Saturday 26th April 2008
Millfields 4 Parkdale Rovers 2
Lacey, O’Reilly, Bicknell, Mayes, Fox, Hill, Whyte, Oldfield (1), Sippitts, Hayden(1), Louden subs used Pugh, Carty not used Woodhouse
The game started very evenly with both sides coming close. Millfields looked dangerous from the right and Bicknell had his hands full but was doing well. Millfields took the lead when the centre forward got past last man Mayes and placed a very accurate shot just inside the far post to make it 1-0. After 10 mins Louden was through on goal and with the ball bouncing high on a very hard and bobbly pitch was waiting for it to come down and about to pull the trigger when he was tackled at the last second. Louden suffered a heavy knock on the top of his foot and was unable to continue replaced by Pugh. Some good work by Sippitts on the left fed the ball through to Pugh who flicked it backwards into the path of Oldfield who rifled the ball past the Millfields keeper. 1-1. The game remained fairly even with a solid Millfields defence not giving much away. The Millfields centre forward looked lively and midway through the first half got the wrong side of Mayes to meet a cross with his head and again send it accurately past Lacey 2-1. Shortly after Hayden was fouled on the edge of the box and the referee awarded a direct free kick. Hayden took it himself superbly lashing the ball wide of the keeper to make it 2-2. The rest of the half remained fairly even with chances at both ends but ended 2-2.
The second half got off to a bad start for Parkdale when the Millfield centre forward broke free and looked certain to score when Mayes dived at full length to palm the ball wide. The referee awarded a penalty and sent Mayes off. The centre forward took the penalty himself but a weak effort was easily saved by Lacey. Parkdale reorganised with Whyte dropping to central defence, Hill to central midfield, Hayden to right midfield and Pugh on his own up front. Parkdale battled valiantly but were always up against it with one man down. The defence held strong for a long while but nothing was happening up front. Eventually Millfields made a break through making 3-2 and with Parkdale vainly trying to make an effort to get back into the game more and more gaps started appearing in the defence. Millfields scored again to make it 4-2. Carty came on to replace Pugh with Hayden moving back up front and injected a bit of life into the front line with Carty and Hayden producing some half chances. The match ended 4-2.
Some good displays through out the pitch with little to choose between the teams until the sending off
Parkdale Rovers 2 Areley Kings 3
Lacey, O’Reilly, C.Derrer, A Derrer, Sippitts(1), Hill(1), A.Fox, Louden, Jewkes, Hayden, C.Fox subs Haynes used and Woodhouse not used
The first half was a fairly even affair with both teams coming close. Parkdale probably just edged it on chances especially if counting two very close own goal attempts by the Areley Kings centre half one coming off the post and some how staying out. Overall it was a fine performance in the first half with impressive displays all over the pitch. Sippitts looked exceptional and worked well with the much improved Jewkes. Hill and Hayden were combining well and the Fox brothers were battling well. The Derrer brothers looked solid at the back as did Lacey and Louden and O’Reilly were on good form also.
Second half Parkdale took charge coming close with a Hill header. After 7 minutes Kings cleared straight to Sippitts who hit a stunning drive from all of 30 yards giving the Kings keeper no chance and almost breaking the net. 5 minutes later a shot from Hill was cleared from behind the line, Parkdale claimed it had crossed the line and referee Connelly agreed and awarded a goal. 2-0. Kings made a few changes and started looking dangerous again. Kings came close but Parkdale cleared the ball but it fell straight to a Kings midfielder who hit a rocket of a shot past Lacey straight into the net. The game had switched and Kings looked more in control of the midfield. Louden appeared to be labouring and Fox was outnumbered. Kings scored again from close range. Haynes replaced the injured Louden. Kings had a free kick which they pumped into the box met by a flicked header from a forward past Lacey into the net. With only 3 minutes to go and not much chance of injury time due to the diminishing light Parkdale ran out of time.
We ran out of stream a bit in the second half after a brilliant start. Up until this point there were good performances all over the pitch. Jewkes had his best match all season and came close to player of the match however one player stood out tonight.
Man of the match – Jamie Sippitts
Saturday 19th April 2008
Wyre Forest 6 Parkdale Rovers 3
Lacey, O’Reilly, Bicknell, Fox, Derrer, Jewkes, Whyte (2), Oldfield (1), Sippitts, Carty, Hayden subs Russell, Woodhouse
A bright start from both teams saw chances at both ends but it remained 0-0 until half way through the first half when Parkdale got caught outnumbered at the back and a simple cut back was passed into the net by Forest. Parkdale were level not too much longer when Carty was finally given some time on the ball enabling him to pick out a 30 yard pass out to Sippitts in space on the left. He burst forward before firing across the box, the keeper managed to knock the ball out off the post only to fall straight to Oldfield who struck the ball accurately past the keeper into the net. 1-1. Parkdale began leaving gaps through the centre and Forest took full advantage putting pressure on the Parkdale defence. Lacey kept Parkdale in the game with numerous top class saves. Eventually just before half time a corner came in and was bundled over the line by Forest to make it 2-1.
Half Time
Parkdale started off where they left off with the Forest midfield coming through the centre putting pressure on the Parkdale defence and leaving them outnumbered. Before too long Forest were 3 –1 up followed by another not long after to make it 4-1. Parkdale’s heads had dropped and some players looked like they had given up. Jewkes was replaced by Russell with Oldfield switching to the right. But still Forest were pressuring the Parkdale defence and scored again following a good move. O’Reilly got caught wrong side of the Forest forward who left him behind as the ball was threaded through giving the Forest forward a clear shot on goal 5-1. A couple of minutes later, in a bizarre incident Fox cleared the ball but hit it straight into the face of O’Reilly who went down pole axed and concussed. Unsure if he was able to continue Parkdale continued with 10 men but again came under even more pressure resulting in yet another goal for Forest. O’Reilly decided that he could not continue and veteran Woodhouse came on to fill the right back spot. Parkdale had a mini revival at this point probably helped slightly by some Forest substitutions. The defence looked more solid and the midfield got hold of the ball better. David Whyte went on a good solo run cutting in from the left going past about 4 players using a combination of skill and strength before lashing the ball into the net from a very tight angle 6-2. A few minutes later Whyte again went on another run from the left cut in and again went past a number of players before lashing the ball into the net from another tight angle 6-3. Doubt was beginning to appear in the Forest team but time eventually ran out for Parkdale with the final score 6-3.
We played well in spells but rolled over far to easily at other times. David Whytes brace was superb but man of the match goes to a man who made a number of saves that kept us in the game up to a point at least..
Man of the Match - Dan Lacey
Two Gates 4 Parkdale Rovers 3
Lacey, O’Reilly, Bicknell, Fox, Derrer, Hill, Whyte, Oldfield, Sippitts, Hayden (1), Louden (2) sub Jewkes
This was another game that we felt we could have won but as usual fate dealt us another blow when referee A Sharman yet again failed to show despite reassuring Two Gates that he would be there. Two Gates player Jack Shaw (a qualified junior ref) stepped in to referee the game. Parkdale always nervous when a stand in referee is used got off to a very slow start again seeming disorganised at the back as Bicknell appeared very flat footed when he completely missed what seemed an easy ball letting in a two gates forward for a simple goal with a close range shot at Lacey. The very next attack by Two gates saw a run into the box from the right of the box tracked closely by Derrer. As the player got closer to the goal Derrer stretched out a leg clearly kicking the ball out for a corner but catching the players legs in doing so. To the amazement of the Parkdale players the referee pointed to the spot and awarded a penalty. Despite the complaints Two gates slotted the ball home from the spot. 2-0 to two gates with in 5 minutes. This seemed to gee Parkdale into life and they put tremendous pressure on Two gates, peppering the goal for the rest of the half. Despite the pressure the ball would not go into the net until eventually mid way through the first half Hayden struck the ball well firing the ball into the net following a slight deflection. 2-1. Parkdale kept up the pressure with Sippitts and Oldfield playing exceptionally well backed up ably by the rest of the team but could not add to the score despite having about 4 chances to every 1 from Two gates.
