The Price Is Right: Gloucester City Challenge - Are The Kids Alright?

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Chapter 15

There was only one thing that bugged Simon - his side weren't top.

'I am amazed' said Simon 'that after our great start, we are still only second!'

Altrincham had been top of the pile since day one, and toppling them was going to be difficult for The Tigers.

'It's a race, not a sprint' said Colin. 'We know that we have staying power - as for Alty well I'm not too sure. They will be there or thereabouts, but one thing they don't have is our Famous Five! Provided we get a result against Harrogate Town, we are always in with a chance. Focus on that and not Alty.'

Simon looked at Colin 'You're right - that has to be the focus. Three points is all that matters!'

Simon restored Alec to the starting XI. 'He's an amazing player - I hope I can get him for another 3 months' he thought. Changes were made with Green restored in goal, Buckley, Harris, Coupe and Mustoe on the back line, Hawke, Raven and Cleverley in midfield with Alec and Liam Henderson up top.

It was 'Smart' Alec who netted first - from an almost impossible angle, he netted a near-post finish. However the goal of the game went to Tom Webb who whacked in a great volley from a Mustoe corner via Roy Fawke.

2-1 at the final whistle - and a bonus... Altrincham had fallen apart against Solihull Moors and capitulated to a 5-0 loss! Gloucester City were TOP OF THE LEAGUE!

'That's how it's going to stay as well' thought Simon, on the drive home.

Gloucester 2-1 Harrogate - Match Highlights - YouTube
 
Quick update:

The draw for the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup was made earlier:

GLOUCESTER CITY v Weston-Super-Mare.

The thoughts of the gaffer:

'It's going to be a tricky tie for sure. Weston are always difficult to play against and they will want to come here and cause an upset. On the flip-side, it's a great opportunity for the players to prove that we can get past the qualifiers and hopefully get into the 3rd Round Proper.

'Even if we had drawn a side like Stourport or Tipton, it would still have been a challenge - maybe even more so as the smaller sides can pose more of a threat than the bigger ones. You're under more pressure to beat the smaller teams and often that works against you.

'We're confident, we always are, so if we want to progress further we'll have to go out and beat them. It's a good local derby, and I hope that both sets of fans turn out and make it an enjoyable occasion.'
 
Keep it up.

But think you need to add abit of colour and layout to it rather than making it look like its from a book. Big wording that stands out. Have a look at some of the other stories for ideas. Think this could become good with a decent set up.
 
Hi Andy

I have tried to do screen-shots etc. but every time I go to take one I end up taking a photo of my desktop background or the Steam webpage. It's frustrating, but I will keep on trying. I admit I don't like the 'story book' feel but I try to link in the match video with every chapter so that people can see what happened.

If one of the moderators can help out with advice re: screenshots and wording, then I would gladly accept.

Chapter 16 begins with the day of the FA Cup Match:

For a late-September afternoon, it was almost unseasonably hot! 'Almost as hot as the start of the 2002-03 season' thought Simon, remembering back 10 years to when he played at the glamorous heights of the South Wales Amateur League. Simon had laid on extra bottles for the lads as the temperature, never mind the opposition, would be very testing today.

Matt Coupe looked very focused and said 'I fancy myself to get a goal today'. The players laughed - Darren Edwards said 'Coupey mate, you ain't scored for us ever.' Matt looked at Darren and said 'I've just got a feeling about today - something tells me I'm going to bag at least one.' 'Well good luck mate!' said Darren 'I fancy myself to get a few as well!'

'Ok lads, settle down.' said Simon. 'Right - this is a big game today. Forget about the league - you've done really well to get us where we are, and for that you deserve congratulating. However, Cup games are one-offs. Weston are never easy to play, so defence rock solid today, okay? Midfield spread it wide and get it forward at every opportunity. Darren, Steve - make sure that every shot on goal counts. From 3 yards or 30 yards you make sure their 'keeper doesn't have a minute's rest. Wear down their defence and always look for the through ball. Dominic - make sure every pass to Darren and Steve is a killer and don't run wide and try to do everything. Last time out, Ross and Roy didn't know where to go because you were on more channels than sodding Davina McCall! Stay central and either pass wide or pass through their back-line. (Buzz) Right - get out there and get Nigel that £4,500 - he's on at me to get the club some wonga and he doesn't mean Earl and his lady friends coming in as sponsors!

