Match 63/07/680 - Saturday, 12th April 2008 - League One
Gillingham (1) 1 Oli 22
Swansea City (2) 2 Bouza 44, 45
Att. 8,520
Entrance: Season Ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 45/5,559
Match Report
The problem with doing this blog on a Saturday night is that tomorrow morning watching the highlights on the Championship you can be made to look a complete prat.
A goal up against the champions-elect and quite comfortable, two very dubious refereeing decisions left Gillingham 2-1 down at half time, a deficit they were unable to overturn in the second half despite dominating.
When those highlights are viewed it might well be that referee Clive Penton actually got it right and the blame lies squarely with Derek Stillie. For the first goal, a not particularly hard hit shot was spilt by the keeper who was then very slow to recover the ball. He appeared to have both hands on the ball when Guillem Bauza bundled the ball home for a 44th minute equaliser. Just a minute later, Stillie once again failed to hold onto a tame effort that fell to Bauza, who controlled the ball with his hand before slotting home with the home side standing still, appealing. Tonight, two very poor refereeing decisions, tomorrow, just plain, bad goalkeeping, we’ll see.
Before those two mad, soul destroying minutes, Gillingham had been at ease with their high-flying opponents. They had taken a 22nd minute lead through Dennis Oli and wasted a couple of good chances to postpone Swansea’s promotion party for another week. The prolific Jason Scotland cut a peripheral figure being well marshalled by Simon King and Danny Cullip and at the back, keeper De Vries had a couple of shaky moments.
But as it is always said in football, teams at the bottom do not get decisions from referees and the two in the final minutes of the first half will probably consign Gillingham to relegation this season. Clive Penton cannot shoulder the blame for what had gone previously over 42 games, Gillingham are where they are because for the most part they simply have not been good enough. But they came into today’s game on the back of a three game run that had produced five valuable points towards safety and played with a determination that belied the difference in league position between the sides.
The second half was a huff and puff performance with Mark Stimson throwing forwards into the fray as substitutes to recover a point, but with the exception of a couple of half chances they never quite recreated the momentum of the first half.
On the final whistle (referee Penton even managed to turn four extra minutes into three), Gillingham fans trailed away in the knowledge that Crewe and Millwall had both won, leaving their counterparts from Wales to celebrate their promotion into the English second tier. Good luck to them, when they raise their glasses to Roberto Martinez and Guillem Bauza tonight, they may wish to toast Clive Penton, let’s see the highlights.
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Tonbridge 4 Hendon 0
Match 62/07/679 - Tuesday, 8th April 2008 - Ryman Premier
Tonbridge (2) 4 Rook 17 Edusei 27, 48, 85
Hendon (0) 0
Att. 389
Entrance: £8
Programme: Sold Out
Mileage: 26/5,514
Match Report
A month ago I left Longmead after a cruise against no-hopers Leyton that made it more four wins on the trot. Relegation fears had been left behind for mid-table safety and there were a few optimistic fools about making noises of play-off places.
One month on and having been completely tied up with Gillingham’s relegation fight I returned with the club having put together a seven match winning sequence sadly ended by a ridiculously late injury time goal against champions-elect Chelmsford. A win on Saturday restored the upwardly mobile momentum and this re-arranged fixture had offered myself the opportunity to witness this surge towards the play-offs.
Hendon, themselves play-off contenders, quickly showed their intention to go for the three points. They had a couple of early chances, one of which was well saved by Matt Reed, and the two lads leading the line looked as if they were going to be a real handful.
On 17 minutes a corner is flicked on and Carl Rook is at the far post to head the Angels in front. Twenty minutes later and the act is repeated, this time John Beales flicking on for twice-rejected ex-Gill Akwasi Edusei to meet and touch in from close range. Before half-time there was concern as Beales was stretchered off following a tackle that was caught on camera and didn’t look very pretty. Thankfully, Bealesy was later seen walking around the perimeters and might even be fit for Saturday. Tommy Tyne had also limped out of the game earlier and there was a general anxiety that the two goal half time lead might be tested.
Hendon pressed early in the second half and had an early chance but after just three minutes Tonbridge all but tied the game up with Edusei adding his second of the night from close range. With the game having been put out of their reach, unfortunately Hendon’s discipline went with it and their booking tally quickly rose to five and a couple of on-pitch scuffles kept the referee busy. With five minutes to go Edusei tied up his hat-trick when he collected a loose ball won by a extremely high Scott Kinch foot to spin and plant the ball beyond the Hendon keeper.
