Debacle? Disgraceful? Diabolical? You name it, they deserved it after City managed to lose at home to Hellenic league side Shortwood United and get dumped out of this seasons FA Cup at only the second qualifying round.
It would be unfair to criticise the lack of effort because other than when they knew the game was lost Tim Harris' men pounded United's goal but that extra bit of quality that they possessed over their opponents never showed and for all the ball we had we couldn't find a way past Shortwood keeper Martin Pearce.
The first goal came midway through the first half when Jamie Reid failed to deal with Ben Pugh and his left wing cross was headed home by an unmarked James Singh on the six yard line. The second was a tap in by Andy Hoskins after another Pugh cross was flapped at by Kevin Sawyer and Singh's shot from a narrow angle struck an upright before falling invitingly for Hosky to stab home before Lyndon Tompkins could clear.
Congratulations to Shortwood on a great win, good luck in the next round.
For great, but meaningless photos from the game click here.
Tim was very blunt after the game, hear his thoughts here.
Can the Tigers bounce back? Do they deserve a second chance and £8.50 of your money? Mangotsfield are visitors to the Lawn on Tuesday (k/o 7.45pm), lets try and put this massive disappointment behind us and show the team the support that they're lucky to have.
Friday 28th September 2007
Jack Pitcher Player of the Round
As far as Gloucester City training nights go, last night at Hartpury College was different to any other as not only did Jack Pitcher receive his award for being named Player of the First Qualifying Round with the FA Cup itself sat proudly by his side but also BBC Points West did a live broadcast. Presenter David Passmore last featured the club during our 2003 FA Trophy run so lets hope his appearance is a good omen!
The popular front runner will look to increase his tally of five goals as the Tigers take on Shortwood United in the next round at the New Lawn on Sunday (k/o 2pm) against a side featuring ex-players Will Steadman, Andy Hoskins and on the touchline Mark Sumpter.
Jack Pitcher and Tim Harris feature on BBC Points West while Neil Mustoe lifts the FA Cup
Wednesday 26th September 2007
FA Cup Sponsored by E.ON
OK, it might not be May and the competition might've only just seen three rounds so far but FA Cup Fever has hit Gloucester City since their 5-1 demolition job at Yate almost two weeks ago. Striker Jack Pitcher was named as Player of the Round after netted 58% of the votes in an online poll and will be a VIP at Wembley when the competition reaches it's conclusion, whilst the whole team are also to be named as Team of the Round thanks to the performance at Lodge Road.
With the second qualifying round game at the New Lawn against Shortwood United on Sunday (k/o 2pm), Cup sponsor, power company, E.ON have generously sponsored two coaches to help supporters get to Nailsworth and support the Tigers. In order to book a place on one of the two fifty-seater coaches, supporters should either put their name down on this thread or else ring John Davis, on 01452 526084 or 07811620984. Coaches leave Gloucester at 12.15pm and return from the football ground at 4.30pm.
Coach A
Steward - Tim Clark
12.15 dep Morrisons (Abbeydale)
12.30 p/up London Rd (opposite Bargain Booze)
Coach B
Steward - Joe Green
12.15 dep Meadow Park
12.30 p/up Tesco's (Quedgeley)
Saturday 22nd September 2007
Kev Sawyer Penalty Save
It wasn't a good day for City at the Walks today as almost 1200 spectators paid to see Tim Harris' men and FA Cup player of the round candidate Jack Pitcher. Early goals from ex-Naarch man Craig Fleming and Danny Bloomfield were enough to bag all three points for the home team despite Alex Sykes beating former Bristol Rovers keeper Scott Howie from the penalty spot.
Spot kicks caused controversy throughout the game as the one that City scored from was awarded despite no-one appealling, although it was later confirmed to be for when left back Ben Chapman tapped Pitcher's ankles, although it might've been from when Fleming elbowed Scott Griffin in the face. Just before half time Tom Webb danced through a crowd of players and went down under a challenge, the ref said he dived and booked the City man although it looked a certain foul to many. In the second half a linesman flagged after a cross had struck Alex Allard from close range but Kev Sawyer, who was in superb form all afternoon guessed correctly to keep out Matt Nolans effort.
