Don’t ask, but suffice it to say I had fairly harassing day at New Cross hospital, Wolverhampton today. Quite unexpected on a warm day that began with a walk around Walsall Arboretum –interrupted by a phone call and then efficient and friendly paramedics, ambulance staff, A and E people (nurses, doctors and orderlies).

It ended well but one of the things helping me through the day – other than a text about a cheese sandwich – was the offer of a ride to Rochdale for my first game of the season. Cutting it fine – and finally on the outside of a simple (and simply delicious) cheese sandwich – made the rendezvous.

Some getting-together-again banter before setting out on what turned out to be a fairly tortuous journey. Accidents, traffic jams, diversions and red lights for road works. I am, foolishly left in charge of programming a – from what I can tell – state of the art sat nav (as if I would know!) … and eventually get it set – or we are heading for the Rochdale Rugby Stadium. Only time will tell.

There is a request to hold the birthday cake for the return journey and we see some floodlights shining across from the opposite said of a valley as we see Rochdale on signposts. Could it be?

Ends up it is. We jam the car in a tight, just-about-legal space in a one-way street and pile out, going back for the one who is left in the car, stymied by a child lock. We laugh, not sure if he sees the funny side.

We sample the pies inside: steak gets the thumbs up and my meat and potato is most welcome: just hot enough and peppery to perfection.

The Walsall faithful are in good numbers and better voice: in the side stand and we nab seats up at the top with a good view of a well-tended surface in a compact ground.

There is little that can be said for League positions this early in the season. But … we have made a much better start to this season, because it is possible to get left behind from the beginning … and this is what happened last year (we tell ourselves; adding that was then, this is now and nodding wisely). But we start both brightly and – yes, I am going to say it: cockily. Passing easily between players, short passes, long ones, finding a Walsall player. Looking good – and Rochdale seem bemused, ill prepared or just not warmed up. It doesn’t last of course. They soon start to close us down and the passes start to go astray; they are at home after all. But while we seem to pose little or no, neither do they: they seem content to break our play up, rather than following up and doing any harm. Bit of a stale stalemate really. A few chances. Kieron Morris is impressive, intelligently easing the ball away when the Rochdale keeper can’t hold it – Bradshaw cannot put the short pass into the net _ he’s good but not that good! Milan Lalkovic quieter and more easily subdued than I would have liked: he was stunning while here on loan with erratic and brilliant random spins, runs and passes. Everybody has an off day of course: maybe this is his?

Throughout it all there is the rolling thunder of chants and support from our left: not all making geographical sense, but all in a good cause and showing spirit and humour if not musical ability.

And the Rochdale challenges are (diplomatically speaking) strong, prompting no card-reaction from the referee. So, inevitably while we are able to ride these crisp, no-nonsense tackles our stronger players start to front up as well. Fair is fair and the contest equalises out.

 

Second half well under way and a couple of changes: Sawyers and Forde on for Flanagan and Lalkovic.

Rochdale have the ball in the net, but it is bravely –and properly – disallowed: off side prompted derision and mockery from my left. The Rochdale fans go quiet again (“Your support is worse than ours” is the next chant and “Worse than a library, it’s even worse than a library!”)

Adam Chambers has been so busy, covering a lot of the field: the man furthest forward, winning last ditch tackles and shepherding the ball. O’Connor, playing at centre half is strong; his one mistake heading back to an agile goalkeeper who had come out for the ball (and had to sprint back and punch it out). He is an acrobat this Neil Etheridge, busy, stretching and leaping, getting bowled over a couple of times. But also, so far, resilient.

We go ahead marvellously after Taylor starts a move and gets into the box to hammer the goal in.

Some fans around me want us to calm the game down, keep the ball, but we continue to press forwards. Not at all like last season when we sat, mistakenly, on one goal leads and had the game snatched away. Not this season. Sam Mantom gets his second goal in two games (he dedicated the goal last game to his great grandfather) with a powerful, deflected shot.

It is only really then that Rochdale look like a threat going forwards, throwing four men up and taking no prisoners in physical tussles. It is noticeable though that it takes their players longer to get up after the ball has gone. Lack of fitness, ability, commitment or pride?