Matt's premonition came true only 15 minutes in, when from a cut-back by Davies he mis-hit a cross which looped high over the Weston-super-Mare 'keeper and into the back of the net!

'PICK THAT ONE OUT!!!' shouted Simon 'BRILLIANT WORK COUPEY!!'

Gloucester controlled the first-half and were set to go in 1-0 up when disaster struck and Luke Hickman brought down Weston striker Kirk just inside the area.

'NEVER A PENALTY REF!' shouted Simon 'WHAT'S YOUR NAME REF? I.C. SODALL OR SOMETHING?!'

Kirk converted the penalty, and the teams went in 1-1 at half-time.

'Listen lads' said Simon 'we're still in this, so keep working hard. Luke, that was unlucky - never a foul - you caught him on the line and it was a fair tackle. However, in this day and age you fart next to a player and it's a red card... wasn't like this in my day.'

Darren and Neil chuckled 'you're younger than us boss.'

Simon smiled at Darren and Neil 'See lads - I'm sure they'll agree with me!'

Neil spoke up 'Let's keep it moving lads, Weston are bound to tire and so let'***** them for pace - Ross, Roy, Dominic - you three are crucial this half so let's make sure we do it right.'

Buzz!

'Okay lads, get back out there and get the victory!'

With 55 minutes gone, Dominic was played through on goal and went down under a nasty challenge by a Weston defender.

'GET HIM OFF REF! LAST MAN, LAST MAN!'

Yellow card and free-kick to The Tigers.

'Jeez, if that's not a red card then God knows what is!'

Matt Coupe stood over the free kick with a steely look in his eyes. He ran towards the ball, gave it a hit high and hard....

The net rippled and the Gloucester fans were ecstatic!

'YEEEESSSSSS!' shouted Simon. 'Coupey! COUPEY! Do my lottery numbers for tonight?'

Proceedings were wrapped up on 84 minutes with Davies getting onto a forward pass from Raven to fire home past the Weston keeper. 3-1 to The Tigers and a place in the 3rd Qualifying Round!

Simon listened in to the draw...

'Gloucester City.... will play... Leighton Town'

'4th Qualifying Round for us then!'

TO BE CONTINUED....

Gloucester 3-1 Weston-super-Mare - Match Highlights - YouTube
 
Chapter 17

It felt great being top of the league.

However, Simon was under no illusions - staying there would be tough and up next was Solihull Moors at home. The same team that had thrashed Altrincham and boasted Stern John in its line up (yup... THAT Stern John!)

Normally, Solihull Moors were viewed as the league's whipping boys. However, this season they were surpassing expectations and whilst not threatening the top 10 they were not far off doing so.

Simon called the lads together before kick-off.

'So far it's been excellent lads - let's not take our feet off the gas tonight. Defence - you do a hatchet job on Stern John tonight. He's an experienced striker so do not let him breathe in the box! Midfield - get it forward as you have done so far, and Strikers be alert and make Jas Singh have a night he will want to forget!'

Gloucester passed the ball around well on the damp surface, and were rarely troubled by Solihull. Liam Henderson raced away and scored the first from a deft finish after Fawke played him in on the right.

However, goal of the night (and indeed the season so far!) was Dominic Raven's cracker from outside the area - high and hard past Jas Singh into the top of the net.

'YOU BEAUT!!!' shouted Simon. 'Pick THAT one out!'

A 2-0 win and a clean sheet. A performance that had been a long time in coming. The only sour note would be that RB Awais Lal would be out for 6 weeks with a chest injury. However, Aaron Buckley and Neil Mustoe were more than capable of filling that role, so it didn't bother Simon too much.

'Playing like that, Dominic's a dead cert for England before too long' thought Simon as he headed home satisfied. This was shaping out to be a great season, and his Manager of the Month award for September added to the growing belief in Gloucester that with Simon anything was possible for The Tigers.

Gloucester 2-0 Solihull Moors - Match Highlights - YouTube
 
Chapter 18

Droylsden's home ground 'The Butchers Arms' had been very apt for Gloucester City in previous seasons, as they had usually been the ones on the chopping block.

