Whilst the South West's four professional sides crashed out of this season's FA Cup in the first round, several players with connections with the game in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset are set to feature for Dorchester Town in their meeting with Luton Town tomorrow.
The Magpies reached the second round for the first time in over 30 years after beating Plymouth Argyle at home in the last round thanks to a second half strike from Exeter City loanee Jake Gosling who was also on the Pilgrims books earlier in his career as a junior player.
Gosling is not the only player in Dorchester manager Phil Simkin's squad who has connections with the Grecians. Goalkeeper Jason Matthews made 14 appearances for Exeter at the turn of the millennium, which included a substitute appearance in their FA Cup third round tie against Everton, for Stuart Naylor, in the 1999-00 season.
Like goal scoring hero Gosling, Jake Reid is also on loan at the Avenue Stadium from the Grecians and left winger Neil Martin and striker Ben Watson have played for Exeter before during their respective careers.
Former Exeter and Torquay striker Richard Logan recently joined the Magpies on non-contract terms, but won't be featuring against Luton as he is cup-tied.
Owing to the geographical proximity of Dorchester to Yeovil, the Avenue Stadium is also home to a number of former Yeovil Town players, namely midfielder Nick Crittenden, who played a key role in helping the Glovers win promotion to the Football League in 2003, left back Jake Smeeton and Lewis Morgan.
Long serving player-coach Mark Jermyn, who provided the assist for Gosling's goal against Plymouth, started his career with Torquay United and made a solitary league appearance for the Gulls in the 1998-99 season. Striker Sam Malsom was also on Torquay's books early in his career and he also had a brief spell, during his varied career, with Plymouth Argyle.
Lastly, but by no means least, Arran Pugh arrived from Truro City shortly before the Magpies first round tie with the Pilgrims due to the financial problems that have seen the Cornish club enter Administration.
Should Dorchester better their FA Trophy result from earlier this week, they drew 2-2 with the Hatters at the Avenue Stadium on Tuesday night, and beat Luton, who are managed by former Torquay United manager Paul Buckle, who also played for the Magpies' great rivals Weymouth Town, it will be the first time that they would have reached the third round of the FA Cup.
Friday 30 November 2012
Tuesday 27 November 2012
DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL WANTED
Plymouth Argyle are on the lookout for a Director of Football to offer support to manager Carl Fletcher and his coaching staff.
The recommendation has been made by new Director Colin Sexstone, who has recently joined the Pilgrims Board after spells as Chief Executive and Chairman of Bristol City, to owner and Chairman James Brent in a bid to improve the footballing knowledge at the club.
Fletcher and his team admirably kept the Pilgrims in the Footballl League last season as they came out of Administration and recovered from a poor start which saw them only pick up one point from their opening ten league games of the 2011-12 campaign.
This season, Argyle have failed to win their last eight games and Sexstone believes the input of an experienced figure can benefit the club.
He said: “Since my appointment, I have had the chance to get to know the club, including talking with Carl Fletcher, whose passion and commitment for his task are quite striking.
“The club appears to be in pretty good shape after its problems of last year.
"However, as the Board has acknowledged, it does not possess the sort of in-depth football experience which I think can greatly benefit Argyle.
"I believe this can be addressed by appointing a Director of Football, initially until the end of the current season.
“It demonstrates the Board's determination to support the manager, as well the manager's willingness to embrace that support.
"Argyle are taking an early position on what we think will become a trend in English football to employ a Director of Football, Sporting Director, Technical Director or similar.
“I am pleased that Carl totally shares the same foresight and welcomes the idea, and he will be a key driver in appointment process.”
Examples of where such a system has been used successfully was at Bristol Rovers during the 2006-07 season when, with Lennie Lawrence acting as Director of Football alongside then manager Paul Trollope, the Pirates won promotion from League Two.
Elsewhere in the Football League, Steve Perryman and Barry Fry are employed as Director of Football at Exeter City and Peterborough United respectively.
