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Post by hatter_in_macc on Nov 14, 2017 9:53:14 GMT
A quartet of tough pre-Christmas league fixtures now approaching, with matches against two opponents - Brackley and Spennymoor - in play-off places sandwiched between those that see us face teams - Curzon and this Saturday's visitors - currently on the fringes with us.
Could well be a season-defining few games, and, given our recent record against Chorley (who we have never beaten at EP), the first one might prove among the most difficult. Just make sure you spot two magpies ('for joy') on your way to the ground!
Post all the usual stuff here...
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Post by hatter_in_macc on Nov 14, 2017 10:06:29 GMT
Here, in the meantime, is an early glimpse of my pre-match piece for COWS:
*****************************************************************************************************
TAKE FIVE… Chorley
By Hatter in Macc
1. The ‘Magpies’ are visiting! Will it be ‘one for sorrow’ or ‘two for joy’?
Hatters everywhere will be hoping for the latter, of course. But the superstitious among us will also desperately be hoping earlier on match-day to see two of the black and white birds together, in the hope that it will bring County a first home win against our Lancashire visitors since 1899!
And back in those far-off times, we played at the Green Lane ground in Heaton Norris - meaning that Edgeley Park has yet to witness a competitive triumph over Chorley… although our goal-less draw here last season did at least arrest a trend that had seen us lose twice after reuniting with the Magpies in 2014 for the first time since our late-19th Century, pre-Football League days.
2. Our two clubs go back a long way, then?
They certainly do. Chorley - like our FA Trophy visitors for the following weekend, Southport - were initially founded as a rugby club, although, having spent eight years from 1875 playing with an oval ball, switched to football in 1883, thereby sharing County’s year of birth.
For 1894/95, County and Chorley were not only simultaneously admitted to the Lancashire League (from The Combination and the Lancashire Alliance, respectively), but were also paired with each other for their opening fixture that ended two-apiece at Green Lane. The Magpies were to draw first blood in the title-winning stakes - finishing as champions in 1896/97 and 1898/99 - but failed in a bid to join the Football League on the latter occasion, before the Hatters topped the table the following season and were elected to join Division Two in 1900.
3. And that brought about a parting of the ways for 114 years?
Indeed it did. While the Hatters made themselves at home in the FL - except during 1904/05, when they dropped out for a season but did not see their path cross with Chorley’s - the black-and-white-striped-shirted Magpies joined the Lancashire Combination (which was formed from the Lancashire League) in 1903, and stayed there for 65 years, winning the title on 11 occasions.
They were then founder members of the Northern Premier League for 1968/69, and since then, ahead of gaining automatic promotion to the National League North three seasons ago, have spent the majority of their time at one level or another of the NPL - save for a decade in the Cheshire League (1972-82) and a couple of years in the top-tier Conference (1988-90).
4. We have a few former Magpies in our ranks now. Has anyone else played for both clubs?
I thought you would never ask - although you will soon wish you hadn’t! The list is extraordinarily long, and probably not exhaustive - but here goes… Dan Cowan, Chris Smalley, Darren Stephenson and Harry Winter all once plied their trade for Chorley, while ex-Hatter Kieran Charnock may face us in the visiting defence this weekend. Prior to the current season, players to have turned out for both clubs as non-league outfits include (deep breath…) Chris Blackburn, Max Cartwright, Cameron Darkwah, Micah Evans, Tom Field, Sefton Gonzales, Kyle Jacobs, Alex Kenyon, Danny Lloyd, Alex Meaney, Courtney Meppen-Walters, Mark Ross and Sam Sheridan.
There are some familiar characters harking back to our Football League days that feature on the list, too. Andy Kilner, Neil Matthews, Mark Payne and record-appearance-holder Andy Thorpe - all from the Bergara era - are among them, as are: Louis Barnes, Kevin Ellison, Danny Pilkington and Lloyd Rigby (2000s); Tony Caldwell, Barry Diamond, Mike Lester, Paul Lodge, Frank Worthington and one-time County Youth midfielder Karl Marginson (1980s); Tommy Bell (1950s); and Fred Broadhurst and Billy Hayes (1920s). Former County goalkeeping coach Dave Felgate (2006-09) had also previously played a game between the sticks for Chorley in 2004 - but, to be honest, I stopped counting at 35 names!
