Long Haul to Long Eaton.

I was a little apprehensive about yesterdays game at Long Eaton as we were traveling for over 3 hours and I thought the lads would be a little tight being kept in such a small space for that length of time, I needn't worry though cos the lads looked ok whilst warming up and were ready and keen to keep the momentum going from previous games.
We came up against a very young looking team who looked very confident on the ball and were readily passing the ball about to keep our lads on the back foot at times, however when we got possesion we too looked good with good runs down both wings and a few runs through centre field, I should mention at this time there was a fairly brisk wind blowing from the Long Eaton end towards our goal they never used this to their advantage though which I couldn't understand, anyway as the whistle blew for half time it was 0--0, so in for a deserved drink and rest and no doubt a chat from Jimmy
From the re-start we utilised the wind and had a couple of chances to open the scoring but the Long Eaton defence held firm and even created a few chances themselves. That all changed when our debut boy Carl Stewart scored on 58 mins 1-0 Well what a way to open your new spell with the club, but he wasn't finished yet and took his tally to 2 on 67 mins 2-0 and we're are commanding the now with another couple of chances off target.
We we're really using the wind to our advantage with run after run going head-long towards the Long Eaton goalmouth, a couple of tactical changes from Jimmy brought some fresh legs on and the change was to be productive as Russ Parker got in on goal and scored 3-0 I thought it was going to be like the Armthorpe game (which finished 4-1) in the last couple of minutes of the game Long Eaton managed to claw a goal back. At the final whistle Pikes 3 Long Eaton 1.
Well done Jimmy, Steve and all the lads a great result.

That's all from TheCodpiece-PorkyPike!!

"UP THE PIKES"

Thanks for the report Porky, sounds like it was a good 3 points again, what was the starting 11 and subs?

Just been looking around the NCEL and saw a photo from our game on Saturday it shows Dave Hartas and Ged Dalton, what happens when your famous??????

TheCodpiece-PorkyPike!!

I too saw that Porky, do you know the team that played sat ? are you down at Goole tonight for the 19,s game?

The team was....
Mitchell; Reid, Hartas, Sturdy, Gowan; Dalton, Connor, Adams, Fenwick; Batchelor, Stewart. Subs... Parker for Fenwick, McNaughton for Adams, Hillier for Batchelor (all around the 70 minute mark).

Cheers for that CliveH, is that Chris Batchelor that was with the Pikes couple seasons back?

That's him. Got 2 brothers Dec & Con, I believe!!!!

Chris Batchelor is down under playing cricket, I think you mean Steve Baxter.

I felt that it was a fairly even 1st half, perhaps our hosts edging the attempts on goal although I can only remember Mitch having to dive full length once and felt we were comfortable at the back.

In the 2nd half we upped it a gear and started to stretch the home defence. As soon as the 1st goal went in we never really looked in any trouble until the last 5 mins when at 3-0 we went looking for more goals instead of keeping the ball out of harms way, seeing the clock out. They adopted a nothing to lose attitude, got one back and created a bit of pressure however overall it was a job well done by the whole team.

Carl Stewart had 5 attempts on goal in a very impressive debut;

1/ A glancing header just past the post.
2/ A thunderous drive that forced the keeper to pull off a great save.
3/ A cool finish beating the keeper from close range.
4/ Another cool finish driving home Simon Sturdy's headed knock on.
5/ Warming the keepers hands again with a vicious snap shot from outside the box, the alert Russ Parker was on hand guide the ball home (credit to Russ as it was by no means a tap in).

Sorry one and all. I knew that was Steve Baxter I was watching, but some gremlins got inside my brain yesterday. I'll make an appointment to see my doctor!
I'll try the joke again.... Chris Batchelor has 2 brothers, Con & Dec, I Believe!!!!! (or is there no one over 50 on this forum?)

Eh ???!!!

My favourate was My Dianne and yes it was Con & Dec.
Well done Clive, you had me scratching my head at that one???

Good man Steve. Thought Capt. Mainwairing would have known that. He would've liked The Bachelors, I'm sure, in his old age!!
(60's Irish singing trio, donttellhimpike . Boyzone's pre-incarnation!!!)

Sadly I did know what you meant Clive, but chose to play it down a bit. Thought there would have being plenty to pick up on it mind (the batchelors) seeing as how I've seen plenty of folk wearing their tribute jumpers!!!!


.....it was them that wore them badboy 'No Dad' jumpers wasn't it?

Eh??!!

How was it Porky Pike? the scoreline suggest a close game was it that way? What was the starting 11 ? Look forward to your report mate.
Hoping to get the 19,s game on Monday here,s hoping they can make it thru to the final, you going to be there ?

Report please Steve, when you get home.
Lost 3-2 I understand.
What's the Carl Stewart story? Why didn't he play?

Any news anyone from yesterdays game? The forum is very quiet.

Good match report on the Thackley FC website, cockney.
APB on Porky Pike required !!