you to make your own minds up on this one but, was he right?
Today marks a historic occasion in the history of the still fledgling Supporters Club – the first mid-week minibus. The jolly band of travellers assemble early at the Friendship for a 6 p.m. start. At the wheel tonight is Dicey who had the honour of piloting the unofficial – and unrecorded – Supporters Club and friends minibus to the Thatched House in Stockport the other Friday night to see a Rush tribute band by the name of “counterparts” featuring our very own Cod on lead vocals and smoke – very good they were too, if a little loud. Talking of bands, our multi talented Supporters Club Events co-ordinator is missing tonight having elected to go to see some band called “Editors” at the Manchester Apollo rather than watching the mighty GNE in League Cup quarter final action at Winsford. One has to question the priorities here but, to be fair, this date was originally down as an away match at Atherton LR. Editors or Atherton LR away – close call that one!
The fading glory of the Barton Stadium greets the GNE travelling army. £6 entrance and £1.50 for a programme which is full of detail but lacks something in imagination and presentation. Recent memories suggest that “it is always cold at Winsford – even in August”, and the atmosphere, or lack of it, inside the ground contributes to this feeling.
A 7 flag day as the people of Glossop (around 50 from a crowd given as 100) gather to support our team in the only remaining competition where we have any hope of silverware. The teams enter the arena – GNE in white again – with the same experimental central defensive partnership which was on display at Formby last Saturday.
After 45 minutes, its half time and Winsford lead 5-0. Yes, it’s true and worth repeating, Winsford lead 5-0. Half time discussion revolves around “what went wrong”. Various opinions expressed - as we know, football is a game of opinions – without reaching any firm conclusions although the consensus is that it is difficult to ask players to play in unaccustomed positions. One of the more senior players is asked to draw some positives from the first half display. His only comment was that the curtains in the clubhouse were “nice”.
The second half starts with GNE showing three substitutions from the first half and within ten minutes have scored twice – can we pull it back? Hope springs eternal only to be dashed on the jagged rocks of outrageous expectation. At the end of the match, the home side move on to the semi-final of the Vodkat League Cup having won 5-2 and the visitors continue to wonder how it all went wrong.
The journey home is quiet but Dicey makes good time and we get to The Crown well before last orders. Excellent pint of Sam Smiths Old Brewery Bitter and the best part of the night.
So what of the two outstanding questions.
Was it cold in Winsford? Well, yes it was a bit but not too bad for a night match in mid- March.
Editors or GNE? Well, your ageing scribe is no fan of the Editors, and, indeed, cannot recall having heard anything by them, but this one may have worked out to be Editors 1 GNE 0.
This phrase is often trotted out in a rather disparaging way when what seems to be a crisis hits. Time-worn know-it-alls tend to come out of the woodwork to claim that “nothing is new” and if we all learned the lessons of history then there would never be such a crisis again. Interesting to note perhaps that such paragons of virtue never seem to be able to predict anything but only react after the event!
There are a couple of examples here which may be of interest – or not.
Recently, the Director General (Witchfinder General?) of the BBC came under attack for the way he handled the crisis involving Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand relating to an on-air attack on the actor Andrew Sachs. Had he know his history, he would have recalled a similar incident in 1941 involving an unscripted joke by the comedian Sydney Howard which was considered to be insulting to the then Director of Variety. Mr. Howard was immediately suspended for six months and the whole incident was quickly forgotten.
We are all aware of the crisis in the banking industry of the last couple of years. All sorts of doom merchants appeared regularly on TV and radio declaring that “the end of the world is nigh” and making similar cataclysmic statements. Little did they know that exactly the same sort of financial crisis happened in 1857. Starting with railway companies in the US sinking under a burden of debenture debts, banks were unable to honour convertible notes due to a lack of liquidity. The effect of this then spread to the UK and other countries where finance houses had been rashly overtrading on the capital of their creditors. Banks collapsed. Does this sound familiar? Yes it does. In 2008/09, substitute “derivatives” for “convertible notes” and replace “Banks collapse” with “banks were rescued using tax-payers money” and we have something very similar. So, what happened after 1857? Did the whole financial world collapse, never to be seen again? Well, as we know, it did not. It rose again only to be hit by the Wall Street Crash of 1929!
The quote “History is Bunk” is accredited to the car maker Henry Ford. What he actually said, in 1916, was "History is more or less bunk. It's tradition. We don't want tradition. We want to live in the present, and the only history that is worth a tinker's damn is the history that we make today." Well, dear reader, as ever I leave you to make your own minds up on this one but, was he right?
