Monday, April 23, 2007

Gedling MW Vets 4 Keyworth United Vets 3

Mrs P recently suggested I take a break from football, I agreed with her and have spent the last few weekends watching Keyworth United Community Football Club.

I saw the reserves smash Ruddington 6-2, a boy called Wooloch scored four; he looks more than first team material to me. Last Saturday champions elect, Cotgrave, visited our parts and stole a win. It was one–way green traffic until the mercurial Tom Aldred was sent off for handball. Even with 10 men KUCFC were mighty impressive and missed a host of chances. Cotgrave made them pay with a Paul Nicholls 20 yard daisy cutter which the clown Bally could only help into the net.

On Sunday, Sticky Junior was playing for the U11s away at Hucknall Sports, his team have had a miserable season and are coached by posh Scot, Dave Reilly, who has served these boys well. We won 6-1, with 4 goals from Siswick, the most accomplished finisher in the county. Dave Reilly is also the manager of the Keyworth Veterans, this afternoon they are playing Gedling MW in a cup final at Calverton MW.

Sticky Junior has got the hump, he didn’t score this morning and fails to make the trip. “The Skipper” joins me, we drive down the A46 via Gunthorpe Bridge, it’s a picturesque route. “Dad can you put on track 4 on the CD player please?” he asks. It’s only “Chico Time” by Chico that imbecile off X-Factor; I rip “The Skipper” to shreds.

I used to “work” at Calverton Colliery; this place holds fond memories for me. “The Skipper” meets a few mates and showboats on the astro turf – time for a swift one for me in the welfare. There’s a waft of Sunday roast in the air, Newcastle are playing Chelsea on Sky, it’s turgid.

A high percentage of the KUCFC vets are Keyworth born and bred. Two of them, Robbie Marchbank and Ian Woolley were given a testimonial for 25 years service. They donated all monies made on the day back to the club. This is the calibre of guys we are talking about. They are salt of the earth.

If there had been academies in his day, Woolley would have walked into one. He’s quiet off the pitch but has plenty to say to the referee on it. It’s a travesty that he’s only ever played at this level. We do have some superstars: Gary Lund, Kevin Bartlett and Richard Dryden have all worn the black and white stripes of The Pies.

Neecey, my travelling partner on The Groundhop, is playing today, I look forward to some good natured ribbing, he’s bound to get wound up. I’ve already placed a bet at Ladbrokes that he’ll get booked; odds of 8/13 are a steal.

Gedling MW have one or two big cheeses: Andy Beckford, Everton Marsh and Paul Tomlinson have all played at a good level.

There’s a moment of controversy in the opening seconds when Keyworth sponge man, Alan Jackson, is asked to leave the technical area by the fourth official for infringing the smoking laws. I’m showered in cigar smoke as he retells his tale.

Keyworth play 4-5-1, (it’s a tactic Reilly has used unsuccessfully for the U11s; we won 6-1 this morning and played 4-4-2). I’m disappointed, Lund and Bartlett are a good partnership but KB is on the bench.

The game has a slow start, Gedling look fitter and have more bite, Keyworth often get the ball forward early but Lund is a lone ranger and is not getting enough support.

I notice Neecey wipe his brow on 15 minutes. I don’t know why he hasn’t had a touch yet.

Gedling take the lead, Stanhope floats a ball in from the left which Marsh, unmarked, heads home easily. Within 2 minutes there’s another cross from the left, Marsh is allowed to turn, 2-0.

Gedling are bullying us in the midfield. Woolley is struggling for fitness, and Webster is not seeing the ball. Neecey is increasing in confidence and puts in one or two useful crosses. It is from one of his corners that Lund gives Keyworth hope with a smart finish.

Keyworth go two up top in the second half and start with a bit more urgency but all looks lost when Tomlinson converts a Bucknall cross to make it 3-1. Bucknall appears to put the game out of sight with a sublime finish, 4-1.

By now Dryden has limped off and coach Reilly is marauding down the left flank. All hell breaks loose on 80 minutes Bartlett and Gedling 6 jacket Mickey Hodgson collide, and get involved in a bit of afters. Hodgson is an unpleasant character, on the pitch, who has little interest in playing the beautiful game. It is a miracle that he is still on the pitch, as he appears to be involved in all unsavoury matters.

