The Smithfield FC

Smithfield are cheated of two penalties in a minute by the ref, and the opposition come down the other end to win 3-2.

It was a pleasure to watch you play on Sunday and now that we know we can do it, we need to get the consistency to perform to this level each week.

Come on you mighty Smithfield!

Stanway

Master of the one on ones today, looked unbeatable at times and handled with confidence throughout.
9/10

Clarke

Different player with protection in front of him, superb in the tackle and raided forward at will in the second half.
9/10

Harris

Held the back line together well, won possession and then played it simple to feet. Kept the pressure on the opposition back line from deep within his own half.
8/10

Tudor

Good to see the Kidsgrove Nomad back in the heart of defence. Looked assured all game and turned defence into attack with good distribution. Hardly put a foot wrong.
8/10

Cobby

Grew stronger as the game went on, gradually forced his winger back towards the halfway line, hardly ever gave the ball away.
9/10

Ford

Always available for a pass, great flick on for the first goal, got in some great positions and only the heavy pitch prevented him from scoring.
9/10

Maskery

Work rate tremendous in the engine room of the team, carried the ball well and always posed a threat in possession.
9/10

Askey

like to know the Opta stats on how many times he had the ball, seemed to be involved in everything. Great driving force ion the middle of the pitch.
9/10

Craig

Forced his opponent that far back he was virtually playing up front. Carried the ball well on the heavy pitch and finished a fine move superbly for the second goal.
9/10

Evans

They just couldn’t handle him today, scored his usual goal a game, was outrageously denied a second by the goalkeeper in the pivotal point of the game.
9/10

Bagnall

Played with an injury but you wouldn’t have known it held the ball up front well linked up play, had a hand in both goals and kept the 2 centre halves busy all game.
9/10

Subs

None

AWOL

Jones – Knee operation
Baggo – Chelsea
Latham – Ankle injury
Smith – Knee injury

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Take the 8-2 home loss in context with a scratch team out, an awful lot of bad luck, and good opposition, the performance of some players was exceptional and will prove that with a full team we will have nothing to fear from Signalman. We will have learned a hell of a lot more about them than they have about us and it’s up to the mighty Smithfield to use that to our advantage when we next meet.

Stanway

Had a busy day in goal, let in 8, will be disappointed with a couple of them, will be gutted with the penalty “save”. Opponents man of the match.
7/10

Clarke

Showed real commitment in an under pressure back line, was often outnumbered but never gave up. His tackle for the penalty was a classic.
7/10

Harris

Backs against the wall stuff from the gritty defender, under constant pressure during the second half but battled to the end.
7/10

Askey

Last but not least of the “3 Amigos” at the back (or should that be 3 “howmanygoals”). Really put in a good shift and tried his best to slow down play and keep possession. Scored from the spot.
7/10

Craig (M)

Never stopped running all game, battled well to create the 1^st goal and stood tall in the land of the giants that was midfield.
7/10

Maskery

Powerful display in midfield and everywhere else on the pitch, work rate was exceptional and he ran himself into the ground.
8/10

Evans

Good that he was back in these desperate times, battled well and scored his expected goal.
7/10

Craig (T)

A career threatening knee injury didn’t stop him from donning the famous red shirt, showed a cool head and his pass completion rate was up there with the best.
9/10

Ford

Showed that when the going gets tough it’s gonna get tougher when he’s got the ball. Needs to keep the ball more and give the defence a rest.
5/10

Ben Plant

Emergency signing, ran himself into the ground within an hour, was up against strong defenders, but hey he gave it his best shot.
10/10

Greg Woodcock

Signed on the day and showed enough to prove with a good side around him he can do a job. Played as the lone striker and managed to keep the defence on edge all game.
10/10

Subs

None

AWOL

Bagnall – Slight strain
Jones – Knee operation
Baggo – Who knows?
Latham – Ankle injury
Smith – Knee injury
Tudor – Yet another day trip (LEEDS)

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Outclassed and outplayed, Smithfield concede 7 for no reply on a great pitch against Grapes.

