Vauxhall vs Barnsley (League 1)
Venue: Rivacre Park
Attendance: 2,500 (capacity crowd)
Starting line up: Martin Hansen — Ken Harris, Oliver Nicholas, Mervin Simon, Grant Baddeley — Darren King, Mark Brown, Nathan Rooney, Keith Higgs — Omar Koroma, Mark Cullen
Team Talk: You can win today!
I was expecting a rather quiet home game against 14th placed Barnsley and things were set right on track after just eight minutes when Omar Koroma beat the keeper to a Keith Higgs cross and headed the ball in. Unfortunately we conceded a rather embarrassing goal just two minutes later, the ball bounced back and forth inside our penalty area before being headed in. I was quite disappointed with my defenders on that occasion but the team wasn’t too affected, the lads regained control of the match and had a pair of chances to take the lead before half time.
Half time score: 1-1
Half time team talk: You can win today!
Half time substitutions: Derrick Williams for Harris
We resumed the attacks after the break but we were having no luck, the ball just wouldn’t go in. I decided to make the last two substitutions on the hour mark, Peter Leven for Brown and Jacob Walcott for Higgs. We went on to waste a few more chances before we finally netted the winning goal five minutes from time, it was a splendid move that the team created and Mark Cullen finished off. To my surprise this result pushed us to the top of the league table as Preston lost two consecutive games after beating us!
Full time team talk: none
Man of the match: Darren King
Flop of the match: Keith Harris
Match Stats
Video Highlights
Doncaster vs Vauxhall (League 1)
Venue: The Keepmoat Stadium
Attendance: 8,002
Starting line up: Martin Hansen — Ken Harris, Daniel Pappoe, Mervin Simon, Alex Billington — Carlos Bogado, Mark Brown, Graham Howson, Jason Banton — Darryl Duffy, Mark Cullen
Team Talk: You can win today!
This was a big game as Doncaster were in 3rd place, just two points behind us. They had been showing good form before that match and they were also having the support of 8,000 fans, much more than we ever had at Rivacre Park. We could have silenced the crowd right away as we had a huge chance inside the first minute but we wasted it. As it often happens we got punished for that a few minutes later, Doncaster took the lead and it seemed that we were heading for a forgettable afternoon. My lads were not ready to put down their weapons though, they fought back and Mervin Simon bagged a corner kick header minutes after hitting the crossbar on a free kick. It was his first goal for the club and I was very happy for the youngster especially because he had to overcome a nasty injury earlier in the season. We were back on level terms and the game literally exploded, both sides were playing at their best and the tempo was extraordinary. No more goals were scored before the break but Doncaster had three clear cut chances while we had four!
Half time score: 1-1
Half time team talk: Pleased.
Half time substitutions: Derrick Williams for Harris, Dale Hills for Cullen
The second half started perfectly for us, Darryl Duffy played a good low cross and Jason Banton smashed straight into the top corner! We were in the lead but the game was not slowing down at all. Doncaster hit the post two minutes later, then we missed a good chance before the 65th minute when I had to make another change, Keith Higgs for Bogado. The fierce tempo was really draining the players but I’m proud to say that mine were looking more determined to prevail. We took control of the match during the final 20 minutes and created another pair of chances before the final whistle. It was by far the most entertaining match of the season and I was very happy to have won it.
Full time team talk: Well done!
Man of the match: Jason Banton
Flop of the match: Ken Harris
Match Stats
Video Highlights
Vauxhall vs Rotherham (League 1)
Venue: Rivacre Park
Attendance: 2,500 (capacity crowd)
Starting line up: Martin Hansen — Ken Harris, Daniel Pappoe, Mervin Simon, Grant Baddeley — Carlos Bogado, Matthew Ball, Graham Howson, Keith Higgs — Mark Cullen, Dale Hills
Team Talk: You can win today!
