Rebuilding Portsmouth F.C.

tbuc

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Portsmouth F.C.
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Located on the only island city in the United Kingdom, Portsmouth F.C. is the only professional football club not located on mainland Great Britain. Nicknamed “Pompey,” the club has had their ups and downs. Formed in 1898, Portsmouth were crowned League Champions of the English first tier in 1948-49 and again the following season.

More recently Pompey were a Premier League side from 2003-2010 before getting relegated and falling on hard times. Within the last ten years, the club have entered administration twice and were relegated an additional two times. With the club on the verge of collapsing, the fans got together and raised enough money to buy the club and eventually helped Portsmouth F.C. come out of administration. In 2017, the supporters sold the club to former Disney CEO Michael Eisner right before Portsmouth gained promotion to League One, where they remain today.

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The Ground: Fratton Park

Portsmouth have played their home matches at Fratton Park since the club was formed over 120 years ago. The ground has seen the club named English Champions twice, FA Cup Champions twice, and in 2019, Portsmouth won the EPL Trophy. After winning the FA Cup in 2008, the stadium has also hosted the likes of Ronaldinho and AC Milan in the Europa League.

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Portsmouth F.C.
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Club Vision:
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Although the board wants me to “challenge for a League One playoff place,” I have a feel the fans want more. After gaining promotion from League Two, Portsmouth finished their first season back in the third tier with an eighth place finish. They followed that up with back-to-back finishes in a playoff place. Unfortunately, Sunderland knocked us out in the semi-finals in 2018-19 before Oxford United did the same last year. For me, finishing in the top six is a must as promotion back to the Championship should be a very realistic goal for the club.

The Squad:
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Although the board wants me to “challenge for a League One playoff place,” I have a feel the fans want more. After gaining promotion from League Two, Portsmouth finished their first season back in the third tier with an eighth place finish. They followed that up with back-to-back finishes in a playoff place. Unfortunately, Sunderland knocked us out in the semi-finals in 2018-19 before Oxford United did the same last year. For me, finishing in the top six is a must as promotion back to the Championship should be a very realistic goal for the club.

We have a very decent squad to start with, so there isn’t any rush to make a signing. However, I did notice ten players either have a contract expiring at the end of the season or are here on loan. The midfielder might be the place I could look to improve if I decided to spend any money. We have plenty of players with experience in this league as well.

The Kits:
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Preseason
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The preseason friendlies have been completed and we’re now into September. I was very impressed with how we played scoring loads of goals, however our defense was a little shaky. A 2-2 draw against Hearts was very encouraging, but we did blow our 2-0 lead late on. Results don’t mean much in the preseason, but bagging five against a 2. Bundesliga side to close out our exhibition schedule shows me there shouldn’t be a club at the League One level who should blow us away. Another thing I found very encouraging is we had six different goal scores in five games. That includes seven goals in five appearances from our starting no. 9, John Marquis.

The Tactics:
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With the start of the season just days away, I have settled on a formation. We will run out in a 4-2-3-1 with both our wide forwards looking to cut inside to allow our full backs space out wide. Our two midfielders won’t get forward all that often with Bryn Morris playing as a central midfield with a defensive mindset while Tom Naylor lines up as a carrilero. I would’ve liked to have used one of them as a box-to-box midfielder, but neither are great with the ball at their feet.

Transfers:
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Even with the transfer open for another month, I don’t see us making anymore signings unless our scouts speak up and find a youngster worth joining our youth system. Since I’ve taken over we’ve made four signings, two of which are first team quality players. Donis Avdijaj joins us on a free and will be our starting no. 10. He’s a well traveled attacker who has logged minutes in the top divisions of Austria, Germany, Holland, and Turkey. I’m hoping he can find a home here as he’ll be one of the most important players who has the ability to play in the Championship as well. Cole DeSilva spent two seasons with Brentford in the Championship after leaving Chelsea on a free. He can play on both sides of the defense, but is yet to play at the senior level. We haven't had any luck trying to loan him out, so he’ll start the season with the U23 team and will be our third choice at both full-back positions.

