2017/18 National League North

[Darlo On Tour]

How portentous

Had to miss today's game, didn't mind so much after the last three home matches, really regretting it now! County have so many goals in the team, if only we could solidify things at the back we'd be right up there.

I wish we had so many goals in the team, at least ye did us a favor for our long drawn relegation battle season ahead. All to play for you won't be far off!

 

[Darlo On Tour]

Saturday 4 November 2017 National League North Results

Att. n/a - AFC Telford United P-P Tamworth
Att. 395 - Bradford Park Avenue 4 Blyth Spartans 1
Att. 1,267 - Darlington 0 Brackley Town 3
Att. n/a - Gainsborough Trinity P-P Chorley
Att. n/a - Harrogate Town P-P Kidderminster Harriers
Att. 592 - Leamington 0 Boston United 2
Att. 491 - Nuneaton Town 0 Spennymoor Town 1
Att. 2,074 - Salford City 1 Alfreton Town 0
Att. 835 - Southport 2 North Ferriby United 2
Att. 4,072 - Stockport County 4 FC United Of Manchester 1
Att. 2,146 - York City 2 Curzon Ashton 1

 

[Darlo On Tour]

It's a good job Brackley Town didn't exert themselves and come out of first gear otherwise we'd have got beat about 7-0. I wonder what Wright is thinking? Gotta be what the fuck am i doing here watching certain players that are out of their depth in this league.

Us fans know that, well hopefully most fans will agree? Depending on whose watched these players week in and week out home and away like i have. Absolute shite it's as simple as that.

What's slightly concerning is we are not in a position to do anything about it, and it's getting worse.
We need a boat load of new players which ain't gonna happen, taking a look at the fixtures coming up we will almost certainly be drawn into a relegation battle.

It was just laughable today's pathetic performance, I bet Brackley wish they could play us every week.
They had one loyal fan waving his shirt in the air, good for him, mind you he must have been absolutely freezing.

 

[Lucky Bobble]

It's a good job Brackley Town didn't exert themselves and come out of first gear otherwise we'd have got beat about 7-0. I wonder what Wright is thinking? Gotta be what the fuck am i doing here watching certain players that are out of their depth in this league.

Us fans know that, well hopefully most fans will agree? Depending on whose watched these players week in and week out home and away like i have. Absolute shite it's as simple as that.

What's slightly concerning is we are not in a position to do anything about it, and it's getting worse.
We need a boat load of new players which ain't gonna happen, taking a look at the fixtures coming up we will almost certainly be drawn into a relegation battle.

It was just laughable today's pathetic performance, I bet Brackley wish they could play us every week.
They had one loyal fan waving his shirt in the air, good for him, mind you he must have been absolutely freezing.

You were a fine side last year. Why have the wheels fallen off to this extent? Obviously the manager and a few player leaving doesn't help, and there was the fiasco over the ground grading. But with your set up, location and fan base I thought you were a shoe in for the playoffs and it was only a matter of time before you went up... Looks like the crowds are dwindling a bit too...

 

[Lucky Bobble]

What happened to Gainsborough in the FA Cup? Watched the highlights, and it looked a bit of a disaster at the back for them to say the least. Not a good year for Conf North teams in the FA Cup this year. Really disappointed we put on one of the worst performances of the year vs Billericay in the replay and lost - given the draw and the chance to get into R2. On the other hand they are paying one of their full backs £1000 a week to not even make the bench, so they aren't exactly a typical side.

 

[JE93]

You were a fine side last year. Why have the wheels fallen off to this extent? Obviously the manager and a few player leaving doesn't help, and there was the fiasco over the ground grading. But with your set up, location and fan base I thought you were a shoe in for the playoffs and it was only a matter of time before you went up... Looks like the crowds are dwindling a bit too...

Problems mostly stem from Mr Gray unfortunately. First of all in his greed to have a massive budget which he requires to operate he made the board put the prices up so it' now £14 instead of £12 this doesn't sound massive but it is still enough to put the floating fans off if we'r either not in really good form or the opposition aren't particularly recognisable.

