When the idea of #OneLastGame was first mentioned by journalist Iain Macintosh, we all thought it was a great way of winding down the clock before the latest Football Manager game was released. Little did we know it would lead to us traveling over 350 miles to watch a game of football in North Wales.
The idea was simple: take control of the lowest ranked team on Football Manager 2011 and guide them to as much glory as possible within five seasons. The winner of this competition would receive a VIP trip to Bala to watch the boys in action! Josh (@coullj) won the league, Dave (@nicholls33) won the league, Jim, (@JimCalver1) won the league, Owain (@pulpsong) managed a very respectable 11th, and then was sacked. Still Josh’s abilities enabled the four of us to pick up the tickets.
The date was set: we chose the game against Neath FC as the game to watch. This was due, in part, to Neath’s ‘superstar’ Lee Trundle.
The journey was going to be a long one, we had to stop over in Bristol to pick up one of the Drivelling Wizards, and so in total, we were going to drive 360 miles just to get to Maes Tegid.
Having lost Jim, as he’d just become a father, we set off. An overnight stop at Bristol and we made our way to Bala.
The journey through Wales was spectacular, especially through Snowdonia. Hills and valleys rolled out in front of us, and the sun pierced through the clouds making the national park look like a far away magical land.
However once we heard the truly devastating news about Gary Speed, the rest of the journey was spent in stunned silence.
We arrived to a warm welcome at Bala. Gareth Moon, the club’s hospitable front man greeted us like old friends and gave us an enthusiastic tour of the ground. We just had enough time for a quick cuppa before taking our seats to watch the action unfold.
The idea was simple: take control of the lowest ranked team on Football Manager 2011 and guide them to as much glory as possible within five seasons. The winner of this competition would receive a VIP trip to Bala to watch the boys in action! Josh (@coullj) won the league, Dave (@nicholls33) won the league, Jim, (@JimCalver1) won the league, Owain (@pulpsong) managed a very respectable 11th, and then was sacked. Still Josh’s abilities enabled the four of us to pick up the tickets.
The date was set: we chose the game against Neath FC as the game to watch. This was due, in part, to Neath’s ‘superstar’ Lee Trundle.
The journey was going to be a long one, we had to stop over in Bristol to pick up one of the Drivelling Wizards, and so in total, we were going to drive 360 miles just to get to Maes Tegid.
Having lost Jim, as he’d just become a father, we set off. An overnight stop at Bristol and we made our way to Bala.
The journey through Wales was spectacular, especially through Snowdonia. Hills and valleys rolled out in front of us, and the sun pierced through the clouds making the national park look like a far away magical land.
However once we heard the truly devastating news about Gary Speed, the rest of the journey was spent in stunned silence.
We arrived to a warm welcome at Bala. Gareth Moon, the club’s hospitable front man greeted us like old friends and gave us an enthusiastic tour of the ground. We just had enough time for a quick cuppa before taking our seats to watch the action unfold.
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| The Three Drivellers in all their glory. |
Some heavy overnight rain had made the playing surface slow and boggy and in the early stages of the game, the players struggled to keep hold of the ball. Neath had the better of the opening period, Lee Trundle displaying a touch of class and flair to set up a couple of chances, the closest of which skimmed the top of the bar. Bala’s cross bar had to come to the rescue for a second time, as Chris Jones took aim from a free kick on the edge of the area.
Bala defended resolutely and began to get a hold of the game. However the home side struggled to make any real impact in the final third. Their long balls were easily intercepted by the ever present, man mountain, Matty Rees.
With no luck in the air, Colin Caton’s boys changed their game plan and used the wings to their advantage. Young left back Rees Darlington put in a sterling performance both going forward and defending, every Bala attack looked dangerous when the youngster got involved. Darlington could even have bagged himself a goal but his shot clipped the top of the bar before flying over.
An injury just before half time forced Bala to make a change. Winger, Peter Doran, picked up a nasty looking knock and had to be carried off. Stephen Brown, who had shown glimpses of brilliance in the first half, was switched to the right wing, as the explosive Stef Edwards was brought on.
Bala defended resolutely and began to get a hold of the game. However the home side struggled to make any real impact in the final third. Their long balls were easily intercepted by the ever present, man mountain, Matty Rees.
With no luck in the air, Colin Caton’s boys changed their game plan and used the wings to their advantage. Young left back Rees Darlington put in a sterling performance both going forward and defending, every Bala attack looked dangerous when the youngster got involved. Darlington could even have bagged himself a goal but his shot clipped the top of the bar before flying over.
An injury just before half time forced Bala to make a change. Winger, Peter Doran, picked up a nasty looking knock and had to be carried off. Stephen Brown, who had shown glimpses of brilliance in the first half, was switched to the right wing, as the explosive Stef Edwards was brought on.
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| Brown setting off on another mazy dribble. |
The whistle went for half time and we all retreated to the relative warmth of the pavilion to be treated to more tea and a slap-up buffet lunch. They know how to treat a man in North Wales I can tell you.
The second half started brightly for the home side, the substitution gave Bala more impetus and they began to take control of the game.
Mark Jones was instrumental in feeding delightful balls out to both flanks and Brown caused the Neath right back all sorts of problems as he danced down the wing time and time again. He was unlucky not to score as he weaved into the box and fired just wide. Edwards’ searing pace created several chances for the home side, and they must have thought they were in front as a cross from the left wing found Brown in acres of space with the goal at his mercy, his shot, however, squeezed agonisingly past the post.
Neath did manage to create some chances of their own, and has a bit more spark going forward once the completely ineffective Lee Trundle was brought off. Bala’s Terry McCormick was called on to make a heroic save to keep Neath at bay and some strong defending from right back Stuart Jones frustrated the visitors until the final whistle.
The second half started brightly for the home side, the substitution gave Bala more impetus and they began to take control of the game.
Mark Jones was instrumental in feeding delightful balls out to both flanks and Brown caused the Neath right back all sorts of problems as he danced down the wing time and time again. He was unlucky not to score as he weaved into the box and fired just wide. Edwards’ searing pace created several chances for the home side, and they must have thought they were in front as a cross from the left wing found Brown in acres of space with the goal at his mercy, his shot, however, squeezed agonisingly past the post.
Neath did manage to create some chances of their own, and has a bit more spark going forward once the completely ineffective Lee Trundle was brought off. Bala’s Terry McCormick was called on to make a heroic save to keep Neath at bay and some strong defending from right back Stuart Jones frustrated the visitors until the final whistle.
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| A Big save, from Big Terry. |
Even though we weren’t treated to any goals, the game was fast paced and exciting and Bala’s hospitality was first class. In the bar afterwards, we chatted to the team’s manager and Chairman, both of whom were happy with the performance, with good reason too; that result guaranteed the North Wales club a spot in the top end of the table as the league splits in two.
We really enjoyed our mammoth trip to Bala, and were told that many people visit from all over the country, to take in the sights of Snowdonia, or for a stag do weekend. Take it from us, In Bala, £6 to watch the Lakesiders, will be the best money you’ll spend all weekend.
We really enjoyed our mammoth trip to Bala, and were told that many people visit from all over the country, to take in the sights of Snowdonia, or for a stag do weekend. Take it from us, In Bala, £6 to watch the Lakesiders, will be the best money you’ll spend all weekend.
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