Match 06/13/1033 - Tuesday, 16th July 2013 - Pre-Season Friendly
Tonbridge (0) 1 Blewden 60
Welling United (1) 1 Lafayette 30
Att. 171
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: Sold Out
Mileage: 26/228
Match Report
Drawing conclusions from pre-season friendlies can be a dangerous game, but Tommy Warrilow may well be feeling quite content that his summer's business in player recruitment has gone rather well. After next Thursday's fixture against Maidstone United, this blog and its readers can put behind them Messrs Worgan and Collin and look forward with Pinney, Appiah, Masters and Watts, because they are the present and, on the evidence of this game against the Conference South champions, Welling United, the future is a whole lot brighter.
Apart from the irritating habit, continuing on from last season, of giving away sloppy goals, it was both pleasing and surprising just how dominant Tonbridge were in this pre-season game that attracted a disappointing crowd of just 171.
Phillip Appiah, on Saturday, was deployed in front of the back four, which against lesser opposition in the shape of neighbours Tunbridge Wells; he tidied up the loose ends and passed the ball out of defence with an easy style. For this game, he was asked to pair up with David Ijaha in the centre of midfield and gave a performance that suggested that he might be wasted in the deeper lying areas. But whatever job he is asked to do in the coming months, he exudes a confidence that he is going to be able to fulfil it.
Leading the line, Nathaniel Pinney displays a good touch, but might just be a little rusty when it comes to the finishing department, whilst Luke Blewden added a third goal in two halves of football to press home the point that he is not at Longmead to make up the numbers.
Pinney's finishing had eluded him twice in the opening half hour before a single through pass saw Ross Lafayette rounding Masters to tap into an empty net for an undeserved half-time lead.
Blewden, Chris Piper and Nathan Green were among the five half time changes made by Warrilow and Sam Beales was also introduced when Ryan Watts went down injured. On the hour, a superb through pass from Piper saw Blewden scoring from an acute angle.
Tonbridge looked to have denied themselves a worthy draw at the very least when they conceded a penalty with ten minutes remaining but Joe Healey hit the bar with his spot kick.
Whether the warm glow in July turns cold in November, we can only wait and see, but just for the present, everybody at Longmead can look forward to the new season with renewed optimism.
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Tonbridge 5 Tunbridge Wells 1
Match 05/13/1032 - Saturday, 13th July 2013 - Courier Cup
Tonbridge (2) 5 Akokhia 19, Muggeridge 32, Watts 55,
Blewden 60, 75
Tunbridge Wells (1) 1 Sinden 65
Att. 301
Entrance: £3 Senior
Programme: 50p
Mileage: 26/202
Match Report
This game marks a fresh start for Tonbridge Angels, their manager Tommy Warrilow and to a certain extent their supporters. Last season finished with much relief as relegation from Conference South was avoided but this led on to early summer disappointment as two of the fans’ favourites, Lee Worgan and Frannie Collin departed for their most bitter of rivals, Maidstone United. That disappointment has been tempered by the arrivals that the freeing up of two of the club’s more expensive salaries have allowed, Nathaniel Pinney (pictured) is the striker that has been asked to pick up the mantle of Collin’s goalscoring whilst Clark Masters is the new custodian of the Angels’ goal.
Other new arrivals have been Ryan Watts, a winger; the competitive midfielder Philip Appiah and returning striker, Luke Blewden.
Tunbridge Wells arrived at Longmead fresh from an encouraging performance in defeat at Maidstone and full of hope that they could live up to the “noisy neighbours” tag that appears to have arrived from nowhere. They were still missing Perry Spackman and Andy Irvine.
On a stifling hot day, which perhaps sent people to the coast rather than to a football ground, hence the rather disappointing attendance of 301, the greater squad depth of the hosts eventually proved too much for Martin Larkin’s troops.