For photos from The Walks click here and a full match report here.
Hear Tim's thoughts of the game here and listen to Kev Sawyer's here.
Don't forget to keep your votes coming in for Jack Pitcher who is currently enjoying a healthy lead in the poll to find the player of the round from last weeks FA Cup ties. Click here to cast your vote!
Jack Pitcher is wrestled by Kings Lynn defender Ben Chapman during the match at The Walks
First & Second Half Highlights from The Walks
Tuesday 18th September 2007
Jack Pitcher Vote him as POTR
City striker Jack Pitcher has been shortlisted by the Football Association as "Player of the Round" following his five goal haul at Yate Town in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup on Saturday. He is listed alongside Steve Cook of Clevedon who bagged four goals in their win over Wimborne Town, Merthyr Tydfil's Matthew Harris who netted two thirty yarders away at Bitton and Selby Town goalkeeper Adam Mitchell who provided damage limitation in his sides 1-6 defeat at Gateshead.
We all know about Jack's feat at Lodge Road and not only would it give him a great day out at Wembley on Cup Final day but it would also give the Tigers some great publicity.
Following Bath City's vote rigging a few seasons back voters are now required to register, but it's worth it so get over to The FA Website and nominate Jack. Votes must be cast before 9am on Monday 24 September.
In other news it has been confirmed that the FA Cup 2QR tie at home to Shortwood United will take place at the New Lawn on Sunday September 30th with a 2pm kick off. It's not often that you get games where the away team has less distance to travel to an away game than the home team has to travel!
Monday 17th September 2007
Andy Hoskins FA Cup opponent
If City are to progress in this seasons FA Cup then they must overcome the challenge of local Hellenic League side Shortwood United at the New Lawn. No date has been arranged for the game yet as Forest Green are due to host Cambridge United that day but if the tie is played on Sunday September 30th a bumper crowd may help swell the coffers of both clubs.
Ex-Tigers Andy Hoskins and Will Steadman currently represent the Meadowbank club who produced the shock of the previous round with a 3-0 win at Tiverton Town after they'd knocked out Frome Town in the Preliminary Round.
In the Gloucestershire version of the FA Cup the Tigers have been handed a home tie against Bishops Cleeve. The game must be played by December 31st.
The Ladies team were unable to match the men in their Cup pursuits as they went down to a 0-2 defeat away at Oxford City yesterday.
Saturday 15th September 2007
Jack Pitcher Five Star!
Lee Smith Elsey's nightmare
Jack Pitcher wrote his name firmly into Gloucester City's folklore by becoming the first player to notch five goals in a game since Chris Townsend achieved the feat against Gosport Borough back in 1990. Pitcher showed how, when fully fit, he can be such a threat and never seemed to really hit top gear as he proved to be the ultimate difference between the Tigers and Yate as the sun shone down on Lodge Road for this FA Cup tie.
Jack bagged two goals before the break, both from pretty much the same position and both slotted into the far corner beyond the reach of Tony Court in the Yate goal. The home team had chances but City were in the ascendency and Lee Smith was having a whale of a time against David Elsey down the right flank. Jamie Price was unlucky not to score a third for the Tigers on the stroke of half time when his free kick smacked an upright with Court a mere spectator.
As you might expect from any half decent side Yate pegged the Tigers back after a half time team talk and pulled one back through Ed Vahid but Pitcher scored again within minutes to not only restore the two goal advantage but also to kill off Yates's hopes. That goal, his third, was a header from Price's powerful free kick whilst his fourth came after Smith set him on a lonely run from the halfway line to slot a shot inside Court's near post. The fifth, five minutes from time was again provided by Lee Smith and Jack finished to the keepers right.
We don't want to get carried away but this result hammers home what a pickmeup the FA Cup can provide and it would be great to have three more results like this one and get into the First Round proper...
