tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581865117271582362024-03-13T16:31:11.168+00:00Taff's GloversblogA blog focusing mainly but not necessarily exclusively on Yeovil Town Football Club, otherwise known as The Glovers.Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-19714961680812151762010-12-15T14:34:00.000+00:002010-12-15T14:34:53.961+00:00The darkest hour is just before dawn......So the saying goes. The problem for manager <b>Terry Skiverton</b>, and for the Board of <b>Yeovil Town</b> is that dawn may yet be some time off. Think things can't get worse after last night's desperately disappointing <a href="http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/ASP/news/news.asp?NewsItemId=13997"><b>4-2 loss</b></a> at <b>Hartlepool</b>? Believe me, they can. Anyone who was at Huish Park to see the Glovers lose 1-3 to <b>Merthyr Tydfil</b> back in 1994 knows exactly how bad it can get. <br />
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Thus far in Skivo's managerial career the Huish Park crowd has, by and large, been pretty supportive of him and the things he's been trying to do. Judging by the postings on the <a href="http://www.tgr2.co.uk/index.php"><b>green room II</b></a> over the last week or so that support is eroding fast. I spoke about a <a href="http://taffgloversblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/tipping-point-reached.html"><b>tipping point being reached</b></a> after the 2-0 defeat at <b>Bournemouth</b> three weeks ago and said then that I thought Skivo deserved the chance to at least stay in charge until January. I've changed my mind now. On Saturday we have a home game against <b>Carlisle United</b>. If ever a game has been a must-win game then this one is surely it. Anything less than three points will be unacceptable. <br />
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I'm finding this a hard blog to write. It's not nice to be contemplating the demise of Mr Yeovil, the man who has done so much on the pitch to get us where we are today. But the hard truth is that Skivo as a manager has been found out this season. His team - and it is his team, he's the one who has signed the players and who asked us at the start of the season to judge him on how they performed - has been found wanting in the basics of both attack and defence. It makes me angry and upset to see a good man floundering, but I'm not so much angry with Skivo. I'm angry with the men who have put him in this unenviable position, I'm angry with the Board.<br />
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It's the Board who should be looking at themselves today. Yes, by and large they've kept the club solvent, the small matter of a million pound loss in the last financial year nothwithstanding; but it's they who have allowed the club to stagnate over the last few years, who have failed to build on the legacy left by <b>Gary Johnson</b> and <b>Jon Goddard-Watts</b>. It's the Board who have allowed mediocre non-entities to keep positions of influence in the club and who do nothing but alienate fans and take revenue streams and potential revenue streams away from the club. It's the Board who hounded out the previous manager <b>Russell Slade</b> on wholly spurious grounds and then cynically appointed the one man guaranteed to unite the fanbase behind them, even though we all knew Skivo was the cheap option to end all cheap options and that it would probably all end in tears. And now, most cynical of all, it's the Board who have split the land assets of the Huish Park site away from the football operation and have the temerity and <i>chutzpah</i> to tell us that there's no other way to attract new investment into the club. New investment? Don't make me laugh. I could tell you stories, doubtless many of you reading this could tell me stories too about people, fans, potential investors with money, ready and willing to invest in the club in the past but who have always been turned away. And why were they turned away? Because they wanted a say in how their money was spent and our glorious leaders weren't prepared to dilute their power and their shareholdings in the club. Self-interest rules.<br />
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Skivo's time is probably up. But this current Board's time should also be up. There's a lot of rumours flying around the town at the moment. I myself have heard from several different sources that offers have been made or are in the process of being made to buy the club from it's current owners. I only hope the rumours are true. <b>John Fry</b> and <b>Norman Hayward</b> have shown themselves to be unwilling and unable to either attract investment to the club or to invest themselves. On top of that they have allowed a culture of failure to thrive at Huish Park. If they have any true feeling for the club then they should dissolve the holding company they have created, give the football club back the land assets they have taken from it, and last but not least, sell up. Go, and go now. Leave with your legacy more-or-less intact. It's time for real change.Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-68904394259319344852010-12-13T10:16:00.000+00:002010-12-13T10:16:48.565+00:00L1: Colchester 0 Yeovil 0All Graft and no Craft - <i>by <b>Cruncher</b></i><br />
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A train journey into London followed by another out of it is often more chore than pleasure, but my first trip to <b>Colchester's</b> new(ish) stadium was straightforward and pleasant enough, despite the hordes on their annual pilgrimage to Selfridges and Hamleys and the like. <br />
<br />
I met two away-shirted <b>Yeovil</b> lads to whom I was now going to be useful with directions to the shuttle bus bay, except they mysteriously weren't safely zipped-in-pocket like I would have bet a tenner that they were. Anyhow, no problem, we'd just ask the blue-and-white striped guy in front. Except he didn't have a clue and was hoping we could tell him, as he told us with American accent. Amazingly, he had in fact crossed the water to watch his chosen team for the first-ever time. The young Glovers had cracked it on their mobile internet just as the Big Yellow Warehouse blocked the view and we realised we had stumbled our way to the bus.<br />
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The friendliness on the bus signalled how it was to be at the ground, right through to the ticket office staff and stewards, and the few Colchester fans I had a brief word with. When I asked the American guy to account for his strange hobby (he could have chosen one of the Big Four or anyone to follow) he explained that it was the result of some serious drinking with Brits when stationed in Germany, and as far as he was concerned a drunken pledge is as good as any - he was stuck with his choice and he wasn't budging. We all knew what that was like, but extra kudos to him for walking madly with eyes open into what chooses us. <br />
<br />
Frost and snow had at last made way for football. The modern stadium - with one end closed and empty seats aplenty with a good distance between the pitch and the stands - was a good contrast with the old Layer Road ground holding supporters packed in like sardines close to the action. Conditions were in fact as perfect as you could expect for a mid-winter football match, a dry clear day with the surface in very good nick. The scene was set to cure our mid-winter blues, my hope was that the enforced break had enabled the squad and management to talk through their woes and come up with some answers. The specific answers I was looking for were to benefit the good play we were capable of by putting away our chances and cutting out the lapses in defence. <br />
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<b>Terry Skiverton</b> though opted for a change of plan to a blunt but resolute 4-5-1, with both <b>Sam Williams</b> and <b>Adam Philip</b> confined to the bench to provide for a three-man central wall (<b>Shaun MacDonald, Jean-Paul Kalala</b> and <b>Luke Ayling</b>) flanked by <b>Andrew Williams</b> and <b>Ivan Sproule</b>, with the shadow-chasing job unsurprisingly given to <b>Dean Bowditch</b>. Yeovil's season to-date had seen either dismal failure after a woeful performance, or glorious failure despite good open play. This display hardly had a whiff of invention, one-touch flowing moves or sustained attacking intent. What it did have, and in bucketfuls, was a Yeovil determined not to be brittle against their loftier opponents as they set their stall out to battle their way to a result rather than bombard and create.<br />
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The first half was as even and as uneventful as they come, with the slight difference that the Colchester centre-backs were having a picnic clearing under no pressure whatsoever. Shaun MacDonald provided an odd moment or two of spark alongside his good tackling and covering play, with <b>Nathan Smith</b> also doing well including having our only serious effort on goal with a long range shot that was narrowly off-target. <b>Paul Huntington</b> too had done well, but unfortunately injured his ribs when making an urgent clearance. Young <b>Tom Parkes</b> came on for his debut and looked the part from the word go, quickly tackling <b>Kayode Odejayi</b> on a rare threatening surge forward and then out-jumping him for the ball. An amazing physical presence for his age with an assured air; just on this showing he seems to have a good future ahead. <br />
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Overall though, it was no spectacle. Colchester also looked blunt going forward, but in Odejayi they were holding the ball up at times whereas the Yeovil formation didn't allow for their normal pass and move - it was either head-tennis or hoof and chase, and then repeat it all again. But hearts and minds were strong, and they were sternly matching the huffing and puffing of the higher-placed home team who were certainly not showing any serious potential to rip though the Yeovil defensive layers. <br />
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After consecutive losses we ought to have felt happy with the prospect of grinding our way to a result, but with the continued ineffectiveness of the Colchester attack in the second half it did seem that perhaps we should have reverted to the usual 4-4-2. Especially, I thought, when a knock forced Bowditch to be subbed by Adam Philip - too much too ask for the youngster to be the sole man up front, though to his credit he gave it a good go. A Colchester fan had told me that they had been getting results but not performing well - this match seemed to prove that. <br />
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I had just thought that we had not made a lapse at the back when, on cue, <b>Adam Virgo</b> duly obliged by gifting Odejayi space in the box. Happily though, it wasn't punished as <b>John Sullivan</b> was forced into his one serious save of the match and what a sensational save it was, stretching to tip the close-range effort on to his bar. I have for a while now supposed that Virgo might be accountable for a fair few of these lapses, and although he does good work in between I think it might be a key point.<br />
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Sam Williams at last entered the fray. With two up front, we now had options and at last got forward a bit more. Nathan Smith cropped up on the right wing and forced a good save out of <b>Ben Williams</b>, Andy Williams had a strong shot closed down just in time. And in the fourth minute of injury time Sam Williams set Adam Philip on a positive run in on goal only for keeper Williams to block his effort as the away support anticipated a joyful end to the game. The ball rebounded to Sam Williams who had to stretch for his first touch to gather the ball, and the second whistled just agonisingly wide of the left post as he got his shot in before being closed down, to add to the long list of 'if only' moments for this season.<br />
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A useful point but a deep feeling of there were three for the taking against an unadventurous Colchester side, who ironically on that performance had elevated themselves into the top-six. The Yeovil plan on the day had kept quiet a number of players who had caused us problems in the past, but I couldn't help but feel that maybe we had sold ourselves short by rejecting our normal flowing strategy for this game. Hindsight though is a wonderful thing, and this was debated amongst a million other things by a small crew of us on the train.<br />
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The conclusion has to be that it is now up to home form to at last become decent to make this weekend's result an effective one in our quest to survive. We have to hope that the injuries picked up by Bowditch, Huntington and Virgo are not serious. As for formations, I hope that the 4-5-1 was a short-term fix only. Despite the very admirable steel and application shown in this defensive performance, it was a weak Colchester effort that allowed us to get away with it. Others won't be so helpful, and in any case we need wins (and now even more so that we are bottom after fellow strugglers all won) and for that we need a front-line, options when in possession and an attacking intent - at home at least. <br />
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<b><i>Cruncher</i></b>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-70059413353976463692010-12-05T15:18:00.000+00:002010-12-05T15:18:23.556+00:00Lions led by donkeysI think everyone's probably had enough of the cold weather by now. Certainly everyone at <b>Yeovil Town</b> will have had enough of it. No game for a fortnight and even though we've enjoyed a mini-thaw this weekend (enough of a thaw to make one wonder if the <b>Peterborough</b> game may not have been postponed in a little too much haste earlier in the week), this Tuesday night's re-scheduled 2nd round FA Cup tie at <b>Hartlepool</b> is by no means guaranteed to go ahead regardless of what today's pitch inspection might bring, as a return to freezing temperatures is forecast from tomorrow onwards. [Edit - as I write, the news has just come through that the match is indeed off, re-scheduled for 14th December]<br />
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On the other hand, maybe an enforced break was just what we all needed. Time to recharge the batteries, to reflect on the season so far and to put right what's gone wrong. Time for the coaching staff and the players to step back away from the treadmill of game after game after game and to focus on the things they do well and to work on those things that haven't gone quite as well. Time for a fresh start, in other words. Time too, to hit the ground running when football does eventually resume. Lest we forget we are 23rd in the table and 6 points away from safety coming up to the Christmas period. It's going to take a huge effort to make that gap up.<br />
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Away from the football and I'm sad to report that once again the club has proved that it has difficulty in organising a piss-up in a brewery. A group of ten of us booked a table at the club last night - a 3 course dinner and <b>Abba's Angels</b>, in honour of my sister-in-law's birthday. Unfortunately when we got to the club we found that the lift to the top floor was out of action which meant that I, as a wheelchair user, was unable to access the Alec Stock Lounge. It was explained to us that the lift had broken down the previous day, an engineer had attempted a repair that morning but didn't have the part required. We asked why the club hadn't contacted us after the engineer's visit to tell us not to come because they knew that a wheelchair user would require access to the Lounge via the lift and they also knew that the lift was out of order, but no-one could answer that question.<br />
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Well, these things happen. In the event a charming young lady - the head waitress I think, though unfortunately I didn't get her name - dealt with myself and my wife with great courtesy, gave us a refund and went further than that by giving us a bottle of wine and plated up our dinner for us to take home. Kudos to her and her staff, who all seemed genuinely embarrassed and upset. In the meantime and after much discussion we persuaded the rest of our party to carry on and enjoy the evening, accordingly they went upstairs to claim their table, whilst we made our way back home with our wine and our dinner. <br />
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Except that when the rest of our party got upstairs they found that their table wasn't actually there. Despite two previous vists to the club; once to put the dinner order in and once to pay for the evening, as well as a phone call from the club to my sister-in-law to confirm the booking; on the night there was no record of their order. My brother, by now angry as well as Amazed, confronted the catering manager, Mr Robinson, and demanded an explanation as to why no-one had contacted us to tell us the lift had broken down, and how had they managed to lose all trace of our party's food order not to mention the table booking? Mr Robinson claimed not to have a contact phone number to ring, forgetting, perhaps, that he himself had phoned my sister-in-law earlier in the week to confirm our booking and to confirm that he was aware that a wheelchair user was included in the party and that a space would be left on our table to accommodate. He couldn't explain how the dinner order and table booking had gone missing. <br />
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To cut a long story short the evening was by now irredeemably spoilt. A refund was demanded and given and everyone left. We never did see Abba's Angels and the club missed out on £300-worth of ticket money plus another £100 (at least!) that would have gone behind the bar. More to the point, the attitude and evasions of the catering manager has ensured that none of us will return for a function at the club, at least while that particular gentleman is still in his post. <br />
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In the great scheme of things no harm was done. No-one died or was injured and all we lost was an hour of our time. But the whole episode is symptomatic of the decline of our club. The poor bloody staff doing their best to provide a service led by an incompetent management who couldn't care less. Only at Yeovil Town FC could such a culture thrive. Change at the top to get rid of the dead wood is so badly needed that it's not even funny, not anymore. Is there no-one out there who can save us?Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-74492364381358713412010-11-26T16:20:00.000+00:002010-11-26T16:20:15.941+00:00Will the real Mr Yeovil stand up... or put his feet up after Christmas? - <i>by <b>Cruncher</b></i><br />
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This is not a simple instance of assessing managerial ability - it's what actual practicalities we are faced with afterwards: very likely to be a rookier rookie with even less budget. Circumstances control us to the extent we need to support a manager who is committed to the cause in restrictive conditions, no matter how much we do or do not believe in his abilities to do the job. Much like early-2009 for the good of the club when we and the Board needed to continue supporting <b>Russell Slade</b>. Only, the Board didn't.<br />
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It's not a question of whether <b>Terry Skiverton</b> is lacking here or naive there, or caught in a trap with too many loan players, or getting the balance wrong in his squad, or leaky defensive tactics. It's like everything at the club - a decision mastered by the situation we have arrived at after a succession of misguided years. <br />
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If December results turn out as bad as November's than Skivo would have to go and we would likely be forced into a punt on Mr. Cheaper-than-chips fresh out of kindergarten, but our best chance for at least a bit longer appears to be sticking with a determined man with the hope that potential at long last materialises into points. <br />
