Tuesday 28 September 2010

6 6 6

Six away games . . . six draws . . . sixth place!!! But on balance, I guess most Darlo fans would have taken a point from the game against York beforehand.

Richard Collin’s first XI has found a rich vein of form, hitting his fifth correct score from twelve games . . . and consistent in the other games . . . to sit at the top of the Come On Darlo Prediction League table with 55 points. Steve Calvert is now back in second on 51 with his third XI scoring a max to move to joint third with Christian Fox on 44.

Humphrey Bogart is making a comeback (of sorts) with his max score to join Martin Cass in 7th on 41 points. Hannah Taylor really is in contention on 37 points in 16th spot; Andrew Hodgson has 31 in 43rd place; whilst Margaret White has burst into the top half of the table on 28 points.

Others in the goody-two-shoes bracket: Dean Martin, James Longstreet, Liam Pape, Margaret White, Nads Charity, Toby Corum 2 and Tony Taylor.

And then there were two – just Chicken George and Jean Johnson, sat in the corner with their arms folded and the biggest pet lips you’ve ever seen :) - all it will take to put the smiles back on their faces is a correct prediction. Good thing for them is they’ve still got another 34 matches in which to achieve that goal – or even to top the league?

And just how are those mini-leagues doing? Well, if you want to let me know who is in yours then I’ll make sure whoever is last will be suitably humiliated :)

For the latest standings in the Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League (helping to raise cash for Youth Development), please follow the link below:

DARLINGTON SUPPORTERS TRUST PREDICTION LEAGUE LATEST


Pete

Sunday 26 September 2010

And in the end, it all worked out fine....Come on Darlo Prediction League

It’s a fine line between success and failure . . . a missed penalty (again) or a good save. And it’s a fine line between being booed or cheered from the pitch at the end of the game as Darlo have decided all their recent games should be resolved in injury time!!! Substitute McReady popping up with a 93rd-minute winner kept The Quakers in the hunt – but things will be tougher at York on Monday night.

That late late goal brought a deluge of correct scores, with our top three of Steve Calvert on 51, Richard Collin on 47 and Christian Fox on 44 all scoring maximums. Mark Kirk in fourth on 43 and Martin Cass on 41 in fifth also scored eight.

Other lucky so-and-so’s were: Abigail Robinson, Alf Hutchinson, Chris Walton 1, Chris Walton 2, Darren Darvill, David Sheppey 3, Edward Cundick, Elaine Battision, Eric Gill, Gary Woods, Harry Pape, Howling Wolf, Humphrey Bogart, Jamie Molnar, Jean and Dan, John Baskerville, John Gutenberg, Jonny Simpson, Laura Drew 1, Liam Pape, Lucy Grainge, Malcolm Cundick 2, Malcolm Cundick 3, Mark Hathaway, Martin Raison, Matthew Ashmore, Micheal Spencer, Paul Johnson 1, Paul Robinson, Pete Knight, Peter Ashmore 1, Ruth Woods, Steve McGarvie, Steven Metcalfe, Sue Oldham, Susan Weston, Tim Hewitson, Toby Corum 1, Troy Lacend, Wayne Gibson.

The deluge of points didn’t seep down to the underbelly of the league, still three managers without a care (or point) in the world.

To view the latest standings in the Darlington Prediction League, raising much needed cash for Darlington FC Youth Development, go to the following:

Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League - Trust in Darlo

Pete

Thursday 23 September 2010

It's Like The Old Spinning Plate Trick.....

. . . you know the one – lots of sticks pointing in the air and then someone spins a plate on top of each one. The trick is to keep them all going at the same time. Well, just as Darlo had their goal-scoring plate spinning freely . . . then the old defending plate has gone crashing to the ground. After Saturday’s defensive debacle, The Quakers recovered from going behind to lead 2-1 . . . only for pre-season favourites Luton Town to peg them back to 2-2.

Maybe we would all have taken that result before the game kicked off. But pretty soon they’ve got to start converting these draws into wins.

