Leicester City v Nottingham Forest
Leicester haven’t lost at home since they played Queen’s Park Rangers – and no-one beats QPR.
Andy King was substituted due to a hamstring injury in Leicester’s last match. Some reports say he’s fit, some say he’s not.
BBC Sport suggests Forest’s new loan star Aaron Ramsey could start but it sounds a bit soon to me. Chris Gunter, who can now add ‘scout’ to his resume after helping to arrange Aaron’a loan move, should start. Robert Earnshaw could miss out due to illness.
Aaron’s former side Cardiff wanted to sign him on loan but they wouldn’t have wanted to give him back to Arsenal in January. I’m sure Leicester won’t either.
This my blog about the Wales football (soccer) team and the Welsh (or even slightly Welsh) footballers.
Don't take it too seriously. I don't really hate the English and I know the Welsh players can be a bit naughty now and then.
I'm loyal and biased but I am a football fan.
Monday, 29 November 2010
FA Cup Fixture 29th November 2010
Droylsden v Leyton Orient
Cheating giant-killers Droylsden take on League One strugglers Leyton Orient.
Blackburn Rovers don’t seem that keen on Jason Brown, the idiots, so they’ll probably give Orient permission to play him in the FA Cup.
Cheating giant-killers Droylsden take on League One strugglers Leyton Orient.
Blackburn Rovers don’t seem that keen on Jason Brown, the idiots, so they’ll probably give Orient permission to play him in the FA Cup.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Premier League Fixture 28th November 2010
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
As usual, I expect the team in the Champions’ League to win this fixture. Unfortunately for Liverpool, that isn’t them this year. Tottenham haven’t been at their best in every game but they’ve been excellent and I don’t enjoy saying things like that.
Liverpool will be hoping Gareth Bale is on penalty duty again. It’s literally the only thing he isn’t brilliant at. He can even defend now. If he wasn’t Welsh, I would hate him so much (obviously I mean hate in the football sense, not literal hate). The left back is Tottenham’s top scorer with nine goals. (I know he’s more left midfield now but that doesn’t sound as impressive.)
Gareth was this week one of only seventeen Premier League players named on the FIFA FIPro World XI 2010 shortlist. Or longlist? List anyway. He’s also one of only three players (if I counted right) whose national side didn’t qualify for the World Cup.
As usual, I expect the team in the Champions’ League to win this fixture. Unfortunately for Liverpool, that isn’t them this year. Tottenham haven’t been at their best in every game but they’ve been excellent and I don’t enjoy saying things like that.
Liverpool will be hoping Gareth Bale is on penalty duty again. It’s literally the only thing he isn’t brilliant at. He can even defend now. If he wasn’t Welsh, I would hate him so much (obviously I mean hate in the football sense, not literal hate). The left back is Tottenham’s top scorer with nine goals. (I know he’s more left midfield now but that doesn’t sound as impressive.)
Gareth was this week one of only seventeen Premier League players named on the FIFA FIPro World XI 2010 shortlist. Or longlist? List anyway. He’s also one of only three players (if I counted right) whose national side didn’t qualify for the World Cup.
Championship Result 26th November 2010
Swansea City 1-2 Portsmouth
Swansea were denied the chance to move level on points with Cardiff City (luckily!) when Portsmouth came from behind to take all three points.
Ashley Williams and Joe Allen played the full match for Swansea. Neil Taylor and David Cotterill were unused substitutes. New loan signing Jermaine Easter probably didn’t quite join in time to get into the squad.
Swansea were denied the chance to move level on points with Cardiff City (luckily!) when Portsmouth came from behind to take all three points.
Ashley Williams and Joe Allen played the full match for Swansea. Neil Taylor and David Cotterill were unused substitutes. New loan signing Jermaine Easter probably didn’t quite join in time to get into the squad.
FA Cup Results 26th November 2010
Crawley Town 1-1 Swindon Town
Six months ago, Swindon got about as close as you can get to promotion without actually getting it. This season, they have an FA Cup replay against Crawley Town. It’s probably not how Swindon imagined this season – but a great result for Crawley.
Glenn Wilson played the full match for Crawley.
Port Vale 1-0 Accrington Stanley
Port Vale are in the third-round of the FA Cup after beating fellow League Two team Accrington Stanley.
Gareth Owen played the full match for Port Vale. The former Stoke trainee would love to face Stoke in the third round.
Lewis Haldane was a 70th-minute substitute.
Joe Jacobson went straight into Accrington’s starting line-up after joining on loan from Oldham Athletic. He looked lively and could have scored a couple. Once he’s used to the stadium and his new team-mates, maybe those chances will go in.
Six months ago, Swindon got about as close as you can get to promotion without actually getting it. This season, they have an FA Cup replay against Crawley Town. It’s probably not how Swindon imagined this season – but a great result for Crawley.
Glenn Wilson played the full match for Crawley.
Port Vale 1-0 Accrington Stanley
Port Vale are in the third-round of the FA Cup after beating fellow League Two team Accrington Stanley.
Gareth Owen played the full match for Port Vale. The former Stoke trainee would love to face Stoke in the third round.
Lewis Haldane was a 70th-minute substitute.
Joe Jacobson went straight into Accrington’s starting line-up after joining on loan from Oldham Athletic. He looked lively and could have scored a couple. Once he’s used to the stadium and his new team-mates, maybe those chances will go in.
Welsh Players on Loan
These Welsh players just won’t stop playing musical football teams.
Let’s see who this season’s movers and shakers are – Bury loanee Owain fon Williams being the Shaker.
Championship Loanees
Sam Vokes - Wolverhampton Wanderers to Bristol City
Craig Bellamy - Manchester City to Cardiff City
Jason Koumas - Wigan Athletic to Cardiff City
Sanchez Watt - Arsenal to Leeds United
Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal to Nottingham Forest
Jermaine Easter – Milton Keynes Dons to Swansea City
League One Loanees
Kayelden Brown – West Bromwich Albion to Tranmere Rovers, then Dagenham & Redbridge
Jason Brown – Blackburn Rovers to Leeds United, then Leyton Orient
Lewin Nyatanga – Bristol Rovers to Peterborough United
Nicky Adams – Brentford to Rochdale
Shaun MacDonald – Swansea City to Yeovil Town
Owain Tudur Jones – Norwich City to Yeovil Town
Gavin Williams – Bristol City to Yeovil Town
League Two Loanees
Jason Price – Carlisle United to Bradford City
Owain fon Williams – Stockport County to Bury
Rhys Taylor - Chelsea to Crewe Alexandra
Tony James – Burton Albion to Hereford United (now back at Burton)
Nathaniel Jarvis – Cardiff City to Southend United (now back at Cardiff)
Anthony Pulis – Southampton to Stockport County
Others
Joe Partington – Bournemouth to Eastbourne Borough
Rhys Day – Oxford United to Mansfield Town
Kerry Morgan - Swansea City to Newport County
Jack Mackreth – Tranmere Rovers to Burscough
Jonathan Meades - Cardiff City to FK Moss (now back at Cardiff)
Let’s see who this season’s movers and shakers are – Bury loanee Owain fon Williams being the Shaker.
Championship Loanees
Sam Vokes - Wolverhampton Wanderers to Bristol City
Craig Bellamy - Manchester City to Cardiff City
Jason Koumas - Wigan Athletic to Cardiff City
Sanchez Watt - Arsenal to Leeds United
Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal to Nottingham Forest
Jermaine Easter – Milton Keynes Dons to Swansea City
League One Loanees
Kayelden Brown – West Bromwich Albion to Tranmere Rovers, then Dagenham & Redbridge
Jason Brown – Blackburn Rovers to Leeds United, then Leyton Orient
Lewin Nyatanga – Bristol Rovers to Peterborough United
Nicky Adams – Brentford to Rochdale
Shaun MacDonald – Swansea City to Yeovil Town
Owain Tudur Jones – Norwich City to Yeovil Town
Gavin Williams – Bristol City to Yeovil Town
League Two Loanees
Jason Price – Carlisle United to Bradford City
Owain fon Williams – Stockport County to Bury
Rhys Taylor - Chelsea to Crewe Alexandra
Tony James – Burton Albion to Hereford United (now back at Burton)
Nathaniel Jarvis – Cardiff City to Southend United (now back at Cardiff)
Anthony Pulis – Southampton to Stockport County
Others
Joe Partington – Bournemouth to Eastbourne Borough
Rhys Day – Oxford United to Mansfield Town
Kerry Morgan - Swansea City to Newport County
Jack Mackreth – Tranmere Rovers to Burscough
Jonathan Meades - Cardiff City to FK Moss (now back at Cardiff)
League One/League Two Fixtures 27th November 2010
Rochdale v Oldham Athletic
Rochdale have dropped from being in the play-offs to being two points above the bottom two. They take on Oldham, who are just two points behind the play-offs.
Nicky Adams could keep his place in Rochdale’s starting line-up. Matt Done will probably be on the bench.
Joe Jacobson won’t be in Oldham’s squad as he has joined Accrington Stanley on loan.
Morecambe v Crewe Alexandra
Crewe will try to get a much-needed win against Morecambe, who are just two points above the bottom two.
Rhys Taylor will start for Crewe.
Rochdale have dropped from being in the play-offs to being two points above the bottom two. They take on Oldham, who are just two points behind the play-offs.
Nicky Adams could keep his place in Rochdale’s starting line-up. Matt Done will probably be on the bench.
Joe Jacobson won’t be in Oldham’s squad as he has joined Accrington Stanley on loan.
Morecambe v Crewe Alexandra
Crewe will try to get a much-needed win against Morecambe, who are just two points above the bottom two.
Rhys Taylor will start for Crewe.
Championship Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 2)
Preston North End v Millwall
Another week, another star goalscorer joins Millwall’s ranks. The latest is Josh McQuoid from Bournemouth but unfortunately he plays for Northern Ireland. Millwall’s recent form hasn’t been the best, having won just one of their last five, but at least they’ve done better than Preston, who have won only one of their last nine matches.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will hope to be back in Preston’s starting line-up.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Cardiff City
The league’s top two clubs meet in this fixture and whoever wins goes top. If they draw, QPR will go top but Cardiff will have put another point between themselves and Swansea City, who lost to Portsmouth a few hours ago. If Cardiff can beat QPR, they’ll be the first to do so in the league this season.
Cardiff are in the middle of another illness epidemic (is it the drains or the Swansea supporters or what???) although it looks as though they should all be able to play.
Craig Bellamy is likely to start while Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas will all hope to start after recent good performances. Aaron Wildig is more likely to be on the bench.
Craig, who says he’s close to full fitness (you mean you can get even better???) joined Adam and Jonathan Meades (now back from his loan spell at FK Moss) at the opening of Cardiff’s House of Sport.
Reading v Leeds United
Reading are turning into the Championship’s answer to whatever team Mark Hughes happens to be managing. They’ve drawn seven times this season, including all their last three matches.
Simon Church will hope to keep his place in Reading’s starting line-up. Hal Robson-Kanu is more likely to be on the bench.
Sanchez Watt could finally be ready to return from an ankle injury for Leeds – BBC Sport says Leeds have only two absentees and Sanchez isn’t one of them.
Scunthorpe United v Coventry City
Coventry aren’t on the best run at the moment but at least they’ve won an away win recently. Scunthorpe haven’t won at home since August and that was only against Crystal Palace. They have also beaten Sheffield Wednesday at home in the Carling Cup but that’s not nearly as impressive as it sounds.
Freddy Eastwood will hope to be back in Coventry’s starting line-up.
Another week, another star goalscorer joins Millwall’s ranks. The latest is Josh McQuoid from Bournemouth but unfortunately he plays for Northern Ireland. Millwall’s recent form hasn’t been the best, having won just one of their last five, but at least they’ve done better than Preston, who have won only one of their last nine matches.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will hope to be back in Preston’s starting line-up.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Cardiff City
The league’s top two clubs meet in this fixture and whoever wins goes top. If they draw, QPR will go top but Cardiff will have put another point between themselves and Swansea City, who lost to Portsmouth a few hours ago. If Cardiff can beat QPR, they’ll be the first to do so in the league this season.
Cardiff are in the middle of another illness epidemic (is it the drains or the Swansea supporters or what???) although it looks as though they should all be able to play.
Craig Bellamy is likely to start while Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas will all hope to start after recent good performances. Aaron Wildig is more likely to be on the bench.
Craig, who says he’s close to full fitness (you mean you can get even better???) joined Adam and Jonathan Meades (now back from his loan spell at FK Moss) at the opening of Cardiff’s House of Sport.
Reading v Leeds United
Reading are turning into the Championship’s answer to whatever team Mark Hughes happens to be managing. They’ve drawn seven times this season, including all their last three matches.
Simon Church will hope to keep his place in Reading’s starting line-up. Hal Robson-Kanu is more likely to be on the bench.
Sanchez Watt could finally be ready to return from an ankle injury for Leeds – BBC Sport says Leeds have only two absentees and Sanchez isn’t one of them.
Scunthorpe United v Coventry City
Coventry aren’t on the best run at the moment but at least they’ve won an away win recently. Scunthorpe haven’t won at home since August and that was only against Crystal Palace. They have also beaten Sheffield Wednesday at home in the Carling Cup but that’s not nearly as impressive as it sounds.
Freddy Eastwood will hope to be back in Coventry’s starting line-up.
Championship Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bristol City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United did the double over Bristol City last season – who were better than than they are now. But Bristol City need points even more than Sheffield United.
Brett Pitman scored his first Bristol City goal last weekend after an appearance as a half-time substitute – and it looks like he might start this match.
Christian Ribeiro is expected to keep his place in Bristol City’s starting line-up. Sam Vokes probably isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Burnley v Derby County
Burnley have only won one of their last seven matches although it’s difficult to feel too much sympathy for a team who have won six of their nine games at home. Derby are up in fourth place but that’s mostly due to their home form – and this is an away game.
Robbie Savage hopes to play for Derby and get a nice little run going. He also has some words of praise for Derby’s two loan strikers.
Gareth Roberts is suspended after being sent off for two booksable offences against Scunthorpe United.
Robbie has almost achieved the impossible. He has almost made me want Tottenham to win the league! Hopefully he’ll get some of the good-looking younger Welshmen to join him.
Crystal Palace v Doncaster Rovers
Palace are down in 23rd place but they have won their last two home games. Doncaster however are unbeaten in four and have not lost to a team in the bottom half of the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench for Palace but Andy Dorman shows no signs of fighting his way back into the matchday squad.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster. John is hoping to beat his former club. He’s also not totally against playing for Wales.
Middlesbrough v Hull City
Middlesbrough are yet to show signs of improvement under Tony Mowbray, having lost three of their five games since he took over, and they’re currently languishing in the bottom three. Hull are doing better and are currently able to win both home and away.
Danny Coyne has recovered from a torn calf muscle but the goalkeeper is not first-choice at Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Sheffield United did the double over Bristol City last season – who were better than than they are now. But Bristol City need points even more than Sheffield United.
Brett Pitman scored his first Bristol City goal last weekend after an appearance as a half-time substitute – and it looks like he might start this match.
Christian Ribeiro is expected to keep his place in Bristol City’s starting line-up. Sam Vokes probably isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Burnley v Derby County
Burnley have only won one of their last seven matches although it’s difficult to feel too much sympathy for a team who have won six of their nine games at home. Derby are up in fourth place but that’s mostly due to their home form – and this is an away game.
Robbie Savage hopes to play for Derby and get a nice little run going. He also has some words of praise for Derby’s two loan strikers.