Arriving at the Manchester club, Simon and his charges were under no illusions. Droylsden was a tough challenge and they were 6th at the start of play. Talk had been all week that Droylsden were going to pose a stiff challenge and banter on club forums had reached a near fever pitch! Droylsden fans were in early and the atmosphere with the visiting Gloucester fans was good. Both fans knew this would be a cracker, and as they awaited kick-off Simon went over the last minute instructions.

'Let us carry on where we left off on Tuesday!' he said 'Don't give them an inch today - they are more than up for it so keep on getting it forward and unsettle their defence!'

Alec Denton started up front, and he repaid Simon's faith in him by scoring the first goal diving onto a Coupe cross. The goal was almost a carbon copy of Trevor Francis' infamous header for Nottingham Forest against Malmo in 1979.

It was another cross from the left early on in the first half that gave Gloucester their second, with Cleverley's cross finding the head of Tommy Amos who headed over the Droylsden 'keeper and into the back of the net.

Droylsden rarely threatened, and a steely effort by the Gloucester back-line made sure of another clean sheet. Leighton Town up next in the Cup... Happy Days!

Droylsden 0-2 Gloucester - Match Highlights - YouTube
 
Chapter 19

(Note Chapter 20 will HOPEFULLY be screenshots - as requested - of my five wonder-kids who have helped me to the top of the Conference North, as well as anything else you would like to see).

Gloucester City had not played Leighton Town ever.

That fact accounted for very little, as the visitors from Bedfordshire had made their way across country to Cheltenham to face Simon's Gloucester City team.

'Every year of the Cup..' Simon stated 'There is a major upset. Think of Yeovil and Hereford and the giant-killings they dished out - Woking in the 1990s, twice... Leighton Town have never made a name for themselves, so don't give them the chance to. Just play your usual game lads, but watch out for any high crosses and quick brakes. Do not make the headlines tomorrow for the wrong reasons! Okay?'

The players took to the field, and in the first-half chances were hard to come by for both sides. The Leighton Town 'keeper was by far the busiest however, and did well to keep out shots by Raven, Cleverley, Fawke and Edwards. Bizarrely, the first half finished goal-less and with the Gloucester City 'keepers jersey being blemish free:

'Grab a cup and sit down' said Simon. The players needed their tea as it was cold out! 'Okay, first-half... you didn't put a foot wrong lads - I don't think the defence hardly had a touch of the ball. They are worried, and they WILL crumble. Don't let the scoreline bug you - they are getting everybody behind the ball and are desperate to take us to a replay. They cannot continue like that - sooner or later they will tire and that's when you hit them. Luke, you're on 2nd half. Make sure those crosses find Darren and Jack Gwilliam you come on too and run at their back-line. Come on now lads, let's go for a big score second 45!'

Rodrigo opened the Gloucester scoring on 49 minutes, heading in a Jack Harris cross. Rodrigo then provided provider, feeding Darren Edwards who deftly finished. Dominic Raven had played a part in the opening two goals, and his killer pass released Edwards for Gloucester's third from close range. Ross Cleverley finished off matters with a fine volley from a Luke Shearer cross on the right. A grand 4-0 win for The Tigers, money in the bank and progress to the 4th Qualifying Round (where we will either face Tipton Town or Corby Town away...)

TO BE CONTINUED

Gloucester 4-0 Leighton - Match Highlights - YouTube
 
Hi

Chapter 20, sadly, will not figure any screen-shots. I am done with trying with trying to do them only to have my computer NOT take the photo of the screen that it was supposed to. I have tried, but it is not to be.

The M5 Derby (Worcester City v Gloucester City) was the next game for The Tigers, and it would be their last visit to St. George's Lane before the ground got pulled down as their hosts were to play elsewhere next season ahead of building a proposed new ground on the outskirts of the city.

Arriving at one of the quintessential non-league grounds, a lot more than three points was at stake - so too were local bragging rights! Worcester City sat in mid-table at the start of the game, but knew that The Tigers visit meant a lot:

'This is derby Day lads - it'll be a fiery game, so you need to be prepared for it! Their fans will not shut up, unless you batter them - and that's what you have to do. Get it forward and hurt their defence - worry their goalkeeper time after time and ensure that they don't have a second's rest!'

