Leyton Orient FC

Please read below for my article on Leyton Orient who came close to knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup this season. It was published in the latest Football Focus magazine which can be viewed here for absolutely free! Included in the current issue are Dunfermline Athletic, Crawley Town and many more football clubs.

Leyton Orient

Jonathan Tehoue equalises against Arsenal

Leyton Orient have a habit of pulling a rabbit out of the hat at the last minute. Many will remember Jonathan Tehoue's stunning 89^th minute equaliser against Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round earlier this season and the club hope they can pull out another rabbit as they search for promotion to the Championship. At the time of writing, Orient are sitting three points off a playoff place in the Npower League One table, with just two games remaining and they will need to win both if they are to knock MK Dons and Bournemouth out of their respective fifth and sixth positions.

If the club are unable to achieve a playoff slot, then their remarkable feat against Arsenal will undoubtedly be their highlight of the season.

With the Gunners having just come off the back of a fantastic victory over Barcelona in the Champions League, many feared Orient would be on the end of a resounding defeat.

However, this was the clichéd old fashioned cup tie, hosted at Orient's traditional lower league ground, which possessed a slightly bobbly pitch and was watched by over 9,000 roaring fans on a dark, misty, east London evening.

Arsenal, as expected, dominated possession, but created relatively few chances until Tomáš Rosický headed them into the lead on the 52^nd minute. Soon after, Andrei Arshavin looked to have sealed the win for the visitors, but his effort clipped off the post.

Orient kept up their search for a goal and their moment of joy arrived just one minute from time when Tehoue surged forward, squeezing through two Arsenal defenders and lashing the ball past the helpless Manuel Almunia, sending the home fans into raptures.

It was a dream comeback for Orient and it set them up for a money-spinning replay at Arsenal's spectacular Emirates Stadium. Orient chairman Barry Hearn had promised before the match that he would take the players on holiday to Las Vegas at the end of the season, if the team could draw a replay against the Gunners and this action may been the influencing factor for Orient grabbing the equaliser.

Although Orient fell to a 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in the reverse tie, the players did not take their eye off the ball in the league campaign and now find themselves just inches away from the final coveted playoff position.

Whether or not The O's manage to clinch the final spot, they shall still possess a fantastic memory of holding Arsenal to a draw and will have undoubtedly laid the foundations for another crack at promotion next season.

written by Will Lyon

Leamington FC with Paul Edwards

Please read below for my interview with Leamington FC press officer Paul Edwards. It was published in the latest Football Focus magazine which can be viewed here for absolutely free! Included in the current issue are Leyton Orient, Dunfermline Athletic, Crawley Town and many more football clubs.

Leamington FC

New Windmill Ground - the home of Leamington FC

In April twenty-three years ago, the game looked to be up for Leamington. After a long and successful history, the club were evicted from their home, Windmill Ground, and as press officer Paul Edwards explains, it was only the dedication of a few fans that kept Leamington going. “The club was kept alive by a small group of determined supporters, who continued to pay the registration fee to the FA each year. In 1990 a field was purchased from a local farm and a rudimentary ground created. Re-launched in 2000, and now playing at the New Windmill Ground, Leamington FC have not looked back.

Leamington – otherwise known as The Brakes – have experienced unprecedented levels of success in recent years and Paul believes this is due to the feel good factor produced by the re-emergence of the club eleven years ago. “Brakes never enjoyed the sort of gates we get now and I don’t think anybody was expecting the kind of response to the clubs’ resurrection that took place, so that immediately gave a massive boost. The initial success of the Midland Combination Division Two title success was the beginning of the snowball if you like, as we have improved our position each season, which is no mean feat.”

Paul also feels credit is due to the back room staff at Leamington who have successfully moulded team spirit with talent, but Paul is also keen to stress that none of it would have been possible without the volunteers who work behind the scenes at the club. “Jason Cadden and Dave Draper put together a blend of local youth and experienced players to breed a winning mentality, and the success and attraction of playing in front of more than the proverbial one man and his dog attracted the better players in the area to the club. Another factor in the ongoing success has been the strength of the team behind the scenes. Leamington have been fortunate to have so many committed people that have given up their time to keep things running, and they have done it for the love of the club.”

Indeed, it is volunteers who have helped rebuilt the club from top-to-bottom at their new home, New Windmill Park, although as Paul explains, not everyone likes the new ground! “The ground has come a long way from its previous life as a farmers field. We now have two covered seating areas and both ends are terraced, one covered. The clubhouse was a welcome addition, and the supporters can be proud that they have contributed to the development of their ground. The groundsmen, Idris Elms and Nigel Hodgkins, have won numerous awards for the quality of the pitch, which is tremendous given the work that has gone into improving it over the years. The only negative feedback we seem to get is about the rather unpleasant smell drifting across from the nearby chicken farm, but only if the wind is blowing in a certain direction!”

Despite the distraction of unsavoury smells at New Windmill Park, the first team are currently occupying a lofty position in the Southern Football League Premier Division and Paul is quietly optimistic for the future. “I hope we can amass enough points from our remaining fixtures to make the playoffs. After that, it is a lottery! If we fall short, then we have made great strides from last season and improved our league position and playing squad, so I will certainly look forward with hope, whatever happens. The club drew up a plan a couple of years back to map out how they would like to progress over the next ten years and the main aim is to bring the team under the Conference umbrella, which certainly looks to be achievable, if not this season then in the near future.”

