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Tiger Roar frontpage archive - 2011 Q3
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| Thursday September 29th 2011 |
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Mike Green
signs for good
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Some news of players past and present.
No prizes for guessing that the club have announced that Mike Green has been brought back to the club following the departure of Kev Sawyer. Greener has played for Cirencester Town in the FA Cup already so that will complicate matters and possibly mean that Lewis Carey will remain City's number one until we're out of the Cup and Greener will go back on loan.
In the meantime Kev has rejoined Ciren for a third spell. Good luck!
Lee Smith's spell at Nuneaton Town has come to an abrupt end, he has joined Worcester City after just two months at the club supported fans of the bankrupt club Nuneaton Borough, who also play at Borough's ground and wear the side style kit that Borough used to.
And our thoughts are with the grey legend Jody Bevan who is considering hanging up his boots after hearing that his recent knee injury is a torn cruciate. 34 year old Bevan is a former youth teamer who enjoyed a spell with the club at Meadow Park a few years ago. |
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| Saturday September 25th 2011 |
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Lewis Carey
great goalkeeping
Matt Coupe
great defending
Matt Lock
great midfield"ing"
Steve Davies
great equaliser
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Considering that in our four BSBN meetings with Stalybridge Celtic so far our sum total of points has been "nil", who could blame City fans from opting out of the trip to Manchester?
Even Phil Gough didn't go, so he will have been disappointed as the Tigers put on a superb display to net their first ever point from Jim Harvey's outfit.
Our games at Bower Fold have followed a common theme; City score a penalty and then capitulate, losing x-4 so when Will Morford was denied what looked like a blatant spot kick when he was wiped out by Celtic keeper Jan Budtz our destiny wasn't so sure.
Budtz almost got his name on the scoresheet when his long punt bounced once before Lewis Carey stretched to touch the ball over and from the corner Stalybridge defender Kristian Platt sent an effort wide.
But City took a surprise lead when despite being pulled back by Celtic captain Rhys Meynell Morford powered through to sidefoot into a space generously provided by Budtz who'd curiously attached himself to his near post.
From a quickly taken free kick Darren Edwards brought the best from Budtz and whilst impressing with their brand of football the home side were being restricted by a well organised City rearguard although a soft back header by Matt Coupe let in Lloyd Ellams who was smartly denied by Carey.
If they did have a weakness it was at the back and again Morford strode through but the ball bounced unkindly forcing him to pick out Edwards who was unable to get enough purchase on his shot but Budtz still had to dive full stretch to deny City's top scorer.
Stalybridge finally forced their way back into the game as half time approached when laid the ball off to Ellams to plunder a shot into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.
The unwell Michael Green was replaced at the break by Jack Harris.
City started well as Adam Mann impressed with a direct run down the left flank that had three defenders in knots. Ellams stopped his progress in a crude fashion and was booked.
It looked as though the game might go to form when the home side took the lead with a lovely finish from Connor Jennings as he stroked the ball into the top right hand corner.
Boris made two changes within a few minutes of each other with Steve Davies replacing Jake Harris and Tyler Weir coming on for Sam Rawlings, who was on a yellow card. Jack Harris became the second in the referee's notebook when he was harshly cautioned for his first foul.
Within minutes Davies had hit the advertising hoardings as he tried to keep a ball in play and looked as though he might have to come off leaving City a man down. But he played on and it was a good thing because although he was struggling he still managed to outpace Meynell and connect with Carey's clearance to lob Budtz and bring the scores level.
It could've gone either way in a frenetic final ten minutes, well, mostly their way but a superb block (with his face) by Matt Coupe and a save with his feet deep into injury time by Carey saw City become the first team to come away from Bower Fold with a point this season.
City : Carey, Green (Jack Harris 45), Rawlings (Weir 59), Coupe, Hamblin, Jake Harris (Davies 54), Lock, Mullings, Edwards, Morford, Mann.
Subs not used: Mustoe, Rose
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| Will Morford is tripped by Stalybridge captain Rhys Meynell during today's game |
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| Tuesday September 20th 2011 |
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Lewis Carey
new keeper
Sam Rawlings
played well tonight
Steve Davies
fouled for red card
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On the way out of the game tonight one supporter suggested that Darren Edwards had cost City as much as seven points with his red card at Eastwood; and judging by the number of chances that have gone begging in these past two games it's hard to disagree with that sentiment.
If scoring has been a problem this season then keeping them out at the other hasn't really so it came as a massive surprise to hear that Kev Sawyer had been released and his place was taken by Bristol City's third choice keeper Lewis Carey, here for a months loan.
The young keeper impressed those behind him in a paltry crowd of 201 whilst left back Sam Rawlings also earned praise from those in attendance.
The Corby side included several familiar faces with Leon Hibbert and Steve Towers in midfield while Andy Hall was back on the right wing after a short spell at Nuneaton and with the same referee who did the game last year when Jack Harris broke his leg it was only the fact that Vern was on the bench that prevented a terrible feeling of déjà vu!
Corby enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and Carey had to be on his mettle to keep out a close range effort from Jordan Smith and as Matt Coupe was caught dwelling on the ball Hall wasted a golden opportunity.
At the break there was a sense that City, with a much changed team had competed well but had struggled to really create any chances of note.
Attacking up the slope at Whaddon in the second half City started to dominate but there seemed to be no-one getting in goalscoring positions to finsh off the good approach play.