Carabao Cup:
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Most managers of a top flight club couldn’t care less of who they draw in their first League Cup match, however, we are a League One side who’s board expects us to reach the second round. This is our first match of the season and I will put out a very strong side as I don’t want to disappoint after just one competitive match. Cardiff do play a league above us, but we just beat VfL Bochum, so I do expect a pretty competitive match against The Bluebirds as we are the home side.

September:
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Here’s a quick look at our schedule to start the season. Like I mentioned, I will take our opener against Cardiff very seriously. The board has ruled the Papa John’s Trophy as unimportant which will allow me to rest our starters for the league opener against Shrewsbury Town.
 
September 2020

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League One: Matchday 1
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Venue: Fratton Park (18,869)
Date: Sept. 12, 2020
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Brown (PotM) , Nicolaisen, Whatmough, Bolton; Naylor (Cannon 80’), Morris; Curtis (Williams 80’), Avdijaj, Jacobs; Marquis
Goals: J. Marquis (16’), R. Curtis (28’), M. Jacobs (43’)

We came out and dominated from the start. The away side sat deep with their five defenders, but our wingers and fullbacks did a great job making runs to the byline and getting the ball into the danger area. He held Shrewsbury to just two shots, none of which were on target.

League One: Matchday 2
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Venue:
Crown Oil Arena (4,645)
Date: Sept. 19, 2020
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Brown, Nicolaisen, Whatmough, Bolton; Naylor (Cannon 78’), Morris; Curtis (PotM), Avdijaj, Jacobs; Marquis (Hiwula 78’)
Goals: C. Shaughnessy (16’), R. Curtis (30’ P)

Disappointing. We were the better team throughout and had three great chances to break the deadlock. Rochdale scored from a corner, which was their only shot on target while we hit the bar once and Curtis had a great chance to score a second, his shot curl inches wide.

League One: Matchday 3
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Venue:
Fratton Park (18,857)
Date: Sept. 26, 2020
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Brown, Nicolaisen, Whatmough, Bolton; Naylor (Close 68’), Morris; Curtis (Harness 68’), Avdijaj, Jacobs (Williams 79’); Marquis (PotM)
Goals:
M. Jacobs (7’), Avdijaj (39’), J. Marquis (53’)

We finished off the month with another dominant performance in the league. Everyone has played well thus far. Our defense has given up just one goal and each one of our front three has scored two goals.

League Table:
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Carabao Cup: First Round
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Venue: Fratton Park (12,345)
Date: Sept. 6, 2020
4-2-3-1: Ziccardi; Brown, Nicolaisen, Whatmough, Bolton; Naylor, Morris (Cannon 82’); Curtis (PotM) (Hiwula 82’), Harness, Jacobs (Williams 82’); Marquis
Goals: R. Curtis (1’, 39’), I. Vassell (86’)

Massive win for us and me as the manager. It was my first competitive match and I wanted nothing more than to match the board's expectation of reaching the second round. It took just 19 second for us to record our first goal from our first shot of the game. A simple far post cross was smashed in by LW Ronan Curtis. Curtis had a chance to make it two from the spot, but a poor attempt was saved. The Irishman did make up for it as he played a one-two with CM Tom Naylor before Curtis curled one around the keeper and into the top right corner. Cardiff did give us a scare with a goal in the 86th minute, but it was too little too late.

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Second Round Draw
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After knocking out a club from the league above us, we are matched up with a League Two side in the second round. Fratton Park will host this match as well.

Carabao Cup: Second Round
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Venue: Fratton Park (9,470)
Date: Sept. 6, 2020
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Pring, Raggett, Downing, Johnson; Close, Cannon; Harrison (Curtis 82’), Harness (Avdijaj (PotM) 45’), Williams; Hiwula (Marquis 45’)
Goals: C. Raglan (16’), L. Sercombe (45+1), R. Williams (62’), R. Curtis (83’)

After we were outplayed in the opening 45, I decided to throw a water bottle for the first time this year. It seemed to work as we did a much better job retaining possession and scoring two of our own forcing penalties. However, it wasn’t meant to be as Cannon banged his PK off the post while our opponents didn’t miss.

