Premier League Presenter Michael Kurn Previews Tomorrow’s Game Between Eastleigh FC And Lincoln City

Premier League presenter Michael Kurn, who you have most likely seen presenting studio phone in show called the Fanzone, whilst also being on your TV screen before matches, for Match Day Live.

He has meanwhile done work for other sports too, including Cricket and hosting events for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Michael has supported Southampton all his life, however he has a soft spot for non league fooball, in particular Eastleigh FC.

He previews tomorrow’s fascinating game between Eastleigh FC and Lincoln City, a game which is massive for both teams.

Michael Kurn Pitch Side At Old Trafford For Match Day Live

With Lincoln looking to become champions at the end of the season and achieving so much in a short period of time, how hard do you think it will be for Eastleigh to gain a valuable three points?

I think it will be a huge match, Lincoln have done phenomenally well this season of course with the FA Cup run and the league position, so it will be a tough game but its the Conference, and every games a tough game and I think its one of those things where you cant go into a game and think its an easy three points, if you look at the league table everyone has a got a result against someone, but it will be a tough one, but you never know Eastleigh might be able to do it.

Eastleigh now have several experienced Football League players since Martin Allens departure, do you think that could be a key factor if they’re to pick up any points?

Yes I think so, they have a settled squad now after a turbulent start, but with Richard Hill in charge, some of the older faces are there, some new ones too but like you said there’s an experienced team there and there are players who have league experience, in football it’s good to have those sorts of players who have been there done that, so I think they will know what a tough challenge it will be and they won’t act complacent. 

Richard Hill has been reappointed Eastleigh manager after Martin Allens unsuccessfull spell, was you happy to see him back in charge?

Yes Richard did a phenomenal job last time, it was a shame to see him go but it’s been a turbulent season this year and if you look back on hein sight, wth Ronnie Moore and Martin Allen it could of been a completely different story. Stuart the chairman appointed them he appointed them hoping it was going to go well and it was going to materialise and they would get some results and do well in the league so I think getting Richard back in stabilises the ship a little bit and allows the team to rebuild for next. The biggest thing missing this season was team spirit which is staring to come back. 

Last time Richard Hill was in charge, Eastleigh narrowly lost in the play offs to Grimsby Town, do you think Hill could replicate what he did in his first spell for the Club? 

I think football is ever moving and a fast moving sport, we’ve got a transfer window to come, the clubs developing really well and we have a new stand, so I think it’s a club that shall attract players, obviously the future of where chairman Stuart (Donald) wants to take the club. I think it’s that’s the aim and we want to be pushing for play offs and promotion. Richard Hill is signed on temporarily as manager until the end of the season, so I’m sure the board will make a decision as to wether that becomes permanent or they appoint someone new, he’s the director of football so I think massively next year Eastleigh should go for the play offs. This is a tough league and there’s no right to go up, there’s teams that come down from the football league so there’s no right to be in the play offs but I think Eastleigh will certainly push and be much more competitive next season.

Next year could see big spenders from the National League North such as AFC Fylde and Salford promoted who will be also looking to be up there with Eastleigh, will it be harder to mount for a play off position? 

No I think Eastleigh also have a good structure and funds in place as well like these other clubs so they will be on an even kiln, if not with an advantage because Stuart it is very positive and wants to push the team on, so they should be fine. 

Finally, with both teams needing a win tomorrow for different reason, what is your prediction ahead of tomorrow’s clash?  

Tough one, I’m going 3-2 Eastleigh, definitely going to be some goals! 

Charlee Adams & Koby Arthur set to be released by Birmingham

Last week I was scrolling through twitter, when it came to my attention that Birmingham boss Gianfranco Zola has already revealed his retained list. This was only for the youth team, as the first team list is still set to be released in the upcoming weeks. 

One of the first names I saw was Charlie Cooper, who I’m sure you’ve guessed it the Forest Green manager Mark Coopers son. Charlie joined his Dad after struggling to make an impression to new boss Zola, and was straight away loaned out to FGR. Operating as mainly a midfielder, Charlie has featured in most first team matches since joining, but has struggled to make a proper impact, as a promotion push now seems unlikely, with Mark Cooper admitting his side is now preparing for the play offs.

