Derby County
Gareth Roberts got an assist for Derby in their match against Ipswich but that wasn’t enough to beat Ipswich which must have been quite worrying because everyone beats Ipswich. I don’t know what Gareth was doing when he was supposed to be playing against Forest.
League: Watford A 2-0 (played all)
League: Forest H 0-1 (unselected)
Ipswich H 1-2 (A1 7, played all)
Ben Davies transferred from Notts County to Derby when they finally made a bid that was high enough – and made his debut against Nottingham Forest.
Ben thinks all Derby need is a bit of luck and soon they’ll be winning games again.
Ben says Nigel Clough was the main reason why he joined Derby. He’s confident that he’s ready for Championship football.
Ben has received death threats from fans of his former club Notts County but he doesn’t seem overly worried, just disappointed.
League: Soton A 0-0 (played all) with Notts Co
League: Forest H 0-1 (played all) with Derby County
League: Ipswich H 1-2 (played all)
Robbie Savage chose to remain at Derby rather than going to Vancouver but he won’t be at Derby for long. He’ll be retiring at the end of the season.
After four games without a win for Derby (including an FA Cup match against Crawley Town), and with no win since the end of October over a team other than Preston, Scunthorpe, Ipswich or Portsmouth, Robbie found himself on the bench.
Robbie thinks Blackpool should change their tactics and Liverpool shouldn’t get too ahead of themselves.
Robbie gives his take on assistant referee Sian Massey’s ability to do her job – which is really all that matters.
League: Watford A 2-0 (played all)
League: Forest H 0-1 (starts, Y foul 35, off 55)
League: Ipswich H 1-2 (bench)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster made his 400th career appearance against Reading but that was the only thing he had to celebrate where that match was concerned.
League: Reading H 0-3 (played all)
FA Cup: Wolves A 5-0 (played all)
League: Ipswich A 3-2 (played all)
League: Barnsley H 0-2 (played all)
League: Burnley H 1-0 (starts, off 89)
Brian Stock missed six matches with an injury but sources disagreed on whether it was his leg or his back. But something definitely hurt.
Brian is close to signing a new deal with Doncaster.
League: Reading H 0-3 (out, leg or back)
FA Cup: Wolves A 5-0 (out, leg or back)
League: Ipswich A 3-2 (out, leg or back)
League: Barnsley H 0-0 (out, leg or back)
League: Burnley H 1-0 (starts, off 84)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt again played for Leeds against parent club Arsenal. He said he would try his hardest to score but he wouldn’t celebrate. Luckily he didn’t try hard enough.
League: Scunthorpe H 4-0 (starts, G1 17, off 80)
FA Arsenal H 1-3 (starts, off 79)
League: Portsmouth A 2-2 (starts, off 62)
League: Hull A 2-2 (out, hamstring)
Leicester City
Andy King is discussing a new contract with Leicester. He believes Leicester need to build some momentum as they fight for a place in the play-offs. Andy has been nominated for the PFA January Player of the Month award.
League: Preston A 1-1 (played all)
FA Cup: Man City A 4-2 (played all)
League: Millwall H 4-2 (played all)
League: Sheff Utd A 0-1 (G 1 4, played all)
Middlesbrough
Danny Coyne was probably really happy with Middlesbrough’s 4-0 away victory over Bristol City. It was just a shame he wasn’t actually on the pitch.
League: Bristol C A 0-4 (bench)
League: Preston H 1-1 (out, back)
League: Scunthorpe H 2-0 (out, back)
Rhys Williams is still recovering from a pelvic problem but he is training again.
Millwall
Steve Morison returned to the starting line-up after not completely recovering from flu and had a couple of quiet matches before getting back on the scoresheet against Ipswich. He also scored against Barnsley. Maybe he’d have scored against Norwich too if he hadn’t injured his calf.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett hopes Steve will sign a new contract with Millwall.
League: Ipswich H 2-1 (G2 76, played all)
League: Leicester A 4-2 (played all)
League: Barnsley H 2-0 (G1 17, played all)
League: Norwich A 2-1 (starts, off 16)
Norwich City
Andrew Crofts scored twice against Sheffield United. It would be nice if he could do that against England but England are probably better than Sheffield United.
League Cardiff H 1-1 (starts, off 78)
League: Sheff Utd A 1-2 (Y foul 14, G1 61, G2 80, played all)
League: Palace A 0-0 (Y 76, played all)
League: Millwall H 2-1 (Y foul 35, played all)
Showing posts with label andrew crofts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label andrew crofts. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 22nd January 2011 (Part 4)
Reading v Hull City
Reading are unbeaten in their last seven home games and are just two points outside the play-offs but Hull have been creeping up the table and haven’t lost any of their last eight away games.
Simon Church could start for Reading in place of the doubtful Noel Hunt and Jem Karacan. Hal Robson-Kanu will probably be on the bench.
Sheffield United v Norwich City
A draw might be enough to prevent Sheffield United from slipping back into the top three – and considering that Norwich have only lost two away games, a draw would be a pretty good result.
Ched Evans should start for Sheffield United.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich but Owain Tudur Jones has joined Brentford on a month’s loan.
Reading are unbeaten in their last seven home games and are just two points outside the play-offs but Hull have been creeping up the table and haven’t lost any of their last eight away games.
Simon Church could start for Reading in place of the doubtful Noel Hunt and Jem Karacan. Hal Robson-Kanu will probably be on the bench.
Sheffield United v Norwich City
A draw might be enough to prevent Sheffield United from slipping back into the top three – and considering that Norwich have only lost two away games, a draw would be a pretty good result.
Ched Evans should start for Sheffield United.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich but Owain Tudur Jones has joined Brentford on a month’s loan.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Championship Results 15th January 2011 (Part 2)
Norwich City 1-1 Cardiff City
Cardiff came so close to the win that would have put them ahead of Swansea City, which is a very important place to be. But Norwich equalised in the 90th minute, leaving both sides to fight for a winner that never came in the five minutes of stoppage time.
Craig Bellamy nearly scored his 150th career goal for Cardiff against the club where he began his career.
Andrew Crofts provided some attacking threat for Norwich.
The radio commentators seemed to think Darcy Blake was going to come off the bench but he didn’t. Neither did Adam Matthews.
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Portsmouth
Portsmouth must have thought they’d ended Nottingham Forest’s unbeaten home record when they were 1-0 up after 87 minutes. Then another Portsmouth player scored – but he didn’t put it in the right net. And Portsmouth ended up getting nothing from the game at all when Forest scored a 94th-minute winner.
Chris Gunter and Robert Earnshaw both started for Forest.
Preston North End 1-1 Leicester City
Leicester want to be promoted while Preston just don’t want to be trying to be promoted from League One next season. But both teams are leaving it late, the home side in particular. Preston did well to snatch the point in stoppage time and they were lucky Andy King didn’t grab a winner for Leicester – but they’re still seven points from safety, while Leicester are even further from their own target.
Craig Morgan played the full match for Preston with Paul Parry making a substitute appearance shortly after half-time.
Cardiff came so close to the win that would have put them ahead of Swansea City, which is a very important place to be. But Norwich equalised in the 90th minute, leaving both sides to fight for a winner that never came in the five minutes of stoppage time.
Craig Bellamy nearly scored his 150th career goal for Cardiff against the club where he began his career.
Andrew Crofts provided some attacking threat for Norwich.
