Bristol City
Just when Lewin Nyatanga finally seemed to have established himself in the first team, he hurt his Achilles.
League: Boro H 0-4 (played all)
League: Palace A 0-0 (out, Achilles)
League: Forest A 1-0 (out, Achilles)
League: Swansea H 0-2 (out, Achilles)
Christian Ribeiro remains out with a hamstring injury.
Brett Pitman didn’t score in this period but two goals in Bristol City’s first two matches of 2011 was enough for him to be shortlisted for the PFA January Player of the Month award.
League: Boro H 0-4 (Y foul 36, played all)
League: Palace A 0-0 (played all)
League: Forest A 1-0 (played all)
League: Swansea H 0-2 (played all)
Cardiff City
Darcy Blake was an unused substitute for Cardiff. Or he was when he got on the bench.
League: Norwich A 1-1 (bench)
FA Cup replay: Stoke H 0-0, 0-2 aet (unselected)
League: Watford H 4-2 (bench)
League: Reading H 2-2 (bench)
Adam Matthews’ only recent appearance for Cardiff came in the FA Cup replay against Stoke and all sorts of players got into that squad.
Adam has attracted the interest of Celtic.
FA Cup replay: Stoke H 0-0, 0-1 aet (bench, on 75)
Jason Koumas spent several weeks out of the Cardiff squad after suffering first a toe injury and then illness but I’m not sure when the toe injury finished and the illness started
League: Norwich A 1-1 (out, toe)
FA Cup replay: Stoke H 0-0, 0-1 aet (out, toe)
League: Watford H 4-2 (out, illness)
League: Reading H 2-2 (bench)
Aaron Ramsey joined Cardiff City on loan from Arsenal shortly after Arsene Wenger said he wouldn’t be going to Cardiff on loan. Clearly he didn’t see it coming. Aaron isn’t expecting a long stay with his former club however although that hasn’t stopped Dave Jones from hoping.
Aaron and Darcy Blake help train the Wales stars of the future.
League: Watford H 4-2 (ineligible as he didn’t have international clearance to play in his own country)
League: Reading H 2-2 (played all)
Aaron Wildig has joined Hamilton Academicals on loan following Cardiff manager Dave Jones’ decision to sign too many players on loan. He lost his first match with Hamilton but they’re not very good so I’m sure it wasn’t his fault.
FA Cup replay Stoke H 0-0, 0-1 aet (bench, on 39)
Craig Bellamy was rested for the FA Cup clash against Cardiff but he scored two goals in the three games he did play in the time period covered in this blog post, including a very late equaliser against Reading, four minutes after Reading had got what looked like a very late winner.
Do Manchester City need Craig back now Adam Johnson is injured? Well if they do, they can’t have him.
League: Norwich A 1-1 (Y 80, played all)
FA Cup replay: Stoke H 0-0, 0-2 aet (unselected)
League: Watford H 4-2 (G1 14, played all)
League: Reading H 2-2 (G3 97, played all)
Coventry City
Freddy Eastwood hasn’t scored in any of the last four matches – five if you include the most recent one which I’ll review properly if I can get my arse in gear (which sounds a bit of a smelly concept to me). But he’s done enough to earn a much overdue call-up to the Wales squad. Vital Norwich City heard a rumour that Coventry had accepted a bid from Norwich for Freddy but nothing happened.League: Sheff Utd H 0-0 (played all)
League: Sheff Utd H 0-0 (played all)
FA Cup: FA Birmingham A 3-2 (bench, on 80)
League: Forest H 1-2 (starts, off 67)
Crystal Palace
Andy Dorman was hauled off the pitch 57 minutes into the defeat to Swansea City – and he hasn’t been seen since. If it’s an injury that’s the problem, Crystal Palace are keeping very quiet about it.
League: Swansea A 3-0 (starts, off 57)
Jermaine Easter was hoping to earn a permanent contract with Swansea after spending nine matches with them on loan. And as he was hoping, Jermaine was part of the squad for Swansea’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. However, it wasn’t Swansea who were his new club.
League: Swansea A 3-0 (bench, on 61)
League: Bristol C H 0-0 (starts, off 70)
League: Norwich H 0-0 (bench)
League: Watford A 1-1 (bench, on 77)
Lewis Price remains Crystal Palace’s second-choice keeper.
League: Swansea A 3-0 (bench)
League: Bristol C H 0-0 (bench)
League: Norwich H 0-0 (bench)
League: Watford A 1-1 (bench)
Showing posts with label brett pitman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brett pitman. 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.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Championship Results 15th January 2011 (Part 1)
Bristol City 0-4 Middlesbrough
Both clubs were hoping to bounce back from being the victims of an FA Cup giant-killing, with Middlesbrough’s defeat undeniably the more embarrassing (no disrespect to Burton Albion but Bristol City were playing Sheffield Wednesday). And whilst one league victory won’t make up for the Cup defeat entirely, a big emphatic win like this one can only help. Middlesbrough are now four points clear of the relegation zone.
Brett Pitman did his best for Bristol City and came close to scoring his ninth goal in nine games but he couldn’t quite do it. Lewin Nyatanga also started for Bristol City but Christian Ribeiro failed to recover from a hamstring injury and wasn’t on the bench.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough. Unfortunately, losing to Burton isn’t the best way of proving that you ought to be your club’s No. 1.
Coventry City 0-0 Sheffield United
An away point at Coventry is probably a result Sheffield United are reasonably happy with – although they are only two points from the drop zone – although the fact they haven’t won since their shock victory over Swansea City in mid-December probably is rather worrying. Coventry are probably just a little bit worried themselves – they have only won once in the last eight matches – and their win came in a Cup match.
That is not to say that Freddy Eastwood is in particularly bad form for Coventry. Three goals in his last four matches seems a more than reasonable return – especially when you consider he has five goals from his seven starts.
Ched Evans made his 100th league appearance. He didn’t score either (strikers tend not to when they’re involved in a goalless draw) but he has five goals from his last ten appearances for Sheffield United. So he’s pretty good too.
Doncaster Rovers 0-3 Reading
Reading continue their promotion quest with a 3-0 away win over Doncaster, who probably aren’t completely out of the play-off pictures themselves due to the number of games they have in hand.
Doncaster had their chances, with John Oster making his presence felt in his 400th career appearance against his former club.
Simon Church came off the bench for the last twelve minutes but Hal Robson-Kanu stayed on the bench.
Leeds United 4-0 Scunthorpe United
If Scunthorpe win their games in hand, that should be enough to take them out of the play-off zone. But when most of your points are coming from away games (not that Scunthorpe have got any points from anywhere in 2011) it is often quite a good thing to visit the division’s top sides at a time when they aren’t picking up many points. Leeds were without a win in five. So imagine how many they’d have scored if they were actually in form.
Sanchez Watt scored Leeds’ opening goal, his first for the club.
Millwall 2-1 Ipswich Town
Millwall did what Arsenal couldn’t and came back from a goal down to beat struggling Ipswich. Millwall are now unbeaten in nine and are three points from the play-offs.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s winning goal. He didn’t celebrate but he says that's because he's really tired and Neil Harris said on Late Kick-Off that Steve is still ill and it’s all he can do to drag himself around the football pitch, a celebration is just too much.
Both clubs were hoping to bounce back from being the victims of an FA Cup giant-killing, with Middlesbrough’s defeat undeniably the more embarrassing (no disrespect to Burton Albion but Bristol City were playing Sheffield Wednesday). And whilst one league victory won’t make up for the Cup defeat entirely, a big emphatic win like this one can only help. Middlesbrough are now four points clear of the relegation zone.
Brett Pitman did his best for Bristol City and came close to scoring his ninth goal in nine games but he couldn’t quite do it. Lewin Nyatanga also started for Bristol City but Christian Ribeiro failed to recover from a hamstring injury and wasn’t on the bench.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough. Unfortunately, losing to Burton isn’t the best way of proving that you ought to be your club’s No. 1.
Coventry City 0-0 Sheffield United
An away point at Coventry is probably a result Sheffield United are reasonably happy with – although they are only two points from the drop zone – although the fact they haven’t won since their shock victory over Swansea City in mid-December probably is rather worrying. Coventry are probably just a little bit worried themselves – they have only won once in the last eight matches – and their win came in a Cup match.
That is not to say that Freddy Eastwood is in particularly bad form for Coventry. Three goals in his last four matches seems a more than reasonable return – especially when you consider he has five goals from his seven starts.
Ched Evans made his 100th league appearance. He didn’t score either (strikers tend not to when they’re involved in a goalless draw) but he has five goals from his last ten appearances for Sheffield United. So he’s pretty good too.
Doncaster Rovers 0-3 Reading
Reading continue their promotion quest with a 3-0 away win over Doncaster, who probably aren’t completely out of the play-off pictures themselves due to the number of games they have in hand.
Doncaster had their chances, with John Oster making his presence felt in his 400th career appearance against his former club.
Simon Church came off the bench for the last twelve minutes but Hal Robson-Kanu stayed on the bench.
Leeds United 4-0 Scunthorpe United
If Scunthorpe win their games in hand, that should be enough to take them out of the play-off zone. But when most of your points are coming from away games (not that Scunthorpe have got any points from anywhere in 2011) it is often quite a good thing to visit the division’s top sides at a time when they aren’t picking up many points. Leeds were without a win in five. So imagine how many they’d have scored if they were actually in form.
Sanchez Watt scored Leeds’ opening goal, his first for the club.
Millwall 2-1 Ipswich Town
Millwall did what Arsenal couldn’t and came back from a goal down to beat struggling Ipswich. Millwall are now unbeaten in nine and are three points from the play-offs.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s winning goal. He didn’t celebrate but he says that's because he's really tired and Neil Harris said on Late Kick-Off that Steve is still ill and it’s all he can do to drag himself around the football pitch, a celebration is just too much.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 1)
Bristol City v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have lost nine of their thirteen away matches this season and while Bristol City aren’t exactly one of the top teams in the league, they’re still five points ahead of Middlesbrough. Boro can’t even take advantage of Bristol City’s FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Boro’s own defeat to Burton Albion is (no disrespect to Burton) a lot more embarrassing.
