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 ben davies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ben davies. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 22nd January 2011 (Part 2)
Crystal Palace v Bristol City
Palace will hope to make it two wins in their last eight games by beating Bristol City. Bristol City aren’t on a great run either, having won one of their last six.
Jermaine Easter could make his first start for Crystal Palace – and he says he’s hoping to make an immediate impact. Andy Dorman will hope to keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up but he could be on the bench with Lewis Price.
Brett Pitman should start for Bristol City but Lewin Nyatanga is a doubt due to a sore Achilles. Christian Ribeiro could still be out with a hamstring injury.
Derby County v Nottingham Forest
Derby are hoping this match won’t be their seventh defeat in nine matches but Nottingham Forest have forced themselves into play-off contention – yet another reason to enjoy beating Derby.
Derby’s new signing Ben Davies could go straight into Derby’s squad to replace Forest. Former Derby captain Michael Johnson expects him to be a big success.
It has been speculated that Ben is a replacement for Robbie Savage, who could be heading for Vancouver soonas rather than later but I don’t think Robbie’s gone anywhere yet (and trust me, we would notice if Robbie wasn’t there). This could be Robbie’s last ever derby match.
Robbie’s played in midfield, he’s played in goal, he’s even commentated and been a pundit. But now he takes on a new challenge: refereeing. Here’s why – and here’s how he got on.
Gareth Roberts could also start for Derby.
Chris Gunter will almost certainly start for Forest but Robert Earnshaw hasn’t scored for a while and we know what that usually means at Forest. If Rob does play, he’ll be facing a former club.
Palace will hope to make it two wins in their last eight games by beating Bristol City. Bristol City aren’t on a great run either, having won one of their last six.
Jermaine Easter could make his first start for Crystal Palace – and he says he’s hoping to make an immediate impact. Andy Dorman will hope to keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up but he could be on the bench with Lewis Price.
Brett Pitman should start for Bristol City but Lewin Nyatanga is a doubt due to a sore Achilles. Christian Ribeiro could still be out with a hamstring injury.
Derby County v Nottingham Forest
Derby are hoping this match won’t be their seventh defeat in nine matches but Nottingham Forest have forced themselves into play-off contention – yet another reason to enjoy beating Derby.
Derby’s new signing Ben Davies could go straight into Derby’s squad to replace Forest. Former Derby captain Michael Johnson expects him to be a big success.
It has been speculated that Ben is a replacement for Robbie Savage, who could be heading for Vancouver soonas rather than later but I don’t think Robbie’s gone anywhere yet (and trust me, we would notice if Robbie wasn’t there). This could be Robbie’s last ever derby match.
Robbie’s played in midfield, he’s played in goal, he’s even commentated and been a pundit. But now he takes on a new challenge: refereeing. Here’s why – and here’s how he got on.
Gareth Roberts could also start for Derby.
Chris Gunter will almost certainly start for Forest but Robert Earnshaw hasn’t scored for a while and we know what that usually means at Forest. If Rob does play, he’ll be facing a former club.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Transfer News and Rumours 20th January 2010
Blackburn Rovers Jason Brown is hoping to leave Blackburn, either permanently or on loan, in order to get some first-team football and play for Wales again.
David Vaughan, along with some of his other Blackpool team-mates, has been told he won’t be leaving the club this transfer window. Certainly not to go to an inferior club like Liverpool.
Manchester United will offer Ryan Giggs a new one-year contract.
Derby County have told Robbie Savage that if he wants to join the Vancouver Whitecaps, he can go this winter.
Derby County have been bidding for Ben Davies again but Notts County just didn’t seem to want to let him go. Ben says he loves Notts County and doesn’t want to leave but he would love to play in the Championship – and, at 29, he might not get many more chances. Notts County manager Paul Ince said that if Derby want Ben, they’ll need to come up with a much bigger bid than they’ve done so far. Presumably, Derby managed this – although maybe it was Ben’s transfer request that forced the move. (You see why they call them 'transfer sagas'?)
Leeds United are interested in signing Sanchez Watt on a permanent basis from Arsenal.
Steve Morison, who has attracted the attention of clubs including Fulham, Norwich City and Nottingham Forest, is in talks with Millwall about a new contract.
Reading manager Brian McDermott doesn’t want to sell any player this January. So Wolverhampton Wanderers can keep their paws off Simon Church.
Swansea City defender Ashley Williams is still attracting the attention of Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic but team-mate Nathan Dyer says it would be silly for Ashley to leave Swansea.
Jason Price thinks former loan club Bradford City need to sign some loud players.
Charlton Athletic don’t have any Welsh players but they could be interested in Plymouth Argyle’s Carl Fletcher.
Lee Beevers has been a regular at left back for Colchester United recently – but manager John Ward seems to be interested in replacing him.
Rochdale have signed Owain fon Williams from struggling League Two Stockport County following his excellent performances for League Two promotion contenders Bury. Championship side Derby County were also interested. Owain’s contract with Rochdale runs until the end of the season.
David Vaughan, along with some of his other Blackpool team-mates, has been told he won’t be leaving the club this transfer window. Certainly not to go to an inferior club like Liverpool.
Manchester United will offer Ryan Giggs a new one-year contract.
Derby County have told Robbie Savage that if he wants to join the Vancouver Whitecaps, he can go this winter.
Derby County have been bidding for Ben Davies again but Notts County just didn’t seem to want to let him go. Ben says he loves Notts County and doesn’t want to leave but he would love to play in the Championship – and, at 29, he might not get many more chances. Notts County manager Paul Ince said that if Derby want Ben, they’ll need to come up with a much bigger bid than they’ve done so far. Presumably, Derby managed this – although maybe it was Ben’s transfer request that forced the move. (You see why they call them 'transfer sagas'?)
Leeds United are interested in signing Sanchez Watt on a permanent basis from Arsenal.
Steve Morison, who has attracted the attention of clubs including Fulham, Norwich City and Nottingham Forest, is in talks with Millwall about a new contract.
Reading manager Brian McDermott doesn’t want to sell any player this January. So Wolverhampton Wanderers can keep their paws off Simon Church.
Swansea City defender Ashley Williams is still attracting the attention of Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic but team-mate Nathan Dyer says it would be silly for Ashley to leave Swansea.
Jason Price thinks former loan club Bradford City need to sign some loud players.
Charlton Athletic don’t have any Welsh players but they could be interested in Plymouth Argyle’s Carl Fletcher.
Lee Beevers has been a regular at left back for Colchester United recently – but manager John Ward seems to be interested in replacing him.
