Crewe Alexandra v Lincoln City, 16 April 2011

Venue: Gresty Road, Crewe

Attendance: 3,731

Final score: 1-1

To say that Lincoln entered this match with trepidation would be the understatement of the year.  Lincoln’s recent run of results is almost biblically bad, and it is certain that Lincoln will have to rely on the poor results of teams below them to help save them.

Crewe went into the match having won their last home game 8-1 against Cheltenham, but then losing on the road at lowly Barnet.   Their home form is the one that sticks in the mind, however, with even Steve Tilson admitting this week that he was ‘frightened’ by that result.  When the manager admits that his knees are wobbling before a game, fans definitely have reason to worry.

With Adam Watts calling in sick on the morning of the match, Paul Green was recalled to the starting 11 at centre half, and also wore the captain’s armband.  Also returning to the side was midfielder Clarke Keltie, for his first game in 5 months.  The suspension of Grimes meant that Ben Hutchinson began up front alone.  City were only able to name 6 substitutes, but notable among them was youngster Karl Cunningham (son of City legend Tony), making his first steps towards the senior team and hopefully the next Lee Frecklington.

City started well, not showing any signs of the fear professed before the game.  Fuseini had a great early chance after a good run on the right by Howell.  His cross was good but Fuseini could only turn his effort over the bar when he might have had time to take an extra touch.

City’s formation was working well, and they were enjoying their share of possession.  Crewe were never going to lie down, however, and after 10 minutes Garner forced  Parrish into a good save, and Anderson hacked the ball away for corner.

The Imps soon followed up with a corner of their own, which eventually fell to Keltie, who hit the bar with a long range effort.

City continued to have the better of the openings, as Fuseini was presented with a good half chance on 28 minutes when Kelly found him with a cross, but the midfielder could once again only blast his effort well over the bar.

Shortly afterwards came the first talking point of the afternoon.  Kelly cut inside his fullback inside the area following a good pass from Fuseini.  Ada seemed to upend him, and the City players and bench all appealed.  The referee, however, consulted with his linesman and decided not to award the spot kick.  Interestingly, if not even a little controversially, post match interviews would reveal that the referee thought it was a penalty but allowed himself to be overruled by his assistant.  At least we now know who wears the trousers in that relationship!

Although Crewe saw more of the ball following the incident, they were unable to carve out any real chances, and it was City who finished the first half stronger.  The home crowd had been growing increasingly frustrated during the first half, no doubt expecting another easy victory, and booed the Crewe players off at half time.

It had been a half in which City had more than held Crewe, had created the best chances and been denied a nailed-on penalty.  There was much for Imps fans to be confident about during half time.

City started the second half in the same positive mood they finished the first, and soon took the lead.  A 47^th minute corner was played back into the box by Hone, and Paul Green was there to turn it in off the post.  It was the perfect start to the second half from City and real questions were now being asked of Crewe.

Crewe threatened to reply immediately and won two corners of their own in quick succession, but City’s defence held firm.

Having a rare lead was causing City to work hard, especially in midfield, where Crewe were being given little time to breathe.  It was a big change on recent performances for the Imps, but the danger was ever present of a mistake or Crewe finally putting a good move together undoing all of City’s hard work.

In the 77^th minute City were indeed undone.  A ball over the top saw Green running shoulder to shoulder with Miller.  There seemed to be no aggressive move by Green, but the referee deemed the contact enough to award the home side a penalty. City were shellshocked that such a soft penalty should be awarded, especially when compared to the one City were denied in the first half.  Clayton Donaldson duly stepped up and sidefooted the ball home.  Crewe certainly didn’t deserve to be level on balance of play, but there was now real fear that this unexpected lifeline would lead to them taking control.

Thankfully the onslaught never materialized, much to the continued consternation of the home crowd.  It was City that almost retook the lead late on, as first McCallum saw his shot blocked for a corner, then Hutchinson headed onto the roof of the net before the final whistle sounded.

Ultimately it was a game of two penalties, both decisions going against City.  I’m definitely more annoyed at the soft penalty awarded to Crewe than the one denied City, as Crewe would surely have not been able to deny City all three points without it.  The focus, though, really should be on the much improved City performance and a point that stops the run of defeats and will hopefully re-instill some confidence.