Clearly, Leamington have a lot to look forward to on the pitch, but Paul is just as proud of the increasing youth development at the club which is very beneficial for the local community. “In the last few years the club has placed a lot of emphasis on nurturing youngsters into potential Brakes players of the future, with the introduction of Leamington Brakes FC, which since 2006 has evolved to become one of the largest junior set ups in the Birmingham County area. Another affiliation, with the Leamington Lions Girls and Ladies teams led to the club being awarded Charter Standard Community Club status in 2008, and it continues to provide plenty of opportunities for young people in and around Leamington to play football.”

In other news, Leamington fan Bob Smith-Ward has been cycling 255 miles to attend a Brakes match, just to raise money for the club. You can check out how he managed at http://www.leamingtonfc.co.uk/

written by Will Lyon

Bognor Regis with Simon Cook

Nyewood Lane , the home of Bognor Regis FC

Not so long ago, Ryman League Division One South side Bognor Regis were relegated from a league they helped to form, but there are no regrets. The Rocks decided to keep within their budget and club secretary Simon Cook is glad that they did. “We used to be in the Blue Square South Division and were founder members of the league. However, like many clubs we found it very hard to compete at that level financially. So, we made a decision not to spend money that we couldn’t sustain, even though we anticipated we would then drop down a level, which we did. We are playing at a level at which we are comfortable and now we don’t have any debts, we are on a much stronger footing.”

The Rocks are a club with a proud history, famously knocking Swansea City out of the FA Cup in the mid 80's, but although repeating that success would be near impossible in today's era, Simon is buoyed by the quality of football currently played at Nyewood Lane. “I think we have a team spirit back which makes a big difference and we’ve been able to attract some good players. It is a good combination of young players who are finding their way and some old heads that are helping to lead and develop them. Our joint management team are former players who have fought to keep the club playing attractive passing football. It is amazing how the clubs support has been galvanised. We are averaging a home gate of 450, which is higher than all but four clubs in the Ryman Premier League.”

Bognor are currently striding away at the upper echelons of their league and plans are now in place for their promotion, should it arrive. However, Simon stresses that on-the-pitch success is not everything and strides for the club to play a bigger role in the community. “It will be a challenge for us to sustain the club at a higher level, probably a natural level for this club would be the Ryman Premier but the step up will require more financial challenges. Our aim is to stabilise and we won’t overstretch. However, being part of our local community is also very important. We have a number of youth sides and even a veterans side.”

It has been a turbulent few years for Bognor Regis. After suffering relegation, their clubhouse was on the receiving end of an arson attack and some wondered if the club were on a never-ending downward spiral. However, the West Sussex side now possess a brand spanking new clubhouse, which hosts seminars and meetings and on the pitch, success appears to be following in similar fashion. It seems that the only way is up.

written by Will Lyon

Highworth Town with Fraser Haines

Please read below for my interview with Highworth Town secretary Fraser Haines. It was published in the latest Football Focus magazine which can be viewed here for absolutely free! Included in the current issue are Leyton Orient, Dunfermline Athletic, Crawley Town and many more football clubs.

Highworth Town

Highworth Town line up

Last month Football Focus chatted with Highworth Town secretary Fraser Haines and not before long, it became apparent that they are an incredibly close-knit club, and proud of it. Fraser's brother is the current chairman and he took over the reigns when their father passed away. Fraser believes that it is the comradeship within the staff that has helped the club move forward so successfully. “We are all a very close club and have grown rapidly recently after merging with our junior section in 2008.”

Indeed, it is in the youth that Highworth have invested towards in large sums and Fraser is delighted with the rewards reaped. “We’ve kids of all age groups and we have over four hundred children registered with us in thirty-two teams. Our manager Dave Webb trusts youth players and gives them a go if they are good enough. The average age of our first team is around twenty-two which bodes well for the future and shows our youth system is working.”

Although Fraser is rightly optimistic about the future of the club, he is also pleased with the current success of the first team in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division, despite their lack of experience. “Our league performance has been very good considering how young our squad is and we don’t pay players unlike a number of teams at our level. Within five years I would like to see the club in the Southern League. We almost got there in 2005, but at the time our ground didn’t reach the required standard.”

After being held back from promotion six years ago, the club were adamant to make the necessary improvements and Fraser cannot speak highly enough of the people who helped make it possible. “We have so many volunteers and everyone involved works so hard here. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them. We’ve spent money on the facility including floodlights, stands and dugouts and have enclosed the pitch with a fence all around the perimeter. We were recently awarded our community status with the FA which gives us a chance to develop our facility further.”

With Highworth Town Reserves having recently won their respective league, Fraser is hoping the first team can kick on from their current spot in the higher echelons of the Premier Division and occupy a place in the Southern League before long.

written by Will Lyon

Dunfermline Athletic - Back In The SPL

Please read below for my article on Dunfermline Athletic who recently won promotion back to the Scottish Premier League. It was published in the latest Football Focus magazine which can be viewed here for absolutely free! Included in the current issue are Leyton Orient, Crawley Town and many more football clubs.

Back In The SPL 

East End Park, the home of Dunfermline Athletic

In May 2007, Dunfermline Athletic found themselves relegated from the Scottish Premier League, but finally, four years on, they were on the brink of returning to the promised land.