Rochdale have signed Owain fon Williams from struggling League Two Stockport County following his excellent performances for League Two promotion contenders Bury. Championship side Derby County were also interested. Owain’s contract with Rochdale runs until the end of the season.
League One Results 15th January 2011
Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 Peterborough United
Brighton won for the fourth successive match which probably wasn’t what Darren Ferguson was hoping for when he returned to manager Peterborough. An away win over Brighton would have been quite an achievement. No team has managed it in the league this season.
Arron Davies wasn’t in Peterborough’s squad.
Carlisle United 4-0 Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers’ long run without a win continued as Carlisle’s own winless run was ended in em[hatic style.
Jason Price wasn’t in Carlisle’s squad due to an Achilles injury.
Ben Swallow started for Bristol Rovers but Byron Anthony was still recovering from food poisoning and didn’t start. He was the player who replaced Ben. Eliot Richards was an unused substitute.
Hartlepool United 0-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
Dagenham & Redbridge got their third away win of the season while Hartlepool lost for the third consecutive match.
Tony Roberts kept a clean sheet for Dag & Red.
Milton Keynes Dons 2-0 Tranmere Rovers
MK Dons moved into the play-off places with victory over Tranmere, who are only out of the bottom four on goal difference.
Ash Taylor kept his place in Tranmere’s starting line-up.
Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Oldham Athletic
Oldham are now only a point behind the play-offs after this result.but Plymouth were starting to look over their shoulders again.
Carl Fletcher played the full match for Plymouth.
Rochdale 1-1 Leyton Orient
This game went ahead despite adverse weather conditions and arguably shouldn’t have happened at all. Rochdale scored first and it was the Rochdale manager who seemed to feel strongly that this match should have been abandoned. But I’m sure that’s just a coincidence.
Nicky Adams started for Rochdale and really got Leyton Orient worried but he was replaced by Matt Done after suffering an ankle injury.
Southampton 0-0 Notts County
Notts County brought to an end a run of five consecutive wins for Southampton – including a 6-0 thrashing of Oldham Athletic and an FA Cup victory over Premier League Blackpool.
Ryan Doble was on the bench for Southampton.
Ben Davies played the full match for Notts County.
Swindon Town 0-1 Yeovil Town
Yeovil keep their survival hopes alive with an excellent away win over Swindon Town. Yeovil remain in the bottom three only on goal difference while Swindon are just two points ahead.
Nathan Jones was on the bench for Yeovil.
Walsall 2-4 Huddersfield Town
Walsall matched Huddersfield for much of the game but unfortunately football matches last longer than 76 minutes and Huddersfield scored two late goals. If Walsall had managed to hang on (without scoring a winner), it would have been their first home draw of the season.
Sean Geddes was on the bench for Walsall.
Brighton won for the fourth successive match which probably wasn’t what Darren Ferguson was hoping for when he returned to manager Peterborough. An away win over Brighton would have been quite an achievement. No team has managed it in the league this season.
Arron Davies wasn’t in Peterborough’s squad.
Carlisle United 4-0 Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers’ long run without a win continued as Carlisle’s own winless run was ended in em[hatic style.
Jason Price wasn’t in Carlisle’s squad due to an Achilles injury.
Ben Swallow started for Bristol Rovers but Byron Anthony was still recovering from food poisoning and didn’t start. He was the player who replaced Ben. Eliot Richards was an unused substitute.
Hartlepool United 0-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
Dagenham & Redbridge got their third away win of the season while Hartlepool lost for the third consecutive match.
Tony Roberts kept a clean sheet for Dag & Red.
Milton Keynes Dons 2-0 Tranmere Rovers
MK Dons moved into the play-off places with victory over Tranmere, who are only out of the bottom four on goal difference.
Ash Taylor kept his place in Tranmere’s starting line-up.
Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Oldham Athletic
Oldham are now only a point behind the play-offs after this result.but Plymouth were starting to look over their shoulders again.
Carl Fletcher played the full match for Plymouth.
Rochdale 1-1 Leyton Orient
This game went ahead despite adverse weather conditions and arguably shouldn’t have happened at all. Rochdale scored first and it was the Rochdale manager who seemed to feel strongly that this match should have been abandoned. But I’m sure that’s just a coincidence.
Nicky Adams started for Rochdale and really got Leyton Orient worried but he was replaced by Matt Done after suffering an ankle injury.
Southampton 0-0 Notts County
Notts County brought to an end a run of five consecutive wins for Southampton – including a 6-0 thrashing of Oldham Athletic and an FA Cup victory over Premier League Blackpool.
Ryan Doble was on the bench for Southampton.
Ben Davies played the full match for Notts County.
Swindon Town 0-1 Yeovil Town
Yeovil keep their survival hopes alive with an excellent away win over Swindon Town. Yeovil remain in the bottom three only on goal difference while Swindon are just two points ahead.
Nathan Jones was on the bench for Yeovil.
Walsall 2-4 Huddersfield Town
Walsall matched Huddersfield for much of the game but unfortunately football matches last longer than 76 minutes and Huddersfield scored two late goals. If Walsall had managed to hang on (without scoring a winner), it would have been their first home draw of the season.
Sean Geddes was on the bench for Walsall.
Saturday, 15 January 2011
League One Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 2)
Rochdale v Leyton Orient
After a great start to life in League One, Rochdale were looking as though they could be heading straight back down to the division that they spent so long in, it was named after them. Now they’re three points from the play-offs, having only lost twice at home. But Orient will be feeling confident. After all, Rochdale aren’t as good as Norwich City, are they?
Nicky Adams is now a Rochdale player but last season he played for Leyton Orient on loan. They wanted him back on a permanent basis but luckily for Rochdale, Nicky doesn’t much like London.
Matt Done should also be in the squad for Rochdale.
Southampton v Notts County
A win for Southampton could put them top of the table but they’re still two whole divisions (okay maybe one and a half) below Sunderland and Notts County beat Sunderland. Notts County actually haven’t lost since mid-November.
Ben Davies will play for Notts County, except maybe if he’s about to be sold. Derby County have made a £250,000 bid but Paul Ince really wants to keep him.
Swindon Town v Yeovil Town
Swindon continue to struggle at the opposite side of the table from the play-offs but they’re only six points away. It could still happen. And if it is going to happen, they ought to be able to beat Yeovil, who have lost seven of their eleven away games.
Nathan Jones and Rhys Baggridge could be on the bench for Yeovil again. Nathan hails Yeovil’s physio Simon Baker (probably not the guy I stalked at school), who has left the club in order to spend more time with his family.
Walsall v Huddersfield Town
Walsall are second-bottom but still quite a way adrift, despite being unbeaten in their last three matches. They’re still without a home draw in the league but ideally they want to beat Huddersfield, who have already lost six times away from home.
