Sport Search continues for defenders
Goole AFC's preparations for Saturday week, August 16, continued with a defeat and a win in their last two warm-up games.
However, despite the now well-documented problems with HM Revenue and Customs, now resolved thankfully, there is a belief that on the field several optimistic signs are emerging.
One problem does still remain, and that is in central defence with Liam Chapman departed, Chris Jenkinson, although playing at the moment, soon to be on his way around the world, and James O'Neill out for the considerable future with a damaged ankle.
Therefore attention is urgently directed towards filling that area, which ironically will be for the opening league game at Kidsgrove on Saturday week, where O'Neill suffered his long-term injury back in March.
There is movement on that score, but nothing can be resolved until the return of the club involved's manager, but he is well known to manager Nigel Danby.
Goole went down to a narrow defeat 3-2 last Saturday against Premier Division Frickley Athletic, and chairman Des O'Hearne who took charge of the team in the absence of Danby and Mike Norbury, was generally pleased with the performance.
"I wanted to change things a little, and Chris Tate and Andy Parton played together up front which caused them plenty of problems.
"We let one or two soft goals in at the back - both goalkeepers were to blame for one apiece."
Craig Parry was still resting an arm damaged by a cricket ball recently, but he will be fit for the first game.
On Tuesday night, the Vikings accounted for Northern Counties East side Armthorpe 2-1 at Church Street with Andy Parton and Duncan Bray on target, and although from a lower league, not a bad result considering the Counties do start their season proper this weekend.
The Vikings have one or two injury concerns with Karl Rose out for another week or so, and Tate missed Tuesday's game as well.
The club gave a trial to a centre half on Saturday, and he scored as well as impressing, but there is nothing concrete as regards a signing.
The Under 19 side are also busy at the moment and they have been preparing for their season in the Northern Alliance with a series of games against open-age teams, where they have not disgraced themselves at all.
Under the guidance of Ammy Ninje and Danny Buttle they intend to be up and ready for their opening Eastern Division fixture in September.
New fund-raising committee
The club has formed a new fund-raising committee to look at improving matters off the field at the Pleasure Grounds.
It is no easy task in a town already overloaded with schemes, lotteries and ventures, but the Vikings have to move forward and this will be in the hands of Craig Parry's father, who has experience in the field.
Travelling with the Vikings
Goole AFC will be travelling to their long-distance games outside the immediate area in mini buses this coming season.
Chairman Des O'Hearne wants to look after the regular supporters as much as the players, but in times of high fuel costs and escalating coach hire, it is difficult to warrant a half empty coach to many games.
They will start on Saturday week to Kidsgrove and continue with the following away game at Shepshed.
Next Thursday in the Goole Times, a full preview of the new UniBond League season, and a look where the Vikings could go.
Published on 7th August 2008 in Sport.
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