It's time again for North End to take part in the end of season 4 team tournament. Over the years we have a 100% record in these tournament having been in eight and not won one, so who is going to join the list of semi final defeats by Sheffield United, Leeds United, Port Vale, Bury and Gillingham. In the final we have lost to West Ham, Bolton and Wycombe Wanderers. First up the Merry Millers with the ever lovely fat twat Steve Evans as honcho in charge. Both games ended in a draw 0-0 at theirs and 3-3 at ours. They are a bit direct, score for fun but can be a bit suspect at the back, however they do not give up will play at a high pace for the entire match. Queued for tickets today, got them for both games, who will be dancing with tears in their eyes a week on Thursday?
I suppose the media will promote it as a 'war of the roses'! North End are hard to beat as the table shows but, even though one scored 23 goals, as a striking force, unless playing Carlisle or Gillingham, they aren't prolific. But then 1 - 0 over two legs will be sufficient. Enjoy the games, Maclad.
Talk about tinpot Rotherham fans complaining about the pitiful 2100 allocation of tickets, they wanted more, strangely they couldn't sell their allocation. They gave us 1200,l sold out within hours.
just be careful what you call Mr.Evans--- at the recent game with Gillingham, 3 fans ( in what is considered a 'family stand') were arrested by stewards who ramdomly 'selected' them to be handed over to the police - claiming that the fans called Evans a fat Scottish w*****. The fans ( with NO previous police 'history' ) were bailed after a night in the cells - they have subsequently been told that no charges are being brought - but it appears that there was a suggestion that by using the term 'Scottish' in the (denied) chant, the fans were being investigated for racism. Evans was asked by the police if he could hear the chants ( I think the whole of Kent could! )- and although Evans did not make any 'complaint' - any chant of a racist nature can be prosecuted despite the 'victim' not wishing to persue the matter--- you have been warned ( there will be a jobsworthy steward at Preston who will be aware of the Gillingham nonsense )
But they were Gillingham supporters. North End supporters are well known for their appreciation of the finer points of the opposition's football, expressing their appreciation with 'A jolly good show, old boy!' and describing their manager as a extraordinary 'pheasant plucker!' Their ribaldry is of the highest class with many a jocular pun, poetry or sing-song. As North End supporters walk to the ground, you will see them browsing their Roget's Thesaurus searching for previously unknown witticism trying to surprise and outdo each other. In some future days, the chants from NE supporters will be ranked alongside Shakespearean sonnets. Mark my words.
Level pegging after the first leg between Preston and Rotherham and to be honest Rotherham probably should have won it, they didn't though thanks to a goal of stunning quality by Preston's Joe Garner. A raucous atmosphere from 17000 fans on a soggy Saturday afternoon, after an initial Preston flurry Rotherham started to dominate, chasing, harrying and closing down every thing that moved in a white shirt. Long throws and well placed corners peppered the home defence who in fairness did well to keep them out. Just as the storm appeared to have been weathered the Millers scored, ironically from a North End corner. Garner had gone close but the corner was cleared to Revell on the left wing, he shook of a tackle from King advanced into the penalty area and slid the ball under the advancing Rudd. (0-1) North End were hanging on by the fingertips and half time could not come quick enough and survive they did. Early stage of the second half were even then came Garner's goal, possibly up there with the best I've ever seen, ball in from the right, chested upwards, flicked it round a defender and blasted it home from 25 yards absolutely stunning. The goal powered the home side on but the Millers should have gone ahead when Frecklington who looked yards offside advanced on goal only to be denied by a brave Rudd save. Milsom powered one wide when well placed and Rudd made a fine save from substitute Vuckic at the end. Yes the Millers should have won but all to play for in the second leg. Preston North End 1 Rotherham United 1 Att 17200
You've got every chance now, we've got 5-6 of our best players out, the ones who can change games, however football is a funny old game, good luck, in Steve Evans we trust Utm x x
By the way not having at pop at your club just the salad denier(honest) I'll be there Thursday will be tense, personally think whoever wins this game will go up, could be a long night.
Good honest write up , however think we should of won at yours maybe 2-3goals more, just hope weve not missed our chance, when uv got garner uv always got a chance chap... Enjoy the game if u can and good luck..Utm x x "In Steve Evans we trust" ...........
As half time approached with Rotherham leading Preston 2-1, came the moment in my view which decided the two leg play off semi final, John Welsh launched a speculative shot towards the Rotherham goal, keeper Collin spilled the ball, which flew narrowly the wrong side of the post for Preston fans. Going in at 2 all may have changed the outcome of the match, sadly for Preston it didn't. A lovely spring evening in Yorkshire saw a packed New York stadium witness a pretty entertaining game, North End took the lead in the 16th minute after a scrappy opening period when Gallagher curled in a free kick from wide on the left, the ball evaded everyone and end up in the back of the night. (0-1) The Millers could have levelled almost immediately but Revell's goal bound header was superbly saved by on loan keeper Rudd. Not to be denied within 3 minutes the Millers were level, Pringle's cross from the left found Thomas at the back post, scored with ease. (1-1) Ten minutes later the game had turned around another Pringle cross and Frecklington got in front of his marker and headed home via the post. (2-1) The second half was just all out attack by both sides, the very impressive Pringle crashed a 20 yard effort against the bar, thought the game had turned towards North End in that moment but Agard put that theory to bed when some hapless North End defending led to Rotherham scoring a third, Agard sliding the ball in off the post. (3-1) With nothing to lose North End threw everything at Rotherham, Garner had good chances, then with time slipping away King launched a speculative shot from 40 yards, it took a deflection cannoned of the post and rolled to safety as did Garner's shot 10 minutes later which also fired across the face of the goal after hitting the woodwork. With the game lost the Millers nearly added a fourth but Tom Clarke's magnificent block put an end to that.With time almost up Rotherham fans began to get closer to the pitch, which at the final whistle was engulfed in celebrating fans.. In the play offs you need a bit of luck, the Millers had that in the second leg but to be fair they did deserve to win the tie. Rotherham United 3 Preston North End 1 Att 11576 For North End a decent season although think we ran out of steam in the latter end of the season, regroup and come again next year, however the lack of pace in the side needs to be addressed, compared to last season, this hasn't been a bad year 80 plus points as the Westley used to say Onwards, and Upwards only.
It was a night when PNE couldn't hit a barn door from 2 yards, never mind 10 yards. Over the 2 games, The Millers deserved to go through to Wembley. Their best players were better than our best. They have classy and skilled players like Pringle, Agard, Frecklington. They should beat Orient handsomely...NE did. Personally, I would have played Browne, Beavon and Brownhill. I suppose there will be a clearout by Grayson. At least the PNE Women's team are doing okay.
No complaints but as I said it's is down to luck sometimes, but life moves on fixtures out on 19/6/2014. As for women's football no thanks.
Women's football...got to take comfort from somewhere. Even Lancashire are struggling. Perhaps Grayson was a limited choice i.e. okay as a third tier manager?