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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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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The Smithfield were without managers Craig & Plant in arguably the toughest game of the season so far.

Ratings are as follows:-

Stanway

Superb from crosses and throw-ins, distribution much better than any other game this season. Some excellent saves. Man of the match performance.
9/10

Cobby

Another brilliant performance, showed excellent form recently and hopefully will continue. Kicked lumps out of everything in his path and didn’t give forwards a chance to produce.
8/10

Clarke

Steady as a rock, won everything in the air, tracked their pacey winger throughout and dealt with him over and over.
8/10

Tudor

Marked their talented, skillful striker who had about a foot on Tudor. Didn’t give the striker any time or space, challenged everything the air and made some crucial challenges. Building an excellent partnership with Chopper.
8/10

Harris

Took responsibility for the defence, constantly talking, some massive tackles. Confident performance.
9/10

Ford

Like a dynamo up and down the wing: back to defend and for short corners, and providing the attack with balls going forward. Took his goal well to break the deadlock.
9/10

Bagnall

Back to last years player of the season form. New role really suited him and showed excellent discipline not going forward to far. Won everything in the air and constantly supported both defence and midfield, captained the side well with talking throughout.
9/10

Maskery

Excellent work rate, didn’t give the midfield a second to settle, unlucky not to score.
8/10

Craig

Playing more defensively than usual and constantly supported Ben on the right hand side. Strong in the tackle and got forward when possible.
8/10

Jones (L)

Work rate improved massively, scored twice, one of which will be goal of the season. Showing 25 goals a season form.
9/10

Askey

Playing in the position he classes as his best and showed. Best performance of his season by far. Defended from the front, held the ball up really well, distribution was excellent. Set up 2 goals.
9/10

Latham

Defended very well last 15 minutes, good distribution too. Did the biggest header I have ever seen, must have gone 45 yards,
8/10

Baggeley

Helped to steady the ship. Defended well and battled hard.
8/10

Gold Member

Unfotunately did not get on but did a good job with the flag. Showed excellent attitude and drank the 2 quickest beers I have ever seen, didn’t even let the ale settle.
10/10

AWOL

Craig

Spent the weekend with Basil Fawlty.

Plant

Working a 1 hour shift.

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Oh dear an absolute mauling at the hands of Beverly (8-1).

So what went wrong?
Was it the tactics? (tried and tested against better teams successfully)
Was it the attitude of the players?
Was it the commitment of the players?
Was it the pre-match instructions?(get closer to the player you are marking etc.)
Was it just one of those days?
Or is it those damn Aliens interfering again?

Whatever the reason we must learn from this game and quickly if we are to establish ourselves as a credible Premiership side.

Ratings are as follows:-

Stanway

Let in 8, had a tantrum at halftime,suggested that when he shouts “keepers ball” he doesn’t want team mates to leave it for him.
5/10

Clarke

Chased shadows first half, claims he had 3 players running at him first half, but never thought to sort out this problem until halftime.
5/10

Jones

Career threatening injury forced him off after 16 minutes, our thoughts are with him.
4/10

Harris

As a central defender was too often too far away from the rest of his back line. Tried in vain to get the backline up to the halfway line.
5/10

Askey

Got forced further and further back as his confidence drained away. Better second half.
5/10

Latham

A lot of enthusiasm, needs to channel it better, will have to learn to dominate his opposite number.
5/10

Maskery

Got lost in the midfield vacuum, needs to show more commitment when things are going badly, was too often in the different half of the pitch to the ball.
5/10

Bagnall

When the going gets tough you need the Captain to encourage and lead the fight from the front. Head went down after 3rd goal and never came back up. Needs to see the problems on the pitch and sort them out. There’s no excuse for players running around unmarked. This should be a basic fix.
4/10

Craig

Was like a magnet for the goal kicks, Needs to use his pace and ability to destroy average players who only look good because we play the high ball. Better second half.
5/10

Ford

Dismal performance as a front man, even worse when he came to help out his defence second half, obviously never heard of a “give and go” pass. Never gave the opposition a problem all game.
4/10

Jones

Took his goal well, sadly didn’t do much else, was too easily pushed off the ball, Never put any pressure on the defenders when they had the ball.
3/10

Cobby

Came on for Jones and looked shaky at first, much better when he picked up the pace of the game. The only honest performance on the team.
6/10

Goldstraw

Worst possible game to make his debut, but gave it a go when he came on.
6/10

AWOL

Baggo

Maybe we shouldn’t rely on a player who can’t be bothered to turn up. Manager’s patience beginning to wear thin.