Sean Geddes could be on the bench for Walsall.
After a great start to life in League One, Rochdale were looking as though they could be heading straight back down to the division that they spent so long in, it was named after them. Now they’re three points from the play-offs, having only lost twice at home. But Orient will be feeling confident. After all, Rochdale aren’t as good as Norwich City, are they?
Nicky Adams is now a Rochdale player but last season he played for Leyton Orient on loan. They wanted him back on a permanent basis but luckily for Rochdale, Nicky doesn’t much like London.
Matt Done should also be in the squad for Rochdale.
Southampton v Notts County
A win for Southampton could put them top of the table but they’re still two whole divisions (okay maybe one and a half) below Sunderland and Notts County beat Sunderland. Notts County actually haven’t lost since mid-November.
Ben Davies will play for Notts County, except maybe if he’s about to be sold. Derby County have made a £250,000 bid but Paul Ince really wants to keep him.
Swindon Town v Yeovil Town
Swindon continue to struggle at the opposite side of the table from the play-offs but they’re only six points away. It could still happen. And if it is going to happen, they ought to be able to beat Yeovil, who have lost seven of their eleven away games.
Nathan Jones and Rhys Baggridge could be on the bench for Yeovil again. Nathan hails Yeovil’s physio Simon Baker (probably not the guy I stalked at school), who has left the club in order to spend more time with his family.
Walsall v Huddersfield Town
Walsall are second-bottom but still quite a way adrift, despite being unbeaten in their last three matches. They’re still without a home draw in the league but ideally they want to beat Huddersfield, who have already lost six times away from home.
Sean Geddes could be on the bench for Walsall.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Welsh Player Transfer News and Rumours 13th January 2011
Blackpool would like to sign Aaron Ramsey on loan. And who can blame then for trying? They got into the Premier League, they did the double over Liverpool, they know all about making the impossible happen.
Manchester City would like to buy Gareth Bale in the summer, if Tottenham Hotspur are interested in selling him but I don’t think even Tottenham are that stupid.
Danny Gabbidon could be returning to Cardiff City after failing to agree a new contract with West Ham United.
Derby County manager Nigel Clough is hoping to sign Ben Davies from Notts County this month. He could replace Robbie Savage, who is interested in a move to Vancouver.
Joe Allen has been attracting interest from Premier League clubs but his agent says he will be staying at Swansea City and hopes to sign a new contract soon.
Jermaine Easter has left loan club Swansea City early after being recalled by parent club Milton Keynes Dons. Jermaine was interested in signing for Swansea permanently and Crystal Palace are also said to have shown an interest.
Rotherham United have said Mark Bradley can go out on loan after struggling to get into the matchday squad.
John Hartson could become the new manager of Newport County. Gary Speed thinks John would do a great job.
Manchester City would like to buy Gareth Bale in the summer, if Tottenham Hotspur are interested in selling him but I don’t think even Tottenham are that stupid.
Danny Gabbidon could be returning to Cardiff City after failing to agree a new contract with West Ham United.
Derby County manager Nigel Clough is hoping to sign Ben Davies from Notts County this month. He could replace Robbie Savage, who is interested in a move to Vancouver.
Joe Allen has been attracting interest from Premier League clubs but his agent says he will be staying at Swansea City and hopes to sign a new contract soon.
Jermaine Easter has left loan club Swansea City early after being recalled by parent club Milton Keynes Dons. Jermaine was interested in signing for Swansea permanently and Crystal Palace are also said to have shown an interest.
Rotherham United have said Mark Bradley can go out on loan after struggling to get into the matchday squad.
John Hartson could become the new manager of Newport County. Gary Speed thinks John would do a great job.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part Four)
Southampton 2-0 Blackpool
Southampton might be two leagues lower than Blackpool but apparently they were the favourites for this match, with Blackpool expected to rest a number of players. Ian Holloway made nine changes, filling the bench with players so lowly, they don’t even have their own page on BBC Sport.
It’s a good thing Blackpool didn’t get relegated to League One last season really. They’ve lost to every League One club they’ve played this season. Southampton’s next challenge will be rather more difficult: they’re at home again, but to Manchester United.
Neal Eardley was one of the two who weren’t replaced. He could have got Blackpool an assist – and it wasn’t his fault that he didn’t. Rob Edwards played 90 minutes.
Stoke City 1-1 Cardiff City
It’s fair to say this wasn’t the result I was dreaming of but it’s a great result all the same and you never know what will happen. Cardiff and Stoke looked evenly matched and although it’s true Stoke left some of their best players on the bench, Cardiff were forced to leave some of theirs out of the squad entirely. Cardiff did of course knock out Middlesbrough a few years ago in the semi-final and Middlesbrough were quite good then. The winner of the replay will be away at Doncaster Rovers or Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Stoke rested top players including Danny Collins but Cardiff were without Craig Bellamy (knees), Jason Koumas (warm-up injury, maybe his toe again) and Jay Bothroyd (hamstring).
Ryan Shawcross, perhaps surprisingly, kept his place in Stoke’s team.
Adam Matthews and Darcy Blake made substitute appearances for Cardiff. Jonathan Meades was on the bench for a second successive game, this time joined by Aaron Wildig.
Sunderland 1-2 Notts County
Not many teams have won at the Stadium of Light this season. Sunderland have done so on a number of occasions but Blackpool are the only other side to win there in a League match. Notts County are now only two divisions below Sunderland, they haven’t been doing all that well in League One.
Sunderland did rest a few players, including goalkeeper Craig Gordan but there were starts for Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan among others while Titus Bramble and Jordan Henderson were on the bench. Sunderland weren’t at their best at all and Notts County thoroughly deserved their win. Last season they best another Premier League side, Wigan Athletic, although Notts County were in League Two at that time. Notts County’s next challenge will be either Leicester City or Manchester City.
Ben Davies played in midfield for Notts County. He wasn’t at goal/assist-getting best his best but perhaps that’s just as well given that the transfer window is open. Ben belives Notts County can still get promoted this season.
Southampton might be two leagues lower than Blackpool but apparently they were the favourites for this match, with Blackpool expected to rest a number of players. Ian Holloway made nine changes, filling the bench with players so lowly, they don’t even have their own page on BBC Sport.
It’s a good thing Blackpool didn’t get relegated to League One last season really. They’ve lost to every League One club they’ve played this season. Southampton’s next challenge will be rather more difficult: they’re at home again, but to Manchester United.
Neal Eardley was one of the two who weren’t replaced. He could have got Blackpool an assist – and it wasn’t his fault that he didn’t. Rob Edwards played 90 minutes.
