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21 December 2001 Below is the weekly Press Release from the Conference League. I figure that as it is a "Press Release" it is OK to copy it here... Barnet Barnet have brought forward their LDV Vans Trophy clash with Second Division Cambridge. The game has been brought forward from Tuesday, January 8 to January 5. This is because the Bees no longer have to play Dagenham, due to the Daggers reaching the third round of the FA Cup. Boston united Boston United reserve goalkeeper Nick Conroy will definitely miss the Christmas programme and possibly the rest of the season after he was rushed to hospital after suffering a serious leg injury in a reserve match. Conroy was hurt in a match at Telford and was kept in hospital overnight. Chester city Chester have signed 21-year-old midfielder Danny Collins from Buckley Town, but the club will not be pursuing their interest in Telford defender Neil Moore. City chairman Stephen Vaughan has refused to pay over the odds for the former Everton player, who has been in impressive form for Jake King’s side. Dagenham and Redbridge Dagenham are without Mark Stein as the FA Cup heroes get back to league action at Telford. Stein limped out of the 3-0 win over Exeter after picking up a hamstring injury in the first couple of minutes. The victory set up a clash with Premiership outfit Ipswich in the third round of the FA Cup. Doncaster Rovers Doncaster Rovers are ready to listen to offers for virtually their entire playing staff to ease the financial burdens. Rovers have re-drawn their playing budget following setbacks to their plans to move to a new ground and their mid-table position in the Nationwide Conference. Dover Athletic Cash-strapped Dover are hoping the recruitment of former Everton and Wales goalkeeper Neville Southall will give fresh impetus to their flagging campaign. They are currently third from bottom, having won just seven of 24 games so far, but new Dover chairman Gordon Cowan believes Southall is the man to revitalise the club’s fortunes. Farnborough Town Farnborough Town have lodged an appeal to the Football Association over their refusal to grant permission for ground sharing with Kingstonian. Club secretary Vince Williams said: “Our application to ground share with Kingstonian was turned down but we have lodged an appeal. The hearing with the FA will be heard in January.” Forest Green Rovers Kayode Odejayi has returned to Second Division Bristol City after two months on loan with Forest Green Rovers. The forward impressed in his time at The Lawn, but he has returned to Danny Wilson’s promotion contenders to help them in their quest for First Division football. Hayes Hayes boss Terry Brown has hailed 20-year-old goalkeeper Bertrand Bossu after his consistent performances this season. Bossu, who was signed on a free transfer from Barnet during the close season, has let in just three goals in his last five Conference games for Hayes. Hereford United Hereford face a tough Christmas double header against high-riding Telford as they look to improve on their lowly league position. The Bulls enjoyed a great run of form in the FA Cup but in the league they have failed to win since the 6-0 thrashing of Scarborough. Leigh RMI Leigh RMI goalkeeper Craig Dootson has turned down a move to Unibond League side Bradford Park Avenue. Dootson had been on loan with the club and Leigh, who are desperate to reduce their wage bill, had been hoping the keeper would elect to join Bradford Park Avenue on a permanent basis. Margate Father and son will be on opposite sides when Margate meet Dover in two derby clashes over the festive period. Jake Leberl will be playing in the Dover midfield, while his dad Peter is the marketing manager at Hartsdown Road. Margate hope the home game will attract the biggest crowd in Conference history. Morecambe Derby rivals Morecambe and Southport play each other twice within the space of a week over the festive period. The two sides are scheduled to meet on both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Last season, Morecambe won away at Haig Avenue, while they were beaten in the home tie at Christie Park. Northwich Victoria Northwich manager Jimmy Quinn is delighted with the recent performances of his players, despite admitting he wishes he had a bigger budget for new signings. Quinn admits the part-time status of the club has caused problems but is happy with the way his squad has responded to his instructions. Nuneaton Borough Nuneaton manager Steve Burr has trimmed his squad this week with the sale of two players following the recent arrivals of Mark Wright and Gary Birch on loan from Walsall. Jamie Williams has joined Hinckley for an undisclosed four-figure fee, while Richard Leadbeater has moved to Evesham. Scarborough Scarborough have been docked three points by the Nationwide Conference for fielding an ineligible player. Goalkeeper Mark Smith played for the Seadogs while still registered with Conference rivals Morecambe, but the club, who were already three points adrift at the bottom of the table, plan to appeal. Southport Southport’s fans are looking forward to a lively Christmas period with two clashes against derby rivals Morecambe in the space of six days. The Shrimps are two points above Southport in the Conference, and a Southport spokesman said: “It’s always a big thing to beat your local rivals.” Stalybridge Celtic Stalybridge Celtic boss Paul Futcher has praised the progress his side have made so far this season. The team struggled at the start of the season but Futcher believes his side are learning. He said: “The lads have done really well and I’m pleased with the progress we’re making.” Stevenage Borough Derby rivals Stevenage and Barnet play each other twice within the space of a week over the festive period. The two sides will meet at Underhill on Boxing Day before the Bees visit Broadhall Way on New Year’s Day. Boro will want to get their season back on track after taking just one win from their last six games. Telford United Telford have signed Mark Quayle after he was released by Morecambe and are set to involve him against high-flying Dagenham & Redbridge. Richard Scott is ruled out after he injured knee ligaments playing for the reserves. Scott joins long-term absentees Jake Edwards and Lee Fowler on the sidelines. Woking Woking are hoping to gain from having a weekend free of fixtures by nursing back key players to the fold. Scott Steele is ready to return from suspension for the game with Farnborough next Wednesday while Paul Steele and Warren Patmore are also hopeful of returning after injury lay-offs. Yeovil Town Yeovil boss Gary Johnson will use the club’s friendly at home to Elmore on Saturday to give previously injured and suspended players some match practice. Defender Tom White, midfielder Lee Johnson and striker Kim Grant are all expected to feature for most of the game. |
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