Worcester v Gloucester/Gloucester v Worcester games are always nervy and scrappy affairs, but two goals by veteran striker Darren Edwards from close range were enough for The Tigers. Darren made the most of some slack and hesitant defending to ensure that The Tigers stayed top:

Worcester 0-2 Gloucester - Match Highlights - YouTube

A 1-0 win in midweek against Bishops Stortford added fuel to the Gloucester City promotion charge: Gloucester 1-0 Bishop's Stortford - Match Highlights - YouTube Ethan Mannion scoring his first goal in a Tigers shirt.

Then came the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round game against Corby Town (who had beaten Tipton Town 2-1 after extra-time). Before it, Simon warned his charges to be prepared for an onslaught from Corby Town - and true to Corby's form they hassled Gloucester City all game. However, goals by Liam Henderson (playing his last game for Gloucester City before returning to York City) and fellow loan player Joe Hanks ensured that Gloucester City would make it through to the first round!

Corby 1-2 Gloucester - Match Highlights - YouTube

FA CUP 1ST ROUND:

WITTON ALBION or MANSFIELD TOWN v GLOUCESTER CITY.

Can we make it to Wembley?

TO BE CONTINUED
 
To take a screen shot of your game you have to press F12. Really enjoying your story mate. Keep it up!
 
I had a problem with screenshots, it did the same thing yours did. I tried changing the command but that didnt work either.

I would suggest adding some colour then and different size words:

FA CUP 1st ROUND


Make it stand out.
 
Two quick updates before I post on the FA Cup game v Mansfield Town (they beat Witton 7-0 at Field Mill in their replay)

Gloucester 3-1 Hinckley - Match Highlights - YouTube - we keep up momentum in the league, despite losing Rodrigo, Liam Henderson, Jack Gwilliam and Alec Denton back to their parent clubs as their 3 month deals expired.

On top of this, a mini injury crisis has struck - with Jack Harris, Awais Lal and Neil Mustoe all out of action.

Despite this, we secured a good 3-1 win at Home v Hinckley United with Darren Edwards netting a close range finish and Roy Fawke having a stormer of a game scoring twice in the process.

Workington 1-2 Gloucester - Match Highlights - YouTube

The furthest away trip for Gloucester City saw us pick up a 2-1 win at Workington, where Luke Shearer's defence-splitter set Steven Davies up for the opener before Ethan Mannion's second goal of the season ensured all three points.
 
FA CUP 1ST ROUND DAY: MANSFIELD TOWN v GLOUCESTER CITY

Chapter 21

This was the biggest test of Simon's managerial career so far.

Gloucester City had not been in the 1st Round of the FA Cup for 28 years, and the occasion had caught the minds of those in the city. There was a feel-good atmosphere and talk was that Gloucester City could even make the 3rd Round!

However, Mansfield Town were quietly confident, and would have to take The Tigers seriously. A crowd of over 1,500 would be present and expectations were high on both sides.

'This is it lads' Simon told his team. 'This match means a lot to our fans who've traveled up today. You've made them believe in the club again. Go out there and show Mansfield how to play football - play them off the park.'

This really fired the lads up, and what happened next could only be described in two words - pure magic.

After good build up play just outside the box by Raven and Edwards, Roy Fawke got free on the left and opened the scoring with a shot that hit the far post before going in.

'YESSSS!!!' shouted Simon. 'Great effort Roy!'

Gloucester held Mansfield at bay for the first-half, restricting them to long-range efforts which Jordan Tebbutt saved with ease. The defence was water-tight and game Mansfield no time at all.

1-0 up at half-time, and things were going well:

'That was a great effort lads!' said Simon. 'However, you've rattled them - just listen to them next door..'

Simon opened the door, so that his players could hear. The Mansfield gaffer was clearly using his knowledge of 'Anglo Saxon' language to his players. Suffice to say he was NOT a happy bunny.

'Now lads... second half we will strangle the game. We pressure them, we go man-to-man and when it's the time we will release Darren and Steve up top to put them to the sword. Midfield - killer passes. Defence - keep up the good work and stay tight.'

