A Kind of Revenge

I suppose it WAS a kind of revenge for Mansfield after their defeat by The Quakers at Wembley, but the 2-0 home loss was a real let-down after the great home win over Lincoln earlier in the week. And it all went wrong in the first 12 minutes, but in truth it was probably a fair result overall.

And our managers were so sure of victory today that only two managed the correct score – Damian Dickson and Julian Tutty – and only a further 18 managers thought Mansfield would win. No wonder the Bookmakers are always rich!!!

Damian Dickson made the most of his eight points, moving up to joint 3rd place on 24 points with James Houghton, Martin Cass and Neil Danby. But it’s Steve Calvert’s second XI who sit astride the world on 28 points, with Sarah Walton finding her scoring boots again . . . one behind on 27 points. Steve Curtis leads the chasing pack on 22.

And it’s the Toby Corum show at the other end of the table, now the only one with Nul Points.

Pete

YAHOO!!! WE’RE UP AND RUNNING . . . FINALLY!!!

(sorry for the delay . . . I blame the wedding, plus very serious technical problems)

It’s been another fantastic entry into this, our eighth Come On Darlo Prediction League – 194 managers battling it out for the top prize of £100 and, more importantly, the prestige of being “Top Dog” in your own lunchtime. Thanks for your support once again and also to those who added donations – all profits going towards Craig Liddle’s successful youth setup.

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

Last season’s champ Ethan Vallis is back to defend his title, but there will be stiff opposition from old hands at this game . . . but we also welcome entries from several first-timers. Remember, keep a check on your scores and if any queries email me here straight away.

Join The Trust - Just a Fiver - Join Online

So what’s happened in the first 3 games? Well, we managed to scramble a 1-0 home win in the opening game against Braintree and then a very creditable 0-0 away at most people’s favourites for the league – Fleetwood – where by all accounts we were the better team. So, coming in to today’s game against Tamworth hopes were high that a third successive clean sheet would lead to a Darlo win.

But not a bit of it, as manager Cooper said “we wouldn’t have scored if we’d stayed all night”, as a late penalty consigned The Quakers to their first defeat.

Join the Trust - One Member - One Vote - Have Your Say in the Future of Darlington

None of this has bothered Sarah Walton – three correct scores out of three with 24 points!!! I advise getting those lottery tickets put on as well, Sarah. This is a fantastic start to the season, but not clear of the field by any means as both James Houghton and Martin Clarke are just behind on 19 points with Steve Curtis just a little further back on 16 in fourth place.

Only ten managers have yet to break their points duck, so is this the season where the winner breaks the 200-point barrier?

Pete

And then there was that other Wembley Cup Final - check out the latest Darlo Trust Prediction League table

It was the turn of that other FA Final this weekend . . . FA Cup something or other I believe . . . anyway it was the new vultures on the block Manchester City who triumphed over little-fancied Stoke City. The Mancs ran out 1-0 winners – remind you of anything? :) Certainly didn’t have the same interest for me . . . in fact only watched about ten minutes and was bored rigid. Bring on the Blue Square Premier next season!!!

And for those who fancy watching some of the Darlo highlights again . . . why not!!! :)
http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFATrophy

And plenty more fans’ videos and pictures on here:
http://www.darlofc.co.uk/news.php?NewsID=566

Stoke were so little-fancied in our Come on Darlo Prediction League that no-one had them down as either winners or losers in this final, though quite a few plumped for Man City to win or lose it. These clever “winning” people are: Adrian Lynch, Anthony Leigh, Billy Cass, Chris MacKenzie 3, Christian Fox, Darren Darvill, David Sheppey 2, Ethan Vallis, James Cagney, James Houghton, Jeff Maughan, John Gutenberg, Jonny Simpson, Lewis Raper, Lynne Pape, Mark Hathaway, Mark O'Neill, Nads Charity, Paul White, Peter White, Stephen Bennett, Steve Curtis, Toby Corum 2, Trevor Gretton.

Join the Trust - Just £5 a year - have your say - one member, one vote

And the Premier League had some final places confirmed this weekend. Manchester United won it again for the 12th time since the Premier League was formed . . . and I believe only three other clubs have won it in that time. Chelsea’s draw with Newcastle sees them confirmed as runners-up, whilst West Ham’s fate has finally been sealed at the foot of the table in 20th place. No longer the Happy Hammers then!