Other results today mean that City are now 6 points ahead of Barnet 23^rd place with 4 games to go.  With Barnet’s maximum possible haul now 53 points, one more win would see City realistically safe.

Crewe Alexandra
13 Rhys Taylor
2 Matt Tootle
6 Patrick Ada
28 Ashley M Westwood
3 Danny Blanchett
12 Lee Bell
4 Ashley Westwood
17 Danny Shelly
7 Clayton Donaldson
10 Shaun Miller
11 Joel Grant

Substitutes:
14 Byron Moore for Grant (59)
25 Nick Powell for Shelley (64)
15 Mat Mitchel-King
21 Antoni Sarcevic
23 Adam Dugdale
29 Max Clayton
1 Steve Phillips

LINCOLN CITY
24 Elliott Parish
16 Julian Kelly
2 Paul Green
6 Danny Hone
3 Joe Anderson
8 Clark Keltie
31 Ali Fuseini
26 Tom Kilbey
15 Luke Howell
9 Gavin McCallum
27 Ben Hutchinson
Substitutes:
10 Drewe Broughton
14 Josh O'Keefe
17 Karl Cunningham
19 Jamie Clapham
39 Scott Spencer
1 Joe Anyon

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Lincoln City v Gillingham, 9 April 2011

Venue: Sincil Bank, Lincoln

Attendance: 3,022

Final score: 0-4

 

 

After a bad run of results, influenced by injury and fatigue as well as crapness, the Imps have begun to slip dangerously close to the trapdoor that many hoped they had pulled away from.  The Imps were desperate for the wheels to start turning again against Gillingham, yet another side in the playoff mix and a tough proposition.  City haven’t now won a game in a month, and have only picked up a single point in that time.

The Imps were buoyed by the return of Ashley Grimes and Luke Howells to the starting 11, and Steve Tilson elected to switch back to a 4-4-2 formation, after being forced by a general dearth of decent strikers to play a lone striker for the previous few away matches.

The Imps started in a lively enough fashion, and Howells managed to test Gillingham keeper Julian with a close range shot.  City’s good start was halted when Hutchinson took a knock in the 10^th minute, and the break seemed to allow Gillingham time to recover their composure, as it was the away side that began to show more control when play restarted.

The Gills soon created their first real chance when former Boston striker Akinfenwa forced Parish into a fine fingertip save.  The pressure continued until eventually, on the 20 minute mark, the Imps defence was breached and Gillingham took the lead.  A corner played into the centre of the goalmouth was met by Josh Gowling, who headed down past Parish.  Gowling had been on loan at Lincoln earlier in the season and was a player I rated highly so it is doubly frustrating to have him score against us.

Despite the poor recent form, Lincoln weren’t buried though, and Howell was presented with a half chance just after the game restarted, but could only hit wide.  Lincoln continued to press and Howells again tested Julian soon after.

Gillingham were content to sit back and hit the Imps on the break and in the 35^th minute, they almost scored again.  McDonald slipped away from Hone, but could only put his shot over the bar when he should at least have tested Parish.  Lincoln again responded, winning a corner, but Grimes could only shoot wide when the ball came his way.

Despite Lincoln being more than a match for their opponents, once again they were punished for slack defending.  The dangerous Barcham was set free on the left wing and found McDonald with his cross.  McDonald made up for his earlier miss by putting his header past the unfortunate Parish, who could do little about it.  City seemed a little dazed at being two goals behind in such an evenly balanced half, but the scoreline remained that way into the halftime break.

Despite the Imps needing to begin the half strongly and pull a goal back, neither side was really able to take control of a game that was becoming increasingly scrappy.

Sadly for the Imps, Gillingham didn’t need to try to hard to score their third of the afternoon as the home side were kind enough to score it for them.  First the ineffectual-as-usual Fuseini cheaply gave away possession to put McDonald through.  His shot was heading in but should have been cleared by Hone.  Sadly, the usually reliable City centre half sliced that clearance into his own net, putting the game beyond City if it hadn’t been already.

Gillingham were now in control and before long had added a fourth.  Barcham again found space to cross, and this time it was Akinfenwa on the end of it, yet another header going past Parish who now has the ridiculous record of conceding 14 goals in 4 matches.

Although the game was now long gone, City’s afternoon took another little turn for the worse when Grimes was booked for a foul – a booking that will see him have to serve a two match suspension and further hamper the Imps’ chances of picking up any points before the end of the season.