Steve Davies was obviously one of the players under scrutiny from City manager David Mehew and when he replaced Jake Harris looked and played like a man possessed. His pace was too much for Paul Mayo who, despite not being the last defender was sent off for a cynical foul, which surprised everyone as the referee had failed to even produce a yellow card for previous fouls in the game which usually warranted one.
City were well on top now but the ball simply wouldn't go in.
It did at the other end though as Nick Rogan, the former Fleetwood striker scored but from an offside position as City hears skipped a beat.
The game finished goalless but right at the death as Matt Lock shot wildly over the bar he reacted to a disparaging comment from a City fan. At least we know that he cares!
City : Carey, Green, Weir, Coupe, Hamblin, Rawlings (Jack Harris 74), Lock, Mullings, Morford, Jake Harris (Davies 69), Mann.
Subs not used: Lloyd, Claridge, Mustoe
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| City sub Steve Davies is cynically fouled by Corby's Paul Mayo |
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| Monday September 19th 2011 |
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FA Cup
Whitchurch away
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The Tigers have a seemingly comfortable draw in the second qualifying round of this season FA Cup with a trip to Wessex League Division One side Whitchurch United on October 1st (k/o 3pm). The Hampshire side have already beaten Bemerton Heath Harlequins and Brading Town in this seasons competition and with City's history against teams from that area (Thatcham, Christchurch & Street) it's a game which will not be taken lightly.
More news todays sees a press release regarding the traffic report due on the access to new Meadow Park. Read more at .
Don't forget City are in action at Whaddon tomorrow night against Corby Town in the Blue Square Bet North. Kick Off is 7.45pm. |
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| Saturday September 17th 2011 |
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Jake Harris
back on loan
Will Morford
City's best chances
Kev Sawyer
mistake punished
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There was something missing today.
Was it a clinical finisher? (Darren Edwards)
Was it a crowd? (280 was appalling)
Was it an atmosphere? (Steward-gate!)
It wasn't the weather because we had a bit of everything!
Overall there just seemed to be a real aire of lethargy about the place as City fell to a defeat against a Colwyn Bay team who reminded Tiger Roar of what we might've been like in our first season in the BSN.
With Jake Harris signed on loan from Newport County again it was something of a surprise that he didn't go straight into the front two after a disappointing display from Steve Davies and Will Morford at Harrogate but Boris kept faith with the two strikers who will now almost certainly be dropped when Edwards and Harris are available to play together. It can be a harsh game when you have an ex-Football League forward as a manager.
Colwyn Bay, who'd beaten FCUM in the playoffs seemed happy to pack the defence and play on the break meaning that there seemed to be very few chances for either team.
City's first of note came on the stroke of half time when Morford brought the best out of Chris Sanna from a cleverly taken free kick.
But as the heavens opened at the start of the second period City upped their game and passed the ball around the slick Whaddon Road surface, albeit with no end product. Their best chance again fell for Morford who prodded well wide when he beat Sanna to a ball outside the safety of his penalty area.
And as is usually the case in games like these ex-Northwich man Jon Newby was on hand to poke the ball home when Kev Sawyer fumbled a low cross.
Kev has been playing well since Mike Green has been on the scene but people only tend to remember the bad things rather than those that he does well.
The three points have cemented the north Walians in the playoff place that City had at the start of the season whilst instead we are now heading down to where we've been in our short Blue Square North existance.
Let's hope it's a blip.
City : Sawyer, Green, Weir, Coupe, Hamblin, Webb (Jake Harris 87), Lock (Mann 70), Mullings, Morford, Davies (Claridge 83), Jack Harris.
Subs not used: Rawlings, Mustoe
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| Steve Davies screams out after being fouled by a Colwyn Bay defender |
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| Saturday September 10th 2011 |
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Tom Webb
needed nine stitches
Steve Davies
City's best chances
Matt Coupe
went off injured
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Apparently referees don't like the "C" word.
Not "C**t", not even "Cheltenham", no, they don't like to be called a cheat. Which is unfortunate because our official today was one.
In a game where there are two teams and very few fouls, none of which were either hard or bad he could book three City players in a first half where he hardly blew up against anyone from the home team? Maybe he'd read the preview in the local paper that stated that we were very physical and decided to stamp his authority on the game, or, on one team.
Matt Rose was cautioned for a standing late challenge, where he didn't even raise his foot as he closed a clearing defender down. Will Morford saw yellow for something which was little more than a free kick and Matt Lock went into his little black book for accumulated fouls, two of them, neither of which merited even a warning.
Added to that one-eyed salvo against the Tigers there were also identical incidents where a player from either team tried to control a bouncing ball with his chest and used a bicep, therefore handling it. Both were identical but only City's was penalised.
He even missed the incident that left City skipper Tom Webb needing nine stitches in a nasty inch long gouge in his chin.
Leaving the field at half time even normally placid City Chairman Nigel Hughes was seen to verbally barrack the cheat in black.
Football wise there had been very little to write home again in the first half as a virtually new Harrogate side failed to impress and as late as ten minutes from the end neither keeper had been forced into making a save.
Steve Davies had had City's best two chances, flicking Tom Hamblin's header over the bar at a corner and lifting a shot over keeper Chris Elliott when put through after the break.
Although from a free kick Lock forced a good save from the keeper with a long range piledriver whilst Davies looked as though he was shoved over in the penalty area, surprise, surprise, no penalty was given.
But City eventually lost and the defeat was probably a result of the lack of depth in the squad.
