New Brighton
Football Club(R.U.)
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New Brighton Football Club(R.U.) |
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January Match Reports Season 2000-2001 |
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English National League Division 3 North |
Aspatria 20 New Brighton 36
Team Sheet:
In a league so close that points difference could well be all that separates the Champions from the runners up, New Brighton continue to add to the excitement with domestic dramas of their own. A trip to Aspatria to face the power of the famed Cumbrian forwards is a daunting affair at the best of times, but when 18 stone hard man Nick Allot phoned in at 0800 to cry off with illness on the day of the game, New Brighton management looked a little jittery. Blues other big man Paul Campbell was unavailable as was `Pocket Battleship, Huw Thomas. These were not the problems selectors wanted before a trip to Cumbria. Danny Jones was pulled from the second XV to slot in at No.7 with Captain Geoff Jones moving to No.6 as Jez Lamb was forced to fill in at lock. Phil Gazolla moved to tight head with the mighty Marco Dorrington returning to the front row after a two week lay off. It was not an ideal start to their day but the Blues brushed off the notion of a weakened pack and a back division playing for the third week without star centre Marcus Coast, to win this one by 36 - 20.Steve Johnson returned on the wing as selectors were again forced to ring the changes.Coach Lol Connor was philosophical after the game "Obviously we're pleased to have won but I will be looking for a bigger score next week. It's important that we keep winning but I'm ambitious to please the fans with the style and quality of our game. When we got our noses in front the lads did not go on to bury Aspatria. I'm looking for the same commitment that the All Blacks bring to the game. Once in front they keep their foot flat to the floor and work to rack up the score. Having got in front against Aspatria the lads slacked off and failed to capitalise on our position.Even with the changes we should have won this one by more. I'll be looking for ruthless efficiency in a high scoring win at Reeds Lane next week. " In cold but sunny conditions New Brighton kicked off to open in confident style. Refusing an early penalty kick at goal, they chose to scrum and drove from the set piece to create the early pressure. Brett fed Emrys Evans who cut back against the line of play to race through for the opening score Score 0 - 5 on 5 mins. From the restart Aspatria drove forward into the Blues half and set Stand Off Steve Woods on a run. The No.10 offered an outrageous dummy to split the New Brighton defence before impudently repeating the treatment on Blues full back Adam Butt to virtually walk over for a score he also converted. Score 7 - 5 on 7 mins. The Blues responded immediately with some driving forward play that established a good attacking position, which drew a penalty from the Cumbrians. Spurning the opportunity to kick for goal the Blues again drove closer to the line with some fine forward play. A second penalty award could not be turned down and was accurately dispatched by Paul Brett Score 7 - 8 on 12 mins. During the next 5 minutes New Brighton took control up front creating the pressure to draw another penalty that Brett struck well to score. Score 7 - 11 on 17 mins. Aspatria raised their game to force the play into the Blues half. They were progressing well until a crunching tackle from Lamb saw the ball spilled forward. Emrys Evans pounced like a tiger to snap up the loose possession, feeding a quick pass he set Paul Brett on his way for the line. Brett raced hard through the defence and looked clear to make the line. Aspatria's Swedish International full back, Dannie Kastleman,dived full length making a desperate fingertip `Ankle Tap' tackle that fell the speeding centre. As Brett struggled to get to his feet to make the line, Kastleman dove over killing man and ball. Referee Wigglesworth had no hesitation in whistling for a Penalty Try. Brett added the extras. Score 7 - 18 on 26 mins. Perhaps the Blues should have opened up at this point and gone away from their hosts. In the event they let Aspatria come at them and were forced to concede a penalty. Stand off Woods struck the ball sweetly to land the points from full 40 metres out. Score 10 - 18 on 32 mins. New Brighton's response was immediate. Blues forwards powering up field, Geoff Jones made the scoring break and Brett cutting back on the angle added the try and the conversion Score 10 - 25 on 35 mins. Steve Woods kicked a penalty for the Cumbrians Score 13 - 25 on 38 mins. Aspatria's David Humes was sin binned two minutes before the break, but it was enough time for New Brighton to drive forward from a line out setting up a ruck from which Steve Bellis launched a try scoring charge. Brett failed with the conversion as the half came to and end. Half Time: Aspatria 13 - 30 new Brighton The Blues started the second period in relaxed mood soaking up pressure but showing little desire to press forward. Conversely Aspatria flared their nostrils and were ready for the fray throwing everything in attack. A lackadaisical Blues saw Wood chip a sweet ball to within a few feet from the New Brighton line. Aspatria's second Swedish import Hugstom with no one to beat