Welcome back everyone! This post will get you sweating, as we round off the year with the Patriots, taking you through the month of December.
Last time out we saw some great results last month, where we managed to hold onto top spot by beating the likes of Portsmouth and Watford. Frankly we played really well, especially due to half the squad coming back from injuries, so I’m hopeful that we can carry on the way we have been doing. So let’s get started on December!
FMS vs Coventry (Championship)
Bright and sunny day to start the month of December in Scunthorpe and what better way to kick it off and get 3 points from a struggling Coventry side. Luckily, they weren’t allowed to field Skunker (who has been on loan there for a couple of months), so instead Australian born Danny Ireland took his place inbetween the sticks instead. It paid dividend as well, with FMS scoring in the first 5 minutes! It was that man Dezmo making things happen down the left hand side again, and his exchanges with Rodrigo led him to the byline. A deep cross found McLean unmarked smashing it home with the goal gaping. They went to score another in quick succession too, with captain Sears getting another one to add to his tally. Dezmo with the corner, and a knock-on from Dully left him to smash it home inside Coventry’s six yard box. Things went a little sour for 10 minutes as the game grew stale, Coventry putting a little fight into the tie with a few decent attempts. It was all futile though, as the game looked beyond recoverable for the away side when assister turned goalscorer. Bmwdestroyer charging through the middle, releasing Dezmo to score one on one with the keeper. A fightback looked unlikely, but when a Turner ball from the back found Jutkiewicz free, he made no mistake after the FMS defense fell asleep before the half to pull one back for the visitors. The game was sealed in the second half though as Crosby‘s run was too much for Keogh, and when the FMS player dribbled around the left back, his hack down and resulting penalty were justly deserved. The FMS man took it, and sent the keeper the wrong way rounding off a great win all round and kept the Premiership dream alive!
Match Stats:
Video Highlights: Here
Norwich vs FMS (Championship)
First away day of the month, and we travelled to Norwich to face a side that only holds my memory because of Delia Smith’s drunken half time motivational speech against Manchester City. I couldn’t stop laughing. So lads, ‘let’s be havin ya’! The game kicked off in good fashion and there was lots of chances at either end. The home side were on a run of five straight wins and their form showed as the first half was nearing a close. A quickly taken freekick from the centre circle found its way to Martin after a few exchanges. He had only been on the field a few minutes due to an injury to Holt, but he didn’t need a warm up, setting Carrow Road alight when he recieved the ball on the edge of the box, smashing it in off the underside of the crossbar. They didn’t stop there though, and the Canaries made it two just before the end of the first half. Van Mosselveid carving open the midfield, finding Smith who charged through the defence and placed it passed the hapless Vaibhavc. A motivational ‘Let’s be havin ya!’ speech of his own from manager Jake Lenahan must have worked at half time as the boys in Scunthorpe grabbed one back. Dezmo again finding space down the left hand side, with his cross resulting in a Rodrigo slide as he knocked the ball into the back of the net. Norwich did restore their lead though, midway through the half as a Hoolahan freekick was met by the head of Cuthbert much to the delight of the home fans. They controlled the game from there on out, but a goal in the 90th minutes caused them a scare. FMS grabbing one back when a Pepper cross found Dezmo to hit home from the back post, but it was too little, too late for the boys from Scunthorpe as they would have to pick themselves up in the next game to stay with the promotion pack.
Match Stats:
Video Highlights: Here
FMS vs Bristol City (Championship)
FMS hosted a high flying Bristol City that for some reason, always seem to get promoted in the first season when I start a save. Hopefully it wouldn’t happen in this one, at least not at the expense of us. We went a long way to make sure that didn’t happen too, as we showed a really dominant display in the first half. There were a few chances, but nothing enough to warrant a goal, and both sides went into the dressing rooms even at half time as it finished 0-0. Second half is where the action happened though as FMS came out fighting, Dezmo coming the closest when he hit the post. It was coming and sure enough, first blood went to the home side. Dezmo with the corner from the left with Sears latching on to it first, seeing him head home his second in three games. A substitution on 75 minutes saw Jenko come on in place of G at left back, and this catapulted the home side into a two goal lead! Pepper starting off the move and running from the half way line, taking on a defender and getting close to the keeper. His initial shot was saved by the veteran James in the Bristol goal, but it only fell as far as Jenko who hit home from outside the box. What he was doing there I will never know, but that goal made sure of the three points today. Not sure he knew how to celebrate either…
Oh well, I guess that’s what you would expect from a left back ;)
Match Stats:
Video Highlights: Here
FMS vs Reading (Championship)
Re-match time as Vinners and Widge would call it, as Reading look to get their own back after a 3-1 defeat at home in July against FMS. Still, you wouldn’t bet against the league leaders in their own back yard would you? Well, no. Especially when one of your defenders gifts the opposition a goal just 7 minutes in after putting it into their own net. Freekick from Johnson was met by the head of Pepper. Federici saved in the Reading goal, but his defender Leigertwood made sure that the ball went into the back of the net when his clearance ended up in the back of the net. Real poachers finish ;). Still no sign of Vinners or Widge as the former was on the bench for this match. Widge unfortunately has been left out, but he won’t be too disheartened as he wasn’t their to witness his side fall further behind in the second half. Johnson the architect again, when his pass found McLean on the edge of the the Reading box, his lay off was connected beautifully by Smith who curled it right into the top corner. Great way to show you are back into first team football for the young lad from Scarborough. Vinners was eventually brought on to see if he could solidify the defence but he could do nothing when 7 minutes from time, it was another team-mate that let him down. It was another ball into the box as Crosby fired in the corner from the far side. Dami went for it, but was edged out by Karacan who ironically diverted it into his own net. Shame, but that’s how it finished, and the young lads from Scunthorpe could be proud of their days work..