Lewin Nyatanga and Brett Pitman started for Bristol City against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup but Bristol City ended up losing to the lower-ranked team. So changes could be made although it was one of relatively few matches recently where Brett didn’t score.
Christian Ribeiro became a substituted substitute last week due to a hamstring injury and is a doubt for this match. Either that or a definite absentee, if you read the Bristol City official site.
Gavin Williams probably won’t be in the squad as he had a foot operation recently.
Danny Coyne played in goal for Middlesbrough’s disastrous FA Cup match against Burton Albion but Jason Steele is expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury. Rhys Williams remains out with an injured pelvis.
Coventry City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United could end up in the bottom three again if they lose this match and with only one win in their last league games, a defeat to Coventry is a possibility. Not that Coventry are doing much better, if at all. They haven’t won any of their last six matches.
Freddy Eastwood has scored three goals in his last three matches for Coventry so they’d be a bit silly to drop him from the starting line-up.
Sheffield United’s own Welsh striker. Ched Evans, has also been prolific of late so I would expect him to start too and make his 100th league appearance. Maybe he’ll score – team-mate Jamie Ward owes him a favour.
Doncaster Rovers v Reading
Reading are two points from the play-offs and Doncaster haven’t beaten them since 1982. Doncaster scored seven goals and even then it wasn’t a big win, with Reading scoring five. Doncaster have been strong at home this season though, only losing one of their eleven home matches.
John Oster should start for Doncaster (which should make team-mate Mark Wilson happy), making his 400th career appearance against a former club. Brian Stock hasn’t recovered from an injury so he won’t play. It was a leg injury last week but now it seems to have transferred itself to his back.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are likely to be on the bench for Reading.
Leeds United v Scunthorpe United
Leeds haven’t won any of their last four matches though they did only lost one of them and they’re still in the play-off places. And if a team is in need of any confidence, drawing with Arsenal can only help. This might look like a straightforward home win – Scunthorpe are struggling in 23rd place, albeit with one or two games in hand over the teams near them in the table. But all but one of their wins have come from away games.
Sanchez Watt injured his head and hamstring in the FA Cup match against Arsenal but he should be okay.
Middlesbrough have lost nine of their thirteen away matches this season and while Bristol City aren’t exactly one of the top teams in the league, they’re still five points ahead of Middlesbrough. Boro can’t even take advantage of Bristol City’s FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Boro’s own defeat to Burton Albion is (no disrespect to Burton) a lot more embarrassing.
Lewin Nyatanga and Brett Pitman started for Bristol City against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup but Bristol City ended up losing to the lower-ranked team. So changes could be made although it was one of relatively few matches recently where Brett didn’t score.
Christian Ribeiro became a substituted substitute last week due to a hamstring injury and is a doubt for this match. Either that or a definite absentee, if you read the Bristol City official site.
Gavin Williams probably won’t be in the squad as he had a foot operation recently.
Danny Coyne played in goal for Middlesbrough’s disastrous FA Cup match against Burton Albion but Jason Steele is expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury. Rhys Williams remains out with an injured pelvis.
Coventry City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United could end up in the bottom three again if they lose this match and with only one win in their last league games, a defeat to Coventry is a possibility. Not that Coventry are doing much better, if at all. They haven’t won any of their last six matches.
Freddy Eastwood has scored three goals in his last three matches for Coventry so they’d be a bit silly to drop him from the starting line-up.
Sheffield United’s own Welsh striker. Ched Evans, has also been prolific of late so I would expect him to start too and make his 100th league appearance. Maybe he’ll score – team-mate Jamie Ward owes him a favour.
Doncaster Rovers v Reading
Reading are two points from the play-offs and Doncaster haven’t beaten them since 1982. Doncaster scored seven goals and even then it wasn’t a big win, with Reading scoring five. Doncaster have been strong at home this season though, only losing one of their eleven home matches.
John Oster should start for Doncaster (which should make team-mate Mark Wilson happy), making his 400th career appearance against a former club. Brian Stock hasn’t recovered from an injury so he won’t play. It was a leg injury last week but now it seems to have transferred itself to his back.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are likely to be on the bench for Reading.
Leeds United v Scunthorpe United
Leeds haven’t won any of their last four matches though they did only lost one of them and they’re still in the play-off places. And if a team is in need of any confidence, drawing with Arsenal can only help. This might look like a straightforward home win – Scunthorpe are struggling in 23rd place, albeit with one or two games in hand over the teams near them in the table. But all but one of their wins have come from away games.
Sanchez Watt injured his head and hamstring in the FA Cup match against Arsenal but he should be okay.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part One)
Arsenal 1-1 Leeds United
Arsenal will need a replay in order to beat Leeds – and from the way that both teams played, an Arsenal win is not a foregone conclusion. Arsene Wenger fielded a weakened, if not weak side and they were very nearly made to suffer as Manchester United were last season. Leeds took the lead through an early penalty before Arsenal equalised in stoppage team by the same method. Arsenal were rightly awarded a penalty earlier in the game, only for the referee to change his mind, but a penalty was later awarded following what Theo Walcott is very keen to tell us was a dive. The team who wins the replay will play Huddersfield Town at home.
Aaron Ramsey was on the bench for Arsenal and was seen warming up although he was an unused substitute. It’s not necessarily an insult to Arsenal’s performance to say that this was the best moment in the game.
Sanchez Watt, on loan from Arsenal, was given permission to play for loan club Leeds in this match. He says his loyalties were divided, as were those of his family but he’s happy with the result and he’s looking forward to playing Arsenal at Elland Road.
Bolton Wanderers 2-0 York City
York came so close to winning themselves a home replay but late appearances for Bolton strikers Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander, both of whom have been on good form, gave Bolton two goals in the last seven mnutes. York played well and they deserved something from the game. Hopefully it will give them some comfort to know they can match a side who are competing for a place in the Europa League. Bolton have another home tie in the fourth round and will face fellow Premier League side Wigan Athletic.
Sam Ricketts played the full match for Bolton.
Danny Parslow was in defence for York and nearly got an assist but it was only an assist for a Bolton goal so I bet he was glad that chance was missed. Levi Mackin was on the bench.
Bristol City 0-3 Sheffield Wednesday
At first glance, this result doesn’t seem like much of a surprise but it was actually the first (alphabetically) of many giant-killings. Bristol City gave Sheffield Wednesday some trouble in attack but in defence they struggled as much as the scoreline suggests. Sheffield Wednesday will host either Wycombe Wanderers or Hereford United in the next round.
Lewin Nyatanga was in defence for Bristol City. Christian Ribeiro was a 63rd-minute substitute but he left the field just ten minutes later with a hamstring injury. It looks as though he could be out for several weeks but Bristol City won’t know for sure until the swelling goes down.
Brett Pitman kept the Wednesday defence hard at work but there was no place in the squad for Gavin Williams. Gavin was on the losing side for loan club Yeovil Town against Sheffield Wednesday but Yeovil only lost by two goals, despite being the home side.
Burnley 4-2 Port Vale
Burnley might be struggling in the Championship but they were convincing winners over League Two promotion contenders Port Vale, who have just lost their manager to Sheffield United (and yes, it was Wales’ fault). However, while the better team certainly won, Port Vale worked very hard and gave Burnley more than a few anxious moments.
Lewis Haldane started for Port Vale for only the second time since recovering from blood poisoning Stoke & Staffordshire says it’s his third start of the season though so maybe I missed one) and got the assist for Port Vale’s first goal. Gareth Owen, new manager Jim Gannon’s chosen captain for the day, played 90 minutes.
Burton Albion 2-1 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s only consolation is that Newcastle United, Sunderland and also Hartlepool United were also the victims of a Cupset but perhaps it is slightly more painful for a Middlesbrough side who have seen themselves fall from being a mid-table Premier League side to contenders for relegation to League One within a couple of years. Too good to go down? Well, they weren’t good enough to beat a mid-table League Two team yesterday.
Middlesbrough didn’t play badly. They dominated and created chances but chances are no good if you don’t take them. However, Burton were excellent. They worked hard, played well and they won the game. They will be away at Burnley in the next round.
Tony James was a half-time substitute for Burton – which means he won’t be available for Cup games if Hereford United buy him.
Danny Coyne got a rare start for Middlesbrough but was sadly unable to make the most of it. But that wasn’t entirely his fault. He didn’t have to make a save for the first 80 minutes.
Arsenal will need a replay in order to beat Leeds – and from the way that both teams played, an Arsenal win is not a foregone conclusion. Arsene Wenger fielded a weakened, if not weak side and they were very nearly made to suffer as Manchester United were last season. Leeds took the lead through an early penalty before Arsenal equalised in stoppage team by the same method. Arsenal were rightly awarded a penalty earlier in the game, only for the referee to change his mind, but a penalty was later awarded following what Theo Walcott is very keen to tell us was a dive. The team who wins the replay will play Huddersfield Town at home.
Aaron Ramsey was on the bench for Arsenal and was seen warming up although he was an unused substitute. It’s not necessarily an insult to Arsenal’s performance to say that this was the best moment in the game.
Sanchez Watt, on loan from Arsenal, was given permission to play for loan club Leeds in this match. He says his loyalties were divided, as were those of his family but he’s happy with the result and he’s looking forward to playing Arsenal at Elland Road.
Bolton Wanderers 2-0 York City
York came so close to winning themselves a home replay but late appearances for Bolton strikers Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander, both of whom have been on good form, gave Bolton two goals in the last seven mnutes. York played well and they deserved something from the game. Hopefully it will give them some comfort to know they can match a side who are competing for a place in the Europa League. Bolton have another home tie in the fourth round and will face fellow Premier League side Wigan Athletic.
