NOVEMBER 2002
Page 31 of the Hinckley Times is all it merited.
 
However the decision of the Hinckley Borough Council Planning Committee could be the most important consequence in the history of football within Hinckley. This time next year we should be watching games in Hinckley's new Stadium. A 4000 capacity, 500 seating purpose built ground. Now come on who would've thought that 5 years ago. Wether you were town or Athletic it really is a pipe dream come true. Ok it's got to be built yet, but it is a time to look to the future. Elsewhere in our league Worcester are desperate to get planning for a new ground approved. Bath are trying to raise £250000 to buy their club back off its indifferent owner. Folkestone need £40000, for the Inland Revenue, to continue to carry on past christmas. Whilst we may not be ripping up the form book on the pitch, the Board are trying to put everything in place off the pitch to provide us with the facilities to progress.
I've already heard some people say they won't go there, which is ridiculous. I say use it or lose it. Most people drive to Middlefield Lane anyway so there's no difference for them. However as I've said before in this column, let's hope the Board recognise that some people, mostly old and young, will not have access to transport. It's interesting to see that Safeway Superstore operating a free 'Park & Ride' scheme for the christmas period. I wonder if anyone on the Board has inquired about costs of such scheme. If the club want us to travel to Leicester Road then we should be given the opportunity to do so. I've been down Barwell Lane recently and it is not suited for foot use at all, especially at night. That realistically leaves the nightmare of Leicester road as the only foot alternative. Would you let your kids walk down there on their own at night? Mmm.

In a lighter look at our league the FA Cup proved a bit of a let down for Dr Marten teams. Only one team made it through to the second round. It wasn't us! Having drawn 1 - 1 at Ladysmead, Tiverton went to the Broadfield Stadium and took a 0 - 2 lead against Crawley Town. In one of those classic FA Cup turn around scenarios Crawley came back to win 3 - 2, scoring the winner with 5 minutes left to go. A record 3900 odd were in the ground and 500 had to be locked out. Mmm, they lock out more than we get in, I'm not sure if that makes me laugh or not? Other teams that showed were Dover who only lost 0 - 1 to Oxford at the Crabble, Havant & Waterlooville who lost to Dagenham & Redbridge by 3 - 2 and Hastings who despite going down to 9 men still only lost 1 - 0 to Stevenage Borough. Hang on Dagenham & Redbridge versus Havant & Waterlooville - how did they fit all four teams onto the pitch? So what is Crawley's reward for their endeavour? Well they host both teams of Dagenham & Redbridge.

Does anyone else but me think that Buster read his job description wrong? Instead of Kit Manager, did he think it said Hit Manager? Maybe he has a crush on Jodie Foster?.
 