contrived to knock the ball forward denying a certain score. It was a lucky let off for the Blues but served to inspire the home side to further offensive heroics. The Blues held firm and increased their lead with a Brett penalty. Score 13 - 33 on 64 mins. New Brighton subbed Williams forButt and Turley for Fox, who played well following his return from injury. Aspatria now cast care to the wind and gambled everything on attacking play. A series of tap penalties added motion to their play increasing the pressure until second row Mark Burk broke away with the ball. The big man chanced a looping pass to winger Lee Chilton who ran in for the try. Woods added the extras Score 20 - 33 on 73 mins. In the best move of the match, scrum half Matt Bennett launched Emrys Evans in space to feed the flying Williams who raced in to touchdown under the posts. The try was initially awarded by referee Wigglesworth but withdrawn and a penalty awarded to the hosts when the Touch judge called play back for a controversial `Crossing' call. Johnson fielded the kick and set the Blues on the attack. It was a spectacular counter attack but the touch judge again called the play back resulting from a remark shouted by Williams as he was racing down the field. These decisions spoilt the Blues final efforts leaving Brett to complete the scoring with a final penalty Final Score: Aspatria 20 - 36 New Brighton Coach Connor singled out Steve Johnson for praise. "He was my man of the match. His tackling was outstanding and his form much improved with Paul Brett finding his kicking boots and players returning from injury we are getting back in shape again after a tough few weeks."
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English National League Division 3 North |
New Brighton 35 - 28 Sandal
Team Sheet:
 A ground inspection on Saturday morning determined the pitch would be playable by KO time and the message sent to Sandal's Yorkshire HQ to get on the bus and head for Reeds Lane. In the event it was a fascinating and exciting aftrenoon for a goodly crowd. New Brighton edged the result by 35-28 but only after a tremendous battle. Matt Bennett started at No.9 with injuries again forcing a re-alignment in the Blues' back division. Paul Brett and Emrys Evans formed the centre pairing with Julian Williams and Hamish Pearson on the wings. Adam Butt went to full back and Tom Mapp to No. 10. In the pack Paul Campbell returned to partner Nick Allott at lock. Jez Lamb was sidelined with injury leaving Danny Jones to retain the No.7 shirt and captain Geoff Jones at blind side. Play started well for the Blues. Winning an early lineout in the visitors 22, Paul Campbell, Blues new "King of the Line Out", soared like a leaping salmon to take possession. New Brighton forwards hit the maul with military might and precision to drive over for the opening score. It looked like, and was, a formidable demonstration of their forward power. Brett failed with the conversion but it was an impressive start by the home team. Score 5 - 0 on 2 mins. New Brighton powered forward from the restart enjoying total control to drive play well into Sandal territory. Matt Bennett was fizzing and buzzing at scrum half and always looked dangerous. When he launched the backs on a pacy move in front of the posts Sandal were penalised for off-side. Brett took the kick easing the Blues to an 8 point lead Score 8 - 0 on 5 mins. Such was New Brighton's early forward domination and confidence that home spirits were high, anticipating a scoring bonanza. It was not to be and even the best writers would have struggled to script the drama that was to follow. From the restart New Brighton again drove back into Sandal's half looking for total control, that is until the ball was turned over and Sandal launched virtually their first attack of the game. It looked innocent enough, they were in their own half and the defence was filling in nicely. Enter Jamie Barker, a big, high stepping rugby league centre with gas to burn. Cutting a straight line back in field he wrong-footed the defence and powered through a gap big enough to drive a bus through. Granted the defence struggled to turn on the slippery pitch, but the pace and power of Barker's 40 metre run sent warning signal buzzing through the home crowd. Full back Butt got hands to the big centre but the Yorkshireman powered home breaking the tackle. His was a magnificent score. Mark Sales added the conversion. Score 8 - 7 on 15 mins. Any ideas New Brighton may have harboured to run up a big win were now gone as the game was on for real. Injuries hit both sides with Steve Dorrington replacing Huw Thomas for the Blues and Andy Wilson replacing Adam Livermore for the visitors. New Brighton's forwards again took control of events, driving play deep into the Sandal half. The pressure drew penalties that the Blues chose to run. A neat reverse pass from Bennett saw "Captain Inspirational" Geoff Jones break the defence to set up an attacking ruck from which Steve Bellis collected to drive over and score. Brett failed with the conversion.  