The English Lower League thread

[gary69]

Watched the top two League One teams (Portsmouth and Barnsley) in action, both recording one goal wins. Good positive gameplans for both, more direct style than at higher levels, but quite good quality and some skill nevertheless. Especially going forward, defensive organisation seemed the biggest problem area.

Barnsley forward Mamadou Thiam (former Dijon player and Senegal U-20 international) scored with a great strike into the top corner.

From the losing sides, it was interesting to catch a glimpse of Kazenga LuaLua, former Newcastle youth star (now playing for Luton), to beat his marker with good turn of pace and deliver a fierce cross/shot into the post (Luton scored from the rebound).

 

[GabeTravels]

Portsmouth with another win away, this time against AFC Wilmbeldon.

Very impressed with the start to the season... Really hoping it continues.

 

[spintheblackcircle]

Haringey Borough FA Cup money will be 'life-changing'

Friday’s FA Cup first-round against AFC Wimbledon will be “life-changing” for Haringey Borough, according to the club’s chairman, Aki Achillea.

Part-timers Boro, who play in English football’s seventh tier, stand to earn more than £100,000 from their first-ever match in the FA Cup proper. They have already landed £57,890 in FA prize money, including £25,000 for winning the last qualifying-round, while both clubs will receive £75,000 from the BBC for televising the fixture.

Achillea’s priority is to give back to the community. “I want to ensure we don’t only provide for the elite,” he said. “I’ve been speaking about putting on coaching sessions for various age groups, regardless of ability and gender. There will be an academy, but we’ll make sure it’s all inclusive. We’re an impoverished borough — one of the most impoverished in the country. Our kids will never pay to play at Haringey.”

The money will also be used to continue the club’s free season ticket, introduced three years ago, for a further season or two, and Achillea hopes the exposure will take him a step closer to the vision he had for the club when he took charge in 2004.

“My dream has always been to get the local youth to aspire to play for Haringey Borough,” he said. “We have Spurs down the road, but the majority of young kids are not going to make it there. That’s always been my focus, it’s what kept me going through those darker days. Now, with the national exposure from the BBC, everyone will have heard of us. I know the future is fantastic now because we’ve been set up financially.”

 

[spintheblackcircle]

they had it 0-0 and gave up a goal in the 90th minute....damn.

 

[robertmac43]

Saw a stat this morning that fifth division Chesterfield FC have gone on there worst run with out a win in 18 games which is their orst run ever, however with in this they have also drawn the last 8 games which is their record unbeaten run...Wild stuff

 

[kg458]

Going to watch the Leeds match at Elland Road this afternoon. Excited, but wish we had been here a few day earlier to see the two stoppage time goals to take the lead when they played Blackburn!

Catching Villa at Villa park in a few days as well, which should be entertaining.

 

[Fred McCarthy]

Scary point this morning for my Swans , we need a player or two for any chance at a playoff berth

 

[HajdukSplit]

Crazy game in Norwich who were winning 3:2 with 10 minutes to play but then the power went off in the stadium, when the game resumed, Derby scored two late goals to steal the win Norwich failed to capitalize on Leeds' loss

 

[GabeTravels]

Portsmouth with a gutsy come from behind win, though they were up a man.

Hoping they add a striker in the transfer window... But they're looking like a real possibility to move up.

Would love to see Southampton relegated to have a South Coast Derby next year! It's been far too long.

 

[Wee Baby Seamus]

Sheffield gain ground on automatic promotion as both Leeds and Norwich drop points. Now only 4 points between first and third.

 

[Fred McCarthy]

Sheffield gain ground on automatic promotion as both Leeds and Norwich drop points. Now only 4 points between first and third.

I'd love to see Sheffield gain promotion ...doesn't seem right not having a Sheffield team in the top tier to me . Also got no probs seeing Leeds make it up ...they served their time being advantaged by owner s .. good luck

 

[Stray Wasp]

Hopefully you've all heard about non-league outfit Blyth Spartans striking a sponsorship deal with a group that advertises package holidays to North Korea.

Fans of the sixth tier Northumberland club have taken inspiration from their new comrades. The result can be found in the link below.

The brilliant way Blyth fans responded to North Korea sponsor criticism

 

[Burner Account]

 

[spintheblackcircle]

 

[East Coast Bias]

This isn’t gonna end well for Leeds.

 

[Jersey Fresh]

This isn’t gonna end well for Leeds.

Lol smooth.

 

[Ceremony]

Bielsa dealing with this might actually be interesting, mainly because I can see him sat in a press conference saying "so f***?" whenever he's questioned on it.

 

[Ceremony]

Actually, the Leeds club statement itself has hilarity in abundance:

Following comments made by Marcelo Bielsa yesterday the club will look to work with our head coach and his staff to remind them of the integrity and honesty which are the foundations that Leeds United is built on.
Our owner Andrea Radrizzani has met with Derby County’s owner Mel Morris to formally apologise for Marcelo’s actions.
We will make no further comment on this matter.

"integrity and honesty"

"Leeds United is built on"

 

[Savant]

Bielsa called a press conference. May be resigning due to spygate

 

[Venkman]

Pontus Jansson doesn't believe it

 

[davemess]

Bielsa called a press conference. May be resigning due to spygate

Doesn't sound like he is resigning........ but he has admitted they spied on every club they have played this year.

 

[Peen]

Rofl Bielsa's press conference today

Legendary

 

[Evilo]

Biela is a genius.
Did I spy on one team? Nope, I spied on all of them.

Leeds back to exciting football. Character, offensive, everything you love as a football fan.

 

[StevenF1919]

The state of Frank Lampard right now lmao

 

[Jersey Fresh]

"We do all these hours of tactical preparation and rival insight (look at our powerpoint!)...but also we send a guy with a clipboard to watch every club train because of 'anxiety'".

lol.