They do get a consolation goal, but we turn away, with the floodlights lighting up the foliage of sycamore trees and head back to the car for some of that cake!

In international sports news former Olympic athlete and present Tory politician Seb (now Lord) Coe has been elected as President of the International Amateur Athletics Federation). The sport is currently beset – as cycling was a couple of years ago – with allegations, rumours and attention on drug taking to enhance performance. He faces an interesting (Chinese curse: may you live in interesting times) few years.

More locally Worcester will be hosting the international Women’s Wheelchair Basketball finals and, in a bid to understand, the press releases say, the problems faced by wheelchair users the Mayor of Worcester took to the streets today in a wheelchair. If it is a gimmick it is a good one – and just maybe some good will come of it. Good luck to all taking part.

Meanwhile for all that these are the earliest of early days Saddlers are third in the table and a have a home game against top-of-the-table Coventry City coming up. Saturday!

Some Journeys Are Sad Ones

So the visit to Estonia gets closer. Put into perspective by the F.A. Cup draw that has us at home to League Two Shrewsbury on the Saturday. (Shrewsbury who narrowly lost to Chelsea in the League Cup competition and are making a name for themselves under new manager Micky Mellon … and are also the club we got new crowd=pleaser Tom Bradshaw from during the close season). And there was me hoping for an away tie (against some easy-to-beat (the way we are playing at the moment it’s not easy to name such a team) lowly opposition with aground a long way from home. Which would mean I couldn’t possibly get there, we’d get through to the next round and I would be able to see an amazing Cup run (and not feel even vaguely guilty about the maybe-frivolous trip to Tallinn)

Because of the trip we had arranged our annual bonfire night a week earlier (also because other family members were available too on the Sunday) and I have spent some time this week preparing the site and the fuel (hedge cuttings and collected windfall logs) as well as paper and cardboard to get it lit.

Big world news is that Virgin Galactic’’s bid to get space tourism “off the ground” met a setback when the latest test flight ended in disaster with a test pilot 39-year-old Michael Alsbury, killed and the other pilot, Peter Siebold, 43, injured after ejecting clear. There are reports, almost inevitability of technical issues. But this is the sometimes-grim reality of pushing the frontiers of knowledge. It comes at a price. But, being inquisitive as a species we move forwards. No doubt this “space tourism” will initially benefit the rich. But beyond that, as today’s cutting edge becomes mainstream – who knows?

 

India, meanwhile is being criticized for its own space program when a large portion of the population cannot attain simple basic hygiene standards.

And more locally an explosion in a fireworks factory/outlet on the outskirts of Stafford left two (unidentified in early reports) people dead.

On Friday evening I had a ‘phone call from Andy. He would pick me up, we’d trek over to Notts County in some style, have a meal and a beer and see the game.

He arrived, as promised at around midday: a lovely warm day, good to travel along reasonably familiar roads. A reminder of the trip last year, when we were on a great run and came away five one winners. Quite different this time round. County having gone eleven games without losing and us? Hmmm?

But, somewhere on the way my ‘phone went. It was embedded in an autumn-coat pocket in the back of the car. I considered not answering. But, honestly: for people to ring me usually means an emergency. So I fished around, and answered.

The next few moments were shocking!

A long-time friend, family man, going to buy fireworks had been identified as one of those killed in the Stafford fire. Not only a friend, but a long-time Saddlers supporter who has shared, over the years in the journeys, ups and downs of football. And our annual bonfires! And the memories skittled by. Andy too was upset.

I may write more about this in another post. There is so much more to tell; suffice it for now to say that changed the mood; although I guess I actually didn’t take it in properly.

We found the same pub/restaurant we parked in last year. The Riverside right on the River Trent, close to both Notts County and Nottingham Forest grounds. Still decked out with Hallowe’en fripperies. We discussed horror movies (classic and modern) and the traditions of Hallowe’en for a few minutes, then ordered fish and chips. Honestly? Over-priced and the fish was too wet to taste. But we were able to use the car park and it was food. And the beer was tasty (Indian Pale Ale for me.)

