Derby County
Gareth Roberts got an assist for Derby in their match against Ipswich but that wasn’t enough to beat Ipswich which must have been quite worrying because everyone beats Ipswich. I don’t know what Gareth was doing when he was supposed to be playing against Forest.
League: Watford A 2-0 (played all)
League: Forest H 0-1 (unselected)
Ipswich H 1-2 (A1 7, played all)
Ben Davies transferred from Notts County to Derby when they finally made a bid that was high enough – and made his debut against Nottingham Forest.
Ben thinks all Derby need is a bit of luck and soon they’ll be winning games again.
Ben says Nigel Clough was the main reason why he joined Derby. He’s confident that he’s ready for Championship football.
Ben has received death threats from fans of his former club Notts County but he doesn’t seem overly worried, just disappointed.
League: Soton A 0-0 (played all) with Notts Co
League: Forest H 0-1 (played all) with Derby County
League: Ipswich H 1-2 (played all)
Robbie Savage chose to remain at Derby rather than going to Vancouver but he won’t be at Derby for long. He’ll be retiring at the end of the season.
After four games without a win for Derby (including an FA Cup match against Crawley Town), and with no win since the end of October over a team other than Preston, Scunthorpe, Ipswich or Portsmouth, Robbie found himself on the bench.
Robbie thinks Blackpool should change their tactics and Liverpool shouldn’t get too ahead of themselves.
Robbie gives his take on assistant referee Sian Massey’s ability to do her job – which is really all that matters.
League: Watford A 2-0 (played all)
League: Forest H 0-1 (starts, Y foul 35, off 55)
League: Ipswich H 1-2 (bench)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster made his 400th career appearance against Reading but that was the only thing he had to celebrate where that match was concerned.
League: Reading H 0-3 (played all)
FA Cup: Wolves A 5-0 (played all)
League: Ipswich A 3-2 (played all)
League: Barnsley H 0-2 (played all)
League: Burnley H 1-0 (starts, off 89)
Brian Stock missed six matches with an injury but sources disagreed on whether it was his leg or his back. But something definitely hurt.
Brian is close to signing a new deal with Doncaster.
League: Reading H 0-3 (out, leg or back)
FA Cup: Wolves A 5-0 (out, leg or back)
League: Ipswich A 3-2 (out, leg or back)
League: Barnsley H 0-0 (out, leg or back)
League: Burnley H 1-0 (starts, off 84)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt again played for Leeds against parent club Arsenal. He said he would try his hardest to score but he wouldn’t celebrate. Luckily he didn’t try hard enough.
League: Scunthorpe H 4-0 (starts, G1 17, off 80)
FA Arsenal H 1-3 (starts, off 79)
League: Portsmouth A 2-2 (starts, off 62)
League: Hull A 2-2 (out, hamstring)
Leicester City
Andy King is discussing a new contract with Leicester. He believes Leicester need to build some momentum as they fight for a place in the play-offs. Andy has been nominated for the PFA January Player of the Month award.
League: Preston A 1-1 (played all)
FA Cup: Man City A 4-2 (played all)
League: Millwall H 4-2 (played all)
League: Sheff Utd A 0-1 (G 1 4, played all)
Middlesbrough
Danny Coyne was probably really happy with Middlesbrough’s 4-0 away victory over Bristol City. It was just a shame he wasn’t actually on the pitch.
League: Bristol C A 0-4 (bench)
League: Preston H 1-1 (out, back)
League: Scunthorpe H 2-0 (out, back)
Rhys Williams is still recovering from a pelvic problem but he is training again.
Millwall
Steve Morison returned to the starting line-up after not completely recovering from flu and had a couple of quiet matches before getting back on the scoresheet against Ipswich. He also scored against Barnsley. Maybe he’d have scored against Norwich too if he hadn’t injured his calf.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett hopes Steve will sign a new contract with Millwall.
League: Ipswich H 2-1 (G2 76, played all)
League: Leicester A 4-2 (played all)
League: Barnsley H 2-0 (G1 17, played all)
League: Norwich A 2-1 (starts, off 16)
Norwich City
Andrew Crofts scored twice against Sheffield United. It would be nice if he could do that against England but England are probably better than Sheffield United.
League Cardiff H 1-1 (starts, off 78)
League: Sheff Utd A 1-2 (Y foul 14, G1 61, G2 80, played all)
League: Palace A 0-0 (Y 76, played all)
League: Millwall H 2-1 (Y foul 35, played all)
Showing posts with label gareth roberts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gareth roberts. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 22nd January 2011 (Part 2)
Crystal Palace v Bristol City
Palace will hope to make it two wins in their last eight games by beating Bristol City. Bristol City aren’t on a great run either, having won one of their last six.
Jermaine Easter could make his first start for Crystal Palace – and he says he’s hoping to make an immediate impact. Andy Dorman will hope to keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up but he could be on the bench with Lewis Price.
Brett Pitman should start for Bristol City but Lewin Nyatanga is a doubt due to a sore Achilles. Christian Ribeiro could still be out with a hamstring injury.
Derby County v Nottingham Forest
Derby are hoping this match won’t be their seventh defeat in nine matches but Nottingham Forest have forced themselves into play-off contention – yet another reason to enjoy beating Derby.
Derby’s new signing Ben Davies could go straight into Derby’s squad to replace Forest. Former Derby captain Michael Johnson expects him to be a big success.
It has been speculated that Ben is a replacement for Robbie Savage, who could be heading for Vancouver soonas rather than later but I don’t think Robbie’s gone anywhere yet (and trust me, we would notice if Robbie wasn’t there). This could be Robbie’s last ever derby match.
Robbie’s played in midfield, he’s played in goal, he’s even commentated and been a pundit. But now he takes on a new challenge: refereeing. Here’s why – and here’s how he got on.
Gareth Roberts could also start for Derby.
Chris Gunter will almost certainly start for Forest but Robert Earnshaw hasn’t scored for a while and we know what that usually means at Forest. If Rob does play, he’ll be facing a former club.
Palace will hope to make it two wins in their last eight games by beating Bristol City. Bristol City aren’t on a great run either, having won one of their last six.
Jermaine Easter could make his first start for Crystal Palace – and he says he’s hoping to make an immediate impact. Andy Dorman will hope to keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up but he could be on the bench with Lewis Price.
Brett Pitman should start for Bristol City but Lewin Nyatanga is a doubt due to a sore Achilles. Christian Ribeiro could still be out with a hamstring injury.
Derby County v Nottingham Forest
Derby are hoping this match won’t be their seventh defeat in nine matches but Nottingham Forest have forced themselves into play-off contention – yet another reason to enjoy beating Derby.
Derby’s new signing Ben Davies could go straight into Derby’s squad to replace Forest. Former Derby captain Michael Johnson expects him to be a big success.
It has been speculated that Ben is a replacement for Robbie Savage, who could be heading for Vancouver soonas rather than later but I don’t think Robbie’s gone anywhere yet (and trust me, we would notice if Robbie wasn’t there). This could be Robbie’s last ever derby match.
Robbie’s played in midfield, he’s played in goal, he’s even commentated and been a pundit. But now he takes on a new challenge: refereeing. Here’s why – and here’s how he got on.