5. You enjoyed a Tea Party after drawing at Boston. Is Chorley Cake on the menu this time?
Crumbs, yes. My currant thinking is that there would be no butter way to celebrate a win!
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Post by ceefer on Nov 14, 2017 18:33:04 GMT
Here, in the meantime, is an early glimpse of my pre-match piece for COWS: ***************************************************************************************************** TAKE FIVE… ChorleyBy Hatter in Macc1. The ‘Magpies’ are visiting! Will it be ‘one for sorrow’ or ‘two for joy’?Hatters everywhere will be hoping for the latter, of course. But the superstitious among us will also desperately be hoping earlier on match-day to see two of the black and white birds together, in the hope that it will bring County a first home win against our Lancashire visitors since 1899! And back in those far-off times, we played at the Green Lane ground in Heaton Norris - meaning that Edgeley Park has yet to witness a competitive triumph over Chorley… although our goal-less draw here last season did at least arrest a trend that had seen us lose twice after reuniting with the Magpies in 2014 for the first time since our late-19th Century, pre-Football League days. 2. Our two clubs go back a long way, then?They certainly do. Chorley - like our FA Trophy visitors for the following weekend, Southport - were initially founded as a rugby club, although, having spent eight years from 1875 playing with an oval ball, switched to football in 1883, thereby sharing County’s year of birth. For 1894/95, County and Chorley were not only simultaneously admitted to the Lancashire League (from The Combination and the Lancashire Alliance, respectively), but were also paired with each other for their opening fixture that ended two-apiece at Green Lane. The Magpies were to draw first blood in the title-winning stakes - finishing as champions in 1896/97 and 1898/99 - but failed in a bid to join the Football League on the latter occasion, before the Hatters topped the table the following season and were elected to join Division Two in 1900. 3. And that brought about a parting of the ways for 114 years?Indeed it did. While the Hatters made themselves at home in the FL - except during 1904/05, when they dropped out for a season but did not see their path cross with Chorley’s - the black-and-white-striped-shirted Magpies joined the Lancashire Combination (which was formed from the Lancashire League) in 1903, and stayed there for 65 years, winning the title on 11 occasions. They were then founder members of the Northern Premier League for 1968/69, and since then, ahead of gaining automatic promotion to the National League North three seasons ago, have spent the majority of their time at one level or another of the NPL - save for a decade in the Cheshire League (1972-82) and a couple of years in the top-tier Conference (1988-90). 4. We have a few former Magpies in our ranks now. Has anyone else played for both clubs?I thought you would never ask - although you will soon wish you hadn’t! The list is extraordinarily long, and probably not exhaustive - but here goes… Dan Cowan, Chris Smalley, Darren Stephenson and Harry Winter all once plied their trade for Chorley, while ex-Hatter Kieran Charnock may face us in the visiting defence this weekend. Prior to the current season, players to have turned out for both clubs as non-league outfits include (deep breath…) Chris Blackburn, Max Cartwright, Cameron Darkwah, Micah Evans, Tom Field, Sefton Gonzales, Kyle Jacobs, Alex Kenyon, Danny Lloyd, Alex Meaney, Courtney Meppen-Walters, Mark Ross and Sam Sheridan. There are some familiar characters harking back to our Football League days that feature on the list, too. Andy Kilner, Neil Matthews, Mark Payne and record-appearance-holder Andy Thorpe - all from the Bergara era - are among them, as are: Louis Barnes, Kevin Ellison, Danny Pilkington and Lloyd Rigby (2000s); Tony Caldwell, Barry Diamond, Mike Lester, Paul Lodge, Frank Worthington and one-time County Youth midfielder Karl Marginson (1980s); Tommy Bell (1950s); and Fred Broadhurst and Billy Hayes (1920s). Former County goalkeeping coach Dave Felgate (2006-09) had also previously played a game between the sticks for Chorley in 2004 - but, to be honest, I stopped counting at 35 names! 5. You enjoyed a Tea Party after drawing at Boston. Is Chorley Cake on the menu this time?Crumbs, yes. My currant thinking is that there would be no butter way to celebrate a win! Haha 5. Is a cracker! |
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Post by hermannsays on Nov 15, 2017 19:48:25 GMT
Chorley are 2nd worst in the league's goalscoring stakes but 3rd best defensively so far. This shouts "score first" to me!