Maybe Simon expected to take a 1-0 win, but Steven Davies wanted more. He netted twice early on in the second half - his first was from beating his man on the left and racing through to score from just outside the area, and his second was from good build-up play from Dominic Raven and Ross Cleverely. Cleverley's cross was rammed home by Davies. Davies then fed striking partner Darren Edwards for Gloucester's fourth.

At full time: MANSFIELD TOWN 0-4 GLOUCESTER CITY

My best win yet!

The reward - a 2nd Round tie v Fleetwood Town at home!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vNOjqakZoQ&feature=plcp
 
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Chapter 22

Another Manager of the Month award was added to Simon's growing collection of awards.

However, the injury crisis at the club was of more concern to the gaffer. Ross Cleverley, normally an AML would have to deputise at LB with Jasiah Donaldson playing in Cleverley's role. Ross accepted as he was happy to play anywhere for his boss, whom he held in very high regard.

Before the Altrincham game at Moss Lane, Gloucester City were drawn away to Salisbury City in the FA Trophy. A difficult game, but one which Simon was confident his side could win.

At Altrincham, a single Cleverley goal would be enough for a win: Altrincham 0-1 Gloucester - Match Highlights - YouTube.

With an 18 point cushion at the top of the League, Gloucester ventured over the county border into Wiltshire for their date against Salisbury City in the FA Trophy. 1st in the Conference North v 5th in the Conference South. It was going to be a tough game, and the squad would have to be rotated due to injuries.

'This is a big game, lads' said Simon. 'It's the FA Trophy, and our best chance of some Cup silver-ware. There's £4,500 riding on this as well which the club needs for the future and the new stadium. There's 200 Tigers fans out there who believe in you - so go out and do it for them!

Darren Edwards looked psyched up and led his team out to battle. A nervy game was soon sparked in to life by Edwards as he pounced on the Salisbury 'keepers poor clearance from a Christian Bulembi shot to put the Tigers 1-0 up. Bulembi then turned provider as he fed Edwards for his 2nd.

2-0 up at the break, and Gloucester looked totally in control of the game.

Edwards would get his hat-tick on 64 minutes after Tom Webb's pass split the Salisbury defence. His first hat-trick of the season and 11 goals in all competitions! Take a bow Mr. Edwardinho!

Gloucester City's reward for this win? A home tie against Frome Town.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1y9B-pHAIA&feature=plcp
 
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Chapter 23 (or Frome the West Country with love?)

Gloucester City were overwhelming favourites to beat Southern Premier League side Frome Town, and to progress through to the next round of the FA Trophy. Simon, however, was taking nothing for granted:

'Lads, we're light on personnel and with the Fleetwood game up soon I don't want us taking unnecessary risks. Some of you who've not played much thus far will get your chance as I need to rotate the squad and some of you might find yourselves playing out of position. Dominic, Ross, Roy - I may need you to play upfront thereby I can give Joe, Lewis, Jasiah and Luke more game-time until I can bring in four new three-month loan players in January.

'Frome won't be easy - the underdog is THE most dangerous team. Remember that! Get it forward and torment their back-line. Don't worry if you don't score 1st half - we can always wear them down and go for the kill in the second!'

Simon must have had a premonition, as the first-half was a goal-less affair. It wasn't for want of trying, as Gloucester City peppered the Frome goal with shots and attacked at every opportunity.

'Lads, what did I say - don't worry about the score' said Simon. 'Their back-line is not holding well together and with an injection of pace we will soon kill their challenge off!'

The second-half was all Gloucester, with Dominic Raven scoring early on and then Raven set Steven Davies up for Gloucester's second. Davies scored the third with a superb hooked volley and Leon Tubbs' Gerrard-esque drive from outside the area completed affairs at Whaddon Road.

Cambridge United away in the next round of the FA Trophy!

Gloucester 4-0 Frome - Match Highlights - YouTube
 
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Chapter 24 -GLORY DAY?

Ahead of the FA Cup 2nd Round Game, Gloucester City had recorded back-to-back wins against Bradford Park Avenue Gloucester 4-1 Bradford PA - Match Highlights - YouTube and Boston United Gloucester 3-0 Boston Utd - Match Highlights - YouTube.

November was about to give way to December, and it wasn't half cold out! 'Bloomin' brass monkeys!' said Simon as he entered Whaddon Road to speak with Nigel and Colin before the game.