Tonbridge's first half eleven included a triallist, Emmanuel Akokhia, released by AFC Wimbledon who caught the eye, linking well with Pinney and scoring the opening goal after 19 minutes with a good finish from a Jon Heath cross. Akokhia was also involved in the second goal when his cross was retrieved by Pinney, who set up Henry Muggeridge to fire home. Tonbridge could well have had the game out of sight by half time had it not been for the fine keeping of Chris Oladogba.
In the second half, with Tonbridge able to field a new eleven over the course of the half, the Wells visibly tired in the intense heat and the Angels were able to take full advantage. Ryan Watts crashed in a 20 yard shot before Blewden showed the quality finishing that caught the eye at Crawley Down with opportunist goals, the first a volley from a Muggeridge cross and the second, through on goal following a pass from youth teamer, James Pass. In between Richard Sinden scored a consolation goal for the Wells.
So the “noisy neighbours” were sent back over Quarry Hill to reflect on two reasonable performances against teams of higher standing, but ultimately two defeats and one of them rather heavy. From a Tonbridge perspective, all the new players impressed and certainly Akokhia earned further opportunities to impress in the upcoming games against Welling on Tuesday and next Saturday’s game in Belgium if he is able to travel.
Tonbridge (2) 5 Akokhia 19, Muggeridge 32, Watts 55,
Blewden 60, 75
Tunbridge Wells (1) 1 Sinden 65
Att. 301
Entrance: £3 Senior
Programme: 50p
Mileage: 26/202
Match Report
Other new arrivals have been Ryan Watts, a winger; the competitive midfielder Philip Appiah and returning striker, Luke Blewden.
Tunbridge Wells arrived at Longmead fresh from an encouraging performance in defeat at Maidstone and full of hope that they could live up to the “noisy neighbours” tag that appears to have arrived from nowhere. They were still missing Perry Spackman and Andy Irvine.
On a stifling hot day, which perhaps sent people to the coast rather than to a football ground, hence the rather disappointing attendance of 301, the greater squad depth of the hosts eventually proved too much for Martin Larkin’s troops.
Tonbridge's first half eleven included a triallist, Emmanuel Akokhia, released by AFC Wimbledon who caught the eye, linking well with Pinney and scoring the opening goal after 19 minutes with a good finish from a Jon Heath cross. Akokhia was also involved in the second goal when his cross was retrieved by Pinney, who set up Henry Muggeridge to fire home. Tonbridge could well have had the game out of sight by half time had it not been for the fine keeping of Chris Oladogba.
In the second half, with Tonbridge able to field a new eleven over the course of the half, the Wells visibly tired in the intense heat and the Angels were able to take full advantage. Ryan Watts crashed in a 20 yard shot before Blewden showed the quality finishing that caught the eye at Crawley Down with opportunist goals, the first a volley from a Muggeridge cross and the second, through on goal following a pass from youth teamer, James Pass. In between Richard Sinden scored a consolation goal for the Wells.
So the “noisy neighbours” were sent back over Quarry Hill to reflect on two reasonable performances against teams of higher standing, but ultimately two defeats and one of them rather heavy. From a Tonbridge perspective, all the new players impressed and certainly Akokhia earned further opportunities to impress in the upcoming games against Welling on Tuesday and next Saturday’s game in Belgium if he is able to travel.
Saturday, 13 July 2013
Maidstone United 2 Tunbridge Wells 1
Match 04/13/1031 - Tuesday, 9th July 2013 - Pre-Season Friendly
Maidstone United (1) 2 McKenzie 20, Collin 73
Tunbridge Wells (1) 1 Sobers (o.g) 44
Att. 597
Entrance: £5
Programme: Sold Out
Mileage: 20/176
Match Report
A year ago this fixture would not have happened. But one of the benefits of last season's run to the Final of the FA Vase is that not only are Tunbridge Wells being offered a prestige friendly against Maidstone United, but they are also offered the opportunity of treading the hallowed plastic of the Gallagher. On Saturday, Tonbridge will also be offering their neighbours the respect of a first team fixture for the previously unworthy Courier Cup.