With relegation to the First Division comes severe budget cuts and because of this, the Pars stuttered to a fifth place finish in their first season back in the second tier. Dunfermline sacked Irish manager Stephen Kenny and decided to invest their faith in their experienced striker Jim McIntyre who would initially take a player-manager role. Progress was initially quite slow, but over the years McIntyre removed the ageing core of the squad, bringing exciting players to the club, such as Willie Gibson, Joe Cardle and Steven Bell. The Pars began to form an exciting brand of football, with much of their creativity emerging from new signings, Cardle and Gibson.

Dunfermline trailed First Division champions Inverness Caledonian Thistle by fifteen points last season which placed McIntyre under immense pressure from the fans to deliver the goods for this year's campaign. Thankfully, they made a solid start to the term, but were unable to grind out the narrow victories that nearby rivals, Raith Rovers performed. Indeed after a 2-1 defeat to Raith in the New Year derby, some Pars fans were resigned to another season in the First Division.

However, influential winger, Willie Gibson, was snapped up for a six figure fee by Crawley Town and McIntyre was allowed to reinvest the money in the squad. Seasoned pros Kevin Rutkiewicz and Martin Hardie were brought in to add a bit of steel and experience to the squad, while Liam Buchanan, released from his Partick Thistle contract, added some much needed pace to the Pars attack.

McIntyre stressed the importance of being able to grind out victories and if necessary, ditching their attractive style of play. It was a vital decision by McIntyre, setting Dunfermline up for a nine game unbeaten streak before facing Raith again for a top of the table clash. After their impressive run of form, Dunfermline found themselves one point clear before the match and therefore would extend that gap to four points with just two games to play, if they managed to beat their Fife rivals.

On match day, Dunfermline dominated the first period, but after a goalkeeping error, found themselves a goal down at the break. However, the experienced Hardie drove his side on and scored two second half goals to place Dunfermline in the driving seat for promotion.

Director Of Football, Jim Leishman, was delighted with the victory and now sets his sights on preparing for a return to the SPL. “The league is in our hands and we have played very well throughout the season. Next seasons plans will very much depend on if we get promoted, but if we do, we will do everything we can to stay in the division.” However, if the SPL get their way and reduce the number of teams in the division to ten, there is likely to be three relegation places instead of the usual one, making survival extremely tough for the Pars.

written by Will Lyon

Binfield FC with Bob Bacon

Please read below for my interview with Binfield chairman Bob Bacon. It was published in the latest Football Focus magazine which can be viewed here for absolutely free! Included in the current issue are Leyton Orient, Dunfermline Athletic, Crawley Town and many more football clubs.

Binfield FC

Above: Hill Farm Lane, the home of Binfield Football Club

Bob Bacon, chairman of Binfield Football Club, is an ambitious man and it appears that his principals lie in the right areas. Bob is seeks a successful youth policy, improved coaching, modern facilities and a club who play football the right way – producing exciting football that the local community can be proud of.

All the above components are important to Binfield, but Bob believes success with youngsters is particularly vital, although he stresses that they must enjoy themselves too. “Binfield FC has 400 registered players below Under 18 level, of which 40% are from the local village. We run a Soccer School, which takes boys and girls from 3-and-a-half to 6 and typically has an attendance of 40-plus each Sunday. We invest in 10 coaches, all at least FA Level 1 qualified and first-aid trained but this is very much a fun culture.”

Indeed, it is the youth system which nurtures youngsters from the local community into becoming quality players for the future and as Bob explains, the Hellenic Football League, Premier Division side produces one or two players every year which attract scouts from bigger clubs. “We have Chelsea, Brentford and Queens Park Rangers regularly scout at the football club and some boys go and enjoy a couple of years of slick training on fantastic pitches, which really helps their game. I don't want to tempt fate, but we have two centre forwards this year who have scored more than 60 goals between them - it is fair to say they are getting increased attention from clubs. Clearly, we hope they stay with Binfield!”

Binfield possess some quality facilities and a fantastic playing surface at their ground, Hill Farm Lane, so it is little wonder that the club has a knack for producing exciting players. However, Bob explains that it is the hospitality that Binfield supply that wins them just as many plaudits. “Margate FC came to Hill Farm Lane in the summer for an FA Cup game; they were very complimentary on how we looked after them and our playing style. A jewel in the crown for us is the playing surface, which gets accolades. Most of our opposition love playing on it as it is flat and has grass on it! We invest heavily in it during the close season, and will continue to do so. In total, we have two full size pitches, one of which is fenced off for the senior teams and a further pitch for the 7 a-sides.”

If the Hill Farm Lane facilities are in use, then Binfield are sure to have their remaining coaches helping elsewhere in the local area and Bob is proud to label Binfield a community club. “We achieved FA Charter status 4 years ago, and then we were awarded FA Community status 2 years later. We work actively with the local Binfield primary school and 2 of our coaches run after-school soccer clubs for a nearby primary school. We are also looking at striking a relationship with a local senior club, where we will work with boys and girls and in turn, look to train our seniors on their 3G pitch and use their gym facilities during the winter months. We also, as a club, sponsor of the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) charity, and recently funded screening for 30 teenagers to check on their cardiac health.”