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How we could afford to pay up his contract and source (let alone afford) a suitable replacement, is dilemma enough. And even more difficult if it involved swapping the entire management team. It all points to the Board appointing another option that strongly suits their purpose, but with even more restrictive conditions for that replacement to be under, and with even less appeal and money to attract/afford the required quality. I believe that this criteria narrows it down to such a degree that we would be hard-pushed to match or improve on what we've got - but I concede that there might be a point when we must do something, if only as a hopeful shot in the dark. For me, that assessment point would be at the turn of the year.<br />
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Bluntly, it strongly appears a desperate punt on a cheap novice will be our only route if we sack the manager - on balance I'd run with what we've got until the Christmas fixtures are done and dusted. Seven points from five December games would be my minimum, which would take us to exactly the halfway point in the season on twenty-two points and likely at best to be the top of the relegation slots. That in my book would earn him another month with a target of a further nine points from the six January League games. If he gets to that minimum, then he'd be in position to be retained for the duration with the job to chase a target of a point and half per game for the rest of the season. Which is about the state that Slade was in at that point but not retained. <br />
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The situation we are in is dictated by the situation we are in. <b>Norman Hayward</b> could lend to the club enabling a reasonable chance of a good replacement - but does that sound overall a good move? - which also would most probably impact from the word go on what that good replacement would have in his squad budget. Unless <b>Dean Bowditch</b> (say) is sold in January to fund not a replacement striker but a replacement manager - could you really endorse that gamble?<br />
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Skivo has been a nearly man in management for a long while now with performances that hint at a potential that doesn't materialise. This is a restrictive situation that only has a faint flickering candle at the end of the tunnel. He has in the past been dubbed 'Mr. Yeovil', now he has to earn that moniker like a man striving for his Finest Hour. He has the steel, there is no doubt, and for just a bit longer we must believe that he can still come up with the knowhow and to make it effective.<br />
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Support him this month, and judge him by the <b>Sheffield Wednesday</b> or perhaps <b>Plymouth</b> game. Hope like hell he turns the corner, but if he skids into the sidewall then we will be forced into that desperate cheap punt. If we can find a way that won't be at the detriment to the club of affording a new manager of the right ilk, then Skivo's time could well be up now at this point - but if we were in that healthy a position then the manager might not be in this plight. How much is down to his failings and how much is down to constraints, is down to subjective opinion. <br />
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But don't rush towards a desperate punt just yet. Because that last shot in the dark is such a flimsy gamble, we have to back Skivo until it becomes even more urgent not to do so. Perhaps there is an alternative, but it doesn't appear there is, not without cost that the club can't bear. For December: no doubting, just absolute support and then either reap the reward or worry like hell.<br />
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The real debate needs to step away from centring on the manager. There are many astute observers who cannot shake off loyalties to do this - I urge them to think long and hard. As some have noted, Terry Skiverton is a manager who we cannot fully judge. Attention should concentrate on why that is so.<br />
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<b><i>Cruncher</i></b>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-46648562029067669282010-11-25T16:00:00.000+00:002010-11-25T16:00:47.022+00:00Tipping point reached?There comes a time in the affairs of struggling football clubs that fans can, in the fullness of time, look back at and say, "There. That was the point when I knew things had to change, and change quickly." It's the tipping point, the time when fans stop being patient and giving the benefit of the doubt; the time the boos start and the abuse rains down from the stands to the pitch and the dugout, and, if there's any justice, to the posh seats in the Main Stand where the Board sits.<br />
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Tuesday night's <a href="http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/ASP/news/news.asp?NewsItemId=13871"><b>2-0 defeat</b></a> at <b>Bournemouth</b> may just have been the tipping point in <b>Terry Skiverton's</b> reign as manager of <b>Yeovil Town FC</b>. It's not so much the loss that people have found hard to take, after all Bournemouth are way up there in the league table and have only dropped 4 points at home all season - no-one with any sense seriously expected the Glovers to get much if anything from the game. No, it's the manner of the loss that's the problem. The same old problems on view, the powder-puff attack, the meaningless long-balls, and most damning of all, the cluelessness in defence. Add to that the dissent shown when <b>Adam Virgo</b> was substituted and <b>Sam Williams</b> angry reaction to the Glovers supporters jeering of him when he was hauled off; it all adds up to the feeling that events are conspiring to undermine the manager and his staff. Just at the time he needs a bit of luck to go his way, he's getting none.<br />
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Having said, he's not helping himself. In my last blog I asked why, when it's patently obvious that the defence is the weak link in the team, did Skivo bring in another striker on loan (<b>Adam Phillip</b>)? To compound that why did he then add another attacking player, winger <b>Ivan Sproule</b>, on a month's loan from <b>Bristol City</b>? Especially when, according to City boss <b>Keith Millen</b>, Sproule's objective was to get match-fit in order to challenge for a place in City's first team in the new year. If he's not match-fit, why the hell is he playing for us? Now, at last, the gaffer's talking about bringing a defender in (and as I write it's been announced that 18-year-old <b>Leicester</b> defender <b>Tom Parkes</b> has signed on a month's loan), but he's beginning to resemble the little boy sticking his finger into holes in the dyke while the water is lapping up to his chin and rising steadily.<br />
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The last 7 league games tell their own story: Won 0, drawn 1, lost 6, goals for 9, goals against 17. We are now 23rd in the league, 6 points away from safety and with the worst goal difference in the division. We now require play-off attaining form to guarantee League One football next season. The bookies make us 10/11 on to be relegated at the end of the season, and it's not often at this stage of the season that the bookies are wrong. We have a huge mountain to climb.<br />
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And what is the Board doing, while all around them Rome burns? Fiddling, obviously! Not content with the ludicrous decision to increase ticket prices by £1 all round in January, chairman <b>John Fry</b> has today decided to insult supporters intelligence further by <a href="http://www.ytfc.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10673~2229309,00.html"><b>announcing an announcement</b></a> that there may be an announcement concerning improved facilities at the club in a few weeks time; that is, there may be an announcement in a few weeks time, not miraculously improved facilities, obviously. It seems the Board have been talking to the <b>South Somerset District Council</b> amongst others, which of course brings the long-delayed <b>Sportzone</b> project to mind, though maybe I'm guilty of making 2+2 equal 5 there. Talks are evidently on-going with interested parties, including the Council, with Fry saying: <i>"At this stage I am optimistic of a positive outcome which it is anticipated will provide economic benefits to the town and the club."</i> And, of course those economic benefits will also go to the main shareholders in <b>Yeovil Town Holdings Ltd</b>, the company that now owns the land surrounding Huish Park on which any development will take place. And the main 2 shareholders? Club chairman John Fry and club owner <b>Norman Hayward</b>. Let's watch this space, though it's got to be said we've had this kind of talk from Fry many times in the past and nothing has ever come of it.<br />
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Back to Skivo and I suppose it's time I got off the fence. Should he stay or should he go? I'm reluctantly coming round to the view that time is running out for him to turn things around. I am naturally reluctant to call for a manager's head even at the worst of times as I strongly believe that continuity is the best policy nine times out of ten; I'm also reluctant to see change for changes sake simply because all too often you're better off with the devil you know. However there does come a time when one cannot ignore the signs of failure all around and indeed it becomes unfair to everyone - not least the man himself - to keep an obviously out-of-his-depth incumbent in a job. Not that I think we're quite at that stage yet, but the signs aren't good. For what it's worth I would give Skivo the next month to find a winning formula. By January he'll have been in the job a month shy of 2 years. That's long enough to make his mark and show he's got what it takes to turn things around. The ball's in his court.<br />
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In the meantime we all get a break from football league action this weekend with a trip to <b>Hartlepool</b> in the 2nd round of the FA Cup, weather permitting. The bookies make the home side evens favourites, the draw is priced at 12/5 and a Glovers win at 27/10. My fiver, more in hope than expectation and proving once and for all the old adage about a fool and his money, is going on the draw. The running total tells you all you need to know about what kind of season we've had up 'til now: -£30.25p. Perhaps the best outcome of all this weekend would be for the game to be postponed. At least that way we would definitely be in the hat for the 3rd round draw!Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-84305689384797562732010-11-21T20:43:00.000+00:002010-11-21T20:43:26.147+00:00L1: Charlton 3 Yeovil Town 2<i>Heroic Failure Repeated: Match report and comment from <b>Cruncher.</i></b><br />
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Today at The Valley I witnessed a purposeful <b>Yeovil</b>. Hard-working with good invention, this was in so many ways a cohesive performance to be proud of. I also witnessed another Yeovil loss. <br />
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The two returning full backs <b>Craig Alcock</b> and <b>Nathan Smith</b> were impressively straight back into their stride, while my wish came true for <b>Jean Paul Kalala</b> to regain his midfield slot next to <b>Shaun MacDonald</b>. MacDonald has performed very well lately but his benefit to the cause had been restricted by too heavy a workload while Kalala was out injured, or deployed at right back . Today the Welshman was simply magnificent, whether mopping up against the odds in the tightest of situations or pushing forward to start an attack. I would be surprised if there was another comparable midfield display by any other midfielder in League One this weekend. No disrespect to <b>Owain Tudur Jones's</b> stint, he certainly had his moments but Kalala's combative edge is essential. <br />
<br />
Yeovil set the mood from the off. Players were linking well and passes were accurately and confidently being played to feet or into space. <b>Sam Williams</b> was prominent in his spearhead role, <b>Dean Bowditch</b> looking very sharp and inventive playing off him. It was Bowditch who cleverly created an opportunity for <b>Gavin Williams</b> who unfortunately couldn't wrap his foot around the ball enough from a sharp effort in the box, as the <b>Charlton</b> defence closed in. Then Gav struck a free-kick with too much deftness and not enough venom, enabling <b>Rob Elliot</b> a cosy catch. Still the Glovers came purposefully forward, Sam Williams setting up <b>Andy Williams</b> only to have his shot blocked, followed by another effort from the same player which many thought was home, but unfortunately hit the side-netting. Shades of London opposition of last week crossed my mind - would we get punished by a quick raid at the other end? <br />
<br />
Alas, that is what happened. Charlton attacking on the right chose not to wait while Yeovil disputed a throw-in decision. This gifted the Charlton winger two yards which gained the receiving <b>Johnny Jackson</b> the crucial one yard he needed to hit the ball first-time past the helpless <b>John Sullivan</b>. Yeovil, by far the more penetrative and fluent of the two sides, a goal down after ten minutes. Here we go again. <br />
<br />
To their credit, the Yeovil players responded well and were level in five minutes, with Andy Williams getting his third on the trot, a very well-taken goal after well-worked linking with Sam Williams, sending the travelling contingent into rapture. Didn't last long though, with <b>Therry Racon</b> turning to fire neatly home. Again there was the familiar element of self-destruction as Kalala's pass put Alcock under pressure, his only blip (apart from a ballooned shot) in an otherwise strong showing. Charlton were 2-1 up against a Yeovil side who had been superior on the balance of play and chances created, the costly and frustrating theme of recent times. <br />
<br />
The home side were at last looking confident, and created opportunities breaking quickly which resulted in shots across the face of the Yeovil goal. Yeovil though were not going to roll over, with Bowditch laying off the ball for Sam Williams but his effort was straight at Elliot. Bowditch himself had a better chance after good work right on the stroke of half time - bearing down on goal he needed to follow suit from Andy William's equalising strike of last week's first half injury time against <b>Dagenham</b> which was notable for both placement and power. Trouble was, Bowditch chose placement, which enabled Elliot to dive to his left and a golden chance at a crucial time was lost.<br />
<br />
The referee had not been afraid to give the away side their share of decisions and early in the second half they gained a free kick in an attacking position. Gavin Williams hasn't been so convincing for a while now with his place kicks, this time opting to put it low and fiercely-hard across the Addicks box, a decision which paid off as the ball ping-ponged around until someone somehow struck it cleanly into the goal. <b>Paul Huntington</b> was my guess at the time, It transpired it was the defending foot of <b>Gary Doherty</b>.<br />
<br />
We dared to hope that surely we were at last going to get at least a deserving point. With the home side's confidence clearly hit, more hope was to come when <b>Christian Dailly</b> was sent off after clobbering Sam Williams as they challenged a high ball on the right-side. To be honest, from the faraway view I'm not sure, but the referee believed the immediate and confident flapping of his linesman's flag. We would all have taken a draw, but now, despite Racon (I think) forcing a good save out of Sullivan with an angled rasper the game seemed there for the taking. The deep-down feeling that misery would follow - surely that would at last go away, wouldn't it?<br />
<br />
Of course, it wouldn't. The referee had been a bit picky on occasion but on fouls had had a decent game and certainly not afraid to upset the locals. The left-side linesman though had annoyed the Yeovil support a few times already, the precedent to bamboozle was set in the first-half when he cocked up on a foul and an offside or two, and ruled an Alcock header not to have kept the ball in play. So when sub <b>Akpo Sodje</b> chased a long punt forward it was all-too expected that the linesman would flag against Huntington as a result of Sodje's flop to the ground. <br />
<br />
Sodje had proved a handful since he came on, and we need to see why we had stretched ourselves enough against ten men for him to be chasing a long punt to turn into such significant danger. The unfair but harsh truth for Huntington after an impressive day's work is that he didn't deserve the foul against him or the subsequent sending-off, but also needs to know not to put out his outstretched arm to give a happy flag-flapper any excuse - and the gusto deployed by the lino did indeed suggest a body-language of sheer joy at his opportunity to be judge and jury. From the ref's own body language I was convinced he viewed it the same way as did the green and white masses - that contact was soft if indeed it was at all, but he chose to trust that his linesman had both a better view and reasonable judgement. So from the point the incident occurred, the linesman's spoiling of the day seemed inevitable. A fuming John Sullivan rushed 25 yards to, er, constructively debate the matter with the official. Johnny Jackson scored from the spot, a heart-breaking 3-2 defeat.<br />
<br />
The obvious comparison of recent heroic failure is the <b>Milton Keynes</b> match, what with defensive lapses and a dodgy late penalty putting a very impressive fluent Yeovil performance to the sword and by the same score. Certainly it was better than last week, but it's hard to find comfort when we perform well against stronger opposition but suffer from key mistakes, yet perform worse against lower sides making even more mistakes. Overall it is clear that bad luck is playing its part, and we look to <b>Bournemouth</b> in midweek as an early chance to alter the long and cruel losing streak that we are on. With the Cherries having a goal difference of fourteen goals, they mirror our goal deficit of the same amount: a hard task is becoming harder. <br />
<br />
Reality is stark in times like this. A stronger bench today might have seen us take immediate advantage of Dailly's dismissal. Teams can and do go down through bad luck, though I feel that our problems are fuelled by limitation in squad strength and size. We were the Light Brigade (light by an experienced striker and a speedy cb) riding into the Valley of, er, defeat. <br />
<br />
Much emotion and many words abound at the moment. I am clear on my own thoughts - we are overdue on a clearout in the Boardroom, but I see no value in dismissing the manager. What I would ask Skiverton doubters to ask of themselves is this: are you bringing your emotion about the Board into your logic about the manager?<br />
<br />
Quick appraisal of the players:<br />
<br />
<b>John Sullivan - 7/10</b>: The irony is that he did not have much to do which points to a 6, but he can't be apportioned blame for the goals and pulled of a very good second half save when needed along with doing his basic chores correctly. <br />
<br />
<b>Craig Alcock - 7/10</b>: Good performance after absence. <br />
<br />
<b>Paul Huntington - 8/10</b>: Reads it well, solid under pressure with good distribution, had his (and our) day unfairly spoiled by the Happy Flagger.<br />
<br />
<b>Adam Virgo - 7/10</b>: Solid enough for the most part. <br />
<br />
<b>Nathan Smith - 8/10</b>: Very impressive performance. <br />
<br />
<b>Gavin Williams - 7/10</b>: Seen as a weak link first half by one or two but I thought did well overall (with one or two golden moments), his place kicking has been off the boil for a while but he did whizz one across that led to the second goal. <br />
<br />
