Good luck Oliver Sarkic...

I've never been a fan of transfer windows for loads of reasons but there was one particular piece of news yesterday - and a few speculative suggestions thereafter, which jumped out a mile.

'Blackpool forward Oliver Sarkic departs by mutual consent'.

Ollie Sarkic at Blackpool (Photo: Stephen White).

Some people might question why I've got an interest (and kept a watchful eye) on a player who has hardly played any football over the past 12 months due to injuries but the reason is simple. 

Oli Sarkic has the potential, qualities, characteristics, talent and hard-working attitude to be someone who'll succeed at whichever club he joins next. I don't doubt it for a second. 'Luck' often counts for plenty in football and, as with any player, he'll need it in terms of staying injury-free and also having a decent enough platform to showcase his abilities. However, when you have the qualities and characteristics which Oli possesses, it reduces the risk factor substantially.

Gifted, skilful and attack-minded in equal measure, he's capable using both feet and has scored various goals in the past - the best of which was probably his strike for Burton Albion at MK Dons in 2019. Easily able to operate anywhere across a front three he was primarily used in the wide-right spot at Burton although he played in a central role during his Benfica days. He'll suit the style of a possession-based team with an element of fluidity who want to play, be creative, are quick in transitions and generally pleasing on the eye - and he'll certainly contribute out of possession as well.

A lot of websites describe him as a 'Centre-Forward' but there are many more strings to his bow than that generic description suggests. His goals return of five goals in 29 starts, during his time in England to date, shows that he's not as prolific as some people might want a front player to be, but his contribution to the cause in terms of attitude and work-ethic cannot be faulted.

There are plenty of neat and tidy attributes and elements to his game and just because he's been unfortunate with injuries in the past, he shouldn't get an unfair tag as a result of that. So many players have had spells out with a prolonged or persistent injury yet have still achieved loads after completing their rehab - and I've every confidence that considering age is still hugely on his side, Oli is someone who can achieve plenty - including that much-desired first senior international call-up for Montenegro!

His recent spell at Blackpool is one of those which just didn't work out the way anyone would have hoped for initially and sometimes that just happens in football. There'll always be doubters of a certain inclination who'll disregard a player after such a scenario which is fair enough, but I fully believe in his qualities - and I'll always back my judgements on players! 

Through his twin brother, Matija, is how I've ended up monitoring Oli's progress. 

Mati is the best 'keeper that I've watched at youth level anywhere in recent years - stemming as far back as when Tim Sherwood brought him to Aston Villa. Nowadays contracted at Wolves, he's just finished a loan stint at Birmingham City, has already been capped at international level, and is on course to achieve many of his own aspirations over the next few years - including that sought-after Premier League debut which will certainly materialise at some point.

When you research a player who is 'decent', if it's done properly then it's done to the nth degree where you learn everything about them; their character being just as fundamentally important as their attributes out on a football pitch.

Everything gets noted and it's through that research I've come to understand Oli is a positive, hard-working and dedicated pro who'll give it everything. He's someone who wants to play football, strive to be the best he possibly can and achieve as much as possible. He had a superb academy upbringing (more on that below) having played alongside and against some ridiculously talented players and it was instantly obvious to spot the qualities he can offer when I watched him 'live' for the first time when Burton drew 2-2 at Doncaster in November 2019.

Ironically, there's been some 'speculative suggestions' on social media in the last 24 hours that he could be the next arrival at Doncaster (which is my hometown). I don't think there's anything more to it than just pure suggestion, speculation or rumour, but in any case here's a bit more background information on the Montenegro youth international...

Oli and Mati Sarkic having just represented Montenegro U21s in 2016 (Photo: Unknown).

A nomadic lifestyle across Europe!

To say that Oli has led a nomadic lifestyle up to now would be an understatement but his heart is very much with Montenegro, who he qualifies for through his dad, Bojan!

Born in Grimsby just a few weeks after Tony Blair romped to a landslide win in the 1997 General Election and when the Spice Girls were weirdly popular, it wasn't long until both he and his twin brother (along with their older brother, Danilo) were clocking up the air miles - moving first to Moscow, then London a few years later, before eventually settling in Brussels during the mid-2000s.

He was schooled and remained in Belgium for about a decade; being recruited to Anderlecht's academy alongside his brother as an eight-year-old, before joining Portuguese giants Benfica for whom he played at various age groups and later their 'B' team who compete in the Second Division.