Looking towards the future, Bob seeks further improvement in the youth side of the club. “I want to see the junior club standard increase, which doesn't mean thrashing everyone in sight, but playing a standard and a quality of football that people admire. I would like to see the coaches improve and share their skill with other age groups and for the Community Club ethos reach out to other schools and organisations. Ideally, I would like to see our under 18's Allied Counties team have 60% of their squad come up through the ranks of the club.”

Bob's ambitions do not stop there. He also wants the senior team to keep progressing. At the time of writing, the Binfield senior side are pushing towards the top of the Hellenic Premier Division and could find themselves in a higher league next season. Bob is delighted with their achievements so far this season and hopes they can push on. “At the senior end I want to see the first team get to the next step in the pyramid, playing the brand of football that they have played this year - quick, on the floor, passionate, lots of shooting. It would also be nice to see us get further in the FA Vase and the FA Cup than we got last year and to make Hill Farm Lane a fortress.”

written by Will Lyon

Cricklade Town with Alisdair Ross

Please read below for my interview with Cricklade Town chairman Alisdair Ross. It was published in the latest Football Focus magazine which can be viewed here for absolutely free! Included in the current issue are Leyton Orient, Dunfermline Athletic, Crawley Town and many more football clubs.

Cricklade Town

Stones Lane, the home of Cricklade Town

Mohamed Al-Fayed, chairman of Fulham FC, showed off his moonwalking skills at the recent unveiling of a Michael Jackson statue at Craven Cottage and many were critical of his lack of skill. However, the same cannot be said of Cricklade Town chairman, Alisdair Ross. Alisdair has featured as a player for the Hellenic Football League side over the last eighteen years, seven of which, he also occupied the position of chairman. Unbelievably, this is not Alisdair's only dual role! He is a recognised goalkeeper, but if required, can throw the gloves to one side and slot quite comfortably into defence.

After long success as a player, Alisdair is finally going to hang up his boots at the end of this season and he feels that his final campaign has acted as a perfect platform for success next season. “With so many games in a short time, injuries and players not being available for midweek games have caught up with us. It's still a good season and with recent results, a top five finish is what I would expect. We have now built up a great squad that with a couple of additions, we could challenge next season.”

While the first team has started flying, Cricklade's youth system has stuttered recently, but Alisdair still believes they are a vital component of the club. “Youth is very important, you get more local support with more local players coming through the youth, and when you don't pay money you need players that want to play for the club. Cricklade used to have a great youth set up with teams at every age group, but with lack of players and people to run the them, it has declined over the years. However, next season we have a new group of players coming through that we will base our reserves on.”

Footballing facilities at Cricklade's Stones Lane are second to none in the Hellenic League, but it is the comfort of the spectators that Alisdair has at the forefront of his mind. “We have a good playing surface, it's flat and has lots of grass on it, unlike many clubs. The changing rooms are as good as you will get in the Hellenic league and the dugouts are of a good standard. What lets the club down is facilities for spectators. We need some hard standing and sheltered seating, but it's hard to fund expansion when you don't own the ground.”

Clearly, Crickdale are up against it, especially in the harsh economic climate which has smothered the country. “The biggest challenges for us and many clubs is to still be in existence in five years. The cost of running a club goes up each season and with the current climate, sponsorship is harder to find.”

Despite the issues of running a lower league club, Alisdair remains positive and hopes that silverware will be being transferred into the trophy cabinet in the near future, especially with some exciting players in the squad. “I would like the club to win some silverware, its been a while for the club and with the players we have, we should challenge a bit more than we have over the last few years. We have got a few players that can play up a couple of leagues and in the past, teams from the Hellenic Premier Division have taken players from us.”

Crickdale will be hoping they can hang onto their top performers and push further up the table next season as Alisdair assumes a different role, cheering his side on from the sidelines.

written by Will Lyon

Concord Rangers with Anthony Smith

Please read below for my interview with Concord Rangers chairman Anthony Smith. It was published in the latest Football Focus magazine which can be viewed here for absolutely free! Included in the current issue are Leyton Orient, Dunfermline Athletic, Crawley Town and many more football clubs.

Concord Rangers

Thames Road - the home of Concord Rangers

Concord Rangers originate from a team of boys who played friendly matches during 1966 on a pitch along the Canvey Island seafront, close to Concord Beach. The club took their name from this beach and rather aptly, nicknamed themselves the Beach Boys. Around twenty years later Rangers secured land at Thames Road, Canvey Island, and it is here that the club can be found today.

Football Focus discovered more about the Ryman League Premier Division side when catching up with chairman Anthony Smith last month. Although Anthony has been chairman for a number of years, his involvement with the club goes much further, having played for the Beach Boys aged nine, all the way till twenty-six years old.

Anthony is delighted with the success the Beach Boys have achieved this season, after winning promotion just last season. Despite the on-pitch success Anthony insists that enjoying the roller-coaster ride is primary objective. “The main thing is that everyone at the club has enjoyed this season going to new clubs and meeting new people. We started the season just wanting to stay in the Ryman Premier and set ourselves fourteenth or higher as a great achievement for our first season. But at the moment we are on the verge of the playoffs, so now I would say top ten would massive in our first year at this level!”

In fact, it appears that Rangers have a habit of exceeding their own expectations and as Anthony explains, the board are now considering the possibility of Conference South football in the near future. “We set a five year plan in 2008 that was to gain promotion from the Essex Senior League to the Ryman League and then the Ryman Premier within three years. We are a year ahead of the plan. We will assess the viability of Conference South for our club before pushing for a further promotion, although we may have no option if the lads carry on in the form they are showing currently!”

