WOW!!! I’m really impressed!!! No, not with Darlo’s 2-0 win . . . but our top five managers have correctly predicted 3 out of 5 scores already this season. And Steve Calvert also got the correct results in the other two. Of course, you all had plenty of money on these predictions . . . didn’t you? Well, I am actually impressed with Darlo’s win as well if I’m honest and looking forward to the away game at Barrow.
So Steve Calvert’s third XI is sitting proudly at the top of the Come On Darlo Prediction League on a MASSIVE 30 points, Neil Raper is keeping company with Steve’s first XI on 27 points. Jilted John and Vicky Richardson have 24 . . . great scoring records so far!!! Mind, the chasing pack close by on 19 points would almost have won last season’s competition by now due to the low-scoring taking place then. Could this season’s winner break the 200-point barrier?
All managers (almost) were of one mind – that the scoreline would be in Darlo’s favour, which is why we have so many correct scores: Beth Taylor, Carol MacKenzie, Chris MacKenzie 1, Chris Vallis, Christian Fox, Christine Darvill, Dan Taylor, Dave Wilson, David Alderson, David Ewin, David Taylor, Deadly Doug, Eric Gill, Garry Mann, Gavin Shillingford, James Longstreet, Jamie Molnar, Jean and Dan, Jilted John, John Shuttleworth, Laura Drew 3, Lewis Raper, Mark Kirk, Mark Stephenson, Martin Cass, Martyn Walton, Michael Drew, Mike Cass, Mike Cleasby, Mike Wells, Neil Raper, Patrick Hernandez, Paul Johnson 2, Paul Robinson, Paul White, Peter Ashmore 2, Richard Widmark, Russell Jones 1, Sam Taylor, Stephen Atkinson, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Calvert 3, Steve Mann, Susan Weston, Tim Hewitson, Vicky Richardson.
Only around 20 managers didn’t have Darlo winning . . . tsk tsk!!!
And the gaggle of Pointless Wonders is now down to eight . . . and we’re still in August!!!
Point of Order – A request for a team name change has been received, which is highly irregular after the season has started. An extraordinary meeting of the committee took place to consider said request and after an all-night session . . . I mean discussion . . . it was decided by a majority of one vote to nil to accept the request. Therefore, I duly announce Russ Jones’ second team as “Slappy’s Dregs”
Come On Darlo :)
For more information and to view all the latest standings in the Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League, click on the following link:
DarloTrust Prediction League
Pete
Monday 30 August 2010
Sunday 29 August 2010
Cooper and Liddle praise the Trust
Darlington Manager, Mark Cooper, has praised the Darlington Supporters Trust for its continued sponsorship of the Club. The Trust has sponsored the dug outs and the Manager's kit for the season.
In addition, Craig Liddle was quick to comment on the additional help he and the Youth Development set up have got from the Trust. Speaking on the Club website, Craig said "It's common knowledge that the Trust has long been big supporters of the Youth set up and as usual their help this year is yet again a huge help".
The Trust has sponsored the Clubs youth team and is delighted with the start to their season. Trust Chair, Tony Taylor, said "we all know that the future of the Club rests with a strong youth team and it is really satisfying to see young players develop into full time professionals in the first team".
"We are confident that our support of youth development, through our lottery scheme, prediction league and other fund raising activities, will make a real difference to the future of the Club we all support".
Thursday 26 August 2010
Don't Panic....Latest Trust Prediction League Placings
Oh-Kaaaaaayyyyy!!! Just starting to panic a teensy weensy bit on the goal-scoring front . . . as the proverbial barn door is looking more like the grand entrance to a rabbit hutch (in the far distance). Darlo’s first defeat of the season (sounds impressive, doesn’t it!) hides the fact that they’ve only scored three goals . . . one from Mr O.G. And don’t we ALWAYS beat Grimsby? . . . the world is upside down!!!
Steve Calvert is taking the league by storm with two teams in the top three – first and third!!! His maximum score took him three points clear of weekend leader Neil Raper on 19, who is joined there by . . . Steve Calvert. Jilted John, Lemsip Opek and Vicky Richardson have 16 points in joint fourth place. Steve’s top spot has been achieved with two correct scores and two correct results - “good arrows” (not suggesting you used a pin to select them mind, Steve).