The scorelines are certainly testing all managers – Steve Calvert and Richard Collin are both be-calmed at the top of the table with their respective first XIs – on 43 and 39 points. Christian Fox has joined Chris Vallis, Mike Cass and Steve Calvert’s third XI on 36 points in joint third – Christian is already counting that prize-money, believe me!!!

Mark Kirk, whose team name of Nottingham Kirk Villa really does display an identity crisis, has benefited from his eight-pointer and is now in 7th place on 35. Garry Mann is exploring parts of the table previously off-limits in 10th on 33, whilst Toby Corum continues to explore all parts of the league table in 17th on 31. John Mosby and Mike Wells are just behind on 30.

Jenny Maughan’s max-score has made her “a contender” on 28 points – dreams do come true sometimes!!! Arthur Brennan has just crept into the top quarter on 25 points, but Lee Dyas and Margaret White’s eight points have just enabled them to achieve The Great Escape from bottom half shame. The interesting fact is that all these eight-point managers have been propelled up the league, just showing how wide open it all is . . . hmm, just what is £100 divided by 204?

This week’s fun runners (not sure who is wearing the monkey suit and who is in the back end of the horse?) are now down to three – Chicken George (bringing his own fancy dress outfit?), David Sheppey and Jean Johnson.

Apologies for the late results email – I’m presently studying at college a couple of nights a week for an accountancy qualification. And if my first team sinks any lower in the table (178th!!!) I might need some creative accounting (cheating) to elevate them up the table :) :) :)

To view the latest Prediction League Standings for the Darlington Supporter Trust (raising cash for Youth Development), please click on the link below:

Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League

Pete

Sunday 19 September 2010

Darlo - Throwing it all Away

COME ON DARLO Prediction League
for 2010-11   

I do NOT belieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeve it!!! Were the Darlo players already back on the team bus when Bath scored those two injury-time goals?
Or do we look at the other side of the coin and say that’s five away games unbeaten?

Nah!!! Another cock-up on the playing front!!!

And after the late late show at Bath, we have the Steve and Richard Show in the Come On Darlo Prediction League – Steve Calvert 1 is on 43 points, leading from Richard Collin 1 on 39, who is in front of Steve Calvert 3 on 36 with Richard Collin 2 on 34. And neither manager scored maximum points after yesterday’s game.

Chris Vallis is leading the pack snapping at their heels on 33 points – Sam Taylor and Stephen Atkinson being a couple of the other managers on the same number of points.

Our max scorers were few and far between - Dame Dickson with the equally wonderful team name of Michael Jackson’s Doctor has gained most from Darlo’s profligacy, moving up to 31st place on 26 points; Richard Soul and Stephen Bennett a smidgen (correct terminology) behind on 25 points. Avril Dent’s Bluenosing the Vile (I daren’t ask what that team name means) is on 22 along with Martyn Cripps. Martyn Maidstone is moving from unadulterated mediocrity into standard averageness and is now on 14 points; whilst Toby Corum (past winner . . . and loser) is now on 8 points with his third XI.

And . . . then there were FOUR . . . heading towards October and nearly 20% of the way through the season, our intrepid four have managed to avoid waking the scorer from a coma for the ninth consecutive game. The Wall of Shame reads – Chicken George, David Sheppey, Jean Johnson and Steve Curtis.

Big game on Tuesday . . . Luton Town . . . we will win!!!
2-0 - get your house, partner and children on it at the bookies

Check out the latest standings in the Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League by:

CLICK HERE - PREDICTION LEAGUE LATEST

Pete

Thursday 16 September 2010

GARY PALLISTER APPOINTED QUAKERS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Darlington have appointed football legend Gary Pallister as a new operations director.

The former England, Manchester United and Middlesbrough defender has agreed to take on an informal position for the Blue Square Bet Premier club.

Pallister’s appointment, which is strictly a commercial one, is aimed to increase the club’s profile and to help attract new sponsors and potential investors.

Raj Singh revealed the new appointment in the first of a three-part feature interview with Quakers Player, the club’s online TV service.

