Saturday 24th November 2007

Coventry Sphinx 2 Tipton Town 3
Polymac Services Midland Alliance
At: Sphinx Sports & Social Club
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £5; programme: £1-50
Attendance: 50
Weather: drizzle
Duration: first half: 47:57; second half: 47:57


So after watching every competitive Stafford Rangers game since I last missed one on 20th November 2001, I decided not to make the long trip to Ebbsfleet United. Instead, with my daughter away on a Brownie weekend in Derbyshire, we headed for Coventry to look round the old and new cathedrals before I headed for the Sphinx Sports & Social Club.

Home side Coventry Sphinx are enjoying their first season in the Midland Alliance having been promoted at the end of last season as Champions of the Midland Combination Premier Division. They also went into this game on the back of a 2-1 victory at Bewdley Town which took them into the FA Vase third round for the first time in their history.


The ground is located to the east of Coventry city centre down a drive, appropriately named Sphinx Drive. There was a large car park with the ground entrance at the far end, where programmes (£1-50p; 40 pages with plenty to read) were available. The pitch stretched lengthways with the Willie Knibbs Memorial Stand, named in memory of a much-loved former manager who tragically died in a car crash in 2001. The stand contained four rows of benches, each with individually marked-out places, as well as an area of covered standing. Alongside the stand were the unusually-roofed dugouts. The opposite touchline was shared with the adjacent cricket pitch, with hard standing behind each goal.

Disaster struck me just before kick-off when the bridge of my glasses snapped. Thankfully, a kind-hearted supporter sat near to me in the stand must have spotted my plight and offered a small plaster with which to reunite the two broken halves.


Both sides went into the game in the lower half of the table, Sphinx in 12th position and Tipton 19th in the 22-team league. Amongst the Tipton substitutes were two familiar forwards – former Stafford player Nicky Campbell and prolific scorer Scott Voice who I remember playing for Bilston Town in the past.

Coventry Sphinx (wearing sky blue and white striped shirts, navy blue shorts and socks) got the game underway attacking the entrance end of the ground with the floodlights on from the start. And the home side took the lead in the third minute. John Woodhouse curled a right-wing corner into the six-yard box which went into the net with a touch of midfielder Kyle Rhodes. It didn’t take Tipton (orange shirts, white shorts and orange socks) to get back on level terms, somewhat controversially in the 17th minute. Eric Bowen sent a looping header over Sphinx keeper Callum Harrison with a suspicion of offside.

Just before the half-hour mark, Tipton’s Danny Bragoli put away a long drive, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. However, the visitors took the lead in the 39th minute. Callum Martin outpaced the Sphinx defence and sent a low 15-yard shot into the bottom left corner out of reach of the diving keeper.


Tipton extended their lead with a third goal scored just 38 seconds after the restart. Ashley Longford crossed from the left into the area where Wayne Lawley stooped to head home. Sphinx tried to apply pressure and forced a fine double save out of Wes Cox. The diving keeper parried Casey Gaggini’s initial 35-yard free-kick and blocked a follow-up effort by Rob Stevenson from the rebound. With time running out, Sphinx were awarded a penalty for handball by Bowen who cut out a cross from the left. Stevenson duly beat Cox from the spot to score a goal timed in the first-minute of stoppage time.

The Tipton team stayed on the field after the final whistle for a warm down. “We’ve got to do it again on Tuesday,” the manager said to his side who are due to visit Market Drayton Town for another league game.

Coventry Sphinx (sky blue and white stripes with sky blue sleeves / black / navy blue): 1. Callum Harrison, 2. Scott McGregor, 3. Justin Bowen, 4. David Drennan (capt), 5. Jamie McAteer, 6. Carl Winterbottom, 7. James Halton, 8. Kyle Rhodes, 9. Callum Woodhead, 10. Casey Gaggini, 11. John Woodhouse. Subs: 12. Robbie Scott (for Rhodes, 80), 14. Rob Stevenson (for McGregor, 63), 15. Terry Ward (not used), 16. Mark Owen (for Woodhouse, ht), 17. Chris Daffern (not used).

