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.

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.

FA Cup Results 27th November 2010 (Part 1)

Burton Albion 3-1 Chesterfield
In the league, Chesterfield are on top while Burton (like every other team in League Two) are further down. But Cup matches can go either way even when the two sides involved are in different divisions so this probably shouldn’t really be a surprise. Even though it is. Burton’s next opponents are struggling Championship side Middlesbrough.
Tony James was on the bench for Burton. I like to think he was rested but the truth is he isn’t really first-choice anymore.
Craig Davies didn’t have the best day. After spending the first half being booed by the Burton supporters (he was born in Burton which was hardly his fault, I blame the parents), he then suffered a hamstring injury. Chesterfield aren’t sure how serious it is but they seem pretty hopeful.

Bury 1-2 Peterborough United
Bury killed one giant in the first round but Peterborough were just a little bit too much for them in the second. Next time, Peterborough could be the giant-killers as they face Fulham.
Loanee Owain fon Williams was in goal for Bury. His loan runs out at the end of December but he’s not sure what will happen then.
Arron Davies was a substitute but he didn’t come on until the 94th minute so he might not have actually kicked the ball or anything like that. Despite being left on the bench, Arron believes manager Gary Johnson will take Peterborough back into the Championship.
Lewin Nyatanga was not given permission to play in this match by parent club Bristol City but most reports suggested his loan had already come to an end by the time this match came around. But he’s definitely back at Bristol City now.

Carlisle United 3-2 Tamworth
Tamworth will feel disappointed to go out but the non-league side played well and didn’t look like minnows. Not that I’ve ever seen a footballer who does. The score was 2-2 with minutes still to play and it looked as though Tamworth had forced a replay but then Carlisle scored which spoiled things a bit. Carlisle will need to up their game just slightly when they face League Two Torquay United.
Scott Barrow played the full match for Tamworth.

Colchester United 1-0 Swindon Supermarines
Swindon Supermarines bowed out of the FA Cup after another great performance against one of the best teams (according to League place) in the competition. They couldn’t quite equalise but they must have given Colchester’s players a few scares. Colchester’s next opponents are a few more stops down the train line from Swindon – Swansea City.
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James were unused substitutes for Colchester.

Darlington 0-2 York City
Two former League sides battled for the right to face a Premier League side in the third round and it was York who went through, with Bolton Wanderers their reward.
Danny Parslow missed out for York after suffering from larynx damage which is an unusual one for a footballer but as an ex-singer I can tell you it can be pretty bad. Levi Mackin is being brought back slowly from a knee problem and wasn’t in the squad for this match even though he did feature in the last round.

FA Cup Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 2)

Darlington v York City
At least one non-league side will be in the third round and this local derby is likely to be feisty. But only if it goes ahead. No FA Cup matches called off as yet but this tie looks vulnerable.
Danny Parslow should play for York but Levi Mackin is still on his way back from a knee injuy and Alex Lawless has joined Luton on loan, with a view to a permanent move.

Dover Athletic v Aldershot Town
The Aldershot manager sees the FA Cup as a game to enjoy and make money from. He’s not even worried about losing.
Adam Birchall has already scored nine goals in the FA Cup this season – he’ll be wanting to make it ten at least. He’d love to beat Aldershot and take on former club Arsenal.
Aaron Morris probably has the most chance of starting for Aldershot, with Darren Jones possibly rested. But I don’t know if I’m right.

Hartlepool United v Yeovil Town
This match is looking like one of the most likely to be called off – which won’t be good news for the Yeovil fans, who will probably either be already there or on the way when the announcement is made. Hartlepool are out to enjoy the encounter and see what happens. For Yeovil, it’s a chance to show they’re not as bad as their league match against Bournemouth suggested.
Loanees Shaun MacDonald and Owain Tudur Jones can both play for Yeovil (this will be Owain’s last game) but Gavin Williams doesn’t have permission from parent club Bristol City. Nathan Jones could also be in the squad. Nathan and Rhys Baggridge were part of the Yeovil squad that progressed to the quarter finals of the Somerset Premier Cup.