Tonbridge had made it into the play-off places with this superb display. There are some tough encounters to come and the Angels will do well to get maximum points from tricky away games at Billericay and Carshalton and a home match with play-off certs AFC Hornchurch.
On a cold night, a healthy 389 turned their back on Liverpool v Arsenal in Champions League action on terrestrial television and were well rewarded for their effort.
I could not resist nicking this off the Tonbridge Forum, thanks to cubsur51 for posting it, not often Tonbridge get such prominence on Sky Sports.
Tonbridge (2) 4 Rook 17 Edusei 27, 48, 85
Hendon (0) 0
Att. 389
Entrance: £8
Programme: Sold Out
Mileage: 26/5,514
Match Report
A month ago I left Longmead after a cruise against no-hopers Leyton that made it more four wins on the trot. Relegation fears had been left behind for mid-table safety and there were a few optimistic fools about making noises of play-off places.
One month on and having been completely tied up with Gillingham’s relegation fight I returned with the club having put together a seven match winning sequence sadly ended by a ridiculously late injury time goal against champions-elect Chelmsford. A win on Saturday restored the upwardly mobile momentum and this re-arranged fixture had offered myself the opportunity to witness this surge towards the play-offs.
Hendon, themselves play-off contenders, quickly showed their intention to go for the three points. They had a couple of early chances, one of which was well saved by Matt Reed, and the two lads leading the line looked as if they were going to be a real handful.
On 17 minutes a corner is flicked on and Carl Rook is at the far post to head the Angels in front. Twenty minutes later and the act is repeated, this time John Beales flicking on for twice-rejected ex-Gill Akwasi Edusei to meet and touch in from close range. Before half-time there was concern as Beales was stretchered off following a tackle that was caught on camera and didn’t look very pretty. Thankfully, Bealesy was later seen walking around the perimeters and might even be fit for Saturday. Tommy Tyne had also limped out of the game earlier and there was a general anxiety that the two goal half time lead might be tested.
Hendon pressed early in the second half and had an early chance but after just three minutes Tonbridge all but tied the game up with Edusei adding his second of the night from close range. With the game having been put out of their reach, unfortunately Hendon’s discipline went with it and their booking tally quickly rose to five and a couple of on-pitch scuffles kept the referee busy. With five minutes to go Edusei tied up his hat-trick when he collected a loose ball won by a extremely high Scott Kinch foot to spin and plant the ball beyond the Hendon keeper.
Tonbridge had made it into the play-off places with this superb display. There are some tough encounters to come and the Angels will do well to get maximum points from tricky away games at Billericay and Carshalton and a home match with play-off certs AFC Hornchurch.
On a cold night, a healthy 389 turned their back on Liverpool v Arsenal in Champions League action on terrestrial television and were well rewarded for their effort.
I could not resist nicking this off the Tonbridge Forum, thanks to cubsur51 for posting it, not often Tonbridge get such prominence on Sky Sports.
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Millwall 1 Gillingham 1
Match 61/07/678 - Saturday, 5th April 2008 - League One
Millwall (0) 1 Robinson 75
Gillingham (1) 1 Southall 26
Att. 10,006
Entrance: £20
Programme: £3
Mileage: 80/5,488
Match Report
The New Den might be a sanitized environment in comparison to its Cold Blow Lane predecessor but it is still a scary place to visit as an opposing supporter. It may well be that Millwall are tarnished by past reputation not representative of today but previous problems dictated that we parked my car at my work, a 20 minute walk to the ground. It was a untroubled stroll to the ground, these days through relatively nice, modern housing, but you still have that nagging feeling that something sinister is around the next corner.
Over 1,300 Gillingham fans had made their way to South London for this relegation six-pointer and they were determined to make themselves heard, lessening the intimidating atmosphere that could have been generated by the home crowd. Millwall fans can make it an uncomfortable afternoon for visitors with their threatening gestures but they also have a very low tolerance level of their own players and can turn very quickly from support to derision if events on the field turn for the worst.
