Fresh from getting hurt in a scintillating first-half performance against Luton yesterday, striker Omar Koroma got praise in the media today. He fully deserves it. I hope it doesn’t go to his head. I need him hungry for more.
Friday 30 November 2012
Day 230
Central midfielder Toumani Diagouraga resumed full training today. He’d been out for three weeks with a chest injury, which he suffered just five days after joining the club on loan from Brentford. Diagouraga may struggle to get a starting berth, with Birchall and Woods commanding the midfield at the moment. He’s a quality player, though, and he can bring a great defensive grit to our play if needed.
Fresh from getting hurt in a scintillating first-half performance against Luton yesterday, striker Omar Koroma got praise in the media today. He fully deserves it. I hope it doesn’t go to his head. I need him hungry for more.
Fresh from getting hurt in a scintillating first-half performance against Luton yesterday, striker Omar Koroma got praise in the media today. He fully deserves it. I hope it doesn’t go to his head. I need him hungry for more.
Day 229
Defying all expectations I had for them, the Lincoln Under 18s climbed to fourth in Group 3 of the Under 18s league, after beating Colchester 3-1 today. I had expected them to finish near the bottom, but with four games to go they could conceivably end up in third. Unfortunately, none of them will be graduating to the senior team—even Aaron Rice and Jordan Thomas may struggle to stay at the club as reserve players.
Striker Omar Koroma returned to the starting eleven today for the match against Luton. He had been sidelined for ten days with a bruised rib at the start of the month, and didn’t quite make it back in time for the previous game. Ben May dropped to the bench to accommodate the brilliant Gambian. I selected an otherwise-unchanged team.
We were looking to pick up our fourth straight clean sheet and win. Koroma nearly put us on track for that in the 7th minute with a mazy run. His shot was blocked by a diving defender, however. Barnes-Homer found the net a minute later, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
It only took another minute for us to score a legitimate goal. Barnes-Homer played the ball into space outside the box. Koroma, onside because of tardy defending from Luton’s left-back, had all the time in the world to run onto the ball and fire beneath the Luton keeper. We’re a different team going forward when he plays; it’s really something. (I’m actually amazed that we’ve managed to win most of the matches that Koroma missed across his two or three injuries this season.)
Gowling made it two-nil after 20 minutes, nodding Shuker’s corner in from the edge of the six-yard box. The big stopper has an incredible eye for goal—that’s his tenth goal of the season (all from set pieces, I think).
Koroma got his second in the 29th minute, displaying incredible pace to make five yards on his man and then leave him for dead in the race for a long ball. His finish was exquisite, too, given that the deft flick past the keeper came while running at full pelt.
Another long ball from Gowling put him through again less than a minute later, but this time goalkeeper Mark Tyler stood up tall and made a fine save.
Barnes-Homer made it four in the 40th minute, drilling a low shot into the corner after dashing onto a through ball from Woods. This was turning into quite a rout.
Koroma went down injured a few minutes later, filling me with worry—I just got him back, dammit. He picked himself up and carried on, but he was clearly carrying a knock. I subbed him off, unwilling to take any chances on my talisman striker. He’d done his job, anyway.
Luton should have pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute. Danger man Stuart Fleetwood did well to get in behind my defence, and confidently sent a shot goalwards. Putnins made a brilliant save parrying the ball away. Craig Lynch, who was first to the rebound, shot with the goal at his mercy. But he hit the post, amazingly wasting a gilt-edged chance to shake up the game.
Substitute striker Ben May made them pay. He turned round his marker and struck a venomous swerving shot towards the bottom corner, leaving the Luton keeper with no chance. That’s his second goal for the club, and one that’s sure to boost his confidence.
Luton finally got their consolation goal in the 63rd minute. Alex Lawless played an angled ball through to James Knowles, who beat Putnins with a well-placed first-time shot. It wouldn’t make a difference to the result, but I was saddened to see the keeper’s record of over 300 minutes without conceding a goal fall by the wayside before it could really look impressive.
Our impenetrable shell shattered, we started making mistakes at the back. Sloppy defending in the box—mostly an inability to quickly clear the ball from danger—handed Luton their second goal of the match. Somewhat worryingly, it was their star man Fleetwood who got the goal. I don’t want him spurring a comeback.
We held on to the three-goal lead, however, and now stand eight points clear of second-placed Mansfield. Wrexham, the team that I’m more concerned about, thrashed Stockport 7-1. They remain nine points behind, with two games in hand. Wrexham are the ones who could steal the title from us. We gotta watch our backs.
Omar Koroma may have only played half the match, but he was awarded man of the match for his excellent brace. The bad news is that he came out with a bruised thigh. He’ll be out for another two weeks. His average rating is now 7.42. I wish he would stop getting hurt.
Striker Omar Koroma returned to the starting eleven today for the match against Luton. He had been sidelined for ten days with a bruised rib at the start of the month, and didn’t quite make it back in time for the previous game. Ben May dropped to the bench to accommodate the brilliant Gambian. I selected an otherwise-unchanged team.
We were looking to pick up our fourth straight clean sheet and win. Koroma nearly put us on track for that in the 7th minute with a mazy run. His shot was blocked by a diving defender, however. Barnes-Homer found the net a minute later, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
It only took another minute for us to score a legitimate goal. Barnes-Homer played the ball into space outside the box. Koroma, onside because of tardy defending from Luton’s left-back, had all the time in the world to run onto the ball and fire beneath the Luton keeper. We’re a different team going forward when he plays; it’s really something. (I’m actually amazed that we’ve managed to win most of the matches that Koroma missed across his two or three injuries this season.)
Gowling made it two-nil after 20 minutes, nodding Shuker’s corner in from the edge of the six-yard box. The big stopper has an incredible eye for goal—that’s his tenth goal of the season (all from set pieces, I think).
Koroma got his second in the 29th minute, displaying incredible pace to make five yards on his man and then leave him for dead in the race for a long ball. His finish was exquisite, too, given that the deft flick past the keeper came while running at full pelt.
Another long ball from Gowling put him through again less than a minute later, but this time goalkeeper Mark Tyler stood up tall and made a fine save.
Barnes-Homer made it four in the 40th minute, drilling a low shot into the corner after dashing onto a through ball from Woods. This was turning into quite a rout.
Koroma went down injured a few minutes later, filling me with worry—I just got him back, dammit. He picked himself up and carried on, but he was clearly carrying a knock. I subbed him off, unwilling to take any chances on my talisman striker. He’d done his job, anyway.
Luton should have pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute. Danger man Stuart Fleetwood did well to get in behind my defence, and confidently sent a shot goalwards. Putnins made a brilliant save parrying the ball away. Craig Lynch, who was first to the rebound, shot with the goal at his mercy. But he hit the post, amazingly wasting a gilt-edged chance to shake up the game.
Substitute striker Ben May made them pay. He turned round his marker and struck a venomous swerving shot towards the bottom corner, leaving the Luton keeper with no chance. That’s his second goal for the club, and one that’s sure to boost his confidence.
Luton finally got their consolation goal in the 63rd minute. Alex Lawless played an angled ball through to James Knowles, who beat Putnins with a well-placed first-time shot. It wouldn’t make a difference to the result, but I was saddened to see the keeper’s record of over 300 minutes without conceding a goal fall by the wayside before it could really look impressive.
Our impenetrable shell shattered, we started making mistakes at the back. Sloppy defending in the box—mostly an inability to quickly clear the ball from danger—handed Luton their second goal of the match. Somewhat worryingly, it was their star man Fleetwood who got the goal. I don’t want him spurring a comeback.
We held on to the three-goal lead, however, and now stand eight points clear of second-placed Mansfield. Wrexham, the team that I’m more concerned about, thrashed Stockport 7-1. They remain nine points behind, with two games in hand. Wrexham are the ones who could steal the title from us. We gotta watch our backs.
Omar Koroma may have only played half the match, but he was awarded man of the match for his excellent brace. The bad news is that he came out with a bruised thigh. He’ll be out for another two weeks. His average rating is now 7.42. I wish he would stop getting hurt.