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Papa John's Trophy First Round: Matchday 1
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Venue:
Fratton Park (2,321)
Date: Sept. 9, 2020
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Pring, Raggett (PotM), Downing, Johnson; Close, Morris (Cannon 62’); Harness (Marquis 77‘), Avdijaj (Jacobs 62’), Williams; Hiwula
Goals: J. Hiwula (42’ P, 48’), B. Close (54’), J. Marquis (90+1’)

Even after rotating the squad we won this one comfortably. West Ham U23’s did go down a man in the 43rd minute and from there they had no chance. Second choice striker Jordy Hiwula bagged a double while our starting no. 9, John Marquis scored his first of the season after coming on off the bench.

Papa John's Trophy Southern Section Group A:
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October:
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October 2020
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League One: Matchday 4
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Venue: Pirelli Stadium (6,937)
Date: Oct. 3, 2020
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Brown, Nicolaisen (PotM), Whatmough, Bolton; Naylor, Morris; Curtis (Williams 84’), Avdijaj (Cannon 84’), Jacobs (Harness 84’); Marquis
Goals: Lawless (8’), Hemmings (13’)

Burton were the much more clinical side scoring from two of their three shots on target. Really it could’ve been three if it wasn’t for MacGillivray palming a shot off the crossbar at full stretch.

League One: Matchday 5
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Venue: Fratton Park (18,948)
Date: 10/10/20
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Brown (PotM), Nicolaisen, Whatmough, Bolton; Naylor, Morris (Close 61’); Curtis, Harness, Jacobs (Hiwula 31’); Marquis (Harrison 80’)
Goals: None

MK Dons came out and decided to just sit back and defend for 90 minutes with five defenders and three midfielders. We managed eight shots on target with only one worthy of a highlight in this match. This was hands down the most boring match yet.

League One: Matchday 6
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Venue: Fratton Park (18,481)
Date: 10/17/20
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Brown, Nicolaisen, Whatmough, Johnson; Naylor, Morris (Close 69’); Curtis (Williams 69’), Avdijaj, Jacobs; Marquis (Hiwula 69’)
Goals: M. Jacobs (44’), D. Avdijaj (62’), J. Hiwula (83’)

After just one point from our last two and a slow start to this match, I grew frustrated and needed to change something. Rather than pumping in early crosses we looked to work the ball into the box and that paid off. ST John Marquis has been struggling a bit, scoring just one goal in the league thus far, so I subbed him off to give Jordy Hiwula a chance up top and he rewarded us with a goal. I’m now thinking about giving him a start. I also didn’t pick out a PotM in this one as three players recorded a game high 7.7 rating.

League One: Matchday 7
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Venue: MEMS Priestfield Stadium (6,020)
Date: 10/20/20
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Brown, Nicolaisen, Whatmough, Dasilva; Naylor (Close 57’), Morris; Curtis (Williams 47’), Harness (Avdijaj 66’), Jacobs; Hiwula (PotM)
Goals:
D. Samuel (33’, 49’), L. Brown (37’ OG), J. Hiwula (42’, 47’), J. Graham (90+1)

We now have just one point from three away matches in the league. With third place Sunderland up next we may need to change things up a bit. We continued with our normal pressing style of play with a high defensive line, but ST Dominic Samuel was able to beat us twice with simple long balls over the top. Look for us to sit a little deeper against Sunderland.

League One: Matchday 8
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Venue: The Stadium of Light (34,182)
Date: 10/24/20
4-3-3: MacGillivray; Brown, Nicolaisen (PotM), Whatmough, Bolton; Morris (Close 62’), Naylor, Cannon; Curtis, Hiwula (Marquis 80’), Jacobs (Williams 45’)
Goals: R. Nicolaisen (78')

Rather than running out in the 4-2-3-1 formation we’ve used all season, we went for a more defensive 4-3-3 with Tom Naylor lined up as a DM. The first half was very boring as we recorded the only shot in the first 45. We came out of the locker room looking to play more ‘balanced’ rather than ‘caution’ which allowed the game to open up a bit more. Although it was a pretty even match, CB Rasmus Nicolaisen scored from a redirected cross just moments after a poor clearance from a corner kick. From there, both sides had a great chance to score, but neither side could capitalize. A great win for us as it was our first away from Fratton Park!