Nigel was delighted with Simon - not only was the club leading the way comfortably in the Conference North, and the crowds now averaging 400 at home, but the club had made £36.5k in the last month and despite the wage bill being £500 per month more than what it should be neither Nigel nor Colin were too unhappy at this.

'The fans are calling you the messiah, and I'm beginning to agree!' beamed Nigel. 'I am ecstatic that you have tied the 'famous five' down on long term deals - don't worry about the money, we will be able to pay them with part of the Cup earnings.'

Simon smiled, but knew that today would be the toughest test so far. Fleetwood Town's fans were unhappy at having to travel miles to Gloucestershire and possibly feared a giant-killing. Fleetwood were doing well in League 2 in 10th place, but that would account for little today as it was 11 men against 11 and 850 fans were expectant (so I bet they're glad at no pregnant pause here!)

The players were looking forward to the game,and The Citizen ran a headline 'The City Expects' which Simon had placed on the tactics board.

'That says it all!' said Simon 'The whole of Gloucester is behind you - get through today and who knows who we'll face next... we could get Arsenal, we could get Liverpool...'

'We might get Cheltenham Town' joked Roy. Simon glanced over at him - 'Cheltenham eh? Well that would be interesting... okay, let's worry about who we get in the next round once we topple Fleetwood right? Okay do your best and do Gloucester proud!'

Gloucester were untroubled by Fleetwood - infact their only effort of the first half came from a Jon Parkin header which missed the goal by a mile!

'Call yourself a pro?' laughed Simon 'a dead moose could have done better!'

0-0 at half-time. Time for reflection.

'They don't fancy it' said Simon. 'Look at them - they are not up for it. You've caused them no end of problems, and their defence has had to go 5 at the back! Second-half, let's concentrate on counter-attacking and exploiting gaps. Believe me lads, your first goal is imminent. Get back out there and get us into the 3rd Round!'

Fleetwood came out the angrier of the two sides, but still the Gloucester back-line held. Fleetwood swamped the Gloucester half, but on the 67th minute the key moment arrived - after a Fleetwood corner, Barkhuizen lost posession and the ball was knocked forward quickly.

The Gloucester fans and management got to their feet as the ball was played to Dominic Raven and he advanced on the Fleetwood area...

'Go on, go on shoot!' shouted the crowd

'Keep your nerve lad' prayed Simon.

His boot made contact with the ball - the goalkeeper dived to his right... the net rippled...

GOAL!!!!!!

'YESSSSSSS!' shouted Simon punching the air! The Fleetwood manager looked gobsmacked - a giant-killing was taking place and Fleetwood looked decidedly wobbly.

Gloucester dealt with the Fleetwood onslaught and the final whistle came as a blessed relief. They had done it! They had knocked Fleetwood out of the Cup and now for the big guns...

The draw for the Third Round was made....

Cheltenham Town.... will play.... Gloucester City.

'Oh ****!' shouted Simon. 'Should have been a Premiership side... we've been mugged there!'

Neil Mustoe smiled 'Don't worry boss, it's a good fixture - the Battle of Gloucestershire... besides we're guaranteed 4th Round on our current form!'

Simon smiled back 'You're right - let the Battle commence then! I'm not Manager of the Month three months running for nothing! Roy called that game, wonder if he can do my Lotto numbers next?'

Gloucester 1-0 Fleetwood - Match Highlights - YouTube
 
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Chapter 25

December had come around very quickly, and the start of the month had not been too kind to the players - Aaron Buckley the latest name in the physio's room.

Despite this, the month had got off to a good start with two 1-0 home wins over Guiseley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi6VxLnzSrU&feature=g-upl and Brackley Town https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFebzivoso8&feature=g-upl respectively.

Next up was another local derby - away to bottom side Oxford City at Court Place Farm. The Gloucester coaches rolled into North Oxford on a dark and freezing December night, yet the travelling fans were in confident mood and really looking forward to another win.

The mood in the Oxford camp was 'park the bus!' but not even a double-decker would stop Gloucester and especially young Dominic Raven. Raven ran riot with four goals and Awais Lal scored his first ever goal for the club - a mis-hit cross that evaded Stuart Coburn in the Oxford City goal. A 5-2 win ensured that momentum was maintained before the crunch FA Trophy tie at Cambridge United.