Wednesday 28 November 2012
Day 228
The bookies think tomorrow’s home tie against Luton Town will be a close game. They’ve given us only slightly better odds—6-4 versus 13-8. The danger-man has been identified—quite rightly—as Stuart Fleetwood, their star striker. He’s scored 19 goals in 31 matches, with an average rating of 7.1 out of 10. His only standout quality is his determination, which makes it tricky to figure out how we can keep him quiet.
We last met them five months ago, winning 3-1. Fleetwood was poor that day, so perhaps Marques and Gowling have his number. I’m counting on it.
I had a look through the remaining fixtures. We have seven out of thirteen games against a team currently in the top half of the table. Second-placed Mansfield do, too, while third-placed Wrexham have seven out of fifteen. Of those games, we have one against Mansfield, and Mansfield and Wrexham have one against each other. I’d say that Wrexham have a slightly easier finish than either us or Mansfield, but that’s with two more matches to play and at least three points to make up on us (nine if you count their two games in hand, which are both against weak opposition). It should be an interesting title race.
We last met them five months ago, winning 3-1. Fleetwood was poor that day, so perhaps Marques and Gowling have his number. I’m counting on it.
I had a look through the remaining fixtures. We have seven out of thirteen games against a team currently in the top half of the table. Second-placed Mansfield do, too, while third-placed Wrexham have seven out of fifteen. Of those games, we have one against Mansfield, and Mansfield and Wrexham have one against each other. I’d say that Wrexham have a slightly easier finish than either us or Mansfield, but that’s with two more matches to play and at least three points to make up on us (nine if you count their two games in hand, which are both against weak opposition). It should be an interesting title race.
Tuesday 27 November 2012
Day 227
I checked in on the club finances, and didn’t much like what I saw. The gradual flattening of our losses has been blown out by an awful January in turnover. The club lost £144,786 in January—more than the previous two months combined. Lincoln City Football Club’s balance is now £444,959 in the red. Half a million below positive cashflow. I don’t know what our overdraft limit is, but at this rate we’ll be in serious danger of falling into administration by the end of the season.
And there’s nothing I can do to stop it, except keep winning matches. Good results bring more fans into our home games; the league title comes with significant prize money. I’m not sure why we’re haemorrhaging money, but I’m willing to bet the fact that our home games only fill out a quarter of the stadium is instrumental. The thing is, however, that attendances of ten thousand are pretty much unheard of at Conference level. There are aspects to the way this business is run that leave me questioning the intelligence of my bosses. I far exceeded expectations by getting us into top position and staying there this late in the season, yet the finances are set up in such a way that anything less than first place will cost the club its financial stability. Crazy.
[All of this makes me curious how the real Lincoln City runs its finances, and whether they’re in this same danger of slipping into administration.]
And there’s nothing I can do to stop it, except keep winning matches. Good results bring more fans into our home games; the league title comes with significant prize money. I’m not sure why we’re haemorrhaging money, but I’m willing to bet the fact that our home games only fill out a quarter of the stadium is instrumental. The thing is, however, that attendances of ten thousand are pretty much unheard of at Conference level. There are aspects to the way this business is run that leave me questioning the intelligence of my bosses. I far exceeded expectations by getting us into top position and staying there this late in the season, yet the finances are set up in such a way that anything less than first place will cost the club its financial stability. Crazy.
[All of this makes me curious how the real Lincoln City runs its finances, and whether they’re in this same danger of slipping into administration.]
Monday 26 November 2012
Day 226
I realised today that it had been a while since I last did any serious match analysis. I dove right in to the data.
Some of the most interesting observations came from studying average positions of my players, together with the team’s positional heat map, across the past ten matches. It turns out that there are some patterns that correlate to our performance.
When we struggle, the more defensive-minded of my central midfielders spends much of the game sitting deeper than his teammates. When we dominate matches, he is just beyond the halfway line and to the left of centre—directing play. I believe that his influence—lately this has been Birchall—is vital to our attack. If he is caught up in deeper or more central positions, we lose the ball and fail to get plays off the ground.
We also get caught playing narrower in the defensive and middle thirds of the park. I think this is tied to the same problem, which affects distribution of the ball. But what is causing it, and how do I fix it?
This chart from the 2-1 loss against Wrexham shows the problem quite clearly, except that here both central midfielders have been caught playing deeper and more central—killing our wide play. You see we have very little width at all. In the previous image, we see dark spots across the entire middle third, from one side to the other. In the Wrexham match, it’s more like the middle eighth. Our play was compressed in both directions, stifling the creativity and pace of the wingers. With Koroma missing, there was no central player moving wide with the ball to create space.
Comparing the passing chart from the Gateshead win to that from the Wrexham defeat, my reasoning shows true. Passing against Wrexham was mostly longer forward balls through the middle, heaviest just inside our own half. Conversely, against Gateshead the passes are mostly shorter balls—in all directions—to and from the attacking side of the central third, spread across from one wing to the other.
Those are the big things I noticed; there were a few smaller observations that I feel aren’t consistent enough to judge on. I’ll keep an eye on the situation and bring them up if/when appropriate.
In the meantime, how do I fix this major issue? And what’s the root cause, in personnel or tactics?
I’m thinking that there are three things I need to watch. What are the opponents who keep us from playing our game doing differently to everyone else? How do I replicate Omar Koroma’s attacking dynamism on the forward line when he’s absent or marked out of the game? And how do I ensure that both central midfielders get the time and space to pull strings and pick out the runs of the wingers and strikers?
Now that I have a more quantitative perspective on this, I’ll hopefully be able to stamp it out before the inevitable run of losses hits.
Some of the most interesting observations came from studying average positions of my players, together with the team’s positional heat map, across the past ten matches. It turns out that there are some patterns that correlate to our performance.
When we struggle, the more defensive-minded of my central midfielders spends much of the game sitting deeper than his teammates. When we dominate matches, he is just beyond the halfway line and to the left of centre—directing play. I believe that his influence—lately this has been Birchall—is vital to our attack. If he is caught up in deeper or more central positions, we lose the ball and fail to get plays off the ground.
We also get caught playing narrower in the defensive and middle thirds of the park. I think this is tied to the same problem, which affects distribution of the ball. But what is causing it, and how do I fix it?
This chart from the 2-1 loss against Wrexham shows the problem quite clearly, except that here both central midfielders have been caught playing deeper and more central—killing our wide play. You see we have very little width at all. In the previous image, we see dark spots across the entire middle third, from one side to the other. In the Wrexham match, it’s more like the middle eighth. Our play was compressed in both directions, stifling the creativity and pace of the wingers. With Koroma missing, there was no central player moving wide with the ball to create space.
Comparing the passing chart from the Gateshead win to that from the Wrexham defeat, my reasoning shows true. Passing against Wrexham was mostly longer forward balls through the middle, heaviest just inside our own half. Conversely, against Gateshead the passes are mostly shorter balls—in all directions—to and from the attacking side of the central third, spread across from one wing to the other.
Those are the big things I noticed; there were a few smaller observations that I feel aren’t consistent enough to judge on. I’ll keep an eye on the situation and bring them up if/when appropriate.
In the meantime, how do I fix this major issue? And what’s the root cause, in personnel or tactics?
I’m thinking that there are three things I need to watch. What are the opponents who keep us from playing our game doing differently to everyone else? How do I replicate Omar Koroma’s attacking dynamism on the forward line when he’s absent or marked out of the game? And how do I ensure that both central midfielders get the time and space to pull strings and pick out the runs of the wingers and strikers?
Now that I have a more quantitative perspective on this, I’ll hopefully be able to stamp it out before the inevitable run of losses hits.
Sunday 25 November 2012
Day 225
Central defender Rui Marques made the Blue Square Bet Premier Team of the Week for the third time this season, thanks to his stellar performance against Kidderminster on Saturday. The veteran Angolan’s form is at an incredible 8.02 out of ten for the past five matches. I hope he can keep it up, but realise that’s unlikely.
Today’s game came too soon for Omar Koroma, whose return from injury is going well. He wasn’t fit enough to be involved, but he’ll be ready for the home tie against Luton on the weekend. In-form defender Samba Kanouté had to sit this one out, too, because of fatigue. Michael Woods and Peter Bore returned to the starting lineup, with Alan Power dropping to the bench.