Stoke City 1-1 Cardiff City
It’s fair to say this wasn’t the result I was dreaming of but it’s a great result all the same and you never know what will happen. Cardiff and Stoke looked evenly matched and although it’s true Stoke left some of their best players on the bench, Cardiff were forced to leave some of theirs out of the squad entirely. Cardiff did of course knock out Middlesbrough a few years ago in the semi-final and Middlesbrough were quite good then. The winner of the replay will be away at Doncaster Rovers or Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Stoke rested top players including Danny Collins but Cardiff were without Craig Bellamy (knees), Jason Koumas (warm-up injury, maybe his toe again) and Jay Bothroyd (hamstring).
Ryan Shawcross, perhaps surprisingly, kept his place in Stoke’s team.
Adam Matthews and Darcy Blake made substitute appearances for Cardiff. Jonathan Meades was on the bench for a second successive game, this time joined by Aaron Wildig.
Sunderland 1-2 Notts County
Not many teams have won at the Stadium of Light this season. Sunderland have done so on a number of occasions but Blackpool are the only other side to win there in a League match. Notts County are now only two divisions below Sunderland, they haven’t been doing all that well in League One.
Sunderland did rest a few players, including goalkeeper Craig Gordan but there were starts for Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan among others while Titus Bramble and Jordan Henderson were on the bench. Sunderland weren’t at their best at all and Notts County thoroughly deserved their win. Last season they best another Premier League side, Wigan Athletic, although Notts County were in League Two at that time. Notts County’s next challenge will be either Leicester City or Manchester City.
Ben Davies played in midfield for Notts County. He wasn’t at goal/assist-getting best his best but perhaps that’s just as well given that the transfer window is open. Ben belives Notts County can still get promoted this season.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 6)
Sunderland v Notts County
Notts County are near the bottom of League One so they probably don’t really want to go to a team who don’t go around losing home matches very often. So Notts County will be hoping to emulate Blackpool and West Ham United. (I would go for Blackpool.)
Ben Davies should start for Notts County.
Swansea City v Colchester United
Swansea probably still remember the last time they were giant-killed in the FA Cup. I bet most Cardiff City fans remember it too. The giant-killers in question also played Liverpool..Colchester, meanwhile, will be hoping to improve on last year’s 7-0 exit to Preston North End.
Neil Taylor is still out for Swansea with an ankle injury (he’s likely to be out for four weeks) but Ashley Williams, Joe Allen and David Cotterill should all be available. It looks as though Jermaine Easter hasn’t represented parent club Milton Keynes Dons in the FA Cup so assuming MK Dons give him permission, he could also play.
Colchester are missing at least three defenders which could be good news for Lee Beevers. Lloyd James will also be hoping for a second consecutive start. There could also be a space for Tom Bender on the bench again Tom will be off to the Balon d’Or ceremony next week.
Torquay United v Carlisle United
Carlisle supporters will have to travel a very long way in order to get to this match so they’ll really be hoping it’s worth it. Neither club has won since November but they’ve both only played three games since then.
Jason Price is back from his loan spell at Bradford City but he has already represented Bradford in the FA Cup.
West Ham United v Barnsley
West Ham are expected to rest players which could be great news for Barnsley.
Danny Gabbidon could be one of those rested. Jack Collison isn’t ready to return from a knee injury but it won’t be long now.
Notts County are near the bottom of League One so they probably don’t really want to go to a team who don’t go around losing home matches very often. So Notts County will be hoping to emulate Blackpool and West Ham United. (I would go for Blackpool.)
Ben Davies should start for Notts County.
Swansea City v Colchester United
Swansea probably still remember the last time they were giant-killed in the FA Cup. I bet most Cardiff City fans remember it too. The giant-killers in question also played Liverpool..Colchester, meanwhile, will be hoping to improve on last year’s 7-0 exit to Preston North End.
Neil Taylor is still out for Swansea with an ankle injury (he’s likely to be out for four weeks) but Ashley Williams, Joe Allen and David Cotterill should all be available. It looks as though Jermaine Easter hasn’t represented parent club Milton Keynes Dons in the FA Cup so assuming MK Dons give him permission, he could also play.
Colchester are missing at least three defenders which could be good news for Lee Beevers. Lloyd James will also be hoping for a second consecutive start. There could also be a space for Tom Bender on the bench again Tom will be off to the Balon d’Or ceremony next week.
Torquay United v Carlisle United
Carlisle supporters will have to travel a very long way in order to get to this match so they’ll really be hoping it’s worth it. Neither club has won since November but they’ve both only played three games since then.
Jason Price is back from his loan spell at Bradford City but he has already represented Bradford in the FA Cup.
West Ham United v Barnsley
West Ham are expected to rest players which could be great news for Barnsley.
Danny Gabbidon could be one of those rested. Jack Collison isn’t ready to return from a knee injury but it won’t be long now.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (League One, Part 2)
Exeter City
Richard Duffy got an assist in Exeter’s shock thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday but the cold weather meant they didn’t play again for the rest of the year. And when they did play again, they’d forgotten how to thrash top teams.
Sheff Wed H 5-1 (A1 29, played all)
Soton A 4-0 (played all)
Brighton H 1-2 (played all)
Rob Edwards seemed to have a Christmas break from playing but no doubt he was still there in a coaching capacity.
Sheff Wed H 5-1 (bench)
Soton A 4-0 (unselected)
Brighton H 1-2 (unselected)
Daniel Nardiello didn’t get any starts at all, despite coming off the bench to score in the penalty shoot-out win over Bristol Rovers in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy shortly before this round-up of results begins.
Sheff Wed H 5-1 (bench)
Soton A 4-0 (bench, on 55)
Brighton H 1-2 (bench, on 74)
Andy Marriott also didn’t play. No news yet on whether he has moved to West Bromwich Albion. (As a coach, I mean.)
Notts County
Ben Davies hadn’t got an assist since October – although he has scored once since then. But the long run finally came to an end against Hartlepool United.
Plymouth A 1-1 (played all)
Walsall A 0-3 (played all)
Hartlepool H 3-0 (A2 70, played all)
Oldham Athletic
Joe Jacobson is still on loan at Accrington Stanley.
Peterborough United
Arron Davies has been in and out of the starting line-up and this is exactly what happened in the two games Peterborough played over Christmas (or over the New Year, if you want to be accurate about it).
Swindon A 1-1 (bench)
Walsall H 4-1 (starts, off 79)
Plymouth Argyle
It took Carl Fletcher a long time to recover from his leg injury but now he’s back and Plymouth are unbeaten in four.