Today marks a historic occasion in the history of the still fledgling Supporters Club – the first mid-week minibus. The jolly band of travellers assemble early at the Friendship for a 6 p.m. start. At the wheel tonight is Dicey who had the honour of piloting the unofficial – and unrecorded – Supporters Club and friends minibus to the Thatched House in Stockport the other Friday night to see a Rush tribute band by the name of “counterparts” featuring our very own Cod on lead vocals and smoke – very good they were too, if a little loud. Talking of bands, our multi talented Supporters Club Events co-ordinator is missing tonight having elected to go to see some band called “Editors” at the Manchester Apollo rather than watching the mighty GNE in League Cup quarter final action at Winsford. One has to question the priorities here but, to be fair, this date was originally down as an away match at Atherton LR. Editors or Atherton LR away – close call that one!
The fading glory of the Barton Stadium greets the GNE travelling army. £6 entrance and £1.50 for a programme which is full of detail but lacks something in imagination and presentation. Recent memories suggest that “it is always cold at Winsford – even in August”, and the atmosphere, or lack of it, inside the ground contributes to this feeling.
A 7 flag day as the people of Glossop (around 50 from a crowd given as 100) gather to support our team in the only remaining competition where we have any hope of silverware. The teams enter the arena – GNE in white again – with the same experimental central defensive partnership which was on display at Formby last Saturday.
After 45 minutes, its half time and Winsford lead 5-0. Yes, it’s true and worth repeating, Winsford lead 5-0. Half time discussion revolves around “what went wrong”. Various opinions expressed - as we know, football is a game of opinions – without reaching any firm conclusions although the consensus is that it is difficult to ask players to play in unaccustomed positions. One of the more senior players is asked to draw some positives from the first half display. His only comment was that the curtains in the clubhouse were “nice”.
The second half starts with GNE showing three substitutions from the first half and within ten minutes have scored twice – can we pull it back? Hope springs eternal only to be dashed on the jagged rocks of outrageous expectation. At the end of the match, the home side move on to the semi-final of the Vodkat League Cup having won 5-2 and the visitors continue to wonder how it all went wrong.
The journey home is quiet but Dicey makes good time and we get to The Crown well before last orders. Excellent pint of Sam Smiths Old Brewery Bitter and the best part of the night.
So what of the two outstanding questions.
Was it cold in Winsford? Well, yes it was a bit but not too bad for a night match in mid- March.
Editors or GNE? Well, your ageing scribe is no fan of the Editors, and, indeed, cannot recall having heard anything by them, but this one may have worked out to be Editors 1 GNE 0.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Formby 1 GNE 1
The first thoughts regarding this short narrative about our second visit this season to this outpost of Merseyside, was to comment about either or both of a couple of previously mentioned topics. Regular readers will recall the “threat” to discuss sub-atomic particle physics and the science of climate change. Perhaps surprisingly, or not, there was no avalanche of positive opinion regarding these topics, to be honest, there was not even one comment – positive or negative. On that basis, it may be better to leave these topics for another day – or not at all.
The Supporters Club minibus leaves the Friendship at approx. 12.45 pm. Well, it doesn’t leave on its own. The skills of Shifty are required here and much appreciated by all. A 3 flask day. Much discussion about when the last away trip by minibus took place. General consensus was that it was as far back as November 7th last year to that real fortress of a ground known as Knowsley Road, St. Helens. It has to be said that this is an indication of the dreadful winter we have endured rather than any lack of enthusiasm by this jolly travelling band.
Close to Formby, our multi talented Supporters Club events co-ordinator receives a text from the erudite Haggis with the team news. Looks to be an unusual starting eleven to say the least and much discussion ensues on the subject of a likely formation. The suggestion of 0-8-2 is not taken too seriously but there is some logic in suggesting 3-5-2 however, this is by no means certain – time will tell.
Remembering previous visits to Formby and the “cans only” bar, the decision is reached to try a local hostelry. As we descend from the minibus, “Girls on Tour” badges are handed to the two travelling ladies. Somehow, one of the badges finds its way onto the scarf of scousemark. Now, it did not get there on its own, I leave you to come to your own conclusions on this one. A beer named “Spring Frenzy” from the Daleside Brewery fits the bill. Decent drink, if a little cold, but Spring is in the air so it does seem to be an appropriate harbinger of better times to come.
The GNE travelling army arrives at the ground 5 minutes before kick-off. £5 entrance and £1 for a programme of very poor quality. Readers may recall that the programme offered for our last visit consisted of two folded A4 pages. This one was three pages – progress perhaps but very poor. Positions are taken and the flags are unfurled – a 5 flag day – as the players trot out onto a poor quality pitch – very sandy and considerably bumpy and in stark contrast to the excellent playing surface last Tuesday night at Witton. GNE in white, Formby in their standard kit featuring the dayglo yellow flashes – perhaps they have a reluctance to switch on the floodlights here?