This was the Boxing Day fixture and I was hoping to give the fans a nice Christmas gift: a victory against 16th placed Rotherham, the team that we had already beaten in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy semi final. We got off to a great start and the game appeared to be as good as over after just 10 minutes. First Keith Higgs powered one in four minutes into the game and then Daniel Pappoe headed in a free kick cross six minutes later. Rotherham reacted pretty well though, they were pushing forward but we defended well and managed to force them to attempt several shots from way out.
Half time score: 2-0
Half time team talk: Encourage.
Half time substitutions: Jason Banton for Bogado, Jacob Walcott for Higgs
The second half continued in a similar fashion, a fairly even game, but Mervin Simon put it beyond doubt with a corner kick header. It wasn’t the best of performances but I was pleased with our defense.
Full time team talk: none
Man of the match: Daniel Pappoe
Flop of the match: Jacob Walcott
Match Stats
Video Highlights
Vauxhall vs Carlisle (League 1)
Venue: Rivacre Park
Attendance: 2,500 (capacity crowd)
Starting line up: Martin Hansen — Jacob Hronec, Oliver Nicholas, Derrick Williams, Alex Billington — Darren King, Mark Brown, Graham Howson, Jason Banton — Omar Koroma, Darryl Duffy
Team Talk: You can win today!
Carlisle were second to bottom but the game was played just two days after our previous one so I had to make a few changes in the starting eleven. That didn’t seem to affect our play, we created two very good chances early on but unfortunately we wasted them. Our tempo dropped a little in the last minutes before the interval and we could have paid the price for that as Carlisle had a pair of clear cut chances.
Half time score: 0-0
Half time team talk: We can win this!
Half time substitutions: Nathan Rooney for Howson, Jacob Walcott for Banton
We played a bit better in the second half but my players were much too wasteful. Not only that they missed another two great chances but most of them were not obeying my instructions: they were firing shots from all over the place despite my shouts that demanded them to work the ball into the box. We should have won this game but we dropped two points instead, I was quite disappointed.
Full time team talk: Not good enough!
Man of the match: Alex Billington
Flop of the match: Darryl Duffy
Match Stats
Bristol Rovers vs Vauxhall (League 1)
Venue: The Memorial Stadium
Attendance: 4,828
Starting line up: Martin Hansen — Ken Harris, Daniel Pappoe, Mervin Simon, Grant Baddeley — Carlos Bogado, Peter Leven, Graham Howson, Keith Higgs — Mark Cullen, Dale Hills
Team Talk: You can win today!
The last game of 2013, right on New Years Eve… Bristol Rovers were in 12th place, not the ideal opponent you would want to meet at the end of an exhausting month. We got off to a decent start, we appeared to be in control of the game but unfortunately our best chance was denied by the woodwork. Things got worse five minutes before the break, we were caught napping on a counter attack and the home side took the lead.
Half time score: 1-0
Half time team talk: I want to see more from you!
Half time substitutions: Jason Banton for Bogado, Darryl Duffy for Hills
The two changes and the half time team talk were not making much of a difference, we were looking unconvincing out there. I decided to make the final substitution on the hour mark, Matthew Ball for Howson. That did have some sort of an impact and 10 minutes later we managed to bang in the equalizer through Duffy who rounded off a good team move. We were trying to build up more pressure but our game wasn’t working, most of our attacks were shattered before having the chance to shoot. As if things were not bad enough already the hosts struck the fatal blow on another counter attack, two minutes into injury time! Hats off to them, they defended well, had two chances and scored two goals…
Full time team talk: Disappointing!
Man of the match: Darryl Duffy
Flop of the match: Mark Cullen
Match Stats
Video Highlights
The month’s games are finally over, now please go to the next page to see the league table and also some interesting statistics and transfer news!
Go to the next page to read the rest of the story.
Vaibhav C.
24 января, 2011 at 13:58
Well Done Johnny, you ended up being first at the end of December. You had a good run except for those last 2 games. Dale Hills’s attributes are good, maybe he will start to fins his touch later for you.
Johnny Karp
24 января, 2011 at 15:42
Thanks mate. I still believe in Hills’s ability, he’ll have until the end of the season to prove himself.