Thereafter, he moved to England and joined Leeds United on the back of a loan spell at AD Fafe in 2016/17, plus a trial at Swansea City. He registered his best goals-to-games ratio of his career during his stay at Elland Road where he predominantly featured under Carlos Corberan (nowadays manager at Huddersfield Town) for the U23s. He had another loan in Spain, this time at Barakaldo CF, in 2018/19.

Since departing Leeds two-and-a-half years ago, he excelled at Burton Albion for a season and faced his old Anderlecht team-mate, Youri Tielemans, in an EFL Cup Fourth Round tie, before joining Blackpool during the height of the pandemic in a move which because of injuries and good competition for places, just hasn't worked out in the way which anyone hoped it would do.

He also had a brief and injury-hit loan stint at Mansfield Town last season.

In addition, if being signed twice by Nigel Clough (one of very few managers to oversee 1,000 games in England) isn't enough, Oli has already come up against Zinedine Zidane's son in his career, represented and bagged a few goals at youth level for Montenegro and can speak six different languages fluently.

So having seen the Atomium, the palm trees of Seixal, sometimes the sun in Staffordshire and, err.. the Blackpool Tower up close, there's a brilliant back-story to his (very long!) journey to reach wherever his next destination is!

Captaining Anderlecht back in the day (Photo: Unknown).

From Anderlecht to Benfica (with some dodgy footwear)

If you ask pretty much every footballer out there, most will be able to recall their academy days with great fondness - and Oli played with some top quality players during his own.

As previously mentioned, he was in the academy at Anderlecht (who've produced some phenomenal stars over the years) and the best of his age group was Youri Tielemans - nowadays a regular in the Premier League at Leicester City and a Belgian international.

When his team-mate stepped up to play in higher age groups, Oli skippered the Anderlecht youth side which is testament to his own personal attributes. He was part of their title-winning U17s squad in 2013/14 whilst on a personal level he was called up to represent the club's U21s on a handful of occasions towards the end of the campaign - notably scoring in a game against AC Milan!

He might have learned things from occasional trips over the border to Montbéliard (to watch Sochaux Under 19s) and Waregem (to watch Zulte-Waregem) during his early teenage years as well because that's where his older brother, Danilo, played for a few seasons.

Things couldn't have got off to a worse (or more expensive) start following a switch to Benfica in Summer 2014, because despite receiving a warm welcome from an all-time football great in Rui Costa - and quickly carving out a good reputation in the youth ranks where he scored enough times to regularly replicate the 'Christ The Redeemer' monument (which isn't too far from the Caixa Futebol Campus), he wrecked one of his boots in literally his first training session with his new team-mates! Research is everything!

A regular scorer at U19s level domestically and receiving plenty of international recognition from Montenegro around this period, he was part of Benfica's team which twice reached the UEFA Youth League Quarter-Finals - bagging goals against teams such as Bayer Leverkusen, Galatasaray and Dukla Pribram (including a penalty in the shoot-out), and ended up facing Real Madrid in an away game. He also participated in the now-defunct Premier League International Cup (scoring against Celtic) just a few months after being the first player to touch the ball in the first ever fixture at FC United of Manchester's Broadhurst Park.

Amidst the whirlwind of #59 memories which are probably flooding back to him as he reads this, he was in the same Benfica team as some quality players including Renato Sanches (later with Bayern Munich), Ruben Dias (now at Manchester City) and Helder Costa (currently on loan at Valencia).

Oli's highlights package from his days in Portugal can be watched here so you can see his pedigree, desire and undoubted potential with your own eyes!

Oli during his Benfica career (Photo: SL Benfica).

Leeds, via Wales, and beyond...

As with 99.9% of players during their careers, there reaches a point where it's time to move on and Oli gained more senior experience during a half-season loan at AD Fafe in 2016/17, which preceded a trial at then-Premier League Swansea City that summer.

He played two games during the Swans' pre-season tour of Northern Ireland before Leeds United quickly swooped to take him to Elland Road.

Having thankfully managed to avoid destroying another pair of boots in 'Session No.1' at his new club, he hit the ground running with a good run of goalscoring form for Carlos Corberan's U23s and figured alongside many now-established EFL players such as Tom Pearce (Wigan Athletic), Clarke Odour (Barnsley), Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Sheffield Wednesday), Jack Clarke (Sunderland) plus all those who are still at Elland Road now.

After a good campaign but one where first team opportunities were hard to come by, he spent the entire 2018/19 season in Spain at Barakaldo CF (in the Third Division), before Nigel Clough recognised his ability and took him to the Pirelli Stadium and Burton Albion on a permanent deal a year later.

