2018-19 National League North

[appletablepenny]

Oooh, how painful that was. Yet another goalless display against County (4 on the trot now) and their 5th win in a row over us. They'll do us again on NYD as well.

I don't understand how they drop points to other teams, they look like champions every time we play them. I hope one of us gets promoted this year, because I never want to see them again.

 

[Lucky Bobble]

9 of the 11 players we had from last year start most games for Brackley this season. Last year we pushed Salford and Harrogate at the top, finished 3rd and were in the playoff final and won the FA Trophy. This year we are just plain poor. Game after game throw away winning (or drawing) positions, and now we're no longer playing very well. Manager keeps saying we're not taking our chances or managing games well. I know that. I'd like it rectified. Had hoped we might squeeze out 9 points from our 3 games over Christmas, and get back on track, but not a hope this year as we leak goal after goal. Even if we make a run at some point to reach the playoffs (looking less and less likely) we're just not good enough to get very far.

 

[CFC4LIFE]

FC United are very poor, think they'll go down. Good to get 4 goals and Wilson was terrific. Now need to get at least a point from curzon.

 

[Prodigal]

Made hard work of the first half against a very poor FC Utd, after a bright opening 10 minutes, looked much more solid when CMW replaced Jordan at CB. Have to mention 2 good finishes by the excellent Marcus Carver( cos CFC4LIFE never has a good word to say about him) apart from his goals Wilson is crap.

 

[Minstermen central]

First match missed on Boxing Day for over 30 years and by god I’m I pleased I did.
Glad we got hammered and hopefully idiot of a manager is getting sacked.club is an embarrassment and can’t be arsed to go.
We have down hill massively since sacking Gray.Collins is a clown and won’t go till he has gone.

 

[ForzaCounty]

Oooh, how painful that was. Yet another goalless display against County (4 on the trot now) and their 5th win in a row over us. They'll do us again on NYD as well.

I don't understand how they drop points to other teams, they look like champions every time we play them. I hope one of us gets promoted this year, because I never want to see them again.

We drop points because, as I've said a few times before, we've been terribly schizophrenic, and also said I wouldn't be optimistic until we go a month consistently looking like a solid team. Since the last poor performance was against Brackley in mid-November, I'll allow myself a little optimism (it's Christmas after all!)... but then I remember that 10 years ago today we were 7th in L1, everything was going swimmingly then money troubles kicked in, we spent the rest of that season trying to avoid going into admin only to be forced into it by a 3rd party.

If things don't go tits up somewhere then it's just not Stockport County.

Anyway, on to the game. Nothing much to say other than it was an excellent performance. The first 10-15 minutes seemed very open, after that, even though we allowed Alty plenty of the ball we never allowed them to do much with it. Defensively tight down the flanks, pretty much containing them to the middle of the park where we're currently at our strongest. Duxbury was uncharacteristically worrying, but the rest of the back four were candidates for MOTM. As was Hinchliffe in goal for me, his kicking has always been his weak point but (bar one clearance) his distribution was on point. The sponsors agreed with my MOTM, Turnbull, but the crowd didn't seem as enthusiastic as me - I guess many of them were hoping for Mulhern, who in all fairness had his best all-round game in a County shirt. His goal was something I can't wait to see again - the way he softly took down a long ball before sending it past the 'keeper was Bergkamp-esque.

 

[appletablepenny]

ForzaCounty - when we hit the post early on, it looked from my seat (2000 metres away) like a bad miss - was it?

I fully expect a chorus of "Can we play you every week" next Tuesday.

Even Neil Young's rabble (he'd retired again by then, but it was his team) managed to score twice against you during our 16/17 season of death, but I don't think you could ever concede to the current version.

 

[ForzaCounty]

I'm afraid I missed that one as I was still getting rid of the pre-match beers I'd rented

As for next week, if you offered me a draw I'd take it, but then I've always been a miserable pessimist & I'm certain others would be more confident

 

[DarkSithLord]

Boston 0-1 Alfreton

Well my first game since the Spennymoor debacle and in a funny old way perhaps that result has done us a world of good.

We look reborn. Full of grit and determination. We defended brilliantly too as a collective against a poor looking Boston I have to say.

It was an ugly stop start contest officiated by somebody inept and out of his depth.