Mark
24 января, 2011 at 14:39
1st one in a while, hope to read some more very soon. Good luck for next month part from the Notts County Match as i am a massive Season Ticket holder with them, got Man City in the cup at the weekend Cant wait. Anyway Johnny Good luck and i hope to see you storming the Championship soon lol Take care Mark
Johnny Karp
24 января, 2011 at 15:44
Thanks Mark and best of luck to the Magpies against Man City! You know that I’ve managed Notts County in FM 2010, don’t you? Won the Premier League too :)
garryduncan
24 января, 2011 at 15:29
yet again a good month. couple of bad results in the month but ur team bounced back well. u are doin an awesome job with the motormen. hopefully ur post a new update soon as this is the only game i enjoy reading since the southampton game has gone…well done mate
Johnny Karp
24 января, 2011 at 15:45
Thanks Garry, I’m doing the best I can to post as often as possible. The other stories are just as good though, even better. At least that’s what I think :)
Sears
24 января, 2011 at 17:01
That was a great month Johnny considering the huge fixture list. Well done on going top of the table!
Johnny Karp
24 января, 2011 at 20:55
Thanks Sears, it’s a pretty competitive league…
James
24 января, 2011 at 17:02
Really good month Johnny, you were slightly unlucky with Preston, i wish you luck mate!
Johnny Karp
24 января, 2011 at 20:56
Thanks James, I agree that we didn’t have too much luck against Preston.
Laxeyman
24 января, 2011 at 17:53
Hi Johnny, good month, and the inconsistencies of Preston mean that you’re in a great position to win promotion. Funnily enough, Preston are also in League 1 in my game, and are top iof the table, but they do lose a lot of games. There’s a long way to go, but I reckon you can stay ahead of them and win promotion. Good luck!
Johnny Karp
24 января, 2011 at 20:58
Thanks Laxeyman. There doesn’t seem to be a dominant team in the league so I guess we have as good a chance as any of the top four.
Sayam Khan
24 января, 2011 at 18:44
Hey Johnny,
I hate December and January in football management, there’s too many games!
Anyway, i’ve noticed your not afraid to say harsh words at the end of a match if the result isn’t in favour of you! Also you make subs at half time quiet often!
Good month there anyway and to be at the top half way through the season is great
You did some brilliant scouting to snap up that 18 year old! Hopefully you can keep him at the club.
Good Luck!
Johnny Karp
24 января, 2011 at 21:01
Thanks for the good luck wish Sayam. About the team talks, usually I try to encourage the players and boost their confidence but I do use the whip as well from time to time. Most of the substitutions are forced by fatigue issues, my tactic requires a lot of running from the players and those with less stamina can’t be at the top of their condition for more than 45 to 65 minutes. I can’t remember which scout spotted Baddeley but he surely would deserve a fat bonus :)
ravenie
24 января, 2011 at 19:04
You never fail to surprise me Johnny. You just know how to win don’t you ;)
Johnny Karp
24 января, 2011 at 21:01
I don’t know Ravenie, it’s a game of chance :P
Darren Smith
24 января, 2011 at 19:14
Well done Johnny, that was a very successful month and you seem to be making League One look like a breeze. Howson is amazing, no wonder he assists so many with a freekick rating of 20!! Your competition is stiff with ex Championship sides like Doncaster, Preston and QPR lurking. However, you seem to have a very good squad and I’m confident in your sides chances. Good luck mate.
Johnny Karp
24 января, 2011 at 21:02
Thanks Darren, I might be looking to add a couple of transfers in January to boost our chances.
hils
24 января, 2011 at 19:19
Hi Johnny,good month there!!!!!!!!! You should do well from now!!!!!!!!! Good luck!!!!!!!!!
Johnny Karp
24 января, 2011 at 21:02
Thanks Hils!!!
