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February Football Thread
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By *hief Scout OP Man 5 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
For the fellow fans, anoraks, etc....
Post details of your matches & travels for February here
* * *
Saturday again, eh ?
SHOULD be a 'Double header' for me today. Watford v. Norwich is a 12.30pm kick off. As long as that doesn't over-run too much, should be able to take in Harefield v. Wembley at 3pm.
As always, if you're heading off anywhere today, safe journey & enjoy your game xx |
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Away to the Rent Boys on Monday night and another reminder of how sanitised football has become in the top flight. What used to be one of the most eagerly anticipated and edgiest games of the season in an absolute shithole has been replaced with a trip to a lovely stadium full of tourists and middle-class suburbanites. I really feel for their old Skool support. And the saddest thing? It’s happened to us, too 😢. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 5 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Another frustrating afternoon at Vicarage Road, 0-1 v. Norwich - a few refereeing decisions I'd, shall we say, like a second look at. Hope the powers-that-be don't do anything daft where Tom Cleverley is concerned, but as we all know they have a trigger-happy reputation.
Harefield v. Wembley is proving much more to my liking, 4-0 to the home side at half-time.
Have a juicy derby pencilled in for the National League South on Monday evening, namely Hemel Hempstead v. Boreham Wood. There are a couple of non league clubs I seriously dislike, and BW are one of them. Used to have a quite nasty little pocket of followers, and the only reason they've got anywhere near the level they were at is down to being bankrolled by hosting Arsenal's Youth & Ladies teams. You can't survive in the Conference on the gates they were getting. Then back to Loftus Road on Tues for QPR v. Blackburn, pulled forward from Saturday due to Blackburn in F.A. Cup 4th Round |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 4 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Quite stupendous evening in the National League South. You don't need top flight for a top game.
Hemel Hempstead v. Boreham Wood....
Visitors in front after three minutes, but Hemel level on the quarter hour. Boreham Wood back in front just before the half hour, and a superbly struck free kick gave them a commanding 1-3 lead at HT.
First goal in second half was always going to be important, and Hemel got it ten mins in. Game on !!! And it looked like a further goal on 81 mins to make it 3-3 would get them a deserved point. Could either side win it ???
Hemel fail to clear their lines with three minutes to go, and the visitors scramble back in front. Despite eight added minutes, Hemel couldn't pinch another equaliser.
3-4 FT !!! Have another Monday night pencilled in two weeks hence, when HH host St. Albans in a rearranged game following a floodlight failure on Boxing Day. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 4 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Another little jaunt down to the 'cheap seats' at Loftus Road.
Early goal for QPR settled them, and they dominated first half against Blackburn who created very little all evening. Had the margin been three or four at half-time, it would not have been unfair. BUT......
Soft penalty early in second half helped Blackburn back into game, and they had a five/ten minute spell where they looked vaguely threatening. However QPR took control of closing stages to deservedly win 2-1. Would have been a travesty had Blackburn taken anything from the game, but an entertaining evening and a good win for QPR.
What a difference three months make. On first Tuesday in November, I saw Middlesbrough win 4-1 there without getting out of second gear. Came away simply thinking "They [ie QPR] are DOWN". But they are totally unrecognisable from the pre-Christmas shambles. Am back there on Friday week for game with Derby.
That's me done for the week. All eyes on the big one in East London on Saturday, Orient v. Manchester City ! |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 4 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Who's heading where tomorrow ?
Am under no illusions about the likely result at Brisbane Road tomorrow. Just hope it's an enjoyable day, and Orient give it bloody good go !
As always, safe travels, enjoy your game. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 4 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Well, don't bank on a meat pie or a burger for a snack.
Forest Green used to be a fantastic little club until it became a hippy ego-trip for the current owner. His latest crackpot idea is to move them again to a "sustainably built" primarily wooden stadium. |
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"Off to the New Lawn stadium, doubt we will get anything from the game but it's a new ground to tick off."