The second half got off to a bad start when Parkdale again conceded to make the score 3-1 but then David Louden had his best spell of the game. Good work again by the brilliant Sippitts ripped Two gates open and the hard running of Hayden and the guile of Hill combined with Oldfield finally releasing Louden who shot brilliantly from distance rattling the back of the net. 3-2. The defence were holding firm and were backed up ably by the very hard working Whyte who seemed to pop up everywhere. Parkdale were firing on all cylinders and again Louden broke clear hitting the back of the net again from distance with a shot equally as good as the first one making it 3-3 with Parkdale looking good. Derrer who had had a very good game hurt his ankle in a tackle and had to come off meaning a reorganisation with Hill joining the hard working Fox at the back and Jewkes coming into midfield on the right and showing some good touches. With just 5 minutes to go the much improved O’Reilly was pulled back by his shirt but to everyone’s amazement the referee waved play on and while everyone moaned at the referee Two Gates continued playing putting the ball high into the box where Two Gates centre forward rose to glance the ball over Lacey’s head into the net to make it 4-3. With only a few minutes left Parkdale pressed on again having a few half chances but being unable to score. As Two Gates hung on the referee blew bang on 45 minutes despite numerous times during the second half when the ball had sportingly been put out of play when players from both sides had been injured.
Overall a very good performance with much improved performances especially from O’Reilly and Oldfield. O’Reilly battled all match and Oldfield looked back to his old self. Whyte worked tremendously hard as did Hayden and Fox. Lacey’s handling was sound and Bicknell had a much better second half. Jewkes did well when he came on and Hill was quality throughout. Louden was handful through out and took his goals superbly. But one man stood out.
Saturday 5th April 2008
Ounsdale Athletic 5 Parkdale Rovers 2
Lacey, O’Reilly, Fox, Mayes, Sippitts (1), Hill, Whyte, Russell, Jewkes, Hayden, Louden (1)
A makeshift defence took a long time to work out who should be doing what. By the time Parkdale’s defence got itself into order Ounsdale had scored 3 goals. As early as the 4th minute Ounsdale crossed from the right for a simple tap in by the centre forward. Parkdale were still looking dangerous going forward with Hayden coming close when one of his shots was deflected and looped just over the bar. Ounsdale’s second was not long in coming with their left winger running unchallenged and picking a spot beyond Lacey when everyone was probably expecting a cross. Both centre halves were marking the two forwards leaving no cover at the back in the middle. Despite advice from the side to rectify this the problem was not rectified and the centre forward for Ounsdale turned Mayes and despite a valiant effort from Mayes to get back powered through to make it three. At this point O’Reilly moved back to his more natural right back position with Sippitts providing cover to the centre halves. Almost immediately Parkdale won a freekick taken by Hayden who powered the ball into the box which was niftily flicked past the keeper by Louden’s head to make it 3-1. More or less from the kick off Parkdale let Ounsdale through for a fourth.
After a good talking to at half time the defence came out looking much more organised with Sippitts taking advice from the line and doing everthing asked of him. Parkdale pressured Ounsdale with Russell, Hill and Whyte bossing the midfield and Hayden and Louden terrorising the defence. Parkdale came close numerous times but were unable to score. Things were going well and despite the score it looked like Parkdale were going to make a game of it. Then Whyte got injured after treading on the ball. He dropped into the back and Sippitts went into midfield. Sippitts injected pace into the midfield and terrorised the Ounsdale midfield by running at them. On one occasion he ran straight into the box pressurising a mistake by the Ounsdale defence who were also pressured by Louden and the ball was forced over the line with the goal credited to Sippitts. With Whyte somewhat immobilised the defence again looked vulnerable. The Ounsdale left winger ran down the wing and crossed, with Mayes the wrong side of his man he had no choice but to header the ball with the centre forward waiting right behind him unfortunately for Mayes the ball rocketed into the net. Final score 5-2
Four players missing today and as a result there were some good performances and some poor performances in this match. Frustrating from the side when instructions issued are not carried out.
Man of the match – Jamie Sippitts (Pity we had to waste him at the back for most of the match)
Parkdale Rovers 1 Kinver 2
Lacey, O’Reilly, Bicknell, Mayes, Derrer, Hill, Fox, Whyte, Sippitts, Hayden, Louden (1 pen) subs Oldfield, Russell
Yet another week in what seems a year of very windy Saturdays. Parkdale won the toss and opted to kick into the wind first half. A strategy of placing 10 men behind the ball first half and attacking using the wind second half was adopted and almost worked. It was 19 mins before Kinver had their first chance from the right that Lacey was more than equal to pulling off a fine save at his left hand post. Parkdale looked dangerous on the break and in one such break Whyte was tripped in the box as he turned but unbelievably the referee did not point to the spot. The ball stayed in the box and a through ball was almost reached by Louden but the keeper got there first. In the 29th minute a good turn and shot by Kinver saw the ball go just wide. Parkdale had defended brilliantly up until this point with everyone helping each other out and Kinver’s chances kept to a minimum. On 31 mins Parkdale made their first mistake when Derrer failed to clear from the back giving it to a Kinver player just 5 yards away from him. The player controlled the ball and hit a long looping shot giving Lacey no chance to make it 0-1. A minute later Fox got booked for taking a player out as he ran past. The resultant free kick went harmlessly over the bar. Parkdale ended the half being only one down despite the strong wind and looked in a very strong position for the second half.
After 9 mins Louden had a chance with a cross shot that was well blocked by the Kinver defence. Oldfield replaced Sippitts. After 11 mins Louden was put clear through but could only manage to put the ball wide with only the keeper to beat. After 15 mins Kinver winger breaks down the right wing crosses square, all of the Parkdale defence appear mesmerised as the ball passes through all of them and is hit into the net by the centre forward. 0-2
On 23 minutes Hill controls the ball well near the by line goes past one player and hits the ball across the goal line, under pressure from Hayden the ball is sent towards the goal but a Kinver player lying on the floor knocks the ball away with his hand before it crosses the line. The referee awards a penalty but does discipline the player involved. From the spot Louden easily beats the keeper to the right to make it 1-2. As Parkdale pushed on gaps appeared at the back and both sides had half chances with Parkdale heading one corner just wide. Russell replaced Fox for the last 20 mins. Kinver almost scored again in the 42nd minute with replica of the second goal but this time Kinver headed over the bar from 3 yards out. Kinver had one more chance a minute later when under pressure from Kinver’s attack Mayes hit the ball towards his own goal forcing Lacey to pull off a brilliant save. Parkdale had one last chance when a Hill free kick was brilliantly delivered on to Loudens head. Everyone thought he had scored but the ball skimmed the outside of the post. Final score 1-2.
Despite the adverse conditions, a good performance in which we deserved to get something out of the game. Everyone played very well and two minor lapses of concentration cost us the game. We are holding our own but losing by a single goal each week. So near and yet so far.
Saturday 22nd March 2008
Parkdale Rovers 2 Lye Town Res 3
Lacey, O’Reilly, Bicknell, Derrer, Mayes, Hill, Fox, Oldfield, Sippitts, Louden, Hayden (1) subs Uff (1), Whyte, Jewkes
Parkdale created a couple of early half chances into the wind. On 5 mins Lacey cameout to save from Lye forward resulting in the forward tripping over Laceys head and the referee awarded a penalty. Lacey saved brilliantly from the kick but the referee called Oldfield over and booked him for dissent and ordered a rekick from which Lye scored. 1-0 12 mins Lye came close again but Lacey saved with a brilliant finger tip save over the bar. Again after 14 mins Lye came close rattling the crossbar as Parkdale scrambled it away. 25 mins Louden received it down the right and pulled it back for the advancing Hill who hit it first time over the bar. On 27 mins Louden freekick was hit over the bar. 35 mins Lye had half shot just over the bar.44 mins a long clearance from Lacey was hit first time over the bar by Hill. 45 mins a long ball clears the Parkdale defence and a forward runs past them to beat Lacey and make it 2-0.