A quick count puts the Glossop support at around 40 from a crowd given as 71.
The conundrum of the starting formation is solved as GNE line up 4-4-2 with Martin Parker and Trucca in the centre of defence with Youngy and Kel in the full back positions.
Looking around the ground, it looks as desolate as we remember - pretty much wide open to the elements. One “improvement” is the provision of high nets around all sides of the ground to try to prevent too much wasted time in collecting footballs from the surrounding fields. One of the corner flags is already at an improbable angle in anticipation of the expected strong on-shore breeze.
The first chant of “you fat b*****d” aimed at the opposing goalkeeper is missing the bass tones of moonbasealpha - needs some practice.
GNE dominate the first half but, after 45 minutes, its half time and the match is all square at 1-1.
In anticipation of only cans to sustain us during the second half, we enter the portacabin bar. Much to our surprise the bar now serves draught beer and lager. OK, its keg only and not the quality stuff we are used to at fortress Surrey Street. So, in our last three visits, Formby have gone from having no bar, to having a cans-only bar and now have draught beer. Shows ambition this and is to be applauded – next stage real ale? Suspect not.
At the end of a scrappy second half, the score remains 1-1 and silence greets the players as they head back to the changing rooms. The portacabin bar gets briefly busy again as the minibus travellers seek suitable refreshment to sustain the journey home.
Various topics of discussion are raised during the journey home but football is not amongst them. As we disembark at The Friendship, one of our members is heard to say, “that was a great day, pity about the football in the middle of it”. Speaks volumes does this and a fair reflection.
Next stop, Winsford…
The Supporters Club minibus leaves the Friendship at approx. 12.45 pm. Well, it doesn’t leave on its own. The skills of Shifty are required here and much appreciated by all. A 3 flask day. Much discussion about when the last away trip by minibus took place. General consensus was that it was as far back as November 7th last year to that real fortress of a ground known as Knowsley Road, St. Helens. It has to be said that this is an indication of the dreadful winter we have endured rather than any lack of enthusiasm by this jolly travelling band.
Close to Formby, our multi talented Supporters Club events co-ordinator receives a text from the erudite Haggis with the team news. Looks to be an unusual starting eleven to say the least and much discussion ensues on the subject of a likely formation. The suggestion of 0-8-2 is not taken too seriously but there is some logic in suggesting 3-5-2 however, this is by no means certain – time will tell.
Remembering previous visits to Formby and the “cans only” bar, the decision is reached to try a local hostelry. As we descend from the minibus, “Girls on Tour” badges are handed to the two travelling ladies. Somehow, one of the badges finds its way onto the scarf of scousemark. Now, it did not get there on its own, I leave you to come to your own conclusions on this one. A beer named “Spring Frenzy” from the Daleside Brewery fits the bill. Decent drink, if a little cold, but Spring is in the air so it does seem to be an appropriate harbinger of better times to come.
The GNE travelling army arrives at the ground 5 minutes before kick-off. £5 entrance and £1 for a programme of very poor quality. Readers may recall that the programme offered for our last visit consisted of two folded A4 pages. This one was three pages – progress perhaps but very poor. Positions are taken and the flags are unfurled – a 5 flag day – as the players trot out onto a poor quality pitch – very sandy and considerably bumpy and in stark contrast to the excellent playing surface last Tuesday night at Witton. GNE in white, Formby in their standard kit featuring the dayglo yellow flashes – perhaps they have a reluctance to switch on the floodlights here?
A quick count puts the Glossop support at around 40 from a crowd given as 71.
The conundrum of the starting formation is solved as GNE line up 4-4-2 with Martin Parker and Trucca in the centre of defence with Youngy and Kel in the full back positions.
Looking around the ground, it looks as desolate as we remember - pretty much wide open to the elements. One “improvement” is the provision of high nets around all sides of the ground to try to prevent too much wasted time in collecting footballs from the surrounding fields. One of the corner flags is already at an improbable angle in anticipation of the expected strong on-shore breeze.
The first chant of “you fat b*****d” aimed at the opposing goalkeeper is missing the bass tones of moonbasealpha - needs some practice.
GNE dominate the first half but, after 45 minutes, its half time and the match is all square at 1-1.
In anticipation of only cans to sustain us during the second half, we enter the portacabin bar. Much to our surprise the bar now serves draught beer and lager. OK, its keg only and not the quality stuff we are used to at fortress Surrey Street. So, in our last three visits, Formby have gone from having no bar, to having a cans-only bar and now have draught beer. Shows ambition this and is to be applauded – next stage real ale? Suspect not.