The radio commentators seemed to think Darcy Blake was going to come off the bench but he didn’t. Neither did Adam Matthews.
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Portsmouth
Portsmouth must have thought they’d ended Nottingham Forest’s unbeaten home record when they were 1-0 up after 87 minutes. Then another Portsmouth player scored – but he didn’t put it in the right net. And Portsmouth ended up getting nothing from the game at all when Forest scored a 94th-minute winner.
Chris Gunter and Robert Earnshaw both started for Forest.
Preston North End 1-1 Leicester City
Leicester want to be promoted while Preston just don’t want to be trying to be promoted from League One next season. But both teams are leaving it late, the home side in particular. Preston did well to snatch the point in stoppage time and they were lucky Andy King didn’t grab a winner for Leicester – but they’re still seven points from safety, while Leicester are even further from their own target.
Craig Morgan played the full match for Preston with Paul Parry making a substitute appearance shortly after half-time.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 2)
Millwall v Ipswich Town
Paul Jewell (OMG what were his parents thinking???) takes charge at Ipswich following their 7-0 loss to Chelsea and slightly different result against Arsenal. His last job was managing Derby to a record low number of points in the Premier League. He’ll be hoping this job goes a lot better. They take on Millwall, who are unbeaten in eight. I won’t say how long it is since they last conceded a goal. I don’t want to jinx them. But it’s quite a long time.
Ipswich face a London team for the third time in a week. Chelsea demolished them, Arsenal rolled over for them… what will Millwall do?
Steve Morison will start for Millwall.
Troy Brown is still out with a hamstring injury.
Norwich City v Cardiff City
Only goal difference separates these two sides in the Championship, with Cardiff having the advantage. Cardiff have only won at Carrow Road twice in their history – and the second one was this season.
Andrew Crofts should be recalled to the starting line-up after missing the FA Cup defeat to Leyton Orient. Owain Tudur Jones could also be in the squad.
Craig Bellamy has allegedly been arrested for assault but he is likely to play if he’s passed fit. Norwich are one of Craig’s former clubs. If Craig scores, it will be his 150th.
Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews will probably be in the squad, with Jason Koumas joining them if he isn’t injured again. Jonathan Meades and Aaron Wildig have also been on the bench in recent weeks.
Nottingham Forest v Portsmouth
We all know about Nottingham Forest’s amazing home record but one team they struggle to beat at home is Portsmouth. All it would take is one defeat and they wouldn’t be unbeaten anymore. I know how that feels. Forest haven’t lost home or away since November though so they probably know what they’re doing now.
Chris Gunter will start for Forest. Robert Earnshaw has scored three in his last three matches for Forest but as that includes no goals in the last two, he could be on the bench again because that’s what the manager’s like. Rob thinks Forest can keep their home form going and get into the promotion race.
Watch a long but interesting interview with Chris and Rob.
Paul Jewell (OMG what were his parents thinking???) takes charge at Ipswich following their 7-0 loss to Chelsea and slightly different result against Arsenal. His last job was managing Derby to a record low number of points in the Premier League. He’ll be hoping this job goes a lot better. They take on Millwall, who are unbeaten in eight. I won’t say how long it is since they last conceded a goal. I don’t want to jinx them. But it’s quite a long time.
Ipswich face a London team for the third time in a week. Chelsea demolished them, Arsenal rolled over for them… what will Millwall do?
Steve Morison will start for Millwall.
Troy Brown is still out with a hamstring injury.
Norwich City v Cardiff City
Only goal difference separates these two sides in the Championship, with Cardiff having the advantage. Cardiff have only won at Carrow Road twice in their history – and the second one was this season.
Andrew Crofts should be recalled to the starting line-up after missing the FA Cup defeat to Leyton Orient. Owain Tudur Jones could also be in the squad.
Craig Bellamy has allegedly been arrested for assault but he is likely to play if he’s passed fit. Norwich are one of Craig’s former clubs. If Craig scores, it will be his 150th.
Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews will probably be in the squad, with Jason Koumas joining them if he isn’t injured again. Jonathan Meades and Aaron Wildig have also been on the bench in recent weeks.
Nottingham Forest v Portsmouth
We all know about Nottingham Forest’s amazing home record but one team they struggle to beat at home is Portsmouth. All it would take is one defeat and they wouldn’t be unbeaten anymore. I know how that feels. Forest haven’t lost home or away since November though so they probably know what they’re doing now.
Chris Gunter will start for Forest. Robert Earnshaw has scored three in his last three matches for Forest but as that includes no goals in the last two, he could be on the bench again because that’s what the manager’s like. Rob thinks Forest can keep their home form going and get into the promotion race.
Watch a long but interesting interview with Chris and Rob.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part Three)
Norwich City 0-1 Leyton Orient
A 20th-minute goal from League One strugglers Leyton Orient was enough to see off Championship promotion contenders Norwich City. After coming so close to being knocked out by Droylsden in the last match. Orient were not taking any chances. Or rather, they took one chance, scored from it, and then defended brilliantly to keep out Norwich. Their next FA Cup opponents will be Swansea City at the almost impenetrable Liberty Stadium.
Andrew Crofts was one of several players rested by Norwich, who were also without the cup-tied Owain Tudur Jones.
Preston North End 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Preston went into the break a goal up but there’s a reason why Forest have forced their way into play-off contention while Preston are still floundering at the bottom. As if the news that Phil Brown was their new manager wasn’t enough, Preston fans had to watch their team lose. Again. They’re probably getting used to it by now. Forest are away at West Ham United in the fourth round.
Craig Morgan nearly scored when he got his head on the end of a corner (which sounds quite painful when I put it like that) and could have opened the scoring. But the result wouldn’t necessarily have been 2-2 if he had. Paul Parry was absent from the team with a broken wrist – not that the injury prevented him from being on the bench for the match against Crystal Palace.
Robert Earnshaw and, slightly more surprisingly, Chris Gunter both came close to putting Forest 2-1 up but luckily Forest were 2-1 up by the end anyway.
Reading 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Not so long ago, West Brom were looking like the Premier League side beginning with W who were most likely to survive. That this was their sixth straight defeat probably makes this more doubtful although this result of course has no direct effect on their Premier League status.
Reading meanwhile seem to be heading in the opposite direction, albeit in a different division and it they’ll deservedly have the distraction of the FA Cup for one more round at least – they’ll be away at giant-killers Stevenage.
Simon Church was expected to start in the absence of Shane Long but Shane Long wasn’t absent (which must have been so annoying) and therefore Simon was on the bench. He and Hal Robson-Kanu did get a late run-out but they couldn’t add to Reading’s lead.
Boaz Myhill played in goal for West Brom and played well, the goal aside. And loads of goalkeepers have failed to keep out Shane Long shots this season.
Sheffield United 1-3 Aston Villa
The final result made it look easier than it was as Premier League strugglers Aston Villa beating Championship team Sheffield United. Villa got off to a great start with a goal from new loan signing Kyle Walker but there were mixed feelings for the passionate Sheffield United fan who began his career at his hometown club. Villa will face Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United – the second consecutive match in which he hasn’t found the net (although I’m sure he would have done if Jamie Ward had let him take the penalty like he was supposed to) but with a return of four goals in his last six games, maybe it was another player’s turn to score.
James Collins was on Aston Villa’s bench for this match which raised questions (in my mind at least) about whether Gerard Houllier was reluctant to cup-tie a player he was rumoured to be selling but his appearance in the 91st minute suggested this was unlikely.