I might come down to your place next month with The Monkey Hangers. Not seen a game there, but have played a walking football tournament on the pitches behind the stand. We lost to Eastleigh on pens in the semi, with the final played on the main pitch. Good set up there 👍. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 4 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
"What an unbelievable goal that was, and how great it must have been to be there in the flesh to see it. C’mon The O’s!!"
What an incredible privilege to be at Brisbane Road this afternoon. My main hopes when I headed out were that Orient wouldn't have more than three go past them and would find the net themselves.
Wonderful afternoon's entertainment, didn't Orient work hard and play well ? Not just some lower tier kick & hoof team, but one that can play a bit. The fact that City needed to bring the big boys on at the end to wrap things up says it all.
As for the goal.....I'm looking and thinking "That's on target !". Pity it goes down as an o.g.
And pure class from Pep at the end, first thing he did was go across to applaud the Orient fans.
I shall enjoy watching it again over the next couple of days, the VCR was set before coming out ! City have the win, but Orient have the glory. Top two is beyond them, Birmingham will win it, second looks a straight fight between Wycombe & Wrexham, but it would be wonderful if Orient can stay in with a shout via the play-offs. Not been second tier since 1982.
(And I'm more than happy with Watford getting a point at Sunderland. Dirty Leeds are the visitors to The Vic on Tuesday). |
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"Well, don't bank on a meat pie or a burger for a snack.
Forest Green used to be a fantastic little club until it became a hippy ego-trip for the current owner. His latest crackpot idea is to move them again to a "sustainably built" primarily wooden stadium."
We thought their food was great when we went!!
We’re Plymouth bound at silly o’clock tomorrow to get battered by Liverpool 💚 |
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"
We’re Plymouth bound at silly o’clock tomorrow to get battered by Liverpool 💚
You were saying.....
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ! Delighted for you xx"
Delighted for the whole nation. We can already put that “Quadruple” media BS to bed for another season.
Enjoy your deserved day in the limelight all you Argyle fans - a memory to keep you warm long in the future. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 3 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
I'm still on a bit of a high from Brisbane Road on Saturday, one of those truly memorable occasions you only get every three or four years.
No doubt Watford will contrive to wipe the smile off my face when Dirty Leeds are in town on Tuesday evening |
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"
We’re Plymouth bound at silly o’clock tomorrow to get battered by Liverpool 💚
You were saying.....
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ! Delighted for you xx
Delighted for the whole nation. We can already put that “Quadruple” media BS to bed for another season.
Enjoy your deserved day in the limelight all you Argyle fans - a memory to keep you warm long in the future."
It was a long day left home at 7am returned at 10pm. What a day though - worth every minute to see my son’s happy face 💚💚💚
J x |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 3 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
You've heard of 'men against boys'. How about 'men against embryos' ?
Watford 0 Leeds 4 - and trust me, the scoreline flattered Watford, could easily have been seven or eight. Total shambles. Give the best footballing team in the division time & space to play, and they'll rip the shit out of you. They'll win it, Sheffield United will finish second, simple as that.
Will Watford's junior teams do any better in next few days ? Well, it's Brentford B v. Watford U21 at Staines at 1pm tomorrow (free admission too !) & the Under 18's host Tottenham in the Youth Cup at Vic Rd on Thursday evening.
Anyone else ventured out tonight ??? |
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Just got in from seeing Aylesbury United win 3-2 away to Kidlington, scoring a 90th minute winner after throwing away a two-goal lead. Poor quality game on an even poorer quality pitch. On the plus side, relegation looks to be averted for another season. |
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As per usual, my team Derby are making bigger headlines off the pitch than they are on it. I was fully behind getting rid of Warne, just wish it had been 2 months ago, but with so many managers available surely 1 of them would have been a decent shout rather than going for one already in a job |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 3 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
"Very happy with the result against Luton, they're the worst team I've seen at home this season, hopefully they drop back into the lower leagues where they belong."