Score 13 - 7 on 28 mins. New Brighton's pack continued to dominate up front. Such was their confidence that they spurned another kick at goal, choosing an attacking line out in the corner. "King Campbell" again rose to collect possession but this time Sandal stood firm repulsing the Blues drive with a last ditch defensive effort to prevent the score. When full back Wolff kicke clear the penalty kick at goal looked a better option. What dominance New Brighton enjoyed in the pack the Yorkshiremen enjoyed in the backs. Every time Sandal launched their three quarter line home fans held their breath as Tykes pace men probed and pressed the defence. There were several close calls as the visitors' pressure mounted. Every time Sandal went wide they looked dangerous but the tackles were equal to the task. Events went somewhat pair-shaped for the Blues when replacement flanker Andy Wilson broke free to launch Lockwood and Barker on penetrating runs. When full back Wolff cut across the play to collect the ball there was nothing New Brighton could do to keep him out. Sales added the conversion to complete the first half scoring. Half Time: New Brighton 13 - 14 Sandal What on paper looked an easy home win turned into a real battle for the Blues. Sandal struck again immediately from the kick off. Lockwood fed Barker who strode out to make the initial break before linking with full back Wolff, who again cut a reverse angle to split the defence and race under the posts to score just seconds into the half. Sales added the conversion and the Blues were trailing by 2 scores. Score 13 - 21 on 41 mins. The famed New Brighton defence at Fortress Reeds Lane had been ripped asunder by a combination of underfoot conditions and the magnificence of the visitors' back division. Sandal's rugby league recruits from Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity had reduced the Blues "Fortress" to little more than a canvass tepee. Visiting centres Jamie Barker, Jonlee Lockwood and full back Mark Wolff made light of the conditions showing a power and pace in attack that the home fans, may not have liked, but had to admire. Championships are never easy, demanding resilience, persistence and a steel will from the victors. A lesser team might have folded at this point in the game but skipper Geoff Jones, leading from the front, fired his men up for another big effort. Such was the captain's work rate that one might be excused for thinking there were two No.6s playing for the Blues on this afternoon. Jones enthusiasm was contageous as the Blues rose to the challenge. New Brighton's reposte was immediate. A piercing drive down centre field involving forwards and backs was led by Jones and well orchestrated by Matt Bennett. Brett put pace on a fine move which Emrys Evans finished off for the score. The conversion failed. Score 18 - 21 on 44 mins.
  Score 23 - 21 on 44 mins.
With the home fans in full voice expecting New Brighton to pull ahead and seal the win Sandal were again on the scoring trail. Matt Bacon slipped a fast ball to Sales who found Rob Dawson in space. The giant lock was never going to make it to the line, but enjoyed the space he found himself in, ran well with the ball making 20 metres before the mercurial Barker raced in collecting the pass that brought his second try. Restoring Sandal's lead Sales added the extra points.  Score 23 - 28 on 55 mins. Staring defeat in the face New Brighton again fired up their effort keeping the game in the forwards who battered their way from defence to the half way line. A break by Brett from a tap penalty launched Jones on a long run home. Jones chose to take the defence on in a captain's gamble for the score. Delaying his pass to the last second, Jones slipped the ball seeking flying winger Williams as the tackles rained in. In the event the ball went loose and the chance was gone. With last week's defeat still fresh in their minds, memories of last year's loss to Sandal and time running out the Blues were seeing the success or failure of their season resting on the final minutes of this game. They were equal to the challenge. A try from Emrys Evans converted by Brett regained the lead to ease the pressure and a blistering break by Bennett gave Jones the space to set up a position for Bellis to all but seal the result with a try out wide. Score 35 - 28 on 76 mins. Sandal battled to the end seeking the score to give them a draw, but it was not tyo be as the defence closed them out. New Brighton need to improve their points difference if they are to improve their league chances against Doncaster and Stourbridge. Before Saturday's game they may have targeted Sandal for a big win but in the event they will be grateful to have gained a win. The fans that had turned out on this cold winter's afternoon were treated to a fascinating and thoroughly entertaining game. Final Score: New Brighton 35 - 28 Sandal Next week New Brighton travel to Cumbria to face Aspatria in the first of two games in as many weeks, Aspatria also being the next up in a rearranged game at Reeds lane on February 3rd. Marcus Coast is expected to be available for selection as are Steve Fox and Steve Johnson. The injured Huw Thomas, however, is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks. Selectors have an opportunity to test their recovering players in a Cheshire Cup game at Wilmslow on Tuesday night. With Stourbridge not playing on Saturday New Brighton go second in the league with everything to play for. This year's league promises to go right to the wire with any team capable of beating any other team on their day; but no one is underestimating the importance of the game against Doncaster at Reeds Lane on February 24th.