It was a bright Wintry Saturday in Cambridge, and although the pitch was hard it was deemed playable by the officials. First yellow ball of the season as well (what happened to the orange ones?)

Grateful for a warm cup of soup before the game, Simon finished his Oxtail before tending to the lads.

'It's ****** cold out!' he said. 'But it's beautiful out as well - the away stand is way more vocal and Cambridge are not going to fancy this one bit!

The match began at 100mph, and it was Cambridge who went ahead via Marriott who scored from a cross from the right.

'Keep going' shouted Simon 'pressure on!'

Dominic Raven got forward and from a Jack Harris throw-in he set Luke Hitchman up for a goal. Hitchman rammed the ball home from outside the area. His first ever goal and a great equaliser!

'YESSS!' shouted Simon. 'Great goal Luke!'

A second goal soon came about for The Tigers, with Roy Fawke getting free on the right and crossing for Lewis Hogg to score from close range. The third came via a good through-ball from Leon Tubbs which found Steven Davies and he in turn found the back of the net.

Full Time - 3-1 to Gloucester City and away to Bath City in the next round in January.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8bWw4VtJbc&feature=g-upl
 
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Chapter 26

'Christmas Time... Mistletoe and Wine...'

Three more games to go before the end of the year, with FC Halifax away on Boxing Day (seriously who does the scheduling - should have been Worcester twice over Christmas) and The Tigers would hope to complete the double over Histon in the last home game of 2012.

Chester away on a freezing cold wet December night was not going to be easy. However, a large number of fans traveled up and there was a big turn-out from the home fans - over 2,000 at The Deva Stadium... very impressive for a Conference North game!

Gloucester City started the brighter, as Chester went defensive from the off. However, they could not nullify the Gloucester attack and after a Gloucester corner was only partially cleared by Paul Linwood, Lewis Hogg drilled home the first goal. They held a 1-0 lead at the break and scored soon after with Ethan Mannion keeping his composure to shoot home for 2-0. A McGinn penalty gave Chester some home, but the 'Elder Statesman' (Darren Edwards) arrived on cue to score Gloucester's third.

Chester 1-3 Gloucester - Match Highlights - YouTube

Histon had not forgotten crashing 6-3 to Gloucester City on the opening day of the season, and were determined to avenge that result. Arriving into Cheltenham on the last Saturday before Christmas on the coldest day of the season so far they were fired up and ready to take on The Tigers. However, The Tigers were in no mood to give Histon time on the ball and Darren Edwards soon took advantage of slack defending to put Gloucester 1-0 up. Strike partner Steven Davies added the second on 75 minutes thumping home a volley from a Jasiah Donaldson cross. Hoban's late goal did not matter a jot, as Gloucester City kept up their fantastic run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=275Jk92spaU&feature=g-upl

We finished the year up at The Shay, and the 'thrill' of a Boxing Day match against FC Halifax Town recording a 3-2 win:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U3K6InZ92U&feature=relmfu

Undefeated thus far, can we continue our good run in the new year?
 
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Chapter 27

Happy New Year!

The FA Cup game was THE only topic of conversation in Gloucester, but before the big game was the mall task of Corby Town away on New Year's Day.

A good test for the Gloucester players ahead of the big match, and as the players arrived at Steel Park they knew that today was going to be a challenge:

'They're going to make it hostile, lads, but we shut them up early doors. Defence - stay tight, Midfield - look to get it forward and Strikers - make sure every shot on goal counts! Hassle them and exploit any gaps and fight to the last!'

In front of a crowd of 315, Gloucester City began the brighter of the two teams and Darren Edwards was given time and space to score the first goal of the game after good work by Lewis Hornby.

Aaron Burley hadn't scored so far this season, but somehow he found himself upfront from an attacking break and slotted home The Tigers second goal! Aaron was mobbed by his team-mates who were clearly delighted that the young full-back had registered his first goal for the club. Dominic Raven's late header made it 3-0 to The Tigers - a fantastic way to start 2013.