Stanway

Seemed shaky at first then for a spell had to single handedly keep the opposition at bay, let in 7 goals though.
7/10

Clarke

Battled well when our backs were against the wall, found himself out numbered as full back pushed forward.
7/10

Harris

Under pressure for most of the game with 4 of the goals coming from his side of the pitch. Never let his head go down, was replaced on the hour.
7/10

Askey

Really couldn’t do much for any of the goals which is surprising when you let in 7, kept the back line out well.
7/10

Tudor

Felt sorry for the lad having given 3 goals away through his mistakes, on another day he’d have got away with it but Grapes were ruthless up front.
5/10

Smith

Struggled defensively, and needs to pick out his pass quicker when going forward. He has the pace and needs to use it more as a weapon.
6/10

Ford

Never really looked comfortable in the middle and dropped further back as the game went on. Needs to find his pass much quicker.
6/10

Bagnall

Should be more vocal to prevent players being seemingly unmarked and less critical when the inevitable happens because they are. Over run in the middle.
6/10

Craig

Struggled to cope with the full back pushing forward, tried to find a good pass but was often hit and miss.
6/10

Maskery

Ran himself into the ground and was often fighting a lone battle up front, work rate terrific, movement really good.
8/10

Jones

Never a threat, poor workrate and made it hard for his team with his lack of movement off the ball. Didn’t keep there defenders occupied.
5/10

Subs

Cobby

Came on in the second half and looked strong, gave us what we had been missing for an hour.
7/10

Latham

Caused problems in the last half hour, made some good runs but didn’t get the ball he deserved. Looked tired after 14 minutes though.
7/10

Lat

AWOL

Harris – Sickness
Baggo– Hamstring
Mark – ???
Matt G – ???

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Former player of the season Kevin “Giggsy” jones has suffered a sickening blow to his recovery from Achilles heel surgery.

The talanted winger well know for his gracefulness and balance stumbled on a “piece of rough ground” and tore the his Achilles. To make matters worse he has also broken his ankle in the freak accident. His leg is back in plaster and his come back target of March 2012 now seems beyond him.

Best wishes go out to Kevin and his family.

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It was a welcome return to football as the Mighty Firestarters travelled to Cobridge for the Premier cup tie against Grange Park Rangers. Smithfield had their chances and on balance should have won the game, but a last minute extra-time goal for Grange Park sealed the win and Smithfield crashed out of the cup.

This game will be remembered for the cowardly attack on skipper Tony Bagnall by the Grange Park forward, who punched Bagnall in the back of the head, unprovoked, when a handbags scuffle broke out after a Grange Park made a two-footed tackle on the skipper.

The game will also be remembered for Fordy’s Hand-of-God-Henry handball that took the game to extra time.

Stanway

Did well in difficult conditions and under a bombardment of long throws, was beaten by 3 one on ones, a penalty and a fluke free kick.
8/10

Clarke

Battled well and put their defence under pressure with good balls forward, ran himself into the ground, only one goal came from his side where he got caught out positionally.
8/10

Harris

Asked to play left back and did a sound job, good balls forward, strong tackling, played safe when needed and looked confident on the ball.
8/10

Askey

Outstanding game in the heart of the defence, tackled well, good distribution and dangerous free kicks.
9/10

Tudor

Another good game at the back, unlucky to concede the 3rd penalty in 2 games. Made some great interceptions and played the ball well from the back.
8/10

Ford

Scored a hand ball goal, but should have had at least 3 others, guilty of wasting the ball in extra time when players were free and in good positions.
7/10

Bagnall

Gradually gained control of the midfield and battled well until he had a little sleep in the 89th minute. Only player not to know he was sent off.
8/10

Baggeley

Scored and battled well in midfield, good passes and strong in the air, ran himself to a standstill and was replaced in the 71st minute.
8/10

Craig

Kept possession well and was involved in most of the goods moves down the right, kept the pressure on the fullback and could have scored in extra time to win the game.
8/10

Maskery

Good all round performance, scored a cracking goal, was always willing to chase down a lost cause. Always a threat up front.
8/10

Jones (L)

Scored a cracking goal, but should really have sown the game up in extra time, needs to work harder when he hasn’t got possession.
7/10

AWOL

Harris – Sickness
Cobby – Working
Mark – ???
Matt G – ???

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Smithfield “clubbed” to death 8-1 by an average Blurton side.

