League Two Football: Bristol Rovers 0-0 York City

City deliver a solid performance against The Gas

A battling performance from Nigel Worthington’s side ensure that York City go into Easter Monday’s game against Plymouth knowing that their bid to avoid relegation is very much alive. In a game that had the feeling of a pre-season encounter, it was York who had the best chances to win the game and on another day could have scored two or three goals.

Tom Platt was handed his full debut in central midfield after impressing as a substitute against Torquay, he was joined in midfield by fellow debutant, Adam Reed – a loan signing from Sunderland and Mr Utility - Daniel Parslow. Lanre Oyebanjo returned at right back with John McGrath dropping out of the squad completely. A front three of Josh Carson, Richard Cresswell and Ashley Chambers suggested that City would have an attacking threat. On the bench there was a welcome return for Michael Coulson after a 6 month injury layoff.

York saw a great opportunity go begging in the 7^th minute, Jack O’Connell delivered a free kick into the Rovers penalty area and the home keeper Steve Mildenhall came rushing to collect the ball. He got nowhere near it and with only a covering defender on the line, Carson fired his shot wide of the left hand post. The home side showed they could create their own opportunities as Ryan Brunt headed straight at Michael Ingham and Eliot Richards had a shot deflected wide.

There was a great battle developing in midfield with Platt and Reed showing they would not be shirking any challenges whilst the skilful John-Joe O’Toole and composed Danny Woodards attempted to push forward Rovers. Down the left hand side, Lee Brown was seeing a lot of the ball and it was his cross that caused issues in the visitor’s penalty box as it found its way to Richards. Good keeping from Ingham forced the striker to rush his shot and blast the ball over the bar. It was Platt who had York’s best chance of the first half, after being released down the left hand side by Cresswell, but his powerful shot was too close to Mildenhall who pushed it away for a corner.

Home manager, John Ward made an early change in the second half with the introduction of Fabian Broghammer, his pace and willingness to take on the York defence woke up the Rovers crowd who had been in a deep slumber during the first half. Despite a series of corners, the Gas didn’t create a clear cut chance on goal and it was York who would see another guilt-edge chance go begging. After an O’Connell free kick was half-cleared, the ball was headed back into the box and captain Chris Smith ball-juggled, twisted and turned to find himself with just Mildenhall to beat. His shot was well saved by the Rovers keeper and the thoughts on the away terrace must have been if only it had been Cresswell.

The rest of the half rather petered out with little activity from either side. Michael Coulson was given 15 minutes by Worthington and looked lively in his role on the left-hand side. Infact, he almost had a dream return, as a dipping and curling effort from 25 yards looked to be heading into the top corner of the net before a flying Mildenhall managed to get a hand across to push the ball over the bar. Three minutes of injury time followed with no more chances and referee Dean Whitestone’s whistle signalled a valuable point for the Minstermen against League  Two’s form side, however with those golden opportunities for Carson and Smith, it could have been so much more.

Monday’s home game against Plymouth Argyle is huge, with the Devon side having picked up three points against Exeter City to continue their revival under John Sheridan.

Friday night football: Derby County 3-0 Bristol City

Rampant County Run Riot against the Robins

The Rams forced their way back into the top half of the Npower Championship after a convincing against a poor Bristol City side at Pride Park. Goals from Jeff Hendrick, Jamie Ward and Ben Davies secured a simple victory for Nigel Clough’s men who dominated from start to finish.

It took just 25 seconds for the first controversial incident of the game. Craig Bryson drove forward around 30 yards from the visitors goal and looked to either be tripped or slip as he hit the floor. Referee Carl Boyeson decided he had dived and booked the Scotsman for simulation much to the astonishment of Bryson and the majority of the Pride Park crowd. Moments later, Boyeson’s bizarre decision was forgotten as he awarded a penalty to the home side following Greg Cunningham’s challenge on the impressive Jeff Hendrick. Top-scorer Jamie Ward stepped up to slot the penalty into the bottom corner with supreme confidence – at least, that was the result yours truly was expecting. Unfortunately for Ward, his penalty was poor and visiting keeper Tom Heaton made a simple save to keep the scores level. This could have proved to be a major setback for Derby but they were not to be denied and continued to search for a route to take a lead in the game. Bryson was prevented from giving his side the lead after an incredible block from Marvin Elliott on the goal line. These two major chances that went begging had me thinking that perhaps my bet of 2-0 with Paul Coutts scoring first was meant to happen. So imagine my excitement, as Connor Sammon laid the ball back on a plate for Coutts to powerfully side foot the ball towards Heaton’s bottom corner, somehow though, Heaton stuck out a hand and diverted the ball onto the post and away for a corner.

