See out the old, bring in the new

Published on 28th December 2007 in Sport

Goole AFC will bring down the curtain on yet another year and look to appease their supporters following a most disappointing Boxing Day defeat.

The final outing of 2007 is against Stocksbridge Park Steels at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds on Saturday, kick off 3pm. This is before a first New Year's Day game in many seasons, travelling to Belper Town, also kick off 3pm.

How one accounts for Tuesday's defeat against the bottom club is anyone's guess, but a team does not become a bad one overnight, although having said that, there have been signs in recent weeks of the optimism of October and November turning sour.

Manager Nigel Danby, who reflected long and hard on Boxing Day night told the Goole Times: "We have taken four points out of 12 in a month, so far, We looked at it after November and said here is a chance for us - and suddenly, this. However, we will have to shake ourselves up for Saturday, because, like next Tuesday at Belper, it is a 'must win' game."

Danby would not be drawn on one or two comments from the terraces aimed at players, notably the recent signing Ashley Longstaff, who scored on his home debut. Danby said: "Not one player could really hold their heads up on Tuesday. Some did slightly better than others, made less mistakes, but no one could be totally happy.

"However, never judge anyone over 90 minutes, and in Ashley's case,he is now at a higher standard. A 20-year-old will take some time to adjust."

Prior to Tuesday, the Vikings' only league defeat in 13 games had come at Stocksbridge at the beginning of December. They will want to exact revenge and, as said before, make up for the Brigg game. The Steels lost their 'derby' at Sheffield by the odd goal in seven on Tuesday lunchtime.

The visit to Belper on Tuesday promises another tricky assignment, with the 'Nailers' in good form themselves up to last Saturday's defeat against Cammell Laird. They collected a point at Quorn on Boxing Day

However, Goole did the double last term with Andy Parton's hat-trick on debut at the VPG, and a 3-1 win away with Parton again, and Duncan Bray amongst the scorers.

For the two games in three days, Duncan Bray misses on holiday and Danny Buttle will be a doubt with a leg injury, but Liam Chapman is expected to return from work and injury, and Ian McLean, back from holiday, will lend balance to the side.