Stanway

Let in 8 goals, thwarted another 4 one on ones, was left badly exposed by his team.
7/10

Clarke

Struggled early on with a pacy winger, found his feet before half time, went walkabout late on.
6/10

Askey

Filling in as part of a makeshift left side, never really settled at the back, good distribution early on.
6/10

Tudor

Marked their star player, battled well first half, found himself last man (and sometimes only man) in defence second half. Gave away 2 debatable penalties.
6/10

Bagnall

Drafted in at centre half, not bad first half, gradually got further away from the back line second half.
6/10

Smith

Had acres of room in first half to go forward, needed to defend a bit deeper to protect the defence more.
6/10

Maskery

Scored a well taken goal, never really commanded the midfield and needed to pass shorter to keep possession.
6/10

Baggeley

Good in the air, battled well but gradually got overrun in midfield.
7/10

Craig

Good work rate, scored the opener, Nobbled their winger, couldn’t pass to his team mates second half.
6/10

Ford

f only he’d chose to pass the ball when there’s a player available in the last 20 yards. Work rate an example to the rest of his team mates.
7/10

Jones (L)

Credit to him for turning up and playing 70 minutes with his injury, sadly he needed to play it simple to make an impact.
6/10

AWOL

Harris – Sickness
Cobby – Work
Latham – Ankle injury
Goldstraw – Back injury

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Whilst most other matches were rained off, Smithfield faced off against the Premiership whipping boys George & Dragon on a soggy Fenton Park pitch.

Stanway

Another sound display from the nine fingered keeper, handling faultless and good punched clearances throughout the game. Made a fine save late on but could do nothing about either goal.
9/10

Cobby

Growing in stature with every game, too strong for the opposition and looking more confident on the ball. Was a provider for the midfield throughout the game.
8/10

Clarke

The under-rated right back covered the width of the pitch across the back line, continually broke up their attacks and was impressive on the ball. Linked up well with the midfield and attack
8/10

Tudor

Blossoming under the guidance of ex team Captain Harris, Tackled well and often brought the ball out of defence to set up our attacking play. Made some great blocks in front of goal.
8/10

Harris

Again looked comfortable at the back and beginning to become the player we knew he could be. Confidence high tackled well and was far too good for the opposition.
8/10

Ford

– Scored his usual goal, which he took well, should have had a couple more. The free scoring midfielder was always available for a pass and tracked back to win possession. Good pass to set up the 4th goal but needs to work more on his distribution around the edge of the box.
8/10

Maskery

Took his goal well and did some good running off the ball and helped control the midfield for long periods in the game. Needs to believe in himself more in front of goal. Passing not up to his usual standard today.
7/10

Bagnall

The skipper returned from injury to put in a powerful performance. Totally controlled the midfield in a dominant first half and deserved his well taken headed goal. Short passing improving with every game. Needs to learn to slow the game down at times.
8/10

Craig

Always a thorn in the oppositions side, took his goal well after a great run from deep, was denied a couple more by good saves. Was caught having a little nap for their second goal.
8/10

Jones (L)

Good unselfish display up front, held the ball up and linked well with the midfield. Needed better supply when in the danger areas. Injured on the hour.
7/10

Askey

Outstanding in the first hour, was involved in everything, wanted the ball and his distribution was superb. Let his frustration get the better of him in the closing stages.
8/10

Smith

Came on for the last 30 minutes and made an instant impact setting up the 3rd goal, was denied by a good save, needs to time his runs better to beat the offside trap but this will come with more games.
8/10

Goldstraw

Came on for the last 10 minutes (according to the Gaffers dodgy Spanish watch) and quite frankly never put a foot wrong.
9/10

Latham & Seymour

Carrying an injury, Latham turned up in appalling conditions to cheer on his teammates. Good to see Seymour on the sideline.

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Blurton have got the most random results I have ever seen this season:

• V’s John Marston Away -  5-4 Win
• V’s Brittania @ Home – 2-2 Draw
• V’s Thistleberry Away – 4-0 Win
• V’s Draycott Potters Away – 3-4 Lost *
• V’s Brittania @ Home – 3-4 Lost *
• V’s Duke of York @  Home – 4-3 Win
• V’s Village Town Away – 4-3 Win *
• V’s The Place @ Home – 5-3 Win
• V’s Auto Direct Away- 4-2 Win
• V’s Angel Inn Away – 2-2 Draw

* Indicates cup fixture

This looks to be a tricky fixture for the Smithfield as Blurton Club have cleary got goals in them scoring an impressive 34 goals in 10 games. This is similar to the Smithfields record who themselves scored 30 goals in 8 games.