At the end of a scrappy second half, the score remains 1-1 and silence greets the players as they head back to the changing rooms. The portacabin bar gets briefly busy again as the minibus travellers seek suitable refreshment to sustain the journey home.
Various topics of discussion are raised during the journey home but football is not amongst them. As we disembark at The Friendship, one of our members is heard to say, “that was a great day, pity about the football in the middle of it”. Speaks volumes does this and a fair reflection.
Next stop, Winsford…
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Formby 1 GNE 1
Another frustrating afternoon in Merseyside.
A very comfortable 1st half that GNE dominated from the start - Oakes curled in a free kick after 20 minutes, Kharas had a goal dissallowed for offside (he wasn't) and there were plenty of half chances. Then, right on the stroke of half time Lugsden scored an og and the teams went into half time all square.
The 2nd half was the complete opposite of the 1st - Formby had most of the possession and the majority of chances and in the end GNE were lucky to come away with a point.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Runcorn Linnets 3 GNE 1
It is sometimes said that people get to look like their pets. Not sure if a certain Mr. Charles Darwin would agree with this form of “evolution” but there could be considered to be an element of “natural selection” in that people do choose their pets. If we look into this a little further, we could consider the “selection” of animals associated with sporting teams – presumably to make some sort of point about what opponents could expect when teams meet on the field of play.
As examples, we have the Leicester Tigers in Rugby Union, the Glamorgan Dragons in cricket and the Wakefield Wild Cats in Rugby League – not at all sure how many Tigers there are in Leicester, or Panthers in Glamorgan, but the presence of wild cats in Wakefield on a Friday night has been independently verified. All of these examples suggest that if the team takes after the animal - even a mythical one - of choice, then the least that could be expected is that they will play with power and aggression.
And then we have the Runcorn Linnets.
The linnet is a small-ish inoffensive bird of the Passerine family. Characterised by a red-breast, uneven flight and a call which is described as a twitter; the linnet often migrates south in the winter to breed. Not very promising in suggesting power and aggression but perhaps we need to go back and consider this in terms of some sort of natural selection.
Think here about late winter holidays abroad and let’s look at each of these characteristics in turn.
Small-ish inoffensive bird – doesn’t take too much thinking about to decide what this may mean in this context.
Red breast – could this be anything to do with out of season exposure to that big yellow thing in the sky which normally avoids Glossop for most of the year?
Uneven flight – being chased from a bar in a somewhat inebriated state having managed to do something to offend the sensibilities of someone else.
Twitter – a means of informing your mates back in chilly Blighty what a wonderful time someone may be having.
South to breed - needs no further explanation, to my essentially adult audience, from your ageing scribe.
So, you get the picture, the good people of Runcorn selected The Linnet as the chosen name of their football club to represent a woman who goes on holiday to warmer climes in the winter. She sunbaths topless, gets drunk in local bars, contacts home on a regular basis to gloat about the wonderful time she is having and, whilst abroad, engages in activities which I had better leave to your imaginations.
Think then about the recent history of football matches between Runcorn Linnets and the mighty GNE which have been, to say the least, tinged with a bit of aggression both on and off the pitch.
Umm, someone has misunderstood something here…
So, we enter the stadium looking for Linnets but, of course, there are none. The reason for this is clearly understood as they will all be in Magaluf or Ibiza Town, this being a chilly night in early March. And then, not many “local” people here either as Runcorn Linnets play at Wincham Park, Northwich, the home of Witton Albion FC of the Unibond South, whilst their new ground in Runcorn is under construction.
£5-50 entrance and £1-20 for a very decent programme. This is an excellent stadium, built in the good times for Witton Albion FC. Very bright floodlights – too bright and low for your ageing scribe’s rose tinted varifocals to deal with easily – excellent main stand with extensive bar facilities boasting an interesting range of bottled beers alongside the normal very cold keg offerings. On the other three sides of the ground we find covered stands and the whole place is in very good order. Of equal, if not greater importance, is the playing surface which looks to be excellent and promises good quality football.
Our chief pie correspondent describes the pies as “very good” and comments that he would not be ashamed if we served pies of this quality back at fortress Surrey Street but still not quite as good as Mettricks Finest. Pie, chips and gravy at £3 from the pie hut in the bottom corner of the ground said to be “delicious”. And then, sadly, we find yet another example of an away club underestimating the strength and pie eating capacity of the GNE travelling army as the pies run out at half-time, (yes, there is a joke here somewhere but I’ve used it before – cf. GNE Away 12 – Alsager 1 GNE 3).