Matt Coupe limped off and Rose took his place in the heart of defence. A succession of flicked headers saw the ball fall nicely for winger Stephen Turnbull to beat Kev Sawyer and somehow scuff a shot home despite Rose looking as though he might've scooped the ball clear.
Boris threw on the other two of this three substitutes and within two minutes ex-scuzzer Paul Brayson made it two to totally distort the scoreline.
At the end of the game the referee even appeared to be hugging the players from the home team.
City : Sawyer, Green (Mustoe 87), Weir, Coupe (Claridge 83), Hamblin, Webb (Rawlings 87), Lock, Rose, Morford, Davies, Mann.
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| City keeper Kev Sawyer dives in vain as Harrogate seal the three tainted points |
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| Saturday September 3rd 2011 |
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Matt Lock
City debut
Steve Davies
last gasp goal
Tyler Weir
loan extendsion
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Almost eleven months to the day that Matt Coupe's injury time header earned City a point against a fancied team from Manchester it happened again today thanks to the never say die spirit of the team as Steve Davies headed home in the 95th minute against Altrincham at Whaddon.
After being second best against a very good Hyde side five days earlier there might've been some concern amongst the City faithful as the ex-Conference team dominated the first half chances; Mark Lees dragging a shot wide of the far post, Michael Twiss allowing Kev Sawyer too much time to block his shot and Chris Lynch somehow shooting over from right under the crossbar.
This came after the Manchester team were dealt a blow inside the first couple of minutes when wideman Simon Richman limped off following a heavy tackle by Tom Webb.
City fans had the first chance to see their marquee summer signing Matt Lock who will add quality to what is already a very good team.
But he'll need chance to settle and it showed yesterday as he and right back Michael Green were mire engaged in keeping left winger Nicky Clee quiet rather than attacking themselves.
It was Clee who opened the scoring a few minutes into the second half when a mistake by Matt Coupe was punished in the harshest possible way when substitute Lynch robbed the City man and Twiss rode the recovering "foul" before laying the ball off to the unmarked Clee who shot between Tom Hamblin's legs into the far corner.
This had come moments after City were denied a cast iron, nailed on, certain penalty when Steve Davies was pulled back by defender Paul Jones yet somehow was penalised himself by an eagle-eyed, spectacle wearing linesman.
Not to be denied the Tigers continued their search for an equaliser and Darren Edwards was unlucky when goalkeeper Stuart Coburn pulled off a desperate one-handed save to stop him turning in a clever pass from Lock.
But good things come to those who wait and with Altrincham doing little more than watching the clock tick down Davies was on hand to nod home Hamblin's flick from Green's late, late cross.
The draw felt like a win and put the City party in good mood for their lads night out in Cheltenham.
City : Sawyer, Green, Weir, Coupe, Hamblin, Webb, Lock (Mann 56), Rose (Claridge 57), Edwards, Morford (Rawlings 80), Davies. Sub not used: Mustoe
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Tyler Weir has extended his loan until January. |
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| Steve Davies is clattered by Alty keeper Stuart Coburn after scoring the equaliser |
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| Monday August 29th 2011 |
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Matt Coupe
harsh penalty
Scott Claridge
impressed
Darren Mullings
injured shoulder
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Having made an early season prediction that City could feasibly win five out of their first six games, based on previous seasons' results Hyde at Whaddon was one that was a nailed on win. That was before the Manchester City backed club with links to the Glenn Hoddle Academy won their first five games!
The surprise news was the omission of Hyde top scorer Scott Spencer from the starting line-up whilst City had a major hole in midfield due to the absence of Tom Webb who was under the weather and had failed a rigorous pre-match fitness test.
Any neutrals in the above average Bank Holiday Monday crowd would've thought that City were the early season leaders judging by the way that they went at their opponents. Darren Mullings was very unlucky when, with City's best chance, his gazelle like leap for a diving header was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper David Carnell.
Having been well on top for the opening period it was against the run of play that Hyde took the lead, through a Matthew Berkeley penalty kick after strike partner Danny Broadbent had gone down easier than a Twenty Dollar whore under pressure from City captain Matt Coupe.
The team from Manchester probably should've been reduced to ten men following an ugly studs up challenger by Chris Worsley on Sam Rawlings, but as the City left back sprung to his feet instead of making a meal of the foul it probably saved the Hyde man from an early shower.
A change at the break saw the withdrawl of Will Morford and young midfielder Scott Claridge on in his place.
Hyde were growing on the game and if City were to get anything they had to keep the defecit to one goal. That plan failed ten minutes into the half when Broadbent reacted quickly to a mis-hit shot and hammered the ball past a motionless Kev Sawyer.
But with the below par Steve Davies also taken off and Mullings moved up front City were lacking in creativity and both goalkeepers stood out as City began to lose their discipline as they desperately searched for a way back into the game.
A bad afternoon got worse for the Tigers when having used all three of their substitutes Mullings had his shoulder dislocated when he was tugged to the ground by his marker and City ended the game with ten men. Darren looked in real discomfort and Tiger Roar wishes him a speedy recovery.
So a first win against City for Hyde and not a McNiven in sight!
City : Sawyer, Green (Mustoe 60), Rawlings, Coupe, Hamblin, Weir, Davies (Rose 60), Mullings (withdrawn 85), Edwards, Morford (Claridge 45), Mann.