The recommendation has been made by new Director Colin Sexstone, who has recently joined the Pilgrims Board after spells as Chief Executive and Chairman of Bristol City, to owner and Chairman James Brent in a bid to improve the footballing knowledge at the club.
Fletcher and his team admirably kept the Pilgrims in the Footballl League last season as they came out of Administration and recovered from a poor start which saw them only pick up one point from their opening ten league games of the 2011-12 campaign.
This season, Argyle have failed to win their last eight games and Sexstone believes the input of an experienced figure can benefit the club.
He said: “Since my appointment, I have had the chance to get to know the club, including talking with Carl Fletcher, whose passion and commitment for his task are quite striking.
“The club appears to be in pretty good shape after its problems of last year.
"However, as the Board has acknowledged, it does not possess the sort of in-depth football experience which I think can greatly benefit Argyle.
"I believe this can be addressed by appointing a Director of Football, initially until the end of the current season.
“It demonstrates the Board's determination to support the manager, as well the manager's willingness to embrace that support.
"Argyle are taking an early position on what we think will become a trend in English football to employ a Director of Football, Sporting Director, Technical Director or similar.
“I am pleased that Carl totally shares the same foresight and welcomes the idea, and he will be a key driver in appointment process.”
Examples of where such a system has been used successfully was at Bristol Rovers during the 2006-07 season when, with Lennie Lawrence acting as Director of Football alongside then manager Paul Trollope, the Pirates won promotion from League Two.
Elsewhere in the Football League, Steve Perryman and Barry Fry are employed as Director of Football at Exeter City and Peterborough United respectively.
Monday 26 November 2012
GULLS REACH ANOTHER TURNING POINT
As like last season, a 4-1 loss against Southend United could yet again prove to be a turning point for Torquay United under Martin Ling.
The Gulls went down to defeat at Roots Hall in October of last year, which prompted Ling to implement a number of personnel changes, namely the switch from 4-4-2 to a flexible 4-1-4-1 system.
This move saw Rene Howe deployed as a lone front man and Damon Lathrope installed as a holding midfielder, a la Claude Makelele, in front of the defence to compliment the more attacking talents of skipper Lee Mansell and Irish playmaker Eunan O’Kane.
Ling’s plan worked to good effect as the Gulls won their next two games against AFC Wimbledon and Hereford United 4-0 and 2-0 respectively had Plainmoor buzzing again.
This proved to be the start of a run that saw them win 18 of their next 25 league encounters, which lifted them into contention for automatic promotion and helped Ling to win the League Two Manager of the Month awards for January & March 2012.
Only a late blip in their final half a dozen games saw Torquay miss out on a top three spot as they were forced to settle for the Play-Offs, where they were beaten by Cheltenham Town over two legs.
At the start of the current campaign, Ling continued with the system which had served him so well during the previous season.
However, a run of four games without a win that culminated in a 4-1 home defeat against Southend, thanks to doubles from former Gulls loanee Gavin Tomlin and Britt Assombalonga, prompted a re-think from Ling.
In their next league encounter against York City, he reverted to playing a 4-2-3-1 system with Billy Bodin and Danny Stevens playing on the flanks and, in the absence of captain Lee Mansell through suspension, summer signing Craig Easton was drafted into the centre of midfield to partner former Everton starlet Nathan Craig.
Up front Ryan Jarvis was brought into the side to provide support for Howe who had been playing as a lone forward up until that point.
The changes paid dividends as the Gulls won 2-0 with goals from Stevens and right back Joe Oastler and with Dagenham and Redbridge due to visit Plainmoor this Saturday, weather permitting of course, Torquay can feel confident of being able to pull off back-to-back victories, which could, once again, be a turning point in their season.
The Gulls went down to defeat at Roots Hall in October of last year, which prompted Ling to implement a number of personnel changes, namely the switch from 4-4-2 to a flexible 4-1-4-1 system.
This move saw Rene Howe deployed as a lone front man and Damon Lathrope installed as a holding midfielder, a la Claude Makelele, in front of the defence to compliment the more attacking talents of skipper Lee Mansell and Irish playmaker Eunan O’Kane.