Gareth Roberts is suspended after being sent off for two booksable offences against Scunthorpe United.
Robbie has almost achieved the impossible. He has almost made me want Tottenham to win the league! Hopefully he’ll get some of the good-looking younger Welshmen to join him.
Crystal Palace v Doncaster Rovers
Palace are down in 23rd place but they have won their last two home games. Doncaster however are unbeaten in four and have not lost to a team in the bottom half of the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench for Palace but Andy Dorman shows no signs of fighting his way back into the matchday squad.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster. John is hoping to beat his former club. He’s also not totally against playing for Wales.
Middlesbrough v Hull City
Middlesbrough are yet to show signs of improvement under Tony Mowbray, having lost three of their five games since he took over, and they’re currently languishing in the bottom three. Hull are doing better and are currently able to win both home and away.
Danny Coyne has recovered from a torn calf muscle but the goalkeeper is not first-choice at Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Premier League Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 2)
Manchester United v Blackburn Rovers
Manchester United are unbeaten in 28 matches. While this might not seem particularly impressive if you’re an Arsenal fan, it probably is quite good really.
Ryan Giggs made his comeback from a hamstring injury against Rangers but after playing 90 minutes, he might need a rest for this game. And the FAW would love to sit down with him – and talk him into managing Wales. Michael Owen’s and Owen Hargreaves’ hamstrings are still dodgy so they won’t play.
Stoke City v Manchester City
Stoke lost four consecutive matches before embarking on their current winning streak. If the win today, it will be four consecutive wins. Manchester City have never beaten Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross should start for Stoke. But Ryan could be starting for Liverpool soon.
West Ham United v Wigan Athletic
A win against Wigan played a big part in saving West Ham from relegation this season. It’s going to take quite a lot more than that this time around but the sooner they can start winning, the better. A year ago today, Avram Grant became manager of Portsmouth. Portsmouth spent the rest of that season in 20th place. Under Grant, West Ham have never left the bottom three. West Ham say his job is safe. I think the safest thing will be to give it to someone else. Wigan are looking for their second away win this season.
Danny Gabbidon should keep his place in West Ham’s starting line-up. Jack Collison is still out following knee surgery.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Sunderland
Wolves have lost nine of their last eleven league matches. Sunderland have not lost to any of the team they’ve played so far who finished in the top half last season (whoever it is who keeps track of this sort of stat, is he/she single? Football stats are nearly as sexy as Welsh grammar). However, Sunderland have only won one away game this season.
David Jones will hope to keep his place in Wolves’ starting line-up but Wayne Hennessey will probably be on the bench – although it’s not just me who thinks he should play. Dave Edwards isn’t ready to return from a thigh injury.
David says Wolves really need to win this match. And he thinks it could happen.
Manchester United are unbeaten in 28 matches. While this might not seem particularly impressive if you’re an Arsenal fan, it probably is quite good really.
Ryan Giggs made his comeback from a hamstring injury against Rangers but after playing 90 minutes, he might need a rest for this game. And the FAW would love to sit down with him – and talk him into managing Wales. Michael Owen’s and Owen Hargreaves’ hamstrings are still dodgy so they won’t play.
Stoke City v Manchester City
Stoke lost four consecutive matches before embarking on their current winning streak. If the win today, it will be four consecutive wins. Manchester City have never beaten Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross should start for Stoke. But Ryan could be starting for Liverpool soon.
West Ham United v Wigan Athletic
A win against Wigan played a big part in saving West Ham from relegation this season. It’s going to take quite a lot more than that this time around but the sooner they can start winning, the better. A year ago today, Avram Grant became manager of Portsmouth. Portsmouth spent the rest of that season in 20th place. Under Grant, West Ham have never left the bottom three. West Ham say his job is safe. I think the safest thing will be to give it to someone else. Wigan are looking for their second away win this season.
Danny Gabbidon should keep his place in West Ham’s starting line-up. Jack Collison is still out following knee surgery.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Sunderland
Wolves have lost nine of their last eleven league matches. Sunderland have not lost to any of the team they’ve played so far who finished in the top half last season (whoever it is who keeps track of this sort of stat, is he/she single? Football stats are nearly as sexy as Welsh grammar). However, Sunderland have only won one away game this season.
David Jones will hope to keep his place in Wolves’ starting line-up but Wayne Hennessey will probably be on the bench – although it’s not just me who thinks he should play. Dave Edwards isn’t ready to return from a thigh injury.
David says Wolves really need to win this match. And he thinks it could happen.
Premier League Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 1)
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back from two humiliating wins in their last two matches. Birmingham City did them a huge favour last weekend by beating Chelsea and while Arsenal spurned the chance to overtake them, at least it means Chelsea aren’t too far ahead. He’s not Welsh but former Arsenal star Robert Pires could start for Villa – who are unbeaten at home this season.
James Collins will return from a calf injury to play in defence for Aston Villa
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until January, a move which has been welcomed by Wales caretaker manager Brian Flynn.
Bolton Wanderers v Blackpool
Blackpool’s impressive start to the season has got everyone’s attention but meanwhile Bolton have been sneaking quietly up the table and they are currently in fifth place.
Sam Ricketts will hope to keep his place in Bolton’s defence – and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t, given how well he’s done. But it’s not all the defence – Sam believes Johan Elmander is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will probably start for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench. Ian Holloway really wants David to remain at Blackpool but he doesn’t sound very hopeful.
Everton v West Bromwich Albion
West Brom’s six-match unbeaten run seems like a long time ago and they could be in the relegation zone on Saturday evening if results don’t go their way. But with Everton winning only three times this season (although they have only lost four in their last 25), maybe this is the time for West Brom to halt their slide down the table… and win their second away league match this season.
Boaz Myhill probably won’t start for West Brom.
Fulham v Birmingham City
Fulham are in trouble after losing to Manchester City in their last match. Now they must try to beat the team who’s just beaten the League Champions. Birmingham are however much weaker away from home – they’re yet to win away this season. The last time Birmingham beat Fulham at home, Robbie Savage scored. Even more incredibly, so did Emile Heskey.
Fulham are short of strikers as usual but they’ve been short of strikers for the last two years and that didn’t stop them from getting their highest finish ever and going all the way to the Europa League final. They do have a number of midfielders capable of scoring, including Simon Davies. Although if Roy Hodgson has his way, Simon might not be a Fulham player for very much longer.
Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back from two humiliating wins in their last two matches. Birmingham City did them a huge favour last weekend by beating Chelsea and while Arsenal spurned the chance to overtake them, at least it means Chelsea aren’t too far ahead. He’s not Welsh but former Arsenal star Robert Pires could start for Villa – who are unbeaten at home this season.
James Collins will return from a calf injury to play in defence for Aston Villa
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until January, a move which has been welcomed by Wales caretaker manager Brian Flynn.
Bolton Wanderers v Blackpool
Blackpool’s impressive start to the season has got everyone’s attention but meanwhile Bolton have been sneaking quietly up the table and they are currently in fifth place.
Sam Ricketts will hope to keep his place in Bolton’s defence – and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t, given how well he’s done. But it’s not all the defence – Sam believes Johan Elmander is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will probably start for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench. Ian Holloway really wants David to remain at Blackpool but he doesn’t sound very hopeful.
Everton v West Bromwich Albion
West Brom’s six-match unbeaten run seems like a long time ago and they could be in the relegation zone on Saturday evening if results don’t go their way. But with Everton winning only three times this season (although they have only lost four in their last 25), maybe this is the time for West Brom to halt their slide down the table… and win their second away league match this season.
Boaz Myhill probably won’t start for West Brom.
Fulham v Birmingham City
Fulham are in trouble after losing to Manchester City in their last match. Now they must try to beat the team who’s just beaten the League Champions. Birmingham are however much weaker away from home – they’re yet to win away this season. The last time Birmingham beat Fulham at home, Robbie Savage scored. Even more incredibly, so did Emile Heskey.
Fulham are short of strikers as usual but they’ve been short of strikers for the last two years and that didn’t stop them from getting their highest finish ever and going all the way to the Europa League final. They do have a number of midfielders capable of scoring, including Simon Davies. Although if Roy Hodgson has his way, Simon might not be a Fulham player for very much longer.
FA Cup Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 3)
Hereford United v Lincoln City
Hereford are keen to get back to the good form that briefly took them off the bottom of the table – but it was their away form rather than their home form. Luckily it’s a Cup game and league jinxes often don’t count.
Stuart Fleetwood should play for Hereford but Ryan Valentine is out due to a stomach injury (or possibly a hip injury) while Ryan Green begins a three-match suspension after being sent off against Shrewsbury.
Huddersfield Town v Macclesfield Town
Huddersfield are going to show Macclesfield the same amout of respect as they showed Everton in the Carling Cup but I’m not sure that’s a good idea. They don’t want Macclesfield beating them 5-1.
Sam Wedgbury will hope to play some part for Macclesfield.
Notts County v Bournemouth
These two teams were promoted together but while Bournemouth are up in the play-off places, Notts County are lower down. Quite a lot lower down. They will hope Bournemouth are still reeling from losing one of their star strikers to Millwall.
Ben Davies should play for Notts County. He hasn’t scored for a while but that isn’t because he’s not trying.
Rhoys Wiggins will probably play for Bournemouth.
Sheffield Wednesday v Northampton Town
Sheffield Wednesday probably aren’t finding much to enjoy in League One. They’re not even noticeably better than everyone else. But I’m sure they wouldn’t mind going one better than Liverpool and seeing off Northampton.
Paul Walker will be on the bench for Northampton.
Southampton v Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham manager Mark Yates believes Southampton will get promoted this season. But they won’t be in the third round of the FA Cup if he has anything to do with it.
Josh Low will probably start for Cheltenham. He believes Cheltenham’s young team will keep improving. Not that it’s a completely young team, not with you in it, Josh.
Torquay United v Walsall
Torquay will think they have a chance against Walsall, who are at the bottom of League One – but Walsall have actually won two of their last three games. And one of them was against a good side.
Sean Geddes could be on the bench for Walsall.
Hereford are keen to get back to the good form that briefly took them off the bottom of the table – but it was their away form rather than their home form. Luckily it’s a Cup game and league jinxes often don’t count.
Stuart Fleetwood should play for Hereford but Ryan Valentine is out due to a stomach injury (or possibly a hip injury) while Ryan Green begins a three-match suspension after being sent off against Shrewsbury.
Huddersfield Town v Macclesfield Town
Huddersfield are going to show Macclesfield the same amout of respect as they showed Everton in the Carling Cup but I’m not sure that’s a good idea. They don’t want Macclesfield beating them 5-1.
Sam Wedgbury will hope to play some part for Macclesfield.
Notts County v Bournemouth
These two teams were promoted together but while Bournemouth are up in the play-off places, Notts County are lower down. Quite a lot lower down. They will hope Bournemouth are still reeling from losing one of their star strikers to Millwall.
Ben Davies should play for Notts County. He hasn’t scored for a while but that isn’t because he’s not trying.
Rhoys Wiggins will probably play for Bournemouth.
Sheffield Wednesday v Northampton Town
Sheffield Wednesday probably aren’t finding much to enjoy in League One. They’re not even noticeably better than everyone else. But I’m sure they wouldn’t mind going one better than Liverpool and seeing off Northampton.
Paul Walker will be on the bench for Northampton.
Southampton v Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham manager Mark Yates believes Southampton will get promoted this season. But they won’t be in the third round of the FA Cup if he has anything to do with it.
Josh Low will probably start for Cheltenham. He believes Cheltenham’s young team will keep improving. Not that it’s a completely young team, not with you in it, Josh.
Torquay United v Walsall
Torquay will think they have a chance against Walsall, who are at the bottom of League One – but Walsall have actually won two of their last three games. And one of them was against a good side.
Sean Geddes could be on the bench for Walsall.
FA Cup Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 2)
Darlington v York City
At least one non-league side will be in the third round and this local derby is likely to be feisty. But only if it goes ahead. No FA Cup matches called off as yet but this tie looks vulnerable.
Danny Parslow should play for York but Levi Mackin is still on his way back from a knee injuy and Alex Lawless has joined Luton on loan, with a view to a permanent move.
Dover Athletic v Aldershot Town
The Aldershot manager sees the FA Cup as a game to enjoy and make money from. He’s not even worried about losing.
Adam Birchall has already scored nine goals in the FA Cup this season – he’ll be wanting to make it ten at least. He’d love to beat Aldershot and take on former club Arsenal.
Aaron Morris probably has the most chance of starting for Aldershot, with Darren Jones possibly rested. But I don’t know if I’m right.
Hartlepool United v Yeovil Town
This match is looking like one of the most likely to be called off – which won’t be good news for the Yeovil fans, who will probably either be already there or on the way when the announcement is made. Hartlepool are out to enjoy the encounter and see what happens. For Yeovil, it’s a chance to show they’re not as bad as their league match against Bournemouth suggested.
Loanees Shaun MacDonald and Owain Tudur Jones can both play for Yeovil (this will be Owain’s last game) but Gavin Williams doesn’t have permission from parent club Bristol City. Nathan Jones could also be in the squad. Nathan and Rhys Baggridge were part of the Yeovil squad that progressed to the quarter finals of the Somerset Premier Cup.
At least one non-league side will be in the third round and this local derby is likely to be feisty. But only if it goes ahead. No FA Cup matches called off as yet but this tie looks vulnerable.
Danny Parslow should play for York but Levi Mackin is still on his way back from a knee injuy and Alex Lawless has joined Luton on loan, with a view to a permanent move.
Dover Athletic v Aldershot Town
The Aldershot manager sees the FA Cup as a game to enjoy and make money from. He’s not even worried about losing.
Adam Birchall has already scored nine goals in the FA Cup this season – he’ll be wanting to make it ten at least. He’d love to beat Aldershot and take on former club Arsenal.
Aaron Morris probably has the most chance of starting for Aldershot, with Darren Jones possibly rested. But I don’t know if I’m right.
Hartlepool United v Yeovil Town
This match is looking like one of the most likely to be called off – which won’t be good news for the Yeovil fans, who will probably either be already there or on the way when the announcement is made. Hartlepool are out to enjoy the encounter and see what happens. For Yeovil, it’s a chance to show they’re not as bad as their league match against Bournemouth suggested.
Loanees Shaun MacDonald and Owain Tudur Jones can both play for Yeovil (this will be Owain’s last game) but Gavin Williams doesn’t have permission from parent club Bristol City. Nathan Jones could also be in the squad. Nathan and Rhys Baggridge were part of the Yeovil squad that progressed to the quarter finals of the Somerset Premier Cup.
FA Cup Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 1)
AFC Wimbledon v Stevenage
AFC Wimbledon would have played MK Dons if they’d managed to beat Stevenage in the replay – but MK Dons just weren’t good enough.
AFC Wimbledon’s Reece Jones missed out in the last round as he was on loan at Lewes and it looks like he’s still there.
Burton Albion v Chesterfield
The last time these two teams faced one another, Burton got their first away win of the season. In theory, it should be even easier at home.
Tony James could be back in the starting line-up after being dropped to the bench in Burton’s last game – he’s on standby to replace an injured player.
Chesterfield striker Craig Davies will be hoping to add to his goal tally.
Bury v Peterborough United
Bury have already knocked Exeter City out of the Cup. Now they face an off-form Peterborough.