A brilliant left-wing run from Benjamin Laurant nearly got us an early lead. Just two minutes into the game, the winger picked up the ball inside his own half and dribbled past four Stockport players before shooting from the edge of the box. Unfortunately the finish didn’t match the run, and he fired wide of goal.
Shuker opened the scoring in the 19th minute, tapping in from close range to complete a fine passing move by Billington, Laurant, and Birchall. Stockport looked incapable to prevent a rout. If my players wanted to score big, I got the distinct impression that they would.
Stockport had a goal disallowed for offside on the brink of half-time. It was their one and only attacking move of the first period. After watching such an anaemic resistance, I worried about complacency in the second half. My players seemed to respond positively to a team talk warning about exactly that.
Laurant started the second half much as he had the first, twice using his dribbling to cause problems for the Stockport defence. He first set up Barnes-Homer for a lunging chance (he missed the ball), then hit the side netting on a solo effort.
Barnes-Homer found the back of the net in the 54th minute, but the goal was ruled out as offside. Then Woods got upended just inside the box. Chris Shuker confidently dispatched the penalty for our second of the game.
Substitute Alan Power added our third ten minutes later. In what was probably his third touch of the game, the playmaker struck a thunderous drive from the edge of the box that left the Stockport keeper helpless.
Good goalkeeping kept Rui Marques from making it four just moments later, as Parisi reacted quickly to stop the in-form defender from nodding a corner ball home. We had several more half-chances as the match wore on, and still Stockport had no reply.
Three-nil is how it stayed. Chris Shuker was awarded man of the match, although Benjamin Laurant’s performance is the one that turned my head. Young left back Alex Billington also impressed, as did fellow defenders Peter Bore and Josh Gowling. Marques and Birchall were the same steady, calming influence that they always are. The result marked our third consecutive clean sheet.
Today’s game came too soon for Omar Koroma, whose return from injury is going well. He wasn’t fit enough to be involved, but he’ll be ready for the home tie against Luton on the weekend. In-form defender Samba Kanouté had to sit this one out, too, because of fatigue. Michael Woods and Peter Bore returned to the starting lineup, with Alan Power dropping to the bench.
A brilliant left-wing run from Benjamin Laurant nearly got us an early lead. Just two minutes into the game, the winger picked up the ball inside his own half and dribbled past four Stockport players before shooting from the edge of the box. Unfortunately the finish didn’t match the run, and he fired wide of goal.
Shuker opened the scoring in the 19th minute, tapping in from close range to complete a fine passing move by Billington, Laurant, and Birchall. Stockport looked incapable to prevent a rout. If my players wanted to score big, I got the distinct impression that they would.
Stockport had a goal disallowed for offside on the brink of half-time. It was their one and only attacking move of the first period. After watching such an anaemic resistance, I worried about complacency in the second half. My players seemed to respond positively to a team talk warning about exactly that.
Laurant started the second half much as he had the first, twice using his dribbling to cause problems for the Stockport defence. He first set up Barnes-Homer for a lunging chance (he missed the ball), then hit the side netting on a solo effort.
Barnes-Homer found the back of the net in the 54th minute, but the goal was ruled out as offside. Then Woods got upended just inside the box. Chris Shuker confidently dispatched the penalty for our second of the game.
Substitute Alan Power added our third ten minutes later. In what was probably his third touch of the game, the playmaker struck a thunderous drive from the edge of the box that left the Stockport keeper helpless.
Good goalkeeping kept Rui Marques from making it four just moments later, as Parisi reacted quickly to stop the in-form defender from nodding a corner ball home. We had several more half-chances as the match wore on, and still Stockport had no reply.
Three-nil is how it stayed. Chris Shuker was awarded man of the match, although Benjamin Laurant’s performance is the one that turned my head. Young left back Alex Billington also impressed, as did fellow defenders Peter Bore and Josh Gowling. Marques and Birchall were the same steady, calming influence that they always are. The result marked our third consecutive clean sheet.
Day 224
We’re favourites against Stockport tomorrow. No surprises there—we beat them 3-1 last time out, and we’re pretty much at opposite ends of the table (they sit in 21st while we hold top spot). I don’t want to get overconfident, though, because we’ve lost easy games before. With Olembé injured and Koroma struggling to get fit in time, we have to be doubly cautious.
Friday 23 November 2012
Day 223
Matthew Barnes-Homer is streaking away with the highest average rating in the league. At 7.42, he’s well ahead of the field given how far into the season we are. With fourteen matches to play, it seems unlikely that next-best Michael West (7.35) or anyone else will make up the difference and earn bragging rights as best performer in the Conference League this season.
Barnes-Homer is also fourth on the scoring charts, five off the pace set by Grimsby striker Liam Hearn. If Omar Koroma can stay fit now that he’s once again back from injury, he might be a chance to leapfrog both of them. The Gambian striker has been in scintillating form since shaking off some jitters early in his Lincoln career. Koroma’s also third on average ratings, at 7.33, but is unlikely to be crowned best performer due to lack of matches played (just 23 out of a possible 32 so far).
Barnes-Homer is also fourth on the scoring charts, five off the pace set by Grimsby striker Liam Hearn. If Omar Koroma can stay fit now that he’s once again back from injury, he might be a chance to leapfrog both of them. The Gambian striker has been in scintillating form since shaking off some jitters early in his Lincoln career. Koroma’s also third on average ratings, at 7.33, but is unlikely to be crowned best performer due to lack of matches played (just 23 out of a possible 32 so far).
Thursday 22 November 2012
Day 222
We travelled to Kidderminster today, hoping to further cement our place at the top of the league. I kept Samba Kanouté, Alex Billington, and Alan Power in the starting lineup after their heroics against Cambridge. Woods and Nutter made the bench, while Bore sat out entirely for the second successive game. Matthew Barnes-Homer returned to the side after being rested last week. Francis Laurent dropped to the bench. Youngster Robert Taylor failed to impress against Cambridge, so French winger Benjamin Laurant was drafted in to start on the left flank.
Barnes-Homer hit the side-netting twice in the first four minutes of the game. The striker looked in a goalscoring mood, making both chances himself. He nearly got his goal in the 15th minute, following a scramble in the Kidderminster box. Both Barnes-Homer and strike-partner Ben May were kept out thanks to desperate defending.
There was no keeping out defender Rui Marques, however, as the experienced Angolan tenaciously converted a corner from Chris Shuker for our first goal in the 22nd minute.
Kidderminster striker Nick Wright was booked for diving after half an hour. I breathed a sigh of relief, because Wright had found himself in a one-on-one with my keeper. Only a woeful first touch kept the striker from firing a shot off. The dive was clearly an attempt to salvage something from the chance.
The players looked nervous during the second period. Neither side really made any headway, snatching at chances and giving the ball away.
With ten minutes on the clock that changed, however. Substitute John Nutter, playing in midfield instead of his usual left-back role, played an incisive through ball for Barnes-Homer. The striker streaked away from the Kidderminster defence, took a touch, and buried his shot beyond the keeper. The closing stages were just a formality from then—everyone on the pitch knew that scores would stay as they were.
Highlights for me were another strong right-back showing from Samba Kanouté and a stellar display from veteran centre half Rui Marques—perhaps my most consistent performer this season.
Mansfield lost to Fleetwood, which means we’re now six points clear (although Wrexham could peg that back to three if they win both of their games in hand). There are still fourteen matches to play, but we’re looking increasingly likely to run away with the title.
Barnes-Homer hit the side-netting twice in the first four minutes of the game. The striker looked in a goalscoring mood, making both chances himself. He nearly got his goal in the 15th minute, following a scramble in the Kidderminster box. Both Barnes-Homer and strike-partner Ben May were kept out thanks to desperate defending.
There was no keeping out defender Rui Marques, however, as the experienced Angolan tenaciously converted a corner from Chris Shuker for our first goal in the 22nd minute.
Kidderminster striker Nick Wright was booked for diving after half an hour. I breathed a sigh of relief, because Wright had found himself in a one-on-one with my keeper. Only a woeful first touch kept the striker from firing a shot off. The dive was clearly an attempt to salvage something from the chance.
The players looked nervous during the second period. Neither side really made any headway, snatching at chances and giving the ball away.