The travelling support of around 30, out of a crowd given as 134, set up behind the goal at the turnstile end – a 5 flag day - very creditable as this place is not the easiest to get to on a Tuesday night in early March (or any other time of year for that matter). GNE score a goal at the opposite end of the ground straight from the kick off. This encourages us to move around to the opposite goal in anticipation of more action and, possibly, goals to come at that end. Sadly, we are mistaken as most of the action occurs at the end we have just vacated and, after 45 minutes, its half time and Runcorn Linnets lead 3-1.
No further goals in the second half and comment is made that perhaps we should have moved not half way around this ground but 400 yards down the road to the next ground where Northwich Victoria were involved in what sounded to be an exciting match. The flags are taken down from the fencing and the ground empties rapidly in almost complete silence. The journey home is also, essentially, quiet except for phone calls to absent friends to update them on the match.
Ah well! We have to put this one behind us and look forward to the next match – Formby here we come.
As examples, we have the Leicester Tigers in Rugby Union, the Glamorgan Dragons in cricket and the Wakefield Wild Cats in Rugby League – not at all sure how many Tigers there are in Leicester, or Panthers in Glamorgan, but the presence of wild cats in Wakefield on a Friday night has been independently verified. All of these examples suggest that if the team takes after the animal - even a mythical one - of choice, then the least that could be expected is that they will play with power and aggression.
And then we have the Runcorn Linnets.
The linnet is a small-ish inoffensive bird of the Passerine family. Characterised by a red-breast, uneven flight and a call which is described as a twitter; the linnet often migrates south in the winter to breed. Not very promising in suggesting power and aggression but perhaps we need to go back and consider this in terms of some sort of natural selection.
Think here about late winter holidays abroad and let’s look at each of these characteristics in turn.
Small-ish inoffensive bird – doesn’t take too much thinking about to decide what this may mean in this context.
Red breast – could this be anything to do with out of season exposure to that big yellow thing in the sky which normally avoids Glossop for most of the year?
Uneven flight – being chased from a bar in a somewhat inebriated state having managed to do something to offend the sensibilities of someone else.
Twitter – a means of informing your mates back in chilly Blighty what a wonderful time someone may be having.
South to breed - needs no further explanation, to my essentially adult audience, from your ageing scribe.
So, you get the picture, the good people of Runcorn selected The Linnet as the chosen name of their football club to represent a woman who goes on holiday to warmer climes in the winter. She sunbaths topless, gets drunk in local bars, contacts home on a regular basis to gloat about the wonderful time she is having and, whilst abroad, engages in activities which I had better leave to your imaginations.
Think then about the recent history of football matches between Runcorn Linnets and the mighty GNE which have been, to say the least, tinged with a bit of aggression both on and off the pitch.
Umm, someone has misunderstood something here…
So, we enter the stadium looking for Linnets but, of course, there are none. The reason for this is clearly understood as they will all be in Magaluf or Ibiza Town, this being a chilly night in early March. And then, not many “local” people here either as Runcorn Linnets play at Wincham Park, Northwich, the home of Witton Albion FC of the Unibond South, whilst their new ground in Runcorn is under construction.
£5-50 entrance and £1-20 for a very decent programme. This is an excellent stadium, built in the good times for Witton Albion FC. Very bright floodlights – too bright and low for your ageing scribe’s rose tinted varifocals to deal with easily – excellent main stand with extensive bar facilities boasting an interesting range of bottled beers alongside the normal very cold keg offerings. On the other three sides of the ground we find covered stands and the whole place is in very good order. Of equal, if not greater importance, is the playing surface which looks to be excellent and promises good quality football.
Our chief pie correspondent describes the pies as “very good” and comments that he would not be ashamed if we served pies of this quality back at fortress Surrey Street but still not quite as good as Mettricks Finest. Pie, chips and gravy at £3 from the pie hut in the bottom corner of the ground said to be “delicious”. And then, sadly, we find yet another example of an away club underestimating the strength and pie eating capacity of the GNE travelling army as the pies run out at half-time, (yes, there is a joke here somewhere but I’ve used it before – cf. GNE Away 12 – Alsager 1 GNE 3).
The travelling support of around 30, out of a crowd given as 134, set up behind the goal at the turnstile end – a 5 flag day - very creditable as this place is not the easiest to get to on a Tuesday night in early March (or any other time of year for that matter). GNE score a goal at the opposite end of the ground straight from the kick off. This encourages us to move around to the opposite goal in anticipation of more action and, possibly, goals to come at that end. Sadly, we are mistaken as most of the action occurs at the end we have just vacated and, after 45 minutes, its half time and Runcorn Linnets lead 3-1.