Subs not used: Liddiard, James
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Matt Lock played twice for Cirencester Town over the bank holiday weekend, scoring a stunning goal in their 1-1 draw with Chesham today. |
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| Adam Mann dives in to tackle Hyde Captain David Birch |
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| Saturday August 27th 2011 |
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Darren Edwards
five in five
Jack Harris
injured
Will Morford
winning goal
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Based on the middle hour of the game at Hinckley today, we were by far the better team and fully deserved the three points that we got.
However, a mistake by defender Micheal Green and some squeaky bum time as we defended our narrow advantage towards the end showed how fragile the gap is between success and relative failure in this league.
The home side took the lead when Green let a long ball bounce and gigantic striker Jermaine Clarke powered past him before sliding a shot beyond Mike Green in the City goal. Despite looking the better team before the goal the game now threatened to go the same way as every other visit to the Greene King Stadium in Barwell had in previous years.
But history was about to change as, after he'd beaten the offside trap hotshot Darren Edwards somehow managed to hit the post with an open goal gaping before redeeming himself minutes later with a tidy finish inside the far post to level the scores.
City looked by far he better team against a Hinckley side who'd been dicked at Hyde in midweek and should've made it two when Steve Davies burst through but drove his shot narrowly wide of the upright. Davo was moved to the right wing as Will Morford replaced Jack Harris who left the field with a thigh strain but the sight on Vern on the floor holding his left leg might've brought the worst fears to some City fans.
As the rain lashed down over Leicestershire City started the second half brightly and following a full length save from Mike Green two goals in five minutes looked to have killed the game off.
A pinpoint cross from Darren Mullings found Edwards at the far post and despite a point blank save from goalkeeper Dan Haystead the ball stayed in play and with the Hinckley stopper grounded Edwardinho had the simple task of nodding the ball home.
Two minutes later Morford squared to the City number nine to complete his hat trick but Edwards shot just wide of the post before Morford himself made no mistake when presented with a similar opportunity by his strike partner.
With twenty minutes to go and knowing that none of his strikers was fully fit City boss David Mehew withdrew both Davies and Edwards, bringing on Matt Rose and Sam Rawings.
This appeared to be a bit premature as Morford needlessly gave away possession and winger Andre Gray broke clear to score Hinckley's second and set up City for a rocky ride before the referee finally blew for full time.
City : Green, Green, Harris (Morford 32), Coupe, Hamblin, Webb, Weir, Mullings, Edwards (Rawlings 70), Davies (Rose 70), Mann.
Subs not used: Claridge, Mustoe
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Defender James Bloom has been released. |
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| Mike Green saves at full stretch at Hinckley this afternoon |
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| Tuesday August 23rd 2011 |
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Darren Edwards
needless red card
Sam Rawlings
first City goal
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Lady Luck certainly wasn't smiling on Gloucester City at Coronation Park tonight as they went down to their first defeat of the season.
As good as it felt during our best start to a BSN season since our promotion, we weren't going to go all season without losing but looking on the bright side there were players out there who made mistakes that can easily be rectified and others who just had off days. That said, on conceding our first goal I actually felt rather offended as the ball hit the back of the net!
City looked good for the first fifteen minutes or so before the home side settled and began to dominate the game. The Eastwood team included at least three players with local connections; Craig Armstrong, Gavin Caines and Lee Morris have all played for Cheltenham and / or Forest Green Rovers. Morris had once moved from Sheffield United to Derby County for £3M!
Eastwood's opener wasn't without controversy. A looping cross from the left wing saw Mike Green come off his line to claim under pressure from tall striker Jason Bradley but dropped the ball as the Eastwood man led with his elbow. Morris was on hand to fire in a shot which Bradley turned in on the six yard line.
City were rocked and a rare mistake from Matt Coupe led to a breakaway which should've seen a second goal but the Tigers were handed a lifeline when Will Morford controlled the ball on the corner of the penalty box, turned and shot in one fluid movement sending in a shot that crashed off of the underside of the crossbar. With goalkeeper James Severn beaten youngster Sam Rawlings was on hand to fire the ball home.
The second half couldn't have started worse as, after a free kick had been cleared Darren Edwards got in a tangle with Jake Sheridan and elbowed the Eastwood man under the gaze of the referee who instantly produced a red card.
Despite being down to ten men the Tigers continued to play some smart passing football and Tyler Weir, who wasn't having his best game for City spurned a great chance when he timed his great run from midfield only to be out-psyched by the Badgers' keeper and failing to even shoot.
The winning goal was as fortunate as they come.
With defenders up for a free kick, a pass from Darren Mullings was cut out by an Eastwood player but instead of going out for a throw the referee got himself in the way and made it a prefect one-two. They broke away and the ball was passed to Morris who shot from an angle across Green, scoring inside the far post.
A disappointing defeat but it was more a case of we lost rather than they won and City will look to continue their early season good form over the Bank Holiday weekend against Hinckley and leaders Hyde.
City : Green, Green (Mustoe 73), Rawlings (Harris 45), Coupe, Hamblin, Webb (Claridge 82), Weir, Mullings, Edwards, Morford, Mann.
Sub not used: Rose
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| Tyler Weir is denied a great chance by Eastwood keeper James Severn |
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| Saturday August 20th 2011 |
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Mike Green
back at City
Darren Edwards
double strike
Adam Mann
terroriser
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Today's game against Workington was season defining. The 2-0 win has pushed the Tigers into 3rd place with a record of W2 D1 L0, whilst a draw or defeat would've really taken the gloss off of a great start and dumped us in mid table.