At the Gallagher, on a pleasant evening after another hot day, Tunbridge Wells were accorded a warm welcome with their achievements of last season being recalled by the stadium announcer. A couple of significant absentees to the Wells squad were Perry Spackman and Andy Irvine, both evidently carrying knocks, whilst in the Maidstone side, that fielded a different eleven for each half, were ex-Tonbridge heroes (almost legends), Lee Worgan and Frannie Collin.
Despite their superior status and although they dominated large periods of the game, Maidstone never really put Tunbridge Wells in their place and their visitors can take great heart from a really decent performance. They defended stoutly, Chris Oladogba and Mikel Czanner were called upon, and made, good saves in both halves, whilst leading the line, Jack Harris showed all the credentials that has attracted clubs far higher up the pyramid.
In the first half Maidstone fielded Leon McKenzie as a triallist, a player that has commanded a fee of £1 million when he moved to Coventry City and also scored over 100 goals at Football League level. He may well be heading towards the end of his career at the age of 35, but undoubtedly he should have enough in his locker to be able to perform at Ryman League level. It was indeed, McKenzie, who opened the scoring after 20 minutes when Oladogba could only palm a shot into the striker’s path who only needed a tap in to score.
The difference in divisions was evident, but the Wells dug in and Harris capitalised on a mistake just before the break and although his scrambled shot was cleared it came back off the post and rebounded into the net off an unfortunate defender.
With the fresh legs of a completely different eleven, Maidstone had the ascendancy for much of the second period and eventually reclaimed the lead on 73 minutes when a header from Charley Robertson came back off the underside of the bar for Collin (pictured) to head the ball home from about 5mm. Any Tonbridge supporters casting an eye on the game would have been amused when the stadium announcer chose to credit the goal to Robertson.
In the true scheme of things, a late equaliser for the Wells would have been unjust on the passage of play, but it could have been an oh-so-sweet moment had Richard Sinden not pulled a shot wide in the dying moments of the game, but results don’t win points in July and Martin Larkin will be more than satisfied with his side’s display in their first run-out of pre-season.
The phenomenal pulling power of Maidstone's return to their home town is obviously going to continue this season in great numbers when a crowd of 597 can be attracted for a low-key pre-season game.
Maidstone United (1) 2 McKenzie 20, Collin 73
Tunbridge Wells (1) 1 Sobers (o.g) 44
Att. 597
Entrance: £5
Programme: Sold Out
Mileage: 20/176
Match Report
A year ago this fixture would not have happened. But one of the benefits of last season's run to the Final of the FA Vase is that not only are Tunbridge Wells being offered a prestige friendly against Maidstone United, but they are also offered the opportunity of treading the hallowed plastic of the Gallagher. On Saturday, Tonbridge will also be offering their neighbours the respect of a first team fixture for the previously unworthy Courier Cup.
At the Gallagher, on a pleasant evening after another hot day, Tunbridge Wells were accorded a warm welcome with their achievements of last season being recalled by the stadium announcer. A couple of significant absentees to the Wells squad were Perry Spackman and Andy Irvine, both evidently carrying knocks, whilst in the Maidstone side, that fielded a different eleven for each half, were ex-Tonbridge heroes (almost legends), Lee Worgan and Frannie Collin.
Despite their superior status and although they dominated large periods of the game, Maidstone never really put Tunbridge Wells in their place and their visitors can take great heart from a really decent performance. They defended stoutly, Chris Oladogba and Mikel Czanner were called upon, and made, good saves in both halves, whilst leading the line, Jack Harris showed all the credentials that has attracted clubs far higher up the pyramid.
In the first half Maidstone fielded Leon McKenzie as a triallist, a player that has commanded a fee of £1 million when he moved to Coventry City and also scored over 100 goals at Football League level. He may well be heading towards the end of his career at the age of 35, but undoubtedly he should have enough in his locker to be able to perform at Ryman League level. It was indeed, McKenzie, who opened the scoring after 20 minutes when Oladogba could only palm a shot into the striker’s path who only needed a tap in to score.