But what about the most important league? Well, Ethan Vallis’ vast knowledge of the whole football league is standing him in good stead as he’s amassed 41 points so far, with more results still to come. And these points have pushed him into a strong second place on 167, just three behind our long-term leader Humphrey Bogart on 170. Troy Lacend is in third on 162 to complete the top three places (for now) . . . but it isn’t over by any stretch of the imagination for perhaps another 12-15 managers below these medallists.

View the latest Prediction League Table Here

And while one superstar sits proudly at the top of the table, another fallen star sits rather dejectedly at the bottom – Burt Lancaster is adrift by two points on 75 from Gary Robertson on 77 and Toby Corum and David Sheppey on 78. The league organising committee is already dusting off the loser’s ribbons for the (extremely) naff Wooden Spoon . . . just waiting for those final points to come in.

Premier League is complete next weekend along with final positions for Sunderland and Newcastle . . . leaving only the play-off finals to score afterwards.

Pete

A good finish - now on to Wembley!!!

Well, a good finish to the league season by Darlo – with a 2-0 home win against Rushden & Diamonds and finishing in 7th place in the Blue Square Premiership. And if you have the chance, take a look at the second goal by Campbell – a terrific 25-yard belter. But, of course, it’s still not the end of the season as Darlo go to . . . WEM-BER-LEEEEEEEEEEE!!! Have I mentioned that before?

And it’s been a belter of a weekend for points in the Come On Darlo Prediction League as all the Darlo questions are finally answered, along with several positions in the promotion and relegation battles – plus York finished 8th in the Blue Square Premiership.

In the Championship, QPR finally claimed top spot whilst Swindon were relegated from Division 1 in 24th place. Similar situation for Stockport in Division 2 who ended in 24th place and now join Darlington next season. Also, AFC Wimbledon finished in second place in the Blue Square Premiership.

Click Here to join the Trust - just a Fiver!!!!

And there have been major changes at the top of the league – apart from one – Humphrey Bogart remains as league leader with a commanding points total of 153. Chris Walton is shooting for the top in second place on 142 with Steve Calvert just behind on 141. Paul Robinson has given himself an excellent chance of honours on 139 with Lorraine Arscott. Will Caxton’s not out of it on 138.

Top scorers for the 2-0 win against Rushden are: Andrew Hodgson, Carl Hankin, Chris MacKenzie 2, Chris Walton 2, Christine Darvill, David Alderson, Diana Willsher, Don Chesney, Don Juan, Garry Mann, Graham Wakeling, Kevin Kidger, Laura Drew 4, Martyn Cripps 2, Martyn Walton, Matthew Ashmore, Micheal Spencer, Mike Wells, Paul Robinson, Paul White, Peter Morris, Randolph Scott, Rudy Dunk, Scott Morland, Stephen Nicholson, Steve Mann, Steven Metcalfe, Terry Simpson, Tim Hewitson.

Click Here for the latest Prediction League Table

And things are just as tight at the foot of the table – David Sheppey is still in spoon place on 57, but is only four points behind Burt Lancaster who is also four points behind Toby Corum third XI on 65. And there are still plenty of managers above these within easy reach.

Pete

Oh, this season is feeling so long and drawn-out

Oh, this season is feeling so long and drawn-out now after that 2-1 defeat away at Newport. Now just looking forward to the Wembley trip . . . but not forgetting that a For Sale advert appeared in the local paper today . . . to sell Darlington FC’s stadium. It could only happen to our club. So let’s hope for a great end to the season and enjoy our day out . . . and bring back the silverware!!!

And the chase for “silverware” (well, it’s a certificate actually . . . and the dosh) goes on for our managers. Steve Calvert stretches his lead at the top to ten points, on 122, over Lorraine Arscott with Garry Mann in third on 111.

Check out the Prediction League Table here

Those managers getting it right are dominated by John . . . all six of them - Adrian Pape, Burt Lancaster, Callum Vallis, Chris MacKenzie 3, Dave Wilson, Gerry Steel, Gillian Percival, Graham Wakeling, Jean Johnson, John Baskerville, John Gutenberg, John Mosby, John Sainsbury, John Shuttleworth, Jonny Simpson, Mark O'Neill, Martyn Cripps 1, Paul Dickson, Paul Robinson, Peter White, Steve Duffy 1, Toby Corum 3.

David Sheppey has fallen from grace . . . to the bottom of the pile, while Burt Lancaster has finally reprised his bird man role and flown above him, on 35 and 37 points, respectively.

