That replay was scheduled four days later and this time we managed to take the lead thanks to a superb volley from left winger Alexandru Gheba. Basingstoke didn’t give up though and they managed to make it all square just a few minutes later with a fine shot from the edge of the area, I have to admit that it was a beautiful goal. We were unable to react until half time and it looked like we were going to have another tough game. My players came out with a much more positive attitude from the dressing room, we were piling on the pressure and the reward finally came. Substitute left winger Valentin Fritea gave us the lead with a great shot from 25 yards out, straight into the top corner. We continued to push forward but the finishing was poor. Captain Ryan Carolan had to step up again and he sealed our win four minutes from time with a corner kick header. I was pleased with the second half display but we should have scored a few more. Anyway, we were through to the semi final!
The last league game of the month was at home against 16th placed AFC Wimbledon, I was hoping to end the month with a win. The team was playing pretty well and veteran striker Leonardo Biagini scored a fine double to please our fans. Our opponents didn’t give up though and their reaction was very good. A good team move allowed them to claw one back in the 64th minute and they even had a good chance to equalize but a good shot from distance hit the woodwork. We found ourselves under pressure but managed to lift the siege during the last 10 minutes and Marius Dabu settled the game with a good header seven minutes from time. Unfortunately striker Sergiu Jivan picked up a knock and will be out for three weeks.
We were still top of the table, the gap was still at 12 points but York had a game in hand. We will have to be careful because a couple of defeats could make the title race wide open.
The player that impressed me this month is midfield playmaker Juanje, a Spanish 24-year old that I brought in on a free transfer last summer. He scored two goals and made eight assists so far and his hard work was always essential in our midfield. He came out through the youth ranks at Atletico Madrid but never had the chance to break into the first team, he was always sent to the «B» or even «C» team. I hope that he’ll manage to make some progress and improve his stamina and long shots, with better attributes there he could become a much better player. He is already monitored by a few League Two clubs, I hope he’ll want to stay at Dorchester and grow along with the club.
We’ll be extremely busy in March, we’ll have two legs to play in the FA Trophy semi final and also six league games. Two of those games will be really tough, against 5th placed Luton and 3rd placed Ebbsfleet, so I guess the title race is not closed yet.
That’s how February was my friends, I’m satisfied overall but also a bit sad about the injury to Lee Molyneux. He is an essential player for us because of his great defending skills and set piece taking talent. I’m looking forward to the FA Trophy clash, we have to make it to the final and give poor Lee the chance to play at Wembley! Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed the post.
MO
4 июля, 2010 at 14:03
First Comment :-)
Well Done, you will definately get promotion and good luck in the semis
Sears
4 июля, 2010 at 15:15
@Johnny, that was an impressive month! You picked up some fine wins. Basingstoke turned out to be stubborn opponents. Majk must be proud! Goodluck in the semi final, I believe you can go all the way! However, I can’t understand how your team failed to beat Mansfield! You hammered them in the stats, but I suppose thats football for you. That was a disappointing defeat to York, because if you won there would have been a 15 point gap. Ryan Carolan seems to be having a wonderful season! He scores a few goals for you too… You have a few tough games next month but i strongly believe that at the end of the season Dorchester will be champions. Lee Molyneux picked up a injury and you will surly miss him. Goodluck.
ravenie
4 июля, 2010 at 15:30
Somehow you managed to defeat Majks Champions
Johnny Karp
4 июля, 2010 at 16:08
@MO
Thanks for the confidence :)
@Sears
Thanks mate. That Mansfield game was quite frustrating but I’ve seen such things happening in football time and again. Just remember Barcelona vs Inter Milano, Barcelona had almost 80% possession, loads of shots both on and off target but they didn’t win.
@Ravenie
Indeed, it was much more difficult than expected against Majk’s Basingstoke ;)
Laxeyman
4 июля, 2010 at 16:57
Hi Johnny, that was a pretty good month, I’m sure you’ll get promotion now. Well done in the FA Trophy, and good luck in the semis, Lee Molinyuex will be a big miss but I’m sure you’ll cope.
Sears
4 июля, 2010 at 17:28
@Johnny, yes, I remember that game. I think Pique scored a goal with minutes remaining. Jose Mourinho’s tactics were spot on, even down to 10 men. I hope he does well at Real Madrid.
Kevin Mayo
4 июля, 2010 at 23:22
Hi Johnny
That’s too bad about losing Molyneux so I hope you have a decent back up. These past games seemed a little tighter for you but you manged to get through the month with only one defeat and a victory in the FA Trophy…eventually :) Well done.
Johnny Karp
5 июля, 2010 at 07:01
@Laxeyman
Thanks, I hope we’ll get by.
@Sears
Mourinho’s cynical approach is not something that I like but I have to admit that he’s a great tactician.
@Kevin
I don’t have anybody else like Molyneux, especially when it comes to taking free kicks and corner kicks. But we’ll manage somehow.
Jack
5 июля, 2010 at 12:04
Keep those entries coming Johnny! Really enjoying the story. Look forward to the transfer window at the end of the season be interesting to see who you will be buy with hardly any money.
Rob
5 июля, 2010 at 17:43
Hi Johnny just wondering if you could tell me your best starting 11 if everybody’s fit Thanks. Great story, really enjoying it hope the good form continues :)
Rob
Johnny Karp
5 июля, 2010 at 17:56
@Jack
Thanks mate, I’m happy that you are enjoying the story.
@Rob
Thanks for the good wishes. The best starting elven would be like this: Catalano — Mensah, O’Brien, Carolan, Molyneux — Mycoe, Juanje, el Kadi, Gheba — Jivan (or Biagini), Dabu.
Sears
5 июля, 2010 at 19:37
@Johnny, a lot of people may not like his cynical approach, but his record speaks for its self, and I believe he will bring lots of success to Madrid, if he’s giving the chance.
Lye
6 июля, 2010 at 15:49
Still doing awesome mate, i hope to see you secure the promotion next month and doing well in the cup.
Johnny Karp
6 июля, 2010 at 17:11
@Sears
Football is not just about winning, that’s why I like other managers more than Mourinho. But I admit that anybody has to admire his impressive track record.
@Lye
Thanks mate, I hope to bring the good news soon enough :)