withnail316 Posted August 10, 2012 Author Share Posted August 10, 2012 The Loosemore League Cup Final Saturday 3rd May 2014 Haverfordwest County AFC Vs Llanelli AFC The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff A fourth straight league cup final, and a meeting with a side who are traditionally our biggest rivals. With the title safely in the bag, we can go out and enjoy this one, which would be our first of two cup finals in a week, and with a largely fully fit squad. Both Billy Paynter and Alex Brister are fit for the game, a pairing who've scored 51 goals between them. I'm planning to take the game to Llanelli, although I'll stick with the 4-3-1-2 system. First half. Not much to write about in the first half, no real opportunities either end, although that changed in stoppage time. An inswinging James Ashmore corner was handled inside the area, and Billy Paynter stepped up to blast home from the spot. HT Haverfordwest 1-0 Llanelli Second half we were out the blocks quickly, and within 8 mins from the restart we'd got a second goal. Another Ashmore corner swung in, and Alex Brister stabbed home his 29th of the season. And that was that... FT Uploaded with ImageShack.us This image is especially for JackJCFC (if you've not read his Carmarthen save, please do!) Uploaded with ImageShack.us Bit different to your save! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 10, 2012 Author Share Posted August 10, 2012 Uploaded with ImageShack.us The Welsh Cup Final Saturday 10th May 2014 Haverfordwest County AFC Vs Aberystwyth Town Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli In between last week's league cup final and this one, our season finished with a 3-2 defeat against Llanelli. I'm hoping that defeat kicks a few up the backside and we see a good reaction as we chase another treble. Once again, we're pretty much at full strength, and the plan is to go for the jugular against another big rival. First half Another quiet first half, although Alex Brister and Billy Paynter combined, allowing Paynter to smash home the opener. HT Haverfordwest 1-0 Aberystwyth Second half The second half was very lively, and instantly after the break we had a goal ruled out for offside. Minutes later substitute Rory Loy went clean through and slotted home minutes later, only for the flag to go up very dubiously. However, we did manage a second 14 minutes from time, Danny Murphy's peach of a cross powered home by Paynter for his second. Another trophy in the bag. FT Uploaded with ImageShack.us Uploaded with ImageShack.us Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRL88 Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 Two very nice cup wins there . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 10, 2012 Author Share Posted August 10, 2012 Uploaded with ImageShack.us Haverfordwest County AFC: Season Summary 2013/14 League Media prediction: 2nd Finished: 1st (champions) Cups Welsh Cup: Winners Loosemore League Cup: Winners European competition Champions League: qualified for group stages. Finished 4th in the group Top scorers Alex Brister: 41 appearances/ 40 starts - 29 goals/ 15 in the league Billy Paynter: 33 appearances/ 32 starts - 26 goals/ 17 in the league Mateusz Szczepaniak: 51 appearances/ 43 starts - 11 goals/ 8 in the league Positives Another treble in the bag is always good, and qualifying for the Champions League group stage again was very nice thank you very much! Concerns Very few, although I think I need to do a bit of work defensively for the next European campaign. I simply can't afford to concede so many goals if I'm to get any further in the Champions League. My board also keep refusing my requests for training and youth facilities, and I'm still without a youth academy. A little frustrating, but I'll twist their arm eventually! Ambitions Obviously the league again, but after that I'd like to ensure we're involved in Europe again. The cups are always nice, but not necessarily a priority. League Table Uploaded with ImageShack.us Surprise of the season Not losing home or away against Fiorentina in the Champions League was certainly a surprise! Player of the season Billy Paynter Average attendance 450 in the league (an increase of 109) 593 in all competitions (increase of 99) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 10, 2012 Author Share Posted August 10, 2012 Two very nice cup wins there . Yes fella, a couple more for the collection! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cerud Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 Great Treble! Hopefully the Champions League is nicer to you next season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 10, 2012 Author Share Posted August 10, 2012 Great Treble! Hopefully the Champions League is nicer to you next season. Well, I'm trying to splash some of that Champions League cash in preparation for next year, so hopefully I can do a little better. I hope to have another update in the next hour or so... