Back to the Avenue Stadium for the last home game of the month, bottom of the table Staines were coming to visit. The team produces a less flamboyant performance, perhaps due to the muddy pitch, but we still managed to prevail. Striker Sergiu Jivan gave us the lead with a stunning shot from inside the area, straight into the top corner. Then centre back Ryan Carolan headed home his fourth goal of the season from a corner kick, he is becoming one of my favorite players.
The last game of the month was away at relegation threatened Weston-super-Mare, I was hoping to conclude this awesome month with another win. The team’s display was not very convincing this time though, we allowed the opposition to come very close to scoring on a few occasions. Luckily striker Marius Dabu was in great shape and he made the difference in the second half after missing two huge chances in the first 45 minutes. You remember that I bought him in December and until now he scored no less than seven goals in six appearances, highly effective!
We were still top of the table, obviously, and the gap was now up to 9 points! We still have a game in hand too, so not getting promoted after such a good start would be a disaster.
We’ll have only four games to play next month, starting with a tough home battle against 4th placed Bromley.
That’s how things went, I am quite pleased that we managed to grab five consecutive wins without conceding, that should give the team a big confidence boost. I will be looking to further extend our lead and have a quiet last couple of months this season. Injuries could be the only thing that could stop us from getting promoted now, at least that’s what I think. Thanks a lot for reading this new episode, I’m looking forward to your comments.
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Jack
10 июня, 2010 at 15:25
Brilliant Story Johnnny! I followed your Notts County story too. Your tactics remind me of the ones employed by Valeriy Lobanovskyi with the constant harrassing of the opposition and short passing, don’t know if thats what you based it on? You seem to get some great players despite the players lacking key attributes, i.e. I remember your striker having 4 finishing, just wondered what stats you look for in particular players?
Laxeyman
10 июня, 2010 at 15:33
Hi Johnny, another great month, no goals conceded, well done! I think you’re pretty much nailed on for promotion, and the new midfielder looks good so he should make your side even better.
Lye
10 июня, 2010 at 16:46
Thats title winning form mate. I can’t see you losing the title and the promotion spot now. Your team has been awesome all this while and i believe we have not seen the end of it. Absolutely brilliant.
Jake
10 июня, 2010 at 17:25
Congratulations Johnny
Good Month
Have to say this will probably be too similar to the Blyth Spartans campaign but I’ll still follow this story.
Would have enjoyed the Arsenal u 25 story better but oh well
Good luck
Catch
Johnny Karp
10 июня, 2010 at 20:52
@Jack
Thanks for the compliment. I wouldn’t say that Lobanovsky inspired me, I would rather say that my tactic is a mixture between Guus Hiddink’s aggressive approach and Lucescu’s or Guardiola’s attacking style with lots of possession and short passing. About the players, there isn’t much to choose from at this level so I’m looking for players with good physical and mental attributes, technique is just a bonus for now since I can’t sign world class players.
@Laxeyman
Thanks mate, I hope that we can keep it going like this.
@Lye
Thanks a lot, we need just a couple more good months like this one.
@Jake
Thanks. Any story is unique in its own way, there might be similarities but that’s why this game is beautiful, you never know what to expect.
Kevin Mayo
10 июня, 2010 at 22:21
Hi Johnny
The King returns! Well done on an exciting 5 game winning streak.You have certainly hit your stride again after returning from your field trip. I think a title is not too far away. You certainly have a knack at finding players. :)
chris @ chester
10 июня, 2010 at 22:43
I like this story. I did look at Dorchester but I thought Chester were a harder challenge. Going 5 games without conceeding is a huge acheivement at this level. I think the league title will come with games to spare. Well done
Johnny Karp
11 июня, 2010 at 11:18
@Kevin
Thanks. I guess the players had a good time while I was away :)
@Chris
Thanks. I can’t remember going so many games without conceding in the other lower league games that I played, with Chester and the Blyth Spartans.
Sears
11 июня, 2010 at 16:40
Johnny, thats just breathtaking. Winning every game, and conceding no goals, great stuff! Title is yours unless the impossible happens.Well done!
Johnny Karp
11 июня, 2010 at 16:57
@Sears
Thanks mate, I hope that the impossible won’t happen this time :)
Cal
19 июля, 2010 at 07:27
What role do you have dabu in??
Good luck with your next season
Johnny Karp
19 июля, 2010 at 07:33
Dabu is employed as a complete forward (attack) but sometimes I have to use him as a defensive forward (support). Thanks for the good luck wish.
Cal
19 июля, 2010 at 10:31
What is your starting team ?
Johnny Karp
19 июля, 2010 at 11:00
Cal, I’m already in 2011 with the story so I can’t remember the starting eleven that I was using at the time when I wrote this post.
Cal
19 июля, 2010 at 11:01
ok thanks anyway good luck 2011 i know you’ll do amazing