And the Quakers chairman today confirmed: "I've been talking to Gary for some time now about this proposition. “He has often said that he’s driven past the Arena so many times and thought ‘if someone could get hold of that club, it could go places’, which had been my view for a number years before I took over a year ago. “Well I’ve been trying to get him to buy into this idea for some time now so I’m extremely pleased he has agreed to come on board in an informal capacity. “His role is strictly a business one. He’ll meet sponsors when he can come to games at the Arena and he will meet potential new investors alongside myself. “Gary’s stature in the game is well-known. If we’re talking to local business people, trying to get them to come on board and take out sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us, then having Gary sitting alongside us, selling the club to them, will certainly add clout in terms of credibility and profile.

“It won’t be a very hands-on role so fans shouldn’t expect to see a great deal of him, he’ll work for us on an as-and-when basis, meeting key clients or sponsors and such like, and he’ll also hopefully be available for the fans nights that we hold at the Arena and other events, when his own business and TV commitments allow it.

“But his appointment will certainly help us to sell the club and to have someone like Gary around, with his experience and contacts in the game, will undoubtedly prove invaluable.”

Pallister, born in Kent but brought up in Norton, Stockton, began his playing career with Middlesbrough and had a loan spell with Darlington in 1985, playing seven games for the Quakers.

He played a big part in Boro’s climb through the divisions under Bruce Rioch after the club’s liquidation in 1986 and went on to join Manchester United for a British record £2.3m in ’89. Pallister played exactly 400 league and cup games over nine seasons for United before returning to Boro for £2.5m in July 1998, and played another 61 games for the Teessiders. He won a total of 22 caps for England and retired with a long-term back problem in 2001.

Sunday 12 September 2010

See the Threes for the Forest

Don’t need those scoring boots now, as Darlo finally found theirs!!! A 3-0 home win against a very ordinary Forest Green Rovers moved The Quakers up to seventh place in the Blue Square Premier, with still only the one defeat in eight but needing to turn those draws into wins.

Steve Calvert’s scoring boots are firmly back on as he moves well clear in the Come On Darlo Prediction League with 43 points. Richard Colling is second on 36 with Steve’s third XI in joint third on 33 with John Berry and Neil Raper. Lyndsey Steel and Richard Collin’s second XI are close by on 31 with a clutch of managers breathing down their necks on 30, including the family battle of Martin and Mike Cass with Billy just behind on 28 (do these three know something about football?).

In spite of the 3-0 scoreline, there were a number of correct predictions: Avril Dent, Billy Cass, Edward Cundick, Ethan Vallis, Laura Drew 1, Laura Drew 2, Laura Drew 4, Lynne Pape, Mark Kirk, Mark Stephenson, Martin Raison, Martyn Cripps 1, Mike Cass, Paul Colman, Paul Robinson, Paul Soderman, Paul White, Peter Morris, Raymond Brennan, Richard Desmond, Stephen Gawthrop, Steven Metcalfe, Terry Simpson, Tim Hewitson, Toby Corum 1

As for the Nul-Pointers, aggressively hanging on to that status, I’m not sure whether saying equal 200th is better than equal last. But that’s where the Fab Five of Chicken George, David Sheppey, Jean Johnson, Steve Curtis and Toby Corum find themselves. Investigations are continuing to establish if any of the five are involved with the Pakistani cricket team spread-betting scandal . . . either that, or they’re just absolutely average at predicting football scores :)

As announced pre-season, due to busting the 200-entries mark, there will be a couple of spot prizes this season. The first will be after 15 games when it will be awarded to the manager in 100th place.

Pete

Check out the latest standings in the Prediction League by clicking below:

Darlington Supporters Trust Latest League Table

Remember, all the good money you have helped us raise through this and the lottery scheme (details on the web site) help towards our contribution to Darlington FC Youth Development.

Monday 6 September 2010

Nine Men....They Only Had Nine Men

NINE MEN!!! . . . they only had nine men . . . they only had nine men . . . they only had nine mennnnn . . . . NINE MEN!!! . . . and one of those was a stand-in goalkeeper who normally plays midfield. Another two points goes begging as Darlo play against nine men for an hour, take the lead just before half time and then concede a headed equaliser to the smallest player in football history, then have no idea how to trouble the goalkeeping midfielder for the rest of the game.