Tipton Town (orange/white/orange): 1. Wes Cox, 2. Danny Bragoli, 3. Brett Love (capt), 4. Troy Douglin, 5. Dave Bate, 6. Jon Worsley, 7. Ashley Langford, 8. Liam Givans, 9. Wayne Lawley, 10. Calum Martin, 11. Eric Bowen. Subs: 12. Nicky Campbell (for Martin, 82), 14. Craig Harris (for Bate, 85), 15. Chris Turner (for Lawley, 85), 16. Scott Voice (not used), 17. Danny Watson (not used).

Referee: M Lever (Leicester).

Goals:
1-0 Kyle Rhodes (3)
1-1 Eric Bowen (17)
1-2 Calum Martin (39)
1-3 Wayne Lawley (46)
2-3 Rob Stevenson (90+1 pen)

Thursday 22nd November 2007

Goodrich 1 Lye Town 3
Sport Italia West Midlands League Premier Division
At: Goodrich Sports Ground, Wolverhampton
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £3; programme: £1
Attendance: 30 (headcount)
Weather: showers, cold wind
Duration: first half: 46:01; second half: 48:59


Goodrich (red/black/black): 1. Anthony Simkiss, 2. Andrew Harrison, 3. Cavan Ellis, 4. Jonathan Mawley, 5. Daniel Forward, 6. Wayne Hughes, 7. Adam Simkiss, 8. Daniel Newman, 9. Neil Knight (capt), 10. Lee Osborne, 11. Steven Hill. Subs: 12. Dean Clegg (for Harrison, 72), 14. Aaron Simpson (not used), 15. Sean Goodhead (not used), 16. Thomas Davies (for Hill, 80), 17. Lee Turton (not used).

Lye Town (yellow/green/green): 1. Mark Garvey, 2. Kevin Marsh, 3. Luke Newall, 4. Jason Potter, 5. Lee Edmunds, 6. Karl Newall, 7. Jum Darby, 8. Matt Blakemore (capt), 9. Rob Taylor, 10. Ashley Greenaway, 11. Mark Whitehouse. Subs: 12. Tony Arnold (not used), 14. Greg Asmore (not used), 15. Ben Billingham (not used), 16. Oliver Clark (for Taylor, 80), 17. David Moss (not used).

Goals:
0-1 Ashley Greenaway (20)
0-2 Rob Taylor (45)
1-2 Lee Osborne (47)
1-3 Rob Taylor (66)

Wednesday 21st November 2007 (OFF)

Bewdley Town
Match postponed due to a waterlogged pitch


At least I know where the ground is when I try again to watch a Bewdley Town home game!

Wednesday 21st November will probably be best remembered as the day Head Coach Steve McLaren stood underneath an umbrella in the technical area as England missed out on a place at Euro 2008 at the hands of Croatia.

Saturday 17th November 2007

Droylsden 1 Stafford Rangers 1
Blue Square Premier
At: Butchers Arms Ground
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Attendance: 612
Weather: overcast, cold


The fans who travelled to the Butchers Arms Ground showed their full support for manager Phil Robinson and the team after Rangers fought with pride to earn a vital point. Djimi Sangare scored his first goal for the club on the stroke of half-time to put Rangers in front but Chris Denham equalised in the 58th minute. The point keeps Stafford in 22nd position but importantly takes us a small step near to fifth-from bottom Farsley Celtic who went down 1-0 at Grays Athletic.

Following a two-week break, Phil Robinson made two changes to the starting line-up. Richard Sutton returned from injury to replace suspended skipper Wayne Daniel in a reshuffled defence while David McNiven partnered Neil Grayson up front with Nathan Smith on the bench.

Only one of Droylsden's four ex-Rangers players was involved with Liam Murray playing in central defence. Ged Murphy and Alex Gibson had to be content with just a kick around after not even making the subs bench while Robin Gibson has been loaned to Nantwich Town. Referee Dean Mobarab was appointed at short notice and had an excellent game in charge.