A 20th-minute goal from League One strugglers Leyton Orient was enough to see off Championship promotion contenders Norwich City. After coming so close to being knocked out by Droylsden in the last match. Orient were not taking any chances. Or rather, they took one chance, scored from it, and then defended brilliantly to keep out Norwich. Their next FA Cup opponents will be Swansea City at the almost impenetrable Liberty Stadium.
Andrew Crofts was one of several players rested by Norwich, who were also without the cup-tied Owain Tudur Jones.
Preston North End 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Preston went into the break a goal up but there’s a reason why Forest have forced their way into play-off contention while Preston are still floundering at the bottom. As if the news that Phil Brown was their new manager wasn’t enough, Preston fans had to watch their team lose. Again. They’re probably getting used to it by now. Forest are away at West Ham United in the fourth round.
Craig Morgan nearly scored when he got his head on the end of a corner (which sounds quite painful when I put it like that) and could have opened the scoring. But the result wouldn’t necessarily have been 2-2 if he had. Paul Parry was absent from the team with a broken wrist – not that the injury prevented him from being on the bench for the match against Crystal Palace.
Robert Earnshaw and, slightly more surprisingly, Chris Gunter both came close to putting Forest 2-1 up but luckily Forest were 2-1 up by the end anyway.
Reading 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Not so long ago, West Brom were looking like the Premier League side beginning with W who were most likely to survive. That this was their sixth straight defeat probably makes this more doubtful although this result of course has no direct effect on their Premier League status.
Reading meanwhile seem to be heading in the opposite direction, albeit in a different division and it they’ll deservedly have the distraction of the FA Cup for one more round at least – they’ll be away at giant-killers Stevenage.
Simon Church was expected to start in the absence of Shane Long but Shane Long wasn’t absent (which must have been so annoying) and therefore Simon was on the bench. He and Hal Robson-Kanu did get a late run-out but they couldn’t add to Reading’s lead.
Boaz Myhill played in goal for West Brom and played well, the goal aside. And loads of goalkeepers have failed to keep out Shane Long shots this season.
Sheffield United 1-3 Aston Villa
The final result made it look easier than it was as Premier League strugglers Aston Villa beating Championship team Sheffield United. Villa got off to a great start with a goal from new loan signing Kyle Walker but there were mixed feelings for the passionate Sheffield United fan who began his career at his hometown club. Villa will face Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United – the second consecutive match in which he hasn’t found the net (although I’m sure he would have done if Jamie Ward had let him take the penalty like he was supposed to) but with a return of four goals in his last six games, maybe it was another player’s turn to score.
James Collins was on Aston Villa’s bench for this match which raised questions (in my mind at least) about whether Gerard Houllier was reluctant to cup-tie a player he was rumoured to be selling but his appearance in the 91st minute suggested this was unlikely.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 4)
Norwich City v Leyton Orient
Norwich had a few problems with Droylsden in the last round, needing a replay and extra time in order to beat them 8-2. They’ll be hoping Orient are a lot less trouble.
If Norwich rest players, Andrew Crofts could be one of them. Owain Tudur Jones is cup-tied, having already played for Yeovil in the FA Cup.
Preston North End v Nottingham Forest
Here’s the second of the two all-Championship ties. Preston are looking like a team who could be in League One next season while Forest have crept up on the play-offs and now look like contenders. But anything can happen in the FA Cup.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry could start for Preston but they might be saved for more important games. No disrespect to the FA Cup but they have more chance of surviving relegation than winning the Cup and surviving is probably something they quite want to do.
If Forest do plan on giving star players such as Chris Gunter a rest, this might be a good time. Robert Earnshaw was rested in Forest’s last match so maybe he was being saved for the FA Cup. He did score a hat-trick two matches ago. Aaron Ramsey has returned to Arsenal after Arsene Wenger refused a request to extend his loan. The chances are, he wouldn’t have let them cup-tie Aaron either.
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
These two clubs were probably hoping not to see each other for a couple of season after playing four times last season.
Simon Church is expected to start for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu and Jake Taylor might also get the chance to feature.
Boaz Myhill will start in goal for West Brom/
Sheffield United v Aston Villa
Sheffield United and Aston Villa have something in common. Not only are they both playing in this match, they are both have one point from their last four matches.
Ched Evans should play for Sheffield United. They might not be winning but that isn’t stopping him from scoring.
James Collins will probably play for Villa unless they are going to sell him and don’t want him cup-tied. The other James Collins has signed for Shrewsbury Town but he’s not Welsh.
Norwich had a few problems with Droylsden in the last round, needing a replay and extra time in order to beat them 8-2. They’ll be hoping Orient are a lot less trouble.
If Norwich rest players, Andrew Crofts could be one of them. Owain Tudur Jones is cup-tied, having already played for Yeovil in the FA Cup.
Preston North End v Nottingham Forest
Here’s the second of the two all-Championship ties. Preston are looking like a team who could be in League One next season while Forest have crept up on the play-offs and now look like contenders. But anything can happen in the FA Cup.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry could start for Preston but they might be saved for more important games. No disrespect to the FA Cup but they have more chance of surviving relegation than winning the Cup and surviving is probably something they quite want to do.
If Forest do plan on giving star players such as Chris Gunter a rest, this might be a good time. Robert Earnshaw was rested in Forest’s last match so maybe he was being saved for the FA Cup. He did score a hat-trick two matches ago. Aaron Ramsey has returned to Arsenal after Arsene Wenger refused a request to extend his loan. The chances are, he wouldn’t have let them cup-tie Aaron either.
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
These two clubs were probably hoping not to see each other for a couple of season after playing four times last season.
Simon Church is expected to start for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu and Jake Taylor might also get the chance to feature.
Boaz Myhill will start in goal for West Brom/
Sheffield United v Aston Villa
Sheffield United and Aston Villa have something in common. Not only are they both playing in this match, they are both have one point from their last four matches.
Ched Evans should play for Sheffield United. They might not be winning but that isn’t stopping him from scoring.
James Collins will probably play for Villa unless they are going to sell him and don’t want him cup-tied. The other James Collins has signed for Shrewsbury Town but he’s not Welsh.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Championship, Part 3)
Millwall
Steve Morison has been attracting the attention of Premier League clubs which can only mean one thing – he has been playing brilliantly for Millwall despite a recent goal drought. Poor Steve missed out on the New Year’s Day game with flu and judging him from his performance a couple of days later, it wasn’t the sort of flu footballers get sometimes when they’re in talks with a new club. Let’s hope he’s feeling better for Millwall’s FA Cup match against Birmingham City.
Portsmouth A 1-1 (played all)
Leicester H 2-0 (G1 12, played all)
Palace H 3-0 (out, flu)
Derby A 0-0 (starts, off 71)
Norwich City
Norwich were predicted to struggle and to be fair, they are struggling to get into the automatic promotion places. It’s been an excellent season so far and part of the reason for that is Andrew Crofts.
Coventry A 1-2 (out, illness)
Sheff Utd H 4-2 (played all)
QPR H 1-0 (played all)
Boro A 1-1 (played all)
When Owain Tudur Jones returned from a loan spell at Yeovil Town, I wasn’t sure how many chances he’d have at Norwich and was very happy to see him on the bench for the very next game. Not only that, he came off the bench too. Since then, he’s always been a substitute except for his most recent match, where he got his first Norwich start of the season (he did get substituted at half-time but that’s not necessarily a very bad thing).