Ling’s plan worked to good effect as the Gulls won their next two games against AFC Wimbledon and Hereford United 4-0 and 2-0 respectively had Plainmoor buzzing again.
This proved to be the start of a run that saw them win 18 of their next 25 league encounters, which lifted them into contention for automatic promotion and helped Ling to win the League Two Manager of the Month awards for January & March 2012.
Only a late blip in their final half a dozen games saw Torquay miss out on a top three spot as they were forced to settle for the Play-Offs, where they were beaten by Cheltenham Town over two legs.
At the start of the current campaign, Ling continued with the system which had served him so well during the previous season.
However, a run of four games without a win that culminated in a 4-1 home defeat against Southend, thanks to doubles from former Gulls loanee Gavin Tomlin and Britt Assombalonga, prompted a re-think from Ling.
In their next league encounter against York City, he reverted to playing a 4-2-3-1 system with Billy Bodin and Danny Stevens playing on the flanks and, in the absence of captain Lee Mansell through suspension, summer signing Craig Easton was drafted into the centre of midfield to partner former Everton starlet Nathan Craig.
Up front Ryan Jarvis was brought into the side to provide support for Howe who had been playing as a lone forward up until that point.
The changes paid dividends as the Gulls won 2-0 with goals from Stevens and right back Joe Oastler and with Dagenham and Redbridge due to visit Plainmoor this Saturday, weather permitting of course, Torquay can feel confident of being able to pull off back-to-back victories, which could, once again, be a turning point in their season.
Sunday 18 November 2012
LUGGY MAINTAINS INDIAN SIGN OVER GULLS
Throughout his managerial career in England, Paul Sturrock has never experienced defeat when he has come up against Torquay United, a run which continued yesterday as the Gulls went down to defeat against his Southend United side.
In 12 encounters against Torquay, during his spells in charge of Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon Town and Southend, which includes meetings with several different managers, including Wes Saunders, Colin Lee, Roy McFarland, Leroy Rosenior, Ian Atkins, Keith Curle, Paul Buckle and Martin Ling, the former Dundee United and Scotland is yet to lose to the Gulls.
Ex Gulls loanee, and former Yeovil Town striker, Gavin Tomlin set the Shrimpers on their way with an effort on goal on 10 minutes before Britt Assombalonga bagged a brace late in the first half to give Southend three goal lead going into the half-time break.
After the interval, the Shrimpers then extended their lead to four when Tomlin burst through to complete his double within 60 seconds of the re-start.
Torquay did manage to reduce their arrears in the 52 minute when half-time substitutes Niall Thompson and Ryan Jarvis combined to pull a goal back as Thompson's cross was turned home by Jarvis.
However, any prospect of a fight back was snuffed out three minutes later when Gulls skipper Lee Mansell was dismissed with a straight red card for a challenge on Assomlalonga, leaving Torquay searching for their first win against a side managed by Sturrock in a dozen attempts.
Footnote: Torquay's 2-1 victory over Southend on the final day of the 2003-04 season, which secured automatic promotion remains their last ever win over the Shrimpers.
In 12 encounters against Torquay, during his spells in charge of Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon Town and Southend, which includes meetings with several different managers, including Wes Saunders, Colin Lee, Roy McFarland, Leroy Rosenior, Ian Atkins, Keith Curle, Paul Buckle and Martin Ling, the former Dundee United and Scotland is yet to lose to the Gulls.
Ex Gulls loanee, and former Yeovil Town striker, Gavin Tomlin set the Shrimpers on their way with an effort on goal on 10 minutes before Britt Assombalonga bagged a brace late in the first half to give Southend three goal lead going into the half-time break.
After the interval, the Shrimpers then extended their lead to four when Tomlin burst through to complete his double within 60 seconds of the re-start.
Torquay did manage to reduce their arrears in the 52 minute when half-time substitutes Niall Thompson and Ryan Jarvis combined to pull a goal back as Thompson's cross was turned home by Jarvis.