Match Stats:
Video Highlights: Here
Sheffield United vs FMS (Championship)
Last game before the New Year and its was against close rivals Sheffield United, who we went on to smash 5-0 in the second game of the season. I was hoping for more of the same from the lads, so we could get in with a stable platform to work with in 2011. I got what I asked for as well, as we took the lead within the first 5 minutes. Dezmo again with the cross from the left wing, finding a grateful MRDNRA in the centre to hit home from 5 yards out. We pressed, and pressed but couldn’t find that second goal to give us some breathing space. This was costly, and Sheffield United hit back to equalise before the break, Creswell beating Yank in the air from a corner. The resulting ball fell to Nosworthy on the back post and a mixup between defender and keeper ensured that he had the opportunity to stick it into the net. After the break, it was good work and determination that created a goal for the visitors that would see them back in-front. MRDNRA repaying the favour and crossing for Dezmo at the back post after good work from Dully and Rodrigo to win it back. Unfortunately, it didn’t stay that way for long as more defensive frailties got United back into the game. A thrown-in from Jordan led to a cross from Doyle. Ex-Man City man Evans was there first, and his header scurried past the keeper and into the open net. Despair for the away fans, and it was about to get even worse.. 90 minute mark, and the game looked like it was fading away into a bore draw. Bent had other ideas though, as he picked the ball up from the centre circle, played a one-two with Evans and slammed home to make me nearly punch my screen in frustration. Damn!
Match Stats:
Video Highlights: Here
So where did all this leave us at the end of December?
Top! But only just. Those two losses took a little of the sting out of our promotion hopes but the teams around us failed to take their chance. Happy Days :D.
Unfortunately, I won’t be leading us any further. I’m on holiday next week, Spain then Sweden.. Not that bad eh?! Anyway, due to this I couldn’t update for the best part of three weeks so there will be another writer taking on the job of getting you to the Premier League and telling you about your micro-digital selves.
Go to the next page, to see the usual stuff, and find out who will be managing FMS…
plobdork
18 июня, 2011 at 14:43
wow im lovin keepin that bench warm hopefully just temporary or ill be leavin in the summer
just jokin ill never leave this magnificent club that is fms.
good luck johnny in takin over is it just temporey or permanently?
Excessive
18 июня, 2011 at 15:44
Haha, we will see what Johnny wants to do with you..
Not sure, will see when I come back from holiday ;)
Johnny Karp
18 июня, 2011 at 16:01
Definitely temporary if you ask me :)
Sears
18 июня, 2011 at 14:56
Hahahahahahaha Johnny Karp Sr.
Made me laugh!
Btw, will I still be captain? And will Johnny be changing the tactic etc?
Were looking pretty in the league, I’m sure we’ll get promoted.
Have a nice time in Spain and Sweden!
ps Guess what? I might be going over to Liverpool to see them play Man City in November :-) ;-) :-D
Excessive
18 июня, 2011 at 15:45
Haha..
Not sure mate, it’s his decision what happens with the club.
Thanks bud :D
Woo! Shame you’ll have to see them get smashed though Sears. Sorry ;)
CsAtlantis
18 июня, 2011 at 15:15
Looking forward to the player profile updates from Johnny Karp Snr., don’t forget some of us who are not physically in the club but still in there in spirit :D
Excessive
18 июня, 2011 at 15:46
I’m sure he wont :P
nielsneutron
18 июня, 2011 at 15:37
Hello boss (either one of you will do I guess) have you found a club that wants to loan me?
Excessive
18 июня, 2011 at 15:47
I have tried to offer you out on a couple of occasions but no-one seems interested.
Maybe Johnny will have some more luck! :P
nielsneutron
18 июня, 2011 at 16:32
Oh and have a nice trip.
Jenko
18 июня, 2011 at 15:37
I’ll have you know that is a perfectly good boxing/airplane celebration.
:P
Excessive
18 июня, 2011 at 15:47
Ohh it was, just that was the away end that you were celebrating to.. :P
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2011 at 15:42
Great work again Jake and we now rely on Johnny’s managerial ability…certainly no problems there. I’ll have an update for the start of next week. Just checking over a few statistics etc.
Have a great holiday mate.
Excessive
18 июня, 2011 at 15:48
Thanks Darren, looking forward to it!
