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 darcy blake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label darcy blake. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 22nd January 2011 (Part 1)
Barnsley v Swansea City
Swansea travel to Barnsley hoping for a sixth win in five matches. But they’ve also lost their last three away games.
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea, with Joe Allen, David Cotterill and young players Jazz Richards and Daniel Alfei all hoping for a place in the squad. Neil Taylor is still out with an ankle injury.
Cardiff City v Watford
A win for Watford would give them seven consecutive wins, which would equal a club record. Cardiff are still very much in the promotion pictures but two wins in nine games probably won’t help their confidence.
Aaron Ramsey has rejoined his former club Cardiff but he won’t play against Watford as he didn’t join in time to be eligible for this match.
Craig Bellamy should be back in the starting line-up to face fellow promotion-hopefuls Watford. Craig certainly has his detractors and maybe once or twice I have just vaguely thought life might be easier if Craig wasn’t Welsh but he’s certainly dedicated.
Darcy Blake should also be in the squad. Cardiff have more loanees than they have places in the squad for loanees which might be bad news for Jason Koumas (though he is ill so he wouldn’t have played anyway) but that would give Adam Matthews, Aaron Wildig, Jonathan Meades and Nathaniel Jarvis a greater chance of being included.
Swansea travel to Barnsley hoping for a sixth win in five matches. But they’ve also lost their last three away games.
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea, with Joe Allen, David Cotterill and young players Jazz Richards and Daniel Alfei all hoping for a place in the squad. Neil Taylor is still out with an ankle injury.
Cardiff City v Watford
A win for Watford would give them seven consecutive wins, which would equal a club record. Cardiff are still very much in the promotion pictures but two wins in nine games probably won’t help their confidence.
Aaron Ramsey has rejoined his former club Cardiff but he won’t play against Watford as he didn’t join in time to be eligible for this match.
Craig Bellamy should be back in the starting line-up to face fellow promotion-hopefuls Watford. Craig certainly has his detractors and maybe once or twice I have just vaguely thought life might be easier if Craig wasn’t Welsh but he’s certainly dedicated.
Darcy Blake should also be in the squad. Cardiff have more loanees than they have places in the squad for loanees which might be bad news for Jason Koumas (though he is ill so he wouldn’t have played anyway) but that would give Adam Matthews, Aaron Wildig, Jonathan Meades and Nathaniel Jarvis a greater chance of being included.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
FA Cup Third Round Replay Results 18th January 2011
Cardiff City 0-2 Stoke City aet
This result provided plenty of disappointment but no real surprises as the Premier League side went though to the next round – although they did need extra time in order to do it. Cardiff arguably should have got a penalty or two, including one right at the end of normal time when Stoke’s Danny Collins got a bit intimate with a member of the opposition in the penalty area. But it wasn’t given.
Darcy Blake was back in the starting line-up for Cardiff, and Aaron Wildig made his first appearance since September when Stephen McPhail went off injured after 39 minutes. Adam Matthews joined them on the pitch in the second half but there was no match time for Nathaniel Jarvis, on the bench for only the third time this season.
Craig Bellamy (Cardiff) and Ryan Shawcross (Stoke) were among the big names to be rested.
Manchester City 4-2 Leicester City
Manchester City went through to the fourth round at the expense of Leicester City, managed by Man City’s former manager Sven Goran-Eriksson. But Leicester shouldn’t feel too disheartened – they were playing against some of football’s biggest names and they didn’t play badly at all. Late in the game, Leicester brought the score back to 3-2 and then pushed for an equaliser which gave Man City the chance to grab a fourth
Andy King caused lots of problems for Manchester City which is what we like to see.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 Doncaster Rovers
For a long time, I thought Doncaster might get an equaliser. They certainly played like a team capable of doing something like that. After an hour, it was still 1-0 to Wolves. But then it all got a bit mad and the commentator was almost saying more about Wolves than he was about Cardiff. Wolves just kept on scoring.
David Jones kept his place in Wolves’ starting line-up and scored their stoppage-time winner. Sam Vokes came off the bench after 78 minutes and I think he lasted the whole of the remaining fifteen minutes which is two minutes longer than he played in his only other game this season. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench.
This result provided plenty of disappointment but no real surprises as the Premier League side went though to the next round – although they did need extra time in order to do it. Cardiff arguably should have got a penalty or two, including one right at the end of normal time when Stoke’s Danny Collins got a bit intimate with a member of the opposition in the penalty area. But it wasn’t given.
Darcy Blake was back in the starting line-up for Cardiff, and Aaron Wildig made his first appearance since September when Stephen McPhail went off injured after 39 minutes. Adam Matthews joined them on the pitch in the second half but there was no match time for Nathaniel Jarvis, on the bench for only the third time this season.
Craig Bellamy (Cardiff) and Ryan Shawcross (Stoke) were among the big names to be rested.
Manchester City 4-2 Leicester City
Manchester City went through to the fourth round at the expense of Leicester City, managed by Man City’s former manager Sven Goran-Eriksson. But Leicester shouldn’t feel too disheartened – they were playing against some of football’s biggest names and they didn’t play badly at all. Late in the game, Leicester brought the score back to 3-2 and then pushed for an equaliser which gave Man City the chance to grab a fourth
Andy King caused lots of problems for Manchester City which is what we like to see.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 Doncaster Rovers
For a long time, I thought Doncaster might get an equaliser. They certainly played like a team capable of doing something like that. After an hour, it was still 1-0 to Wolves. But then it all got a bit mad and the commentator was almost saying more about Wolves than he was about Cardiff. Wolves just kept on scoring.
David Jones kept his place in Wolves’ starting line-up and scored their stoppage-time winner. Sam Vokes came off the bench after 78 minutes and I think he lasted the whole of the remaining fifteen minutes which is two minutes longer than he played in his only other game this season. Wayne Hennessey was on the bench.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
FA Cup Third Round Replay Fixtures 18th January 2011
Cardiff City v Stoke City
Stoke and Cardiff drew the original fixture but (barring match cancellations and abandonments) it will be decided on Tuesday night who goes through to face Doncaster Rovers or Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next round. Cardiff haven’t lost any of their last three but only one was actually a win.