Sam Ricketts played the full match for Bolton.
Danny Parslow was in defence for York and nearly got an assist but it was only an assist for a Bolton goal so I bet he was glad that chance was missed. Levi Mackin was on the bench.
Bristol City 0-3 Sheffield Wednesday
At first glance, this result doesn’t seem like much of a surprise but it was actually the first (alphabetically) of many giant-killings. Bristol City gave Sheffield Wednesday some trouble in attack but in defence they struggled as much as the scoreline suggests. Sheffield Wednesday will host either Wycombe Wanderers or Hereford United in the next round.
Lewin Nyatanga was in defence for Bristol City. Christian Ribeiro was a 63rd-minute substitute but he left the field just ten minutes later with a hamstring injury. It looks as though he could be out for several weeks but Bristol City won’t know for sure until the swelling goes down.
Brett Pitman kept the Wednesday defence hard at work but there was no place in the squad for Gavin Williams. Gavin was on the losing side for loan club Yeovil Town against Sheffield Wednesday but Yeovil only lost by two goals, despite being the home side.
Burnley 4-2 Port Vale
Burnley might be struggling in the Championship but they were convincing winners over League Two promotion contenders Port Vale, who have just lost their manager to Sheffield United (and yes, it was Wales’ fault). However, while the better team certainly won, Port Vale worked very hard and gave Burnley more than a few anxious moments.
Lewis Haldane started for Port Vale for only the second time since recovering from blood poisoning Stoke & Staffordshire says it’s his third start of the season though so maybe I missed one) and got the assist for Port Vale’s first goal. Gareth Owen, new manager Jim Gannon’s chosen captain for the day, played 90 minutes.
Burton Albion 2-1 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s only consolation is that Newcastle United, Sunderland and also Hartlepool United were also the victims of a Cupset but perhaps it is slightly more painful for a Middlesbrough side who have seen themselves fall from being a mid-table Premier League side to contenders for relegation to League One within a couple of years. Too good to go down? Well, they weren’t good enough to beat a mid-table League Two team yesterday.
Middlesbrough didn’t play badly. They dominated and created chances but chances are no good if you don’t take them. However, Burton were excellent. They worked hard, played well and they won the game. They will be away at Burnley in the next round.
Tony James was a half-time substitute for Burton – which means he won’t be available for Cup games if Hereford United buy him.
Danny Coyne got a rare start for Middlesbrough but was sadly unable to make the most of it. But that wasn’t entirely his fault. He didn’t have to make a save for the first 80 minutes.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 1)
Arsenal v Leeds United
Arsenal’s quest for silverware sees them take on the team who knocked Manchester United last year – and came close to doing the same to Tottenham Hotspur.
Aaron Ramsey could make his first appearance of the season as part of Arsenal’s squad.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/07/aaron-ramsey-arsenal-return-leeds
Sanchez Watt has been given permission to play for Leeds against his parent club but he has a head injury.
Blackburn Rovers v Queen’s Park Rangers
QPR get to test out how close they are to being ready for the Premier League.
Jason Brown could be in Blackburn’s squad but I kind of doubt it really. They do have a lot of injury problems but not in goal.
Bolton Wanderers v York City
Bolton are looking like European contenders but York have achieved something just by being here.
Bolton are expected to field a weakened side so Sam Ricketts could be rested. The Press disagree with me though – they think Sam will get a ‘rare start’. Sam has been on the bench once in the last ten matches. Sam knows what it’s like to be a non-league player but he won’t be giving York too much sympathy.
Levi Mackin will both hope to feature for York despite missing training when his baby daughter was born. As York have a fully-fit squad, Danny Parslow is presumably also available but Alex Lawless has signed for Luton Town following a loan spell with the club.
Bristol City v Sheffield Wednesday
There’s definitely some giant-killing potential here although it won’t be giant-killing of the most romantic kind. Still, it’s hardly a fumble in the bushes either.
Several Bristol City players have fitness problems which should increase Lewin Nyatanga, Christian Ribeiro and Brett Pitman’s chances of playing. Gavin Williams has had surgery on a foot injury and is expected to be out for three weeks. Sam Vokes is back at Wolverhampton Wanderers following his not exactly successful loan spell.
Arsenal’s quest for silverware sees them take on the team who knocked Manchester United last year – and came close to doing the same to Tottenham Hotspur.
Aaron Ramsey could make his first appearance of the season as part of Arsenal’s squad.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/07/aaron-ramsey-arsenal-return-leeds
Sanchez Watt has been given permission to play for Leeds against his parent club but he has a head injury.
Blackburn Rovers v Queen’s Park Rangers
QPR get to test out how close they are to being ready for the Premier League.
Jason Brown could be in Blackburn’s squad but I kind of doubt it really. They do have a lot of injury problems but not in goal.
Bolton Wanderers v York City
Bolton are looking like European contenders but York have achieved something just by being here.
Bolton are expected to field a weakened side so Sam Ricketts could be rested. The Press disagree with me though – they think Sam will get a ‘rare start’. Sam has been on the bench once in the last ten matches. Sam knows what it’s like to be a non-league player but he won’t be giving York too much sympathy.
Levi Mackin will both hope to feature for York despite missing training when his baby daughter was born. As York have a fully-fit squad, Danny Parslow is presumably also available but Alex Lawless has signed for Luton Town following a loan spell with the club.
Bristol City v Sheffield Wednesday
There’s definitely some giant-killing potential here although it won’t be giant-killing of the most romantic kind. Still, it’s hardly a fumble in the bushes either.
Several Bristol City players have fitness problems which should increase Lewin Nyatanga, Christian Ribeiro and Brett Pitman’s chances of playing. Gavin Williams has had surgery on a foot injury and is expected to be out for three weeks. Sam Vokes is back at Wolverhampton Wanderers following his not exactly successful loan spell.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Championship, Part 2)
Coventry City
Freddy Eastwood got back from injury to discover Coventry were playing pretty well without him. But when he did finally start, he made sure he scored. And when he got his second start, he did exactly the same thing.
Norwich H 1-2 (bench, on 90)
Cardiff A 1-0 (bench, on 59)
QPR H 0-2 (bench, on 87)
Ipswich H 1-1 (starts, G1 48, off 89)
Barnsley A 2-1 (G1 35, played all)
Crystal Palace
Andy Dorman has had trouble settling in London and spent some time not being in the squad at all. But now he’s back in the squad and he even got a couple of starts over the Christmas period.
Forest A 1-0 (starts, off 46)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (played all)
Lewis Price continues to be Palace’s substitute goalkeeper, despite their recent issues with stopping goals from being scored against them.
Forest A 1-0 (bench)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (bench)
Derby County
Gareth Roberts has had a number of injury problems but when he was fit, he played the full match.
Reading H 1-2 (out, calf)
Forest A 5-2 (out, calf)
Preston A 1-2 (played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (out, calf)
Robbie Savage seems to have been around forever and one reason why it seems that way is because he hardly ever misses a match due to injury. Suspension, yes (although he’s only had about two red cards) and there was another example of this at Christmas. Injury, no. I think the Wales squad needs a few players who never get injured.
Reading H 1-2 (bench, on 46, Y 59 foul)
Forest A 5-2 (suspended)
Preston A 1-2 (A2 84, played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (starts, off 86)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster seems to be getting less attention from the Press (perhaps partly because so many of Doncaster’s matches have been cancelled) but he’s still quietly getting on with the job and picking up assists.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (A3 45+2m, played all)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (played all)
Brian Stock managed to injure himself again but he too is getting assists and at least it wasn’t his troublesome back this time.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (starts, A1 26, off 63)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (out, leg)
Ipswich Town
Troy Brown has been in and out of Ipswich’s starting line-up as Roy Keane desperately tried to find a winning formula. The Ipswich board seemed to feel it was the manager who needed removing more than anything.
Leicester H 3-0 (bench)
Coventry A 1-1 (bench, on 87)
Forest H 0-1 (played all)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt suffered an ankle injury in October and after several failed attempts to stick him straight back in the starting line-up, he was given a couple of months to rest. With Leeds on such a good run, it took Sanchez a while to get back into the matchday squad (although perhaps reports of his recovery were exaggerated) but luckily Leeds then went on a bit of a bad run and he his chance.
QPR H 2-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-2 (unselected)
Portsmouth H 3-3 (unselected)
Boro H 1-1 (bench, on 76)
Cardiff A 2-1 (bench, on 57)
Leicester City
Andy King has played every minute of Leicester’s Christmas and New Year fixtures as Leicester lost to struggling Ipswich Town and promoted team Millwall before beating two teams who were on a good run. Andy also added a goal and an assist (he won a free kick from which Leicester scored, undoubtedly one of the more painful ways of getting an assist) to his collection.
Ipswich A 3-0 (played all)
Leeds H 2-2 (G2 76, played all),
Millwall A 2-0 (played all)
Hull A 0-1 (played all)
Swansea H 2-1 (A1 won free kick 6, played all)
Middlesbrough
I don’t know if Danny Coyne got all hopeful when Middlesbrough got a new manager but I certainly did (no disrespect to the excellent and very promising Jason Steele) but Tony Mowbray has kept him on the bench.
Preston A 1-3 (bench)
Leeds A 1-1 (bench)
Norwich H 1-1 (bench)
As for poor Rhys Williams, I can only hope his pelvic nightmare is coming to an end. No doubt the Middlesbrough fans will echo my sentiments, and not just because they like the former Wales under-21 international.
Freddy Eastwood got back from injury to discover Coventry were playing pretty well without him. But when he did finally start, he made sure he scored. And when he got his second start, he did exactly the same thing.
Norwich H 1-2 (bench, on 90)
Cardiff A 1-0 (bench, on 59)
QPR H 0-2 (bench, on 87)
Ipswich H 1-1 (starts, G1 48, off 89)
Barnsley A 2-1 (G1 35, played all)
Crystal Palace
Andy Dorman has had trouble settling in London and spent some time not being in the squad at all. But now he’s back in the squad and he even got a couple of starts over the Christmas period.