Droylsden, who kicked off attacking the covered terrace at the soutern end of the ground, were the first side to go on the attack. Steve Daly got into the area from the left but his progress was cut short by Djimi Sangare's saving tackle. In the 12th minute, Kevin Street's shot was blocked inside the area. The ball ended up at Luke Potter on the left who delivered a great cross which Chris Flynn headed over.

The home side won the game's first corner which was wasted but soon after there was danger inside the Stafford area. Chris Denham's right-wing cross was aimed towards Terry Fearns inside the six-yard box and the ball was fortunately scrambled clear. Scoring opportunities were restricted though Rangers created two further openings just before the midpoint of the first half. Potter drove the ball across the face of goal with no one getting on the end and the lively Humphrey cut on from the right only to see his shot blocked.

Loach was called into action to make a comfortable save from Denham who latched onto a pass from Gareth Morris 20 yards out. Just before the half-hour mark David McNiven tried his luck from fully 35 yards out and the ball drifted wide of the right-hand post. Rangers continued to create chances. However, Samy Mawene limped off after firing over from 25 yards out. Before substitute David Oldfield could come on, Jody Bamin curled a shot over the bar from 25 yards out.

Stafford mounted a strong finish to the first half and were rewarded with a goal in stoppage time. Chris Humphrey hit a ferocious drive from the inside right channel which Phillips did well to turn round at the near post. And less than a minute before the half-time whistle, Oldfield recieved a headed clearance of his initial right-wing corner and drove the ball low from the right edge of the area to the far post where Sangare turned the ball home to score his first Stafford goal.

Less than a minute after the restart, Loach gathered up a low long-range drive from Banim. Neil Grayson tried to catch Phillips off guard with a lob which the keeper held on his line. Chris Humphrey burst down the right and got in a low cross which eluded unmarked McNiven inside the area. McNiven then chased a througball from Oldfield but Phillips raced off his line to boot the ball clear. McNiven turned provider from Humphrey who was again denied by a near-post save from Phillips.

Droylsden made a change in the 57th minute and equalised a minute later. Lee Roach, Jamie McGuire and Daly were all involved before Denham hit an unstoppable drive from just inside the area which gave Loach no chance.

The home side started to press forward. Daly received a pass from Danny Warner and fired over. Daly had another shot blocked inside the the area and a follow-up effort from McGuire took a deflection at the expense of a corner. Rangers survived and the game really came to life with both sides keep to secure maximum points. A moment of brilliance from Phillips prevented Rangers from regaining the lead in the 73rd minute. Nathan Smith, on for McNiven, broke down the right and pulled the ball back to Kevin Street. The midfielder hit a low drive from 20 yards that was destined for the net until Phillips, diving at full stretch turned the ball round with his left hand. From the corner, Grayson headed just wide.

Phillips was again at his best three minutes later saving at the near post from Humphrey. With time running out, Morris picked out unmarked Colin Cryan who saw his headed cleared by Grayson. The woodwork rescued Rangers in the 83rd minute. Banim got in a shot from the left which beat Loach and rebounded off the left-hand post to safety. In injury time at the end, Morris went for goal from fully 40 yards out. The ball bounced awkwardly in front of Loach who showed a safe pair of hands to save.

Droylsden (red/black/red) 1. Paul Phillips (capt); 2. Lee Roach, 4. Colin Cryan, 30. Liam Murray, 3. Danny Warner; 11. Chris Denham, 6. Gareth Morris, 8. Jamie McGuire, 12. Jody Banim; 10. Steve Daly, 9. Terry Fearns. Subs: 17. Kevin Lynch, 18. Phil Senior (gk), 20. Gavin Salmon (for Daly, 76), 23. Robbie Talbot (for Banim, 86), 39. Ashley Burbeary (for Fearns, 57)

