Disappointing

Boston United vs Worcester City (FA Cup)

"Disappointment: (noun) The emotion felt when a strongly held expectation is not met"

Well, that was disappointing.  I've not been that disappointed since the day which shall not be mentioned at Marine.  The FA cup is really important to the managers, or so they say.  That must be why they made four changes to a winning team for the start of this match at York St.  Semple, Sleath and Weir-Daley were all dropped for Davies; Cullingworth and Jesus himself, Marc Newsham.  The other change was enforced by Peterborough who insisted that on loan 'keeper McKeown not be cup tied meaning a start for Butcher.

Early controversy abounded when the Worcester front-man Danks flew through Pearson in what some people call a 'red-card challenge'.  I've seen people sent-off for less but it would probably have been harsh and the Yellow was about right.  The 1352 at York St probably realised it was going to be one of those days about 15 minutes in the very same Danks curled the ball into the top corner from 25 yards.  I don't care what you think of Butcher; there was no way he was getting to that!  A smattering of applause from the Pilgrims support added to the jubilation of the Worcester faithful.  Five minutes later the Boston defence backed off and allowed a shot to come in; McKeown would've dealt with it easily, the much maligned Butcher didn't.  The ball squirmed past some weak goalkeeping into the bottom corner.  2-0 and we were in trouble.

'What are you DOING, Butcher?'  - a common call around York St. when he plays.

The team just wasn't gelling.  Davies in the middle looked ponderous and seemed to have the turning circle of a large oil-tanker.  This left Church to do all the running and with consequence Worcester were bossing the game and almost creating chances at will.  With a lack of service from midfield any chances that did present themselves for Boston were created by the genius of Newsham.  Newsh played some brilliant flicks and passes to get Davidson into the game.  Unfortunately Davidson was back to his usual self and a golden chance was spurned following a great save from the City 'keeper.  Danny injured himself in the challenge for the ball and was replaced by Spencer Weir-Daley.

Davidson's injury: the start of the Pilgrims comeback.

Ryan Semple came on after the break and Boston picked up a little making the odd chance or so.  The persistence was rewarded when the Worcester 'keeper tried to be clever by shielding the ball past Newsham and out of play.  The Newsh confirmed his deserved man of the match award when he duly punished the 'keeper's impertinence by nicking the ball and slotting home from a tight angle.  Sleath was brought on just after this to reunite the full first team, other than McKeown.  Boston looked much, much better despite the ridiculous linesman who appeared to have flag-Tourette's, randomly flagging for offside or a foul when nothing had happened.  Boston were absolutely battering City and it should've been two when Weir-Daley missed a brilliant chance at the back post.  Moments later it was two as Yates got on the end of a cross to stab home.  The Pilgrims even played some of the second half with ten men as Pearson was off the pitch having a head wound treated.

Commitment: Pearson back on the pitch after a lengthy treatment to his head.

The momentum was well and truly with the Pilgrims and there was a feeling around the ground that we'd go on to win this now.  This was almost the case but Weir-Daley missed yet another sitter at the back post - very unlike him.  So 2-2 and a replay, not that bad I suppose.  That's what I would've been saying if the game had finished in the 88th minute.  Last minute of normal time and Tom Thorely went clean through on goal for Worcester until last-man Jelleyman rugby tackled him.  So a red card then?  No.  I don't know how the ref. got that wrong but he did.  That was the most stonewall sending off you will ever see.  Just about sums up the official's day really.  Even though Jelleyman was lucky to remain on the pitch City still had a free kick in a good position.  The people around me had a bad feeling about this set-piece and they were not wrong.  The free-kick rebounded out to Glover who hit the inside of the post with a scuffed shot.  Butcher just stood there and watched the ball roll along the line and in.  Terrible 'keeping; NEVER PLAY FOR US AGAIN, BUTCHER!

So it finished: 3-2 and the Worcester fans and team were celebrating like they'd won the cup.  No hard feelings towards them, they may have put in a few hard tackles but they won the game thanks to a weakened, first-half Boston team and some woeful goalkeeping from Butcher: think 'Almunia with far more mistakes' and you won't be far off.  I was talking to one of their fans in the pub after the game and I can do no more than wish them the best of luck for the next round and the coming season - except against us of course!