However, any prospect of a fight back was snuffed out three minutes later when Gulls skipper Lee Mansell was dismissed with a straight red card for a challenge on Assomlalonga, leaving Torquay searching for their first win against a side managed by Sturrock in a dozen attempts.
The Gulls versus Paul Sturrock: A complete record
04/11/00 vs Plymouth Argyle (H) D 1-1 Eifion Williams
21/04/01 vs Plymouth Argyle (A) L 1-3 Richard Kell (pen)
08/09/01 vs Plymouth Argyle (H) L 0-1
26/12/01 vs Plymouth Argyle (A) D 2-2 Brian McGlinchey (og), Richard Logan
26/03/05 vs Sheffield Wednesday (A) D 2-2 Adebayo Akinfenwa, Steve Woods
18/11/06 vs Swindon Town (H) L 0-1
09/04/07 vs Swindon Town (A) L 1-2 Lee Thorpe (pen)
04/09/10 vs Southend United (A) L 1-2 Chris Zebroski
19/02/11 vs Southend United (H) D 1-1 Billy Kee
22/10/11 vs Southend United (A) L 1-4 Lee Mansell
14/04/12 vs Southend United (H) D 0-0
17/11/12 vs Southend United (H) L 1-4 Ryan Jarvis
Footnote: Torquay's 2-1 victory over Southend on the final day of the 2003-04 season, which secured automatic promotion remains their last ever win over the Shrimpers.
Thursday 15 November 2012
CAULKER MAKES HISTORY
England's recent friendly against Sweden in Stockholm will be remembered by those who saw it for many different reasons.
Firstly, it was the night that saw Steven Gerrard join the select group of players who have won 100 caps for England, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's virtuoso performance up front for Sweden and the full England debuts for Raheem Sterling, Leon Osman and Steven Caulker.
As well as pulling on the Three Lions shirt for the first time in his career, Caulker also found his way onto the score sheet when he headed home a free-kick from Gerrard in the 38th minute to give England a 2-1 lead heading into half-time.
The score remain thus, until he was substituted in the 62nd minute after which point it became the ‘Ibrahimovic show’.
For Caulker, his journey from young wannabe footballer to full international began in South Somerset at the start of the 2009-10 season when he joined Yeovil Town on a youth loan from Tottenham Hotspur, along with fellow Spurs starlet Ryan Mason.
From his debut on the opening day of the campaign against Tranmere Rovers to his final appearance for the Glovers in their final home game of the season against Oldham Athletic, Caulker made a positive impact on the Huish Park faithful as he virtually cleaned up at the club’s end of season Player of the Year awards.
After leaving the Glovers, his footballing education continued at Bristol City and Swamsea City. He also received international recognition with England Under-21’s and Team GB at last summer’s Olympics before Andre Villas Boas handed him an extended run in the centre of the Spurs’ defence.
He joins an elite group who have appeared for Yeovil and England, which also includes Dick Pym, Louis Page and Graham Roberts and also, depending on your viewpoint, Sir Ian Botham!
Whereas all of the previously mentioned appeared for Yeovil towards the end of their careers, Caulker played for the Glovers at the start of his. Should he continue to progress in the matter in which he has done, he could yet have many more nights like the one in Stockholm to look forward to.
His journey in recent years has also helped to establish Yeovil’s reputation as a club where young players can learn their trade and develop as footballers. It should also serve as an inspirational tale for the Glovers’ latest crop of young Premiership loanees, which includes Gozie Ugwu, Korey Smith, Dan Burn and Daniel Johnson.
Also, with players such as Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Jamie Carragher and Ledley King having come to the end of their involvement with the England set-up in the last few years: there is a vacancy to be filled in the centre of the English back line in the long term.
With the 2014 World Cup in Brazil looming on the horizon and Euro 2016 taking place in France two years later, Caulker has certainly placed himself firmly in Roy Hodgson’s future thoughts.
Firstly, it was the night that saw Steven Gerrard join the select group of players who have won 100 caps for England, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's virtuoso performance up front for Sweden and the full England debuts for Raheem Sterling, Leon Osman and Steven Caulker.
