A MONTH WITHOUT DEFEAT
A Review By John Taylor
First up for the New Year was the local derby with Barnsley, inevitably a tough fixture with both teams in a good run of form. The Tykes handed a debut to new man Tommy Wright and we remained Chiefless, so relied on Larkin and Smith in attack. Kevan Hurst was back at Bramall Lane at the end of his loan spell.
The game was largely one of frustration as we played a lot of decent, patient football but we were unable to find the telling pass to unlock the Barnsley rearguard. Huge credit must go to the Reds, however, as they worked their socks off and defended very effectively as a unit. In the end we were grateful for the point from the goalless draw as Wright had 2 glorious opportunities to win it in the second half but was thwarted first by Roche and then by inaccuracy. This draw represented a league-equalling record of eight on the trot and left us with the distinct possibility of beating it with the visit of Bradford City on the Saturday.
The Bantams included in their line-up TV and radio pundit Steve Claridge, now playing for his umpteenth club and still running around like a spring chicken. It is amazing to think that he played against us all those years ago for Cambridge at Wembley. Fellow veteran, Dean Windass twice netted in the first half, but both were clearly offside. Blathers made a fine clearance to deny Petta, but we were also lively up front where Wetherall had to be at his best to thwart Allison, so ended the half with a shredded shirt, though the ref saw no infringement in the box.
Adam Smith celebrates after scoring the Spireites first and sadly last home match winning goal of 2006
The second half saw the awesome Blatherwick replaced by O'Hare who dropped into the physical encounter with some comfort and clearly relished the challenge. Both sides followed up with tactical substitutions to break the deadlock. Allison, in a blank shirt, nearly headed us in front but for a marvellous save from Ricketts and the game looked certain to end in a draw. Then with 90 seconds left, Adam Smith chased down Clingan's overhit pass, surged between the slightly hesitant Emanuel and Ricketts and toed the ball in off a post. His celebrations in front of the visiting fans earned him a booking, but he was joking with the ref as it was administered, so he didn't care. A Huddersfield lad scoring against his local rivals must be a great feeling. All that was left was for Hazell to clear splendidly off the line from a deflection off O'Hare and we'd actually broken the drawing habit-what joy!
The short trip to Donny was next to face Dave Penney's outfit struggling somewhat after their exciting Carling Cup exploits had been ended rather fortunately by Arsenal. Town had the usual central defensive pairing injured, so Downes and O' Hare deputised. The Chief was our only attacker, whilst Spurs loan man, Jamie O'Hara was included for his debut. The first half largely saw the home side on top, well marshalled by our defensive unit, which didn't look like it was it's first outing. O'Hara and Picken were the pick of our team, whilst Adam Smith struggled on the left, particularly since the home fans gave him much stick over a perceived dive, which to me looked like a stumble as he didn't appear to be appealing for a free-kick.
Rovers, somewhat surprisingly took the lead seconds before the break as Heffernan swept in after a slick move down the left.
Chief bagging goal number 200 at Donny
Larkin replaced Smith for the second half and the change in formation helped the team's balance, though O'Hara was less effective on the left. Just after the hour, we equalised with a trademark Chief header from Larkin's right wing cross to record his 200th senior goal. Downes almost added to this from a corner, but his header was cleared off the line. Roche twice denied Heffernan with splendid saves and the ref turned down 2 appeals for home penalties that other referees may well have given. The draw was, in the end, the right result and at least it kept Radio Sheffield and the Green 'Un happy. After the game, Sammy Clingan came over to the away following to express his appreciation of the support we've given him. It was a nice touch in these days of miserable cynicism in the game and was well received by the blue faithful. Sammy's expected signing by Forest duly took place a few days later.
Paul Merson's Walsall were next in Town and we had Kevan Hurst back on the bench as we managed to strike a deal with the Blades for the resumption of his Town career. O'Hara was denied early on by a great goalline clearance, whilst the Saddlers' pacy forwards caused us much trouble. They took the lead just after the half hour, when Nicholson and O'Hare were skinned down the right and Timm netted at the near post. It took only 3 minutes for a reply as Allison headed in O'Hara's great free-kick for a deserved equaliser.
Downes replaced the injured Nicholson at half time and Walsall soon capitalised with a neat move through the heart of our defence with Smith scoring with aplomb. Just before the hour, Mr Mac brought on Hurst for Larkin and this gave us some much needed impetus. Hurst equalised on 80 to much delight all round, but we could not fashion a winner, despite much pressure.
Bournemouth was our final game of the month and this saw more team changes with O'Hare being axed for Downes, Davies replacing Nicholson and Hurst in for Larkin. Picken played on the left of defence, where he looked less assured than he has on the right. The first period saw the Cherries with more possession than us on a very cold afternoon, but their good approach play was squandered by reassuringly woeful finishing. We looked threatening in our rare attacks and Hurst was unfortunate when his fierce shot struck the bar. Midway through the half we scored when good work by Davies down the right saw the ball break for Hall to cross for the Chief to head home with ease.
Despite considerable pressure from Bournemouth, their equaliser on 65 minutes was a real surprise-they just did not look capable of scoring, but they were awarded a penalty for a supposed foul by Davies on Hayter. The lack of appeals from players and fans alike told the real tale. It didn't matter though as a brilliant move down the left involving Allison and Hurst saw O'Hara side-foot home a peach of a goal from the edge of the box just 8 minutes later. The goal shook the home side, but they were unable to find a reply as our dogged defence kept them out and we'd won only our second ever game at the venue. Subsequent enquiries reveal that only 5 Town fans were known to be at both games, the first being in August 73 when the late Frank Large gave us the 1-0 victory.
Callum Hart wrapped up against the elements tries to chase down Derek Niven
Before we finish with Bournemouth, mention must be made of Welshman Callum Hart, who incidentally, made his debut for the Cherries at Saltergate. Not only did he have red flecks in his hair and wore gloves, but also sported hideous black tights. The whole look caused considerable amusement amongst the Town fans who gave him a lot of stick throughout the game. I know it was cold, but what a big Jessie-what would Frank Large have thought?
This ended the month's action in fine style to set up the home game with Gillingham as February's starter. Off the field, we secured the services of Town-born striker Colin Heath from Manchester United, whilst some elements of the media linked Roy McFarland with the vacant manager's post at Derby following Phil Brown's inevitable sacking.
John pick Picks for man of the month
Man of the month for January is again a tough call with some fine displays, though the lack of continuity in the team has meant few players were there all month. Allison's 3 headed goals and some marvellous saves by Roche are worthy of mention, but the award must go to young Phil Picken, despite his undershirt, for his steadily improving performances. He is a fine addition to the team and his development since August is great to witness.