No further goals in the second half and comment is made that perhaps we should have moved not half way around this ground but 400 yards down the road to the next ground where Northwich Victoria were involved in what sounded to be an exciting match. The flags are taken down from the fencing and the ground empties rapidly in almost complete silence. The journey home is also, essentially, quiet except for phone calls to absent friends to update them on the match.
Ah well! We have to put this one behind us and look forward to the next match – Formby here we come.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Runcorn Linnets 3 GNE 1
Despite getting off to the best possible start, an Andy Hurst goal after only 13 seconds, GNE were well beaten by Runcorn who responded with 3 goals before half tme. The 2nd half performance was better than the 1st but it would have been difficult for it to have been any worse.
Monday, 8 March 2010
Paul Ennis and GNE?
Can we read anything into ex-Stockport County player Paul Ennis being at Saturdays game? There were rumours earlier this season that Paul was interested in joining GNE but they came to nothing. Then again, maybe he was just watching his mates play football.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Rick Bailey receives his Player of the Month award
Prior to the game with Flixton, Rick Bailey was presented with his Supporters Club Player of the Month Award for February by SC vice-chairman Tim Barnett.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Tom Bailey leaves GNE (again)
Although not yet official, we believe Tom Bailey has been released by GNE for the 2nd time this season. More details will be announced as we get them.
GNE 5 Flixton 0
Not only was it one of GNE's best results of the season but there were some really encouraging performances. The Kharas/Hurst partnership started to click, we controlled the midfield and defensively we were back to our best.
Roll on Tuesday.
Friday, 5 March 2010
Football Fantime Interviews
If you missed this weeks Football Fantime on High Peak Radio you can hear the GNE interviews by clicking the links below;
Steve Young on Garry Kharas
Garry Kharas on returning to GNE
Season Extended
The Vodkat League have announced that the league will be extended by one week and GNE's season will now finish at Nelson on Saturday the 8th of May.
Six of our last seven games will be away from home so we need to start building supplies!
An updated fixture list can be found by here.
Vodkat League Player of the Month - David Morris
Congratulations to David on being voted the Vodkat Premier Division Player of the Month for February.
David (not Dave!) had an excellent month, moving into a position that was a bit unfamiliar for him. He is used to playing a little further forward, but thanks to a suspension to club captain Jason Gorton, David was asked to play in the slot in front of the back four.
David is a natural passer of the ball, and has found that this spot has allowed him to become the fulcrum of the midfield, picking up the ball and spreading the play with simple but effective passing. He has great vision, and this ability allows him to pick passes that others might not see. It was a great month for the man who has been with the club for five years.
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Droylsden 2 GNE 0
Following the abandonment of this match, due to a waterlogged pitch, a couple of weeks ago, there were cries from many of the GNE travelling army that “it was a rip off”. What was suggested to justify the comment was that the match should never have started in the first place, it should have been called off at half-time, the only reason that the second half started was so that refunds of entrance money did not need to be made. In summary, “it was not fair”. Well, it is not the role of your ageing scribe to justify or not what occurred that very wet Monday night but it is perhaps worth spending a couple of minutes thinking about the idea of “fairness”.
There is a political connection here as the Labour Party has recently unveiled its slogan for the next election which is “A Future Fair for All” but we will gloss over the subject of re-hashing old election slogans. However, the concept is an interesting one.
If we go back to that night in Droylsden, we can look at events from a number of separate positions and then consider “fairness” as it may be applied to these positions.
Both clubs and, presumably, the Manchester FA wanted the game to go ahead. It had been raining most of the day in Droylsden onto a pitch which was already a bit wet – aren’t they all at this time of the year. Recognising what could be a problem, Droylsden got together a team of people to work on the pitch. Supporters started to arrive and paid the entrance money at the turnstiles. The bar was open, the refreshments were all in place, the stewards were around the ground. In short, it was “game on”. The referee, who is in sole charge of the fitness of the pitch for play, decided to inspect again at 7.30 pm to give the ground workers the maximum opportunity to do their job. The match kicked off on time. From the beginning, it was clear that there were problems with the pitch as the ball would not run across the surface. The players adapted their playing style to the conditions and the rain continued to fall. After a curtailed half-time interval. The players came back onto a pitch which was, by now, well and truly flooded. After 5 minutes, and after consultation with both captains, the referee abandoned the match. No refunds. Should we be given tokens for free entry for the re-arranged match?
So, what is “fair”?
To Droylsden FC, they have put in all of the costs associated with staging the match. The crowd was very much on the low side for them and it is doubtful that they made any money on the match. The same costs will be incurred when staging the re-arranged match. Is it fair that they should get no revenue, in terms of entrance money, from this re-arranged match?