Getting darker by the time we set out to walk around three sides of the ground and, despite a small panic I did have enough to pay to get in.

Very sophisticated ticket. Seat number and all, but once past the noisy, beer drinking Walsall fans around the bar the stewards said predictably perhaps:

“Sit where you like, the numbers mean nothing.”

A good following from Walsall, but a large section of the ground was roped off and it seemed like a small home crowd. We got seats with a good view … and chatted with the steward. Certainly the friendliest stewards I have come across this season so far. About club histories, about Nottingham Forest “taking away a generation of fans”, about the game last season.

Walsall went off fast! Pressing forwards. Tom Bradshaw on his own up front. Antony Forde keeping his place and Romaine Sawyers in midfield. Some fine Saddlers attacking moves seemed to surprise and shake County, though they had their own raids. But our passing play looked smoother and more confident.

At the back Ben Purkiss seems to be fit and match fit again. he made some good interceptions, covering tackles and got forward effectively too. Andy Taylor steady as always opposite him on the left. O’Donnell also made some good saves early on. This built his confidence as the game went on. Some fine refereeing when tackles became ragged. The referee calling offenders and captains together for a word. It worked.

We took the lead deservedly. Jordan Cook and Sawyers combined to end a move with Cook having a deflected shot hit the inside of the County post and dribble over the goal line.

County then moved up a gear. Long runs from mid-field, mostly unchallenged. Long shots. But a slip up had a long angled cross finding the striker who headed a good goal past O’Donnell.

Disappointing but perhaps inevitable. We were giving up too much ground and our forward moves slowed down. Often with Sawyers, undoubtedly a talented player taking too long on the ball or trying for the complicated pass, back-heel or lay off. Sometimes the simple thing is the right thing.

By half time it was getting cold. There was a spirited kids game going on below us at half time, some very accomplished moves and five goals!

Second half kicked off and the Walsall team were revitalised. Taking control of the game as they had done at the start of the first half.

With so much pressure and surviving a few counter attacks thanks to superb agility from Richard O’Donnell we were awarded a free kick when a central defender reached up and pulled the ball down. Walsall appealed for a penalty and the referee, again doing the correct thing, consulted with the assistant ref – and gave the penalty.

Tom Bradshaw struck it brilliantly and it went, like a crossbow bolt into the back of the net. His celebrations and the response of the travelling fans was marvellous. Oh and no booking for celebrating the goal so joyously.

 

Manset came on with a little time remaining but had no chance to show his real skills: tripping when chasing a ball, recovering well, but fluffing the pass when another goal looked likely.

On the final whistle, shoulders down he sloped off towards the tunnel while the rest of the team came over to show their appreciation for our support. Wisely somebody sent Manset over. It was a wonderful moment. No doubt the support helps the team out – these moments after games show they understand that.

In the dark skies on the quiet journey home fireworks were flashing and waking up sadness.

Poppies and Chesterfield.

 Began the day attacking the Leylandii hedge at the front of the house. It’s really difficult to imagine that the four trees we’re taking down were scrounged from a garden centre skip. But it seems their time has come – and the trimmings are headed for the family bonfire. The rain stays away and it’s windy but not cold. The drive to Bescot takes me along roads that are edged with autumn leaves swept from the trees by the very strong winds of the week. Golds, ochres, yellows, browns and reds.

There are a lot of fans from Chesterfield. They are having a good run having been promoted from League Two last season and riding the mid-table positions well (tenth at start of play today). They fill a fair section of the away end – and they create some noise!

The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal was launched last week and the display at the Tower of London is looking amazing: one poppy for every British serviceman killed during the First World War I think. Its memorable and spectacular. Funds from the sale of poppies goes to help wounded soldiers and their families. Collectors were outside the ground today – I salute them.

This home game was also chosen as the “Kick It Out” match for Saddlers. This raises awareness of racial discrimination at football grounds. It should go without saying – of course – and such events should not be necessary – but the world, unfortunately is what it is and people need reminding. Good that football is playing a part in the campaign.