City : Kev Sawyer, Jamie Reid, Jamie Price, Neil Mustoe, Marc Richards, Chris Thompson, Lee Smith, Tom Webb (Alex Allard 83), Jack Pitcher, Jason Welsh (Scott Griffin 55), Alex Sykes (Lyndon Tompkins 70). Subs Not Used : Michael Whittington, Adie Harris.
A full match report is here and photos from Lodge Road are here.
An interview with manager Tim Harris can be heard here and Jack Pitcher here.
Yate's Tony Court has had enough and it's not half time yet!
Sunday 9th September 2007
Dave Wilkinson Released
Press Release : WILKO MOVES ON, BUTTERY TAKES A BREAK
Gloucester City Football Club have announced the departure of long-serving midfielder Dave Wilkinson, who seems set to join Cinderford Town. Wilko's chances have been limited since recovering from injury, and he and the club agreed last week that a move was now the best option. Wilko's last appearance was on the bench on Saturday for the defeat by Rugby. All at the club wish Dave a successful and enjoyable continuation of his career.
Meanwhile full-back Luke Buttery has decided to take a break for a few weeks for personal reasons. He and manager Tim Harris will remain in regular contact and the situation will be reviewed regularly. City will continue to hold his registration during this period.
Saturday 25th August 2007
Michael Whittington Welcome return
Jack Pitcher Injury worry
Matt Parnell Tiger circa 1999/00
City had to make do a point against highly fancied second favourites Bashley in the New Forest, although the Tigers came out of it looking the better side and many fans will wonder why the home side were so highly rated.
Tim Harris made a number of changes to the team that performed so poorly at Swindon Supermarine in midweek with both Lyndon Tompkins and Marc Richards replaced by Chris Thompson and Michael Whittington whilst hamstring injury victim Jamie Reid had his place taken by Alex Allard.The home team, who amassed over a hundred points as they ran away with the title last year had dangerous striker Richard Gillespie up front as well as a number of ex-Salisbury City players whilst former City defender Matt Parnell played at centre-half.
On a blisteringly hot afternoon and a hard bouncy pitch there was very little time to control the ball and add that extra quality and it showed for both teams as chances were few and far between.
For the Tigers Whittington, making his first start of the season went narrowly wide when he stretched to connect with a Tom Webb cross while Kev Sawyer had to be at full stretch to keep out a Justin Keeler free kick. Keeler again tested Sawyer before Webb actually beat home keeper David Elm only to see his goalbound effort stabbed off the line by Peter Castle. Dangerman Gillespie got ahead of Chris Thompson’s challenge and was dumped to the ground leaving referee Alison Chapman no alternative but to book him. Worse was to follow for City when Jack Pitcher appeared to suffer a groin injury and was replaced by Scott Griffin. The home team finished the half stronger though and ex-Dorchester man Keeler was unlucky to see his acrobatic overhead kick miss the target while there were strong appeals for a penalty as a driven cross appeared to strike Luke Buttery’s arm.
Ten minutes into the second period Bashley could well have been reduced to ten men when goalkeeper Elm made a mess of a clearance and as Griffin aimed for the open goal centre back Castle pulled him to the ground to prevent him shooting. The defender was only booked. Webb then had two good chances, but on both occasions cut inside onto his right foot when he should’ve gone for goal with his left. Manager Harris was particularly disappointed with him on both of these occasions. A flurry of substitutions followed for both teams before the referee added to the changes by showing Bashley captain Paul Gazzard a red card for his goalscoring opportunity denying foul on Whittington. A last minute flick on from Lyndon Tompkins was cleared off the line at the far post but at the end of the game Tim Harris was content with a point and appealed for as many City fans as possible to get over to the New Lawn on Tuesday to support the Tigers in their new home ground.
City : Kevin Sawyer, Alex Allard, Luke Buttery, Neil Mustoe, Tom Hamblin, Chris Thompson (Lyndon Tompkins 81), Matt Rose, Tom Webb, Jack Pitcher (Scott Griffin 40), Michael Whittington, Alex Sykes (Marc Richards 75). Subs Not Used : Dave Wilkinson, Jason Welsh
Photos from Bashley are here and Tim's interview is here.
