Football Features – Page 7 – FOOTBALL BOOK REVIEWS (FBR)

2012/13: Evo-Stik First Division North – Garforth Town v Clitheroe

Last season was the most successful in the history of Garforth Town when they achieved their highest ever position in the football pyramid, finishing fifth in the Evo-Stik First Division North. As a result they played Curzon Ashton in the Semi-Final Play-off. It was a valiant effort by The Miners which unfortunately saw them lose 4-2 on penalties.

Back then it seemed that a base to build-on and an opportunity to have another crack at promotion in 2012/13 had been established. However, it has been a turbulent summer in this part of West Yorkshire. Of the sixteen players involved against Curzon Ashton, only Andrew Villerman remains at the club. Manager Steve Nichol departed along with members of his backroom staff as well as Committee Members, the Club Secretary, groundsman and General Manager. Rumours spread that owner Simon Clifford had departed to South Africa and no longer had any interest in the club and the situation was not helped by the fact that the club website remained devoid of any details. In the end it took the involvement of a local councillor to get a statement from the new management on what was happening.

Despite this background of turmoil Garforth has made it to the start of the new season and faced a home game against Clitheroe to begin their League campaign. I was interested to see what had changed at the club. After a pleasant stroll up to the ground, from the outside little appears to have changed. The bar was open for a pre-match pint and had available free team-sheets, as with my previous visits to Garforth. Admission (£7.00) to the game was the same as last season, as was the price paid for the programme (£1.50). However, it was evident from the content and design that there is a different team (and perhaps cost model) involved with it and its production. This seasons 28 page (12 pages of adverts – 43%) programme is predominantly black and white, compared to the 40 page (13 pages of adverts – 33%), all colour production last season. It maybe unfair to compare at this point given that this is the opening game of the season, so it will be interesting to see how this develops. Inside the programme, Simon Clifford was still detailed as club owner. However, what was missing in the programme was any sponsorship advertising by Genix Healthcare, who became a major sponsor in 2006/07, which then included naming rights of the ground. However, the various signs around the ground still make reference to Genix, as do the players shirts and indeed does the official website. However, given that the last update on the website was June, it is evident there are still things behind the scenes that have yet to be resolved. Physically the stadium itself looked much the same, although the pitch did look dry.

The visitors today were Clitheroe, who after finishing a lowly nineteenth last season, also had a summer of transition, with a new manager in Paul Moore and a host of new signings. At kick-off there was a reasonable crowd (110) with a good number of visiting fans, to witness a completely new-look Garforth team. Clitheroe gave League debuts to their summer signings Hakan Burton, Rob Flint, Louis Edwards, Simon Nangle, James Gardner and Jordan Williams, with two more, Will James and Danny Bell on the bench. In the opening ten minutes, Garforth had plenty of possession, looked fairly comfortable on the ball and created the first real chance which Jadey Ibrahim put over the bar. However, on thirteen minutes it was the visitors who went ahead, when two of the debutants combined, as Simon Nangle’s right wing cross was converted by Jordan Williams. As the players returned to the halfway line, there was a curious moment when a spectator brought it to the attention of the referee that a Garforth player was wearing a watch! With watch removed by the offending player, the spectator also questioned as to whether it was right that the Garforth keeper was wearing a maroon shirt, with Clitheroe wearing red. Nothing was done with that request and the game continued. However, it did raise the question as to what checks had been carried out by the officials prior to kick-off. Despite conceding, Garforth continued to dominate possession, but Clitheroe were solid as a unit and restricted The Miners to long-range efforts that were dealt comfortably by keeper Hakan Burton. Clitheroe though were looking dangerous on the break and on thirty minutes the industrious Alex Johnson found himself through on goal. However, his shot was blocked in a melee of keeper and defenders and from the loose ball Jordan Williams curled his effort against the bar. Undeterred Garforth continued to play with effort and enthusiasm up to half-time, but were lacking a cutting edge in the final third of their play and so went in at the break 1-0 down.

Garforth manager Vernol Blair made a change in his attacking options at the beginning of the second-half with Dom Blair being replaced by Darrell Kendall and Daniel Sherrife giving way to Daniel Redfern. It seemed to spur on The Miners in what was a lively opening fifteen minutes in the second period. Garforth had an effort from Daniel Sherrife cleared off the line and Josh Greenhaigh also wasted a good effort when put through. However, Clitheroe were a constant threat on the break and the visitors had excellent chances through Devenney and Johnson to increase their lead. On the hour they took that chance when from the left Connor Smith crossed and Jordan Williams was on hand to tuck home his and the visitors second of the game. Looking to consolidate that lead, Clitheroe manager Paul Moore made two changes soon after the second goal with Connor Smith being replaced by Ross Dent and James Gardner making way for Danny Bell. Garforth threw on their last substitute in an effort to turn the game around with defender Bernard Williams replaced by forward James Burgess. To their credit both sides continued with a good tempo to the game on what was a warm and humid day. Garforth never gave up and keep plugging away, with Burgess proving to be a handful for the Clitheroe defence. He typified the Garforth spirit, in his willingness to chase and battle for ever ball played up to him. However, he also summed up their lack of finishing ability, when late on he was put through, but screwed his effort horribly across goal. Before the whistle there was one final effort for The Miners, when the tricky Redfern had a shot well saved by Burton in goal for the visitors.

At the whistle, Clitheroe had taken all three points with a 2-0 win. The visitors had looked a useful unit and will surely finish better than last seasons nineteenth place. For Garforth it was a disappointing start, but given the summer of turmoil endured by the club, this new squad had showed that they have ability, determination, effort and enthusiasm. On the evidence of today, they had little luck in front of goal and that is something for manager Vernol Blair to work on. Who knows what is in store for these two sides over the season? On Monday Garforth travel to Curzon (who drew 1-1- today against Salford City), whilst Clitheroe are at home on Tuesday night against Harrogate Railway Athletic (who lost 4-1 at home to New Mills). 2012/13 is underway.

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2012/13: (Capital One) League Cup 1st Round – Leeds United v Shrewsbury Town

Saturday 11 August 2012 (10:00)

For clubs, managers, players and fans alike the Football League Cup has always been the ‘ugly-sister’ of the domestic cup competitions. Whilst the FA Cup can boast a history stretching back to the 1871/72 season, the League Cup is a young whippersnapper having only come into play in the 1960/61 football calendar. This is the 53^rd season of the competition which has new sponsors and is to be known as the Capital One Cup (or rather unfortunately COC).

Later today I’m off to Elland Round to watch a First Round game between Leeds United and Shrewsbury Town, but my mind is drawn back to the first League Cup tie I saw forty years ago in August 1972. The game was at Craven Cottage as Fulham took on Reading. At that time, the League Cup was not sponsored and as with the FA Cup, back then, there was no limit on replays. The game, which took place on 23 August, was in fact a First Round replay, as the original game at Reading ended in a draw. If I’m honest I remember very little about the game, other than it also ended 1-1.

Five days later on the Bank Holiday Monday, I went with my dad to the Second Replay at Elm Park when Fulham won 1-0 with a goal from Barry Lloyd. My abiding memory? Strangely, it was of the terrace roof which was in need of some repair. On any occasion on which the ball landed on the roof, those below were showered with a rusty deposit and lead to the christening of ‘The Royals’ as ‘rusty Reading’ by my dad.

