The last Chris Brandon post (for now - because even though I am a fan, he's not to everyones taste granted).

I gather he was sent off playing for Blackpool yesterday (kicked out at someone so I am told), so I was wondering if he is now banned, and if (as I am led to believe) he is ineligible for the play-offs that they might see their way clear to sending him back this week??? It is being suggested on the Blackpool Rivals boards though, that if it is a 3 match ban that he could play in the play-off final if they get there. I hope he gets another chance here next season. He's still got a year left on his deal, and unless Blackpool offer us silly money for him I think we should keep hold.

So, is everybody happy then?? Leeds are down, Bradford are down.

This is my take on things - I'm not too sorry to see either of them relegated to be honest - they have not been good enough in their respective divisions - however, as my Fathers family is littered with Leeds supporters (my late Father was a Leeds fan as well), I'm perhaps a little disappointed to see their demise. (Funnily enough I only saw only my Uncle (Dads brother) about a month ago, and he gave me the "...we're too big to go down..." spiel).

Not so with Bradford, they were extremely uncharitable about our relegations, and anyone who has had to put up with their "...have you ever seen the Premiership..." taunts will not be sorry to see them in DIVISION FOUR!!!

Given Bradfords impending slide back into obscurity, anyone else think this could be a job for Super Jacko??? The situation is startlingly similar.............

Northampton Town 1-1 Huddersfield Town

Town round off their away fixtures this season with an excellent point at Northampton. From what I could gather while I was trying my best to follow proceedings at work, we had the better of this game for long spells, playing some good football along the way (all very promising it has to be said).

We looked to have taken the lead, but Luke Becketts effort was ruled out for offside, and despite having more possession we couldn't find a way through before the break, and it remained goalless.

Northampton went in front (against the run of play from what I could see on the BBC minute-by-minute) in the 64th minute - a sloppy goal by all accounts - a long throw finding the head of Andy Holt who guided his header in off the bar.

We weren't to be denied though, as David Mirfin equalised soon after - the first goal scored by a Town defender all season I might add (shocking I know, but true nevertheless) - Northampton clearing Joe Skarz free kick only as far as Martin McIntosh, who played it back in for Mirf, climbing higher than everyone else, to score with a downward header.

Academy player Lewis Akins came on for a Town debut near the end, and almost poached a winner, his header flashing wide in injury time.

Andy Ritchie on Northampton v Town (written)


****

The more observant of you may notice the un-godly hour (for me) that I am posting this report. I had a late finish last night (9-30pm - Town were still playing, I was hoping to find we had won when I got home, not to be), and its been swiftly followed by an early start (8-25am). I'm sure the rota-makers don't look properly at times.

The even more observant of you may also notice, further down the page, a few additions picture-wise to some earlier postings. At home our computer is still on dial-up, which affects the size of picture I can save to my files - the company broadband (used discreetly of course) means I have no such trouble!!

Our final away match of the season is tonight at Northampton (moved to accommodate a rugby match I gather). I'm stuck in work until 9-30pm, so won't be able to avail myself of Oggys commentary, but a relaxation of Internet usage at work (I was promoted 2 weeks ago, so browsing sports-related sites at workstations is allowed at my level during the week) means I can use Livescore / BBC minute-by-minute tonight. I'm confident we can round our away season off in style with a good win (Town to win 2-nil, or 2-1). Town are odds of 2/1 to win (with my employers Bet365), and that looks a huge price to me. Onwards with confidence to our final fixture against Leyton Orient next weekend.

Speaking of which, I have had to scrap plans to make one final trip this season. At Bet365 we have just started a brand new offer (Best Odds Guaranteed every horse, every horse race, every day - you horse racing betting types will know what I mean, so I won't explain - but its a DAMN GOOD OFFER, even if I do say so myself) and with the extra business that will definitely ensue they are crying out for Operators of a weekend, and I was politely asked by a Supervisor if I would consider giving up my Saturday off, if it wasn't urgent, for a day off in the week. As I have only been there just short of 3 months, and I'm gradually working my way up the ladder there (my second promotion in 4 weeks happens w/c May 7th) I agreed to the request (reluctantly). So I won't be in residence now until next season (groan).

