Returning friends, departing friends

"We need to silence that drum", a visiting supporter said to his friend at the beginning of Prescot Cables' game against Droylsden. I was concerned that the drum's owner, Rod, might be about to be upended in the bushes at the Safari Park End. Fortunately, they had in mind to drown him out with noise, an endeavour in which they were not successful, but it made for a decent amount of noise at both ends.

Supplying decibels from the dugouts was Droylsden's Assistant Manager, Ged Murphy, who left us to return to his local club at this time last year. It looks as though he has stopped playing to concentrate on coaching, but he was still in full voice. I am not sure about that jacket though.

Ged directs operations

Also with the visitors was Sean Myler, who scored some useful goals for us a couple of seasons ago.

Sam Corlett is challenged by Sean Myler

After rain at the last two games, it was a relief that it was dry by the time the game started, with low sun. At Hope Street, this can give problems with backlighting, particularly against the lighter advertising boards. Using the normal tools for the whole photo does not quite do the trick, or will leave the background washed out, so we have to lighten the player a bit more as with this picture of Danny Flood.

Here is the end result - I think Danny was happy, as it is now his Twitter profile picture.

Danny Flood

The first half was fairly even, until Liam Dodd scored in injury time. It is another picture in the "goal is a goal" category - as a stand alone photo there is too much space in the middle, of which Liam is neatly taking advantage.

Liam Dodd shoots for goal

Droylsden have been top scorers in the division by some distance, although, until our defeats in December they had also let in more than us, so I was sure we had not seen the only goal. My prediction was confirmed on the hour when Andy Fowler, sporting positively Finnish facial furniture (they like to keep their faces warm in the winter), scored for the visitors.

Andy Fowler

We are used to seeing Jack Phillips starting, but having him on the bench paid off, his pace and agility, combined with fresh legs, came at just the right time.

Jack Phillips

Both sides had further chances, but Prescot held on for a hard earned point, a credit credit to all the team and holding Droylsden to their first draw of the season. The Walloper's Way man of the match poll was won by Ciaran Gibson, not least for a save in injury time described by Neil Prince as "world class".

Ciaran Gibson

Although Rob Doran was not playing, our visitors liked him so much they took him away with them. Rob has been one of our best players and team members over the last season and a half, our top scorer last season, and this blog wishes him success in his future endeavours.

Rob Doran at our fixture at Droylsden earlier in the season

The rest of the pictures can be seen here.

Final score: Prescot Cables 1 (Dodd), Droylsden 1

Handy for the railway

Travel to Prescot Cables' game at Burscough on New Year's Day was almost as complicated as Boxing Day, with a limited bus service, Merseyrail operating a Sunday service, and Northern operating a weekday service, apart from local routes in the north east.

The combination allowed us to travel to Burscough Junction, a shorter journey than Burscough Bridge, but a longer walk at the end. My friend Luke observed that the station and the village seemed some distance apart: I replied, not entirely facetiously, that the station was built to be handy for the railway. There are many places where a town or village is some distance from its station, with a story that it was because residents did not want the railway - almost all are incorrect, and easily explained by a map showing that the railway follows the most logical route. The line from Ormskirk to Preston, built mainly for express services, follows a straight line across flat and open land, and has stations where it happens to pass near a settlement.

Team captain James McCulloch gave us a cheery wave as he drove past.

James McCulloch

The players need to be at the ground an hour and a half before the game to change, warm up, hear the manager's team talk etc. The supporters can be more relaxed, so we adjourned to the Hop Vine, which has a dress code - "No urban sportswear please". I was wearing a Cornwall rugby union shirt, but had no trouble being served, so my sportswear was presumably sufficiently rural.

Burscough's current club was founded in 1946. The infeasibly narrow turnstiles may have been erected at the same time: with spectators kept thin by wartime rationing, the builders could hardly have imagined just how large people would become in later years.

We had a couple of not-quite-new faces - Daniel Flood, who had played in the previous two games ...