The League Cup also holds a sentimental memory for me in relation to another First Round game. This one took place on 27 August 1991. By then the League Cup was sponsored by Rumbelows and the First Round fixtures were played over two-legs. Fulham hadn’t quite hit the low-point that the early nineties brought to SW6, but it was a club in decline, with Craven Cottage in a sorry state. In the First Leg, the Whites had gone down 4-2 to an exiled Charlton Athletic who were playing at Upton Park, so it was more in hope than expectation that I joined a crowd of 3,543 for the Second Leg encounter. Fulham battled but a 1-1 draw meant an aggregate loss of 5-3.

However, the real significance of this game was that it was the last game I saw at the Cottage before moving to Leeds in September 1991. As I watched the game that evening, I tried to take in the views and all the quirky nooks and crannies that this patch of West London had to offer and commit it to memory…because I didn’t know when I’d next return. Like the team, the ground was in a desperate state, but despite that, it was home, it was were my beloved Whites played and I had spent 19 years going week-in, week-out. That night it may have been an inconsequential League Cup game, but for me it is one that will always have meaning.

(22:00)

Prior to today Leeds and Shrewsbury had never met in the League Cup, although there was one FA Cup fixture between the clubs back in the 1964/65 season. It was an Fifth Round tie that took place at Elland Road and ended in a 2-0 win for the home team. Leeds went on to reach the Final before losing 2-1 to Liverpool. Would today be the start of a Cup run for the Yorkshire side that would see them end up at Wembley?

It had been another strange week for Leeds, as on Thursday it was announced that the planned investment/takeover (delete as appropriate), was now off. It sparked unsurprisingly a massive reaction on the various Leeds United websites and blogs, with all sorts of rumours and speculation. However, by this morning it was reported that a deal was back on. So the saga continues.

Elland Road was bathed in sunshine as a crowd of just over 18,000 gathered to witness a reshaped Leeds United team. As the players warned up, another signing was introduced to the fans, that of El Hadji Diouf and it brought a very mixed reaction. Neil Warnock has rebuilt this squad and so it is very much his team, with the Grayson side pretty much dismantled.

However as the game kicked-off it was the visitors who looked the better balanced team in the opening exchanges. Shrewsbury had the first shot on target just three minutes into the game from Mark Wright, which was held by Kenny in goal for Leeds. The Shrews neat passing and build-up also lead to two other good chances in the opening fifteen minutes for Paul Parry and Jermaine Grandison, but both were off target. Leeds were struggling to get into the game, but all this turned around in a six minute period. First on twenty minutes, Jamaican international Rodolph Austin unleashed a shot which Town keeper Chris Weale could only parry, as the defence tried to clear Luciano Becchio was quickest to react and tucked the ball away to give Leeds a lead they hardy deserved. Shrewsbury responded with a well-worked effort from Marvin Morgan which was saved and held by Kenny. However, on twenty six minutes, Shrewsbury again contributed to their own downfall with poor defensive work which allowed Ross McCormack through on goal, who was able to square for Luke Varney to put into an empty net. Instead of being 2-0 up, Shrewsbury were stunned to find themselves 2-0 down. Leeds with the cushion at last started to dominate and play with some confidence and Becchio was unlucky with a header just after the half-hour mark. In the last ten minutes the game lost shape and a number of free-kicks were conceded by both teams. Half-time 2-0 to Leeds and perhaps rather fortunately so.

Into the second-half, the 1,000 or so Shrewsbury fans tried to get behind their team. However the opening fifteen minutes brought no reward for Town as Leeds were more comfortable in possession. On the hour though, Kenny spilled a Parry shot which fell to Marvin Morgan who somehow put it over the bar, although it wouldn’t have counted anyway as the flag was up for offside. Leeds upped the tempo and just as they had in the first half struck twice in quick succession to completely kill off the game. On sixty five minutes Luke Varney rose high to head the ball down for David Norris whose scuffed effort somehow found its way into the net. Five minutes later Michael Hector was adjudged to have handled as Paul Green lifted the ball over the defender. McCormack coolly finished from the spot and Leeds were cruising at 4-0. With the game safe and fifteen minutes to go Neil Warnock changed things around with a double substitution, with Dominic Poleon replacing Paul Green and El-Hadji Diouf on for Ross McCormack. Diouf had a mixed reception and there boos from the stands whenever he touched the ball. Graham Turner rang the changes for the Shrews as well, but he knew it wasn’t going to be his day when a late effort from Morgan was clearly pushed round the post by Kenny, only for the referee to award a goal-kick.

4-0 to Leeds at the whistle, but in all honesty, that was a flattering score-line. Whilst not denying that United were the better team over the ninety minutes and had taken their chances well, the opening twenty minutes were a very bumpy ride for Leeds. The team is undoubtedly still bedding in, but nobody should be fooled that this was a perfect display. Kenny, whilst comfortable with his shot-stopping, also gave evidence (with the spill in the second-half and his flapping at corners), that he will cost Leeds points this season. Peltier looked the pick of the back four, whilst Austin looked solid enough. For many of the others, they only really came into the game once Leeds had the two goal advantage. Shrewsbury played some nice football and looked useful in midfield and going forward, however at the back they were far from convincing and that will be a worry for manager Graham Turner.

“…Que sera, sera, whatever will be will be…we’re going to Wem-ber-lee…que sera, sera…” sang a group of fans behind me as we exited the ground. Don’t you just love the optimism at the start of a season. Football is back…

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2012 London Olympics: Men’s Football Tournament – Quarter Final: Japan v Egypt

When the draw was made and I bought tickets for this match, I was excited at the prospect of watching a game featuring the Under 23 talent of Spain. However, this was blown out of the water as the Spanish were knocked-out of the competition before the last of the Group games, having lost to 1-0 to both Japan and Honduras. Instead the Japanese emerged as winners of Group D, claiming top spot. Up against them in this Quarter-Final were Egypt who finished as runners-up in Group C.

So what of the Blue Samurai and their opponents The Pharaohs?

Japan qualified through the Asian Football Confederations Qualifying tournament along with South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. In the Olympic tournament they were drawn in Group D along with Honduras, Morocco and Spain. In their opening game the Japanese caused an upset in Glasgow when beating much fancied Spain 1-0. Japan had a second 1-0 win over Morocco which clinched a Quarter-Final place before the final game against Honduras which ended 0-0. Twelve of the eighteen squad play their football in Japan, with five in Germany (Hiroki Sakai, Gotoku Sakai, Takashi Usami, Hiroshi Kiyotake and Yuki Otsu), with one in the Netherlands (Maya Yoshida).

Egypt qualified for the Olympic tournament after taking third place in the Confederation of African Football Under 23 competition. At London 2012 they were drawn in Group C along with Belarus, Brazil and New Zealand. In their opening game against Brazil in Cardiff, the Egyptians were struggling badly and after thirty minutes were 3-0 down. However, in a better second-half showing, they got back to 3-2, but couldn’t quite find an equaliser to salvage a draw. Their next fixture was at Old Trafford and Egypt came from behind against New Zealand to draw 1-1. Going into their final game against Belarus in Glasgow, Egypt knew that they had to win to progress and came through 3-1 with all the goals coming in the second-half. Of the eighteen man squad, sixteen play in the Egyptian League with only defender Ahmed Hegazy at Fiorentina and forward Mohamed Salah at FC Basel, playing outside their homeland. One player has had experience of playing in the Premier League, that being Ahmed Fathy who had a very brief spell back in 2007 with Sheffield United.