Indeed, as Anthony notes, the current crop of players are attracting some interest from big clubs. “We have a few that are regularly being watched by various Football League clubs, most notable is Tony Stokes.” Stokes is a former West Ham United youngster and it seems the London club are linked to Concord in more than one way. Former midfielder, Billy Knott, left the club for the Hammers and he stayed there until he was snapped up by Chelsea in 2006. Steve Bruce spotted his talent, picking him up for Sunderland in 2010 and the eighteen-year-old is clearly admired by his gaffer, who recently claimed the youngster “has the world at his feet.”

As with most football clubs up and down the country, the recession has hit hard and Anthony is determined to keep Concord in the black. “As with all non league clubs the financial side is always the one to watch, But I have strong beliefs in that you set a budget and stick to it, I have seen too many clubs go to the wall or get in trouble when the correct finance has not been in place.”

However, the club have still been able to make improvements despite financial restraints and now Concord Rangers have the appropriate facilities to host Conference South football. “Over the last three years we have enhanced the ground extensively with new pitch perimeter fencing, three new all-seater stands and we are now approved for Conference South.” Clearly, the only way is up for the Beach Boys.

written by Will Lyon

Raith Rovers 0 v 1 Queen of the South - Saturday 30th April 2011

Click here or read below for my match report of the fixture between Raith Rovers and Queen of the South this afternoon. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

 

Raith slump to sixth home defeat

An injury time Colin McMenamin strike was enough for Queen of the South to seal three points this afternoon at Starks Park.

The team sheet from the game

Rovers needed three points to give themselves a chance of remaining in the title race with Dunfermline Athletic, but with the Pars winning away at Greenock, a Rovers win would have been futile in any case.

The match at Kirkcaldy was a low-key affair, with the home side having most of the chances in the first half and the visitors controlling spells of the second. However, it was the Palmerston side that emerged victors, condemning Rovers to their sixth defeat at Starks Park in league business.

Rovers manager John McGlynn made five changes from last week’s defeat at East End Park, bringing David McGurn, Dougie Hill, Scott McBride, Iain Williamson and Graham Weir into the starting eleven.

Indeed, it was Weir and Williamson who were causing problems early on, both going close in the opening exchanges.

John Baird struck a shot wide for Rovers on the ninth minute, before Queens had their first real chance. A long ball was played to McMenamin who beat Hill and struck at goal, only for McGurn to divert onto the post. However, Main Stand Assistant Steve Pullar had spotted an infringement in the build up to the shot and play was brought back.

Nineteen minutes in, Raith should have taken the lead. John Baird latched onto a cross ball and smashed at goal, but Roddy McKenzie spread himself big and made a great save. The ball fell back at Baird’s feet but his second effort hit the bar and sailed away from danger.

The rest of the first half proceeded with little incident until McMenamin got the better of Hill once more and attempted an audacious lob over McGurn only for the ball to nestle on top of the Rovers goal.

Iain Davidson had a half chance at the start of the second half but his shot ended up comfortably over the bar.

Queens almost scored the opener on the 52nd minute when Mark Campbell slipped in the Raith box, followed by McGurn colliding with one of his own players, but somehow the Starks Park men managed to clear the ball to safety.

Seconds later, Queens broke quickly with Campbell again losing his footing, but a goal line block was made and once again Raith managed to sustain the pressure.

Raith hit back through McBride as he beat two men on the left and crossed a great ball to the front post with Weir connecting and sending his effort wide.

Raith kept up the offensive when Weir ran into the box, laying the ball to Williamson who saw his shot blocked and Baird’s follow up was also stopped in similar fashion.

Five minutes later Queens found themselves with a clear goal scoring opportunity. Davidson gave possession away from a short freekick and Ian McShane ran through on goal but after pulling the trigger, the ball bounced off the post and was cleared by the Raith defence.

Baird and substitute Craig Wilson both aimed efforts wide of the goal before fellow sub, Gregory Tade, tried an audacious scissor kick at goal.

The final fifteen minutes were played at a pace akin to a pre-season friendly but Queens were looking very dangerous on the break.

Two minutes into injury time, Grant Murray hauled down a Queens attacker, earning himself a yellow card but Bob Harris curled the free-kick inches wide of the post.

However, one minute later the Dumfries side claimed all three points as a vicious shot was swung across goal by Black, and McMenamin was all alone at the back post to force the ball over the line.

Falkirk suffered an injury time loss to Ross County and therefore Raith stay two points clear of the Bairns, but Rovers will be seeking to gain three points against Partick Thistle next week to cement second place.

written by Will Lyon

Date night in Kilmarnock

Click here to listen to this week's Terrace Podcast.

On this week's show we look back on the Old Firm derby at the weekend - from team selections, to star players and managerial ear-cupping. As well as the rumble in Glasgow, there were another three other matches and plenty of goals to look back on.

In the lower league round-up, we look back on the Fife derby - gun-toting mascot and all - as well as the battles at the top and bottom of SFL2 and we congratulate Arbroath on their first ever title!

There's also predictions for this week's top-flight football and plenty more. Wrap your ears around it and enjoy.