With ten minutes on the clock that changed, however. Substitute John Nutter, playing in midfield instead of his usual left-back role, played an incisive through ball for Barnes-Homer. The striker streaked away from the Kidderminster defence, took a touch, and buried his shot beyond the keeper. The closing stages were just a formality from then—everyone on the pitch knew that scores would stay as they were.
Highlights for me were another strong right-back showing from Samba Kanouté and a stellar display from veteran centre half Rui Marques—perhaps my most consistent performer this season.
Mansfield lost to Fleetwood, which means we’re now six points clear (although Wrexham could peg that back to three if they win both of their games in hand). There are still fourteen matches to play, but we’re looking increasingly likely to run away with the title.
Wednesday 21 November 2012
Day 221
We should have no trouble steamrolling through Kidderminster tomorrow. The Harriers are on a streak of nine matches without a win, and are languishing down in 19th place. The bookies gave them odds of 7-2 to win, which is pretty generous. Conversely, there’s not a lot of point in anyone betting on my boys—at a measly 4-6 return.
Last time out it was striker Matthew Barnes-Homer who did the damage against Kidderminster, scoring two goals and earning man of the match. Omar Koroma, Chris Shuker, and Josh Gowling all impressed too. We’ll be missing Koroma for this return fixture, but we’re looking very tough to beat with Chris Birchall leading the midfield and Rui Marques in scintillating form at the back. I’m feeling pretty confident.
Last time out it was striker Matthew Barnes-Homer who did the damage against Kidderminster, scoring two goals and earning man of the match. Omar Koroma, Chris Shuker, and Josh Gowling all impressed too. We’ll be missing Koroma for this return fixture, but we’re looking very tough to beat with Chris Birchall leading the midfield and Rui Marques in scintillating form at the back. I’m feeling pretty confident.
Tuesday 20 November 2012
Day 220
I held my first backroom meeting with the new staffers (assistant manager Martin O’Connor and coach Kevin Paxton) today. O’Connor and Paxton stayed quiet—they’re still learning their way around the club and my squad. Grant Brown and Jason Fowler had lots of suggestions, however. I agreed to scout several players who probably aren’t good enough, changed Peter Bore’s squad status from “indispensable” to “important first-team player” (Brown actually suggested “backup to the first team”), and set Jean-François Christophe as a backup player (rather than a key man).
Monday 19 November 2012
Day 219
Left wing back Nicky Nicolau went from mostly useless to completely useless today. He twisted his ankle in training. He’ll be sidelined for six to eight weeks, followed no doubt by a couple of weeks training and building match practice before he’s in any condition to play a senior game. Nicolau’s some way down the pecking order at both left back and left midfield, but he was at least an option if I was in dire need to somebody not-terrible. Now he’s not.
Sunday 18 November 2012
Day 218
Samba Kanouté and Alan Power made the Team of the Week for their stellar performances against Cambridge. I’d love to reward them with another start for the weekend visit to Kidderminster, but it’s touch and go whether they’ll be fit enough—they both pulled up looking very spent after their heroics.
Their impressive performance has given me a welcome selection headache. For perhaps the first time this season I have more players that I’d like to field than I legally can at any given time. In central midfield especially, things are heating up. With Diagouraga injured, I’ve still got Woods, Birchall, Power, and Christophe all pushing for starting berths, and Chris Atkinson is lingering with intent.
Their impressive performance has given me a welcome selection headache. For perhaps the first time this season I have more players that I’d like to field than I legally can at any given time. In central midfield especially, things are heating up. With Diagouraga injured, I’ve still got Woods, Birchall, Power, and Christophe all pushing for starting berths, and Chris Atkinson is lingering with intent.
Day 217
Fringe striker Sam Smith got concussed in training today. He’ll be out for a couple of weeks, which pretty much blows his hopes of breaking into the team. Koroma will be back in action by the time Smith is fit again, and that puts the young target man out of the match squad. It’s hard to break into the starting eleven when you don’t even get a spot on the bench (as I’m sure he’s learning).
Seems the only thing Nialle Rodney has been good for is injuring his teammates. Smith is the fifth player he’s injured in training this season. I don’t know what the other staff members see in Rodney; he’s disappointed me time and again, failing repeatedly to show he has anything to his game other than pace.
Seems the only thing Nialle Rodney has been good for is injuring his teammates. Smith is the fifth player he’s injured in training this season. I don’t know what the other staff members see in Rodney; he’s disappointed me time and again, failing repeatedly to show he has anything to his game other than pace.
Friday 16 November 2012
Day 216
Kevin Paxton signed on for us as a new coach today. He’ll be taking the reins for strength and aerobic sessions from now on. Jason Fowler can now focus more on his strong point—tactics. My senior team still has poor coaching on shooting, but the youth squad has two-and-a-half or three stars for every area of training.
Thursday 15 November 2012
Day 215
My players looked tired ahead of today’s match against Cambridge. I dropped Barnes-Homer and Bore in response to their publicly bad reactions to my team talk a few days ago. John Nutter wasn’t fit to start, nor were Benjamin Laurant, Michael Woods, and injury-victim Omar Koroma. Alex Billington came in for his debut at left back. Samba Kanouté stepped in at right back, while Alan Power, Robert Taylor, Ben May, and Francis Laurent were also drafted into the starting lineup. In the absence of any (fit) specialised left wingers, Chris Shuker switched flanks.
Power got us off to a flyer, seizing on Kanouté’s quick speculative ball back into the area after a clearance and firing comfortably past the Cambridge keeper.
Cambridge striker Lyle Taylor saw red in the 12th minute. Chasing a long ball in a foot race with Billington, Taylor found himself outpaced. He hacked at my left back with a reckless two-footed challenge. It was pure insanity—a routine tussle in a nothing situation. The referee didn’t hesitate to send him off, leaving Cambridge to play 80 minutes with ten men.
Laurent made their job even harder five minutes later. Power won a header in the middle of the pitch following a Cambridge goal kick. The ball somehow slipped through the Cambridge back line, and Laurent ran in behind. He kept his cool in the one-on-one with the keeper, doubling our lead.
Birchall added our third in the 54th minute. It was his first ever goal for the club, and he made it a good one—a fantastic low strike across goal into the corner.
With a win all but certain, I substituted Shuker, Birchall, and Taylor out for Laurant, Atkinson, and Smith. Smith nearly made an immediate impact, linking up beautifully with May to work through the Cambridge defence. The striker’s finish was poor, however, and the keeper made an easy save.
Power looked in command of the match. He played a stunning through ball for May around the 80-minute mark, then moments later went it alone on the edge of the box. Only a quick reaction and fine diving save kept the playmaker from adding his second of the game.
Alan Power received the man of the match award for his goal and two assists. I was also delighted with the efforts of Kanouté and Billington at the back and Francis Laurent in attack. Birchall and Marques once again showed that they’re a cut above the rest of the players at this level, too. Most encouraging, though, is that we did this without Olembé, Koroma, or Barnes-Homer—three of our five top performers this season—and Shuker played only a supporting role. This show belonged to Power, Laurent, and Kanouté—three fringe players.
We’re now three points clear at the top, with a much better goal difference than any other team in the league. Mansfield sit second, followed by Wrexham—who have three games in hand that could put second on goal difference.
Power got us off to a flyer, seizing on Kanouté’s quick speculative ball back into the area after a clearance and firing comfortably past the Cambridge keeper.
Cambridge striker Lyle Taylor saw red in the 12th minute. Chasing a long ball in a foot race with Billington, Taylor found himself outpaced. He hacked at my left back with a reckless two-footed challenge. It was pure insanity—a routine tussle in a nothing situation. The referee didn’t hesitate to send him off, leaving Cambridge to play 80 minutes with ten men.
Laurent made their job even harder five minutes later. Power won a header in the middle of the pitch following a Cambridge goal kick. The ball somehow slipped through the Cambridge back line, and Laurent ran in behind. He kept his cool in the one-on-one with the keeper, doubling our lead.
Birchall added our third in the 54th minute. It was his first ever goal for the club, and he made it a good one—a fantastic low strike across goal into the corner.