Remember me saying we appear to have had a lucky escape when Phil Parkinson turned us down? Read this.

Parkinson Upset With Terriers

Oh, I'll bet he is - the empty seat fiasco showed him up for the greedy-money-grabbing barsteward he is. Serves him right as well. A very lucky escape indeed.

"...All they had to say was there had been a delay in appointing a new manager while they sat down and decided on who they were going to appoint next...."

And why the hell should Ken Davy have done that with only an hours notice. I'm with the Board (for a change) on this one.

Andy Ritchie - Let Us Entertain You

AR looks ahead to next season already, saying the things we all want to hear (although this interview is clearly ghostwritten), as I have said in the past let us hope he delivers what he promises.

And Season Ticket prices are out....

Season Ticket / Matchday Prices 2007-2008

Nice to see a reduction for season ticket holders if they re-purchase early enough - but a bit peeved that us "...pay on the turnstile..." types are being asked to fork out Category A prices for every game next season - where's our freeze / reduction!!! You might know the club would try to re-coup from somewhere, and its me and others who are paying!! Do you know, with my travel and programme money factored in, that this season is the first where I haven't had change out of £40. Ah, well, erm "...thats the way it is..."!

Better news today.

Holdsworth Signs 2 Year New Deal

I've always liked Andy Holdsworth and I'm glad this has happened. However, my suspicious nature has me thinking whether he would have signed had Jacko been still with us. I'd like to have thought he would have done, but we will never know. Good move by Town this.

I bring bad news.

Mark Hudson - I Want to Stay

Spare me.....

He puts in a half-decent performance on Saturday (he did drift in and out of the game in my opinion) and all of a sudden he wants a new contract??? It might pay AR to look at the bigger picture here. Someone should go to the trouble of showing him some of our early season performances when he was undroppable - and garbage. And as for his "...celebration..." after the goal (cupping his ears to the crowd - not the first time I've seen him do that), well that will not win him many admirers. I admit that booing him prior to the match when his name is read out is ridiculous (wouldn't waste my breath), but the only way to win the crowd over is to take no notice and get one with things. Scoring the odd goal, and playing well for 90-minutes, not just when he feels like putting it all in (because when he does, he can look good) will be a start.


I hope our Manager isn't fooled by this story / Saturdays performance. It may well be better for Hudson and (especially) Town if he was sent on his way.

Huddersfield Town 4-2 Millwall

An excellent performance by Town to secure League One football for us next season. Conditions were a little bit blustery, but it was a nice pleasant day - despite some pitiful refereeing, but more on that in a bit. And unusually, there were empty seats either side of me - the regulars who usually occupy them missing for a change.

The Big Screen looks a treat - although I have to say that although I have an excellent view from my seat of course, I doubt that those sitting at the back of the Antich would agree. Pre-match it was showing some of Boothys finest moments for Town (and enjoyable it was too), then when the Town team was announced their pictures appeared - worked well first time, but second occasion when " ...number 2 Andy Holdsworth..." was the player announced, we were greeted with a picture of Frank Sinclair instead!!! But all in all a worthwhile addition, and I hope it stays.

We didn't get off to the best of starts - Martin McIntosh had an awful game, can't see him staying with Town much longer - and a combination of him and Mirf not clearing a corner led to Millwall taking the lead, Darren Byfield beating Matt Glennon with a close range over-head effort.

After that though it was all Town - and I mean all Town. We clicked, and played some lovely stuff - Michael Collins particularly, and it was courtesy of some excellent interplay between him, Fletch and Luke Beckett that Town equalised, when Collins put a deft shot into the far corner. Fletch nearly put Town 2-1 up shortly afterwards when his looping header looked for all the world to be sailing in, but the crossbar had other ideas! Half time and we were dead-locked.