Gillingham struggled to make any early impression and were thankful that a couple of early chances had gone begging and they had quitened the crowd, or so it seemed amongst the din that was being produced by the Gills faithful. When Gillingham were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box on 26 minutes there was a sense of injustice as Barry Fuller had kept his feet under a challenge and seemed to be making his way into a scoring opportunity as the referee blew. This was forgotten seconds later as Nicky Southall curled the ball beautifully into the top corner, evoking memories of his goal against Sheffield Wednesday in the cup run of 2003. Millwall were shaken and their play became untidy and passes started going astray much to the anger of the home support.
At the half-way point, possession wise there had been little in it, but the feeling was that Gillingham were in control of the game. Adam Miller, who is struggling with a hernia, was replaced at half-time by Leroy Griffiths and Dennis Oli replaced by Georges Ba. Realistically I think we all knew that Millwall were not going to take this lying down and they came at Gillingham from the first whistle of the second half. Personally I think Mark Stimson made a mistake with Griffiths’ entrance and Kevin Maher would have been a better choice. The Lions had been consistently getting encouragement down their right flank from the excellent Danny Senda and with Griffiths not being a natural defender, his protection for Barry Fuller was minimal. From one such situation Senda got a perfect cross into the six yard box for Brkovic to miss almost impossibly with a header that went wide.
The noise levels rose intimidatingly as Millwall took the game to their visitors who were now offering very little threat of their own and on 75 minutes Gillingham's resistance was finally broken. They failed to clear a corner to safety and when the ball was lifted back into the danger area it fell invitingly for Paul Robinson and the Lions skipper drove into the net for the equaliser.
15 agonising minutes finally passed, not without scares, before the final whistle sounded. At this stage of the season, and in our position, it seems almost as draining watching as it must be for the players. News of Crewe’s defeat at home to Southend, for me leaves the verdict that this is a point gained rather than two lost.
All that was required now was a safe passage back to TSO’s car park. It was half-an-hour after the final whistle that Gillingham supporters were allowed to leave the stadium, but the police had done a good job of clearing the area of any potential trouble as we saw hardly any home supporters on our walk back to Mandela Way.
Back at work on Monday night it will be interesting to hear whether the Millwall supporters also view this as a point gained. For both clubs there now seems little chance that either one is going to be safe before the last game.
Millwall (0) 1 Robinson 75
Gillingham (1) 1 Southall 26
Att. 10,006
Entrance: £20
Programme: £3
Mileage: 80/5,488
Match Report
The New Den might be a sanitized environment in comparison to its Cold Blow Lane predecessor but it is still a scary place to visit as an opposing supporter. It may well be that Millwall are tarnished by past reputation not representative of today but previous problems dictated that we parked my car at my work, a 20 minute walk to the ground. It was a untroubled stroll to the ground, these days through relatively nice, modern housing, but you still have that nagging feeling that something sinister is around the next corner.Over 1,300 Gillingham fans had made their way to South London for this relegation six-pointer and they were determined to make themselves heard, lessening the intimidating atmosphere that could have been generated by the home crowd. Millwall fans can make it an uncomfortable afternoon for visitors with their threatening gestures but they also have a very low tolerance level of their own players and can turn very quickly from support to derision if events on the field turn for the worst.
Gillingham struggled to make any early impression and were thankful that a couple of early chances had gone begging and they had quitened the crowd, or so it seemed amongst the din that was being produced by the Gills faithful. When Gillingham were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box on 26 minutes there was a sense of injustice as Barry Fuller had kept his feet under a challenge and seemed to be making his way into a scoring opportunity as the referee blew. This was forgotten seconds later as Nicky Southall curled the ball beautifully into the top corner, evoking memories of his goal against Sheffield Wednesday in the cup run of 2003. Millwall were shaken and their play became untidy and passes started going astray much to the anger of the home support.
At the half-way point, possession wise there had been little in it, but the feeling was that Gillingham were in control of the game. Adam Miller, who is struggling with a hernia, was replaced at half-time by Leroy Griffiths and Dennis Oli replaced by Georges Ba. Realistically I think we all knew that Millwall were not going to take this lying down and they came at Gillingham from the first whistle of the second half. Personally I think Mark Stimson made a mistake with Griffiths’ entrance and Kevin Maher would have been a better choice. The Lions had been consistently getting encouragement down their right flank from the excellent Danny Senda and with Griffiths not being a natural defender, his protection for Barry Fuller was minimal. From one such situation Senda got a perfect cross into the six yard box for Brkovic to miss almost impossibly with a header that went wide.