It was just prior to this point where injuries, knocks and niggles started to effect his game-time, although when he was on the pitch, now donning turquoise coloured boots, he contributed goals across all competitions, assists and quality in his 37 outings for Burton which made him a notable danger and earned him a deserved move to Blackpool.

It's fair to say the switch to Bloomfield Road didn't work out as planned - even though he still ended it as a League One promotion winner with a handful of appearances to his name, in addition to spending time with Nigel Clough again on loan at Mansfield Town.

Celebrating after the 'top bins' strike at MK Dons (Photo: Unknown).

Now back fully fit, approaching the peak years of his career, and with a totally supportive family who are completely behind him, I've every confidence that Oli will flourish in the next chapter of his career, make Natalie and Bojan proud, and create some more memories to last a lifetime.

Good luck Oli! 

Go and absolutely smash the next challenge and earn yourself the wider recognition you deserve - and when Montenegro finally qualify for that first major tournament, the players involved will be remembered and held in the highest regard forever!

Mansfield Town (U18s) 0-1 Doncaster Rovers (U18s)

Mansfield Town (U18s) 0-1 Doncaster Rovers (U18s)
EFL Youth Alliance
Saturday 22nd January 2022

A good showing of defensive resilience coupled with a predatory finish by Jack Goodman proved crucial as Doncaster Rovers' youngsters recorded a 1-0 win over Mansfield Town.

Always a tough test, the Stags have without doubt been a 'bogey' team for Rovers in recent times - winning each of the previous five encounters including two comfortable successes in September.

Therefore, the lads knew they'd need to be at their best in order to get a result and the collective performance which they delivered was a positive one. Everyone put in a shift, worked hard, and deserve credit for the parts they played - though Goodman will snatch the headlines given that he claimed the only goal by heading home from a rebound just past the 30-minute mark.

Whilst it's a fair assessment to say that both teams could have retained the ball better, when Mansfield tried to build up a head of steam during the second period they were thwarted by a spirited Rovers side whose out-of-possession set-up was superb. 

'Keeper Luke Chadwick didn't have a save to make in the end because the big opportunity that every team trailing by just one goal always believes they're going to get, never materialised. The reason for that was down to how good Rovers' set-up was in terms of defensive shape, structure, concentration and resilience when they didn't have the ball - quite simply they just couldn't be broken down!

The lads certainly eradicated the vulnerabilities (notably at set-plays) which contributed to the 3-1 reverse to Salford City earlier this week and the three points show another step in the right direction.

Match Report

Unfortunately, due to slipping down the hill that overlooks Mansfield's 4G pitch, landing on my backside and being in a fair amount of pain for a while afterwards, I didn't get to watch the opening half-hour of this game - and the little bit I was able to see (albeit from a distance) up to half-time, I wasn't in a fit state to properly concentrate on.

Firstly, apart from feeling sore in a few places and having a pair of mucky trainers that I'll need to sort out at some point, I'm okay now (at 11.00am on Sunday) and, slowly, moving about again.

Secondly, I want to say a big thank you to the parents and everyone else who came to help - in particular Mansfield's physio who sat with me for a good half-hour, made sure I was okay and did what was necessary in the situation. It means a lot and is thoroughly appreciated.

My unfortunate argument with gravity does make writing this report more complicated but from a combination of what I've been told by others (and saw myself to a small degree), it seems there was little in the way of goalmouth action for the first 30 minutes. Mansfield by all accounts shaded this period.

Rovers, wearing their traditional red, certainly acquitted themselves well to the task of facing their 'bogey' opponents nevertheless; not being dictated to or 'bullied' as has sometimes been the case in previous meetings and just past the half-hour mark, the lads had a spell of pressure in which the opener occured.

Bobby Faulkner (I think) had already gone close with a header that forced a decent enough save from Theo Avery before another set-piece saw Will Hollings' free-kick tipped onto the woodwork by the Stags' 'keeper and the subsequent loose ball was knocked home by top scorer for this term Jack Goodman.

Tom Parkinson also went close with a low drive just before half-time whilst Mansfield had bits and pieces of pressure - their No.10 (Oliver Wilson) looking a key threat, but it was 1-0 at the interval.

After being passed fit enough to watch the second 45 minutes, I'm able to relay what unfolded and the Stags, needing an equaliser, certainly pressed during the early exchanges and had the territorial advantage for a decent amount of time. They sometimes struggled to retain possession - although when they did work the ball into the box on 50 minutes, skipper-in-the-making Jak Whiting was there to produce a crucially-timed tackle at the expense of a corner which came to nothing.