Stafford Rangers (black and white stripes/black/black): 12. Scott Loach; 2. Richard Sutton, 6. Djimi Sangare, 25. Fred Murray (capt), 32. Luke Potter; 34. Chris Humphrey, 7. Chris Flynn, 22. Samy Mawene, 8. Kevin Street; 10. David McNiven, 9. Neil Grayson. Subs: 1. Danny Alcock (gk), 15. Nathan Smith (for McNiven, 69), 16. Tom Ingram, 24. Steve Hopkinson, 28. David Oldfield (for Mawene, 36)

Referee: Dean Moharab (Cheshire)
Attendance: 612

This match report was originally written for and published on the now defunct www.staffordrangers.co.uk

Saturday 10th November 2007

Thackley 0 Glasshoughton Welfare 1
Northern Counties East League Cup Second Round
At: Dennyfield
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £5; Prog: £1
Attendance: 68
Weather: overcast, windy
Duration: first half: 45:54; second half: 47:19

Tuesday 6th November 2007

Carlton Town 3 Brigg Town 3
Unibond League Division One South
At: Bill Stokeld Stadium
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £6; programme: £1-50
Attendance: 48
Weather: cold, dry
Duration: first half: 48:28; second half: 49:19


Goals:
1-0 Martin Ball (20)
2-0 Fabian Smith (31)
2-1 Jack Muldoon (59)
2-2 Jack Muldoon (74)
2-3 Stuart Ainsley (81)
3-3 Martin Ball (89)

Saturday 3rd November 2007

Stafford Rangers 1 Exeter City 5
Blue Square Premier
At: Marston Road
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Attendance: 914
Weather: mild, dry, sunny spells


Stafford Rangers suffered their worst home league defeat for ten years as good attacking play gained little reward as visitors Exeter scored five times. Two goals in four minutes midway through the first half from Wayne Carlisle (22) and Matt Taylor (25) put the visitors in the driving seat, although Kevin Street pulled one back just before the break with a fantastic strike. Further second half goals from Jamie Mackie, Taylor again and Steve Basham from the penalty spot completed the scoring. Skipper Wayne Daniel was sent off in injury time for deliberate handball though the red card seemed harsh.

Phil Robinson made four changes to the starting line-up. Scott Loach returned in goal for a second spell on loan from Watford and Chris Humphrey, signed on loan from Shrewsbury Town, made his debut. Nathan Smith started a league game for the first time since recovering from his long lay off and Fred Murray came back into the side after missing four league and cup games. Exeter boss Paul Tisdale made one chance with Andy Marriott replacing Paul Jones in goal.


Stafford made a lively start to the game. Exeter skipper Matt Gill was booked in the 6th minute for handling a cross from Chris Humphrey. Samy Mawene delievered the free-kick into the area and Andy Marriott punched the ball clear. Nathan Smith, on the left, cross back into the danger zone where Neil Grayson got in a close range shot which Marriott blocked with his legs at the expense of a corner.

The visitors, attacking the Social Club End, got forward. Jamie Mackie fed Dean Moxey who hit a low diagonal cros-shot into the area which Wayne Daniel booted out. Scott Loach also got down to hold a low 20-yard drive from Mackie. Mackie broke down the right and found Moxey who saw a well-struck shot take a deflection. George Friend lifted a shot over the bar from the edge of the area.

Exeter took the lead in the 22nd minute. Mackie broke down the left and got past Djimi Sangare before driving a low shot across the face of goal. The diving Loach got his hand to the shot but the ball fell into the path of Wayne Carlisle who slotted home.

Worse was to follow four minutes later. Moxey delivered a corner from the right which Matt Taylor glanced into the far left side of the net.

Stafford pressed forward, producing some exciting attacking football. Smith got into the area down the left and pulled the ball back for Mawene who fired wide of the target from around the 'D'. Smith broke down the right in the next attack and lashed a shot wide of the near post. In the 39th minute, Grayson, who celebrated his 43rd birthday on Thursday, intercepted a pass from Moxey in the middle of the Exeter half. The veteran unleased a ferocious left-foot drive which flashed past the left-hand upright with Marriott diving a full stretch. A minute later, Grayson sent a looping header over the bar.