How long before those first promotion and relegation places are decided?

Pete

Darlo lose ground in play off race

Ah, just another game in the Blue Square Premier between two ex-league teams . . . and that is just a regular occurrence these days. And it was another mediocre day at the office as The Quakers lost ground on the play-off placed teams. Perhaps it is a Bridge Too Far this season.

Humphrey has returned to the top of the Come On Darlo Prediction League on 88 after scoring eight precious points, he heads Steve Calvert in second on 85 . . . and there appears to be a small gap opening up to third-placed Christian Fox on 79. Toby Corum is looking to confound everyone by challenging at both ends of the table . . . whilst “The Stiffs” are rock bottom on 14 points, the first XI now have 67 points in 15th place.

Arthur Brennan is improving all the time on 65 points in 17th with Raymond Brennan one point back on 64 in 23rd spot along with Neil Raper. My own “Shocking Defending!!!” is finally showing some form, moving well into the top half of the table (another way of saying, “Not in immediate contention”), Steve Calvert’s second XI has 54 points in 76th, Lewis Raper in 80th with 53 and Chicken George brings up the last of our max scorers on 43 points in 135th place.

And as already mentioned, the Toby Corum trophy-hogging machine is steadfastly holding on to 204th place, Josh Slack four points ahead on 18, with David Sheppey and Burt Lancaster pushing their luck just ahead of these.

Check out the latest Prediction League Standings By Clicking Here

Have you noticed the great diversity of team names this season – probably the best quality set of names we’ve ever had. A long-time favourite is, of course, “Hartlepool Nil” - one I remember with great affection after the two play-off games. And it is anyone’s guess where some of the others have come from – fertile imaginations? “Gavin Worboys Ingrowing Toenail”, “Not a Lance Team” (don’t know what you mean), “Simon Davey Sings Lyin’ Eyes” (we just won’t forgive, will we), “Bluenosing the Vile” (don’t ask . . . I did and my head’s been hurting ever since) and “£10 Please Ellis” . . . is this a bet or a debt?

But my favourite is . . . “Penguins Stole My Socks” . . . for no other reason than it just tickles my (lack of?) sense of humour. Laura, you’ve one weird imagination!!!

Pete

Late Equaliser Denies Darlo

FIFA have given Darlington special dispensation to play just the injury time of any game . . . as so many of ours have been decided in that time. Another late equaliser denied The Quakers all three points, after a Liam Hatch goal had given them a second-half lead. We’re still hanging on in there for a play-off place but it’s gonna take some good latter season form.

Mind, there was a large number of managers who were mightily glad of that 1-1 draw – read on!!!

Eight-point masters are: Alex Wilson, Beth Taylor, Brian Main, Callum Vallis, Chicken George, Chris MacKenzie 2, Chris Vallis, Christian Fox, Dan Taylor, David Rice-Oxley, David Sheppey 2, David Taylor, David Welton, Don Juan, Elaine Battision, Ethan Vallis, Frank Mann, Gillian Percival, Hannah Taylor, James Cagney, Jayne Hathaway, Jenny Maughan, John Baskerville, John Shuttleworth, Jonny Simpson, Karen Sheen, Kevin Kidger, Laura Drew 1, Laura Drew 3, Lemsip Opek, Lyndsey Steel, Malcolm Cundick 2, Margaret White, Mark Stephenson, Mick Moriarty, Mike Wells, Patrick Hernandez, Paul Davis, Peter Ashmore 1, Raymond Percival, Rhonda Fleming, Richard Collin 2, Ruth Woods, Sam Taylor, Scott Morland, Stephen Atkinson, Stephen Dickson, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Calvert 2, Trevor Gretton, Troy Lacend, Will Caxton.

Some points have been added to managers’ totals which were omitted in error when the 15-game mark was reached – the full list who correctly predicted 19 points: Chicken George, Chris Walton 2, Dave Woods, Gavin Shillingford, Jayne Hathaway.

All the points have meant a change in the leaderboard – Steve Calvert’s first XI is top with 82 while The Humph slips back into second on 80 and Christian Fox roars back into contention on 79 in third. Richard Collin leads the chasing pack on 75 along with Stephen Atkinson.

Check out the latest Prediction League Table here

Toby Corum’s third XI now props up the table on 14 points, four points adrift of Josh Slack with David Sheppey’s second XI one point further ahead.

Pete