Bury keeper Owain fon Williams, who is on loan from Stockport County, is able to play for Bury in the FA Cup. They’ve actually already cup-tied him so Stockport
Arron Davies should play for Peterborough. Lewin Nyatanga has returned to parent club Bristol City after his loan spell came to an end but he couldn’t have played anyway.
Carlisle United v Tamworth
Tamworth knocked League Two Crewe out but now they’re up against a League One side.
Scott Barrow will hope to play for Tamworth.
Charlton Athletic v Luton Town
Not very long ago (but longer ago than I remember) this was a Premier League tie. Not anymore.
Alex Lawless has joined Luton on loan from York City but he won’t be able to play in this match as he is cup-tied.
Colchester United v Swindon Supermarine
Swindon Supermarine are hoping for another giant-killing after despatching Eastwood Town in the last round. A win for Supermarine could see them facing Swindon Town, who will need a replay against Crawley Town.
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James will hope for a run-out against the non-league side.
AFC Wimbledon would have played MK Dons if they’d managed to beat Stevenage in the replay – but MK Dons just weren’t good enough.
AFC Wimbledon’s Reece Jones missed out in the last round as he was on loan at Lewes and it looks like he’s still there.
Burton Albion v Chesterfield
The last time these two teams faced one another, Burton got their first away win of the season. In theory, it should be even easier at home.
Tony James could be back in the starting line-up after being dropped to the bench in Burton’s last game – he’s on standby to replace an injured player.
Chesterfield striker Craig Davies will be hoping to add to his goal tally.
Bury v Peterborough United
Bury have already knocked Exeter City out of the Cup. Now they face an off-form Peterborough.
Bury keeper Owain fon Williams, who is on loan from Stockport County, is able to play for Bury in the FA Cup. They’ve actually already cup-tied him so Stockport
Arron Davies should play for Peterborough. Lewin Nyatanga has returned to parent club Bristol City after his loan spell came to an end but he couldn’t have played anyway.
Carlisle United v Tamworth
Tamworth knocked League Two Crewe out but now they’re up against a League One side.
Scott Barrow will hope to play for Tamworth.
Charlton Athletic v Luton Town
Not very long ago (but longer ago than I remember) this was a Premier League tie. Not anymore.
Alex Lawless has joined Luton on loan from York City but he won’t be able to play in this match as he is cup-tied.
Colchester United v Swindon Supermarine
Swindon Supermarine are hoping for another giant-killing after despatching Eastwood Town in the last round. A win for Supermarine could see them facing Swindon Town, who will need a replay against Crawley Town.
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James will hope for a run-out against the non-league side.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
League Two Results 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Lincoln City 3-1 Hereford United
Hereford missed the chance to move out of the relegation zone when Lincoln beat them.
Hereford striker Stuart Fleetwood (who started for once) scored in the 57th minute to bring the score to 2-1 but two minites later Lincoln scored again. Ryan Green also played the full match for Hereford.
Port Vale 2-1 Wycombe Wanderers
Port Vale moved into second place after beating Wycombe and ending their unbeaten away record.
Gareth Owen played the full match for Port Vale, while Lewis Haldane was a late substitute.
Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Southend United
Promotion contenders Shrewsbury probably thought they’d won it. But then Southend scored a great goal to earn them a point and move three points away from the relegation zone. Shrewsbury do remain unbeaten at home though.
Peter Gilbert played in defence for Southend.
Stockport County 1-1 Torquay United
Stockport did well to claim a point from a long shot, just fourteen minutes after Torquay had taken the lead.
Anthony Pulis played the full match for Stockport.
Hereford missed the chance to move out of the relegation zone when Lincoln beat them.
Hereford striker Stuart Fleetwood (who started for once) scored in the 57th minute to bring the score to 2-1 but two minites later Lincoln scored again. Ryan Green also played the full match for Hereford.
Port Vale 2-1 Wycombe Wanderers
Port Vale moved into second place after beating Wycombe and ending their unbeaten away record.
Gareth Owen played the full match for Port Vale, while Lewis Haldane was a late substitute.
Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Southend United
Promotion contenders Shrewsbury probably thought they’d won it. But then Southend scored a great goal to earn them a point and move three points away from the relegation zone. Shrewsbury do remain unbeaten at home though.
Peter Gilbert played in defence for Southend.
Stockport County 1-1 Torquay United
Stockport did well to claim a point from a long shot, just fourteen minutes after Torquay had taken the lead.
Anthony Pulis played the full match for Stockport.
League Two Results 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Aldershot Town 0-2 Chesterfield
Chesterfield stay two points clear at the top of League Two after beating Aldershot – who are now just three points away from the relegation zone.
Darren Jones and Aaron Morris played the full match for Aldershot.
Craig Davies scored another outstanding goal before helping to set up Chesterfield’s second.
Barnet 4-1 Northampton Town
I wasn’t even sure Barnet had scored four goals this season so to get four in a match, even against struggling Northampton, is amazing. Barnet move ahead of Hereford United and are now just a point behind Northampton.
Grant Basey got his first Barnet goal two minutes after the re-start from a free kick.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford City 0-1 Macclesfield Town
Bradford have been doing well lately but so have Macclesfield – this was their sixth successive game without defeat.
Jason Price was a 59th minute substitute for Bradford.
Sam Wedgbury was on the bench for Macclesfield.
Cheltenham Town 1-1 Morecambe
A late penalty for Morecambe gave them a very useful point – not to mention an impressive one – against play-off hopefuls Cheltenham.
Josh Low scored Cheltenham’s goal two minutes before half-time. They say it’s good to be 1-0 up at half-time. But it’s not half as good as being 1-0 up at full-time.
Crewe Alexandra 0-1 Rotherham United
Rotherham continued their promotion push with a 1-0 away victory over Crewe.
Rhys Taylor struggled to deal with a ball from his own team-mate, which sadly ended up in the back of the net, but a Rotherham penalty from Adam Le Fondre caused him no problems at all and that's not something every goalkeeper can say.
Mark Bradley forced Rotherham into scoring an own goal. I’m sure he’d rather have scored it himself but as long as it goes in somehow.
Chesterfield stay two points clear at the top of League Two after beating Aldershot – who are now just three points away from the relegation zone.
Darren Jones and Aaron Morris played the full match for Aldershot.
Craig Davies scored another outstanding goal before helping to set up Chesterfield’s second.
Barnet 4-1 Northampton Town
I wasn’t even sure Barnet had scored four goals this season so to get four in a match, even against struggling Northampton, is amazing. Barnet move ahead of Hereford United and are now just a point behind Northampton.
Grant Basey got his first Barnet goal two minutes after the re-start from a free kick.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford City 0-1 Macclesfield Town
Bradford have been doing well lately but so have Macclesfield – this was their sixth successive game without defeat.
Jason Price was a 59th minute substitute for Bradford.
Sam Wedgbury was on the bench for Macclesfield.
Cheltenham Town 1-1 Morecambe
A late penalty for Morecambe gave them a very useful point – not to mention an impressive one – against play-off hopefuls Cheltenham.
Josh Low scored Cheltenham’s goal two minutes before half-time. They say it’s good to be 1-0 up at half-time. But it’s not half as good as being 1-0 up at full-time.
Crewe Alexandra 0-1 Rotherham United
Rotherham continued their promotion push with a 1-0 away victory over Crewe.
Rhys Taylor struggled to deal with a ball from his own team-mate, which sadly ended up in the back of the net, but a Rotherham penalty from Adam Le Fondre caused him no problems at all and that's not something every goalkeeper can say.
Mark Bradley forced Rotherham into scoring an own goal. I’m sure he’d rather have scored it himself but as long as it goes in somehow.
League One Results 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Huddersfield Town 0-1 Exeter City
Exeter are only in 12th place but they are only two points behind the topsix – and one behind Huddersfield.
Richard Duffy scored Exeter’s goal with his head. Daniel Nardiello was a late substitute but Rob Edwards stayed on the bench.
Leyton Orient 2-2 Bournemouth
Orient came back from 2-0 down to snatch a point in the second minute of stoppage time.
Jason Brown made his first start for Orient, after joining on loan from Blackburn Rovers, who’d only just got him back from Leeds United. He let in two goals but he had no chance with at least one of them.
Rhoys Wiggins played the full match for Bournemouth.
Milton Keynes Dons 1-4 Sheffield Wednesday
MK Dons lost at home for the first time when they were thrashed 4-1 by Sheffield Wednesday. MK Dons took the lead in the 6th minute but it all went downhill from there.
Jermaine Easter was again absent for MK Dons due to a thigh injury.
Notts County 0-1 Tranmere Rovers
Notts County are in the bottom four, three points behind Plymouth Argyle, after losing to Tranmere, who are now six points clear of trouble.
Ben Davies could have got a couple of goals for Notts County.
Ash Taylor made a surprise appearance on the bench for Tranmere. It was his first appearance in a Tranmere squad this season since having a knee operation in the summer.
Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Brentford
Brentford continue to improve as Plymouth go the other way.Another defeat and they could be in the bottom four – but only if Notts County win.
Carl Fletcher is still out with a leg injury.
Rochdale 3-3 Swindon Town
Swindon must have been feeling all hopeful after first they equalised and then, two minutes later, went ahead. But Rochdale scored five minutes later and the points were shared.
Nicky Adams started for Rochdale. Matt Done was on the bench.
Southampton 4-1 Peterborough United
Football doesn’t have wheels even when things are going well but if Peterborough did have wheels, perhaps they really would be coming off. It’s their second consecutive thrashing and they’re down to 11th, if only two points from the play-offs.
Lewin Nyatanga and Arron Davies both played the full match for Peterborough.
Walsall 2-1 Carlisle United
Walsall got a very welcome three points when they came from behind to beat play-off hopefuls Carlisle.
Sean Geddes was on the bench for Walsall.
Exeter are only in 12th place but they are only two points behind the topsix – and one behind Huddersfield.
Richard Duffy scored Exeter’s goal with his head. Daniel Nardiello was a late substitute but Rob Edwards stayed on the bench.
Leyton Orient 2-2 Bournemouth
Orient came back from 2-0 down to snatch a point in the second minute of stoppage time.
Jason Brown made his first start for Orient, after joining on loan from Blackburn Rovers, who’d only just got him back from Leeds United. He let in two goals but he had no chance with at least one of them.
Rhoys Wiggins played the full match for Bournemouth.
Milton Keynes Dons 1-4 Sheffield Wednesday
MK Dons lost at home for the first time when they were thrashed 4-1 by Sheffield Wednesday. MK Dons took the lead in the 6th minute but it all went downhill from there.
Jermaine Easter was again absent for MK Dons due to a thigh injury.
Notts County 0-1 Tranmere Rovers
Notts County are in the bottom four, three points behind Plymouth Argyle, after losing to Tranmere, who are now six points clear of trouble.
Ben Davies could have got a couple of goals for Notts County.
Ash Taylor made a surprise appearance on the bench for Tranmere. It was his first appearance in a Tranmere squad this season since having a knee operation in the summer.
Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Brentford
Brentford continue to improve as Plymouth go the other way.Another defeat and they could be in the bottom four – but only if Notts County win.
Carl Fletcher is still out with a leg injury.
Rochdale 3-3 Swindon Town
Swindon must have been feeling all hopeful after first they equalised and then, two minutes later, went ahead. But Rochdale scored five minutes later and the points were shared.
Nicky Adams started for Rochdale. Matt Done was on the bench.
Southampton 4-1 Peterborough United
Football doesn’t have wheels even when things are going well but if Peterborough did have wheels, perhaps they really would be coming off. It’s their second consecutive thrashing and they’re down to 11th, if only two points from the play-offs.
Lewin Nyatanga and Arron Davies both played the full match for Peterborough.
Walsall 2-1 Carlisle United
Walsall got a very welcome three points when they came from behind to beat play-off hopefuls Carlisle.
Sean Geddes was on the bench for Walsall.
League One Results 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Brighton & Hove Albion 2-2 Bristol Rovers
Brighton are just four points clear at the top of the table after Bristol Rovers grabbed a stoppage time draw. But Brighton’s unbeaten home record remains intact.
Byron Anthony had a mixed game, scoring the goal to put Bristol Rovers 1-0 up before conceding the penalty to put Brighton ahead. If you must do both, Byron, it’s so much better to do them the other way around. Byron also picked up his fifth yellow card of the season. At least five Welsh players have ‘achieved’ that this season.
Ben Swallow started for Bristol Rovers for the first time this season. Eliot Richards was on the bench.
Charlton Athletic 3-2 Yeovil Town
Yeovil gave Charlton a tougher time of it than Peterborough did in the last match but the result was just the same in terms of three points going to Charlton.
Gavin Williams and Shaun MacDonald both played the full match for Yeovil but Gavin picked up his fifth yellow card. Nathan Jones and Owain Tudur Jones dropped to the bench.
Colchester United 3-2 Hartlepool United
Hartlepool thought they’d snatched a point in the 88th minute but Colchester won in injury time with a dramatic and controversial penalty.
Lee Beevers came off the bench after 79 minutes. Lloyd James didn’t come off the bench at all.
Dagenham & Redbridge 0-1 Oldham Athletic
Dagenham remain in 22nd place on goal difference despite losing to Oldham.
New loan signing Kayelden Brown made his first start for the Daggers but Tony Roberts was only on the bench, presumably due to his back injury.
Joe Jacobson was an unused substitute for Oldham but all Oldham’s substitutes were unused in this match.
Brighton are just four points clear at the top of the table after Bristol Rovers grabbed a stoppage time draw. But Brighton’s unbeaten home record remains intact.
Byron Anthony had a mixed game, scoring the goal to put Bristol Rovers 1-0 up before conceding the penalty to put Brighton ahead. If you must do both, Byron, it’s so much better to do them the other way around. Byron also picked up his fifth yellow card of the season. At least five Welsh players have ‘achieved’ that this season.
Ben Swallow started for Bristol Rovers for the first time this season. Eliot Richards was on the bench.
Charlton Athletic 3-2 Yeovil Town
Yeovil gave Charlton a tougher time of it than Peterborough did in the last match but the result was just the same in terms of three points going to Charlton.
Gavin Williams and Shaun MacDonald both played the full match for Yeovil but Gavin picked up his fifth yellow card. Nathan Jones and Owain Tudur Jones dropped to the bench.
Colchester United 3-2 Hartlepool United
Hartlepool thought they’d snatched a point in the 88th minute but Colchester won in injury time with a dramatic and controversial penalty.
Lee Beevers came off the bench after 79 minutes. Lloyd James didn’t come off the bench at all.
Dagenham & Redbridge 0-1 Oldham Athletic
Dagenham remain in 22nd place on goal difference despite losing to Oldham.
New loan signing Kayelden Brown made his first start for the Daggers but Tony Roberts was only on the bench, presumably due to his back injury.
Joe Jacobson was an unused substitute for Oldham but all Oldham’s substitutes were unused in this match.
Championship Results 20th November 2010 (Part 3)
Sheffield United 3-2 Crystal Palace
In the 85th minute, Palace were 2-1 ahead and perhaps even feeling hopeful. But it was not to last, with Sheffield United scoring twice in three minutes to take the three points. Palace have lost seven of their nine away games this season.
Ched Evans played his part in two of the three goals, winning a penalty which led to Sheffield Utd’s first before scoring the (possibly offside) equaliser himself. Ched feels Sheffield United can challenge for promotion to the Premier League this season. Well. according to manager Gary Speed, they do have a Premier League quality striker in Ched.
Lewis Price was on the bench but Andy Dorman was out of the squad again.