It is thought that Cardiff manager Dave Jones might not want to risk Craig Bellamy’s knee by playing him in this fixture – he missed the first match between these two clubs too. If Craig scores, it will be his 150th career goal.
If other first-choice players are rested, Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas (if he’s recovered from injury) could come into contention but it could be that only Craig is rested.
Stoke also rested players in the first tie, keeping captain Ryan Shawcross in the starting line-up but giving Danny Collins a rest. Danny was on the bench for Stoke’s last Premier League match so he could be given the chance to play in this match.
Manchester City v Leicester City
Leicester were another Championship side to hold a Premier League side to a draw.and are unbeaten in their last four matches.
Andy King scored the equaliser to give Leicester a replay at Manchester City. It’s hard to imagine them leaving him out but he might need a rest at some stage and with Leicester eyeing promotion (albeit from a very long way down the table), there will arguably be more important games than this one.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Doncaster Rovers
Wolves needed a penalty in order to set up a rematch with Doncaster. They have struggled in away matches this season but are stronger at home.
Wayne Hennessey could be rested again for Wolves. Dave Edwards is still out with a hamstring injury so David Jones could keep his place in midfield but the return to fitness of Karl Henry could put this in doubt.
Doncaster are still without Brian Stock, who has either a leg or a back injury, but John Oster should play.
Stoke and Cardiff drew the original fixture but (barring match cancellations and abandonments) it will be decided on Tuesday night who goes through to face Doncaster Rovers or Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next round. Cardiff haven’t lost any of their last three but only one was actually a win.
It is thought that Cardiff manager Dave Jones might not want to risk Craig Bellamy’s knee by playing him in this fixture – he missed the first match between these two clubs too. If Craig scores, it will be his 150th career goal.
If other first-choice players are rested, Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas (if he’s recovered from injury) could come into contention but it could be that only Craig is rested.
Stoke also rested players in the first tie, keeping captain Ryan Shawcross in the starting line-up but giving Danny Collins a rest. Danny was on the bench for Stoke’s last Premier League match so he could be given the chance to play in this match.
Manchester City v Leicester City
Leicester were another Championship side to hold a Premier League side to a draw.and are unbeaten in their last four matches.
Andy King scored the equaliser to give Leicester a replay at Manchester City. It’s hard to imagine them leaving him out but he might need a rest at some stage and with Leicester eyeing promotion (albeit from a very long way down the table), there will arguably be more important games than this one.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Doncaster Rovers
Wolves needed a penalty in order to set up a rematch with Doncaster. They have struggled in away matches this season but are stronger at home.
Wayne Hennessey could be rested again for Wolves. Dave Edwards is still out with a hamstring injury so David Jones could keep his place in midfield but the return to fitness of Karl Henry could put this in doubt.
Doncaster are still without Brian Stock, who has either a leg or a back injury, but John Oster should play.
Championship Results 15th January 2011 (Part 2)
Norwich City 1-1 Cardiff City
Cardiff came so close to the win that would have put them ahead of Swansea City, which is a very important place to be. But Norwich equalised in the 90th minute, leaving both sides to fight for a winner that never came in the five minutes of stoppage time.
Craig Bellamy nearly scored his 150th career goal for Cardiff against the club where he began his career.
Andrew Crofts provided some attacking threat for Norwich.
The radio commentators seemed to think Darcy Blake was going to come off the bench but he didn’t. Neither did Adam Matthews.
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Portsmouth
Portsmouth must have thought they’d ended Nottingham Forest’s unbeaten home record when they were 1-0 up after 87 minutes. Then another Portsmouth player scored – but he didn’t put it in the right net. And Portsmouth ended up getting nothing from the game at all when Forest scored a 94th-minute winner.
Chris Gunter and Robert Earnshaw both started for Forest.
Preston North End 1-1 Leicester City
Leicester want to be promoted while Preston just don’t want to be trying to be promoted from League One next season. But both teams are leaving it late, the home side in particular. Preston did well to snatch the point in stoppage time and they were lucky Andy King didn’t grab a winner for Leicester – but they’re still seven points from safety, while Leicester are even further from their own target.
Craig Morgan played the full match for Preston with Paul Parry making a substitute appearance shortly after half-time.
Cardiff came so close to the win that would have put them ahead of Swansea City, which is a very important place to be. But Norwich equalised in the 90th minute, leaving both sides to fight for a winner that never came in the five minutes of stoppage time.
Craig Bellamy nearly scored his 150th career goal for Cardiff against the club where he began his career.
Andrew Crofts provided some attacking threat for Norwich.
The radio commentators seemed to think Darcy Blake was going to come off the bench but he didn’t. Neither did Adam Matthews.
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Portsmouth
Portsmouth must have thought they’d ended Nottingham Forest’s unbeaten home record when they were 1-0 up after 87 minutes. Then another Portsmouth player scored – but he didn’t put it in the right net. And Portsmouth ended up getting nothing from the game at all when Forest scored a 94th-minute winner.
Chris Gunter and Robert Earnshaw both started for Forest.
Preston North End 1-1 Leicester City
Leicester want to be promoted while Preston just don’t want to be trying to be promoted from League One next season. But both teams are leaving it late, the home side in particular. Preston did well to snatch the point in stoppage time and they were lucky Andy King didn’t grab a winner for Leicester – but they’re still seven points from safety, while Leicester are even further from their own target.
Craig Morgan played the full match for Preston with Paul Parry making a substitute appearance shortly after half-time.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 2)
Millwall v Ipswich Town
Paul Jewell (OMG what were his parents thinking???) takes charge at Ipswich following their 7-0 loss to Chelsea and slightly different result against Arsenal. His last job was managing Derby to a record low number of points in the Premier League. He’ll be hoping this job goes a lot better. They take on Millwall, who are unbeaten in eight. I won’t say how long it is since they last conceded a goal. I don’t want to jinx them. But it’s quite a long time.