Fleetwood loanee Nick Haughton is surely the 'main man' for their inspiration. As such, that space in front of our central defence will need to be guarded well to avoid any encouragement for him to dribble at us or unleash a long shot. They're missing one frontman in Carver, who is banned, but have the experienced Walker. Set plays... they seem pretty good at bringing their physical players into play with knock downs so I expect they'll avoid the zonal area Clarke takes care of. Talking of physicality, I wonder if we'll see a return to the starting line-up of Smalley for us and the kind of 'matching up' (somewhat) of Chorley's formation.
Anyway, I'm thinking it's a 1-1 but hopefully I'm wrong and we can take all 3 from a playoff rival. It would be good to hear Janssen explain that, even through they've lost, he wouldn't swap any of his players for ours.
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Post by another_ruined_saturday on Nov 15, 2017 21:12:41 GMT
As such, that space in front of our central defence will need to be guarded well to avoid any encouragement for him to dribble at us or unleash a long shot. good job we've replaced lewis montrose so effectively then.  |
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Post by hermannsays on Nov 15, 2017 21:26:25 GMT
Who needs to replace Lewis when you can do a 3-6-1?
Hinchliffe
Smalley Clarke O'Halloran
Cowan Stopforth Ball Winter Walker Duxbury
Oswell
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Post by hermannsays on Nov 17, 2017 11:21:38 GMT
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Post by hatter_in_macc on Nov 17, 2017 11:34:47 GMT
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Post by ceefer on Nov 17, 2017 18:56:39 GMT
If they lose we should present him with a babies dummy...
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Post by bringbacklenwhite on Nov 18, 2017 15:43:57 GMT
Chorley goalkeeper Matt Urwin played for our primary school
(in goals) 14 years ago.
He was magnificent as a 10 year old prospect.
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Post by hermannsays on Nov 18, 2017 19:49:34 GMT
Given the way the game went, this was definitely a point gained rather than two lost.
The opening 10 was quite even with the main thing of note being Chorley's use of a high 3-man attack spread across our defensive line. It resulted with us having to quickly change our shape.
The first real chance fell to Chorley... and it came from our own free kick. They had left 2 up on the half way but we had 3 defenders back. Warburton was about to take it when Duxbury, one of the 3 defenders, was told to take it. His cross was cleared leaving a break from which Walker should have done better.
As the game settled into its patterns, our change had certainly provided the extra man in defence to deal with their attack but it had also left us looking vulnerable down the left with no support ahead of Duxbury. Hughes and their RWB, sometimes along with Haughton who was drifting about, were able to overload that side and had far too much time to pick their heads up and play.
Elsewhere, Dixon was doing ok for us and Mantack was having the odd run on the right but perhaps lacking the end product too often. Warburton looked our best bet for scoring or creating a goal.
Before the half hour, Oswell got absolutely smashed with a crude tackle straight through the back of him and ten minutes later Warburton, set free by a great kick from Hinchliffe, was hauled down near the box. A booking for another of their defenders.
A few minutes later and we were a bit all over the shop from their throw in on the right. It didn't really seem like we knew where we needed to be and the lack of shape was quickly found out as they switched the play to Haughton. Warburton was left desperately trying to stop him running onto our CBs or having a central shot from 25 yards... cue a crude slide in which produced a card for him and a dangerous free kick for Chorley. Thankfully, it came to nothing.
