August 2009 Archives
WHAT a difference 48 hours has made for Colwyn Bay!
After the shambles of Saturday's embarrassing FA Cup exit to St Helens Town, manager Neil Young made five changes and switched to a new formation of 3-5-2 and saw his side respond with an astounding 7-0 away victory that shattered high-flying Radcliffe Borough's unbeaten record and lifted the Seagulls into third place in the table - three points behind leaders Halifax.
Youngsters Tom McGill, Jamie Dunn and Lee Davey came in for their first starts of the season and worked their socks off to spearhead a much more potent attacking force, while Rob Hopley, switched from striker into the back three (alongside Tim Brandreth and Dave Challinor), was a leading candidate for man of the match with two goals and a defensive display that oozed class in what I have always felt is his natural position.
Dunn's pace and trickery was a constant threat and Ian Sheridan also made a big impact in his first start of the season on the right of a fluid hard-working midfield - although it was also one of those days when everything the Bay hit in the first half seemed to go in the net (five goals from seven attempts).
A whirlwind start saw Colwyn Bay 2-0 up in the first nine minutes with Davey scoring with a looping header over Radcliffe keeper Phil Priestley from Tim Brandreth's long throw, and then when Radcliffe failed to clear a corner, Dunn went round a defender before pulling the ball back for Dave Challinor to score with a first time shot.
Radcliffe tried to fight back and went close with a couple of good efforts, but were blown away by three more goals in the space of eight minutes before half-time.
Kevin Holsgrove, who really seemd to thrive in the new formation, scored from 25 yards after a piercing diagonal run by Ian Sheridan on 30 minutes, Jamie Dunn ran on to a Matty Hurdman pass and cleverly cut inside a defender before shooting across the keeper and into the far corner of the net two minutes later, and when McGill was chopped down inside the penalty box, Hopley coolly scored from the spot to make it 5-0 at half-time.
Radcliffe's demolition was completed inside 13 minutes of the second half.
A superb crossfield pass from Sheridan found Holsgrove, whose first-time cross set up a tap in for McGill on 55 minutes, and three minutes later Hurdman's free kick was headed on for Hopley to add the finishing touch.
"A lot of harsh words have been said since Saturday and we've changed the personnel and the system - and it was a great response from the players," said Neil Young afterwards.
"They have shown today what they are capable of, but they have set the standard of play which they have to try and keep up. Good teams keep consistency and that is what we've got to do."
Jamie Dunn, whose career with Wigan Athletic was ended prematurely by an ankle injury, and McGill can quickly become big crowd favourites if they maintain this level of performance, although the manager is still looking to strengthen the squad and is talking to two more players this week.
"I take it very much to heart what happens on the field and I take responsibility for last Saturday's performance in the cup, but believe me, myself and my staff know what we are doing and we need people to have faith in us," he said.
Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Sheehan, Davey (Denson 65 mins), Brandreth, Challinor, Hurdman, Sheridan, McGill (Scott 74mins), Hopley, Holsgrove, Dunn (Jebb 69 mins). Subs not used: Jarrett, Jackson.
COLWYN BAY manager Neil Young says he wants to apologise to the fans and the club after describing the 4-2 FA Cup exit to St Helens Town (August 25) as one of the most embarrassing defeats in his managerial career.
The day started on a high for the manager when he became the proud dad of new baby daughter in the early hours of the morning, but his players totally ruined his big day for him.
"I should be celebrating tonight, but I just don't feel like it after that, " he told me.
"It was the worst performance in my time as manager here and I want to apologise to the fans and everyone connected with the club. I am totally embarrassed by it. At the end of the day I put the team together and the buck stops with me.
"It is up to me to put it right and that is what I intend to do. There WILL be casualties from the squad after this. I won't put up with the attitude shown by some players and I have already told them I intend to ship them out of the club and find replacements. They have let me down and let the fans and the club down.
"I have put up with their inconsistency long enough. You wouldn't believe there was only one change in that team today from the one that won 4-1 at Mossley a couple of weeks ago!
"There are only three or four players who can hold their hands up and say they gave it a go."
The manager is contemplating several changes for Monday's league game at unbeaten Radcliffe Borough, with youngsters Tom McGill and Jamie Dunn, who both showed some fight when they came on in the second half, likely to be given starting places. Carl Clampitt has had a setback with his injury, however, and is unlikely to be considered.