Then over the last few weeks Gray left had obviously had his head turned early by some back door approach by York. It seemed to all Darlo fans that he had stopped trying. We were never particularly pretty to watch but even the high effort game that went with us hoofing it up the field dropped away. In addition Gray started making strange signings a young lad 18 yo CB when we were desperately short of first teamers. And a Striker who has since been released. Talking of Strikers Gray also played Mark Beck our 19 goal talisman from last season for 6 games on a posterior cruciate ligament injury which meant he hasnt been able to play for us since August. Ironic because Gray then tried to take him to York only for him to fail a medical for the injury Gray played him on. We have also lost Ferguson to York nut atleast that transfer we got decent money and the lad gets full time football good on him.

In addition Gray celebrated his gaining of a 4/5 year contract in the summer by putting players and signing players for two year contracts. Since time hee summer we have already released: Scott Fenwick, Jordan Richards, Paolo Mendes. Unfortunately we seem stuck with Kevin Burgess a defender from our Evo Stik season who was woefully out of his depth last year but Gray handed a 2 year contract. And James Caton a show pony with no tricks who too has a 2 year contract.

Now onto the things that aren't Gray's fault. Injuries at the back. Currently we are without Gary Brown, Chris Hunter both CB's both out long term. Which means we have a LB at CB alongside a semi fit Dom Collins who has been good but has had to play through injury as we've had no one else. That also means we'r playing a Midfielder at LB and it means we'r repeatedly targeted in that area of the pitch.

I don't lay any blame at the door of the two current managers I realise they have to assess what they have. But it's very obvious what we're missing. In addition Wright had the odd experience of preparing a side to beat us with nuneaton. We need a new CB and a forward who can offer us a physical presence until Beck is fit to play again. Hopefully they can move quickly on targets and sure up the team for a really difficult run of games over the next 11 matches.

As for brackley seem to be a very good and solid team. Very hard to break down with those 3 at the back. Think you're looking good for the playoffs this year without the distraction and fixture congestion of a big cup run. Good luck for the rest of the season. Looking forward to the game at St James in the new year. As a London Exile it's the closest trip for me to make.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Absolutely farcial afternoon at Salford yesterday. Total shambles from start to finish

Awful parking restrictions. Stewards being twats and thinking their the police.

One SINGLE Portaloo in the ground because Salford forgot to open the temporary toilets.
Shocking press facilities. Its like it was a afterthought. No room, no electric - no plug points?!

Oh and then their is the fucking Attendance Check where everyone (1,200 had to be penned in to the west stand so Salford can send photographic evidence to the council for a license for that stand. Thats fine but their werent enough stewards and what stewards their were didnt have a clue what they were doing. The away press area is a joke and we unable to move from a very small corner. Then when the attendance check was completed just 15 minutes before kick off there was an massive rush and stampede from everyone to get in to the other stands.

The game? Pretty damn awful. We grafted extremely hard, put lots of effort in and were perhaps a little unlucky to not escape with a point. We threatened but struggle to create real chances. The one chance we did create the Salford keeper made a great two handed save, so the ref awards a goalkick to howls of laughter in the ground.

Salford couldnt shoot for toffee. They wasted a massive amount of chances and Redshaw somehow missed a open goal from one yard when it was easier to score.
However when 4 added minutes were announced that seemed to galvanize Salford and then earned a series of corners in succession and Dieseruvwe popped up in the 94th minute.
Not really sure either side deserved 3 points to be honest.

5 defeats in our last 6 now but we have been really unlucky in recent weeks. Certainly not getting the rub of the green at all.

York up next at home. Another tough afternoon in prospect I think.

 

[genesimmons]

Absolutely farcial afternoon at Salford yesterday. Total shambles from start to finish

Awful parking restrictions. Stewards being twats and thinking their the police.

One SINGLE Portaloo in the ground because Salford forgot to open the temporary toilets.
Shocking press facilities. Its like it was a afterthought. No room, no electric - no plug points?!

Oh and then their is the fucking Attendance Check where everyone (1,200 had to be penned in to the west stand so Salford can send photographic evidence to the council for a license for that stand. Thats fine but their werent enough stewards and what stewards their were didnt have a clue what they were doing. The away press area is a joke and we unable to move from a very small corner. Then when the attendance check was completed just 15 minutes before kick off there was an massive rush and stampede from everyone to get in to the other stands.

The game? Pretty damn awful. We grafted extremely hard, put lots of effort in and were perhaps a little unlucky to not escape with a point. We threatened but struggle to create real chances. The one chance we did create the Salford keeper made a great two handed save, so the ref awards a goalkick to howls of laughter in the ground.