Coventry A 1-2 (bench)
Sheff Utd H 4-2 (bench)
QPR H 1-0 (bench)
Boro A 1-1 (starts, off 46)
Josh Dawkin has made one appearance on Norwich’s bench this season and it wasn’t at Christmas but let’s hope his next appearance isn’t too far away.
Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter kept his place in Forest’s starting line-up as they pushed slowly up towards the right end of the table and (briefly) into the play-off places.
Palace H 3-0 (played all)
Derby H 5-2 (played all)
Barnsley A 2-2 (wins pen 68, played all)
Ipswich A 0-1 (played all)
Robert Earnshaw started most matches over the Christmas period and got a hat-trick in the process. Three goals in three games doesn’t really seem like a reason to drop a player to the bench but that’s what happened.
Palace H 3-0 (played all)
Derby H 5-2 (G2 24, G4 53, G5 94, Y 94, played all)
Barnsley A 2-2 (starts, off 75)
Ipswich A 0-1 (bench)
Preston North End
Craig Morgan has been in and out of Preston’s squad and in and out of the starting line-up as they desperately try to save themselves from relegation.
Boro H 1-3 (played all)
Derby H 1-2 (bench)
Palace A 0-0 (played all)
Paul Parry has always been in the squad but his knee problems have prevented him from starting many games. Now if Paul refused to come out of retirement for Wales for injury reasons, I would have no cause for complaint. (Not that I necessarily have cause the other times.)
Boro H 1-3 (bench, on 85)
Derby H 1-2 (starts, off 71)
Palace A 0-0 (bench)
Reading
Simon Church was back on the bench over Christmas but his one goal was rewarded with one start in the very next match. But he couldn’t get two in two (how many strikers do that?) so he was back on the bench again against Burnley.
Derby A 1-2 (bench, on 65)
Bristol C H 4-1 (bench)
Hull A 1-1 (bench, on 58, G1 82)
Swansea A 1-0 (played all)
Burnley H 1-1 (bench, on 72)
Hal Robson-Kanu has had a similar problem to Simon although he did get an assist.
Derby A 1-2 (bench, on 76)
Bristol C H 4-1 (bench, on 80, A4 89)
Hull A 1-1 (bench)
Swansea A 1-0 (starts, off 71)
Burnley H 1-1 (bench, on 67)
Jake Taylor made his long-awaited return following knee surgery but he’s only been on the bench once so let’s hope he hasn’t had a relapse.
Derby A 1-2 (unselected)
Bristol C H 4-1 (unselected)
Hull A 1-1 (unselected)
Swansea A 1-0 (bench)
Burnley H 1-1 (unselected)
Sheffield United
Ched Evans got four goals in four games, helping to get some much-needed wins against form teams. He can even score penalties, always a useful trait in a Welshman.
Swansea H 1-0 (starts, G1 44, off 93)
Hull H 2-3 (G1 62, G2 73, played all)
Norwich A 4-2 (played all)
Burnley A 4-2 (G2 pen 47. played all)
Doncaster H 2-2 (played all)
Steve Morison has been attracting the attention of Premier League clubs which can only mean one thing – he has been playing brilliantly for Millwall despite a recent goal drought. Poor Steve missed out on the New Year’s Day game with flu and judging him from his performance a couple of days later, it wasn’t the sort of flu footballers get sometimes when they’re in talks with a new club. Let’s hope he’s feeling better for Millwall’s FA Cup match against Birmingham City.
Portsmouth A 1-1 (played all)
Leicester H 2-0 (G1 12, played all)
Palace H 3-0 (out, flu)
Derby A 0-0 (starts, off 71)
Norwich City
Norwich were predicted to struggle and to be fair, they are struggling to get into the automatic promotion places. It’s been an excellent season so far and part of the reason for that is Andrew Crofts.
Coventry A 1-2 (out, illness)
Sheff Utd H 4-2 (played all)
QPR H 1-0 (played all)
Boro A 1-1 (played all)
When Owain Tudur Jones returned from a loan spell at Yeovil Town, I wasn’t sure how many chances he’d have at Norwich and was very happy to see him on the bench for the very next game. Not only that, he came off the bench too. Since then, he’s always been a substitute except for his most recent match, where he got his first Norwich start of the season (he did get substituted at half-time but that’s not necessarily a very bad thing).
Coventry A 1-2 (bench)
Sheff Utd H 4-2 (bench)
QPR H 1-0 (bench)
Boro A 1-1 (starts, off 46)
Josh Dawkin has made one appearance on Norwich’s bench this season and it wasn’t at Christmas but let’s hope his next appearance isn’t too far away.
Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter kept his place in Forest’s starting line-up as they pushed slowly up towards the right end of the table and (briefly) into the play-off places.
Palace H 3-0 (played all)
Derby H 5-2 (played all)
Barnsley A 2-2 (wins pen 68, played all)
Ipswich A 0-1 (played all)
Robert Earnshaw started most matches over the Christmas period and got a hat-trick in the process. Three goals in three games doesn’t really seem like a reason to drop a player to the bench but that’s what happened.
Palace H 3-0 (played all)
Derby H 5-2 (G2 24, G4 53, G5 94, Y 94, played all)
Barnsley A 2-2 (starts, off 75)
Ipswich A 0-1 (bench)
Preston North End
Craig Morgan has been in and out of Preston’s squad and in and out of the starting line-up as they desperately try to save themselves from relegation.
Boro H 1-3 (played all)
Derby H 1-2 (bench)
Palace A 0-0 (played all)
Paul Parry has always been in the squad but his knee problems have prevented him from starting many games. Now if Paul refused to come out of retirement for Wales for injury reasons, I would have no cause for complaint. (Not that I necessarily have cause the other times.)
Boro H 1-3 (bench, on 85)
Derby H 1-2 (starts, off 71)
Palace A 0-0 (bench)
Reading
Simon Church was back on the bench over Christmas but his one goal was rewarded with one start in the very next match. But he couldn’t get two in two (how many strikers do that?) so he was back on the bench again against Burnley.
Derby A 1-2 (bench, on 65)
Bristol C H 4-1 (bench)
Hull A 1-1 (bench, on 58, G1 82)
Swansea A 1-0 (played all)
Burnley H 1-1 (bench, on 72)
Hal Robson-Kanu has had a similar problem to Simon although he did get an assist.
Derby A 1-2 (bench, on 76)
Bristol C H 4-1 (bench, on 80, A4 89)
Hull A 1-1 (bench)
Swansea A 1-0 (starts, off 71)
Burnley H 1-1 (bench, on 67)
Jake Taylor made his long-awaited return following knee surgery but he’s only been on the bench once so let’s hope he hasn’t had a relapse.
Derby A 1-2 (unselected)
Bristol C H 4-1 (unselected)
Hull A 1-1 (unselected)
Swansea A 1-0 (bench)
Burnley H 1-1 (unselected)
Sheffield United
Ched Evans got four goals in four games, helping to get some much-needed wins against form teams. He can even score penalties, always a useful trait in a Welshman.
Swansea H 1-0 (starts, G1 44, off 93)
Hull H 2-3 (G1 62, G2 73, played all)
Norwich A 4-2 (played all)
Burnley A 4-2 (G2 pen 47. played all)
Doncaster H 2-2 (played all)
Saturday, 18 December 2010
Championship Fixtures (and Postponements) 18th December 2010 (Part 1)
Cardiff City P-P Burnley
South Wales is inches deep in snow and it’s just not safe for visitors.