There was a feisty spirit about the game by this stage and the referee did particularly well to keep a lid on matters when, under a different official, tempers may have boiled over. Mansfield's No.8 (Charlie Carter) was booked after catching Hollings with a late tackle. He was substituted not long afterwards and they made another change, surprising to some, when Wilson was brought off - despite seeming to be their best attacking threat alongside Jack Deakin who scored in this fixture last term.

As the hour mark passed, the Stags still hadn't forced Chadwick into a save - instead the Donny 'keeper's work was predominantly basic things like claiming crosses, showing good handling and clearing balls downfield.

Alex Wolny's introduction for Owen Scattergood paved the way for a momentum shift (of sorts) as Rovers began to wrestle back control and press for a second goal. The substitute, who scored against Salford in midweek, had an effort fumbled wide by Avery on 68 minutes and went close again with a skewed attempt when the ball was partially cleared to him on the edge of the area with about a quarter-of-an-hour to go.

A couple more opportunities followed. Tom Henson (who was brilliant) went on a marauding run through midfield where he shared a one-two with Wolny and delivered a cross from the right-wing which was fired into the side-netting by Jack Raper. The referee (possibly wrongly!) gave a corner and the subsequent far-post delivery reached an unmarked Bobby Faulkner who almost seemed to have too much time and space as he agonisingly headed it wide.

Knowing time was against them, Mansfield again tried to press in the final 10 minutes. They had quite a bit of the ball but couldn't break down Rovers' shape to test Chadwick. A lack of ideas, a few 'forced' balls and probably some inexperience (they had some young-ish players on the pitch by this point) were all contributing factors although they kept going to the end.

The clean-sheet will give Rovers a good confidence boost considering that registering shut-outs has been something of an issue over the past season or two. Mansfield are always a difficult team to play against so to end the losing streak against them is another positive as well.

Team: Luke Chadwick, Tom Henson, Jak Whiting, Dan Wilds (C), Bobby Faulkner, Tom Parkinson (Alex Fletcher), Jack Raper, Will Hollings (Josh Lindley), Jack Goodman, Corie Cole (Michael Nesbitt), Owen Scattergood (Alex Wolny). Unused Sub: Charlie Petch.

Overall Analysis

For obvious reasons I can't comment on anything what unfolded during the first 45 minutes; I did see the goal (and the chances around that time) but wasn't anywhere near close enough to the pitch to comment on who did well or performed strongly before half-time.

In the second half, apart from some of the passing being initially sloppy - which led to Mansfield getting the ball back and being able to enjoy territorial pressure, the collective defensive display as a whole (as already mentioned) was excellent and the lads at the back should take pride in the clean-sheet they kept because both Oliver Wilson and Jack Deakin (the Stags' two tall strikers who started) are more than capable strikers for this level of football.

Tom Henson's contribution was superb. His direct and driving runs, attitude and willingness on the ball were quality and it's brilliant to see that he has 'hit the ground running' so to speak, having missed pretty much the entire first half of the campaign through injury. I'd go as far as saying he's reaching the standards that he set last season - and long may it continue.

Another player who performed well was Jak Whiting. He was always communicating with his team-mates, encouraging them, clapping and is an absolute leader. I did think he was going to get a yellow card at one point considering he had a running 'conversation' with the referee but he was clever enough to know where to draw the line. Some of his contributions were fantastic; the "Oi Scatts, walk off over to that side" shout when Owen Scattergood was substituted (and went off on the near touchline - opposite to the dugouts) was a clever bit of 'gamesmanship' type-thinking and the best compliment I can give him is that if I'd been in the opposition, he'd have rattled me - and I'm experienced enough to know better! He's a good and intelligent player who can read a game and position himself well to deal with issues (evident in the shot-preventing challenge), someone with numerous good characteristics and he once again made another good impression. I've got a lot of time and respect for it!

Elsewhere, Will Hollings often gets clattered by opponents - and it happened again in this game (probably more so than in any other game this season). His first touch was excellent and he contributed well at both ends of the pitch which was a positive. Jack Raper also showed a lot of energy and, still only a first-year, he's certainly got the ability to put himself in a strong position at this time next year. Corie Cole was another who contributed and linked up well with others across the pitch.

Alex Wolny's strength and power to pin his player when he came on was another good contribution. It helped the cause and impacted the game, gave the team a good outlet in retaining the ball high up the pitch and on another occasion either of his two efforts might have found the target. Jack Goodman can also take plaudits after another goal which (I think) was his eighth or ninth of the season - and he's capable of getting at least a dozen but probably a lot more in the 11 Youth Alliance which remain this term.