Second half
Uff on for Louden. 46 minsHayden and Uff one two brilliant Hayden 1st time strike creeps under the keeper 2-1. 48 mins there was a goalmouth scramble that Derrer managed to block taking the ball out but the referee gives a goal kick. 51 mins Hayden takes a free kick but it goes harmlessly into the goal keepers arms.53 mins a great run by Hill down the right sets Uff through he goes on a mazy run riding tackles hitting a right foot shot past the keeper to make it 2-2. 55 mins a long goal kick finds Sippitts who crosses to Uff who shoots just over the bar. 57 mins Lacey advances and dives at feet of striker causing him to hit high and wide. Whyte on for Oldfield. 64 mins the Parkdale defence was carved open leaving the forward with an easy chance that he scoops over from 3 feet out. 70 mins a left side throw in to Uff who rolls his man and hits another right foot shot just over the bar. 80 mins Hill skins the fullback and hit a delicate lob over the keeper rebounding the ball on to the bar. The ball falls into Sippitts path but he blazes over from close range. 85 mins Lye hit a free kick over the bar. 88 mins a long through ball catches Lacey in two minds. First he comes then hesitates as Mayes comes with the forward both players call for it but Lacey gets there too late as the forward lifts his leg up high and lobs the ball into an empty net.
Lye apparently had some of their first team playing and as usual a strong wind subsided in the second half benefiting Lye more overall in the game. Despite this Parkdale were well worth a point and were just unlucky. Some outstanding performances from Derrer and Hayden but the man of the match just nicked it for some great headers and clearances.
Man of the Match - Blaine O’Reilly (cleared his lines very well all game)
15th March 2008
Wyre Forest 2 Parkdale Rovers 1
Kidderminster Harriers Junior Cup Semi Final
Lacey, O'Reilly, Derrer, Mayes, Bicknell, Hill, Fox, Russell, Sippitts(1), Louden, Hayden Subs Uff, Oldfield
A great game of football on a miserable wet afternoon. Wyre Forest started well pressuring the Parkdale defence. Wyre Forest had a fast forward line that looked set to give Parkdale a testing time. The early chances fell to Wyre Forest when the left winger set the centre forward free but he rushed his shot and put it just wide. Parkdale had the majority of the team behind the ball with hard work and brilliant defending keeping Wyre Forest out. After 15 mins Parkdale showed that they too could attack catching Wyre Forest on the break with the lively looking Hayden leaving the Wyre Forest defence for dead, crossing to Louden who headed just narrowly over . Parkdale continued to defend with O’Reilly and Derrer dealing well with Wyre Forest’s danger men, ably backed up by the determined Mayes and Bicknell. The defence were also supported by the hardworking Parkdale midfield quartet of Hill, Sippitts, Russell and Fox who had the frustration of not getting forward as much as they would have liked. The tactics appeared to be working with Parkdale defending and trying to catch Forest on the break, After 30 mins Haydens pace again took him clear of the Forest defence and a looping shot went just wide. Again Hayden broke clear on 35 mins and, when it looked certain he would score, hit his shot only to see it rebound off the inside of the post. Parkdale were coming into the game more and more. Good runs by Louden, Hill and Hayden continually had Forest in problems. In the 44th minute a lack of concentration let the Forest winger get past O’Reilly for the first time and he managed to shoot from a narrow angle beating Lacey at the near post (1-0). Although Forest had had the most possession Parkdale had probably had the better chances.
Second half was a different type of game. Parkdale pressed forward a lot more and it was a much more open game. After 20 minutes a rebounded shot deflected out wide. Louden reacted first getting to the ball turning and picking out Sippitts in the box who headed the ball past the Forest Keeper to make it (1-1). Uff came on for Hill who had run himself into the ground. Only 2 minutes later Forest hit a shot that was blocked and rebounded back to a Forest player on the edge of the D, who mishit his shot through a crowd of players which looked to be going well wide. Unluckily for Parkdale and rather fortuitiously for Wyre Forest his shot inadvertently hit one of his own players on the shins and the ball riocheted and somehow managed to find a gap to beat Lacey and make it 2-1. After 35 minutes Louden put Uff clear through and with only the keeper to beat he somehow managed to put the ball just wide. Oldfield replaced Fox for the last 10mins. Wyre Forest then packed out the defence and held on to the end of the match obviously relieved to hear the final whistle. The referee blew bang on 90 mins - despite natural stoppages for two goals in the 2nd half and despite numerous time wasting tactics by the home team throughout the 2nd half were the referee claimed to have "stopped his watch"! It was good game to watch with some awesome performances all over the pitch. At the end of the day cups are often won or lost with either some element of good luck or bad luck. Parkdale were very unlucky not to have put away at least three good chances and Wyre Forest certainly got a lucky break with their winning goal - perhaps their name is on the cup this year? In with a shout for man of the match were Hayden, Russell and Mayes. The MOM goes to the player who battled the hardest.
Man of the Match – Nigel Mayes
Saturday 8th March 2008
Parkdale Rovers 3 Two Gates 4
Lacey, O’Reilly, A.Fox, Derrer, Bicknell, Hill, Whyte, Russell, Sippitts, Louden (3), C.Fox sub not used Woodhouse
Two Gates got off to a flying start catching the Parkdale defence cold and scoring after just 30 seconds with a curling shot from their left that gave Lacey no chance. Two Gates helped by a strong wind continued to pressurise and 5 minutes later Russell tripped a Two Gates player in the box as he went on a mazy run and the referee rightly pointed at the penalty spot. The Two Gates centre forward stepped up and slotted the ball past Lacey to make it 0-2. It took Parkdale 15 minutes to settle down and then they started getting forward themselves. Louden shot wide after 17 minutes as Parkdale pushed on. Then after 24 minutes Louden received the ball in the box and as he turned in the box he had his legs pulled from under him and the referee again rightly pointed to the spot. Louden himself got up to calmly slot the ball past the Two Gates keeper. 1-2. From the kick off Whyte intercepted the ball passed it to Louden on the left wing and he cut the ball inside before shooting brilliantly past the depairing keeper and into the far top corner to make it 2-2. Parkdale buoyed by this goal pushed forward causing problems. Parkdale only looked vulnerable in the air and were lucky not to concede from a couple of corners. Then in the 29th minute a Two Gates throw in was poorly dealt with in the air and was only half cleared as far as one of Two Gates forwards who hit the ball first time past Lacey 2-3. The rest of the half was fairly even with both teams having shots going harmlessly over the bar.
In the second half Parkdale had the wind and hoped it’s help would help them win the game unfortunately Two Gates had other ideas and after 5 minutes broke free running past the Parkdale defence for the centre forward to score again 2-4. Parkdale struggled to adjust to the strong wind behind them and found it difficult to judge the strength or the direction of the pass and Two Gates again broke past the defence but this time Andy Fox got back well to make a brilliant challenge and divert the threat. Eventually Parkdale started getting used to the wind and a good piece of interplay between Louden and Whyte saw Whyte get in a shooting position but unfortunately he scuffed his shot. Eventually Parkdale got a break when a long ball from Lacey was punted into the box and a defender under pressure from Louden headed the ball beyond his own keeper to make it 3-4. Parkdale piled on the pressure trying to get a last minute equaliser and a fantastic ball over the top found Whyte as he ran through, picked up the ball and hit it first time but agonisingly it went just wide. The Referee blew the final whistle shortly after.
Parkdale got off to a slow start that probably cost them the game but the pleasing thing is that despite going two goals down heads did not drop and we battled back into it. Everyone worked really hard. There were some very good performances with an especially good performance from Hill who worked tirelessly on the right. However man of the match goes to a player who produced the goals on the day.
