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Reply | Colchester United Chess Tournament?
at 22:56 24 Apr 2024
I have a magnificent hand carved Chess set that I purchased in an artisan woodworking shop in Poland, akin to a World Championship Classic Staunton design but in quality timber (but might be stained pine). It will be a privilege to use it against such a worthy opponent as you Ray.
Do you think I should live stream said contest? How about a spectator’s admission charge for charity? Might Mr Happy run a book on it? Will Jon Waldron publish a progressive match report in the Gazette. Shall we have a small wager for charity? My agent will contact you about contract terms in due course…. |
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Reply | The Final (Season ) Countdown .
at 21:12 24 Apr 2024
I’ve got a cricket scoring commitment, so am praying for rain on Saturday morning. But if not, I can now have one eye on SkyGo. But can my nerves and mental health handle it? I felt physically sick last night.
But the fact is, even if we lose, Sutton need to do more than win and overcome the current four goal deficit. It is actually a five GD deficit (in effect) as we have the higher “goals for” column, so they must do one better to stay level . Frankly, I reckon we must avoid any more than a 2-0 defeat to be safe, as Sutton are highly unlikely to thrash MKD. Yes, MKD will have one eye on the play offs, but leaking three goals without reply against Sutton is surely unlikely, but I wouldn’t bet my house on it. Surely we can’t fcuk this up?
As for the Cowleys, charismatic yes, but I’m not sure whether they inherited a box of frogs or like so many before them have failed to get something from a talented squad. I think it is the former and half the side are not EFL standard. Only the Summer Transfer Window will testify. |
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Reply | Colchester United Chess Tournament?
at 21:50 22 Apr 2024
Throws down gauntlet….I’ll give you a game Ray…
Warning, I was unbeaten in 300 + games during Covid lockdown. What else could we do night after night in a (straight male) “social need” bubble of a mere two with a cooler full of wine to amuse us?
Excessive consumption of said alcoholic beverage did produce a couple of draws, and one stalemate, but my regular opponent rarely threatened my Sicilian Defence. Over time, it got ever more intense as he was determined to eventually beat me before the pandemic got me, but vaccination defeated such ambition. My best tactic was slow play and to delay the end game until he was on his second bottle. I realise that such tactics won’t work with you, but I reckon I could still bore you into a resignation. Maybe we need a Chess Clock?
When I did play league Chess seriously, (40-50 years ago), my worst league defeats always came at the Worcestershire College for the Blind (now renamed for the visually impaired), then located in Powick (Worcester). The wholly unsighted guys there did everything by mere touch and memory on a tiny tactile board with unusually shaped pieces (black had a spike on top). That was arguably, the most inspiring recreational skill I have ever witnessed. But then, I was also once on the losing side whilst top scoring when playing for a Surrey representative cricket XI in a charity event versus “England Blind”. They made us bat first, so we didn’t work out that there are more effective ways of hitting a steel ball with a bell in it than with the toe of a cricket bat. Frankly, I reckon I’d lose at darts too. Amazing and inspiring how some folk can overcome disabilities. Utter respect! |
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Reply | Jim Ratcliffe ran the London Marathon aged 71
at 21:03 22 Apr 2024
I ran my first marathon dressed as a tomato sauce bottle. Came last ,as I simply couldn’t ketchup. I’ve now completed around 1300, if we include Snickers…..
More seriously, as a teenager (around 50 years ago) I twice completed the Young Georgians 50 mile challenge. This event started in Kidderminster at 18-00 and circumnavigated the Worcestershire countryside main roads overnight with negligible stewarding, finishing in the early morning, although in my case my crossing the tape conveniently coincided with the pubs opening as we merely jogged. Can you imagine a few hundred runners/walkers attempting this overnight on modern roads? Back in those days, traffic was so light it simply wasn’t a hazard, but pathway brambles, dog poo and torrential rain certainly were. It would then take three days to recover. I reckon that today I would struggle to jog 50 yards, but will hop, skip and jump home if we get a point tomorrow. |
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Reply | Happy League 2023/24 The Final Tables
at 06:59 22 Apr 2024
Thanks Mick for managing a superb season, albeit a relegation disaster for me. I’m looking forward to your usual analysis of results, so I can adjust my future tactics.