I am, it has to be said, not impressed.  We always seem to perform badly in the FA competitions.  Add this loss to the defeats at Lowestoft and Quorn last year and the poor record starts to add up.  Whilst we are doing well in the league we really do need the money from a good cup run.  The other point brought to the fore by this game is the lack of strength in depth of our squad.  Heaven forbid we get a midfield injury and have to rely on Davies, we'd finish in the relegation zone if that were to happen!

Next up: the Pilgrims return to league action away at Vauxhall Motors.

Best away-day EVER!

100%, better than sliced bread, team of the Universe Alfreton Town vs Boston United

I don't even know where to begin.  Amazing result, amazing day; just brilliant, FACT.  I can't tell you about the goal because I couldn't see it.  I can only tell you it was Sleath who scored it because that's who the internet said.  I can't even tell you that much about the game other than it was fairly even, but with the aid of Craig Singleton's notes on the official site I'll give it a go...

The 400 Boston.

Boston travelled to the Impact Arena (terrible name, I know) for the first time in a couple of years.  Last time out here held some bad memories as Alfreton won the game, scoring by shoving our 'keeper of the time into the net whilst he was clutching the ball.  The referee that day was terrible, not much has changed in the Conf. North then.  On arrival, via a pub and a few dead-end roads, the Pilgrims supporters battled their way through fields and dirt tracks to the turnstile into our section of the segregation.  I think Alfreton had made the same mistake as Corby and assumed that when we said we were bringing 500 we actually meant 50.  It wasn't quite that bad but you get the idea, 400 Boston fans crammed into one third of the terracing behind the goal with a further 100 or so ending up sat amongst the Alfreton fans down one side.  Official reports put the total attendance at 1309 which seems a little high.  When you bear in mind Alfreton's usual attendances it does suggest that 200-300 turned out just to see the Boston.

The 800 Alfreton Ultras...

The game was well balanced during the first half with Alfreton having the better of the chances.  They went really close twice in front of the Boston fans just before the break; not that I was able to see the goal line from where I was stood, nor was anyone else for that matter.  Alfreton were a physical side and tried to stifle the Pilgrims creativity, which worked to some extent.  Not that Alfreton don't play football, they are definitely one of the best teams we've played but Boston were matching them and still not playing well.

The view from the shed: not the best in the world.

After the break the Alfreton 'Ultras' relocated themselves to the far end and the Boston boys were let through to fill their shed for them.  fifteen minutes into the second period Alfreton were awarded a penalty, it looked ridiculous but then I was stood 100 yards away!  The sinking feeling of the last trip to Alfreton was returning, that is until McKeown pulled off a good save from a terrible spot-kick.  Game-on!  The penalty miss lifted Boston and five minutes later Sleath continued his improvement in form by banging home from the edge of the box.  I saw the shot, I saw the keeper dive and I saw the net shake; that's good enough for me even if I didn't see it cross the line!  Alfreton came at the Pilgrims but never showed enough to break through even in their six minutes of 'Fergie time'.  So the final whistle blew leaving the Boston fans going absolutely mental at the score: 100%, better than sliced bread, top of the league, the Pope endorsed, team of the Universe Alfreton Town 0 Boston United 1.  EPIC!

Next up: FA cup second qualifying round action, as Worcester City visit York St.

Unbeaten, you're having a laugh!

Boston United vs Workington AFC

Workington visited York St. in a repeat of the first game for Boston after they were saved from oblivion by Newton and Kempster at the start of the 07-08 season.  Workington started the day second in the league and unbeaten so far.  It'd be a tough game then?  No, not really. 1556 turned out with a smattering of fans from Workington, they brought more than Gainsborough last time Boro' were here.  The game was tight early on.  Workington were solid and good going forward.  Their number 7 and number 10 were pacey and looked like causing the Pilgrims defence a lot of trouble.  Chances were evenly shared between the teams with Workington going closest hitting the bar as Phil McLuckie didn't quite live up to his name.  One of the Workington lads scythed down Yates (I think) but the referee had decided he wasn't going to give anything this game.  That was until Canoville slid in five seconds later with an identical challenge and got an instant booking.  Consistency much?  The ref. obviously wasn't that observant as it took him half an hour to realise that the Boston centre-backs were both wearing number five.  I'm sure there is a by-law against that somewhere.

We'll probably get a points deduction for this.