Gareth Roberts could also start for Derby.
Chris Gunter will almost certainly start for Forest but Robert Earnshaw hasn’t scored for a while and we know what that usually means at Forest. If Rob does play, he’ll be facing a former club.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Championship Results 15th January 2011 (Part 3)
Swansea City 3-0 Crystal Palace
Swansea’s victory wasn’t a lot of fun for Crystal Palace and the Cardiff fans won’t have appreciated it much either. But it was a kind of good and kind of deserved win for Swansea, who didn’t exactly seem to be struggling.
Ashley Williams and Joe Allen played the full match for Swansea. Jazz Richards also started and there was a (very late) substitute appearance for Daniel Alfei following his excellent performance against Colchester United in the FA Cup.
Jermaine Easter couldn’t manage a debut goal for Palace but it’s probably not easy when you’re making your debut against the club you were playing for on loan three days ago. He came close to scoring but he probably got a bit confused about whether he was really shooting the right way. Andy Dorman started for Palace and Lewis Price was on the bench.
Watford 3-0 Derby County
Derby’s horrible run of form continued with Watford the latest club to beat them. The three goals came in a nine-minute spell which probably destroyed any confidence Derby were able to muster following their FA Cup exit to Crawley Town.
Gareth Roberts and Robbie Savage played the full match for Derby. Robbie says Derby’s FA Cup defeat to Crawley is the players’ fault but he doesn’t seem to have said whose fault the Watford defeat is.
Swansea’s victory wasn’t a lot of fun for Crystal Palace and the Cardiff fans won’t have appreciated it much either. But it was a kind of good and kind of deserved win for Swansea, who didn’t exactly seem to be struggling.
Ashley Williams and Joe Allen played the full match for Swansea. Jazz Richards also started and there was a (very late) substitute appearance for Daniel Alfei following his excellent performance against Colchester United in the FA Cup.
Jermaine Easter couldn’t manage a debut goal for Palace but it’s probably not easy when you’re making your debut against the club you were playing for on loan three days ago. He came close to scoring but he probably got a bit confused about whether he was really shooting the right way. Andy Dorman started for Palace and Lewis Price was on the bench.
Watford 3-0 Derby County
Derby’s horrible run of form continued with Watford the latest club to beat them. The three goals came in a nine-minute spell which probably destroyed any confidence Derby were able to muster following their FA Cup exit to Crawley Town.
Gareth Roberts and Robbie Savage played the full match for Derby. Robbie says Derby’s FA Cup defeat to Crawley is the players’ fault but he doesn’t seem to have said whose fault the Watford defeat is.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 3)
Preston North End v Leicester City
Phil Brown takes charge of Preston for the first time since becoming manager. The last time he played on the Championship, he got promoted. With Hull. But even just saving Preston would be a bit of a miracle. Leicester are four points behind the play-offs and thinking of promotion. So they really ought to be able to beat Preston.
Craig Morgan could start again for Preston but he could also be on the bench or not there at all. It depends what his new manager thinks of him really. Paul Parry has a broken wrist but he’s back in full training and could play.
Andy King will definitely start for Leicester, as long as he has no last-minute injuries or illnesses.
Swansea City v Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have the worst away record in the Championship, having won one away match this season – and while Swansea don’t quite have the best home record, they’re not far off.
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea but it’s hard to be sure about the others. Daniel Alfei, Joe Allen, David Cotterill and Jazz Richards have all played well in recent matches but there probably won’t be room for all of them. Neil Taylor has an ankle injury and will be out for a few more weeks.
Following Daniel Alfei’s impressive first-team debut, the Swansea youth boss, Tony Pennock, has said that Daniel has a big future ahead of him in professional football. Daniel hopes to keep his place against Palace.
Jermaine Easter’s loan spell at Swansea was cut short early – so parent club Milton Keynes Dons could sell him to Crystal Palace. Jermaine is looking to scoring for Palace and helping them climb the table. Although he’s only just signed, he could play against Swansea tomorrow.
Shaun MacDonald is hoping to fight his way into the Swansea first team. Shaun has spent the first half of the season on loan at Yeovil Town.
Andy Dorman and Lewis Price should be somewhere in Palace’s squad.
Watford v Derby County
Derby were doing really really well. They did have a slightly dodgy start but then they went on a run, then they went on a good home run, now they can’t even beat Crawley Town. But the last time Derby went on a run, they kicked things off with a victory over Watford.
Gareth Roberts and Robbie Savage might keep their places. Nigel Clough might still be in a mood about Crawley Town but Gareth and Robbie weren’t actually on the pitch when the winning goal went in. Robbie is disappointed with the Crawley result, the tannoy man and Matthew Tubbs’ tackle. But maybe things will be better at Watford. Robbie also has some wise words (yes, really) for Liverpool fans.
Phil Brown takes charge of Preston for the first time since becoming manager. The last time he played on the Championship, he got promoted. With Hull. But even just saving Preston would be a bit of a miracle. Leicester are four points behind the play-offs and thinking of promotion. So they really ought to be able to beat Preston.
Craig Morgan could start again for Preston but he could also be on the bench or not there at all. It depends what his new manager thinks of him really. Paul Parry has a broken wrist but he’s back in full training and could play.
Andy King will definitely start for Leicester, as long as he has no last-minute injuries or illnesses.
Swansea City v Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have the worst away record in the Championship, having won one away match this season – and while Swansea don’t quite have the best home record, they’re not far off.
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea but it’s hard to be sure about the others. Daniel Alfei, Joe Allen, David Cotterill and Jazz Richards have all played well in recent matches but there probably won’t be room for all of them. Neil Taylor has an ankle injury and will be out for a few more weeks.
Following Daniel Alfei’s impressive first-team debut, the Swansea youth boss, Tony Pennock, has said that Daniel has a big future ahead of him in professional football. Daniel hopes to keep his place against Palace.
Jermaine Easter’s loan spell at Swansea was cut short early – so parent club Milton Keynes Dons could sell him to Crystal Palace. Jermaine is looking to scoring for Palace and helping them climb the table. Although he’s only just signed, he could play against Swansea tomorrow.
Shaun MacDonald is hoping to fight his way into the Swansea first team. Shaun has spent the first half of the season on loan at Yeovil Town.
Andy Dorman and Lewis Price should be somewhere in Palace’s squad.
Watford v Derby County
Derby were doing really really well. They did have a slightly dodgy start but then they went on a run, then they went on a good home run, now they can’t even beat Crawley Town. But the last time Derby went on a run, they kicked things off with a victory over Watford.
Gareth Roberts and Robbie Savage might keep their places. Nigel Clough might still be in a mood about Crawley Town but Gareth and Robbie weren’t actually on the pitch when the winning goal went in. Robbie is disappointed with the Crawley result, the tannoy man and Matthew Tubbs’ tackle. But maybe things will be better at Watford. Robbie also has some wise words (yes, really) for Liverpool fans.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
FA Cup Third Round Result 22th January 2011
Crawley Town 2-1 Derby County
I can hardly believe it. Another one!
I knew about Glenn Wilson already but I had no idea that Scott Neilson was the grandson of Cliff Jones, which means he’s eligible to play for Wales! How exciting is that?