Watford 1-1 Reading
Reading took the lead after 15 minutes but Watford’s equaliser just before time prevented them from moving into the top siz. Watford are now four points away from the play-off places.
Simon Church started for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu was on the bench.
In the 85th minute, Palace were 2-1 ahead and perhaps even feeling hopeful. But it was not to last, with Sheffield United scoring twice in three minutes to take the three points. Palace have lost seven of their nine away games this season.
Ched Evans played his part in two of the three goals, winning a penalty which led to Sheffield Utd’s first before scoring the (possibly offside) equaliser himself. Ched feels Sheffield United can challenge for promotion to the Premier League this season. Well. according to manager Gary Speed, they do have a Premier League quality striker in Ched.
Lewis Price was on the bench but Andy Dorman was out of the squad again.
Watford 1-1 Reading
Reading took the lead after 15 minutes but Watford’s equaliser just before time prevented them from moving into the top siz. Watford are now four points away from the play-off places.
Simon Church started for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu was on the bench.
Championship Results 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Swansea City
Doncaster will be particularly disappointed not to win this after playing well and not conceding until the 93rd minute. They actually scored twice but one was ruled out for offside.
John Oster and Brian Stock both started the match, with a lovely cross from John leading to Doncaster’s goal. Brian says Swansea are the best side he’s faced this season.
Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, David Cotterill and Joe Allen all played the full ninety minutes for Swansea. Jazz Richards was on the bench.
Hull City 1-0 Ipswich Town
Hull won a second consecutive game for the first time this season, with on-loan Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone also helping them to a second consecutive clean sheet. Ipswich are in the bottom half of the table and their unbeaten run must seem like a long time ago.
Troy Brown was an unused substitute for Ipswich.
Middlesbrough 0-1 Millwall
I don’t know exactly why Southampton decided to loan out Jason Puncheon to Millwall but so far it’s looking like a very good idea. The debutant scored Millwall’s only goal to secure their first away win over Middlesbrough for quite a long time – and their first victory against anybody for five matches.
Steve Morison could have scored too but he didn’t quite.
Norwich 1-1 Leeds United
The two teams who were automatically promoted from League One faced off in this match, with neither emerging the winner. Leeds remain in the top six despite only drawing while Norwich are only outside the top six on goal difference.
Andrew Crofts could have won it for Norwich but no-one’s perfect.
Leeds were again without Sanchez Watt, who wasn’t sufficiently fit to return from an ankle injury.
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 Preston North End
The top club faced the bottom club and came out on, well, top in this match – and it probably won’t be much consolation to Preston that they scored an away goal at Loftus Road. – only the third QPR have conceded at home this season.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry were both dropped to the bench, which probably doesn’t explain everything but I’m sure it didn’t help.
Doncaster will be particularly disappointed not to win this after playing well and not conceding until the 93rd minute. They actually scored twice but one was ruled out for offside.
John Oster and Brian Stock both started the match, with a lovely cross from John leading to Doncaster’s goal. Brian says Swansea are the best side he’s faced this season.
Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, David Cotterill and Joe Allen all played the full ninety minutes for Swansea. Jazz Richards was on the bench.
Hull City 1-0 Ipswich Town
Hull won a second consecutive game for the first time this season, with on-loan Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone also helping them to a second consecutive clean sheet. Ipswich are in the bottom half of the table and their unbeaten run must seem like a long time ago.
Troy Brown was an unused substitute for Ipswich.
Middlesbrough 0-1 Millwall
I don’t know exactly why Southampton decided to loan out Jason Puncheon to Millwall but so far it’s looking like a very good idea. The debutant scored Millwall’s only goal to secure their first away win over Middlesbrough for quite a long time – and their first victory against anybody for five matches.
Steve Morison could have scored too but he didn’t quite.
Norwich 1-1 Leeds United
The two teams who were automatically promoted from League One faced off in this match, with neither emerging the winner. Leeds remain in the top six despite only drawing while Norwich are only outside the top six on goal difference.
Andrew Crofts could have won it for Norwich but no-one’s perfect.
Leeds were again without Sanchez Watt, who wasn’t sufficiently fit to return from an ankle injury.
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 Preston North End
The top club faced the bottom club and came out on, well, top in this match – and it probably won’t be much consolation to Preston that they scored an away goal at Loftus Road. – only the third QPR have conceded at home this season.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry were both dropped to the bench, which probably doesn’t explain everything but I’m sure it didn’t help.
Championship Results 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bristol City 2-0 Leicester City
Bristol City got a shock win (well, I was shocked) against former fellow strugglers Leicester and moved out of the bottom three. They are now just two points behind Leicester, who might count as fellow strugglers again.
Leicester could have taken the lead but after Andy King was fouled by keeper David James but James saved the resulting penalty. Andy suffered a hamstring injury in the first half but his manager doesn’t think it’s serious.
Christian Ribeiro was back in Bristol City’s starting line-up and played really well at right back. Brett Pitman wasa half-time substitute and scored his first Bristol City goal in the 57th minute. Brett is hoping to score lots of goals this level and he hopes more will come now he’s found his feet. I can only agree, if you haven’t found your feet you can only really score with headers.
Cardiff City 0-2 Nottingham Forest
It’s not Nottingham Forest winning that is the shock – more the fact Cardiff lost. At home. With Craig Bellamy on the pitch. They’re now only three points ahead of Swansea City, although Cardiff do of course have a far superior goal difference. Forest’s win puts them into the top six.
Craig and Darcy Blake both started for Cardiff, with Adam Matthews replacing Darcy late on but Cardiff still couldn’t find a goal although Craig came close. Aaron Wildig was on the bench.
Cardiff seemed very happy to see former favourite Robert Earnshaw, who nearly scored against his former club but seemed less well-disposed towards another of their former players, right back Chris Gunter.
Coventry City 1-0 Burnley
Burnley remain without their first win of the season after Coventry bounced back from a disappointing run to take the three points. Coventry are only outside the play-offs on goal difference but Burnley will struggle for a top six finish if they can’t learn how to win away.
Freddy Eastwood was an unused substitute for Coventry.
Derby County 3-2 Scunthorpe United
Derby won their sixth successive home game against Scunthorpe, who are usually better away than they are at home. Derby are up in fourth place and are the league’s top scorers, having scored four more than QPR and Burnley.
Gareth Roberts was back in the starting line-up for the first time since his recent injury problems but he didn’t last long – the defender was sent off for two bookable offences. Scunthorpe scored from the resulting penalty but Derby hung on to take all three points. Robbie Savage made his 500th league appearance in this match. His 500th start is not far away.
Bristol City got a shock win (well, I was shocked) against former fellow strugglers Leicester and moved out of the bottom three. They are now just two points behind Leicester, who might count as fellow strugglers again.
Leicester could have taken the lead but after Andy King was fouled by keeper David James but James saved the resulting penalty. Andy suffered a hamstring injury in the first half but his manager doesn’t think it’s serious.
Christian Ribeiro was back in Bristol City’s starting line-up and played really well at right back. Brett Pitman wasa half-time substitute and scored his first Bristol City goal in the 57th minute. Brett is hoping to score lots of goals this level and he hopes more will come now he’s found his feet. I can only agree, if you haven’t found your feet you can only really score with headers.
Cardiff City 0-2 Nottingham Forest
It’s not Nottingham Forest winning that is the shock – more the fact Cardiff lost. At home. With Craig Bellamy on the pitch. They’re now only three points ahead of Swansea City, although Cardiff do of course have a far superior goal difference. Forest’s win puts them into the top six.
Craig and Darcy Blake both started for Cardiff, with Adam Matthews replacing Darcy late on but Cardiff still couldn’t find a goal although Craig came close. Aaron Wildig was on the bench.
Cardiff seemed very happy to see former favourite Robert Earnshaw, who nearly scored against his former club but seemed less well-disposed towards another of their former players, right back Chris Gunter.
Coventry City 1-0 Burnley
Burnley remain without their first win of the season after Coventry bounced back from a disappointing run to take the three points. Coventry are only outside the play-offs on goal difference but Burnley will struggle for a top six finish if they can’t learn how to win away.
Freddy Eastwood was an unused substitute for Coventry.
Derby County 3-2 Scunthorpe United
Derby won their sixth successive home game against Scunthorpe, who are usually better away than they are at home. Derby are up in fourth place and are the league’s top scorers, having scored four more than QPR and Burnley.
Gareth Roberts was back in the starting line-up for the first time since his recent injury problems but he didn’t last long – the defender was sent off for two bookable offences. Scunthorpe scored from the resulting penalty but Derby hung on to take all three points. Robbie Savage made his 500th league appearance in this match. His 500th start is not far away.
Premier League Results 20th November 2010
Arsenal 3-2 Tottenhm Hotspur
Tottenham beat Arsenal away for the first time in the league since Gareth Bale was at nursery school.
Arsenal were deservedly leading 2-0 and Gareth was doing really well but Harry Redknapp took exception to the way he shook hands with Bacary Sagna and poor Gareth ended up scoring after all
That would have been fine but his team-mates got it into their heads that it would be okay if they scored too. Gareth says the comeback was special but I don’t blame him, Theo Walcott told everyone he was an Arsenal supporter last week so Gareth had to do something. But I’d have preferred 4-3 to Arsenal, I really would.
The only consolation is that Chelsea lost to Birmingham so they’re not too far ahead. And Arsene Wenger’s antics with the water bottle made me smile so well done to him, not many people can make me smile when Arsenal are losing. Unfortunately his job is to make me smile in different ways.
Blackpool 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
It was a great might in Blackpool, where you could have spent the afternoon watching the home team win again and the evening watchng the wonderful Ann Widdecombe dance. But it was Wolves who finished the night in the bottom two, five points adrift of safety and with their goal difference, they really need six points. Blackpool are halfway between the Champions’ League and the relegation places as they succeeded again in being just as entertaining as their manager.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan were both back in the starting line-up for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench.
David Jones was back in Wolves’ starting line-up and could have scored from a free kick. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench. He was this week told he couldn’t go on loan in case something happened to Marcus Hahnemann. Well something happened to him today: goalkeeping errors.
Bolton Wanderers 5-1 Newcastle United
I’m not looking forward to Arsenal playing against Bolton. Newcastle scored a goal against Arsenal too but they didn’t let five in. Or even one. Bolton have most of the same players as last season but the difference is remarkable. But I hope Johan Elmander is appropriately grateful to Wales. If we hadn’t let you score, Johan, maybe you wouldn’t be banging them in now.
Sam Ricketts kept his place in Bolton’s starting line-up.
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham United
West Ham are looking in serious trouble. If Liverpool can score three goals against you, you’ve got problems. West Ham did at least seem to tighten up at the back after three first-half goals from Liverpool – they kept a clean sheet in the second half but you can’t win games without scoring. That only works if the game’s over two legs and you won the other one.
Danny Gabbidon conceded a penalty for handball but it really looks like an accident.
Manchester United 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Manchester United moved level on points with Chelsea after Wigan played fairly well but lost two players to red cards. Match of the Day claimed the reaction to Wayne Rooney was mixed. But it’s hard to tell if anyone likes you when you’ve just come on with Paul Scholes in a double substitution. He’s not back to his best and it was up to Man Utd’s new star striker and the left back who never scores to win the game for Man Utd.
Ryan Giggs was sufficiently recovered from a hamstring injury to sit on the bench for Manchester United. Ryan is expected to have his contract extended by another year in the near future.
West Bromwich Albion 0-3 Stoke City
After a bright start, West Brom are sliding back down towards the bottom of the table after losing 3-0 to a team who never win away. From being the team in the league with the worst run of form, Stoke must now be the best., just three points behind the Champions’ League places. It is the first time Stoke have won three consecutive games in the Premier League – the last time they did it in the top division was seventeen seasons ago.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played well in defence for Stoke. Ryan’s manager Tony Pulis and team-mates Robert Huth and Matthew Etherington say Fabio Capello made a mistake in leaving Ryan out of the England squad.
Tottenham beat Arsenal away for the first time in the league since Gareth Bale was at nursery school.
Arsenal were deservedly leading 2-0 and Gareth was doing really well but Harry Redknapp took exception to the way he shook hands with Bacary Sagna and poor Gareth ended up scoring after all
That would have been fine but his team-mates got it into their heads that it would be okay if they scored too. Gareth says the comeback was special but I don’t blame him, Theo Walcott told everyone he was an Arsenal supporter last week so Gareth had to do something. But I’d have preferred 4-3 to Arsenal, I really would.
The only consolation is that Chelsea lost to Birmingham so they’re not too far ahead. And Arsene Wenger’s antics with the water bottle made me smile so well done to him, not many people can make me smile when Arsenal are losing. Unfortunately his job is to make me smile in different ways.
Blackpool 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
It was a great might in Blackpool, where you could have spent the afternoon watching the home team win again and the evening watchng the wonderful Ann Widdecombe dance. But it was Wolves who finished the night in the bottom two, five points adrift of safety and with their goal difference, they really need six points. Blackpool are halfway between the Champions’ League and the relegation places as they succeeded again in being just as entertaining as their manager.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan were both back in the starting line-up for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench.
David Jones was back in Wolves’ starting line-up and could have scored from a free kick. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench. He was this week told he couldn’t go on loan in case something happened to Marcus Hahnemann. Well something happened to him today: goalkeeping errors.
Bolton Wanderers 5-1 Newcastle United
I’m not looking forward to Arsenal playing against Bolton. Newcastle scored a goal against Arsenal too but they didn’t let five in. Or even one. Bolton have most of the same players as last season but the difference is remarkable. But I hope Johan Elmander is appropriately grateful to Wales. If we hadn’t let you score, Johan, maybe you wouldn’t be banging them in now.
Sam Ricketts kept his place in Bolton’s starting line-up.
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham United
West Ham are looking in serious trouble. If Liverpool can score three goals against you, you’ve got problems. West Ham did at least seem to tighten up at the back after three first-half goals from Liverpool – they kept a clean sheet in the second half but you can’t win games without scoring. That only works if the game’s over two legs and you won the other one.
Danny Gabbidon conceded a penalty for handball but it really looks like an accident.
Manchester United 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Manchester United moved level on points with Chelsea after Wigan played fairly well but lost two players to red cards. Match of the Day claimed the reaction to Wayne Rooney was mixed. But it’s hard to tell if anyone likes you when you’ve just come on with Paul Scholes in a double substitution. He’s not back to his best and it was up to Man Utd’s new star striker and the left back who never scores to win the game for Man Utd.
Ryan Giggs was sufficiently recovered from a hamstring injury to sit on the bench for Manchester United. Ryan is expected to have his contract extended by another year in the near future.
West Bromwich Albion 0-3 Stoke City
After a bright start, West Brom are sliding back down towards the bottom of the table after losing 3-0 to a team who never win away. From being the team in the league with the worst run of form, Stoke must now be the best., just three points behind the Champions’ League places. It is the first time Stoke have won three consecutive games in the Premier League – the last time they did it in the top division was seventeen seasons ago.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played well in defence for Stoke. Ryan’s manager Tony Pulis and team-mates Robert Huth and Matthew Etherington say Fabio Capello made a mistake in leaving Ryan out of the England squad.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
League Two News/Fixtures 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Lincoln City v Hereford United
Hereford still aren’t quite out of the bottom two but if they do better than Gillingham this weekend, that will be enough. And considering Gillingham (no wins away for years) and Hereford (no wins at home this season) are both playing away, Hereford might fancy their chances.