Despite a few half chances, the game petered out to the final whistle.  The scoreline certainly didn’t reflect the flow of the game, particularly in the first half, but yet again City have to reflect on the fact that they just didn’t make enough of the possession they had whilst being far too profligate in possession, and far too error-prone at the back.  Those three things combined do not win football matches.

With Barnet beating Crewe, Stockport picking up a draw against Stevenage and Hereford ridiculously beating runaway leaders Chesterfield 3-0 today it is clear that the teams around and below City are capable of both scoring goals and winning matches.  Tilson and Brush have to do something to make this lackadaisical City team buck up their ideas soon, or the worst really may still be yet to come.

LINCOLN CITY
24 Elliott Parish
16 Julian Kelly
4 Adam Watts
6 Danny Hone
3 Joe Anderson
31 Ali Fuseini
14 Josh O'Keefe
15 Luke Howell
9 Gavin McCallum
27 Ben Hutchinson
29 Ashley Grimes
Substitutes:
10 Drewe Broughton for Hutchinson (68)
26 Tom Kilbey for O'Keefe (68)
39 Scott Spencer for Grimes (76)
2 Paul Green
19 Jamie Clapham
25 Cian Hughton
1 Joe Anyon

GILLINGHAM
1 Alan Julian
2 Barry Fuller
16 Josh Gowling
15 Matt Lawrence
32 Joe Martin
7 Kevin Maher
17 Danny Spiller
4 Curtis Weston
11 Andy Barcham
10 Cody Mcdonald
27 Adebayo Akinfenwa
Substitutes:
28 Jack Payne for Weston (54)
23 Stefan Payne for Akinfenwa (76)
14 Luke Rooney for Spiller (81)
3 John Nutter
6 Garry Richards
18 Danny Jackman
26 Lance Cronin

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Reconstructive archaeology v reality TV – Rome wasn't built in a day

You may or may not be aware of a TV series that aired on Channel 4 in the UK earlier this year called 'Rome wasn’t built in a day'.

It featured a team of modern builders attempting to construct an authentic Roman town house using only historically accurate tools and methods at the Roman site of Wroxeter.  In case this wasn’t difficult enough, they only had 6 months in which to do it. Naturally, some concessions to modern health and safety had to be made, but apart from that, accuracy was supposed to be paramount.  The construction was overseen by Professor Dai Morgan Evans of the University of Chester.

Interestingly, there was an incredibly similar project at Butser Ancient Farm, broadcast on the Discovery Channel in 2003, which was also overseen by Dai Morgan Evans.  The Butser project was an attempt to reconstruct Sparsholt Roman villa, and I think it’s fair to say that the project suffered setbacks along the way – including rather vociferous disagreements between the academics and workmen.  Nevertheless, the project was completed and I dare say a few of the lessons learned influenced the handling of the Wroxeter project.

The reason I write about this now is because I have just had chance to visit the Wroxeter town house to see it in all its slightly wonky glory.

I have to confess that I quite enjoyed watching the programme when it was on, despite reservations that haven’t gone away since, and certainly not after seeing the finished building.  I think it best to separate my thoughts about the workmen, the design of the programme and the villa as an example of Roman ingenuity and a tourist attraction.

The workmen

The workmen in the programme consisted initially of 6 tradesmen (‘some of the best in the business’ the programme makers would have us believe).  They were:

Jim – the foreman who prides himself on never missing a deadline (even if it means the work is finished to a low standard it seems)

Kevin – the Geordie plumber

Darren – the brickie

Tim – the Yorkshire plasterer

Ben – the lazy labourer

Fred – the useless carpenter

I have to say right from the outset that if this lot were the best the British building trade could offer, then I’m sleeping outside from now on!  But herein lies the programme’s biggest problem for me - it didn’t know what it wanted to be.  Was it a history programme talking about Roman building techniques and societal housing requirements or was it a reality TV show about some fat builders arguing with each other, the viewers secretly hoping the walls fall down halfway through?  In reality, the programme fed off the mistakes and conflict rather than the triumphs, though it would present a sense of harmony and conciliation in victory at the end.  Even Dai Morgan Evans played an actor’s role – playing the big, bad nerdy wolf to squash the builders’ attempts to make their own lives easier.