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 10, 2012 Author Share Posted August 10, 2012 Uploaded with ImageShack.us Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 11, 2012 Author Share Posted August 11, 2012 Uploaded with ImageShack.us Haverfordwest County AFC: season preview 2014/15 Media expectation: 1st Board expectation: Win the title I've had a busy few weeks in the transfer market, and unlike in previous seasons, I've actually spent some money! Well, A LOT of money for a Welsh club, shattering my transfer record by ten fold and then doubling it within a week. We're currently spending £18,000 a week on wages, which is a hell of a lot, but if we're involved in European competition I've nothing to worry about. The club have now started work on a youth academy and are developing the training grounds, as well as giving £2.2m to shareholders, so I think they're pretty confident on the financial side. However, I'm very wary of my board so I won't spend any more. The chairman would allow me to spend £50,000 a week on wages, so I reckon there's a screw loose somewhere! Before I get on to new arrivals, I'll concentrate on the players leaving the club. Two of my midfielders hung up their boots this summer, with Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and Kuami Agboh deciding to concentrate on their coaching careers. Both players had slipped down the pecking order in the last year, so it's not too big a loss, but obviously it means I need to fill the hole a little. A couple of youngsters also left the club after failing to break in to my thoughts for the squad, while Joseph Shaughnessy, Andrew Hageman and Phil Imray all left the club for £10,000 each. Arriving in was 19 year old goalkeeper Lino Taylor, who was signed for £575,000 from Arsenal. Although I was quite happy with last year's keeper Jonathan Bond, Taylor is far superior already and with bags of potential. He looks absolute quality. Not settling for spending that, I also wanted to strengthen up front, and youngster Eric Owusu arrived from Chelsea for a massive £1.3m. Although he was highly expensive, I see him challenging Paynter this year rather than starting each week, but he's a terrific addition. Also arriving on loan is 17 year old midfielder Dan Lewis who I'd agreed a fee of £1m but had to settle for a loan for now. Still, he should be top drawer in Wales. I'm still on the look out for a central defender and a couple of youngsters (the Welsh league's rules state there must be 2 U19s in every match day squad) but over all I'm pretty happy. My back room team keep telling me to strengthen in midfield, but I think we should have enough. Here's a couple of images, anyway: Uploaded with ImageShack.us Uploaded with ImageShack.us Uploaded with ImageShack.us Now on to a few friendlies, and those Champions League qualifiers... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 11, 2012 Author Share Posted August 11, 2012 Uploaded with ImageShack.us Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRL88 Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Some very nice youngsters there . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 11, 2012 Author Share Posted August 11, 2012 Yeah, they do look quality don't they? The U19 rule means I have to keep changing my squad slightly every year, but signings like that can only make me stronger. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 11, 2012 Author Share Posted August 11, 2012 Champions League Second Qualifying Round First Leg Haverfordwest 6-1 Ekranas Uploaded with ImageShack.us Ekranas 0-3 Haverfordwest Uploaded with ImageShack.us Uploaded with ImageShack.us Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 12, 2012 Author Share Posted August 12, 2012 Champions League Third Qualifying Round First Leg Haverfordwest 3-0 Buducnost Uploaded with ImageShack.us Buducnost 3-1 Haverfordwest Uploaded with ImageShack.us Uploaded with ImageShack.us Not too optimistic of making the Champions League after this draw. Still, if I can beat them it'll be one of my sweetest ever FM wins.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cerud Posted August 12, 2012 Share Posted August 12, 2012 Definitely a more difficult draw, but you've faced adversity before. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 12, 2012 Author Share Posted August 12, 2012 Champions League Qualifying Play Off Haverfordwest 2-1 Rangers Uploaded with ImageShack.us Rangers 2-0 Haverfordwest Uploaded with ImageShack.us Gutted. No Champions League football this year, but no disgrace getting knocked out at this stage, and at least there's the Europa League... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 12, 2012 Author Share Posted August 12, 2012 Uploaded with ImageShack.us This group could have been much worse, especially with both Man United and Real Madrid in the competition. I'm hopeful I can pick up a win, maybe even two. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 12, 2012 Author Share Posted August 12, 2012 Europa League Group G As is ALWAYS the way before my European campaign gets underway, I lost a key player in the match before which will rule him out for probably the entire group stage. Chris Hegarty, one of my best centre halves has a hip injury, so I'm not quite as optimistic anymore! Anyway, let's see what happens... (I'm going to write these fixtures out and just edit them after each game, which means I get a slightly earlier update in..) Celtic 1-1 Haverfordwest Wowzers, I did not see that coming, and even less so when Celtic took the lead after 2 minutes. However, we responded well and Alex Brister continued his path to legendary status with the equaliser, drilling home after a mazy run. Fantastic point. Haverfordwest 0-1 Sampdoria Absolutely gutted, this game was as tight as it gets and ultimately decided by David Cowan's late red card. He was sent off for a second bookable offence, and from that floated free-kick Sampdoria centre half Daniele Gastaldello powered home an unstoppable header. Brilliant display though. Haverfordwest 2-2 Genk A belter of a match, but ultimately I'm a little disappointed to just get a point. Genk led twice, we again conceded early on only to respond instantly with Michael Smith's powerful header, and then conceded just after half time. Luckily, substitute Rory Loy was in the right place at the right time to get us a point, although I had hoped for all three. Still, after 3 games, three teams have 2 points, so in with a shout of the impossible: qualification! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltablue Posted August 12, 2012 Share Posted August 12, 2012 Good result Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 12, 2012 Author Share Posted August 12, 2012 Good result Agreed fella, cheers. I just hope I can repeat it at home and maybe cause a surprise in this group. I'd like to get as close to third as possible. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cerud Posted August 12, 2012 Share Posted August 12, 2012 Great result! Surprized that both Real Madrid and Man Utd are in the Europa as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 12, 2012 Author Share Posted August 12, 2012 Great result! Surprized that both Real Madrid and Man Utd are in the Europa as well. Yeah, I was certain I'd get one of them. Man United have been pretty poor in my save, since Fergie left 4th is about as good as it gets for them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 13, 2012 Author Share Posted August 13, 2012 Europa League Group G Genk 1-2 Haverfordwest Another game, another early goal conceded. However, Genk were down to 10 as early as the 17th minute, and eventually we wore them down. Mateusz Szczepaniak grabbed the leveller 8 minutes from time, and in the 87th minute, Rory Loy drilled home a winner. Best European match ever! Haverfordwest 2-1 Celtic Despite our old habit of conceding early, we responded brilliantly in this game and thoroughly deserved our victory. Former Rangers striker Rory Loy grabbed our leveller after 55 minutes, rounding the Bhoy’s keeper and sliding home, before Billy Paynter got the winner 10 minutes later. Danny Murphy’s corner wasn’t properly cleared, and Paynter smashed home the loose ball from 6 yards. 2 wins and 2 draws from our 5 games, which meant this happened: Uploaded with ImageShack.us Staggered doesn't come close. Sampdoria 2-0 Haverfordwest Having already qualified, I picked what was pretty much a reserve side. Samp were too strong, but I've nothing to complain about. Uploaded with ImageShack.us Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 13, 2012 Author Share Posted August 13, 2012 Uploaded with ImageShack.us Gutted :( Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltablue Posted August 13, 2012 Share Posted August 13, 2012 That's going to be a blow. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 13, 2012 Author Share Posted August 13, 2012 Yeah, it was a real blow, although luckily I'm not too bad for strikers. Oh yeah, and just had this: Uploaded with ImageShack.us Very tempted, but it's nowhere near the challenge I'd require (indeed, it's pretty much the same as my Everton move in my last Welsh career.) Turning down the £20,000,000 transfer kitty () and staying at little old Haverfordwest. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobby_McDonald Posted August 13, 2012 Share Posted August 13, 2012 Brilliant season Withnail and some loyalty to turn down Newcastle. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 13, 2012 Author Share Posted August 13, 2012 Brilliant season Withnail and some loyalty to turn down Newcastle. Cheers Nobby. I generally don't like the big jobs so it wasn't too hard to turn down. FM to me is more about the fairytale of trying to take a tiny club to greatness, rather than recreating real life. OK, they're not Real Madrid, but you get my point. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 16, 2012 Author Share Posted August 16, 2012 On a negative note though, I've managed to lose my first cup tie since my defeat in the Welsh Cup final of 2010/11. It is fair to say the board weren't impressed... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cerud Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 It would be a great move, but I understand the desire to stay. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 16, 2012 Author Share Posted August 16, 2012 It would be a great move, but I understand the desire to stay. Turned down both Lazio and Fiorentina since that update, and there was interest from Germany as well.... I'll admit I've been tempted. If Dortmund/ Bayern/ Juve/ AC Milan come calling I'm going to have a problem.