Forest A 1-0 (starts, off 46)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (played all)
Lewis Price continues to be Palace’s substitute goalkeeper, despite their recent issues with stopping goals from being scored against them.
Forest A 1-0 (bench)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (bench)
Derby County
Gareth Roberts has had a number of injury problems but when he was fit, he played the full match.
Reading H 1-2 (out, calf)
Forest A 5-2 (out, calf)
Preston A 1-2 (played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (out, calf)
Robbie Savage seems to have been around forever and one reason why it seems that way is because he hardly ever misses a match due to injury. Suspension, yes (although he’s only had about two red cards) and there was another example of this at Christmas. Injury, no. I think the Wales squad needs a few players who never get injured.
Reading H 1-2 (bench, on 46, Y 59 foul)
Forest A 5-2 (suspended)
Preston A 1-2 (A2 84, played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (starts, off 86)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster seems to be getting less attention from the Press (perhaps partly because so many of Doncaster’s matches have been cancelled) but he’s still quietly getting on with the job and picking up assists.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (A3 45+2m, played all)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (played all)
Brian Stock managed to injure himself again but he too is getting assists and at least it wasn’t his troublesome back this time.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (starts, A1 26, off 63)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (out, leg)
Ipswich Town
Troy Brown has been in and out of Ipswich’s starting line-up as Roy Keane desperately tried to find a winning formula. The Ipswich board seemed to feel it was the manager who needed removing more than anything.
Leicester H 3-0 (bench)
Coventry A 1-1 (bench, on 87)
Forest H 0-1 (played all)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt suffered an ankle injury in October and after several failed attempts to stick him straight back in the starting line-up, he was given a couple of months to rest. With Leeds on such a good run, it took Sanchez a while to get back into the matchday squad (although perhaps reports of his recovery were exaggerated) but luckily Leeds then went on a bit of a bad run and he his chance.
QPR H 2-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-2 (unselected)
Portsmouth H 3-3 (unselected)
Boro H 1-1 (bench, on 76)
Cardiff A 2-1 (bench, on 57)
Leicester City
Andy King has played every minute of Leicester’s Christmas and New Year fixtures as Leicester lost to struggling Ipswich Town and promoted team Millwall before beating two teams who were on a good run. Andy also added a goal and an assist (he won a free kick from which Leicester scored, undoubtedly one of the more painful ways of getting an assist) to his collection.
Ipswich A 3-0 (played all)
Leeds H 2-2 (G2 76, played all),
Millwall A 2-0 (played all)
Hull A 0-1 (played all)
Swansea H 2-1 (A1 won free kick 6, played all)
Middlesbrough
I don’t know if Danny Coyne got all hopeful when Middlesbrough got a new manager but I certainly did (no disrespect to the excellent and very promising Jason Steele) but Tony Mowbray has kept him on the bench.
Preston A 1-3 (bench)
Leeds A 1-1 (bench)
Norwich H 1-1 (bench)
As for poor Rhys Williams, I can only hope his pelvic nightmare is coming to an end. No doubt the Middlesbrough fans will echo my sentiments, and not just because they like the former Wales under-21 international.
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2011-11 (Championship, Part 1)
Bristol City
Lewin Nyatanga worked his way back into the first team at Bristol City following a loan spell at Peterborough.
Hull A 2-0 (bench)
Reading A 2-1 (bench, on 49)
Palace H 1-1 (starts)
Cardiff H 3-0 (played all)
QPR A 2-2 (played all)
Christian Ribeiro spent some time as a starter for Bristol City but his back injury made an unwelcome return and he hasn’t started since.
Hull A 2-0 (starts, Y foul 22, off 70)
Reading A 2-1 (played all)
Palace H 1-1 (unselected)
Cardiff H 3-0 (bench, on 52)
QPR A 2-2 (bench)
Gavin Williams returned his loan spell at Yeovil Town but he hasn’t even been on the bench so far.
Brett Pitman has continued to make up for his lack of goals in the earlier part of the season with three in his last three matches.
Hull A 2-0 (played all)
Reading A 2-1 (starts, off 76)
Palace H 1-1 (bench, on 58, G1 pen 95)
Cardiff H 3-0 (G1 3, played all)
QPR A 2-2 (G1 50, Y foul 76, played all)
James Wilson continues his long rehabilitation from a knee injury.
Cardiff City
Injuries and poor results combined to keep Darcy Blake on the bench but he’s actually been doing very well.
Coventry H 2-0 (bench)
Watford A 4-1 (played all)
Bristol C A 3-0 (bench, on 16)
Leeds H 2-1 (bench, on 74)
Adam Matthews has been excellent when he plays but he doesn’t get many chances. But he is very young and perhaps Dave Jones is protecting him for once.
Coventry H 2-0 (bench)
Watford A 4-1 (bench, on 35)
Bristol C A 3-0 (bench)
Leeds H 2-1 (bench)
It was thought that Jason Koumas would make a big difference for Cardiff but for the most part he’s been making a difference as a substitute. He could be still builfing up match fitness but maybe he’s just not doing enough to get into the starting line-up. Fans of parent club Wigan Athletic would probably conclude this is possible.
Coventry H 2-0 (bench)
Watford A 4-1 (bench, on 76)
Bristol C A 3-0 (bench, on 67)
Leeds H 2-1 (bench)
Craig Bellamy had one rest over the Christmas period, presumably to give his injured knee a break but with two goals and an assist from his last three games, he’s doing well. Now he just needs to persuade Cardiff City to do well too.
Coventry H 2-0 (A1 21, Y foul 60, G2 83, played all)
Watford A 4-1 (unselected)
Bristol C A 3-0 (played all)
Leeds H 2-1 (G1 11, played all)
Jonathan Meades returned to Cardiff following an unsuccessful attempt to save FK Moss from relegation. He made his first appearance on the bench this season in the win over Leeds United.
Leeds H 2-1 (bench)
Aaron Wildig seems to be in and out of the squad at the moment which is not surprising given his age but most likely very disappointing after playing such a big part last season.
Coventry H 2-0 (bench)
Watford A 4-1 (bench)
Bristol C A 3-0 (unselected)
Leeds H 2-1 (unselected)
Nathaniel Jarvis has been on the bench for Cardiff this season but not since his return from a loan spell at Southend United.
Lewin Nyatanga worked his way back into the first team at Bristol City following a loan spell at Peterborough.
Hull A 2-0 (bench)
Reading A 2-1 (bench, on 49)
Palace H 1-1 (starts)
Cardiff H 3-0 (played all)
QPR A 2-2 (played all)
Christian Ribeiro spent some time as a starter for Bristol City but his back injury made an unwelcome return and he hasn’t started since.
Hull A 2-0 (starts, Y foul 22, off 70)
Reading A 2-1 (played all)
Palace H 1-1 (unselected)
Cardiff H 3-0 (bench, on 52)
QPR A 2-2 (bench)
Gavin Williams returned his loan spell at Yeovil Town but he hasn’t even been on the bench so far.
Brett Pitman has continued to make up for his lack of goals in the earlier part of the season with three in his last three matches.
Hull A 2-0 (played all)
Reading A 2-1 (starts, off 76)
Palace H 1-1 (bench, on 58, G1 pen 95)
Cardiff H 3-0 (G1 3, played all)
QPR A 2-2 (G1 50, Y foul 76, played all)
James Wilson continues his long rehabilitation from a knee injury.
Cardiff City
Injuries and poor results combined to keep Darcy Blake on the bench but he’s actually been doing very well.
Coventry H 2-0 (bench)
Watford A 4-1 (played all)
Bristol C A 3-0 (bench, on 16)
Leeds H 2-1 (bench, on 74)
Adam Matthews has been excellent when he plays but he doesn’t get many chances. But he is very young and perhaps Dave Jones is protecting him for once.
Coventry H 2-0 (bench)
Watford A 4-1 (bench, on 35)
Bristol C A 3-0 (bench)
Leeds H 2-1 (bench)
It was thought that Jason Koumas would make a big difference for Cardiff but for the most part he’s been making a difference as a substitute. He could be still builfing up match fitness but maybe he’s just not doing enough to get into the starting line-up. Fans of parent club Wigan Athletic would probably conclude this is possible.
Coventry H 2-0 (bench)
Watford A 4-1 (bench, on 76)
Bristol C A 3-0 (bench, on 67)
Leeds H 2-1 (bench)
Craig Bellamy had one rest over the Christmas period, presumably to give his injured knee a break but with two goals and an assist from his last three games, he’s doing well. Now he just needs to persuade Cardiff City to do well too.
Coventry H 2-0 (A1 21, Y foul 60, G2 83, played all)
Watford A 4-1 (unselected)
Bristol C A 3-0 (played all)
Leeds H 2-1 (G1 11, played all)
Jonathan Meades returned to Cardiff following an unsuccessful attempt to save FK Moss from relegation. He made his first appearance on the bench this season in the win over Leeds United.
Leeds H 2-1 (bench)
Aaron Wildig seems to be in and out of the squad at the moment which is not surprising given his age but most likely very disappointing after playing such a big part last season.
Coventry H 2-0 (bench)
Watford A 4-1 (bench)
Bristol C A 3-0 (unselected)
Leeds H 2-1 (unselected)
Nathaniel Jarvis has been on the bench for Cardiff this season but not since his return from a loan spell at Southend United.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Championship Results 11th December 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley 1-0 Sheffield United
What turned out to be Gary Speed’s last match as manager of Sheffield United ended in defeat as Barnsley took all three points and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United.
Bristol City 2-0 Derby County
For the third consecutive match, Bristol City won. And for the third consecutive match, Brett Pitman scored. It was also the second successive match in which he’d scored a brace. Let’s hope Gary Speed knows about Brett’s eligibility. If he is eligible. No-one seemed very certain. That’s five goals in three matches for the (I hope) future Welsh international.