It was a good win and there's significant and instantly recognisable improvement that is evident across the team since the nadir moment of losing at Mansfield earlier in the season. 

However, it is only just one win for now. The challenge for the lads over the next few weeks will be to try and replicate the positive aspects of this performance (defensive resilience) and the positive aspects of the Salford game (chances created) on a consistent basis. If they can tie the two bits together, they'll put themselves in with a good chance of going on a half-decent run of form where they then climb the table in the latter half of the season.

Former scholars round-up (21/01/22)

It's been a hectic past couple of months for both current and former scholars of Doncaster Rovers with many moves, plenty of mayhem and quite a few enjoyable landmark moments.

There's several places where I could start this article whether it be in the North-East where Will McGowan is getting acquainted to a 'Premier League legend' of a new gaffer, with Cameron Foulkes who has just gone 'Down Under' or with Liam Mandeville after his exploits in the FA Cup!

Branden Horton has made 36 appearances for Rovers (Photo: CameraSport).

Nevertheless, it's probably best to begin by recapping events at the Keepmoat which has now officially been re-named the Eco-Power Stadium until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Wing-backs aren't renowned for their goalscoring exploits which is what makes Branden Horton's efforts particularly notable. The left-footer bagged his first senior goal (and the first in Gary McSheffrey's managerial tenure) against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup and followed it up with his first ever league goal against Oxford United three days later - although both games sadly ended in defeat.

Despite Rovers' current struggles, Branden has now made 36 appearances in all competitions since his debut in September 2018 and, in my opinion, if he's able to earn a new deal and stay injury-free over the next year or two, there's every possibility he'll get close to eclipsing Harry Middleton's 79 first team outings - the record for an ex-scholar since the academy was resurrected in 2004.

Lirak Hasani and Ben Blythe (both vs Oxford United) and Liam Ravenhill (vs Sunderland) have all also made the first league starts of their fledgling careers; Louis Jones has returned between the posts at the expense of the now-departed loanee Pontus Dahlberg in recent weeks whilst AJ Greaves (not long back from injury) featured for the final 10 minutes against Wigan Athletic.

Goalkeeper Ben Bottomley hasn't yet made his senior debut for DRFC but the first-year pro is back at the club after a brief loan spell at Tadcaster Albion. He also kept goal in the youth team's most recent fixture as they lost to Lincoln City at the start of last month.

Meanwhile, there's been a 'good news' story with youth team centre-back Bobby Faulkner penning his first professional contract. His no-nonsense style and physicality has earned him several admirers and having been on the first team bench on a handful of occasions (though still yet to make his debut), he's just agreed a month-long loan to Frickley Athletic.

Bobby Faulkner on the day he signed his pro contract (Photo: Doncaster Rovers FC).

The efforts of Rovers' current youth squad haven't gone unnoticed either and when the first team visited Scunthorpe United for their Papa John's Trophy game in November, no fewer than 12 current or ex-youth team players were included in the matchday squad - something which, unsurprisingly, is a club record.

In that number were seven present youth teamers - namely Tavonga Kuleya (who started), Will Hollings and Jack Goodman (who both came on as substitutes in the second half) plus Alex Wolny, Jack Raper, Alex Fletcher and Corie Cole. Wolny was ready for action and waiting for a break in play to be brought on but Rovers' late, late capitulation in conceding twice in as many minutes kiboshed that plan! 

Youth team skipper Dan Wilds, along with Tom Henson (voted 'Player's Player Of The Season' by his peers in 2020/21), were both unused subs during the home defeat to Mansfield Town in the FA Cup and will be hoping they can follow in Bobby Faulkner's footsteps and sign a professional deal in the near future.

Jack Goodman, Tavonga Kuleya and Will Hollings at Scunthorpe (Photo: Heather King).

Elsewhere, not many ex-scholars have played at Stamford Bridge against the reigning European Champions, but Liam Mandeville has done just that in recent weeks.

The former youth team talisman struck a wonder goal in Chesterfield's FA Cup Second Round victory at Salford City, which was later voted the 'Goal of The Round', and it set up a visit to the Champions League title holders in Round Three.

The Spireites lost that game 5-1 and Mandeville came off the bench to feature for the second half, though he might end this season with a title winners medal given Chesterfield are very much amongst the front-runners in the National League right now. In total, he's made 24 appearances this term - scoring three times; the most recent of which came in a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Kings Lynn Town on New Year's Day.