Oh yes, and non-league Crawley beat Championship side Derby…
It was a very exciting game which Crawley deserved to win. They dominated and fully deserved their lead, matching, if not surpassing, their more illustrious visitors. Derby should have taken the lead early on when they were awarded a penalty but Crawley goalkeeper Michael Kuipers wasn’t going to be beaten as easily as all that. Instead, it was Crawley who took the lead.
Although Derby did find an equaliser from somewhere, a replay would probably have been triumph enough – if just a little bit disappointing, given the way they’d played. But Crawley weren’t giving up as easily as all that and in stoppage time, they got a second goal. The winner was scored by Torres - not a sentence that’s been written very often this season.
Glenn and Scott both came close to scoring for Crawley.
Gareth Roberts and Robbie Savage were in Derby’s starting line-up but they were both substituted, not that long before Crawley scored again.
Crawley face fellow giant-killers Torquay United in the next round.
I can hardly believe it. Another one!
I knew about Glenn Wilson already but I had no idea that Scott Neilson was the grandson of Cliff Jones, which means he’s eligible to play for Wales! How exciting is that?
Oh yes, and non-league Crawley beat Championship side Derby…
It was a very exciting game which Crawley deserved to win. They dominated and fully deserved their lead, matching, if not surpassing, their more illustrious visitors. Derby should have taken the lead early on when they were awarded a penalty but Crawley goalkeeper Michael Kuipers wasn’t going to be beaten as easily as all that. Instead, it was Crawley who took the lead.
Although Derby did find an equaliser from somewhere, a replay would probably have been triumph enough – if just a little bit disappointing, given the way they’d played. But Crawley weren’t giving up as easily as all that and in stoppage time, they got a second goal. The winner was scored by Torres - not a sentence that’s been written very often this season.
Glenn and Scott both came close to scoring for Crawley.
Gareth Roberts and Robbie Savage were in Derby’s starting line-up but they were both substituted, not that long before Crawley scored again.
Crawley face fellow giant-killers Torquay United in the next round.
Monday, 10 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixture 10th January 2011
Crawley Town v Derby County
The third round has been full of cupsets and it could provide just one more when Crawley host Derby County. It is the first time in the history of football that these clubs have met in a competitive football fixture. Crawley have already knocked out Swindon Town.
Robbie Savage announced to 606 listeners that this match was on Sunday but luckily his co-presenter put him right so he should be available. Gareth Roberts was rested against Millwall so he could play this evening if Derby manager Nigel Clough feels that Crawley are more of a threat. Robbie certainly believes that they need to treat Crawley with respect. And hopefully they’ll let him in the ground this time. By the way, if you’ve seen Robbie’s credit card…
Glenn Wilson could start for Crawley.
The third round has been full of cupsets and it could provide just one more when Crawley host Derby County. It is the first time in the history of football that these clubs have met in a competitive football fixture. Crawley have already knocked out Swindon Town.
Robbie Savage announced to 606 listeners that this match was on Sunday but luckily his co-presenter put him right so he should be available. Gareth Roberts was rested against Millwall so he could play this evening if Derby manager Nigel Clough feels that Crawley are more of a threat. Robbie certainly believes that they need to treat Crawley with respect. And hopefully they’ll let him in the ground this time. By the way, if you’ve seen Robbie’s credit card…
Glenn Wilson could start for Crawley.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Championship, Part 2)
Coventry City
Freddy Eastwood got back from injury to discover Coventry were playing pretty well without him. But when he did finally start, he made sure he scored. And when he got his second start, he did exactly the same thing.
Norwich H 1-2 (bench, on 90)
Cardiff A 1-0 (bench, on 59)
QPR H 0-2 (bench, on 87)
Ipswich H 1-1 (starts, G1 48, off 89)
Barnsley A 2-1 (G1 35, played all)
Crystal Palace
Andy Dorman has had trouble settling in London and spent some time not being in the squad at all. But now he’s back in the squad and he even got a couple of starts over the Christmas period.
Forest A 1-0 (starts, off 46)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (played all)
Lewis Price continues to be Palace’s substitute goalkeeper, despite their recent issues with stopping goals from being scored against them.
Forest A 1-0 (bench)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (bench)
Derby County
Gareth Roberts has had a number of injury problems but when he was fit, he played the full match.
Reading H 1-2 (out, calf)
Forest A 5-2 (out, calf)
Preston A 1-2 (played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (out, calf)
Robbie Savage seems to have been around forever and one reason why it seems that way is because he hardly ever misses a match due to injury. Suspension, yes (although he’s only had about two red cards) and there was another example of this at Christmas. Injury, no. I think the Wales squad needs a few players who never get injured.
Reading H 1-2 (bench, on 46, Y 59 foul)
Forest A 5-2 (suspended)
Preston A 1-2 (A2 84, played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (starts, off 86)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster seems to be getting less attention from the Press (perhaps partly because so many of Doncaster’s matches have been cancelled) but he’s still quietly getting on with the job and picking up assists.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (A3 45+2m, played all)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (played all)
Brian Stock managed to injure himself again but he too is getting assists and at least it wasn’t his troublesome back this time.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (starts, A1 26, off 63)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (out, leg)
Ipswich Town
Troy Brown has been in and out of Ipswich’s starting line-up as Roy Keane desperately tried to find a winning formula. The Ipswich board seemed to feel it was the manager who needed removing more than anything.
Leicester H 3-0 (bench)
Coventry A 1-1 (bench, on 87)
Forest H 0-1 (played all)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt suffered an ankle injury in October and after several failed attempts to stick him straight back in the starting line-up, he was given a couple of months to rest. With Leeds on such a good run, it took Sanchez a while to get back into the matchday squad (although perhaps reports of his recovery were exaggerated) but luckily Leeds then went on a bit of a bad run and he his chance.
QPR H 2-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-2 (unselected)
Portsmouth H 3-3 (unselected)
Boro H 1-1 (bench, on 76)
Cardiff A 2-1 (bench, on 57)
Leicester City
Andy King has played every minute of Leicester’s Christmas and New Year fixtures as Leicester lost to struggling Ipswich Town and promoted team Millwall before beating two teams who were on a good run. Andy also added a goal and an assist (he won a free kick from which Leicester scored, undoubtedly one of the more painful ways of getting an assist) to his collection.
Ipswich A 3-0 (played all)
Leeds H 2-2 (G2 76, played all),
Millwall A 2-0 (played all)
Hull A 0-1 (played all)
Swansea H 2-1 (A1 won free kick 6, played all)
Middlesbrough
I don’t know if Danny Coyne got all hopeful when Middlesbrough got a new manager but I certainly did (no disrespect to the excellent and very promising Jason Steele) but Tony Mowbray has kept him on the bench.
Preston A 1-3 (bench)
Leeds A 1-1 (bench)
Norwich H 1-1 (bench)
As for poor Rhys Williams, I can only hope his pelvic nightmare is coming to an end. No doubt the Middlesbrough fans will echo my sentiments, and not just because they like the former Wales under-21 international.
Freddy Eastwood got back from injury to discover Coventry were playing pretty well without him. But when he did finally start, he made sure he scored. And when he got his second start, he did exactly the same thing.
