Welcome, fledglings. You join us in mid-February, as we continue our assault on four competitions.
Tuesday 20th February, Vans Trophy Semi Final
As you join us, we are playing through a continued run of mid-week games, so need to rotate some starters for this game at League two’s Chesterfield. Marnick Vermijl is recalled to LB, and Love to CB.
After a quiet first half, I bring on Burkart for Willock at halftime, The game really opens up! Rowe gets us stated before ex-Man Utd player Fraizer Campbell equalizes. Burkart and Garner score to give us a 3-1 lead before a late goal from substitute George Hirst give us a nervy finish. We see it out and are through to the North Section Final!
David Gill calls the coaching staff to his office to tell us he’s delighted at a first cup final appearance – no matter how small. Legacy-club Man Utd are (were?) renowned for challenging for trophies, and we should aim for the same!
Saturday 24th February, Conference, Warrington
I change the full-backs, giving Kellett a rare start, and Love a run-out on the right. Thorpe partners McCullough, and I bring in Burkart for Buffonge, trying to keep the team as fresh as possible.
The fresh legs make a bright start and within 24 minutes we are two goals clear after Burkart and Rowe combine again.
Jack Dunn scores for Warrington on 31 minutes, but we are comfortable throughout. I rotate out more players brining on SEB at halftime, and changing the midfield.
We win 2-1.
In training the following Tuesday we get news from our medical dept. that Nishan Burkart strained his calf, so will miss the next 4 weeks. It’s blow – Burkart has played his way into our side in recent weeks.
Wednesday 28th February, FA Cup 5th Round Replay
It’s here… arguably the biggest match of our short history. A visit to (happy place) Turf Moor and Premier League side Burnley.
With Burkart injured, its an easy choice up front – with Rowe and DJ. That leaves Willock and Rothwell occupying the central attacking berths. The hardest choice is left back. Richardson is injured, so I have Kellet, Vermijl, Love and the unfavoured Eckersley available. I go for Vermijl who’s played the most games this season. McCullough and Thorpe continue at the back.
It’s a cagey start, and the Premier League side are being given too much respect and time on the ball. Carroll screams from the sidelines to press. The lads give them too much room and the inevitable first goal comes after 22 minutes through Bermudan striker Nahki Wells. 1-0 Burnley.
The goal wakes us up a big and we start passing the ball around ourselves. Danny Rowe shoots wide on 30 minutes after a good run from AWB down the right and a cut-inside.
At half time we ask the lads continue to be patient. They are in the game, but do need to score.
On 60 minutes I go more attacking – bringing on SEB and moving to two up front. The move leaves us a man-down at the next Burnley corner and Ben Gibson guides in a free header. 2-0 Burnley!
I bring on fresh legs but to no avail. Burnley sit deep and Gibson and Tarkowski beat everything away that comes near.
There’s no shame in that result, and we net an additional £170k gate receipts and £100k TV money to add to the bank.
Saturday 3rd March, Conference, Gateshead
The dressing room is hurting after the Burney defeat. Despite the positives from the game, they are winners and don’t like losing.
I name an unchanged team and ask them to take their fury out on Gateshead. Rowe scores twice in the first 12 minutes and the lads go on to score five. I spend the evening prank-calling Andrew @KingoftheRooks Chapman in a drunken stupor.
The board are pleased with the positive reaction.
Tuesday 6th March, Vans Trophy North Final (Leg 1)
I perhaps took my eye off the ball with team selection for Gateshead, as we’ve another big fixture. A two-legged final against League One’s Walsall.
I have to bring in Ro-Shaun Williams and Andy Kellet. SEB is also upset after I pick Rowe (having promised him a run in the Vans Trophy games). I tell him to turn it into a positive when he does get on the pitch.
We do a great job of matching Walsall throughout – we just can’t score. Jak Alnick in the Walsall goal repels efforts from Rowe, DJ and later-SEB and David Fox.
Late on, as our backline tires, Andy Cook gets in behind our defense and side-foots under the diving Hendo. 1-0 to Walsall and so unlucky! Jak Alnick get the MoM award (unsurprisingly).
We have return leg in Manchester to put it right – so tell the lads not to dwell on it.
Saturday 10th March, Conference, Havant
I leave most of my senior team in Manchester to rest up for the return Walsall game. I fill the buss with reserve and squad players, giving rare starts to Bughail-Mellor, Sang, Kellett, Fox and Strickland.
We lost to a Matt Paterson goal – though were good vaule. Havant goalkeeper Ross Worner claims the MoM award.
Tuesday 13th March, Vans Trophy North Final (Leg 2)
With the players rested at Havant, we have a fresh squad to pick from. Marnick had a horrid time at left back last time out, so Donald Love gets his chance.
The New Trafford faithful roar the team on at kickoff and we are on the front foot early. Walsall look shell-shocked as Rothwell and Willock press and look for early forward balls.
On 25 minutes we get the breakthrough. Danny Rowe firing low and hard from the 6-yard line, after Willock skips and ride challenges. Four minutes later we are in dreamland. Our boy-wonder Rothwell curls in from the edge of the area. 2-0 and on top!
Walsall get the wake up call they need. Tom Huddlestone is getting more of the ball and he lays in David McDaid on 34 minutes. Its 2-2 on aggregate.
Caroll, Djordjic and I look at each on the bench. Do away goals count? I actually don’t know. (Should’ve checked beforehand)!
The second half is end-to-end but no breakthrough. We are dealt a blow with Danny Rowe falling and holding his knee on 51 minutes. SEB gets his chance to be a hero. We keep it tight – a nicked goal could be enough.
On 73 minutes substitute Daniel Kelly breaks our fledglings hearts by equalizing on the night, and giving the Saddlers an aggregate lead. I go for broke throwing caution to the wind. Gaps form as we push forwards and McDaid adds a Walsall third late on. It’s a tough break! We bow out of the Vans trophy, but get a loud reception as we exit the turf. The fledglings faithful enjoyed that – and the lads can keep their heads held high.
Danny-boy is confined to 2 weeks on the sidelines. It could’ve been worse!
Saturday 17th March, Conference, Barnet
Back to the conference. With Rowe injured, SEB goes straight in. The rest of the team is unchanged, as they’ve had 5 days to rest and are good to go.
SEB proves his worth on 31 minutes, and the team relaxes a bit too much. I try to rally the lads in the second half, but the come-down is too much, and a they are not fighting for the second ball, or closing down enough. Barnet equalize on 65 minutes through Kyle Brownhill, and should take control of the game. Luckily for us, they don’t and we draw 1-1.
Despite the draw, we remain in the top-three of the league. We trail leaders Salford by a single point and after our various cup runs have a massive four games in hand.
Join us next week as we, aim to make up the difference in games, as we reflect on two competition exits. Until next time.
CM01/02 Blogs 