We have some good news: Tom Bradbury, whose endeavour and energy have impressed me, is back from a hamstring injury –and last year’s Player of the Season, Sam Mantom is fit to return.

Bradbury is our only player to look and act like a striker so far this year. He has a turn of speed, a physical presence and a good eye for goal (five gaols to his name at the kick off). Will there be some kind of up-front partnership with Jordan Cook (who should be match fit after a couple of games in the first team?

No! We are playing four at the back (Richard O’Donnell in goals was formerly at Chesterfield), Chambers as holding midfielder , then Sawyers, Cain, Baxendale and Cook behind Bradbury.

Chesterfield are fast out of the blocks. They confidently and quickly press up the pitch. Our defenders deal well with the pressure when exposed. Purkiss is looking smooth at right back, especially with Andy Taylor opposite him on the left. (Programme notes talk about the wonderful partnership between Mick Evans and Frank Gregg back in the day.

O’Donnell needs to be quick to make saves, but we begin to create chances as play see-saws up and down the pitch. Downing makes a few careless mistakes, giving the ball away needlessly. But is covered effectively.  

Purkiss and Taylor raid effectively down the wings, Sawyers is good at close control but must move towards the ball more often: he’s losing the ball when faster players read the game and nip in first… and Chesterfield are good at this. Bradbury covers all of the forward line, keeping all four defenders busy. But, in doing this he inevitably runs into dead ends and we are short of somebody nipping into the hole in the middle. Sawyers? Manset (on the bench)? Cook?

At half time some servicemen veterans are welcomed onto the field as part of the Poppy Appeal launch. A good community thing to do. Well done my team!

We are not down-hearted at half time. Inside for a quick coffee, we talked about the visit to Tallinn, families, work and a possible trip to Notts County next week. Then back out again for a better second half. Baxendale replaced by Forde after fifty eight minutes and it made the difference. He is quick, confident and his runs effective, taking the initiative and defenders out of the game. A quick bout of inter-passing involving him, Cain, sawyers and Bradbury ended with a beautiful ball laid into Bradbury’s feet – and he made no mistake.  Goal – and a well-worked one too. The Walsall crowd were delighted. So was Bradbury, mobbed by players on the goal line he was booked. I am surprised. Why was he booked? He didn’t leave the pitch. Didn’t jump into the crowd.

We wondered whether he had made some sarcastic remark to the referee who had failed to give Bradbury any of the free-kicks when fouled, tripped, pushed or knocked off the ball by defenders.

Sawyers later got a free kick with a super piece of skill; the ball long gone from the back of his heel before a surprised defender took both of his feet away. Sam Mantom comes on. he looks a little off the pace – no surprises there but is influential in keeping things calm. Would have been a shock if, after all the waiting and build up our talismanic midfielder brought us no good.

Chesterfield players seemed to lose a bit of heart, began arguing with one another (two of their forwards did this in the first half when one fluffed a good chance – and seemed to want the other, running off the ball for him, to take the blame). But, never a team to make it easy on the fans some slack defending gives Chesterfield a couple of great chances. They miss.

A couple of people sitting to my right were taking copious notes: one I seem to think is a journalist. He upped and left with ten minutes to go, but was soon back with a steward; he couldn’t find his car keys. They were not anywhere near where he had been sitting.

Then the whistle was going and I was on my happy way to the car. To be met with the almost incredible sporting news that Birmingham City – who sacked manager Lee Clark this week – lost at home to Bournemouth 8 – 0. Eight, count ‘em, nil!

At home I find an amusing Tweet from a Saddlers fan which goes something like

“Saw a Birmingham City fan nail his season ticket to a tree and walk away. Took it: you can never have too many nails!”

The first round of the F.A. Cup is drawn on Monday. All being well I will be in Tallinn, but it’ll be interesting to see who we get.

What a difference a win makes … and I expect Dean Smith is feeling a little more relaxed too… and the clocks “fall” back overnight.

Images: Tower of London: Stoke Sentinel

Sawyers/Bradbury: http://www.fiveyearplanfanzine.co.uk

Match action: Walsall Advertiser

 

 

 

Dan Dare (Oldham Away)

Ever since I first watched Mathieu Manset playing as a “guest” in the friendly against Leicester City I have been impressed: by his mobility, by his strength, by his speed and close control ability – especially being such a big man, able to deal with the inevitable physicality of league One challenges.

