Hello folks, welcome back to the Notts County Football Manager 2010 story! As you know from the previous post we managed to stay unbeaten through the first half of the season, that gave me and the players a lot of confidence for the upcoming challenges. The season was far from over though, we had to keep up the pace to bring home the shiny silverware.
The first game of the new year was the FA Cup clash with Championship side Wigan Athletic. I chose to rest all the first team regulars, so I gave space to some youngsters from the reserves team. We didn’t produce a breathtaking display by any means but we managed to clinch the win in the second half, Guilherme did all the work and set up reserve winger Wilfried Robert for an easy finish. It was a landmark win though, our unbeaten run reached 30 games!
Next up, the eagerly awaited Carling Cup derby with Nottingham Forest. The first leg was at Meadow Lane, so I wanted to get a god advantage and make sure of getting through to the final. We were piling on the pressure right from the start and Nicola Bonetti finally broke the ice 16 minutes into the game, he cut infield from the right wing and fired it in off the post. Andrea Romano made it 2-0 before half time with another splendid free kick shot from 25 yards out. We were totally in control of the game and managed to score another one in the second half, Jonjo Shelvey played through for Rafael Sobis and the Brazilian striker dribbled past the keeper and pushed it in. I was satisfied with the advantage, the second leg was not a big problem anymore.
The first Premier League game of the year was away at 16th placed Ipswich. The first half saw a great spell of dominance from my lads and Rafael Sobis opened the scoring with his 20th goal of the season. The second goal was a lucky one, a corner kick turned into a flipper game inside the box and the ball ended up in the back of the net. Andrea Romano headed in a cross from Shelvey to make it 3-0. The second half was entirely different, Ipswich were pushing forward but they didn’t cause too much trouble for our goalkeeper.
The next game was a much more difficult one, away at Arsenal. We started the game well, we were pushing the Gunners back into their own box. Rafael Sobis did it again 25 minutes into the game, he picked up a through ball from Steven Defour and placed it perfectly past the keeper. We continued to play well but instead of doubling the lead we conceded, it was a swift move from Arsenal and my defense was surprised. The team reacted well though and Andrea Romano hit the post a couple of minutes later. We took the lead again 14 minutes from time, Jonjo Shelvey played a wonderful through ball for Hinshelwood and the wonderkid right winger slotted it into the top corner. Arsenal switched to a 4-2-4 setup for the last minutes but we kept them under control and even missed another good chance on a counter attack. It was a very important win for the title race, I was very pleased.
We had to confirm our good form in the next game, at home with surprising 10th placed Burnley. We got off to a good start as Sam Hinshelwood was brought down into the box, Joe Barton coolly converted the penalty kick. The game was fairly quiet until the last minutes of the first half: Burnley equalized when Jay Rodriguez beat Zapata in the air and headed the ball home but then Cristian Zapata recovered from the error and powered in a corner kick header. Then we dominated the second half but failed to convert that into more goals. We nearly got punished by a long shot in the last minutes of the game but the ball hit the crossbar and bounced clear.
Next up, the second leg of the Carling Cup semi final with Nottingham Forest. We already had a three goal advantage from the first leg so I chose to rest quite a few players and send in a few lads from the reserves along with some backup first team players. We found ourselves under a lot of pressure in the first half but survived it thanks to some wasteful finishing from Forest. Then we took control of the game in the second half and eventually won the game with a bit of luck. We were through to the final and we’ll get to battle with Manchester United for the trophy. Go to the next page to read the rest of the story.
Go to the next page to read the rest of the story.
Laxeyman
2 апреля, 2010 at 17:37
Hi Johnny, the unbeatable Notts Co just keep on going! Incredible season so far, the league is certain to be yours, I think the Champions League could soon be following it into your trophy cabinet!
sam warren
2 апреля, 2010 at 18:10
Hi Johnny, yet another brilliant month. This would be a fantastic achievement if you are able to do the quadrople this season. Hope that you can win the Champo League.