Jack
24 января, 2011 at 19:19
Solid month Johnny, I can already see championship football. Its interesting Baddeley makes a number of interceptions because his anticipation isn’t one of his best attributes, what attributes do you think allows a player to make a lot of interceptions? Also I’ve been trying to create my own tactics of late and am struggling to do so really, do you have any tips whilst creating one? Your thoughts would be much appreciated, Thanks :)
Johnny Karp
24 января, 2011 at 21:06
Thanks Jack. About Baddeley, I think that his determination might help him to play well at this level. About creating tactics, first you have to figure out how you want the team to be playing, then use the tactic creator to shape it up and then tweak it along the way. It’s a trial and error process and I would suggest watching full games for a while to see more of what’s happening than in the highlights. That’s what I did when I created my tactic, I started from wanting an attacking, creative and aggressive team (high defensive line, press more, attacking strategy, more creative freedom etc)
Jack
24 января, 2011 at 21:10
Thanks Johnny that is a big help! Good look for the rest of the season!
Johnny Karp
25 января, 2011 at 07:50
Thanks mate, let me know whenever you need help.
Kevin
24 января, 2011 at 21:20
Hi Johnny
Well done in coping with that massive fixture list and even though you lost two games you’ve managed to go top which is fabulous. A long month to follow so I hope you can keep up the momentum as well as keeping Nicholas on the books. Scott Wooten is worth a look at as he fills in fr Nicholas really well in my Wrexham save. Also check out Danny West of Chelsea if he’s in your game too. Great update!!
Johnny Karp
25 января, 2011 at 07:51
Thanks for the two recommendations Kevin, I will have a look at those. I’m not too keen on keeping Nicholas but I won’t sell him cheaply either.
Arjuna
25 января, 2011 at 00:33
You had a lot of matches, but you managed to get to the top of the table and you should stay there. Championship, here comes Johnny!
Johnny Karp
25 января, 2011 at 07:52
Thanks Arjuna. There’s still a long way to go until reaching promotion but I guess we’re on track.
Lye
25 января, 2011 at 10:19
Hi Johnny,
A lot of games to be play and i thought you did pretty well. Sitting on top at this point of time is great as December is always the most difficult. No doubt this will put you in good position to win the title. Good luck.
Johnny Karp
25 января, 2011 at 14:29
Thanks Lye. I agree that we are in a good position but the title is still far away at the moment, lots of work still to be done.
Ana Garcia
25 января, 2011 at 18:46
Well done Johnny a really good month, you deserve a medal for just getting through it and then writing it! :)
But it was a really good read and good to see you topping the table, looks very close at the top though with most sides seperated by a few points am hoping you can stay there come the end of the season!
Good luck!!
Johnny Karp
26 января, 2011 at 06:55
Thanks Ana, now we should figure out who should give me that medal :) Just kidding, thanks a lot for the comment and for the good luck wish.
Vinners
26 января, 2011 at 15:21
Hey, sorry I haven’t posted for awhile. My pc’s was broken for ages. I kept up with your story and everyone else’s though! You’ve been doing very well, I was just wondering coz your stadium is still 2,500 like mine, are you hemorrhaging money? Coz I am and the board just won’t upgrade the stadium!
Johnny Karp
26 января, 2011 at 15:52
Hi mate, thanks for following the stories and sorry to hear about your computer problems. About your question, we are losing money but not too much so we are able to compensate those losses with the income from the cup games.
Vinners
26 января, 2011 at 16:07
It’s alright. I’m only slightly behind you on my game. 10 games into League 1 so I’ll catch up soon. Ah ok, well I went out the league cup straight away but I’m still in the johnstone’s so I’ll concentrate on that as it is possible to win and provides income. Next Season they better upgrade my stadium! Cheers Johnny
Johnny Karp
26 января, 2011 at 17:04
I have asked them to upgrade the stadium a few times but money is scarce so I guess both of us will have to wait for a while before having a bigger stadium.
Vinners
26 января, 2011 at 18:21
Yer they did that to me so I decided to see if they’d build a new stadium rather than upgrade and they agreed. I didn’t really want too but I’m just gonna go with it now hopefully it’ll be good. It’s gonna be done just before the next season so hopefully if I get promoted I can have a brand new stadium for the Championship!
Johnny Karp
27 января, 2011 at 06:45
That’s great, I didn’t try to ask them for a new stadium. I might do that now :)