Daniel Flood

... and Andy Harper, a product of our youth team, making his first competitive start, having been on the bench in the previous game.

Andy Harper

Ciaran Gibson was back in goal, which made my life easier, his playing style and confident demeanour makes him easier to capture than many goalkeepers.

Ciaran Gibson

The Met Office had predicted heavy rain for about 4pm, which would have been the second half had the game not kicked off early because of storm damage to the floodlights. In the event the damage appeared to have been repaired, as the lights were turned on for most of the game, but, having brought the game forward, it was sensible to stick to the rearranged time.

The rain fell quite heavily with a side wind in the first half, when we were attacking the Mart Lane end, which does not have any cover. The rain cover for the camera was blowing about, and at one point I ended up with it over my head in the manner of the user of a large format camera. I was happy with the performance of Mr Barbour's wax topping up the coating of my jacket, and with the rain effects on the photos.

James Edgar

The scores remained level until about 5 minutes into the second half, when Jack Phillips was brought down for a penalty, converted by Neil Prince. We had our best chance for the elusive second goal a few minutes later when Neil took a free kick on the edge of the area, which hit the upright - a knot or two less wind and it would probably have gone in.

Neil Prince

The hosts equalised 10 minutes from the end, but stout defence ensured we still went away with a point.

After the game, it was back to the Hop Vine to discuss important matters, namely trying to persuade Luke that his family home in Radcliffe is in historic Lancashire, of which the southern boundary is the River Mersey. He was not convinced, even by Lancashire playing cricket at Old Trafford (even if not doing so might mean less games when a winning position is lost due to rain). Things are different elsewhere, despite London having had administration across historic boundaries since 1888, the cricket followers at Dulwich Hamlet have no difficulty knowing whether they are from Surrey's broad sunlit uplands or Kent's Slough of Despond.

The rest of the pictures from the game can be seen here.

Final score: Burscough 1, Prescot Cables 1 (Prince pen)

The weather comes all at once

I was fortunate that Prescot Cables were at home again for our Boxing Day fixture against Warrington Town. It is one of the busiest days in the sporting and retail calendar, as long as you have your own transport, or live in a city where there might be a skeleton bus service. The 10A was full of people who had been to the sales: I was only able to get on because someone got off at my stop. I do not know whether Shaun Reid went shopping on the way, but his trademark V-neck wooly sweater, in a grey as dark as the sky, was covered by a coat, a garment I had not known until this occasion that he possessed.

Warrington of course have had a successful run in the FA Cup. This can have an adverse impact on league form, and it is by no means a foregone conclusion they will be successful in the games in hand they build up. Nonetheless, we were expecting this game to be a challenge, especially after a heavy defeat at the weekend.

Oscar Durnin

Through the season I deal with all sorts of weather conditions. Usually these come one by one, temperature dropping, cloud cover, rain and wind, so that, by this time of year, I have recent experience of keeping warm, watching the apertures, and using the rain cover. This year has been unusually mild, so my skills are rusty, so I had a spot of bother keeping the rain cover in place, not helped by the realisation that fitting it is another on the growing list of tasks I need to take my glasses off to be able to see.

It was possibly the worst natural light I have seen at an afternoon game, with the floodlights needed from the beginning. All bar the first few pictures of the collection look as though they were taken at an evening game.

Liam Dodd

Conditions like this make pictures a bit of a lottery, I do my best to get all the players in, but this is not always possible in low light. The wind was swirling the rain about, so it took a few minutes to get an idea which side of the ground would have the rain on my back rather than on the front of the lens. I was therefore in the wrong place to catch Sam Corlett's first goal. I was not too concerned, Sam is a gift for the photographer in position and playing style, so I would have one for the paper later, or so I thought.

Those who braved the weather were treated to an excellent performance, the defence looking stronger than for some time, and changes allowing James McCulloch to move to his stronger position in midfield.

James McCulloch

Warrington did not look to be coping well, with two players sent off in the second half for dangerous tackles.