The Bay seemed lethargic in defence from the start against St Helens and were duly punished by a St Helens side who defended better, passed the ball better and in Karl Ledsham and Graeme Mitchell had the two best forwards on the pitch.
They had gone close several times before Hanley ran onto a through ball to put them 1-0 up at half-time.
Bay had created two or three headed chances, but visiting keeper Graeme McCall only had one save of note to make, when he did well to turn a snap shot from Alex Hay round the post for a corner.
An injury which forced Danny Jarrett's departure could not be used as excuse for a the toothless defensive performance, with little help coming from midfield, and things did not improve after the break .
Although Chris Sanna did well to deny Rob Hanley in a one on one, St Helens scored twice more in the opening 14 minutes of the half to take a 3-0 lead.
Ledhsam was put clear to score his second after Matty Hurdman gave the ball away on the edge of his own area, and then unmarked Iain Dyson volleyed in a third at the far post after Phil Mitchell's cross from the left took out the entire Bay defence.
Two Colwyn Bay substitutes gave the fans a glimmer of hope when McGill scored with an acrobatic overhead kick and Jamie Dunn added a second. But any hopes of the side getting out of jail were ended in added time when Hanley scored a fourth for St Helens.
It is the fourth time in five years that the Bay have gone out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle, again missing out on valuable prizemoney.
St Helens thoroughly deserved their win, but the Bay players should be thoroughly ashamed of their non performance in a game that meant so much to the club financially.
Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Denson, Scott, Jarrett (Brandreth 44mins), Challinor, Sheehan, Jebb, Hurdman, Hopley, Holsgrove (Dunn 53mins), Hay (McGill 43mins). Subs not used: Davey, Sheridan, Jackson.
St Helens will now be away to Cammel Laird, who beat Mossley 2-1 with a last minute penalty by former Colwyn Bay midfielder Mike McGraa.
CARL CLAMPITT could make a return after injury to Colwyn Bay's 16-man squad for Saturday's FA Cup preliminary round home tie against St Helens Town.
The midfielder was able to train on Thursday night following a stomach muscle strain and will be given a further fitness test on Saturday.
"Carl trained last night and we will wait and see if there is any reaction - but we want to make sure he is 100 per cent OK before we consider him," reported manager Neil Young.
Jimmy Kelly is probably another week away from recovering from his calf injury and Louis Corrigan is also ruled out as he starts a three match suspension following the red card against Halifax.
Jamie Dunn also trained on Thursday and is back in contention after completing exams, while loan signing Matty Hurdman has been cleared to play by Wrexham - even though it will cup-tie him.
The 18-year-old midfielder was named man of the match after helping the Seagulls to a 3-1 midweek win over Prescot Cables and manager Neil Young says St Helens Town will be very similar opponents.
"We have had them watched and they are a similar side to Prescot. They are full of endeavour and will be looking for a scalp so we need to be on our guard" he warns.
"The players have been left in no doubt what is expected of them. All you can ask for in the FA Cup is a home tie and it is up to us to take advantage of that.
"It is important we stay patient, show good ball retention and don't try and force things with too many long balls. We talked at half-time in the Prescot game about getting the ball down and passing it around and we were much better when we did that and could have scored more goals than we did."
After a five-match unbeaten start to their season in the North West Counties Premier Division, St Helens suffered their first defeat and were knocked off the top of the table when losing 3-1 at home to new leaders Newcastle Town on Tuesday night.
But there is plenty of incentive for both sides with the winners on Saturday set to pick up £1,500 in prizemoney, plus an away tie at Cammell Laird or Mossley in the next round.
Meanwhile, Neil Young says he is still looking to strengthen the squad and will be speaking to a central defender over the weekend and an experienced left-sided player next week to try and complete his rebuilding.
Colwyn Bay (from) Sanna, Denson, Scott, Jarrett, Challinor, Brandreth, Sheehan, Jebb, Hurdman, Hopley, Holsgrove, Sheridan, McGill, Davey, Hay, Clampitt, Dunn, Jackson.
COLWYN BAY came from behind to chalk up a 3-1 home victory over Prescot Cables on Tuesday night (August 25).