And NOT troubling the scorer has afflicted last week’s top dogs – allowing Richard Collin on 33 and John Berry on 30 (both with maximum scores) to close in on Steve Calvert in first place on 35. Neil Raper and Steve’s third XI are joint third on 30, too. Lyndsey Steel and Richard Collin’s second XI are in the mix on 28 points.

A couple of other managers showing some good recent form are Martin Cass and Sam Taylor – both are on 27 points in joint eighth place. David Welton’s and Edward Stone’s are doing well on 23 points.

Other top scorers are - Andrew Ashmore, Beth Taylor, Billy Cass, Chris MacKenzie 3, Christian Fox, Dan Taylor, David Rice-Oxley, Donald Chesney, Garry Mann, Gary Woods, Harry Pape, Humphrey Bogart, John Baskerville, John Gutenberg, Keith Appleton, Lorraine Arscott, Mike Wells, Paul White, Rhonda Fleming, Stephen Bennett, Wayne Gibson, Will Caslon, Will Caxton

And now the nul-pointers are down to five – Chicken George, David Sheppey, Jean Johnson, Steve Curtis and Toby Corum

Click Below for the latest Prediction League Standings:

Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League Table

Pete

Wednesday 1 September 2010

One Sunny Evening in Barrow....

Is this Prediction League malarky getting too easy for some?
Our 1-1 away draw at Barrow brought Steve Calvert’s fourth correct score out of six games so far – moving his first XI into top spot on 35 points. Neil Raper manages to hold on to second place along with Steve’s third XI.

It was a beautiful evening on the way to Barrow, passing the fringes of The Lake District and some wonderful scenery – but why are we always at the end with the low sun in our eyes? It was a decent crowd of over 1,700 saw Darlo deservedly take the lead, after previously missing a penalty . . . only to be pegged back by a dubious Barrow penalty.

As for that 1-1 scoreline, no less than 52 managers got that result spot on - Andrew Ashmore, Andrew Hodgson, Arthur Brennan, Beth Taylor, Chris MacKenzie 3, Chris Vallis, Chris Walton 2, Dan Taylor, Dave Woods, David Alderson, David Rice-Oxley, David Sheppey 1, David Taylor, Deadly Doug, Elaine Battision, Gavin Shillingford, Jayne Hathaway, John Baskerville, John Berry 1, John Berry 3, John Mosby, John Sainsbury, Lucy Grainge, Luke Hewitson, Lyndsey Steel, Malcolm Cundick 2, Malcolm Cundick 3, Mark Hathaway, Mark Stephenson, Martyn Cripps 2, Mick Moriarty, Mike Cass, Miss Ing Fanz, Nick Groves, Paul Dickson, Paul Johnson 2, Paul Robinson, Richard Collin 1, Richard Collin 2, Richard Desmond, Robert Mitchum, Sam Taylor, Stephen Atkinson, Stephen Mills, Stephen Nicholson, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Duffy 2, Sue Oldham, Susan Weston, Terry Simpson, Toby Corum 2 and Will Caxton.

There are some new names near the top of the league – Stephen Atkinson on 27 points, Nick Groves on 25 points, Jilted John (it’s not fair) on 24. Vicky Richardson is leading lady on 24 points in joint ninth place.

And the “battle” for base camp is now down to six.

Click on the Link Below to download the latest Prediction League Standings.

PREDICTION LEAGUE LATEST POSITIONS

If you have a photo or image that you would like published here, just send us an email to darlotrust@gmail.com along with your permission to put it on this site and who knows, you and your Prediction League team could become super stars of the www! This year, it is serious with lots of competition for the title at the end of the season so let's get into it. If you would like to send us your profile with some notes about how long you have been a Darlo supporter etc, let us know.

Remember, you can join the Trust or make a donation to our important work in helping Youth Development, Football in the Community and the Disabled Supporters group, by going to our DSG website at

www.darlotrustdsg.co.uk

Our main website is undergoing a thorough revamp and will be relaunched shortly (ie when our webmaster can be bothered to get his finger out and actually do some work, Ed?). Watch this space for details.


Pete