The difference in divisions was evident, but the Wells dug in and Harris capitalised on a mistake just before the break and although his scrambled shot was cleared it came back off the post and rebounded into the net off an unfortunate defender.
In the true scheme of things, a late equaliser for the Wells would have been unjust on the passage of play, but it could have been an oh-so-sweet moment had Richard Sinden not pulled a shot wide in the dying moments of the game, but results don’t win points in July and Martin Larkin will be more than satisfied with his side’s display in their first run-out of pre-season.
The phenomenal pulling power of Maidstone's return to their home town is obviously going to continue this season in great numbers when a crowd of 597 can be attracted for a low-key pre-season game.
Sunday, 7 July 2013
Bromley 0 Gillingham 3
Match 03/13/1030 - Saturday, 6th July 2013 - Pre-Season Friendly
Bromley (0) 0
Gillingham (3) 3 Dack 28, Barrett 35, Kedwell (pen) 39
Att. est 600
Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: None issued
Mileage: 76/156
Match Report
Pre-season is not only about players getting match fitness, teams getting a settled pattern of play and managers finding his best eleven prior to the season start. It is also about those on the sidelines getting their eyes accustomed to watching games again and their concentration fully focused on what they are watching. On the evidence of this game, I need a lot more pre-season games before I’m fully match fit.
I’ll get my excuses in first, this was a really hot day, far more appropriate for the game of cricket that was being played on the adjacent field. I deserted a preferable place along the length of the pitch that was bathed in hot sunshine for a place under the roof of the stand behind the goal that offered some shade.
Martin Allen once again picked two elevens, one for each half and given the heat this was a wise move. The strongest team played the first half and whilst the second half team was made up mainly of youngsters there was the significant inclusion of the returning Adebayo Akinfenwa.
As the game kicked off, the loudspeaker that had clearly announced the teams turned into a high-pitched whistle that was pretty irritating so I decided to move a few seats along to save my ears. Whilst my back was turned there was a cheer from the Gillingham fans that had made the trip as Bradley Dack turned in from close range, but my dismay at missing the goal was short-lived as it was disallowed for offside. The visitors were once again denied the opening goal when a tap in from Charlie Allen was also ruled out.
After half-an-hour, Gillingham second half team took to the corner of the sidelines offering a good photo opportunity for a shot of the Big Man. So, of course, while I’m peering through the camera lens, Dack is beautifully weaving his way through the Bromley defence for the opening goal. Also among the players being put through their paces was Antonio German, newly acquired from Brentford and whilst I sought that particular shot, Adam Barrett was tucking home Gillingham’s second goal. I wouldn’t have mind had I not realised that I was, in fact, focussing on Devante McKain!
With mind fully on the job, I was at least concentrating as Myles Weston was brought down in the box to allow Danny Kedwell the opportunity from the penalty spot to give Gillingham a three goal half-time lead.
Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson was the only player to continue into the second half as the youngsters rather laboured in the heat. Bayo showed that his beautiful touch has not left him, but he obviously looks a couple of weeks behind in the pre-season training, but then he always looks a couple of weeks behind! I spotted the sign in front of me (pictured left), believe me it was directed at those on the terraces, not Bayo!
The Big Man showed a lightning turn of place as he chased down a ball that was being shepherd out by a Bromley defender, “he's coming to get you” shouted a Gillingham supporter, “I thought he was going to eat me”, retorted the defender.
Overall, this was a satisfying performance from Gillingham on a bowling green of a pitch. There were high class performances from Bradley Dack and, in the second half, Stephen Gregory. At least, during the time my concentration was in tune, they were the outstanding players. But, like the players, this is the time to blow the cobwebs away and be ready in the first week of August.