Bus Shuttle queue at Manchester Picadilly

As with the trip to Newcastle, I’m once again sharing the Olympic experience with my son. The journey this time is the shorter hop across the Pennines to Manchester and it is an early start as the game has a midday kick-off. To date the crowds at Old Trafford have been excellent, but have had the benefit of games featuring, both Great Britain and Brazil. I’m interested to see what the attendance is today given the teams in opposition. As the knock-out phase begins, players and spectators know that there has to be a result today, with those footballing ghouls, extra-time and penalties looming in the background.

The 09:25 train from Leeds is quickly full and we have to stand for the hour it takes to reach Manchester Picadilly. On arrival, there are plenty of Olympic signs and volunteers to provide help in getting the vast crowd to Old Trafford and we are courteously shown where we need to go for the free shuttle bus. We join an enormous snake of people that weaves its way from the station out onto London Road. Despite the volume of people, within fifteen minutes we are on a bus and on our way. Fans in various shirts are on our bus, with the Team GB shirt evident, a number in the blue of Japan, the blue of Chelsea and the differing reds of Egypt, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. As the bus drops us off near Sir Matt Busby Way, it is evident that there is a big crowd due today as the roads are packed solid with people.

With an hour to kick-off we are at our entrance in the West Stand. As at St James’ Park we are issued with our small clear plastic bag for pocket contents, but are then informed we have to go for a bag search in the car park that will only take “…ten minutes..”. Upon reaching the designated area it is quickly evident that this could take some time. With only one person searching at a table and only eight to ten stations in operation, it is a long and slow task. There were a number of Supervisors around who seemed for no apparent reason to simply wander about and who would have been better employed helping the staff searching and sealing bags to speed up the process. We now realised that what had occurred at Newcastle was (as we suspected at the time), not the correct security procedure. With only five minutes to kick-off we were back at our entrance to the ground with bags searched and sealed with a cable-tie. It was then a body search and removal of the cable-tie before eventually getting in.

The game was already four minutes in by the time we took our seats. They were unusual in that they were the very front row behind the goal and set below pitch level. Being late in there was no time to settle and take in the atmosphere before kick-off and so it was straight down to the action. Japan looked comfortable in possession and were dominating in the early stages. Our position behind the goal meant that the perspective of play at the far end was difficult to judge, so there was a reliance on crowd noise and reaction when there was a incident. On ten minutes Japan had a free-kick wide on the left which was whipped in by Takahiro Ogihara and there was a massive “ooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh” from the Old Trafford crowd. Replays showed that Daisuke Suzuki had failed to connect properly with his header when presented with an open goal. Egypt were struggling to get into the game and contributed to their own downfall just four minutes later. Islam Ramadan lost possession to Hiroshi Kiyotake, who played in a brilliant curling ball. Kensuke Nagai was first to it, ahead of Egyptian keeper Ahmed El-Shenawy and defender Saad Samir (who collided), leaving Nagai to slot into the net. However, in doing so the Japanese forward was clattered from behind by Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazy. The goal-scorer tried to continue but was substituted on twenty minutes with Manabu Saito entering the fray. The next twenty minutes saw Egypt dominate the game and they had efforts at goal from captain Mohamed Aboutrika, Emad Motaeb and Islam Ramadan, all without troubling Japanese keeper Shuichi Gonda. Despite this good spell of pressure The Pharaohs cannot make it pay and on forty minutes, Japan break away with Otsu playing the ball into the centre. Manabu Saito gets ahead of Saad Samir and is heading towards the penalty box. The crowd howls as the forward is brought down and Egypt are down to ten men as Saad Samir is shown the red card. Despite all this Egypt nearly grab an equaliser in the last minute before half-time. Gonda in goal for Japan punches clear from a cross but then attempts to clear the ball as he follows it out of the area. He misses with an attempted kick at the ball, but is fortunate that Mohamed Aboutrika is unable to capitalise on the mistake. Just before the break Shehab El-Din Ahmed is replaced by Mahmoud Alaa El-Din as the Egyptians reshuffle after the sending-off.

At half-time the full-house of 70,772 has time to draw breath. Old Trafford is bathed in glorious sunshine and the ground staff do their bit on the hallowed turf as the substitutes of both sides knock around a few balls in expectation of the second-half. Our ground level view, which whilst not so good in some aspects of viewing action at the far end, has given us a great sight and appreciation of the goal-mouth action at this end. The speed and strength of passing and shots is somehow heightened and more real. It certainly is a different perspective.

It is a slow start to the second-half, with Japan dominating the opening ten minutes possession wise. The Egyptian coach is aware that something has to change and on fifty eight minutes Omar Gaber comes on. However, Japan almost double their advantage, as from a free-kick on the left, Japanese captain Maya Yoshida rises at the back post, but heads over. The game gets scrappy as both sides start to concede free-kicks. With just under twenty minutes to go, Japan shuffle things around as Keigo Higashi comes on for Gotoku Sakai and shortly afterwards, Egypt make their last change with Emad Motaeb coming on for fellow striker Marwan Mohsen. Egypt know that a single goal brings them level and Mohamed El-Nenny has a strike on goal well saved by Gonda. However, Japan break and win a free-kick on seventy seven minutes. Kiyotake from the right swings in a near post free-kick where Maya Yoshida’s flicked header nestles into the corner. The crowd roars its approval and they know The Blue Samurai are on their way to the Semi-Final. With ten minutes left, Japan are looking strong and Manabu Saito is through one on one with the keeper, but the huge “uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrr” from the stands, tells you he put it wide. Egypt’s miserable day is complete when with eight minutes to go, they have to play with nine men as with all their substitutions used, Ahmed Hegazy goes off injured. The final nail in the coffin comes on eighty three minutes, when Yuki Otsu gets between two defenders to send a bullet header in. The final minutes threaten to get out of hand, as Egypt demonstrate their ability to “dish it out” with some overly aggressive and unnecessary fouls, but with three minutes of time added-on up, the referee blows for time. The crowd rise to acknowledge a deserved victory for Japan and their players salute the supporters. For Egypt the feeling is one of despair, as they sink to the ground, heads bowed and no doubt shedding a few tears. Defender Islam Ramadan slumps down by the goal-post and is consoled and eventually dragged off the pitch by reserve keeper Mohamed Bassam. Japan march into the Semi-Final, having yet to concede a goal, the scent of a medal no doubt strong in their nostrils.

Full-time. Egypt suffer the despair of defeat.

Japan 3 (1) – (0) 0 Egypt

Japan: Shuichi Gonda, Yuhei Tokunaga, Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida (c), Daisuke Suzuki, Takahiro Ogihara, Keigo Higashi (Gotoku Sakai [72]), Hotaru Yamaguchi, Hiroshi Kiyotake (Takashi Usami [84]), Yuki Otsu, Kensuke Nagai (Manabu Saito [15]).

Egypt: Ahmed El-Shenawy, Ahmed Hegazy, Ahmed Fathy, Islam Ramadan, Saad Samir, Shehab Ahmed (Mahmoud Alaa El-Din [45]), Hossam Hassan, Mohamed El-Nenny, Mohamed Aboutrika (c), Emad Moteab (Marwan Mohsen [74]), Mohamed Salah (Omar Gaber [58]).

The crowd now make their way out and the journey home begins. Despite the huge numbers of people, the organisation is good and directions are clear for those getting the tram or buses. Very quickly we are on our way back to Piccadilly station. It’s been another good day at the Olympic football.