With a win all but certain, I substituted Shuker, Birchall, and Taylor out for Laurant, Atkinson, and Smith. Smith nearly made an immediate impact, linking up beautifully with May to work through the Cambridge defence. The striker’s finish was poor, however, and the keeper made an easy save.
Power looked in command of the match. He played a stunning through ball for May around the 80-minute mark, then moments later went it alone on the edge of the box. Only a quick reaction and fine diving save kept the playmaker from adding his second of the game.
Alan Power received the man of the match award for his goal and two assists. I was also delighted with the efforts of Kanouté and Billington at the back and Francis Laurent in attack. Birchall and Marques once again showed that they’re a cut above the rest of the players at this level, too. Most encouraging, though, is that we did this without Olembé, Koroma, or Barnes-Homer—three of our five top performers this season—and Shuker played only a supporting role. This show belonged to Power, Laurent, and Kanouté—three fringe players.
We’re now three points clear at the top, with a much better goal difference than any other team in the league. Mansfield sit second, followed by Wrexham—who have three games in hand that could put second on goal difference.
Wednesday 14 November 2012
Day 214
We’re slight favourites against 17th-placed Cambridge United tomorrow. It speaks greatly to our downturn in form—two losses and a draw in amongst the past five outings—that we’re not expected to run away with a big win.
Martin O’Connor is officially my new assistant manager. The 44 year old brings added professionalism and determination to my backroom, plus an improvement to the quality of our coaching. He's a damn sight better than the old guy, from what I can gather.
To further improve our coaching, I’ve sacked Gary Charles—who is not particularly skilled in any aspects of coaching. I offered two unemployed coaches the job. We can only take one of them on, I think, but I want to fill the position quickly. Hopefully this will accelerate the process. Both potential candidates are strong on fitness coaching, which we sorely need—Jason Fowler is the best fitness coach on staff, with a rating of just 2 out of 20 for the skill. Fowler’s stuck splitting his focus between strength and aerobic training and his strong areas of tactics and shooting, which isn't benefiting anybody.
Martin O’Connor is officially my new assistant manager. The 44 year old brings added professionalism and determination to my backroom, plus an improvement to the quality of our coaching. He's a damn sight better than the old guy, from what I can gather.
To further improve our coaching, I’ve sacked Gary Charles—who is not particularly skilled in any aspects of coaching. I offered two unemployed coaches the job. We can only take one of them on, I think, but I want to fill the position quickly. Hopefully this will accelerate the process. Both potential candidates are strong on fitness coaching, which we sorely need—Jason Fowler is the best fitness coach on staff, with a rating of just 2 out of 20 for the skill. Fowler’s stuck splitting his focus between strength and aerobic training and his strong areas of tactics and shooting, which isn't benefiting anybody.
Tuesday 13 November 2012
Day 213
I held a backroom meeting today. The staff recommended several players who actually look pretty good, along with a replacement Assistant Manager for the departed Curtis Woodhouse, and some other changes—a different formation and a change in Nutter’s squad status—that I ignored.
Of the recommended players that I got reports on today, Cecil Nyoni has talent but not enough to be a worthwhile investment. Tom Parkes is as close to the real deal as you’re likely to get at this level, but I’m not sure whether I’ll be able to sign him—his contract expires at the end of the season, and their could be some competition. Striker Trésor Kandol looks to be better than my current crop of strikers, but it remains to be seen if he’s far enough above them to bother.
My Under 18s won their sixth game of the season, cementing themselves mid-table in their group (in sixth position, in fact).
Of the recommended players that I got reports on today, Cecil Nyoni has talent but not enough to be a worthwhile investment. Tom Parkes is as close to the real deal as you’re likely to get at this level, but I’m not sure whether I’ll be able to sign him—his contract expires at the end of the season, and their could be some competition. Striker Trésor Kandol looks to be better than my current crop of strikers, but it remains to be seen if he’s far enough above them to bother.
My Under 18s won their sixth game of the season, cementing themselves mid-table in their group (in sixth position, in fact).
Monday 12 November 2012
Day 212
Chris Shuker returned to the starting lineup today after a month on the sidelines. Francis Laurent dropped out to make way for the wide man. Benjamin Laurant replaced injured left winger Salomon Olembé. The rest of the team remained unchanged from the side that won the previous two matches.
Fresh from his transfer last week, Joe Anyon lined up against us. He was no doubt looking to prove that we shouldn’t have let him go, while I hoped to show why he didn’t make the grade under my stewardship.
Newport were off to a flying start. Just five minutes into the match, Chinedu Vine drew Marques out of position and slid a lovely ball through to Nathaniel Jarvis. The young striker struck first time into the bottom corner. A goal down so early in a game we expected to win comfortably, we were shellshocked.
Jarvis scored again in the 12th minute. McCord played a simple short through ball and the striker ran free of his man to fire a shot beneath the keeper for both his and Newport’s second. We were in real trouble.
Koroma should have pulled a goal back two minutes later, but he snatched at his shot and it sailed way over the bar. Barnes-Homer then went close—a Newport defender deflecting his shot just wide of the post.
Barnes-Homer put Koroma through on goal in the 27th minute, but the striker again put his shot over the bar. Koroma went down hurt a few minutes later, victim to a heavy challenge. He stayed on the pitch, but I worried about his freedom of movement.
Putnins saved a long-range shot in the 35th minute. Newport still looked dangerous. At the other end, Barnes-Homer put another shot wide. When did my players forget how to shoot straight?
Gowling’s praise in the media of late must have got to his head. I subbed him off at half time after a woeful performance. Woods also made way, having looked tired and out-of-sorts. I told the players their pride was at stake here, and everyone seemed to respond well.
On 47 minutes, Birchall played a lofted through ball for Koroma. The striker put his shot on target this time, bringing the deficit to one goal.
Kanouté put a header just over the bar two minutes later, then Power shot wide from distance. My boys were fighting for it, which is all I ever really ask.
Laurant won a penalty in the 88th minute. The Newport defender shouldn’t have dived in. Nutter converted the spot kick, jogging over to celebrate in front of the home fans. They’d done it. It wasn’t pretty, but my boys had turned the game around and drawn level.
Both teams pushed hard for a last-minute winner, but 2-2 is how it finished. I told my players they weren’t good enough—better second half or not, that should have been an easy win and we had to scrap just to earn a draw.
A few players got upset, but most of them reacted well. I’ll drop anybody who complains to the press for being hard on them here—if we’re going to be champions, we must be more clinical.
After the match, Bore and Barnes-Homer spoke out. Both are dropped. Barnes-Homer needs a rest anyway, so it works out well with him. It doesn’t help me that Koroma will be sidelined for a couple of weeks with a bruised rib, though. Laurent and May are the likely replacements for Koroma and Barnes-Homer, but they haven’t paired up before.
We’re top of the table on goal difference after the match. Mansfield were soundly beaten 4-1 by Alfreton. If we win our game in hand against Cambridge on the weekend (just three days from now), we’ll be clear leaders.
I found out that Assistant Manager Curtis Woodhouse is on a rolling month-to-month unpaid contract. Rather than give him a salary, I opted to terminate his position. I found Martin O’Connor as a potential replacement (hopefully to be actual replacement, if he accepts my contract offer). I tried to convince former Croatian international Igor Tudor to join us as our new Youth Coach. He seemed set to accept, but I’ll have to wait for his call.
Fresh from his transfer last week, Joe Anyon lined up against us. He was no doubt looking to prove that we shouldn’t have let him go, while I hoped to show why he didn’t make the grade under my stewardship.
Newport were off to a flying start. Just five minutes into the match, Chinedu Vine drew Marques out of position and slid a lovely ball through to Nathaniel Jarvis. The young striker struck first time into the bottom corner. A goal down so early in a game we expected to win comfortably, we were shellshocked.
Jarvis scored again in the 12th minute. McCord played a simple short through ball and the striker ran free of his man to fire a shot beneath the keeper for both his and Newport’s second. We were in real trouble.
Koroma should have pulled a goal back two minutes later, but he snatched at his shot and it sailed way over the bar. Barnes-Homer then went close—a Newport defender deflecting his shot just wide of the post.