Two goals just before half-time turned the game in their favour against a side relegated from the Premier Division last season, and it proved a successful debut for Matthew Hurdman, who was signed on a month's loan from Wrexham just hours before the kick off and was named man of the match.
Colwyn Bay went behind after 18 minutes when Aaron Rey scored with a far post header, and it could have been worse as the home side cleared another effort off the line and then Sanna pulled off a good save.
Yet Colwyn Bay had shaded the play and they turned the game around with two goals in three minutes just before the break.
On 42 minutes Rob Hopley got in a brave header to score from Hurdman's cross and right on half-time skipper Dave Challinor volleyed in the second goal when the ball broke to him from a right wing corner.
The Bay continued to press at the start of the second half and Luke Denson was narrowly wide with a header from an Eddie Jebb cross, and Hopley brilliantly rode three tackles to set up a chance for Jebb, whose fierce shot whistled past the upright.
And it was Jebb who eventually made it 3-1 on 70 minutes after running on to a defence-splitting crossfield pass by Hurdman and ghosted past a defender into the area before firing past the keeper.
Kevin Holsgrove then beat three defenders on the left before firing a shot just wide as the home side continued to dominate.
Prescot rarely threatened, but Sanna did make made another good save from Rey to deny them a second goal.
The win moves Colwyn Bay up to seventh in the table, five points behind new league leaders Lancaster City.
Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Denson, Corrigan, Jarrett, Challinor, Sheehan, Jebb (Davey 82mins), Hurdman, Hopley (Hay 73mins ), Holsgrove, Sheridan (McGill 60mins ). Subs not used: Scott and Brandreth
Attendance 308
COLWYN BAY were today (August 25) completing the paperwork to get central midfielder Matthew Hurdman on loan from Wrexham for a month in time for tonight's home game against Prescot Cables.
The 18-year-old is a former Welsh Under-17 international and is on professional terms at Wrexham.
"Everything has been agreed with Dean Saunders and we've just got to complete the paperwork," reported manager Neil Young this morning.
He did have the option of bringing Robbie Williams back from his loan spell with Llangefni, but felt the popular midfielder is still short of match fitness and to bring him back after only one game for the Anglesey side when he is still a bit undercooked would defeat the object of the exercise.
"Robbie was out injured for much of last season and has had only one 90 minutes under his belt this season," said Young. "I just felt it wasn't the right time to bring him back for tonight's game, but that doesn't mean we won't consider the possibility of bringing him back for Saturday's FA Cup tie against St Helens if we feel we need him, because he will have had another game with Llangefni by then."
WITH three key midfielders out of action, Colwyn Bay manager Neil Young has been trying to bring a player in on loan for Tuesday's Unibond Division One North game at home to Prescot Cables (August 25, 7.45pm kick off).
Jimmy Kelly (calf strain) and Carl Clampitt (abdominal strain) are both ruled out through injury and Steve Aspinall is away on honeymoon.
"Before the season started those were the three players we were looking at to make us tick in midfield - and just three games in we are without all three of them," said Young. "You can't legislate for that, but I have been talking to a couple of Football League clubs and a League of Wales club to try and get someone in on loan, and am just hoping we may get a positive reply by the morning.
"If not we will have to go with what we've got and may have to set ourselves up a bit differently to compensate.
"We really missed Steve and Carl in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Wakefield, while Jimmy played with an injury to help us out, but it didn't work and he had to come off.
" People need to recognise that before they are over critical of our performance. Having said that we know we need to improve our attacking play. We will be looking at that and I will certainly be wanting a lot more from the strikers.
"Prescot will be a threat with a big danger man in Aaron Rey up front, and we will need to be on our game to beat them."
Neither Rob Hopley and Alex Hey, who have failed to gel as yet as a strike duo, have found the net in the opening three games and the manager may possibly consider switching from 4-4-2 back to last season's formation of just one up front.
Prescot, who were relegated after finishing bottom of the Premier Division last season, came from behind to gain their first win of the new campaign last Saturday against early strugglers Ossett Albion with goals from Rey and John Riley. They are on the same number of points as Colwyn Bay - but with an inferior goal difference.
Colwyn Bay: (from) Sanna, Denson, Scott, Jarrett, Brandreth, Challinor, Sheehan, Jebb, Sheridan, Hopley, Holsgrove, Hay, McGill, Davey, Corrigan.