Brett feels Bristol City’s hard work is finally paying off. So is Brett’s hard work – his second goal was brilliant.
Christian Ribeiro started again for Bristol City. Lewin Nyatanga, whom Bristol City signed from Derby last season, was on the bench for his first match since returning from his loan spell at Peterborough United. Gavin Williams, back from his loan to Yeovil Town, didn’t make it into the squad.
As for Derby, it was all going so well but they’ve now lost four of their last five league games. Eight minutes before Brett’s opening goal, Gareth Roberts was forced off due to a calf injury and with Robbie Savage out with an ankle problem, Derby were in trouble.
Burnley 2-3 Leeds United
Burnley were 2-0 up when the whistle blew for half-time but Simon Grayson must have said something scary in the dressing room because Leeds fought back to claim all three points.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.
What turned out to be Gary Speed’s last match as manager of Sheffield United ended in defeat as Barnsley took all three points and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United.
Bristol City 2-0 Derby County
For the third consecutive match, Bristol City won. And for the third consecutive match, Brett Pitman scored. It was also the second successive match in which he’d scored a brace. Let’s hope Gary Speed knows about Brett’s eligibility. If he is eligible. No-one seemed very certain. That’s five goals in three matches for the (I hope) future Welsh international.
Brett feels Bristol City’s hard work is finally paying off. So is Brett’s hard work – his second goal was brilliant.
Christian Ribeiro started again for Bristol City. Lewin Nyatanga, whom Bristol City signed from Derby last season, was on the bench for his first match since returning from his loan spell at Peterborough United. Gavin Williams, back from his loan to Yeovil Town, didn’t make it into the squad.
As for Derby, it was all going so well but they’ve now lost four of their last five league games. Eight minutes before Brett’s opening goal, Gareth Roberts was forced off due to a calf injury and with Robbie Savage out with an ankle problem, Derby were in trouble.
Burnley 2-3 Leeds United
Burnley were 2-0 up when the whistle blew for half-time but Simon Grayson must have said something scary in the dressing room because Leeds fought back to claim all three points.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Championship Fixtures 11th December 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley v Sheffield United
Barnsley are unbeaten in their last four matches. Sheffield United… aren’t but Barnsley aren’t very good at scoring at home and if they don’t score at home, Sheffield United can’t lose. But if they do lose, they could find themselves in the bottom three.
Ched Evans will play for Sheffield United as he’s the only fit striker. He says he’s happy to play as the Blades’ loan striker and he believes Sheffield United can get a result.
Bristol City v Derby County
Bristol City hope to continue their ascent of the Championship table against a Derby side who have lost three of their last four matches.
Brett Pitman will hope for another start after scoring three in his last four games. Christian Ribeiro is fine to play for Bristol City after having knee problems. Lewin Nyatanga and Gavin Williams could play for the first time since returning from loan spelsl at Peterborough United and Yeovil Town respectively but Gavin doesn’t believe he has a future at Bristol City.
Sam Vokes is in a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury before his loan spell comes to an end and add to the thirteen minutes of game time he’s notched up so far at Bristol City. He must have done well in those thirteen minutes though as Bristol City do want to keep him for longer.
Robbie Savage and Gareth Roberts might keep their places in Derby’s starting line-up… or they might not. Gareth in particular could be in trouble as manager Nigel Clough is reportedly not happy with his defenders but Gareth says the fans haven’t seen the best of him yet.
This week, Robbie won the Plain English award. Well done to Robbie but he doesn’t think he’ll win the Plain Welsh award, probably at least partly because it doesn’t seem to exist.. Robbie’s plain speaking this week includes his opinion on the sacking of Chris Hughton.
Burnley v Leeds United
Leeds are unbeaten in seven but at least this match will be at Turf Moor, the venue for all Burnley’s league wins this season. Despite their recent wobbles, Burnley still have an excellent home form while Leeds’ away form reads like a team formation – 4 4 2.
Leeds have an Arsenal player on loan, a young striker called Sanchez Watt who is eligible to play for Wales. Has anyone seen him lately?
Crystal Palace v Hull City
Palace aren’t exactly doing brilliantly this season but their best work has come at home, most recently beating Doncaster Rovers and Coventry City, who are pretty good. Hull aren’t quite as good as those two but they are unbeaten in four.
Andy Dorman and Lewis Price are most likely to be on the bench.
Barnsley are unbeaten in their last four matches. Sheffield United… aren’t but Barnsley aren’t very good at scoring at home and if they don’t score at home, Sheffield United can’t lose. But if they do lose, they could find themselves in the bottom three.
Ched Evans will play for Sheffield United as he’s the only fit striker. He says he’s happy to play as the Blades’ loan striker and he believes Sheffield United can get a result.
Bristol City v Derby County
Bristol City hope to continue their ascent of the Championship table against a Derby side who have lost three of their last four matches.
Brett Pitman will hope for another start after scoring three in his last four games. Christian Ribeiro is fine to play for Bristol City after having knee problems. Lewin Nyatanga and Gavin Williams could play for the first time since returning from loan spelsl at Peterborough United and Yeovil Town respectively but Gavin doesn’t believe he has a future at Bristol City.
Sam Vokes is in a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury before his loan spell comes to an end and add to the thirteen minutes of game time he’s notched up so far at Bristol City. He must have done well in those thirteen minutes though as Bristol City do want to keep him for longer.
Robbie Savage and Gareth Roberts might keep their places in Derby’s starting line-up… or they might not. Gareth in particular could be in trouble as manager Nigel Clough is reportedly not happy with his defenders but Gareth says the fans haven’t seen the best of him yet.
This week, Robbie won the Plain English award. Well done to Robbie but he doesn’t think he’ll win the Plain Welsh award, probably at least partly because it doesn’t seem to exist.. Robbie’s plain speaking this week includes his opinion on the sacking of Chris Hughton.
Burnley v Leeds United
Leeds are unbeaten in seven but at least this match will be at Turf Moor, the venue for all Burnley’s league wins this season. Despite their recent wobbles, Burnley still have an excellent home form while Leeds’ away form reads like a team formation – 4 4 2.
Leeds have an Arsenal player on loan, a young striker called Sanchez Watt who is eligible to play for Wales. Has anyone seen him lately?
Crystal Palace v Hull City
Palace aren’t exactly doing brilliantly this season but their best work has come at home, most recently beating Doncaster Rovers and Coventry City, who are pretty good. Hull aren’t quite as good as those two but they are unbeaten in four.
Andy Dorman and Lewis Price are most likely to be on the bench.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bristol City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United did the double over Bristol City last season – who were better than than they are now. But Bristol City need points even more than Sheffield United.
Brett Pitman scored his first Bristol City goal last weekend after an appearance as a half-time substitute – and it looks like he might start this match.
Christian Ribeiro is expected to keep his place in Bristol City’s starting line-up. Sam Vokes probably isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Burnley v Derby County
Burnley have only won one of their last seven matches although it’s difficult to feel too much sympathy for a team who have won six of their nine games at home. Derby are up in fourth place but that’s mostly due to their home form – and this is an away game.
Robbie Savage hopes to play for Derby and get a nice little run going. He also has some words of praise for Derby’s two loan strikers.
Gareth Roberts is suspended after being sent off for two booksable offences against Scunthorpe United.
Robbie has almost achieved the impossible. He has almost made me want Tottenham to win the league! Hopefully he’ll get some of the good-looking younger Welshmen to join him.
Crystal Palace v Doncaster Rovers
Palace are down in 23rd place but they have won their last two home games. Doncaster however are unbeaten in four and have not lost to a team in the bottom half of the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench for Palace but Andy Dorman shows no signs of fighting his way back into the matchday squad.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster. John is hoping to beat his former club. He’s also not totally against playing for Wales.
Middlesbrough v Hull City
Middlesbrough are yet to show signs of improvement under Tony Mowbray, having lost three of their five games since he took over, and they’re currently languishing in the bottom three. Hull are doing better and are currently able to win both home and away.
Danny Coyne has recovered from a torn calf muscle but the goalkeeper is not first-choice at Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Sheffield United did the double over Bristol City last season – who were better than than they are now. But Bristol City need points even more than Sheffield United.
Brett Pitman scored his first Bristol City goal last weekend after an appearance as a half-time substitute – and it looks like he might start this match.
Christian Ribeiro is expected to keep his place in Bristol City’s starting line-up. Sam Vokes probably isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Burnley v Derby County
Burnley have only won one of their last seven matches although it’s difficult to feel too much sympathy for a team who have won six of their nine games at home. Derby are up in fourth place but that’s mostly due to their home form – and this is an away game.
Robbie Savage hopes to play for Derby and get a nice little run going. He also has some words of praise for Derby’s two loan strikers.
Gareth Roberts is suspended after being sent off for two booksable offences against Scunthorpe United.
Robbie has almost achieved the impossible. He has almost made me want Tottenham to win the league! Hopefully he’ll get some of the good-looking younger Welshmen to join him.
Crystal Palace v Doncaster Rovers
Palace are down in 23rd place but they have won their last two home games. Doncaster however are unbeaten in four and have not lost to a team in the bottom half of the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench for Palace but Andy Dorman shows no signs of fighting his way back into the matchday squad.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster. John is hoping to beat his former club. He’s also not totally against playing for Wales.
Middlesbrough v Hull City
Middlesbrough are yet to show signs of improvement under Tony Mowbray, having lost three of their five games since he took over, and they’re currently languishing in the bottom three. Hull are doing better and are currently able to win both home and away.
Danny Coyne has recovered from a torn calf muscle but the goalkeeper is not first-choice at Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Championship Results 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bristol City 2-0 Leicester City
Bristol City got a shock win (well, I was shocked) against former fellow strugglers Leicester and moved out of the bottom three. They are now just two points behind Leicester, who might count as fellow strugglers again.