Ipswich face a London team for the third time in a week. Chelsea demolished them, Arsenal rolled over for them… what will Millwall do?
Steve Morison will start for Millwall.
Troy Brown is still out with a hamstring injury.
Norwich City v Cardiff City
Only goal difference separates these two sides in the Championship, with Cardiff having the advantage. Cardiff have only won at Carrow Road twice in their history – and the second one was this season.
Andrew Crofts should be recalled to the starting line-up after missing the FA Cup defeat to Leyton Orient. Owain Tudur Jones could also be in the squad.
Craig Bellamy has allegedly been arrested for assault but he is likely to play if he’s passed fit. Norwich are one of Craig’s former clubs. If Craig scores, it will be his 150th.
Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews will probably be in the squad, with Jason Koumas joining them if he isn’t injured again. Jonathan Meades and Aaron Wildig have also been on the bench in recent weeks.
Nottingham Forest v Portsmouth
We all know about Nottingham Forest’s amazing home record but one team they struggle to beat at home is Portsmouth. All it would take is one defeat and they wouldn’t be unbeaten anymore. I know how that feels. Forest haven’t lost home or away since November though so they probably know what they’re doing now.
Chris Gunter will start for Forest. Robert Earnshaw has scored three in his last three matches for Forest but as that includes no goals in the last two, he could be on the bench again because that’s what the manager’s like. Rob thinks Forest can keep their home form going and get into the promotion race.
Watch a long but interesting interview with Chris and Rob.
Paul Jewell (OMG what were his parents thinking???) takes charge at Ipswich following their 7-0 loss to Chelsea and slightly different result against Arsenal. His last job was managing Derby to a record low number of points in the Premier League. He’ll be hoping this job goes a lot better. They take on Millwall, who are unbeaten in eight. I won’t say how long it is since they last conceded a goal. I don’t want to jinx them. But it’s quite a long time.
Ipswich face a London team for the third time in a week. Chelsea demolished them, Arsenal rolled over for them… what will Millwall do?
Steve Morison will start for Millwall.
Troy Brown is still out with a hamstring injury.
Norwich City v Cardiff City
Only goal difference separates these two sides in the Championship, with Cardiff having the advantage. Cardiff have only won at Carrow Road twice in their history – and the second one was this season.
Andrew Crofts should be recalled to the starting line-up after missing the FA Cup defeat to Leyton Orient. Owain Tudur Jones could also be in the squad.
Craig Bellamy has allegedly been arrested for assault but he is likely to play if he’s passed fit. Norwich are one of Craig’s former clubs. If Craig scores, it will be his 150th.
Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews will probably be in the squad, with Jason Koumas joining them if he isn’t injured again. Jonathan Meades and Aaron Wildig have also been on the bench in recent weeks.
Nottingham Forest v Portsmouth
We all know about Nottingham Forest’s amazing home record but one team they struggle to beat at home is Portsmouth. All it would take is one defeat and they wouldn’t be unbeaten anymore. I know how that feels. Forest haven’t lost home or away since November though so they probably know what they’re doing now.
Chris Gunter will start for Forest. Robert Earnshaw has scored three in his last three matches for Forest but as that includes no goals in the last two, he could be on the bench again because that’s what the manager’s like. Rob thinks Forest can keep their home form going and get into the promotion race.
Watch a long but interesting interview with Chris and Rob.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part Four)
Southampton 2-0 Blackpool
Southampton might be two leagues lower than Blackpool but apparently they were the favourites for this match, with Blackpool expected to rest a number of players. Ian Holloway made nine changes, filling the bench with players so lowly, they don’t even have their own page on BBC Sport.
It’s a good thing Blackpool didn’t get relegated to League One last season really. They’ve lost to every League One club they’ve played this season. Southampton’s next challenge will be rather more difficult: they’re at home again, but to Manchester United.
Neal Eardley was one of the two who weren’t replaced. He could have got Blackpool an assist – and it wasn’t his fault that he didn’t. Rob Edwards played 90 minutes.
Stoke City 1-1 Cardiff City
It’s fair to say this wasn’t the result I was dreaming of but it’s a great result all the same and you never know what will happen. Cardiff and Stoke looked evenly matched and although it’s true Stoke left some of their best players on the bench, Cardiff were forced to leave some of theirs out of the squad entirely. Cardiff did of course knock out Middlesbrough a few years ago in the semi-final and Middlesbrough were quite good then. The winner of the replay will be away at Doncaster Rovers or Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Stoke rested top players including Danny Collins but Cardiff were without Craig Bellamy (knees), Jason Koumas (warm-up injury, maybe his toe again) and Jay Bothroyd (hamstring).
Ryan Shawcross, perhaps surprisingly, kept his place in Stoke’s team.
Adam Matthews and Darcy Blake made substitute appearances for Cardiff. Jonathan Meades was on the bench for a second successive game, this time joined by Aaron Wildig.
Sunderland 1-2 Notts County
Not many teams have won at the Stadium of Light this season. Sunderland have done so on a number of occasions but Blackpool are the only other side to win there in a League match. Notts County are now only two divisions below Sunderland, they haven’t been doing all that well in League One.
Sunderland did rest a few players, including goalkeeper Craig Gordan but there were starts for Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan among others while Titus Bramble and Jordan Henderson were on the bench. Sunderland weren’t at their best at all and Notts County thoroughly deserved their win. Last season they best another Premier League side, Wigan Athletic, although Notts County were in League Two at that time. Notts County’s next challenge will be either Leicester City or Manchester City.
Ben Davies played in midfield for Notts County. He wasn’t at goal/assist-getting best his best but perhaps that’s just as well given that the transfer window is open. Ben belives Notts County can still get promoted this season.
Southampton might be two leagues lower than Blackpool but apparently they were the favourites for this match, with Blackpool expected to rest a number of players. Ian Holloway made nine changes, filling the bench with players so lowly, they don’t even have their own page on BBC Sport.
It’s a good thing Blackpool didn’t get relegated to League One last season really. They’ve lost to every League One club they’ve played this season. Southampton’s next challenge will be rather more difficult: they’re at home again, but to Manchester United.