Email: theterrace@scotzine.com / Twitter: @terracepodcast

Terrace Travels #9: Dunfermline Athletic 2 - 1 Raith Rovers

Click here or read below for my experience of one of the biggest Fife derbies in living memory between Dunfermline Athletic and Raith Rovers. It was published on The Terrace Scottish Football website.

Saturday 23rd April 2011 

 

Dunfermline Athletic 2 v 1 Raith Rovers

Raith started Saturday just one point behind their table-topping rivals Dunfermline Athletic with two games still remaining, making this Fife derby a crunch match of epic proportions. East End Park was packed to the rafters and The Terrace’s very own Will Lyon was there to see it.

The Norrie McCathie Stand

Nerves had been experienced by Raith fans in the build up to their Scottish Cup semi final against Dundee United last season, but this was different. Tickets sold faster than Usain Bolt on speed and it soon emerged that East End Park would be sold out for the first time in well over a decade. During the week leading up to the match, endless hours were spent scouring youtube for previous derby-day delights and my university revision brainstorms turned into doodles of Gregory Tade lashing home thirty-yard screamers.

Following a week of procrastination, derby day finally dawned. After the last fixture at East End Park was delayed by twenty minutes due to crowd congestion, Rovers fans this time made their way into the East Stand with plenty of time to spare. My dad and I found ourselves standing by our seats a full hour before kickoff and much to our amazement, so were another thousand Raith fans, already in full song.

Across to our right in the North East stand were some youngsters dressed in full tracksuits, some complemented by black and white scarves, who were only too happy to remind us that “we f*cking hate you, you're just a wee team.” The large choir of Raith fans hit back, informing the young team that we do not particularly like their team either.

The 'Cage' at East End Park

The atmosphere continued to simmer quite nicely for the next fifteen minutes. The teams emerged for their warm up and the songs continued to flow, with the visiting fans exchanging applause with their players who ventured near the stand from time to time. Meanwhile the young team in the North East stand decided to do the 'Poznan', turning their backs to the pitch and jumping in unison whilst singing “Ole, ole, ole, ole, the Pars, the Pars”. Raith fans once again retaliated, changing the lyrics rather intelligently to “Ole, ole, ole, ole, f*ck the Pars, f*ck the Pars”. Yes, we football fans are among the best thinkers of the world.

The players strode off the pitch with about ten minutes to kickoff and on came the rather strangely dressed 'Sammy the Tammy' – the Pars mascot. Sammy appeared to be wearing some sort of cardboard box, sporting – as one fan gleefully turned around and claimed - “a cardboard cock!” Sammy sat down at the halfway line, aiming his “cardboard cock” at the away end. It was only when he started swaying from side-to-side accompanied by the sound of machine gun fire over the tannoy, we realised that Sammy the Tammy had become 'Sammy, Tank Commander' and was pretending to shoot the Raith fans. One wonders what sort of uproar this would have instigated had the same activity unfolded at an Old Firm derby...

Raith fans in the away end

Scotland's “number one mascot” soon departed the pitch as the teams entered the arena from the dressing rooms, taking up their positions. Rain had pounded down onto the pitch before the match and it was no surprise that along with nerves, there were numerous miscontrolled passes and awful touches in the opening stages.

However, Dunfermline began to master the conditions far better than the visitors and should have taken the lead early on when player-of-the-year candidate Andy Kirk smashed a shot off the bar. Despite the Pars complete control of the game, they went in at the break a goal down. Goalkeeper Chris Smith failed to grasp a fairly innocuous looking shot and John Baird (another player-of-the-year candidate) pounced on the mistake and smashed the ball into the net.

The second half was actually a more tightly-contested affair, but Dunfermline equalised ten minutes after the restart with 'Big, Bad, Mental,' Martin Hardie heading in from close range following a corner.

The Pars scored the winning goal twelve minutes from time. Hibs loanee Kevin McBride needlessly conceded a freekick on the edge of the Raith box and Hardie took advantage, stepping up and curling the ball into the top corner of the Rovers goal.

The Main Stand at East End Park

Some of the away fans began to filter out of the stadium as the final minutes ticked by, simply unable to bear watching the Pars effectively clinching the title.

At the full time whistle there appeared to be some sort of altercation between Dunfermline's David Graham and Raith's Allan Walker, but they were separated before either player could land a blow.

The Pars fans sang their hearts out as their heroes proudly strutted off the park and before the remaining Raith fans fled the ground, they gave a standing ovation to their players, recognising just how far the club have come since sitting second bottom of the Second Division just over four years ago.

Looking back, the build up to the match was utterly fantastic and with the nerves and emotion during the game, it was possibly the quickest ninety minutes of my life. It is now ninety minutes that I hope to forget.

written by Will Lyon

Foo Fighters - "Wasting Light" [Album Review]

Click here or read below for my review of the latest album by Foo Fighters. It was published on Pure Grain Audio.

Rating: 7.5 / 10

Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

Foo Fighters are back once more, with their seventh album, Wasting Light. Lead singer Dave Grohl has been quick to boast that the band have steered away from modern technology and instead gone back to basics with analogue equipment. The question is, has the now-ageing band been able to re-light their creative fires by travelling back in time?

On first glance, it appears they have formed a loud and powerful effort, indeed, the Foo's intentions are quickly made clear in opener "Bridge Burning" which bursts into life with Grohl snarling: "these are my famous last words."