Sam provided a second goal in the last 10 minutes, again on the wrong side of the pitch for me to capture it, even if I had not been dealing with my equipment, including losing the eyepiece when the rain cover detached it (a replacement was cheap and easy to obtain on eBay, once I ploughed through the sellers in China with 3 - 6 week postage times to find one in England who could send it by normal post).

The second goal proved its value in almost the last kick of the game, when Steven Tames, a product of the Cables youth team, broke through for a consolation goal for the visitors.

Steven Tames

Because of the conditions, the final collection was smaller than usual, even more than for the Clitheroe game. I was similarly constrained with what met the criteria for the Merseymart, not being able to send anything of our goal scorer, or not so you would recognise him anyway.

Sam Corlett passes to Jack Phillips

A win against our local rivals who have been on the telly was just what the doctor ordered after the weekend, and it will help many of us to quietly forget the previous result.

The rest of the pictures from the game can be seen here.

Final score: Prescot Cables 2 (Corlett 2), Warrington Town 1

Stepping on our blue suede shoes

There was reason for optimism ahead of Prescot Cables' game against Clitheroe. Our last game was a morale boosting win against Padiham, and Clitheroe's league position suggested that this could be winnable. There was also the club Christmas party in the evening, with an Elvis tribute act. Ah, hang on, not that Elvis.

Both sides had been affected by the weather: the visitors last played 21 days previously, and we had to wait 14 days. Many supporters were unsure whether this game would go ahead, as it had been raining heavily until the small hours of the morning. On arrival, we could see the benefits of having the ground to ourselves: we can postpone Reserve games to avoid damage to the pitch, whereas for AFC Liverpool the referee only considered whether it was playable on the day, not the medium term good of the surface.

The day was reasonably bright, and the evenings had been getting lighter for a week or so. I have observed this before, but did not know the reason. However, the BBC have published a handy explanation.

We started well enough, with some decent attacks and Mason Ryan having a shot saved. However, the visitors started to get into the game after about a quarter of an hour, and were rewarded with two goals in quick succession just before half time. This was not irretrievable, and there was an increase in tempo early in the second half when Sam Corlett and new signing Oscar Durnin came on.

Oscar Durnin

It was not to last, Clitheroe's third goal starting the collapse, with three more being added in the next 15 minutes or so. Even a late penalty brought no relief when Rob Doran hit the crossbar and one of our players was adjudged to be offside in the resulting scramble for the rebound.

In a one sided game it can be difficult to get usable pictures, the collection this week was smaller than the 60 I usually aim for. It was not easy finding some for the Merseymart either. I send four: they need to be the right shape for the space, and I make sure they are of different players - without that restriction I could have provided a complete set featuring Jack Phillips.

Jack Phillips

Rob Doran

Daniel Whitehall

James McCulloch

I found the four above, only to realise in the newsagent's on Tuesday that they do not do a Merseymart in Christmas week.

I did not make it to the party in the end, not shifting from the pub after the game. I saw a couple of pictures, and it looked well attended. I first heard of Elvis when he died, but it looked as though people for whom he was the background to their formative years like to turn out for a tribute act. The moment of the day for me came when a gentleman came round the pub selling clothes of what may have been suspect provenance. Our friend Tony responded with a completely straight face and asked, "Have you got any lawnmowers?".

The rest of the pictures from the game can be seen here.

Final score: Prescot Cables 0, Clitheroe 6

Five goals and a shin pad

Prescot Cables' game against Padiham at the weekend was one we had to win. Our visitors have not had a good start to the season, and are below us in the table, and we needed to end a string of defeats.

I continued my experiment from the previous week of working without a lens filter. I did not see any dramatic changes: the pictures seemed a bit washed out straight off the camera, but it was an overcast day, so that was only to be expected, and enhancing the lighting on the computer sorted that out. With five goals for us and one for the opposition, I did not do very well capturing them, but that will not have been down to filters.

Mason Ryan wasted no time in opening the scoring: not only I not capture the goal, I did not get a decent picture of him until some minutes later.