For many seasons I have enjoyed HLPL success by avoiding predicting draws and I suspect that in this last season the incidence of 1-1 and 2-2 have been uncharacteristically high (?), whilst 1-0, 0-1, 2-1 and 1-2 probably feature on far fewer occasions than normal? Extended added time has probably increased the average goals per game (?) and I reckon that is where I need to adjust future tactics.
My formulaic tactics based on historic propensity of some scores to feature most have this season failed me by a huge shortfall of three pointers, despite me being top of the outcomes. Three pointers are crucial, and that’s a reminder to DC and NC as too many draws have also put the U’s on brink of relegation. |
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Reply | And now you're gonna believe us, the U's are staying up!
at 17:49 20 Apr 2024
I reckon our pitch, hence resultant postponements and rearrangements contributed to an uncharacteristic, leggy, weary performance. Fortunately Crawley (almost) read the script and Sutton need to reverse a seven goal difference deficit, but with Doncaster scoring for fun, we can’t yet be comfortable.
This has to be the last season of despair. Almost two decades of decline and latterly four appalling seasons is taking its toll on loyal supporters. 765 travelled today. Let’s hope the Cowleys deliver change. |
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Reply | And now you're gonna believe us, the U's are staying up!
at 16:05 20 Apr 2024
HT, 0-0, the U’s defending well under Magpie pressure, but other than each side hitting the bar, not much in the way of goal scoring opportunities for either. Crawley beating Sutton, so we might be safe irrespective of what happens in Nottingham.
Frankly, I can’t predict the outcome here. A 0-0 draw stalemate might be appropriate based on the first half. However, the U’s are looking a little leggy and weary, the pitch issues and postponements perhaps catching up. But the Magpies have exhausted a lot of energy for no reward. Canny substitutions might determine the outcome. |
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Thread | STH fans Forum
at 19:53 18 Apr 2024
Anybody else watching the live stream? It’s now the HT break.
In the first half, I was impressed with the Cowley’s strategy planning. More like an MBA graduates’s business plan than regular perceptions of football. However, simply presented and most players and U’s staff should grasp its sound principles.
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Reply | Pay the Penalty.
at 07:00 17 Apr 2024
It is six consecutive missed penalties if we include the penalty shoot-out at Cardiff. |
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Reply | Mariners gutted by Super U's at the JCS
at 06:55 17 Apr 2024
22nd is worst case. I think we should now be aiming to overtake both Grimsby and Salford.
Seeing the back of FGR, Sutton and (in future seasons) Salford, Barrow & Harrogate would rid L2 of (IMHO) the five worst away trips to soulless non-league standard venues. At least Crawley make an effort to provide a decent (albeit expensive) “Fanzone”. Glad to see the back of Mansfield (nasty fans) and Stockport (unfriendly pubs) too.
However, I suspect other L2 fans probably put a visit to Colchester in the same bracket. The Green King IPA poisoned breeze block stadium bars share the same ambience as the urinals. We could do so much better. Hopefully, things will improve when the Northern Gateway catering establishments open before next season and when public transport finally gets sorted.
But what joy to see Chesterfield promoted, despite similarities with our (and Shrewsbury) Barr constructed stadia. Great pubs and not too far up the A1. See you in the Derby Tup! |
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Reply | Mariners gutted by Super U's at the JCS
at 19:37 16 Apr 2024
According to their fans, Grimsby no longer play pretty football and we need a bit more spite than Chilvers offers. It’s a change I would make. |
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Reply | Reds, left red faced by DC's blue and white army at Broadfield Stadium
at 08:02 15 Apr 2024
After her fourth trip to Layer Road, my (now) wife begged me to let her do something else on a Saturday afternoon with her pals, and that was the start of a perfect relationship. She even buys me a season ticket for my birthday to encourage my Saturday absence, and she has a whale of a time on Saturdays with her like-minded pals, shopping, spa days, girlie theatre, unlimited Prosecco.
Now it’s 20 years on, and there is still a close togetherness except on match days. Each partner having their own freedom and space on an agreed day of the week is highly recommended. I despair that modern culture seems to have forgotten this basic human need and so many young people spend Saturday afternoons being mutually miserable. Even if both partners love football (or shopping),find another day where each can have their own space and freedom. [Post edited 15 Apr 8:06]
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Reply | Happy League 2023/24 Week 38 (of 38) - Deadline Saturday 20th April 15.00
at 07:31 14 Apr 2024
10 three pointers due!