Tudor

Hopefully back for good next week

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Well, the Smithfield started their European Cup adventure away at Duke of York with a comfortable 5-3 win.

Ratings are as follows:-

Stanway

Safe handling throughout. Couldn’t do much with the goals, made some brave saves second half.
8/10.

Clarke

Another sound performance from a player who never lets his team mates down.
8/10

Jones (K)

Good in the air, caught napping again for their 3rd, always supplying the forwards from deep.
7/10

Harris

More like it from the talented defender, solid performance and looked more than comfortable on the ball.
8/10

Askey

Read the game well, never looked under pressure, controlled the game from the back.
8/10

Ford

Dropped back into midfield but it didn’t stop him causing problems all game. Scored one set up two and was unlucky to have another disallowed.
9/10

Bagnall

Always looking for a forward pass, strong in the tackle, lead by example.
8/10

Baggerley

First start and settled in well, good partnership in the centre of midfield, tired second half.
7/10

Craig

Powerhouse performance from the human dynamo, final ball could be improved.
8/10

Jones (L)

Scored one and could have had more, needs to improve his off the ball game.
7/10

Maskery

Scored 2 crackers, could have had 6, and was involved in most of the best bits.
9/10

Cobby

Replaced Jones for the last 20, never gave the winger a sniff.
7/10

Tudor

Replaced Badderley on 75 mins, it’s good to see the elusive defender briefly.
7/10

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The Firestarters faced their first away game in the Premiership away at Trent Vale. Could they get their first ever Premier 3 points?

Rating are as follows:-

Stanway

Lucky to get the shirt today, left exposed for the first, probably at fault for the second, didn’t expect Jones to score the 3^rd. Under pressure to keep his place.
7/10

Clarke

Probably the only defender first half, outstanding second half, always pushing his team forward.
9/10

Jones

Like a rabbit in the headlights playing their forwards on for the first, smashed home their 3rd with style, and yet still did enough to have a good overall game.
7/10

Harris

Forget the first half, and see the player we know in the second. Halftime should be the turning point in his season.
7/10

Askey

Didn’t seem interested first half, scored the penalty, much like the player we know second half.
7/10

Latham

First league start for the new boy and he did well, full of running and confident on the ball.
7/10

Bagnall

Great header for the first goal and got stronger has the game went on. Controlled the midfield.
8/10

Maskery

Oppositions man of the match, denied a goal by the woodwork and a couple of good saves, always a threat.
8/10

Craig

Back to his old self today, full of running always a threat down the right, unlucky not to score.
8/10

Ford

Scored 4, set up 3, even claimed the own goal, always wanted the ball. In a word magnificent.

9/10

Jones (L)

Worked harder today, great first goal, set up at least one and ended the scoring with a fine solo effort.
7/10

Baggeley

Came on as sub and set up a goal with his second touch. His biggest challenge is turning up for games.
7/10

Wright

Not used today.

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Well this was the baptism of fire and how did the Firestarters perform against last years League runners up and double cup winners?

Ratings are as follows:-

Wright

Late replacement as goalkeeper, kicks good, unfortunate to get injured in the first half hour which severly reduced his mobility.
7/10

Cobby

Stuck to his task well, not at fault for the goals, got stronger as the game went on.
7/10

Clarke

Was in there amongst them when the going got tough, sound performance, replaced after groin injury.
7/10

Harris

Was at fault for the crucial equaliser, needs to become the player we know he can be and quickly.
6/10

Askey

Back where he belongs in the centre of defence, tackled well and found a pass when needed.
7/10

Jones (K)

Sound performance from the veteran left winger always going forward and more to come from this skillful player.
7/10

Bagnall

Looked like he’d got jet lag, but was always committed, A lot better when he’s wide awake.
7/10

Maskery

Scored a deserved goal and ran the opposition ragged all game, more goals to come.
8/10

Craig

Back after injury and made 2 costly mistakes. Donkey of the day.
6/10

Ford

Bravely beat the keeper to put us in front, no doubt will be the top scorer this year (with the right management).
8/10

Jones (L)

Denied by a wonder save first half, needs to up his work rate to secure his place.
6/10

Latham

Came on for the last 20 minutes and made an immediate impact setting up a goal, this guy is one to watch for the future.
8/10

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