There was a surprise before the kick off with the sight of goalkeeper Mike Green warming up. He'd signed to replace the injured Kev Sawyer. Also in the side was Welsh U-21 International James Bloom at left back with City having finally received clearance from the Scottish FA.
Workington looked like a decent outfit from the start and made sure that Green was the busier of the two keepers, although City had chances of their own through Darren Edwards and Will Morford, who shot into the side netting with teammates better placed to score.
And it was from a corner that the deadlock was broken when Edwards rose with Kyle May to meet Adam Mann's perfect corner and plant it in the back of the net. Edwardinho claimed the goal but it looked more like it came off of May than the City man. Not that it mattered, it was in the back of the net!
Into the second half there was a real feeling that City needed a second goal as Workington began to grow in this keenly contested contest, yet they dealt themselves a blow when midfielder Dan Dillon picked up a second yellow card for an over the top tackle that left Darren Mullings in a heap on the floor.
Strangely being down to ten men seemed to bring the best out of the northerners and they came very close to grabbing an equaliser when Tony Hopper caught Green on his wrong foot and flicked a shot just wide of his unguarded far post.
But with City menacing from free kicks and corners, Tom Hamblin headed one just over the bar as he took a break from a tremendous defensive display to have a go at goal the Edwards finally killed the game when he beat goalkeeper Aaran Taylor to Hambo's miskick to plunder a shot into the empty net.
After a titanic effort to get back into the game the Reds were down, so much so that defender May obviously reacted to either something that Edwards said or did and under the gaze of the linesman elbowed the City hotshot to earn their second red card.
A major plus for the Tigers was how they showed their ability to compete and tough out a victory yet did so in a spirit that didn't attract needless attention from the referee. With a small squad and harsh inter-club fine system in place, thats not a bad statistic to behold.
Stand out player today was young winger Adam Mann. Whilst he hadn't really looked as dangerous as he might against Vauxhall or Nuneaton, today, on "home" soil when running at the Workington defence he simply terrorised them. He's going to enjoy playing at Whaddon Road this season.
City : Green, Green (Mustoe 90) , Bloom (Harris 75), Coupe, Hamblin, Webb, Weir (Claridge 90), Mullings, Edwards, Morford, Mann.
Subs not used: Rose, Rawlings
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| Darren Edwards beats goalkeeper Aaran Taylor to the ball to score City's second goal |
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| Tuesday August 16th 2011 |
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Will Morford
back from Oz
Tyler Weir
too good for the BSN
Matt Lock
nearing fitness
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City travelled to Nuneaton tonight full of hope and expectation knowing that this team is as strong as it's been for fifteen years but we're dealt a blow before kick off with the news that Steve Davies was out following his strain late in the game at Vauxhall on Saturday.
In his place was Will Morford who looked every bit like he'd stepped off a plane from Australia just two days earlier; both in the sense that he was a bit off the pace and that he had a lovely glowing suntan. That didn't stop him causing a solid Nuneaton defence problems for an hour though.
The home side, reputed to be going big guns for promotion this year following last years playoff failure looked good at the back and without the pace of Davies it was hard to see how City would break them down but there were two occasions when the Tigers should've scored. Darren Edwards put a far post header wide when he should've hit the target and stand-in goalkeeper Neil Collett did well to deny the City hotshot with his feet as he tried to round him and tap the ball into an empty net.
Nuneaton looked good when they got the ball wide and put crosses over, one of which caused problems for Kev Sawyer as he missed one and had to be thankful to Tom Hamblin who blocked a certain goal on the line.
In the second half Nuneaton looked more like the side that their suggested budget should be and City did well to hold on.
Sawyer redeemed himself for his earlier mistake with a couple of decent saves and Lee Smith was inches wide with a shot which curled around the far post. Smudge had a good game but also came in for close attention from his ex-teammates, one challenge of which earned best mate Tom Webb a yellow card.
Adam Mann had City's best chance of the second half when his snapshot narrowly cleared the upright and hit the side netting whilst Jack Harris would've only benefitted from the twenty-five minutes he had at left back.
That freed Tyler Weir up to go and play on the right side of midfield, and play he did! In the first half he wasn't averse to running the ball through midfield and now in his more attacking berth he was dribbling like a two-month old. If Hereford don't want him he'll always be welcome at City.
After four minutes of injury time the game ended in a stalemate but City managed David Mehew looked happy enough with his point and will be pleased that after two games his team are the only Blue Square Bet North side yet to concede a goal.
And whilst he had a decent game it was strange to see Smith cut a lonely figure as he went to the corner of the ground at the final whistle to applaud the home fans with very little appreciation coming back his way.
City : Sawyer, Green, Rawlings (Harris 69), Coupe, Hamblin, Webb, Weir, Mullings, Edwards, Morford (Rose 67), Mann
Subs not used: Claridge, Mustoe, Davies
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A nice sight for City's fans tonight was Matt Lock taking part in the warm-up before the game. He'll only make a good side better. |
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| Tom Webb goes in late on ex-City man and good friend Lee Smith at Nuneaton tonight |
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| Saturday August 13th 2011 |
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Darren Edwards
spectacular goal
Steve Davies
pace to spare
Tyler Weir
back for a month
Scott Claridge
full debut
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Trying not to be disrespectful to our hosts today, this was a game that City couldn't lose given the momentum that the team has carried forward from the end of last season and the quality of additions to the squad over the summer.