Leicester could have taken the lead but after Andy King was fouled by keeper David James but James saved the resulting penalty. Andy suffered a hamstring injury in the first half but his manager doesn’t think it’s serious.
Christian Ribeiro was back in Bristol City’s starting line-up and played really well at right back. Brett Pitman wasa half-time substitute and scored his first Bristol City goal in the 57th minute. Brett is hoping to score lots of goals this level and he hopes more will come now he’s found his feet. I can only agree, if you haven’t found your feet you can only really score with headers.
Cardiff City 0-2 Nottingham Forest
It’s not Nottingham Forest winning that is the shock – more the fact Cardiff lost. At home. With Craig Bellamy on the pitch. They’re now only three points ahead of Swansea City, although Cardiff do of course have a far superior goal difference. Forest’s win puts them into the top six.
Craig and Darcy Blake both started for Cardiff, with Adam Matthews replacing Darcy late on but Cardiff still couldn’t find a goal although Craig came close. Aaron Wildig was on the bench.
Cardiff seemed very happy to see former favourite Robert Earnshaw, who nearly scored against his former club but seemed less well-disposed towards another of their former players, right back Chris Gunter.
Coventry City 1-0 Burnley
Burnley remain without their first win of the season after Coventry bounced back from a disappointing run to take the three points. Coventry are only outside the play-offs on goal difference but Burnley will struggle for a top six finish if they can’t learn how to win away.
Freddy Eastwood was an unused substitute for Coventry.
Derby County 3-2 Scunthorpe United
Derby won their sixth successive home game against Scunthorpe, who are usually better away than they are at home. Derby are up in fourth place and are the league’s top scorers, having scored four more than QPR and Burnley.
Gareth Roberts was back in the starting line-up for the first time since his recent injury problems but he didn’t last long – the defender was sent off for two bookable offences. Scunthorpe scored from the resulting penalty but Derby hung on to take all three points. Robbie Savage made his 500th league appearance in this match. His 500th start is not far away.
Bristol City got a shock win (well, I was shocked) against former fellow strugglers Leicester and moved out of the bottom three. They are now just two points behind Leicester, who might count as fellow strugglers again.
Leicester could have taken the lead but after Andy King was fouled by keeper David James but James saved the resulting penalty. Andy suffered a hamstring injury in the first half but his manager doesn’t think it’s serious.
Christian Ribeiro was back in Bristol City’s starting line-up and played really well at right back. Brett Pitman wasa half-time substitute and scored his first Bristol City goal in the 57th minute. Brett is hoping to score lots of goals this level and he hopes more will come now he’s found his feet. I can only agree, if you haven’t found your feet you can only really score with headers.
Cardiff City 0-2 Nottingham Forest
It’s not Nottingham Forest winning that is the shock – more the fact Cardiff lost. At home. With Craig Bellamy on the pitch. They’re now only three points ahead of Swansea City, although Cardiff do of course have a far superior goal difference. Forest’s win puts them into the top six.
Craig and Darcy Blake both started for Cardiff, with Adam Matthews replacing Darcy late on but Cardiff still couldn’t find a goal although Craig came close. Aaron Wildig was on the bench.
Cardiff seemed very happy to see former favourite Robert Earnshaw, who nearly scored against his former club but seemed less well-disposed towards another of their former players, right back Chris Gunter.
Coventry City 1-0 Burnley
Burnley remain without their first win of the season after Coventry bounced back from a disappointing run to take the three points. Coventry are only outside the play-offs on goal difference but Burnley will struggle for a top six finish if they can’t learn how to win away.
Freddy Eastwood was an unused substitute for Coventry.
Derby County 3-2 Scunthorpe United
Derby won their sixth successive home game against Scunthorpe, who are usually better away than they are at home. Derby are up in fourth place and are the league’s top scorers, having scored four more than QPR and Burnley.
Gareth Roberts was back in the starting line-up for the first time since his recent injury problems but he didn’t last long – the defender was sent off for two bookable offences. Scunthorpe scored from the resulting penalty but Derby hung on to take all three points. Robbie Savage made his 500th league appearance in this match. His 500th start is not far away.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Championship Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bristol City v Leicester City
Bristol City have just come to the end of a five-match unbeaten run – and they’re still in the bottom three with only one home win this season. Leicester know how that feels but they won’t let any sympathy get the better of them.
Christian Ribeiro is in with a chance of starting following an injury to the first-choice right back. hesitate to describe this as good news but I hope he’s on the bench at least.
Brett Pitman will hope his good performances in the reserves will help him to get a start for Bristol City.
Christian and Brett were part of the Bristol City side who beat Forest Green Rovers 13-12 on penalties (I’m sure it’s better than it sounds!) to go through to the final of the Gloucester Senior Challenge Cup. Christian scored a penalty while Brett scored the late goal that took the game to penalties. Brett missed his first penalty but scored his second.
Sam Vokes still isn’t ready to return to action for Bristol City but he will play in a friendly reserve game against parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers which should be interesting.
Andy King will be in midfield for Leicester – and he says he’s very happy at the club.
Cardiff City v Nottingham Forest
Only a win will ensure Cardiff stay top of the Championship – and then only if it’s a home win. Forest haven’t won in Cardiff since before the Welsh internationals were born. Even Ryan Giggs was only two or three. As for the time before that, not even the stats people at BBC Sport seem completely sure.
Craig Bellamy has showed on many occasions why he were playing Premier League football last year although it’s still unclear exactly why his manager as stupid enough to let them go. If Craig plays, it will be his 350th appearance for clubs in the English and Scottish league systems according to BBC Sport (note how carefully they left Wales out).
Jason Koumas has taken longer to adapt but he has promised Cardiff fans he’ll be back to his best soon – and he could start if Chris Burke fails to recover from injury.
Darcy Blake suffered a muscle injury in Cardiff’s win over Scunthorpe and faces a fitness test. Adam Matthews could also have a chance of starting but Aaron Wildig seems to have been forgotten about. But not by me, Aaron.
Forest defender Chris Gunter is likely to make his 100th league appearance against his former club and Robert Earnshaw, who has also played for Cardiff, will also hope to start. Rob believes Cardiff will be promoted this season – but no doubt he hopes Forest can put a big dent in their ambitions first!
Coventry City v Burnley
Coventry have lost three games in a row so they’ll be eager to beat Burnley, who aren’t as strong away as they are at home. They have six points this season from away matches – but none of them came from wins.
Freddy Eastwood, who made his return from knee surgery last weekend, is hoping he can give manager Aidy Boothroyd a nice selection headache.
Bristol City have just come to the end of a five-match unbeaten run – and they’re still in the bottom three with only one home win this season. Leicester know how that feels but they won’t let any sympathy get the better of them.
Christian Ribeiro is in with a chance of starting following an injury to the first-choice right back. hesitate to describe this as good news but I hope he’s on the bench at least.
Brett Pitman will hope his good performances in the reserves will help him to get a start for Bristol City.
Christian and Brett were part of the Bristol City side who beat Forest Green Rovers 13-12 on penalties (I’m sure it’s better than it sounds!) to go through to the final of the Gloucester Senior Challenge Cup. Christian scored a penalty while Brett scored the late goal that took the game to penalties. Brett missed his first penalty but scored his second.
Sam Vokes still isn’t ready to return to action for Bristol City but he will play in a friendly reserve game against parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers which should be interesting.
Andy King will be in midfield for Leicester – and he says he’s very happy at the club.
Cardiff City v Nottingham Forest
Only a win will ensure Cardiff stay top of the Championship – and then only if it’s a home win. Forest haven’t won in Cardiff since before the Welsh internationals were born. Even Ryan Giggs was only two or three. As for the time before that, not even the stats people at BBC Sport seem completely sure.
Craig Bellamy has showed on many occasions why he were playing Premier League football last year although it’s still unclear exactly why his manager as stupid enough to let them go. If Craig plays, it will be his 350th appearance for clubs in the English and Scottish league systems according to BBC Sport (note how carefully they left Wales out).
Jason Koumas has taken longer to adapt but he has promised Cardiff fans he’ll be back to his best soon – and he could start if Chris Burke fails to recover from injury.
Darcy Blake suffered a muscle injury in Cardiff’s win over Scunthorpe and faces a fitness test. Adam Matthews could also have a chance of starting but Aaron Wildig seems to have been forgotten about. But not by me, Aaron.
Forest defender Chris Gunter is likely to make his 100th league appearance against his former club and Robert Earnshaw, who has also played for Cardiff, will also hope to start. Rob believes Cardiff will be promoted this season – but no doubt he hopes Forest can put a big dent in their ambitions first!
Coventry City v Burnley
Coventry have lost three games in a row so they’ll be eager to beat Burnley, who aren’t as strong away as they are at home. They have six points this season from away matches – but none of them came from wins.
Freddy Eastwood, who made his return from knee surgery last weekend, is hoping he can give manager Aidy Boothroyd a nice selection headache.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Championship Results 13th November 2010 (Part 1)
Crystal Palace 2-0 Coventry City
Crystal Palace climbed above Preston with a surprise victory over Coventry, who drop to eleventh but remain only two points outside the play-off places.
Andy Dorman was missing from Palace’s team but Lewis Price was back on the bench after recovering from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood came off the bench after 71 minutes, making his first appearance since recovering from a knee operation.
Ipswich Town 1-3 Barnsley
Barnsley won away for the second time this season as Ipswich showed that perhaps they’re not back to their early season form after all. By the end, the Ipswich fans were cheering Barnsley but it was the home team who got a late goal.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Leeds United 3-1 Bristol City
Leeds got their first home win for nearly three months against a Bristol City team who were unbeaten in five. Hard to imagine and if I had my spreadsheets I would check that (too lazy to look at every match report) but as I don’t I’ll take BBC Sport’s word for it. They don’t usually do anything too badly wrong although they did once say Middlesbrough keeper Danny Coyne was on the bench when he was actually playing.