<b>Jean Paul Kalala - 8/10</b>: His passing is better these days, broke play up smartly that led to Andy Williams's goal but his pass across the back let Charlton in for their first. Overall though he was very good. <br />
<br />
<b>Shaun MacDonald - 9/10</b>: Magnificent. <br />
<br />
<b>Andy Williams - 8/10</b>: Strong attacking, tracked back well, very well-taken goal.<br />
<br />
<b>Sam Williams - 7/10</b>: The master of both Dailly and Doherty in the first half, linked and battled well and at times very well, covered acres of ground, not appreciated by the moaners. Needs goals though! <br />
<br />
<b>Dean Bowditch - 8/10</b>: Classy in the first half, shame he missed the effort on 45 minutes <br />
<br />
<b>Adam Phillip</b> (87 minutes, on for Andy Williams): Only on for a few lively minutes, I agree with those that wanted him on following Dailly's dismissal.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Cruncher</i></b>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-20608758002761929772010-11-19T15:44:00.000+00:002010-11-19T15:44:33.506+00:00I should have stayed homeMany thanks to <b>Cruncher</b> for going above and beyond the call of duty last weekend and making a 400-mile round trip to supply a match report for the <b>Dagenham</b> debacle. I was enjoying the Millennium Stadium experience at the time and watching a cracking game of rugby between <b>Wales</b> and <b>South Africa</b> which the hosts would have won fairly comfortably if it wasn't for a bunch of drugged-up Springboks and a blind and biased New Zealand referee. Still, the stadium was magnificent, the atmosphere incredible and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity (and naturally took full advantage of it) to drink as much beer as I wanted while watching the game (Brains, of course). All around me 54,000 like minded souls were doing the same with South African and Welsh fans all mingling together, all consuming copious amounts of alcohol (I don't think I've ever seen so much beer/lager drunk in such a short space of time by so many) and all without even the vaguest hint of trouble or bother. A real eye-opener for anyone used to having their bottle top removed from their plastic soft drink bottle and to being segregated within an inch of their life at their nearest football ground. The only fly in the afternoon's ointment came with the regular text updates I was receiving from Huish Park. As I said to my long-suffering wife, who was having enough trouble at the time getting to grips with the complexities of the rugby union line-out laws never mind offsides (though she's very good at offside in football); 'how the hell do we expect to stay in League One if we can't beat the likes of Dagenham & bloody Redbridge?' She had no answer and I'm beginning to wonder if anyone associated with Yeovil Town Football Club has either.<br />
<br />
Watching the Glovers this season has been like watching a Formula 1 car with slick tyres going round Silverstone in the middle of a thunderstorm. All's well on the straights and a fair old head of steam is sometimes built up, but disaster lurks at every corner, the brakes are useless and the less said about the pit-stops the better. With a third of the season gone, the league table doesn't lie: 23rd, 4 points away from safety and the joint-worst goal difference in the division. <br />
<br />
The answer it seems is not, after all, the recruitment of another loan striker. At the start of the week the arrival of <b>Chelsea</b> reserve-team striker <b>Adam Phillip</b> on a month's loan was being regarded by a sceptical fanbase as <b>Skivo's</b> attempt to turn our mis-firing strikeforce into a deadly attack, capable of taking those chances spurned on a regular basis otherwise. Five days later and it now seems that the lad will be lucky to get onto the pitch at all before his month is up, as the manager has said he will wait to blood his new player at least until one of our other 6 loan players has returned to his club, which will be in three games time at the earliest. One feels a bit of sympathy for Phillip in that case, having to sit out at least 3 more games before he gets his chance, but one also feels sympathy for existing players at the club who have waited even longer for their opportunity. The likes of <b>Craig Calver</b>, <b>Billy Gibson</b> and <b>Ed Upson</b> must be wondering what they have to do to get some playing time in a losing team and I would also wonder how <b>Luke Freeman</b> would have reacted when he heard that another striker was being drafted in. The <B>Arsenal</b> loanee may have made 15 appearances on paper this season, but only 5 have been starts in the league and in many of his cameos he's been pushed out onto the left. Despite that he's still managed a couple of goals and one might have thought that he would have been worth trying for a while in his favoured striking position. Similarly <b>Andrew Williams</b> is as capable in front of goal as he is on the wing and again might have been worth a spell up front before the resort to the loan market.<br />
<br />
I don't necessarily think that a new loan in was a bad idea mind you, but I do question the wisdom of bringing in another forward. To my mind what's needed above all else is some solidity at the back. We give far too many goals away, more often than not from set-pieces where the marking goes awry. We need, well, you name it, we need it. The recent absence of <b>Craig Alcock</b> has shown up the inherent weakness of the squad - how many other L1 clubs would have no recognised cover at right-back? <b>John Sullivan</b> is a decent keeper and by all accounts a nice fella, but would anyone argue he's a step up on <b>Alex McCarthy</b> or <b>Stephen Henderson</b>? Similarly both <b>Adam Virgo</b> and <b>Paul Huntington</b> have excellent qualities but somehow, as a pair, combine to leak goals as well as score them at the other end, and their only back-up is the injury-prone <b>Stefan Stam</b>. The left side of defence I would generally exempt from criticism as between them the two <b>Nathan's</b> have, in my opinion, done good, to use footballing parlance. So I would have been looking for a utility defender, someone to fill-in for <b>Craig Alcock</b> until his return from injury and then put pressure on the central defenders to perform. And, I hear you say, who would this paragon of virtue be? Not a clue, I answer, that's what the coaching/scouting staff get paid for. But these kind of players are around and it is possible to borrow them. We've done it before, for example with <b>Liam Fontaine</b>, equally adept at full-back and centre-half.<br />
<br />
There, that's the defence sorted. Next week I will explain how to turn water into wine and describe how, on <i>Football Manager 2011</i> I sold <b>Andy Welsh</b> to <b>Portsmouth</b> for £250,000 <i>and</i> a sell-on fee. Who said computer games were unrealistic?<br />
<br />
Tomorrow the Glovers take on a resurgent <b>Charlton</b> at The Valley, god help us. The home side are 8/13 favourites, the draw is priced at 14/5 and a Yeovil win at a surprisingly miserly 9/2. My fiver, more in hope than in anger, is going on the away win. Come on Yeovil, shock us all! Running total: -£25.25p<br />
<br />
<i>Just read: <b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fall-Giants-Century-Trilogy-1/dp/0230710077/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290179571&sr=1-1">Fall of Giants</a></b> by <b>Ken Follett</b>; and <b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-World-Pat-Barker/dp/0140258981/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290180652&sr=1-6">Another World</a></b> by <b>Pat Barker</b>. Fall of Giants is another huge, and I mean enormous, tome from the author of Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. It follows the fortunes of five different, but somehow inter-related families from the outbreak of the First World War to the Armistice, from the coalfields of Wales to the Russian Revolution via the White House and the War itself. It's a page-turner (which is a good job as there's 850 of them to plough through) but it managed to keep my interest until the end. It's not of the same standard as Pillars of the Earth, but it's still worth a read if you've got plenty of time and are strong enough to pick the bloody thing up. The first of a trilogy still to come, be still my beating heart. In contrast I read <b>Pat Barker's</b> creepy little study of a dysfunctional family living in a haunted house in one sitting, and then stayed awake half the night unable to settle. Terrific writing and proof positive that less is quite often more. </i>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-629618043219390782010-11-14T19:23:00.000+00:002010-11-14T19:23:08.820+00:00L1: Yeovil 1 Dagenham & Redbridge 3<i>Match report and comments: By <b>Cruncher</b></i><br />
<br />
Last week at <b>Rushden</b> was about missing chances and finding it hard to get into our fluent stride against organised opposition. This week was, er, about missing chances and finding it hard to find our flowing stride. While luck did influence the two contrasting results, <b>Dagenham & Redbridge</b> were last week's well-drilled opponents with knobs on.<br />
<br />
<b>Yeovil</b> still had enough chances to win this game. Missing good opportunities and messing up approach play though have become costly habit, the Daggers goals came from Yeovil attacking play breaking down. Three good Yeovil chances spurned in seconds led to the Daggers breaking down the right appearing to strive purposefully for a corner. <b>Will Antwi's</b> leap was softly contested to allow him a fairly easy header for the Daggers to go a goal up with 18 minutes gone. Yeovil were shaken. They hadn't been convincing but they had had the balance of play and had been punished following their most purposeful stint. In the period that followed, though, they were poor.<br />
<br />
Dagenham snuffed out Yeovil's unadventurous blunt effort with ease - dominant in the air and with good recovering pace at the back - and first to the loose ball. Going forward their threat wasn't the sharpest, but on the back of their lead they on occasions got the ball forward quickly and held it up well enough to make us all worried that another frail moment might be near.<br />
<br />
Until, in first-half injury time, <b>Andy Williams</b>, having drifted across to the left from his opposite flank, was set free by <b>Owain Tudur Jones</b> to thump an impressive strike past <b>Chris Lewington</b>. No dithering, no hanging on to the ball to 'make sure' - just one perfect clean confident clout - hard and true - that the situation demanded. Out of the blue it was 1-1 and game-on, now sort 'em out <b>Skivo</b> for the second-half and this match is there for the taking...<br />
<br />
The second-half did see an improvement, patches of fluent play and numerous chances. There is no doubt that luck played a part against Yeovil this week, as they came agonisingly close a number of times. Mistakes though were also still an unfortunate factor, but on balance the home side had worked and probed well enough to have deserved a second goal. Dagenham were still positive and determined themselves, and Yeovil had to be careful at the back. As time wore on, and despite <b>Gavin Williams</b> and <b>Luke Freeman</b> joining the fray in a fruitless attempt to sharpen the attacking effort, the worry intensified that we might again get hit at the back, and that is exactly what happened with the Glovers showing a degree of naivety on two occasions. <b>Abu Ogogo</b> put the away side 2-1 up with a shot that didn't seem good enough to beat <b>John Sullivan</b>, though overall the Yeovil keeper had had a very good game. Late-on, the exposed Yeovil defence fell victim to <b>Medy Elito</b> angling in from the left, switching the ball on to his right foot to neatly beat Sullivan at his far post.<br />
<br />
Yeovil battled on, but it wasn't to be, <b>Paul Huntington</b> unlucky with a firm header against the bar. 3-1 wasn't a reflection of any Dagenham dominance because they weren't vastly superior by any stretch, but there can be no qualms with the result that came about by our opponents maximising a combination of Yeovil misfortune and flaws. I had the pleasure of meeting up with my brother who was up from Devon for the day - not at all a football fan but always persuadable by the lure of a Hungry Horse sirloin. It was plain even for him to spot weaknesses causing the lack of Yeovil first-half cohesion. <b>John Still's</b> men had been efficient muggers on the day, whilst able to resist the Yeovil quality when it did surface. <b>Shaun MacDonald's</b> all-round midfield efforts were again admirable, I feel that he would do better with <b>Jean Paul Kalala</b> in there batting next to him.<br />
<br />
It's going to be a tense few games coming up, because the harsh truth is that if we don't get a decent quota of points from those games then we could be adrift even before Christmas. The season is far from lost at this point, but it was a significantly bad result against a team also battling the drop. Those points thrown away against <b>Swindon</b> with three minutes to go are now appearing more crucial than ever they were. With just 3,500 regulars turning up, the future is presently appearing significantly bleak. <b>Terry Skiverton</b> will continue to fight for the cause, we must support him and there is no doubt that lack of squad-depth is a problem; such times inevitably turn the spotlight onto the Board and lack of off-field progression. That debate which has been simmering for consecutive seasons, is now appearing to be the main and constant topic for most supporters. <br />
<br />
I had a long day of train travel yesterday. At the station for the first return leg I was surprised to note that the Dagenham contingent waiting for the train consisted of just a handful of supporters - the merry band of Londoners were in fact Dagenham players returning from their grand day out on the train - well not just some players but the entire team, management, staff, the Chairman in fact the whole caboodle. <b>Gavin Tomlin</b> was kind enough to tell (but not convince) me that we'll 'be alright.' <br />
<br />
Final word was from my brother. He had to admit that it wasn't so bad as the last time he went. That time, so I now learn, was fixed in his memory as the most rotten of experiences, as I had taken advantage of his good nature to get a lift to the match. As that had been the awful second replay against <b>Millwall</b> in 1975, I could see why, but had no idea just how deeply for thirty-five years he had been carrying his scar. But now, he confessed that his mood had lightened and he might be persuaded to give it another go (with a compulsory sirloin). On the timespan from his first to his second match, I would expect his third might see us losing the Champions League Final in 2045 preceded by a steak and a shandy @ 98 Euros. But apparently no, it might even be this season - what do they put in the water, down there in Devon?<br />
<br />
Final thought for Taff: Hope you enjoyed your Birthday and yer gallivanting in Wales. A very shrewd move by your wife to get you out of Somerset for this match, though desperately hard luck on the Wales result, certainly ran the Springboks close. Now prepare to do yer duty at HP again in three weeks when GJ comes down, or er, might come down if he can ride the wrath of the irate Irishman. <br />
<br />
<b><i>Cruncher</i></b>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-60698595729949795212010-11-11T14:14:00.000+00:002010-11-11T14:14:29.571+00:00A shot in the arm and then in the footIt's not been very often I can say this in the second week of November in the last few years, so let's make the most of it: <b>Yeovil Town</b> are still in the FA Cup! Fair play to <b>Skivo</b> and his team, last Saturday's 1st round tie at <b>Rushden</b> was a banana skin waiting to happen, so to come through, albeit with the aid of a dodgy refereeing decision, was a veritable triumph. A shame that our 'reward' is a 2nd round trip to the winners of the <b>Hartlepool/Vauxhall Motors</b> tie, but hey, it's the 2nd round! I'd forgotten what that looks like.<br />
<br />
Of course the club has managed to take away any possible feelgood factor as soon as it arrived with the announcement yesterday that ticket prices are going up in the new year by £1 across the board. It's all the fault of the Coalition Government's VAT increase in January according to <b>Martyn Starnes</b> as quoted on the club's <a href="http://www.ytfc.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10673~2215270,00.html"><b>official site</b></a>. According to Mr Starnes the club <i>"cannot afford to absorb the rise in the VAT rate imposed by the Treasury."</i>. Funny that, because when the previous Government reduced VAT rates in 2009 the club point-blank refused to lower prices in mid-season in response because <i>"the cost of doing so is prohibitive in terms of administration and arranging coinage,"</i> (<a href="http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/ASP/features/blog.asp?BlogId=103"><b>ABFUP minutes 26th Feb, 2009</b></a>). So it's possible to change the ticket price mid-season when it's going up, but not when it's coming down. Yes, I see.<br />
<br />
We all know the VAT excuse is specious bollocks of course. I've no doubt that the club is struggling financially and needs the extra income so why not just come out and say so? Try treating supporters as adults Mr Starnes and tell us the truth instead of hiding behind a VAT increase that in real terms is nowhere near equivalent to a pound on the price of a ticket. The club needs the money - fine, tell us straight and make a virtue of that necessity. Make people feel that by paying extra they're helping the club to survive. As it has been handled the price rise just gives floating supporters another reason to bitch and moan about the club and not bother attending games. So that will be the recession's fault again then. <br />
<br />
It was also interesting to see that the Meet the Manager/CEO meeting, due to be held at Huish Park tonight, has been cancelled. No reason was given for the cancellation but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out why our CEO would probably have preferred not to face the public the day after he's announced a price increase. Or it might simply have been that they hadn't sold enough tickets to justify going ahead with the meeting. Speaking for myself I had thought about going but had decided not to, mainly because I didn't see much point in speaking (with no offence intended) to the monkeys when the organ-grinders were elsewhere. I don't think the decision to charge a fiver to attend the meeting was a good one either, even if the admission price did include a free drink. The days of fans being locked out of <b>Gary Johnson's</b> Meet-the-Manager meetings seem an awful long time ago now. Where has all that enthusiasm and energy in the fanbase gone? It's been knocked out of us in the austere years since and replaced with apathy and doubt. And until there's real change at the club, at the very top, you can't see anything altering. Just more of the same year on year, with the club declining gently in ever-decreasing circles....<br />
<br />
Having thoroughly depressed myself it's worth remembering that we're still in the FA Cup and have a winnable home game to look forward to this weekend. <b>Dagenham & Redbridge</b> are of course familiar opponents from our non-league days even if tomorrow's match is the first time both clubs have met in the Football League. For the first time in a very long time the Glovers are outright favourites to win the game at 11/10, the draw is priced at 12/5 and a Daggers win also at 12/5. My fiver's going on the home win. I missed putting a bet on last week which is unfortunate as I would undoubtedly have bet on a Yeovil win at Rushden, honest, but that's the way the cookie crumbles. As it is the running total for the season is a rather alarming -£20.25p. Yikes.<br />
<br />