A, er, local (?) derby against, er, rivals (?) at the start of this month...
In the FA Trophy we had been drawn away at Grantham Town. Grantham were newcomers to the Dr Marten's Premier division, but had shown they were capable of playing at this level and were amongst the top six for some time. This showed unfortunately as Hinckley found themselves 2 - 0 down after half an hour, to 2 Jamie Clarke goals. After the interval and the customary half time b*ll*cking by DT, Hinckley came out and got a goal back early on. Jamie March scored his first goal for Hinckley United as they looked to fight back. The fight back lasted approximately 4 minutes, because Minett restored Grantham's 2 goal lead. Then things took a turn for the worst for Grantham. Jamie Clarke was injured in a 50/50 with Fad' and the young striker, who had been watched by a number of league clubs, ended up with a broken leg. This shocked Grantham a bit and Hinckley hit back again, this time with Dakin scoring his first goal for Hinckley. With 10 minutes to go Hinckley pushed everything forward but couldn't get an equaliser and really probably didn't deserve one. The game finishing 3 - 2 for Grantham. So now Hinckley were out of the FA Cup and the FA Trophy. Looks like we really would be concentrating on the League after all.
With the disappointing defeat at Grantham DT made some big changes. Out went Zeke Rowe, Richard Mitchell, Justin Jenkins and the already 'on loan' Andy Lucas was also transferred. Chris Smith was brought in from Solihull to replace them all. His first game would be at Crawley infront of over 1200 spectators. Also new into the team for this game was Leon Jackson, a midfield player bought from Worcester City plus Thomas Whittle a goalkeeper brought in from Division 2 Oldham Athletic. It was almost a different team altogether, and they played like a team possessed. Hinckley had not scored in any game this year within the first 15 minutes. Up popped Andy Penny to sweep home the ball after 12 minutes. Hinckley, who had also not won away this season, were leading the third placed team and were good for it. Crawley, who may have had one eye on their FA Cup game to come the following week, were just not concentrating. Hinckley took the lead into the second half and Crawley were reduced to hitting long balls which were mopped up by Hinckley's defence. The game was made safe right on time when Chris Smith, who had been on the pitch for only 10 minutes as a sub', scored his debut goal on his debut to give a final score of 0 - 2, and Hinckley their first away win of the season.
The Dr Marten's League Cup. Serious or not? It depends on how your season is going. If you're still in the FA Cup or the Trophy, then no, play the reserves. If it's all you've got left then you might as well go for it. That's what Hinckley did. The second round game against Moor Green had been brought forward because of the 'Moors' involvement in the FA Cup. As a result 'Moors' played a reduced strength team. Hinckley played virtually the same team as at Crawley, Chris Smith took the place of the injured Dave Sadler plus Andy Penny was also injured, and it had the same response. It was all Hinckley for the first 15 minutes and it was no surprise when Chris Smith scored on his home debut. Unfortunately someone forgot to tell Moor Green this was where they rolled over. Nathan Lamey received the ball straight from the restart and even though he was running wide and away from the goal managed to squeeze in his shot for the equaliser. This didn't change Hinckley'' attitude though and they regained their lead with probably the best goal scored at Middlefield Lane this season. After a free kick Leon Doughty had the ball at his feet with his back to goal on the edge of the area. He turned and shot in one move and the ball curved around the diving Bates into the top corner. There was a second of silence as the fans took in what they saw, then realised it was a goal and the cheer went up. Unbelievable, you really had to see it. Now it did settle down and turned into a fast flowing open passing game. Hinckley took the 2 - 1 lead into the second half and really didn't have to change anything. Moor Green as you would expect pushed forward moor in the second half and Hinckley had a number of breakaway chances that they really should have scored to put the game beyond doubt. As it was they couldn't get the third goal and were forced to 'hang on' for the last few minutes as the 'Moors' threw everything forward. 'Hang on' they did and won the game 2 - 1. Into the last 16 of the competition and maybe, just maybe, something to look forward to towards then end of the season.
Hinckley would have the chance to do a 'League Double', unlikely as it may seem, away at Bath City. This didn't look likely when Bath took the early lead. This was cancelled out on the half hour by Scott Voice's debut goal for Hinckley. Hinckley's luck again deserted them just before half time. Dakin was sold short and forced to give away a penalty. This was dispatched by Eaton to give Bath a 2 - 1 half time lead. Second half Hinckley pushed forward with little breakthrough, and Bath who seemed to have accepted the 2 - 1 score substituted their forwards and much to the dismay of their supports would finish the game with no recognised strikers on the pitch. This proved costly late on when Voice got his second goal after a surging run by Neil Cartwright who crossed the ball perfectly for Voice to finish. The game ended 2 - 2 and there would be no 'double' er, yet.