The noise levels rose intimidatingly as Millwall took the game to their visitors who were now offering very little threat of their own and on 75 minutes Gillingham's resistance was finally broken. They failed to clear a corner to safety and when the ball was lifted back into the danger area it fell invitingly for Paul Robinson and the Lions skipper drove into the net for the equaliser.
15 agonising minutes finally passed, not without scares, before the final whistle sounded. At this stage of the season, and in our position, it seems almost as draining watching as it must be for the players. News of Crewe’s defeat at home to Southend, for me leaves the verdict that this is a point gained rather than two lost.
All that was required now was a safe passage back to TSO’s car park. It was half-an-hour after the final whistle that Gillingham supporters were allowed to leave the stadium, but the police had done a good job of clearing the area of any potential trouble as we saw hardly any home supporters on our walk back to Mandela Way.
Back at work on Monday night it will be interesting to hear whether the Millwall supporters also view this as a point gained. For both clubs there now seems little chance that either one is going to be safe before the last game.
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Gillingham 2 Luton Town 1
Match 60/07/677 - Tuesday, 1st April 2008 - League One
Gillingham (0) 2 Jackson 75, 87
Luton Town (1) 1 Parkin 19
Att. 6,142
Entrance: Season ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 45/5,408
Match Report
There was just 45 minutes left in our season, five more games to come but realistically the next 45 were going to be make or break.
A goal down, was it a fluke, it was certainly strange watching Derek Stillie come for what appeared to be an imaginary cross into his six yard box only to stand flat-footed as Sam Parkin directed a header from all of 18 yards. Gillingham had huffed and puffed for the remainder of the half, created a half-decent chance that unfortunately fell to centre-back Gary Richards, but were largely outpassed and outmoved by Luton Town. The visitors’ first half performance belied their relegation position but highlighted that they were largely imprisoned by virtue of their 10 point administration deduction.
The last couple of games, despite indifferent first half performances, have seen the Rainham End rise to the cause during the half-time break and this time they repeated the act with an even greater intensity. It does seem that since the Crewe debacle (and subsequent incidents) that there is now a collective will to produce a do or die effort.
Gillingham were back on the pitch early while Luton stalled their return hoping that the crowd would run out of steam while they waited. But all four sides of Priestfield were prepared to suck that ball into the Rainham End goal.
After a couple of half chances, ten minutes into the second and Simeon Jackson is through one-on-one with goalkeeper Dean Brill, but Jackson did what he has done on three or four occasions since his arrival, failed to lift the ball over the keeper and it was the ex-Gillingham loanee that came out on top with a good save. Seven minutes later and there is a reprise of the previous situation, Jackson in the clear and bearing down on Brill, this time the forward managing to lift the ball over the keeper, the ball is agonisingly bouncing towards the goal, but once again a Luton defender gets round and the ball is cleared to safety. This is not going to be our night, my thoughts being echoed by Gillingham fans as one.
Mark Stimson makes bold choices, John Nutter is replaced by Leroy Griffiths and new signing Georges Ba comes on for Adam Miller. It really is shit or bust now. Fifteen minutes to go and Ba sends a ball into the Hatters area, a chance falls to Bentley that Brill is once again the equal, but the ball is lifted back into the six yard box by Griffiths and this time Jackson gets in a brave header and the Gills are level. Cue much celebration and the noise levels raised to decibels not heard at Priestfield for months.
With time running out Stimson introduces yet another forward, new signing Donovan Simmonds for Dennis Oli. Into the last five minutes and Nicky Southall produces a David Beckham moment that will live long in the memory. His perfectly curled cross is met at the far post by the on-rushing Jackson, the net bulges, the Rainham End tumble down the terraces to greet their hero and the cacophony of sound was probably heard in Chatham Town Centre.
Four agonising minutes, cotton-twitching minutes described by Doug Hudson, just about passed with Gillingham easing down the clock to a final whistle greeted with as much joy as has been witnessed in several years.
A one point deficit to Crewe, two away from Saturday’s opponents Millwall. The New Den will not be for the faint-hearted with both sides desperate for the points. At this stage I will gladly take just the one and hope that results go our way elsewhere. Let us hope that this new found resistance can be replicated away from Priestfield, if it is then the Great Escape can replace the Fat Lady Singing.