No match report on the blog this weekend as neither myself nor <b>Cruncher</b> will be at Huish Park on Saturday. Cruncher won't be there because he lives well over 100 miles away, and I won't be there because I'm off to Cardiff to watch <b>Wales v South Africa</b> instead, a 50th birthday present to yours truly from my darling wife. And to save <b>HHH</B> the trouble, I'll say it for him: I must really be in her bad books for her to give me that! Have a good weekend, I intend to. Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear Taff, happy birthday to me!Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-48678088751968174132010-11-07T18:56:00.001+00:002010-11-07T22:21:47.570+00:00FAC R1: Rushden & Diamonds 0 Yeovil 1Completing The Circle: Rushden & Diamonds 0 Yeovil Town 1 - Match report and comments by <b><i>Cruncher</i></b><br />
<br />
<b>Yeovil</b> at last triumphed in the FA Cup First Round as they overcame the team that started their miserable four barren years in the competition. <b>Rushden & Diamonds</b>, although not reproducing the 2006 humiliation of playing neat triangles through the Yeovil ranks, were again a stern test. Yeovil carved out the better chances overall but it was hard going to find their free-flowing stride against an organised and well-oiled Rushden machine that had unified purpose and some pace at the back. <br />
<br />
I had anguished whether my pre-match Diamond Burger was as good as the day was going to get, the run of FA Cup blanks, recent defensive lapses and Rushden form had firmly sorted this task as one of hope ahead of expectancy. The team was as expected without <b>Gavin Williams</b> at his club's request, <b>Luke Ayling</b> still waiting for parts of his ribs to be prised off <b>Dean Lewington's</b> elbow and returned in the post. <b>Andy Welsh</b> and <b>Andy Williams</b> came in with <b>Jean-Paul Kalala</b> dropping to right-back. Diamonds also lined up 4-4-2, both teams looking to use width. <br />
<br />
The first twenty minutes or so was a battle: unforced errors spoiling the odd bit of Yeovil promise, the Glovers frustratingly not testing <b>Joe Day</b> in the home goal while facing (as were the away support) an annoying low sun. As time wore on they did create some good chances, the best of which was through excellent <b>Dean Bowditch</b> work to set up <b>Sam Williams</b> with a firm thump that unluckily hit the post. Bowditch continued to harrass the home defence, he had a crisp shot just over and hit another too near to Joe Day as well as setting up <b>Paul Huntington</b> to head against the bar. Diamonds though were competing strongly and created chances of their own. <b>John Sullivan</b> saved excellently from <b>Ryan Charles</b>, and he may have also got the touch that sent a <b>Lewis Spence</b> rasper on to the bar - hard to tell in that sun. <br />
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Yeovil pegged the Diamonds back a bit more for periods after the break, but it remained a fairly even contest. The Glovers could not make their better opportunities count, while the Diamonds still threatened the Yeovil box without penetration. This finely-balanced state of affairs certainly added to the cup tie edge as the minutes counted down, the away end playing their part with passionate voice. The Yeovil support remained positive and sustained and admirably led by the very vocal supporters along the back of the Air Wair. <br />
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When the goal came, not many could tell who the scorer was. Although the stabbing sun had gone by the start of the second half, the far-end view under floodlight was murky. It was clear though that Sam Williams had set Bowditch up well for a strong shot that Joe Day saved. <b>Andy Williams</b>, it transpired, followed up to score his first Yeovil goal at the most crucial of moments with just seven minutes remaining. I will go against the grain a tad by letting my bias serve me well here and suggest that there was a degree of sanity in letting subjective opinion triumph. Bowditch had after all gained the space after his run and shot, and although he hindered the keeper's view he hadn't drifted offside on purpose to gain advantage. And .. er .. if you give me a few hours I will dig up another straw to clutch at. Anyway, such luck for Yeovil is as rare now as a spare Rushden fiver, as <b>Antalya</b> explains on the <a href="http://www.tgr2.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=506"><b>Green Room</a></b>: <i>the stance WE have to face very often and that is "Sod you" we won you didn't</i>. Quite right, cheerio Diamonds, hello Round Two. <br />
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A quick appraisal of performances: John Sullivan was excellent throughout - please stay fit, John. The back four were good collectively and individually, Huntington the more impressive of the centre-backs on the day with Virgo still having a decent game. Jean-Paul Kalala in an unfamiliar role was involved a lot and impressed defensively and going forward. <b>Nathan Jones</b> too was decent, one vital clearing header was the highest I have seen him leap, as he responded to Sullivan's forceful demand of 'Away!' <b>Shaun MacDonald</b> was everywhere, superb engine and excellent all-round display, with <b>Owain Tudur Jones</b> blowing hot and cold. <b>Justin Edinburgh's</b> tactics kept wingers Welsh and Williams on their defensive toes, Williams's direct approach the more threatening on the day. Up front, Sam Williams had a day littered with too many mistakes and some basic ones to boot, with some good bits chucked in. He has been doing well in his spell back since suspension, and this comparative off-day adds weight to my theory that we need a back up for his role. He was unlucky to hit the post after being superbly set up by Bowditch, who was class throughout but unfortunately without the shine on his shooting boots.<br />
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A mention before I forget of the Rushden hospitality and the stewards I encountered - super-friendly and all round top-notch.<br />
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Rushden themselves have come full circle, back to the financial reality of pre-merger days, as the Yeovil fans - noisily, predictably and merrily - reminded them. This fixture was down by almost a thousand on the one of four years ago, and with home crowds averaging around twelve-hundred it will be hard for them to keep hold of Edinburgh. Sustaining a challenge for the play-offs might be key to that, but he stands out as a manager ripe for a step-up. <br />
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Yeovil didn't find top gear with their flowing play by some distance but credit and respect is due to their opponents for that. The joyful players' celebrations might have confused the neutral as to who was the underdog but this was a vital hard-earned win. So there we are, a cup tie that could have gone either way, Yeovil with a bit more bite on the day but owing the day in the end to a bit of fortunate refereeing subjectivity. Would we have taken that at the start of the day? .. You betcha! ... bring on the draw for Round 2. <br />
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<b><i>Cruncher</i></b>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-74152090699150588562010-11-03T12:52:00.000+00:002010-11-03T12:52:39.063+00:00L1: MK Dons 3 Yeovil 2<i>It's tough at the bottom - match report and comment by <b>Cruncher</b></i><br />
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The bitter disappointment of Saturday's late throwaway needed a <b>Yeovil</b> side with character and grit tonight at <b>Milton Keynes</b>. And that is indeed the response the Glovers gave, with a decent performance thrown in. Unfortunately, all it brought in the end was, er, bitter disappointment. <br />
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On balance of the ninety minutes, Yeovil deserved at least a draw against a team unbeaten in the League at home. The Dons had only dropped four out of twenty-one available home points while conceding just three goals. If the game had been marked by judges holding up cards for style and content Yeovil probably would have been the narrow winners. Only it wasn't. It was back to at least matching their opponents in all departments but with a few key moments that made all the difference, a theme that defined much of our League One effort last season and has cost us a load of points already this year. <br />
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Yeovil's opener by <b>Dean Bowditch</b> reflected the visitors being the more threatening, a well-taken goal that <b>Nathan Jones's</b> precise through-ball deserved. The team continued to perform well, a flowing series of moves ended with <b>Gavin Williams</b> chipping just over, while at the other end a glancing <b>Sam Baldock</b> header had <b>John Sullivan</b> admirably palming clear. The Dons reply though when it came was a soft one to let in - <b>Dean Lewington</b> was as unchallenged as a six-footer in an Under-10s game to pop in an easy header from a corner. I think it was <b>Luke Ayling</b> and <b>Owain Tudur Jones</b> who were guilty of being static as Lewington leapt, with Sullivan perhaps sightly drawn too near to his near post. Yeovil got back into their stride, Ayling surged forward on a determined and skilful run that lifted the away crowd and Bowditch 's left-foot stinger tested <b>Stuart Searle</b>. After the break the Dons had a forceful spell that got them their second goal. A good strike by <b>Jemal Johnson</b>, but far too easy how Sam Baldock carved out the inviting opportunity from a cut-back on the right flank, coupled with Yeovil histrionics claiming that the ref had missed something.<br />
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For the few minutes that followed, there was a hint that the home side might overrun their visitors. Even the home crowd at last sounded like a home crowd, but Yeovil battled through it and soon were creating chances again, and the Dons support returned to cautious mode. Yeovil very much still in the game, but not quite breaking through. <br />
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On a run high up the right-side, Ayling was met by a thumping tackle by Lewington, sending the ball into the stand while simultaneously appearing to catch Ayling's ribs. I can't be at all sure it was intentional, but it was certainly effective as Ayling struggled even to take the throw-in, and broke down immediately afterwards. <b>Andy Welsh</b> came on, <b>Jean-Paul Kalala</b> moved to right-back. In a moment, the Glovers were level, <b>Paul Huntington</b> and <b>Adam Virgo</b> were both forward and it was Virgo who took his chance inside the box to shoot in off the post. 2-2, and deserved, and now a pulsating finish to the game.<br />
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<b>Sam Williams</b> who had done his usual to a good standard all night made way for <b>Andy Williams</b>, who was put clear to cut in from the right side of the area. A strong run bearing down on goal had the away support hoping with baited breath - unfortunately it was power without accuracy as Williams found Searle and not the back of the net. Bowditch went off for <b>Luke Freeman</b>, and it seemed a draw was the main hope now.<br />
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Only that too was scuppered, keeping to the miserable pattern we have come to expect. It was a long way up the pitch, but my first thought was that there was daylight between Sam Baldock and the covering tackle. Could be wrong, the replay should tell. Anyway, the ref was sure and penalty to the Dons. <b>Peter Leven</b> down the middle as Sullivan guessed to his right and 3-2, three minutes to go, here we go again. Hard on the keeper who had made a decent return, and hard on the overall effort, but this is League One and we know to expect its consistent message that it won't forgive your errors, or, er, the funny ways of referees. <br />
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Previously Bowditch had had a strong penalty appeal turned down when spinning clear of his man, but the decision was that he had offended. Presumably it he wasn't for diving or he would have been booked, so it must have been for pulling his man back - only the whistle seemed to be delayed until he had got clear of his marker. My instinct was that he had been fouled in the area by the last man, and the ref bottled it, deciding to blow against Bowditch if he got clear. That's how I saw it as it happened, I don't think I was clouding my view with wishful thinking. The exact same thing happened minutes later, but this time in a deeper position outside the box. <br />
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Most players would get sevens with a couple a bit better, for me the best player on the night was Luke Ayling, although his defensive work was frail for the first MK goal. He does have all-round qualities and is becoming stronger and stronger going forward. I'd be quite sure that he'd be a better midfielder now too after having this stint at right-back. Andy Williams was by some distance the most effective of the subs. Virgo was up the front near the end. I think a back-up for Sam Williams is long overdue; squad constraints mean he was taken off presumably to protect him for the next game, but I feel sure his role is needed for the ninety minutes.<br />
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A good performance, overall a bit unlucky but it is still the lapses that are so costly. This might well reflect our ever-weakening financial clout, but I feel the management team and the men on the pitch deserve our complete support. I admired the way they picked themselves up after the weekend, just sort out the lapses! <b>Terry Skiverton</b> will need to decide if it's carrot or stick that is needed - we shall see.<br />
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As for <b>Rushden & Diamonds</b> on Saturday, we should be too strong for them but we all know that doesn't mean we will be. I have a hunch that wingers and pace might have a key part to play, but we'll see. <br />
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<i><b>Cruncher</i></b>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-14988669138556102802010-11-01T16:16:00.000+00:002010-11-01T16:16:05.786+00:00The Time Has Come<i>The Time Has Come - blog post by <b>Cruncher</i></b><br />
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My first ever blog also had this title, looking ahead on <b>Scratch's</b> <i>Pride of Somerset</i> to what was <b>Skivo's</b> first full season at the helm. Now I feel it's time to dust the header down and use it again, because when all is combined I am uncertain about our destiny. Uncertainty can't run forever - the time has come, for, er... something.<br />
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To be honest about where we are, my view is that we are no longer just a poorer club in League One but a weaker one - and there is a difference. <br />
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Gates are running considerably higher than last year after seven home League games, at an average near 4,800 compared to around the 4,200 mark at the same stage last year. Don't let that fool you though, there have been more of the higher-attended games in this year's opening batch and even those have seen a significant drop on the same fixtures last year, in fact all corresponding fixtures are down bar the <b>Leyton Orient</b> match (the bald guy, he always could draw 'em in). The most telling fact is that the home section of the home crowd is still dwindling. The time had already come in previous years, on this topic.<br />
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As for the Board, my perception is this: <b>Mr. Hayward</b> capitalised the club to suit <b>Mr. Fry's</b> purpose of keeping out all and sundry. While this might be admirable to keep out the rogues and the inept, it also unfortunately keeps out the bright sparks with their fresh thinking who would roll up their sleeves to increase gate revenue as well as establish permanent money-making schemes. As I see it, <i>Holdingsgate</i> (as <b>Taff</b> usefully christened it) is in lieu of making progress in a proper and safe way. And I would hold to that even if separation of the club's land turned out to be some fantastic venture in the long run, because I don't agree with putting off (for example) local or supporter investment - with accompanied ideas, enthusiasm and endeavour - in favour of a punt with the club's plot. <br />
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In any case, the land separation route does not appear to be a plan that was made with specific investors already in mind - or else where is the next step of getting in the finance? As time drags on without even a hint of development specifics, it seems more and more likely that the separation is in case a chance comes our way, rather than separating assets to suit money already lined-up. Perhaps it might be viewed as reasonable for the club to do it that way, but if the club sets aside its prime assets for a hope that doesn't materialise, the club's land remains unprotected to potential risk in the future. <br />
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I still green-tintedly believe that <b>Terry Skiverton</b> can eventually get us up to dizzy heights, or at least achieve 20th place or better year after year. At the same time, the-never-gets-sorted has its accumulative effect, nagging away. If <i>the time</i> doesn't at least appear on the horizon fairly soon, we won't have the strength to hold on to what we've got. <br />
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With immense admiration and respect for a lot of the good past work, for the Board and for the future, the time may well have come. If someone of the right stuff comes knocking on their door, I hope the Board would see it that way too. Equally, anyone knocking on the door needs to have a clear vision to revive gates and create revenue streams. <br />
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Mr. Fry can proudly take acclaim for a marvellous chunk of our history, which took us from rising above the brink of oblivion to the brink of entering the Championship. If anything, it is that 2006-07 push to near-promotion which clearly endorses the message that all good things come to an end, as our Chairman had cast off the prudent cloak he had long donned. That was a gamble then, and Holdingsgate is a gamble now. What happened subsequently with Slade's pay-off (presumably followed by another following an unwise club statement) also gives the clear message that error can follow error once a wrong turning has been made.<br />
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A quick word about the manager and the Chief Executive: as far as I can see, Terry Skiverton is too constrained by compromises, especially for a rookie. My instinct is that his time has not come, and I back him to continue. <b>Martyn Starnes</b> may or may not be excellent, it is hard to tell while he his not given the free-reign that normally goes with the role. Would their allegiance to the present rulers be enough for their downfall if a new owner arrived? - Maybe, maybe not. It could just as likely be the making of 'em.<br />
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<b><i>Cruncher</i></b>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-77609406245943781762010-10-31T14:28:00.000+00:002010-10-31T14:28:41.359+00:00L1: Yeovil 3 Swindon 3"At least you can't fault the entertainment value," someone said to me as I left Huish Park in the gathering gloom yesterday afternoon after watching the Glovers snatching a draw out of the jaws of victory. I may have grinned and said something inane in return, but the remark set me thinking. And the conclusion to my thoughts was, well, actually, you most certainly <i>can</i> fault the entertainment value. Oh, I've no doubt the 1,000-odd <B>Swindon</b> supporters at the match left South Somerset in a relatively happy frame of mind. Why wouldn't they? They had seen their team come back from 3-1 down with less than 5 minutes left on the board to draw 3-3 and could very easily have even snatched a winner right at the death. But even amidst their euphoria they should have been concerned: Watching yesterday's match with it's lack of quality from both teams in both halves of the pitch was like watching two balding men arguing over the use of a comb.<br />