They come to Vicarage Road on Sunday week, that'll give their survival chances a boost 😆
Tonight - Watford Youth v. Tottenham Youth, F.A. Youth Cup 5th Round
Tomorrow - QPR v. Derby. Now here's something unusual. QPR's last home game was v. Blackburn, thus John Eustace visiting manager with different clubs in successive matches.
Saturday - Fulham v. Nottingham Forest. Has the potential to be a very decent game. |
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"Just got in from seeing Aylesbury United....relegation looks to be averted for another season.
Still playing at Chesham ?"
Yes, for home games. Last night was my first visit to Kidlington’s ground. It would be very, very hard to be more underwhelmed.
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By *hief Scout OP Man 3 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
"Home to Brentford today. West Ham are 100% guaranteed not to win today - my Goddaughter is coming with us and she has never seen us win."
Have WHU won since Fulham gifted them three points the other week ?
Have grabbed a twenty quid seat for the Leicester game on Thurs week. |
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By *tu100Man 3 weeks ago
Southampton |
"Home game today and local(ish) derby.....Eastleigh v Aldershot, hoping for an entertaining game
Should be a decent crowd for that one."
Should be close to 3k, but saints are at home to Bournemouth as well |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 3 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
GOOD day today.
Best display I've seen from Fulham this season. A well deserved 2-1 win over a decent Forest team.
Even the drive up to Hammersmith was enjoyable, a quality chart from February 1982 on Pick Of the Pops accompanying the journey, a good lunch in a cafe on the Fulham Palace Road, and a spot of post-match socialising while watching the Palace-Everton game.
In fact, I've been properly spoilt this week. Superb showing from Queens Park Rangers last night, Chair's first goal was worth the admission money alone. Derby were rank though. Entertaining game between Watford & Spurs in the Youth Cup on Thurs (4-2), and an exciting 2-2 draw between Brentford B & Watford U21 (Conor Whickham playing as an over-age trialist - and scoring - for Watford, Ipswich have released him) on Wednesday. Couldn't even get pissed off on Tuesday seeing Leeds take Watford apart, Leeds were THAT good.
And all this on the back of an outstanding day at Brisbane Road last Saturday. Could very well end up being the best week of the season.
Two games lined up on Monday, Brentford B v Ipswich U21 at Staines at lunchtime, Hemel Hempstead v. St. Albans in the evening. Wycombe v. Bristol Rovers on Tuesday |
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"Does anyone have meets at the footy"
Not since the police / courts started handing out lengthy jail terms.
Oh, you mean THAT kind of meet 🤣. Yup, we’ve got a couple lined up for end of Feb and mid March. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 2 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
No pressure on Hemel & Stalebuns to perform this evening then !
Brentford B took the lead after just 48 seconds against Ipswich U21 at Staines, raced into a 2-0 lead inside four mins, and were three up inside twenty !
BUT......two goals in four minutes brought Ipswich back into it, before Brentford made it 4-2 on 32 mins.
As is often the case, second half was a bit more physical and disjointed with endless substitutions, but Brentford did add another with a couple of minutes to go. 5-2 FT |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 2 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Saw Leeds at Watford last week. By far and away best team I've seen in the Championship this season. I think they'll be comfortable next season. Sheffield United will finish second, Burnley & Sunderland nailed on for play-offs....then it's any two from about ten clubs, string three or four wins together and you're back in contention.
Anyway, down in National League South tonight...a fast game on the 3G pitch at Hemel. Have come to the conclusion you need to be ultra-fit to play on these surfaces regularly. Goalless first half, but Hemel took lead early in second half, with St. Albans equalising on 65 mins. In all honesty neither team did enough to win it, but in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Hemel scrambled in a winner. 2-1 FT.