1st March 2008
KS Athletic 1 Parkdale Rovers 4
Lacey, O’Reilly, Bicknell, Mayes, Derrer, Hill, Whyte (1), Russell(1), Sippitts, Louden(1), Hayden(1) sub not used Phil Woodhouse
Parkdale were told to just go out and enjoy a game of football and that they did. They started brightly with an early long range effort from Louden going wide. Minutes later Hayden put a brilliant ball into the box that was difficult to defend forcing a KS defender to deflect the ball towards his own goal that brought a fine save from the keeper who pushed the ball on to his own crossbar and out for a corner. KS had a good chance when their No9 was clear through but he volleyed over the bar letting Parkdale off the hook. Shortly after KS did get in front when the KS right winger was left unattended and took the ball to the by line before crossing in the perfect cross for the other KS centre forward to volley in from close range. Parkdale were getting caught out at the back and needed to reorganise. KS nearly made it two when one of the centre forwards was put through and fired at Lacey who brilliantly saved from close range. This was one of the main changing points of the game, If that had gone in Parkdale’s heads could have dropped and KS tails would have been up. Instead Parkdale went on the offensive with O’Reilly charging down the right and passing to Hill whose quick first time shot almost caught the keeper out but he managed to get half a hand to it and the ball rolled out agonisingly just wide. The resultant corner was taken away from the goal by the strong wind but was hooked back in by Louden and fell to Russell who turned quickly and rifled the ball into the net (1-1) This was the second changing point of the game as Parkdale’s confidence increased and doubts appeared in KS play.
Half Time
Parkdale discussed how to deal with the early defensive problems and put the plan into action. The KS threat diminished and Parkdale grew in confidence. Some good play by the excellent Derrer put the ball through to Louden who in turn passed to Hayden. He hit a looping shot that went just over the bar. Shortly after a Hayden corner was headed just over by Whyte. After 10 minutes Sippitts put Hayden through and he was tackled and both he and the defender fell to the ground. Hayden got up first got hold of the ball and hit a superb looping shot past the keeper and into the net from 20 yards. (1-2) Parkdale grew in confidence and took control of the game with KS doing the complete opposite by getting jittery and arguing with each other. The midfield and forwards foraged forward with not much troubling the Parkdale defence well marshalled by the enthusiastic Mayes. Another Hayden corner was headed back across goal by Louden finding the head of Whyte perfectly who headed past the keeper to make it 1-3. Hill and Hayden now really began to enjoy themselves playing some great football combining well with Sippitts, Louden and Whyte. On one occasion Hill and Hayden passed it between them with Hill taking the ball beyond the defence and cutting it back for Hayden. Just as he was about to hit the ball the defender took the ball off his foot. The excellent Russell who had bossed the midfield with Whyte put Hayden through but he hit it over the bar. Hayden again was put through but was caught up by the defence but he turned inside hitting a 25 yard shot just wide. Sippitts went on a good run putting in a great cross that the defender could only head straight to Louden for a simple shot into the corner of the net from close range to make it 1-4. A good all round team performance where everyone played a part. Lacey made very important saves to keep us in the game when we were a bit disorganised at the back, O’Reilly and Bicknell both had outstanding games defending well and going forward with good effect, Mayes was committed and rallied the troupes from on the pitch. Derrer never put a foot wrong and made some very important interceptions. Hill and Sippitts defended well when required and caused chaos going forward. Whyte worked hard and along with Russell dominated the midfield. Louden was strong and battled very well and worked well with the rest of the team looking almost back to his old self and Hayden was lively and created lots of chances and took his goal very well. This is the first time for a while that we have played as a team and everyone had the potential to be named man of the match. But two stood out just a little bit having both improved beyond all recognition over the last two to three weeks so it is awarded to two this week.
Saturday 23rd February 2008
Parkdale Rovers 0 Albron 3
Lacey, O’Reilly, Fox, Mayes, Bicknell, Hayden, Russell, Derrer, Sippitts, Jewkes, Louden subs Woodhouse
Parkdale had a number of players missing for genuine reasons and were let down at the last minute by two players leaving a depleted squad to pick from for this possible 6 pointer. A strong wind aided Parkdale in the first half but they could not put the ball in the net despite some close chances from Louden, Jewkes and Hayden. Albron also had some chances but suffered from some poor finishing. Half time 0-0.
In the second half Albron had the assistance of the wind and put more pressure on the Parkdale defence. O’Reilly, Fox, Mayes and Bicknell all worked hard but were eventually caught out by a long throw in that found the head of an Albron player who did well to direct it down and beyond Lacey for the first goal. Sippitts almost equalised almost immediately after a good move but put it too close to the keeper who saved. The second goal was a carbon copy of the first with a long throw and header. Louden played most of the second half injured before eventually being substituted by Woodhouse. Albron ensured the win when a cross from the right was again headed in to make it 3-0. Despite the score there were good performances from all of the defence, The midfield all worked extremely hard with Russell shining for the second game in a row. Hayden and Sippitts worked tirelessly but the lack of width made it all a bit tight. Louden was obviously restricted by his injury and Jewkes worked hard. Man of the match was given for his commitment, determination, drive and downright luck in not giving away a penalty despite some dodgy tackles and a suspected hand ball.
Saturday 16th February 2008
Cradley 2 Parkdale Rovers 0
Lacey, O’Reilly, Louden, Fox, Russell, Bicknell, Whyte, Oldfield, Sippitts, Hill, Hayden subs used Jewkes and Mayes
Parkdale started really well looking better than they had done for weeks. Hayden went on a 40 yard run down the right hand side as early as the 7th minute and passed the ball to the lively looking Sippitts whose shot was saved by the keeper. 3 mins later a good long ball from Fox to Oldfield who knocks it on to Sippitts. The ball bobbles up and Sippitts can only hit it wide to the left of goal. After18 minutes Cradley had their first chance when the left winger pulled the ball back to the edge of the box for a shot wide of Lacey’s goal. Referee Dave Herbert showed that he would stand no messing when in the 25th minute he booked 3 Cradley players for dissent. After 34 minutes some good work between Hayden and Bicknell resulted in the ball going to Oldfield who shot over from distance. In the 38th minute Parkdale disputed a free kick rather than concentrating on defending it and the ball fell to a suspiciously offside looking player who unchallenged put the ball past Lacey to make it 1-0 to Cradley. Cradley came close again after 45 mins when a shot from the left went just wide.
Half time 1-0
Cradley came out full of confidence and Parkdale had to weather the storm for a while. After 4 minutes Lacey saved a low shot. After 7 minutes a Cradley corner was headed just over. O’Reilly defended well workinghard toput a much taller player off his header when he was clean through. After 14 minutes a Cradley forward was clean through but was thwarted before being able to shoot by a brilliant challenge by Fox. After 15 minutes the pressure finally told when a corner was put in and the header was cleared off the line by O’Reilly but the ball came back to a forward who slotted the ball past Lacey to make it 2-0. The rest of the game was a bit of a stalemate with the midfield and defences dominating play and very few chances occurring. Hayden went on one good run cutting in from the left going past two players before hitting a low looping shot just wide of the right hand post. Final score 2-0
Overall a much improved performance with effort and commitment from everyone. The goals we gave away were messy goals and probably a fair result would have been 0-0. Our main problem is lack of goal scoring opportunities. Although everyone did well there were some particularly good performances from Sippitts, Louden, Whyte and O’Reilly. However the man of the match goes to someone who has been off the boil in recent weeks but returned to his very best with great defending, good distribution, hard work and commitment.
Man of the Match – Tom Russell
PS - Everyone wishes Martin Louden a quick recovery following his accident and operation GET WELL SOON 
Saturday 9th February 2008
Kinver 6 Parkdale Rovers 0
Lacey, Sippitts, Fox, Russell, Jewkes, Oldfield, Whyte, Milczarek, Hayden, Hill subs used Mayes, Woodhouse
Parkdale started very brightly putting Kinver on the back foot with O’Reilly putting a half chance wide and Fox heading over from a Hill freekick. Another Hill freekick was volleyed over the bar by Whyte. Then in the 16th minute a long ball over the top catches The Parkdale defence square. Lacey did well to save in a one to one situation but could only push the ball wide. The attacker reacted quicker than the defence and managed to slot the ball in from a tight angle. 2 minutes later Kinver attacked again hitting the post as a tackle is put in on one of their forwards, again the defence stopped and watched as the ball rebounded off the post and the forward tapped it in. Parkdale continued getting caught square at the back and the competition diminished as players did not battle enough, gave up too easily and argued with each other. Some players did not work hard enough and others did not put themselves about enough. Parkdale were lucky to finish the half just 2-0 down.