League One: Matchday 9
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Venue: Fratton Park (17,045)
Date: 10/27/20
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Dasilva, Raggett, Whatmough, Bolton; Close, Cannon (Morris 87'); Williams (PotM), Avdijaj, Jacobs (Harness 71'); Hiwula (Marquis 71')
Goals: R. Williams (19')

We were up against struggling Northampton at home, so we went back to our ‘positive’ 4-2-3-1 formation. We dominated the match with 23 shots, forcing their keeper to make 12 saves. On the over end, GK Craig MacGillivray saw two shots come his way. One sailed over the bar while the other went wide. Even though we dominated I’m disappointed we only managed one goal from this one. In fairness we did rest five starters.

League One: Matchday 10
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Venue: Fratton Park (18,226)
Date: 10/31/20
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Brown, Nicolaisen (PotM), Downing, Johnson; Morris, Naylor (Close 59’); Curtis (Harness 59’), Avdijaj (Marquis 80’), Williams; Hiwula
Goals: J. Hiwula (44’PEN, 45+1), D. Avdijaj (54'), M. Harness (74')

After back-to-back 1-0 victories we opened the floodgates against Charlton. Honestly, we didn’t dominate the match like we did last time out against Northampton, however, we were much more clinical in front of goal. We came out slow again at the start, but were awarded a penalty right before the half. ST Jordy Hiwula stepped up and smashed it home before he added a second two minutes later. The Angolan frontman had a chance at a hattrick, but missed his second penalty. Winger Marcus Harness, who’s been stuck on the bench for most of the season, scored his first of the year. He’s a very talented 24-year old, but with the depth we have on the flanks he has been stuck playing limited minutes.

League Table:
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I was to give praise to our left back, Lee Brown who's four assists is tied with the league lead. His 7.44 average rating on the year is also third best in the league. We have arguable the best defense in the league as our center back, Rasmus Nicolaisen has the second highest average in League One. The big Dane is here on loan. If his great form continues I will do all I can to bring him back for at least another season.

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Papa John's Trophy First Round: Matchday 2
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Ground:
Fratton Park (3,315)
Date: Oct. 6, 2020
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Pring, Raggett, Downing, Johnson; Close, Cannon; Harrison (Jacobs 74’), Harness (Morris 74’), Williams; Hiwula (PotM)
Goals:
J. Hiwula (32’, 64’, 69’), K. Sterling (52’)

Another win in the unimportant EPL Trophy tournament. We played the backups and won with ease. Second choice striker Jordy Hiwula bagged the first hattrick of my tenure.

Papa John's Trophy Southern Section Group A:
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Could’ve been better, but it could’ve been worse. We have struggled on the road this season, however Cambridge are a league below us. I think a rotated squad should still be able to knock off a League Two side.

November 2020:
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When I opened my Portsmouth save this morning I realized the last three league games and the FA Cup draw didn't save when I quit out last night...

1. We did beat Sunderland, Northampton, and Charlton the second time I play which is good. We weren't the same dominate side against the Black Cats the second time through, but three points away at the Stadium of Light is always something to be happy about. We held off Northampton 1-0 compared to the 3-2 thriller the first time. If you remember, Northampton scored from both their shots the first time I played. Regardless, we won the match again and we kept a clean shot. Instead of a 1-0 victory against Charlton like we had the first time, this time we put four past them.

2. The first time we draw National League side Wrexham at home in the FA Cup. This time we're away to League Two side Cambridge. I would've much preferred Wrexham at home, but facing a League Two side should be a win anyway.

3. What I'm mostly disappointed about was Jordy Hiwula was robbed of three goals and a Player of the Month Award. He was flying heading into November and looked unstoppable in front of goal. Instead of leading the league with nine goals, he's in three place with six.

4. Lastly, we were in second place, just one point back of Hull City who had a game in hand. Now were in third three points back of Blackpool. That isn't ideal, but the team is playing well and we're right there near the top. Therefore, I'm not too upset.
 
