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| September 1999 News | |
Monday 27th September 1999 Stride leads from the front Darren Stride produced a Captain's performance and the winning goal on Saturday as the Brewers ensured they occupy a top three berth in the Dr. Martens League as they turn their attentions to cup competition. Stride's fifth minute effort - he swept home the rebound after David Holmes' shot was parried by the keeper - proved the only one in Albion's visit to Cambridge City, but Nigel Clough's had to again endure a nervous end to the game, with keeper Nick Goodwin pulling off a stunning save from Ian Cambridge's header five minutes from time. Inbetween the early goal and what was almost a late equaliser, the Brewers commanded the encounter but their inability to kill the game off may worry the Brewers boss, who himself was guilty of a misfired shot midway through the first half, midfielder Neil Glasser compounding a rare "off-day" with a miss of his own. In the second half City 'keeper Martin Davies was called into action on several occassions to deny Albion - with a powerful effort from man of the match Stride the closest they came to finishing off the game, before Goodwin ensured the three points with what was virtually his first save of the match, in the dying minutes. Attention now returns to the FA Cup as Albion face a difficult away trip to Ryman League Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), with an een more difficult trip to Woking in the Fourth Qualifying Round awaiting the winner. Monday 20th September 1999 Brewers grind out result Albion booked a trip to Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round, after a forgettable trip to Redditch United on Saturday. The Brewers barely had to step out of first gear to beat the Dr. Martens Western Division side courtesy of Danny George's 50th minute header - his fourth of the season, bringing the young central defender level with Anton Thomas in the goalscoring charts. Thomas missed this game as a result of the groin strain picked up in the Newport game, and was replaced by Assistant Manager Gary Crosby - making his first start of the season in an unfamiliar role alongside Dale Anderson up front. The first half was a non-event, as any attempts at "sexy football" were thwarted by Redditch's physical approach, and the blustery wind which blew across the wide open spaces of the Valley Stadium. The Brewers were playing down the slope in the second half, and within five minutes of the restart had produced the one moment of penetration needed to edge the contest, as Terry Henshaw's cross was met by the familiar figure of Danny George at the far post. Albion should have added to their tally, with Nigel Clough wasting probably the best chance, when the ball fell perfectly for him to volley past keeper Adey from the edge of the box, only for the Brewers boss to fire well over the bar. Craig Smith entered the fray for the first time this season, and came close himself, but was denied by the Reds keeper. Nigel Clough afterwards praised the professional manner in which his team ground out a result, saying: "It was a terrible game to watch and a terrible game to play in but the upshot is we're in the next round." Monday 13th September 1999 Brewers falter as County clinch point The Brewers dominated the first half against unbeaten Newport County but squandered their lead before half time, and were left clinging on for a point in an ultimately frustrating encounter. Another big crowd were anticipating a vintage performance as their team's impressive opening was rewarded with a goal from Dale Anderson after just 13 minutes. After good build up work from Alan Davies, Nigel Clough shot against the post, and the young striker was on hand to fire home from close range. Albion should have added to their tally, Terry Henshaw - in the starting line-up for the first time this season after David Holmes suffered a work injury - and Anton Thomas both saw shots go wide. Even a single goal lead at half-time was to be denied Burton, as slack defending let in former Gloucester player Andy Mainwaring to race through and convert the equaliser, a minute before the interval. With Anton Thomas having limped off with a groin injury, Albion looked a much less dangerous side in the second half, despite the tireless running of Dale Anderson, and Newport looked increasingly threatening, with Nick Goodwin being called into action several times. Neil Glasser came closest to scoring for the Brewers with a volley tipped over, but a belated appearance from Assistant Manager Gary Crosby - his first of the season - was too late to spark anything, and in the end Albion were happy to settle for just a point, Exiles' Shaun Chapple missing the target from close range to let the Brewers off the hook. Manager Nigel Clough said he shared the fans frustrations, reserving particular criticism for the back four whom he blamed for the Newport equaliser. Clough told Centre FM: "For the first 40 minutes they (Newport) couldn't get out of their own area..We could have been 3 or 4 up..I'm especially disappointed with the back four - it was them that cost us the goal." Clough also criticized the quality of crossing from the full backs, but refused to blame striker Andy Garner - who looked sluggish after coming on to replace Anton Thomas.