It’s all too much for Richard Dryden who sees the red mist. He charges from the dugout intending on retribution and is red-carded. I hope “The Skipper” hasn’t seen it as Dryden is his coach and this is not a good example. Bartlett is booked, even I’m telling the ref that no.6 has to go (I’m fairly placid on The Groundhop).

Hodgson is showing anyone that is remotely interested his stud marks: live by the sword die by the sword. The referee belatedly sends him off, the Gedling bench are in uproar. They are having a laugh.

Lund makes it 4-2 with a close-range finish. Dave Reilly, who mysteriously was nowhere to be seen during the ensuing melee, (Braveheart my arse!), floats in a cross at the death, it hangs in the air for what seems an eternity, and ends up in the top corner 4-3.

Gedling MW are all over the show and can’t cope now their ankle tapper has been dismissed. Keyworth are pouring forward in search of an equaliser and are creating chances. Neecey ensures I clean up at the bookies; he’s booked in the 90th minute for dissent. The game is over, the finish is breathtaking. Apparently the referee thought it was 3-3 and was asking what end they’d be taking penalties? His notebook, like mine is full.

All this for £2, what tremendous value, just think some sad people have stopped in this afternoon and watched them miserable sods on the Eastenders Omnibus edition, well I’ll tell you “Eastenders ….. no-ones talking about it”

Monday, April 16, 2007

Notts County 1 Walsall 2

I’ve not been to The Lane since they thumped my beloved Lincoln City a few months ago. They were mighty impressive that day and I’m a big fan of their manager, Steve Thompson. He is shutting up the moaning minnies on the MAD Message board with a late charge for the play-offs; their current form is good: four wins and no goals conceded.

Today’s visitors are Walsall who are guaranteed promotion with three points from this fixture. Walsall has a population of 170,000 and is famous for making leather; they still make the Queen’s handbags in the town. Famous people from Walsall include: Audrey Roberts of Coronation St, Noddy Holder from Slade and Pop Idol runner-up Mark Rhodes; Jesus I hope this clown isn’t singing at half-time.

I saw The Saddlers at The City Ground last season, when Paul Merson was at the helm, they looked half decent. Takings on The Saddlers’ Social Club fruit machines have taken a dip since Merson’s departure. Richard Money is their manager; he used to coach across the River Trent.

There is no sign of a u-turn on The Pies decision to scrap their youth policy (I used to work at the centre of excellence so I’m a little bitter at times). I can’t help but notice how many goals Leon Best and David McGoldrick have scored for Yeovil and Bournemouth this season, I hope them dim-wits on the County board have negotiated some decent add-ons. Thommo emerges from the tunnel, he is looking stressed and hot, there’s not a cloud in the sky.

There’s a minute’s silence for Notts County legend Bill Brindley, who died a week ago. The silence is golden and moving.

The game is played at a terrific pace; Notts are up and at them. Walsall take the lead slightly against the run of play with a terrific strike from ex Pompey winger and their best player, Kevin Harper.

Thommo’s Notts are never-say-die and play with their hearts and a spirit. Thommo’s tactics are spot-on. The defence play with a high line, and they squeeze the midfield.

Walsall playmaker Dean Keates is given little time on the ball. Charlton loanee, James Walker hits the post for County; they are swarming all over the visitors. They deserve their equaliser on 41 minutes, the impressive Dudfield smashing the ball home at the second time of asking.

Clayton Ince the Walsall shot stopper is wearing almighty white gloves, he looks like the character out of the Kenny Everett Show. He looks more like a basketball player and has a huge kick on the rare occasions he gets it right, Nottingham City Council should consider employing this guy onto the troubled streets of the nearby Meadows area, law and order would soon be restored.

My goalkeeper from the U9s team is with us today, he cuts his finger and receives treatment from a stunningly attractive St John’s Ambulance lady, I consider self-harm but I’ve already committed that, I’m down the lane! All the Notts substitutes sign autographs for the boys, a touch of class that.

Notts up it a notch after the break they are terrific, Walsall are dire and are never in the game. I can’t make my mind up if they are nervous or too relaxed, but Notts are hounding them.

Walsall right back Craig Pead (once a Pie) is awful. Dudfield and Notts sub Andy Parkinson are taunting him. I fully expect the 2500 travelling support to chant “Pead Off”; he saves them the bother on 72 minutes and holds up the white hankie.