Wycombe v. Bristol Rovers tomorrow, toying with taking in Aylesbury v. Northwood at Chesham on Weds. |
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" toying with taking in Aylesbury v. Northwood at Chesham on Weds. "
I really recommend that you don’t 🤣. Much as I love this wonderful club I have been watching since the late 70s, they really are a hard watch at the moment (says the bloke who will be driving over to Bedford to watch them next Tuesday). If you do go, watch it from the bar. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 2 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Great evening for the "little clubs" near the top of League One.
Everyone knows Birmingham are by far the biggest club in it, Wrexham are rolling in dosh, and Stockport aren't short of a few bob either.
But against the odds Wycombe continue to hold on to second place. Poor fare in the first half with Bristol Rovers, but two goals early in second half saw them cruise to a 2-0 win.
But that's an absolute better of a result for Orient up at Wrexham. A draw would have been decent, but to go up there and win is a superb of a result for them. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 2 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Pie'n'Mash....how the f*** do Aylesbury United survive on THOSE gates ? Must have been no more than 100 there tonight. Can recall trips to Buckingham Road where crowds would regularly approach a thousand. (Only went to Turnfurlong Lane once, when Hayes played them in the F.A. Cup in September 1984)
Anyway a scrambled goal in first half proved sufficient for a 'home' win. Couldn't tell you who scored it, numbers on backs of shirts totally illegible. But Northwood wasted enough chances to win the match comfortably in the second half. 1-0 FT |
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I am reliably informed that the goal was scored by someone called Helatyn. Apparently their 4th win in a row, their first home win since Oct 29th.
How they survive on those gates is down to brilliant work done by the Board and the supporters - both 21st Century Ducks (the supporters trust) and The Gold Club, which is about a dozen supporters paying £25 a month/£300 a year. (I was one of these for several years, until this season).
1000 for home games? We took that many to VS Rugby on a Thursday night in 1988 to see us get promoted to what is now the National League (where we were one of the last teams to play at Newport County’s old ground).
The club have been outside of the town for nearly 20 years, so effectively every home game is an away game. I have seen us play home games at 7 different grounds, and we owe Chesham a huge thanks for being such good landlords.
To think we nearly beat the full England team in the summer of 1988, narrowly losing 8-0. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 2 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
My visits to Buckingham Road would have been when Hayes clashed swords in the Isthmian League in the mid-1990's.
Was one particularly memorable afternoon in April 1996. As a 'refresher' ahead of Euro '96, Graham Poll was running the line !
Hayes were a goal down, equalised in the 89th minute, and then scored twice in stoppage time to win 3-1. Given we pipped Enfield to the title two weeks later on a +1 goal difference, every single goal was vital. (And I still think of the top division as the Conference !) Happy days. |
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I would not have been at that game, as I was living back in East London and following the ‘Appy ‘Ammers religiously home and away.
I remember my best mate raving about a young ref once he’d seen at an Aylesbury game, so much so that he actually bothered to remember his name. Said he would go all the way. Graham “how many cards was that?” Poll. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 2 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Lol. As young ref in the Isthmian League he sent Les Ferdinand off in a game against Carshalton in January 1987.
He was chosen as a linesman rather than a referee for Euro '96, so was having a few refresher games to sharpen him up, hence him running the line at Aylesbury-Hayes.
My ticket for Wet Spam-Leicester next Thurs has dropped into my emails this morning. Can't argue with twenty quid for a Prem game. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 2 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Well folks, Saturday again. Who's headed where ?
Took in Spurs U21 v Wolves U21 at Stevenage last night. A couple of useful youngsters in the Wolves team, while a couple of the Spurs lads have played in European games this season. Finished 2-3 to Wolves, decent enough game for a fiver.
Fulham v. Crystal Palace today. Fulham were impressive against Nottingham Forest last week, so very much hoping for a repeat performance today.
Then it's the small matter of Watford v. Luton tomorrow. After going 11 home games unbeaten from the start of the season, Watford have lost last five ! All bar being taken apart by Leeds last week, they've all been single goal defeats. Luton haven't shaken off their hangover from last season. Saw them at QPR in early January, and was shocked by how poor they were. Hopefully they won't pick tomorrow to find some form !