So Cardiff’s star English striker Jay Bothroyd should recover in time for the next fixture, Craig Bellamy can rest his knee, Jason Koumas can make sure his toe is properly better and the players can recover from their latest epidemic.
Craig has been talking about Feyenoord… and even Feyenoord aren’t happy.
Dave Jones says Cardiff have to deliver on Saturday. And what happens? Snow happens.
Jonathan Meades won’t be able to play for Cardiff until the transfer window opens as he’s been playing for FK Moss. But when the transfer window does open, he’ll be ready to stake his claim.
Coventry City v Norwich City
Coventry are unbeaten in four while Norwich ended a long unbeaten run last week. History would sem to favour Coventry – Norwich have only beaten them once away in the last fifty years. The present would also seem to favour Coventry. They haven’t conceded for nearly 400 minutes. The last team to score against them were Crystal Palace, which probably served as a kick up the backside, as well as a kick into the back of the net.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping Coventry’s failure to score against Reading last weekend will give him the chance to start.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich and a succession of injuries could mean Owain Tudur Jones gets to play again, as long as he’s recovered from being bashed about by Fakenham Town in the Norwich Senior Cup. Norwich City won 3-0 and Josh Dawkin also played 90 minutes.
Derby County v Reading
Derby have lost their last three matches and they’re now three points away from the play-offs – although if they win and Norwich lose, they’ll be back in the top six. And considering Derby’s home form (if you ignore their last home match) and considering Reading are without a win in six (although the last five were draws), they must be in with a good chance of a win.
Reading’s Jem Karacan wants to silence Robbie Savage. Good luck with that. Robbie is expected to play after recovering from an ankle injury but Gareth Roberts, who was substituted after forty minutes of Derby’s defeat to Bristol City, will be out for two or three weeks with a calf injury which must be so annoying when he’s finally broken back into the first team after his last injury.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu seem to be Reading’s first-choice substitutes at the moment but Reading have drawn their last five and failed to score in their last two so they’re obviously in need of a couple of goalscorers. Hal scored just a few days ago in a reserve match which is quite an achievement considering most reserve matches are being cancelled at the moment. Also in the team was Jake Taylor, who managed 60 minutes after recovering from knee surgery. He’s not ready for the first team yet but he’ll be back in full training soon.
South Wales is inches deep in snow and it’s just not safe for visitors.
So Cardiff’s star English striker Jay Bothroyd should recover in time for the next fixture, Craig Bellamy can rest his knee, Jason Koumas can make sure his toe is properly better and the players can recover from their latest epidemic.
Craig has been talking about Feyenoord… and even Feyenoord aren’t happy.
Dave Jones says Cardiff have to deliver on Saturday. And what happens? Snow happens.
Jonathan Meades won’t be able to play for Cardiff until the transfer window opens as he’s been playing for FK Moss. But when the transfer window does open, he’ll be ready to stake his claim.
Coventry City v Norwich City
Coventry are unbeaten in four while Norwich ended a long unbeaten run last week. History would sem to favour Coventry – Norwich have only beaten them once away in the last fifty years. The present would also seem to favour Coventry. They haven’t conceded for nearly 400 minutes. The last team to score against them were Crystal Palace, which probably served as a kick up the backside, as well as a kick into the back of the net.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping Coventry’s failure to score against Reading last weekend will give him the chance to start.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich and a succession of injuries could mean Owain Tudur Jones gets to play again, as long as he’s recovered from being bashed about by Fakenham Town in the Norwich Senior Cup. Norwich City won 3-0 and Josh Dawkin also played 90 minutes.
Derby County v Reading
Derby have lost their last three matches and they’re now three points away from the play-offs – although if they win and Norwich lose, they’ll be back in the top six. And considering Derby’s home form (if you ignore their last home match) and considering Reading are without a win in six (although the last five were draws), they must be in with a good chance of a win.
Reading’s Jem Karacan wants to silence Robbie Savage. Good luck with that. Robbie is expected to play after recovering from an ankle injury but Gareth Roberts, who was substituted after forty minutes of Derby’s defeat to Bristol City, will be out for two or three weeks with a calf injury which must be so annoying when he’s finally broken back into the first team after his last injury.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu seem to be Reading’s first-choice substitutes at the moment but Reading have drawn their last five and failed to score in their last two so they’re obviously in need of a couple of goalscorers. Hal scored just a few days ago in a reserve match which is quite an achievement considering most reserve matches are being cancelled at the moment. Also in the team was Jake Taylor, who managed 60 minutes after recovering from knee surgery. He’s not ready for the first team yet but he’ll be back in full training soon.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Championship Results 11th December 2010 (Part 3)
Norwich City 0-2 Portsmouth
Portsmouth ended Norwich’s six-match unbeaten run but didn’t quite manage to take them out of the play-off places.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich but Owain Tudur Jones was an unused substitute.
Preston North End 1-0 Ipswich Town
Preston claimed a much-needed victory over Ipswich, who have now lost their last six league matches. Their only recent victory was the Carling Cup win over West Bromwich Albion.
Paul Parry played the last five minutes for Preston but Craig Morgan was left on the bench.
Troy Brown kept his place in Ipswich’s defence and came close to scoring with his head.
Reading 0-0 Coventry City
Reading drew a fifth successive match against Coventry. They haven’t won any of their last six matches although the one they lost was against Queen’s Park Rangers. Coventry were therefore denied a fourth successive win but at least they’re unbeaten in four, with four clean sheets.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu came on the field together in a double substitution but neither could find a winner for Reading.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t get a chance to snatch the points for Coventry, who left him on the bench.
Portsmouth ended Norwich’s six-match unbeaten run but didn’t quite manage to take them out of the play-off places.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich but Owain Tudur Jones was an unused substitute.
Preston North End 1-0 Ipswich Town
Preston claimed a much-needed victory over Ipswich, who have now lost their last six league matches. Their only recent victory was the Carling Cup win over West Bromwich Albion.
Paul Parry played the last five minutes for Preston but Craig Morgan was left on the bench.
Troy Brown kept his place in Ipswich’s defence and came close to scoring with his head.
Reading 0-0 Coventry City
Reading drew a fifth successive match against Coventry. They haven’t won any of their last six matches although the one they lost was against Queen’s Park Rangers. Coventry were therefore denied a fourth successive win but at least they’re unbeaten in four, with four clean sheets.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu came on the field together in a double substitution but neither could find a winner for Reading.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t get a chance to snatch the points for Coventry, who left him on the bench.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Championship Results 4th December 2010 (Part 1)
Cardiff City 1-1 Preston North End
Cardiff are just one point ahead of rivals Swansea City after only drawing with struggling Preston.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy both started for Cardiff but Darcy was replaced after 26 minutes as he became the first victim of Cardiff City’s latest epidemic. Adam Matthews was an unused substitute but Jason Koumas was missing with a toe injury.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry were on the bench for Preston. Paul was a 93rd-minute substitute and he must have done something right because Cardiff scored a minute later. It’s a shame Paul doesn’t play for Cardiff anymore really.
Coventry City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Coventry are up to fifth following this win but Boro aren’t even up to fifth from bottom.
Freddy Eastwood came off Coventry’s bench ten minutes before the goal went in.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Boro.