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English National League Division 3 North |
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Stourbridge 31 - 10 New Brighton
Team
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Last season at this time in January New Brighton crashed to shattering 21 - 22 defeat inflicted by Sandal. Next Saturday, Sandal again come to Reeds Lane for a game which now takes on extreme significance, as the Yorkshiremen who shattered the Blues promotion dreams last year will be all out to repeat the feat.
Perhaps the busiest department at Reeds Lane next week will be the treatment room as Physiotherapists and Masseuse work to repair the walking wounded for Saturday's key game. A win is essential to keep the Blues in the promotion hunt and a scoring bonanza is desirable, as the Championship might well come down to points difference so close are the top three sides this year. Fortress Reeds Lane is the place to be on Saturday (K.O. 2.30 p.m.) as the action promises to be fast, exciting and uncompromising as Connor's men strive to return to winning ways. New Brighton's trip to Stourbridge was always going to be tough. A victory would have secured the Blues in pole position for promotion with a defeat leaving them effectively on even points with the two other promotion chasers. In the event the Blues lost 31 - 10. This 'top of the table' test for the Wirral men was made tougher on Thursday when Steve Fox, Paul Cambell, Steve Johnson, Mark Dorrington and Marcus Coast were all declared unavailable for selection. The writing was perhaps on the wall at this stage. Jez Lamb moved into the second row, Danny Jones promoted to Open Side and captain Geoff Jones reverting to No 6. Paul Brett moved into the centre to partner Emry's Hughes, South African Byers van Schoor and Hamish Pearson were brought in on the wing in a dramatically different injury enforced realignment that featured 8 changes from the team which had comprehensively beaten Stourbridge earlier this season. Captain Jones worked valiantly to lead his forwards by example but the home side always had the edge up front, enjoying the best of the possession. New Brighton had their chances with backs Brett, Mapp, Hughes and Pearson loking threatening when they got the ball, but their attacking opportunities were all too infrequent. Stourbridge, predictably, exerted the early pressure pinning the Blues in their own territory as the powerful Midland pack battered away seeking a breakthrough. Despite the ferocity and power of their plays it seemed like business as usual for the League's best defence as they soaked up the best that Stourbridge could offer. The unique refereeing style of last minute substitute David Matthews did little to help New Brighton with his 'no harm no foul' philosophy favouring the attacking team, but the Blues defence was sound and held firm. When Stourbridge eventually lost possession, New Brighton struck like lightening. Jones, Brett, Evans and Pearson launched an impressive breakout that took the ball into Stourbridge territory. Winger Jon Hall was injured in the play and the game was halted some 10 minutes while he was stretchered off the feild. Tumai Edwards came on as a replacement. New Brightons flowing initiative was short lived as the forwards took up the challenge but turned the ball over to Stourbridge to again batter their way down field and set up some intensive pressure deep in the Blues 22. The home side threw all eight forwards into a driving maul which lurched slowly forwards and eventually fell over the line. Referee Matthews whistled the try and first blood to the Midlanders. Hughes failed the conversion. Score 5 - 0 on 35 mins New Brighton raised their game to exert their own forward pressure but it was not long before Stourbridge stopped the drive and were once again back in the Blues 22 with lineout possession. Predictably the launch another juggernaut forward drive, which the Blues appeared to halt and drive back twice. Referee Matthews did not agree that the forward motion had been lost and when the heaving mass of bodies crashed untidily over the line he signalled a second score to the home side. Hughes added the conversion. Score 12 - 0 on 45 mins. During the long period of time added for injury delay, New Brighton at last exerted some real pressure. The forwards raised the pace to earn some good possession that stretched Stourbridge. However, the Blues were unable to launch their backs and despite their better fortunes, they hardly looked like scoring. There was delight for the large number of travelling fans close to the interval when captain Jones pounced to grab a loose ball and set off at full speed over the halfway line to race down the right wing. Jones linked with debutant South African winger Byers van Schoor, who drew the defence before feeding inside to the ubiquitous Brett who was chasing in support. Brett pinned his ears back in a race for the line with defenders converging from all sides. The tackles hit just yards short as Brett was felled, but his momentum and an outstretched arm were enought to place the ball a centimetre over the line for a memorable score. Brett hit the upright with the conversion but it put the Blues back in the contest. He left the field close to half time to receive treatment for an open wound in his head. Matt Bennett came on as blood replacement.