Moor Green would be looking to get revenge for the Cup defeat and they really needed the points in the league as they were in the relegation zone. The match started innocently enough, and there was no real indication of the drama that would end the game. The conditions of the pitch were poor at best and we got an insight to the refereeing standard when Dave Crowley was booked early on for a tackle that because of the slippery surface ended up a 'scythe'. It was Hinckley that pushed early and were on the end of good luck for once when we went ahead. After a run and shot on goal, the ball bounced around the Moor Green area and couldn't get cleared because it stuck in the mud. A sideways pass found Dave Sadler all on his own to blast it into the roof of the net. Hinckley then having taken the lead forgot how to play footy. Moor Green pushed ever forward and Hinckley defended deeper and deeper. Hinckley had a couple of breaks but nothing dangerous, and the 'Moors' went in at half time losing 1 - 0 having had most of the possession after the goal. Moor Green started the second as the finished the first half. Hinckley seemed to be stuck in the changing room and used a strange sort of eight man defending system. Of course they couldn't get the ball away and were under pressure most of the time. Still, as the minutes dragged on Hinckley held on, but refereeing decisions were beginning to get a bit er, shall we say eccentric. Moor Green supporters were most upset when their player was flagged offside when it appeared to be a Hinckley defender who played the ball. Then Hinckley were amazed when Woodley, for the 'Moors' was fouled on the edge of the area. The ref didn't blow for the foul, but Woodley picked up the ball and took the free kick anyway. Then the ref blew for the foul. Everyone stopped and looked except for Woodley who had already taken the kick, before it was awarded. You and I might think well surely the rules indicate a retake, no, apparently advantage was good enough for the ref. Luckily no goal came from it. When Moor Green did eventually equalised it was no surprise. We were virtually defending the edge of the area and it was only a matter of time. Even then though it was luck again. A shot was crashed against the under side of the bar and bounced out into the area. Whittle was on the floor after diving for the shot and Nathan Lamey crashed home the rebound into the unguarded goal. Excitement over and probably a deserved draw for both teams. Not exactly, David Naylor, the referee, had an ace up his sleeve. In injury time Moor Green attacked the Hinckley goal. Stuart Storer timed a two footed tackle to win the ball and clear. Everybody played on, no Moor Green players appealed for anything, nobody dived to con the ref, no one thought anything had been done wrong. That is except for the referee. He gave a penalty! Uproar!! Nearly the whole Hinckley team surrounded the ref and made sure he knew their feelings of the decision. Storer talked himself into a booking, but I don't think he cared at the time. Now even if the ref thought it was dangerous play he could only give an indirect free kick. Irrelevant now I know, but laws are laws. Anyway Lamey took the spot kick and the ref blew the final whistle. Angry players (and kit manager) surrounded the ref, who left the pitch to angry, ugly scenes form club staff and fans. Moor Green had stolen a 1 - 2 win thanks to probably the worst referee I've seen at Middlefield Lane during my 18 year tour of duty.
Then again, it's swings and roundabouts. Folkestone Invicta, then second bottom, came to the Lane in a re-arranged game on the last Saturday of the month. They were to leave feeling exactly the same as us after the Moor Green debacle. Both teams started poor and struggled to get to grips with the wet, sticky, windy conditions. Folkestone played to their strengths and got it wide and forward quick. Hinckley took a bit longer to adapt and were on the defensive for most of the first half. Folkestone had a number of chances but couldn't score and Hinckley finished the half the stronger. For once Hinckley came out fighting for the start of the second. They pushed it wide and forward straight away and Munden made a couple of good saves. So what usually happens when Hinckley look threatening, yes they concede a goal. Hinckley had pushed too far forward and Folkestone did what they did all game. Wide quick, forward quick and this time Tait scored the opener. Hinckley hit back with their best move of the game. Sadler took the ball wide of the area on the left and passed inside for Jamie March. One touch played the ball into the area; second touch moved the ball wide of the defender and third touch goal. Hinckley had equalised straight away. That's it everybody thought should be 3 or 4 now. Everybody except Folkestone that is. Somehow we hadn't learnt what they were going to do yet, but they still did it. Wide quick, forward quick, and it was Everitt that scored for Folkestone this time, only 5 minutes later. With Folkestone leading 1 - 2 the referee decided he wanted to be center stage. Anthony Keates had been petty all match and had booked a number of Folkestone players for what can only be described as tackling (?). Eventually he would get around to the same player. In probably the only bookable tackle in the game Lindsey picked up his second yellow and Folkestone were down to 10 men. Hinckley pushed home the advantage immediately. Neil Cartwright ran the ball to the goal line and passed it back to Sadler, who's shot was saved by Munden but couldn't do anything with the rebound that Dyer forced home. Surely now we would finish them off. Apparently not. Folkestone even though they were down to 10 men stuck to their tactics. Wide quick, forward quick. Pretty it ain't but was effective against us. However we gifted Folkestone's goal. In an 'Afandiyev style' mix up Dakin and Whittle left a through ball for each other, only for Ayling to nip between the two and put the ball in the net. The 10 men were winning 2 - 3. DT gambled and took off Preston and put on Chris Smith. Marvellous, at home, playing the second bottom team who are down to 10 men, and having to gamble with 3 forwards to get a point out of the game! Hinckley threw everything forward. Eventually it had to give and Smith finished off another wide low cross to equalise a third time, right in the last minute, and finish the game 3 - 3. Many people had made up their minds already. A point rescued but not nearly good enough.