Derby County 1-2 Norwich City
Derby’s strong home faltered for once when Norwich came to town. Except of course Derby is a city.
Gareth Roberts returned from suspension and was in the starting line-up with Robbie Savage.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich and something wonderful happened: I was wrong. Owain Tudur Jones was not only on the bench for Norwich, he came off it.
Cardiff are just one point ahead of rivals Swansea City after only drawing with struggling Preston.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy both started for Cardiff but Darcy was replaced after 26 minutes as he became the first victim of Cardiff City’s latest epidemic. Adam Matthews was an unused substitute but Jason Koumas was missing with a toe injury.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry were on the bench for Preston. Paul was a 93rd-minute substitute and he must have done something right because Cardiff scored a minute later. It’s a shame Paul doesn’t play for Cardiff anymore really.
Coventry City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Coventry are up to fifth following this win but Boro aren’t even up to fifth from bottom.
Freddy Eastwood came off Coventry’s bench ten minutes before the goal went in.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Boro.
Derby County 1-2 Norwich City
Derby’s strong home faltered for once when Norwich came to town. Except of course Derby is a city.
Gareth Roberts returned from suspension and was in the starting line-up with Robbie Savage.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich and something wonderful happened: I was wrong. Owain Tudur Jones was not only on the bench for Norwich, he came off it.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Championship Fixtures 11th December 2010 (Part 2)
Leicester City v Doncaster Rovers
Leicester have lost two of their last three matches but the one they won was a home game and they actually haven’t lost a home league game since mid-September and even then that was only Queen’s Park Rangers and they were beating everyone then. And the last time they lost a home game to a team who wasn’t QPR was in August. Doncaster have been doing really well but they’re not QPR. And their last away win at Leicester was only a year off being Victorian.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
Middlesbrough v Cardiff City
Cardiff have another bug. The last two times I visited Cardiff, I came back with a bug. It’s ny favourite city in the world but something’s wrong there.
Cardiff seriously need a win too as Swansea City are only behind on goal difference.but Middlesbrough don’t stop many teams from beating them. Cardiff are strong away from home though, having won more away matches than any other team in the Championship.
Darcy Blake has recovered from his bug, Jason Koumas has recovered from a toe injury and I’m sure someone would have mentioned it if Craig Bellamy might not be able to play – especially as he’s a hat-trick away from his 150th career goal. I don’t know about Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig but if they’re okay, their chances of starting have probably increased.
Craig believes Cardiff can still win the league but they need one or two January signings.
Danny Coyne will probably be on the bench for Boro. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Norwich City v Portsmouth
Norwich are unbeaten in five. Most of those matches were draws but they’re still fourth. Portsmouth aren’t even in the top half of the table and might not be even if they win but Portsmouth have got a pattern thing going. They lose seven… they win seven. They lose four… they win… one. So that looks like three wins to come, one of them against Portsmouth. Norwich must be so glad runs like that don’t mean anything.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones could be on the bench again after doing nothing wrong as far as I can see in his cameo appearance last week. Manager Paul Lambert says Owain still has a role to play for the club.
Leicester have lost two of their last three matches but the one they won was a home game and they actually haven’t lost a home league game since mid-September and even then that was only Queen’s Park Rangers and they were beating everyone then. And the last time they lost a home game to a team who wasn’t QPR was in August. Doncaster have been doing really well but they’re not QPR. And their last away win at Leicester was only a year off being Victorian.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
Middlesbrough v Cardiff City
Cardiff have another bug. The last two times I visited Cardiff, I came back with a bug. It’s ny favourite city in the world but something’s wrong there.
Cardiff seriously need a win too as Swansea City are only behind on goal difference.but Middlesbrough don’t stop many teams from beating them. Cardiff are strong away from home though, having won more away matches than any other team in the Championship.
Darcy Blake has recovered from his bug, Jason Koumas has recovered from a toe injury and I’m sure someone would have mentioned it if Craig Bellamy might not be able to play – especially as he’s a hat-trick away from his 150th career goal. I don’t know about Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig but if they’re okay, their chances of starting have probably increased.
Craig believes Cardiff can still win the league but they need one or two January signings.
Danny Coyne will probably be on the bench for Boro. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Norwich City v Portsmouth
Norwich are unbeaten in five. Most of those matches were draws but they’re still fourth. Portsmouth aren’t even in the top half of the table and might not be even if they win but Portsmouth have got a pattern thing going. They lose seven… they win seven. They lose four… they win… one. So that looks like three wins to come, one of them against Portsmouth. Norwich must be so glad runs like that don’t mean anything.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones could be on the bench again after doing nothing wrong as far as I can see in his cameo appearance last week. Manager Paul Lambert says Owain still has a role to play for the club.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Championship Fixtures (and Postponements) 4th December 2010 (Part 1)
Cardiff City v Preston North End
Cardiff will need to draw at least to ensure they remain ahead of rivals Swansea City but supporters will expect more from the promotion contenders when they face the Championship’s bottom side.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy should start with Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas also in the squad. A hat-trick for Craig will bring him up to 150 club career goals.
Paul Parry faces his former club, Cardiff City, but he – along with team-mate Craig Morgan - is not guaranteed a starting place.
Darcy and Adam will show their superhero side next week to raise money for hospice Ty Hafan.
Coventry City v Middlesbrough
Coventry could be in third place if they win this match. Not the kind of team Middlesbrough want to be facing as they attempt to climb out of the bottom two. Boro only have one away win this season.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping to get back into Coventry’s starting line-up.
Danny Coyne should have recovered from injury by now but new manager Tony Mowbray might not fancy him for the #1 spot. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Derby County v Norwich City
Derby are above Norwich only on goal difference but the loser of this match is likely to drop out of the top six. Derby have won six of their nine home games.
Robbie Savage has a good chance of starting for Derby but Gareth Roberts is still suspended.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones has returned from his loan spell at Yeovil Town but I’d be surprised to see him in the squad. It would be a very nice surprise though.
Doncaster Rovers P-P Barnsley
No run-out this week for Doncaster’s Welsh midfielders John Oster – who would have been facing a former club - and Brian Stock as their pitch is frozen.
Cardiff will need to draw at least to ensure they remain ahead of rivals Swansea City but supporters will expect more from the promotion contenders when they face the Championship’s bottom side.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy should start with Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas also in the squad. A hat-trick for Craig will bring him up to 150 club career goals.
Paul Parry faces his former club, Cardiff City, but he – along with team-mate Craig Morgan - is not guaranteed a starting place.
Darcy and Adam will show their superhero side next week to raise money for hospice Ty Hafan.
Coventry City v Middlesbrough
Coventry could be in third place if they win this match. Not the kind of team Middlesbrough want to be facing as they attempt to climb out of the bottom two. Boro only have one away win this season.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping to get back into Coventry’s starting line-up.
Danny Coyne should have recovered from injury by now but new manager Tony Mowbray might not fancy him for the #1 spot. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Derby County v Norwich City
Derby are above Norwich only on goal difference but the loser of this match is likely to drop out of the top six. Derby have won six of their nine home games.
Robbie Savage has a good chance of starting for Derby but Gareth Roberts is still suspended.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones has returned from his loan spell at Yeovil Town but I’d be surprised to see him in the squad. It would be a very nice surprise though.