The second half started badly again with some players going too far forward leaving us vulnerable at the back. Very few Parkdale players seemed to have the ability to put their foot on the ball or to pass accurately and the problem was amplified when players did not try to recover the ball if a pass was slightly off target. Kinver scored again in the 1st minute. Parkdale did come close when Whyte went on a strong run down the right and passed the ball to Hill who let the ball go through to Milczarek who could not get hold of the ball properly and tamely hit the ball at the keeper. Kinver came close again in the 8th minute when a good run across goal and shot hit the side netting. In the 22nd minute Whyte again went on a good run passing to Oldfield who dummies giving Milczarek another clear shot but again Milczarek misfires giving an easy save. Mayes replaced Jewkes with Sippitts moving into midfield. Kinver score again straight away from the left hand side. Lacey did keep the score down with a good save when a Kinver forward was put clear through but 2 minutes later Kinver scored again from close range. 2 minutes later Kinver scored again when a ball over the top again caught the Parkdale defence lacking the pace to get back when caught square. Milczarek was getting more and more frustrated both at his own mistakes and the lack of a decent ball when he was making runs. To the shock and disappointment of everyone he took off his shirt and stormed off the pitch. Woodhouse replaced him slotting into left back with O’Reilly going wide left. Parkdale had a mini revival and actually started passing the ball around after Lacey started throwing the ball out to the full backs. Parkdale got cought out one more time when Whyte was beaten in the air at the near post from a corner wit a glancing header passing Lacey.
A very disappointing result considering the bright start. Some players need to look at themselves very closely. Apart from O’Reilly, Fox and Whyte everyone else seemed to be pushed too easily off the ball. It’s time to stand up and be counted lads, although we like to think of ourselves as passing side we need to build in the battling element to our game as we are getting railroaded out of games. We need to play as one team, encouraging each other instead of criticising and chase down everything and not give up on anything until the ball is in the net or out of play.
Saturday 2nd February 2008
Parkdale Rovers 3 Ounsdale Athletic 7
Lacey, O’Reilly, Louden (1), Fox, Derrer, Bicknell, Whyte, Oldfield, Russell, Hayden, Hill (2) subs Sippitts, Jewkes
A very disappointing result on a cold day at Wolverley. Parkdale started well with the defence looking particularly solid. Ounsdale made the first move of the game when after 11 mins some good build up play allowed a non-threatening strike from the right that went well wide of the post. After 15 minutes O’Reilly went down the right and passed to Hill who in turn flicked it on to Hayden, Hayden accelerated past the Ounsdale defence before hitting a looping shot that rebounded off the bar and was cleared. After 17 mins Parkdale were awarded a free kick on the left of the pitch mid way into the half. Hill floated a beautiful ball into the area where Louden rose and headed just inside the far right post with the keeper having no chance. (1-0). After 19 minutes the Ounsdale centre forward found himself on the left and sent a teasing ball that curled just over the bar. Afte 20 mins Parkdale were awarded another freekick just outside the box. Oldfield curled a good free kick low to the keepers right forcing the keeper to push it out for a corner which came to nothing. After 29 minutes an Ounsdale defender was booked for a poor challenge on Hayden. Luckily Hayden jumped out of the way. After 31 minutes Ounsdale had their first clear shot when the ball rebounded off the bar and fell in to a crowded box. Parkdale had several chances to clear but couldn’t seem to get their foot through it. The ball bounced around in the box before eventually just crossing the goal off the foot off an Ounsdale player for a messy goal. (1-1). Although it was a messy goal this was pivotal in changing the game. The Parkdale defence had looked solid up until this point but then heads dropped and everyone started arguing with each other. After 43 mins Parkdale were caught flat footed at the back when a nice one - two allowed Ounsdale through and score again with a clinical finish (1-2). Unbelievably a defence that had not let a goal in for two games were punished again in the 44th minute when Ounsdale got down the right hand side crossing to the far post where an unmarked Ounsdale forward tapped the ball into the net. (1-3).
Sippitts replaced O’Reilly but Parkdale came out in the second half looking a defeated side and gave another goal away within 5 mins when the ball was slotted in from the left (1-4). Parkdale were not completely dead and buried although some players heads had dropped other players kept trying. After 6 mins Dave Whyte juggled the ball on the edge of the Ounsdale box with his back to goal before flipping it over his head into the 6 yard box. Hill got his head to it but hit it too close to the keeper who caught it easily. In the 22nd minute Louden had a good run before putting the ball through to Hill who took the ball round the keeper and slotted it into the net. (2-4). This momentarily raised hopes that we could get back into the match but was very shortlived. In the 22nd minute Russell was adjudged to have fouled and was booked for verbals to the ref and then from the resulting freekick the ball rebounded off the bar and came back up in the air. The Ounsdale forward reacted faster than the Parkdale defence and headed unchallenged past keeper Lacey. (2-5) Shortly after Oldfield was also booked for arguing with the ref. After 28 minutes a good combination by Hayden and Hill allowed Hill a shot but this was easily saved. After 34 minutes a good ball by Louden put the ball through to Hill who picked his spot and scored his second of the match (3-5). Jewkes replaced Russell. It seemed that every time Parkdale looked like getting back into the game, Ounsdale would go back down the other end and score again. On the 35th minute a ball down the middle went straight to the Ounsdale forward who lobbed Lacey to make it (3-6). With players walking around with hands on hips it was only a matter of time before Ounsdale got another and in the 36th minute a long ball into the box was headed on for the Ounsdale centre forward scoring his 5th of the day. (3-7) . Parkdale had one last chance when in the 45th minute Louden lifted the ball over one player but was only able to hit a tame shot that was easily save by the keeper. Final score 3-7. A disappointing result following the previous two wins. Passing was poor with the result that we did not keep the ball, therefore putting pressure on the defence and many players looked heavy legged compared with the previous two weeks. Very hard to pick a man of the match as no-one played anywhere near there true potential on the day, but with two goals...