As always, safe travels if you're heading out, enjoy your game. |
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Away to The Arse this afternoon.
Busy week coming up (if I avoid the bug that has laid my Wife up).
Real Bedford v Aylesbury United on Tuesday (can we compete against a team that had I’ve £3.5 million invested in it?)
WHU v Leicester on Thursday (and we owe them for that daylight robbery at their place a couple of months ago)
Derby County u21s v The future of WHU at Matlock Town on Friday. Very, very excited about this one - new ground in a northern outpost. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 2 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
"Do you fans use fut bolo gy ?  "
I know various people who do, but I don't think my anorak-dom stretches THAT far !
I do knock up a spreadsheet on the computer to keep a note of my movements. Will be my 130th game of the season today. (My record for a season is 146, done last season - I should finish on 170+ this season). |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 2 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
I'll never understand this game ! (I'm sure Pie'n'Mash are thinking the same, 😆)
How can the same team - EXACTLY the same team, Fulham went with same starting XI as last week - perform so differently in successive matches ? Last week it was impossible to pick a Fulham MoM because everyone was outstanding. Today everybody was absolutely abysmal.
Oh well.....Watford-Luton awaits tomorrow ! |
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"I'll never understand this game ! (I'm sure Pie'n'Mash are thinking the same, 😆)
How can the same team - EXACTLY the same team, Fulham went with same starting XI as last week - perform so differently in successive matches ? Last week it was impossible to pick a Fulham MoM because everyone was outstanding. Today everybody was absolutely abysmal.
Oh well.....Watford-Luton awaits tomorrow !"
Good luck with keeping Luton on the bottom  |
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"I'll never understand this game ! (I'm sure Pie'n'Mash are thinking the same, 😆)
!"
Too true! Not once had it crossed my mind that we would win today, but we did so, deservedly. Have to say, Arsenal we’re not very impressive today and never looked like scoring, whereas we counter-attacked well.
We need to follow this up with a win on Thursday against Leicester. |
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"I'll never understand this game ! (I'm sure Pie'n'Mash are thinking the same, 😆)
!
Too true! Not once had it crossed my mind that we would win today, but we did so, deservedly. Have to say, Arsenal we’re not very impressive today and never looked like scoring, whereas we counter-attacked well.
We need to follow this up with a win on Thursday against Leicester."
It's all down to potter,! |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 2 weeks ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
"
Oh well.....Watford-Luton awaits tomorrow !
Good luck with keeping Luton on the bottom "
Pffft, it's Watford, I wouldn't bank on it !
* * * * *
On the plus side, I've noted some fixture rearrangements in the Professional Development League (that's the Under-21 league I keep an eye on) this week - Millwall U21 v. Brentford 'B' is now at The Den on Tues afternoon, so that should be 'open' to spectators. Watching U21 games at The Den is VERY civilised (they normally charge £5), you get taken up to the posh seats in the main stand. Went to game there a few months ago, there had been a function in one of the suites in the morning, and there was a load of left over bacon baguettes/sausage baguettes which were put out with tea & coffee for us anoraks attending the game. They get a hard press for their historical reputation, but I find Millwall a very hospitable club these days.
Then there's now Brentford 'B' v. Birmingham U21 at Staines on Fri at Staines at 1pm (and QPR U21 v. Leicester U21 in the PL2 Cup at Hayes on Fri evening). Will be pencilling all those in !
Already have Watford Youth v. Southampton Youth at The Vic in the last eight of the F.A. Youth Cup on Tues, am also popping along to West Ham-Leicester on Thurs (they occasionally have twenty quid tickets available), then it's Orient v. Charlton next Sat. So potentially that's seven games in as many days ! |
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"Do you fans use fut bolo gy ?