To the referee, he has tried his best to get the match on. Maybe the conditions were “marginal” at the beginning but if the rain had stopped at 7.45 pm the match would have been completed. We may accuse referees of all sorts of things but being in control of the weather is not one of them. Is it fair that the referee be accused in some circles of “colluding with the Droylsden management” to engineer a position whereby refunds of gate money would not be given?
To the players, it has been a difficult winter and fixture congestion looms, they would have wanted to play if possible. Great credit to the players of both sides here in recognising to potential dangers associated with the difficult conditions and adapting the way they played the match accordingly. Would it have been fair on the players to ask them to continue in what were unfit conditions?
To the supporters, these are difficult economic times and supporting your team, particularly both home and away, can be a struggle financially for many. Is it fair that the supporters of both Droylsden and GNE will have to pay twice for the same match?
The conclusion from all of this is that there is no one solution which could be considered as being “fair for all” and, indeed, is there ever such a situation? Probably not really, so we enter into the world of negotiation and compromise and, folks, this is the real world. Discussions were held and decisions reached, the upshot of which was that admission prices for this re-arranged match were reduced to half price for adults.
Is this now “fair for all”? As ever, your ageing scribe makes no judgements on such matters but leaves it to you, dear readers, to reach your own conclusions.
So off we go again to Droylsden. A much better night weather-wise and no danger of this one being abandoned or whatever. The evening starts in the “well appointed clubhouse – available to hire for all functions for reasonable rates” with the presentation to our “proud to be” Chairman of the Supporters Club of a Droylsden scarf by a representative of the Droylsden Supporters Club in recognition of the pennant presented to them at the first match. Nice touch that and thank you to Garry. All of this helps to build good relations with clubs who host the GNE travelling army. The army is probably a few down in numbers tonight compared with the first match but still an excellent turn out on a Monday Night. We assemble in the same place as last time, christened by our diligent researcher as “the deep end” – a three flag night. This reminds your ageing scribe of the definition associated with the term “three dog night” – remember the 1970s band of that name? – but perhaps we should leave that for another time!
The game kicks off and we note the presence of a fourth official. Most unusual for our matches but there you are. One often wondered what the role of the fourth official is – apart from holding up the board to indicate substitutions and how much “Fergie Time” is to be added. At Premiership level it seems that the fourth official is there to be argued with by assorted managers who feel that their team has been wronged in some way by the referee. The value of this has always escaped me in that arguing with a referee has never got a decision changed so why spend energy arguing with someone who is not even on the pitch? Maybe helps to lower the manager’s blood pressure but even this is unlikely.
The singing starts and soon, most unexpectedly, a section of the home support starts singing in opposition. It is rare indeed that our support is challenged in this way but all is amicable and, probably, honours even.
After 45 minutes, it’s half time and 1-0 to Droylsden.
The second half progresses and, around the hour mark, the now normal substitutions start and the fourth official springs into serious action. The third GNE substitution is announced by the stadium announcer – “For Glossop North End, replacing number 9, Andy Hurst is number 15, Stuart Williams”. This causes consternation amongst our supporters and all goes a little quiet. Just what on earth is our indomitable Manager doing? Taking off our main striker and replacing him with the reserve goalkeeper. Well, we know that all goalkeepers are frustrated strikers but could this really be true? Not surprisingly it turns out not to be the case as someone identifies the recently arrived player as James Acton from our reserve side. Pity in one way as it would have been quite interesting to watch Stuart plough a lonely furrow up front but, never mind.
At the end of the match it’s 2-0 to Droylsden and they progress to the final of the Manchester Premier Cup – good luck to them.
We return, very briefly, to the subject of fairness. Do we think that the result tonight was fair? Well, dear reader, your ageing scribe does not normally venture opinions on questions raised in these short narratives but in this case I think I will.
Damn right it was fair – best side won…
There is a political connection here as the Labour Party has recently unveiled its slogan for the next election which is “A Future Fair for All” but we will gloss over the subject of re-hashing old election slogans. However, the concept is an interesting one.
If we go back to that night in Droylsden, we can look at events from a number of separate positions and then consider “fairness” as it may be applied to these positions.
Both clubs and, presumably, the Manchester FA wanted the game to go ahead. It had been raining most of the day in Droylsden onto a pitch which was already a bit wet – aren’t they all at this time of the year. Recognising what could be a problem, Droylsden got together a team of people to work on the pitch. Supporters started to arrive and paid the entrance money at the turnstiles. The bar was open, the refreshments were all in place, the stewards were around the ground. In short, it was “game on”. The referee, who is in sole charge of the fitness of the pitch for play, decided to inspect again at 7.30 pm to give the ground workers the maximum opportunity to do their job. The match kicked off on time. From the beginning, it was clear that there were problems with the pitch as the ball would not run across the surface. The players adapted their playing style to the conditions and the rain continued to fall. After a curtailed half-time interval. The players came back onto a pitch which was, by now, well and truly flooded. After 5 minutes, and after consultation with both captains, the referee abandoned the match. No refunds. Should we be given tokens for free entry for the re-arranged match?