Ryan Green will be back in central defence for Hereford after doing a great job as a stand-in full-back. Stuart Fleetwood should be back in the squad after serving a one-match suspension but Ryan Valentine is out with a stomach ’problem’ – which I would guess means an injury but I’m not sure.
Port Vale v Wycombe Wanderers
Port Vale will hope to continue their strong home form and keep their place in the automatic promotion places but Wycombe are creeping at the table – and they haven’t actually lost away this season.
Gareth Owen should start for Port Vale but Lewis Haldane might not be ready for another start just yet.
Shrewsbury Town v Southend United
Shrewsbury are unbeaten at home this season and could replace Port Vale in the top three if results go their way. Southend are ten points behind them.
Tom Bradshaw could return to Shrewsbury’s squad after recovering from an ankle injury.
Peter Gilbert should be in defence for Southend.
Stockport County v Torquay United
Stockport have only won once at home this season and Torquay seem to be on another of those long unbeaten runs that saw them break a club record last time.
Unfortunately Stockport don’t have any goalkeepers on loan at Torquay so they won’t be able to beat them in the sneaky way they beat Bury.
Anthony Pulis should be in midfield for Stockport.
Hereford still aren’t quite out of the bottom two but if they do better than Gillingham this weekend, that will be enough. And considering Gillingham (no wins away for years) and Hereford (no wins at home this season) are both playing away, Hereford might fancy their chances.
Ryan Green will be back in central defence for Hereford after doing a great job as a stand-in full-back. Stuart Fleetwood should be back in the squad after serving a one-match suspension but Ryan Valentine is out with a stomach ’problem’ – which I would guess means an injury but I’m not sure.
Port Vale v Wycombe Wanderers
Port Vale will hope to continue their strong home form and keep their place in the automatic promotion places but Wycombe are creeping at the table – and they haven’t actually lost away this season.
Gareth Owen should start for Port Vale but Lewis Haldane might not be ready for another start just yet.
Shrewsbury Town v Southend United
Shrewsbury are unbeaten at home this season and could replace Port Vale in the top three if results go their way. Southend are ten points behind them.
Tom Bradshaw could return to Shrewsbury’s squad after recovering from an ankle injury.
Peter Gilbert should be in defence for Southend.
Stockport County v Torquay United
Stockport have only won once at home this season and Torquay seem to be on another of those long unbeaten runs that saw them break a club record last time.
Unfortunately Stockport don’t have any goalkeepers on loan at Torquay so they won’t be able to beat them in the sneaky way they beat Bury.
Anthony Pulis should be in midfield for Stockport.
League Two Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Aldershot Town v Chesterfield
Chesterfield have only lost once away this season. However, they have only won twice – the same number as Aldershot have won at home.
Darren Jones and Aaron Morris should both start for Aldershot.
Craig Davies will probably think he’s due a goal for Chesterfield after only scoring about two in his last four games.
Barnet v Northampton Town
Northampton manager Ian Sampson seem to think the toughest thing about Barnet is their sloping pitch. Barnet are probably grateful for it. It’s the only pitch they’ve won on in the league this season. But Northampton have only won on two pitches – their own and whoever they were playing in their solitary away win (and if I had my spreadsheets with me I could tell you who it was but I haven’t and I’m too lazy to check).
Grant Basey should be in defence for Barnet
Paul Walker will probably be on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford City v Macclesfield Town
Both these teams were looking like potential relegation fodder but both are looking fairly comfortable, with Macclesfield just two points from the play-offs and Bradford four points.
Jason Price hopes parent club Carlisle United will allow him to remain at Bradford for a bit longer. Michael Flynn will be out for some time with a groin injury.
Chelteham Town v Morecambe
Cheltenham have only lost one match at home this season and Morecambe are only two points outside the relegation zone.
Josh Low should start for Cheltenham.
Crewe Alexandra v Rotherham United
A win for Crewe might put them in the top six. But it might not happen. Rotherham are pretty good and we all know what Crewe’s drawing habits are like.
Rhys Taylor will start for Crewe but perhaps he won’t be there for much longer. He has a clause in his contract saying he can move to another club in January if he wants to. Crewe manager Dario Gradi hopes he doesn’t want to. And if Rhys wants to stay, he will play.
Mark Bradley has got a couple of starts for Rotherham recently after recovering from injury. Maybe the goals will come soon.
Chesterfield have only lost once away this season. However, they have only won twice – the same number as Aldershot have won at home.
Darren Jones and Aaron Morris should both start for Aldershot.
Craig Davies will probably think he’s due a goal for Chesterfield after only scoring about two in his last four games.
Barnet v Northampton Town
Northampton manager Ian Sampson seem to think the toughest thing about Barnet is their sloping pitch. Barnet are probably grateful for it. It’s the only pitch they’ve won on in the league this season. But Northampton have only won on two pitches – their own and whoever they were playing in their solitary away win (and if I had my spreadsheets with me I could tell you who it was but I haven’t and I’m too lazy to check).
Grant Basey should be in defence for Barnet
Paul Walker will probably be on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford City v Macclesfield Town
Both these teams were looking like potential relegation fodder but both are looking fairly comfortable, with Macclesfield just two points from the play-offs and Bradford four points.
Jason Price hopes parent club Carlisle United will allow him to remain at Bradford for a bit longer. Michael Flynn will be out for some time with a groin injury.
Chelteham Town v Morecambe
Cheltenham have only lost one match at home this season and Morecambe are only two points outside the relegation zone.
Josh Low should start for Cheltenham.
Crewe Alexandra v Rotherham United
A win for Crewe might put them in the top six. But it might not happen. Rotherham are pretty good and we all know what Crewe’s drawing habits are like.
Rhys Taylor will start for Crewe but perhaps he won’t be there for much longer. He has a clause in his contract saying he can move to another club in January if he wants to. Crewe manager Dario Gradi hopes he doesn’t want to. And if Rhys wants to stay, he will play.
Mark Bradley has got a couple of starts for Rotherham recently after recovering from injury. Maybe the goals will come soon.
League One Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Huddersfield Town v Exeter City
Huddersfield remain in the top six but Exeter’s away form is starting to let them down. As in down the table.
Richard Duffy will probably start for Exeter. Daniel Nardiello has recovered from a back injury and could return to the starting line-up. Rob Edwards is more likely to be on the bench.
Leyton Orient v Bournemouth
Bournemouth are in third place but they’ve only actually won one away match. Orient actually have a pretty good home record.
Leyton Orient have signed Jason Brown on loan from Blackburn Rovers, apparently just minutes after he returned from his loan to Leeds United. Jason will be at Orient for one month and could go straight into the starting line-up.
Rhoys Wiggins will start for Bournemouth.
Milton Keynes Dons v Sheffield Wednesday
When I was little, these two teams were in the Premier League and they were pretty good, I remember them both being top of the league in the same season (but obviously not at the same time). Now they’re not quite as good and I can hardly remember them being in the top division. MK Dons are unbeaten at home though which is always good.
Jermaine Easter is either out or recovered or having a fitness test. Take your pick, that's what most people seem to have done. I’ll assume he won’t play.
Notts County v Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere are out of the bottom four but they’ll be back in there in goal difference if Notts County beat them tomorrow.
Ben Davies will start for Notts County.
Ash Taylor (knee) is still out for Tranmere. He was meant to play a practice match a few days ago but I can’t find out anything about it. Let’s assume no news is good news.
Plymouth Argyle v Brentford
Brentford are slowly but surely climbing the table but Plymouth’s movement seems to be mostly in the other direction.
Carl Fletcher could return from a leg injury although reports last week suggested Plymouth could be without their captain for quite a while.
Rochdale v Swindon Town
Rochdale started well this season whereas Swindon started badly. But their fortunes have reversed somewhat and Swindon are the higher in the table of the two teams. However, Swindon are also the side who have only won once away.
Nicky Adams will hope to keep his place in Rochdale’s starting line-up. I’m sure it’s not his fault Rochdale have got worse since he joined. Matt Done is more likely to be on the bench.
Southampton v Peterborough United
Peterborough will be helping Southampton won’t embarrass them like Charlton did. But Southampton are another one of those ex-Premier League sides. Although Peterborough were in a higher division than them last season so maybe it’s Southampton who should be embarrassed.
Lots of people blamed Lewin Nyatanga for at least one of the goals Peterborough let in against Charlton but I hope he still starts. Arron Davies should also keep his place.
Walsall v Carlisle United
If Walsall win their next three games, they might – just might – be out of the bottom three. It looks like they’ve got a bit of work to do.
Sean Geddes was back on Walsall’s substitutes’ bench for their last match so hopefully he’ll keep his place. And maybe one day he’ll get to play.
Huddersfield remain in the top six but Exeter’s away form is starting to let them down. As in down the table.
Richard Duffy will probably start for Exeter. Daniel Nardiello has recovered from a back injury and could return to the starting line-up. Rob Edwards is more likely to be on the bench.
Leyton Orient v Bournemouth
Bournemouth are in third place but they’ve only actually won one away match. Orient actually have a pretty good home record.
Leyton Orient have signed Jason Brown on loan from Blackburn Rovers, apparently just minutes after he returned from his loan to Leeds United. Jason will be at Orient for one month and could go straight into the starting line-up.
Rhoys Wiggins will start for Bournemouth.
Milton Keynes Dons v Sheffield Wednesday
When I was little, these two teams were in the Premier League and they were pretty good, I remember them both being top of the league in the same season (but obviously not at the same time). Now they’re not quite as good and I can hardly remember them being in the top division. MK Dons are unbeaten at home though which is always good.
Jermaine Easter is either out or recovered or having a fitness test. Take your pick, that's what most people seem to have done. I’ll assume he won’t play.
Notts County v Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere are out of the bottom four but they’ll be back in there in goal difference if Notts County beat them tomorrow.
Ben Davies will start for Notts County.
Ash Taylor (knee) is still out for Tranmere. He was meant to play a practice match a few days ago but I can’t find out anything about it. Let’s assume no news is good news.
Plymouth Argyle v Brentford
Brentford are slowly but surely climbing the table but Plymouth’s movement seems to be mostly in the other direction.
Carl Fletcher could return from a leg injury although reports last week suggested Plymouth could be without their captain for quite a while.
Rochdale v Swindon Town
Rochdale started well this season whereas Swindon started badly. But their fortunes have reversed somewhat and Swindon are the higher in the table of the two teams. However, Swindon are also the side who have only won once away.
Nicky Adams will hope to keep his place in Rochdale’s starting line-up. I’m sure it’s not his fault Rochdale have got worse since he joined. Matt Done is more likely to be on the bench.
Southampton v Peterborough United
Peterborough will be helping Southampton won’t embarrass them like Charlton did. But Southampton are another one of those ex-Premier League sides. Although Peterborough were in a higher division than them last season so maybe it’s Southampton who should be embarrassed.
Lots of people blamed Lewin Nyatanga for at least one of the goals Peterborough let in against Charlton but I hope he still starts. Arron Davies should also keep his place.
Walsall v Carlisle United
If Walsall win their next three games, they might – just might – be out of the bottom three. It looks like they’ve got a bit of work to do.
Sean Geddes was back on Walsall’s substitutes’ bench for their last match so hopefully he’ll keep his place. And maybe one day he’ll get to play.
League One Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Brighton & Hove Albion v Bristol Rovers
Brighton are unbeaten at home but you should never write off Bristol Rovers. They lose to the most embarrassing teams – but they also beat some pretty good ones.
Byron Anthony is expected to play at right back for Bristol Rovers. Ben Swallow is expected to be given his first start of the season. Eliot Richards will probably be on the bench.
Charlton Athletic v Yeovil Town
Yeovil have found wins hard to come by this season and now they face Charlton, a team that has just put five past the formerly high-flying Peterborough United.
Gavin Williams has fully recovered from an ankle injury and could start alongside Owain Tudur Jones and Shaun MacDonald. Nathan Jones might also start for Yeovil again.
Colchester United v Hartlepool United
Both teams had a disappointing end to last season, with Colchester missing out on the play-offs despite being there for most of the season, while Hartlepool were deducted three points and came very close to relegation. Things are looking similar this season. Colchester are in the play-offs but currently only on goal difference while Hartlepool really don’t want to lose another three points. Although I doubt they’d enjoy three points in any circumstances.
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James are most likely to be on the bench for Colchester.
Dagenham & Redbridge v Oldham Athletic
Dag & Red are in the bottom four but they’ve only lost once at home this season. Quite a lot better than Oldham’s away record.
Tony Roberts returns for Dag & Red after missing four matches with an ankle injury. Kayelden Brown is at Dag & Red on loan but he’s only been on the bench so far.
Joe Jacobson could be on the bench for Oldham.
Brighton are unbeaten at home but you should never write off Bristol Rovers. They lose to the most embarrassing teams – but they also beat some pretty good ones.
Byron Anthony is expected to play at right back for Bristol Rovers. Ben Swallow is expected to be given his first start of the season. Eliot Richards will probably be on the bench.
Charlton Athletic v Yeovil Town
Yeovil have found wins hard to come by this season and now they face Charlton, a team that has just put five past the formerly high-flying Peterborough United.
Gavin Williams has fully recovered from an ankle injury and could start alongside Owain Tudur Jones and Shaun MacDonald. Nathan Jones might also start for Yeovil again.
Colchester United v Hartlepool United
Both teams had a disappointing end to last season, with Colchester missing out on the play-offs despite being there for most of the season, while Hartlepool were deducted three points and came very close to relegation. Things are looking similar this season. Colchester are in the play-offs but currently only on goal difference while Hartlepool really don’t want to lose another three points. Although I doubt they’d enjoy three points in any circumstances.
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James are most likely to be on the bench for Colchester.
Dagenham & Redbridge v Oldham Athletic
Dag & Red are in the bottom four but they’ve only lost once at home this season. Quite a lot better than Oldham’s away record.
Tony Roberts returns for Dag & Red after missing four matches with an ankle injury. Kayelden Brown is at Dag & Red on loan but he’s only been on the bench so far.
Joe Jacobson could be on the bench for Oldham.
Championship Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 3)
Norwich City v Leeds United
It must be nice being Norwich. They haven’t won for four matches and they’re still only outside the play-offs on goal difference. It can’t be that bad being Leeds either.
This was one of the matches in my Online Football Manager game last night. Leeds won about 6-2 (I’m managing Cardiff and I’ve just signed Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, I bet Dave Jones wishes he could do things like that) but somehow I don’t think either of these teams will score six.
Andrew Crofts will be in midfield for Norwich. They’re actually having a few problems in midfield which can only increase Josh Dawkin’s chances of being on the bench.
Jason Brown won’t be on Leeds’ bench because he’s gone back to Blackburn – and been loaned out almost immediately to Leyton Orient which must be a bit of a come-down. Sanchez Watt could be ready to return after playing in a reserve fixture.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Preston North End
One of these teams has not lost in the Championship this season. The other has only won one of their last eight matches. If Preston win, it will practically be a giant-killing. But it’s also likely you’re asleep and you dreamed the whole thing.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will both hope to stay in Preston’s starting line-up.
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Gary Speed hopes Sheffield United can push up the table and end the season in a play-off place.
Sheffield United did quite well the last time they beat a London side. They beat Millwall – and theoretically, Palace should be easier to beat. They’ve only won one away game this season.
Ched Evans started for Sheffield United last week but couldn’t find the net.
Andy Dorman could be out of the squad again as manager George Burley reveals he is struggling to adapt to life in the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench.
Watford v Reading
Everyone goes on about Watford’s away form, including me but it probably isn’t that good at the moment. They only have four points from the last six matches and even if they are all away points that probably doesn’t quite count as good away form although it’s not bad.