I know various people who do, but I don't think my anorak-dom stretches THAT far !
I do knock up a spreadsheet on the computer to keep a note of my movements. Will be my 130th game of the season today. (My record for a season is 146, done last season - I should finish on 170+ this season)."
Great work, we both like to anorak lol |
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Can’t believe how bad Derby are now, and getting worse. Injuries haven’t helped but new players that came in January and did well initially, now look like amateurs. Knew this season would be difficult but they’re worse now than can ever remember |
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"
They get a hard press for their historical reputation, but I find Millwall a very hospitable club these days.
"
As a club, Millwall are one of the most community-driven in London. They’ve worked very hard on their image for many years now, yet the media seem to be deliberately unwilling to acknowledge/praise this. (On the counter, odious clubs like Liverpool are feted and fawned over; those who know, know 😉).
I’ve even got a few ‘Wall mates, one of whom was a very active Bushwacker. All good lads, who love their Club. I just don’t admit this to my lot ⚒. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 1 week ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
"Can’t believe how bad Derby are now, and getting worse. Injuries haven’t helped but new players that came in January and did well initially, now look like amateurs. Knew this season would be difficult but they’re worse now than can ever remember "
Saw them at QPR the other week. Looks like it will be a case a step back before you can go forward.
But what is certain is Luton will be going with you. Proved to be a very comfortable 2-0 win for Watford this afternoon. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 1 week ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
"
They get a hard press for their historical reputation, but I find Millwall a very hospitable club these days.
As a club, Millwall are one of the most community-driven in London. They’ve worked very hard on their image for many years now, yet the media seem to be deliberately unwilling to acknowledge/praise this."
Indeed. But the media like to prolong the myth that they have the same problems as they did four decades ago.
I first made visits to The Den around ten years ago, had a friend who was registered disabled (now sadly passed on) and if I was at a loose end, he'd invite me in on his "carer's pass". Was a bit of an eye opener on the first few occasions I went but have never encountered any problems. And as you say, very passionate supporters who are proud of their club. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 7 days ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Admit it, you've been gagging to know how today's double header went, haven't you ?
Well, first up was a trip to The Den, for Millwall U21 v. Brentford B in the Professional Development League. Two good teams at this level, but Millwall took control of the game with a goal inside six minutes. They added a second just before the half hour, and made it 3-0 in the 89th minute.
Then back to Vicarage Road for the Youth Cup quarter-final with Southampton. Good start for the home team, leading after eleven minutes. Southampton equalised around ten minutes before the break. In closing stages of first half, Watford hit the bar, and went close with a couple of good efforts.
Thankfully it didn't prove costly. With fifteen minutes to go Watford edged back on front, and despite ten minutes of added on time, held on for a 2-1 to be the first team into the semi-final. West Brom play Manchester City, and Arsenal face Manchester United later this week, while the remaining quarter-final between Aston Villa & Plymouth doesn't take place until mid-March, couldn't be scheduled any earlier due to Villa Park hosting their CL match.
Anyone else ventured out this evening ? |
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Back in from watching Aylesbury United lose 3-2 at Real Bedford (who were on the ITV news tonight, as people keep telling me). First half was the best 45 mins I have seen the Ducks play in several years, and they went in 2-1 up. Second half saw why RB are top of the league.
Interesting “first” this evening. I was sent a slo-mo replay via WhatsApp of the penalty decision that decided the game. Level 5 or 6 and the game was being streamed live! And it wasn’t a penalty! (Ref refused to come over to look at his mistake 🤣).
Thoroughly enjoyable evening. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 6 days ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Well, THAT was a daft thing to do.
Just had a little nose at Brentford's website. Handful of reasonably priced remaining single seats dotted around the stadium, released on general sale to previous purchasers.
I know, I know..... |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 6 days ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Can best be described as a 'flat' game at Brentford tonight.
Never really seemed to get going, and didn't exactly sparkle with quality. Neither side did enough to win it, and a draw was the right result.