One of Mandeville's old partners in crime is none other than Jack McKay and prior to his move from Curzon Ashton to York City in December, he got on the score-sheet in a bizarre FA Trophy tie with Chester which was temporarily halted because the referee had to move his car! The incident caused quite a few laughs on social media and when the game resumed about a quarter-of-an-hour later, McKay bagged - thus helping the 'Nash' book their place in Round Two.

In total, McKay scored five times in 19 outings for Curzon and he's featured prominently for York (now managed by John Askey) since his arrival at the brand-new LNER Community Stadium.

McKay poses for the cameras after his arrival at York (Photo: York City FC).

Also at York is Lewis Cunningham and the left-back recently got his first experience of men's football during a loan stint at Warrington Rylands. His debut ended in disappointment though as Rylands (the current FA Vase holders) were beaten away on Leek Town's sloping pitch.

Cunningham has also played regularly for York's youth team - managed by a certain Tim Ryan, this term - and was briefly their joint-top scorer at one point. Renowned for his free-kick potential, he still needs to work on his penalties, however, because his miss in a shoot-out against South Shields in the National League Youth Alliance Cup was 'so high it cleared the Angel Of The North' accoring to various sources.

That brings us nicely on to Will McGowan who is flourishing in South Shields' first team as they bid to win promotion to the National League North. The diminutive-yet-mercurial midfielder got the only goal in a home win over Scarborough Athletic on New Years Day (where the attendance was over 2,000!) and also has a new gaffer in the shape of Golden Boot winning ex-Premier League striker and second tier promotion-specialist Kevin Phillips who certainly shouldn't be a bad person to learn from!

Another team by the seaside, this time Blackpool, is where James Husband (below) can be found nowadays and he finally made the 250th appearance of his career as the Tangerines held promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion to a 0-0 draw at Bloomfield Road two months ago.

James Husband on the night of his landmark appearance (Photo: Adam Fradgley).

The winds of managerial change have also swept through Staveley Miners Welfare since the last update as well as Brett Marshall, who'd been in charge at Inkersall Road for five years, stood down after a heavy defeat to Penistone Church in November - one week on from this 4-0 success at Athersley Recreation where current youth team 'keeper Luke Chadwick (now recalled) kept a clean-sheet. 

Declan Howe got a goal in that game and at present, he's scored 15 goals this term to establish himself as one of the most prolific strikers in the NCEL (Premier Division). Rieves Boocock has also returned to Staveley's starting line-up since the managerial change and has bagged a handful of goals - including one in a somewhat controversial defeat at Barton Town last weekend.

Five straight wins over the festive period and into the New Year has helped transform Staveley's campaign and they've gone from just outside the drop zone to a comfortable top half position. Charlie Bell, still in his first year in men's football, has been a regular in their line-up; performing admirably enough to have the most assists of any player in their team this season.

Cody Prior has also linked up with Staveley having chosen to depart struggling Sheffield FC last month, but someone who has left Inkersall Road (and a coaching position in the DRFC Academy) is Cam Foulkes - choosing to go 'Down Under' and moving to Australia earlier this week! 

Everyone who knows Cam will testify that he's a top lad with a great attitude who has done so much for so many people, so good luck on your new challenge, enjoy every aspect of it, and rest assured I'll be checking on your progress once the season gets underway in Oz!

Elsewhere, not many players who depart Doncaster Rovers go on to play in the Isthmian League but that's precisely what Aron Gordon is doing nowadays and his displays for Grays Athletic earned him the much-coveted 'Player Of The Month' award for November, but better still, he even managed to keep his eyes open for the presentation photograph (below) this time!

He continued his good individual form by scoring against Tilbury Town in December - a goal which you can watch here. Grays are currently just outside the Play-Off positions in sixth spot in the Isthmian Division One (North) and will be hoping for a positive result this weekend when they travel to Romford.

Aron Gordon picks up his Player Of The Month award (Photo: Unknown).

Meanwhile, Morgan James was involved in an incident in late November which caused Maltby Main's game versus Garforth Town to be abandoned. The old youth team captain inadvertently clashed heads with a team-mate which left both needing lengthy treatment on the pitch and the referee eventually opted to abandon the game altogether. Ironically, the game only started after passing a pitch inspection as snowy weather put paid to many local fixtures on that particular weekend.

Maltby reached the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup Final earlier this week along with Worksop Town who beat Rossington Main infront of a 500-strong crowd at Oxford Street.