On the train back to Leeds there is a chance to reflect. Our trips to Newcastle and Manchester have been a once in a lifetime experiences that we have shared. There has been a sense that people wanted to be part of it, no matter that they weren’t in London. Overall the crowd numbers have been incredible. The amount of families taking their children was astonishing and it created a very relaxed but appreciative atmosphere in the stadiums. It wasn’t the usual football crowd, so it will be interesting if crowds across Britain increase in the coming season. I’m left with the feeling that I would have liked to have got to more games. To all the athletes, the fans, the organisers, the volunteers and stewards – thank you. Olympic football showed that it deserves its place in the Olympics. London 2012 – a precious and never to be forgotten experience.

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2012 London Olympics: Men’s Football Tournament – Group B

It is just before 11.30 as the train pulls out of Leeds station to Newcastle, the Olympic adventure for my son and I has begun. At this stage it is not apparent if there are others like us making their way to watch the opening games in Group B. However, as we progress further North with stops at York, Darlington and Durham, individuals, families and school-parties get on and soon the carriage is full of chatter about the Olympics and football.

Appropriately, just ninety minutes later we arrive in Newcastle and the station has additional signage to indicate the way out and walk to St James’ Park. There are numerous Olympic volunteer staff to direct the throng of people making its way to the North end of the city. Within ten minutes we turn off St James’ Boulevard and suddenly the impressive structure that is St James’ Park is there in front of us, bedecked with the distinctive colours and symbols of the XXX Olympiad. The sky is grey and a drizzle falls as we make our way to get a programme. Then as we look to find our turnstile we encounter our first contact with the security requirements for the game as we are issued with two clear plastic bags. One is small for the contents of pockets for items such as wallets, keys, mobiles, loose change etc. The second is for any bags people my have. It is also explained to us that the only food allowed in the ground is fruit and health bars, so we find a haven from the rain and munch our way through what was supposed to last us all day! So now full to bursting, we make our way to our entrance. As we do so it is noticeable that with some thirty minutes to kick-off there is a massive queue at the ticket collection point. Before we can enter the stadium we are given a standing search by a security guard and then take our plastic bags through with us. It takes place in minutes and we are quickly in the stadium. However, my one observation, is that whilst every spectator will have a body search today, the contents of the plastic bags are not in anyway checked. Surely that is a security risk? Also, on this occasion I could simply have concealed any food and drink in something like a rucksack.

Thankfully the drizzle has stopped and we are shown our seats by stewards who appear to be the usual St James’ Park staff, which means they are able to easily deal with the many queries about the ground and the seating areas from spectators not used to the stadium. The ground is as impressive on the inside as it is from the outside. The Olympic Rings adorn various parts of the stands and the stadium is stripped bare of all its usual branding and advertising. The atmosphere is very different to that of match-days we experience week-in, week-out. There are so many neutrals watching who are just here to take in the experience which creates an almost carnival atmosphere. Looking round the stands as kick-off approaches, it is evident that the Mexicans have by far the largest group of support, with many sporting the green of Mexico. There numbers are swelled by groups wearing Blackpool beach sombrero’s, Manuel style moustache’s and possessing Geordie accents! There are also pockets of South Korean fans, who are starting to make themselves heard.

Looking at the squads today, for Mexico, all the players except Giovani dos Santos (who is at Tottenham currently) ply their trade with Mexican clubs, although defender Carlos Salcido had spell at Fulham between 2010 and the start of 2012. South Korea have names that spark British familiarity, with Ki Sung-Yeung at Celtic, and forwards Park Chu-Young at Arsenal and Ji Dong-Won at Sunderland. In addition, there is Cardiff City summer signing Kim Bo-Kyung to watch out for.

Mexico (0) 0 – 0 (0) South Korea

Mexico: José Corona (c), Carlos Salcido, Hiram Mier, Dárvin Chávez, Diego Reyes, Nestor Vidrio, Héctor Herrera (Jorge Enríquez [71]), Javier Aquino, Miguel Ponce, Marco Fabián (Raúl Jiménez [85]), Oribe Peralta (Giovani dos Santos [66])

South Korea: Jung Sung-Ryong, Yun Suk-Young, Kim Young-Kwon, Hwang Seok-Ho, Kim Chang-Soo, Ki Sung-Yueng, Kim Bo-Kyung, Nam Tae-Hee (Ji Dong-Won [87]), Koo Ja-Cheol (c), Park Jong-Woo, Park Chu-Young (Baek Sung-Dong [76])

South Korea start the better of the teams and look technically very good with some neat and crisp passing and possession football. They dominate the opening half and win a number of corners. However, chances are few and far between with efforts from Park Chu-Young, Nam Tae-Hee, Park Jong-Woo and Koo Ja-Cheol not troubling José Corona in the Mexican goal. The experienced Mexico team have little to show for their opening forty five minutes work, but do at least get a shot on target just before half-time from Hector Herrera. It has in truth been a cagey first-half, but it doesn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd.

Referee steps-in as South Korea prepare to take a corner

The second-half sees the Mexican wave go round the stands. Does it count as the ‘real-thing’, a collectors item, as it is carried out by Mexican’s? On the pitch, South Korea continue to dominate and on fifty two minutes, Koo Ja-Cheol hits the crossbar, with another chance coming their way just two minutes later when Ki Sung-Yueng forces an excellent save from Mexico keeper José Corona. However, Mexico start to respond and just before the hour Javier Aquino has an effort pushed away by Jung Sung-Ryong. As with the first-half it is a tight game, but there are three good goal scoring opportunities in the last ten minutes. On eighty minutes Koo Ja-Cheol has an excellent chance from a corner, but his header goes wide. Then with just three minutes to go a probing through ball finds Mexican substitute Giovani dos Santos with space between two defenders, but his stretched left foot effort loops wide. An even better chance falls in time added-on to another substitute, Raúl Jiménez who latches onto a through ball from Giovani dos Santos, but can only clip the post with his curling effort. On reflection a draw is probably the right result, although Mexico could come to rue those two late missed chances.

With one game over it is time to stretch the legs, grab some refreshment and have a look around. In no time at all we are taking our seats for the second match.

Gabon (1) 1 – 1 (1) Switzerland

Gabon: Didier Ovono (c), Muller Dinda, Henri Ndong, Franck Engonga, Alexander N’Doumbou, Lévy Madinda, Merlin Tandjigora, Mabikou Boussoughou, Jerry Obiang, Allen Nono (Axel Meye [74], Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Switzerland: Diego Benaglio (c), Michel Morganella, Fabian Schär, Timm Klose, Ricardo Rodríguez, Fabian Frei, Xavier Hochstrasser, Oliver Buff, Steven Zuber, (Pajtim Kasami [68]), Admir Mehmedi, Innocent Emeghara (Amir Abrashi [84]).

The second game of the day kicks-off at 5.15 and it is evident that most of the Mexican and South Korean fans have departed. With very few Gabon fans in evidence and only a very small number of Swiss fans, it was nothing like the carnival atmosphere of the opening fixture. There was a brief shower before kick-off, but now that it has stopped, for the first time today, there is a brief glimpse of sunshine and blue-sky. In terms of any British interest in this game, the Swiss have on the bench the Fulham player Pajtim Kasami. Whilst the Gabon squad have a French connection with keeper Didier Ovono at Le Mans UC 72, Alexander N’Doumbou on loan at Orleans, Merlin Tandjigora at USJA Carquefou and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Saint-Étienne. This is Aubameyang’s second major tournament of the year having appeared in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (back in January), where he finished the tournament as joint leading scorer with three goals.