Fingers crossed for a more entertaining evening tomorrow |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 4 days ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
All the hype about the Premier League being best in the world....I've seen two very mundane games in last couple of days.
West Ham won't pick up an easier three points between now & end of season. Leicester were shockingly bad. It's not good for the game, the three teams coming up each year being horrendously out of their depth. The one positive I can throw into the mix is Leeds should be competent enough to stay up next season.
Anyway, two more Academy games later today to wrap the month up - Brentford B v. Birmingham U21 at Staines at 1pm, and I'll be off to the Goonerdome for 7pm, and another Youth Cup quarter-final, Arsenal v. Manchester United |
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Agree with you about last night’s game and the Prem being over-hyped. I genuinely enjoyed the non-league game I watched on Tuesday more, and am more excited about my trip to Matlock tonight for an under 21 fixture.
I thought the atmosphere was better than usual last night. Probably down to a combination of three very unexpected points at The Emirates last time out and yesterday’s announcement that our Board have frozen season ticket prices for next season, as well as reinstating concessions for new season tickets for OAPs and U21s. This is a huge victory for West Ham fans, who have been campaigning against this for the past 6 months. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 4 days ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
I don't think there's any real excuse for PL clubs to be putting Season Ticket prices up at present.
If West Ham had played with a bit more verve last night, you could have stuck four or five past Leicester, they were absolutely appaling. But you won comfortably without getting out of second gear, so fair enough. But like Brentford v. Everton on Weds, the game was too slow and not particularly attractive to watch. Sums up perfectly why I prefer watching games in the Championship, or as I will on Sat, the top end of League 1. I'm at Orient v. Charlton tomorrow, 6th v. 7th, so plenty riding on it.
The only thing 'refreshing' this season is that (as all great teams do occasionally) Manchester City are going through a few changes and have been off the pace. It's a bit of pity that Liverpool have got it as good as wrapped up already. The saving grace of this though is it's under the calm, measured Slot (Goodison aside), rather than the obnoxious Klopp and his endless histrionics.
As for the other end....it's seriously unhealthy that the three teams who came up are ridiculously out of their depth again, the clubs around them have simply strolled to safety. Don't forget the only reason Luton almost got away with it last year was the F.A. hammering the shit out of Everton & Forest.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I feel Leeds have enough about them to be reasonably comfortable next year. But Sheffield United would struggle if they come up. If Bore-ley were to win the play-offs they'd get battered out of sight every week, Parker has already proved with Fulham & Bournemouth that he's far too inept to adapt to coaching at the highest level. |
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By *hief Scout OP Man 3 days ago
Wild Border Country of Herts & Middx ! |
Well, another double header of Academy & Youth games to wrap up the month.
Another little jaunt to Staines for a Brentford B game, this time against Birmingham U21. Two goals in as many minutes midway through the first half gave Brentford a 2-0 win.
A sprakling evening's entertainment for the F.A. Youth Cup quarter-final at the Emirates. Manchester United edged the first half, took the lead, but Arsenal nicked an equaliser just before the break.
The home side started the second half the stronger team, and went in front through a penalty. United levelled eight minutes before the 90 mins, and despite around ten minutes of stoppage time neither side could find a winner. Rather cruelly given these youngsters had already played around 100+ minutes, the game went to extra time.
United finished the game the stronger, and went 2-3 in front in the first half of extra time. And that proved to be enough. A very decent four quid's worth (that's all adult tickets were tonight), a highly enjoyable match.
Incredibly for a month with twenty-eight days, I've managed to get to twenty-three matches ! What a sad git !!! My stats for the season to date are....137 matches. 74 home wins, 21 draws, 42 away wins. Goals 227 home/168 away.
Hope you've enjoyed your football this month as much as I have (on the whole I've seen some decent stuff over the last four weeks). Thanks to everyone who's chipped in here. See you on the March Football Thread page ! |
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