Charlie Cooper Pic: Bruce Fenn

Two of the big names which really took me by surprise, where former Imps players Charlee Adams and Koby Arthur. 

Lincoln fans need no introduction as to who Adams is, a powerful play maker, who is more notably remembered for that strike away at Grimsby, which The Imps went onto win. He then scored another screamer just weeks later, striking the ball from at least thirty yards out past a helpless Phil Smith.

Recently, Charlee went on loan to Scottish side Kilmarnock, playing under former Blues manager Lee Clark. He had a steady start under Clark, but he was on the end of a red-card challenge from Dundee defender Kevin Gomis. Adams snapped his shin and returned to Birmingham to make a full recovery. 

Charlee Adams in action for Kilmarnock against Celtic

Finally, Koby Arthur was another player to be told his contract would not be renewed at the end of the season. After spending time on loan at Cheltenham for a short period. 

Arthur returned back to Birmingham, and impressed Zola, however he admitted his chances are going to be extremely limited. I’m sure most Lincoln fans will remember his brief spell with the club a couple of years back, his electrifying pace and acceleration was a joy to watch, which makes me more surprised that a player with those attributes does not suit Zola’s style of play.

Koby Arthur In 2014, Pic: Camera Sport

Personally, I could see both being on Cowley’s radar, two football league quality players who both posses natural qualities. Arthur reminds me of a Josh Ginelly type player, he has plently of pace in abundance and would press the opppision defence, whilst getting back to cover when necessary. 

Charlee Adams could be a an alternative signing, but I think with Billy Knott hopefully staying permanently, I would see this being a highly unlikely target. 

FEMI ILESANMI: WHAT LINCOLN HAVE ACHEIVED THIS SEASON IS UNBELIEVABLE

Boreham Wood defender Femi Ilesanmi talks to thefootballblog ahead of this weeks clash in the FA Trophy against Lincoln City. 

Femi, who began his career at AFC Wimbledon, later went onto to join Queens Park Rangers during that year. After struggling to make a first team appearance, he signed for Ashford Town for the start of the 2010/11 campaign. 

His time at Ashford was cut short, as Dagenham & Redbridge manager John Still captured his services. 

Playing across 4 seasons, Femi would end up making over 100 appearances for The Daggers, however he later went onto sign for York City.

After York’s relegation to the National League, it was agreed that Femi would depart from York, after making over 70 appearances during his time at Bootham Crescent.

Femi Ilesanmi (left)

Lincoln have obviously been grabbing the headlines across the world at the moment, as a player how do you look to try and stop a team doing so well?

What Lincoln have achieved this season so far has been unbelievable, credit to the manager and the players because it shows there are loads of players in this league that can play higher. As for us, Boreham Wood FC, we just need to stick to our game plan and perform because we know anyone can beat anyone on their day.

It’s clear that Boreham Wood have several players including yourself who have a great abundance of pace and power, would you say that’s a key characteristic in this league when you play against the top teams?

Yes we do have a lot of pace and power in our team, but we also have a lot of ability to go with it. We have a very good team over here, so I wouldn’t just put it down to our physical attributes because the modern day footballer needs to be an athlete first and foremost. But at the same time, teams have to play to their strengths and that’s where we are strong.

Boreham Wood have a fantastic goal scoring record in the FA Trophy, scoring 10 goals so far, including a 5-0 win at home to Sutton. How much confidence do the likes of Ferrier and Balanta give you, knowing you have such a talented strike force?

Oh it gives us defenders a lot of confidence, we score different type of goals so it allows us to solely focus on keeping a clean sheet and knowing that they will take care of the rest.

Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley has said that he will rotate the squad ahead of Saturdays clash, do you think Boreham Wood should take the same approach, or would you rather cement your position in the semi final?

I think regardless of whatever team we put out, it is to win a game of football and I’m sure Lincoln are the same. This cup is another opportunity to play at Wembley for players and for football clubs to gain from so I’m sure that any team that is in it at this stage will be looking to go all the way.