Neal Eardley was one of the two who weren’t replaced. He could have got Blackpool an assist – and it wasn’t his fault that he didn’t. Rob Edwards played 90 minutes.
Stoke City 1-1 Cardiff City
It’s fair to say this wasn’t the result I was dreaming of but it’s a great result all the same and you never know what will happen. Cardiff and Stoke looked evenly matched and although it’s true Stoke left some of their best players on the bench, Cardiff were forced to leave some of theirs out of the squad entirely. Cardiff did of course knock out Middlesbrough a few years ago in the semi-final and Middlesbrough were quite good then. The winner of the replay will be away at Doncaster Rovers or Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Stoke rested top players including Danny Collins but Cardiff were without Craig Bellamy (knees), Jason Koumas (warm-up injury, maybe his toe again) and Jay Bothroyd (hamstring).
Ryan Shawcross, perhaps surprisingly, kept his place in Stoke’s team.
Adam Matthews and Darcy Blake made substitute appearances for Cardiff. Jonathan Meades was on the bench for a second successive game, this time joined by Aaron Wildig.
Sunderland 1-2 Notts County
Not many teams have won at the Stadium of Light this season. Sunderland have done so on a number of occasions but Blackpool are the only other side to win there in a League match. Notts County are now only two divisions below Sunderland, they haven’t been doing all that well in League One.
Sunderland did rest a few players, including goalkeeper Craig Gordan but there were starts for Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan among others while Titus Bramble and Jordan Henderson were on the bench. Sunderland weren’t at their best at all and Notts County thoroughly deserved their win. Last season they best another Premier League side, Wigan Athletic, although Notts County were in League Two at that time. Notts County’s next challenge will be either Leicester City or Manchester City.
Ben Davies played in midfield for Notts County. He wasn’t at goal/assist-getting best his best but perhaps that’s just as well given that the transfer window is open. Ben belives Notts County can still get promoted this season.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 5)
Southampton v Blackpool
So, a win for Southampton would be quite a major giant-killing then. I love football.
Blackpool won’t be taking all members of their first team so it’s unlikely that Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will be there but Rob Edwards has a good chance of playing.
Stokc City v Cardiff City
Cardiff check out their Premier League credentials at Stoke, who are well-known for their intimidating home atmosphere and the large number of resulting wins.
Tony Pulis really wants to take Stoke to the final and he says he will play a strong side so Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins could feature. Danny believes Stoke could get into Europe – and if they win the FA Cup, that will happen.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/9341881.stm
Craig Bellamy will have a late fitness test on his knee while Jason Koumas might not recover from a niggle. Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig are all fit as far as I know. Jonathan Meades was in Cardiff’s last squad so maybe he’ll be there again.
Cardiff manager Dave Jones says Craig is an inspiration and Stoke City manager Tony Pulis feels Craig has a future in management.
So, a win for Southampton would be quite a major giant-killing then. I love football.
Blackpool won’t be taking all members of their first team so it’s unlikely that Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will be there but Rob Edwards has a good chance of playing.
Stokc City v Cardiff City
Cardiff check out their Premier League credentials at Stoke, who are well-known for their intimidating home atmosphere and the large number of resulting wins.
Tony Pulis really wants to take Stoke to the final and he says he will play a strong side so Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins could feature. Danny believes Stoke could get into Europe – and if they win the FA Cup, that will happen.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/9341881.stm
Craig Bellamy will have a late fitness test on his knee while Jason Koumas might not recover from a niggle. Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig are all fit as far as I know. Jonathan Meades was in Cardiff’s last squad so maybe he’ll be there again.
Cardiff manager Dave Jones says Craig is an inspiration and Stoke City manager Tony Pulis feels Craig has a future in management.
Friday, 7 January 2011
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.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Championship Results 11th December 2010 (Part 2)
Crystal Palace 0-0 Hull City
Palace were back in the relegation zone despite drawing against Hull, who are themselves only two points clear.
Lewis Price and Andy Dorman stayed on the bench for Palace.
Leicester City 5-1 Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster took the lead as early as the sixth minute but they were unable to build on it – and even if they had, it might not have been enough with Leicester in such a rampant mood. Whatever Sven-Goran Eriksson gave the Leicester players at half-time, I want some.
Andy King played well for Leicester and provided the assist for their third and fifth goals. He nearly scored a couple too.
Brian Stock and John Oster played the full match for Doncaster but they probably didn’t enjoy it as much as Andy.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Cardiff City
Who could have predicted this? True, Cardiff have stuttered of late – losing to Queen’s Park Rangers was disappointing, while drawing with Preston North End was just embarrassing – but now Cardiff lose to Middlesbrough, who are even now only out of the relegation places on goal difference.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Craig Bellamy was the only Welshman to feature for Cardiff but he couldn’t find the back of the net, only the side of it. Darcy Blake (who has been ill recently) and Adam Matthews were on the bench, while Jason Koumas was kept out presumably by his toe injury.
Palace were back in the relegation zone despite drawing against Hull, who are themselves only two points clear.
Lewis Price and Andy Dorman stayed on the bench for Palace.
Leicester City 5-1 Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster took the lead as early as the sixth minute but they were unable to build on it – and even if they had, it might not have been enough with Leicester in such a rampant mood. Whatever Sven-Goran Eriksson gave the Leicester players at half-time, I want some.
Andy King played well for Leicester and provided the assist for their third and fifth goals. He nearly scored a couple too.
Brian Stock and John Oster played the full match for Doncaster but they probably didn’t enjoy it as much as Andy.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Cardiff City
Who could have predicted this? True, Cardiff have stuttered of late – losing to Queen’s Park Rangers was disappointing, while drawing with Preston North End was just embarrassing – but now Cardiff lose to Middlesbrough, who are even now only out of the relegation places on goal difference.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Craig Bellamy was the only Welshman to feature for Cardiff but he couldn’t find the back of the net, only the side of it. Darcy Blake (who has been ill recently) and Adam Matthews were on the bench, while Jason Koumas was kept out presumably by his toe injury.