Kian Johnson (who has recently spent time at Derby County) was between the sticks for the big game, Myron Gibbons started up front, Ryan Wharton came on during the second half, but Conner Williamson was an unused substitute and didn't feature. Both Jack Watson and Cameron Barnett remain long-term absentees due to injury.

Rozzo took the lead on 22 minutes but eventually succumbed to the team from two divisions higher with Worksop bagging twice after half-time.

In NCEL (Division One), Rossington are still competing for promotion despite indifferent form since they hit top spot around the time the clocks went back. 'Gibbo' bagged back-to-back braces on visits to Dronfield Town and Hallam in November, whilst Conner struck a consolation in a 4-2 defeat at Ollerton Town just before Christmas.

In other news...

- Danny Amos recently left Port Vale, for whom he made three appearances, and joined Grimsby Town - making his debut in a 2-0 win over Altrincham last Saturday.

- Brad Grayson is still going strong at Gainsborough Trinity and bagged his latest goal against Nantwich Town last week. He's now scored eight times since his move from Grantham Town.

- Josh Meade, who is still at Grantham, hasn't featured much recently for the Gingerbreads who parted with ex-England international Carlton Palmer as their manager in November.

- Elliott Walker has featured quite often at right-back since joining Stocksbridge Park Steels last summer but hasn't yet got on the score-sheet.

- Ethan Bojang, nowadays at Peterborough United's U23s and starring at the U20 AFCON this time last year, recently got his first taste of men's football with a loan spell at Spalding United.

- Harry Middleton joined Barton Town from Cleethorpes Town on a dual-registration deal in November and has featured on a handful of occasions since then.

- Andrew Boyce rolled back the years with a sterling 'Man Of The Match' display which got him in the Vanarama Team Of The Week as Eastleigh beat Notts County in November.

- Jack Muldoon has seven goals in 29 outings at present for Harrogate Town this term; his latest effort coming in a Papa John's Trophy tie with Tranmere Rovers in December.

- Thorne Colliery, where Matt Gains and Evan Fortune-West play, seem set to battle it out with Newark Town in the Central Midlands League in order to win promotion to NCEL (Division One).

- Craig Nelthorpe enjoyed a blistering November - scoring three times for Belper Town, including two penalties. Alex Peterson is also part of the Nailers' squad whilst Liam Nelthorpe (Craig's younger brother) was on the front cover of the programme as his North Ferrby side recently hosted Retford.

- Paul McKay has established himself as one of first names on the team-sheet at Queen Of The South who compete in the Scottish Championship.

- Matt Parkin has scored three goals since leaving Staveley for Retford; the last of which was in a comfortable 3-0 win over Glasshoughton Welfare just before Christmas. 

- Ex academy striker Ben Andreucci was statistically one of the top performing strikers for Leeds United's U18s during the first half of the season. However, he was on the wrong of a cup upset as the Whites lost at Cambridge United in the FA Youth Cup earlier this week.

Harry Middleton joined Barton Town in November (Photo: Barton Town).

Finally, Joe Pugh has had a few clubs since leaving Rovers and actually signed for Armthorpe Welfare earlier this week but his 'managerial' exploits haven't gone unnoticed.

He's currently in charge of a Sunday League team called Windmill who beat Stainy S4all last weekend. Declan Howe got two goals as did Tyler Walker (currently at Goole AFC who face Winterton Rangers in the NCEL Premier Division tonight).

Apologies if I've missed anything and for the lack of any update in December - quite simply I needed a break from blogging and football in general for a few weeks, but there'll be frequent updates every month between now and the end of this season.

In the meantime, feel free to click on the following links if you've missed any previous articles on former DRFC scholars which features dozens more names: November | October | September | August | July |.

Guiseley (U19s) 1-1 York City (U19s)

Guiseley (U19s) 1-1 York City (U19s)

National League Youth Alliance

Wednesday 19th January 2022

A competitive and feisty contest which was the proverbial 'game of two halves' saw York City come from behind to take a point against Guiseley in the National League Youth Alliance.

In my first visit to Nethermoor in five years, the hosts dominated the first period and led at half-time thanks to Jakub Hebda's calmly converted spot-kick. Having switched formation, York were much better after the re-start and equalised through Max Ezard's strike from distance on 66 minutes.

A winner didn't materialise for either time but it was a good test for two hard-working teams with players on both teams showing signs of tired legs, along with a few cramping up, during the latter stages.