Norwich H 1-2 (bench, on 90)
Cardiff A 1-0 (bench, on 59)
QPR H 0-2 (bench, on 87)
Ipswich H 1-1 (starts, G1 48, off 89)
Barnsley A 2-1 (G1 35, played all)
Crystal Palace
Andy Dorman has had trouble settling in London and spent some time not being in the squad at all. But now he’s back in the squad and he even got a couple of starts over the Christmas period.
Forest A 1-0 (starts, off 46)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (played all)
Lewis Price continues to be Palace’s substitute goalkeeper, despite their recent issues with stopping goals from being scored against them.
Forest A 1-0 (bench)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (bench)
Derby County
Gareth Roberts has had a number of injury problems but when he was fit, he played the full match.
Reading H 1-2 (out, calf)
Forest A 5-2 (out, calf)
Preston A 1-2 (played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (out, calf)
Robbie Savage seems to have been around forever and one reason why it seems that way is because he hardly ever misses a match due to injury. Suspension, yes (although he’s only had about two red cards) and there was another example of this at Christmas. Injury, no. I think the Wales squad needs a few players who never get injured.
Reading H 1-2 (bench, on 46, Y 59 foul)
Forest A 5-2 (suspended)
Preston A 1-2 (A2 84, played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (starts, off 86)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster seems to be getting less attention from the Press (perhaps partly because so many of Doncaster’s matches have been cancelled) but he’s still quietly getting on with the job and picking up assists.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (A3 45+2m, played all)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (played all)
Brian Stock managed to injure himself again but he too is getting assists and at least it wasn’t his troublesome back this time.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (starts, A1 26, off 63)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (out, leg)
Ipswich Town
Troy Brown has been in and out of Ipswich’s starting line-up as Roy Keane desperately tried to find a winning formula. The Ipswich board seemed to feel it was the manager who needed removing more than anything.
Leicester H 3-0 (bench)
Coventry A 1-1 (bench, on 87)
Forest H 0-1 (played all)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt suffered an ankle injury in October and after several failed attempts to stick him straight back in the starting line-up, he was given a couple of months to rest. With Leeds on such a good run, it took Sanchez a while to get back into the matchday squad (although perhaps reports of his recovery were exaggerated) but luckily Leeds then went on a bit of a bad run and he his chance.
QPR H 2-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-2 (unselected)
Portsmouth H 3-3 (unselected)
Boro H 1-1 (bench, on 76)
Cardiff A 2-1 (bench, on 57)
Leicester City
Andy King has played every minute of Leicester’s Christmas and New Year fixtures as Leicester lost to struggling Ipswich Town and promoted team Millwall before beating two teams who were on a good run. Andy also added a goal and an assist (he won a free kick from which Leicester scored, undoubtedly one of the more painful ways of getting an assist) to his collection.
Ipswich A 3-0 (played all)
Leeds H 2-2 (G2 76, played all),
Millwall A 2-0 (played all)
Hull A 0-1 (played all)
Swansea H 2-1 (A1 won free kick 6, played all)
Middlesbrough
I don’t know if Danny Coyne got all hopeful when Middlesbrough got a new manager but I certainly did (no disrespect to the excellent and very promising Jason Steele) but Tony Mowbray has kept him on the bench.
Preston A 1-3 (bench)
Leeds A 1-1 (bench)
Norwich H 1-1 (bench)
As for poor Rhys Williams, I can only hope his pelvic nightmare is coming to an end. No doubt the Middlesbrough fans will echo my sentiments, and not just because they like the former Wales under-21 international.
Saturday, 18 December 2010
Championship Fixtures (and Postponements) 18th December 2010 (Part 1)
Cardiff City P-P Burnley
South Wales is inches deep in snow and it’s just not safe for visitors.
So Cardiff’s star English striker Jay Bothroyd should recover in time for the next fixture, Craig Bellamy can rest his knee, Jason Koumas can make sure his toe is properly better and the players can recover from their latest epidemic.
Craig has been talking about Feyenoord… and even Feyenoord aren’t happy.
Dave Jones says Cardiff have to deliver on Saturday. And what happens? Snow happens.
Jonathan Meades won’t be able to play for Cardiff until the transfer window opens as he’s been playing for FK Moss. But when the transfer window does open, he’ll be ready to stake his claim.
Coventry City v Norwich City
Coventry are unbeaten in four while Norwich ended a long unbeaten run last week. History would sem to favour Coventry – Norwich have only beaten them once away in the last fifty years. The present would also seem to favour Coventry. They haven’t conceded for nearly 400 minutes. The last team to score against them were Crystal Palace, which probably served as a kick up the backside, as well as a kick into the back of the net.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping Coventry’s failure to score against Reading last weekend will give him the chance to start.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich and a succession of injuries could mean Owain Tudur Jones gets to play again, as long as he’s recovered from being bashed about by Fakenham Town in the Norwich Senior Cup. Norwich City won 3-0 and Josh Dawkin also played 90 minutes.
Derby County v Reading
Derby have lost their last three matches and they’re now three points away from the play-offs – although if they win and Norwich lose, they’ll be back in the top six. And considering Derby’s home form (if you ignore their last home match) and considering Reading are without a win in six (although the last five were draws), they must be in with a good chance of a win.
Reading’s Jem Karacan wants to silence Robbie Savage. Good luck with that. Robbie is expected to play after recovering from an ankle injury but Gareth Roberts, who was substituted after forty minutes of Derby’s defeat to Bristol City, will be out for two or three weeks with a calf injury which must be so annoying when he’s finally broken back into the first team after his last injury.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu seem to be Reading’s first-choice substitutes at the moment but Reading have drawn their last five and failed to score in their last two so they’re obviously in need of a couple of goalscorers. Hal scored just a few days ago in a reserve match which is quite an achievement considering most reserve matches are being cancelled at the moment. Also in the team was Jake Taylor, who managed 60 minutes after recovering from knee surgery. He’s not ready for the first team yet but he’ll be back in full training soon.
South Wales is inches deep in snow and it’s just not safe for visitors.
So Cardiff’s star English striker Jay Bothroyd should recover in time for the next fixture, Craig Bellamy can rest his knee, Jason Koumas can make sure his toe is properly better and the players can recover from their latest epidemic.
Craig has been talking about Feyenoord… and even Feyenoord aren’t happy.
Dave Jones says Cardiff have to deliver on Saturday. And what happens? Snow happens.
Jonathan Meades won’t be able to play for Cardiff until the transfer window opens as he’s been playing for FK Moss. But when the transfer window does open, he’ll be ready to stake his claim.
Coventry City v Norwich City
Coventry are unbeaten in four while Norwich ended a long unbeaten run last week. History would sem to favour Coventry – Norwich have only beaten them once away in the last fifty years. The present would also seem to favour Coventry. They haven’t conceded for nearly 400 minutes. The last team to score against them were Crystal Palace, which probably served as a kick up the backside, as well as a kick into the back of the net.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping Coventry’s failure to score against Reading last weekend will give him the chance to start.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich and a succession of injuries could mean Owain Tudur Jones gets to play again, as long as he’s recovered from being bashed about by Fakenham Town in the Norwich Senior Cup. Norwich City won 3-0 and Josh Dawkin also played 90 minutes.