The production company were insistent that the programme was all about the history - "This is the ultimate exploratory archaeology project. By doing you discover how, and we hope that by rebuilding this villa we will be able to offer a real insight into the thoughts and processes of the Roman engineers."  Yeah, right – then why not use people with some experience and knowledge of the project at hand?

As the series wore on, there was a certain amount of warming to the workmen and their antics, and it was at least possible to see that some of them were taking some pride in their work – Darren the brickie for example and his impressive hand-crafted stone columns.  Others, however, left me puzzled.  How could Fred the experienced carpenter now know how to make a square piece of wood with hand tools?  How can a supposedly expert carpenter fail miserably to make a simple cart with wheels that actually fit the axle?  Thankfully, Fred was disposed of after a few episodes, though it’s hard not be cynical and suggest that it was a scripted intention from the outset.  That feeling was enhanced by the fact that the replacement (and virtually anonymous) carpenters brought in to replace him were allowed to use electric tools to get the job done in time!

I think that the best quote to describe the process was by Kevin the Geordie plumber, who described it as a ‘Roman Auf Wiedersehen Pet’.

The villa building

Ultimately, the purpose of projects such as this is to put theory into practice.  To take archaeological knowledge obtained through excavation and the study of contemporary texts and test it in the real world.  Reconstructive archaeology is a fascinating subject, and when done seriously, adds wonderfully to our knowledge and appreciation of the past.

The town house was based on an excavated building at Wroxeter, so there is every reason to believe that, however it got there, the finished building is an accurate representation and a worthy and useful addition to the education activities at the site. 

It was interesting to see the final layout, as I didn’t feel the programme really delivered a sense of how the villa was arranged.  The images below show the completed villa, which is in an ‘L’ shape, with a square courtyard at the rear.

The authenticity

Much reference was made during the programme to the famous Roman writer and architect Vitruvius and his work ‘De Architectura’, and various on-site techniques were pointedly taken from illustrations in Vitruvius, such as the system for raising timber frames into place.

Specialists were drafted in to teach the builders subjects such as fresco painting or ceramic box flue tile manufacture and firing.  These were, for me, the most interesting elements of the series, despite the antics of the builders, and the only real times that the series discussed Roman building technology.

Actually, it is probably harsh of me to criticise the builders for their poor performance in carrying out particularly Roman activities such as mosaic building, bath-house construction and fresco painting, as this is one area of the programme where I felt that its credentials as a serious piece of reconstructive archaeology fell apart.

The building of a real Roman villa would have involved a great many people, including specialists alongside general builders and slaves.  The above-named activities would have been specially commissioned from professionals – certainly not done by jobbing builders as in the programme.  Although an interesting part of the learning curve for the builders, I seriously question the quality of the finished product, and the impression it gives to visitors as to the standards of interior design acceptable to high status Romans in Wroxeter.

When such a tiny team was doing everything from quarrying stone to building walls to painting frescos, the claims that the programme was serious reconstructive archaeology have to be questioned.  The series also failed to adequately discuss any archaeological issues with the audience – such as whether the hollow box flue tiles taking heat from the hypocaust up the walls and the smoke out of the building exited through the walls or roof, or the relative value and status of the different materials used.  For example, when we visited we were warned about the paint rubbing off and it was clear from the red handprints everywhere that this was indeed causing a problem.  The programme pretty much glossed over any such issues.

Oh, and there was no sign of the brilliant Roman penis on the gable of the building when I visited.  Did English Heritage chicken out for fear of complaints?  Now there’s a real case of historical accuracy going out the window!

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The Eagle – an archaeological movie review

I don't usually do movie reviews on this blog, but as this particular film deals with the subject of the Roman Ninth Legion, I feel its more 'my turf' than most cinematic releases.  As with any movie review, minor spoilers lie ahead.

Just in case you weren't aware, the reason the Ninth Legion strikes a particular chord with me is because of their connection with Lincoln. The Ninth were part of the AD43 invasion of Britain, and reached Lincoln in the late AD40s, building a fortress for part of the Legion on top of the hill, where our castle and cathedral now stand. They would move northwards again, this time to York, in AD71 but would leave behind material evidence of their stay in Lincoln, evidence which is now held at The Collection museum.