The second period started with Mantack moved from the right (in front of Cowan) to the left. I assume this was to help support Duxbury defensively. As such, it felt that Chorley had done well tactically as this was now our second change to try to nullify their set up. I thought one issue that might arise from the move was that we would now find it hard to get Oswell to be a threat. This was because the only wide player (except for FBs) who could get down a side of Chorley to cross with his strong foot was now on his 'wrong' side given Mantack is very right-footed. As a result, it kinda felt like Oswell would have to struggle playing with his back to large CBs trying to receive balls from deep central areas unless we changed again.
Anyway... aside from couple of corners and a good break by Ball, who was left crossing in hope that Mantack would get up with him in time, the first 15 minutes of the second half saw Chorley dominate. Hinchliffe was now being forced into action far too much and even one of their CBs was getting in on the act, missing a decent left-footed chance at the back post.
From standing on the ball when they had conceded free kicks in the first half and slowing the game by arguing with the ref, Chorley were now moving everything on a lot quicker. We were almost caught by them taking a quick free kick as we hadn't seemed to have processed the tactical change of tempo they had come out with in the second half.
Mantack was removed on the hour for Stephenson. A few minutes later and Chorley were through on goal with Hughes. Hinchliffe did excellent to stop it. At this point, I think it's fair to say that our 'keeper was keeping us in it. Chorley should really have been a goal or two up and they were certainly looking like the only team that would win the game as Stephenson's substitution had basically had no impact whatsoever.
Cowan and Duxbury were doing their best to offer threat from their FB positions and, to be fair, both did well today given the opposition's tactics were making the defensive and attacking aspects of their game tough. A couple more chances fell for Chorley and Hinchliffe was again in action, tipping over a header. Along the way I can remember Stopforth getting back to stop a simple back post goal for Chorley too... I just don't remember what part of this half it was in!
Anyway, Ball picked up a booking for pulling back a man and the spaces in that midfield were getting a bit worrying as was the disjointedness of the midfield to the attack. Soon after they had another free kick around the centre circle which they took quickly. We still hadn't picked up on how quick they were playing or that they had already caught us napping with an earlier quick free kick. Into Haughton it went who had the run towards goal and the finish to match. My instinct was that the kick was taken from the wrong place and, as such, it should have been called back to be retaken. But it was very frustrating to see something so obvious (the upped tempo/quick free kicks) not being picked up on. I doubt many could argue with the scoreline, even if they could argue with the manner of the goal.
Once losing, we brought on McKenna for Stopforth (who was awarded MOM) and it went a bit 'kichen sink' until, in added time, Warburton put in a ball and Oswell rose... GOAL. I assume he was booked for celebrating with the fans. We'll take it!
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Post by ceefer on Nov 18, 2017 20:14:39 GMT
Given the way the game went, this was definitely a point gained rather than two lost. The opening 10 was quite even with the main thing of note being Chorley's use of a high 3-man attack spread across our defensive line. It resulted with us having to quickly change our shape. The first real chance fell to Chorley... and it came from our own free kick. They had left 2 up on the half way but we had 3 defenders back. Warburton was about to take it when Duxbury, one of the 3 defenders, was told to take it. His cross was cleared leaving a break from which Walker should have done better. As the game settled into its patterns, our change had certainly provided the extra man in defence to deal with their attack but it had also left us looking vulnerable down the left with no support ahead of Duxbury. Hughes and their RWB, sometimes along with Haughton who was drifting about, were able to overload that side and had far too much time to pick their heads up and play. Elsewhere, Dixon was doing ok for us and Mantack was having the odd run on the right but perhaps lacking the end product too often. Warburton looked our best bet for scoring or creating a goal. Before the half hour, Oswell got absolutely smashed with a crude tackle straight through the back of him and ten minutes later Warburton, set free by a great kick from Hinchliffe, was hauled down near the box. A booking for another of their defenders. A few minutes later and we were a bit all over the shop from their throw in on the right. It didn't really seem like we knew where we needed to be and