Tom Hamblin gets stuck in with City old boy Matt Parnell
Full match highlights from Bashley v's Gloucester City (thanks to Paul Clark)
Tuesday 21st August 2007
Alex Sykes Great Free Kick
Down to Earth with a bump.
Tonight at Hunts Copse City put in their worst performance since they lost 0-5 away at Taunton Town in January 2004. It all started well for the Tigers when Alex Sykes drove home a superb direct free kick from twenty yards, then Jack Pitcher was unlucky to see his looping header somehow kept out by ex-City keeper Tom King.
However, Lyndon Tompkins failed to deal with a flick on and Josh Jeffreies had time and space to convert the equaliser before a lucky deflection on a cross at the start of the second half gave the upper hand to the home team. Tim Harris gambled by putting on three strikers but Marine hit back with a sucker punch when Ade Edenborough fired home after Steve Jenkins had held the ball up. Then deep into injury time, long after the Tigers had lost all shape and discipline defender Leigh Henry scored a far post header from a corner.
Yes, it was a bad defeat to take but at least it will have blown away a few cobwebs and certainly given some players something to think about. Harris has his work cut out now to try and force a reaction from his squad in time for Saturdays tough away trip to Bashley.
City : Kevin Sawyer, Jamie Reid, Luke Buttery (Jason Welsh 70), Neil Mustoe, Tom Hamblin, Lyndon Tompkins, Matt Rose, Marc Richards, Jack Pitcher (Michael Whittington 70), Alex Sykes, Tom Webb (Scott Griffin 45). Subs Not Used : Chris Thompson, Alex Allard
A few photos from Hunts Copse are here and listen to Tim Harris' reaction here.
Alex Sykes celebrates his superb free kick and Jack Pitchers header somehow stays out
Alex Sykes scores a superb free kick for City on a forgettable night at Swindon Supermarine
Saturday 18th August 2007
Jack Pitcher Earned Penalty
Marc Richards Bullet Header
City got their 2007/08 British Gas business League Premier Division campaign off to a perfect start with a 3-0 win over Cheshunt at Theobalds Lane. Any fears that the club might have about a lack of support at their temporary Forest Green home would've been eased by the sight of over a hundred Tigers fans that’d made the 250 mile round trip on an unseasonably wet and uninviting Saturday afternoon. Tim Harris had the luxury of having a full squad to pick from and despite having a clutch of quality strikers at his disposal chose to play just Jack Pitcher on his own up front with support from Alex Sykes.
It was Sykes who had the first chance when he tested Cheshunt keeper Bobby Smith with an angled drive from outside the box but the home team came closer when Darrell Cox poked a shot inches wide. Neil Mustoe had two efforts that only just cleared the crossbar before the Tiger Roar sponsored Matt Rose gave the Tigers a fifteenth minute lead when Pitcher nodded Sykes' corner back into the six yard box and he stooped to head into the roof of the net. Cox again came close for the home team heading a free kick inches over but City should've increased their lead when Sykes slipped just as he shaped to volley Pitchers cross home.
The second goal came five minutes before the break when Tom Webb's low cross appeared to be handled by the grounded Simon Peddie but play continued and Pitcher was unceremoniously dumped to the ground by Adam Norman. Sykes sent the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Then on the stroke of half time it was three. Striker Harry Hunt fouled Tom Hamblin as they both jumped for a goal kick and the ensuing long from kick from Luke Buttery flew over a crowd of players only for Marc Richards to dive in behind them and send a bullet header into the far corner with the Cheshunt keeper a mere spectator.
The second half gave Tim Harris' men a chance to show that they could protect a lead and despite an early chance where an unmarked Peddie blazed over from six yards the defence coped reasonably well with the threat of Hunt and Cox.