Salford couldnt shoot for toffee. They wasted a massive amount of chances and Redshaw somehow missed a open goal from one yard when it was easier to score.
However when 4 added minutes were announced that seemed to galvanize Salford and then earned a series of corners in succession and Dieseruvwe popped up in the 94th minute.
Not really sure either side deserved 3 points to be honest.

5 defeats in our last 6 now but we have been really unlucky in recent weeks. Certainly not getting the rub of the green at all.

York up next at home. Another tough afternoon in prospect I think.

Might pop down for the york game. Will it be segregated

 

[DarkSithLord]

Might pop down for the york game. Will it be segregated

Id would guess so.

York fans - How many do you think you will bring?

 

[YCFC24]

Id would guess so.

York fans - How many do you think you will bring?

400-500 could be more could be less but will be a few after improved performance today

 

[HG Yellow&Black]

Shows how tough the division can be. Unlucky against us and Salford. Then York next. That said must be a good sign that you aren't too far off teams leading the table.

Flip it the other way and despite the gap at the top two, both aren't playing that well. Since the Ainge injury we have flattered to deceive. We are desperately short up front despite our handsome goal difference.

The Salford facilities speak volumes. Sorted enough to wheel out Sir Ferguson but the actualities of running a club and nitty gritty out of the celebrity spotlights say a lot about the highjacking of a salt of the earth non league club.
They have been watching all our recent games and have the feeling they are gauging a spending splurge if Town pose a serious challenge.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Shows how tough the division can be. Unlucky against us and Salford. Then York next. That said must be a good sign that you aren't too far off teams leading the table.

Flip it the other way and despite the gap at the top two, both aren't playing that well. Since the Ainge injury we have flattered to deceive. We are desperately short up front despite our handsome goal difference.

The Salford facilities speak volumes. Sorted enough to wheel out Sir Ferguson but the actualities of running a club and nitty gritty out of the celebrity spotlights say a lot about the highjacking of a salt of the earth non league club.
They have been watching all our recent games and have the feeling they are gauging a spending splurge if Town pose a serious challenge.

Yep. Beeen a frustrating few weeks. We are not that far off but still have big problems and it wouldn't totally shock me if we lose to York. Then hat puts massive pressure on the games v FCUM and Telford. Lose those and I Macca will be in a very difficult position.

 

[DarkSithLord]

I see Connor Hamspon has left Stockport and joined Altrincham. Thats a great signing for Alty.

 

[Inactive]

Highlights from Leamington's match vs Boston from Saturday

 

[ForzaCounty]

The Salford facilities speak volumes. Sorted enough to wheel out Sir Ferguson but the actualities of running a club and nitty gritty out of the celebrity spotlights say a lot about the highjacking of a salt of the earth non league club.

On our visit the drinks kiosk consisted of a table that sold beer poured from cans. Dunno if they ever plan to add proper facilities, or if it just meets regulations.

 

[Luke Imp]

How's Newton getting on, York fans? Thrown his toys out the pram yet?

 

[Minstermen central]

How's Newton getting on, York fans? Thrown his toys out the pram yet?

No he been a great signing shame rest were shocking.
Thought after mills went he’d down tools but came out a said enjoying extra training.

 

[HG Yellow&Black]

https://www.harrogatetownafc.com/news-media/town-sign-quakers-striker-beck/

Beck signs for Town - never would have seen the day that little Town out-poach our Big City rivals.

A month or so too late but can't come soon enough - hopefully with the service he will get his form this season will improve.

 

[Harrier94]

What is happening to Darlo?

 

[Harrier94]

What is happening to Darlo?

To add to this Adam Bartlett has now joined York.

 

[PoolieTom]

Ouch! Things going seriously pear shaped for our neighbours! Were you relying on promotion last year or something?

 

[JE93]

https://www.harrogatetownafc.com/news-media/town-sign-quakers-striker-beck/

Beck signs for Town - never would have seen the day that little Town out-poach our Big City rivals.

A month or so too late but can't come soon enough - hopefully with the service he will get his form this season will improve.

Truth is you can out pay us. You can say poaching off our bigger rivals but your budget is heavily subsidised by the wealth of one man. We don't have that, and in addition we are also paying to improve a ground as we go. I won't get distressed at losing a player to full time football.