Barnes-Homer put Koroma through on goal in the 27th minute, but the striker again put his shot over the bar. Koroma went down hurt a few minutes later, victim to a heavy challenge. He stayed on the pitch, but I worried about his freedom of movement.
Putnins saved a long-range shot in the 35th minute. Newport still looked dangerous. At the other end, Barnes-Homer put another shot wide. When did my players forget how to shoot straight?
Gowling’s praise in the media of late must have got to his head. I subbed him off at half time after a woeful performance. Woods also made way, having looked tired and out-of-sorts. I told the players their pride was at stake here, and everyone seemed to respond well.
On 47 minutes, Birchall played a lofted through ball for Koroma. The striker put his shot on target this time, bringing the deficit to one goal.
Kanouté put a header just over the bar two minutes later, then Power shot wide from distance. My boys were fighting for it, which is all I ever really ask.
Laurant won a penalty in the 88th minute. The Newport defender shouldn’t have dived in. Nutter converted the spot kick, jogging over to celebrate in front of the home fans. They’d done it. It wasn’t pretty, but my boys had turned the game around and drawn level.
Both teams pushed hard for a last-minute winner, but 2-2 is how it finished. I told my players they weren’t good enough—better second half or not, that should have been an easy win and we had to scrap just to earn a draw.
A few players got upset, but most of them reacted well. I’ll drop anybody who complains to the press for being hard on them here—if we’re going to be champions, we must be more clinical.
After the match, Bore and Barnes-Homer spoke out. Both are dropped. Barnes-Homer needs a rest anyway, so it works out well with him. It doesn’t help me that Koroma will be sidelined for a couple of weeks with a bruised rib, though. Laurent and May are the likely replacements for Koroma and Barnes-Homer, but they haven’t paired up before.
We’re top of the table on goal difference after the match. Mansfield were soundly beaten 4-1 by Alfreton. If we win our game in hand against Cambridge on the weekend (just three days from now), we’ll be clear leaders.
I found out that Assistant Manager Curtis Woodhouse is on a rolling month-to-month unpaid contract. Rather than give him a salary, I opted to terminate his position. I found Martin O’Connor as a potential replacement (hopefully to be actual replacement, if he accepts my contract offer). I tried to convince former Croatian international Igor Tudor to join us as our new Youth Coach. He seemed set to accept, but I’ll have to wait for his call.
Sunday 11 November 2012
Day 211
Josh Gowling made the Blue Square Bet Premier Team of the Week for the second time running, and the third time in the past month. The in-form defender missed out on the Player of the Month award because he only actually played two of our four matches in January.
We’re being labelled as “comfortable” favourites to beat Newport County tomorrow, despite the bookies giving them 3-1 odds to win. With odds like that I’d hardly call it comfortable, but hopefully our performance will fit the descriptor.
Grimsby Town are making a late play for the title. They swept the awards this month thanks to four big wins out of five games. It looks to be too little too late for The Mariners, though, as they sit eleven points off the pace with sixteen games to play. That’s a big margin to pick up, especially with both my boys and Mansfield in exceptional form at the moment.
We’re being labelled as “comfortable” favourites to beat Newport County tomorrow, despite the bookies giving them 3-1 odds to win. With odds like that I’d hardly call it comfortable, but hopefully our performance will fit the descriptor.
Grimsby Town are making a late play for the title. They swept the awards this month thanks to four big wins out of five games. It looks to be too little too late for The Mariners, though, as they sit eleven points off the pace with sixteen games to play. That’s a big margin to pick up, especially with both my boys and Mansfield in exceptional form at the moment.
Saturday 10 November 2012
Day 210
Central midfielder Jean-François Christophe returned to full training today. He had been out for two weeks with a gashed leg. Christophe isn’t first choice anymore, thanks to the impressive partnership that Birchall and Woods have struck up, but I’m glad to have him available again.
Tony Sinclair completed his transfer to AFC Telford. He played just one game—as a substitute—during his brief stint at Lincoln. I signed Marques and Kanouté early on in my reign, making Sinclair—who arrived in the summer mere weeks before me—excess to requirements. Now that he’s off the wage bill we can move on, and he can set about getting his career back on track.
I’m now roughly £1,500 beneath my wage budget—finally some breathing room.
Tony Sinclair completed his transfer to AFC Telford. He played just one game—as a substitute—during his brief stint at Lincoln. I signed Marques and Kanouté early on in my reign, making Sinclair—who arrived in the summer mere weeks before me—excess to requirements. Now that he’s off the wage bill we can move on, and he can set about getting his career back on track.
I’m now roughly £1,500 beneath my wage budget—finally some breathing room.
Friday 9 November 2012
Day 209
Josh Gowling got singled out by a former club favourite for praise today. He absolutely deserves it—his average rating across the last five games is 8.28 (out of 10). That’s almost an entire point above his average rating this season, which itself is fantastic and worthy of great praise. If he keeps this up, he’ll be a contender for Conference League player of the season.
Thursday 8 November 2012
Day 208
AFC Telford entered into contract negotiations with my transfer-listed central defender Tony Sinclair today. I don’t want any money for him; I just want him off the books. He’s getting £500 a week to turn up to training every day. That’s a waste of Lincoln’s money and the best years of his playing career. I’m crossing my fingers that he accepts whatever deal they offer.
Chris Shuker may be back in full training following his injury absence, but he wasn’t passed fit to play today. Francis Laurent kept his spot on the right wing in Shuker’s absence, with Benjamin Laurant again confined to the bench. The entire match squad was unchanged from that which slaughtered Gateshead 5-0 last time out.
We came out firing. A through ball from Birchall gave Barnes-Homer a chance from a tight angle. The striker’s shot beat the keeper but rolled just past the other side of the post. Barnes-Homer and Marques both got close shots in over the following five minutes. It was all Lincoln during the opening stages.
Gowling broke the deadlock from an Olembé corner in the 20th minute. The big defender made his finish look easy, even as he muscled off two Tamworth defenders and directed his header clear of the goalkeeper. That’s his ninth goal of the season. Pretty good for a centre half, huh?
Barnes-Homer doubled the lead in the 27th minute with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box. No keeper would have saved the effort, which whistled into the top corner. He looked brimming with confidence out there, much to my delight.
Laurent hit the crossbar in the 31st minute as we continued to assert total dominance. This was the same commandeering style that saw us destroy a strong Gateshead team. I wondered what it could do to a relatively weak Tamworth side.
Koroma had a goal ruled out for offside moments later, then Tamworth finally conjured up an attack of their own. Patterson should have tested Putnins in the Lincoln goal twice before half time, but he squandered both chances.
Woods added our third in the 67th minute. Laurant did well on the right wing and crossed to the near post. A wild attempted clearance bounced off the defender’s shin and into Woods’ head, then past the hapless goalkeeper.
Olembé was stretchered off with an injury mere seconds before a planned substitution. I was not happy. Woods followed on 79 minutes, thanks to a strong (but admittedly fair) slide tackle from Weatherstone, leaving us with ten men on the pitch for the remainder of the game.
The momentum and general flow of play unsurprisingly shifted to Tamworth’s favour after this, and it took good goalkeeping from Elvijs Putnins to keep a clean sheet in the closing stages.
Ben May picked up his first Lincoln goal in stoppage time. Laurant’s right-wing cross caught the wind and swerved goalwards, forcing a difficult save for the Tamworth keeper. The ball landed at May’s feet, and the striker grabbed hold of the chance to open his scoring account.
An excellent performance and a 4-0 win marred by injuries to two of my best players. I left the ground worried, not jubilant.
Woods will be fine—just a bit sore—but Olembé’s facing another two months on the sidelines. If this keeps up our talisman will finish the season having missed as many matches as he played. I’m very upset to lose him again. But this is why I signed Benjamin Laurant. The French winger will step in and hopefully fill Olembé’s boots as a creative and pacey influence on the left wing.
Joe Anyon completed his transfer to Newport County. I’m delighted to get him and his salary off the books so that we can continue to move forward. But like the fans I’m disappointed at the low transfer fee. If he hadn’t been in the final year of his contract I probably would have had more luck getting a decent price. With Anyon gone, I’m back under the wage budget—comfortably so.