Half Time: Stourbridge 12 - 5 New Brighton The pattern of the second half remained identical to that of the first. It was a tense stop start battling affair reminiscent of a cup semi final with quality flowing rugby in short supply. Struggling for possession, New Brighton were restricted to short lived forward offensives that were never really going to threaten the bigger and stronger Stourbridge pack. A 'Devil may Care' attitude from the Blues throwing the ball wide may have paid dividends, but in truth they were always on the back foot to the Stourbridge pack and were restricted more to damage limitation than initiatives to win the game. The death blow was effectively struck just 6 minutes into the second period. A Stourbridge attack saw Simon Baylie crashed to the ground being tackled a yard short of the line. Baylie rose to his knees and lurched forward to ground the ball over the line. It looked very much a double movement and the ball had hit the ground in the tackle, nevertheless referee Matthews controversially whistled the score. Hughes added the conversion and New Brighton's challenge on the day was all but ended. With Blues heads dropping after this score Stourbridge were in full cry and exploiting their advantage with scores coming from Hall and Merrit. Hughes converting the latter. Score: 31 - 5 on 90 mins. Matt Bennett came on for Alan Hesketh at Scrum Half with Karl Davies replacing Iain Taylor at Hooker and Steve Dorrington for the injured Jez Lamb. In the closing 10 mins of play and the game lost, New Brighton threw caution to the winds and threw the ball about in a cavalier fashion. It worked and they looked very dangerous. When Mapp ran out from his own 22 to sprint and jink past the defence carrying the ball to the 10 yard line a nice momentum was built up. Mapp cleverly chipped ahead and raced to gather his own kick. Brett, resembling the invisible man, swathed in head bandages was as ever in support and linked to speed the ball deep into Stourbridge territory. A sprinting Emrys Evans completed the move to score out wide on the right. It was an impressive score leaving the travelling fans to wonder just what might have happened had New Brighton been able to secure just a little more quality possession for their cutting edge back division to exploit! Brett failed with the conversion The game finally came to an end 105 minutes after it had begun. It was a painful 105 minutes for the Blues fans! Final Score: Stourbridge 31 - 10 New Brighton Doncaster, Stourbridge and New Brighton have each lost 2 games in the League. Having played two more matches Doncaster top the table but face away games to Stourbridge later this month and a battle royal at Reeds Lane in February. With automatic promotion for the champions and a playoff spot for the runners up in the league it is all still to play for with New Brighton well in the hunt. A win next week is essential for the Blues with the recent form of Sedgley Park looking to be a real threat. The blues need to show championship quality and bounce back after this week with an emphatic win over Sandal.
DIARY NOTE
24
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FEB. 2001 - Reeds Lane
NEW BRIGHTON V DONCASTER
D-DAY 3
In the past three years DONCASTER have twice been involved in crucial promotion clashes with the Blues. Few will forget the nail biter of 1998 when a packed Reeds Lane saw 5 drop goals win promotion and decide the outcome just one score......... Will 24 th Feb. prove to be a D-DAY 3 decider ? The second half never lived up to the promise of the first half as the Blues were just as much in control of this one that they did just enough in condemning DK to a scrambling defensive role and cruising to another impressive victory, keeping their title hopes bright as we approach the New Year.
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English National League Division 3 North |
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New Brighton 35 - 26 Walsall
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"Ring Rusty" New Brighton won their first league game of the New Year 35 - 26 against apparently lowly Walsall. The victory keeps the Blues well in the hunt for League championship honours and nicely sets up next weeks top of the table clash with mighty Stourbridge.