Exeter had a couple of chances. Carlisle fired over after a move down the left involving Mackie and Steve Basham. Taylor saw a header hooked clear.

With the interval approaching, Smith intercepted a backpass from Friend and got clear. He tried to steer the ball past the advancong Marriott who got down to push the ball clear.

But that chance didn't matter as Kevin Street halved the deficit in the 45th minute. The midfielder followed up his goal on Tuesday at Cambridge by hammering the ball past Marriott from fully 30 yards out.


The Marston Road floodlights were switched on the the interval and Rangers looked to light up the second half. Mawene fired over from 25 yards. In the 53rd minute, Luke Potter sent a throughball to Grayson inside the area. He laid a pass to Chris Flynn who hit a low drive which Marriott gathered up. Mackie gave the ballboys some fetching to do with a 20 yard volley which not only cleared the bar but also the Shed End stand as well.

The assistant on the stand side of the ground attrached the referee's attention in the 57th minute. There were puzzled looks as to what he had spotted but he turned out to be injured and swaped roles with the Fourth Official.

With Stafford in contention, Exeter took full advantage of another defensive error to restore their two-goal lead in the 60th minute. Sangare couldn't get the ball clear just outside the Boro area and Mackie slotted past Loach.

Stafford kept looking for a goal with David McNiven on as a replacement for Flynn. Street crossed from the left to the far post where Humphrey got forward to head wide. McNiven set up Mawene who hit a well-struck drive that did't miss the left-hand post by much.

Friend got forward for the visitors from the left and got in a shot as Sangare challenged. Loach saved.

Rangers made a second change in the 76th minute with Ross Draper replacing Mawene.

Loach pulled off a fine save with his legs after Basham stayed onside and hit a low shot. The keeper also did the same in the 81st minute from Basham who got on the end of Jon Richardson's low cross.

Taylor almost scored an own goal when he sliced an attempted clearance of Potter's cross over his own bar.

However, Exeter scored a fourth goal in the 87th minute. Moxey delivered a free-kick into the area and Taylor's looping header cleared Loach and dropped underneath the bar.

Tom Youngs replaced Nathan Smith before Rangers forced two corners in quick succession.

The Fourth Official indicated six minutes of added time, some for the delay when he himself limped off!

There was time for perhaps the only moment of real controvercy of the whole game. Carlisle sent a free-kick from the right into the area towards the far post which struck the hand of skipper Wayne Daniel. The referee went to his pocket and amazingly brandished a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity - strange as the view from the stand gave no indication that Carlisle's cross was going in. The match DVD may provide the answer. Basham stepped up to drive a 90th minute penalty straight down the middle into the net.

Exeter made a couple of late substitutions with Steve Tully and Richard Logan coming on for a few minutes of action.


Stafford Rangers (black and white stripes/black/black): 12. Scott Loach; 25. Fred Murray 5. Wayne Daniel (capt), 6. Djoumin Sangare, 32. Luke Potter; 34. Chris Humphrey, 7. Chris Flynn, 8. Kevin Street, 22. Samy Mawene, 15. Nathan Smith, 9. Neil Grayson. Subs: 10. David McNiven (for Flynn, 62), 17. Ross Draper (for Mawene, 76), 31. Tom Youngs (for Smith, 89), 1. Danny Alcock, 16. Tom Ingram.

Exeter City (blue/blue/blue) 1. Andy Marriott; 19. Jon Richardson, 16. Matt Taylor, 15. Rob Edwards, 3. George Friend; 10. Wayne Carlisle, 14. Berti Cozic, 4. Matt Gill (capt) (Tully 90), 21. Dean Moxey; 8. Jamie Mackie, 12. Steve Basham (Logan 90). Subs: 2. Steve Tully (for Gill, 90), 20. Richard Logan (for Basham, 90), 9. Adam Stansfield, 11. Lee Elam, 27. Paul Jones (gk).

Referee: S.P. Cummins (Cheshire).
Attendance: 914 (including 272 away fans).
Sponsors Man of the match: Neil Grayson.

The original match report was written for the now defunct official website