Bromley (0) 0
Gillingham (3) 3 Dack 28, Barrett 35, Kedwell (pen) 39
Att. est 600
Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: None issued
Mileage: 76/156
Match Report
Pre-season is not only about players getting match fitness, teams getting a settled pattern of play and managers finding his best eleven prior to the season start. It is also about those on the sidelines getting their eyes accustomed to watching games again and their concentration fully focused on what they are watching. On the evidence of this game, I need a lot more pre-season games before I’m fully match fit.
I’ll get my excuses in first, this was a really hot day, far more appropriate for the game of cricket that was being played on the adjacent field. I deserted a preferable place along the length of the pitch that was bathed in hot sunshine for a place under the roof of the stand behind the goal that offered some shade.
Martin Allen once again picked two elevens, one for each half and given the heat this was a wise move. The strongest team played the first half and whilst the second half team was made up mainly of youngsters there was the significant inclusion of the returning Adebayo Akinfenwa.
As the game kicked off, the loudspeaker that had clearly announced the teams turned into a high-pitched whistle that was pretty irritating so I decided to move a few seats along to save my ears. Whilst my back was turned there was a cheer from the Gillingham fans that had made the trip as Bradley Dack turned in from close range, but my dismay at missing the goal was short-lived as it was disallowed for offside. The visitors were once again denied the opening goal when a tap in from Charlie Allen was also ruled out.
With mind fully on the job, I was at least concentrating as Myles Weston was brought down in the box to allow Danny Kedwell the opportunity from the penalty spot to give Gillingham a three goal half-time lead.
The Big Man showed a lightning turn of place as he chased down a ball that was being shepherd out by a Bromley defender, “he's coming to get you” shouted a Gillingham supporter, “I thought he was going to eat me”, retorted the defender.
Overall, this was a satisfying performance from Gillingham on a bowling green of a pitch. There were high class performances from Bradley Dack and, in the second half, Stephen Gregory. At least, during the time my concentration was in tune, they were the outstanding players. But, like the players, this is the time to blow the cobwebs away and be ready in the first week of August.
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Ashford United 1 Gillingham 2
Match 02/13/1029 - Saturday, 29th June 2013 - Pre-Season Friendly
Ashford United (1) 1 Whiting 30
Gillingham (2) 2 Blanchard 2, Legge 41
Att. est 500
Entrance: £3 Senior
Programme: None issued
Mileage: 80/80
Match Report
A kind, traffic-free run down to Kingsnorth, had me arriving at Ashford United’s Homelands Stadium bang on kick-off time. A swift walk from the car park to the turnstile got me into the ground within a couple of minutes but, sadly, this wasn’t quick enough to see Gillingham’s opening goal from Aiden Blanchard. Already in place were several other Gillingham supporters who had also been at Faversham and must have given themselves some extra time for the journey.
An incentive of doing both games on the day was being able to have a first look at Gillingham’s only summer signing so far, Amine Linganzi, who has arrived from Accrington Stanley. Having missed Stanley’s Priestfield appearance in which Linganzi was evidently outstanding, I had no idea what to expect and the first impression was very positive. Firstly, Linganzi has a sheer physicality that offers a presence that was not in evidence last season and secondly, from his deep lying midfield position he demonstrated a range of passing, spraying the ball accurately 40 yards to the wings.
After the newly promoted Kent League side had scored an equaliser when a 25 yard shot from Liam Whiting took a deflection on its way past the young triallist keeper, Gowan, it took until almost half-time for Gillingham to regain their lead when Leon Legge powered a header home from a corner.
The Homeland’s pitch looked an absolute bowling green in comparison to the one at Faversham were, especially around the centre circle, it looked a bit of a cabbage patch.
The fourth eleven of the afternoon that took to that fine surface was a youthful one that bore more resemblance to Twydall Under 12’s than a senior Gillingham side. Chris Whelpdale was the exception to the rule, obviously included to play the role of schoolmaster. Around the hour mark, both sides hit the crossbar within a few minutes of each other, Gowans tipping a drive onto the bar whilst at the other end Jack Sellens also struck the woodwork.