The only downside to proceedings was the referee who guessed at several decisions (you can tell when it's happening!), did laps of the centre-circle because he wasn't fit enough to keep up with play, used a whistle which sounded as if it had been nicked from a bloke on Platform 3B, and got loads of decisions wrong - including a massive call where he failed to red card Guiseley's 'keeper after he came flying out his area and fouled a striker midway through the first half. 

Had the referee got it right (because it was genuinely a red card offence), things may well have panned out differently but he didn't and it perfectly summed up his unpredictable officiating.

Following a six-minute delay to kick-off in which the home 'keeper needed to go back into the dressing room and change his shirt (it clashed with the red colours which the visitors wore), things got underway and it was feisty from the start as a couple of strong tackles were put in which resulted in a yellow card apiece; fair enough, but it set a precedent.

Whilst his handling of the game was mind-boggling at times, what certainly isn't questionable is the ability that Guiseley have in their ranks. They reached the FA Youth Cup Second Round, beating Rochdale en route, and in Josh Stones and Jakub Hebda possess two strikers who've earned a string of admirers this season. They're a force to be reckoned with and are challenging for the Youth Alliance (North Division) title on absolute merit - and good luck to them with that.

They had the game's first real opportunity when a York defender was penalised for a foul on the edge of the area but the resulting effort harmlessly cleared the upright. An even more clear-cut opportunity followed on the quarter-hour mark when Lewis Cunningham's untimely slip allowed Stones to get into a one-on-one where Maison Campbell pulled off a terrific save with his legs to keep his team on level terms.

Although Guiseley enjoyed plenty of success in picking up the second balls and had quite a bit of possession in the gap between the visitors' backline and midfield, the most contentious talking point of probably the whole game unfolded on 25 minutes.

A through ball put York's attacker in the clear, only for him to be stopped in his tracks by Guiseley's 'keeper who flew off his line and clumsily took him down on the edge of the box. There was no malice intended whatsoever; it was just clumsy and late, but to people's astonishment no red card was forthcoming from the referee and Ezard's resulting free-kick was on target yet kept out.

Drama quickly unfolded at the opposite end when a left-wing cross bounced up and hit the hand of a York defender who was penalised for handball - resulting in a penalty for Guiseley. Hebda, who already has some experience in mens football under his belt, stepped up, retained his composure and placed a powerful effort past Cambell (who dived the right way) to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

There was a good feistiness about the game and it had a full-blooded nature about it. Although Guiseley were definitely on top at this point, York did conjure up another opportunity from a free-kick prior to half-time when Cunningham's 25-yard attempt was met with a decent save by the home 'keeper.

York switched to a 4-3-3 formation and properly established a foot-hold on things after the re-start. They matched the hosts' work-rate and effort, competed better and should have equalised within three minutes when Josh Knowles capitalised on a slip to get in-behind but instead skewed his effort narrowly wide.

It was an indicator of things to come and Billy Gordon's introduction off the bench increased their tenacity and enhanced their chances of getting something from the game.

Decent opportunities were at something of a premium though as the hour mark came and went; York having a half-chance at one end before Stones unleashed a speculative effort over the target at the other, whilst Campbell produced some decent commanding of his area.

The equaliser the Minstermen craved subsequently arrived on 66 minutes. Ezard, who put in a proper shift over the course of the afternoon, was allowed to drift dangerously forward with the ball midway inside the hosts' half and with the invitation there to shoot, he unleashed a thunderous right-foot drive from 20-25 yards which flew past the 'keeper and into the bottom corner.

Back on level terms at 1-1, it seemed at this point as if one team (probably York given they were in the ascendency) would go on to get the win because there was plenty of endeavour, commitment and effort on show.

As things transpired though, there proved to be only two more chance of significant note. Campbell kept out a somewhat tame flick-on header to ensure Guiseley didn't re-establish a lead, before York went much closer at the other end as Campbell long clearance was flicked on for Kyle Lancaster whose rasping right-foot effort whistled just a whisker the wrong side of the post.

Overall, a point apiece was probably a fair reflection of what unfolded though you can't help wonder how different things may have been if the referee had done his job correctly and red-carded the Guiseley 'keeper during the big incident in the first half. It was a good test for both sets of players with lots of strength and competitiveness absolutely evident which will have certainly been beneficial in the development of every player on the pitch.

Special mentions to Max Ezard who, despite tiring late on, performed well along with Billy Gordon who added a different dimension and style to York's style but impressed. Credit also to the backline for keeping Jakub Hebda and Josh Stones - two of the best strikers they'll come up against at this level, relatively quiet throughout the 90 minutes.

P.S: I hope Bob's got his whistle back on Platform 3B!