Gillingham (0) 2 Jackson 75, 87
Luton Town (1) 1 Parkin 19
Att. 6,142
Entrance: Season ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 45/5,408
Match Report
There was just 45 minutes left in our season, five more games to come but realistically the next 45 were going to be make or break.
A goal down, was it a fluke, it was certainly strange watching Derek Stillie come for what appeared to be an imaginary cross into his six yard box only to stand flat-footed as Sam Parkin directed a header from all of 18 yards. Gillingham had huffed and puffed for the remainder of the half, created a half-decent chance that unfortunately fell to centre-back Gary Richards, but were largely outpassed and outmoved by Luton Town. The visitors’ first half performance belied their relegation position but highlighted that they were largely imprisoned by virtue of their 10 point administration deduction.
The last couple of games, despite indifferent first half performances, have seen the Rainham End rise to the cause during the half-time break and this time they repeated the act with an even greater intensity. It does seem that since the Crewe debacle (and subsequent incidents) that there is now a collective will to produce a do or die effort.
Gillingham were back on the pitch early while Luton stalled their return hoping that the crowd would run out of steam while they waited. But all four sides of Priestfield were prepared to suck that ball into the Rainham End goal.
After a couple of half chances, ten minutes into the second and Simeon Jackson is through one-on-one with goalkeeper Dean Brill, but Jackson did what he has done on three or four occasions since his arrival, failed to lift the ball over the keeper and it was the ex-Gillingham loanee that came out on top with a good save. Seven minutes later and there is a reprise of the previous situation, Jackson in the clear and bearing down on Brill, this time the forward managing to lift the ball over the keeper, the ball is agonisingly bouncing towards the goal, but once again a Luton defender gets round and the ball is cleared to safety. This is not going to be our night, my thoughts being echoed by Gillingham fans as one.
Mark Stimson makes bold choices, John Nutter is replaced by Leroy Griffiths and new signing Georges Ba comes on for Adam Miller. It really is shit or bust now. Fifteen minutes to go and Ba sends a ball into the Hatters area, a chance falls to Bentley that Brill is once again the equal, but the ball is lifted back into the six yard box by Griffiths and this time Jackson gets in a brave header and the Gills are level. Cue much celebration and the noise levels raised to decibels not heard at Priestfield for months.
With time running out Stimson introduces yet another forward, new signing Donovan Simmonds for Dennis Oli. Into the last five minutes and Nicky Southall produces a David Beckham moment that will live long in the memory. His perfectly curled cross is met at the far post by the on-rushing Jackson, the net bulges, the Rainham End tumble down the terraces to greet their hero and the cacophony of sound was probably heard in Chatham Town Centre.
Four agonising minutes, cotton-twitching minutes described by Doug Hudson, just about passed with Gillingham easing down the clock to a final whistle greeted with as much joy as has been witnessed in several years.
A one point deficit to Crewe, two away from Saturday’s opponents Millwall. The New Den will not be for the faint-hearted with both sides desperate for the points. At this stage I will gladly take just the one and hope that results go our way elsewhere. Let us hope that this new found resistance can be replicated away from Priestfield, if it is then the Great Escape can replace the Fat Lady Singing.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Gillingham 0 Carlisle United 0
Match 59/07/676 - Saturday, 29th March 2008 - League One
Gillingham (0) 0
Carlisle United (0) 0
Att. 6,673
Entrance: Season ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 45/5,363
Match Report
There is hope! This was a much improved performance that possibly deserved more than a point against Carlisle, a side occupying one of the automatic promotion positions. A 25 yard drive from Simeon Jackson smacked against the bar and such is your luck when you are at the foot of the division.
Defeats for Crewe and Millwall inches Gillingham a little closer and if, that very big IF, they were to beat fellow relegation fodder, Luton Town on Tuesday then just a point will separate the Gills from Crewe. A win would also set up a big clash at the New Den next Saturday.
All over the pitch Gillingham were far better than in recent weeks. Nicky Southall was a welcome returnee after injury and he added quality that has been missing on that flank. Danny Cullip also returned and the back four look more solid with his added strength and experience. Back from international duty came Andrew Crofts, sorely missed at Port Vale on Monday.
Gillingham survived an early scare when Southall cleared off the line with Carlisle appealing that the ball had crossed the line. In these opening minutes Derek Stille flapped badly at a couple of crosses, but he recovered to make good saves further into the game.