It was one of those games where despite Derby’s utter dominance, the lack of the opening goal meant the away side hadn’t gone into their shells. Sam Baldock and Cole Skuse both had shots that went wide for Bristol City as they showed that they had turned up. However, Derby weren’t to be denied, a Ward corner was cleared out to Hendrick who returned the ball into the box, it definitely wasn’t a shot, but the presence of Sammon in the 6-yard box seemed to put off Heaton and the ball nestled in the bottom corner for a well-deserved half time lead for County.

Bristol City tried to attack at the start of the second half but a combination of not being very good and a solid Derby defence meant they threatened very little. Infact, trying to attack proved to be their undoing as in the 55^th minute, a long ball forward found Sammon in yards of space; he had time to look up and the presence of mind to play a ball across the box for the onrushing Jamie Ward to fire home under Heaton. 2-0, thanks for coming.

The second goal killed the game as a spectacle and the next 25 minutes or so passed with little excitement in either box. Former Derby defender, Lewin Nyatanga rescued Heaton as he cleared Bryson’s shot from distance off the line with the away goalkeeper well beaten. The travelling Bristol City fans were taking their beating in good spirits with chants of “let’s pretend we scored a goal” and “the football league is upside down”. It could have got worse for them, as Sammon smashed the ball over the bar after great work by the very impressive Chris Martin. The biggest cheers of the night from the visiting supporters followed a Neil Kilkenny volley that ended up amongst them and a Baldock pea-roller that represented a shot on target.

City did have arguably the best chance of the second half in the last minute of normal time. Liam Fontaine’s header was brilliantly saved by Frank Fielding and the follow-up from another former Ram Steven Davies was blocked by a combination of Fielding’s legs and Richard Keogh. But it was County who troubled the scoreboard again, substitute Ben Davies cut in from the left hand side and hit a powerful cross/shot across the face of the goal that found the corner of the net via a touch from City defender Brendan Moloney. Three goals were the least the home side deserved in a dominant performance from start to finish. What a thoroughly Good Friday.

On that showing, Bristol City will be playing League One football next season whilst Derby look to have a bright future. Sammon worked tirelessly upfront (but will he ever score?!) whilst Norwich loanee Chris Martin showed some great hold-up play and forward movement. The midfield of Coutts, Bryson and Hendrick ran the game from start to finish with Jamie Ward providing a constant attacking threat out wide on the left. Fullbacks Freeman and Forsyth showed attacking intent mixed with a solid defensive display whilst Keogh and Buxton had the potentially dangerous Baldock in their back pockets.

An addition of a 20 goal a season striker by Clough in the close-season and County will surely be looking towards the play-offs in the 2013/14 season.

The Oxford United (almost) End of Season Squad Evaluation

The Class of 12/13 - Who Will Still Be Here in August?

After defeat at Northampton Town, I feel the embers of our vague play-off hopes have now finally been stamped out. The final six games of the season will see us be a lead contributor in the relegation battle with fixtures against Aldershot Town and Accrington Stanley, whilst Rochdale are not completely free from trouble, they travel to the Kassam on 20th April.
Baring this in mind, I've decided to undertake an evaluation of the players currently on the books of OUFC and present my thoughts on who should lead the way out of the exit door in the summer (regardless of contractual situation) and who I want to walk out in a yellow shirt for the start of the 13/14 season.

Goalkeepers

1. Ryan Clarke - KEEP
Currently side-lined after a double shoulder operation. No question that he is a top goalkeeper at League Two level but I do doubt how well he will recover from such a large operation. Shay Given has never been the same since his own shoulder operation. He is contracted so will clearly stay.
21. Wayne Brown - COACH
Got to become a coach only. Register in case of dire emergency but his playing days are over in my opinion and appearance in the squad will only limit the development of Crocombe.
24. Luke McCormick – OFFER NEW CONTRACT
When he signed, it was said it was only until the summer. However, my doubt surrounding Clarke’s recovery means I would offer him another year’s contract, presuming he doesn’t try and break the bank. Shown to be solid, composed and a very competent goalkeeper.
31. Max Crocombe – KEEP: SEND OUT ON LOAN
Rated highly by all the current coaching staff. Needs a full season of playing football, sitting on our bench with the occasional appearance in the JPT will not develop him. A loan at a BSP club i.e. Woking would do him wonders.