Speaking of goalkeepers, Leeds’ own Welsh keeper, Jason Brown (well actually he’s not their own keeper, he’s Blackburn’s) really was on the bench but Sanchez Watt wasn’t ready to return from an ankle injury after all. Jason returned to Blackburn after this match as his loan spell had come to an end but Leeds manager Simon Grayson says he’s good to have around the place.
Brett Pitman, who got thirty-four minutes of action, was Bristol City’s only Welsh representative. And technically he’s not even that. I don’t think he’s chosen his country yet.
Leicester City 2-0 Derby County
Leicester move five points clear of the relegation zone after an excellent win over in-form Derby
Andy King scored Leicester’s first goal after thirteen minutes. and got himself into the Championship Team of the Week.
Robbie Savage missed out on the chance to face his former club as he wasft on the bench. And Derby lost, what a coincidence. Gareth Roberts wasn’t selected due to a back problem. His place on the bench was taken by a second goalkeeper.
Robbie thinks people are starting to like him. Well, I'm not starting to like you, Robbie. I've loved him for a long time now.
Millwalll 0-1 Sheffield United
Millwall are off on another winless run as Sheffield United ended a winless run of their own. Millwall played well and probably deserved an equaliser at least but it didn’t happen.
Steve Morison was back from suspension for Millwall.
Ched Evans got to start for Sheffield United but it wasn’t his goal.
Crystal Palace climbed above Preston with a surprise victory over Coventry, who drop to eleventh but remain only two points outside the play-off places.
Andy Dorman was missing from Palace’s team but Lewis Price was back on the bench after recovering from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood came off the bench after 71 minutes, making his first appearance since recovering from a knee operation.
Ipswich Town 1-3 Barnsley
Barnsley won away for the second time this season as Ipswich showed that perhaps they’re not back to their early season form after all. By the end, the Ipswich fans were cheering Barnsley but it was the home team who got a late goal.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Leeds United 3-1 Bristol City
Leeds got their first home win for nearly three months against a Bristol City team who were unbeaten in five. Hard to imagine and if I had my spreadsheets I would check that (too lazy to look at every match report) but as I don’t I’ll take BBC Sport’s word for it. They don’t usually do anything too badly wrong although they did once say Middlesbrough keeper Danny Coyne was on the bench when he was actually playing.
Speaking of goalkeepers, Leeds’ own Welsh keeper, Jason Brown (well actually he’s not their own keeper, he’s Blackburn’s) really was on the bench but Sanchez Watt wasn’t ready to return from an ankle injury after all. Jason returned to Blackburn after this match as his loan spell had come to an end but Leeds manager Simon Grayson says he’s good to have around the place.
Brett Pitman, who got thirty-four minutes of action, was Bristol City’s only Welsh representative. And technically he’s not even that. I don’t think he’s chosen his country yet.
Leicester City 2-0 Derby County
Leicester move five points clear of the relegation zone after an excellent win over in-form Derby
Andy King scored Leicester’s first goal after thirteen minutes. and got himself into the Championship Team of the Week.
Robbie Savage missed out on the chance to face his former club as he wasft on the bench. And Derby lost, what a coincidence. Gareth Roberts wasn’t selected due to a back problem. His place on the bench was taken by a second goalkeeper.
Robbie thinks people are starting to like him. Well, I'm not starting to like you, Robbie. I've loved him for a long time now.
Millwalll 0-1 Sheffield United
Millwall are off on another winless run as Sheffield United ended a winless run of their own. Millwall played well and probably deserved an equaliser at least but it didn’t happen.
Steve Morison was back from suspension for Millwall.
Ched Evans got to start for Sheffield United but it wasn’t his goal.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 13th November 2010 (Part 1)
Crystal Palace v Coventry City
If Palace win this one, they could get off the bottom of the table – they’re only bottom on goal difference at the moment.
Andy Dorman will hope to start for Palace. Lewis Price could be on the bench if he’s recovered from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood was back in the squad for Coventry’s last match – maybe he’ll actually get to play a bit this time.
Ipswich Town v Barnsley
Ipswich have not lost to Barnsley for twelve years. I’m not sure how often they were in the same division as they’ve spent three seasons between them in the Premier League and Barnsley had some time in League One but whatever. Barnsley haven’t been known for their away wins but they did get one in their last game. It was only against Preston North End but maybe it’s given them a bit of confidence.
Troy Brown could be in Ipswich’s squad again – and he’s one of Roy Keane’s reasons for not buying a right back although unfortunately some centre back is first choice instead of Troy.
Leeds United v Bristol City
Leeds and Bristol City play each other in the League for the first time in 31 years which just seems impossible but I suppose they must have passed each other when Leeds went down to League One and Bristol City came up.
Sanchez Watt could return to Leeds’ squad after recovering from an ankle injury but they might prefer not to risk him. They’ve risked him at least twice already and it so wasn’t worth it. Jason Brown will be on the bench for Leeds.
Brett Pitman is probably most likely to be on Bristol City’s bench (are you sure you didn’t want to go to Blackpool, Brett? A manager who thinks nothing of resting eleven players?). There is some dispute about whether Christian Ribeiro (groin) is ready to return to the squad but I think Sam Vokes (hamstring) is definitely out.
Leicester City v Derby County
Leicester have been doing really well lately, especially considering who their manager is. Derby, however, have been doing even better and have gone from relegation battle to play-off places in the space of a few games.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
Robbie Savage will hope to start for Derby against his old club but he does get rested every now and then. It’s his age. If he does play, it will be Robbie’s 100th appearance for Derby. Robbie feels Andy Carroll deserves to be in the England squad. Very true, he does, but I hope you don’t mean against Wales, Robbie. Hopefully you’ll be there to help deal with him but I don’t want good players like that playing against Wales. Not that I think Wales couldn’t beat a good England team, I just think the win will be even funnier if Emile Heskey plays. Yes, I know he’s retired but players are always coming out of retirement these days. And I only hope it becomes common among the Welsh.
Gareth Roberts will probably be on the bench. Apparently he was close to being recalled for Derby’s win over Ipswich but close doesn’t count.
Millwall v Sheffield United
Millwall are looking for their first win in five games but Sheffield United have won only one in the last nine.
Steve Morison is back in Millwall’s squad after serving a one-match suspension for receiving five yellow cards.
Ched Evans will hope to start for Sheffield United.
If Palace win this one, they could get off the bottom of the table – they’re only bottom on goal difference at the moment.
Andy Dorman will hope to start for Palace. Lewis Price could be on the bench if he’s recovered from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood was back in the squad for Coventry’s last match – maybe he’ll actually get to play a bit this time.
Ipswich Town v Barnsley
Ipswich have not lost to Barnsley for twelve years. I’m not sure how often they were in the same division as they’ve spent three seasons between them in the Premier League and Barnsley had some time in League One but whatever. Barnsley haven’t been known for their away wins but they did get one in their last game. It was only against Preston North End but maybe it’s given them a bit of confidence.
Troy Brown could be in Ipswich’s squad again – and he’s one of Roy Keane’s reasons for not buying a right back although unfortunately some centre back is first choice instead of Troy.
Leeds United v Bristol City
Leeds and Bristol City play each other in the League for the first time in 31 years which just seems impossible but I suppose they must have passed each other when Leeds went down to League One and Bristol City came up.
Sanchez Watt could return to Leeds’ squad after recovering from an ankle injury but they might prefer not to risk him. They’ve risked him at least twice already and it so wasn’t worth it. Jason Brown will be on the bench for Leeds.
Brett Pitman is probably most likely to be on Bristol City’s bench (are you sure you didn’t want to go to Blackpool, Brett? A manager who thinks nothing of resting eleven players?). There is some dispute about whether Christian Ribeiro (groin) is ready to return to the squad but I think Sam Vokes (hamstring) is definitely out.
Leicester City v Derby County
Leicester have been doing really well lately, especially considering who their manager is. Derby, however, have been doing even better and have gone from relegation battle to play-off places in the space of a few games.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
Robbie Savage will hope to start for Derby against his old club but he does get rested every now and then. It’s his age. If he does play, it will be Robbie’s 100th appearance for Derby. Robbie feels Andy Carroll deserves to be in the England squad. Very true, he does, but I hope you don’t mean against Wales, Robbie. Hopefully you’ll be there to help deal with him but I don’t want good players like that playing against Wales. Not that I think Wales couldn’t beat a good England team, I just think the win will be even funnier if Emile Heskey plays. Yes, I know he’s retired but players are always coming out of retirement these days. And I only hope it becomes common among the Welsh.
Gareth Roberts will probably be on the bench. Apparently he was close to being recalled for Derby’s win over Ipswich but close doesn’t count.
Millwall v Sheffield United
Millwall are looking for their first win in five games but Sheffield United have won only one in the last nine.
Steve Morison is back in Millwall’s squad after serving a one-match suspension for receiving five yellow cards.
Ched Evans will hope to start for Sheffield United.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Championship Results 6th November 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley 0-2 Leicester City
Leicester won only their second away game of the season to beat Barnsley.and get a second consecutive win.
Andy King scored twice for Leicester but the first one was offside. The stand-in captain got the winner four minutes from the end of the match.
Bristol City 1-1 Preston North End
Bristol City’s problem at home continue – they have only six points from their eight home games.
Brett Pitman was a late substitute for Bristol City and had a late chance to grab a winner.
Craig Morgan was back in Preston’s starting line-up. Paul Parry made another appearance from the bench.
Coventry City 2-3 Leeds United
Coventry remain in the play-off places, despite losing to Leeds, who are now only a point behind them.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t return to Coventry’s squad as expected.
Jason Brown was back in goal for Leeds after first-choice keeper Kasper Schmeichel became a father on Friday night.
Sanchez Watt didn’t return from his ankle injury.
Derby County 2-0 Portsmouth
Derby are up in fourth place after a fifth successive home win – which also happens to be their fifth home win of the season.