Contract Updates:
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After eleven league games played I now feel I have a strong understanding of which players within the squad I like for the future. When I took over as manager of the club and looked over the roster I realized of the 22 first team players, eight had contacts set to expire at the end of the season and an additional two were here on loan. With that said I felt there were three players I wanted here for the long term.

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According to my scouts Rasmus Nicolaisen has the current ability to be a “good player for most Championship sides.” I think that’s pretty clear by looking at his stats this season. He has the third best average rating in the league and is the top center back in League One. Unfortunately, he’s only here on loan and Midtjylland wants $2.6m for him which is more than we can afford. At the end of the season I will look again to see if we can bring him back on loan or if we get handed a healthy transfer budget, I will try to renegotiate a new deal with his parent club.

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New Contract: 2 Years, $198,000 per year

After failing to land one center back, I was able to add another year to Jack Whatmough’s current deal. At the start of the season I wasn’t sure who I was going to pair up with Nicolaisen in the middle of the defense. I went with Whatmough since he’s the youngest option with the highest potential. He’s played well for us this season and our scouts believe his potential has gone up. He now has the potential to be a “decent Premier League center back in the future.” He is definitely someone I want to keep around for the long term.

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New Contract: 2 Years, $108,000 per year

Oddly enough our striker, Jordy Hiwula was only signed until January. He’s proved after 11 games he’s one of the best in the league thus far. He’s now up to seven goals in nine League One games. Rather than letting his contract run out in a couple months I wanted to put pen to paper before it was too later.

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I’m not quite sold on the remaining players whose contract will run out at the end of this campaign. I did talk about Nicolaisen already. The other player here on loan has no future at the club. Cameron Pring does look to have a bright future ahead of him, but he’s fallen to third on the depth chart at left back. Ryan Williams is versatile and has eight league appearances with an average rating over 7.00 so far. However, he’s only a bench player and we have another younger option in Marcus Harness who has higher potential. The next four are our four options in the middle of the park. Personally, I love to pair up a true ball winner with a box-to-box player. Tom Naylor is our best player in the middle, but lacks the dribbling ability and movement off the ball to be a true box-to-box candidate. Plus, he’s 29-years old, so his best years are behind. He is also wanted by Cardiff City, so I could cash in on him come January. The other three also lack in certain areas to fill the roles I’m looking for. The last name is our keeper, Craig MacGillivray who is close to reaching his full potential. He is a solid no. 1 at this level, but if we plan to get promoted this season, I’d rather look for a better option. Also, our back-up, who has been out injured all season, is younger and has a lot of room to grow. I would have no issues naming him the starter next season if we remain in League One.​
 

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League One: Matchday 11
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Venue: LNER Stadium (8,548)
Date: 11/3/20
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Brown (PotM), Nicolaisen, Downing, Johnson; Morris (Close 81’), Naylor Cannon (67’); Curtis (Harness 67’), Avdijaj, Williams; Hiwula
Goals: L. Brown (7’), R. Williams (15’), J. Hiwula (33’), T. Hopper (81’)

After praising Lee Brown at the end of last month, the left back puts in a Man of the Match performance and scores his first goal of the season, his second in a Portsmouth shirt. RW Ryan Williams and ST Jody Hiwula put the match to bed before halftime.

League One: Matchday 12
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Venue: Home Park (15,399)
Date: 11/14/20
4-3-3: MacGillivray; Brown (PotM), Nicolaisen, Whatmough, Bolton; Morris, Cannon (Close 86’) Naylor (Harrison 76’); Curtis (Williams 76’), Jacobs, Marquis
Goals: M. Jacobs (10’), D. Mayor (63’)

Although the scoreline may be far, I’m disappointed to come away with a draw. We were without both our no. 9 and no. 10 who are away on international duty, so we were at a slight disadvantage from the off. We played well and had double the amount of shots on target, but only managed one goal. It was our left back Lee Brown who was the man of the match.