Parkinson’s pace is electric but he misses two good chances. Blade loanee, Ian Ross, gets the ball down and sprays it wide. This boy can play but the fans don’t like him. Hunt, McCann and Edwards are magnificent but they can’t finish Walsall off. Hunt has one cleared off the line.

Unlike them fans from across the water these fans back their team, the roadside are in full voice. Old Pineapple Head is having a stormer, everything goes through him, and he’s equal to it.

The final twist comes on 85 minutes, for once Edwards and Hunt are caught napping and the serial, underachieving journeyman, Trevor Benjamin pounces to score, it’s a cruel game. Fantastic scenes at the final whistle from the away end it’s good to see but surely their team can play better than this.

Notts County 1 Dudfield Walsall 2 Harper and Benjamin.

Attendance: 7080

Man of the Match: Austin McCann

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Nottingham Forest 1 Rotherham United 1


I was planning to go to Matlock v Ilkeston but managed to blag a couple of tickets for today's game; Sticky Junior is a big Forest fan and I admire him for that; you can't let your son down can you? "The Skipper" (Joe) is wearing a red England shirt with Lampard on it. We tease him saying that the Forest fans will chase him down the street. He's not amused and turns it inside out.

We're driving to County Hall, the boys have slipped a Girls Aloud medley cd on, that bloody group is haunting me!


Rotherham Utd are today's visitors, they are rock bottom, dead and buried and only have pride and contracts to play for. They have just sold Nottingham born Will Hoskins and ex- Stag, Lee Williamson, to Premiership Watford for big bucks; it has kept them in business.

Rotherham
is in South Yorkshire and the borough has a population of 250,000. It's famous for Iron, Steel, Coal and more importantly The Chuckle Brothers - perhaps it was this pair of clowns who made the decision to sack their legendary manager Ronnie Moore - it's been all downhill since. Their current manager is Mark Robins, who many moons ago scored a vital goal for Man Utd at The City Ground to famously save Alex Ferguson's job.


We're sat in The Lower Brian Clough Stand, Trent End Side, the pitch looks immaculate. Four seats down there's a bloke with the most amazing Mohican haircut, people complain they can't see behind him.

The first-half is entertaining fayre for the neutral. The Millers are a neat and tidy outfit and don't look bottom four material to me (they were deducted 10 points at the start of the season for financial difficulties). They take the lead on ten minutes in spectacular style with an 18 yard strike from ex-Fox and Nottingham born Chris O'Grady; at £65,000 he is a bargain.


Paul Smith, the Forest keeper is having a torrid afternoon, he can catch and punch thin air for fun. According to soccerbase.com Calderwood laid-out £500,000 for this fool. I can only presume on the three outings that I have seen that reserve keeper Pedersen is equally as bad! The crowd are on his back, Forest fans are unforgiving, he won't roll it to the the full-backs and his kicking is poor.

The Reds finally get their act together and equalise through a Grant Holt penalty after Nathan Tyson is fouled. This is the fifth time I've seen Tyson play, I always seem to catch him on an off-day and I'm not convinced by him. He has pace and is a cool finisher but his touch is poor, he is knocked off the ball too easily and is not the bravest; he looks like he could do with a good meal and a few months in the gym. He is the victim of a strong tackle and fails to show-up for the second period.

Snow Patrol is the best the HMV Store can come up with at half-time.

The Millers grow in confidence, Martin Woods their No.23 looks a tidy player, he is pinging it around the park with his cultured left foot. Their left back Brogan is only 18 years old, he looks a fine prospect. O'Grady and Henderson both miss gift-wrapped chances.

Forest look a little one dimensional, Commons is getting little change out of the full-backs. Calderwood is constantly shuffling his pack. Commons swaps wings, he goes three at the back, sometimes Perch is central, then he is wide.

The impressive Alan Wright is sacrificed for the more direct Julian Bennett. It's all to no avail, Lester and Holt pose little threat to the visitors' defence. Commons weak shot is cleared off the line.


Time is up, it's a missed opportunity, rivals Bristol City have been beaten but Rotherham are more than worth the draw.

Nottingham Forest 1 Holt Rotherham Utd 1 O'Grady

Attendance: 27,875

Man of The Match: Martin Woods

Monday, April 9, 2007

Kettering Town 3 Farsley Celtic 2


Neecey is back on board tonight, I've missed the miserable sod, he's good company and knows his football. Rockingham Road is the home of The Poppies and even in the rush-hour traffic it only takes us an hour.