Saturday 26th January 2008
Lye Town Reserves 0 Parkdale Rovers 2
Lacey, O’Reilly, Fox, Derrer, Louden (1), Bicknell, Oldfield, Russell, Milczarek, Hill, Hayden (1) subs used Sippitts, Jewkes
Played at the large Brintons Chainwire pitch the first half was a tentative affair with both teams careful not to take any chances. Hayden showed some good early touches and in the 5th minute crossed for Oldfield to head over. Parkdale was having the better of the play without creating any clear chances. In the 18th minute Oldfield mistimed a tackle bringing down a Lye player. The Lye player reacted angrily and the referee decided the best course of action was to book both players. Lye almost created a chance in the 23rd minute when a good ball was put across the box but no one was far enough advanced to get on the end of it. Parkdale continued to have the bulk of the play but players often found themselves isolated as other players spread out too much. Cautious of making mistakes the wing backs did not support in attack as much as they could have and the 3 man midfield looked too sparse and widespread. Oldfield particularly did lots of good work only to find that there was no one to pass to. On the good side Lye did not look like scoring as the excellent Fox, Louden and Derrer mopped up everything backed up by Bicknell, O’Reilly and Russell. Milczarek worked hard but was often outnumbered in midfield. Hayden looked particularly lively up front supported well by Hill. Again the forwards were not seeing enough of the ball and there appeared to be a big space between them and the rest of the team. Encouraged to get forward more Bicknell almost scored when a free kick on the left was swung in, cleared by Lye and fell to Bicknell who volleyed narrowly over with his left. Eventually right at the end of the first half Hayden got a reward for all his hard work. Hayden was put in on the left, a quick burst of speed left the first defender for dead and ran towards goal a second defender challenged but Hayden flicked it off him and volleyed the ball past the keeper into the net. A great individual effort. (0-1)
Half time 0-1
Parkdale full of confidence gave a much improved display O’Reilly and Bicknell getting forward allowing Milczarek and Oldfield some support and feeding Hill and Hayden. Hayden was terrorising the Lye defence with his pace and after 10mins burst down the right crossing for Hill who was just beaten to the ball by the Lye keeper. The advanced Parkdale line up did leave Lye a bit more space but the excellent Derrer, Louden and Fox dealt with everything. Up until this point Lacey had not made a save. Hayden continued to terrorise Lye at the back and his bursts of pace and crosses were causing problems. After 16 minutes Lye came close when one of their forwards was put through and with only Lacey to beat hit his shot low and hard however Lacey dived to his left and pushed the ball out for a corner. A brilliant save considering it was his first of the match. In the 22nd minute O’Reilly was turned in mid air during a challenge with a Lye player and landed hard flat on his back. Lye kindly put the ball out of play. The winded O’Reilly was replaced by Sippitts. Bicknell continued to push forward on the left and the energetic Sippitts pushed forward on the right. In the 25th minute Bicknell went on a mazy run however the goal only opened up when the ball was on his right and eventually he ran into trouble and the ball was cleared. Milczarek suffering with cramp was replaced by Jewkes and Parkdale reverted to 4-4-2. This seemed to suit the big pitch better. Parkdale were now dominating play with Sippitts controlling the right side of the pitch while Hayden continued his pacey runs on the left. Eventually Parkdale made another breakthrough when they won a corner. Hill took a pinpoint corner straight on to Louden’s head who buried it with a bullet header just under the crossbar. (0-2)
There were some very good performances from all of the defence the midfield all worked hard, the wing backs had a great second half, Sippitts was excellent when he came on and Jewkes worked very hard when he came on. Hill and Hayden worked well together up front especially considering they were sometimes isolated from the rest of the team. Two players deserved man of the match one of them was David Louden who again was superb at the back but even he said the player who won man of the match deserved it.
19th January 2008
Kidderminster Harriers Junior Cup Quarter Final
Ounsdale Athletic 0 Parkdale Rovers 3
C.Fox, B.O’Reilly (1), A.Fox, D.Louden (1, pen.), T.Russell, A.Bicknell, C.Oldfield, D.Whyte, (A.Derrer), S.Milczarek (1), (J.Sippitts), R.Hill, B.Hayden, (M.Jewkes)
An early mix up at the back nearly let Ounsdale in for an early chance but luckily the ball went just wide. Hill and Hayden playing together up front for the first time combined well giving Hill a half chance from a wide position that he hit just wide. Shortly after, Oldfield put Hayden through but his long range shot went narrowly over the bar. Milczarek went on a mazy run and was tripped in the box but unbelievably no penalty was given. Parkdale began to wonder if it was going to be another one of those days. Good play by Ounsdale put one of their forwards through on the left and looked in for a certain goal until a brilliant block by Andy Fox at full stretch put the ball out for a corner. Milczarek had another chance when he turned inside and shot with his right foot hitting it narrowly wide of the left hand post. Parkdale were getting the chances but looked goal shy and needed to try more shots instead of trying to walk the ball into the net. Although Parkdale looked the superior team recent form obviously made them a bit jittery and some passes were going astray. Louden playing at the back for a change was the calming influence making some fine interceptions and bringing the ball out on occasions. Louden made one of these interceptions reading the ball very well and passed the ball to Hill who in turn put it through to Milczarek. He took the ball forward and was challenged by an Ounsdale defender who appeared to have got the better of him but Milczarek kept going, managing to nick the ball off the defender and slip around the keeper before turning sharply and slotting the ball in from a narrow angle. Half Time 0-1
Early on in the second half O’Reilly put the ball through to Hayden who took the ball forwards before unleashing a fine shot that the Ounsdale keeper did well to push away from the goal. The ball came back out to Hayden who hit a pinpoint cross towards Whyte who was running in on the far post. Just as Whyte was about to bury the ball an Ounsdale defender put his hand up and knocked the ball out of play. The referee awarded a penalty and had little option but to show the Ounsdale defender a red card. Milczarek appeared reluctant to take the responsibility and so David Louden stepped up to take the penalty who converted it well by putting confidently to the side of the keeper. (0-2). Parkdale’s confidence returned at long last and the play began to flow. The passing improved, the wing backs started getting forward and Oldfield started spraying the ball around the pitch in the way he excels. Bicknell kept raiding down the left and O’Reilly down the right. C.Fox organised the defence from in goal as he had little else to do. A.Fox, Russell and Louden coped easily with everything Ounsdale could come up with. Whyte held his position well, breaking up the Ounsdale midfield, while Oldfield and Milczarek foraged forward to support Hill and Hayden. Bicknell went on a good forward run crossing to Oldfield who volleyed just wide. As Parkdale pushed forward Oldfield ran through into an offside position as the ball was pulled back to Hayden he ran on and smacked the ball brilliantly into the roof of the net. The linesman flagged for offside and the referee disallowed the goal, despite the fact that Oldfield had not interfered with the play and Hayden, having come with a late run from deep, was quite clearly onside! (At least the referee had the honesty after the game to admit he had got that decision wrong and that the goal should have stood). Whyte lost the ball in midfield and in his eagerness to get the ball back he shoulder charged an Ounsdale midfielder and even though it was an innocuous challenge the player fell awkwardly and hurt his shoulder. He had to leave the pitch leaving Ounsdale with only nine players. Parkdale brought Sippitts on for Milczarek, Jewkes for Hayden and Derrer for Whyte. Hill went on two good runs but on both occasions when clean through and one on one with the keeper, he pushed the ball too close to the keeper who gratefully scooped it up. Sippitts had an instant impact making the keeper work with a long range shot. A poor clearance from the keeper was met by Oldfield on the half volley some 40+ yards from goal but he was unlucky to see his fine effort sail over the head of the stranded keeper but dip about a foot over the crossbar. Jewkes looked lively and after Hill put him through hit a fine attempt just over the bar from distance. Derrer took over where Whyte left off breaking up the Ounsdale play and distributing the ball well. It finally looks like Parkdale’s run of bad luck may have changed when O’Reilly whizzed down the right wing looked up and crossed the ball to the waiting forwards but instead of the ball going anywhere near the waiting forwards or the advancing keeper, it went straight over the keepers head into the top corner! (0-3)
A deserved win in a game in which we dominated. The confidence should be back now and we can move on and get better and better. Very pleased with the fact that we did not let in any goals. Well done lads.
Some outstanding performances with Hayden, A.Fox, Russell and Bicknell all in with a shout for man of the match
Saturday 12th January 2008
Parkdale Rovers 1 Ounsdale 5
Lacey, Mayes, Fox, Russell, Sippitts, O’Reilly, Oldfield, Whyte, Milczarek, Hayden, Jewkes Subs used - Bicknell, Hill
Once again Parkdale ended up on the wrong end of a misleading score line. The score by no means tells the story of this game where fate again conspired against Parkdale to leave an insurmountable margin to catch up. Parkdale tried a new set up that worked for a time until as usual something happened to upset the day’s plan. Parkdale started brightly with Hayden making an immediate impact by winning a free kick just outside the box. Oldfield took the free kick sending the ball narrowly over the bar. Parkdale were settling into the new system and looking reasonably comfortable when Russell went down with suspected hamstring pull. Whilst Parkdale assessed the damage to Russell the backline was vulnerable and a through ball by Ounsdale found a forward who turned inside and unleashed a shot past Lacey from 15 yards (0-1). Russell returned briefly before being replaced by Bicknell. Parkdale took time to settle with the new change but held on until the 30th minute when lack of information led to a rushed attempted clearance by O’Reilly who could only gift a chance to an Ounsdale forward who lashed it in from 10 yards. (0-2) 4 minutes later a clumsy challenge by Mayes led to a penalty when an Ounsdale player appeared to be pushed in the back. The penalty was confidently buried in the roof of the net. (0-3) This was a trigger for a change in the game. Parkdale suddenly came to life, realised where they were playing and started doing the job asked of them. Hayden was especially lively. In the 38th minute Lacey hits the ball forward well controlled by Hayden who turned inside and crossed the ball to Oldfield whose shot looked like going into the net but was blocked by a last second interception the ball came back out for Jewkes to ram home the follow up. (1-3) Parkdale should have been given a penalty when Jewkes was tripped inside the box but the referee adjudged it to be outside and only awarded a free kick. On 40 mins Hayden was put through but put it too close to the keeper who tipped it wide. It was all Parkdale now and in the 40th minute a Fox freekick was volleyed into the net by Whyte but again the Ounsdale lines man flagged for offside and the goal was disallowed. This was particularly disappointing as Whyte was not the one offside and the linesman appeared to have flagged for someone who was not interfering. On the stroke of half time Parkdale won a corner taken by Hayden, The ball came back out to Hayden whose shot from 20 yards cannoned off the cross bar and out of play. But for lack of finishing Parkdale could have been 6-3 up.