We really should have won by more. How Willis kept out Allan`s header I am not sure and we squandered at least three chances to put the game to bed.

Dont think Boston could have had two many complaints if we would have won by a couple more at 3-0. Our keeper had very little to do.

Three huge much needed points given results elsewhere. On to Southport on Saturday

 

[Railway Blue]

Southport 3-0 Chester.

First home league win in 9 months, and it was so easy. The fog almost tried to spoil it, but we just did what we do and Chester rarely threatened. Can't figure out why they are so high in the table compared to how useful both Chorley and BPA looked against us. Blame Jon McCarthy though, it's all his fault.

Watch us get turned over at home to Alfreton then away at Chester now.

Also, good luck to Curzon Ashton, a good club who don't derserve the circumstances they've been dealt.

I think most of our lot were carrying hang-overs. 270 minutes against Southport over the past month or so and we've failed to score or even looked like scoring. Well you've got the maestro McCarthy orchestrating things now.

 

[Railway Blue]

First match missed on Boxing Day for over 30 years and by god I’m I pleased I did.
Glad we got hammered and hopefully idiot of a manager is getting sacked.club is an embarrassment and can’t be arsed to go.
We have down hill massively since sacking Gray.Collins is a clown and won’t go till he has gone.

I seriously worry for York City. A drop into the abyss of Step 3 football would be unprecedented for a team that were once at Level 2.

 

[Darlo On Tour]

Wednesday 26 December 2018 National League North Results

Att. 1,524 - AFC Telford United 3 Nuneaton Borough 0
Att. 1,133 - Blyth Spartans 2 Spennymoor Town 2
Att. 1,393 - Boston United 0 Alfreton Town 1
Att. 570 - Brackley Town 2 Leamington 2
Att. n/a - Curzon Ashton 2 Ashton United 4
Att. 2,286 - Darlington 5 York City 1
Att. 2,366 - FC United Of Manchester 1 Chorley 4
Att. 1,150 - Guiseley 1 Bradford (Park Avenue) 5
Att. 3,210 - Hereford 1 Kidderminster Harriers 0
Att. 1,644 - Southport 3 Chester 0
Att. 4,549 - Stockport County 2 Altrincham 0

 

[Darlo On Tour]

First match missed on Boxing Day for over 30 years and by god I’m I pleased I did.
Glad we got hammered and hopefully idiot of a manager is getting sacked.club is an embarrassment and can’t be arsed to go.
We have down hill massively since sacking Gray.Collins is a clown and won’t go till he has gone.

You did right swerving this match i don't think I've seen a worst performance from you guys since you dropped into this league, certainly wasn't the side that took us apart last Aug on a hot summer's evening (especially in the first half) in that 0-0 hard fought draw.

 

[Darlo On Tour]

Darlington 5 York City 1

That was some performance today from the lads. It's been a while, but then again going off last week's first half down at Altrincham which was somewhat quite similar, only difference is we kept it going for 90 minutes this time.

There were a lot of big performances today most notably Palmer and Smith who were outstanding. Also what a relief seeing Liam Hughes back in the heart of the defense, absolute brilliant.
Nelson what can you say he just oozes class! And Saunders he's like a man possessed.

I won't rub salt into the wounds by mentioning all the goals, felt a bit of sympathy for all the travelling contingent of York after watching their team come out and produce a performance like that. Let's face it I've seen a few on my travels with Darlo.

Credit where It's due TW got the job done today, was it a flash in the pan we shall see on Saturday in a must win game against relegation rivals Ashton United.

Slightly concerned Kokolo was missing after his magic show last week, also these loan signings need a discussion in reaching some sort of an agreement to extend to maybe till the end of the season? Obviously no chance with Nelson i can't see that happening.

I was somewhat surprised with the amount of York fan's staying to the final whistle blows. I'd have fucked off after the fourth goal went in.

Onwards to York!

 

[Darlo On Tour]

I seriously worry for York City. A drop into the abyss of Step 3 football would be unprecedented for a team that were once at Level 2.

Something's not quite right behind closed doors, they weren't in the same mood as when we played them last season. Worrying times ahead for such a great club and their loyal fan's.

 

[Lucky Bobble]

I seriously worry for York City. A drop into the abyss of Step 3 football would be unprecedented for a team that were once at Level 2.