Boston had a few chances as well, a goal line clearance from a Pearson header followed by a good save from a Church shot.  Church, thankfully, had an average game.  I say thankfully as there was a scout from Huddersfield sat in the York St. end tasked with watching him and Hunter.  A couple of players who have been a bit anonymous this season so far were really impressive.  Danny Sleath, who won man of the match, was back to the Sleath of last season and was creating well in midfield.  The other player who played brilliantly was Danny Davidson.  Yes, you read that right.  It was Davidson who provided the first goal five minutes before half-time.  The goal came from nothing when some fancy footwork bought DD some space before he belted home from twenty yards.  Davidson could have been on the score-sheet again as more wonderful footwork saw him break free in the box before his shot was blocked by Weir-Daley.

The Workington 'keeper shuts Boston out.

It took the Pilgrims five minutes after the break to double the lead and then triple it in a mater of minutes as Weir-Daley got both.  Workington were looking decidedly shaky and were probably pleased to see Davidson being replaced by Newsham.  I usually complain bitterly when the managers wait until the 87th minute before bringing on something new up front, I also complain when they go like-for-like and leave Davidson on.  This time they made the substitution early but for me Davidson was still a big threat and I'd have left him on.  Enjoy it, Danny, I'll probably not say it again.  The Pilgrims scored their fourth with twenty minutes to go, Pearson getting his inevitable finish from a set piece.  When are teams going to start marking him?  Hunter came on with a few minutes to go bout couldn't find anything to impress the scout.  Boston had a few more chances but the game finished 4-0.

A great result against a good side leaving the Workington travelling support a long trip home.  It's nice to see how far we've come since that wonderful fist day of the season on the 11th of August 2007 when 1815 watched the new era at Boston United begin.

Next up: Alfreton vs Boston in a top of the table clash.

Boston's first international since Wrexham

Corby Town vs Boston United

One of the semi-complete stands at Corby's new ground.

Coming back to non-league after a Wembley based International is a bit of a shock to the system, especially if that return is the short trip to Rockingham Triangle.  Corby's ground, you see, isn't actually a football ground as such.  It is in fact an athletics track.  Wonderful, one of the worst grounds I have ever been to.  I know the Corby fans dislike the situation as much if not more than any of the visitors; they, after all, have to put up with it every other week.  With construction on their new stadium stalled as the contractors are in administration it looks unlikely that they will be able to move next door anytime soon.  I wonder how many billy-big-time fans showed up for non-league day, it's enough to put them off for life!

Welcome to Corby.

On arrival the group I was with were ushered through the turnstiles and told to use both sides to reduce queues despite the fact there was only three of us waiting.  Arriving early did mean that I could take full advantage of happy hour at the bar.  Happy hour at a football ground would be between two and three you'd have thought; apparently not.  Just for reference, all beer in the Corby sports bar, sorry, 'Trackside bar' is two pounds between one and two.  The Green King I.P.A. isn't all that bad either.  Be careful not to drink too much though as you might need to use the bar's toilets which resemble a 1950's psychiatric asylum.

Stairway to heaven,
well the Boston end anyway.

The Corby officials, perhaps anticipating that we might bring a few, decided that segregation was the way forward.  They divided the only stand in two with a bit of rope and all the Boston fans had to go up to the 'away end' following the far from clear signs on a dodgy old staircase.  The officials, whilst having the right idea, didn't quite anticipate how many Boston would actually bring.  They set aside 200 seats which quickly filled up, as did the standing area at the back of the stand to the point where the stewards were discussing moving the rope.  In total more than 500 Boston fans made the trip, over half of the 907 attendance.

Segregation of the highest standard.
There is a rope there, honest!.

This was going to be a tough game.  Corby sit fifth, one place below Boston in the table.  They have won their three home games which were against the three teams that Boston have beaten away.  The teams were fairly evenly matched then and the game reflected this.  Boston, fielding an unchanged team again, had the first real chance but Davidson spanked the ball miles over the goal from a one on one situation.  The only other chance of note in the first half was a Yates corner which required some smart goalkeeping to prevent it going in the top corner.  Both sides were defending well and it was looking like it could be one of those days.

The Boston fans about half an hour before kick-off, before it got
too cramped to get my camera out of my pocket.