As well as pulling on the Three Lions shirt for the first time in his career, Caulker also found his way onto the score sheet when he headed home a free-kick from Gerrard in the 38th minute to give England a 2-1 lead heading into half-time.
The score remain thus, until he was substituted in the 62nd minute after which point it became the ‘Ibrahimovic show’.
For Caulker, his journey from young wannabe footballer to full international began in South Somerset at the start of the 2009-10 season when he joined Yeovil Town on a youth loan from Tottenham Hotspur, along with fellow Spurs starlet Ryan Mason.
From his debut on the opening day of the campaign against Tranmere Rovers to his final appearance for the Glovers in their final home game of the season against Oldham Athletic, Caulker made a positive impact on the Huish Park faithful as he virtually cleaned up at the club’s end of season Player of the Year awards.
After leaving the Glovers, his footballing education continued at Bristol City and Swamsea City. He also received international recognition with England Under-21’s and Team GB at last summer’s Olympics before Andre Villas Boas handed him an extended run in the centre of the Spurs’ defence.
He joins an elite group who have appeared for Yeovil and England, which also includes Dick Pym, Louis Page and Graham Roberts and also, depending on your viewpoint, Sir Ian Botham!
Whereas all of the previously mentioned appeared for Yeovil towards the end of their careers, Caulker played for the Glovers at the start of his. Should he continue to progress in the matter in which he has done, he could yet have many more nights like the one in Stockholm to look forward to.
His journey in recent years has also helped to establish Yeovil’s reputation as a club where young players can learn their trade and develop as footballers. It should also serve as an inspirational tale for the Glovers’ latest crop of young Premiership loanees, which includes Gozie Ugwu, Korey Smith, Dan Burn and Daniel Johnson.
Also, with players such as Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Jamie Carragher and Ledley King having come to the end of their involvement with the England set-up in the last few years: there is a vacancy to be filled in the centre of the English back line in the long term.
With the 2014 World Cup in Brazil looming on the horizon and Euro 2016 taking place in France two years later, Caulker has certainly placed himself firmly in Roy Hodgson’s future thoughts.
Monday 12 November 2012
GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT
He may have had to wait a while for it, but Torquay United goalkeeper Martin Rice, at the age of 26, has now made his full debut as a Football League player.
He also emerged from the occasion with great credit as he kept a clean sheet as the Gulls played out a goalless draw against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.
Despite having to wait this long to make his first appearance in the Football League, Rice has appeared in a number of big games for his home town club, Exeter City, where he started his career, Truro City and also in his two spells at Plainmoor.
His tenure with the Grecians started in the 2003-04 season, which was Exeter's first season in the Conference, folllowing their relegation from the Football League in 2003, when he made his first start as a 17-year old.
During his four year stay at St James Park, he appeared in a number of important games for the Grecians, including a Conference Play-Off semi-final against Oxford at the Kassam Stadium where he made an important penalty save. This helped Exeter to seal their place in the 2007 Conference Play-Off final, where they were beaten by Morecambe.
A move down the A38 followed for Martin during the close season as he became one of Paul Buckle's first signings after he was appointed as manager of Torquay United. Martin was one of three players to make the move from the Grecians to the Gulls as he was soon joined by Lee Phillips and Chris Todd.
Although he spent much of the season as understudy to Simon Rayner and Michael Poke, Martin still managed to appear in both legs of Torquay's FA Trophy Semi-Final against York City as well as the final against Ebbsfleet United, where he saved a penalty from Chris McPhee.
Martin remained at Plainmoor as the Gulls won promotion back to the Football League in the 2008-09 season before joining Truro City on loan in the 2009-10 campaign before making the move permanent in September 2009.
Whilst with the White Tigers he enjoyed more success, helping them to win the Southern League Premier Division in the 2010-11 season.
In the summer of 2011, Martin was brought back to Plainmoor as understudy to Bobby Olejnik and only made one appearance, which was in the Football League Trophy against Cheltenham Town.