Cheshunt's only other chance saw debutant City keeper Kevin Sawyer dive to catch a goal bound header from point blank range. It was in that moment that many would've realised that Harris was right to swap the popular Ray Johnston for Sawyer in the summer.
City : Kevin Sawyer, Jamie Reid, Luke Buttery, Neil Mustoe, Tom Hamblin, Lyndon Tompkins, Matt Rose, Marc Richards, Jack Pitcher (Jason Welsh 84), Alex Sykes (Scott Griffin 79), Tom Webb. Subs Not Used : Michael Whittington, Chris Thompson, Alex Allard
Photos from Cheshunt are here and an interview with Tim Harris, here.
Tiger Roar sponsored Matt Rose scores the first goal of the Tigers' 2007/08 season
Monday 13th August 2007
Jason Welsh Four goals
For their final pre-season friendly the Tigers were able to forget their own troubles for the evening as they helped local Stroud League team Quedgeley Wanderers open their new facilities at Waterwells Park in the south of the City.
As one might've imagined the opposition were no match for the raring to go semi-pro's from the New Lawn (!) and the game finished 9-0 with goals four goals from striker Jason Welsh plus five more from Dave Wilkinson, Alex Sykes, Marc Richards, Tom Webb and Matt Rose.
Tim Harris would've been pleased to see Welshy among the goals but after the match he did stress that the game was simply a public relations exercise to help out a local side. The pick of the goals was the one "scored" by Ricco, much akin to his own goal at Merthyr Tydfil however this time it was in the right end and from distance as he blocked a clearance outside the area and saw his shot ricochet into the bottom corner!
For photos from Quedgeley click here and for a few words from Tim, here.
As a courtesy to Keith Butler I've added a page to TR containing information of commercial opportunities on offer at the New Lawn for this coming season. Please take a look at his range of ideas by clicking here.
Marc Richards scores a lucky goal but Jason Welsh's fourth was no fluke
Tuesday 7th August 2007
Michael Whittington Scored the first
City ran out 2-0 winners against Shortwood United at Meadowbank tonight although it was far from the encouraging performance against FGR on Saturday as the City fans were made to wait until the second half to see goals from Michael Whittington and Jody Taylor to complete the victory.
The game started well enough as Whitts seized on a mishit backpass but his shot was well charged down by the keeper. He was unluckier still just before the break when his effort ricocheted off the crossbar and Jason Welsh headed the rebound against the frame before Wilko nodded the ball over from six yards.
Whitts however got his goal in the second half just after Rob Fleming, a goalkeeper who played for the Supporters against the Players in May came on. The diminutive striker won an aerial challenge and scooped the ball into the net. Substitute Taylor grabbed one at the death when he robbed Will Steadman before firing fiercely past Fleming.
For photos from the game click here and for a short interview with Tim, here.
Whitts spurns a first minute chance while Lyndon slides in for a perfectly timed tackle
Sunday 5th August 2007
The New Lawn Our new home!
At half time during yesterday's friendly match with Forest Green Rovers at the New Lawn it was announced that both clubs had just signed a contract that would allow City to play their home games at the stadium for the 2007/08 campaign.
Although the news wasn't greeted too warmly by some of Rovers' newer fans it was meet with virtual unanimous applause from City's faithful who had made the short trip to Nailsworth. The clubs Executive Committee had decided at a meeting on Thursday that attempting to meet the suggested £100,000 cost of restoring Meadow Park to it's former glory was a false economy if, as is likely, the Severn were to burst it's banks again.
The short term move to this excellent facility has come about thanks to the hard work behind the scenes at both FGR and City and will see the need for a number of fixture alterations which will be publicised as soon as possible.
The Main Stand and the new T-End at the New Lawn!
Saturday 4th August 2007
Jamie Reid Robbed of a goal
City continued their disrupted warm-up programme with a friendly match at the New Lawn against their Blue Square Premier neighbours Forest Green Rovers.
In an entertaining game, switched to Nailsworth after the floods at Meadow Park the Tigers took a surprise third minute lead when Jack Pitcher headed home at the near post following a short corner routine involving Jamie Reid and Alex Sykes. Minutes later we thought it was two when Reid himself went for goal following another well worked set piece but his direct shot was ruled out for offside, despite being a direct shot!