Simon Church says playing on the wing for Reading wasn't as bad as he expected – and he might do just that against Watford. Hal Robson-Kanu will also hope for a start.
Jake Taylor is still out following a knee operation.
It must be nice being Norwich. They haven’t won for four matches and they’re still only outside the play-offs on goal difference. It can’t be that bad being Leeds either.
This was one of the matches in my Online Football Manager game last night. Leeds won about 6-2 (I’m managing Cardiff and I’ve just signed Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, I bet Dave Jones wishes he could do things like that) but somehow I don’t think either of these teams will score six.
Andrew Crofts will be in midfield for Norwich. They’re actually having a few problems in midfield which can only increase Josh Dawkin’s chances of being on the bench.
Jason Brown won’t be on Leeds’ bench because he’s gone back to Blackburn – and been loaned out almost immediately to Leyton Orient which must be a bit of a come-down. Sanchez Watt could be ready to return after playing in a reserve fixture.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Preston North End
One of these teams has not lost in the Championship this season. The other has only won one of their last eight matches. If Preston win, it will practically be a giant-killing. But it’s also likely you’re asleep and you dreamed the whole thing.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will both hope to stay in Preston’s starting line-up.
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Gary Speed hopes Sheffield United can push up the table and end the season in a play-off place.
Sheffield United did quite well the last time they beat a London side. They beat Millwall – and theoretically, Palace should be easier to beat. They’ve only won one away game this season.
Ched Evans started for Sheffield United last week but couldn’t find the net.
Andy Dorman could be out of the squad again as manager George Burley reveals he is struggling to adapt to life in the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench.
Watford v Reading
Everyone goes on about Watford’s away form, including me but it probably isn’t that good at the moment. They only have four points from the last six matches and even if they are all away points that probably doesn’t quite count as good away form although it’s not bad.
Simon Church says playing on the wing for Reading wasn't as bad as he expected – and he might do just that against Watford. Hal Robson-Kanu will also hope for a start.
Jake Taylor is still out following a knee operation.
Championship Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Derby County v Scunthorpe United
Derby will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Leicester but while Scunthorpe are quite low down in the table, it isn’t their away form that’s the problem.
Robbie Savage was left on the bench for Derby’s last game and Derby suffered for it. It sounds like his manager suffered for it a bit too. Let’s hope Robbie’s back playing this time – not least because it will be his 100th career appearance. Gareth Roberts has recovered from a back injury and should return to the squad.
Doncaster Rovers v Swansea City
The good news is Swansea need a defensive re-shuffle which will make it harder for Swansea to stay close to Cardiff. The bad news? Well bringing Neil Taylor into your starting line-up probably doesn’t count as weakening the team.
Even if Doncaster are thrashed 6-1 it won’t be all bad news although I doubt anyone would be very happy about it. They’d become the first team this season in the Championship to score in ten consecutive matches.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster/
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea and wear the captain’s armband – as a number of Welsh players have done recently. Manager Brendan Rogers says he is close to signing a new contract but he expects him to play in the Premier League one day – whether Swansea get promoted or not.
After some impressive performances, it seems like Joe Allen will join him in the starting line-up, with Neil Taylor also expected to start to cover for injury. Whether David Cotterill has done enough to start remains to be seen. He’d be starting if it was up to me. Or maybe not. If I was managing Swansea I’d probably sell the best ones to Cardiff and play the eleven worst players. And I bet I’d keep the job longer than I’ve kept any other job too. That should be easy considering I’ve never had one.
Hull City v Ipswich Town
It’s early days but so far, Hull seem to be doing a pretty good job of this away victory business. It took them a while but now they’ve got it.
Unfortunately, they’ve now forgotten how to do the home victories. Maybe Ipswich can help remind them.
Troy Brown is most likely to be on the bench for Ipswich.
Middlesbrough v Millwall
Millwall have not won at Middlesbrough since new Middesbrough manager was three or four. No offence but that does seem like quite a long time ago. Boro do have a couple of problems in defence but maybe that doesn’t matter. Millwall’s strikers are either injured or just signed on loan so they won’t know everyone yet. To win, Millwall need to score two goals. It’s worked so far.
Danny Coyne has an ankle injury but even if he’s fit he’ll probably only be on the bench for Boro. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis problem.
Steve Morison will probably start up front for Millwall. He’s maybe a bit off form at the moment but at least he’s fit.
Derby will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Leicester but while Scunthorpe are quite low down in the table, it isn’t their away form that’s the problem.
Robbie Savage was left on the bench for Derby’s last game and Derby suffered for it. It sounds like his manager suffered for it a bit too. Let’s hope Robbie’s back playing this time – not least because it will be his 100th career appearance. Gareth Roberts has recovered from a back injury and should return to the squad.
Doncaster Rovers v Swansea City
The good news is Swansea need a defensive re-shuffle which will make it harder for Swansea to stay close to Cardiff. The bad news? Well bringing Neil Taylor into your starting line-up probably doesn’t count as weakening the team.
Even if Doncaster are thrashed 6-1 it won’t be all bad news although I doubt anyone would be very happy about it. They’d become the first team this season in the Championship to score in ten consecutive matches.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster/
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea and wear the captain’s armband – as a number of Welsh players have done recently. Manager Brendan Rogers says he is close to signing a new contract but he expects him to play in the Premier League one day – whether Swansea get promoted or not.
After some impressive performances, it seems like Joe Allen will join him in the starting line-up, with Neil Taylor also expected to start to cover for injury. Whether David Cotterill has done enough to start remains to be seen. He’d be starting if it was up to me. Or maybe not. If I was managing Swansea I’d probably sell the best ones to Cardiff and play the eleven worst players. And I bet I’d keep the job longer than I’ve kept any other job too. That should be easy considering I’ve never had one.
Hull City v Ipswich Town
It’s early days but so far, Hull seem to be doing a pretty good job of this away victory business. It took them a while but now they’ve got it.
Unfortunately, they’ve now forgotten how to do the home victories. Maybe Ipswich can help remind them.
Troy Brown is most likely to be on the bench for Ipswich.
Middlesbrough v Millwall
Millwall have not won at Middlesbrough since new Middesbrough manager was three or four. No offence but that does seem like quite a long time ago. Boro do have a couple of problems in defence but maybe that doesn’t matter. Millwall’s strikers are either injured or just signed on loan so they won’t know everyone yet. To win, Millwall need to score two goals. It’s worked so far.
Danny Coyne has an ankle injury but even if he’s fit he’ll probably only be on the bench for Boro. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis problem.
Steve Morison will probably start up front for Millwall. He’s maybe a bit off form at the moment but at least he’s fit.
Championship Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bristol City v Leicester City
Bristol City have just come to the end of a five-match unbeaten run – and they’re still in the bottom three with only one home win this season. Leicester know how that feels but they won’t let any sympathy get the better of them.
Christian Ribeiro is in with a chance of starting following an injury to the first-choice right back. hesitate to describe this as good news but I hope he’s on the bench at least.
Brett Pitman will hope his good performances in the reserves will help him to get a start for Bristol City.
Christian and Brett were part of the Bristol City side who beat Forest Green Rovers 13-12 on penalties (I’m sure it’s better than it sounds!) to go through to the final of the Gloucester Senior Challenge Cup. Christian scored a penalty while Brett scored the late goal that took the game to penalties. Brett missed his first penalty but scored his second.
Sam Vokes still isn’t ready to return to action for Bristol City but he will play in a friendly reserve game against parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers which should be interesting.
Andy King will be in midfield for Leicester – and he says he’s very happy at the club.
Cardiff City v Nottingham Forest
Only a win will ensure Cardiff stay top of the Championship – and then only if it’s a home win. Forest haven’t won in Cardiff since before the Welsh internationals were born. Even Ryan Giggs was only two or three. As for the time before that, not even the stats people at BBC Sport seem completely sure.
Craig Bellamy has showed on many occasions why he were playing Premier League football last year although it’s still unclear exactly why his manager as stupid enough to let them go. If Craig plays, it will be his 350th appearance for clubs in the English and Scottish league systems according to BBC Sport (note how carefully they left Wales out).
Jason Koumas has taken longer to adapt but he has promised Cardiff fans he’ll be back to his best soon – and he could start if Chris Burke fails to recover from injury.
Darcy Blake suffered a muscle injury in Cardiff’s win over Scunthorpe and faces a fitness test. Adam Matthews could also have a chance of starting but Aaron Wildig seems to have been forgotten about. But not by me, Aaron.
Forest defender Chris Gunter is likely to make his 100th league appearance against his former club and Robert Earnshaw, who has also played for Cardiff, will also hope to start. Rob believes Cardiff will be promoted this season – but no doubt he hopes Forest can put a big dent in their ambitions first!
Coventry City v Burnley
Coventry have lost three games in a row so they’ll be eager to beat Burnley, who aren’t as strong away as they are at home. They have six points this season from away matches – but none of them came from wins.
Freddy Eastwood, who made his return from knee surgery last weekend, is hoping he can give manager Aidy Boothroyd a nice selection headache.
Bristol City have just come to the end of a five-match unbeaten run – and they’re still in the bottom three with only one home win this season. Leicester know how that feels but they won’t let any sympathy get the better of them.
Christian Ribeiro is in with a chance of starting following an injury to the first-choice right back. hesitate to describe this as good news but I hope he’s on the bench at least.
Brett Pitman will hope his good performances in the reserves will help him to get a start for Bristol City.
Christian and Brett were part of the Bristol City side who beat Forest Green Rovers 13-12 on penalties (I’m sure it’s better than it sounds!) to go through to the final of the Gloucester Senior Challenge Cup. Christian scored a penalty while Brett scored the late goal that took the game to penalties. Brett missed his first penalty but scored his second.
Sam Vokes still isn’t ready to return to action for Bristol City but he will play in a friendly reserve game against parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers which should be interesting.
Andy King will be in midfield for Leicester – and he says he’s very happy at the club.
Cardiff City v Nottingham Forest
Only a win will ensure Cardiff stay top of the Championship – and then only if it’s a home win. Forest haven’t won in Cardiff since before the Welsh internationals were born. Even Ryan Giggs was only two or three. As for the time before that, not even the stats people at BBC Sport seem completely sure.
Craig Bellamy has showed on many occasions why he were playing Premier League football last year although it’s still unclear exactly why his manager as stupid enough to let them go. If Craig plays, it will be his 350th appearance for clubs in the English and Scottish league systems according to BBC Sport (note how carefully they left Wales out).
Jason Koumas has taken longer to adapt but he has promised Cardiff fans he’ll be back to his best soon – and he could start if Chris Burke fails to recover from injury.
Darcy Blake suffered a muscle injury in Cardiff’s win over Scunthorpe and faces a fitness test. Adam Matthews could also have a chance of starting but Aaron Wildig seems to have been forgotten about. But not by me, Aaron.
Forest defender Chris Gunter is likely to make his 100th league appearance against his former club and Robert Earnshaw, who has also played for Cardiff, will also hope to start. Rob believes Cardiff will be promoted this season – but no doubt he hopes Forest can put a big dent in their ambitions first!
Coventry City v Burnley
Coventry have lost three games in a row so they’ll be eager to beat Burnley, who aren’t as strong away as they are at home. They have six points this season from away matches – but none of them came from wins.
Freddy Eastwood, who made his return from knee surgery last weekend, is hoping he can give manager Aidy Boothroyd a nice selection headache.
Premier League Fixtures/News 20th November 2010
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
A win could take Arsenal up to where they should be – the top of the table – but perhaps only until the end of Chelsea’s match against Birmingham City. Right back Bacary Sagna has the task of keeping Gareth Bale quiet. All his team-mates say he’s quiet but the opposition tends not to agree.
Gareth will be up against former Southampton room-mate Theo Walcott but not Wales team-mate Aaron Ramsey, who recently played for Arsenal’s reserves. If Gareth wants to score a hat-trick against Arsenal that’s fine but you know the rules, Gareth. Wait until you’re 4-0 down.
Blackpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers
It will be a dangerous night for the town of Blackpool, who will be visited firstly by some Wolves and then by Ann Widdecombe. The only thing you can be sure of is that Blackpool will have a good go. And Wolves will have a good go. And Ann Widdecombe will have a good go too. Whatever the result, I’m sure the people of Blackpool will be laughing tonight. And that’s just those who hear what the managers have to say.
Blackpool have only won once at home this season – but that’s still one more than Wolves have won away.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will hope to keep their places in Blackpool’s starting line-up but Blackpool have competition in every position, as players including Rob Edwards showed when the first-choice players were rested against Aston Villa. Neal says he is making no predictions on where Blackpool will finish their first Premier League season.
Wolves' Dave Edwards is doubtful due to an ankle injury so David Jones will hope to keep his place in the squad although he’s most likely to be on the bench with Wayne Hennessey. Wayne really wants to go out on loan but Mick McCarthy says no. The meanie.
Bolton Wanderers v Newcastle United
Bolton striker Kevin Davies wasn’t in the England squad this week and it’s all Newcastle striker Andy Carroll’s fault. Which big tough striker will win this battle? I wonder if Kevin Davies is as Welsh as his surname. Imagine him and Craig Bellamy playing up front for Wales. Provided they don’t kill each other, it would be a great partnership.
Sam Ricketts will hope to keep his place in Bolton’s defence but the guy he replaced is back from suspension and about to make his 100th appearance so I bet Owen Coyle will do the soppy thing and put Sam back on the bench.
Liverpool v West Ham United
The chairmen of Liverpool and West Ham have said this week that they have confidence in managers Roy Hodgson and Avram Grant. But they didn’t say how much confidence and I’m guessing this confidence is something that could disappear quite suddenly following this match. West Ham are still looking for their first away win of the season.
Danny Gabbidon will play in defence for West Ham but Jack Collison is still a way away from his return from a knee injury.
Manchester United v Wigan Athletic
Wigan have never won away at a Big Four club although they probably have really considering Liverpool aren’t really one of those anymore. Manchester United are the only team in the country to be unbeaten in all competitions (though that’s probably not completely true).
If you play for Manchester United and you have a Welsh connection I don’t know about, watch out for your hamstrings. Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen didn’t although Ryan could return for this match.
West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City
West Brom have loads of injuries but Stoke aren’t known for their away wins and have only managed one this season.
Roberto di Matteo has said he might change his starting line-up so he can play ‘big’ players against Stoke. First-choice goalkeeper Scott Carson is six feet tall. Boaz Myhill is six feet three. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Probably not.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross will play in defence for Stoke.
Ryan wants Stoke to be more consistent. I bet he wouldn’t have said that if they hadn’t beat Liverpool, they were perfectly consistent up until then. Then they went and spoiled it. Poor Ryan.
A win could take Arsenal up to where they should be – the top of the table – but perhaps only until the end of Chelsea’s match against Birmingham City. Right back Bacary Sagna has the task of keeping Gareth Bale quiet. All his team-mates say he’s quiet but the opposition tends not to agree.
Gareth will be up against former Southampton room-mate Theo Walcott but not Wales team-mate Aaron Ramsey, who recently played for Arsenal’s reserves. If Gareth wants to score a hat-trick against Arsenal that’s fine but you know the rules, Gareth. Wait until you’re 4-0 down.
Blackpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers
It will be a dangerous night for the town of Blackpool, who will be visited firstly by some Wolves and then by Ann Widdecombe. The only thing you can be sure of is that Blackpool will have a good go. And Wolves will have a good go. And Ann Widdecombe will have a good go too. Whatever the result, I’m sure the people of Blackpool will be laughing tonight. And that’s just those who hear what the managers have to say.
Blackpool have only won once at home this season – but that’s still one more than Wolves have won away.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will hope to keep their places in Blackpool’s starting line-up but Blackpool have competition in every position, as players including Rob Edwards showed when the first-choice players were rested against Aston Villa. Neal says he is making no predictions on where Blackpool will finish their first Premier League season.
Wolves' Dave Edwards is doubtful due to an ankle injury so David Jones will hope to keep his place in the squad although he’s most likely to be on the bench with Wayne Hennessey. Wayne really wants to go out on loan but Mick McCarthy says no. The meanie.
Bolton Wanderers v Newcastle United
Bolton striker Kevin Davies wasn’t in the England squad this week and it’s all Newcastle striker Andy Carroll’s fault. Which big tough striker will win this battle? I wonder if Kevin Davies is as Welsh as his surname. Imagine him and Craig Bellamy playing up front for Wales. Provided they don’t kill each other, it would be a great partnership.
Sam Ricketts will hope to keep his place in Bolton’s defence but the guy he replaced is back from suspension and about to make his 100th appearance so I bet Owen Coyle will do the soppy thing and put Sam back on the bench.
Liverpool v West Ham United
The chairmen of Liverpool and West Ham have said this week that they have confidence in managers Roy Hodgson and Avram Grant. But they didn’t say how much confidence and I’m guessing this confidence is something that could disappear quite suddenly following this match. West Ham are still looking for their first away win of the season.
Danny Gabbidon will play in defence for West Ham but Jack Collison is still a way away from his return from a knee injury.
Manchester United v Wigan Athletic
Wigan have never won away at a Big Four club although they probably have really considering Liverpool aren’t really one of those anymore. Manchester United are the only team in the country to be unbeaten in all competitions (though that’s probably not completely true).
If you play for Manchester United and you have a Welsh connection I don’t know about, watch out for your hamstrings. Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen didn’t although Ryan could return for this match.
West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City
West Brom have loads of injuries but Stoke aren’t known for their away wins and have only managed one this season.
Roberto di Matteo has said he might change his starting line-up so he can play ‘big’ players against Stoke. First-choice goalkeeper Scott Carson is six feet tall. Boaz Myhill is six feet three. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Probably not.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross will play in defence for Stoke.
Ryan wants Stoke to be more consistent. I bet he wouldn’t have said that if they hadn’t beat Liverpool, they were perfectly consistent up until then. Then they went and spoiled it. Poor Ryan.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Wales manager news 16th November 2010
Brian Flynn is hoping he’ll be able to stay in the role after becoming caretaker managers for the qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland (which didn't go quite as I'd hoped).
Brian, John Hartson, Ian Rush, Chris Coleman, Dean Saunders, Brian Kerr, Lawrie Sanchez, Lars Lagerback and Terry Venables are said to be on a shortlist of candidates to become manager of Wales. I really hope it’s one of the ones in bold. If any of the others have Welsh blood, if they have or have had eligibility to play for Wales, I’d be very happy for them to become manager of Wales. But I really want a manager who is part of the national identity of Wales. Someone who supports Wales.
Read more about the candidates.
FA Wales wanted Ryan Giggs but he doesn’t want the job just yet. Martin O’Neill is said to be their second choice (even though he’s not on the shortlist) but James Collins would have something to say about that if the champagne bottle rumours are true.
Ian Rush would love the job but he won’t say whether he’s applied or not.
Brian, John Hartson, Ian Rush, Chris Coleman, Dean Saunders, Brian Kerr, Lawrie Sanchez, Lars Lagerback and Terry Venables are said to be on a shortlist of candidates to become manager of Wales. I really hope it’s one of the ones in bold. If any of the others have Welsh blood, if they have or have had eligibility to play for Wales, I’d be very happy for them to become manager of Wales. But I really want a manager who is part of the national identity of Wales. Someone who supports Wales.
Read more about the candidates.
FA Wales wanted Ryan Giggs but he doesn’t want the job just yet. Martin O’Neill is said to be their second choice (even though he’s not on the shortlist) but James Collins would have something to say about that if the champagne bottle rumours are true.
Ian Rush would love the job but he won’t say whether he’s applied or not.
Wales v Austria Under-21 match Squad Updates
Wales v AustriaFour players have withdrawn from the under-21 friendly between Wales and Austria.
Tom Bradshaw (Shrewsbury Town) still hasn’t recovered from the last time he played for Wales. He has an ankle injury but he should return to full training next week.
Jake Taylor (Reading) is recovering from knee surgery
Joe Allen (Swansea City) has a dead leg.
Adam Matthews (Cardiff City) has also withdrawn but I don’t know why.
Robert Ogleby (Heart of Midlothian), Elliott Chamberlain (Leicester City), James Bloom (Falkirk) and Tom Bender (Colchester United) have been called up to replace them – though Elliott and James weren’t on the original stand-by list.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Rhys Taylor (Crewe Alexandra, on loan from Chelsea), David Cornell (Swansea City)
Defenders: Daniel Alfei (Swansea City), Tom Bender (Colchester), James Bloom (Falkirk), Ashley Richards (Swansea City), Paul Dummett (Newcastle United), Troy Brown (Ipswich Town), David Stephens (Hibernian)
Midfielders: Elliott Chamberlain (Leicester City), Nathan Craig (Everton), Lee Lucas (Swansea City), Billy Bodin (Swindon Town), Joe Partington (AFC Bournemouth), Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace)
Forwards: Ryan Doble (Southampton), Robert Ogleby (Hearts), Casey Thomas (Swansea City)
Stand-By Players: Jonathan Bond (Watford), Joe Walsh (Swansea City), Jonathan Meades (FK Moss, on loan from Cardiff City)
Tom Bradshaw (Shrewsbury Town) still hasn’t recovered from the last time he played for Wales. He has an ankle injury but he should return to full training next week.
Jake Taylor (Reading) is recovering from knee surgery
Joe Allen (Swansea City) has a dead leg.
Adam Matthews (Cardiff City) has also withdrawn but I don’t know why.
Robert Ogleby (Heart of Midlothian), Elliott Chamberlain (Leicester City), James Bloom (Falkirk) and Tom Bender (Colchester United) have been called up to replace them – though Elliott and James weren’t on the original stand-by list.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Rhys Taylor (Crewe Alexandra, on loan from Chelsea), David Cornell (Swansea City)
Defenders: Daniel Alfei (Swansea City), Tom Bender (Colchester), James Bloom (Falkirk), Ashley Richards (Swansea City), Paul Dummett (Newcastle United), Troy Brown (Ipswich Town), David Stephens (Hibernian)
Midfielders: Elliott Chamberlain (Leicester City), Nathan Craig (Everton), Lee Lucas (Swansea City), Billy Bodin (Swindon Town), Joe Partington (AFC Bournemouth), Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace)
Forwards: Ryan Doble (Southampton), Robert Ogleby (Hearts), Casey Thomas (Swansea City)
Stand-By Players: Jonathan Bond (Watford), Joe Walsh (Swansea City), Jonathan Meades (FK Moss, on loan from Cardiff City)
Championship Result 14th November 2010
Swansea City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Swansea tried to keep up the pressure on Cardiff with a win over Middlesbrough, who continue to struggle. Promotion favourites? Maybe next year. In League One.
Ashley Williams was in the right place to clear a Boro shot off the line but he was in slightly the wrong place when his header on goal went over. Joe Allen – Man of the Match according to Yahoo - also came close to to taking the lead but he laughed off the idea that he was the best midfielder in the Championship. David Cotterill also caused panic in the Boro defence with a corner. David and Neil Taylor were both substitutes but at least they were used substitutes, unlike Jazz Richards, who has had few opportunities to build on some very promising performances last season.
Boro are still without Danny Coyne, who has a calf injury but he’s been doing his bit to help Jason Steele, who has been selected for the England under-21s.
Swansea tried to keep up the pressure on Cardiff with a win over Middlesbrough, who continue to struggle. Promotion favourites? Maybe next year. In League One.
Ashley Williams was in the right place to clear a Boro shot off the line but he was in slightly the wrong place when his header on goal went over. Joe Allen – Man of the Match according to Yahoo - also came close to to taking the lead but he laughed off the idea that he was the best midfielder in the Championship. David Cotterill also caused panic in the Boro defence with a corner. David and Neil Taylor were both substitutes but at least they were used substitutes, unlike Jazz Richards, who has had few opportunities to build on some very promising performances last season.
Boro are still without Danny Coyne, who has a calf injury but he’s been doing his bit to help Jason Steele, who has been selected for the England under-21s.
League Two Results 13th November (Part 2)
Macclesfield Town 2-0 Aldershot Town
Macclesfield moved into the top half of the table after beating Aldershot.
Sam Wedgbury came off Macclesfield’s bench with three minutes to go.
BBC Sport suggests Aldershot defender Darren Jones had something to do with one of Macclesfield’s goals but if he did, it didn’t make much difference to the result. Aaron Morris also played.
Northampton Town 0-0 Port Vale
Northampton have done well against the big sides on a couple of occasions this season and they did well to hold Port Vale to a draw, particularly considering they played the second half with only ten men,
Paul Walker was on Northampton’s bench.
Lewis Haldane was thrilled to make his first start of the season for Port Vale and lasted 64 minutes.
Gareth Owen played in defence, his delight at seeing Lewis back on the pitch not getting in the way of his defensive duties.
Rotherham United 2-1 Oxford United
Rotherham came back from a run of five games without a win to beat Oxford 2-1. Oxford have only won away once this season.
Mark Bradley played the full match for Rotherham.
Southend United 1-1 Accrington Stanley
Southend manager Paul Sturrock was disappointed with his side’s lack of possession but it wasn’t like they had less possession than Accrington, who are still looking for their first away win of the season.
Southend actually nearly won it but their second goal was offside.
Peter Gilbert got the assist for Southend’s equaliser.
Torquay United 1-1 Barnet
Torquay were on another winning run after finally remembering how to do it again but Barnet made sure this one wasn’t nearly as long as the last one. Barnet are still bottom of the table and without an away win this season. This was actually only the second point they’ve gained from away matches.
Grant Basey played in defence for Barnet.
Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 Bradford City
A late goal for Wycombe gave them all three points against Bradford. Bradford went down to ten men following a sending-off which even the victim felt was harsh.
Jason Price played up front for Bradford. His loan spell has now come to an end but manager Peter Taylor really wants to keep him for longer.
Macclesfield moved into the top half of the table after beating Aldershot.
Sam Wedgbury came off Macclesfield’s bench with three minutes to go.
BBC Sport suggests Aldershot defender Darren Jones had something to do with one of Macclesfield’s goals but if he did, it didn’t make much difference to the result. Aaron Morris also played.
Northampton Town 0-0 Port Vale
Northampton have done well against the big sides on a couple of occasions this season and they did well to hold Port Vale to a draw, particularly considering they played the second half with only ten men,
Paul Walker was on Northampton’s bench.
Lewis Haldane was thrilled to make his first start of the season for Port Vale and lasted 64 minutes.
Gareth Owen played in defence, his delight at seeing Lewis back on the pitch not getting in the way of his defensive duties.
Rotherham United 2-1 Oxford United
Rotherham came back from a run of five games without a win to beat Oxford 2-1. Oxford have only won away once this season.
Mark Bradley played the full match for Rotherham.
Southend United 1-1 Accrington Stanley
Southend manager Paul Sturrock was disappointed with his side’s lack of possession but it wasn’t like they had less possession than Accrington, who are still looking for their first away win of the season.
Southend actually nearly won it but their second goal was offside.
Peter Gilbert got the assist for Southend’s equaliser.
Torquay United 1-1 Barnet
Torquay were on another winning run after finally remembering how to do it again but Barnet made sure this one wasn’t nearly as long as the last one. Barnet are still bottom of the table and without an away win this season. This was actually only the second point they’ve gained from away matches.
Grant Basey played in defence for Barnet.
Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 Bradford City
A late goal for Wycombe gave them all three points against Bradford. Bradford went down to ten men following a sending-off which even the victim felt was harsh.
Jason Price played up front for Bradford. His loan spell has now come to an end but manager Peter Taylor really wants to keep him for longer.
League Two Results 13th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bury 0-1 Stockport County
BBC Sport described this as a shock win over Stockport but I’m not so sure. Bury have been doing well lately but they were forced to play without their goalkeeper, Owain fon Williams, as he is on loan from Stockport.
Robbie Williams (not the famous one, by which I mean not the one at Altrincham who played for Wales) is credited with the assist for Stockport’s goal but it sounds like Anthony Pulis’ free kick was a very important part of it.
Chesterfield 1-2 Burton Albion
Chesterfield lost at home for the first time this season while Burton won away for the first time. But Chesterfield are still top of the table so things aren’t too bad.
Craig Davies didn’t score for what I believe is the second time in three matches. But I don’t think that’s anything to worry about.
Tony James was in Burton’s starting line-up. Tony says he’s happy to have found himself again after being lost on the bench.
Gillingham 1-3 Crewe Alexandra
Gillingham lost again even though they need all the home points they can get but the manager was happy. Why? Because he had 12-14 players out through injury or suspension. Manager Andy Hessenthaler used to be a footballer so I think we can forgive him for having trouble with counting to fourteen.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe after recovering from an ankle injury (it seems to be Goalkeeper Injury Curse month – Rhys, Danny Coyne, Lewis Price and Tony Roberts have all been injured) and his presence was probably another reason why Gillingham lost. He did actually do them a big favour at one point but luckily Gillingham didn’t score.
Hereford United 1-1 Cheltenham Town
It’s a bit unfair when you’re unbeaten in six whole games and you’re still in the bottom two. Even if you do have an aversion to winning at home. But Hereford are only there on goal difference and if they can win the next game they should move ahead of Gillingham who are playing away.
Right back Ryan Green has been playing in central defence for Hereford and he says he likes it which is always good. He and Ryan Valentine played the full match for Cheltenham but Stuart Fleetwood was suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
Josh Low played the full match for Cheltenham. He thinks Cheltenham are playing a bit like Spain.
BBC Sport described this as a shock win over Stockport but I’m not so sure. Bury have been doing well lately but they were forced to play without their goalkeeper, Owain fon Williams, as he is on loan from Stockport.
Robbie Williams (not the famous one, by which I mean not the one at Altrincham who played for Wales) is credited with the assist for Stockport’s goal but it sounds like Anthony Pulis’ free kick was a very important part of it.
Chesterfield 1-2 Burton Albion
Chesterfield lost at home for the first time this season while Burton won away for the first time. But Chesterfield are still top of the table so things aren’t too bad.
Craig Davies didn’t score for what I believe is the second time in three matches. But I don’t think that’s anything to worry about.
Tony James was in Burton’s starting line-up. Tony says he’s happy to have found himself again after being lost on the bench.
Gillingham 1-3 Crewe Alexandra
Gillingham lost again even though they need all the home points they can get but the manager was happy. Why? Because he had 12-14 players out through injury or suspension. Manager Andy Hessenthaler used to be a footballer so I think we can forgive him for having trouble with counting to fourteen.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe after recovering from an ankle injury (it seems to be Goalkeeper Injury Curse month – Rhys, Danny Coyne, Lewis Price and Tony Roberts have all been injured) and his presence was probably another reason why Gillingham lost. He did actually do them a big favour at one point but luckily Gillingham didn’t score.