More travelling in store in FA Cup Albion will visit Dr. Martens Western League Redditch United in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round on Saturday (18th Sep), with more travels to come if the Brewers progress further. The draw for the Third Qualifying Round has already been made, and if Albion can beat Redditch, they'll face another away trip - to either Ryman League Dagenham & Redbridge, or AFC Sudbury of the Jewson Western League, on Saturday October 2nd. A trip to Dagenham's Victoria Road ground would undoubtedly be the tougher of the two assignements, the Essex club currently second in the Ryman Premier Division as they attempt to regain former glories and a place in the Nationwide Conference. Sudbury meanwhile, are a new club formed in the Summer from the merger of Sudbury Wanderers and Sudbury Town. The last time Albion visited Suffolk town they defeated Town in the 1997 Southern League Cup Final. There is of course "no such thing as an easy game" in non-league football nowadays, though the Brewers will surely fancy their chances against Redditch - currently lying mid-table in the DML Western Division, but yet to win at home. The game will be the first time Albion have visited the Valley Stadium since March 1989, when the Worcestershire side were in the then Beazer Homes League Premier Division. On that occasion, fact fans, Mark Whitehouse scored twice in a 2-2 draw. Wednesday 8th September 1999 Pilgrims halt Albion progress Boston United re-took the Premier Division top spot on Tuesday night, coming away from Eton Park with a point after a pulsating top-of-the-table clash played out in front of 1,920 fans. Ex-Brewer Micky Nuttell returned to haunt his former team-mates with a 55th minute opener for the visitors, latching onto a defence-splitting pass from Dave Norris. This after a first half which Albion had dominated without ever causing Bastock in the Boston goal any serious problems. Dale Anderson saw a shot sail wide of the post and Darren Stride - recovered along with Jamie March from the injury he picked up at Crawley - had a header cleared off the line, but the Brewers at times seemed guily of trying to walk the ball into the net. After much huffing and puffing, the equalizer finally arrived nine minutes from time, Darren Stride heading Clough's free-kick back across the face of the goal, for Danny George to glance in a headed goal - his third of the season. The drama still wasn't over, as Albion pushed forward for a winner, looking more dangerous than they had all game. One such attack brought the flashpoint of the game - Bastock going down low to grab the ball off Anton Thomas, sparking an angry confrontation between Thomas and Boston defender Hoyle which resulted in both players being sent off. Seven minutes of stoppage time couldn't produce a winner, and both sides will probably be satisfied with a point under the circumstances. Boston go back to the top of the table on goal difference, while the Brewers drop one place, conceding third spot to the team they'll play on Saturday (3pm) - Newport County - 2-1 winners at Salisbury on Tuesday night. Monday 6th September 1999 Bring on the Boston! The Brewers face the biggest test yet of their title credentials when Boston United visit Eton Park on Tuesday evening in a Dr. Martens League 2nd v 3rd clash. (7.30pm) A 1500+ crowd is expected to see if the Brewers can make it six wins out of seven, and take the Premier Division top spot for the first time since the opening day of last season. Albion boss Nigel Clough was far from happy with the performance of his team at Crawley on Saturday, despite their strolling to a 4-1 victory in the sunshine at Broadfield Stadium. Ben Abbey put Crawley ahead on 9 minutes, but Albion responded with three goals in a 20 minute spell of the first half. Danny George headed in the equalizer on 18 minutes, and Anton Thomas grabbed a brace of goals - the first a tap-in after good build-up work from Clough and Holmes, the second a 15-yard screamer from Dale Anderson's corner. David Holmes added extra gloss to the result with a fourth goal two minutes from time, but manager Clough was scathing at the way his team flitted in and out of the game. Clough told the Burton Mail: "I didn't think we were at the races for 20 minutes and if we start like that against Boston we'll be two or three down and out of the game." Anton Thomas came in for particular criticism, despite his two goals, with Clough revealing that he had come close to substituting the striker early in the first half after a slovenly start. Thomas eventually made way for Andy Garner in the second half, with all three substitutes being used due to injuries to skipper Darren Stride and full-back Jamie March - both of whom are doubtful for Tuesday's game. |
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