Derby County v Reading
Derby have lost their last three matches and they’re now three points away from the play-offs – although if they win and Norwich lose, they’ll be back in the top six. And considering Derby’s home form (if you ignore their last home match) and considering Reading are without a win in six (although the last five were draws), they must be in with a good chance of a win.
Reading’s Jem Karacan wants to silence Robbie Savage. Good luck with that. Robbie is expected to play after recovering from an ankle injury but Gareth Roberts, who was substituted after forty minutes of Derby’s defeat to Bristol City, will be out for two or three weeks with a calf injury which must be so annoying when he’s finally broken back into the first team after his last injury.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu seem to be Reading’s first-choice substitutes at the moment but Reading have drawn their last five and failed to score in their last two so they’re obviously in need of a couple of goalscorers. Hal scored just a few days ago in a reserve match which is quite an achievement considering most reserve matches are being cancelled at the moment. Also in the team was Jake Taylor, who managed 60 minutes after recovering from knee surgery. He’s not ready for the first team yet but he’ll be back in full training soon.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Championship Results 11th December 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley 1-0 Sheffield United
What turned out to be Gary Speed’s last match as manager of Sheffield United ended in defeat as Barnsley took all three points and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United.
Bristol City 2-0 Derby County
For the third consecutive match, Bristol City won. And for the third consecutive match, Brett Pitman scored. It was also the second successive match in which he’d scored a brace. Let’s hope Gary Speed knows about Brett’s eligibility. If he is eligible. No-one seemed very certain. That’s five goals in three matches for the (I hope) future Welsh international.
Brett feels Bristol City’s hard work is finally paying off. So is Brett’s hard work – his second goal was brilliant.
Christian Ribeiro started again for Bristol City. Lewin Nyatanga, whom Bristol City signed from Derby last season, was on the bench for his first match since returning from his loan spell at Peterborough United. Gavin Williams, back from his loan to Yeovil Town, didn’t make it into the squad.
As for Derby, it was all going so well but they’ve now lost four of their last five league games. Eight minutes before Brett’s opening goal, Gareth Roberts was forced off due to a calf injury and with Robbie Savage out with an ankle problem, Derby were in trouble.
Burnley 2-3 Leeds United
Burnley were 2-0 up when the whistle blew for half-time but Simon Grayson must have said something scary in the dressing room because Leeds fought back to claim all three points.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.
What turned out to be Gary Speed’s last match as manager of Sheffield United ended in defeat as Barnsley took all three points and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United.
Bristol City 2-0 Derby County
For the third consecutive match, Bristol City won. And for the third consecutive match, Brett Pitman scored. It was also the second successive match in which he’d scored a brace. Let’s hope Gary Speed knows about Brett’s eligibility. If he is eligible. No-one seemed very certain. That’s five goals in three matches for the (I hope) future Welsh international.
Brett feels Bristol City’s hard work is finally paying off. So is Brett’s hard work – his second goal was brilliant.
Christian Ribeiro started again for Bristol City. Lewin Nyatanga, whom Bristol City signed from Derby last season, was on the bench for his first match since returning from his loan spell at Peterborough United. Gavin Williams, back from his loan to Yeovil Town, didn’t make it into the squad.
As for Derby, it was all going so well but they’ve now lost four of their last five league games. Eight minutes before Brett’s opening goal, Gareth Roberts was forced off due to a calf injury and with Robbie Savage out with an ankle problem, Derby were in trouble.
Burnley 2-3 Leeds United
Burnley were 2-0 up when the whistle blew for half-time but Simon Grayson must have said something scary in the dressing room because Leeds fought back to claim all three points.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.
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 1)
Barnsley v Sheffield United
Barnsley are unbeaten in their last four matches. Sheffield United… aren’t but Barnsley aren’t very good at scoring at home and if they don’t score at home, Sheffield United can’t lose. But if they do lose, they could find themselves in the bottom three.
Ched Evans will play for Sheffield United as he’s the only fit striker. He says he’s happy to play as the Blades’ loan striker and he believes Sheffield United can get a result.
Bristol City v Derby County
Bristol City hope to continue their ascent of the Championship table against a Derby side who have lost three of their last four matches.
Brett Pitman will hope for another start after scoring three in his last four games. Christian Ribeiro is fine to play for Bristol City after having knee problems. Lewin Nyatanga and Gavin Williams could play for the first time since returning from loan spelsl at Peterborough United and Yeovil Town respectively but Gavin doesn’t believe he has a future at Bristol City.
Sam Vokes is in a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury before his loan spell comes to an end and add to the thirteen minutes of game time he’s notched up so far at Bristol City. He must have done well in those thirteen minutes though as Bristol City do want to keep him for longer.
Robbie Savage and Gareth Roberts might keep their places in Derby’s starting line-up… or they might not. Gareth in particular could be in trouble as manager Nigel Clough is reportedly not happy with his defenders but Gareth says the fans haven’t seen the best of him yet.
This week, Robbie won the Plain English award. Well done to Robbie but he doesn’t think he’ll win the Plain Welsh award, probably at least partly because it doesn’t seem to exist.. Robbie’s plain speaking this week includes his opinion on the sacking of Chris Hughton.
Burnley v Leeds United
Leeds are unbeaten in seven but at least this match will be at Turf Moor, the venue for all Burnley’s league wins this season. Despite their recent wobbles, Burnley still have an excellent home form while Leeds’ away form reads like a team formation – 4 4 2.
Leeds have an Arsenal player on loan, a young striker called Sanchez Watt who is eligible to play for Wales. Has anyone seen him lately?
Crystal Palace v Hull City
Palace aren’t exactly doing brilliantly this season but their best work has come at home, most recently beating Doncaster Rovers and Coventry City, who are pretty good. Hull aren’t quite as good as those two but they are unbeaten in four.
Andy Dorman and Lewis Price are most likely to be on the bench.
Barnsley are unbeaten in their last four matches. Sheffield United… aren’t but Barnsley aren’t very good at scoring at home and if they don’t score at home, Sheffield United can’t lose. But if they do lose, they could find themselves in the bottom three.
Ched Evans will play for Sheffield United as he’s the only fit striker. He says he’s happy to play as the Blades’ loan striker and he believes Sheffield United can get a result.
Bristol City v Derby County
Bristol City hope to continue their ascent of the Championship table against a Derby side who have lost three of their last four matches.
Brett Pitman will hope for another start after scoring three in his last four games. Christian Ribeiro is fine to play for Bristol City after having knee problems. Lewin Nyatanga and Gavin Williams could play for the first time since returning from loan spelsl at Peterborough United and Yeovil Town respectively but Gavin doesn’t believe he has a future at Bristol City.
Sam Vokes is in a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury before his loan spell comes to an end and add to the thirteen minutes of game time he’s notched up so far at Bristol City. He must have done well in those thirteen minutes though as Bristol City do want to keep him for longer.
Robbie Savage and Gareth Roberts might keep their places in Derby’s starting line-up… or they might not. Gareth in particular could be in trouble as manager Nigel Clough is reportedly not happy with his defenders but Gareth says the fans haven’t seen the best of him yet.