Notts Co H 1-1 (played all)
Yeovil H 0-0 (played all)
Bristol R A 2-3 (played all)
Rochdale
Nicky Adams has signed permanently for Rochdale following a successful loan spell. But he’s yet to start for his new club as he’s been recovering from injury.
Tranmere H 3-2 (out injury although I think his loan had ended and he was back at Brentford sorting out his move)
Oldham A 1-2 (bench, on 55)
Matt Done was probably quite glad to see the back of Nicky Adams as he finally got a start. But then Nicky came back and neither of them started.
Tranmere H 3-2 (starts, off 75)
Oldham A 1-2 (bench, on 61)
Richard Duffy got an assist in Exeter’s shock thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday but the cold weather meant they didn’t play again for the rest of the year. And when they did play again, they’d forgotten how to thrash top teams.
Sheff Wed H 5-1 (A1 29, played all)
Soton A 4-0 (played all)
Brighton H 1-2 (played all)
Rob Edwards seemed to have a Christmas break from playing but no doubt he was still there in a coaching capacity.
Sheff Wed H 5-1 (bench)
Soton A 4-0 (unselected)
Brighton H 1-2 (unselected)
Daniel Nardiello didn’t get any starts at all, despite coming off the bench to score in the penalty shoot-out win over Bristol Rovers in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy shortly before this round-up of results begins.
Sheff Wed H 5-1 (bench)
Soton A 4-0 (bench, on 55)
Brighton H 1-2 (bench, on 74)
Andy Marriott also didn’t play. No news yet on whether he has moved to West Bromwich Albion. (As a coach, I mean.)
Notts County
Ben Davies hadn’t got an assist since October – although he has scored once since then. But the long run finally came to an end against Hartlepool United.
Plymouth A 1-1 (played all)
Walsall A 0-3 (played all)
Hartlepool H 3-0 (A2 70, played all)
Oldham Athletic
Joe Jacobson is still on loan at Accrington Stanley.
Peterborough United
Arron Davies has been in and out of the starting line-up and this is exactly what happened in the two games Peterborough played over Christmas (or over the New Year, if you want to be accurate about it).
Swindon A 1-1 (bench)
Walsall H 4-1 (starts, off 79)
Plymouth Argyle
It took Carl Fletcher a long time to recover from his leg injury but now he’s back and Plymouth are unbeaten in four.
Notts Co H 1-1 (played all)
Yeovil H 0-0 (played all)
Bristol R A 2-3 (played all)
Rochdale
Nicky Adams has signed permanently for Rochdale following a successful loan spell. But he’s yet to start for his new club as he’s been recovering from injury.
Tranmere H 3-2 (out injury although I think his loan had ended and he was back at Brentford sorting out his move)
Oldham A 1-2 (bench, on 55)
Matt Done was probably quite glad to see the back of Nicky Adams as he finally got a start. But then Nicky came back and neither of them started.
Tranmere H 3-2 (starts, off 75)
Oldham A 1-2 (bench, on 61)
Friday, 17 December 2010
League One Fixture 17th December (postponed)
Brighton & Hove Albion P-P Notts County
This match is postponed due to a frozen pitch. I wonder how far down the motorway Notts County were when they received this piece of news. But on the positive side, the BBC Sport website seems to be under the impression that this is a Championship fixture. So neither team can be doing too badly.
So Brighton are safe from Ben Davies' free kicks. For now.
This match is postponed due to a frozen pitch. I wonder how far down the motorway Notts County were when they received this piece of news. But on the positive side, the BBC Sport website seems to be under the impression that this is a Championship fixture. So neither team can be doing too badly.
So Brighton are safe from Ben Davies' free kicks. For now.
FA Cup Results 14th December 2010
Hartlepool United 4-2 Yeovil Town
Hartlepool fought back from 2-0 down to ensure that Yeovil, unlike them, will be able to focus entirely on the league from now on. And considering Yeovil’s league position, it seems like Hartlepool have done them a big favour.
Shaun MacDonald played 71 minutes for Yeovil.
Notts County 3-1 Bournemouth
Last season, Notts County finished first with Bournemouth second yet in League One it is Bournemouth who are higher in the league. By quiet a way. But when these two teams met in the Cup, it was Notts County who came out on top in what actually counts as a shock win. Maybe ‘shock win’ is taking it a bit far but credit to County for pulling off a shock and credit to Bournemouth for becoming a team who can be the victim of a shock win by teams in their own league.
Ben Davies nearly scored from a free kick for Notts County.
Rhoys Wiggins got the assist for Bournemouth’s goal and nearly scored too bit his long-range effort hit the crossbar.
Hartlepool fought back from 2-0 down to ensure that Yeovil, unlike them, will be able to focus entirely on the league from now on. And considering Yeovil’s league position, it seems like Hartlepool have done them a big favour.
Shaun MacDonald played 71 minutes for Yeovil.
Notts County 3-1 Bournemouth
Last season, Notts County finished first with Bournemouth second yet in League One it is Bournemouth who are higher in the league. By quiet a way. But when these two teams met in the Cup, it was Notts County who came out on top in what actually counts as a shock win. Maybe ‘shock win’ is taking it a bit far but credit to County for pulling off a shock and credit to Bournemouth for becoming a team who can be the victim of a shock win by teams in their own league.
Ben Davies nearly scored from a free kick for Notts County.
Rhoys Wiggins got the assist for Bournemouth’s goal and nearly scored too bit his long-range effort hit the crossbar.
League One Results 11th December 2010 (Part 1)
Bournemouth 0-1 Hartlepool United
Bournemouth lost a second successive match whilst Hartlepool climbed into the top half of the table, somewhere they have no right to be. Whatever next, a pub team from Essex in League One… oh wait.
Rhoys Wiggins played the full match for Bournemouth.
Carlisle United 0-2 Dagenham & Redbridge
My favourite pub team from Essex (actually my favourite team of any kind in Essex) Dag & Red got an impressive away win at Carlisle United, who drop down to eleventh as a result but they’re still only two points from the play-offs.
Kayleden Brown got not one but two assists for Dagenham, both of them coming in the last eight minutes (or the last eleven minutes if you want to get technical). He arguably should have got a third ‘assist’ but the referee chose not to award a penalty after Kayleden was fouled. Tony Roberts was in athetic form in the Daggers’ goal.
Colchester United 0-0 Yeovil Town
Struggling Yeovil got an excellent away point at Colchester, who remain in the play-off places. Yeovil weren’t able to overtake Dagenham & Redbridge unfortunately as they won too but at least they got a bit further away from Walsall.