Defenders

2. Damian Batt – OFFER NEW CONTRACT
A top player when on form. Often inconsistent but has shown more consistency this season. I would offer a new contract but get a new player in to offer very strong competition. Needs to improve final delivery into the box and cut out the sudden lapses in concentration that contribute to 3 or 4 goals a season.
4. Michael Raynes – KEEP AS COVER
Apparently signed after CW was unable to secure Johnny Mullins. Had a difficult start at OUFC but has grown in confidence as the season has gone on. Reasonably solid defender for L2 level but if we are looking upwards, should only really be back-up to the first team squad.
5. Michael Duberry – OFFER A COACHING ROLE ONLY
Provided an entertaining two seasons at the club but it’s clear his legs are on the way out. If he could be convinced to turn to coaching at the club, it would be a great appointment. But too much of a risk to offer a playing deal.
6. Jake Wright – KEEP, GET THE BOY A NEW CONTRACT TOO
Captain fantastic. Player of the season. First name on the team-sheet. Keep at all costs and get a quality partner alongside him.
16. Andy Whing – OFFER A NEW CONTRACT
110% effort and commitment every week. Can play in 3 positions (RB, CM, DM), fantastic player to have in the squad.
17. Tony Capaldi – RELEASE
Injury prone since he came to the club. Never a stand out player. Let him go.
22. Harry Worley – RELEASE
I rate Worley but never really had a run of games this season. A new start at another club is probably what he needs.
23. Luke O'Brien – OFFER NEW CONTRACT
Perhaps, the choice that may spark the most discussion. I would offer Luke a new contract. Proved himself to be reliable and solid.
26. Liam Davis – OFFER NEW CONTRACT BUT AS AN ATTACKER
I would offer Davis a new contract but on the basis that he would be playing on the left hand-side of midfield or on the wing. If he can get his crossing up to a better standard, he would be a great asset to the club and a great alternative to Rigg.

Midfielders

7. Adam Chapman - SELL
Not progressed as much as he should have since his return to the first team squad. Appears to have gone stale with Wilder. A move to Mansfield is closer to home, his partner and child and would see him link-up with his mentor Adam Murray. Best move for everyone.
8. Simon Heslop - RELEASE
Another who has not progressed after a promising start to his OUFC career. A change of scenery may just what he needs.
14. Sean Rigg – KEEP
Had a very good middle of the season but has petered out towards the end. Remains a constant threat as either a winger or a centre-forward.
15. Alfie Potter – KEEP
Ah the enigma that is Alfie. Looks like a world-beater one week and a conference winger the next. If he could become consistent and improve his finishing, we would have a hell of a player on our hands. I’d keep because of his attacking threat but he would be one of the first to be transfer listed if form wasn’t consistent.
19. Lewis Montrose – SEND BACK
Looked a promising signing on paper and had a great debut away at Bradford. Seems prone to hamstring strains and potentially a waste of a wage if he was signed on a full-time contract.
20. Peter Leven – RELEASE
Should be tearing this league apart. Injuries and apparent cockiness means he hasn’t. Let him go and start again somewhere else. Paid too much money to play only half the games in a season.
27. Scott Davies  - OFFER NEW CONTRACT
Solid, can pick a pass and deliver a set piece. Would be very happy if he was a starter in our midfield.

Strikers

9. James Constable – KEEP
Always likely to get 10+ goals but needs 4 chances in a game to get a goal. However with the right partner, I think he could improve his own game even further.
10. Deane Smalley – RELEASE
Never worked for Smalley at the club. A transfer fee that has proved to be a waste of money. Not scored enough for an apparent striker or got enough assists for a wide player.
11. John Paul Pittman – RELEASE
Another whose injury proneness has killed their career at OUFC. Too much of a risk to offer another contract. Can get an equally as good player in.
18. Justin Richards – RELEASE
Bit of a desperation signing but played well at Bradford away. Will never score a lot of goals in this league. Again, better players out there for the same wage.
25. Josh Parker – RELEASE
Showed flashes of skill but has never scored in his career and not liked doing so since joining the club. Destined for the conference.
28. Tyrone Marsh – KEEP: SEND OUT ON A HALF-SEASON LOAN
Currently out on loan at Staines, I would give him 6 months at a BSP club and see how he does. Under contract, so rated by the club. Unlikely to be the 20+ goal a season man next season but a strong loan spell could really kickstart his career.
29. Tom Craddock – KEEP (But accepted he is going)
Great finisher and intelligent player. I would keep him but it is clear to see from body language in the last few games that he has himself a new club for next season. Will score goals at whatever club that is.

So my OUFC squad heading into pre-season 2013 is:
GK’s: 1^st Choice – McCormick, 2^nd Choice – Clarke (Crocombe out on loan)
Defenders: 1^st Choice – Batt, Wright, O’Brien, Cover – Raynes
Central Midfielders: Davies, Whing
Attacking Midfielders: Potter, Rigg, Davis
Strikers: Constable (Marsh out on loan)
Squad of 12 + Marsh & Crocombe. Plus the YT’s who are considered long-term prospects.

9 Additions: New RB to challenge Batt, LB to challenge O’Brien, Quality CB and another CB as cover,  Two CM’s, 3 Strikers.

Suggested Additions: Lanre Oyebanjo (York), Damian McCrory (Burton), Johnny Mullins (Rotherham), Andy Iro (Stevenage), Robbie Weir (Burton) , Ryan Burge (Port Vale), Alex Lawless (Luton), Jason Walker (York), Jack Lester (Chesterfield), Andy Bishop (Bury).