Gabon look incredibly nervous at the back in the opening exchanges and it is no surprise when they concede a penalty within the first five minutes. As a Swiss attack switches from left to right, the ball breaks to Innocent Emeghara who is blatantly and clumsily fouled by Henri Ndong. The Dynamo Kiev forward Admir Mehmedi takes the penalty and scores, but is ordered to retake it after his teammates have encroached into the area. However, Mehmedi keeps his cool to slot home again and the prospect of not seeing a goal in two games today has been banished. The Swiss are making inroads down the Gabon left and another move on nineteen minutes should have seen them get a second goal. From a cross-shot Mehmedi has an empty goal from a yard out, but somehow manages to make no contact with the ball allowing Gabon keeper Ovono to gather. Gradually Gabon get into the game, with Jerry Obiang hitting the bar, which encourages the neutrals in the crowd to get behind the African team, with outbreaks of “…Gabon, Gabon, Gabon, Gabon, Gabon, Gabon…GABON…” in the style of the opening of Gary Glitter’s I’m the Leader of the Gang emerging from the stands. The crowd has more to cheer when in the last minute of the first-half Saint-Étienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang slots home for Gabon to level the game at 1-1. The opening forty-five minutes has at times been a physical encounter, with bookings for Swiss players Klose and Buff and Nono for Gabon.

The second-half seems to disappear in a flash. With the crowd still behind Gabon, the Swiss fans do their best to rally their team with cow-bells ringing out and chants of “Hupp Swiss”. There is an early booking for Merlin Tandjigora but chances prove to be few in the second-half. On the hour, Aubameyang heads Lévy Madinda’s corner straight at Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio, while Gabon keeper Didier Ovono denies Swiss substitute Pajtim Kasami on sixty eight minutes. The Swiss have another good chance five minutes later but Fabian Frei drags it wide. Oliver Buff is then sent off for a second bookable offence on seventy eight minutes for diving in the box. Despite the numerical advantage, Gabon can’t press home the advantage and indeed in time added-on, the Swiss have another opportunity to win the game, but Hochstrasser curls his free-kick over the bar. At the whistle the Gabon team complete a lap of honour to thank the crowd for their support and that was it – the opening games in Group B have been completed and both have ended in draws.

With the players now leaving the pitch, it is our turn as supporters to depart. There is a gentle murmur of appreciative noise as the crowd disperses into the streets around the ground. Once again, there are plenty of volunteers and police in evidence to give directions and offer assistance which is good to see. As we wander back to the railway station, my son and I reflect on our first taste of Olympic football. Quite simply, it has been an enjoyable event. There is not the pressure of watching your own team and there has been a great atmosphere created by the various sets of fans. In the row in front of us, three generations of a family had come to watch – it was an occasion to remember, an event to be shared. I know I’m glad I made to journey to Newcastle today, and also know that in years to come I’ll recall with my son the day we went to see Olympic football at the 2012 Games.

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2012 London Olympics: Men’s Football Tournament

It is hard to believe that it was back in July 2005 – yes seven year ago – that it was announced that London was to host the 2012 Olympic Games. It seemed a long way off, a distant dream, but here we are, an Olympics in my country, in my lifetime. Like any major event, it has divided opinion and the run-up to the start has had it moments. Me – well, I just wanted to be able to get to an event, irrespective of what it was – to say that I’d been to an Olympics, to experience it, to feel part of it.

So not for me beach volleyball, table-tennis or archery, but instead my truelove – football. I am genuinely excited that I find myself in possession of two pairs of tickets for the “Men’s Olympic Football Tournament”. My first trip will be to St James’ Park in Newcastle (Thursday 26 July) for the Group B fixtures, which will be a double-bill of games, with Mexico v South Korea followed by Gabon v Switzerland. Then on 04 August it is a trip to Old Trafford in Manchester to see the first Quarter-Final. The tickets were only £20 each, so in the context of Premier League prices it’s a bargain! I’ve been impressed with the information that accompanied the tickets, in terms of maps of the stadiums, directions and some facts about the history of Olympic football.

Let’s hope that the organisation on the day goes smoothly, the weather stays fine and there is some inspirational play on the pitch. Let the Games commence!

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2011/12: Blue Square Bet Premier Division Play-off Final – Luton Town v York City

A year ago as I journeyed to Manchester for the Blue Square Bet Premier Play-Off Final, I had to admit that I didn’t travel as a neutral, as I declared my support for AFC Wimbledon that day over their opponents Luton Town. As I take my seat on the train down to London for this year’s fixture between Luton Town and York City, I will be doing so as an impartial observer.

It’s a grey old morning at Leeds station as people slowly drift around the concourse and dip their toe into the day ahead. A group of Blackpool fans just returned from London disconsolately drown their sorrows with an early morning pint. I board the 10:05 and settle down with a copy of the Non-League Paper and take in the pre-match opinions and articles as the journey South begins.

Yesterday saw the biggest game in European club football take place in Munich and yesterday at Wembley what is dubbed the ‘richest game in football’ also took place. Today is the biggest game in Non-League football.

Luton having lost out on penalties last season, have once more battled to be one game from returning to the Football League. The Hatters finished the Conference season in the last Play-Off spot and took on Wrexham over two legs. Luton ended the season keeping five clean sheets and this was extended to six in their First Leg game against the team from North Wales, as Luton recorded a 2-0 win. Town started brightly in the Second Leg and were 3-0 up on aggregate after a George Pilkington penalty on twenty five minutes. However, Wrexham came back strongly and with thirteen minutes to go they had taken a 2-1 lead, knowing another goal would take the game to extra time. The Hatters held firm and booked a place in the Wembley Final. Is it their day to erase the painful memories of that Final in Manchester last May?

York City faced Mansfield Town over two games and must have thought an appearance at the Final was slipping away from them after only managing a 1-1 draw in their home leg against the ten men of Mansfield. However, in the game at Field Mill after ninety minutes there were no goals and penalties must have been on the players minds as the second period of extra-time began. Matty Blair though gave The Minstermen the break through and his goal was enough to see City through to the Final. York have already tasted Wembley triumph this season, having beaten Newport County in the Carlsberg FA Trophy last weekend.

In the League meetings between Luton and York, the men from Bootham Crescent took all six points. In the game at York in September, City demolished Luton 3-0 with a double from Ashley Chambers and a goal from Jason Walker. At Kenilworth Road in March, Andre Gray put The Hatters ahead, but strikes from Patrick McLaughlin and James Meredith in the last ten minutes turned the game for York. These two sides also met in the FA Trophy Semi-Final over two-legs. In the opening game York emerged 1-0 winners thanks to a Jamie Reed penalty. At Kenilworth Road, Luton made the tie all square after a first half goal from Robbie Willmott. Then with extra-time looming, Matty Blair came up with a header in the eighty ninth minute to send The Minstermen through to the Final. Will York complete another victory against The Hatters and return to the Football League?

As the train arrives into Kings Cross and I make my way to the underground there are fans aplenty adorned in their respective colours. The red and blue of York is discernable amongst the orange hordes of the Luton army as they make their way to Wembley Park tube station. After a twenty minute journey I emerge onto Wembley Way and see the ‘new’ Stadium for the first time. It was 1975 when I first saw a game here and then the famous old Twin Towers gleamed under the floodlights that damp March night as England took on West Germany. As I get nearer the stadium, the size of the place is apparent as is the imperious statue of Bobby Moore, perched overseeing Wembley Way. It is slightly disappointing that the walkway is dominated by all the npower Play-Off banners, as today is about the Blue Square Bet (BSB) Conference, but I then notice a huge balloon adorned with the BSB logo in its distinct blue and white colours.