Chris Shuker may be back in full training following his injury absence, but he wasn’t passed fit to play today. Francis Laurent kept his spot on the right wing in Shuker’s absence, with Benjamin Laurant again confined to the bench. The entire match squad was unchanged from that which slaughtered Gateshead 5-0 last time out.
We came out firing. A through ball from Birchall gave Barnes-Homer a chance from a tight angle. The striker’s shot beat the keeper but rolled just past the other side of the post. Barnes-Homer and Marques both got close shots in over the following five minutes. It was all Lincoln during the opening stages.
Gowling broke the deadlock from an Olembé corner in the 20th minute. The big defender made his finish look easy, even as he muscled off two Tamworth defenders and directed his header clear of the goalkeeper. That’s his ninth goal of the season. Pretty good for a centre half, huh?
Barnes-Homer doubled the lead in the 27th minute with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box. No keeper would have saved the effort, which whistled into the top corner. He looked brimming with confidence out there, much to my delight.
Laurent hit the crossbar in the 31st minute as we continued to assert total dominance. This was the same commandeering style that saw us destroy a strong Gateshead team. I wondered what it could do to a relatively weak Tamworth side.
Koroma had a goal ruled out for offside moments later, then Tamworth finally conjured up an attack of their own. Patterson should have tested Putnins in the Lincoln goal twice before half time, but he squandered both chances.
Woods added our third in the 67th minute. Laurant did well on the right wing and crossed to the near post. A wild attempted clearance bounced off the defender’s shin and into Woods’ head, then past the hapless goalkeeper.
Olembé was stretchered off with an injury mere seconds before a planned substitution. I was not happy. Woods followed on 79 minutes, thanks to a strong (but admittedly fair) slide tackle from Weatherstone, leaving us with ten men on the pitch for the remainder of the game.
The momentum and general flow of play unsurprisingly shifted to Tamworth’s favour after this, and it took good goalkeeping from Elvijs Putnins to keep a clean sheet in the closing stages.
Ben May picked up his first Lincoln goal in stoppage time. Laurant’s right-wing cross caught the wind and swerved goalwards, forcing a difficult save for the Tamworth keeper. The ball landed at May’s feet, and the striker grabbed hold of the chance to open his scoring account.
An excellent performance and a 4-0 win marred by injuries to two of my best players. I left the ground worried, not jubilant.
Woods will be fine—just a bit sore—but Olembé’s facing another two months on the sidelines. If this keeps up our talisman will finish the season having missed as many matches as he played. I’m very upset to lose him again. But this is why I signed Benjamin Laurant. The French winger will step in and hopefully fill Olembé’s boots as a creative and pacey influence on the left wing.
Joe Anyon completed his transfer to Newport County. I’m delighted to get him and his salary off the books so that we can continue to move forward. But like the fans I’m disappointed at the low transfer fee. If he hadn’t been in the final year of his contract I probably would have had more luck getting a decent price. With Anyon gone, I’m back under the wage budget—comfortably so.
Wednesday 7 November 2012
Day 207
We’re expected to crush Tamworth in the league tomorrow. The bookies are giving us odds of 1-6 for a win. We beat them 2-0 in the reverse fixture, thanks to a goal from Barnes-Homer and a penalty from John Nutter. Tamworth spent most of that match with ten men, though, so I’d expect them to put up more of a fight this time.
We got an offer from Newport County for transfer-listed goalkeeper Joe Anyon. They put forward a private, non-negotiable bid of £500 plus 20% of his sell-on price. It’s less than I want, but seeing as we’re just a few days from the end of the transfer window I’m not in a position to play hard-ball. I accepted the bid, then lowered his asking price to roughly double their offer—in hopes that another club will swoop in and offer both Anyon and us more money.
We got an offer from Newport County for transfer-listed goalkeeper Joe Anyon. They put forward a private, non-negotiable bid of £500 plus 20% of his sell-on price. It’s less than I want, but seeing as we’re just a few days from the end of the transfer window I’m not in a position to play hard-ball. I accepted the bid, then lowered his asking price to roughly double their offer—in hopes that another club will swoop in and offer both Anyon and us more money.
Tuesday 6 November 2012
Day 206
I’ve already been forced to drop transfer-listed goalkeeper Joe Anyon’s asking price below his market value. I just hope giving him away isn’t the only option on the table for offloading Anyon before the transfer window closes at the end of January. (If it is, I’ll keep him—he’s still a good keeper, and we could use the extra backup.)
New boy central midfielder Toumani Diagouraga hurt himself in training today. He’ll be sidelined for four to five weeks with a chest injury. I guess his debut won’t happen until March, then. Damn.
New boy central midfielder Toumani Diagouraga hurt himself in training today. He’ll be sidelined for four to five weeks with a chest injury. I guess his debut won’t happen until March, then. Damn.
Monday 5 November 2012
Day 205
Chris Shuker resumed full training today. It’ll be touch and go as to whether he’s fit to start on the weekend, but I’m delighted to have all of my star players fit again.
No clubs were biting on the Joe Anyon offer, or either of the two subsequent lower-price offers (they get their no’s in quickly), so I put him on the transfer list. He reacted poorly, confronting me. This only served to increase my resolve that he leave before the end of January.
No clubs were biting on the Joe Anyon offer, or either of the two subsequent lower-price offers (they get their no’s in quickly), so I put him on the transfer list. He reacted poorly, confronting me. This only served to increase my resolve that he leave before the end of January.
Day 204
Six Lincoln players made the Blue Square Bet Premier Team of the Week. Goalkeeper Elvijs Putnins; defenders Peter Bore, Rui Marques, and Josh Gowling; and midfielders Salomon Olembé and Chris Birchall all made it in.
We’re still elevated from that big 5-0 victory against Gateshead. To do that on the road against one of the best teams in the league is quite something. It’ll be interesting to see how both my players and those of our championship rivals respond over the next few weeks.
Joe Anyon resumed full training today. I offered him to other clubs at quadruple his market value. I’ll bump that down every day, transfer listing him after three days, if no formal offers come in. His contract expires at the end of the season, and I don’t intend to renew it. This is our only chance to cash in on the keeper.
We’re still elevated from that big 5-0 victory against Gateshead. To do that on the road against one of the best teams in the league is quite something. It’ll be interesting to see how both my players and those of our championship rivals respond over the next few weeks.
Joe Anyon resumed full training today. I offered him to other clubs at quadruple his market value. I’ll bump that down every day, transfer listing him after three days, if no formal offers come in. His contract expires at the end of the season, and I don’t intend to renew it. This is our only chance to cash in on the keeper.
Saturday 3 November 2012
Day 203
My Reserves hosted Hednesford in a friendly match this evening. It was a chance for a few fringe players and new boys Mark Halstead, Toumani Diagouraga, and Benjamin Laurant to get match fitness. I put Alex Billington and Ben May in from the start, too, in hopes that they’ll start to push for a place in the starting lineup (of the senior squad).
We started poorly. I doubted that my players were taking the match seriously. Hednesford made them pay from a 15th minute free kick. Drysdale chipped the ball into the box where an enthusiastic Lee Tillson was ready to nod it beyond Halstead.
Sam Smith tried to single-handedly bring scores level three minutes later. He stormed forward with the ball, going toe to toe with the Hednesford defence and trying to force his way through to the goal by sheer force of will. He nearly made it, too, only foiled at the edge of the penalty area.
We looked likely to equalise. Laurant’s mazy runs along the left wing caused problems, but nothing came of it.
Hednesford countered well, slicing through my defence like hot butter. Striker Chris Taylor doubled their lead after giving Watson the runaround.
We pulled one back on 37 minutes. Cunningham drew a man out of position, then passed short to May. May slipped the ball sideways to Smith, whose shot from the edge of the box easily beat the out of position Hednesford keeper.
Halstead made a brilliant save in the 50th minute to keep us in touch, diving to his right to block a close-range strike.
Hednesford had a man sent off in the 64th minute for a horrendous challenge on Smith. A quick attack from Laurant then set the striker up for his second of the game. With scores level and a one-man advantage, we looked set to take control.
We squandered the advantage. Hednesford hit us on the break with a great long ball. Ansell beat Watson in the foot race, then fired past the stretching Halstead.