Robbie Savage scored a penalty in the 23rd minute and Derby never looked back. Well, they probably did look back. It wouldn’t have been 2-0 if they hadn’t looked back. Gareth Roberts was on the bench. It sounds like the Derby players did well – but, as Robbie reminds us, the manager plays a part too.
Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Millwall
Millwall often do seem to take the lead in matches. They take the lead and get your hopes in but then they let in two and don’t score anymore and suddenly it’s not the result you wanted at all.
Brian Stock and John Oster both played the full match for Doncaster.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s goal ans got his fifth yellow card.
Leicester won only their second away game of the season to beat Barnsley.and get a second consecutive win.
Andy King scored twice for Leicester but the first one was offside. The stand-in captain got the winner four minutes from the end of the match.
Bristol City 1-1 Preston North End
Bristol City’s problem at home continue – they have only six points from their eight home games.
Brett Pitman was a late substitute for Bristol City and had a late chance to grab a winner.
Craig Morgan was back in Preston’s starting line-up. Paul Parry made another appearance from the bench.
Coventry City 2-3 Leeds United
Coventry remain in the play-off places, despite losing to Leeds, who are now only a point behind them.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t return to Coventry’s squad as expected.
Jason Brown was back in goal for Leeds after first-choice keeper Kasper Schmeichel became a father on Friday night.
Sanchez Watt didn’t return from his ankle injury.
Derby County 2-0 Portsmouth
Derby are up in fourth place after a fifth successive home win – which also happens to be their fifth home win of the season.
Robbie Savage scored a penalty in the 23rd minute and Derby never looked back. Well, they probably did look back. It wouldn’t have been 2-0 if they hadn’t looked back. Gareth Roberts was on the bench. It sounds like the Derby players did well – but, as Robbie reminds us, the manager plays a part too.
Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Millwall
Millwall often do seem to take the lead in matches. They take the lead and get your hopes in but then they let in two and don’t score anymore and suddenly it’s not the result you wanted at all.
Brian Stock and John Oster both played the full match for Doncaster.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s goal ans got his fifth yellow card.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley v Leicester City
Andy King should keep his place in Leicester’s starting line-up.
Bristol City v Preston North End
Brett Pitman will be in Bristol City’s squad but all their other Welsh players are either injured or on loan. Christian Ribeiro is on his way back from hip and groi injuries and will have a fitness test before the match. Some reports say Sam Vokes is also on his way back too.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry are probably most likely to be on the bench for Preston.
Coventry City v Leeds United
Freddy Eastwood is back in Coventry’s squad after recovering from a knee injury. He played 90 minutes in a training match a few days ago.
Jason Brown will be on the bench for Leeds but Sanchez Watt isn’t ready to return from an ankle injury.
Derby County v Portsmouth
Robbie Savage, who this week quit Twitter shortly before taking it up again, will hope to keep his place for Derby. Hopefully he’ll get lots of abuse – he likes it! Though I wouldn’t have a problem if he drove around in his underpants. I sincerely hope he always wears underpants.
After two consecutive late appearances from the bench, Gareth Roberts might be fancying his chances of being back in the starting line-up fairly soon.
Andy King should keep his place in Leicester’s starting line-up.
Bristol City v Preston North End
Brett Pitman will be in Bristol City’s squad but all their other Welsh players are either injured or on loan. Christian Ribeiro is on his way back from hip and groi injuries and will have a fitness test before the match. Some reports say Sam Vokes is also on his way back too.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry are probably most likely to be on the bench for Preston.
Coventry City v Leeds United
Freddy Eastwood is back in Coventry’s squad after recovering from a knee injury. He played 90 minutes in a training match a few days ago.
Jason Brown will be on the bench for Leeds but Sanchez Watt isn’t ready to return from an ankle injury.
Derby County v Portsmouth
Robbie Savage, who this week quit Twitter shortly before taking it up again, will hope to keep his place for Derby. Hopefully he’ll get lots of abuse – he likes it! Though I wouldn’t have a problem if he drove around in his underpants. I sincerely hope he always wears underpants.
After two consecutive late appearances from the bench, Gareth Roberts might be fancying his chances of being back in the starting line-up fairly soon.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Championship Results 30th November 2010 (Part 2)
Derby County 4-1 Watford
Derby bounced back from their defeat to Millwall with another big win which takes them to seventh place, one place and one point from the play-off zone. Both Watford are strong away but both their away defeats this season have come in the last three matches.
Robbie Savage played the full match for Derby and his assist for the winning goal was nearly as beautiful as his hair. Gareth Roberts was a late substitute again.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Millwall
Ipswich have struggled for wins lately while Millwall were probably feeling hopeful after beating the on-form Derby County. Millwall had their chances and kept on pressing but Ipswich played very well.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Steve Morison played the full match for Millwall and arguably should have won them a penalty.
Leicester City 1-0 Preston North End
Leicester moved out of the relegation zone following a very important win over Preston, who are now below them as a result.
Andy King played the full match for Leicester.
Paul Parry made another late appearance from the bench. Craig Morgan was back in the squad after an unexplained absence but he stayed on the bench.
Middlesbrough 1-2 Bristol City
Bristol City came from behind to win only their third game of the season over Middlesbrough, who are now in the bottom three.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Brett Pitman came off the bench in the 93rd minute for Bristol City.
Derby bounced back from their defeat to Millwall with another big win which takes them to seventh place, one place and one point from the play-off zone. Both Watford are strong away but both their away defeats this season have come in the last three matches.
Robbie Savage played the full match for Derby and his assist for the winning goal was nearly as beautiful as his hair. Gareth Roberts was a late substitute again.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Millwall
Ipswich have struggled for wins lately while Millwall were probably feeling hopeful after beating the on-form Derby County. Millwall had their chances and kept on pressing but Ipswich played very well.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Steve Morison played the full match for Millwall and arguably should have won them a penalty.
Leicester City 1-0 Preston North End
Leicester moved out of the relegation zone following a very important win over Preston, who are now below them as a result.
Andy King played the full match for Leicester.
Paul Parry made another late appearance from the bench. Craig Morgan was back in the squad after an unexplained absence but he stayed on the bench.
Middlesbrough 1-2 Bristol City
Bristol City came from behind to win only their third game of the season over Middlesbrough, who are now in the bottom three.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Brett Pitman came off the bench in the 93rd minute for Bristol City.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Championship Fixtures 30th October 2010 (Part 3)
Middlesbrough v Bristol City
Tony Mowbray is Middlesbrough’s new manager. His recent achievements include finishing bottom of the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion and ensuring that Rangers didn’t have much competition to win the Scottish Premier League title. Which would have been great if he’d been managing Rangers but unfortunately he was managing Celtic. But that’s not to say he’s not a good manager and maybe he’s the person to show Middlesbrough that they’re actually a pretty good team. Boro are hoping for a second win in seven games.
Bristol City will be hoping their very creditable draw against Queen’s Park Rangers is a sign of good things to come.
Danny Coyne could start for Middbesbrough but I’m not sure he will. Despite the poor results, goalkeeping hasn’t really been Middlesbrough’s problem. Rhys Williams is still out with an injured pelvis.
Brett Pitman scored two goals for Bristol City’s reserves in a 3-2 win against Reading Manager Keith Millen was there to see him in action so maybe he did enough to get into the starting eleven against Middlesbrough.
Lewin Nyatanga could make his 150th career start but I’m not sure he will. He has apparently recovered from his knee injury but he so far hasn’t been ready to play in the first team and there has been talk of sending him out on loan.
Christian Ribeiro is still suffering from groin and hip problems and won’t play. Sam Vokes isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Portsmouth v Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are still unbeaten at home but their away form isn’t the best and Portsmouth have been doing quite well lately – they’ve won their previous three league games. Forest have won their previous two.
Chris Gunter should start for Forest, perhaps at left back again. Robert Earnshaw was back in Forest’s squad for the victory over Ipswich but he is still struggling with his niggle.
Tony Mowbray is Middlesbrough’s new manager. His recent achievements include finishing bottom of the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion and ensuring that Rangers didn’t have much competition to win the Scottish Premier League title. Which would have been great if he’d been managing Rangers but unfortunately he was managing Celtic. But that’s not to say he’s not a good manager and maybe he’s the person to show Middlesbrough that they’re actually a pretty good team. Boro are hoping for a second win in seven games.
Bristol City will be hoping their very creditable draw against Queen’s Park Rangers is a sign of good things to come.
Danny Coyne could start for Middbesbrough but I’m not sure he will. Despite the poor results, goalkeeping hasn’t really been Middlesbrough’s problem. Rhys Williams is still out with an injured pelvis.
Brett Pitman scored two goals for Bristol City’s reserves in a 3-2 win against Reading Manager Keith Millen was there to see him in action so maybe he did enough to get into the starting eleven against Middlesbrough.
Lewin Nyatanga could make his 150th career start but I’m not sure he will. He has apparently recovered from his knee injury but he so far hasn’t been ready to play in the first team and there has been talk of sending him out on loan.
Christian Ribeiro is still suffering from groin and hip problems and won’t play. Sam Vokes isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Portsmouth v Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are still unbeaten at home but their away form isn’t the best and Portsmouth have been doing quite well lately – they’ve won their previous three league games. Forest have won their previous two.
Chris Gunter should start for Forest, perhaps at left back again. Robert Earnshaw was back in Forest’s squad for the victory over Ipswich but he is still struggling with his niggle.
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Championship Result 22nd October 2010
Bristol City 1-1 Queen’s Park Rangers
The top side took on the bottom side… and neither of them won. But I’m sure Bristol City will be happy to take a point against QPR.
Brett Pitman was on the bench for Bristol City but the other Welshmen are all injured. Christian Ribeiro is the latest to succumb – he has back and hip problems again.
The top side took on the bottom side… and neither of them won. But I’m sure Bristol City will be happy to take a point against QPR.
Brett Pitman was on the bench for Bristol City but the other Welshmen are all injured. Christian Ribeiro is the latest to succumb – he has back and hip problems again.
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