Finally, how much qualifying for the semi final and being one round away from Wembley mean to the Boreham Wood players?

It will mean a whole lot, I mean I’m sure every player has playing at Wembley on their bucket list so this is a great opportunity for us to achieve that.

Youtuber KizzleKicks7 Predicts This Weeks FA Cup 4th Round Fixtures

Upcoming Youtber KizzleKicks7, who already has over 12,000 subscriber’s, predicts some of this weeks top encounters in the Emirates FA Cup 4th round. If you’re not already, subscribe to Kiz’s channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs5.

Derby County 2-1 Leicester City

Midlands Derby, Leicester have other priorities, struggling in the premier league, think Derby could cause an upset.

Middlesbrough 3-0 Accrington Stanley

Boro have too much quality for Accrington.

Lincoln City 1-3 Brighton

Brighton are a strong side, doing well in the Championship, could be a close game but superior quality will shine through.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

Home advantage will play a big part in this, comfortable win for Liverpool at Anfield.

Tottenham 3-0 Wycombe

Tottenham are flying, also have some very good young players. If they are on form they will cause Wycombe all sorts of problems.

Man Utd 3-1 Wigan

Jose is under some pressure so won’t take any unnecessary risks. Wigan might grab a goal, but a strong United side should make it through.

KAIMAN ANDERSON: HARD WORK DOES PAY OFF

Shrewsbury Town striker Kaiman Anderson talks to thefootbalblog14 on his on loan at Halesowen Town and returning back to The Shrews. Anderson has had a very impressive couple of loan spells with Halesowen, he was last seasons top scorer in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division and has also bagged 18 goals for The Yeltz before his loan ended.

Yesterday it was announced that you was going to be recalled by Shrewsbury, looking back how valuable has your time been with Halesowen?

It’s been very valuable, at this point in my career I need to be playing as many games as possible in the men’s game to get myself up to speed with how the games played so playing 30 games already this season can only be good for me.

You was the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division top scorer last season, and also scoring 18 goals this season. What would you say has been your highlight whilst with Halesowen?

Highlight would definitely be beating stourbridge at the grove last season that was a great day in front of about 1800 people. 

Since you have been on loan with The Yeltz, Paul Hurst was appointed manager. Are you looking forward to working with the Ex Grimsby gaffer?

Yes very much so, I’ve been in training with him regularly and he seems very encouraging. 

With Hurst also announcing that you could be given a place on the first-team bench, does that encourage you to work even harder?

Yes definitely, just shows that hard work does pay off and if I push that little bit more I could get some playing time which is what I want. 

Football Manager 2017: Top 4 Non League Talents

 

After the release of Football Manager 2017, I take a look at the current Non League stars who could turn into the next Jamie Vardy, playing in the Countries highest tier

#4 Alex Woodyard

For me Alex is easily one of the best players in the national league, with incredible vision and the ability to change the game in an instant, he is destined to play in the EFL for a lengthy spell of his career. Also winning the Non League young player of the year award, Woodyard is the perfect player for any League 2 club who can grow to a potential 4 stars, but is extremely underrated and could easily exceed his potential within a couple of seasons.

Alex Woodyard – Lincoln City FC

#3 Danny Rowe

A quick and tricky winger, Danny has impressed throughout the course of the National league season. From a brace away at Bromley, to a defining goal at home to Tranmere, Rowe has become a pivotal player for John Askey’s Silkmen, as they look to push for a play off place. Valued at just £30k Danny is already rated four stars, with the potential to reach five. A quality player who could fit in at a Football League club with ease.

 

Danny Rowe – Macclesfield Town

 

 

#2 Sean Raggett

After narrowly missing out on a place in the play off final, Sean left Dover and I’m sure everyone can agree that a move to the Football League was going to be likely. However after joining Lincoln City, who currently sit second in the Vanarama National League and also have a trip down to Ipswich in the FA Cup, Sean has a put in a number of outstanding performances and it is easy to see why he has recently been compared to Chris Smalling. With exceptional stamina, strength, determination and heading, Sean is the perfect centre back for any League 1 or 2 side who want an immediate replacement with more than enough quality to already succeed, but also has great potential as you climb the divisions.