The massive hit single "Rope" follows and this song is vintage Foos, possessing an absolutely massive chorus akin to "The Pretender" on preceding album Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace. The next notable song is "White Limo" which is almost a carbon copy of debut album track, "Weenie Beenie". This, another reminder that the band are trying to travel back in time.

The rest of the record continues at a high pace with classic Foo Fighter pop hooks coming at your ears from all angles. "These Days" is another stellar song and the sombre "I Should Have Known" - which builds up to a climatic finale - is the type of emotion-building song that Grohl has an incredible capability of writing time and time again.

However, while there is not a weak song within Wasting Light there is no timeless "Times Like These" or "Everlong" brilliance, but just a bunch of really good rock songs. This album is not going to blow anyone's mind away, but there is no doubt it is a great effort and probably the best since The Colour and the Shape.

written by Will Lyon

The Terrace Scottish Football Podcast - "Following the Fast Food Rockers…"

Click here to listen to this week's Terrace Podcast.

 After a little week's hiatus, welcome to a brand spanking new episode of The Terrace.

On this week's show we will talk about the weekend's Scottish Cup semi-finals, which saw Motherwell and Celtic both claim comfortable victories which ensured they will meet each other in the May 21st showpiece.

There's also SPL action to look back on, with Rangers ascending (temporarily?) to the top of the SPL and Hibs somehow contriving to lose at home to relegation victims-elect Hamilton Accies. There was also a fairly entertaining draw up in Inverness...so they say...none of us saw the match.

In the lower leagues we congratulate the champions of SFL2 Livingston, and look ahead to the match which may go a long way to deciding the champions of SFL1 - the mouth-watering Fife Derby between Dunfermline and Raith Rovers.

There's even an in-depth look at all of those names who could land a PFA award come May 1st and a full prediction of the SPL action to come in the next week - including Rangers vs Celtic VII.

Email: theterrace@scotzine.com / Twitter: @terracepodcast

Enjoy the Show!

Saturday 16th April 2011 - Stirling Albion 1 v 2 Raith Rovers

Please click here or read below for my match report from this afternoon's fixture between Stirling Albion and Raith Rovers. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Baird Keeps Rovers Challenge On Course For Derby Day Showdown

An 80th minute John Baird header clinched a vital three points over already-relegated Stirling Albion this afternoon at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium.

 

The winning goal sets up next week’s Fife derby between Raith Rovers and Dunfermline Athletic perfectly, but when Josh Flood cancelled out Allan Walker’s 15th minute free-kick, mid-way through the second half, it looked like Raith’s title challenge was close to capitulation. 

Despite the equaliser from the home side, the large travelling support roared their team on and paid tribute to the recently departed Ronnie Coyle, chanting “One Ronnie Coyle” throughout the match.

The captains lead the teams out

Indeed, all at the ground observed a minute silence for Ronnie prior to kick-off.

Rovers started the first half as the better side, with Grant Murray heading wide from an early corner.

Albion hit back through Paul McHale whose 18 yard strike was tipped wide by Andrew McNeil.

After 13 minutes Raith should have taken the lead. Gregory Tade flicked the ball to Walker at the back post and his pass was diverted to Stephen Simmons who, with keeper’ Calum Reidford nowhere in sight, somehow managed to blaze his effort over the bar.

Just 3 minutes later, Raith were able to take the lead. Walker was brought down on the edge of the box and the midfielder picked himself up to curl the free-kick past the helpless Reidford.

Stirling were determined to keep fighting and shortly after falling behind, had a chance through Gordon Smith. The young striker received the ball in the box and shot for the bottom corner, only to be denied by the sprawling McNeil.

Rovers fans in the away stand

Craig Wilson and Baird both had shots at goal before Mark Campbell forced a strong header at Reidford from a Walker corner and before half time, Campbell had another decent headed effort, this time from a Walker free-kick. 

The second half started in a slightly subdued atmosphere as Stirling tried to impose themselves on the game, with Tom Brighton and McHale striking weak efforts towards goal.

Just 4 minutes after the break Campbell managed to haul himself onto another free-kick smashing a firm header at goal and Reidford did well to stop the ball crossing the line. 

Raith kept up the pressure and although Kevin McBride is not known for his attacking prowess, after latching onto a Baird flick, he half-volleyed the ball at goal, only to see it creep inches past the post.

The teams get ready to line up

Rovers would regret their missed chances on the 63rd minute when a Walker freekick was cleared to Mark Ferry, who conceded possession. Stirling pounced on the mistake and winger Flood, ran the length of the pitch, slotting past McNeil with ease to bring the hosts level.

The Rovers fans urged their players on and many felt their luck was out when Reidford pulled off a fantastic save with his foot to deny Baird on the 70th minute. 

Five minutes later, Raith suffered a scare when Flood tried to double his tally, but McNeil was able to tip wide for a corner and from the set piece, Sean Welsh could only head into the keeper’s arms.

However, with 10 minutes remaining, the roof of the away stand was raised. A Walker free-kick was cleared to Simmons who headed the ball back towards goal and Baird nipped in, ahead of Reidford and dinked a header into the back of the net for what turned out to be the crucial winning goal.

Raith began to slow down play, but they were still able to force another chance right at the end when Baird set up Walker at the edge of the box. The midfielder connected first time and looked up to the heavens in disbelief when the ball rattled the crossbar and came back into play.