the lack of shape was quickly found out as they switched the play to Haughton. Warburton was left desperately trying to stop him running onto our CBs or having a central shot from 25 yards... cue a crude slide in which produced a card for him and a dangerous free kick for Chorley. Thankfully, it came to nothing. The second period started with Mantack moved from the right (in front of Cowan) to the left. I assume this was to help support Duxbury defensively. As such, it felt that Chorley had done well tactically as this was now our second change to try to nullify their set up. I thought one issue that might arise from the move was that we would now find it hard to get Oswell to be a threat. This was because the only wide player (except for FBs) who could get down a side of Chorley to cross with his strong foot was now on his 'wrong' side given Mantack is very right-footed. As a result, it kinda felt like Oswell would have to struggle playing with his back to large CBs trying to receive balls from deep central areas unless we changed again. Anyway... aside from couple of corners and a good break by Ball, who was left crossing in hope that Mantack would get up with him in time, the first 15 minutes of the second half saw Chorley dominate. Hinchliffe was now being forced into action far too much and even one of their CBs was getting in on the act, missing a decent left-footed chance at the back post. From standing on the ball when they had conceded free kicks in the first half and slowing the game by arguing with the ref, Chorley were now moving everything on a lot quicker. We were almost caught by them taking a quick free kick as we hadn't seemed to have processed the tactical change of tempo they had come out with in the second half. Mantack was removed on the hour for Stephenson. A few minutes later and Chorley were through on goal with Hughes. Hinchliffe did excellent to stop it. At this point, I think it's fair to say that our 'keeper was keeping us in it. Chorley should really have been a goal or two up and they were certainly looking like the only team that would win the game as Stephenson's substitution had basically had no impact whatsoever. Cowan and Duxbury were doing their best to offer threat from their FB positions and, to be fair, both did well today given the opposition's tactics were making the defensive and attacking aspects of their game tough. A couple more chances fell for Chorley and Hinchliffe was again in action, tipping over a header. Along the way I can remember Stopforth getting back to stop a simple back post goal for Chorley too... I just don't remember what part of this half it was in! Anyway, Ball picked up a booking for pulling back a man and the spaces in that midfield were getting a bit worrying as was the disjointedness of the midfield to the attack. Soon after they had another free kick around the centre circle which they took quickly. We still hadn't picked up on how quick they were playing or that they had already caught us napping with an earlier quick free kick. Into Haughton it went who had the run towards goal and the finish to match. My instinct was that the kick was taken from the wrong place and, as such, it should have been called back to be retaken. But it was very frustrating to see something so obvious (the upped tempo/quick free kicks) not being picked up on. I doubt many could argue with the scoreline, even if they could argue with the manner of the goal. Once losing, we brought on McKenna for Stopforth (who was awarded MOM) and it went a bit 'kichen sink' until, in added time, Warburton put in a ball and Oswell rose... GOAL. I assume he was booked for celebrating with the fans. We'll take it! Great report Hermann, thanks. An inconsistent ref - he should have booked the Chorley team for the lengthy goal celebrations with their fans..... Agree it was a point won rather than 2 lost and taking the positives great to see we can come back in the dying seconds and send most County fans away 'happy'. The consensus around me in the Moan stand was that they shouldn't have been awarded a free kick which lead to the goal; we should have. The liner was awful as well. |
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Post by ceefer on Nov 18, 2017 20:16:09 GMT
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Post by hatter_in_macc on Nov 18, 2017 21:00:00 GMT
As a Libran (as well as a County fan, of course), I feel that justice was well and truly served today.
We may have been rather under the cosh after half-time, but the decision to award a free-kick Chorley's way that led to the opening goal was plain wacky after Duxbury was clattered by Wilson... and possibly two other visiting players!
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Post by gazz on Nov 18, 2017 21:43:22 GMT
They need to retread the last forty years in our shoes before they start bitching about getting screwed over by match officials - one of the worst being 40 years ago next year, in fact! |
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