Following the sale of Olejnik to Peterborough United during the close season, Martin continued to serve the Gulls as a deputy to the returning Michael Poke before being called upon by Ling, firstly as a substitute against Barnet and again on Saturday against Oxford, to stand in for the former Southampton custodian.
It was a certainly a case of good things coming to those who wait as he kept a clean sheet in the process.
He also emerged from the occasion with great credit as he kept a clean sheet as the Gulls played out a goalless draw against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.
Despite having to wait this long to make his first appearance in the Football League, Rice has appeared in a number of big games for his home town club, Exeter City, where he started his career, Truro City and also in his two spells at Plainmoor.
His tenure with the Grecians started in the 2003-04 season, which was Exeter's first season in the Conference, folllowing their relegation from the Football League in 2003, when he made his first start as a 17-year old.
During his four year stay at St James Park, he appeared in a number of important games for the Grecians, including a Conference Play-Off semi-final against Oxford at the Kassam Stadium where he made an important penalty save. This helped Exeter to seal their place in the 2007 Conference Play-Off final, where they were beaten by Morecambe.
A move down the A38 followed for Martin during the close season as he became one of Paul Buckle's first signings after he was appointed as manager of Torquay United. Martin was one of three players to make the move from the Grecians to the Gulls as he was soon joined by Lee Phillips and Chris Todd.
Although he spent much of the season as understudy to Simon Rayner and Michael Poke, Martin still managed to appear in both legs of Torquay's FA Trophy Semi-Final against York City as well as the final against Ebbsfleet United, where he saved a penalty from Chris McPhee.
Martin remained at Plainmoor as the Gulls won promotion back to the Football League in the 2008-09 season before joining Truro City on loan in the 2009-10 campaign before making the move permanent in September 2009.
Whilst with the White Tigers he enjoyed more success, helping them to win the Southern League Premier Division in the 2010-11 season.
In the summer of 2011, Martin was brought back to Plainmoor as understudy to Bobby Olejnik and only made one appearance, which was in the Football League Trophy against Cheltenham Town.
Following the sale of Olejnik to Peterborough United during the close season, Martin continued to serve the Gulls as a deputy to the returning Michael Poke before being called upon by Ling, firstly as a substitute against Barnet and again on Saturday against Oxford, to stand in for the former Southampton custodian.
It was a certainly a case of good things coming to those who wait as he kept a clean sheet in the process.
Sunday 11 November 2012
MCCORMICK RETURNS TO GAME WITH WHITE TIGERS
Former Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Luke McCormick, who was jailed in 2008 for causing death by dangerous driving, made his return to the game on Saturday for cash-strapped Truro City.
McCormick, 29, had spent his entire career at Home Park prior to being sentenced in 2008 for causing death by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol, in an accident which claimed the lives of Arron Peak, 10, and Ben Peak, 8.
He joined the Conference South side on non-contract terms and played the full 90 minutes of their FA Trophy defeat at the hands of Farnborough Town.
It is the first time McCormick has played a competitive game following his release from prison after previously training with Swindon Town earlier in the year.
McCormick, 29, had spent his entire career at Home Park prior to being sentenced in 2008 for causing death by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol, in an accident which claimed the lives of Arron Peak, 10, and Ben Peak, 8.
He joined the Conference South side on non-contract terms and played the full 90 minutes of their FA Trophy defeat at the hands of Farnborough Town.
It is the first time McCormick has played a competitive game following his release from prison after previously training with Swindon Town earlier in the year.
Monday 5 November 2012
CUP RUNNETH OVER
The FA Cup involvement of the South West's four professional sides came to an end at the weekend as they all exited the competition at the first round stage.
Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle both bowed out to non-league opposition in the form of Harrogate Town and Dorchester Town respectively whilst Exeter City and Yeovil Town returned from their respective journeys to Bury and Preston North End with defeats.
A first half strike from Chibuzor Chilaka enabled Harrogate to avenge their cup exit at the hands of Torquay in the 2005-06 season.