Sean Raggett – Lincoln City FC

 

#1 Ricky Miller

Arguably one of the most inform Strikers currently in England, Dover’s Miller has already netted 25 goals for The Whites which has attracted FL clubs. With his contract up at the end of the season, you could get Miller in the January transfer window either for free, or pay slightly cheaper than his value if you need to bolster your teams attack. Miller’s in game stats are useful for any team that like to press from the start, with good stamina and a high work rate. He is also able to change a game in a second due to his sharp pace and eye for the net. Ricky can grow to a potential 4 stars and is perfect for any League 1/2 side.

Ricky Miller – Dover Athletic

National League Round Up

Forest Green continued to extend the gap at the top of the table after overcoming Macclesfield 1-0. A Keanu Marsh-Brown goal was enough to gain the three points.

Lincoln City remain second in the league, after a Matt Rhead stoppage time equaliser gave The Imps a point at home to the leagues dark horse Aldershot. 

Tranmere Rovers also gained a point at home following a draw against rivals Chester. Tranmere went 2-0 up before half time however goals from Tom Shaw and Ryan Astles in the second half meant Tranmere are now joint second with Lincoln.

Probably today’s shock result, Dagenham & Redbridge where humiliated at home 5-0 against a very inconsistent Gateshead side. This sees Dagenham now drop down to fourth in the table. 

Barrow travelled down south to Sutton United and managed to gain a point away from home, with sixth place Dover beating Solihull Moors away, another Ricky Miller hat trick saw Dover gain all three points, with Miller now on 21 goals already. 

York City gained a valuable point away at Ronnie Moores Eastleigh, whilst Bromley beat Boreham Wood 1-0. David Martins goal for Bromley was enough to seal the three points. 

Dean Keates’ Wrexham lost at home to Braintree Town. Michael Cheeks goal was the difference between the two sides. Southport continued there current unbeaten run by beating Maidstone United 3-2. Two goals from Liam Nolan and a goal from Jamie Allen saw Southport rise to 18th in the table. 

Torquay lost away to Guiseley, two quick goals from the home side saw both teams still remain in a relegation place. 

Finally Woking entertained North Ferriby in front of the BT Sport cameras. North Ferriby went ahead and looked set to pick up three points. However Woking substitute Luke Kandi rescued a point in injury time for The Cards.

 

CRAIG JONES: TO SCORE WAS AN UNBELEIVEABLE FEELING AND ONE I WILL REMEMBER FOREVER

Westfields FC midfielder Craig Jones speaks to thefootballblog14 after a shock result which saw them draw 1-1 with national league north side Curzon Ashton. 

Craig put Westfields ahead after slotting a penalty past Hakan Burton. However with just ten minutes remaining former Liverpool attacker Adam Morgan managed to grab a goal for his side, meaning that a replay will be held at the Tameside Stadium.

After a historic draw for Westfields yesterday, can you put into words just how much it means for you and the lads?

It’s hard to put it into words, but we are all so proud of what we have achieved so far but we are all determined to go into the replay believing we can win the game. For me personally, to score the goal was an unbelievable feeling and one I will remember forever.

As you just mentioned you scored the penalty to put Westfields ahead. Where there any nerves going up to take the spot kick?

Honestly, yes! I never normally get nervous taking them but for obvious reasons yesterday was a little more nerve racking, but luckily for me the goalkeeper went the wrong way and it went in.

You now have a replay back at Curzon, how much would it mean for the club to be in the second round?

It would mean everything, we have done so well to get this far and it’s been great for the club but to get to the second round would be incredible, something that would go down in history. 

Finally, if you was to beat Curzon, who would you like to come up against in the next round?

It has to be one of the big ones then! I didn’t see the results but if the likes of Sheffield united or Portsmouth are in it then you’d have to say someone like that!

Picture via BBC Sport

MATCH REPORT: LINCOLN CITY 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

The magic of the FA Cup continues for The Imps today, with the visit of Jim Harvey’s Altrincham, who will undoubtedly be looking to cause an upset. 