Lloyd James made a late substitute appearance for Colchester but Lee Beevers stayed on the bench.
Shaun MacDonald, Yeovil’s only remaining Welsh loanee midfielder, played the full match.
Notts County 2-0 Milton Keynes Dons
Notts County moved out of the play-off places as Paul Ince’s team beat his former club, the opening goal coming from Ince’s son Thomas.
Ben Davies could have scored for Notts County but the keeper saved it.
Bournemouth lost a second successive match whilst Hartlepool climbed into the top half of the table, somewhere they have no right to be. Whatever next, a pub team from Essex in League One… oh wait.
Rhoys Wiggins played the full match for Bournemouth.
Carlisle United 0-2 Dagenham & Redbridge
My favourite pub team from Essex (actually my favourite team of any kind in Essex) Dag & Red got an impressive away win at Carlisle United, who drop down to eleventh as a result but they’re still only two points from the play-offs.
Kayleden Brown got not one but two assists for Dagenham, both of them coming in the last eight minutes (or the last eleven minutes if you want to get technical). He arguably should have got a third ‘assist’ but the referee chose not to award a penalty after Kayleden was fouled. Tony Roberts was in athetic form in the Daggers’ goal.
Colchester United 0-0 Yeovil Town
Struggling Yeovil got an excellent away point at Colchester, who remain in the play-off places. Yeovil weren’t able to overtake Dagenham & Redbridge unfortunately as they won too but at least they got a bit further away from Walsall.
Lloyd James made a late substitute appearance for Colchester but Lee Beevers stayed on the bench.
Shaun MacDonald, Yeovil’s only remaining Welsh loanee midfielder, played the full match.
Notts County 2-0 Milton Keynes Dons
Notts County moved out of the play-off places as Paul Ince’s team beat his former club, the opening goal coming from Ince’s son Thomas.
Ben Davies could have scored for Notts County but the keeper saved it.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
League One Fixtures 11th December 2010 (Part 1)
Bournemouth v Hartlepool United
Bournemouth will go second if they win and Charlton lose and Sheffield Wednesday don’t win by four goals more than Bournemouth. If Hartlepool win, they might go into the top half of the table.
Bournemouth have only lost one home league match this season and failed to win just two.
Rhoys Wiggins says Bournemouth can continue to prove their doubters wrong. Rhoys will make his 50th league start for Bournemouth in this match.
Carlisle United v Dagenham & Redbridge
Dag & Red are improving but they’re six points from safety so they ideally need to improve a little bit more. They’ve only won one away game this season (and drawn just two) but that’s only one fewer than Carlisle.
Carlisle don’t seem to want Jason Price back from Bradford City.
I haven’t heard anything about Tony Roberts but BBC Sport suggests he won’t play in goal. Well, he’s not likely to play anywhere else. Kayleden Brown could start after extending his loan spell until next year.
Colchester United v Yeovil Town
A win could take Colchester to joint second but they’re not expecting this match against the second-bottom team to be easy. I thought teams with a record of 4 4 2 either home or away was probably not that common but Colchester are another. Yeovil have lost seven of their ten away games this season.
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James will probably be on the bench for Colchester.
Yeovil have not only lost Owain Tudur Jones, Gavin Williams has gone too. Shaun MacDonald is their only remaining loan Welshman but he’s still got Nathan Jones to keep him company. Gavin believes Yeovil will survive relegation this season.
Notts County v Milton Keynes Dons
Notts County’s new manager faces one of his old clubs as the home side attempt to haul themselves out of the bottom three. A win for MK Dons could put them outside the play-offs on goal difference. Or even in the play-offs – Oldham Athletic aren’t playing so a 10-0 win from MK Dons will do it, as long as Yeovil can beat Colchester United.
Ben Davies should start for Notts County.
Bournemouth will go second if they win and Charlton lose and Sheffield Wednesday don’t win by four goals more than Bournemouth. If Hartlepool win, they might go into the top half of the table.
Bournemouth have only lost one home league match this season and failed to win just two.
Rhoys Wiggins says Bournemouth can continue to prove their doubters wrong. Rhoys will make his 50th league start for Bournemouth in this match.
Carlisle United v Dagenham & Redbridge
Dag & Red are improving but they’re six points from safety so they ideally need to improve a little bit more. They’ve only won one away game this season (and drawn just two) but that’s only one fewer than Carlisle.
Carlisle don’t seem to want Jason Price back from Bradford City.
I haven’t heard anything about Tony Roberts but BBC Sport suggests he won’t play in goal. Well, he’s not likely to play anywhere else. Kayleden Brown could start after extending his loan spell until next year.
Colchester United v Yeovil Town
A win could take Colchester to joint second but they’re not expecting this match against the second-bottom team to be easy. I thought teams with a record of 4 4 2 either home or away was probably not that common but Colchester are another. Yeovil have lost seven of their ten away games this season.
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James will probably be on the bench for Colchester.
Yeovil have not only lost Owain Tudur Jones, Gavin Williams has gone too. Shaun MacDonald is their only remaining loan Welshman but he’s still got Nathan Jones to keep him company. Gavin believes Yeovil will survive relegation this season.
Notts County v Milton Keynes Dons
Notts County’s new manager faces one of his old clubs as the home side attempt to haul themselves out of the bottom three. A win for MK Dons could put them outside the play-offs on goal difference. Or even in the play-offs – Oldham Athletic aren’t playing so a 10-0 win from MK Dons will do it, as long as Yeovil can beat Colchester United.
Ben Davies should start for Notts County.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
League One Fixtures (and Postponements) 4th December 2010
Brentford P-P Notts County
Notts County are considering under-soil heating but even if they did have it, it wouldn’t be much help as this match is at Brentford, who have a frozen pitch.
Ben Davies says Notts County can build on their victory over Swindon Town. Ben will meet the board soon to discuss his future.
Brighton P-P Colchester United
This game can’t be played as Brighton just isn’t a safe place for supporters.
Bristol Rovers v Bournemouth
This game isn’t cancelled yet but there’s going to be a pitch inspection tomorrow. So don’t go out without checking though if you do it won’t be a big disaster, it’s not like the match is in Carlisle. A win for Bournemouth would put them into the top two although Charlton Athletic would have a game in hand – and Bournemouth, despite their good position, have won away only once this season.
Byron Anthony returns from suspension for Bristol Rovers with Eliot Richards and Ben Swallow on the bench.
Rhoys Wiggins will start for Bournemouth
Joe Partington has extended his loan spell at Eastbourne Borough.
Dagenham & Redbridge P-P Huddersfield Town
There’s a safety issue in Dagenham so this match won’t be played.