Kettering has a population of 85,000 and at one time was famous for the boot and shoe industry. You may know their Director of Football, the underachieving Ron Atkinson. He is an accident waiting to happen and is nearly as useless as The Pies Director of Football, Howard Wilkinson.

Atkinson is more famous for his double-act partnership with ITV's Clive Tyldesley than with anything he achieved in the game and is the inventor of sayings such as "early doors", "backstick" and "lollipop". Their partnership came to an acrimonious end after Ron aimed a racist remark at Chelsea's Marcel Desailly. Kettering's Chairman is Asian, the manager is black and so are several of the players, I wonder what they make of it all?

Atkinson skillfully steered Peterborough United from an automatic promotion place to a position outside the play-offs last season. You may have witnessed it on Sky One, it was called Big Ron Manager, it was cringe worthy.

Farsley
Celtic is near Leeds and are managed by Lee Sinnot, they are looking for a play-off spot. Their wage bill must be half of Kettering's.



Inside the Social Club there is a photo on the wall from happier times when Graham Carr was manager, I recognise a few faces, ex-Imp Phil Brown is one. His goals fired Lincoln City out of The Conference and back into The Football League. Carl Alford is also on the photo, someone once phoned up Danny Baker on 6-0-6 and said they'd seen Alford in the local Poundstretchers wearing his Kettering kit with his name and number on the back, a classic.

Kettering win the the best pint of the season award, the Everards Sunchaser is stunning. There are some strange characters in the bar, Neecey compares it to Royston Vasey. A Jim Royle lookalike is holding court at the bar, his overgrown beard is covered in froth. It's an hour before kick-off and the bar is busy we settle down to watch Ireland play South Africa in the cricket.

The programme is over-priced at £2.50, I've seen better efforts in the Central Midlands League. It's £12.50 to sit down, it's worth it, this must be the best stand in the non-league. Rock the Casbah by The Clash kick-starts my circulation, it's a chilly evening. The playing surface looks near-perfect, no excuses tonight. Big Ron enters the arena and spends the entire game lurking in the background, chewing gum.

The first-half is an open affair, Farsley No.9, Damien Reeves has caught my eye. Trinidad and Tobago international, Andre Boucard, is Kettering's main artist and pulls all the strings in the middle of the park, he opens the scoring on 26mins, smashing the ball home from 18 yards following a neat lay-off from Craig Westcarr, you may remember Westcarr, he is the youngest player ever to represent Nottingham Forest.

Kettering striker Rene Howe soon makes it 2-0, a ball comes in from the right, he gets a great first touch and fires it in from close-range. Howe has come from Bedford Town and on this outing looks set for a bigger stage.

The Farsley back four is like Fred Carno's Circus but they are dangerous going forward, Reeves pulls one back on the half hour, reacting the quickest following a smart save by Osborn.

Ex-Pie Darren Caskey is playing for The Poppies tonight but he is not popular in these parts and does not receive the huge signing-on fees that his agent Eric Hall masterminded at Meadow Lane.

Neecey is a creature of bad habits and has a degree in fast-food chain establishments: "Pukka Pie and Chips twice please love". It's awful but I am ravenous. Early in the second-half Westcarr strolls through the Farsley defence and finishes with his left peg, 3-1.

It's become a drab affair, The Poppies save a few for Saturday, the game stop-starts, and is littered with substitutions. Farsley sub Ryan Sugden scores a consolation goal following a howler by Poppies' keeper Osborn.

Kettering Town 3 Boucard, Howe, Westcarr

Farsley Celtic 2 Reeves and Sugden



Attendance: 1025

Man of the Match: Andre Boucard

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Toton FC U9s 2 Keyworth U9s 2

I coach Keyworth Utd U9s Green, we play in the Nottinghamshire Young Elizabethan League Division 1. The calibre of team in this league is frightening. Folk from Notts may recognize a few - AFC Vernon, Dunkirk, Carlton, Priory Celtic and Teversal.

Tomorrow (Saturday) we desperately need a win at a very useful Toton FC, to maintain our bid to be Champions of Notts. I felt at the start of the season we were capable of a Champions League spot but we have exceeded all expectations. We are playing on a different planet.