Mason Ryan

Next, Jack Phillips, of whom more later, was brought down for a penalty. Rob Doran stepped up to take it with his usual unflappable demeanour

Rob Doran prepares to take a penalty

The need for a second goal of which Neil Prince spoke a couple of weeks ago became apparent at the beginning of the second half, when we conceded a penalty, converted by former Blackpool, Southampton and Preston North End player Brett Ormerod. The game remained fairly even until Neil Prince brought on Sam Corlett and himself. A ball from Sam found Jack Phillips who shot from just outside the area. I was in front of the tea bar, and in the wrong position to catch this - a three quarter shot from behind only works if you can see what the player is aiming at (particularly the goalkeeper preparing for a save).

Jack was also involved in a You are the Ref moment, when he lost a shin pad, and naturally carried on playing. I understand the problem keeping them in place, I can walk 100 yards to the bus stop in long socks and wonder why I have cold ankles when I get there, although I do not wear shin pads, even on the 10A. The assistant referee flagged vigorously, explaining, to the mirth of those in earshot, that it was an indirect free kick for attempting to play the ball whilst not wearing the correct equipment. The referee did not look convinced, but restarted play in this manner, whilst Jack retrieved the offending shin pad. I trotted off to consult my refereeing pharmacologist friend James, who was standing behind the goal. The light was good enough to get a few pictures whilst I was there.

Sam Corlett

He had not noticed what the free kick was for, and thought it was like a question on the referees' examinations. Technology puts the Laws of the Game a couple of taps away, so we consulted. The only related free kick is for failing to leave the field to rectify equipment when instructed to do so or continuing to wear unauthorised clothing after being instructed to remove it: for missing items, play need not be stopped. However, if a player is instructed to leave the field in a break in play, he is out of action until the next break, unlike treatment for an injury, where the referee can permit him to return as soon as play has restarted.

Jack Phillips

It is often said that when your luck is out, it is properly out, and this was the case for the visitors, when they conceded an own goal. I do not as a rule include pictures in that situation, I concentrate on our own players (which can include coming off better in a challenge or outwitting the opposition), and dog shots are reserved for opposition players who have been particularly annoying.

In the final kick of the game, Andy Griffiths made the result complete with a long range shot that bounced off the upright and went in.

Andy Griffiths

This was a morale boosting win, opening up a gap over a team below us, and helping with our goal difference, which is significantly better than most of the teams around us. When you and your friends are being pursued by a bear, you do not need to run faster than the bear, you just need to run faster than your friends.

The rest of the pictures from the game can be seen here.

Final score: Prescot Cables 5 (Ryan, Doran pen, Phillips, Own Goal, Griffiths), Padiham 1

It was the cooling hour

I remember Droylsden was for many years the address on the label on Golden Shred (and other Robertson's products, my mother and I found Golden Shred's peel somewhat insubstantial, and bought something with a thicker cut). Wikipedia was not forthcoming as to the derivation of the name, so we remain in ignorance as to what are Droyls, and why they should form a den. It tells us, however, that the locals traditionally brought a pig to the local carnival, and sat it on a wall to watch. I do not know if this is maintained for any games, but the walls on this occasion were free of livestock.

A new venue for refreshment in Manchester on the way was the Soup Kitchen, which concentrates on food (including soup) during the day, but has an excellent bar. My travelling companions went for First Chop Caramel IPA, which they declared to be excellent. I was Slightly Foxed by a London Porter from Yorkshire, so I had a pint, and was similarly impressed.

Droylsden had a bad time last season - when Ged Murphy left us to return there, I thought his task would be to get a couple of wins to boost morale, and ensure they did not continue the slide this season. That looks to have been a success, with the club in the pack chasing the playoff positions.

I took up position behind the goal we were attacking, where a small group of home supporters were cheerfully singing, especially at any of their number heading to the tea bar, which I found at half time to be probably the only place I have seen the roll buttered for a cheeseburger.