On entering the ground the overwhelming size of the structure is evident and how completely different a construction this ‘new’ Wembley is. Once into the Press Box, I take-in the low key murmur of noise around the ground as fans start to filter in, and banners and flags are hung from every vantage point. With fifty-five minutes to kick-off, the Luton fans start to applaud as The Hatters keepers come out to warm up and minutes later the York fans provide a similar greeting for their own goalkeeping team. With the game just three quarters of an hour away the outfield squads of the Finalists emerge and for the first time there are genuine expectant roars from the two sets of fans, although it is apparent that York will be outnumbered by the Luton faithful. It is rumoured that there will be 30,000 from Kenilworth Road; some achievement for The Hatters.

For the next thirty minutes, the teams go through their warm-ups, whilst the noise in the stadium increases and the pre-match operatic entertainment helps builds up the tension. The players leave the pitch – Luton as a unit applauding all the sections of their support which is provding a vast sea of orange. York also leave the Wembley turf but in a much more low-key way. There is a brief lull, until there is a run-through of the team line-ups on the big screens and once again cheers and jeers fill the air. Luton fans reserve their biggest displeasure for their ex-player Jason Walker. The players are out, the National Anthem comes and goes and after the formal presentation of the teams, the teams part to their respective ends of the stadium.

Both sides go into a huddle. What is going on in their heads? What are the last words of wisdom and encouragement? Who feels more confident? Does the ghost of last years defeat hang heavy over Luton? Will York be supremely confident given they have not lost to The Hatters in four games this season? The crowd roars in readiness for the start and Luton kick-off. Town are quick out of the block and incredibly with less than two minutes on the clock, they take the lead. Robbie Willmott who has looked dangerous already feeds the ball into Andre Gray who calmly slots the ball into the York net. Pandemonium breaks out amongst the Luton players, management team and fans, whilst the York end is silent, stunned and still. The opening ten minutes belong to Luton, as Willmott continues to looks dangerous running at the York defence and he has shots, along with Watkins and Lawless on The Minstermen goal. At last York get forward and Jason Walker gets behind the Luton back four and crosses for Ashley Chambers who shots wide. The York faithful nervously applaud their first forage into enemy territory. This marks a good ten minute spell for York. Firstly from a free-kick into the Luton box, it breaks to Jon Challinor, who goal-bound effort is blocked by Janos Kovacs. There follows a number of corners which Lanre Oyebanjo swings dangerously into The Hatters box. From one of these there is a shout for hand-ball, the replays suggest there was contact with the hand of a Luton player, but whether there was intent is decidedly unclear. James Walker is linking up nicely and causing his previous club problems and Luton are unable to clear their lines. The York fans feel their side is getting back into the game and get behind their side. Luton manages a corner of their own and a wayward shot from Stuart Fleetwood. However, this is a temporary reprieve from the head of steam that York is building. On twenty six minutes York gets their reward. Luton never properly clears a free-kick into the box and as the ball is knocked back across goal by Chris Smith, an unmarked Ashley Chambers smashes in the equaliser. It is no more than the team from Yorkshire deserve. Back come Luton and they dominate the next ten minutes as Gray and Howells both have shots on target for Town. However, Ingham in the York goal is looking solid and comes a long way to take a Willmott corner. On thirty six minutes York are forced into a change as Scott Brown replaces the injured Jon Challinor. Luton continue to dominate as the first half comes to an end, and Ingham again cuts out a dangerous corner and also saves comfortably from Lawless and Fleetwood. The whistle blows and the teams leave to cheers from the crowd with the scores level at 1-1. It has been a pulsating first half, which maybe Luton just shaded.

The managers now will have their time to work their magic and the fans catch their breath with the dream of promotion still alive.

The second-half kicks off with many people not back in their seats, and as many drift back in, York win a throw deep in Luton territory. From the throw Walker flicks it on and Matty Blair tucks home from close range. The York fans explode into joy. In the press box we consult our screens and quite clearly see that the York player was off-side and it was not even close. It is a terrible feeling knowing that here in our privileged position that the goal should not have been allowed. For me it is another case that supports the call for technology to be used in the game, but when will this come?

York are now in the ascendency, they pour forward, roared on by the Bootham faithful, but Chambers is caught off-side. The Orange Army is quiet and it takes them five or six minutes into the second half before they find their voice. York have dominated the second-half so far and create another decent chance as Tyler is forced into a save by Chambers. Luton manager Paul Buckle know that he has to make a change and on the hour makes a double substitution, with Craig McAllister on for Stuart Fleetwood and John Kissock on for Adam Watkins. It brings some fresh impetus in the next five minutes for The Hatters, but their final pass is not good enough. With twenty five minutes remaining it appears that York are happy to play on the break and the dangerous Chambers forces another save from Tyler. As the game reaches the seventy minute mark, the Luton faithful roar and try to urge their team on. The Hatters have a glorious chance to equalise from a corner, but Gray completely misses his kick and the chance is gone. Shortly after, McAllister throws himself bravely into a challenge but suffers a bad cut and the Luton man has to depart. Luton are back in charge; another attack sees a cut-back from the bye-line wasted. Gary Mills makes a change for York with thirteen minutes to go, as goal-scorer Chambers is replaced by James Reed. The second-half has taken place at a whirlwind pace and I can’t believe there are only ten minutes left. Luton come forward again and York keeper Ingham can only palm a cross away, as the ball breaks Luton substitute Kissock dives in amongst flailing York boots to try and grab an equaliser. However, all that Kissock gets is a bloodied nose for his troubles. It is not all one way though and Walker shows how dangerous he is with a strike on target. It is his last action as with eighty four minutes gone Patrick McLaughlin replaces him. The Luton fans seem subdued as the stewards start to move around the stadium to take up their positions as the attendance of 39, 265 is announced; both signs that the final whistle is not long away. With two minutes to go, the Town fans try to rouse their team to one final effort, but there only reward is a wayward effort from Robbie Willmott.

As the ninety minutes are up, there are now just four minutes of time added-on for Luton to grab an equaliser and send the game into extra time. The York fans are understandably whistling for the game to end, but deep-down know there is still time to go. Luton continue to press, but their efforts are looking more desperate as Aaron O’Connor shoots high and wide. Only two minutes remaining and York have won a corner and simply just try to keep the ball in the Luton half and wind down the clock. Luton keep going though and Keith Keane fires a hopeful long shot, but is well off target. With a minute left, Luton fans start to leave as the intensity of the whistles from the York faithful increases. City win a free-kick as The Hatters desperately try to regain possession in the dying seconds, but it is all too late.

As the whistle goes, fans celebrate wildly at the York end of the stadium. I glimpse City manager Gary Mills slump to his knees in what seems to be equal measures of relieve and joy. The noise from the York fans is reflected at the other end of the stadium by silent disbelief from the Luton faithful. Many don’t wait to applaud their team off and are quickly making for the exits. There is also a small group trying to get onto the pitch, but they are swiftly dealt with by the stewards. I can’t begin to imagine the disappointment The Hatters fans must be experiencing. The pain of losing out on penalties last season is now added to with defeat to an off-side goal.

As the York players take the plaudits and lift the trophy and the sheer joy erupts amongst the City supporters, the Luton players lay distraught and dazed on the pitch. It makes you realise that any Final is no place for losers. The short journey back to Bedfordshire will be an awfully long one.