Meanwhile, at the Avenue Stadium, Exeter City loanee and former Plymouth Argyle junior Jake Gosling scored the decisive goal for Dorchester, which secured victory for the Dorset side, in a tie that was broadcasted live on ESPN.
This condemned the Pilgrims to their second cup defeat against non-league opposition in the space of two years, in a game which they were reduced to ten men after nine minutes following the dismissal of Conor Hourihane.
Former Yeovil defender Efe Sodje scored the decisive goal in Exeter's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bury, before he was dismissed for receiving a second yellow card, whilst ex-Torquay centre back Chris Robertson was amongst the scorers for Preston North End in their 3-0 victory over a Yeovil Town who were reduced to ten men after Ed Upson received his marching orders.
Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle both bowed out to non-league opposition in the form of Harrogate Town and Dorchester Town respectively whilst Exeter City and Yeovil Town returned from their respective journeys to Bury and Preston North End with defeats.
A first half strike from Chibuzor Chilaka enabled Harrogate to avenge their cup exit at the hands of Torquay in the 2005-06 season.
Meanwhile, at the Avenue Stadium, Exeter City loanee and former Plymouth Argyle junior Jake Gosling scored the decisive goal for Dorchester, which secured victory for the Dorset side, in a tie that was broadcasted live on ESPN.
This condemned the Pilgrims to their second cup defeat against non-league opposition in the space of two years, in a game which they were reduced to ten men after nine minutes following the dismissal of Conor Hourihane.
Former Yeovil defender Efe Sodje scored the decisive goal in Exeter's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bury, before he was dismissed for receiving a second yellow card, whilst ex-Torquay centre back Chris Robertson was amongst the scorers for Preston North End in their 3-0 victory over a Yeovil Town who were reduced to ten men after Ed Upson received his marching orders.
Friday 2 November 2012
THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY 2013 ROUND 1 PART III
DORCHESTER TOWN VS PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
The TV cameras will be heading to Dorset’s county town on Sunday afternoon as Dorchester Town face Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup for the first time in over 50 years.
ESPN have selected the meeting between the Magpies of the Blue Square South and the Pilgrims of League Two as one of the featured live games and it could turn out to be a classic.
It will be the first time that Dorchester have played in the first round proper since 2008 and Argyle will be looking to avoid a repeat of their first round exit last year at the hands of Southern League Stourbridge.
The tie will also see Pilgrims’ boss Carl Fletcher return to a ground where he played for a brief spell in his career during his time at Bournemouth during in the 2001-02 season whilst Dean Court was being redeveloped.
In his first full season as a manager, Fletcher will no doubt be aware of the rewards a good cup run can bring to the Pilgrims, who are now in ‘good financial fettle’ one year after they were brought out of Administration by chairman and owner James Brent.
As a player, Fletcher played in the West Ham United will no doubt be looking to add to his own personal FA Cup history as manager of the Pilgrims. He will also be aiming to add to Argyle’s own cup story, which includes their famous Semi Final appearance in 1984.
THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY 2013 ROUND I PART II
PRESTON NORTH END VS YEOVIL TOWN
Now as a league team they face Preston North End, former winners of the competition and one associated with figures such as Sir Tom Finney and Bill Shankly, on equal terms as they are both currently level on 22 points in Npower League One only separated by goal difference.
The Glovers will find themselves up against a couple of familiar faces in the form of Preston manager Graham Westley, who they encountered during their non-league days when he was in charge of Farnborough Town.
On the pitch, they will be up against former skipper Paul Huntington who left Huish Park for Deepdale during the close season.
Gary Johnson’s side will also looking to improve on their previous showing at Preston earlier in the season when they were beaten 3-2.
During his first spell as Yeovil manager, Johnson enjoyed a number of good runs in the cup, as he guided the Glovers to the third round in the 2002-03 season where they faced Liverpool in the third round and the fourth round in the 2004-05 campaign where they were beaten by Charlton.
Going into Saturday’s tie, he has received a boost from the news that Irish striker Paddy Madden has extended his loan spell from Carlisle United, but he is still awaiting to hear if the Cumbrians will allow him to play.