Mark Bentley and Crofts were competing well in midfield and several half-chances fell the way of Jackson, who could not convert his energetic performance into goals. When the final analysis of the season comes around, it could be the very poor chances to goals ratio that is going to relegate us. When you take away loanee Chris Dickson’s goals then the tally becomes very sparse.
Gillingham gave away a thousand or more tickets and were rewarded for their initiative with a vibrant atmosphere that was willing and ready to drive the side forwards in their quest for vital points. There was no negativity, no chants for anybody’s head and though the win did not come, I’m sure some of the freebies might be enticed back for another game in this anxious run-in.
To use the IF word again, IF only we had produced more performances like this since Christmas undoubtedly we would not be in the mess we are in. IF we can keep Danny Cullip fit for the rest of the season there might just be a couple of clean sheets obtained in the last six games and IF Simeon Jackson’s luck changes he might just supply the goals that are going to keep the club in this division.
IF, a very small word with very big consequences.
Gillingham (0) 0
Carlisle United (0) 0
Att. 6,673
Entrance: Season ticket
Programme: £3
Mileage: 45/5,363
Match Report
There is hope! This was a much improved performance that possibly deserved more than a point against Carlisle, a side occupying one of the automatic promotion positions. A 25 yard drive from Simeon Jackson smacked against the bar and such is your luck when you are at the foot of the division.
Defeats for Crewe and Millwall inches Gillingham a little closer and if, that very big IF, they were to beat fellow relegation fodder, Luton Town on Tuesday then just a point will separate the Gills from Crewe. A win would also set up a big clash at the New Den next Saturday.
All over the pitch Gillingham were far better than in recent weeks. Nicky Southall was a welcome returnee after injury and he added quality that has been missing on that flank. Danny Cullip also returned and the back four look more solid with his added strength and experience. Back from international duty came Andrew Crofts, sorely missed at Port Vale on Monday.
Gillingham survived an early scare when Southall cleared off the line with Carlisle appealing that the ball had crossed the line. In these opening minutes Derek Stille flapped badly at a couple of crosses, but he recovered to make good saves further into the game.
Mark Bentley and Crofts were competing well in midfield and several half-chances fell the way of Jackson, who could not convert his energetic performance into goals. When the final analysis of the season comes around, it could be the very poor chances to goals ratio that is going to relegate us. When you take away loanee Chris Dickson’s goals then the tally becomes very sparse.
Gillingham gave away a thousand or more tickets and were rewarded for their initiative with a vibrant atmosphere that was willing and ready to drive the side forwards in their quest for vital points. There was no negativity, no chants for anybody’s head and though the win did not come, I’m sure some of the freebies might be enticed back for another game in this anxious run-in.
To use the IF word again, IF only we had produced more performances like this since Christmas undoubtedly we would not be in the mess we are in. IF we can keep Danny Cullip fit for the rest of the season there might just be a couple of clean sheets obtained in the last six games and IF Simeon Jackson’s luck changes he might just supply the goals that are going to keep the club in this division.
IF, a very small word with very big consequences.
Friday, 28 March 2008
France 1 England 0
Match 58/07/675 - Wednesday, 26th March 2008 - International
France (1) 1 Ribery 32 (pen)
England (0) 0
Att. 78,000
Entrance: £16
Programme: None issued
Mileage: 475/5,318
New Ground: 222 (32nd abroad)
Match Report
Another England international passes by with an unsatisfactory conclusion. The defeats we can take, let’s face it at club and country I’m well used to it, but it is the nature of the performance that for far too long has lacked any sort of enjoyment.
David Beckham took centre stage with his 100th cap and it is to the credit of the French that he received a superb reception from the home crowd both prior to the game and especially upon his substitution.
Mr Capello saw in this England performance an improvement from his first game against Switzerland. He’s paid to have a educated eye, but mine obviously missed what his saw. A lacklustre performance with very few plusses was the conclusion that I drew. England had more than a fair share of possession but barely threatened to get behind the French defence and hardly forced Gregory Coupet into a meaningful save.
Why do England play so slowly and why do so many passes have to go sideways? Perhaps in his pre-match team talk Capello should show on the white board that the goals are on the end of the pitch not the sides. So many England moves seem to end up with the ball back at the goalkeeper after 20 passes that failed to get the ball forward and once it is back with the keeper a long punt gives away the possession. The French similarly passed the ball around, but when there was a forward pass to be made there was a pace that was always threatening. How England could do with a energetic midfielder in the mould of Franck Ribery, Owen Hargreaves is the closest we have, but in his deep-lying position he is far less effective.
