[Chief Rum]

August 21, 2003

Northampton Chronicle & Echo

Nationwide Conference Wrap Up

Barnet 3, Forest Green 0 This one was over before the Bees' fans got their first buzz. Exciting midfield import Lee Cook from Watford continued to display the terrific ball play he showed against Kettering on Saturday, scoring two goals in the first 12 minutes of the match in Barnet's home opener. Bee keeper Daniel Naisbitt got his second shut out of the young season, although the credit for this one goes to the active Barnet defense, which allowed just one shot on goal.

Gravesend & Northfleet 2, Burton Albion 0 The Fleet put up five goals and 13 shots against Woking Saturday. On Tuesday night, though, they managed just three shots against felow promotee Burton Albion on its home pitch. But they made the most of their chances. In the 44th minute, forward Mark Bentley scored to get the first goal on the board. The Fleet then held on behind solid defensive play, limiting Burton to a matching three shots on goal. In the 90th minute, the victory was sealed by an own goal by defender Stuart Reddington.

Chester 2, Margate 1 Continuing a seeming trend early in this Conference season, Chester used a goal from an unexpected source to prove victorious on its home pitch against the well-regarded Gate of Margate. Chester was knocking on the door for much of the match, but the Gate's keeper Phil Smith proved to be too tough to take--until he kicked it in himself! In an odd and egregious error, Smith misplayed a ball that was kicked back to him by his defenders in the 53rd minute, and the ball accidentally crossed over the touch line for the score. It would prove the difference in the end.

Leigh RMI 2, Dag & Red 1 This match is proof for why they always play the games. Leigh RMI was dominated by Doncaster Saturday, and Dag & Red was picked as the favorite to win promotion to the League this year. So, of course, the Railway Men play the strong side on their home pitch, and jump to a 2-0 lead by the 24th minute, before the Daggers even get going. Strikers Keith Scott and Scott Fitzgerald got the two scores that would eventually be the key in a minor upset.

Doncaster 3, Morecambe 1 Were the pundits too quick to name Morecambe as one of the Conference's better sides? Or is Doncaster just this good? Rovers' striker Robert Gill scored for the second match in a row in the 5th minute, setting the tone early on. Doncaster's side did well to shut down Morecambe's attack, but didn't put the match away until a penalty score by Northwich striker import Greg Blundell in the 56th minute. Morecambe, playing its home opener after showing feeble form in a loss to Forest Green Saturday, managed just four total shots, and didn't score its goal until the 85th minute.

Northwich 2, Halifax 1 Carlisle import Johnny Allan scored a final minutes goal to clinch a hard home victory over visiting Halifax. In a defensive match, the two sides remained tied at 1-1 for much of the way. Not all was good for the Vics, though--Man United midfield import Andy Taylor broke his wrist in the 73rd minute, and will liekly be out until mid-September at least.

Southport 3, Nuneaton Borough 0 Former West Bromich and Preston striker Lee Ashcroft just missed the hat, as he notched up two goals in a strong victory for Southport in its home opener. The match was a defensive one, but Nuneaton resorted to too many risky tactics, earning them two penalty fouls. Ashcroft kicked both, converting the first in the 31st minute and missing the second in the 37th minute. He also put Southport up to the early lead in the 16th minute, and Southport had three goals by halftime.

Stevenage 1, Kettering 0 Stevenage dominated play ont he pitch in their home opener, allowing the Poppies just one shot at the net. The Boro' pressed strongly and had several good chances on the net before accepting the closer-than-reality one goal victory.

Telford 3, Hereford 0 Striker Paul Smith didn't wait long to make a statement at Telford's season home opener. He set the tone for a blowout with a quick 1st minute score to put the Bucks up. They never looked back, domianting play on the pitch and putting up a 3-0 lead by halftime. Bulls' striker John Grant, who scored a hat against Chester Saturday, was limited to just one errant shot.

Woking 4, Scarborough 0 The prodigal son returns. Former Woking striker Warren Patmore, who was a leading scorer with Woking two seasons ago, returned from a stint with Rushden in style, scoring a hat trick to blitz Scarborough before the halftime whistle. All four Woking goals came before the midpoint, as they made good on just five shots.

Yeovil 0, Farnborough 0 For the second straight match, Farnborough showed it isn't too big on offense. Fortunately for the Boro, Yeovil wasn't any better. The defensive match featured just seven total shots--five by hometown Yeovil--before succumbing to the draw.