Leaving the York fans to celebrate, I make my way to the post match press conference. First in is the suited figure of Paul Buckle. Before he even says a word, his body language gives away his inner feelings of utter despair at the loss his side have just suffered. Unsurprisingly, the first question to The Hatters boss is about the York winner. Buckle replies that if it is nip and tuck, then it is one of those things, but this goal was so far offside and was completely clear to see. The Luton manager added that he didn’t go and see the referee at the end of the game as there was no point, but it would be nice if he got a knock on his door or a phone call regarding the incident. Buckle said that as a manager he had done his job and he expected the officials to do the same.

The Hatters boss then reflects on the game overall. Buckle said that Luton had a great start with the early goal, but got ragged in phases through the first and second half and that the plan to press Jason Walker didn’t work fully. Having instilled in his players the importance of set-pieces (both from a defensive and attacking perspective), he was disappointed with the equaliser for York when Alex Lawless lost Ashley Chambers in the box. Buckle adds that sometimes you just think that maybe it isn’t going to be your day and the bad cut for Craig McAllister which caused him to be substituted was typical of Luton’s lack of luck on the day. Buckle believed that his team hadn’t taken their chances and were a fitter unit than when he came into the job, which is this game had York hanging on at the end. However, despite the circumstances, sportingly Buckle adds that he doesn’t begrudge York their win.

The final question to the Paul Buckle asks what will happen next season. Sensibly, it is a stock response as he says that there needs to be time to let the dust settle after the game and then take it from there. He praises his players who have given their all and the incredible support of the fans. The Luton manager has been gracious in his responses, but he rises now to leave and the pain of defeat is evident.

Within minutes the energy changes within the room as winning manager Gary Mills and his assistant Darren Gee enter. It is evident that like his Luton counterpart, Mills is emotionally drained. The York boss though looks slightly bewildered as he prepares to take his first question. Indeed The Minstermen manager acknowledges that it is all quiet unbelievable and what has just been achieved has not sunk in yet. Mills reflects that it has been an incredible eight days, with the FA Trophy triumph over Newport County last Saturday, the ‘green-light’ for the building of a new ground in midweek and now promotion back to the Football League today.

Mills accepts that his team started slowly, but once they got into the game York grew from there and that in his opinion this victory was reward for an incredible season. He adds that winning the European Cup with Forest was an incredible experience, but that gaining victory in this game topped that.

As with Paul Buckle, Gary Mills is asked about what happens next season. Mills starts by outlining how the Chairman had sold York to him and the desire (bordering on desperation) of the club to get back into the Football League. Only through work ‘on and off’ the pitch has this been achieved. In terms of next season, Mills accepts that there will be new players in and some of the squad will go. Mills is not afraid of having to make hard decisions and his dropping of Patrick McLaughlin to the bench today demonstrates that. Mills says that it is his philosophy is to ‘say thanks, shake hands and move on’. The Minstermen manager also adds that the spirit of his team has shone through all season and they had stuck together in a way that Mills considered to be even greater than that demonstrated by Chelsea in yesterdays Champions League Final.

A smiling Matty Blair, York scarf round his neck, enters the conference. The ‘Man of the Match’ is asked about the winning goal and Blair responds that he has been told that it was off-side, but that you need a bit of luck sometimes. Mills interjects that there is nothing to discuss, in that it is a goal and nothing will change that. Talk turns again to next season and Blair admits that he hadn’t really thought about life in the Football League, although he believes the standard is not much different to the Conference. The questions to Blair end on a lighter note as there is reference to Matty’s ‘dog’, which has become a feature of the season and spurned its own Twitter account.

Gary Mills adds that this is typical of the relaxed approach he has tried to engender throughout the season and revealed in the press conference that he took the players for a pint last night to talk about anything other than the Play-Off fixture. Mills also tells the press that he never talks about the opposition in preparation for a game. I reflect how much influence Cloughie had on Mills and his management style.

Throughout the press conference assistant manager Darren Gee has sat taking it all in, as Mills and Blair take centre stage. Gee simply chips in with the fact that through the 16 year management relationship with Mills they have essentially done the same things. He adds that it is essentially a simple system with a central theme of being there for players and creating a relaxed environment.

Finally, Mills is asked about the fans and the fact that York were so outnumbered by those from Luton. Mills reflects that it is something that the players have got used to and cited the League meeting this season when the 600 York fans were outnumbered by the 6,000 home fans – it was just something that they had adjusted to. The Minstermen manager continues that City had a great away record this season and today was just like another away game. Mills closes by thanking all the fans who had supported them all season and through the last two Wembley trips which would have been costly and to all those at home watching and listening whether on the radio or the television. Suddenly the room empties and the business of the day is done.

Now all that remains is the journey back North. Having attended the Press Conference, the crowds have mainly drifted away, so it is an easy journey back on the tube from Wembley Park to Kings Cross. Here, York fans mingle with Chelsea fans who are fresh from watching the European Cup being paraded around West London. On the train, the City supporters I see wear a contented, but weary smile as they head ever nearer home, safe with the knowledge that their club has reached its destination, that of the Football League.

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2011/12: FA Cup Final – Liverpool v Chelsea

It’s difficult to know what to make of the game on Saturday. As I sat watching the action at Wembley at home, my head said ‘yes, it’s the FA Cup Final’, but my heart said ‘it’s just another game’. The sheer volume of live football and the fact that I simply tuned in just 10 minutes before kick-off, meant there was nothing ‘special’ about watching the game. Where has the magic gone? Are those memories of Cup Finals past clouded by nostalgia? My take on the reasons for this are detailed in my other pieces about the Final, but as the game started, I was distinctly underwhelmed by the whole occasion.

Of the action. Well, Liverpool gave a damn fine impression of a dormouse for an hour, as Chelsea rarely seemed to need to get out of first gear. However, that was still enough to give the Londoners a 2-0 lead early in the second half. Ramires fired Chelsea ahead on 11 minutes, as Pepe Reina gambled on the path of the shot and was made to look silly as he watched the ball beat him at the post. On 52 minutes the Blues doubled their advantage as Didier Drogba scored a record breaking fourth FA Cup Final goal, squeezing a shot across Reina. Kenny Dalglish responded by bringing on Andy Carroll on 55 minutes and at last Liverpool woke from their slumber. The ex-Newcastle striker finished powerfully on 64 minutes and suddenly there was some urgency in the game. The last half hour definitely belonged to the Reds, but for all their possession, they only created one real chance of note. With 82 minutes on the clock, Carroll headed goal-ward, however Chelsea custodian Cech produced a stunning save, clawing the ball up onto the crossbar and out. Liverpool claimed a goal, but it wasn’t given, with television replays showing the whole ball had not crossed the line. Time-added on came and went and Chelsea had claimed victory. Gabriel Clarke tried manfully to breath some life into the post-match interviews in asking the protagonists about whether it was a goal or not, and was greeted by the expected responses according to whether the player was Red or Blue. And before the confetti had even chance to settle on the Wembley turf, the commentary team was busy telling the viewers about the upcoming Champions League Final.

Whilst ITV was quick to try and pack away this seasons Cup Final, I then remembered that first FA Cup tie for me at Hemsworth back in August last year. Funny how football throws up some little coincidences. It was 2-1 that day too, but I know which I enjoyed more…

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2011/12: FA Cup Final – The Journey

Once the winning captain lifts the famous old trophy later today, the 2011/12 FA Cup competition will be complete for another season. It will bring down the curtain on a journey that began back on 20 August 2011. That day as Liverpool went on to win 2-0 against Arsenal at The Emirates and Chelsea overcame WBA 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, up and down the country fans gathered to watch games in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round. On that day I was part of a crowd of 81 at the Fitzwilliam Stadium to see Hemsworth Miners Welfare host Tadcaster Albion and so my adventure began. Under a grey August sky, Albion of the Baris Northern Counties East League (NCEL) Premier Division overcame Hemsworth 2-1 to progress.