Hednesford held on for the win. They deserved it. We were awful—absolutely terrible. If that were my first team, I would have been breaking chairs and wringing necks. Heads would roll, and players would be banished.
Being a Reserve-team friendly, the situation is a little different. Billington and Robson did themselves no favours with their nightmare displays, while Laurant, May, and Diagouraga will have to do better if they want a starting berth. Smith impressed, but he’s got his work cut out for him if he wants to break back into the first team.
We started poorly. I doubted that my players were taking the match seriously. Hednesford made them pay from a 15th minute free kick. Drysdale chipped the ball into the box where an enthusiastic Lee Tillson was ready to nod it beyond Halstead.
Sam Smith tried to single-handedly bring scores level three minutes later. He stormed forward with the ball, going toe to toe with the Hednesford defence and trying to force his way through to the goal by sheer force of will. He nearly made it, too, only foiled at the edge of the penalty area.
We looked likely to equalise. Laurant’s mazy runs along the left wing caused problems, but nothing came of it.
Hednesford countered well, slicing through my defence like hot butter. Striker Chris Taylor doubled their lead after giving Watson the runaround.
We pulled one back on 37 minutes. Cunningham drew a man out of position, then passed short to May. May slipped the ball sideways to Smith, whose shot from the edge of the box easily beat the out of position Hednesford keeper.
Halstead made a brilliant save in the 50th minute to keep us in touch, diving to his right to block a close-range strike.
Hednesford had a man sent off in the 64th minute for a horrendous challenge on Smith. A quick attack from Laurant then set the striker up for his second of the game. With scores level and a one-man advantage, we looked set to take control.
We squandered the advantage. Hednesford hit us on the break with a great long ball. Ansell beat Watson in the foot race, then fired past the stretching Halstead.
Hednesford held on for the win. They deserved it. We were awful—absolutely terrible. If that were my first team, I would have been breaking chairs and wringing necks. Heads would roll, and players would be banished.
Being a Reserve-team friendly, the situation is a little different. Billington and Robson did themselves no favours with their nightmare displays, while Laurant, May, and Diagouraga will have to do better if they want a starting berth. Smith impressed, but he’s got his work cut out for him if he wants to break back into the first team.
Friday 2 November 2012
Day 202
I spent the day in quiet jubilation at yesterday’s five-star victory. I think we’ve really announced ourselves as frontrunners with that win, even though Mansfield lead the league (with our game in hand scheduled to be played out in ten days).
Toumani Diagouraga arrived for a five-month loan spell. He’s a fantastic player who can add a bit of steel to the midfield. He gives us great depth, too, as I now have four top-draw central midfielders to call on (along with three class wingers, three quality strikers, three great keepers, and a good spread across the defence).
Diagouraga will have to earn his place in the team, behind current midfield pairing Woods and Birchall. Woods has been a revelation since his arrival, and Birchall seems to be settling in well. I could possibly move Birchall out to the right wing, but Laurent did well last time out and Shuker’s about to return from injury (plus new boy winger Benjamin Laurant plays there).
Goalkeeper Joe Anyon is a day or two from resuming full training. I’m all set to try to sell him before the end of the January transfer window. We could use the money, and the cut to the wage bill (he’s the fifth highest earner in the team, at £950 a week).
Toumani Diagouraga arrived for a five-month loan spell. He’s a fantastic player who can add a bit of steel to the midfield. He gives us great depth, too, as I now have four top-draw central midfielders to call on (along with three class wingers, three quality strikers, three great keepers, and a good spread across the defence).
Diagouraga will have to earn his place in the team, behind current midfield pairing Woods and Birchall. Woods has been a revelation since his arrival, and Birchall seems to be settling in well. I could possibly move Birchall out to the right wing, but Laurent did well last time out and Shuker’s about to return from injury (plus new boy winger Benjamin Laurant plays there).
Goalkeeper Joe Anyon is a day or two from resuming full training. I’m all set to try to sell him before the end of the January transfer window. We could use the money, and the cut to the wage bill (he’s the fifth highest earner in the team, at £950 a week).
Thursday 1 November 2012
Day 201
Olembé returned from injury for today’s trip to Gateshead. I put out the strongest team I could against the fourth-placed Tynesiders. Birchall, making his league debut, moved into central midfield alongside Woods. Halstead, Kanouté, and new-boy Laurant made the bench, as Gowling reclaimed his starting berth and Putnins and Laurent got another chance to prove themselves. Shuker was not fit enough to travel.
Barnes-Homer had a chance to give us an early lead in the fourth minute, as he steamed into the box, but his shot was so high it nearly left the stadium. Marques made no mistake seven minutes later when Olembé’s corner landed at his feet, however. The central defender tapped in for his fourth goal of the season.
Marques was unlucky not to score again on the 27-minute mark. Another Olembé corner found the veteran defender, whose header rebounded off the crossbar. Gowling reacted first to the rebound, firing past the wrong-footed Gateshead keeper.
Gateshead responded with a spirited charge. Striker Yemi Odubade twice went close to reducing the deficit, and there were several nervous moments leading up to half time. My boys held out, though, and even added to their tally with an excellent counter-attacking move from Koroma, Olembé, and Laurent.
With two losses in a row going into this game, we had a point to prove. I couldn’t have been happier with the first half display—it’s exactly the reaction you expect from champions, and that’s what I want my team to be.
The second half started right where the first period left off. Both sides traded chances in an open and free-flowing game. I took a tired-looking Olembé off just shy of the hour mark, handing Benjamin Laurant his debut. The winger had an immediate impact. His first touch was a header to Koroma, who was unmarked just inside the box. The striker turned quickly and fired in our fourth goal.
Barnes-Homer blasted another shot into orbit in the 65th minute. My players still looked hungry for goals, even with the four-goal lead. Woods was next to go close, having a shot tipped over in the 70th minute. Gateshead simply couldn’t handle our attack.
Substitute Ben May should have added a fifth in the 80th minute. Koroma, Laurent, Power, and Birchall combined in a beautiful passing move to put the striker one-on-one against the keeper, but his shot was too weak and Nicholls parried it clear.
Marques popped up again in the 83rd minute. Power hit his corner ball low towards the near post. Marques took two steps and volleyed beyond the hapless Gateshead goalkeeper.
That was the last goal on the bill for the afternoon. Five-goal assassins; try stopping us now.
Barnes-Homer had a chance to give us an early lead in the fourth minute, as he steamed into the box, but his shot was so high it nearly left the stadium. Marques made no mistake seven minutes later when Olembé’s corner landed at his feet, however. The central defender tapped in for his fourth goal of the season.
Marques was unlucky not to score again on the 27-minute mark. Another Olembé corner found the veteran defender, whose header rebounded off the crossbar. Gowling reacted first to the rebound, firing past the wrong-footed Gateshead keeper.
Gateshead responded with a spirited charge. Striker Yemi Odubade twice went close to reducing the deficit, and there were several nervous moments leading up to half time. My boys held out, though, and even added to their tally with an excellent counter-attacking move from Koroma, Olembé, and Laurent.
With two losses in a row going into this game, we had a point to prove. I couldn’t have been happier with the first half display—it’s exactly the reaction you expect from champions, and that’s what I want my team to be.
The second half started right where the first period left off. Both sides traded chances in an open and free-flowing game. I took a tired-looking Olembé off just shy of the hour mark, handing Benjamin Laurant his debut. The winger had an immediate impact. His first touch was a header to Koroma, who was unmarked just inside the box. The striker turned quickly and fired in our fourth goal.
Barnes-Homer blasted another shot into orbit in the 65th minute. My players still looked hungry for goals, even with the four-goal lead. Woods was next to go close, having a shot tipped over in the 70th minute. Gateshead simply couldn’t handle our attack.
Substitute Ben May should have added a fifth in the 80th minute. Koroma, Laurent, Power, and Birchall combined in a beautiful passing move to put the striker one-on-one against the keeper, but his shot was too weak and Nicholls parried it clear.
Marques popped up again in the 83rd minute. Power hit his corner ball low towards the near post. Marques took two steps and volleyed beyond the hapless Gateshead goalkeeper.
That was the last goal on the bill for the afternoon. Five-goal assassins; try stopping us now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)