Lincoln City started with the same team which beat Chester 5-2, whilst Altrincham hand debuts to Curtis Obeng and Simon Lenighan. Obeng who normally plays at right-back, is a signing Alty manager Harvey will hope stops the defensive issues. Lenighan, a midfielder was brought in from Warrington Town. 

With over 3,500 at Sincil Bank today, the game looked to be a cracker. And it was Altrincham who got today’s proceedings underway. 

Lincoln immeidiately began to dominate the game, with Harry Anderson proving plenty of problems for Alty and nearly put The Imps ahead, after an immaculate volley just hit the cross bar. I’m sure that would’ve goal of the day if it had gone in for sure. However the persistent pressure began to pay off, with a Sam Habergham corner being headed in by Sean Raggett to deservedly put Lincoln ahead.

Again it was Danny Cowely’s Lincoln looking to increase the lead, with Theo Robinson and Nathan Arnold both terrorising the Alty defence. The only chance Altrincham had in the first half which hardly struggled The Imps’ defence was a run by Damian Reeves, which was dealt with comfortably by Luke Waterfall for Lincoln. 

Just before half time Lincoln looked to of increased the score, however Matt Rheads looping header was disallowed for a foul on Dawber. 

HT: LINCOLN CITY 1-0 ALTRINCHAM

With Alty struggling to create a proper attempt on goal, they made a change with  Patterson coming on for Hannigan. 

Lincoln got the second half going, and like the first half where dominating the game, Arnold again proving to be a handful but Alty’s defence dealt with him well. 

Theo Robinson then somehow missed from six-yards out. A quality ball in by Arnold was met by Robinson, however his header somehow went wide. That was to be Robinsons last chance of the game, as shortly after we was replaced by Jack Muldoon.

An Alty comeback looked to be gone as Alan Power capitalised on a defensive error and made it 2-0 for Lincoln. Jim Harvey decided to make two changes hoping to try and change the game, Marsh and Richman replaced Lenighan and Obeng. 

The two subs from Alty started to make an impact and looked to pull a goal back, meanwhile Rhead was replaced by Hawkridge. With Altrincham finally causing problems for Lincoln, they managed to pull a goal back. A corner was whipped in and John Cyrus headed the ball into the ground and the ball nestled into the top corner and past a helpless Farman. 

The Imps’ looked to round down the clock and grind out the win, and with 4 minutes of added time seemed happy to play the ball round and make sure that Alty had no more chances. Referee Steve Rushton blew the whistle meaning Lincoln progressed to the second round of the FA Cup. 

FT: LINCOLN CITY 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

Attendance: 3,529 (161 visitors) 

Stamford AFC Hero Lee Beeson Exclusively Talks To Thefootballblog14

Stamford AFC created history on Tuesday as they beat Wrexham 3-2, meaning they now go onto play Hartlepool away. 

I talk to Lee Beeson, who scored two penalties between the two games, which ended up being crucial in the tie. Beeson, who has had spells with Grantham Town and Boston United, is now relishing the opportunity to play away at a football league club. 

(Some of these questions where answered before the replay on Tuesday) 

How did you feel when you walked up to take the penalty, any nerves?

No none actually I didn’t really think about it to be honest I always fancy my chances when taking a penalty and thankfully it went in.

How did it feel when you saw the ball in the back of the net?

Relived and just a buzz knowing we was back in the game.

Now talking to you after the replay of the Wrexham game, how much did it mean to you and the club to cause a memorable upset?

It’s massive for the club and for individuals all the lads me included just thought we lost the game after going 2-0 up to 2-2 was heartbreaking but somehow we stuck together and it was just meant to be our night last night.

Again, you scored another penalty last night, was there any nerves on the second time round?

No again I don’t really know what happened I was fine all I was thinking was hit hard and on target luckily for me and the team it went in. 

I know you said that you and the lads thought you’d lost after they got the score level to 2-2, but when you saw that you had a free kick in that position, did you think for a second you would eventually run out 3-2 winners?

We was under so much pressure all game getting in there half was hard at times but getting a free kick that close to goal we had to shot and luckily I was stood over the ball with Duffy and he’s hit it clean and I new it had a chance and seeing the net ripple was a great feeling.