The inspiration for this goes back to my teens. Ever since reading Journey to Wembley by Brian James back in the 70’s, I have always wanted to try a similar experience myself. The book by James has a rather long subtitle in, The Story of the 1976/77 FA Cup Competition and Liverpool’s bid for the treble. A Football Odyssey from Tividale to Wembley. Brian James premise was a simple one, he started at the First Qualifying Round with a randomly selected game and followed the winners of each successive tie all the way to Wembley. As the book subtitle suggests, the opening game of the journey began at Tividale and ended with the FA Cup Final in 1976/77 between Manchester United and Liverpool at Wembley. However, the book also contains a Postscript with coverage of Liverpool’s first European Cup Final in Rome.

In the end I managed to get to a game for 9 of the 14 Rounds which were as follows:

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Qualifying Round

Hemsworth Miners Welfare (1) – (2) Tadcaster Albion

FA Cup Preliminary Round

Garforth Town (3) – (2) Sheffield FC

FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round

Garforth Town (0) – (2) Frickley Athletic

FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

FC Halifax Town (2) – (1) Tadcaster Albion

FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round

Hyde (0) – (1) Bradford Park Avenue

FA Cup 1st Round

Sheffield United (3) – (0) Oxford United

FA Cup 2nd Round

Sheffield United (3) – (2) Torquay United

FA Cup 3rd Round

Sheffield United (3) – (1) Salisbury City

FA Cup 4th Round

Sheffield United (0) – (4) Birmingham City

As I sit down to watch the Final later today, I’ll raise a glass to all those team who set out in back in August last year and look forward to it all starting again in 3 months time!

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2011/12: FA Cup Final – Is it this weekend?

In a week in which so much has happened in the football world, the FA Cup Final seems to be upon us with a ‘whimper’ rather than a ‘bang’. Some of this is down to the fact that the Final will take place with two weeks of Premier League fixtures still to go and of course it was a week which started on Monday with the hysterical hype that was the Manchester ‘derby’ and was followed on the Tuesday by the appointment of Roy Hodgson as England manager. Against this background the FA Cup Final has been overshadowed. The FA has to take a great deal of blame for this. Why for instance did the announcement around the new England manager have to be this week? Surely it could have been done last week, or what harm would ther have been in waiting till after the Final?

For me, The FA has to have some ‘balls’ and show that it believes that the Cup has not lost its magic and back this up with actions in the future. The Final should only be played once the domestic League season has been completed in England and thus allows for a proper week of build-up and preparation for the Finalist, fans and media alike. Instead this weekend, we have ludicrous decision of having a 5.15pm kick-off at Wembley sandwiched between the closing fixtures in League One and Two on Saturday and those on Sunday when the Premier League (with all its bloated and self-anointed ego) once again demands centre stage. It gives the appearance and feel that the FA Cup is reduced to that of an old relative stuck in the corner and tolerated by the rest of the family for a day, before being wheeled back to the nursing home. If The FA truly cares about the World’s Oldest Cup competition it has to change the way it is handled in the future. It can make all the excuses it likes about the impact of the Olympics and the European Championships later this year on the scheduling of the Final, but until The FA shows faith in its showpiece occasion, how can it expect clubs, fans and the media to do the same?

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2011/12: FA Cup Semi-Finals

Friday 13 April 2012

When the FA Cup reached the Semi-Final stage it used to be said that the teams were just 90 minutes away from Wembley. However, that all changed in the first weekend of April 2008 when the games were no longer played at neutral venues. The FA in their wisdom, ensured another tradition was removed from the World’s Oldest Cup competition, and found another method of taking yet more money from fans. It doesn’t enhance the Cup and in fact creates a massive dilemma for supporters. A friend of mine (a Stoke City fan), last season had to decide whether to go to the Semi-Final or take a chance and see if they got to the Final, as they were simply not able to afford attending both games. Is this what The FA see as improving the fan experience? My hope is that in the near future, Semi-Finals will return to neutral venues. With stadium improvements in this country, we have enough suitable grounds that can host large crowds. However, the sound of ker-ching as coffers grow at The FA is probably set to continue to drown out the voice of tradition.

So this weekend the pockets of fans particularly from Liverpool and Everton, and also Chelsea and Spurs, are severely stretched as Merseyside and London derbies take place at Wembley. Everton and Liverpool have meet on four occasions in the FA Cup Semi-Finals. The first meeting was in 1906 at Villa Park, when Everton beat Liverpool 2-0. The Toffees then went on to overcome Newcastle United in the Final. The Reds had to wait until 1950 before the next Semi-Final meeting with Everton. At Maine Road, Liverpool triumphed 2-0, but were unable to overcome Arsenal in the Final. Old Trafford was the venue for the next meeting of the Merseyside giants in 1971. Everton lead at half-time 1-0 thanks to a goal from Alan Ball, however back came Liverpool and goals from Alun Evans and Brian Hall sent the Reds through. However as in 1950, Arsenal were waiting in the Final and as then, The Gunners took the Cup in 1971. The last Semi-Final meeting took place in 1977. It turned out to be a bit of a classic in which Liverpool went ahead twice through goals from Terry McDermott and Jimmy Case, with Everton equalising through Duncan McKenzie and Bruce Rioch. With the game at 2-2 and less than five minutes to go, Everton thought they had won the game when Bryan Hamilton scored, however referee Clive Thomas disallowed it and the replay was more of a formality as goals from Neal, Case and Kennedy saw Liverpool romp to a 3-0 win. The Reds took the League title that year and their first European Cup, but they didn’t add the FA Cup to that list, as Manchester United won 2-1 in the Final.

Liverpool have already secured the (Carling) League Cup this season after a penalty shoot-out win over Cardiff City, but their recent form in the Premier League has been of real concern. Of their last 10 League fixtures, Liverpool have won only two. Prior to the win this week at Blackburn, their last victory ironically was against Cup opponents Everton. The Reds will go into the Semi-Final on Saturday with third choice keeper Brad Jones likely to play in goal, as both Pepe Reina and Alexander Doni are suspended. Is that an FA Cup story in the making? By contrast, Everton have only lost two in their last ten games and are riding high after a comprehensive 4-0 win over Sunderland in their last Premier League outing.

The second Semi-Final takes place on Sunday when North London meets South West London. Chelsea and Spurs have never met in the FA Cup at the Semi-Final stage, although did meet in the 1967 Final when Tottenham emerged winners 2-1. Chelsea have gone through a mini-resurgence under Roberto Di Mattaeo, progressing through to the Champions League Semi-Finals, although they looked a little leg weary in their Easter Monday draw at Fulham and were fortunate with decisions in their 2-1 win over Wigan. Spurs lost at home in their last Premier League outing to Norwich City and the North London club have only won two of their last ten fixtures. Has all the talk of Redknapp’s departure for the England job unsettled Tottenham? They have some talent in their squad, but it’s a bad time to hit a rocky patch as the business end of the season approaches.

To the fans of all four teams, enjoy the game and the occasion, even though for two clubs their FA Cup dream will end this weekend. My kiss of death (I mean prediction) is for an all-Blue Final with Everton and Chelsea to come through and set-up a repeat of the 2009 Final. But with my lack of tipping skills, expect Liverpool and Spurs to take to the Wembley turf in May for the Final!

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