This week, Robbie won the Plain English award. Well done to Robbie but he doesn’t think he’ll win the Plain Welsh award, probably at least partly because it doesn’t seem to exist.. Robbie’s plain speaking this week includes his opinion on the sacking of Chris Hughton.
Burnley v Leeds United
Leeds are unbeaten in seven but at least this match will be at Turf Moor, the venue for all Burnley’s league wins this season. Despite their recent wobbles, Burnley still have an excellent home form while Leeds’ away form reads like a team formation – 4 4 2.
Leeds have an Arsenal player on loan, a young striker called Sanchez Watt who is eligible to play for Wales. Has anyone seen him lately?
Crystal Palace v Hull City
Palace aren’t exactly doing brilliantly this season but their best work has come at home, most recently beating Doncaster Rovers and Coventry City, who are pretty good. Hull aren’t quite as good as those two but they are unbeaten in four.
Andy Dorman and Lewis Price are most likely to be on the bench.
Saturday, 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 1)
Bristol City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United did the double over Bristol City last season – who were better than than they are now. But Bristol City need points even more than Sheffield United.
Brett Pitman scored his first Bristol City goal last weekend after an appearance as a half-time substitute – and it looks like he might start this match.
Christian Ribeiro is expected to keep his place in Bristol City’s starting line-up. Sam Vokes probably isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Burnley v Derby County
Burnley have only won one of their last seven matches although it’s difficult to feel too much sympathy for a team who have won six of their nine games at home. Derby are up in fourth place but that’s mostly due to their home form – and this is an away game.
Robbie Savage hopes to play for Derby and get a nice little run going. He also has some words of praise for Derby’s two loan strikers.
Gareth Roberts is suspended after being sent off for two booksable offences against Scunthorpe United.
Robbie has almost achieved the impossible. He has almost made me want Tottenham to win the league! Hopefully he’ll get some of the good-looking younger Welshmen to join him.
Crystal Palace v Doncaster Rovers
Palace are down in 23rd place but they have won their last two home games. Doncaster however are unbeaten in four and have not lost to a team in the bottom half of the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench for Palace but Andy Dorman shows no signs of fighting his way back into the matchday squad.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster. John is hoping to beat his former club. He’s also not totally against playing for Wales.
Middlesbrough v Hull City
Middlesbrough are yet to show signs of improvement under Tony Mowbray, having lost three of their five games since he took over, and they’re currently languishing in the bottom three. Hull are doing better and are currently able to win both home and away.
Danny Coyne has recovered from a torn calf muscle but the goalkeeper is not first-choice at Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Sheffield United did the double over Bristol City last season – who were better than than they are now. But Bristol City need points even more than Sheffield United.
Brett Pitman scored his first Bristol City goal last weekend after an appearance as a half-time substitute – and it looks like he might start this match.
Christian Ribeiro is expected to keep his place in Bristol City’s starting line-up. Sam Vokes probably isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Burnley v Derby County
Burnley have only won one of their last seven matches although it’s difficult to feel too much sympathy for a team who have won six of their nine games at home. Derby are up in fourth place but that’s mostly due to their home form – and this is an away game.
Robbie Savage hopes to play for Derby and get a nice little run going. He also has some words of praise for Derby’s two loan strikers.
Gareth Roberts is suspended after being sent off for two booksable offences against Scunthorpe United.
Robbie has almost achieved the impossible. He has almost made me want Tottenham to win the league! Hopefully he’ll get some of the good-looking younger Welshmen to join him.
Crystal Palace v Doncaster Rovers
Palace are down in 23rd place but they have won their last two home games. Doncaster however are unbeaten in four and have not lost to a team in the bottom half of the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench for Palace but Andy Dorman shows no signs of fighting his way back into the matchday squad.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster. John is hoping to beat his former club. He’s also not totally against playing for Wales.
Middlesbrough v Hull City
Middlesbrough are yet to show signs of improvement under Tony Mowbray, having lost three of their five games since he took over, and they’re currently languishing in the bottom three. Hull are doing better and are currently able to win both home and away.
Danny Coyne has recovered from a torn calf muscle but the goalkeeper is not first-choice at Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Championship Results 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bristol City 2-0 Leicester City
Bristol City got a shock win (well, I was shocked) against former fellow strugglers Leicester and moved out of the bottom three. They are now just two points behind Leicester, who might count as fellow strugglers again.
Leicester could have taken the lead but after Andy King was fouled by keeper David James but James saved the resulting penalty. Andy suffered a hamstring injury in the first half but his manager doesn’t think it’s serious.
Christian Ribeiro was back in Bristol City’s starting line-up and played really well at right back. Brett Pitman wasa half-time substitute and scored his first Bristol City goal in the 57th minute. Brett is hoping to score lots of goals this level and he hopes more will come now he’s found his feet. I can only agree, if you haven’t found your feet you can only really score with headers.
Cardiff City 0-2 Nottingham Forest
It’s not Nottingham Forest winning that is the shock – more the fact Cardiff lost. At home. With Craig Bellamy on the pitch. They’re now only three points ahead of Swansea City, although Cardiff do of course have a far superior goal difference. Forest’s win puts them into the top six.
Craig and Darcy Blake both started for Cardiff, with Adam Matthews replacing Darcy late on but Cardiff still couldn’t find a goal although Craig came close. Aaron Wildig was on the bench.
Cardiff seemed very happy to see former favourite Robert Earnshaw, who nearly scored against his former club but seemed less well-disposed towards another of their former players, right back Chris Gunter.
Coventry City 1-0 Burnley
Burnley remain without their first win of the season after Coventry bounced back from a disappointing run to take the three points. Coventry are only outside the play-offs on goal difference but Burnley will struggle for a top six finish if they can’t learn how to win away.
Freddy Eastwood was an unused substitute for Coventry.
Derby County 3-2 Scunthorpe United
Derby won their sixth successive home game against Scunthorpe, who are usually better away than they are at home. Derby are up in fourth place and are the league’s top scorers, having scored four more than QPR and Burnley.
Gareth Roberts was back in the starting line-up for the first time since his recent injury problems but he didn’t last long – the defender was sent off for two bookable offences. Scunthorpe scored from the resulting penalty but Derby hung on to take all three points. Robbie Savage made his 500th league appearance in this match. His 500th start is not far away.
Bristol City got a shock win (well, I was shocked) against former fellow strugglers Leicester and moved out of the bottom three. They are now just two points behind Leicester, who might count as fellow strugglers again.
Leicester could have taken the lead but after Andy King was fouled by keeper David James but James saved the resulting penalty. Andy suffered a hamstring injury in the first half but his manager doesn’t think it’s serious.
Christian Ribeiro was back in Bristol City’s starting line-up and played really well at right back. Brett Pitman wasa half-time substitute and scored his first Bristol City goal in the 57th minute. Brett is hoping to score lots of goals this level and he hopes more will come now he’s found his feet. I can only agree, if you haven’t found your feet you can only really score with headers.
Cardiff City 0-2 Nottingham Forest
It’s not Nottingham Forest winning that is the shock – more the fact Cardiff lost. At home. With Craig Bellamy on the pitch. They’re now only three points ahead of Swansea City, although Cardiff do of course have a far superior goal difference. Forest’s win puts them into the top six.