Hereford United 1-1 Cheltenham Town
It’s a bit unfair when you’re unbeaten in six whole games and you’re still in the bottom two. Even if you do have an aversion to winning at home. But Hereford are only there on goal difference and if they can win the next game they should move ahead of Gillingham who are playing away.
Right back Ryan Green has been playing in central defence for Hereford and he says he likes it which is always good. He and Ryan Valentine played the full match for Cheltenham but Stuart Fleetwood was suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
Josh Low played the full match for Cheltenham. He thinks Cheltenham are playing a bit like Spain.
League One Results 13th November 2010 (Part 2)
Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Rochdale
Sheffield Wednesday’s victory over Rochdale was their third win in three matches.
Rochdale’s Welsh substitutions mirrored Cardiff’s Welsh substitutions even down to the time of substitution. After 71 minutes, Nicky Adams came off and Matt Done went on but Matt was not replacing Nicky.
Swindon Town 2-1 Colchester United
Swindon moved closer to the top half of the table after beating Colchester, who lost an away match for the first time this season.
No Welshmen in this game. Billy Bodin (Swindon) and Lee Beevers and Lloyd James (both Colchester) were all unusued substitutes.
Tranmere Rovers 1-0 Plymouth Argyle
Tranmere moved out of the relegation places with victory over Plymouth, who are ahead of them only on goal difference.
Tranmere are still without ankle injury victim Ash Taylor but he is back in training.
Carl Fletcher (Plymouth) is likely to be able to out with a leg injury for at least another fortnight.
Yeovil Town 1-3 Dagenham & Redbridge
Dag & Red moved ahead of Yeovil on goal difference after beating them 3-1, their first away win of the season.
Nathan Jones started for Yeovil. The assistant manager says he is proud to have more appearances with Yeovil than with any other club in his career.
Owain Tudur Jones played despite a recent thigh strain and got the assist but that probably wasn’t much of a consolation. Shaun MacDonald also started for Yeovil and came close to scoring. Gavin Williams was a late substitute.
Goalkeeper Tony Roberts was absent from Dag & Red’s squad due to an ankle injury. So they did especially well to win. But Dag & Red did have one Welsh player on the bench: Kayelden Brown, who has signed on loan from West Bromwich Albion. He has previously played on loan at Tranmere Rovers this season.
Sheffield Wednesday’s victory over Rochdale was their third win in three matches.
Rochdale’s Welsh substitutions mirrored Cardiff’s Welsh substitutions even down to the time of substitution. After 71 minutes, Nicky Adams came off and Matt Done went on but Matt was not replacing Nicky.
Swindon Town 2-1 Colchester United
Swindon moved closer to the top half of the table after beating Colchester, who lost an away match for the first time this season.
No Welshmen in this game. Billy Bodin (Swindon) and Lee Beevers and Lloyd James (both Colchester) were all unusued substitutes.
Tranmere Rovers 1-0 Plymouth Argyle
Tranmere moved out of the relegation places with victory over Plymouth, who are ahead of them only on goal difference.
Tranmere are still without ankle injury victim Ash Taylor but he is back in training.
Carl Fletcher (Plymouth) is likely to be able to out with a leg injury for at least another fortnight.
Yeovil Town 1-3 Dagenham & Redbridge
Dag & Red moved ahead of Yeovil on goal difference after beating them 3-1, their first away win of the season.
Nathan Jones started for Yeovil. The assistant manager says he is proud to have more appearances with Yeovil than with any other club in his career.
Owain Tudur Jones played despite a recent thigh strain and got the assist but that probably wasn’t much of a consolation. Shaun MacDonald also started for Yeovil and came close to scoring. Gavin Williams was a late substitute.
Goalkeeper Tony Roberts was absent from Dag & Red’s squad due to an ankle injury. So they did especially well to win. But Dag & Red did have one Welsh player on the bench: Kayelden Brown, who has signed on loan from West Bromwich Albion. He has previously played on loan at Tranmere Rovers this season.
League One Results 13th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bournemouth 3-0 Walsall
Bournemouth’s excellent home record continues as they beat bottom club Walsall and moved into third place.
Rhoys Wiggins got the assist for Bournemouth’s second goal.
Sean Geddes was back on the bench for Walsall but he has been earning his money lately, playing a part in Rotherham’s reserves beat Walsall’s reserves 7-0.
Brentford 0-2 Milton Keynes Dons
MK Dons’ away record was looking pretty good after the first game of the season but it took them until Saturday to find their second away win.
Poor MK Dons striker Jermaine Easter missed the whole thing due to a thigh injury after failing a late fitness test.
Bristol Rovers 0-3 Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient went into this match without an away win to their names but when it finally came, they made sure it was a good one.
Byron Anthony played the full match for Bristol Rovers but perhaps he was a little optimistic in his claims that Bristol Rovers would manage just fine without leading scorer Will Hoskins. Eliot Richards was a 58th minute susbstitute while Ben Swallow played on the bench.
Exeter City 3-1 Notts County
Exeter ended a run of three defeats with victory over Notts County, who drop into the bottom three.
Richard Duffy was the only Welshman to start for Notts County but that didn’t seem to do Exeter any harm. Rob Edwards and Daniel Nardiello were on the bench. First team coach Rob will be very happy with his young team-mates.
A Ben Davies free kick provided the assist for Notts County’s goal.
Oldham Athletic 1-0 Huddersfield Town
Oldham keep their unbeaten home record intact with victory over Huddersfield, who remain in the play-offs despite the defeat.
Joe Jacobson was an unused substitute for Oldham.
Peterborough United 1-5 Charlton Athletic
Charlton are in second place and unbeaten in six after beating Peterborough United by quite a big scoreline.
Lewin Nyatanga played for Peterborough and he might have had some small involvement in Charlton’s fifth goal but it was probably a bit late for a Peterborough comeback by then. Arron Davies was a half-time substitute.
Bournemouth’s excellent home record continues as they beat bottom club Walsall and moved into third place.
Rhoys Wiggins got the assist for Bournemouth’s second goal.
Sean Geddes was back on the bench for Walsall but he has been earning his money lately, playing a part in Rotherham’s reserves beat Walsall’s reserves 7-0.
Brentford 0-2 Milton Keynes Dons
MK Dons’ away record was looking pretty good after the first game of the season but it took them until Saturday to find their second away win.
Poor MK Dons striker Jermaine Easter missed the whole thing due to a thigh injury after failing a late fitness test.
Bristol Rovers 0-3 Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient went into this match without an away win to their names but when it finally came, they made sure it was a good one.
Byron Anthony played the full match for Bristol Rovers but perhaps he was a little optimistic in his claims that Bristol Rovers would manage just fine without leading scorer Will Hoskins. Eliot Richards was a 58th minute susbstitute while Ben Swallow played on the bench.
Exeter City 3-1 Notts County
Exeter ended a run of three defeats with victory over Notts County, who drop into the bottom three.
Richard Duffy was the only Welshman to start for Notts County but that didn’t seem to do Exeter any harm. Rob Edwards and Daniel Nardiello were on the bench. First team coach Rob will be very happy with his young team-mates.
A Ben Davies free kick provided the assist for Notts County’s goal.
Oldham Athletic 1-0 Huddersfield Town
Oldham keep their unbeaten home record intact with victory over Huddersfield, who remain in the play-offs despite the defeat.
Joe Jacobson was an unused substitute for Oldham.
Peterborough United 1-5 Charlton Athletic
Charlton are in second place and unbeaten in six after beating Peterborough United by quite a big scoreline.
Lewin Nyatanga played for Peterborough and he might have had some small involvement in Charlton’s fifth goal but it was probably a bit late for a Peterborough comeback by then. Arron Davies was a half-time substitute.
Championship Results 13th November 2010 (Part 2)
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Queen’s Park Rangers
QPR remain unbeaten in the league while Nottingham Forest are still unbeaten at home but QPR are back in second place after yet another draw.
Robert Earnshaw was back in the starting line-up for Forest and should have won a penalty but the referee was wearing Arsene Wenger’s glasses. Chris Gunter also played for Forest.
Portsmouth 2-3 Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster played Portsmouth for the first time for twenty-eight seasons. Doncaster went 2-0 ahead in the first half, only for Portsmouth to score twice in the second half. But Doncaster weren’t having that and got the winner five minutes after the equaliser.
John Oster nearly got an assist for Doncaster but the Portsmouth goalkeeper was paying attention. Brian Stock was also playing for Doncaster.
Reading 3-3 Norwich City
Norwich were 3-0 up early in the second half but then they had a player sent off and Reading took the opportunity of fighting back.
Simon Church started for Reading with Hal Robson-Kanu on the bench.
Andrew Crofts returned from suspension to play for Norwich.
Scunthorpe United 2-4 Cardiff City
Cardiff bounced back from the most hurtful defeat of the season to take all three points against Scunthorpe and move to the top of the table.
Craig Bellamy and substitute Jason Koumas claimed the third and fourth assists. Darcy Blake played the first 71 minutes while Adam Matthews came off the bench after 71 minutes but Adam didn’t replace Darcy. The winning goal sounds a bit complicated but it looks like Jason’s shot deflected off the player who was credited with the goal, and then the ball deflected off Adam. But Jason gets the assist and Adam is just a deflection.
You hear a lot about Craig Bellamy and violence but when a fan jumped over the perimeter and punched him, Craig didn't murder him.
QPR remain unbeaten in the league while Nottingham Forest are still unbeaten at home but QPR are back in second place after yet another draw.
Robert Earnshaw was back in the starting line-up for Forest and should have won a penalty but the referee was wearing Arsene Wenger’s glasses. Chris Gunter also played for Forest.
Portsmouth 2-3 Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster played Portsmouth for the first time for twenty-eight seasons. Doncaster went 2-0 ahead in the first half, only for Portsmouth to score twice in the second half. But Doncaster weren’t having that and got the winner five minutes after the equaliser.
John Oster nearly got an assist for Doncaster but the Portsmouth goalkeeper was paying attention. Brian Stock was also playing for Doncaster.
Reading 3-3 Norwich City
Norwich were 3-0 up early in the second half but then they had a player sent off and Reading took the opportunity of fighting back.
Simon Church started for Reading with Hal Robson-Kanu on the bench.
Andrew Crofts returned from suspension to play for Norwich.
Scunthorpe United 2-4 Cardiff City
Cardiff bounced back from the most hurtful defeat of the season to take all three points against Scunthorpe and move to the top of the table.
Craig Bellamy and substitute Jason Koumas claimed the third and fourth assists. Darcy Blake played the first 71 minutes while Adam Matthews came off the bench after 71 minutes but Adam didn’t replace Darcy. The winning goal sounds a bit complicated but it looks like Jason’s shot deflected off the player who was credited with the goal, and then the ball deflected off Adam. But Jason gets the assist and Adam is just a deflection.
You hear a lot about Craig Bellamy and violence but when a fan jumped over the perimeter and punched him, Craig didn't murder him.
Championship Results 13th November 2010 (Part 1)
Crystal Palace 2-0 Coventry City
Crystal Palace climbed above Preston with a surprise victory over Coventry, who drop to eleventh but remain only two points outside the play-off places.
Andy Dorman was missing from Palace’s team but Lewis Price was back on the bench after recovering from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood came off the bench after 71 minutes, making his first appearance since recovering from a knee operation.
Ipswich Town 1-3 Barnsley
Barnsley won away for the second time this season as Ipswich showed that perhaps they’re not back to their early season form after all. By the end, the Ipswich fans were cheering Barnsley but it was the home team who got a late goal.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Leeds United 3-1 Bristol City
Leeds got their first home win for nearly three months against a Bristol City team who were unbeaten in five. Hard to imagine and if I had my spreadsheets I would check that (too lazy to look at every match report) but as I don’t I’ll take BBC Sport’s word for it. They don’t usually do anything too badly wrong although they did once say Middlesbrough keeper Danny Coyne was on the bench when he was actually playing.
Speaking of goalkeepers, Leeds’ own Welsh keeper, Jason Brown (well actually he’s not their own keeper, he’s Blackburn’s) really was on the bench but Sanchez Watt wasn’t ready to return from an ankle injury after all. Jason returned to Blackburn after this match as his loan spell had come to an end but Leeds manager Simon Grayson says he’s good to have around the place.
Brett Pitman, who got thirty-four minutes of action, was Bristol City’s only Welsh representative. And technically he’s not even that. I don’t think he’s chosen his country yet.
Leicester City 2-0 Derby County
Leicester move five points clear of the relegation zone after an excellent win over in-form Derby
Andy King scored Leicester’s first goal after thirteen minutes. and got himself into the Championship Team of the Week.
Robbie Savage missed out on the chance to face his former club as he wasft on the bench. And Derby lost, what a coincidence. Gareth Roberts wasn’t selected due to a back problem. His place on the bench was taken by a second goalkeeper.
Robbie thinks people are starting to like him. Well, I'm not starting to like you, Robbie. I've loved him for a long time now.
Millwalll 0-1 Sheffield United
Millwall are off on another winless run as Sheffield United ended a winless run of their own. Millwall played well and probably deserved an equaliser at least but it didn’t happen.
Steve Morison was back from suspension for Millwall.
Ched Evans got to start for Sheffield United but it wasn’t his goal.
Crystal Palace climbed above Preston with a surprise victory over Coventry, who drop to eleventh but remain only two points outside the play-off places.
Andy Dorman was missing from Palace’s team but Lewis Price was back on the bench after recovering from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood came off the bench after 71 minutes, making his first appearance since recovering from a knee operation.
Ipswich Town 1-3 Barnsley
Barnsley won away for the second time this season as Ipswich showed that perhaps they’re not back to their early season form after all. By the end, the Ipswich fans were cheering Barnsley but it was the home team who got a late goal.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Leeds United 3-1 Bristol City
Leeds got their first home win for nearly three months against a Bristol City team who were unbeaten in five. Hard to imagine and if I had my spreadsheets I would check that (too lazy to look at every match report) but as I don’t I’ll take BBC Sport’s word for it. They don’t usually do anything too badly wrong although they did once say Middlesbrough keeper Danny Coyne was on the bench when he was actually playing.
Speaking of goalkeepers, Leeds’ own Welsh keeper, Jason Brown (well actually he’s not their own keeper, he’s Blackburn’s) really was on the bench but Sanchez Watt wasn’t ready to return from an ankle injury after all. Jason returned to Blackburn after this match as his loan spell had come to an end but Leeds manager Simon Grayson says he’s good to have around the place.
Brett Pitman, who got thirty-four minutes of action, was Bristol City’s only Welsh representative. And technically he’s not even that. I don’t think he’s chosen his country yet.
Leicester City 2-0 Derby County
Leicester move five points clear of the relegation zone after an excellent win over in-form Derby
Andy King scored Leicester’s first goal after thirteen minutes. and got himself into the Championship Team of the Week.
Robbie Savage missed out on the chance to face his former club as he wasft on the bench. And Derby lost, what a coincidence. Gareth Roberts wasn’t selected due to a back problem. His place on the bench was taken by a second goalkeeper.
Robbie thinks people are starting to like him. Well, I'm not starting to like you, Robbie. I've loved him for a long time now.
Millwalll 0-1 Sheffield United
Millwall are off on another winless run as Sheffield United ended a winless run of their own. Millwall played well and probably deserved an equaliser at least but it didn’t happen.
Steve Morison was back from suspension for Millwall.
Ched Evans got to start for Sheffield United but it wasn’t his goal.