And so it was that the Tigers came back from the Wirral with all three points thanks to Darren Edwards and Steve Davies, two players who, if they remain fit are likely to trouble the top end of the goalscoring charts this year.
With Tyler Weir brought in from Hereford to cover for the absent Matt Lock some may have been surprised to see him feature at left back instead of Sam Rawlings who himself was in Tyler's more favoured right midfield position. This was due to the delay in receiving Welshman James Bloom's International clearance. As City boss David Mehew explained the prescense of the more bulked up looking Weir would help protect City's goal.
From the outset the Tigers looked a threat, especially through Davies' raw pace. Between them both he and Edwards must've done something to upset Vauxhall defender Michael Jackson who, off the ball kicked out at City's number nine. Ten minutes into the new season was clearly to early for the referee to dish out discipline so he got away with a verbal warning.
Vauxhall's two standout players were their forwards; Captain Josh Wilson and Leighton McGivern, the two players who were sent off at Whaddon in the league game last season. Wilson seemed to be winning more than his fair share of headers whilst McGivern looked like he fancied every direct free kick, which City were giving away far too many of.
So after threatening a couple of times the Tigers took the lead with their least likely attempt at goal when Jackson totally misjudged a lofted pass and Edwards became Edwardinho as he stole in behind and with his back to goal deftly lifted the ball over the heavily tattooed Scott Tynan in the Motors' goal.
Soon after a corner from Davies pierced the six-yard box but no-one was on hand to tap the ball home. City's superiority was evident but the second goal wouldn't come before the break. They did pick up their first yellow card of the season though when the referee ruled that Darren Mullings had prevented a quick free kick from being taken. A harsh decision.
After the break City almost scored straight away; a shot from Edwards beating everyone in a busy penalty box but just bending around the post.
It didn't matter though as star man Davies doubled the advantage as he ran in from a narrow angle and with a defender blocking his route to the unmarked Edwards he placed a shot under the hand of the crouching Tynan and into the far corner of the net.
Vauxhall were at sixes and sevens now and Edwards really should've made it three when a defender misjudged a bouncing ball and missed it leaving the City man free at the far post but his drilled shot went agonisingly wide.
The home side made a couple of changes and started to enjoy their best period with City firmly on the back foot. Matt Coupe pleaded with Davies and Edwards to hold the ball up on the break because. as he put it, "It's like the f**king Alamo back here"!
During that spell of pressure Motors only really troubled Kev Sawyer once when the City man stood firm and made an excellent block from close range.
Boris made a few changes of his own; Jack Harris continuing his rehabilitation whilst young Scott Claridge was given a few minutes as he made his City debut.
The only downside of an excellent win, City's first opening day BSBN victory was the sight of Davies pulling up in injury time and limping off the pitch at the end of the game.
City : Sawyer, Green, Rawlings (Rose 81), Coupe, Hamblin, Webb, Weir, Mullings (Claridge 90+1), Edwards, Davies, Mann (Harris 90+1)
Subs not used: Mustoe
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Popular midfielder Tyler Weir has been signed on a months loan from League Two side Hereford United to cover for the injured Matt Lock. |
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| Steve Davies scores City's second goal at Vauxhall Motors and the fans begin to celebrate! |
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| Tuesday August 9th 2011 |
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Adam Mann
two-year deal
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Some good news coming out of City; young winger Adam Mann has signed a two-year contract with the club. The progress that he has made since he stepped up from the Development XI midway through last season has been phenomenal and if he continues to improve this year he could well be the first player that City have sold to a Football League club since 1992!
More good news; Mark Wallington, the player injured in last nights friendly at Tuffley has suuffered nothing more than a bruised leg, not a broken one as orignally feared. |
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| Monday August 8th 2011 |
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Jack Harris
red carded!
|
City's annual pre-season friendly in the GL1-4 & 19 postcode region almost ended in farce tonight after Jack Harris was sent off for a reckless challenge in the clubs 1-0 win at Tuffley Rovers.
With Vern still building up match fitness, he's at the stage where his body and mind are capable of slightly different challenges and the one that he went into with Mark Wallington was late enough to fear the worst for the Tuffley man and see all the players and staff embroiled in ugly scenes in the middle of the Glevum Park pitch.
The game itself hadn't exactly been a classic on a bumpy pitch and the only goal of the game came when Harris dived in to head home an Adam Mann cross a minute into the second half.
Tuffley, managed by Doug Foxwell, included Kacey Johnstone at the back and former Southampton striker Shayne Bradley whilst david Mehew played a half along with Lee Randall and Adie Harris.
City : Sawyer, Green, Rawlings, Coupe, Rose, Mustoe, Liddiard, Claridge, Edwards, Davies, Harris
Subs (all used): Randall, Mehew, Harris, Mann, Webb
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| Steve Davies tries to pass former Southampton striker Shayne Bradley at the Tuffley friendly |
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| Saturday August 6th 2011 |
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Darren Edwards
missed penalty
Steve Davies
enjoyed his goal
Darren Mullings
superb in midfield
James Bloom
short term deal
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Local bragging rights were at stake today as City took on Forest Green Rovers in their final meaningful pre-season friendly at Whaddon Road.
While the 1-2 reverse wouldn't make City manager David Mehew lose much sleep it now means that it's more than twelve years since City beat the side from the top of Nailsworth. With the promise of a split of the gate receipts between the two clubs, the recorded attendance of 340 was a disappointment. We all know that Gloucester people won't back their football club so to have such a small number of away fans was a bigger one. Maybe the FGR hardcore isn't as hardcore as they'd like to believe?