Craig and Darcy Blake both started for Cardiff, with Adam Matthews replacing Darcy late on but Cardiff still couldn’t find a goal although Craig came close. Aaron Wildig was on the bench.
Cardiff seemed very happy to see former favourite Robert Earnshaw, who nearly scored against his former club but seemed less well-disposed towards another of their former players, right back Chris Gunter.
Coventry City 1-0 Burnley
Burnley remain without their first win of the season after Coventry bounced back from a disappointing run to take the three points. Coventry are only outside the play-offs on goal difference but Burnley will struggle for a top six finish if they can’t learn how to win away.
Freddy Eastwood was an unused substitute for Coventry.
Derby County 3-2 Scunthorpe United
Derby won their sixth successive home game against Scunthorpe, who are usually better away than they are at home. Derby are up in fourth place and are the league’s top scorers, having scored four more than QPR and Burnley.
Gareth Roberts was back in the starting line-up for the first time since his recent injury problems but he didn’t last long – the defender was sent off for two bookable offences. Scunthorpe scored from the resulting penalty but Derby hung on to take all three points. Robbie Savage made his 500th league appearance in this match. His 500th start is not far away.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Championship Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Derby County v Scunthorpe United
Derby will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Leicester but while Scunthorpe are quite low down in the table, it isn’t their away form that’s the problem.
Robbie Savage was left on the bench for Derby’s last game and Derby suffered for it. It sounds like his manager suffered for it a bit too. Let’s hope Robbie’s back playing this time – not least because it will be his 100th career appearance. Gareth Roberts has recovered from a back injury and should return to the squad.
Doncaster Rovers v Swansea City
The good news is Swansea need a defensive re-shuffle which will make it harder for Swansea to stay close to Cardiff. The bad news? Well bringing Neil Taylor into your starting line-up probably doesn’t count as weakening the team.
Even if Doncaster are thrashed 6-1 it won’t be all bad news although I doubt anyone would be very happy about it. They’d become the first team this season in the Championship to score in ten consecutive matches.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster/
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea and wear the captain’s armband – as a number of Welsh players have done recently. Manager Brendan Rogers says he is close to signing a new contract but he expects him to play in the Premier League one day – whether Swansea get promoted or not.
After some impressive performances, it seems like Joe Allen will join him in the starting line-up, with Neil Taylor also expected to start to cover for injury. Whether David Cotterill has done enough to start remains to be seen. He’d be starting if it was up to me. Or maybe not. If I was managing Swansea I’d probably sell the best ones to Cardiff and play the eleven worst players. And I bet I’d keep the job longer than I’ve kept any other job too. That should be easy considering I’ve never had one.
Hull City v Ipswich Town
It’s early days but so far, Hull seem to be doing a pretty good job of this away victory business. It took them a while but now they’ve got it.
Unfortunately, they’ve now forgotten how to do the home victories. Maybe Ipswich can help remind them.
Troy Brown is most likely to be on the bench for Ipswich.
Middlesbrough v Millwall
Millwall have not won at Middlesbrough since new Middesbrough manager was three or four. No offence but that does seem like quite a long time ago. Boro do have a couple of problems in defence but maybe that doesn’t matter. Millwall’s strikers are either injured or just signed on loan so they won’t know everyone yet. To win, Millwall need to score two goals. It’s worked so far.
Danny Coyne has an ankle injury but even if he’s fit he’ll probably only be on the bench for Boro. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis problem.
Steve Morison will probably start up front for Millwall. He’s maybe a bit off form at the moment but at least he’s fit.
Derby will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Leicester but while Scunthorpe are quite low down in the table, it isn’t their away form that’s the problem.
Robbie Savage was left on the bench for Derby’s last game and Derby suffered for it. It sounds like his manager suffered for it a bit too. Let’s hope Robbie’s back playing this time – not least because it will be his 100th career appearance. Gareth Roberts has recovered from a back injury and should return to the squad.
Doncaster Rovers v Swansea City
The good news is Swansea need a defensive re-shuffle which will make it harder for Swansea to stay close to Cardiff. The bad news? Well bringing Neil Taylor into your starting line-up probably doesn’t count as weakening the team.
Even if Doncaster are thrashed 6-1 it won’t be all bad news although I doubt anyone would be very happy about it. They’d become the first team this season in the Championship to score in ten consecutive matches.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster/
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea and wear the captain’s armband – as a number of Welsh players have done recently. Manager Brendan Rogers says he is close to signing a new contract but he expects him to play in the Premier League one day – whether Swansea get promoted or not.
After some impressive performances, it seems like Joe Allen will join him in the starting line-up, with Neil Taylor also expected to start to cover for injury. Whether David Cotterill has done enough to start remains to be seen. He’d be starting if it was up to me. Or maybe not. If I was managing Swansea I’d probably sell the best ones to Cardiff and play the eleven worst players. And I bet I’d keep the job longer than I’ve kept any other job too. That should be easy considering I’ve never had one.
Hull City v Ipswich Town
It’s early days but so far, Hull seem to be doing a pretty good job of this away victory business. It took them a while but now they’ve got it.
Unfortunately, they’ve now forgotten how to do the home victories. Maybe Ipswich can help remind them.
Troy Brown is most likely to be on the bench for Ipswich.
Middlesbrough v Millwall
Millwall have not won at Middlesbrough since new Middesbrough manager was three or four. No offence but that does seem like quite a long time ago. Boro do have a couple of problems in defence but maybe that doesn’t matter. Millwall’s strikers are either injured or just signed on loan so they won’t know everyone yet. To win, Millwall need to score two goals. It’s worked so far.
Danny Coyne has an ankle injury but even if he’s fit he’ll probably only be on the bench for Boro. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis problem.
Steve Morison will probably start up front for Millwall. He’s maybe a bit off form at the moment but at least he’s fit.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Championship Results 13th November 2010 (Part 1)
Crystal Palace 2-0 Coventry City
Crystal Palace climbed above Preston with a surprise victory over Coventry, who drop to eleventh but remain only two points outside the play-off places.
Andy Dorman was missing from Palace’s team but Lewis Price was back on the bench after recovering from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood came off the bench after 71 minutes, making his first appearance since recovering from a knee operation.
Ipswich Town 1-3 Barnsley
Barnsley won away for the second time this season as Ipswich showed that perhaps they’re not back to their early season form after all. By the end, the Ipswich fans were cheering Barnsley but it was the home team who got a late goal.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Leeds United 3-1 Bristol City
Leeds got their first home win for nearly three months against a Bristol City team who were unbeaten in five. Hard to imagine and if I had my spreadsheets I would check that (too lazy to look at every match report) but as I don’t I’ll take BBC Sport’s word for it. They don’t usually do anything too badly wrong although they did once say Middlesbrough keeper Danny Coyne was on the bench when he was actually playing.
Speaking of goalkeepers, Leeds’ own Welsh keeper, Jason Brown (well actually he’s not their own keeper, he’s Blackburn’s) really was on the bench but Sanchez Watt wasn’t ready to return from an ankle injury after all. Jason returned to Blackburn after this match as his loan spell had come to an end but Leeds manager Simon Grayson says he’s good to have around the place.