COLWYN BAY failed to reproduce their form of midweek with a scrappy 1-1 draw at Wakefield (August 22) in a game that was there for the taking.
The Yorkshire side were no great shakes. They were quite defensive and employed spoiling tactics that conceded a lot of free kicks, but the Seagulls could do nothing with them and lacked the creativity and cutting edge up front to secure the three points in what was a poor game to watch.
It was very similar to last year's game at Wakefield which the Bay lost 1-0 and manager Neil Young admitted his side had again missed out on a chance to bag three points.
"Once we'd kicked off and had a look at them we thought they were there for the taking, but basically on the day we weren't good enough," he said.
"We didn't create a great deal and I don't think certain players worked hard enough and that is something we are obviously going to have to look at before Tuesday's game against Prescot.
"On the positive side I thought Luke Denson did well on his debut (at right back) after a nervous start and a couple of early mistakes, and Eddie Jebb was again quite lively, but overall neither side deserved to win."
With Carl Clampitt already sidelined, there was another injury blow (calf) forcing Jimmy Kelly's early retirement from the game and making him a big doubt for Tuesday.
Wakefield went in front with only their second shot at goal after 15 minutes when Marc Roberts, who was always a threat at set peices with his height, headed on a throw in and Andy MacManus scored with a first time shot low to Chris Sanna's right.
The Bay never had the same joy from any of Dave Challinor's long throws, and Alex Hay missed a good chance when he was put clear by Anthony Sheehan but shot weakly straight at the keeper.
The Seagulls, however, did equalise on 22 minutes from their best bit of play in the game.
Good inter-passing ended with Kevin Holsgrove crossing deep from the left and Eddie Jebb scored with a diving header which keeper Jan Zolna could only help into the net.
Jebb then set up a chance for Sheehan, but again the shot was weak and the keeper saved easily.
With the advantage of the slope in the second half I expected Colwyn Bay to go on and win, but their game tailed off disappointingly with only Eddie Jebb seemingly willing to put himself about to try and create something.
The Bay managed only three attempts at goal in that second half - all of them off target.
Rob Hopley and Alex Hay posed little threat up front and in the end Hopley was pulled back into midfield and Hay was replaced by Tom McGill who formed a new strike duo with Kevin Holsgrove, but with no more success.
In the end it needed a couple fo fine saves from Chris Sanna to prevent Wakefield snatching a late victory.
He came off his line quickly to save at the feet of Adam Jones and then flew to his left to tip a goalbound shot from substitute Caldon Henson over the bar.
Colwyn Bay know they need to improve on this performance.
Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Denson, Scott, Jarrett, Challinor, Sheehan, Jebb (Davey 85mins), Kelly (Sheridan 61mins), Hopley, Holsgrove, Hay (McGill 70mins). Subs not used: Brandreth, Corrigan.
COLWYN BAY, who will be without Steve Aspinall and Carl Clampitt for Saturday's away fixture at Wakefield (August 22), have agreed for Llangefni to take midfielder Robbie Williams for a month.
Manager Neil Young commented: "Llangefni have approached us and Robbie needs match fitness so we have agreed for him to play for them for the next four weeks - although we retain the right to recall him at any time should we need him."
Carl Clampitt is likely to be out of action for another two weeks with a stomach strain and Steve Aspinall will also miss the next few games as he is getting married.
Jimmy Kelly also missed training on Thursday night after getting a knock on the knee in Tuesday's win at Mossley, but is expected to be fit to play at Wakefield, as is skipper Dave Challinor who has been ill.
Lee Davey is also added to the squad after returning from holiday.
Wakefield have picked up only one point from their two games so far and had defenders Ryan Bent and Craig Laight both sent off for two yellow cards in Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat to Skelmersdale United - although both are available for selection against the Bay.
"They are a big, strong, physical side, but the pitch should be much better than when we lost there last season and hopefully we can perform as well as we did in the second half at Mossley and get another good result," said Young.
Colwyn Bay (from) Sanna, Scott, Corrigan, Sheehan, Jarrett, Challinor, Brandreth, Jebb, Kelly, Sheridan, Hopley, Holsgrove, Hay, McGill, Denson, Davey.
TWO GOALS in three minutes early in the second half set up Colwyn Bay 's first win of the season with a 4-1 victory at Mossley on Tuesday (August 18) which delighted manager Neil Young.