They were good enough to take 3 points from us again 3 days earlier... mind you we've the backbone of a jellyfish these days. Think everyone would say York & Alfreton have had really poor seasons this year compared to expectations, yet are just a point or so beneath Brackley. Guisley getting a bit close to the bottom for comfort?

 

[Quakerz]

I seriously worry for York City. A drop into the abyss of Step 3 football would be unprecedented for a team that were once at Level 2.

We were once at level 2, and we dropped all the way to step 5 - York have quite some way to go yet.

 

[Railway Blue]

We were once at level 2, and we dropped all the way to step 5 - York have quite some way to go yet.

We were once at level 2, and we dropped all the way to step 5 - York have quite some way to go yet.

I've been a football fan since 1960 and can't remember Darlo ever being above Level 3? You were wound up which is a different thing to getting relegated. We were placed at Step 6, but appealed and were reallocated to Step 4 (it wouldn't happen now).

 

[CFC91]

I seriously worry for York City. A drop into the abyss of Step 3 football would be unprecedented for a team that were once at Level 2.

We are heading in the same direction that is for sure

 

[Josh Butler]

Boston 0-1 Alfreton

Well my first game since the Spennymoor debacle and in a funny old way perhaps that result has done us a world of good.

We look reborn. Full of grit and determination. We defended brilliantly too as a collective against a poor looking Boston I have to say.

It was an ugly stop start contest officiated by somebody inept and out of his depth.

We really should have won by more. How Willis kept out Allan`s header I am not sure and we squandered at least three chances to put the game to bed.

Dont think Boston could have had two many complaints if we would have won by a couple more at 3-0. Our keeper had very little to do.

Three huge much needed points given results elsewhere. On to Southport on Saturday

That
Bitterly disappointing. Couple of players in available but same problems arise. No quality up top when we go behind and need a goal
Alfretons first ever win at York St. Maybe their first points here too?

 

[JackCFC]

Southport 3-0 Chester.

First home league win in 9 months, and it was so easy. The fog almost tried to spoil it, but we just did what we do and Chester rarely threatened. Can't figure out why they are so high in the table compared to how useful both Chorley and BPA looked against us. Blame Jon McCarthy though, it's all his fault.

Watch us get turned over at home to Alfreton then away at Chester now.

Also, good luck to Curzon Ashton, a good club who don't derserve the circumstances they've been dealt.

The thing is, it literally IS Jon McCarthy's fault. There's incompetent and then there's him. Morley and Johnson have worked absolute wonders here to clear up the mess they inherited.

Got what we deserved yesterday, we were missing Stopforth and Asante and they really do make a big difference for us. Southport are an ugly side to watch, but they make it very difficult for you and think they'll really kick on in the second half of the season. Astles was good yesterday, wish we'd managed to keep him.

The first goal was always going to be key and they got it from winning a second ball, second was from a set piece and the 3rd was in the last few minutes with us pushing forward. We had a go in the second half, but it was too little, too late.

We're actually a really good side on our day, but can look hopeless on occasion. Hope for a better result on NYD, but think it's going to be really difficult again.

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

That decision to sack Flanagan has really come and kicked Curzon up the at•e, a horrific result on sat and in collapse currently.

Still get to see them at home for first time in a while on Saturday, maybe I’ll bring them some much needed luck

 

[appletablepenny]

We're actually a really good side on our day, but can look hopeless on occasion. Hope for a better result on NYD, but think it's going to be really difficult again.

Ha! Sums up my thoughts about Alty exactly. There have been a few times this season where we have never, and I mean never, looked like getting anything from a game, yet we've murdered some teams.

 

[ForzaCounty]

That decision to sack Flanagan has really come and kicked Curzon up the at•e, a horrific result on sat and in collapse currently.

Still get to see them at home for first time in a while on Saturday, maybe I’ll bring them some much needed luck

Are there any murmurs of an alternative reason for Flanagan's sacking? The publicly given reason, of unacceptable form, absolutely beggars belief.

After losing El Clashtico I can see your boys finishing below Ashton Utd

 

[Quakerz]

I've been a football fan since 1960 and can't remember Darlo ever being above Level 3? You were wound up which is a different thing to getting relegated. We were placed at Step 6, but appealed and were reallocated to Step 4 (it wouldn't happen now).