FA Cup Results 6th November 2010 (Part 4)

Rotherham United 0-0 York City
Blue Square Premier side York managed to force a replay against League Two local rivals Rotherham.
Mark Bradley missed out for Rotherham due to a hip injury.
Alex Lawless and Danny Parslow both played the full match for York. But Alex won’t be in the replay as he has joined Luton Town on loan. The loan will be made permanent in January.

Rushden & Diamonds 0-1 Yeovil Town
Yeovil have struggled in the league this season but they did enough to progress to the second round of the FA Cup – although there was an element of controversy about their goal.
Nathan Jones played for Yeovil with loanees Shaun MacDonald and Owain Tudur Jones in midfield. Gavin Williams wasn’t given permission to play by his parent club.

Stevenage 0-0 Milton Keynes Dons
Stevenage managed to draw with League One’s MK Dons.
Jermaine Easter wasn’t in MK Dons’ squad, possibly due to his recent illness.

Stockport County 1-1 Peterborough United
Stockport forced a draw aganst League One promotion hopefuls Peterborough.
Anthony Pulis played the full match for Stockport after receiving permission to play from parent club Southampton.
Arron Davies played the full match for Peterborough but Lewin Nyatanga’s parent club Bristol City said he couldn’t play.

Swindon Supermarines 2-1 Eastwood Town
Swindon Supermarines performed a giant-killing to move into the second round at the expense of Eastwood Town. This was their first appearance in the first round of the FA Cup. And their first appearance in the second round isn’t too far away.

Tamworth 2-1 Crewe Alexandra
Tamworth are Saturday’s final giant-killing side after beating Crewe, who have been on a really good run recently.
Scott Barrow played the full match for Tamworth and the defender played a bit part in keeping Tamworth ahead.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe.

FA Cup Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 5)

Rotherham United v York City
Mark Bradley has been playing through a hip injury and is unlikely to play for Rotherham.
Alex Lawless was part of the Forest Green Rovers side who performed an FA Cup giant-killing in the first round three years ago. Who did they beat? Rotherham United. Danny Parslow could also play for York but Levi Mackin is only just back in training after three months out with a knee injury.

Rushden & Diamonds v Yeovil Town
Rushden have sent Aynsley McDonald on loan to Banbury so he won’t play.
Bristol City have not given Gavin Williams permission to play for Yeovil in the FA Cup as they’re hoping other clubs will be interested in him after his loan comes to an end.
but they will have Shaun MacDonald (Swansea City) and Owain Tudur Jones (Norwich City),. Nathan Jones could also play in a match he believes Yeovil are under pressure to win. Maybe there will be a place in the squad for Rhys Baggridge.

Southampton v Shrewsbury Town
Ryan Doble might get into Southampton’s squad against League Two Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury won’t have Tom Bradshaw due to injury.

Stevenage v Milton Keynes Dons
Jermaine Easter has been on the bench for MK Dons recently but maybe he’ll start this match. And maybe he’ll score.

Welsh Non-Keague/Reserves news

Aaron Morris, on loan from Cardiff City, was in Newport County’s team as they drew 0-0 with Blue Square Premier side York City in the FA Trophy. Kevin Gall and Danny Parslow were in York’s team. The replay is on Tuesday.

Troy Brown played for Ipswich Town’s reserve side as they drew 1-1 with Southend United reserves.
Ben Thatcher played 45 minutes for Ipswich and Roy Keane says he is progressing well as he recovers from a knee ligament injury.

Swansea City’s reserves lost 2-1 to Llanelli. Their side included David Cornell (goalkeeper), Daniel Alfei, Kristian O’Leary, Daniel Sheehan, Matty Collins (captain), Scott Evans and Chad Bond. Rhys Wilson (goalkeeper), Casey Thomas, Lee Lucas and Joe Walsh were among those on the substitutes’ bench.