Tempers flared following an unecessary late challenge on Lyndon Tompkins by Mark Beasley but Rovers put it behind the to equalise with a fine acrobatic volley from Lee Dodgson. After the break Syko appeared from nowhere to direct a shot into the far corner and net against the club where he achieved legendary status during their climb to the Conference but after more fisticuffs involving goalkeeper Ryan Robinson and Michael Whittington Rovers against drew level when Beasley beat Kev Sawyer from close range.
With the game entering it's final stages Rovers boss Jim Harvey threw on new signing (and City fan) Stuart Fleetwood who put his side ahead after Sawyer brilliantly parried a shot but Whittington showed that despite going behind for the first time the Tigers could fight back when he fired home a half volley from Lyndon Tompkins' head back from a corner.
Starting XI : Kev Sawyer, Jamie Reid, Luke Buttery, Neil Mustoe, Tom Hamblin, Lyndon Tompkins, Matt Rose, Marc Richards, Jack Pitcher, Alex Sykes, Tom Webb.
City are next in action on Tuesday at Shortwood (k/o 7.30pm)
For the a number of photos from the New Lawn, visit my Flickr site here.
Tim Harris spoke to TR after the game, to hear what he had to say click here.
Alex Sykes watches his shot in and Michael Whittington strikes the equaliser
Tuesday 31st July 2007
Meadow Park A complete mess
The waters have subsided dramitacally in the past few days as you'll see if you drive along the Northern Bypass or around Castle Meads, but at Meadow Park even though the level is a lot lower than it was most of the stagnant water is proving hard to shift and it's stinking the place out badly too.
There has been extensive damamge to the Sponsors Lounge with the new carpet, only laid two weeks ago having to be replaced already. The Cellar was flooded out ruining a cooler, a till and loads of stock. The changing rooms were overed in silt, although they shouldn't be too hard to clean owing to their wet use nature but the photos will still come as a shock.
John Davis is now looking for help to clear up areas of the ground, although the electricity supply has been cut off to prevent accidental injury. Please keep an eye on the City Open Forum for details of when work parties are being organised.
For the latest images from Meadow Park, visit my Flickr site here.
Photos from in and around the ground as the flood waters subside
Saturday 28th July 2007
Meadow Park Water dropping
City fan Matt Clift paid a visit to Meadow Park earlier today to see how the floods had subsided and reported back that they really hadn't dropped that much. The photos below show the water level is now slightly below the perimeter wall and that the force of the deluge tore the gates from the mobile phone enclosure and saw them drift first up to the T-End before today being found back at the Cathedral End. Matt did however remark that the stench from the stagnant water was overpowering, so beware anyone who fancies a visit! More updates will follow next week from inside the club.
The club have today issued a press release stating that next Saturday's friendly match against Blue Square Premier neighbours Forest Green Rovers (which was due to be held at Meadow Park) will now be played at the New Lawn in Nailsworth. Again this is a tremendous gesture by Colin Gardner, Trevor Horsley et all as they could've simply cancelled the game. Kick off is at 3pm and it will be the first time that the Tigers have visited the new stadium.
Matt Clift's photos show the level of water still as high as the perimeter wall
Friday 27th July 2007
Jack Pitcher Constant threat
Tonight City played their second friendly match in two days and this time fell to a 0-2 defeat against a well organised and strong looking Bath City team who will look to make a big impact in the Blue Square South after running away with the Southern League Championship last season.
Jack Pitcher stood out for the Tigers against the slow (!) Bath defence and it showed that pace would be a winner as the Greased Whippett, Craig Davidge of the Romans scored twice in the first half to claim victory in a tough game. All gate reciepts from the crowd of just under three hundred plus the proceeds from the fifty / fifty raffle and the team bar were handed over to City's Supporters Trust at the end of the game.