In the end it was just a penalty that separated the sides. Defensively it was a poor goal to give away with Anelka’s pace taking him behind the back line, he prodded the ball beyond the onrushing James who slid into him, bringing the forward down. Ribery slotted home with ease.
France did not appear to me to be any great shakes but there was no Henry or Viera present so perhaps they can cite a weakened side.
Once again Capello went with Wayne Rooney as a lone striker and as with the first game it patently does not work. Rooney is not an out-and-out front man and England looked marginally more potent in the second half with Crouch and Owen in tandem. Filling the hole behind Rooney, where most would think Rooney should play, was Steven Gerrard, who had a really poor game.
Upon the final whistle my first reaction was that I could no longer suffer these performances. Mr Capello assures us that come September and the World Cup qualifiers everything will be OK, he has three more friendlies to convince myself and I’m sure many others.
The Stade de France was an impressive arena, but perhaps stadia have moved on since it was built 10 years ago. In particular the toilet facilities available to the 7,000 England supporters stationed in the lower tier were little short of appalling. From where we were seated we could only access eight single cubicles, four of which were for the disabled. There was no separate toilets for females, much to Ann’s disgust. By the end of the game, their usage was not for the faint-hearted.
So ten years on, if the Stade de France can learn from Wembley with regards to the toilet facilities then in reverse we could learn from them with their transport links which were spot on.
France (1) 1 Ribery 32 (pen)
England (0) 0
Att. 78,000
Entrance: £16
Programme: None issued
Mileage: 475/5,318
New Ground: 222 (32nd abroad)
Match Report
Another England international passes by with an unsatisfactory conclusion. The defeats we can take, let’s face it at club and country I’m well used to it, but it is the nature of the performance that for far too long has lacked any sort of enjoyment.
David Beckham took centre stage with his 100th cap and it is to the credit of the French that he received a superb reception from the home crowd both prior to the game and especially upon his substitution.
Mr Capello saw in this England performance an improvement from his first game against Switzerland. He’s paid to have a educated eye, but mine obviously missed what his saw. A lacklustre performance with very few plusses was the conclusion that I drew. England had more than a fair share of possession but barely threatened to get behind the French defence and hardly forced Gregory Coupet into a meaningful save.
Why do England play so slowly and why do so many passes have to go sideways? Perhaps in his pre-match team talk Capello should show on the white board that the goals are on the end of the pitch not the sides. So many England moves seem to end up with the ball back at the goalkeeper after 20 passes that failed to get the ball forward and once it is back with the keeper a long punt gives away the possession. The French similarly passed the ball around, but when there was a forward pass to be made there was a pace that was always threatening. How England could do with a energetic midfielder in the mould of Franck Ribery, Owen Hargreaves is the closest we have, but in his deep-lying position he is far less effective.
In the end it was just a penalty that separated the sides. Defensively it was a poor goal to give away with Anelka’s pace taking him behind the back line, he prodded the ball beyond the onrushing James who slid into him, bringing the forward down. Ribery slotted home with ease.
France did not appear to me to be any great shakes but there was no Henry or Viera present so perhaps they can cite a weakened side.
Once again Capello went with Wayne Rooney as a lone striker and as with the first game it patently does not work. Rooney is not an out-and-out front man and England looked marginally more potent in the second half with Crouch and Owen in tandem. Filling the hole behind Rooney, where most would think Rooney should play, was Steven Gerrard, who had a really poor game.
Upon the final whistle my first reaction was that I could no longer suffer these performances. Mr Capello assures us that come September and the World Cup qualifiers everything will be OK, he has three more friendlies to convince myself and I’m sure many others.
The Stade de France was an impressive arena, but perhaps stadia have moved on since it was built 10 years ago. In particular the toilet facilities available to the 7,000 England supporters stationed in the lower tier were little short of appalling. From where we were seated we could only access eight single cubicles, four of which were for the disabled. There was no separate toilets for females, much to Ann’s disgust. By the end of the game, their usage was not for the faint-hearted.
So ten years on, if the Stade de France can learn from Wembley with regards to the toilet facilities then in reverse we could learn from them with their transport links which were spot on.