He knows the side can still improve, but said: "To come to Mossley and win 4-1 is a fantastic result and banishes some of the negativity that I have been hearing about the defeat to Halifax, which I thought that was a bit uncalled for consisdering we played so long with 10 men.
"A lot of these players have not played together before, but this side will get better as the weeks go on and they get a bit of belief in themselves.
"I was very pleased with our forward play tonight and with our defensive display in the second half. The first half was a bit too open for my liking and we said at half-time for the defenders to get much tighter and to try and get the ball out to Eddie Jebb and Kevin Holsgrove on the wings - and in the end our pace down the flanks wore them down."
Jebb scored one goal and helped set up two others and the manager added: "Eddie had probably his best game for the club. He showed tonight what he can do and why we paid money to bring him here.
"I thought Anthony Sheehan also had an excellent game in midfield and we've now got the luxury of options on the bench with the likes of Ian Sheridan, who is little unlucky not to be in the side, and young Tom McGill, who is a great finisher and I believe will become a really big player at this club."
McGill came off the bench to get the fourth goal, taking his tally for the club to six in the last eight games.
After a nervy start, in which Gary Scott had to clear off the line from Dan Egan, Colwyn Bay just about shaded the first half with nine efforts on goal to Mossley's five.
But the home side were gifted the lead on 30 minutes when keeper Chris Sanna came to catch a cross from the left, but the ball was jarred from his grasp as he collided with a group of challenging players and Matty Kay sidefooted the loose ball into an unguarded net.
It only took three minutes for the Bay to equalise as Holsgrove played in Jebb and he beat two defenders in a run across the box before placing his shot past keeper Peter Collinge.
Rob Hopley was inches away from adding a second just before half-time and also had a good shout for a penalty when he was pulled back by his shirt in front of goal, but two goals in three minutes early in the second half put the Seagulls in charge.
When Mossley only half cleared a corner on 52 minutes, Jebb played in Dave Challinor and his low cross was turned into the net by Danny Jarrett at the far post .
Then Jebb's run and cross from the right found Sheehan who fired past Collinge for Bay's third goal.
Mossley only forced one save of note from Sanna after that, from a well-struck free kick by Danny Dignan, and Colwyn Bay got their fourth on 87 minutes when substitute McGill rifled a shot into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the area from Sheehan's pass.
The manager brought in Danny Jarrett in place of Tim Brandreth to add a bit of pace to the centre of defence, while Steve Aspinall played right back, and Alex Hay partnered Rob Hopley up front.
Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Aspinall, Scott, Jarrett, Challinor, Sheehan, Jebb (Sheridan 80mins), Kelly, Hopley, Holsgrove (Corrigan 82mins), Hay (McGill 71mins). Subs not usede: Denson and Brandreth.
COLWYN BAY manager Neil Young says his players must pick themselves up for Tuesday's Unibond Division One North away game at Mossley (7.45pm) following the disappointment of last weekends 3-0 home defeat to Halifax.
Goalkeeper Chris Sanna is back in the squad after completing a one match suspension and there are injury doubts over recent signing Kevin Holsgrove who is struggling with a calf injury and Carl Clampitt (abdominal strain).
"We'll leave a decision as late as possible, but I am contemplating a couple of changes anyway," commented Young.
"Saturday was very disappointing for everybody because we put so much planning into the game and then threw it all away in the first 20 minutes by Louis Corrigan getting sent off.
"But we've now got a chance to pick up some points with a run of three winnable games starting at Mossley on Tuesday and the players need to pick themselves up and be fully focused on what we have to do."
Mossley opened their campaign with a 1-0 away win at Garforth last Saturday, having strengthened their defence with the signing of the tall Jonathan Jackson from Stalybridge Celtic, while club captain Graham Kay is back with the squad after spending pre-season at Stalybridge.
Colwyn Bay (from): Sanna, Jackson, Scott, Corrigan, Brandreth, Challinor, Jarrett, Aspinall, Sheridan, Kelly, Hopley, Holsgrove, Hay, McGill, Sheehan, Williams, Denson, Clampitt.
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Tim Channon - Tim Channon is a former Sports Editor of the North Wales Weekly News and has covered Colwyn Bay FC for many years. Now retired, he still reports on the club he has come to love.
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