Both sides have got suspect defensive records with the Smithfield conceding 26 goals in 8 games and Blurton conceding 27 goals out of their 10. 

The big difference between these sides is the difference in opposition. The Smithfield comfortably beat the Duke of York ealier in the season and should have beat them by a bigger margin, whereas Blurton just sneaked a victory in a 4-3 thriller.

The Smithfield are also on excellent form not losing over 90 minutes in 4 games and getting the 2 best results of the season within these fixtures. Although the defensive record is not good on paper, the Smithfield seem to be settling down defensively with the central partnership of Tudor and Harris becoming pivotal in the side. The full backs have been producing much better performances recently and the implementation of a holding midfielder seems to be giving the Smithfield a defensive edge.

This mixed with the goal scoring ability the Smithfield with Ford, Jones, Askey, Maskery, Smith, Bagnall and Craig all netting goals for the side, it is no wonder the Smithfield are on favourites with BET365 offering 4/11 for the win. Jones will be missed after netting himself 7 goals so far but has been placed as doubtful due to injury.

Currently 2nd in the Premier League the Smithfield will be hoping to continue their cup run and pick up a win this weekend.

This pundits prediction: Blurton Club 2 v 4 The Smithfield.

Lets see more predictions:

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In the knowledge that there wouldn’t be any sponsorship money this year the club were on the lookout for a new pub for next season, when a phone call from none other than Harry Potter turned the clubs future on its head. The Smithfield is under new management and the manager in to run the place is one-time Smithfield midfielder Chris ‘Harry Potter’, who waved his magic sausage wand on Sunday and provided the lads with the best spread in a long time. There was the usual chips and bread & butter, but new on the menu were sausages and curly fries.

In talks with the Smithfield ownership, Harry promises to do his best to secure the club some much-needed sponsorship money, arrange for some quiz nights again, and even put his feelers out for a race night next year.

Our hats off to Wayne Maxted, philanthropic Smithfield owner, for allowing all of this to happen.

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Stanway

Injured but played to his credit. Excellent first half performance, kept the Smithfield in the game with some crucial saves. Second half performance generally good but a couple of mistakes crept in, should have done better on 1 of the goals.
8/10

 

Cobby

Steady game from the full back, some good tackles and battled in the air. Needed to communicate more with new left wingers.
7/10

 

Clarke

Defended well throughout the game but lost the ball a number of times in the second half in opposition half which caused problems for the defence.
7/10

 

Tudor

Best game for the Smithfield so far. Clear Man of the Match performance. Some amazing last-ditch tackles, improved performance in the air. Only negative in the entire game was clearly hand balled in his own box and fortunate not to concede penalty.
9/10

 

Harris

Gave the armband and captained well. Improving performances by the game, very solid throughout. Talked well to the side.
9/10

 

Goldstraw

Debut for the Smithfield summer signing. Worked hard but fitness let him down. Sick on the pitch after a sprint.
6/10

 

Askey

Played in a holding role, supported the defence very well and distribution was generally good. Solid performance.
8/10

 

Maskery

Worked hard and tracked man throughout. Distribution wasn’t up to usual standard.
6/10

 

Craig

Supported the defence when required, covered a lot of ground up the line. Needed to show a little more when ball being held by other players.
7/10

 

Jones (L)

Frustrating game for the striker, didn’t create enough space to receive the ball and squandered a couple of good chances. Excellent work to assist the second goal though.
6/10

 

Ford

Scored and assisted, created chances with good distribution. Performance let down by a miss control from a bobbled clearance that gifted oppositions first goal.
7/10

 

Smith

Came on at half time and made an instant impact. Ran at defenders and caused numerous problems. Scored first goal which was taken well. Excellent debut.
8/10

 

Bagnall

Injured and given management responsibility. First manager to gain a result from AFC007. Excellent collection of subs.

 

Latham and Baggeley

Both no shows, Latham didn’t answer phone and Baggeley turned up half way through first half to watch Britannia on next pitch. completely let team mates down. Both need to show more commitment.

 

Craig (T)

Didn’t think to tell players he was going on holiday. Probably one of his “mad” motivational tactics.

 

Plant

Spending time with Ace from film Casino, looking how the Hacienda casino in Vegas could benefit from possible 1 hour shift rotation system.

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