Overall a disappointing month. Out of the FA Trophy and the game we expected to lose at Crawley we won. However only 2 points out of the last three games against oppo down there with us is very telling. The rumblings are beginning to happen and with a very difficult month to come is the writing on the wall?
 
In out, Shake it all about
It was only a matter of time before DT had a 'shake up' of the squad. This month saw the release of strikers Zeke Rowe and Leon Mitchell. Another striker, Justin Jenkins was loaned out to Sh*psh*d Albion, with the already on loan Andy Lucas being transferred to Solihull Borough. To replace all of them we signed Chris Smith from Solihull Borough. Chris had been top scorer at Solihull for a number of seasons, and showed what he can do by scoring on his debut, at Crawley.
To fill the hole in the Midfield, Leon Jackson was bought from Worcester City for a reported '4 figure' fee. Worcester had bought Leon from Bilston where he also topped their goal charts for a number of seasons. However injury had prevented him from breaking into Worcester's first team this season.
The signing everyone was waiting for though was Thomas Whittle. His position, goalkeeper. Thomas was Division 2 Oldham Athletics's third goalkeeper. Unfortunately he never broke into the first team and was one of 10 players released by Oldham in a cost cutting move. He was originally here on a month's loan, but has now signed a contract.
 
World of Football Stuff
Czech team Sigma Olumouc have come up with a novel way to motivate their players. The Club chiefs have forced the first team to pay the gate fees of their fans for their next game after a slump in form. The Chairman said: "We were wondering how best to punish the players who are paid royally but play lousily."
(Can apply the same theory to the FA Match Officials Association?)

Jodie Foster made me do it!
Stella Hughes turned up for a tour of Barcelona's Nou Camp Stadium and was made a VIP for life, even though she doesn't like football. Well what the f*** was she doing there then? Stella, 64, went with her footie mad husband (well I bet he's never been moaned at for watching too much footy, eh?) while on their holibobs and she became the 10 millionth visitor. (Actually serves him right for not letting the lady go first.) Bemused Stella was treated like royalty (lucky it wasn't France) and mobbed by dozens of TV reporters. She met the Club President and received lifetime membership of the Spanish giants. Ex-dinner lady Stella said: "It was a lovely surprise, but I'm not really a football fan, and stop chasing the girls into the toilets. Hot lunch or Sandwiches deary?" (OK, you see which bit I made up.)

A striker banned for life in 1915 for alleged match fixing could finally be cleared nearly 90 years later. The FA has agreed to re-open the case of Manchester United's Enoch 'Knocker' West, (what a nickname - 'Knocker' West, I bet he did, often) who went to his grave protesting his innocence. (that must've been a surprise at his funeral - "let me out, I didn't do it.") He was among 8 players convicted of match fixing in 1915. All players except West were pardoned in 1918 after confessing a 2 - 0 win was rigged. (Eh? Deny it and get banned, then own up and everything's ok.) West refused to admit he was in on it and died in 1965 after the longest ban in English football. Some sad individual has written a book about it and FA Chief David Davies (will play) confirmed: "This will be presented to the Disciplinary Committee, and I expect the punishment to be reduced to a 3 month ban which will enable the deceased Mr West to have surgery on his injured knee." (OK, OK, the last bit was me again)

Police swooped on fans that had invaded the pitch and nicked a player by accident. Aaron Webster who plays for Burton Albion was marched away by coppers who mistook him for a fan in a replica top. It happened when Burton took the lead against Oldham in the FA Cup game at Boundary Park. Joyous fans (viciously targeted by police for daring to enjoy the celebrations) swamped onto the pitch when jubilant scorer Craig Dudley jumped into the crowd. Police moved in to eject (interrogate and torture?) fans, but collared Webster as well. Aaron said: "They only let me go when I told them I was a player." (you'd think they might have noticed shorts and footy boots wouldn't you? Perhaps they were too busy forcing Amateur Football Clubs to pay for policing at their one big game a year, which they enforce, and then start counting out their overtime payments?)
 
Coming next Season: It's Christmas! That means holiday games against Tamworth and Dover. Oh joy look at the league table. With a game away at Worcester too it looks like we could be struggling in the New Year. Optimistic aren't I? Games against Halesowen and Weymouth will be doubly important that means as these will be the best chance of picking up points, er, maybe. The most important game has to be the LCC Cup game away at Barwell. I'd like to go to the Walkers Stadium in May even if no one else does.
 
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