All in all, a quite satisfying start to pre-season, if even if Wimbledon is only half-way through and the Ashes series is yet to start.
Ashford United (1) 1 Whiting 30
Gillingham (2) 2 Blanchard 2, Legge 41
Att. est 500
Entrance: £3 Senior
Programme: None issued
Mileage: 80/80
Match Report
A kind, traffic-free run down to Kingsnorth, had me arriving at Ashford United’s Homelands Stadium bang on kick-off time. A swift walk from the car park to the turnstile got me into the ground within a couple of minutes but, sadly, this wasn’t quick enough to see Gillingham’s opening goal from Aiden Blanchard. Already in place were several other Gillingham supporters who had also been at Faversham and must have given themselves some extra time for the journey.
After the newly promoted Kent League side had scored an equaliser when a 25 yard shot from Liam Whiting took a deflection on its way past the young triallist keeper, Gowan, it took until almost half-time for Gillingham to regain their lead when Leon Legge powered a header home from a corner.
The Homeland’s pitch looked an absolute bowling green in comparison to the one at Faversham were, especially around the centre circle, it looked a bit of a cabbage patch.
The fourth eleven of the afternoon that took to that fine surface was a youthful one that bore more resemblance to Twydall Under 12’s than a senior Gillingham side. Chris Whelpdale was the exception to the rule, obviously included to play the role of schoolmaster. Around the hour mark, both sides hit the crossbar within a few minutes of each other, Gowans tipping a drive onto the bar whilst at the other end Jack Sellens also struck the woodwork.
All in all, a quite satisfying start to pre-season, if even if Wimbledon is only half-way through and the Ashes series is yet to start.
Faversham Town 2 Gillingham 4
Match 01/13/1028 - Saturday, 29th June 2013 - Pre-Season Friendly
Faversham Town (1) 2 Wilson 11, Rowland 74
Gillingham (2) 4 Millbank 15, Dack 23, Birchall 66, 76
Att. est 500
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: None issued
Match Report
I cannot remember ever starting pre-season in June and it must also be a first to start with a double-header for the same club. The relatively close proximity of Faversham to Ashford (around 18 miles) offered the opportunity to watch both games (with the element of missing a little of both) that, following a summer without tournament football, I found irresistible.
I haven’t been to Faversham since Tonbridge’s Kent League days in the early 1990’s and it hasn’t changed much in the intervening years. On a warm day, Gillingham fans turned out in decent numbers to see their championship winning side which had been split into two for the both venues and added to with development squad and youth team players plus a couple of young triallists at Ashford that were the only players to play a full 90 minutes. With over 40 players on show in a Gillingham shirt alone, let alone the countless substitutions that were made by the non-league opposition it was difficult, impossible to recognise who was who. So, it has to be considered a lost opportunity by both clubs that even a single page team sheet that could have been sold for 50p or a quid wasn’t produced.
To arrive at Ashford, within 10 minutes or so of the kick-off was going to mean leaving the Faversham game with about quarter of an hour to go. The first half team at Faversham was the strongest with Bradley Dack the stand-out performer. The home side opening the scoring with a peach of a free kick from Wayne Wilson into the top corner that gave Stuart Nelson no chance. Gillingham responded and goals from Aaron Millbank, who tucked in a rebound off a post and a sublime chip from Dack that did nothing but emphasise his quality. Of the youngsters, Stephen Butcher looked a bit of a prospect.
The half hour of the second period that I watched saw transfer-listed Adam Birchall show a sharpness that is going to be an asset to whoever he plays his football for this coming season. He found a yard of space in which to plant a stooping header past a man mountain of a goalkeeper to put the visitors a couple of goals to the good. In my absence Faversham pulled a goal back before Birchall smacked home his second from 20 yards to record a final 4-2 score line.
And off to Ashford . . .