League One: Matchday 13
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Venue: Fratton Park (18,336)
Date: 11/21/20
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Brown, Nicolaisen, Whatmough, Bolton (Johnson 89’); Morris (PotM), Naylor; Williams (Harrison 82’), Avdijaj, Jacobs (Curtis 59’); Hiwula
Goals: J. Hiwula (35’), D. N’Lundulu (70’), R. Curtis (88’)

With our striker and CAM back in the squad we get back to winning ways. ST Jordy Hiwula scored his eighth of the season before CM Tom Naylor fouled the Crewe striker in the penalty box. MacGillivay made the save on the PK, but N’Lundulu pounced on his own miss and leveled the score. We pushed forward at the end and RW Ronan Curtis gave us the lead in the final two minutes.

League One: Matchday 14
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Venue: Fratton Park (18,000)
Date: 11/24/20
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Brown, Nicolaisen (PotM), Whatmough, Bolton; Morris, Naylor; Curtis (Close 77’), Avdijaj (Harness 65’), Jacobs (Williams 77’); Hiwula
Goals: R. Curtis (50’)

Both sides had plenty of chances in this one. Fortunately for us, Ronan Curtis was able to find the back of the net and we came away with another three points. Oxford looked to beat us on the counter, but our defenders did a great job forcing the away sides forward's wide leading to shots from a very tough angle.

League Table:
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Papa John's Trophy First Round: Matchday 3
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Venue:
JobServe Community Stadium (853)
Date: 11/10/20
4-2-3-1: Bass; Dasilva (Brown 73’), Raggett, Downing, Johnson; Close, Naylor; Harrison, Avdijaj, Harness (PotM) (Williams 73’); Marquis
Goals: M. Harness (11’, 17’, 29’P), M. Folivi, D. Avdijaj (57’)

We dominated this match as expected with our opposition siding a league below us. A first half hattick from RW Marcus Harness put the game to bed before halftime. Colchester scored from their own shot of the match.

Papa John's Trophy: Second Round Draw
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fa cup.png

FA Cup First Round
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Venue: The Abbey Stadium (6,121)
Date: 11/7/20
4-2-3-1: MacGillivray; Dasilva, Raggett, Whatmough, Johnson (Bolton 74’); Close (Morris 67’), Cannon; Harrison (Curtis 67’), Harness, Jacobs; Marquis (PotM)
Goals:
H. Knibbs (23’), M. Jacobs (28’), J. Marquis (34’, 90+1’), J. Iredale (65’), M. Harness (71’)

Well this one didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped. The home side came out in full control and had three great opportunities to score within the first ten minutes. Two blocked shots from close range and a class save from our keeper kept the scoreline at 0-0. Eventually Cambridge scored the opener they deserved. After the goal we woke up and scored one of our own followed by another six minutes later. We came out in the second half the better side, but twenty minutes later Iredale leveled the scoring. In the end we proved to be the better side and we’re off to the second round.

FA Cup: Second Round Draw
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After knocking off League Two side Cambridge United, we’ll face Weymouth in the second round on the road. Just two seasons ago The Terras were in the Southern League Premier Division before back to back promotions. After eight games this season Weymouth have just one win and sit at the bottom of the National League with four points.

FA Cup: Second Round
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Venue: The Bob Lucas Stadium (5,185)
Date: 11/28/20
4-2-3-1: Bass; Dasilva, Raggett (MotM), Downing, Johnson; Cannon, Close; Pring, Marquis, Williams (Bolton 77’); Harrison
Goals: E. Harrison (28’P, 43’P), C. Pring (34’)

I wanted to rest all 11 starters, but with injuries it was tough. Our third choice left back was playing as a left winger and rewarded us with a goal. We’ve now beaten a League Two side and a National League side in the FA Cup. One more win and we've achieved the board's expectations.

FA Cup: Third Round Draw
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With Premier League clubs introduced into the competition in this round, I was hoping to avoid anyone from the top division. We did end up drawing a Championship in Blackburn, but after looking over their stats, they're a side who like to sit back and attack on the counter. I think if we remain patient and sit deeper, we should have a chance.

December:
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December is a big month for us. We start off on the road to first place Blackpool. Peterborough, Hull, and Bristol Rovers are all in the top 10.​
 

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