Not many other max points scorers (and not many overall who predicted the away win): Alistair Cripps, Andrew Ashmore, Gary Robertson, Hannah Taylor, Jamie Molnar, Jilted John, Michael Drew and Terry Simpson.
There’s still a whole heap of managers (correct terminology for failing managers who are destined for the scrap heap) who haven’t troubled the scorers up to this point . . . perhaps we should have a sweepstake on how many games it takes before all have achieved more than the dreaded NIL.
For more information and to view all the latest standings in the Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League, click on the following link:
DarloTrust Prediction League
Pete
Steve Calvert is taking the league by storm with two teams in the top three – first and third!!! His maximum score took him three points clear of weekend leader Neil Raper on 19, who is joined there by . . . Steve Calvert. Jilted John, Lemsip Opek and Vicky Richardson have 16 points in joint fourth place. Steve’s top spot has been achieved with two correct scores and two correct results - “good arrows” (not suggesting you used a pin to select them mind, Steve).
Not many other max points scorers (and not many overall who predicted the away win): Alistair Cripps, Andrew Ashmore, Gary Robertson, Hannah Taylor, Jamie Molnar, Jilted John, Michael Drew and Terry Simpson.
There’s still a whole heap of managers (correct terminology for failing managers who are destined for the scrap heap) who haven’t troubled the scorers up to this point . . . perhaps we should have a sweepstake on how many games it takes before all have achieved more than the dreaded NIL.
For more information and to view all the latest standings in the Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League, click on the following link:
DarloTrust Prediction League
Pete
Sunday 22 August 2010
Can’t figure it out yet? Darlo Trust Prediction League Latest after Kettering
Can’t figure it out yet . . . is it going to be a high-scoring set of games this season or very tight?
Well, so far, Darlo have achieved the classic one point away and three at home but the lack of firepower from the front players is slightly worrying as some of the other front-runners seem to be scoring at will.
No such lack of firepower from Neil Raper who leads the Come On Darlo Prediction League with 19 points – which includes two correct scores and one correct result. Vicky Richardson and Lemsip Opek are just behind on 16 points, both having achieved two correct scores.
Quite a few other managers found their scoring touch with the 0-0 result: Alex Wilson, Jayne Hathaway, John Berry 1, John Mosby, Mark Hathaway, Martin Raison, Martyn Cripps 2, Nick Groves, Russell Jones 2, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Calvert 3, Steven Metcalfe
There’s a clutch of managers on 14 points (who’ve correctly predicted one score and two results): Alex Wilson, Brian Main, James Houghton, Malcolm Cundick (right end of the table this season, Malcolm!), Richard Collin and Steve Calvert.
There’s an even bigger clutch of managers on the extremely well known NUL POINTS – plenty of time, though!
Take a look at the latest Prediction League table by clicking here.
Remember, all profits from this Prediction League are given to Darlington FC Youth Development and Craig Liddle is really pleased to be working with us for the future of Darlington FC.
Pete
Well, so far, Darlo have achieved the classic one point away and three at home but the lack of firepower from the front players is slightly worrying as some of the other front-runners seem to be scoring at will.
No such lack of firepower from Neil Raper who leads the Come On Darlo Prediction League with 19 points – which includes two correct scores and one correct result. Vicky Richardson and Lemsip Opek are just behind on 16 points, both having achieved two correct scores.
Quite a few other managers found their scoring touch with the 0-0 result: Alex Wilson, Jayne Hathaway, John Berry 1, John Mosby, Mark Hathaway, Martin Raison, Martyn Cripps 2, Nick Groves, Russell Jones 2, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Calvert 3, Steven Metcalfe
There’s a clutch of managers on 14 points (who’ve correctly predicted one score and two results): Alex Wilson, Brian Main, James Houghton, Malcolm Cundick (right end of the table this season, Malcolm!), Richard Collin and Steve Calvert.