The cramped Boston fans were making some fantastic noise from the over crowded stand, much to the annoyance of the Corby fans on the other side of the rope.  Mocking the loss of steel works, the Weetabix factory and the Scottish football team was the order of the day.  One of Corby's sizable Scottish community took such offence that he decided to become a one man army of abuse for the duration of the second half.  The stewards had their hands full although why they didn't throw him out was beyond me, especially as the threatened United supporters who were forced to stand on a 'gangway' step because of overcrowding caused by their incompetence.  The Pilgrims followers gave as good as they got until the jock army had run out of insults and resorted to calling us all 'carrot crunchers', how original.

East Midlands Trains: top of the league since January '09.

The second half opened up slightly and both teams had chances to win it.  It was Cannoville who spanked it over the bar this time for Boston, at least I think it was Canners although it was that far away across the running track it was difficult to tell.  Some decent 'keeping by McKeown kept Corby out at the other end to finish the game level.  0-0 away at Corby is not a bad result, it is one which I would have taken at the start of the day and it is one that proves we are competitive at this level.  That said, United have some tough challenges coming up over the next couple of weeks with second place Workington at York St next Saturday before a visit to 100% Alfreton the week after.  These games will give a good indication of just where we can expect to be in the league come the end of the season.  Hopefully we'll be just as good as East Midlands Trains.

Euro. 2012 here we come (hopefully)

England vs Bulgaria

Ah International football is back.  The Euro. 2012 qualifiers are underway which means the London Olympics are just a couple of years away.  Best get cracking on those preparations, eh?  Wembley is a wonderful place to watch football if you like sitting down and paying extortionately for the privilege.  You do get some free Nivea for men moisturiser samples on the way in so I suppose it isn't all bad.  They have sorted the pitch out now by making it partially artificial.  Good enough for Internationals but definitely not for the Football Conference, just ask Durham.  Now the pitch is partly artificial will the Conference be changing the play-off final venue?  No?  Didn't think so.


England are in a reasonably tough group for the qualifiers or so Capello keep saying but realistically we should be able to come top in a group comprised of Bulgaria, Switzerland, Montenegro and Wales.  That said we should probably have come top in a group made up of Algeria, Slovenia and the U.S.A. so let's not count the chickens just yet.

Defoe celebrates his second.

Anyway, on to the game.  England dominated for the most part and were in a fairly comfortable position when Defoe put us one up inside the first five minutes.  Most games see each team have a spell of attacking but this wasn't the case as Bulgaria struggled to get into the match in any sort of competitive sense.  In the second half Defoe bagged two more and claimed the man of the match award which on any other day James Milner would have run off with by a country mile.  Milner caused the Bulgarian defence massive problems and eventually caused the right-back to be subbed in order to avoid a red card.


The defence were pretty solid with the exception of one Dawson mistake.  Cahill replaced Dawson after his injury and did a decent job.  The injury to Dawson did highlight one problem at Wembley, segregation.  For an International qualifier the standard of segregation was shocking.  There were a lot of Bulgarian fans intermingled with the England fans throughout the stadium and this caused issues when the Bulgarians took to booing the stricken Dawson winding the England fans up in the process.  Poor stewarding and crowd control that.

Milner lines up a free-kick.

Wayne Rooney continued to be woeful, despite having a hand in the goals, mis-controlling the ball and misplacing passes continuously.  It was almost like he had something else on his mind.  Surely it is time to drop Rooney who hasn't scored for England in over a year now in favour of someone like Zamora who, when fit, will bring something different to the line-up.  A bit of time out might help Rooney regain some of the passion for the game which was evidently missing this time out.


Adam Johnson proved why he should be in the squad with a belting finish to make it four and to get England's qualifying campaign off to a good start before we face Switzerland on Tuesday in Basel.  Not that half the fans will have seen it as the stadium always starts to empty about ten minutes before the end.  I assume these are the same people who leave early for half time as well.  Missing quarter of an hour of a game you have paid over thirty pounds to see seems a little stupid to me, but then what do I know?  

The train to London, not exactly packed.

The train out of Wembley was a bit of a debacle.  On reaching the platform we were unable to get onto the train as it was rammed.  At least it was rammed at the end available to us.  The stewards had decided that the other end of the train, with seats available, was at capacity and wouldn't let anyone else on.  This ridiculous situation was exacerbated when the next train pulled in and no-one got on.  The train was practically empty, the few people on the second train could have easily got on the first train and been into London a good fifteen minutes earlier.  Well done, jobsworth stewards, you'll have to do much better than that at the Olympics!