FA Cup Third Round Results 2nd January Part 4

Stoke City 3-1 York City
York might be on the other side of England from Wales (or it might not be, I know where all the counties are but I’m not so good with towns) but that doesn’t stop them from having England’s highest quota of Welsh players (Swansea have more but they’e not English are they?). And they all had a part to play in this game which started brilliantly but had a predictable end.
BBC Sport originally credited Levi Mackin with the assist for the first goal. Right nationality, wrong player – it was actually Alex Lawless. Danny Parslow became the Wales player I most want to hug after scoring a horrible own goal to put Stoke level but if he hadn’t done it, I’m sure a Stoke player would have done. A double substitution saw Kevin Gall come onto the pitch as Danny left it (a good 41 minutes after his own goal, not including half-time) but technically he didn’t replace him. Levi Mackin might not have got his assist but both he and Luke Graham ensured a mention in this blog by getting a yellow card each.
Ryan Shawcross didn’t play for Stoke after getting his fifth yellow card but Danny Collins played the full match.

Sunderland 3-0 Barrow
The match came to a predictable end but in the absence of a Cupset it at least it offered the opportunity to see Barrow’s three Welsh players. And I did get to see Gareth Jelleyman making both aa ahndball and a good save (the save was with his foot) but the highlights were too short for me to see Simon Spender (who according to the Guardian is “arguably the best right back in non-league football”) and Mike Pearson (who staked his claim to be the best centre back) but they were there the whole tme. Although it was good to find out Mike had completed the match, which he was unable to do in Barrow’s last FA Cup appearance against Middlesbrough.

Torquay United 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton needed a goal to save them from a replay against a League Two side and you’ll never guess who provided it. Yes, it was Andrew Crofts, who has been named as Brighton’s official captain. And I’m sure Craig Davies could have got one a goal too if he’d come off the bench.

FA Cup Third Round Fixtures 2nd January Part 4

Portsmouth v Coventry City
Portsmouth might be floundering at the foot of the Premier League table but then Coventry aren’t that far from the foot of their own league. But on the other hand. Freddy Eastwood – despite being ill at the moment - is on great form for Coventry so if a giant-killing is going to happen anywhere, it could well be in Portsmouth.

Preston North End v Colchester United
After a 5-0 victory over Norwich at the start of the season, Norwich stole Colchester’s manager. But while Norwich are now above Colchester, it’s not by much and Colchester are still pushing for the play-offs. And without Lee Beevers too.
Preston could be without Paul Parry who didn’t train today and will have a fitness test before the match.
Colchester might not want the distraction of a Cup run. But beating the off-form Preston would be proof that they’re in the Championship hunt for real.

Reading v Liverpool
Earlier this week, Simon Church completed his first ninety minutes for Reading for quite a while. He didn’t actually score a goal but maybe he’ll be all warmed up in time for Liverpool’s game and ready to show the former top 4 side that Reading mean business. But I still think Liverpool will win.

Southampton v Luton Town
Southampton are obviously much better than their league form suggests. But then, Luton are at least a whole division better than their league form suggests.
Southampton have been going well lately with young Lloyd James one of their star players. But let’s not forget, Luton beat Scunthorpe United to win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final last season. And Scunthorpe went on to win promotion to the Championship.

Stoke City v York City
This is probably the match with the biggest potential for romance. Stoke are off-form and Ryan Shawcross suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card, leaving only Danny Collins (okay and their other great players) between them and embarrassment - but a win for York would be pretty amazing. But then again, York could have star player Alex Lawless, their captain Danny Parslow, Kevin Gall (who featured in at least three of Yeovil Town’s Magic Moments from 200-2009 – I refuse to say ‘noughties’), loan star Luke Graham from Mansfield and anchorman Levi Mackin in the team.