Now, its well known that I am no fan of Mark Hudson, he's someone I hope is shown the exit in the summertime, but today he had a good game when he decided to put it all in - and he put Town 2-1 in front. Luke Becketts shot was cleared off the line, but Huddy was there to follow up the rebound. It then looked like Michael Collins had scored again almost immediately (thought I saw the top of the net bulge to be honest), but it was the underside of the bar that denied us.

Mark Hudson was involved again shortly afterwards, a pass over the top from Luke Beckett, and Hudsons surging run into the box was brought to an end by Senda, a definite penalty - and Luke Beckett put the spot kick away with no fuss whatsoever - we were all in raptures, wonderful, wonderful.

And the scoring didn't stop there. Luke Beckett netted Towns fourth (the first time we have managed that many this season of course), Worthy providing the build-up and Beckett making no mistake with the finish.

Now, the referee - Mr Deadman - has a reputation for dishing out cards like they are going out of fashion (someone near me shouted "...I bet your missus wishes you'd get your credit cards out that easily...") . Now I am not saying Town players are whiter than white here, Michael Collins was rightly booked for stupidity early on, Frank Sinclair was perhaps a bit unlucky (the Millwall player made an absolute meal of the challenge, there was minimal contact), Andy Holdsworth was probably a tad unlucky with his booking - but if it's inconsistency you're looking for you are in the right place! The Millwall players were just as guilty of some shocking challenges, all of which they got away with - unbelievable. Michael Collins got a second yellow late on when there was a altercation involving most players off both sides (GTF looked like he was nutted), the referee deciding Collins involvement was enough to warrant a red card (didn't look much to me, disgraceful decision). However with 2 games left, Town aren't going to bother appealing.

Millwall finished off proceedings with a late, late consolation (only the second worthwhile thing they managed, the first being the other goal), the referee blowing for full time straight after.

Andy Ritchies first home match is an overwhelming success, and I'm absolutely thrilled. With a few new faces added in the summer, and if we can hold onto our better players, we could be on the brink of something here - alright, maybe its a tad early to be saying these things, but I predict a far, far better season next term if we play like we play today - things are really looking up (albeit a bit late). And again, in his programme notes and in his after match interviews AR is saying the things, as a Town fan, I want to hear.


Andy Ritchie on Town v Millwall (written)

Andy Ritchie on Town v Millwall (audio)

Tomorrow Town take on Millwall - and I will be there - can't wait. From what I can gather GTF is playing upfront with Luke Beckett because Boothy is injured again, there has been a Big Screen placed between the Pink Link and Antich stands, and Andy Ritchie is to be paraded before the game.

Apparently we need 3 points to mathematically be safe from the drop, I expect to get them tomorrow in all honesty. Looking forward to what might not be my last trip this season - I do have a days holiday booked in a fortnight, so there is a very good chance I will be at the Leyton Orient game as well (I hope so).

Remember when we sold Pav in January and I was absolutely disgusted at such a move - well I'm not now, courtesy of this.

Pawel Abbott Speaks Out

May he continue to rot in Swansea's reserves, the ungrateful toe-rag. £150,000 looks a transfer masterstroke in hindsight.

A nice little interview from BBC Sport with our Manager.

Andy Ritchie Interview

As in his after match thoughts on Saturday he mentions the "...P..." word - meaning Pace (or lack of in our case). I'm glad he recognises we are coming up short on that front, something (if I dare criticise) PJ never really seemed to notice or do anything about if he did!!!

There is one way we can start to rectify this of course - a nice day out at the Seaside(rs) Andy??

Towns new sponsors / strip for next season are finally revealed. Internet Gambling Firm "..CasinoRed..." are taking over from the YBS, in what is the biggest sponsorship deal in our history. As for the shirt though, take a look........