Doncaster Rovers P-P Barnsley
No run-out this week for Doncaster’s Welsh midfielders John Oster – who would have been facing a former club - and Brian Stock as their pitch is frozen.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
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.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
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.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
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.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 13th November 2010 (Part 2)
Nottingham Forest v Queen’s Park Rangers
QPR remain unbeaten but not many teams win at the City Ground. No team has won there for fourteen months which is probably a bit more impressive than QPR’s record.
Robert Earnshaw will hope to start again for Forest but Chris Gunter should definitely start.
Portsmouth v Doncaster Rovers
Portsmouth started the season by failing to win in seven matches. They have now won seven matches in their last ten. A definite improvement, I’d say.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both start for Doncaster.
Scunthorpe United v Cardiff City
Cardiff are back chasing QPR after a horrible horrible defeat to you know who and a draw with Reading.
Craig Bellamy was rested midweek because of his knee problem but he could be back in the squad to face Scunthorpe. I’m pretty sure Cardiff have won every away match with Craig in the team but maybe that’s not true anymore. My spreadsheets are on the other computer.
Adam Matthews and Darcy Blake startes for Cardiff midweek and will hope to keep their places. It was Adam’s first start since you know what and he did fine. Darcy however is thought to have the most chance of staying in the starting line-up. Jason Koumas and Aaron Wildig will also hope to be included.
Reading v Norwich City
Norwich haven’t won any of their last three matches but they remain in the top five –although this is unlikely to continue to be the case if they lose to Reading. Reading failed to win their last two matches at least but they were playing QPR and Cardiff so they should be forgiven.
Andrew Crofts is back for Norwich after serving a one-match suspension. He believes Norwich will be even better once they have their injured players back but Andrew could be the next to disappear – one more yellow card and he’ll be banned again.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu will both want to start for Reading but I’m really not sure they will. Simon is the one in the driving seat at the moment although I’m not sure why that’s so positive, who wants to be a chauffeur when they could be the star?
QPR remain unbeaten but not many teams win at the City Ground. No team has won there for fourteen months which is probably a bit more impressive than QPR’s record.
Robert Earnshaw will hope to start again for Forest but Chris Gunter should definitely start.
Portsmouth v Doncaster Rovers
Portsmouth started the season by failing to win in seven matches. They have now won seven matches in their last ten. A definite improvement, I’d say.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both start for Doncaster.
Scunthorpe United v Cardiff City
Cardiff are back chasing QPR after a horrible horrible defeat to you know who and a draw with Reading.
Craig Bellamy was rested midweek because of his knee problem but he could be back in the squad to face Scunthorpe. I’m pretty sure Cardiff have won every away match with Craig in the team but maybe that’s not true anymore. My spreadsheets are on the other computer.
Adam Matthews and Darcy Blake startes for Cardiff midweek and will hope to keep their places. It was Adam’s first start since you know what and he did fine. Darcy however is thought to have the most chance of staying in the starting line-up. Jason Koumas and Aaron Wildig will also hope to be included.
Reading v Norwich City
Norwich haven’t won any of their last three matches but they remain in the top five –although this is unlikely to continue to be the case if they lose to Reading. Reading failed to win their last two matches at least but they were playing QPR and Cardiff so they should be forgiven.
Andrew Crofts is back for Norwich after serving a one-match suspension. He believes Norwich will be even better once they have their injured players back but Andrew could be the next to disappear – one more yellow card and he’ll be banned again.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu will both want to start for Reading but I’m really not sure they will. Simon is the one in the driving seat at the moment although I’m not sure why that’s so positive, who wants to be a chauffeur when they could be the star?
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 9th November 2010 (Part 2)
Millwall v Norwich City
Millwall have lost their last two and are five points from both the play-offs and the relegation places.
Steve Morison will miss out for Millwall after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last week. Millwall also have a number of striker injuries. Norwich have only won once at Millwall in the last 21 years
Norwich will also be without their Welsh international – Andrew Crofts famously got an goal and an assist to earn Norwich a draw at the weekend before earning himself two yellow cards.
Nottingham Forest v Coventry City
Forest aim to extend their unbeaten home record when they meet fifth-placed Coventry.
Robert Earnshaw made his first start since returning from a hamstring injury on Saturday and it’s thought this game comes too soon for him to play again. Chris Gunter should play at right back.
Freddy Eastwood was said to be in Coventry’s squad at the weekend but he wasn’t selected for the matchday squad.
Preston North End v Barnsley
Preston are only out of the relegation places on goal difference after winning only one of their last six matches but the good news for them is that Barnsley, just two points above them, are yet to win away.
Craig Morgan should keep his place in Preston’s defence. Paul Parry is more likely to be on the bench.
Scunthorpe United v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough finally got a win last weekend but as it was only against Crystal Palace, they still have a lot to prove. Scunthorpe are hardly a top side and have a poor home record, having only won once at home. But Middlesbrough haven’t even won once away.
Danny Coyne could return from a calf injury for Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Millwall have lost their last two and are five points from both the play-offs and the relegation places.
Steve Morison will miss out for Millwall after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last week. Millwall also have a number of striker injuries. Norwich have only won once at Millwall in the last 21 years
Norwich will also be without their Welsh international – Andrew Crofts famously got an goal and an assist to earn Norwich a draw at the weekend before earning himself two yellow cards.
Nottingham Forest v Coventry City
Forest aim to extend their unbeaten home record when they meet fifth-placed Coventry.
Robert Earnshaw made his first start since returning from a hamstring injury on Saturday and it’s thought this game comes too soon for him to play again. Chris Gunter should play at right back.
Freddy Eastwood was said to be in Coventry’s squad at the weekend but he wasn’t selected for the matchday squad.
Preston North End v Barnsley
Preston are only out of the relegation places on goal difference after winning only one of their last six matches but the good news for them is that Barnsley, just two points above them, are yet to win away.
Craig Morgan should keep his place in Preston’s defence. Paul Parry is more likely to be on the bench.
Scunthorpe United v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough finally got a win last weekend but as it was only against Crystal Palace, they still have a lot to prove. Scunthorpe are hardly a top side and have a poor home record, having only won once at home. But Middlesbrough haven’t even won once away.
Danny Coyne could return from a calf injury for Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Championship Results 6th November 2010 (Part 2)
Middlesbrough 2-1 Crystal Palace
Middlesbrough remain in the bottom three despite winning for the fourth time this season. The team they lost to are the only team below them. Palace have just four points from their eight away matches this season.
Middlesbrough were without Danny Coyne due to a calf injury but he wouldn’t have played anyway.
Andy Dorman came off the bench for Palace but there was no sign of goalkeeper Lewis Price.
Norwich City 2-2 Burnley
Norwich are outside the play-offs onluy on goal difference after coming back from 2-0 down to draw with Burnley, who are still without an away win this season.
It was quite a match for Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts. It really had a bit of everything. He got the assist for their first goal, scored the second to get Norwich a point in stoppage time, got a yellow card for unsporting conduct (possibly relating to his celebration?) and then got sent off. But his team-mates still love him.
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 Reading
Unbeaten QPR moved back to the top of the table following this win over Reading and they remained their when Cardiff City lost to Swansea City the following day.
Simon Church had to be content with a place on the bench again. They did bring him on just after the hour mark but he didn’t get any winning goals this week. Well, scoring late goals doesn’t help him get into the team, maybe not scoring them will have more effect. Hal Robson-Kanu started for Reading and he was the victim of a foul that took QPR down to ten men. It didn’t help.