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Port Vale 2 Gillingham 1
Match 57/07/674 - Monday, 24th March 2008 - League One
Port Vale (1) 2 Richards 19 Whitaker 53
Gillingham (0) 1 Griffiths 79
Att. 3,157
Entrance: £19
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 430/4,843
Match Report
There was an icy blast of winter on this Easter Monday trip to Vale Park and with defeat came the chilling realisation that relegation is now almost a certainty.
Mathematically, Gillingham still have chances to pull themselves to safety, for instance, they have a game in hand on Millwall and also have to play the Lions, two wins and only goal difference would separate the clubs, realistically is it going to happen? Four home games remain, Luton and Swindon might produce maximum points, the optimistic might hope for draws against promotion-chasing Carlisle and Swansea, giving eight home points. Away from home, taking the optimistic vein, Millwall, Bristol Rovers and Leeds at a point apiece would give us 11 points total leaving Millwall or Crewe to win two of their remaining games. I cannot see us getting those 11 points, so the likelihood is that their task is going to be less than those two wins.
What might have been had Simeon Jackson converted a first half penalty that would have brought Gillingham level? But the penalty, saved by the goalkeeper Anyon, was typical of an afternoon where the Gills created a bucketful of chances, but only had a 10 minutes from time effort from substitute Leroy Griffiths to show for their efforts.
Port Vale, who could have been relegated on the day if they had lost, completed the double over Gillingham with a poorly conceded first half goal and a very good strike in the second. A poor defensive header fell to Vale 12 yards out and Richards was allowed time and space to pick his spot. Shortly after half time, Whitaker found the top corner from about 25 yards leaving Gillingham with too much to do.
On the way home we were discussing relegation and ended up cheering ourselves up. There are quite a few new grounds to visit and, more importantly, Gillingham might even win more often which would make it a lot more enjoyable, especially away from home.
I’ve a feeling that one or two of the “non-league” players that Mark Stimson has brought to the club might well flourish at a lower level. A few goals would certainly give Jackson confidence and he could turn into a very good striker at League Two level and likewise Miller and Nutter could do very well at the lower level.
Unfortunately it might be off-the-field financial matters that hold the key to our prospects next season in the lower tier.
Port Vale (1) 2 Richards 19 Whitaker 53
Gillingham (0) 1 Griffiths 79
Att. 3,157
Entrance: £19
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 430/4,843
Match Report
There was an icy blast of winter on this Easter Monday trip to Vale Park and with defeat came the chilling realisation that relegation is now almost a certainty. Mathematically, Gillingham still have chances to pull themselves to safety, for instance, they have a game in hand on Millwall and also have to play the Lions, two wins and only goal difference would separate the clubs, realistically is it going to happen? Four home games remain, Luton and Swindon might produce maximum points, the optimistic might hope for draws against promotion-chasing Carlisle and Swansea, giving eight home points. Away from home, taking the optimistic vein, Millwall, Bristol Rovers and Leeds at a point apiece would give us 11 points total leaving Millwall or Crewe to win two of their remaining games. I cannot see us getting those 11 points, so the likelihood is that their task is going to be less than those two wins.
What might have been had Simeon Jackson converted a first half penalty that would have brought Gillingham level? But the penalty, saved by the goalkeeper Anyon, was typical of an afternoon where the Gills created a bucketful of chances, but only had a 10 minutes from time effort from substitute Leroy Griffiths to show for their efforts.
Port Vale, who could have been relegated on the day if they had lost, completed the double over Gillingham with a poorly conceded first half goal and a very good strike in the second. A poor defensive header fell to Vale 12 yards out and Richards was allowed time and space to pick his spot. Shortly after half time, Whitaker found the top corner from about 25 yards leaving Gillingham with too much to do.
On the way home we were discussing relegation and ended up cheering ourselves up. There are quite a few new grounds to visit and, more importantly, Gillingham might even win more often which would make it a lot more enjoyable, especially away from home.
I’ve a feeling that one or two of the “non-league” players that Mark Stimson has brought to the club might well flourish at a lower level. A few goals would certainly give Jackson confidence and he could turn into a very good striker at League Two level and likewise Miller and Nutter could do very well at the lower level.
Unfortunately it might be off-the-field financial matters that hold the key to our prospects next season in the lower tier.
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