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The first half was probably the worst 45 minutes of football I've seen at Huish Park this season, and I've seen some bad halves, believe you me. The Glovers started with the same 4-4-1-1 formation that has seen us play some of our best football at home this season (the <b>Tranmere</b> and <b>Southampton</b> games in particular spring to mind), but for whatever reason it wasn't working yesterday. The word 'scrappy' doesn't really do justice to the fare served up by both sides. There was plenty of hard work, lots of closing down, but moments of quality very few and far between - one of those games where you find yourself watching the play but drifting off into a reverie, thinking about past games, what you're going to have for dinner tonight, the colour of the living-room wallpaper, the price of a ticket to watch Sherborne Town - that kind of thing. The atmosphere for a so-called derby match was as flat as a pancake with only the antics of Swindon's <b>Matt Ritchie</b> livening up the crowd, with his propensity for diving and falling over whenever a Yeovil player came within three feet of him irritating everyone in the Cowlin Stand. The one that got away, <b>Charlie Austin</b>, gave the visitors the lead in the 23rd minute, converting a harmless-looking cross despite being surrounded by defenders. Fair play to <b>Skivo</b>, he could see as well as everyone else that whatever we were doing wasn't working and made the change to a 4-4-2 after half-an-hour, <b>Andy Welsh</b> being replaced by <b>Sam Williams</b>. The Glovers got a lifeline they barely deserved with the last kick of the half, <b>Gavin Williams</b> low and powerful free-kick somehow evading the Swindon wall and beating <b>David Lucas</b> in the visitors goal. 1-1 at half-time, but it felt more like 0-0.<br />
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The Glovers lost keeper <b>Stephen Henderson</b> at half-time with a head injury, goalkeeping coach <b>Ben Roberts</b> deputising for his first competitive game in 6 years. The enforced change didn't seem to matter at first, with the Glovers somehow going into a 2-goal lead, though neither goal owed much to the concept of the beautiful game. A deep cross from the left on 50 minutes was flicked over keeper Lucas by Sam Williams and met at the far post by <b>Dean Bowditch</b> to put Yeovil 2-1 up. Ten minutes later and a <b>Nathan Jones</b> long-ball from inside his own half set Bowditch free with the Swindon defence nowhere to be seen, the striker finishing past Lucas with aplomb. 3-1 to the home side and game over, or so most in the ground must have thought. But as we've seen in the past, there's nothing more brittle or frail than this Yeovil side when they're defending a lead. Roberts in the Yeovil goal had coped pretty well up until now with everything Swindon had thrown at him, but with three minutes left on the clock it all started to go wrong. A Swindon corner found the home defence and keeper looking like statues and then looking at each other as <b>Sean Morrison</b> bundled the ball home at the far post. Where was his marker? Where was the far post defender? Where was the keeper? A minute later and we were watching in disbelief as Swindon equalised. Another corner, the ball punched away by Roberts but only to <b>Jon-Paul McGovern</b> at the edge of the box, whose shot managed to avoid everyone in the crowded penalty area to hit the back of the net. 3-3 at the final whistle and from Yeovil's point of view, two points thrown away.<br />
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I don't propose to do my usual player ratings today, other than to say I'd give Dean Bowditch an 8 for his 2 goals and Luke Ayling and Nathan Jones a 7 each for enthusiasm and effort. The rest would get 5's and 6's between them.<br />
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On the face of it the starting XI Skivo put out yesterday was as strong as any he's picked over the last two years, but there's an underlying brittleness that is concerning. Certainly the absence of Stephen Henderson in the second half didn't help, but even with an unfamiliar keeper between the sticks it should not have been beyond the Glovers to defend a 2-goal lead with only 3 minutes left on the clock. The Glovers best spell came in the second half in the aftermath of their third goal. Just for a short while they passed the ball well, dominated possession and created a couple of decent opportunities, none of which unfortunately were taken. Not even this side could have thrown away a 3-goal lead, could they? That brief spell apart however the football from both sides was mediocre, a word which pretty much sums up yesterday's game. If you weren't there then a 3-3 scoreline sounds great entertainment. Believe me, it wasn't.<br />
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The result leaves the Glovers back in 22nd place in the relegation zone, with 15 points from 14 games played. Our goal difference is comfortably the worst in the division at -10. It's not being alarmist to observe that until that is addressed and cured then with the best will in the world you just can't see anything other than a relegation fight for the rest of the season. So business as usual then!<br />
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No rest for the wicked anyway, and the Glovers now travel to <b>Franchise FC</B> on Tuesday night. The bookies make the home side 8/11 favourites, the draw is priced at 12/5 and a Glovers win at 7/2. More in hope than expectation my fiver's going on the draw. Running total: -£15.25p.Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-58472276379895403282010-10-28T13:38:00.000+01:002010-10-28T13:38:09.504+01:00Diamonds aren't foreverThis week's Fa Cup 1st round draw brought the Glovers yet another away tie to contend with and if that wasn't bad enough also brought us face-to-face with one of our most difficult opponents of the last decade, that made-up club from the middle of nowhere, <b>Rushden & Diamonds FC</b>.<br />
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We couldn't have had much worse a draw to be honest. Rushden (or Ru$hden, as I still prefer to think of them even if, like ourselves, they don't have a pot to piss in these days), like <b>Oxford United</b> last season, are doing well in the Conference, are full-time, and will relish the chance of doing over a struggling League One side. They'll especially relish the chance of doing us over as they've already done it once before, <a href=http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/fixtures/1106-fac1-rushden-away.htm"><b>four years ago</b></a>.<br />
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Rushden & Diamonds as a club have only been in existence since 1992 but they've packed a lot of promotions and relegations into that time. They were of course formed on the back of one man's money, that man being <b>Max Griggs</b>, the head of the Dr Martens footwear empire. Fair play to Max, he made a good pair of boots and initially his brand new sparkling football club - the bastard offspring of a merger between Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds - did well too, eventually rising from the depths of the Southern League Midland Division all the way to the heady heights of League One in the Football League. On the way of course they came up against ourselves, particularly in the 2000-01 season, when they pipped the Glovers to the Conference title and promotion to the Football League. The <a href="http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/ASP/statistics/league_table.asp?LeagueCode=Conf&SeasonName=2000-01"><b>final table</b></a> showed a 6 point gap between the Diamonds and the 2nd-placed Glovers that season, but the table didn't tell anything like the full story of that nine months. If you've got a spare hour or so then it's well worth browsing through the <a href="http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/ASP/news/news_archives.asp"><b>Ciderspace news archives</b></a> for that time, and I'm not saying that just because I helped write them! It was a fascinating season with more twists and turns in the plotlines than your average episode of <i>Eastenders</i>, and was really the start of the beginning of the modern era of Yeovil Town, though at the time it felt more like the beginning of the end, with manager <b>Colin Addison</b> being controversially sacked at the end of the season and some of our best players - <b>Warren Patmore</b> and <b>Tony Pennock</b> in particular - leaving to join Rushden in the Football League, a bitter pill to swallow at the time.<br />
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Still, we had the last laugh. Max Griggs continued to throw his money at the club and Rushden eventually made it all the way to League One, but there the bubble burst. The Dr Martens empire hit the financial rocks, and Griggs's money injections, amounting to an average of £2.5 million per season (!) since their Conference days, stopped. Now owned by their Supporters Trust and for the first time not living beyond their means, Rushden, no longer known as Ru$hden, came back down the leagues as fast as they went up them before bottoming out in the Conference, where they've remained since. As they went down we of course went up in a rather more stable and sustainable manner and now the (Doc Martens) boot is on the other foot. Until a week on Saturday anyway! Wouldn't it be nice if, just for once, we had a bit of a cup run? Is it really too much to ask?<br />
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There are more pressing concerns before then. This Saturday sees <b>Swindon</b> coming to Huish Park followed by a trip to <b>Franchise FC</b> next Tuesday. We're not quite back in crisis mode yet, but after 2 defeats in a row leaving us a scanty one place above the relegation zone it's important that we get something out of Saturday's game against our Wiltshire near-neighbours. The bookies make the Glovers narrow 8/5 favourites for the win, with the draw priced at 23/10 and a Swindon win at 13/8. My self-imposed unwritten rule of always betting on a home win when the odds are against means that my fiver is in Skivo's mens hands, god help me. No bet last week because my old computer decided to blow up, running total: -£10.25p.<br />
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<i>Just read: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gardens-Sun-Gollancz-Paul-McAuley/dp/0575084480/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1288268008&sr=1-2"><b>Gardens of the Sun</b></a> by <b>Paul McAuley</b>: Excellent sequel to the equally good <b>The Quiet War</b>. Both books are set in the future a century or so from now with mankind colonising the solar system and, being mankind, fighting each other all the way. I'd thoroughly recommend both books to anyone who likes intelligent, hard s-f with a human touch. Read The Quiet War first, the sequel may not make much sense otherwise - but do read them both!</i>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-12676186500003448802010-10-24T19:43:00.000+01:002010-10-24T19:43:26.898+01:00L1: Brighton 2 Yeovil Town 0Defeated and Depleted - match report and thoughts, by <b><i>Cruncher</i></b><br />
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I normally don't get bored on train rides but today's trudge for my first (and last) trip to The Withdean was decidedly dull. Wasn't on my 'A' list of away days, but I was peeved that I missed the <b>Rochdale</b> game so added it in. Heavy rain was possible if not probable, but I was going. Not long before arriving at Preston Park Station, the landscape was split by a most perfectly-vertical strike of lightning, not enhancing my expectancy of a grand day out, especially when fresh rain greeted me as I stepped onto the platform. <br />
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What happened next was a bit surreal. In the short moment I wandered through a narrow smugglers' tunnel of a white passage that was the way out, the onset of certain persistent rainfall had turned to a clear sky immediately followed by sunshine. It had a bit of Dr. Who about it, with the feeling of walking into a different time zone further compounded by the scene of a sleepy village setting. Ahead was an inviting slope down to cosy Sussex suburbia, to the right a quaint clock shop, and to the left a short road leading to a track that I presumed was perfect for designer outdoor clothing enthusiasts to walk their designer dogs. And despite home fans also on their way to the ground, all around a distinct sense of ... quiet. <br />
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Treading a continuing blanket of damp autumnal greens and golds, ten minutes or so up the dog track takes me to the ground. Miles too late for access to the Pub let alone its renowned carvery, I approach the away end caterers with high hopes but there's not much choice - the priority is to fill a hole so a burger it is. As for the atmosphere and the view, the 112 in the away end knew what to expect. <br />
<br />
A chatty steward had seen <b>Adam Virgo</b> arrive at the ground, confirming that he wasn't playing today. Not a big surprise after last week but then, finding out that <b>Craig Alcock</b> and <b>Shaun MacDonald</b> were also missing, a big task becomes massive. At least <b>Jean Paul Kalala</b> was back and <b>Ed Upson</b> was getting a start, but with <b>Owain Tudur Jones</b> filling in at the back we were compromised now in the back and the middle. Against the League leaders, we were David turning up with a lacky band instead of a sling. <br />
<br />
Although as it transpired the teams were fairly evenly matched in the first half. Yeovil had some good periods of keeping the ball playing neat stuff at times and applying some pressure. Brighton's threat, in the main snuffed out by the Yeovil game-plan, came through <b>Kazenga Lua Lua</b> who had an absorbing battle with <b>Luke Ayling</b>. Just before half time both teams had been adequate without being inspiring, with a fine double-save by <b>Stephen Henderson</b> being the most notable factor to the game remaining goalless. JPK was straight back into his stride, busy and effective, other plusses for Yeovil was the defensive work of <b>Paul Huntington</b> and <b>Nathan Smith</b>, and of course Henderson; <b>Sam Williams</b> also had had a good start to the game. <br />
<br />
Hope of holding out continued until just before half-time, until Lua Lua picked out <b>Glenn Murray</b> at the far post: a placed header perfectly weighted to lob Henderson on his opposite corner - one nil to Brighton. While the play had remained fairly evenly balanced, a bit of tweaking by <b>Gus Poyet</b> did give a hint of second half Brighton superiority that was to follow - enough I thought for a Skiverton tweak sooner rather than later. <br />
<br />
<b>Skivo</b> kept to the same eleven with the same plan. Brighton put their stamp on the game, Yeovil battled on but at times the second half reminded me of a school match where one side had sneaked in four or five older players, decisively showing more muscle and pace. Shots on Henderson's goal were becoming more frequent, and it must be said he had another very good game, impressing with his handling, kicking and positioning as well as pulling off good saves. He couldn't do anything about Albion's second goal, a classy collect-and-shoot from a crossfield ball as <b>Inigo Calderon</b> cut in from his right flank to beat Henderson in the far corner. <br />
<br />
Yeovil eventually brought on <b>Andy Williams</b> and then <b>Andy Welsh</b> and did manage to look lively again in sporadic moments, especially in the latter stages when they got in sight of goal a few times, but on the day the home team were clearly deserving of their victory. <b>Craig Calver</b> got a run out, presumably mainly to preserve <b>Dean Bowditch</b> for next week.<br />
<br />
Certainly not a terrible performance nor a disaster, more a bridge too far for the amount of injuries. And in the contest of the Seagulls' form and last week's crushing victory at <b>Charlton</b>, we come away with our dignity intact. Presumably the more positive game plan of recent weeks would have been kept if just one of MacDonald or Alcock had been fit. Both goals could be criticised, but for the squad depletion on the day we couldn't expect much more than what we got, and with what we had we gave it a go. Trying Plan B should have been at half-time, if I had to find a gripe. If we stay up, we might not get a trip to the new Amex Stadium next year as Poyet undoubtedly is doing some good work on the South Coast. At the same time though, if we can keep on to key personnel and maintain a fit squad after the new year, we have realistic hope of a result in the return match. <br />
<br />
The young singers as always tried hard to create atmosphere, so very difficult what with the distance from the action and such like. I found the stewards to be of the friendliest nature, but felt just or two gave off a bit of stern body language. Maybe I was just being over-sensitive, not sure; neither am I sure whether my hunch has relevance to an intense situation that occurred latish in the second-half. As I say, the majority were not just decent but superb. <br />
<br />
Another three hours (almost) of boring train journey later was just like the outward trip: without access to refreshments. Until ironically just as the train rolled in a snacks trolley belatedly appeared. The whole experience of monotonous travel and the flat atmosphere at The Withdean combined to define my day as a bit of a strange non-event. I felt slightly more affection for The National Hockey Stadium than The Withdean, even though I did get a drenching at that venue. The Brighton fans have obviously been starved of a proper home for far too long, as is clear from those that I spoke to. Good luck to them on the move to Falmer, and indeed it does sound like it will be a fantastic stadium. After today, Albion supporters indeed do have realistic hope that the move to Falmer will coincide with promotion to the Championship.<br />
<br />
Lots of importance now on the home game against <b>Swindon</b>. After such a good start to October, now it's back to the crucial need to pick up some points again, much like the position we were in against <b>Walsall</b> at the start of the month. Fitness to key personnel for the coming batch of games could prove decisive to our season. <br />
<br />
Lack of expected heavy rain is perhaps the biggest plus on the day, though lack of fresh injuries would definitely exceed that drop of joy. Chalk this one off as something that had to be got out the way, now let's get back to the momentum started at Walsall. <br />
<br />
<b><i>Cruncher</i></b>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-67502227701791538112010-10-18T19:24:00.000+01:002010-10-18T19:24:46.486+01:00L1: Yeovil 0 Sheffield Wednesday 2On the face of it a 0-2 home defeat doesn't sound anything much to write home about, but appearances can be deceptive. The Glovers matched and indeed bettered their illustrious visitors for most of Saturday's game in all areas except where it really matters - the penalty box. And yet again, a referee's decision - or should I say indecision - hurt us badly.<br />
<br />
Wednesday began the game like a house on fire and could have gone ahead through <b>Clinton Morrison</b> and <b>Gary Teale</b> efforts, though neither player managed to get their shots on target. Gradually the Glovers began to get into the game and began to dominate possession, passing the ball nicely albeit without a great deal of attacking threat. The closest they came to a goal saw a <b>Dean Bowditch</b> pass finding <b>Sam Williams</b> in the box. The big striker turned his defender well but saw his shot smothered by Wednesday keeper <b>Nicky Weaver</b>. <b>Gavin Williams</b> shot over the bar and a Bowditch free-kick was deflected away for a corner. The Glovers cause wasn't helped when <b>Adam Virgo</b> was subbed just before the break with a groin strain. 0-0 at half-time, but Yeovil were on top. <br />
<br />