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Championship Results 4th December 2010 (Part 1)
Cardiff City 1-1 Preston North End
Cardiff are just one point ahead of rivals Swansea City after only drawing with struggling Preston.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy both started for Cardiff but Darcy was replaced after 26 minutes as he became the first victim of Cardiff City’s latest epidemic. Adam Matthews was an unused substitute but Jason Koumas was missing with a toe injury.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry were on the bench for Preston. Paul was a 93rd-minute substitute and he must have done something right because Cardiff scored a minute later. It’s a shame Paul doesn’t play for Cardiff anymore really.
Coventry City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Coventry are up to fifth following this win but Boro aren’t even up to fifth from bottom.
Freddy Eastwood came off Coventry’s bench ten minutes before the goal went in.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Boro.
Derby County 1-2 Norwich City
Derby’s strong home faltered for once when Norwich came to town. Except of course Derby is a city.
Gareth Roberts returned from suspension and was in the starting line-up with Robbie Savage.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich and something wonderful happened: I was wrong. Owain Tudur Jones was not only on the bench for Norwich, he came off it.
Cardiff are just one point ahead of rivals Swansea City after only drawing with struggling Preston.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy both started for Cardiff but Darcy was replaced after 26 minutes as he became the first victim of Cardiff City’s latest epidemic. Adam Matthews was an unused substitute but Jason Koumas was missing with a toe injury.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry were on the bench for Preston. Paul was a 93rd-minute substitute and he must have done something right because Cardiff scored a minute later. It’s a shame Paul doesn’t play for Cardiff anymore really.
Coventry City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Coventry are up to fifth following this win but Boro aren’t even up to fifth from bottom.
Freddy Eastwood came off Coventry’s bench ten minutes before the goal went in.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Boro.
Derby County 1-2 Norwich City
Derby’s strong home faltered for once when Norwich came to town. Except of course Derby is a city.
Gareth Roberts returned from suspension and was in the starting line-up with Robbie Savage.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich and something wonderful happened: I was wrong. Owain Tudur Jones was not only on the bench for Norwich, he came off it.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Championship Fixtures 11th December 2010 (Part 2)
Leicester City v Doncaster Rovers
Leicester have lost two of their last three matches but the one they won was a home game and they actually haven’t lost a home league game since mid-September and even then that was only Queen’s Park Rangers and they were beating everyone then. And the last time they lost a home game to a team who wasn’t QPR was in August. Doncaster have been doing really well but they’re not QPR. And their last away win at Leicester was only a year off being Victorian.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
Middlesbrough v Cardiff City
Cardiff have another bug. The last two times I visited Cardiff, I came back with a bug. It’s ny favourite city in the world but something’s wrong there.
Cardiff seriously need a win too as Swansea City are only behind on goal difference.but Middlesbrough don’t stop many teams from beating them. Cardiff are strong away from home though, having won more away matches than any other team in the Championship.
Darcy Blake has recovered from his bug, Jason Koumas has recovered from a toe injury and I’m sure someone would have mentioned it if Craig Bellamy might not be able to play – especially as he’s a hat-trick away from his 150th career goal. I don’t know about Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig but if they’re okay, their chances of starting have probably increased.
Craig believes Cardiff can still win the league but they need one or two January signings.
Danny Coyne will probably be on the bench for Boro. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Norwich City v Portsmouth
Norwich are unbeaten in five. Most of those matches were draws but they’re still fourth. Portsmouth aren’t even in the top half of the table and might not be even if they win but Portsmouth have got a pattern thing going. They lose seven… they win seven. They lose four… they win… one. So that looks like three wins to come, one of them against Portsmouth. Norwich must be so glad runs like that don’t mean anything.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones could be on the bench again after doing nothing wrong as far as I can see in his cameo appearance last week. Manager Paul Lambert says Owain still has a role to play for the club.
Leicester have lost two of their last three matches but the one they won was a home game and they actually haven’t lost a home league game since mid-September and even then that was only Queen’s Park Rangers and they were beating everyone then. And the last time they lost a home game to a team who wasn’t QPR was in August. Doncaster have been doing really well but they’re not QPR. And their last away win at Leicester was only a year off being Victorian.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
Middlesbrough v Cardiff City
Cardiff have another bug. The last two times I visited Cardiff, I came back with a bug. It’s ny favourite city in the world but something’s wrong there.
Cardiff seriously need a win too as Swansea City are only behind on goal difference.but Middlesbrough don’t stop many teams from beating them. Cardiff are strong away from home though, having won more away matches than any other team in the Championship.
Darcy Blake has recovered from his bug, Jason Koumas has recovered from a toe injury and I’m sure someone would have mentioned it if Craig Bellamy might not be able to play – especially as he’s a hat-trick away from his 150th career goal. I don’t know about Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig but if they’re okay, their chances of starting have probably increased.
Craig believes Cardiff can still win the league but they need one or two January signings.
Danny Coyne will probably be on the bench for Boro. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Norwich City v Portsmouth
Norwich are unbeaten in five. Most of those matches were draws but they’re still fourth. Portsmouth aren’t even in the top half of the table and might not be even if they win but Portsmouth have got a pattern thing going. They lose seven… they win seven. They lose four… they win… one. So that looks like three wins to come, one of them against Portsmouth. Norwich must be so glad runs like that don’t mean anything.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones could be on the bench again after doing nothing wrong as far as I can see in his cameo appearance last week. Manager Paul Lambert says Owain still has a role to play for the club.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Championship Fixtures (and Postponements) 4th December 2010 (Part 1)
Cardiff City v Preston North End
Cardiff will need to draw at least to ensure they remain ahead of rivals Swansea City but supporters will expect more from the promotion contenders when they face the Championship’s bottom side.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy should start with Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas also in the squad. A hat-trick for Craig will bring him up to 150 club career goals.
Paul Parry faces his former club, Cardiff City, but he – along with team-mate Craig Morgan - is not guaranteed a starting place.
Darcy and Adam will show their superhero side next week to raise money for hospice Ty Hafan.