We were at level 2 in 1926. It counts, it counts.

We did NOT go bust like other clubs have done, nor started with a fresh slate and no debt.

We did EXACTLY what Leeds, Bournemouth and Luton did before us - ie bought the assets of the club and kept it going, but were unable to agree a CVA with our major creditor (Raj Singh), so exited administration without a CVA. Whilst they got 15 point, 20 point and 30 point deductions yet remained in their respective leagues as "the same club" - we were told that we were being "treated as" a "new club" by the FA, due to a shiny new rule which they invented after Luton.

Because the FA "said" we were a "new club" (we weren't) we had to "start again" at step 5 (we were a continuance of the same club) we were told to choose a new playing name.

To prove categorically that we have remained the same club, when we the fans took the club out of administration we bought the assets (this included a transfer clause on Dan Burn), TUPE'd over the playing wages still owed from administration, and agreed to share any windfalls from Dan Burn 50/50 with the creditors.

We did in fact cash in on Dan Burn at a later date, and that would have been impossible had DFC folded and truly started again as a phoenix club.

In many ways we would have been better letting the whole thing fold because we could have kicked off the Northern League season with no debt rather than with a 6 figure debt

 

[Quakerz]

Oh and by the way, had the FA NOT treated us as a "new club", then we would have at best been in the Evostik Premier - because we finished in a relegation spot in the conference premier, but there was another rule which we fell foul of at the time (I can't remember what it was now) which meant we may not have been allowed into the conference north.

As far as we were concerned, when we took over the club we would be playing at step 3 as the same club. Imagine our surprise when the FA said "new club, new name, step 5 if you're lucky"

Really rankles with me to this day that does, we raised £250,000 to keep the club going from January to May, instead of taking the easy option and letting it fold mid season. Because we did that, it kept the integrity of that league season for everyone with no eradicated results and re-working out of the table.

Then we raised more money to buy the assets of the club.

We could have saved £250,000 which we raised to stop the club dying, we could have told the players sorry you're getting nothing cos we've folded - see the PFA, and we could have let the creditors get nothing - they did get a little something in the end.

I've wondered a few times why we bothered, considering everyone thinks we are the same as Chester, Halifax, Telford, Hereford, Maidstone etc (no offence to any of you guys, but you did all go bang)

 

[Railway Blue]

We were at level 2 in 1926. It counts, it counts.

We did NOT go bust like other clubs have done, nor started with a fresh slate and no debt.

We did EXACTLY what Leeds, Bournemouth and Luton did before us - ie bought the assets of the club and kept it going, but were unable to agree a CVA with our major creditor (Raj Singh), so exited administration without a CVA. Whilst they got 15 point, 20 point and 30 point deductions yet remained in their respective leagues as "the same club" - we were told that we were being "treated as" a "new club" by the FA, due to a shiny new rule which they invented after Luton.

Because the FA "said" we were a "new club" (we weren't) we had to "start again" at step 5 (we were a continuance of the same club) we were told to choose a new playing name.

To prove categorically that we have remained the same club, when we the fans took the club out of administration we bought the assets (this included a transfer clause on Dan Burn), TUPE'd over the playing wages still owed from administration, and agreed to share any windfalls from Dan Burn 50/50 with the creditors.

We did in fact cash in on Dan Burn at a later date, and that would have been impossible had DFC folded and truly started again as a phoenix club.

In many ways we would have been better letting the whole thing fold because we could have kicked off the Northern League season with no debt rather than with a 6 figure debt

I think anything before 1958 when the 4th Division was created doesn't count ~~~ sorry!

 

[Quakerz]

It was still division 2 though, but yeah I get your point.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Back on the road tomorrow then to Haig Avenue, Southport. Southport seemed to have discovered some recent form and after a disatrous start. Not sure to what to expect from us. Good performances in our last 2 games but after a physical game at Boston will the quick turnaround hamper us or will Heath have his head turned by Chesterfield?

 

[DarkSithLord]

That
Bitterly disappointing. Couple of players in available but same problems arise. No quality up top when we go behind and need a goal
Alfretons first ever win at York St. Maybe their first points here too?

Yes our first ever win at our York Street

We did previously manage to scramble 2 draws in our previous 13 visits