Exeter City v Tranmere Rovers
Exeter are three points from the top six but they’d need a to win by ten goals in order to overturn Oldham Athletic’s goal difference. Tranmere won’t be in the bottom three if they lose because not enough of the teams below tham are playing but it would be uncomfortably close.
Richard Duffy has a slight hamstring injury but he’s expected to be fit to play for Exeter and first team coach/team-mate Rob Edwards believes Richard could be playing for Wales again before too long. Brian Flynn was at a recent match and Rob doesn’t think he was there to watch him and has concluded he must have been watching Richard – though Daniel Nardiello is Welsh too, you know, Rob.
Rob believes the current Exeter side is the strongest he’s seen at the club but he is worried about facing Tranmere’s Dale Jennings. Ash Taylor isn’t too bad either but he’ll probably only be on the bench as he’s coming back from injury.
Leyton Orient P-P Carlisle United
Orient imply there’s nothing wrong with their stadium, it’s the roads around it that are the problem.
Milton Keynes Dons P-P Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth’s financial problems are unlikely to be helped by the cancellation of this match due to a frozen pitch in Milton Keynes.
Plymouth captain Carl Fletcher is still yet to make his comeback from injury. He was set to play in a reserve match this week but I’m not sure if it happened.
Rochdale P-P Charlton Athletic
It’s not just London where the pitches are frozen. Stadia that were due to be visited by a London club are having problems too.
Matt Done visited a school in Rochdale this week as part of Anti-Bullying week.
Yeovil Town P-P Peterborough United
Yeovil and Peterborough can’t play this match due to an excess of snow.
Yeovil loanee Owain Tudur Jones, who has returned to Norwich. His final match was meant to be an FA Cup match but it was postponed.
Notts County are considering under-soil heating but even if they did have it, it wouldn’t be much help as this match is at Brentford, who have a frozen pitch.
Ben Davies says Notts County can build on their victory over Swindon Town. Ben will meet the board soon to discuss his future.
Brighton P-P Colchester United
This game can’t be played as Brighton just isn’t a safe place for supporters.
Bristol Rovers v Bournemouth
This game isn’t cancelled yet but there’s going to be a pitch inspection tomorrow. So don’t go out without checking though if you do it won’t be a big disaster, it’s not like the match is in Carlisle. A win for Bournemouth would put them into the top two although Charlton Athletic would have a game in hand – and Bournemouth, despite their good position, have won away only once this season.
Byron Anthony returns from suspension for Bristol Rovers with Eliot Richards and Ben Swallow on the bench.
Rhoys Wiggins will start for Bournemouth
Joe Partington has extended his loan spell at Eastbourne Borough.
Dagenham & Redbridge P-P Huddersfield Town
There’s a safety issue in Dagenham so this match won’t be played.
Exeter City v Tranmere Rovers
Exeter are three points from the top six but they’d need a to win by ten goals in order to overturn Oldham Athletic’s goal difference. Tranmere won’t be in the bottom three if they lose because not enough of the teams below tham are playing but it would be uncomfortably close.
Richard Duffy has a slight hamstring injury but he’s expected to be fit to play for Exeter and first team coach/team-mate Rob Edwards believes Richard could be playing for Wales again before too long. Brian Flynn was at a recent match and Rob doesn’t think he was there to watch him and has concluded he must have been watching Richard – though Daniel Nardiello is Welsh too, you know, Rob.
Rob believes the current Exeter side is the strongest he’s seen at the club but he is worried about facing Tranmere’s Dale Jennings. Ash Taylor isn’t too bad either but he’ll probably only be on the bench as he’s coming back from injury.
Leyton Orient P-P Carlisle United
Orient imply there’s nothing wrong with their stadium, it’s the roads around it that are the problem.
Milton Keynes Dons P-P Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth’s financial problems are unlikely to be helped by the cancellation of this match due to a frozen pitch in Milton Keynes.
Plymouth captain Carl Fletcher is still yet to make his comeback from injury. He was set to play in a reserve match this week but I’m not sure if it happened.
Rochdale P-P Charlton Athletic
It’s not just London where the pitches are frozen. Stadia that were due to be visited by a London club are having problems too.
Matt Done visited a school in Rochdale this week as part of Anti-Bullying week.
Yeovil Town P-P Peterborough United
Yeovil and Peterborough can’t play this match due to an excess of snow.
Yeovil loanee Owain Tudur Jones, who has returned to Norwich. His final match was meant to be an FA Cup match but it was postponed.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
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.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
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.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
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.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
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.
Monday, 8 November 2010
FA Cup Results 6th November 2010 (Part 3)
Gillingham 0-2 Dover Athletic
Dover were out for revenge. Gillingham had taken two of their managers, their youth team coach and one of their best players. But it was Dover who went through to the second round of the FA Cup.
Adam Birchall has scored no fewer than nine goals in the FA Cup this season. I didn’t see the first eight but his ninth was spectacular.
Guiseley 0-5 Crawley Town
No giant-killing here but we still have another non-league side in the second round of the FA Cup. The winner came from Torres. Liverpool must have been jealous. But only for twenty-four hours.
Glenn Wilson wasn’t in Crawley’s squad due to a hamstring problem.
Harrow Borough 0-2 Chesterfield
Chesterfield are at the top of League Two for a reason and, unlike many clubs, they weren’t about to be caught out by their non-league opponents. But the fact they only scored two probably means that Harrow did a pretty good job.
Substitute Craig Davies made the game safe only in the 93rd minute.
Hartlepool United 0-0 Vauxhall Motors
And another non-league side force a replay against League One opponents. It could have been a lot worse for Hartlepool but luckily when Vauxhall scored, it was offside.
Rob Marsh-Evans wasn’t playing for Vauxhall Motors because he’s gone back to parent club Southport.
Havant & Waterloovilw 0-2 Droylsden
No dazzling Cup run for Havant this season – not unless Droylsden made the same mistake as they did against Chesterfield two years ago.
Hereford Town 5-1 Hythe Town
Hythe, the lowerst-ranked team in the first round proper, became the second team in three matches to concede five against Hereford. But the difference between Hythe and Stockport County is that Hereford didn’t keep a clean sheet aganst Hythe.
Stuart Fleetwood finally got the start that he should have got weeks ago. He got the assist for the third goal, then scored the fifth. Ryan Green played at centre back but Ryan Valentine was unselected.
Macclesfield Town 2-2 Southend United
Macclesfield and Southend prepare for the second of four meetings between these sides this season.
Sam Wedgbury was on the bench for Macclesfield.