He played against Rochdale on Tuesday night, scored his first goal indeed. Ben Purkiss back after a long lay-off from injury also played well. But both were absent from the starting line up at Oldham. Mystifying.

Andy Taylor, in my opinions one of our key players, was also missing, possibly injured.

I am left wondering about the team choices made by Dean Smith and Richard O’Kelly.

Back-to-fitness Jordan Cook took on the lone striker role and, in one of our few attacks of the whole game ran onto a well-judged through ball and netted. Fifteen minutes gone –and in the crowded corner of the ground where the Walsall faithful were sitting, or standing cheering, we could see a marvellous game unfolding.

 

 

This was almost a last-minute trip, but on the journey we were talking about weddings, UKIP getting their first member of parliament in the Clacton on Sea by-election (and any effect it might have on the policies and sound-bites of Conservative and Labour politicians), who might play Dan Dare in a hoped-for film and why we came off the M6 a junction early to get to Oldham. The sun was shining on the second-highest English League ground (West Brom’s is apparently the highest) and the pint and the meat and potato pie served up were fine (although eating and drinking in the rough area allocated was poor; no seats, no tables) and a poster in the entry to the gents toilets reading:

Pyro Facts 05

WE CAN’T SEE YOU SNEAKING OUT

Smoke billowing across the pitch can affect the play – or even cause the game to be delayed

had us puzzled. What?

Back to the game then. After the goal we were, simply poor: poor passing, poor defending, unable to stop the ball coming back and back and back and back into our penalty area.

It could only be a matter of time – it was. Thirty one minutes and our hard-ridden luck ran out. The equaliser going to Connor Wilkinson. Baxendale was ineffective, trying challenges that a player his size is always going to lose. Clifford? Was he playing? Grimes, already clocking up yellow cards again at fault. Chasing back is one thing, but battering somebody because they got to the ball first is unacceptable. Get there first next time1!Let the ball do the talking!

 

A poor pass from Mal Benning, no longer a natural left back, had Andy Butler down, injured and staying down, The Oldham number nine making a nuisance of himself, perhaps by leaving a boot in. Almost immediately Poleon (the number 9, doing the kind of work we need someone to do for us) was in a follow up with Butler. Other players got involved – so unnecessary. Butler booked – apparently for allowing himself to get fouled – and Poleon? Well after a little play the referee – poor game from him – had a word. Should have been booked along with Butler. And, er what exactly was the ref saying to him – and, er why ?

 

Manset on after the start of the second half, Butler put up forwards. Hmm, so a little bit of target man stuff then?

Not a bit of it!

That same old pass across the pitch, short, back, back to the ‘keeper business. Passes going hopelessly wrong and Oldham pouring forwards. Eventually going 2 – 1 up (a Jones goal).

We had a couple of chances but fluffed ‘em.

Crewe at home next week. They are in dire straits, but we ain’t so pretty either.

England beat san Marino 5 – 0 at Wembley and the Under21s playing at Molineux, won 2-1 against Croatia.

Jules Bianchi was involved in a terrible crash at the Japanese Grand Prix last week. A car had crashed out and was being removed by a heavy tractor-crane. The pace car was on, with heavy rain falling. Bianchi’s car left the track and – what are the odds? – crashed into the tractor lifting the first crashed car. He is still in a “stable but critical condition” reports say.

A seventeen year old student, Malala Yousafzai, from a school in Birmingham is joint winner of this year’s Nobel Peace prize. Until shot in the head by the Taliban (in 2012) she lived in Pakistan, but came to Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brum for surgery. Now she attends a local school. The Taliban do not want girls to receive an education and Malala stood up against this inequality despite threats and intimidation.

The other winner, Indian campaigner Mr Satyarthi has maintained the tradition of Mahatma Gandhi and headed various forms of peaceful protests, “focusing on the grave exploitation of children for financial gain,” the committee said at the Nobel Institute in Oslo.