BURY VS EXETER CITY
In 2005, Exeter City made national headlines after they famously held Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford in the third round.
They then gave a good account of themselves in the replay at St James Park, losing 2-0 to the Red Devils, earning vital revenue from gate receipts and TV coverage, which helped put the club back onto a firmer financial footing.
However, that was the last time that the Grecians have reached the third round of the competition to date and, as they head to Greater Manchester this season to face Bury, they will be looking to improve upon that record.
Recent history does not support Exeter’s cause as they have beaten by the Shakers, who are currently managed by former Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Kevin Blackwell, twice in recent seasons, both times at Gigg Lane.
Their first defeat came in the 2007-08 campaign and the second loss came three years later in the 2010-11 season.
Nevertheless, they have been boosted by the return to full fitness of Alan Gow, a player who will need to on the top of his game to help the Grecians reach the second round.
THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY 2013 ROUND I PART I
Tomorrow will see Yeovil Town, Torquay United, Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle join the road to the final at Wembley in May.
Ahead of each side’s respective cup clashes, we will now look in greater depth at what lies ahead for each of the South West’s professional teams.
The Gulls were forced to wait to discover the identity of their first round opponents after Harrogate and their fourth qualifying round foes Hyde United needed a replay to decide the outcome of their tie.
Then, their re-match at Harrogate’s Wetherby Road ground was postponed twice before it eventually took place at the home of their neighbours, Harrogate Railway, which they won 1-0.
Town, of Conference North, faced the Gulls twice in the competition in the 2005-06 campaign, before losing the replay on penalties, and are managed by former Lincoln City man Simon Morgan who is assisted by former Grimsby Town stalwart John McDermott.
Their squad contains a number of players with Football League pedigree including former Macclesfield goalkeeper and Cape Verde international Jose Veiga, ex Derby and Burton Albion midfielder Adam Bolder and playmaker Lee Elam, a player who is no stranger to the South West having appeared for Yeovil, Weymouth and Exeter City during his career.
In recent years, Torquay have enjoyed a number of good runs in the competition, having made it as least as far as the second round in every year since the 2005-06 season.
Ironically their run in the competition during that campaign started with a win over Harrogate in the first round. A win over Notts County then followed in round two before they took Birmingham City to replay after playing out a memorable goalless draw at Plainmoor.
Other highlights have included beating Yeovil Town 4-1 in a game screened live by the BBC and reaching the fourth round twice in the 2008-09 & 2010-11 seasons respectively.
Ahead of each side’s respective cup clashes, we will now look in greater depth at what lies ahead for each of the South West’s professional teams.
TORQUAY UNITED VS HARROGATE TOWN
The Gulls were forced to wait to discover the identity of their first round opponents after Harrogate and their fourth qualifying round foes Hyde United needed a replay to decide the outcome of their tie.
Then, their re-match at Harrogate’s Wetherby Road ground was postponed twice before it eventually took place at the home of their neighbours, Harrogate Railway, which they won 1-0.
Town, of Conference North, faced the Gulls twice in the competition in the 2005-06 campaign, before losing the replay on penalties, and are managed by former Lincoln City man Simon Morgan who is assisted by former Grimsby Town stalwart John McDermott.
Their squad contains a number of players with Football League pedigree including former Macclesfield goalkeeper and Cape Verde international Jose Veiga, ex Derby and Burton Albion midfielder Adam Bolder and playmaker Lee Elam, a player who is no stranger to the South West having appeared for Yeovil, Weymouth and Exeter City during his career.
In recent years, Torquay have enjoyed a number of good runs in the competition, having made it as least as far as the second round in every year since the 2005-06 season.
Ironically their run in the competition during that campaign started with a win over Harrogate in the first round. A win over Notts County then followed in round two before they took Birmingham City to replay after playing out a memorable goalless draw at Plainmoor.
Other highlights have included beating Yeovil Town 4-1 in a game screened live by the BBC and reaching the fourth round twice in the 2008-09 & 2010-11 seasons respectively.
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