Slightly odd timing of signing as he is still probably 2 weeks away from being fit and probably 4 away from being match fit. But in all honesty when he's fit he's very good at this level. Strong in the air and better than people give him credit for to feet. I hope he does well for you. Good player and nice lad after his exploits last season he deserves his crack at full time football again. And if we get a decent fee in the mean time then it works for all parties.

 

[JE93]

To add to this Adam Bartlett has now joined York.

Bartlett is an odd one just a few weeks ago committed to DFC and rejected York but now he goes. Again, full time football and a decent fee so it works for all parties. In Wilczynski we have a good young replacement who it was harsh to drop last season when Bartlett arrived. No doubt York have just signed the best keeper in the league though.

As for us as a club we'r just suffering from players being out injured and Gray signing players who were out of their depth last season to 2 year contracts. But in the last 4 weeks we have moved on our top 3 earners all for fees and have moved out Gray and his massive management enterage. There will be a decent amount in the budget to improve the squad. It's now up to our new Management team to do that. I hope we also explore the loan market as well as permenant signings. Chorley have managed to get in players that way. It could also work for us.

We have an okay core to the squad. We definitely need a new CB, LW and CF to compete in the league. I still have confidence though and the new management team deserve time to put things right.

 

[AndyPark]

We need a striker who can finish, a solid CB and a creative midfielder.

Get these in and we'll be fine.

 

[HG Yellow&Black]

Truth is you can out pay us. You can say poaching off our bigger rivals but your budget is heavily subsidised by the wealth of one man. We don't have that, and in addition we are also paying to improve a ground as we go. I won't get distressed at losing a player to full time football.

Slightly odd timing of signing as he is still probably 2 weeks away from being fit and probably 4 away from being match fit. But in all honesty when he's fit he's very good at this level. Strong in the air and better than people give him credit for to feet. I hope he does well for you. Good player and nice lad after his exploits last season he deserves his crack at full time football again. And if we get a decent fee in the mean time then it works for all parties.

Sorry fella, my reference to big city rivals was York's attempt to sign him not Darlo.
To be fair there is a tinge of hollowness to these types of signings due to what you reference about the one man cash machine......even in this era of Fylde and Salford who comfortably knock our sending into perspective.

Interesting and frustrating re his fitness. We really need someone now with due back mid December. Still a potential beefy battering ram duo to go with our team of finessed but vertically challenges midfield. Cheers for the opinion on him.

 

[YCFC24]

Sorry fella, my reference to big city rivals was York's attempt to sign him not Darlo.
To be fair there is a tinge of hollowness to these types of signings due to what you reference about the one man cash machine......even in this era of Fylde and Salford who comfortably knock our sending into perspective.

Interesting and frustrating re his fitness. We really need someone now with due back mid December. Still a potential beefy battering ram duo to go with our team of finessed but vertically challenges midfield. Cheers for the opinion on him.

Not sure what you mean, we didn't sign him because he wasn't fit and we've certainly had enough experience of buying injured players who never get fit. Not that we really needed him anyway, in my opinion Parkin will get double the goals Beck will get you

 

[AndyPark]

Not sure what you mean, we didn't sign him because he wasn't fit and we've certainly had enough experience of buying injured players who never get fit. Not that we really needed him anyway, in my opinion Parkin will get double the goals Beck will get you

Well obviously since Parkin has already played in 14 games... Beck hasn't played for 6 weeks.

 

[Minstermen central]

Must be a record for step 6 team we have got bloody FIVE keepers,thank god Bartlett is actually good.
Also signed Gray permantly from Torquay another striker.

 

[HG Yellow&Black]

Not sure what you mean, we didn't sign him because he wasn't fit and we've certainly had enough experience of buying injured players who never get fit. Not that we really needed him anyway, in my opinion Parkin will get double the goals Beck will get you

In the same way we wouldn't have wanted to sign an injured striker six weeks ago.

Now he is back nearer properly training he has signed.

Parkin...when he wants to play. Bit of a cop out for him and his under pressure manager opting out of the a59 classico.

When you have a younger, better goal machine in Ainge, Beck will hopefully be the icing on the cake.

 

[DarkSithLord]

To add to this Adam Bartlett has now joined York.

Great. He always has a blinder against us.

Just remembered York have Josh Law who spent 7 years at Alfreton and made over 260 appearances
How has he been doing for you guys? Should be way too good for this level