0 - 1. LUTON TOWN v BRENTFORD
2 - 1. SHEFFIELD UNITED v BURNLEY
0 - 2. CARDIFF CITY v SOUTHAMPTON
1 - 2. STOKE CITY v PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
1 - 0. BLACKPOOL v BARNSLEY
2 - 0. BURTON ALBION v READING
2 - 0. DONCASTER ROVERS v BARROW
1 - 0. GRIMSBY TOWN v SWINDON TOWN
1 - 3. NOTTS COUNTY v COLCHESTER UNITED
1 - 0. SUTTON UNITED v CRAWLEY TOWN |
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Reply | Reds, left red faced by DC's blue and white army at Broadfield Stadium
at 19:46 13 Apr 2024
DC was prohibited from pitch side access after three yellow cards.
Fantastic win, but the experience slightly marred by rip off prices by the external concessions in the Fan Zone…..
Cheeseburger £8.00
Hot Dog £7.50
Fish & Chips £11.50
Pizza £11.50
Chips £3.50
Small 99 ice cream £3.50
Good to see Wessex and TOOT. We agreed….
The first Crawley goal was yards offside (after mistake by Read).
Have no idea why Hopper was denied his hat-trick.
Saw nothing that explains Tovide’s dismissal.
All were also missed by the referee, but flagged by the same linesman.
Bewildering, but we won. |
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Reply | Hatters to lose their heads in defeat to DC's blue and white army at the JCS
at 22:33 9 Apr 2024
We also missed three against Cardiff in the League Cup, which means we have missed SIX consecutive penalties. Frankly, that sums up our season. Wasted opportunity, stupid mistakes and a lack of concentration by Goodman between his moments of brilliance.
Yet other than three moments of madness, this was a game where a neutral would never identify which team was at each end of the table. We deserved at least a point. However, after four consecutive wins, I fear the initiative is now with Sutton. Games in hand are only of benefit if we win them. This was perhaps a free hit given FGR and Grimsby lost, but we must take something from Crawley and Grimsby. |
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Reply | Hatters to lose their heads in defeat to DC's blue and white army at the JCS
at 20:52 9 Apr 2024
Report from inside the ground at HT. It would surprise me if the gate exceeds 3,500. West and East stand very sparse. However, I suspect around 400 visitors.
Stockport very dangerous early on, but we settled down a looked decent before Goodman gifted a goal. Looked like an OG to me. Now back in it. We might see a miracle, but frankly, a point will do. Need full concentration, and good use of subs as teams tire. |
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Reply | Happy League 2023/24 Week 37 (of 38) - Deadline Saturday 13th April 15.00
at 12:16 7 Apr 2024
0 - 2. BURNLEY v BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
0 - 1. CARLISLE UNITED v BLACKPOOL
1 - 2. CHELTENHAM TOWN v BRISTOL ROVERS
3 - 1. LINCOLN CITY v WIGAN ATHLETIC
1 - 0. SHREWSBURY TOWN v WYCOMBE WANDERERS
2 - 0. CRAWLEY TOWN v COLCHESTER UNITED
1 - 0. CREWE ALEXANDRA v GRIMSBY TOWN
1 - 0. GILLINGHAM v BARROW
0 - 2. NEWPORT COUNTY v TRANMERE ROVERS
2 - 0. STOCKPORT COUNTY v MORECAMBE |
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Reply | Parky shocked by the strength of DC's blue and white army at JCS today
at 18:37 6 Apr 2024
Gate 8432, with many empty seats, so why claim a sell-out? If 1278 were Wrexham fans, that must mean over 7,000 “home”. Gerrof!
I followed a huge number I didn’t recognise down the ‘Boulevard’ walkway to Mill Road. I overheard conversations suggesting to me many were Arsenal and Ipswich fans, hence joining us because their regular teams were the late or early Sky TV kick off. Frankly, I believe some turned up expecting us to get walloped. Can’t blame them! |
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Site Scores| Forum Votes: | 19 | | Comment Votes: | 0 | | Prediction League: | 0 | | TOTAL: | 19 |
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