These boys are special, they play with heart, soul and desire. Our team spirit is second to none. We are a close and organised unit, (yes I know they are only 9yrs old). They are all from different walks of life. Some have everything, some are less fortunate, but they all have something in common: they are hungry for success.

I have been with these boys since they were five years old at Soccer School. A guy who used to run it was called Matt Gatter. He is a brilliant coach and my mentor. His boy, Charlie, was a cut above the rest and was captured by the NFFC Academy. We miss them both. We are all good friends. We need 4 points in our last 3 games to secure the title. They are all tough and all away from fortress Platt Lane. I am a nervous wreck!!

Tonight I'm on a leaving do for a guy at work. We are not particularly close, but I respect him. He has been at the firm for over 12 years and deserves a good send-off.

I show my face at the pretentious and over-rated Fire and Ice Bar in West Bridgford. I thought it would take my mind off tomorrow's game. My mood darkens when I buy a bottle of Cider and a pint of Italian Lager - £7 - we are in footballers wives territory.

He has laid some food on, nice touch that. People are talking about their plans for the weekend, or issues at work. It's all over my head, my only concern is KUCFC U9s.

It's 8pm, I make my excuses, bid people farewell and quietly slip away into the night. I nip home to check on "The Skipper", he's watching Eastenders with Mum.It's like the old Chinese water torture.

I pop down KUCFC HQ, it's the annual race night to raise funds for our new clubhouse. Neecey is down there, perhaps he can calm me down. The first Kronenberg 1664 doesn't touch the sides.

People are coming up to me to wish me all the best for tomorrow's game (no pressure!). My phone rings constantly with worried parents asking for directions. I'm texting furiously.

There are people in this room who are great friends of mine, I make no effort to socialise with them, I feel awful, tomorrow's events have taken over. I have 4 or 5 pints, it's a waste of time, it has no affect.

I stroll home and crack open a Stella and have a flick through the Sky channels, it's 12.30am. I turn in for bed.

0530am, and the pigeons are giving it large coos in the back garden, I run a bath. 7am, time for a surf on the net, I avoid the YEL website.

"The Skipper" is stirring. What a player he has been for the the team this season. I double-check the kit and playing cards and have another stroll around the garden - this is like pulling teeth.

We leave for Toton at 9.15am. Wwe always arrive at the ground 45 minutes before kick-off. Our planning is meticulous. I do not breathe a word on our journey there. Mrs P knows when to be quiet.

There's no sign of the home team on our arrival (this is a psychological ploy I have tried when we are away). The boys are up for it, there is a sparkle in their eyes. We do a few drills, talk about last night's TV and have a bit of a quiz - the boys are relaxed.

Toton's manager, Marie, is in good spirits, their team have reached the cup final. I am pleased for her and like and respect her.

"The Skipper" loses another toss, we kick against the wind. We are out the blocks quickly and play a beautiful game of football. Our shape is right and my wingers hold their position. A three man move ends with "Little Neecey" drilling the ball in the danger zone, "Ronaldo" buries it, 1-0. Toton miss a sitter straight from kick-off, "The Cat" makes a point-blank save. We are good value for our lead.

Toton equalise early in the second-half after a mix-up in our defence: "Stay calm Sticky". Minutes later we are awarded a penalty, we have missed our last two. Little Neecey grabs the ball, this boy has the heart and courage of a lion, sometimes it's like having an extra man. I can't look, there's a huge roar, 2-1.

We are under real pressure and there are seconds to go when we concede from a corner, 2-2. It feels like a loss, the boys are devastated, I try to lift their spirits.

The drive home is silent for me. We have blown it. The kids are giggling in the back of the car, thank god they are over it. I have two missed calls when I return home, the news is beyond belief; both our rivals have lost; we are champions, the solitary point we have gained has won us the league.

"The Skipper" and I hug each other, we're both in tears. The moment is special, I don't want it to end. I phone all players and parents, they are in shock. It's a beautiful day and it's more than a game.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Tamworth 0 Dagenham and Redbridge 2



I've had an amazing morning with my U9s football team; we have been crowned champions of Nottingham. I may write a separate blog entry. I whistle all the way down the M42.

The Liverpool v Arsenal game is on 5Live. The boss is chattering away but I'm not listening. I'm away with the fairies.