Blues coach Lol Connor was right to express his worries before Saturday's game. It looked like a mere formality for the Blues to blow away bottom of the table Walsall, but Connor is a much experienced and canny character who takes nothing for granted in his game preparation. A 'super hyped' Walsall proved how right he was. In the event, what looked like a formality for the Blues, turned out to be a battle royal at Fortress Reeds Lane that drew every ounce of New Brighton's resolve and strength to secure victory. Walsall had strengthened their side following transfers from senior Midlands clubs. South African No8 Eubie Sayman and centre Richard Towe (both ex Moseley) together with big lock Dave Heathcote (ex Coventry) and a coaching and player influx from from Worcester, confirmed how much the Midlanders value their National League status and just how hard they are going to fight to preserve it. Events started well enough with a try scored and converted by prolific Paul Brett. When he landed a penalty to ease the Blues into an early 10 - 0 lead, things looked good for the home team. A penalty from Walsall full back Micheal Crisp 10 - 3 followed by an unconverted try from winger Tom Beech 10 - 8 quietened the home fans signalling that the gauntlet had been laid and the game was for real.
Sensing the danger from a revitalised Walsall, the Blues turned up the pressure to launch a move of the match. Brett cleverly looped with power man Marcus Coast to penetrate the visitor's defence. When Brett collected for the second time and linked with the elusive Steve Johnson, Walsall were stretched to the limit. Johnson cut a super angled run back into centre field to set up pace man Hamish Pearson. There was now nothing that the visitors could do to stop the wing from speeding under the posts for a magnificent score that took play a full 60 metres in a sweeping move to thrill the home crowd. Brett added the extra's 17 - 8 and punished Walsall soon afterwards with a well struck penalty 20 - 8
Home fans could be excused for thinking that the game was in the bag at this stage but Walsall had other ideas. A converted try was no less than they deserved to go in at half time well in contention 20 - 15. Half Time: New Brighton 20 - 15 Walsall 
Home teams try to entertain their fans, but in the world of modern rugby when league points are at a premium, dogging it out for a win can also be a virtue. The Blues started the second period with strength sapping powerful forward drives. Pretty it may not have been but when Captain Geoff Jones crashed over for a try, converted by Brett, no one was complaining at Reeds Lane. 27 - 15 Walsall gathered their resolve and yet again began to peg away at the Blues' lead. Full back Mike Crisp landed a penalty 27 - 18 before No. 8 Saayman scored an unconverted try closing the gap to just 4 points. At 27 - 23 nerves were more than jangling among the Reeds Lane faithful as both sides squared up for the final quarter showdown. It was a tough uncompromising affair with both sets of forwards taking chunks out of each other . Walsall's effort was immense and they looked far better than a bottom of the table club. Brett kicked a penalty which was cancelled out by a penalty from the boot of Mike Crisp. Into stoppage time and it was still any ones game. At the end, the heart wrenching disappointment in the Walsall ranks was clear to see. Such was the tension, that a Walsall player sent the corner flag flying 20 metres with his kick of desperation when Blues' Iain Taylor crashed over for the try that killed off their magnificent effort. Brett failed with the extras but the day had been won. Final Score: New Brighton 35 - 26 Walsall The Blues were clearly ring rusty after their weather enforced lay off. Never the less, they had enough experience and know how to dog it out for the win. On Saturday's form Walsall are a match for anyone in the league and will pick up points in the second half of the season. They certainly did not look like relegation candidates on this form. The next two weeks represents a crucial phase in New Brighton's Championship quest. In previous years the Blues have lost games at this time of the season with defeats that shattered their promotion dreams. So this far in the season the Blues have shown an inner steel to keep the points coming in. However, they face the sternest task next week away to the mighty Stourbridge. Defeat will not end New Brighton's race for the Championship, but if Connor's men can carve out a win at Stourbridge they will emerge as clear promotion favourites and will look to avenge the surprising 21 - 22 defeat inflicted on them by Sandal at Reeds Lane in January 2000. For the record, Sandal are next up at Reeds lane on Jan 20th. "We are a bit like Liverpool Football Club. The better the opposition the better we play" said Connor on Saturday............. The next two weeks will show how accurate he is.
DIARY NOTE
24
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FEB. 2001 - Reeds Lane
NEW BRIGHTON V DONCASTER
D-DAY 3
In the past three years DONCASTER have twice been involved in crucial promotion clashes with the Blues. Few will forget the nail biter of 1998 when a packed Reeds Lane saw 5 drop goals win promotion and decide the outcome just one score......... Will 24 th Feb. prove to be a D-DAY 3 decider ? The second half never lived up to the promise of the first half as the Blues were just as much in control of this one that they did just enough in condemning DK to a scrambling defensive role and cruising to another impressive victory, keeping their title hopes bright as we approach the New Year.
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| December Match Reports |