Half time 1-3
In the second half Parkdale carried on where they left off, dominating much of the play. There was far too much action to describe in a short match report like this but here are the best bits. A good interchange by Whyte and Oldfield let Oldfield through and an attempted lob went agonisingly just over. Hayden was terrorising Ounsdale with his movement and was on the end of some tough tackling but unlike earlier in the season he just picked himself up and gave back as good as he got. Sippitts picked up a knock on his knee and was struggling to run and so was replaced by Hill who brought in a new dimension linking up particularly well with Hayden and Oldfield. Oldfield started looking like his old self again spraying inch perfect balls all over the field. One particular ball was switched 30 yards from one side of the pitch to the other and was controlled wonderfully by Hill who put the ball through to Hayden who in turn put a dangerous ball into the box that was headed just wide by Whyte. Hill was causing lots of problems and the Ounsdale manager decided to put a man marker on him. Parkdale had had so much of the play with the hard working Milczarek and Whyte and the finesse of Oldfield but still were unable to convert any of the chances. Ounsdale although struggling to cope with the tempo of the game still looked dangerous when the ball came to the front two forwards. Parkdale’s frustration at not being able to convert the chances started to show and Whyte started to push up leaving gaps in front of the back line. This opened up the way for Oundale and a cross from the right was met by one of the Ounsdale forwards who cut it back from an acute angle past Lacey (1-4). Parkdale continued to push but a good individual goal by one of the lively Ounsdale forwards right at the end gave the final score of 1-5, which by no means tells the story of this game. Some very pleasing performances with Whyte, Oldfield, Hill, Bicknell and Hayden all playing somewhere near their best again, Fox, O’Reilly, Sippitts, Milczarek and Mayes battling throughout, Jewkes taking his goal well and some great saves again from Lacey. Russell was unlucky to get injured so early on. Sippitts injury was unfortunate as this prevented putting Hill up front as a last throw of the dice. It is slowly coming together. The number of chances produced was very pleasing we now just need to learn to convert them.
Man of the match - Brett Hayden
Gigmill 5 Parkdale 2
Lacey, Sippitts, O’Reilly, Fox, Hill, Russell, Whyte, Oldfield, Milczarek(1), Louden, Hayden subs both used Derrer (1), Jewkes
Both teams started brightly with Parkdale kicking up the hill. Parkdale had an early chance when a Hill free kick that was headed by Louden was tipped over by the Gigmill keeper. Gigmill had a half chance soon after but some good tracking back by Milczarek allowed him to jump with a Gigmill forward and put him off his header meaning the ball went just over the bar. After 10mins Gigmill had a throw in that went to one of their midfielders who turned and shot from the edge of the box just beating Lacey in the Parkdale goal making it 1-0. Although disappointed at undeservedly going behind Parkdale continued to match Gigmill and had a number of good chances. On 11 mins a Hayden corner was narrowly headed over the bar by Whyte. A few minutes later, Louden should have been awarded a stonewall penalty when their centre-half made a recklessly high challenge with studs showing which completely missed the ball but took him out at the knee resulting in him having to receive treatment but no penalty was given! In the 24th minute some good work by Hayden put Milczarek through on the left his low cross, hard across the 6 yard box was met by a half connection sending the ball over the bar. On 27 minutes Hill intercepted the ball well in his own half and carried the ball forward past two players before threading an inch perfect pass through to Louden who slipped a clever reverse pass into Milczarek’s path for him to slot it past the keeper. (1-1). Gigmill from the kick off went on the attack and forced a magnificent full stretch save from Lacey with a long range shot. Shortly after Gigmill put the ball into the box from the left, as Lacey went to collect the ball he was sandwiched by two Gigmill players meaning he could only half punch it before being knocked to the ground. The ball came out to the edge of the area where it was thumped into the net before Lacey could get back to his feet. Despite it being an obvious foul on the keeper the referee gave the goal regardless. So once again luck was against Parkdale. Gigmill came close in the 36th minute when a long range shot bounced awkwardly in front of Lacey who had to quickly adjust to tip the ball over. On 38 minutes Whyte passed the ball to Louden who put the ball through to Hayden who hit a low shot agonisingly just wide. On 41 minutes Gigmill’s left winger got clear of Sippitts and ran towards goal as Fox came to challenge he cut the ball back to the edge of the 6 yard box where an oncoming forward simply slotted the ball in making it 3-1. Parkdale could count themselves unlucky to be 3-1 down as they had matched Gigmill in every department except for finishing.
In the 2nd half, Parkdale had an early chance when Milczarek intercepted the ball and cut it back for Oldfield to shoot narrowly wide. Gigmill then went 4-1 up when a good cross was headed across goal by the Gigmill centre forward for an oncoming midfielder to volley past Lacey. (4-1) . After 4 mins Hill was adjudged to have fouled in the box and Gigmill were awarded a rather soft penalty. The penalty was not the best struck but to his credit Lacey still did well to save. The game had opened up and chances were coming at both ends. Derrer came on for O’Reilly and Jewkes for the injured Whyte. After 37 minutes a goal kick led to an unchallenged header in midfield which was put out to the left sided Gigmill player who shot across Lacey into the net (5-1). Lacey was in fine form stopping Gigmill adding to their lead and in the 44th minute Derrer gave the ball to Louden and continued his run forward, Louden picked him out with a lovely return pass before Derrer swivelled and turned the ball wide of the keeper into the net. (5-2)
Again Parkdale showed they can live with the best teams in the league but need to finish better. There were good performances all over the pitch and the score does not tell the story however we can still do better and must continue improving in order to put some points on the board.