Huddersfield Town Next Seasons Kit

....not sure myself, the jury is out - although I have to say Boothy looks quite fetching in it. I think its the plain white back (FIFA regulations I gather) that I'm not sure about - wasn't there some way we could have found room for a stripe or two either side?? Love the socks though. And it has been pointed out that it is very Sheffield Wednesday in design, something else that doesn't totally make me love it at first sight......... when do they go on sale again????

Good news for a change.

Worthington NOT suspended

....a lucky escape for him / Town. I feel far more confident for Saturday now I know he's playing.

I wish I could find out from somewhere the situation about Chris Brandon (sorry to keep going on about this). Is it a month-to-month loan deal?? Can he be recalled?? Blackpool fans are raving about him and want him to stay - he scored 2 quality goals for them on Saturday and made another - I only hope that AR has seen this and brings him back pronto. It could have been, you know, Jacko not quite getting the best out of him while he was here lately. Remember those roumers flying about last year that CB wanted out?? Now, perhaps, he could be persuaded to play for Town again - I really hope so.

Meanwhile, a quick reminder of what we know Chrissie can do - his two goals for Blackpool last Saturday.

Chris Brandons Goals For Blackpool

Scunthorpe United 2-0 Huddersfield Town

Well, thats about right isn't it - Town lose and so did my horse!!! Ah well, to be honest, as I heard that AR's input for this match was minimal I am not reading too much into it - will judge better next Saturday.

Town played with 3 upfront - Boothy McAliskey and Beckett - but it was definitely defences on top, and at half-time we had managed to keep the Scunthorpe forward line at bay.

Luke Beckett looked to have broken the deadlock in the 55th minute, but his effort was adjudged offside.

Billy Sharp showed why he is as highly rated as he is when he put Scunthorpe in front - Matt Glennon only able to parry a shot into his path, and the Iron front-man cooly obliged.

Scunthorpe sealed their promotion to the Championship when in the 82nd minute Joe Skarz looked to have handled a cross, the subsequent penalty put away by Billy Sharp.

The doom and gloom merchants still think we are not safe, but I'm not having any of that - it would take one hell of a set of results in the last 3 games - bearing in mind a lot of the bottom clubs play each other as well - to send us down, it won't happen.

Andy Ritchie on Scunthorpe v Town (written)

Andy Ritchie on Scunthorpe v Town (audio)

Just a quick note about todays game while I have the very briefest of breaks on what is the busiest day of my working year.

Andy Ritchies Blue And White Army to spoil the Scunny promotion party - you never know.

No prospect whatsoever of me following the game in any shape or form, might see a latest score if I am permitted a break later on (and I mean if).

COME ON LADS!! (and come on Dun Doire in the National).

Ritchie Joins Huddersfield - BBC Sport

Ritchie Is New Town Boss - The Examiner

Press Conference (audio)

Andy Ritchie - 1st Interview


Just finished reading his first interview, and I have to say, surprisingly, I like what I hear!! Lets hope he delivers what he promises, and keeps the decent players (bring back CB asap please) and ships out the rubbish (M Hudson, J McAliskey, A Ahmed). Hopefully, even with only four games left, it will give our new gaffer an idea what wants doing in the summer.

ANDY RITCHIE - NEW TOWN MANAGER

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - FROM TOWNS WEBSITE

The worst kept secret at Huddersfield Town is out - Andy Ritchie has been unveiled as the new full-time manager. Forgive me for not being too overjoyed at this news (although the cynical will say that bar a third return for Jacko, it would have taken one hell of an appointment for me to be happy, not true incidentally).

(If he starts his work by re-calling Chrissie B back from Blackpool, I'll warm to the guy, but I digress).

To all those thinking of not going / not renewing season tickets on the strength of this news - we ALL owe it to Andy Ritchie to get behind him and the lads 100%, whether you like the guy or not. The board have made their choice and that's it. In 12 months time we could be talking about "...an inspired choice...", on the other hand, well, yes. We shall see.