Johnny Karp
18 июня, 2011 at 16:05
Hey Jake, I forgot to tell you that I will need the tactic that you are using as well, I don’t want to change it in the middle of the season so please email that to me. I’d also want to have a list of the unresolved transfer/loan requests that were made by our players, send that as well if you have one. And last but not least, enjoy your holiday! :)
Excessive
18 июня, 2011 at 16:41
Done ;)
Thanks mate, take good care of them..
Laxeyman
18 июня, 2011 at 16:26
Good results again Excessive, and I’m sure that the results will continue to be good in Johnny’s capable hands. Have a good holiday mate :)
Excessive
18 июня, 2011 at 16:41
Thanks Laxey :)
vaibhavc
18 июня, 2011 at 17:20
Hey Excessive/Johnny
Great to see Johnny take over, but is this a permanent or temporary take over? I am ok with anything as long as I get to play. I am looking forward to the profiles and analysis.
Excessive
18 июня, 2011 at 17:31
We’ll see what happens in 3 weeks time, but at the moment it is temporary :)
Ana Garcia
18 июня, 2011 at 20:09
Spain? Where abouts??
If you want you can stay at my Aunties for free! She would love to have you! :)
LoL! My partner had a bit of a mixed month some good performances and some pretty poor displays hopefully Johnny can help him find some consistency!
Anyways enjoy your holiday and have a good time!
Excessive
19 июня, 2011 at 11:12
Puerto Banus!
Haha, thanks for the offer! I’m sure she is lovely.
Thank you Ana :)
Ross Gilchrist
18 июня, 2011 at 20:42
Can you tell me my average rating and progress?
Johnny Karp
19 июня, 2011 at 00:43
I will post the updated profiles tomorrow, stay tuned ;)
Omer Ronayne
18 июня, 2011 at 20:51
I got dropped to reserves :O (Big O) after numorus bench warming games! haha I joke to be honest I dont mind as long as the team plays well.
Great story and have a good holiday.
Excessive
19 июня, 2011 at 11:13
Haha, I let Von Karma in for a bit to see what he could do. Don’t worry, I’m sure you will be back when Johnny manages ;)
liam101
18 июня, 2011 at 21:57
It seems like i cant stop scoring. love it. Have a great time in spain and sweden jake.
Excessive
19 июня, 2011 at 11:14
Cheers mate :)
kristianrm
18 июня, 2011 at 23:01
how is it working out for bambini over at the arsenal?
Johnny Karp
19 июня, 2011 at 00:42
I will post the updated profiles tomorrow and you will be able to see the stats there.
Wilfred Von Karma
18 июня, 2011 at 23:17
— Voicemail to Boss—
It seems I am quote the average defender despite my stats… sob… Boss please train me on my marking please. It’s horrid and I suspect it’s the prob because I don’t think I’ve got a rating more than 6.8 before meaning the defenders beat me easily. Try to make marking go up to 15 or so first then I want to work on my pace. Thanks boss.
—Voicemail over——
Johnny Karp
19 июня, 2011 at 00:41
I’ve got your message, it will be taken care of :)
Martinm
19 июня, 2011 at 00:13
Good update again excessive, good first half to the season thanks to your management. Go and have a well earned rest, I’m sure johnny will keep us storming at the top of the league until you get back. Have a good holiday.
Looks like my player has been playing better the last two months, even gettin a couple of assists and goals :) hopefully il manage to keep it up!
Also looking toward to the player updates and the analysis of the squad. Keep up the good work.
Excessive
19 июня, 2011 at 11:15
Thanks bud, glad your enjoying them! :D
Erick Wolf
19 июня, 2011 at 10:04
I disappeared?
I had been playing consistently lately…
Shame.
Excessive
19 июня, 2011 at 11:21
Aye, I let some other players into the frame mate. Maybe Johnny will give you a few more games :)
Johnny Karp
19 июня, 2011 at 13:19
Only if he deserves it! :)
Johnny Karp
19 июня, 2011 at 11:12
Good news, I’ve just finished updating the profiles page. Check it out: https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/fms-patriots-player-profiles/
Excessive
19 июня, 2011 at 11:21
Thanks pal! :D
Taylor091
19 июня, 2011 at 13:13
Season is looking good so far. Was wondering if you could try loaning me out again, but only to a team who would see me as a valuable player. Much better than sitting in the reserves. Cheers.
Excessive
22 июня, 2011 at 15:05
No problem, if Johnny doesn’t see this just stick it in the next post :)
Desmo Wenning
19 июня, 2011 at 20:47
w00t I’ve had an awesome month :D :D :D Hope I will continue with these performances when Johnny takes over. Have a nice trip!
Excessive
22 июня, 2011 at 15:06
You have mate! I hope so too :D
Matt
21 июня, 2011 at 10:20
Think it might be wise for me to spend the second half of the season on loan somewhere. I’ll leave it up to the manager to decide where would be best (if any club is interested), as long as I can get first team football.
Excessive
22 июня, 2011 at 15:07
If Johnny doesn’t see this, then just stick it in the January post mate :)
Johnny Karp
22 июня, 2011 at 15:16
I did see this but Matt might reconsider after the January update :)