I finally got everything sorted and started my WE9LE ML.
I was spoilt for choice as to which patch to go with thanks to
@Sany023 excellent thread and installers.
I decided on the 1974 patch as it has a bit more continuity than the other classic patches that include multiple versions of teams for different eras and also a mix of players from the 50s right up to the 00's.
The 1974 patch has teams from that era only and as far as I can tell they don't have any duplicate teams.
The only change I made was to remove Leicester (sorry Foxes) and manually add Forest from 1978 from another classic patch I have installed. So technically now my patch is 1970's not just 1974 I guess...
It took me a while to manually add Forest, even with the OF editor and transferring any players that were already in the game to the team such as Shilton, Burns. Francis etc etc.
I have also recreated the kits & added the City Ground (although it is slightly inaccurate as the 'new' Trent End was built in 1995 but it is better than no City Ground) and added the other English stadiums that I could find for PES5.
With all that done, I was ready to go...
I started on 5 stars and 15 minute matches as I wasn't sure if I could handle 6 yet.
I only have 22 players in my squad so I will have to make some signings at some point. I am going to make sure that I don't add any superstars like Maradonna etc as I want to keep it competitive and (somewhat) realistic within the already slightly unrealistic setup I have.
First game was against Banik Ostrava and ended up 0-0 despite me hitting the post with an Archie Gemmill free kick and John Robertson missing a first half penalty. I had some decent half chances but my finishing left a lot to be desired.
All in all a good game & a learning experience as when I went to make some substitutions I realised that I am probably a good CM & SM short in my squad if I want to have some impact subs. Some players seemed to flag around the 70 minute mark (I'm looking at you Martin O'Neill) and I could do with a string option from the bench...
The negotiations period starts in a few weeks so I will be scouting for good midfield and winger talent in the meantime.
Second game against Panathanaikos didn't start well. They beat my offside trap and went 1-0 ahead inside 15 minutes.
Oh no I thought, if my woeful finishing from the last game continues I will be in trouble.
I got a bit of luck on 24 minutes as the ball was cleared by their defender but hit another of their players and it bounced gleefully back into the box and fell to £1 million man Trevor Francis who isn't going to miss from 8 yards out with that price tag on his head. Smashed it into the top corner s the hapless GK looked on... 1-1 game on.
It was still 1-1 at half time but I was much more positive about the second half. AT least I found the back of the net, albeit with a fortunate bounce but I will take it.
Second half kicks off and I am starting to play the ball around nicely. Archie Gemmill is trying his best to put us ahead but a combination of wayward shooting and dogged defending keeps the score level.
A nice passing move around the 55 minute mark led to the ball being at Garry Birtles feet just inside the 18 yard box. A little jink to his right and he placed the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the net for 2-1 and I nearly woke up the household as it was 11:45pm by this time and everybody was in bed. Now to see the game out wihout conceding another...
Some players are getting a bit tired now so I bring Tony Woodcock on (he's from my hometown) in place of the cardio plagued O'Neill and swap out Frank Clark for Colin Barrett to keep things fresh.
Around the 70 minute mark it seems like Panathanaikos are starting to push forward more in search of an equaliser.
I defend resolutely against the Greek onslaught and will look for the counter opportunity if it arises.
Just before 80 minutes, Woodcock gets the ball on a counter attack, sends it forward to Francis. I get excited as I realise it's a 2 on 1 chance (not had one of those in modern PES in a long time if ever). Francis runs with it a bit, the poor, lonely defender attempts to close him down, he plays an inch perfect forward pass that Birtles runs onto and hits first time to the 'keepers right and into the back of the net... 3-1, just over 10 minutes left, that 's it in the bag surely?
I held out for the rest of the game and tried to keep the ball as much as possible, game management I think they would call it these days?
All in all very happy with that performance and of course the 3 points. 4 points from 6 isn't a bad start but we'll see what is to come. John McGovern got injured towards the end of the game so he may not be available for the next match?
Loving the ML so far, wanted to play one more game but it was gone midnight and I had to be up at 6:30 for work so will have to wait for another day.
Did I see your team sitting in first place as well???
Did you speak to them in a Cloughie voice at half time? Come on young man I expect better. Football the way it's meant to be played