Sam Corlett

After looking up the question of using filters as lens protectors last week, I thought I would try without (with a hood). None of my pharmacologist friends were present: they would have been able to tell me that when conducting an experiment, it is best to change one variable at a time. Droylsden's Conference standard floodlights, a corner arrangement with six heads per pylon, all working, cast an unusually even light. They were switched on from the start, and I was able to get shots the full length of the pitch.

Tom Quinn

Our hosts immediately imposed themselves on the game, with a goal in the first minute, and a second from a penalty shortly afterwards. However, Rob Doran was back from injury, and pulled a goal back after a quarter of an hour, cancelled out by another home goal after half an hour.

Rob Doram

The good light meant the match officials could keep a close eye on the feet for any trips, although possibly not to see any holding.

The hosts get to grips with Daniel Whitehall

For the second half I started in front of the main stand...

Jack Phillips

... worked my way round to the other side...

James McCulloch

...and then to behind the goal we were attacking.

Mason Ryan

The even nature of the light meant that even from there, I was able to capture action from the touchlines, which is not easy under most of the lights in our division. The mist that had been present all game was becoming more noticeable by the end.

Andy Griffiths

Despite playing with gusto in the half, particularly after the hosts were reduced to ten men following a dangerous challenge on Jack Phillips, and having a couple of decent chances, we were unable to prevent Droylsden adding a fourth.

Catching the train home, passengers may have been inconvenienced when Sarcastic Sarah, the automated announcer, indicated the train would not today be calling at Liverpool South Parkway. However, alternative provision had been made, as she advised that the train would be calling additionally at ... Liverpool South Parkway.

The rest of the pictures from the game can be seen here.

As for the title - the family of Lord Byron (but not the poet himself) lived nearby, Clayton Hall tram stop is named after their home, so a random quotation seemed in order, and the temperature dropped significantly during the game, although still mild for the time of year.

Final score: Droylsden 4, Prescot Cables 1 (Doran)

He'll have to score another one

At Prescot Cables' game at home to Mossley at the weekend, Player Manager Neil Prince made the best possible start with a goal from 20 yards in the first minute, whilst I was still attaching my lenses. "Well, he'll have to score another one if he wants to get in the paper", I observed. However, unless a goal is scored by a player coming on late in the game, there will almost always be an alternative picture I can use. I sent this one in.

Neil Prince

There was no lack of trying to get the elusive second goal, with shots from six or seven of the team, but all went wide or found the goalkeeper. One came my way, safely elbowed away from the camera. I keep a UV filter on lens lens for such an eventuality. There are different opinions on this: some consider any impact likely to break a filter will break the lens as well, and a low cost filter may degrade the image. I am taking pictures for the web and newspaper print rather than A2 prints, so the optical effect is probably negligible, and the most likely cause of damage is not an impact, but a scratch keeping the front of the lens clean in less than optimal conditions.

We had two players making their first appearances, who had their share of shots.

Daniel Whitehall

Steven Boothham

Our domination of the first half was to no avail, with Mossley scoring after about 30 minutes and again just after half time, to take all the points back to the hills. This was disappointing, when we had so many chances to score, but there is a strong feeling we will come right in front of goal and get the scores our performances have earned.

Commenting after the game, Neil Prince stressed the need to be more effective in front of goal, stating we are not a team that can sit back and defend a one goal lead. There speaks a striker! It is the way I like to see us play too, attacking is easier for the photographer, and it only takes one error to wipe out a slender lead. You could try to eliminate errors, with players who make them disappearing from the field of play, in some cases never to be seen again, but I never enjoyed that when Shaun Reid tried it.

Examining the pictures closely, sometimes odd little details jump out. Socks are small, easy to miss gathering the kit after the game, and the item most prone to damage. It is an argument for having plain socks in a common colour - it is easy to buy emergency replacements. This year our socks have been black, with an amber top, the latter feature not having weathered well. Replacements will stand out for a few weeks - this week Jonah O'Reilly had drawn the new pair out of the bag.

The rest of the pictures from the game can be seen here.

Final score: Prescot Cables 1 (Prince), Mossley 2