Man of the match - Dan Lacey
29th December 2007
Parkdale Rovers 0 Old Swinford 2
Lacey, Jewkes, (Anane), B O’Reilly, Mayes, Hill, Russell, Oldfield, Sippitts, (R O'Reilly), Louden, Hayden, Uff
Subs not used: A. Fox, Pugh
After 4 mins Uff made a good decoy run opening up the way for Hayden to strike a superb shot from distance that narrowly cleared the bar. After 14 mins Louden played a good ball through to Uff who ran in towards goal. He took it past the keeper but went just too far wide to be able to shoot, he came back inside but no one was following up and before he could position himself to shoot again both defender and goalkeeper came in and took the ball away. On 20 mins some good play by Hayden gives Sippitts the ball who wrong footed his opponent before whipping in a shot that flew through a sea of players into the net but the referee gave offside and the goal was disallowed. A minute later some good play by Hayden who delivered the ball to Louden at waist height. From a difficult position Louden volleyed the ball just over the far left upright. On 30 mins Jewkes hit another fine long range shot but unfortunately it went straight at the keeper. Blaine O’Reilly who was having his best game this season passed to Oldfield who hit a long range shot which dipped just over the bar. On 40 mins Old Swinford had a rare chance into the wind when a cross was met with a good volley that went just over the bar. Old Swinford had probably the best chance of the first half a few seconds later when Lacey saved superbly from 6 yards out when Old Swinford’s centre forward was put clear through. Half time 0-0
Anane came on for Jewkes at half time. After 7 mins Louden used his strength to break clear of the Old Swinford defence but was only able to shoot narrowly wide. Old Swinford had the advantage of the wind in the second half which appeared to have grown even stronger and after 17 minutes a young forward was clean through only to scoop the ball over the bar from 6 yards. Parkdale’s opportunities were greatly reduced playing into the wind but the defence of Mayes, Russell, Hill and O’Reilly held firm while the midfield of Sippitts, Anane, Oldfield and Louden battled to engineer some openings and stem the Old Swinford flow. Old Swinford were restricted to long range shots that did little to trouble Lacey in the Parkdale goal. Hayden continued his recent good form showing some nice touches of quality while Uff worked hard but to little avail. Sippitts and O’Reilly were subjected to some high tackles with O’Rellly reacting angrily and the referee booking the Old Swinford player, Sippitts was caught high on the thigh with an outrageous tackle that went unpunished. Sippitts tried to hobble on but was substituted shortly after giving Rhian O’Reilly a run on the right wing. Parkdale almost made a break through after 40 mins when Anane went past one player to curl a shot just over the far left upright. 90mins just when the game looked to be ending in a goalless draw Old Swinford got a massive stroke of luck when a deflected shot flew into the top left hand corner of the net striking the crossbar and post at the same time being totally unstoppable by the up to now unbeatable Lacey. In an effort to pull back into the game Hill was pushed up the field obviously leaving Parkdale vulnerable at the back and on 91 mins Old Swinford got a second when a shot from the right went through a crowd of players into the net.
Despite deserving something from this game Parkdale were left with nothing and everyone was left stunned that we lost 2-0 when it was 0-0 after 90 mins. The luck must change soon surely. Some tremendous performances by the defence with a near man of the match performance by Hill, signs of Louden and Hayden getting back to their best and hard working performances by Sippitts, Russell and Anane. However man of the match goes to an outstanding performance by Blainey Boy who barely put a foot wrong filling in at left back.
Man of the Match Blaine O’Reilly
22nd December 2007
Parkdale Rovers 1 KS Athletic 2
Lacey, O’Reilly, Hill, Russell, Bicknell, (Mayes), Sippitts, Louden, Oldfield, Milczarek, Jewkes, (Hayden), Uff
KS started brightly passing the ball well and Parkdale looked a bit unsure with the new structure of the team. With key central defender Andy Fox out injured, enforced switches had to be made with Hill dropping into a sweeper role, Louden into centre midfield and the addition of Uff up front. Parkdale got caught cold early on when in the 4th minute Bicknell was beaten on the left allowing the winger to cross to an unmarked forward who after 2 attempts finally managed to scramble the ball past Lacey to make it 1-0 to KS. In the 17th minute some good work by Louden who managed to take the ball away from the KS midfielder whilst running towards his own goal. The KS midfielder’s reaction was to elbow Louden in the throat who then showed his own frustration by aiming a kick at the direction of the KS player. Louden was booked for his misdemeanours but the KS player wasn't even spoken to by the referee. In the 21st minute Louden came close with a long, range grass cutter that flew agonisingly close but just wide. In the 23rd minute the KS left midfielder mishit a cross that looked like it was going harmlessly into Lacey’s arms when a KS forward got to it first with a glancing header that looped over Lacey into an open net. KS kept the pressure up and came close with another header on 28 mins. After this point the game seemed to change, Milczarek went up front and Jewkes switched to left midfield and Parkdale began to give better than they were getting. Uff went on a run down the left closing in on the goal choosing to blast it at the keeper who palmed it clear rather than cut it back. Louden had another long range shot that went over the bar. Parkdale continued to play some good football putting KS on the back foot but still did not produce a clear-cut chance.
In the second half Parkdale stepped up a gear passing the ball with a good tempo. In the 46th minute Uff combined well with Sippitts leaving Uff to run past 2 players before hitting a shot that was deflected for what should have been a corner. Neither the referee nor the lines lady apparently saw the deflection though and a goal kick was given. A few poor challenges and some blatant shirt pulls gave Parkdale a number of free kicks but mysteriously that was as far as the punishment went and no cards were given, with the result that any time Parkdale did threaten, along came another shirt pull!. KS had a rare shot in the 53rd minute when a looping shot went just over the bar. Parkdale continued to press with O’Reilly getting well forward and combining well with Sippitts and Uff whilst Hill marshalled them at the back. Still no clear cut opportunities presented themselves. Milczarek combined well with Jewkes with a lovely series of one two’s. Eventually Jewkes was set free up the left wing but unfortunately although Milczarek had made a good run for the return Jewkes' left foot let him down and he could not find him. With 30 mins left Hayden replaced Jewkes and shortly after Parkdale went to a three man defence with Mayes coming on for Bicknell and O’Reilly pushing up on the right giving Sippitts a free role just behind the front two strikers. KS had one more chance when in the 65th minute a looping shot went narrowly wide. Eventually in the 82nd minute Parkdale’s endeavour paid off. Dave Louden won yet another towering header, despite the close marking of the tallest player on the field, and his clever flick on found Sippitts who skipped the ball past the last defender, ran through with great determination and blasted the ball past the keeper into the net. (1-2). This set the game up for a barnstorming finish with Parkdale really going for it. Despite immense pressure KS managed to restrict the chances Parkdale had and the ball just never fell quite right. A very relieved KS eventually ran out 2-1 winners.
Man of the Match – Robert Hill
Saturday 15th December 2007
Cookley 3 Parkdale Rovers 1
Aston, O’Reilly, Bicknell, Fox, Russell, Jewkes, Whyte, Oldfield, Sippitts, Louden, Hill - Subs Hayden, Derrer
The referee failed to turn up for this game and Martin Louden kindly offered to step in so that the game could go ahead. Parkdale started well with Hill and Louden combining well to provide a few half chances that went narrowly wide or just over the bar. Cookley competed for everything as expected, leaving Parkdale looking a bit lightweight in some areas. After about 6 minutes Cookley had a corner that was only partially headed clear by the Parkdale defence but the ball fell nicely into the path of a Cookley midfielder who shot through a crowd of players into the net. 1-0. Parkdale played the better football but always looked in danger of getting caught on the break. Parkdale also looked a little lacking in confidence in front of goal, following their recent poor run of results. After about 20 mins Cookley were given a corner that was again only cleared to the edge of the box where it was gain dinked into the box. A Cookley player bundled the ball forward (amid claims for handball) and hit it past Aston into the net. Sippitts playing on the left was the subject of some juicy tackles as he showed some skilful touches. 10 mins before half time Jewkes was clean through about 30 yards from goal when he was clinically hacked down. Parkdale had the most of the play and more chances but none of them were clear cut.
In the second half Parkdale took control making good use of the slope however the Cookley defence stood firm and committed, limiting the opportunity for a clear strike on goal. When Parkdale did have a chance the Cookley keeper was equal to everything. O’Reilly, Russell, Fox and Bicknell were equal to everything Cookley could throw at them denying the Cookley attack any really threatening attacks. Whyte and Oldfield battled well in midfield and started spraying the passes out to Sippitts and Jewkes but still the direct chances were few and far between as Cookley defended well. With 25 mins left Derrer came on for Bicknell, Sippitts dropped into left back and Russell pushed into midfield, Hayden came on for Hill up front. Parkdale piled on the pressure. Parkdale were awarded a penalty when Louden was pushed in the box. Russell stepped up to take it but hit it too close to the keeper who saved comfortably. Parkdale eventually made a breakthrough when after a shot in a crowded penalty area rebounded and a follow up shot was gain blocked, Louden went down and whilst he was lying injured Jewkes fired the ball through a crowd of players into the net. The match was geared up for a thrilling finish but this was short lived as Cookley caught the Parkdale defence with a quick counter attack and scored again to make it 3-1 . Although Parkdale continued to press and Hayden produced some lively play, time ran out before they could overcome the two goal deficit.
Man of the Match: Jamie Sippetts