Sheffield United 1-2 Ipswich Town
Sheffield United lost for the third consecutive match and are now just a point outside the relegation zone while Ipswich are back in the top six.
Ched Evans was a half-time substitute for Sheffield United and could have scored a couple but it wasn’t to be.
Troy Brown came off Ipswich’s bench in the 85th minute.
Watford 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have done well at home but they still only have one away win after only drawing with Watford, who would have been in the play-offs if they’d won.
Robert Earnshaw made his first start for Forest since returning from a hamstring injury. Chris Gunter also started.
Middlesbrough remain in the bottom three despite winning for the fourth time this season. The team they lost to are the only team below them. Palace have just four points from their eight away matches this season.
Middlesbrough were without Danny Coyne due to a calf injury but he wouldn’t have played anyway.
Andy Dorman came off the bench for Palace but there was no sign of goalkeeper Lewis Price.
Norwich City 2-2 Burnley
Norwich are outside the play-offs onluy on goal difference after coming back from 2-0 down to draw with Burnley, who are still without an away win this season.
It was quite a match for Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts. It really had a bit of everything. He got the assist for their first goal, scored the second to get Norwich a point in stoppage time, got a yellow card for unsporting conduct (possibly relating to his celebration?) and then got sent off. But his team-mates still love him.
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 Reading
Unbeaten QPR moved back to the top of the table following this win over Reading and they remained their when Cardiff City lost to Swansea City the following day.
Simon Church had to be content with a place on the bench again. They did bring him on just after the hour mark but he didn’t get any winning goals this week. Well, scoring late goals doesn’t help him get into the team, maybe not scoring them will have more effect. Hal Robson-Kanu started for Reading and he was the victim of a foul that took QPR down to ten men. It didn’t help.
Sheffield United 1-2 Ipswich Town
Sheffield United lost for the third consecutive match and are now just a point outside the relegation zone while Ipswich are back in the top six.
Ched Evans was a half-time substitute for Sheffield United and could have scored a couple but it wasn’t to be.
Troy Brown came off Ipswich’s bench in the 85th minute.
Watford 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have done well at home but they still only have one away win after only drawing with Watford, who would have been in the play-offs if they’d won.
Robert Earnshaw made his first start for Forest since returning from a hamstring injury. Chris Gunter also started.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 2)
Doncaster Rovers v Millwall
Kenny Jackett celebrates his third anniversary of becoming Millwall’s manager. Or he’s hoping to celebrate.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both start to Doncaster.
Steve Morison should keep his place in Millwall’s starting line-up.
Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace
Danny Coyne he has had a calf injury and is a doubt.
Andy Dorman could keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up with Lewis Price on the bench.
Norwich City v Burnley
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Reading
Simon Church deserves to start after two recent winning goals as a substitute. If so, he could replace Hal Robson-Kanu but I hope they both start. Simon this week became probably the tenth Wales international to say he wants Brian Flynn to become the permanent Wales manager.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11673_6482939,00.html
Sheffield United v Ipswich Town
Ched Evans will be hoping to start for Sheffield United, something he hasn’t done for over a month.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Watford v Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter, who signed a new contract with Forest this week, should start. Robert Earnshaw could be the next to sign – he’s currently in contract talks. Rob has been on the bench recently after returning from a hamstring injury but he could start today.
Kenny Jackett celebrates his third anniversary of becoming Millwall’s manager. Or he’s hoping to celebrate.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both start to Doncaster.
Steve Morison should keep his place in Millwall’s starting line-up.
Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace
Danny Coyne he has had a calf injury and is a doubt.
Andy Dorman could keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up with Lewis Price on the bench.
Norwich City v Burnley
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Reading
Simon Church deserves to start after two recent winning goals as a substitute. If so, he could replace Hal Robson-Kanu but I hope they both start. Simon this week became probably the tenth Wales international to say he wants Brian Flynn to become the permanent Wales manager.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11673_6482939,00.html
Sheffield United v Ipswich Town
Ched Evans will be hoping to start for Sheffield United, something he hasn’t done for over a month.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Watford v Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter, who signed a new contract with Forest this week, should start. Robert Earnshaw could be the next to sign – he’s currently in contract talks. Rob has been on the bench recently after returning from a hamstring injury but he could start today.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Championship Fixtures 30th October 2010 (Part 1)
Cardiff City v Norwich City
Cardiff will remain in the top two whether they win or lose – and they could even go top if Burnley get their first league win of the season against Queen’s Park Rangers. But first they play Norwich City and the newly-promoted side are looking like promotion contenders themselves. Cardiff are unbeaten at home and are on a run of four consecutive wins.
With Craig Bellamy in the team, Cardiff have so far always won. His knee problems have severely restricted but he is expected to face Norwich, one of his former sides. Adam Matthews is back from international duty with the Wales under-19 squad but he might not go straight back into the squad if Dave Jones is still annoyed about that own goal, which could have happened to anyone.
Jason Koumas and Aaron Wildig (who technically isn't Welsh but he wants to be) should both be on the bench at least. Nathaniel Jarvis has returned to Cardiff after hia loan spell at Southend United came to an end but unless Cardiff have a few more injury problems (like they haven’t got enough already) I dount he’ll get into the squad.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich.
Crystal Palace v Swansea City
Swansea remain unbeaten at home but they now seem to have got the hang of this away-win business and are currently unbeaten in five which could be bad news for Crystal Palace. If Palace lose, it will be their worst start to a season for ten years.
Andy Dorman will hope to start for Palace again after scoring his first goal for them against Preston North End. Let’s overlook the small fact that Palace didn’t actually win. Lewis Price will probably be on the bench.
Ashley Williams will return to Swansea’s starting line-up after recovering from concussion – and will equal a Swansea record in the process as he starts his 106th successive league game. Neil Taylor, Joe Allen and David Cotterill will be on the bench if they don’t start.
Cardiff will remain in the top two whether they win or lose – and they could even go top if Burnley get their first league win of the season against Queen’s Park Rangers. But first they play Norwich City and the newly-promoted side are looking like promotion contenders themselves. Cardiff are unbeaten at home and are on a run of four consecutive wins.
With Craig Bellamy in the team, Cardiff have so far always won. His knee problems have severely restricted but he is expected to face Norwich, one of his former sides. Adam Matthews is back from international duty with the Wales under-19 squad but he might not go straight back into the squad if Dave Jones is still annoyed about that own goal, which could have happened to anyone.
Jason Koumas and Aaron Wildig (who technically isn't Welsh but he wants to be) should both be on the bench at least. Nathaniel Jarvis has returned to Cardiff after hia loan spell at Southend United came to an end but unless Cardiff have a few more injury problems (like they haven’t got enough already) I dount he’ll get into the squad.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich.
Crystal Palace v Swansea City
Swansea remain unbeaten at home but they now seem to have got the hang of this away-win business and are currently unbeaten in five which could be bad news for Crystal Palace. If Palace lose, it will be their worst start to a season for ten years.
Andy Dorman will hope to start for Palace again after scoring his first goal for them against Preston North End. Let’s overlook the small fact that Palace didn’t actually win. Lewis Price will probably be on the bench.
Ashley Williams will return to Swansea’s starting line-up after recovering from concussion – and will equal a Swansea record in the process as he starts his 106th successive league game. Neil Taylor, Joe Allen and David Cotterill will be on the bench if they don’t start.
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