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 16, 2012 Author Share Posted August 16, 2012 Uploaded with ImageShack.us Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 21, 2012 Author Share Posted August 21, 2012 Europa League Round of 32 Haverfordwest 2-1 Panathinaikos Staggering win, we only had about three shots on target all game. Danny Murphy's free kick 5 minutes in to the second half put us in front, only for the Greeks to instantly equalise. However, Alex Brister's 87th minute diving header gives us a slender lead for the second leg. Panathinaikos 3-1 Haverfordwest So near and yet so far. Dan Lewis gave us the lead after an hour, but ultimately we wilted under pressure. Heading for extra-time, Jay Tabb missed an injury time one-on-one, and then we instantly conceded a free kick 25 yards out. Top corner, we were out. Harsh, but my best ever European performance at Haverfordwest. Something to build on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cerud Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Tough beat to the Greeks, but good job on your best performance so far. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRL88 Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Unlucky on going out in Europe. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltablue Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Good effort. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 21, 2012 Author Share Posted August 21, 2012 Cheers all I'm hoping it gives the club a bit of a boost as far as reputation is concerned, and maybe lifts the league a little too. I'm already seeing my scouts find players in countries they normally wouldn't such as Mexico, so hopefully that's just the start. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 22, 2012 Author Share Posted August 22, 2012 The Loosemore League Cup Final Saturday 2nd May 2015 Haverfordwest County AFC Vs The New Saints FC The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Just the one cup final this year, but a chance to win the trophy for a fifth straight season. TNS have had a decent year, they're third in the league and can finish in second if they win their final game of the season. They're also the only side to have beaten us in the league so far this season, so this could be a bit of a toughie. I've a couple of injuries going in to this, two of my key defenders are out although I'm pretty happy with the cover available. As ever, I'm planning on going all out attack in this cup final. First half A first half where we ran absolute riot! 2 goals from Alex Brister put us on our way, before James Hurst thumped home a volley of the frame of the goal, and then just before the break Billy Paynter made it 4. Happy days. Half time: Haverfordwest 4-0 TNS Second half More of the same second half. A Danny Murphy cross was powered in by Billy Paynter for his second, before Brister secured his hat-trick with a curler from 25 yards. A Nathan Rooney header put the icing on the cake, and we'd won yet another cup in fine style. Final score: Uploaded with ImageShack.us Uploaded with ImageShack.us Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
withnail316 Posted August 22, 2012 Author Share Posted August 22, 2012 Uploaded with ImageShack.us Haverfordwest County AFC: Season Summary 2014/15 League Media prediction: 1st Finished: 1st (champions) Cups Welsh Cup: Knocked out in Third Round (Bangor City) Loosemore League Cup: Winners European competition Champions League: Knocked out in play-off round. Europa League: Finished second in Group stages, knocked out in round of 32 Top scorers Alex Brister: 44 appearances/ 41 starts - 26 goals/ 15 in the league Billy Paynter: 48 appearances/ 45 starts - 19 goals/ 13 in the league Mateusz Szczepaniak: 45 appearances/ 39 starts - 11 goals/ 8 in the league Positives Another League title and a cup means it's been a good year. It was a real shame not to get into the Champions League this year, but making the round of 32 in the Europa League was a fantastic consolation.... Happy days. Concerns No major concerns, still have a bit of work to do defensively, especially in Europe, but I'm generally pretty happy. Ambitions After having progressed in Europe for the first time, I'm desperate to do it again! I'm not convinced I'm ready for the Champions League yet, but if I can finish 3rd in the group and drop into the Europa League I'll be delighted. League Table Uploaded with ImageShack.us Surprise of the season Getting through the EL group stages, definitely. Player of the season TBC Average attendance 458 in the league (an increase of 8) 607 in all competitions (increase of 14) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobby_McDonald Posted August 23, 2012 Share Posted August 23, 2012 Well done again Withnail. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cerud Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Congrats on another good season, Withnail. Hopefully, you're able to get through a group stage in the Champions League next year. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iHeadHunta x Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Good luck in the CL! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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