New faces in:

Gary Bowles (AFC Bournemouth, DC, 3 months)
Joe Carter (Gillingham, DL, 3 months)
Jordan Goddard (Bristol Rovers, AMC, 3 months)
Mitch Harding (Bristol Rovers, ST, 3 months)

This completes how many loans I can make and, hopefully, the new players will soon become integrated into the squad. Michael Gonzalo plays his last game in mid-January, before he returns to Cheltenham Town, so to get Gary in as replacement (24 and ex Dorchester Town - so he knows the standard of football we play at) is quite a coup.

The big one is up next - who will triumph in the Grudge Match of Gloucestershire when Cheltenham Town face Gloucester City in the Third Round of the FA Cup?

TO BE CONTINUED...

Corby 0-3 Gloucester - Match Highlights - YouTube
 
Chapter 28

This was it - the big day.

At 7.00 a.m., alarm clocks all across Gloucester were ringing, as young and old fans began to dream of a major cup upset. This was the furthest they had EVER got in the FA Cup and Simon Price was the Messiah who could lead them to the promised land of promotion and maybe even Wembley.

By Car, Bus, Train or even by Shanks Pony, the Gloucester City hordes advanced on Cheltenham. Red and White v Yellow and Black, Robins v Tigers, Landlords v Tenants - whatever you called it didn't matter, so long as you were aware that it was THE biggest game of the season for both Tigers and Robins with local bragging rights at stake.

Over 5,000 fans would be in attendance, and the atmosphere at Whaddon Road would be electric throughout. The banter, like the ales, flowed freely and both sets of supporters knew this would not be easy. Cheltenham were 5th in League Two and had performed very well, but against an unbeaten Gloucester City side who were on a roll it was a major banana skin waiting to happen.

Tommy Amos looked pensive pre kick-off.

'What's up Tommy?' asked Simon. 'It looks like you're not up for the match?'

Tommy said 'I'm worried about my form, I've not got as many goals as I would have liked.'

'Hey now' said Simon, 'Let's not have any negative talk - Tommy, it's not as if you haven't tried. You're a work-horse and you've created chances for others and really been a top player. At least you're playing today - would you rather be in Christian's boots and not playing because your ligaments are shafted? You get out there today Tommy and YOU will bag us the goals to take us through!'

The lads rallied around Tommy and he led the charge out of the changing room. The atmosphere was that of the old fashioned cup-ties of the past, and as the referee blew his whistle the volume level was louder than that of a Metallica concert!

Daryl Duffy opened the scoring, but Gloucester stood firm. Then, Tommy Amos had the ball played into him by a cross from Joe Carter

'Come on Tommy...' pleaded Simon.

He headed over the Cheltenham 'keeper....

YEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!!! 1-1!!!!!!!!!

Back in the changing room, Simon applauded his team!

'Great effort lads, we have them on the ropes - now it's time to deliver the knock out blow! Killer passes every time into the box and Tommy, Ethan - you get on the end of every one! At 1-1 they are going to be nervy, we've stuck the knife in so let's carve them like the Sunday Roast!'

Cheltenham were slower at taking to the field.

'They're mentally stuffed' thought Simon 'they know we will switch the after-burners on!'

Gloucester held firm and repelled Cheltenham's attack, whilst breaking swiftly and peppering the Cheltenham goal with shots. 85 minutes and still 1-1...

... but then...

Dominic Raven caught a Cheltenham midfielder in posession and sprinted away. Tommy Amos broke free of his man and made space... a 30 yard lofted pass was on, and Tommy took one touch... went around the keeper...

'Oh....My...God!!!!!'

YESSSSSSSS!!!!! 2-1 and Tommy Amos is now immortalized in Tigers history!!!

'ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!!' roared Simon. Mark Yates could only stand and stare - just what the **** was going wrong?

93 minutes gone and any fingernails Gloucester City fans had must surely have long since been bitten....

FULL-TIME!!!

YESSSS!!! WE HAD DONE IT!!!

So... who do we get in the 4th Round? Home to Manchester United? Away to Arsenal? Home to Liverpool? Away to Chelsea?

'Gloucester City... will play... Stockport County'

'****!!!! *****!!! ****!!!'

Oh well, 5th Round here we come....

TO BE CONTINUED...

Cheltenham 1-2 Gloucester - Match Highlights - YouTube
 
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