Starting XI : Kev Sawyer, Chris Thompson, Luke Buttery, Neil Mustoe, Tom Hamblin, Lyndon Tompkins, Matt Rose, Marc Richards, Jack Pitcher, Scott Griffin, Alex Sykes.
Tiger Roar would like to thank Bath City FC for their generosity and hospitality.
To hear Tim Harris' latest thoughts on City, click here.
Phil Warren receives a donation from Bath City FC's Supporters Trust
Wednesday 25th July 2007
Marc Richards Star Man
City were made very welcome tonight at Badgers Hill, the home of Toolstation Premier side Frome Town in a friendly arranged as part of the deal that brought goalkeeper Ray Johnston to Meadow Park last season.
A rusty looking City side, reeling from the shock of the floods in Gloucester were surprised by the spirit shown by the home team and went behind to a goal from ex-Southend United striker Mark Salter. It stayed that way until after half time when the impressive Marc Richards connected with a Tom Webb short corner and lashed home and unstoppable half volley. Minutes later it was two when Jack Pitcher looped a header over the stranded keeper but the home team pulled level five minutes from the end with another Salter goal to earn a draw which they richly deserved.
Frome also donated the proceeds of the raffle to the Tigers and handed over a cheque for £300 to the club after the game. Thanks to all at Badgers Hill and good luck for this coming season.
Starting XI : Kev Sawyer, Jamie Reid, Luke Buttery, Neil Mustoe, Chris Thompson, Lyndon Tompkins, Matt Rose, Dave Wilkinson, Scott Griffin, Marc Richards, Jack Pitcher.
Tim Harris was a busy man after the game. First up he was interviewed live on Talk Sport by Gary Stephens, to listen to it click here. Then he gave his usual views for the readers of TR, listen to them here.
City fans in defiant mood and Jack Pitcher is denied by Jamie Cheeseman
Monday 23rd July 2007
Meadow Park Engulfed
The floods got much worse at Meadow Park overnight with the water level just a few inches under the crossbars at noon today. Previous floods at Meadow Park weren't as bad as this one as the water started in Sudmeadow Road and we had to wade through knee high floods through the car park to gain entrance to the Stadium. Updates will follow if it's possible to access the area which was heavily marshalled by police today.
On Friday we were due to entertain last seasons SL Premier Champions Bath City and due to the floods they have not only switched it to Twerton Park but also generously offered to donate all of the gate receipts to the Tigers to aid the recovery at this very difficult time. Tiger Roar would like to thank our friends from Twerton Park for such a fantastic gesture and urge as many City fans as possible to make the short trip down to North Somerset on Friday (k/o 7.45pm)
Praise is also due to Corby Town FC's "BOTS" who have pledged to send a donation to the Supporters Trust. Cheers guys!
For a photo gallery of the floods at Meadow Park click here.
The day after the night before - It gets worse :(
Sunday 22nd July 2007
Meadow Park Flooded Again
After yesterdays game at home to Telford United was called off due to the torrent of rain that we'd suffered on Friday everyone's worst nightmares have been confirmed with the news that for the third time in 17 years Meadow Park has been engulfed by the River Severn. These pictures below taken by City fan Matt Clift at 9.30pm tonight show that the water is halfway up the goalposts and is still rising fast.
City's ground becomes the third that we know of to suffer following Banbury's Spencer Stadium and Nuneaton's brand new stadium which has not even been fully opened yet.
The devastating scenes at Meadow Park tonight.
Friday 20th July 2007
Scott Griffin Double strike
City's third pre-season friendly ended with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Hellenic League side Cheltenham Saracens at Springfield Park last night.
Despite falling a goal behind two goals from Scott Griffin and one from Jody Bevan were enough to give the Tigers victory. Following on from Tuesdays tough test against Salisbury it was mainly a second string that started last night with just Bevan, Griffin, Michael Whittington, Marc Richards and Luke Buttery as possible first choice players. Whitts was withdrawn from the action with what looked like a nasty injury although he looked ok at full time.