The second half began in the same vein with the Glovers dominating possession. Wednesday defender <b>Darren Purse</b> fouled Super Gav and then stamped on the Welshman as both players tangled on the floor. Referee <b>Graham Scott</b> and his assistant evidently completely missed the stamp as Purse wasn't even booked for the assault, never mind given the red card he patently deserved - a game-changing decision, or lack of one. <b>Owain Tudur-Jones</b> forced Weaver to save again with a shot from outside the box and Bowditch should have at least hit the target a few minutes later when free in front of goal but screwed his effort wide. The game changed with the introduction of Owls substitute <b>Jermaine Johnson</b>. The former Glover loanee's pace immediately began to give the home side's defence some problems and on 72 minutes he put the visitors in front with a fine individual goal, cutting inside from the left and from the edge of the box firing past a helpless <b>Stephen Henderson</b> in the Yeovil goal. The Glovers continued to dominate possession without causing Wednesday too many alarms and the visitors made the game safe on 84 minutes. <b>John Otsomober</b> drove into the box only to be brought down by a mis-timed tackle by <b>Luke Ayling</b>. A clear penalty from where I was sitting, which was duly converted by <b>Tommy Miller</b>. <br />
<br />
Otsomober blotted his copybook just before the end with a late tackle on <b>Nathan Smith</b> which saw Mr Scott show him the red card. To their credit the Glovers kept on pressing for a consolation or better but the nearest they came to scoring in the brief time remaining was a Tudur-Jones header which hit the bar. It just wasn't our day.<br />
<br />
Yeovil lined up as follows (4-4-2):<br />
<br />
13. <b>Stephen Henderson - 6/10</b>: Strange game for Stephen. Didn't have a great deal to do for most of the match and had no chance with either of the goals. <br />
<br />
8. <b>Luke Ayling - 7/10</b>: Began at right-back and switched to centre-half just before half-time when Virgo went off. Looked equally accomplished in both positions and although he did give away a penalty it was a tackle he had to make and was unlucky to just slightly mistime it. A good, versatile young player who should have a good career in the game - hopefully mostly with us!<br />
<br />
5. <b>Paul Huntington - 8/10</b>: Improving all the time. Stepped up to the plate when Virgo went off and led the backline by example. After something of a slow start to his Glovers career is now showing exactly why Skivo brought him to the club.<br />
<br />
19. <b>Adam Virgo - 7/10</b>: A big player for us and we missed him after he went off just before half-time. Not that we missed him so much at the back - Luke Ayling deputised very effectively for him - rather we missed his goal threat up front from set-pieces.<br />
<br />
6. <b>Nathan Smith - 7/10</b>: Another good performance from a player who is getting better and better the more he plays. Very solid in defence and exciting going forwards.<br />
<br />
24. <b>Gavin Williams - 6/10</b>: For me, one of his least effective performances in his latest spell at the club. Mind, that still meant he posed a considerable threat at times, but faded out of the game rather more than we're used to seeing. Playing with an injury evidently - is it beginning to show?<br />
<br />
25. <b>Shaun MacDonald - 8/10</b>: That's better! Getting back to the form he showed for us last season, and we all know how effective he can be at his best. <br />
<br />
20. <b>Owain Tudur-Jones - 8/10</b>: Another very good box-to-box performance. Unlucky not to score. Is he starting to win the fans over at last? Not before time if so. We'll miss him when he goes back to Norwich.<br />
<br />
11. <b>Andy Welsh - 5/10</b>: A bit of a nothing game to my eyes. Struggled to get involved and subbed on 65 minutes.<br />
<br />
9. <b>Sam Williams - 6/10</b>: Typical Sam Williams performance. Tried hard, put himself about, never looked like scoring. Admittedly not helped by the change of formation in the first half which pushed him out wide.<br />
<br />
10. <b>Dean Bowditch - 6/10</b>: And again, tried hard, put himself about, never really looked like scoring, especially after he was pushed wide after Freeman came on in the second half. <br />
<br />
Subs:<br />
2. <b>Craig Alcock</b> (36 mins for Adam Virgo)<b> - 5/10</b>: A tough game to make his comeback from injury in but he coped well enough until the arrival of Jermaine Johnson. Struggled thereafter.<br />
<br />
7. <b>Andrew Williams</b> (77 mins for Dean Bowditch)<b> - 5/10</b>: You want your subs to make a positive impact, but it just didn't happen for Andy on Saturday. For me, he needs to be starting games.<br />
<br />
18. <b>Luke Freeman</b> (65 mins for Andy Welsh)<b> - 5/10</b>: Skivo was obvously hoping Luke would have the same impact on the game as he did as a sub at Rochdale, but again, it didn't happen. Struggled to get involved.<br />
<br />
A good overall performance from the Glovers then, only let down by the lack of a goal or two. The difference between the teams in the end came down to the impact made by one player, Jermaine Johnson. On the day, we had no-one to match him. It's a cliche, but that doesn't make it any less true: We will play worse than this in the future and win comfortably.<br />
<br />
Good to see the away terrace full again on Saturday and credit to the Wednesday fans who observed the minute's applause for <b>Colin Lippiatt</b>, <b>Malcolm Allison</b> and <b>Derek Warren</b> impeccably. It seems that we're losing stalwarts from the past at an ever-increasing rate these days, but I was particularly saddened by the news of Colin Lippiatt's passing. A very under-rated manager in his own right but more importantly a good man. He always had time for supporters and will be badly missed by all who knew him. If you've not seen it yet, then <a href="http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/ASP/features/blog.asp?BlogId=403"><b>Ciderspace's tribute</b></a> is a must-read.<br />
<br />
Talking of Wednesday fans it's worth checking out <a href="http://owlsalive.com/RamblesYeovilAway.html"><b>this blog</b></a> on the <i>Owls Alive</i> website. It's an account of a Wednesday fan's first trip to Huish Park and makes interesting reading. It's worth quoting a paragaph from the end of the piece:<br />
<br />
<i>"A fantastic end to a wonderful day, at an excellent club. To my mind everything about Yeovil Town football club screams class. It is without doubt an absolute credit to the football league and the game. The people who follow the club are without doubt the friendliest people I have ever met and it was great to be amongst them."</i><br />
<br />
Ain't that nice?<br />
<br />
On a personal note a quick word for my brother, Paul, otherwise known on the <i>green room 2</i> as <b>Amazed</b>. The daft sod tripped up walking out of his front door on the way to the football on Saturday and snapped the tendon in his knee and will be <i>hors de combat</i> for a while consequently. Get well soon, you clumsy bugger!<br />
<br />
<i>Just read: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Galileos-Dream-Kim-Stanley-Robinson/dp/0007260326/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1287422121&sr=8-3"><b>Galileo's Dream</b></a> by <b>Kim Stanley Robinson</b>: I was really looking forward to this novel having very much enjoyed Robinson's works in the past (The Mars Trilogy in particular), but in the event I struggled to finish it. Half historical novel, half hard science fiction, it's a fictional account of the life and work of Galileo and his troubles with the Inquisition after he had the temerity to suggest that the Earth revolves around the Sun rather than vice-versa. That's half of it anyway, the other half is set on the moons of Jupiter 3000 years into the future with the Great Scientist time-travelling between both ages. It's clever, very clever and thought-provoking, but I found it hard going, difficult to read and ultimately, somewhat disappointing. Ah well, you can't win them all. </i>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-56324758348917898622010-10-13T17:22:00.000+01:002010-10-13T17:22:23.570+01:00If....What a difference a couple of weeks can make. Just over a fortnight ago the Glovers succumbed to <b>Exeter City</b> at home for the second time this season and had fallen to just outside the relegation zone in the table. Gloom and doom amongst fans was rife and even your humble scribe - normally a glass-half-full kinda guy - was moved to write the following: <i>...right now Skivo's judgement and tactical nous is being scrutinised as much as it ever has been by a fanbase - those of us that are left - getting increasingly impatient with poor results and worse performances.</i><br />
<br />
Three games later and the picture looks very different. A good 1-1 draw at home to a strong <b>Southampton</b> side followed by those rarest of beasts, two away wins in a row, firstly at <b>Walsall</b> and then last Saturday at <b>Rochdale</b>. Seven points from a possible nine on offer and most importantly, two clean sheets. Four points away from the relegation zone, but only three points away from the play-offs. I guess the only conclusion to draw from it all is that, as <b>Skivo</b> himself said not so long ago, we shouldn't over-react to events. <b>Rudyard Kipling</b> said it better:<br />
<br />
<i>IF you can keep your head when all about you<br />
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,<br />
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,<br />
But make allowance for their doubting too;<br />
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,<br />
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,<br />
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,<br />
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:<br />
<br />
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;<br />
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;<br />
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster<br />
And treat those two impostors just the same;<br />
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken<br />
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,<br />
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,<br />
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:<br />
<br />
If you can make one heap of all your winnings<br />
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,<br />
And lose, and start again at your beginnings<br />
And never breathe a word about your loss;<br />
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew<br />
To serve your turn long after they are gone,<br />
And so hold on when there is nothing in you<br />
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'<br />
<br />
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,<br />
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,<br />
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,<br />
If all men count with you, but none too much;<br />
If you can fill the unforgiving minute<br />
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,<br />
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,<br />
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!</i><br />
<br />
He knew what he was on about did Kipling. I particularly like the lines: <i>If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same</i>. Very apposite for the modern day YTFC fan. I'm tired of worrying about football. I'm fed up with concerns over <b>Holdingsgate</b>. I'm bored with obsessing over every last YTFC related fact. I don't care where the missing fans have gone, nor do I want to think about the crap beer tent. All I wanna do is have some fun, as <b>Sheryl Crow</b> once said. I just want to go and watch my team play football, to be entertained for a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon. If we win, we win, if we lose, we lose. It doesn't really matter either way. Me and 3,000-odd others will turn up, whether we're playing the likes of <b>Sheffield Wednesday</b> or <b>Hayes and Yeading</b>. It's football at Huish Park, it's what we do.<br />
<br />
Talking of Sheffield Wednesday, they are next up for Skivo's men. The Owls are the latest fallen giants to fill the away end at Huish Park, the latest ex-Premiership club to be informed that they are 'not famous anymore'. They are a massive three points ahead of the Glovers in the table so naturally the bookies make Wednesday 11/8 favourites to win the game on Saturday. The draw is priced at 23/10 and a home win at a somewhat insulting 19/10. My miffed fiver is going on the home win. Running total: -£5.25p.<br />
<br />
In case you haven't noticed it's been International Week this week: No Premiership nor Championship football on tv, just international football, qualifiers for next year's European Championship. I noticed because Sunday's without football on the box are plain wrong. I pay a not inconsiderable sum to Sky TV to be able to watch football on a Sunday, so why did they not show a League One or League Two game? The lack of football meant I had no excuse not to go to a flea market/craft fair at the Shepton Mallet Showground, not an experience I want to repeat in a hurry. Sort it out Sky!<br />
<br />
It's not as if international football - tournaments apart - is much good or very interesting. I reckon most Champions League teams, hell, most Premiership teams would beat most international sides with something to spare. I'm bloody sure <b>Cardiff City</b>, for example, would see off <b>Wales</b> very comfortably; while <b>Everton</b> would more than likely eviscerate <b>England</b> and <b>Liverpool</b> lamp <b>Latvia</b>. Er, well, maybe not that last example. Congratulations are due to <b>Shaun MacDonald</b> for his first Welsh cap proper, but as a Welshman I can honestly say I have little or no interest in international football at the moment, the damage done to Wales and Welsh football by the mis-management of <b>John Toshack</b> has knocked the stuffing out of a whole generation of Welsh fans and players and it's going to take a long time to get the enthusiasm back. Mind, the Welsh FA could help by appointing the right manager this time - hint, that is NOT <b>Ian Rush</b>. My choice would be for a <b>Ryan Giggs/Brian Flynn</b> partnership but I'd be equally pleased if <b>Chris Coleman</b> got the job. Hell, I'd even give <b>Robbie Savage</b> a go, if he fancied it. <br />
<br />
<i>Just read: <b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolutionary-Void-Peter-F-Hamilton/dp/140508894X/ref=pd_sim_b_1">The Evolutionary Void</a></b> by <b>Peter F Hamilton</b>: The final part of the Void Trilogy, here at last. Was it worth the wait? Just about. It is, in my opinion, the weakest of the trilogy with the ending, as usual with Hamilton's books, somewhat forced and contrived. Having said that I still thoroughly enjoyed the journey to get to the ending and I'd still recommend this novel highly - but you'd have to read The Dreaming Void and The Temporal Void first, The Evolutionary Void won't make much sense otherwise. It's epic space-opera on a galactic scale but Hamilton never gets carried away with the high-tech settings and neglects his characters. It's just a small shame that the final chapter doesn't quite live up to all of the rest. </i>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-76174034579010801232010-10-08T20:32:00.000+01:002010-10-08T20:32:36.272+01:00Ya win some, ya lose some.Another quickie post tonight, ahead of tomorrow's visit to <b>Rochdale</b>. It's been win some and lose some in YTFC-land this week. The Glovers Board has gained 2 new Directors in the form of <b>Andy Rossiter</b> and <b>David Lee</b>, who have responsibility for the Centre of Excellence and Community Trust respectively; against that we've lost a couple of fans, if <a href="http://www.tgr2.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=218"><b>this thread</b></a> on the <i>Green Room II</i> is anything to go by.<br />
<br />
As I write this I've just seen a brief feature about the club on the BBC's <i>Points West</i> programme, asking if the club can survive in League One and even push on into the Championship in the future. Kudos to well-known supporter <b>Mark Kelly</b> for telling it how it is by criticising the facilities at Huish Park and explaining the need for a social club for supporters. But perhaps the most interesting moment came in a rare interview with Director <b>Stephen Allinson</b>, who threw his weight very much behind the controversial formation of the new Holding Company, saying: <i>"We want to invest in this whole infrastructure [Huish Park]. Many major operators/retailers these days will not invest in a football club, but will invest in the grounds that support that football club. And what that will do is enhance us, because the more money that comes in off the field, the more money can be ploughed in on it. We're fans on the Board as well, that's the important thing."</i> <br />
<br />
Allinson's words are significant, as far as I'm aware he's the first Board member other than Chairman <b>John Fry</b> and Chief Executive <b>Martyn Starnes</b> to publically support the formation of the Holding Company. His words carry weight because he is regarded by many as a genuinely independent voice in the Boardroom as well as enjoying a reputation throughout the game for financial expertise. If Stephen Allinson is comfortable with the formation of <b>Yeovil Town Holdings Ltd</b> and believes it will bring some much-needed investment into the club then, just maybe, there's less to worry about than some of us have previously thought. <br />
<br />
As mentioned before the Glovers travel to Spotland tomorrow to face <b>Rochdale</b>, who've got off to a real flyer in their first season in League One for many years. The bookies make the home side evens favourites, the draw is priced at 23/10 and a Glovers win at 14/5. My fiver is once again going on the draw. Running total: +25p.<br />
<br />
<i>Just read: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Heartstone-Matthew-Shardlake-C-Sansom/dp/1405092734/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286563859&sr=8-1"><b>Heartstone</b></a> by <b>CJ Sansom</b>: I've been looking forward to this, the 5th in the Matthew Shardlake series of novels, for a couple of years now and it doesn't disappoint. For the uninitiated, Shardlake is a hunchback London lawyer alive during the reign of Henry VIII, and the novels focus on his life and work. He defends the underdog and tries, generally without success, to avoid getting embroiled in the politics of Henry's Court. The novels work on many levels; as crime thrillers, as history lessons, as chronicles of how ordinary people lived and survived in Tudor times. All five of the novels in the series are standalone works and Heartstone is as accomplished, thrilling and satisfying as any of the rest. Roll on the sixth in the series, whenever it emerges.</i>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-36771204207231226472010-10-03T17:12:00.000+01:002010-10-03T17:12:40.488+01:00L1: Walsall 0 Yeovil Town 1<i>Match report by <b>Cruncher</b></i><br />
<br />
A crucial result that made the difference between ourselves or <b>Walsall</b> being the current bottom club.<br />
<br />
This hugely important 1-0 win was the deserved outcome for a display that was impressive in all departments, save for the taking of chances and a few wasted place kicks. The Yeovil cause was certainly helped by a toothless and unimaginative Saddlers, who were further hindered by fielding an understrength front line. Yeovil though were positive and fluent from the start, and on balance of play their win was deserved by some distance. It could have been one of those matches where superiority on the day didn't bear fruit, but thankfully <b>Adam Virgo</b> scotched that worry with a majestic second-half header: perfect in timing, placement and power. <br />
<br />
<b>Terry Skiverton</b> dropped one of his wingers in <b>Andy Williams</b> to accommodate all of the Welsh midfield contingent as well as <b>Sam Williams</b>, which gave good team balance on the day. The front two of big Sam and <b>Dean Bowditch</b> covered miles giving the opposition plenty to concentrate on defensively throughout, providing for Yeovil options both short and long. In parts some pacey combined play was scintillating with players wisely using freedom to get forward. The other components under the heading of 'commitment to the cause' such as covering and tracking back, closing down, and sheer doggedness with a clear will to win were also very apparent and indeed very good.<br />