We can almost forget about this season in all honesty, the proof of the pudding will be in what side we put out for the first fixture in August - how many ins and outs during the summer will be vitally important.

At the risk of repeating myself then :-

GET BEHIND HIM, GET BEHIND THE LADS, and heres to a successful future for the WORLDS GREATEST FOOTBALL TEAM - HUDDERSFIELD TOWN -

Town have scheduled a news conference for 12 noon today, and although Ken Davy is saying that the assumption that Andy Ritchie will be our new manager is "...pure speculation...", I'm not expecting any last minute surprises (or empty seats).

Huddersfield Town 0-2 Blackpool

A fair result under the circumstances, they are flying high and we are playing for nothing. I'm sure the watching manager-in-waiting Andy Ritchie will have been given some food for thought - like "...what a big job I've got on my hands here...".

A goal in either half for Claus Jorgensen and Robbie Williams the difference. Town played moderately throughout, so a defeat was probably inevitable.

Chances in the first half for Jon Worthington and Frank Sinclair, and a couple of efforts by Luke Beckett in the second half nearest Town got to being on the scoresheet.

I predict a much butchered squad in the close season.

Gerry Murphy on Town v Blackpool (written)


Gerry Murphy on Town v Blackpool (audio)

Half Time - Town 0-1 Blackpool

The visitors are having the better of this, and the score is a fair reflection of that. Only a Jon Worthington effort to show for Town, where, to be honest, most of the interest today would appear to be with Andy Ritchie who is sitting the V.I.P. area in the LB Lower. Wonder what he's making of it all. No prospect of an unveiling today by the way, indeed Paul Ogden tells me that AR walked straight past AW and they never even acknowledged each other - a Town facade obviously.

Ritchie to be Named Town Boss??

Andy Ritchie To Land Huddersfield Post

We may have a new manager within the next 48 hours if todays papers are to be believed. Can't say I'm over-thrilled at the choice, but said all along if it was Megson-Ritchie-Dungworth I wouldn't be. Oh well, if that's the decision so be it. As I would have done with Phil Parkinson, I will give the new man his chance, get behind him and the lads 100% (although we may have been better off staying with Jacko to be honest, can anyone find anything much between them).

We all know of course what he did with Barnsley last year (all too well), but is he any better at attracting the sort of players we need?? There may be a good chance of us getting Paul Hayes back now of course, but who else. He is going to need a clear-out and a half this summer if we intend to be challenging.

****

Town are at home to Blackpool this afternoon, and I'm fed up - with more advance planning I would have been there, however this is the first Easter Monday I have had off in years and I didn't see it coming, nor did I know the trains would be running as per a normal timetable and not a Sunday-Service (as it is a Bank Holiday). So its Oggy and Kieran for me, and, lets hope, 3 points - COME ON TOWN!

Had quite a nice chat with my Charlton supporting colleague today. Had to go through all the "...why do you support Huddersfield then..." rigmarole (par for the course that). He still thinks it was a bit underhand how his club dealt with things, but I secretly think he is pleased that Parkinson stayed. He mentioned about all the trouble they have had with managers this season (the same one for years and then 2 in the same season). Said he highly rated Jacko and couldn't understand why he was sacked, ("...me neither, hmm..."). Had a rather protracted all our yesterdays, always the same when I meet someone new, it was a really nice conversation all in all - I take back what I have been thinking that Charlton deserve to be relegated because their fans don't seem all that bad!

Oldham Athletic 1-1 Huddersfield Town

An excellent point for Town, Gerry Murphys caretaker unbeaten run stretches to 1 win and 4 draws. Two changes to the Town side, Adnan Ahmed and a return for Andy Booth after injury in place of Danny Schofield and John McAliskey.