The game was a lively affair. Rovers boss David Hockaday was rumoured to be fielding his strongest XI with a view to their televised season opener at Stockport on Friday evening whilst City were depleted through the wedding attending Tom Webb and metatarsal victim Matt Lock whilst Jack Harris was still not fully match fit.
City should've taken an early lead when Adam Mann, formerly of FGR's youth team got behind highly rated right back Jeffrey Imudia and was clumsily tripped. Darren Edwards however missed, quite badly from twelve yards so it was left to his strike partner Steve Davies to score the opener when he stole in onto Mann's deflected shot a few minutes later.
Just like the Bristol Rovers game a week earlier one goal was quickly followed by another. A deep left wing cross by Jared Hodgkiss was headed down by Charlie Griffin and Kev Sawyer could only parry the ball into the path of Reece Styche for the equaliser.
We could've used some Edward Woodward style force on Styche when he had a rush of blood to the head after Darren Mullings had tackled him. The scissors tackle by the FGR man was disgraceful and in a game would've merited a red card but the friendly nature of this contest only earned him a yellow. Sadly Mullings too was cautioned for his reaction, which prompted a coming together of both sets of players making him look as bad as the offender.
More cards followed. Imudia got one for his third foul when he scythed down Mann whilst Matt Coupe picked one up for a clash with Styche, who himself was producing theatrics looking for free kicks on the edge of the penalty box at every opportunity.
The first half was the best part of the game, which itself wasn't the best so as it degenerated the highlights were fewer and further between.
The flurry of substitutions which take place in friendlies showed the depth that Dale Vince's £Millions have brought to David Hockaday's squad whilst the most notable player off of the bench for City was Harris, this time for longer; half an hour out on the left wing.
Forest Green edged ahead when Matt Rose, another substitute, first blocked James Rowe's cross with a suspicion of handball before the Rovers man collected the ball, wriggled past him along the touchline and laid a pass back to Griffin to plunder a shot in off of Sawyer's legs.
The Tigers now look forward to a rare treat at Tuffley Rovers on Monday; A Gloucester City game in Gloucester!
City : Sawyer, Green, Bloom (Lloyd 60), Coupe, Hamblin, Claridge, Rawlings, Mullings, Edwards, Davies, Mann (Harris 80)
Subs not used: Mustoe
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In his post match interview with Tiger Roar City boss Mehew revealed that striker Lewis Pountney had not been returning his calls and had now left the club, most likely to return to Stourport.
Meanwhile trialists James Bloom and Sam Rawlings who have both impressed will join the club on short term deals for the start of the season. |
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| James Bloom is almost decapitated by hapless FGR defender Jeffrey Imudia |
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| Saturday July 30th 2011 |
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Adam Mann
headed home
Darren Edwards
on target
Jack Harris
back in action
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"If todays game was a sample of the football to come, I'm looking forward to the season" was a quote on the after todays game against a strong looking Bristol Rovers team.
Although City, managed by Neil Mustoe in the absence of David Mehew lost by the odd goal in five they gave the League Two side a stern test and twice equalised after conceeding goals from set pieces.
Darren Edwards had a great chance to score early doors against the team he supports as his shot beat gigantic goalkeeper Scott Bevan but was cleared off of the line by Lee Brown. Rovers took an eight minute lead when Adam Virgo's header from a free kick bounced in off of both posts but less than a minute later (two minutes in Mangotsfield Mean Time) City were level. Tom Hamblin found Darren Mullings wide on the right and the City midfielder easily got beyond his marker before firing in a bullet cross to the edge of the six yard box where young Adam Mann timed his jump to perfection to get ahead of the defender and nod the ball in off the crossbar.
After a series of corners the Gas took the lead again when Byron Anthony's header may or may not have taken a touch as it passed Scott McGleish, all that matters was that it found the net.
Rovers should've been three up when lanky striker Matt Harrold beat the advancing Kev Sawyer to a through ball, prodded it past the City keeper and with an open goal gaping was unlucky to shin his effort after it took a bobble on an otherwise carpet like Whaddon Road pitch.
There was no doubting about the second equaliser just before the break however as Steve Davies' blistering pace took him past the last defender and he held the ball up for Edwards to rifle a shot into the far corner despite his route being blocked by three Rovers players. Davies is sure to be a hit this season if he can combine his pace with a bit of savvy and find his teammates in similar situations because everyone else struggles to keep up with him!
The second half brought the inevitable changes, mostly from Rovers it must be said as City looked worryingly short of numbers.
As one might expect the fitness of the full-timers shone in the end as McGleish stole in at the far post to tap home the winning goal, this after Sawyer had made a couple of excellent saves including one effort that he turned onto the crossbar. At the other end Mullings almost scored with a well struck free kick against his former employers and would've done had goalkeeper Bevan not been just shy of seven foot tall!
The biggest cheer of the day came when left back Jack Harris came off the bench for the final ten or so minutes to play on the left wing, probably to avoid him needed to make a tackle. It was the first appearance in the first team that Vern has made since that horrific back in August 2010.
City : Sawyer, Green, Bloom (Lloyd 60), Coupe, Hamblin, Rawlings, Mullings, Webb, Edwards, Davies, Mann (Harris 80)
Subs not used: Mustoe
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| Adam Mann powers home a header to equalise against Bristol Rovers |
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| Thursday July 28th 2011 |
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Steve Davies
models new kit |
It might not be to everyone's taste but City's have a new kit for the coming season and with it a new sponsor with local training company Prospect Training Services (Gloucester) Ltd (PTS). The deal is for an initial two year period running to the end of the 2012-13 season, with an option for a third year and will see the Prospect Training logo on the clubs home shirt, and the Education Through Sport logo on the away shirt.