<br />
As with our midfield, on this occasion I am going to be guided by Welsh influence and rate the players. Right, here we go:<br />
<br />
13. <b>Stephen Henderson - 8/10</b>: Strong display that stopped Walsall nicking an undeserved point or more. In tune with the back four, good distribution with safe tidying up and handling. Not over-busy but saved well including a few notable good 'uns.<br />
<br />
8. <b>Luke Ayling - 8/10</b>: We have another proper right-back, no doubt about that on this showing. Defensively very good, and joined the attack very effectively, especially first-half with a couple flair moments.<br />
<br />
5. <b>Paul Huntington - 8/10</b>: Always effective and at times classy, this boy has great potential. Made it very awkward for opposition attackers, commanding in the air and can play the ball from the back but knows when and how to hoof. Proper centre-half, well done lad. <br />
<br />
19. <b>Adam Virgo - 8*/10</b>: Constantly doing the right thing on and off the ball, even switching the play with accurate cross-field passes - what a signing. Too tight to give him a nine, so will give him the star for the goal, classy header. <br />
<br />
6. <b>Nathan Smith - 8/10</b>: Outstanding first-half, would have been my MOM if not for Virgo's goal. A tackle or two was from a higher league, won important headers, all-round effective and back to being top of his game. Passed well under pressure and purposefully surged forward.<br />
<br />
24. <b>Gavin Williams - 7/10</b>: Some good midfield work both centrally and out wider, plenty of effort, not back to his best but will get there, not got his fitness again yet or his place-kick consistency either, but did pick Virgo out beautifully for the goal.<br />
<br />
25. <b>Shaun MacDonald - 8/10</b>: The decisive all-round midfield display of the day, hard-working with craft, pity he didn't score when through on goal - saved painfully by <b>Jon Brain's</b> nose, which brought sustained merry chanting of 'Shaun MacDonald broke your nose, ee-i-ee-i-o'.<br />
<br />
20. <b>Owain Tudur Jones - 7/10</b>: Goodish with occasional brighter spots, put through MacDonald with a lovely ball. Seems a bit static sometimes such as when options are needed at throw-ins, but overall did ok in what was today a case of thank <i>Yr Arglwydd Dduw</i> for the Welsh midfielders. Until <b>JPK</b> nabs his spot to further improve balance and shielding of the back four, he's holding the fort well enough with a sporadic bit of spark here and there.<br />
<br />
11. <b>Andy Welsh - 7/10</b>: Positive and probing, had a firm header that was blocked and a notable bit of important defensive covering in the right-back area (which ISTR he also had an admirable moment of so-doing at Huddersfield). Pity about the wayward shot and a rogue cross or two, some mixed views are voiced about him but my view is the doubters are a bit harsh.<br />
<br />
10. <b>Dean Bowditch - 7/10</b>: Good contribution, worked hard all game, threatened and linked up well. Also put in a crucial defensive foot towards the end.<br />
<br />
9. <b>Sam Williams - 8/10</b>: Strong display of centre-forward play that helped the cause in all areas, ran and chased all game to make options and close down, received and laid off very well under pressure, instrumental in stretching their backline and in many fast flowing moves and unlucky with a thumping header that went just over. Should perhaps have scored when through and maybe still should have had a penalty for that effort. On this showing, looked back to full strength and fitness and I believe goals will come.<br />
<br />
Subs:<br />
7. <b>Andy Williams - 7/10</b> (68 mins for Andy Welsh): As with Welsh, cropped up on both wings and made a positive contribution going forward and tracking back. Looked to have ripped through like a tin-opener from a tight angle but just lost it as about to pull the trigger.<br />
<br />
2. <b>Craig Alcock - 7/10</b> (87 minutes for Gavin Williams): Not on long enough to get a mark but gets one anyway because I'm in happy mood after waiting since Stockport for an away win and he did have a couple or so good moments in that short time.<br />
<br />
Today's opponents were not strong, also undoubtedly hindered by injuries to their preferred frontmen. The crowd figure of 3,127 comes as a surprise because it appeared on the eye to be less than the 3,000-mark actually seated in the ground. Walsall fans tend to be a talkative cheery bunch, but it is clear that they are facing a difficult time ahead. A quieter home crowd would be harder to find that to the point that I did wonder if a vow of silence had been arranged as some sort of protest. They have some things right, as <B>Brizzol Glover</B> (whom it was a pleasure for me to meet yesterday) noted on <b>The Green Room 2</b>: <i>shame we couldn't have brought home their cracking supporters club</i>. With their struggle for gates and now status both going so badly, it highlights the need for us to at least maintain what we've got.<br />
<br />
Another pleasure was meeting <B>John Sullivan</B> on the train. If his is typical of the character and attitude of the young players at the club, then we are recruiting the right stuff and also it is clear that they value what the club offers to them. And a mention too for the fantastic continuous singing led by the <B>younger supporters</B>, well done and keep it going lads.<br />
<br />
Next week's <B>Rochdale</B> test will be much sterner and will give a clearer guide of how well the improvement on the pitch is going. League One is proving to be as competitive as ever. Just a fortnight ago after letting in four goals at The Galpharm many were predicting <B>Huddersfield</B> to storm this League, yet a Yeovil win next week combined with a loss for The Terriers would see both teams on the same points. As the manager says, not to get too down in defeat or too up when we win, especially as this was a narrow win against weak opposition. If we push on from this result we will be alright, but we must look to take more of our chances.<br />
<br />
<B><I>Cruncher</I></B>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-75419256020565734222010-10-01T20:43:00.000+01:002010-10-01T20:43:38.923+01:00The case for the defenceA quickie blog this evening, ahead of tomorrow's game. There was an interesting post on the <a href="http://www.tgr2.co.uk/index.php"><b>green room II</b></a> this week. I'd better re-phrase that as it makes it sound like an interesting post is a rarity on that forum, which of course isn't the case. One of many interesting posts that caught my eye (that's better!) came from <b>will_ran</b>, who posted the following stats: <br />
<br />
05-06 w3 d3 l4 pts12 (-4)<br />
06-07 w4 d4 l2 pts16 (+3)<br />
07-08 w4 d2 l4 pts14 (-2)<br />
08-09 w1 d4 l5 pts7 (-11)<br />
09-10 w2 d4 l4 pts10 (-1)<br />
10-11 w2 d2 l5 pts8 (-8) (from first nine games)<br />
<br />
In case it's not obvious that's YTFC's record for the first 10 games of the season from 2005-06 up 'til now. It's interesting because it shows that a win tomorrow at <b>Walsall</b> will actually show an improvement in our early season form for the last 2 season's in a row, albeit a very marginal improvement. Even a loss tomorrow would leave us with more points after 10 games than in the 08-09 season, so just maybe some of the doom and gloom that's been around over the last few weeks (including in this blog, before anyone says anything!) has been overdone. Of course the bare stats don't prove anything on their own, don't take into account who our opponents were each season and don't say anything much about where we're going to end up at the end of this season; nevertheless they do show that we've been in worse situations at this stage of the season in the past and come through it successfully - if continued League 1 survival is our definition of success. Which in my view is as good a definition for this club as any under our current ownership.<br />
<br />
Well, I thought it was interesting! As mentioned above the Glovers travel to Walsall tomorrow, the Saddlers being one of only three clubs below us in the L1 table currently. The bookies make the home side 13/10 favourites for the win, the draw is priced at 23/10 and a Glovers win at 21/10. My fiver's going on the draw. Running total: +£5.25p. Win, lose or draw, I will try not to over-react on Sunday!Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-17656179897526561462010-09-29T19:42:00.000+01:002010-09-29T19:42:42.206+01:00L1: Yeovil Town 1 Southampton 1Well, that was better. The Glovers semi-bounced back from Saturday's 1-3 home defeat against <b>Exeter</b> with a well-deserved 1-1 draw against TBCDTR*, <b>Southampton</b>. <br />
<br />
The Glovers began the game nervously, content to hammer the ball upfield whenever the opportunity arose. <b>Andy Williams</b> got on the end of one such long-ball in the sixth minute, skinned his fullback and drove into the penalty area. With only the keeper to beat he was pulled down from behind but incredibly neither the referee nor linesman saw anything wrong and play went on. A cast-iron penalty and red card for <b>Dan Harding</b> should have been the outcome and who knows what would have happened from there on, but inconsistent referee <b>Simon Hooper</b> bottled the decision - not by any means his only baffling decision of the night.<br />
<br />
The Saints were next to threaten, <B>Rick Lambert</b> finding space in the Glovers box but crashing his shot off the bar when in all honesty it looked easier to score, a let-off for the home side. Gradually however Yeovil were beginning to find their form. There was no nonsense in defence with agricultural clearances the order of the day, but elsewhere the ball was being passed on the floor and half-chances being created. <b>Shaun MacDonald</b> hit a shot from outside the box which Saints keeper <b>Kelvin Davis</b> pushed round the post at the second attempt; and wingers <b>Andy Welsh</b> and <b>Andy Williams</b> both fired efforts over the bar. <b>Dean Bowditch</b> came close to giving the Glovers the lead at the end of the half after a lovely one-two with <b>Gavin Williams</b>, but his shot squirmed wide of the Saints post.<br />
<br />
Early on in the second half Yeovil were again unlucky not to open the scoring when Andy Williams beat Davis in the Saints goal to a through ball from MacDonald. The winger's cross-cum-shot looked to be heading into the net but was intercepted by defender <b>Radhi Jaidi</b> on the line. Against the run of play the visitors went ahead on 56 minutes, and it was a frustrating and familiar goal to concede. <b>Morgan Schneiderlin</b> picked up the ball in his own half and with the home side's midfield AWOL drove forward unchallenged to the edge of the Glovers box before laying the ball off to an unmarked <b>Guly Do Prado</b>. Glovers keeper <b>Stephen Henderson</b> got his hand to the ball but couldn't keep out the Brazilian's shot. Heads could have dropped at that point but it's to Yeovil's credit that they kept going forwards. Eight minutes later they got their reward when Gavin Williams was dragged down in the box, an offence so blatant that even Mr Hooper couldn't avoid penalising it. <b>Adam Virgo's</b> penalty was placed perfectly, low and hard into the corner of the net. With substitutions from both sides breaking the flow of the game that was more-or-less the end of the Glovers as an attacking force with little in the way of chances being created in the final quarter. Southampton pressed again towards the end and were unfortunate to only hit the post in injury-time, but in truth a point was the least the Glovers deserved from their evening's work. An entertaining game played in a good atmosphere from both sets of fans, with a well-observed minute's applause for <b>Len Harris</b> at the start.<br />
<br />
We lined up as follows in a 4-4-1-1 formation:<br />
<br />
13. <b>Stephen Henderson - 6/10</b>: Well-protected by his defence apart from one lapse which led to the Saints goal. Did everything expected of him otherwise.<br />
<br />
8. <b>Luke Ayling - 6/10</b>: Good defensive performance by the stand-in right-back who looked very solid in an unfamiliar position. Didn't venture forwards overmuch but perhaps that was no bad thing.<br />
<br />
5. <b>Paul Huntington - 7/10</b>: Did what he does best by concentrating on his defending. Blocked shots, headed away crosses, thumped the ball out of the ground when necessary, or at least out of his own half. More of the same, please.<br />
<br />
19. <b>Adam Virgo - 8/10</b>: Much the same comments apply as for Huntington, but he gets the extra point for a well-taken penalty, plus his clearances tended to be better placed. Indeed, some of his long passes to the right wing in particular were exquisite. Let's hope <b>Skivo</b> keeps him at centre half in future.<br />
<br />
6. <b>Nathan Smith - 7/10</b>: Like the rest of the defence put his body on the line at times and one tackle in particular late in the second half was a goal-saver. Made some barnstorming runs forward which never actually came to much, if they had I'd have given him an 8. <br />
<br />
7. <b>Andrew Williams - 6/10</b>: Should have been given a penalty in the first half as described above. Had something of a battle with his opposite number Dan Harding all match and the few times he escaped the full-back's attentions he always looked dangerous. Had an effort cleared off the line in the second half too. If I've got a criticism it's that sometimes he doesn't appear to have a huge amount of confidence in his own abilities but in my view he's got all the attributes to succeed - if only he would believe it. <br />
<br />
20. <b>Owain Tudur Jones - 7/10</b>: He's been criticised for being lazy, not punching his weight, not looking interested enough and - bizarrely - for costing Norwich £250,000. Well, I thought he had a good game last night, linked up well with MacDonald and helped get the team passing the ball after a ropey start. I'd have liked to have seen him get forward more but had his hands full coping with an accomplished Southampton midfield and did well defensively, one lapse aside which cost a goal. More of the same against lesser sides would now be welcome.<br />
<br />
25. <b>Shaun MacDonald - 6/10</b>: Decent performance from the Ginger Ninja who seemed to me to be consciously concentrating on the defensive aspects of his trade. Managed to get forward with good effect a couple of times, once with a shot that seriously bothered Davis in the visitors goal and he provided the pass that led to the penalty. Not quite back up to last season's level yet, but he's getting there.<br />
<br />
11. <b>Andy Welsh - 5/10</b>: By no means a bad performance, tracked back well and linked up well with Smith going forward but not much in the way of end product. Had a couple of chances to test the keeper in the second half but because the ball was on his wrong foot chose to dribble or pass instead. Have a go next time, Andy! Subbed on 78 minutes.<br />
<br />
24. <b>Gavin Williams - 6/10</b>: Quietish for most of the game but always capable of the odd bit of magic that changes games. Nearly did it with a lovely lay-off for Bowditch in the first half and of course was the man who was fouled for the penalty. Set-piece delivery wasn't quite on song, especially from corners. Went off injured at the end, hopefully it's nothing serious.<br />
<br />
10. <b>Dean Bowditch - 6/10</b>: Busy performance without ever really threatening the opposition's goal, save for one effort late in the first half. I like the way he leads the line however and he never stopped running.<br />
<br />
9. <b>Sam Williams</b> (87 mins for Andy Williams) <b>- n/a</b>: Won enough headers in his short time on the pitch to suggest he might have been worth bringing on a little earlier. <br />
<br />
15. <b>Cameron Stewart</b> (78 mins for Andy Welsh) <b>- n/a</b>: The one chance he had to stretch his legs on the wing he was cynically brought down before he could get going. Spent most of the rest of the time defending.<br />
<br />
One swallow doesn't make a summer and one decent performance on it's own means nothing, but at least Skivo got a response from the players last night after a bad couple of weeks. Results elsewhere meant that the Glovers dropped into the relegation zone. <b>Walsall</b> away are next up this Saturday, one of only three teams below us in the table. The pressure never stops.<br />
<br />
*TBCDTR - The Big Club Down The Road, as opposed to TBCUTR.<br />
<br />
<i>Just read: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Devil-May-Care-James-Bond/dp/0141035455/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1285784720&sr=1-11"><b>Devil May Care</b></a> by <b>Sebastian Faulks</b>, writing as <b>Ian Fleming</b>. Faulks has written some wonderful books in the past but this one is unlike anything he's done before. A fan of James Bond from an early age, this is his homage to Bond's creator, Ian Fleming - a brand new Bond adventure set in the height of the Cold War and written in Fleming's style. And it works brilliantly. The plot is as far-fetched as any of the original books, Bond is as suave and dangerous as ever, and the women are as alluring and devious as you might expect. The villain gets his comeuppance most satisfyingly and the whole thing is a rollicking roller-coaster of a read and great fun. Just don't take it too seriously!</i>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-1660359411621912902010-09-27T16:56:00.000+01:002010-09-27T16:56:47.417+01:00It's just like deja-vu all over againI'm not going to say much about Saturday's <a href="http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/ASP/news/news.asp?NewsItemId=13412"><b>1-3 loss</b></a> to <b>Exeter City</b>, mainly because I wasn't there but also because from the various reports I've read it sounds very similar to the last time we played the Grecians at home, which also resulted in a <a href="http://taffgloversblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/fltr1-yeovil-town-1-exeter-city-3.html"><b>1-3 loss</b></a>. At any rate the result leaves the Glovers one place above the relegation zone with the worst goal difference in the division. We now play <b>Southampton</b> at home tomorrow night, followed by away games at fellow strugglers <b>Walsall</b> and a resurgent <b>Rochdale</b>. It's not hard to imagine that by the time we get back to Huish Park to entertain <b>Sheffield Wednesday</b> on October 16th that not only will we be by then firmly in the relegation zone but quite possibly bottom of the league. What's going wrong?<br />
<br />
The abysmal goal difference figure provides the answer in my view. Quite simply we haven't replaced <b>Steven Caulker</b> and <b>Terrell Forbes</b> with players of the same quality. It would perhaps help if <b>Adam Virgo</b> was allowed to play regularly with <b>Paul Huntington</b> and not be shifted to wherever the latest injury crisis has occurred, but even then they both have the turning circle and acceleration from a standing start of a rusty oil tanker, so we're still vulnerable to pacey attacks. We weren't helped on Saturday by <b>Craig Alcock's</b> absence and in hindsight I'm sure <b>Skivo</b> will be regretting his decision to move Virgo to right back and bring in <b>Stefan Stam</b> to partner Huntington, but a manager lives and dies by such decisions and right now Skivo's judgement and tactical nous is being scrutinised as much as it ever has been by a fanbase - those of us that are left - getting increasingly impatient with poor results and worse performances.<br />
<br />
Of course it's far too early in the season for real panic to set in and I would argue very strongly that Skivo deserves a lot more time and patience yet for his achievements in keeping us in the League One last season and the year before. But I do wonder if he'll get that time. As I said above we have a tough run of four games coming up now and on current form one can't see us picking up many points if any. All it will take is a few 'sack the Board' chants at the Sheffield Wednesday game for those at the top to start worrying about their own skins, and if there's one thing we do know about <b>John Fry</b> and <b>Norman Hayward</b> is that they can act with ruthless efficiency when criticism is directed at them. If I was Skivo I would be looking over both shoulders and praying for some results and clean sheets over the next fortnight. That Sheffield Wednesday game just might become pivotal otherwise.<br />