Southend were without Peter Gilbert, who was suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card. He was disappointed about missing this FA Cup match but Southend kindly ensured he would be playing in the first round after all.
Mansfield Town 0-1 Torquay United
Mansfield were very disappointed to lose after holding League Two’s Torquay at bay for 87 minutes.
Rhys Day couldn’t play for Mansfield following a red card in a previous game. Matt Somner also couldn’t play as he seems to be on loan at Altrincham.
Notts County 2-0 Gateshead
Gateshead might have harboured hopes of taking advantage of Notts County while things were in disarray following the shock sacking of one manager and very quick appointment of another.
Unfortunately, Notts County had other ideas. Ben Davies scored the penalty to put them 1-0 up.
Plymouth Argyle 0-4 Swindon Town
Swindon looked more like the play-off finalists they were last year than a team not all that far above Plymouth and the relegation places.
Carl Fletcher is still out for Plymouth with a leg injury.
Dover were out for revenge. Gillingham had taken two of their managers, their youth team coach and one of their best players. But it was Dover who went through to the second round of the FA Cup.
Adam Birchall has scored no fewer than nine goals in the FA Cup this season. I didn’t see the first eight but his ninth was spectacular.
Guiseley 0-5 Crawley Town
No giant-killing here but we still have another non-league side in the second round of the FA Cup. The winner came from Torres. Liverpool must have been jealous. But only for twenty-four hours.
Glenn Wilson wasn’t in Crawley’s squad due to a hamstring problem.
Harrow Borough 0-2 Chesterfield
Chesterfield are at the top of League Two for a reason and, unlike many clubs, they weren’t about to be caught out by their non-league opponents. But the fact they only scored two probably means that Harrow did a pretty good job.
Substitute Craig Davies made the game safe only in the 93rd minute.
Hartlepool United 0-0 Vauxhall Motors
And another non-league side force a replay against League One opponents. It could have been a lot worse for Hartlepool but luckily when Vauxhall scored, it was offside.
Rob Marsh-Evans wasn’t playing for Vauxhall Motors because he’s gone back to parent club Southport.
Havant & Waterloovilw 0-2 Droylsden
No dazzling Cup run for Havant this season – not unless Droylsden made the same mistake as they did against Chesterfield two years ago.
Hereford Town 5-1 Hythe Town
Hythe, the lowerst-ranked team in the first round proper, became the second team in three matches to concede five against Hereford. But the difference between Hythe and Stockport County is that Hereford didn’t keep a clean sheet aganst Hythe.
Stuart Fleetwood finally got the start that he should have got weeks ago. He got the assist for the third goal, then scored the fifth. Ryan Green played at centre back but Ryan Valentine was unselected.
Macclesfield Town 2-2 Southend United
Macclesfield and Southend prepare for the second of four meetings between these sides this season.
Sam Wedgbury was on the bench for Macclesfield.
Southend were without Peter Gilbert, who was suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card. He was disappointed about missing this FA Cup match but Southend kindly ensured he would be playing in the first round after all.
Mansfield Town 0-1 Torquay United
Mansfield were very disappointed to lose after holding League Two’s Torquay at bay for 87 minutes.
Rhys Day couldn’t play for Mansfield following a red card in a previous game. Matt Somner also couldn’t play as he seems to be on loan at Altrincham.
Notts County 2-0 Gateshead
Gateshead might have harboured hopes of taking advantage of Notts County while things were in disarray following the shock sacking of one manager and very quick appointment of another.
Unfortunately, Notts County had other ideas. Ben Davies scored the penalty to put them 1-0 up.
Plymouth Argyle 0-4 Swindon Town
Swindon looked more like the play-off finalists they were last year than a team not all that far above Plymouth and the relegation places.
Carl Fletcher is still out for Plymouth with a leg injury.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
FA Cup Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 4)
Hereford United v Hythe Town
Hereford really have lost Tony James this time but parent club Burton Albion probably wouldn’t have allowed him to play anyway. Stuart Fleetwood will hope for the start he should have got two matches ago and maybe Ryan Green and/or Ryan Valentine will be in line for a rest.
Macclesfield Town v Southend United
Sam Wedgbury will hope for another start for Macclesfield.
Southend defender Peter Gilbert has five yellow cards and will be suspended for this match. He was originally suspended for their match against Cheltenham Town but then he got updates from his team-mates telling him the floodlights have gone. He didn’t believe them but it was true and the match was abandoned, meaning Peter’s suspension has been carried over to this fixture.
Mansfield Town v Torquay United
Mansfield have signed Rhys Day on loan from Oxford United. I don’t know if Oxford gave them permission to play him but it doesn’t matter because he’s suspended. Rhys feels his red card for punching an opponent was undeserved as it wasn’t so much a punch as mutual shoving. But at least the fans were nice to him.
Rob Duffy, brother of Exeter City’s Richard, and Matt Sommer are the other Welshmen in Mansfield’s squad.
Notts County v Gateshead
I heard a while ago that Ben Davies was playing through an injury. If he still is, this would be a good chance to give him a rest. And even if he isn’t, Notts County might prefer not to play their first-choice team.
Plymouth Argyle v Swindon Town
Plymouth are still without Carl Fletcher, who has an injured leg.
Swindon might want to give Billy Bodin a chance.
Hereford really have lost Tony James this time but parent club Burton Albion probably wouldn’t have allowed him to play anyway. Stuart Fleetwood will hope for the start he should have got two matches ago and maybe Ryan Green and/or Ryan Valentine will be in line for a rest.
Macclesfield Town v Southend United
Sam Wedgbury will hope for another start for Macclesfield.
Southend defender Peter Gilbert has five yellow cards and will be suspended for this match. He was originally suspended for their match against Cheltenham Town but then he got updates from his team-mates telling him the floodlights have gone. He didn’t believe them but it was true and the match was abandoned, meaning Peter’s suspension has been carried over to this fixture.
Mansfield Town v Torquay United
Mansfield have signed Rhys Day on loan from Oxford United. I don’t know if Oxford gave them permission to play him but it doesn’t matter because he’s suspended. Rhys feels his red card for punching an opponent was undeserved as it wasn’t so much a punch as mutual shoving. But at least the fans were nice to him.
Rob Duffy, brother of Exeter City’s Richard, and Matt Sommer are the other Welshmen in Mansfield’s squad.
Notts County v Gateshead
I heard a while ago that Ben Davies was playing through an injury. If he still is, this would be a good chance to give him a rest. And even if he isn’t, Notts County might prefer not to play their first-choice team.
Plymouth Argyle v Swindon Town
Plymouth are still without Carl Fletcher, who has an injured leg.
Swindon might want to give Billy Bodin a chance.
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