Faversham Town (1) 2 Wilson 11, Rowland 74
Gillingham (2) 4 Millbank 15, Dack 23, Birchall 66, 76
Att. est 500
Entrance: £4 Senior
Programme: None issued
Match Report
I cannot remember ever starting pre-season in June and it must also be a first to start with a double-header for the same club. The relatively close proximity of Faversham to Ashford (around 18 miles) offered the opportunity to watch both games (with the element of missing a little of both) that, following a summer without tournament football, I found irresistible.
I haven’t been to Faversham since Tonbridge’s Kent League days in the early 1990’s and it hasn’t changed much in the intervening years. On a warm day, Gillingham fans turned out in decent numbers to see their championship winning side which had been split into two for the both venues and added to with development squad and youth team players plus a couple of young triallists at Ashford that were the only players to play a full 90 minutes. With over 40 players on show in a Gillingham shirt alone, let alone the countless substitutions that were made by the non-league opposition it was difficult, impossible to recognise who was who. So, it has to be considered a lost opportunity by both clubs that even a single page team sheet that could have been sold for 50p or a quid wasn’t produced.
To arrive at Ashford, within 10 minutes or so of the kick-off was going to mean leaving the Faversham game with about quarter of an hour to go. The first half team at Faversham was the strongest with Bradley Dack the stand-out performer. The home side opening the scoring with a peach of a free kick from Wayne Wilson into the top corner that gave Stuart Nelson no chance. Gillingham responded and goals from Aaron Millbank, who tucked in a rebound off a post and a sublime chip from Dack that did nothing but emphasise his quality. Of the youngsters, Stephen Butcher looked a bit of a prospect.
The half hour of the second period that I watched saw transfer-listed Adam Birchall show a sharpness that is going to be an asset to whoever he plays his football for this coming season. He found a yard of space in which to plant a stooping header past a man mountain of a goalkeeper to put the visitors a couple of goals to the good. In my absence Faversham pulled a goal back before Birchall smacked home his second from 20 yards to record a final 4-2 score line.
And off to Ashford . . .
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
England 1 Republic of Ireland 1
Match 74/12/1027 - Wednesday, 29th May 2013 - International
England (1) 1 Lampard 23
Republic of Ireland (1) 1 Long 13
Att. 80,126
Entrance: £30
Programme: £6
Mileage: 100/6,034
Match Report
This was a pointless exercise on every conceivable level. It was of no value, whatever the England manager might say, to Roy Hodgson and as a humble punter it was both a waste of time and money. If the Football Association thought that playing this fixture three weeks beyond the end of a long season, with no tournament football to grace the summer, an ideal way of both celebrating their 150th anniversary and also putting the dark spectre of the 1993 riot in Dublin behind them then they were seriously deluded.
Wembley has long since lost its shine with this punter. The hideous incident when Wales were the visitors has left its scar and from the moment I reach my seat I’m glancing at the people around me looking for the character that is going to be trouble and for this match against the Republic of Ireland the potential was almost inevitable. Ten minutes before the kick off the vacant seat alongside me was filled and straight away the radar said that this was going to be an uncomfortable 90 minutes and as soon as No Surrender was entered into God Save The Queen my worst fears were confirmed.
The FA’s David Bernstein praised the England fans for their good behaviour and in general I’m sure this was the case, but Mr Bernstein might want to give up his posh seat in the Royal Box to come and sit in the stalls with Joe Public and see what really goes on at Wembley. Perhaps the Scotland game might be a good day for him to conduct his awakening.
After 13 minutes in which the Irish largely dominated a long cross into the box found Shane Long who managed to get between the English central defenders to plant a firm header past Joe Hart. With so many Irish people living in England, and London in particular, it was inevitable that their support would be anywhere and everywhere in the stadium and the few that were around us showed their delight at their opening goal. My neighbour’s face contorted with rage, why have these aliens from another galaxy entered into his space, albeit that the nearest was a few hundred seats away. He was out of his seat, the verbal diarrhoea that he spouted showed blatant disregard for the women and children in his vicinity. This was it; this is what it’s like sitting in the cheap seats at just about every England game at Wembley.