There’s an even bigger clutch of managers on the extremely well known NUL POINTS – plenty of time, though!
Take a look at the latest Prediction League table by clicking here.
Remember, all profits from this Prediction League are given to Darlington FC Youth Development and Craig Liddle is really pleased to be working with us for the future of Darlington FC.
Pete
Wednesday 18 August 2010
Stirring Comeback lights up Prediction League
I just wonder how many “Get Out Of Jail Free” cards we’ve been issued by the Blue Square Premier – to be using one so early in the season!!!
With 12 minutes to go, Darlo 2-0 down and seemingly dead and buried, they produced a stirring comeback which had the fans wondering why they hadn’t applied that same pressure for the previous 78. Still, it’s two games unbeaten and we’re in the mix in the league table in sixth place.
And from these first two games we’ve got 19 managers who’ve achieved a correct score and correct result giving them all 11 points in the table. But it’s Malcolm Cundick, Sue Oldham and James Cagney (old friend) who pulled the rabbit out of the hat with last night’s 2-2 draw. Both Sue and Malcolm are in joint top spot with a few “old-timers” and some new names.
Jeff and Jenny Maughan are already flagged up to the scrutineer’s committee, both having 11 points :) - Jenny nearly having as many points now as she did all of last season. Couple of our younger (and regular) managers Luke Hewitson and Lewis Raper are also in joint top spot. Pete Knight’s first appearance sees him off to a good start, whilst Steve Mann can’t believe he’s up there challenging. Brian Main leads the charge (geddit?) for the HMRC Men.
Some great team names this time around . . . I particularly like “Hartlepool Nil”, especially if it comes true!!! Others have surely got a meaning only to the manager themselves, whilst a select few names really could do with seeing a psychiatrist!!! :) . . . “Penguins Stole My Socks is one I’m particularly fond of.
League tables will be coming thick and fast as The Quakers play a couple of games a week in the early part of the season.
Click here to view the latest standings in the Prediction League - helping to raise cash for Darlington Football Club's Youth Development programme
With 12 minutes to go, Darlo 2-0 down and seemingly dead and buried, they produced a stirring comeback which had the fans wondering why they hadn’t applied that same pressure for the previous 78. Still, it’s two games unbeaten and we’re in the mix in the league table in sixth place.
And from these first two games we’ve got 19 managers who’ve achieved a correct score and correct result giving them all 11 points in the table. But it’s Malcolm Cundick, Sue Oldham and James Cagney (old friend) who pulled the rabbit out of the hat with last night’s 2-2 draw. Both Sue and Malcolm are in joint top spot with a few “old-timers” and some new names.
Jeff and Jenny Maughan are already flagged up to the scrutineer’s committee, both having 11 points :) - Jenny nearly having as many points now as she did all of last season. Couple of our younger (and regular) managers Luke Hewitson and Lewis Raper are also in joint top spot. Pete Knight’s first appearance sees him off to a good start, whilst Steve Mann can’t believe he’s up there challenging. Brian Main leads the charge (geddit?) for the HMRC Men.
Some great team names this time around . . . I particularly like “Hartlepool Nil”, especially if it comes true!!! Others have surely got a meaning only to the manager themselves, whilst a select few names really could do with seeing a psychiatrist!!! :) . . . “Penguins Stole My Socks is one I’m particularly fond of.
League tables will be coming thick and fast as The Quakers play a couple of games a week in the early part of the season.
Click here to view the latest standings in the Prediction League - helping to raise cash for Darlington Football Club's Youth Development programme
Sunday 15 August 2010
Well - You've Gone and Done it This Time!!!!!
Not only have you created another record number of entries to the prediction league, but you’ve also crashed through the 200-barrier!!!
We have a grand total of 204 managers in this year’s competition which is fantastic considering that none of you know anything about league football, so you’re bound to know even less about the Blue Square Premier :) :) :) Many thanks to all those who have taken the time and trouble to enter – the use of PayPal seems to have been a great help, too.