<br />
As for tomorrow night's game the bookies unsurprisingly make the Saints evens favourites to win the match, with the draw at 5/2 and a home win at 13/5. I'd love to put my fiver on the home win but being realistic the draw looks much better value. Well, if we're being honest a Southampton win is the most likely outcome, but I I'm not going to start betting against us just yet. My fiver's going on the draw. Running total: -£7.25p. I hear a certain well-known local dentist has put £20 on the Glovers winning tomorrow night, let's hope his faith is rewarded. And if he loses then we will all know why a filling is so soddin' expensive these days.<br />
<br />
It was sad to see the news that <b>Len Harris</b> has passed away, aged 73. I'm old enough myself to have just caught him in action at the end of his YTFC career, as part of the Southern League winning side in 1971 until he retired from the game a year later. He clocked up an incredible 691 appearances for the Glovers, a record that will surely now never be broken. Like so many others I remember him from my time at Yeovil School and used to see him pretty much every day walking to the College as it was then after the grammar school closed. He always used to smile and nod, and always had time for a chat. A nice man and he will be missed. <b>Dellboy's</b> appreciation of Len, written in 2003, is a <a href="http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/ASP/history/harris-len-tribute.asp"><b>must read</b></a>. <br />
<br />
<i>Just read: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sepulchre-Kate-Mosse/dp/0752893440/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1285173540&sr=1-4"><b>Sepulchre</b></a> by <b>Kate Mosse</b>. Not quite an horror story and not quite a romance and not quite an historical tale and not quite a murder thriller either; rather a mix of all four. Slow going at times but Mosse is such a good writer that it kept my interest for all it's 500-odd pages. Must try <b>Labyrinth</b> next....</i>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-19671975130706892652010-09-22T18:41:00.000+01:002010-09-22T18:41:29.150+01:00More new kids on the blogIt's good to see a few new blogs springing up focussing on the mighty Glovers. Aside from my own humble effort and <a href="http://greenandwhiteblog.wordpress.com/"><b>Vyse's Green and White Blog</b></a>, which I've mentioned before; three other places to go for your Glovers fix have sprung into being, available on the interweb for all to browse.<br />
<br />
I was saddened when <b>Ed</b> shut down his <i>Achieve By Unity</i> forum. His forum provided a valuable service for Glovers fans with nowhere to go to discuss YTFC matters following the closure of the original <i>green room</i>, so it was a shame to see it close in turn following the opening of the new <a href="http://www.tgr2.co.uk/index.php"><b>green room II</b></a>. Having said that, it would be hypocritical of me to pretend that I liked the format of the <i>Achieve by Unity</i> forum overmuch or indeed, by the end, much of the content. Such is life. Despite stopping using the forum myself, I still felt it had it's place in the scheme of things and it was a pity to see it go. It's good to see anyway that Ed has bounced back with a new blog, called (what else?) <a href="http://achievebyunity.blogspot.com/"><b>Achieve by Unity</b></a>. Early days yet, but the best of luck to him with it.<br />
<br />
Second up we have <b><a href="http://barrettsportswriting.webs.com/">Barrett Sports Writing</a></b>. Blog owner <b>Ben Barrett</b> is a journalism graduate/YTFC fan who has contributed articles for the Glovers programme and official website. His blog includes match reports, general comments on YTFC affairs and interviews with former players. Well worth a read and well worth checking out regularly.<br />
<br />
Last but not least is <b>Martin McConachie's</b> new site, <a href="http://macthehack.webs.com/"><b>Mac the Hack</b></a>. As I'm sure most people know Martin is the YTFC fan poacher turned gamekeeper who took over running the club's then moribund official website and even worse match-day programme and turned them both around into the relevant and readable publications they are today. <i>Mac the Hack</i> is not so much a blog, more a collection of interviews and articles from the matchday programme. As such makes fascinating reading and well worth a browse through.<br />
<br />
And while I'm at it, it occurs that I ought to mention one more site that is becoming of increasing relevance to the wider Glovers fanbase, not just the narrower constituency they ostensibly serve - the <a href="http://capitalglovers.com/"><b>Capital Glovers</b></a>. Set up for the benefit of Yeovil fans living in London and the south-east, the Capital Glovers have been amongst the vanguard of supporters concerned about the impact of <b>Holdingsgate</b> on the club and have just published another <a href="http://capitalglovers.com/news/#article57"><b>open letter</b></a> to the Board on the subject and calling for an open meeting between the Board and interested fans to discuss the issue. It remains to be seen whether or not the club will respond to them.<br />
<br />
This weekend the Glovers host <b>Exeter City</b> in a League One fixture, but of course the game will inevitably be rightly overshadowed by the various tributes being made to the late <b>Adam Stansfield</b>. I was looking forward to this fixture immensely but found out last week that I've been booked in for a minor operation in hospital on Friday, so unfortunately I won't be present at Huish Park for what will be, I'm sure, an emotional occasion. If you're going, please give Adam an extra clap for me. <br />
<br />
The bookies make the Glovers 11/8 favourites to win the game, the draw is priced at 9/4 and an Exeter win at 2/1. My fiver's going on the home win. Running total: -£2.25p. My thanks must go to the Press Association hack who credited <b>Paul Huntington</b> with scoring the Glovers second goal at Huddersfield last week, when the real scorer was <b>Owain Tudur-Jones</b>. His error led to <a href="http://www.bet365.com/"><b>Bet365.com</b></a> paying out on my side bet of Huntington scoring a goal at anytime at 18/1, not often the bookies give you something for nothing!<br />
<br />
<i>Just read, Or just reading really, as I'm half way through at the moment: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sepulchre-Kate-Mosse/dp/0752893440/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1285173540&sr=1-4"><b>Sepulchre</b></a> by <b>Kate Mosse</b>. Really enjoyed <b>The Winter Ghosts</b> by the same author and so far I'm enjoying this one too. though it's a bit slower going. More on it when I've finished it. Just took delivery of my latest order from Amazon. Coming up soon: <b>The Wind-Up Girl</b> by <b>Paulo Bacigalupi</b>; <b>The Evolutionary Void</b> by <b>Peter F Hamilton</b>; the new Shardlake novel, <b>Heartstone</b> by <b>CJ Samsom</b>; <b>Gardens of the Sun</b> by <b>Paul McAuley</b>; and <b>Galileo's Dream</b> by <b>Kim Stanley Robinson</b>. Can't wait!</i>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-51190032612453557962010-09-19T17:46:00.000+01:002010-09-19T17:46:59.033+01:00L1: Huddersfield Town 4 Yeovil Town 2Better but no cure from the Galpharmacy - by <b><i>Cruncher</i></b><br />
<br />
<b>Huddersfield</b> was always going to be a difficult place to find a cure for Meadow Lane travel sickness. Realistic conclusion from yesterday though isn't complex: we we were beaten by a stronger team that we couldn't stand up to for long enough, and it is analysis of that which is now needed to pave the way for further progression. Yielding a deserved 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 is not the obvious antidote to the damaging venom of a 4-0 away trouncing, but this <b>Yeovil</b> performance did continue some promise from the home win against <b>Tranmere</b>. <br />
<br />
The Galpharmacy (oh dear) prescribed symptom relief. Whilst that included great disappointment at seeing potential winning joy turn to the misery of defeat, cautious hope is renewed. Yesterday, individually and collectively Yeovil proved that they can do the bottom-line requirement of performing and competing at League One level. Early on they did that marvellously well and in all departments, but now the next stage of progress has to be something that has been a long-term bugbear of <b>Terry Skiverton's</b> men: becoming a ninety-minutes team. <br />
<br />
This was not a matter of chalk and cheese separated by half-time, there was a handover of superiority that started in the first-half. Here though I am glibly talking of an initial Yeovil superiority that we had no right to expect - to the team and management's credit that happy surprise was convincingly achieved in the first portion of the first half. Yeovil including the two enforced changes of <b>Owain Tudur Jones</b> and <b>Stephen Henderson</b> had stepped up to the mark: purposeful, precise and penetrating forward-play, with effective closing down and mopping up, as well as resilient and organised defending.<br />
<br />
<b>Dean Bowditch's</b> sweet turn-and-strike from <b>Craig Alcock's</b> low-drive into the box, followed by <b>Owain Tudur Jones's</b> crisp stab to put away <b>Gavin Williams's</b> fine free-kick, provided for a two-goal cushion inside just fifteen minutes that sent the faithful 166 into merriment. How joyful it had been in those early stages at 2-0: young supporters who had trudged out of Meadow Lane looking at their shoes (until they got to Hooters) a fortnight ago were in full voice asking the Yorkshire faithful if we could play them every week and if they were Tranmere in disguise; the admirable drummer had more power to his elbow and even cautious elders amongst the 166 dared to hope of three points.<br />
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The key though could be defined by one thing: Yeovil keeping a high-line. As the half wore on, Huddersfield bit-by-bit managed to force the cheeky upstarts from Somerset onto the back foot, to the extent where prolonged periods of build-up play occurred to all sides of the Yeovil area. And although the defence was resolute and the Terriers weren't exactly baring their teeth, as well as Yeovil still on occasion threatening to punish on the break, the momentum was shifting. The half-time need for the home team was to sharpen up their act to turn territory into points, while Yeovil needed to alter things to suit how the balance of play had swung.<br />
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Huddersfield brought on <b>Joey Gudjohnson</b>, a midfield change which certainly did make an impact. Within minutes, they were level with a well-taken strike from <b>Scott Arfield</b> that owed to overall Huddersfield persistence rather than guile as it fell kindly to him, but it was a neat effort and a deserved reward for the home pressure. Yeovil responded soon after by replacing <b>Andy Welsh</b> with <b>Luke Ayling</b>. Welsh had been instrumental to the early joy, but now was deemed surplus to requirements with defensive duty now uppermost in mind. The change though did not appear to help Yeovil's cause, with Ayling close to giving a penalty away almost immediately, quickly followed by Huddersfield hitting the woodwork. Ayling appeared to slot in on the left as a direct replacement for Welsh, but the overall formation was now not too obvious either to the spectators or, it seemed, to the team. <br />
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Which perhaps accounts for the ensuing disaster of a three-minute spell providing for two rapid-fire goals by the gleefully (and on this occasion so aptly) announced 'Boom Boom <b>Jamie McCombe</b>'. The first was a centre-half's header from a right-wing cross, the second a centre-forward's turn and shot across the angle into the far corner - McCombe's lack of renown for adept forward play is perhaps why he was given too much time and space. Yeovil's fate was sealed, they could not regain anywhere near the punch they had in the first period. <br />
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<b>Gary Roberts'</b> penalty rubbed salt in the wound, replays confirm that it was a harsh decision but overall the referee was better than the norm, although he ought to have given yellow cards for persistent Huddersfield fouling in the first half. Another possible gripe is the decision not to award a foul on Bowditch early on when clean through, but it was hard to tell from distance. Indeed, the away support were unsure about both goalscorers for some time, and not only us myopic middle-aged.<br />
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Not an overall bad display, in fact individual contributions were good, but (as last year at the Galpharm) it was frustrating not to come away with a result. In hindsight we probably took advantage (and impressively so) of early Huddersfield flaws until they ironed them out. Adapting strategy during a game, and mental toughness, have perhaps become overdue considerations; but poor efforts against <b>Hartlepool</b> and <b>Notts County</b> had made for the need to concentrate on basic issues. <br />
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Goals conceded is a definite concern, at Meadow lane individual errors were more glaring. After a definite improvement in the away performance at the Galpharm, it throws more emphasis on to Terry Skiverton to stop the team from being penned in their own half especially for long periods. <b>Exeter</b> and <b>Southampton</b> will be the immediate tests of whether essential home form can be continued; <b>Walsall</b> will be an eagerly awaited test against less-fancied opposition to see if the good stuff at the Galpharm (and when it was good it was very good) is indicative of an ability to accumulate some much-wanted away points.<br />
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Even the well-defeated <b>Tranmere</b> came back to get some grip on the game, so combine that with yesterday and we are walking a bit of a tightrope. There is hope from both games that we can positively take a game to anyone, while also worry from both games that we cannot eradicate or reduce long periods of vulnerability. <br />
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First and foremost we need to ensure Gavin Williams has attacking freedom above defensive duty, which needs to include adapting the game plan as required should the opposition suss out the original strategy. That is one dilemma for manager to Skiverton to sort out, another is to decide on the line-up out of yesterday's starters added to <b>Jean-Paul Kalala</b> (hopefully fit for Exeter) and <b>Sam Williams</b>, and possibly <b>Luke Freeman</b>.<br />
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Are we good enough? ... I don't know. Could we be good enough? ... I think so, if we can maintain a full-strength squad. Those next three games will I think give good indication one way or the other.<br />
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<B><I>Cruncher</I></B>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158186511727158236.post-89280581198648009152010-09-17T12:09:00.000+01:002010-09-17T12:09:32.780+01:00I don't like cricket, oh no. I love it!Credit where it's due, you have to hand it to <b>Martyn Starnes</b>. The club's Chief Executive showed this week that he has his finger firmly on the pulse of public opinion by blaming last Saturday's paltry attendance of 3,364 on the fact that <b>Somerset</b> were playing a one-day cricket match 26 miles away at Taunton.<br />
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The sad thing, he's probably right. A few hundred sports fans who otherwise might have come to Huish Park to watch the Glovers take on <b>Tranmere Rovers</b> probably did find it all to easy to change their plans and go and watch a cricket match instead. Okay, they would have to pay slightly more for their entertainment, £18 a ticket in advance at Taunton as compared to £15-£18 at Huish Park, depending on whether you want to sit or stand; or £22 on the day at the cricket, compared to £17-£20 at Yeovil. But there again, go to the cricket and you're entertained all day for your money, go to the football and 2 hours later you've got to go home. <br />
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In fact it's quite interesting to make some more comparisons. Fancy something to eat at the County Ground? No problem sir. Choose from the match-day carvery, or something off the menu in the two (count 'em!) different restaurants, one for members and one for non-members. If your tastes run to plainer fare there's a fish 'n' chips outlet and any amount of kiosks and burger bars. Fancy a drink? You're in luck! Choose from three (count 'em!) different bars and if you want to take your drink to your seat to watch the action they'll give you a tray to carry it on. I think I'll stop there. It's perhaps lucky for the football club that the football and cricket season's don't overlap too much. If both sports are trying to attract the same audience then as far as facilities are concerned the cricket wins hands down.<br />
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One thing the football club has often been accused of in the past is failing to make the most of what facilities do exist at Huish Park, particularly the upstairs bars. Apart from at home games, Sunday carveries and the odd private party the main bar is never in use, a waste of a perfectly good venue. It's good to report then that today the club has published a <a href="http://www.ciderspace.co.uk/photos/misc/20100917-huish-park-leisure-guide.pdf"><b>Huish Park Leisure Guide</b></a> with details of forthcoming events at the club. Attractions coming up before Christmas include stand-up comedy nights, Pink, Elvis and Abba tribute acts, a meet the manager night and various other entertainments. As far as I know it's the first time the club has ever attempted such an ambitious programme of entertainment. I hope it succeeds. We've all been moaning on for years that there's never anything on at the club, well now there is. If the events are well supported then it might be enough to show that a new social club is not only needed, it's actually wanted. Good luck to the club in this very worthwhile venture.<br />
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As for this weekend's football, the Glovers are away at promotion favourites <b>Huddersfield</b>. Regular keeper <b>John Sullivan</b> is injured so <b>Skivo</b> has brought in <b>Stephen Henderson</b> on loan from <b>Bristol City</b> to replace him. A good choice I'm sure in most people's eyes, Henderson is a fine keeper who's been unlucky not to feature more for TBCUTR. Apart from that I wouldn't expect the gaffer to change a winning team, injuries permitting. The bookies make the home side very firm favourites at 8/15 on, the draw is priced at 3/1 and a Glovers win at a frankly insulting 5/1. We don't actually have a bad record at the Galpharm since we entered the football league - played 6, won 2, drawn 1, lost 3; and I fancy us to add to that this weekend. A win may be too much to ask so my fiver's going on the draw. Running total: +£3.25p.<br />
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<i>Just read: <b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cyberabad-Days-Ian-McDonald/dp/0575084065/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1284720511&sr=1-5">Cyberabad Days</a></b> by <b>Ian McDonald</b>: Not so much a prequel or a sequel to the author's award-winning <b>River of Gods</b>, more a companion-piece. A super collection of short stories set in India 50 years from now; an India split into many smaller nation-states, where wars are fought over water rights, where boys outnumber girls by 4 to 1, and where tv soap stars are actually virtual reality AI's... Recommended.</i>Taff Gloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01635860052217934060noreply@blogger.com0