When England are thrashing the might of San Marino or Andorra then the mindless morons are plunged into a stupor with the boredom of it all, unless the drink has already done the job. This is when Wembley becomes comfortable, put a competitive match in front of them, with an element of away support then it is a nightmare. The forthcoming Scotland match may have the potential for trouble but the qualifier against Poland almost doesn’t bear thinking about.
As fighting commenced in the aisles and the stewards did their best to contain it, Frank Lampard equalised within ten minutes and from that point my friend alongside indulged in nothing worse than the rest of us were doing, moaning about England. That’s the other feature of the England Wembley experience; the home side are not very interesting. They gave the ball away with reckless abandon and are as creative as a two-year old with a paintbrush.
Both sides huffed and puffed their way through a dour second half with the odd chance coming for both, but this was a game too far for everybody, the swim suits were packed and there is a sunbed waiting in an exotic location for our pampered few in the new white shirts that look far too similar to those worn by the Germans in the 1966 World Cup Final.
I wish I had signed off with the high of Tunbridge Wells’ Wembley visit instead of sullying this wonderful season among the dross that do their level best to ruin the reputation of the real England supporters.
England (1) 1 Lampard 23
Republic of Ireland (1) 1 Long 13
Att. 80,126
Entrance: £30
Programme: £6
Mileage: 100/6,034
Match Report
Wembley has long since lost its shine with this punter. The hideous incident when Wales were the visitors has left its scar and from the moment I reach my seat I’m glancing at the people around me looking for the character that is going to be trouble and for this match against the Republic of Ireland the potential was almost inevitable. Ten minutes before the kick off the vacant seat alongside me was filled and straight away the radar said that this was going to be an uncomfortable 90 minutes and as soon as No Surrender was entered into God Save The Queen my worst fears were confirmed.
The FA’s David Bernstein praised the England fans for their good behaviour and in general I’m sure this was the case, but Mr Bernstein might want to give up his posh seat in the Royal Box to come and sit in the stalls with Joe Public and see what really goes on at Wembley. Perhaps the Scotland game might be a good day for him to conduct his awakening.
After 13 minutes in which the Irish largely dominated a long cross into the box found Shane Long who managed to get between the English central defenders to plant a firm header past Joe Hart. With so many Irish people living in England, and London in particular, it was inevitable that their support would be anywhere and everywhere in the stadium and the few that were around us showed their delight at their opening goal. My neighbour’s face contorted with rage, why have these aliens from another galaxy entered into his space, albeit that the nearest was a few hundred seats away. He was out of his seat, the verbal diarrhoea that he spouted showed blatant disregard for the women and children in his vicinity. This was it; this is what it’s like sitting in the cheap seats at just about every England game at Wembley.
When England are thrashing the might of San Marino or Andorra then the mindless morons are plunged into a stupor with the boredom of it all, unless the drink has already done the job. This is when Wembley becomes comfortable, put a competitive match in front of them, with an element of away support then it is a nightmare. The forthcoming Scotland match may have the potential for trouble but the qualifier against Poland almost doesn’t bear thinking about.
As fighting commenced in the aisles and the stewards did their best to contain it, Frank Lampard equalised within ten minutes and from that point my friend alongside indulged in nothing worse than the rest of us were doing, moaning about England. That’s the other feature of the England Wembley experience; the home side are not very interesting. They gave the ball away with reckless abandon and are as creative as a two-year old with a paintbrush.
Both sides huffed and puffed their way through a dour second half with the odd chance coming for both, but this was a game too far for everybody, the swim suits were packed and there is a sunbed waiting in an exotic location for our pampered few in the new white shirts that look far too similar to those worn by the Germans in the 1966 World Cup Final.
I wish I had signed off with the high of Tunbridge Wells’ Wembley visit instead of sullying this wonderful season among the dross that do their level best to ruin the reputation of the real England supporters.
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