Team : Ellott Seddon, Ollie Holder, Luke Buttery, Matt Smith, Ashley Thomas, Adam Shakespeare, Marc Richards, Sam Ellis, Jody Bevan, Scott Griffin, Michael Whittington. Subs : Jamie Reid, Alex Allard, Chris Thompson, Jody Taylor.
Wednesday 18th July 2007
Cheshunt First opponents
After what seemed like an age the fixtures for the 2007/08 Southern League Premier have finally been announced giving City home games on both the first and last days of the season.
The big Meadow Park opener sees the visit of Cheshunt, who rarely start playing until the final throes of the campaign so a home win win be expected. This is followed by a short trip down the A417 & A419 to Swindon Supermarine who have been stripped of their best players during the close season. Things hot up then with a visit to the New Forest to play Bashley and then an August Bank Holiday home game against fancied Halesowen Town.
League favourites Kings Lynn play their first six matches on the road whilst renovations to the main stand at the Walks are carried out and their first home match is agains the Tigers and if we are both up there in the final weeks the penultimate match sees the Linnets at Meadow Park. The final game is at home to Cirencester Town, where hopefully City will parade the Championship shield. Well, we can all dream can't we!
Football returned to Meadow Park after what seemed like a long summer break as City held a team from Conference new boys Salisbury City to a 2-2 draw.
Jody Taylor, a striker from Harrow Hill who is keen to impress at this level put the Tigers ahead in the ninth minute with a low shot from twenty yards after a good run from Jack Pitcher before a Jamie Reid foul on Paul Sales saw the Salisbury man equalise from the penalty spot. In the second half Sales gave the Whites the lead with a smart turn and shot from twelve yards before Scott Griffin levelled the scores with a tremendous direct free kick over the wall and into the top corner.
The team was : Kev Sawyer, Jamie Reid, Alex Allard, Neil Mustoe, Chris Thompson, Lyndon Tompkins, Matt Rose, Dave Wilkinson, Jody Taylor, Jack Pitcher, Tom Webb. Subs : Adie Harris, Ashley Thomas, Jody Bevan, Michael Whittington, Scott Griffin, Marc Richards.
City are next in action on Thursday night away at Cheltenham Saracens.
To hear what Tim Harris thought of the game, click here.
Neil Mustoe (left) and Dave Wilkinson get stuck in during tonight's game against Salisbury City
Saturday 14th July 2007
Kev Sawyer In the army now...
Whilst you've all been sleeping soundly in your beds spare a thought for the City squad and management who've been away training with the British Army at Beachley Barracks and at the Caerwent Training Facility in South Wales. After completing a gruelling assault course and log race, the players were kitted out in full army gear and sent off into the woods where they had to build a shelter to sleep under before completing a series of tasks after being split into two teams.
Overnight both camps had to stay alert to guard their flags because if it was captured by one of the officers then they'd be woken an hour before their scheduled 6am alarm call. Morning PT followed as well as a run up the hill of pain and more exercises before they returned to Civvy Street at 3pm. Lets hope they all survived!
City's first friendly match on Wednesday finished with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Ledbury Town. Trialist Jody Taylor scored as well as substitutes Tom Hamblin and new signing Jack Pitcher who netted ten seconds into his debut with his second touch.
Scott Griffin makes a leap of faith and Matt Rose swings across the monkey bars
Monday 2nd July 2007
FA Cup Yate Town away
The draws for the 2007/2008 FA Competitions have been made and if City want to progress in both the FA Cup and the FA Trophy then they'll have to do so away from Meadow Park.
In the Cup the Tigers will travel to Lodge Road to play Southern League Premier neighbours Yate Town on Saturday September 15th whilst in the Trophy we renew aquaintences with Stourbridge on Saturday October 20th at Amblecote.
There has also been a change to the pre-season campaign with the cancellation of the Friday night fixture at home to Redditch United (on August 3rd) now being replaced with a visit from Forest Green Rovers (k/o 3pm).
Tiger Roar news streams from April, May & June 2007 can be found here
Page last updated : 20th November 2008
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