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Post by hatter_in_macc on Apr 4, 2018 16:15:38 GMT
Off we go eastwards again this weekend - and to our favourite of all the Ferribies. Grange Lane is a place where the Hatters have yet to win, but, hopefully, we shall... and get to savour the 'Joy of Six'! Post all the usual malarkey here...
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Post by hatter_in_macc on Apr 4, 2018 16:18:37 GMT
Here, in the meantime, is my updated pre-match piece for COWS about the 'Villagers':
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TAKE FIVE (2018)… North Ferriby United
By Hatter in Macc
1. We visit the ‘Villagers’. Are they really in a village, or some ‘Greater Ferriby' conurbation?!
North Ferriby, in the East Riding of Yorkshire and on the North bank of the Humber Estuary, is indeed a village, as well as the only one that has a team in the National League North. The club similarly exercised a lone village voice one level higher last term - and, two seasons before then, won the FA Trophy (although it has, in 2003 winners Burscough, another village team for company so far as that particular achievement is concerned).
As for the rest of Ferriby, there is a South version - albeit on the opposite bank of the estuary, in a different administrative area, North Lincolnshire, and almost eight miles away by road and bridge (but less than a mile as the wading bird flies). And there was once a third, separate Ferriby - the hamlet of Ferriby Sluice - which is nowadays incorporated within South Ferriby village.
2. With our record there, it’s probably as well that we’re not playing the whole of Ferriby!
Well, South Ferriby’s potential footballing might is a lot less - given that village’s population in 2011 of a mere 651 (Ferriby Sluice and all), as opposed to its North counterpart’s 3,893 - but, yes, take your point. In the course of three previous visits to Grange Lane (or the Eon Visual Media Stadium, if you will) - all at our current level, between 2013 and 2016 - the Hatters have yet to win.
We have managed to draw two of the away-fixtures, though. And at Edgeley Park last September, we did beat the Villagers for the first time in seven attempts, anywhere ever.
3. Perhaps we can go one better at Grange Lane this time, then?
For once, it is true, we are visiting Ferriby during a downturn in the club’s fortunes. Having finished bottom of the National League last April, the Villagers occupy the same position in the NLN one year on, and had their second successive relegation confirmed over a fortnight ago.
Prior to this, the story of the club formed after a village meeting in 1934 had been one of almost inexorable rise. From its humblest and holiest of pre-war beginnings, in the East Riding Church League, Ferriby moved onwards and upwards after 1945: through the East Riding Amateur League, the Yorkshire League (from 1969), the Northern Counties East League (from 1982) and the Northern Premier League (from 2000), before arriving in the (then) Conference North, at the same time as County, in 2013. In the three earlier seasons we have met, the Villagers sequentially finished second, lifted the Trophy after penalties against Wrexham, and won promotion after defeating Fylde in the play-offs. All told, quite a ‘Ferri’ tale…
4. With some geography between us, and only a recent shared history, surely no player has turned out for both clubs?
To be fair, I had initially expected to answer this question with the ‘near miss’ that was beanpole striker, and one-time County transfer-target, Tom Denton - who, in the wake of Ferriby’s promotion to the National League in 2016, opted to follow manager Billy Heath to Halifax Town, rather than signing for the Hatters.
But travelling further back in time unearths a proper response, in the form of keeper Ian Ironside who turned out between the sticks for the Villagers during 1987/88, before arriving in SK3, via Scarborough and Middlesbrough, to don the gloves between 1993 and 1995. He also occupies a small place in County history - after becoming, on 2 October 1993, the first-ever goalkeeping substitute for the Hatters, because of an injury to Neil Edwards, against Bournemouth at EP.
5. He’s Joe Ironside’s dad, too. That’s a tenuous link for ‘Take Five… Kidderminster’ sorted!
Ooh - harsh. But you’ll have to wait until next Tuesday, when we visit the Harriers, to be proved wrong…!
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Post by hermannsays on Apr 6, 2018 11:10:43 GMT
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Post by hermannsays on Apr 6, 2018 12:07:28 GMT
Although Ferriby have done well in their last two home games (1-1 v Salford and 1-0 v Blyth), they've failed to score in 11 of their 18 home games. Perhaps it's fair to expect that they'll look to play tighter than most home teams would. After all, they're not chasing points and a draw would be a good result as they look ahead to preparing for next season.
For us, this surely needs to be seen as 3 points but, beyond that, it would be great to see us get a clean sheet. We've scored in all but 2 of our away games (an excellent record) but only secured one away clean sheet (the joint worst in the league). Going away to the likes of Kiddy, Chorley and Blyth with any extra confidence of being able to keep things tight defensively would be useful I would think!
Good luck to JG and the boys on securing 6 wins on the trot.
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Post by hatter_in_macc on Apr 6, 2018 14:34:42 GMT
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Loxetercountyexile
Random Canadian Substitute
Phew! Finally made the jump from the 'old' County Heaven.
Posts: 73
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Post by Loxetercountyexile on Apr 7, 2018 9:27:14 GMT
Bottom clubs with nothing to lose are dangerous. Sure that Jim and the team will treat this as professionally as all other games but will be a lot happier with three points at 4:50 this afternoon!! Then, roll on to Kidderminster where I will be able to watch and not just listen to the commentary! Can't wait. But first - a win at N Ferriby!!!! C'mon COUNTEEEEEEEEE.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2018 9:54:02 GMT
Good to see you back, Loxeter!
3 points is the order of the day... doesn't matter how they come as long as we get them! Come on County!!
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Loxetercountyexile
Random Canadian Substitute
Phew! Finally made the jump from the 'old' County Heaven.
Posts: 73
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Post by Loxetercountyexile on Apr 7, 2018 13:18:12 GMT
Cheers. Yes, it's been a while!!! I even had to log in!!!! Agreed, three points any which way will suffice!! And then I'll be there on Tuesday to see the 7th victory in a row!! I'm a-coming out of exile!!!
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Post by gazz on Apr 7, 2018 15:56:10 GMT
Six on the trot - get in!
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Post by gazz on Apr 7, 2018 15:58:03 GMT
P.S. I blame Gannon!
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Post by hermannsays on Apr 7, 2018 16:08:02 GMT
Top of the 5 game and 10 game form table. TICK. Competing for 4th or 5th place to get a home tie. TICK. Unexpected feelings of hope. TICK. BOOM.
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Post by bringbacklenwhite on Apr 7, 2018 16:19:43 GMT
Why am I still feeling nervous about this ?
Will it all come crashing around our ears on Tuesday ?
Two home wins will be crucial and anything beyond a point at Kiddy, Chorley and Blyth would be brilliant.
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Post by gazz on Apr 7, 2018 16:51:46 GMT
Why am I still feeling nervous about this ? Will it all come crashing around our ears on Tuesday ? Two home wins will be crucial and anything beyond a point at Kiddy, Chorley and Blyth would be brilliant. shhhh - you're gonna jinx it!
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Post by hermannsays on Apr 7, 2018 16:51:53 GMT
Causing hope: Consistent starting line-up Central midfield fixed with the reversal of Ball and Winter Goalscorers scoring and good chances being created
Causing nerves: Gift goals Attacking subs lack of impact
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Post by hermannsays on Apr 7, 2018 17:01:26 GMT
The Turnbull for Turner sub (rather than for Winter, or Stephenson for Turner) seemed like excellent thinking ahead by JG. I know there was still plenty of time in the game in itself, but there will surely be a need in the run-in and play-offs for a more secure set-up whilst retaining sufficient threat.
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