We experience a hailstorm, I have underestimated the weather; I'm sporting one of my boy band type zip tops (hoodie). Luckily I have a thick Lincoln City sweatshirt underneath it. Mrs P hates it. I wear it to wind her up.

Tamworth has a population of 75,000 (I was surprised by that) Sir Robert Peel was Member of Parliament for Tamworth. They have a statue of him in the town centre.

They used to make the Reliant Robin here as the Dagenham fans would say: "Lovely Jubbley". Dagenham is in East London and is of course famous for The Ford Motor Company. Former Eurovision Song Contest winner, Sandie Shaw, was raised here. I prefer Hand in Glove that she sang with The Smiths.

Regular readers of this blog will know I'm a huge admirer of Lambs' manager Gary Mills. He is performing a modern day miracle here. They are out of the relegation zone. My youngest boy, "The Skipper", likes Tamworth. His coach at the NFFC Development Centre is Richard Dryden, who was assistant to Mark Cooper before Mills took over. He was a quality centre-half in his day.

Dagenham and Redbridge are the runaway leaders of The Conference, this despite selling two of their best players to that tin pot outfit, Peterborough Utd - Craig Mackail-Smith and Shane Blackett.

Londoner, John Still is The Gaffer he has had league experience with Barnet and Peterborough and seems a decent chap. He knows the Southern Non-League scene like the back of his hand. He has picked up some rough diamonds from the likes of Thurrock, White Ensign and Bishops Stortford.

Tamworth’s ground is near the castle. We get out the car to witness two stewards having a huge row. As the notorious NFFC “A Block” would sing: “Get a proper job”.

It’s £11 admission price, the ground is a little run-down and so is the Social Club. I fleeced The Boss for a Stella at Gainsborough Trinity’s bar a few weeks ago, today it’s my round. He’s hanging his nose over a pint of Adnams, I act fast: “Two pints of mild please love”, £3.80 it’s a bargain. All beers are served in customised plastic glasses; good gimmick that.

The pitch is on a steeper slope than the nearby Snowdome Ski Slope. The public address man does The Lambs proud. My Chemical Romance and Kasabian are the pick of the tunes. He then goes and spoils it all by playing that well known pub singer Robbie Williams as the players enter the field of play. Dagenham kick down the slope with the stiff breeze behind them.

Two good goalkeepers are on show today, Jose Veiga is Tamworth’s Portuguese keeper. I saw him give a master class in shot stopping in a FA Cup tie at Burton Albion earlier in the season. He is a class act and should be in The Football League. Lazy scouts are not watching him. Ex QPR stopper Tony Roberts is in the nets for Dagenham, he is an excellent keeper.

Bargain buy Paul Benson, The Daggers centre forward, is dragging the home defence all over the pitch. He wastes a host of chances.

Tamworth show the leaders too much respect. Their captain is Adie Smith, he is the consummate pro, today he is frustrated. He is also suspended for the next two games, he will be sorely missed.

Tamworth’s front two are giving away possession it’s all too tight. They revert to the long ball game. McGrath is not weaving his magic today. Daryl Taylor Tamworth’s tricky winger gets no service.

Tamworth are hanging on for half-time but they lose another ball in midfield, Dave Rainford latches on to it, finds space and lashes home a left foot exocet. Mills will be seething.

Tamworth improve in the second period, Taylor starts to see more of the ball and is positive in everything he does. Emmet Friars once of The Pies is struggling today, he is uncomfortable in possession and his passing is poor. Michael Briscoe, The Lambs defender is having a stormer, another shrewd signing from Mills.

Dagenham always look dangerous on the counter-attack as Tamworth push forward. Eight minutes from time ex Barnet striker Ben Strevens makes no mistake from close range following good work by substitute Sam Saunders.

Benson has time to miss another sitter crashing one against the bar. The Daggers survive a few goalmouth melees but it’s a comfortable win. They are nothing special but are a solid and organised unit.

Mark Arber from The Posh looks to have been an astute signing. Sloma and Griffiths link up well down the left.

Tamworth can’t get going today; The Daggers are good at closing them down. Their winger and most exciting player, Daryl Taylor, is a frustrated figure. Atieno, their forward has a poor game by his high standards. They looked a little scared today.

Tamworth 0 Dagenham and Redbridge 2 Rainford and Strevens.

Attendance: 1269

Man of the Match: Paul Benson, Dagenham and Redbridge