It sounded like Oldham had the far better of the first half, looking a cut above Town, and they took the lead through Chris Porter in the 23rd minute.

With only pride really left to play for this season, Messers Murphy and Dungworth took the decision to blood two academy lads - James Hand and James Berrett (something I wholeheartedly agree with).

Town fought back doggedly but had to wait until the 78th minute when ex-Oldham front man Luke Beckett (inevitably) got an excellent equaliser for Town - Joe Skarz played James Berrett in, he fired in a cross which the Town striker guided home with a header.

An excellent point, but of course all too late as far as our season goes.

Gerry Murphy on Oldham v Town (written)

Gerry Murphy on Oldham v Town (audio)

Writing this quickly during my break at work. There's a guy who works with me, don't know him that well only to say hello to, but he is a Charlton fan and this is the first time I had seen him since what happened - I heard him bragging to a colleague how the "...Addicks..." were going to stay up (he had been to watch them at Manchester City yesterday). I had to say something. "...you a Charlton fan? I'm a Huddersfield fan and a disgruntled one, not happy with your club at the moment..." - with an embarrassed look on his face he replied - "...yeah, that was a bit naughty wasn't it...". The only Charlton fan anywhere to admit as much!!!

Back to work, fingers crossed for something - anything - from todays encounter!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!

(oh, and happy birthday PJ, before I forget........)

*****

A busy weekend for Town with 2 games in 3 days - Oldham away tomorrow and Blackpool (minus Rabs / Brando) at The Galpharm on Monday. I am off Monday, but the look my Husband threw me suggests I will be at home listening (trains running as normal even though its Easter Monday).

Will be tricky to get anything at Oldham, if we can put up a good performance we may get a point, I'm not hopeful though - will be similar on Monday - mind you, I gather Rabs has been taking a lot of the credit for Blackpools recent good performances - without him we may get something, who knows.

Some final fallout from the non-manager saga of earlier in the week:

Charlton - Its Not About Money

Sorry, but don't believe that for a moment. So why improve his terms if they thought they could get him to stay anyway. I'm with Davy (for a change) and his "...sackfulls of money..." comment on this one.

Andy Taylor has been recalled by Blackburn Rovers.

Rovers Return For Taylor


After a ropey start (partly due to illness) young Andy has improved, a few recent assists aiding his cause. However with a ready-made replacement in Joe Skarz we'll probably manage alright for now.

Ken Davy is still confident he can get the right man.

Davy - We Will Get It Right

Not Worried By Second Choice Syndrome


Of course there is a real danger that the manager we do end up with will know he is second choice, however I am heartened by his comment that the final decision almost ended up like tossing a coin. The barbed nature of some of his other comments also lead me to think that they know their time has been well and truly wasted. I still say we had a lucky escape. What odds on a Charlton cup-tie next season.......

I just had to include this hilarious posting from DATM (with grateful thanks to the author) :-

"...Apologies to Little Britain...

Phil has been offered the job of managing Huddersfield Town. Phil attended not one but two interviews, travelling all the way from London. Ken Davy is very excited and calls a press conference...

Ken : Phil, are you sure you want the job ?

Phil: Yeah, I wannit.

Ken : Are you sure ? I wouldn't want you to change your mind at the last moment and make us look like a complete set of pillocks.

Phil : Yeah.

Ken : I mean, I wouldn't want you to suddenly decide you didn't want the job and go back to being the coach at Charlton.

Phil : Yeah, I know.

Ken : OK, Phil, the job is yours.

Phil : Don't wannit..."


****

One other thing to come out of todays shambles. It hasn't done Phil Parkinson any favours if in the future he needs alternative employment in football. Mud sticks, and people have long memories - once a money-grabber, always a money-grabber. Clubs are going to be uber-wary of employing this joker in the future. I cannot understand for the life of me why he applied, if all it took was a few extra quid for him to not to want to move.

A late runner in the new manager stakes maybe........ enter Mike Newell (just a random thought, you never know, if we re-advertise)??