Prospect Training's website can be found . |
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| City players Tom Webb, Steve Davies, Mike Green & Scott Claridge model the 2011/12 Kit |
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| Saturday July 23rd 2011 |
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Darren Edwards
two goals |
City won their first pre-season friendly today, 2-1 at Hardenhuish Park against Chippenham, their first victory at the home of the Wiltshire club for 11 years!
Darren Edwards was tormentor in chief with two goals against his former club Bath's local rivals. The first came as he tapped home after skillfully rounding Chipp keeper Chris Snoddy and the second came from the penalty spot after the livewire Steve Davies had been tripped by the hapless goalkeeper.
The Bluebirds pulled a goal back through a looping header from Lewis Powell but the Tigers were always in control against a team managed by and containing several former Gloucester players including Jack Pitcher, Aaron Wilson and Alex Kite.
City : Sawyer, Green, Rawlings, Coupe (Bloom 57), Hamblin, Webb, Claridge (Lloyd 67), Mullings, Edwards, Davies, Mann
Subs not used: Mustoe, J. Harris
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| Tuesday July 19th 2011 |
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Hog Roast
what hog roast? |
With the lure of a hog roast City's followers header off to Kayte Lane at Bishops Cleeve tonight full of expectations but with an empty stomach.
They were disappointed on both counts as the hosts pegged the Tigers back with a second half equaliser whilst the travelling supporters were left hungry owing to the non appearance of the promised pork based treat.
The Cleeve team managed by City legend Alex Sykes featured former players Lee Davis, Tom King, Marvin Thompson and Mark Pritchett. Pritchett's sole outing for the Tigers was a league cup game at Supermarine against Ciren but since then has gained experience and played well against Lewis Pountney.
He couldn't handle Steve Davies though and the Welshman netted City's first goal of pre-season with a smart turn and shot which beat King.
The second half brought the usual array of substitutions, one of which paid dividends for the home team as Jamie Lock beat a stranded Kev Sawyer with a shot from twenty-five yards.
It will be interesting to see how Cleeve do under rookie manager Syko, if they win the league pigs might fly cos they're in no danger of getting roasted at Kayte Lane.
City : Sawyer (Whittaker 68), Mustoe, Rook (Green 46), Coupe, Hamblin (Claridge 60), Webb, Davies, Mullings, Pountney (Lloyd 77), Varnham (James 51), George (Mann 53)
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| Lewis Pountney controls the ball at Bishops Cleeve where there was no hog roast |
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| Saturday July 16th 2011 |
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Steve Davies
looked sharp |
The two friendlies that City have played so far have yielded no goals whatsoever which is good from a defensive perspective but not so from an attacking one, although I doubt City manager David Mehew will mind too much.
Tuesday saw the team travel to Longwell Green in Bristol for a goalless draw whilst today Mike Ford's Oxford City proved to be another stalemate enducing opponent. Whilst both sides had chances neither goalkeeper had to stretch to save and Kev Sawyer only dived once as the game headed into injury time.
Maybe City could've had a penalty as Darren Edwards was kicked in the shins by a defender but had to ask the official if he had to go down to get one whilst Steve Davies looked very sharp and pacy. Another option up front will be George Lloyd who looks very, very good and will make a name for himself this season.
City : Sawyer, Green (Mustoe 63), Rook, Coupe (Hamblin 57), Rose, Claridge (Barnes 45), Lloyd (Pountney 45), Mullings, Edwards (George 71), Davies (James 57), Mann
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| City trialist Billy George clears under pressure from an opponent at Oxford City today |
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| Wednesday July 7th 2011 |
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Lee Smith
faces City |
The club have confirmed details of the Nuneaton Town fixture, the home and away ties have been switched meaning that David Mehew's men now start the campaign with two games on the road. The revised fixture will be held at Nuneaton's Liberty Way stadium on Tuesday August 16th and then at Whaddon on Tuesday 6th December.
To add some spice to the match Nuneaton have today unveiled Lee Smith as their new signing. Smudge grew up with the Tigers before his ambitions took him out of the reach of his home town club and after a wasted season last year at Forest Green has joined Kevin Wilkin's fancied outfit where he will play as a centre-forward. |
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| Tuesday July 6th 2011 |
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Vauxhall Motors
first game |
The fixtures are out and City couldn't have asked for a more low key start than the away trip to Vauxhall Motors that they've been given.
The Ellesmere Port team are something of an unknown quantity and City will see this as a chance to get their campaign off to a perfect start before the visit of Nuneaton Town FC and Nuneaton Borough's fans in midweek. Whether the game is on the Monday or the Wednesday isn't yet known as another team are using Whaddon on City's traditional Tuesday midweek matchday.
This is followed by another home game on the Saturday when Workington make the long trip down from Cumbria.
Other key fixtures see City face Worcester City away then "home" over the Christmas & New Year bank holidays whilst the season ends with a trip to the north Wales coast at Colwyn Bay. March looks quite tasty too with the return away game at Workington as well as trips to Blyth and FC Halifax Town. |
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Tiger Roar news streams from Apr, May & June 2011 can be found
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| Page last updated : 30th October 2011 |
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