This means over £220 towards DFC’s youth development to assist Craig Liddle and Neil Maddison with their work in the youth teams. And for anyone who hasn’t seen this story about James Morrison, midfielder from West Bromwich Albion, who was raised in Darlington (but didn’t play for them) here is the link - http://www.darlofc.co.uk/news.php?NewsID=322
James contacted our own Neil Maddison offering his help and ended up sponsoring two of the youth teams – which is a great gesture. And some of our managers in the Come On Darlo Prediction League have got in on the act, too . . . some donating more than just the entry fee for their teams and others pledging any winnings to the youth development . . . a great effort by everyone!!! If anyone wants to contribute further towards helping the youth players at DFC, then I’m happy to co-ordinate this – cheques should be made payable to “Darlington Supporters Trust” and sent to 128 Lowther Drive, Darlington, Co. Durham.
And what of the competition ahead? Well, we’ve already got the first game under our belts with a hard-fought 1-0 home win – Hatch scoring in only the fifth minute. Next game is away at Altrincham on Tuesday after which the first league table will be produced and emailed to everyone and will also appear on the trust website at www.darlotrust.co.uk.
If you have any queries about your scores or anything else then email me here as soon as possible – you all kept your own copies, right :)
If you have other email addresses you want to use to receive the match-by-match results, then let me know.
How many of you are playing in your own mini-leagues, too? Make sure all your friends are listed in the leagues – and let me know who you are and I’m sure I can give you all a mention throughout the season. The Hayssen Sandiacre “mini” league just keeps getting bigger and they are bound to be a challenge to the overall placings. We’ve broken the 200 managers barrier – can someone break the 200 points barrier this season?
Thanks to all those who returned their entries in Microsoft Excel format . . . you’ve saved me so much inputting work; and for the others I’ve got the first five scores entered . . . lots of work still to do!!!
Good Luck and let’s hope for a swift return to the Football League so, as they say, Come on Darlo!!!
Pete
We have a grand total of 204 managers in this year’s competition which is fantastic considering that none of you know anything about league football, so you’re bound to know even less about the Blue Square Premier :) :) :) Many thanks to all those who have taken the time and trouble to enter – the use of PayPal seems to have been a great help, too.
This means over £220 towards DFC’s youth development to assist Craig Liddle and Neil Maddison with their work in the youth teams. And for anyone who hasn’t seen this story about James Morrison, midfielder from West Bromwich Albion, who was raised in Darlington (but didn’t play for them) here is the link - http://www.darlofc.co.uk/news.php?NewsID=322
James contacted our own Neil Maddison offering his help and ended up sponsoring two of the youth teams – which is a great gesture. And some of our managers in the Come On Darlo Prediction League have got in on the act, too . . . some donating more than just the entry fee for their teams and others pledging any winnings to the youth development . . . a great effort by everyone!!! If anyone wants to contribute further towards helping the youth players at DFC, then I’m happy to co-ordinate this – cheques should be made payable to “Darlington Supporters Trust” and sent to 128 Lowther Drive, Darlington, Co. Durham.
And what of the competition ahead? Well, we’ve already got the first game under our belts with a hard-fought 1-0 home win – Hatch scoring in only the fifth minute. Next game is away at Altrincham on Tuesday after which the first league table will be produced and emailed to everyone and will also appear on the trust website at www.darlotrust.co.uk.
If you have any queries about your scores or anything else then email me here as soon as possible – you all kept your own copies, right :)
If you have other email addresses you want to use to receive the match-by-match results, then let me know.
How many of you are playing in your own mini-leagues, too? Make sure all your friends are listed in the leagues – and let me know who you are and I’m sure I can give you all a mention throughout the season. The Hayssen Sandiacre “mini” league just keeps getting bigger and they are bound to be a challenge to the overall placings. We’ve broken the 200 managers barrier – can someone break the 200 points barrier this season?
Thanks to all those who returned their entries in Microsoft Excel format . . . you’ve saved me so much inputting work; and for the others I’ve got the first five scores entered . . . lots of work still to do!!!
Good Luck and let’s hope for a swift return to the Football League so, as they say, Come on Darlo!!!
Pete
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