PARKINSON SAYS NO - FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Huddersfield Town Official Announcement

Well, what do we make of that then - I think its one of two things:

1. Parkinson using Town to screw more money out of Charlton Athletic


2. Davy not offering quite enough in the first place.

I am shocked and disgusted in equal measure. No wonder the Hull fans said steer well clear..........

So what now - I have a horrible feeling this could be playing right into Ken Davys hands you know - and we will end up with John Dungworth as manager instead (no chance of him running away at the smell of more money). Either way, it gives our chairman a rather large headache!

Here is video coverage of the Press Conference:

Davy And Watson Press Conference

Looks like we may be nearing the finishing line in the new manager stakes - a Press Conference will be held by Town at
9-30 tomorrow morning (my source is impeccable), and the winner will be......


Phil Parkinson - unless my source got that wrong as well!!


Would be an excellent appointment (if true) as i have said in the past. Got what it takes to manage at this level, his success with Colchester slightly tarnished by what happened at Hull, but no-one becomes a bad manager overnight. I for one am prepared to give the new man his chance (and there is no bigger Jacko-diehard than me).

Huddersfield Town 2-2 Port Vale

An entertaining match at The Galpharm saw both teams take a share of the spoils. The inclusion of John McAliskey in Town starting 11 raised many eyebrows, but seeing as Paul Hayes has gone and Boothy is still injured I guess he really was the only choice to partner Luke Beckett up front.

Town took the lead in the third minute when a lovely ball over the top from Martin McIntosh (playing in place of the banned Frank Sinclair) fell to Luke Beckett who turned the defender superbly to place a lovely shot past the Vale keeper. He should have made it two 5 minutes later, when after an excellent Town move (with pace involved as well, a rare commodity) Beckett hit the side netting when it looked easier to score!!

Danny Schofield was stretchered off when a clearance from a Vale player left him poleaxed (looked like concussion to me).

The Vale forward line of Sodje (Akpo, ex-Town (who I never rated, but now falls under the "...how wrong can you be..." category)), Kamara and Constantine were a constant threat, and it was Sodje who equalised for them, when Sonner played the ball in and the former Town man gave Matt Glennon no chance.

I thought Town had put themselves back in front a few minutes later, when David Mirfin appeared (from my vantage point) to have scored with a header - it looked to have crossed the line easy, but the referee and the linesman (on my side of the pitch) thought otherwise. And 1-1 it stayed at the break.

Straight from the kickoff though, a rare moment - so rare it wants framing - a John McAliskey goal - and a beauty at that. A ball through from Andy Taylor, Macca controlled, turned and shot from the edge of the box to leave all the Town fans gobsmacked (although the "...McAliskey for England..." shout may be a bit premature, because for the majority of the game he played like the lazy toe-rag we all know he is)!

Town nearly went 3-1 up a minute later, when Gary Taylor-Fletchers shot hit the post, when again it looked certain he would score.

Vale equalised with 20 minutes left - Kamaras excellent cross (despite Mirfs best efforts) finding the head of Akpo Sodje who made no mistake.

Danny Racchi made his Town debut, replacing John Mcaliskey - GTF going upfront for the rest of the match.

2-2 it finished, and Gerry Murphys caretaker career stretches to 4 unbeaten games (a win and three draws doesn't have the same ring about it). It was an entertaining game, pity there wasn't more riding on it but there you go!

Gerry Murphy on Town v Port Vale (written)

***

Sorry to labour the point about John McAliskey, I still say he is the laziest player we have, I don't rate him (that goal notwithstanding), and we should have got shot a long time since. - a lad of his height should be winning headers, and to stand there idly looking at balls he could go for is unforgivable. However, with there seemingly being a dearth of forward men at Town at present what other option is left open?? Perhaps one of the Academy lads should get a run out - our season is over, we are safe, what harm would it do?