Coventry City v Middlesbrough
Coventry could be in third place if they win this match. Not the kind of team Middlesbrough want to be facing as they attempt to climb out of the bottom two. Boro only have one away win this season.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping to get back into Coventry’s starting line-up.
Danny Coyne should have recovered from injury by now but new manager Tony Mowbray might not fancy him for the #1 spot. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Derby County v Norwich City
Derby are above Norwich only on goal difference but the loser of this match is likely to drop out of the top six. Derby have won six of their nine home games.
Robbie Savage has a good chance of starting for Derby but Gareth Roberts is still suspended.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones has returned from his loan spell at Yeovil Town but I’d be surprised to see him in the squad. It would be a very nice surprise though.
Doncaster Rovers P-P Barnsley
No run-out this week for Doncaster’s Welsh midfielders John Oster – who would have been facing a former club - and Brian Stock as their pitch is frozen.
Cardiff will need to draw at least to ensure they remain ahead of rivals Swansea City but supporters will expect more from the promotion contenders when they face the Championship’s bottom side.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy should start with Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas also in the squad. A hat-trick for Craig will bring him up to 150 club career goals.
Paul Parry faces his former club, Cardiff City, but he – along with team-mate Craig Morgan - is not guaranteed a starting place.
Darcy and Adam will show their superhero side next week to raise money for hospice Ty Hafan.
Coventry City v Middlesbrough
Coventry could be in third place if they win this match. Not the kind of team Middlesbrough want to be facing as they attempt to climb out of the bottom two. Boro only have one away win this season.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping to get back into Coventry’s starting line-up.
Danny Coyne should have recovered from injury by now but new manager Tony Mowbray might not fancy him for the #1 spot. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Derby County v Norwich City
Derby are above Norwich only on goal difference but the loser of this match is likely to drop out of the top six. Derby have won six of their nine home games.
Robbie Savage has a good chance of starting for Derby but Gareth Roberts is still suspended.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones has returned from his loan spell at Yeovil Town but I’d be surprised to see him in the squad. It would be a very nice surprise though.
Doncaster Rovers P-P Barnsley
No run-out this week for Doncaster’s Welsh midfielders John Oster – who would have been facing a former club - and Brian Stock as their pitch is frozen.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 2)
Preston North End v Millwall
Another week, another star goalscorer joins Millwall’s ranks. The latest is Josh McQuoid from Bournemouth but unfortunately he plays for Northern Ireland. Millwall’s recent form hasn’t been the best, having won just one of their last five, but at least they’ve done better than Preston, who have won only one of their last nine matches.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will hope to be back in Preston’s starting line-up.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Cardiff City
The league’s top two clubs meet in this fixture and whoever wins goes top. If they draw, QPR will go top but Cardiff will have put another point between themselves and Swansea City, who lost to Portsmouth a few hours ago. If Cardiff can beat QPR, they’ll be the first to do so in the league this season.
Cardiff are in the middle of another illness epidemic (is it the drains or the Swansea supporters or what???) although it looks as though they should all be able to play.
Craig Bellamy is likely to start while Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas will all hope to start after recent good performances. Aaron Wildig is more likely to be on the bench.
Craig, who says he’s close to full fitness (you mean you can get even better???) joined Adam and Jonathan Meades (now back from his loan spell at FK Moss) at the opening of Cardiff’s House of Sport.
Reading v Leeds United
Reading are turning into the Championship’s answer to whatever team Mark Hughes happens to be managing. They’ve drawn seven times this season, including all their last three matches.
Simon Church will hope to keep his place in Reading’s starting line-up. Hal Robson-Kanu is more likely to be on the bench.
Sanchez Watt could finally be ready to return from an ankle injury for Leeds – BBC Sport says Leeds have only two absentees and Sanchez isn’t one of them.
Scunthorpe United v Coventry City
Coventry aren’t on the best run at the moment but at least they’ve won an away win recently. Scunthorpe haven’t won at home since August and that was only against Crystal Palace. They have also beaten Sheffield Wednesday at home in the Carling Cup but that’s not nearly as impressive as it sounds.
Freddy Eastwood will hope to be back in Coventry’s starting line-up.
Another week, another star goalscorer joins Millwall’s ranks. The latest is Josh McQuoid from Bournemouth but unfortunately he plays for Northern Ireland. Millwall’s recent form hasn’t been the best, having won just one of their last five, but at least they’ve done better than Preston, who have won only one of their last nine matches.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will hope to be back in Preston’s starting line-up.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Cardiff City
The league’s top two clubs meet in this fixture and whoever wins goes top. If they draw, QPR will go top but Cardiff will have put another point between themselves and Swansea City, who lost to Portsmouth a few hours ago. If Cardiff can beat QPR, they’ll be the first to do so in the league this season.
Cardiff are in the middle of another illness epidemic (is it the drains or the Swansea supporters or what???) although it looks as though they should all be able to play.
Craig Bellamy is likely to start while Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas will all hope to start after recent good performances. Aaron Wildig is more likely to be on the bench.
Craig, who says he’s close to full fitness (you mean you can get even better???) joined Adam and Jonathan Meades (now back from his loan spell at FK Moss) at the opening of Cardiff’s House of Sport.
Reading v Leeds United
Reading are turning into the Championship’s answer to whatever team Mark Hughes happens to be managing. They’ve drawn seven times this season, including all their last three matches.
Simon Church will hope to keep his place in Reading’s starting line-up. Hal Robson-Kanu is more likely to be on the bench.
Sanchez Watt could finally be ready to return from an ankle injury for Leeds – BBC Sport says Leeds have only two absentees and Sanchez isn’t one of them.
Scunthorpe United v Coventry City
Coventry aren’t on the best run at the moment but at least they’ve won an away win recently. Scunthorpe haven’t won at home since August and that was only against Crystal Palace. They have also beaten Sheffield Wednesday at home in the Carling Cup but that’s not nearly as impressive as it sounds.
Freddy Eastwood will hope to be back in Coventry’s starting line-up.