So, to return to the film, the first thing to mention with this sort of production is historical accuracy.  I'm sorry to disappoint people (including the guy behind me in the cinema it seems) but despite what the opening spiel of the film says, the Ninth were not lost after a battle in Scotland, and Hadrian’s Wall not built because of the shame of defeat.  In fact, when the film was set (the AD140s), Hadrian's Wall probably wasn't even the northernmost border of Rome - the short-lived but even more northerly Antonine Wall was built about then.  However, seeing as the film is based on the famous Rosemary Sutcliffe book 'The Eagle of the Ninth', it would be harsh to judge an entertainment product on such details, and I don't intend to get all 'up-tight history geek' about it because somebody's belt buckle was 20 years too early for the setting.

In brief, the plot follows Roman centurion Marcus Flavius Aquila (whose surname aptly means 'eagle' in Latin, trivia fans) and his quest, following his discharge from the Legions through injury, to find the Eagle of the Ninth.  The Eagle is a standard - the symbol of the Legion - and his father was killed defending it when the Legion was massacred.  Accompanying Aquila is slave-turned-best-buddy Esca, a native Briton of the northern Brigantes tribe.

I thought the film opened well, with its dirty depictions of life in the army, and some good early battle scenes. The battles in particular were satisfyingly gritty - focussing more on the organisation of the Roman army than Hollywood style exaggerated sword waving. Although the idea that an isolated Roman fort in southern Britain was coming under attack by disgruntled natives seems more suited to the mid 1st Century than to the early 2nd Century, the portrayal of the Romans as an invading 'other', surrounded by hostile locals, was very well executed.   The use of American actors for the Romans and British actors for the Britons was also a good choice - enhancing the difference between them.  References to more recent military events could also be subtly inferred, but were thankfully not overplayed.  In fact, the only picky comment I’d make from the opening scenes is with regards to scythes on chariot wheels – filmmakers just can’t resist themselves having someone’s leg sliced off it seems.

As these early scenes played out, the film gave a sense of not being sure who the good guys were. The native Britons, taking up arms because of lands taken and wives raped, could easily lay claim to be the 'good guys' - the Romans given no moral authority for their invasion and aforementioned offences. As the film wore on, however, this tense and interesting dynamic was sadly lost. As the Roman leading character becomes beset by savage Britons (the imaginary, face-painted and utterly barbarian 'seal people'), the audience is left in no doubt who they are expected to root for, despite the Ninth Legion apparently marching on an expedition of conquest into their lands. An expedition which ended, I should add, with no small hint of reference to what happened to the Legions of Varus in the Teutoburg forest in AD9.

The seal people themselves were a weakness of the film for me.  The generic 'barbarian' stereotype did nothing to conjure up the reality of Iron Age life and culture (even in northern Scotland) and left me completely unable to empathise with them – they seemed more like hunter-gatherers than a settled 2^nd Century community. In fact, visually, they made my mind wander to thinking of the Na'vi from Avatar more than once.

Ultimately, of course, all ends happily - the Eagle is returned, everyone we are supposed to care about lives and the honour of the entire Roman Empire, not to mention the Aquila family is restored.  Hooray!

The only other points I'd like to make are about accuracy, and are particularly pedantic, I confess. Firstly, when a map of Britain appeared, it was good to see that Lindum was not overlooked. However, why was there a line of hills where the river Trent should be, and why was Lincoln almost on the River Humber? Minor and picky points maybe, but all you had to do was check a map, people!

Secondly, there was one thing about Aquila’s father that irked me a little.  He was described as the Centurion of the 1st cohort, making him the Legion's Primus Pilus - the most senior of the Centurions.  But Centurions were effectively NCOs in the Roman army - very important men but not the Legion's commanders.  References to his father being infamous as the man responsible (and shamed) for losing the Eagle therefore seem rather odd. Are modern military failings usually blamed on Sergeants?

Overall though, I have to say that The Eagle passed an hour and a half on quite satisfactorily - certainly better than the other recent Roman debarkle 'The Centurion'.  Its gritty portrayal of life in Roman Britain was generally well executed and absorbing, while the essentially odd-couple buddy-movie formula has no major flaws.  Considering some of the Roman themed nonsense Hollywood has spewed out over the years, I have to say that overall, The Eagle gives a good impression of a Roman frontier province.

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