To the Rovers fans’ delight, referee Frank McDermott blew the full time whistle and the result means Raith stay just 1 point behind Dunfermline, with the two sides set to meet in a crunch tie at East End Park next Saturday.

written by Will Lyon

Saturday 9th April 2011 - Raith Rovers 2 v 2 Cowdenbeath

Please click here or read below for my match report from this afternoon's fixture between Raith Rovers and Cowdenbeath. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Rovers Bounce Back Twice To Claim Point 

Raith Rovers failed to knock Dunfermline Athletic off the top of the table this afternoon after a 2-2 draw with relegation strugglers Cowdenbeath, but in truth, the situation could have been worse.

The teams

Greg Stewart opened the scoring for Cowdenbeath on the 55th minute, only for Rovers centre-half, Grant Murray to slam in an equaliser four minutes later.

However, on the 70th minute, a mistake by Raith keeper’ Andrew McNeil led to Stewart nipping in and scoring his second, into an empty net.

With the clock ticking down, it looked like all three points would be heading to Cowdenbeath, until Mark Campbell scrambled the ball over the line for a last minute leveller.

The game was frantic from the word go, with play thundering from end to end and it was remarkable that both teams were unable to score before the break.

Last week’s hero, Allan Walker, was first to strike at the Cowdenbeath goal and Stewart was quick to reply for the visitors, but neither could find a way past the opposing keepers’.

On the twelfth minute, Raith had a fantastic opportunity to open the scoring when Gregory Tade won a header and laid the ball off to John Baird who snatched at his shot, which failed to even find the target.

The teams warm up

Four minutes later, Cowdenbeath had just as good a chance when a suspiciously offside-looking Stewart latched onto a long ball and cut inside, only to be thwarted by McNeil. The ball landed at the feet of Scott Linton who had the goal at his mercy, but Craig Wilson made the all-important block and the danger was cleared.

Any neutrals at Starks Park would have been delighted with the excitement on show, which incidentally, was showing no signs of ebbing.

Cowdenbeath’s next great opportunity came to fruition 29 minutes in, when a cross into the Raith box was unable to be cleared by Campbell and former Rover, Stevie Crawford, nipped in, but McNeil pulled off a wonderful save to deny the thirty-seven-year-old.

Three minutes later, Tade and Baird linked again, with the latter outpacing another former Rover, Craig Winter, and he looked set to score, but Cowdenbeath keeper’ Ludovic Roy had other ideas, making a quality stop with his legs.

Tade lobbed a shot wide of the goal, before Roy made a second crucial save in the dying embers of the first half. Former Blue Brazil winger, Scott McBride, crossed a flush ball into the box, Baird connected very well and Roy made just as good an effort to save the shot.

The teams went back into their respective dressing rooms for a half-time refreshment and reflected on what might have been. With better composure and a bit of luck, the scoreline could have been 3-3 at this stage.

Some warm up music from Kirkcaldy High School

Thankfully, the second half started no differently. Both sides were intent on gaining the three points and it was Cowdenbeath who took the initiative on the 55th minute.

Stewart had been causing problems all game and he had Murray twisting and turning once more, deep in the Rovers half. With Murray left in tangles, the striker ran in on goal and beat McNeil on his near post to send the small band of travelling fans ballistic.

Two minutes later, Cowdenbeath had a strong penalty appeal turned down and sixty seconds later, their lead had vanished. McBride curled a corner right onto the head of Murray whose effort was so powerful that Roy’s right hand was unable to stop the ball crossing the line.

The home fans were now roaring and believing their side could go on to clinch the three points, but they almost found themselves pegged back immediately when Stewart got himself on the end of a cross only to be denied by a fantastic fingertip save by McNeil.

Raith fans in the South Stand

On the 66th minute, Baird missed yet another brilliant opportunity when he connected first-time to a Walker cross and he watched in agony as his shot dribbled past the post, with Roy rooted to the spot.

Two minutes later, Murray was beaten again, this time by Crawford who rolled the years back and turned the defender cleverly. However, McNeil looked in the form of his life, rushing out and pulling off a phenomenal block with his chest.

Almost before the Rovers fans had finished sounding their appreciation of their keeper’, McNeil went from hero to zero. A long ball over the top was left by Campbell for McNeil to clear, but he hit the ball straight at Stewart and it looped towards the Raith goal and the striker, with the goal lying empty, made no mistake from six yards out.

Graham Weir replaced winger McBride as Rovers pushed everybody up front. However, the long balls were not working, the chances were drying up and Cowdenbeath looked dangerous on the break.

With Raith fans about to start their exodus out of Starks Park, they were soon halted when a long ball into the box was not dealt with by the Cowdenbeath defence and somehow Campbell managed to scrape the ball over the line from 8 yards.

Cowdenbeath fans in the McDermid Stand

Unbelievably, Raith could have secured all the points three minutes into injury time when a Baird cross was met by Tade but the Frenchman could only head the ball into the ground and just wide of the post.

With both sides contributing to such a fantastic open game it was only fair that both came away with a point, but Rovers, particularly John Baird, may regret their missed chances.

The result means Raith are now one point behind Dunfermline with four games to play. Next week Rovers face Stirling Albion at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium, the same location where Stevie Hislop fired Rovers top of the Second Division two seasons ago. Will history repeat itself?

written by Will Lyon