P.S. I also have an unbeaten run so far in my Newcastle story in the 3rd season. Hopefully I will be able to match your achievements some time in the future.
ravenie
2 апреля, 2010 at 18:19
I’m jealous:( I’m doing alright in my 2nd season in prem need some good defenders though. I’ve been searching the countries and finding potential premier league talent.
Johnny Karp
2 апреля, 2010 at 18:49
Thanks for your kind words folks, I admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the strength that the team showed lately.
@Ravenie
Good defenders are hard to find, especially left backs it seems.
@Sam
I’m sure you’ll do even better, good luck!
Mícheál
2 апреля, 2010 at 18:57
Another great month. hope you go the season unbeaten. And its very possible good luck!!
Kevin Mayo
2 апреля, 2010 at 21:17
Hi Johnny
Nice «double» wins over Arsenal and Forest. Poor old Brian Clough must be turning in his grave seeing how well County are doing!
Great result against Spurs, I think that’s twice you’ve hammered them now?
I can really see you taking it all this season…well done!
Martin
2 апреля, 2010 at 21:37
Well Done Johnny, Good Performances And Most Importantly Good Results.
You’re Right About Finding Defenders, I’m Trying To Find A Good Back-up Right Back For Diego Renan, But They Don’t Come Cheap!
I’m Still Tryin New Things And Have Tried Chelsea And Luton But Still Not Feeling Great About Either Of Them!
Johnny Karp
2 апреля, 2010 at 23:31
@Micheal
Thanks mate, an unbeaten season would be quite an achievement indeed.
@Kevin
I guess Mr. Clough might have better reasons to feel uncomfortable in the after life, like real-life Nottingham Forest :) Tottenham are having a pretty bad season, they are a lot weaker than a few years ago.
@Martin
Thanks mate. You could try something really exotic like the Chinese league or maybe an African club, that would be out of the ordinary :)
Sears
3 апреля, 2010 at 00:08
Johnny,finally,my computer is back.I’m delighted!So much to catch up on…but right now I have to read every single story I’v missed in this blog and others.Fantastic month again.Title is defo yours,it seems to be all to easy for you.But thats no good either,anyway,goodluck!
Majk
3 апреля, 2010 at 00:57
Nice goal rendition there against Arsenal. ;)
As always, very impressive displays. You always seem to get away with good results even when the other team seems to be playing rather well.
I’m looking forward to the England games.
Lye
3 апреля, 2010 at 02:54
Hi mate, some high scoring wins there tells the confidence in your team. You got a very impressive month and i can’t find any words to describe how awesome your team is. Well done mate.
Johnny Karp
3 апреля, 2010 at 12:54
@Sears
I’m happy that you solved the computer problem. The title seems to be within reach indeed but the Champions League won’t be an easy task.
@Majk
Thanks mate. I guess it’s all about confidence, the team always reacts well and copes with the pressure rather easily.
@Lye
Thanks, I guess it was the best month so far.
ravenie
3 апреля, 2010 at 12:56
How do you get young players attributes to improve? Just wondering. And I cant seem to win at the mo, keep drawing or losing :( I was 2-0 v blackburn I saved a penalty and went to draw the game I hate how my defenders just get a through bal pastthem so easily and how they just watch :(
Johnny Karp
3 апреля, 2010 at 12:59
@Ravenie
About the young players, I think it’s a combination between a good training schedule, good training facilities, good coaches and giving them some first team football now and then. Of course it depends a lot on the players, their talent and determination, ambition etc.
ravenie
3 апреля, 2010 at 18:01
You know I’ve never really altered the training session does it affect the players?
Johnny Karp
3 апреля, 2010 at 18:30
@Ravenie
The default schedules are alright but if you want to get more out of your players you can try some custom schedules, there are a few options that you can find in the downloads page.
ravenie
4 апреля, 2010 at 00:35
having trouble downloading it
Johnny Karp
4 апреля, 2010 at 12:30
Downloading which one Ravenie?