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 2)
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Queen’s Park Rangers
QPR remain unbeaten in the league while Nottingham Forest are still unbeaten at home but QPR are back in second place after yet another draw.
Robert Earnshaw was back in the starting line-up for Forest and should have won a penalty but the referee was wearing Arsene Wenger’s glasses. Chris Gunter also played for Forest.
Portsmouth 2-3 Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster played Portsmouth for the first time for twenty-eight seasons. Doncaster went 2-0 ahead in the first half, only for Portsmouth to score twice in the second half. But Doncaster weren’t having that and got the winner five minutes after the equaliser.
John Oster nearly got an assist for Doncaster but the Portsmouth goalkeeper was paying attention. Brian Stock was also playing for Doncaster.
Reading 3-3 Norwich City
Norwich were 3-0 up early in the second half but then they had a player sent off and Reading took the opportunity of fighting back.
Simon Church started for Reading with Hal Robson-Kanu on the bench.
Andrew Crofts returned from suspension to play for Norwich.
Scunthorpe United 2-4 Cardiff City
Cardiff bounced back from the most hurtful defeat of the season to take all three points against Scunthorpe and move to the top of the table.
Craig Bellamy and substitute Jason Koumas claimed the third and fourth assists. Darcy Blake played the first 71 minutes while Adam Matthews came off the bench after 71 minutes but Adam didn’t replace Darcy. The winning goal sounds a bit complicated but it looks like Jason’s shot deflected off the player who was credited with the goal, and then the ball deflected off Adam. But Jason gets the assist and Adam is just a deflection.
You hear a lot about Craig Bellamy and violence but when a fan jumped over the perimeter and punched him, Craig didn't murder him.
QPR remain unbeaten in the league while Nottingham Forest are still unbeaten at home but QPR are back in second place after yet another draw.
Robert Earnshaw was back in the starting line-up for Forest and should have won a penalty but the referee was wearing Arsene Wenger’s glasses. Chris Gunter also played for Forest.
Portsmouth 2-3 Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster played Portsmouth for the first time for twenty-eight seasons. Doncaster went 2-0 ahead in the first half, only for Portsmouth to score twice in the second half. But Doncaster weren’t having that and got the winner five minutes after the equaliser.
John Oster nearly got an assist for Doncaster but the Portsmouth goalkeeper was paying attention. Brian Stock was also playing for Doncaster.
Reading 3-3 Norwich City
Norwich were 3-0 up early in the second half but then they had a player sent off and Reading took the opportunity of fighting back.
Simon Church started for Reading with Hal Robson-Kanu on the bench.
Andrew Crofts returned from suspension to play for Norwich.
Scunthorpe United 2-4 Cardiff City
Cardiff bounced back from the most hurtful defeat of the season to take all three points against Scunthorpe and move to the top of the table.
Craig Bellamy and substitute Jason Koumas claimed the third and fourth assists. Darcy Blake played the first 71 minutes while Adam Matthews came off the bench after 71 minutes but Adam didn’t replace Darcy. The winning goal sounds a bit complicated but it looks like Jason’s shot deflected off the player who was credited with the goal, and then the ball deflected off Adam. But Jason gets the assist and Adam is just a deflection.
You hear a lot about Craig Bellamy and violence but when a fan jumped over the perimeter and punched him, Craig didn't murder him.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 13th November 2010 (Part 2)
Nottingham Forest v Queen’s Park Rangers
QPR remain unbeaten but not many teams win at the City Ground. No team has won there for fourteen months which is probably a bit more impressive than QPR’s record.
Robert Earnshaw will hope to start again for Forest but Chris Gunter should definitely start.
Portsmouth v Doncaster Rovers
Portsmouth started the season by failing to win in seven matches. They have now won seven matches in their last ten. A definite improvement, I’d say.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both start for Doncaster.
Scunthorpe United v Cardiff City
Cardiff are back chasing QPR after a horrible horrible defeat to you know who and a draw with Reading.
Craig Bellamy was rested midweek because of his knee problem but he could be back in the squad to face Scunthorpe. I’m pretty sure Cardiff have won every away match with Craig in the team but maybe that’s not true anymore. My spreadsheets are on the other computer.
Adam Matthews and Darcy Blake startes for Cardiff midweek and will hope to keep their places. It was Adam’s first start since you know what and he did fine. Darcy however is thought to have the most chance of staying in the starting line-up. Jason Koumas and Aaron Wildig will also hope to be included.
Reading v Norwich City
Norwich haven’t won any of their last three matches but they remain in the top five –although this is unlikely to continue to be the case if they lose to Reading. Reading failed to win their last two matches at least but they were playing QPR and Cardiff so they should be forgiven.
Andrew Crofts is back for Norwich after serving a one-match suspension. He believes Norwich will be even better once they have their injured players back but Andrew could be the next to disappear – one more yellow card and he’ll be banned again.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu will both want to start for Reading but I’m really not sure they will. Simon is the one in the driving seat at the moment although I’m not sure why that’s so positive, who wants to be a chauffeur when they could be the star?
QPR remain unbeaten but not many teams win at the City Ground. No team has won there for fourteen months which is probably a bit more impressive than QPR’s record.
Robert Earnshaw will hope to start again for Forest but Chris Gunter should definitely start.
Portsmouth v Doncaster Rovers
Portsmouth started the season by failing to win in seven matches. They have now won seven matches in their last ten. A definite improvement, I’d say.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both start for Doncaster.
Scunthorpe United v Cardiff City
Cardiff are back chasing QPR after a horrible horrible defeat to you know who and a draw with Reading.
Craig Bellamy was rested midweek because of his knee problem but he could be back in the squad to face Scunthorpe. I’m pretty sure Cardiff have won every away match with Craig in the team but maybe that’s not true anymore. My spreadsheets are on the other computer.
Adam Matthews and Darcy Blake startes for Cardiff midweek and will hope to keep their places. It was Adam’s first start since you know what and he did fine. Darcy however is thought to have the most chance of staying in the starting line-up. Jason Koumas and Aaron Wildig will also hope to be included.
