Welcome back, fledglings. We are flying high in the conference – and confidence is high in the squad. We have four games-in-hand to make up, ten league games to play overall, and an FA Trophy semi-final to navigate. Lets smash through them! First up, Grimsby.
Wednesday 21st March, Conference, Grimsby
It’s the first of our games-in-hand. Kieran Richardson is fit-again after a few weeks out, so returns to left wingback. Ro-Shaun comes in for Thorpe and SEB continues up from as our new talisman, Danny Rowe, is a week from fitness.
We get an early breakthrough from Matty Willock, though Danny Williams equalizes from a corner 18 minutes later.
I try to freshen the team up at halftime, though it has the negative effect. Louis Robles scores the winner on 70 minutes for Grimsby, and we’ve wasted a chance at going top.
Our young GM Jed Woodward storms into my office after the game and throws a tantrum. I shut the door so my players don’t have to hear it.
Saturday 24th March, Conference, York
I ask the lads to make right the Grimsby result, so still to the same formation only switching Richardson for Love.
After a slow first half Matty Willock sparks the game to life with his second goal in a week. Substitute D’Mani Bughail-Mellor scores late on to put the game to bed.
We go top – with eight games to play, and still three games in hand.
Wednesday 28th March, Conference, Halifax
It our next game-in-hand and in an effort to give us some breathing space, I play another unchanged side with Donald Love continuing on the left.
DJ Buffonge, who’s been quiet in recent weeks, opens the scoring on 4 minutes. Matty Willock scores for the third game in a row and we are cruising. I’m able to make some subs early in the second half to rest some legs.
We pull four points clear of Salford and the chasing pack.
Saturday 31st March, Conference, Sutton
I name an unchanged side for the third game in a row. Nishan Burkart is fit enough to return to the bench.
The pressure of Nishan being on the bench puts DJ on the assault, and he scores again. We defend well and see the game out.
Our grip on the top of the table is tightened with that win as Salford can only draw. We go six points clear.
Monday 2nd April, Conference, Bury.
It’s a short-turnaround for our lads, and we need to switch out the tired legs. I know it’s another of our Greater Manchester derbies, but needs must! The game takes 73 minutes to spring to life, and it’s Bury who take the lead through skipper Sean Kelly. Matty Willock strolls through the Bury defense three minutes later – banging in from the edge of the 18 year area.
We push for a winner, but are caught short up the field. Winger James Keatings runs down the left wing, cuts inside a dispatches a wonderful effort. It’s a worthy winner and even the travelling fledglings faithful are on their feet.
It’s a blip, but Salford can only draw again. We still have a five point lead and some daylight. 5 to go.
Wednesday 4th April, Conference, Chester
It’s a two-day turnaround and another local fixture against Chester. I need to change the majority of the team, though Danny Rowe is fit enough for the bench.
This is another game-in-hand and opportunity to pull further clear of the pack. SEB scores on the halftime whistle and celebrates wildly. We remain in the changing room for the second half as Reece Grant scores on 47 minutes.
It’s a scrappy game played out in the middle of the park. Neither side can get a foot-hold and we play out a draw.
We regain our 6-point cushion, and now only have one game to make-up.
Ro-Shaun Williams’ season is finished in training on the next morning. Rest up, Ro! We’ll see you next season.
Saturday 7th April, FA Trophy Semi, Leg 1
The remaining four teams in the FA Trophy are in the league below us- so it’s a chance for silverware. To make the most of the opportunity, Danny Rowe comes back into the side, as does Nishan Burkart. Matty Willock is rested. Its tough on the lads who played through the lower rounds, but has to be done!
Danny Rowe makes up for lost time after injury and punishes Hartlepool with a half-hour hattrick. I take him off at halftime, much to his distain – no need to risk him!
SEB comes on and scores himself on the hour-mark and we win comfortably – 4-0! We’ve a very big foot in the final!
Wednesday 11th April, Conference, Ebbsfleet
It’s the last of our games-in-hand. I need to rotate the players again. Willock comes back in, as does Love on the left.
Tom Thorpe scores a trade-mark Thorpedo header on 34 minutes to give us a 1-0 lead. Ebbsfleet suffer an injury mare and finish the game with 10 men.
It’s not pretty, but it’s a win! The fledglings faithful are cheering wildly at the final whistle.
We are up! With three games left, we pull 12 points clear of fourth placed Wrexham. WE ARE IN THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE!!
There is also International recognition for Luke McCullough. Congratulations to our captain!
Saturday 14th April, FA Trophy Semi Final, Leg 2
With a four-goal cushion I make the descions to mix the side with regulars and some squad players. It could be a risk, but we are pressing for the league title, so is worth it!
SEB, playing up front scores an away goal on 9 minutes to end the tie. Nishan Burkart, playing in an unfamiliar midfield role (in place of Rothwell) shows his attacking qualities by scoring two. We win 7-0 on aggregate, and have a date with Wembley!
There is a chorus of, “We’re on our way to Wembley” on the bus home, led by our young GM, Jed.
We are drawn against the holders, and the team that beat us last season – Stourbridge Town.
Wednesday 18th April, Conference, Tranmere
This is the big one! First against second. If we win it, we are the league champions.
I name a strong side, the only surprise perhaps, is keeping Nishan in the midfield right position, and Joe Rothwell being confined to the bench.
Burkart proves me right on 8 minutes – running onto to DJ squared-ball and drilling the ball home. 1-0! Newton Heath is bouncing.
Two minutes later Danny Rowe has the ball in the net, and the fledglings faithful start singing, “Championes” in full voice. I nervously look to Carroll who smiles, and points to the Tranmere bench. Their body language says everything – they’ve conceded defeat.
By halftime we are 4-0 up, and Rowe has scored another hattrick. I make a treble substitution on 60 minutes bringing off DJ, Love and our hero, Rowe. Everyone is on their feet.
SEB adds a fifth late on. The crowd are swarming to the advertising boarding, in anticipation of a pitch invasion. As the final whistle sounds, the crowd flood the pitch. I make a swift exit as players are lofted high, trying to escape themselves.
Its confirmed – CHAMPIONS! Our fans and board are delighted.
With that, fledglings, I’ll leave you. I have a date with a Champagne bath… OK, it’s a cheap Prosecco. Anyway… will see you next time for the finale of season 3 and the FA Trophy final!
CM01/02 Blogs 