So, what is “fair”?
To Droylsden FC, they have put in all of the costs associated with staging the match. The crowd was very much on the low side for them and it is doubtful that they made any money on the match. The same costs will be incurred when staging the re-arranged match. Is it fair that they should get no revenue, in terms of entrance money, from this re-arranged match?
To the referee, he has tried his best to get the match on. Maybe the conditions were “marginal” at the beginning but if the rain had stopped at 7.45 pm the match would have been completed. We may accuse referees of all sorts of things but being in control of the weather is not one of them. Is it fair that the referee be accused in some circles of “colluding with the Droylsden management” to engineer a position whereby refunds of gate money would not be given?
To the players, it has been a difficult winter and fixture congestion looms, they would have wanted to play if possible. Great credit to the players of both sides here in recognising to potential dangers associated with the difficult conditions and adapting the way they played the match accordingly. Would it have been fair on the players to ask them to continue in what were unfit conditions?
To the supporters, these are difficult economic times and supporting your team, particularly both home and away, can be a struggle financially for many. Is it fair that the supporters of both Droylsden and GNE will have to pay twice for the same match?
The conclusion from all of this is that there is no one solution which could be considered as being “fair for all” and, indeed, is there ever such a situation? Probably not really, so we enter into the world of negotiation and compromise and, folks, this is the real world. Discussions were held and decisions reached, the upshot of which was that admission prices for this re-arranged match were reduced to half price for adults.
Is this now “fair for all”? As ever, your ageing scribe makes no judgements on such matters but leaves it to you, dear readers, to reach your own conclusions.
So off we go again to Droylsden. A much better night weather-wise and no danger of this one being abandoned or whatever. The evening starts in the “well appointed clubhouse – available to hire for all functions for reasonable rates” with the presentation to our “proud to be” Chairman of the Supporters Club of a Droylsden scarf by a representative of the Droylsden Supporters Club in recognition of the pennant presented to them at the first match. Nice touch that and thank you to Garry. All of this helps to build good relations with clubs who host the GNE travelling army. The army is probably a few down in numbers tonight compared with the first match but still an excellent turn out on a Monday Night. We assemble in the same place as last time, christened by our diligent researcher as “the deep end” – a three flag night. This reminds your ageing scribe of the definition associated with the term “three dog night” – remember the 1970s band of that name? – but perhaps we should leave that for another time!
The game kicks off and we note the presence of a fourth official. Most unusual for our matches but there you are. One often wondered what the role of the fourth official is – apart from holding up the board to indicate substitutions and how much “Fergie Time” is to be added. At Premiership level it seems that the fourth official is there to be argued with by assorted managers who feel that their team has been wronged in some way by the referee. The value of this has always escaped me in that arguing with a referee has never got a decision changed so why spend energy arguing with someone who is not even on the pitch? Maybe helps to lower the manager’s blood pressure but even this is unlikely.
The singing starts and soon, most unexpectedly, a section of the home support starts singing in opposition. It is rare indeed that our support is challenged in this way but all is amicable and, probably, honours even.
After 45 minutes, it’s half time and 1-0 to Droylsden.
The second half progresses and, around the hour mark, the now normal substitutions start and the fourth official springs into serious action. The third GNE substitution is announced by the stadium announcer – “For Glossop North End, replacing number 9, Andy Hurst is number 15, Stuart Williams”. This causes consternation amongst our supporters and all goes a little quiet. Just what on earth is our indomitable Manager doing? Taking off our main striker and replacing him with the reserve goalkeeper. Well, we know that all goalkeepers are frustrated strikers but could this really be true? Not surprisingly it turns out not to be the case as someone identifies the recently arrived player as James Acton from our reserve side. Pity in one way as it would have been quite interesting to watch Stuart plough a lonely furrow up front but, never mind.
At the end of the match it’s 2-0 to Droylsden and they progress to the final of the Manchester Premier Cup – good luck to them.
We return, very briefly, to the subject of fairness. Do we think that the result tonight was fair? Well, dear reader, your ageing scribe does not normally venture opinions on questions raised in these short narratives but in this case I think I will.
Damn right it was fair – best side won…
February Player of the Month - Rick Bailey
Congratulations to Rick Bailey on becoming the Supporters Club Player of the Month for February.
Rick will be presented with his award at Wednesday nights game with Padiham.
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