Reading v Norwich City
Norwich haven’t won any of their last three matches but they remain in the top five –although this is unlikely to continue to be the case if they lose to Reading. Reading failed to win their last two matches at least but they were playing QPR and Cardiff so they should be forgiven.
Andrew Crofts is back for Norwich after serving a one-match suspension. He believes Norwich will be even better once they have their injured players back but Andrew could be the next to disappear – one more yellow card and he’ll be banned again.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu will both want to start for Reading but I’m really not sure they will. Simon is the one in the driving seat at the moment although I’m not sure why that’s so positive, who wants to be a chauffeur when they could be the star?
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Championship Results 30th November 2010 (Part 1)
Cardiff City 3-1 Norwich City
Cardiff moved to the top of the table with victory over Norwich, who remain in the play-off places despite the defeat. It wasn’t Cardiff’s best performance and Norwich were actually quite unlucky but you know what they say about Champions. Play badly if you must but make sure you still win!
Craig Bellamy didn’t get any goals or assists against his former club Norwich but he played a bit part in Cardiff’s win. He was replaced by Jason Koumas after 71 minutes. Darcy Blake was on the bench again which must be a bit depressing – he only lost his place after getting a very dubious red card. Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig were also among the substitutes.
Andrew Crofts was on the losing side.
Crystal Palace 0-3 Swansea City
It probably wasn’t a surprise exactly to see promotion hopefuls Swansea beat Crystal Palace but considering they have only one three away games this season – their last three – it was still a good result. Swansea are now unbeaten in six matches and haven’t conceded a goal for over seven hours. They play Cardiff next week. Oh dear.
Andy Dorman played the full match for Palace with Lewis Price on the bench.
Ashley Williams equalled a Swansea City record when he became the third outfield player to make a his 106th consecutive league starts. Neil Taylor and Joe Allen also played 90 minutes. Joe in particular was excellent throughout and scored the winning goal. Joe Walsh was on the bench for the first time this season in the League. David Cotterill and Daniel Alfei were also among the substitutes
Cardiff moved to the top of the table with victory over Norwich, who remain in the play-off places despite the defeat. It wasn’t Cardiff’s best performance and Norwich were actually quite unlucky but you know what they say about Champions. Play badly if you must but make sure you still win!
Craig Bellamy didn’t get any goals or assists against his former club Norwich but he played a bit part in Cardiff’s win. He was replaced by Jason Koumas after 71 minutes. Darcy Blake was on the bench again which must be a bit depressing – he only lost his place after getting a very dubious red card. Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig were also among the substitutes.
Andrew Crofts was on the losing side.
Crystal Palace 0-3 Swansea City
It probably wasn’t a surprise exactly to see promotion hopefuls Swansea beat Crystal Palace but considering they have only one three away games this season – their last three – it was still a good result. Swansea are now unbeaten in six matches and haven’t conceded a goal for over seven hours. They play Cardiff next week. Oh dear.
Andy Dorman played the full match for Palace with Lewis Price on the bench.
Ashley Williams equalled a Swansea City record when he became the third outfield player to make a his 106th consecutive league starts. Neil Taylor and Joe Allen also played 90 minutes. Joe in particular was excellent throughout and scored the winning goal. Joe Walsh was on the bench for the first time this season in the League. David Cotterill and Daniel Alfei were also among the substitutes
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Championship Result 25th October 2010
Leeds United 0-4 Cardiff City
Cardiff moved joint-top of the Championship – six points clear of their rivals, Swansea City, who are in third – after beating Leeds United. It was Cardiff’s fourth consecutive victory – and their biggest ever at Elland Road. A few weeks ago, Leeds were looking like promotion contenders while Cardiff were stuttering and there is, of course, a very long way to go. But such a comprehensive win can only give Cardiff more confidence
Craig Bellamy didn’t score any of Cardiff’s goals but he was very much involved, getting the assist for the fourth goal as well as playing a big part in the third. Craig was Man of the Match and he says he’s feeling much fitter and stronger, despite featuring in more games than he would have done if he’d stayed at Manchester City (that Roberto Mancini is a strange man).
Darcy Blake, Jason Koumas and Aaron Wildig had to be content with places on the bench but perhaps it’s better to keep them fresh before Craig’s knee gives out again. These are three great players but it’s fair to say Cardiff managed okay without them on this occasion.
I wonder if a change in goalkeeper was part of the reason for Leeds’ struggles. Jason Brown, who really hasn’t done that badly for Leeds, was dropped to the bench in favour of some guy with a famous dad (no let’s be honest, it’s the very talented Kasper Schmeichel, who probably has a bigger future than Jason. But I didn’t say that). Sanchez Watt was given the chance to rest an ankle injury that saw him depart both his previous games in the first half.
Cardiff moved joint-top of the Championship – six points clear of their rivals, Swansea City, who are in third – after beating Leeds United. It was Cardiff’s fourth consecutive victory – and their biggest ever at Elland Road. A few weeks ago, Leeds were looking like promotion contenders while Cardiff were stuttering and there is, of course, a very long way to go. But such a comprehensive win can only give Cardiff more confidence
Craig Bellamy didn’t score any of Cardiff’s goals but he was very much involved, getting the assist for the fourth goal as well as playing a big part in the third. Craig was Man of the Match and he says he’s feeling much fitter and stronger, despite featuring in more games than he would have done if he’d stayed at Manchester City (that Roberto Mancini is a strange man).
Darcy Blake, Jason Koumas and Aaron Wildig had to be content with places on the bench but perhaps it’s better to keep them fresh before Craig’s knee gives out again. These are three great players but it’s fair to say Cardiff managed okay without them on this occasion.
I wonder if a change in goalkeeper was part of the reason for Leeds’ struggles. Jason Brown, who really hasn’t done that badly for Leeds, was dropped to the bench in favour of some guy with a famous dad (no let’s be honest, it’s the very talented Kasper Schmeichel, who probably has a bigger future than Jason. But I didn’t say that). Sanchez Watt was given the chance to rest an ankle injury that saw him depart both his previous games in the first half.
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