Brett Pitman, who got thirty-four minutes of action, was Bristol City’s only Welsh representative. And technically he’s not even that. I don’t think he’s chosen his country yet.
Leicester City 2-0 Derby County
Leicester move five points clear of the relegation zone after an excellent win over in-form Derby
Andy King scored Leicester’s first goal after thirteen minutes. and got himself into the Championship Team of the Week.
Robbie Savage missed out on the chance to face his former club as he wasft on the bench. And Derby lost, what a coincidence. Gareth Roberts wasn’t selected due to a back problem. His place on the bench was taken by a second goalkeeper.
Robbie thinks people are starting to like him. Well, I'm not starting to like you, Robbie. I've loved him for a long time now.
Millwalll 0-1 Sheffield United
Millwall are off on another winless run as Sheffield United ended a winless run of their own. Millwall played well and probably deserved an equaliser at least but it didn’t happen.
Steve Morison was back from suspension for Millwall.
Ched Evans got to start for Sheffield United but it wasn’t his goal.
Crystal Palace climbed above Preston with a surprise victory over Coventry, who drop to eleventh but remain only two points outside the play-off places.
Andy Dorman was missing from Palace’s team but Lewis Price was back on the bench after recovering from a back injury.
Freddy Eastwood came off the bench after 71 minutes, making his first appearance since recovering from a knee operation.
Ipswich Town 1-3 Barnsley
Barnsley won away for the second time this season as Ipswich showed that perhaps they’re not back to their early season form after all. By the end, the Ipswich fans were cheering Barnsley but it was the home team who got a late goal.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Leeds United 3-1 Bristol City
Leeds got their first home win for nearly three months against a Bristol City team who were unbeaten in five. Hard to imagine and if I had my spreadsheets I would check that (too lazy to look at every match report) but as I don’t I’ll take BBC Sport’s word for it. They don’t usually do anything too badly wrong although they did once say Middlesbrough keeper Danny Coyne was on the bench when he was actually playing.
Speaking of goalkeepers, Leeds’ own Welsh keeper, Jason Brown (well actually he’s not their own keeper, he’s Blackburn’s) really was on the bench but Sanchez Watt wasn’t ready to return from an ankle injury after all. Jason returned to Blackburn after this match as his loan spell had come to an end but Leeds manager Simon Grayson says he’s good to have around the place.
Brett Pitman, who got thirty-four minutes of action, was Bristol City’s only Welsh representative. And technically he’s not even that. I don’t think he’s chosen his country yet.
Leicester City 2-0 Derby County
Leicester move five points clear of the relegation zone after an excellent win over in-form Derby
Andy King scored Leicester’s first goal after thirteen minutes. and got himself into the Championship Team of the Week.
Robbie Savage missed out on the chance to face his former club as he wasft on the bench. And Derby lost, what a coincidence. Gareth Roberts wasn’t selected due to a back problem. His place on the bench was taken by a second goalkeeper.
Robbie thinks people are starting to like him. Well, I'm not starting to like you, Robbie. I've loved him for a long time now.
Millwalll 0-1 Sheffield United
Millwall are off on another winless run as Sheffield United ended a winless run of their own. Millwall played well and probably deserved an equaliser at least but it didn’t happen.
Steve Morison was back from suspension for Millwall.
Ched Evans got to start for Sheffield United but it wasn’t his goal.
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 9th November 2010 (Part 1)
Burnley v Doncaster Rovers
Burnley are still yet to win away but their home form is very good, meaning they’re just two points outside the play-offs. Doncaster’s away form is better than Burnley’s and they’ve always been good at springing surprises. They’re only behind Burnley on goal difference.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both keep their places in Doncaster’s midfield after a series of good performances. John will be facing a former club.
Crystal Palace v Watford
A win for Palace is unlikely to lift them out of the bottom three but they’ll struggle against Watford, who have an excellent away record.
Andy Dorman will hope to be back in Palace’s starting line-up. Lewis Price missed out at the weekend due to a back injury and he hasn’t yet recovered so he’s out.
Ipswich Town v Derby County
A great run from Derby recently means they’re now ahead of Ipswich on goal difference but their away form has not been so good and Ipswich won on the last five occasions on which teams met.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Robbie Savage should keep his place in Derby’s starting line-up but he has been rested a couple of times this season already. Gareth Roberts might come in to cover a suspension.
Leeds United v Hull City
For the last two seasons, Hull have been two divisions above Leeds but things are very different now. A second successive promotion certainly doesn’t look impossible for Leeds while Hull aren’t an obvious candidate for bouncing back into the Premier League at the first attempt. They have only won twice at Elland Road.
Jason Brown came into the starting line-up last week when Kasper Schmeichel became a father but he’s expected to be back on the bench for this match. Sanchez Watt is still out with an ankle injury.
Burnley are still yet to win away but their home form is very good, meaning they’re just two points outside the play-offs. Doncaster’s away form is better than Burnley’s and they’ve always been good at springing surprises. They’re only behind Burnley on goal difference.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both keep their places in Doncaster’s midfield after a series of good performances. John will be facing a former club.
Crystal Palace v Watford
A win for Palace is unlikely to lift them out of the bottom three but they’ll struggle against Watford, who have an excellent away record.
Andy Dorman will hope to be back in Palace’s starting line-up. Lewis Price missed out at the weekend due to a back injury and he hasn’t yet recovered so he’s out.
Ipswich Town v Derby County
A great run from Derby recently means they’re now ahead of Ipswich on goal difference but their away form has not been so good and Ipswich won on the last five occasions on which teams met.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Robbie Savage should keep his place in Derby’s starting line-up but he has been rested a couple of times this season already. Gareth Roberts might come in to cover a suspension.
Leeds United v Hull City
For the last two seasons, Hull have been two divisions above Leeds but things are very different now. A second successive promotion certainly doesn’t look impossible for Leeds while Hull aren’t an obvious candidate for bouncing back into the Premier League at the first attempt. They have only won twice at Elland Road.
Jason Brown came into the starting line-up last week when Kasper Schmeichel became a father but he’s expected to be back on the bench for this match. Sanchez Watt is still out with an ankle injury.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Championship Results 6th November 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley 0-2 Leicester City
Leicester won only their second away game of the season to beat Barnsley.and get a second consecutive win.
Andy King scored twice for Leicester but the first one was offside. The stand-in captain got the winner four minutes from the end of the match.
Bristol City 1-1 Preston North End
Bristol City’s problem at home continue – they have only six points from their eight home games.
Brett Pitman was a late substitute for Bristol City and had a late chance to grab a winner.
Craig Morgan was back in Preston’s starting line-up. Paul Parry made another appearance from the bench.
Coventry City 2-3 Leeds United
Coventry remain in the play-off places, despite losing to Leeds, who are now only a point behind them.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t return to Coventry’s squad as expected.
Jason Brown was back in goal for Leeds after first-choice keeper Kasper Schmeichel became a father on Friday night.
Sanchez Watt didn’t return from his ankle injury.
Derby County 2-0 Portsmouth
Derby are up in fourth place after a fifth successive home win – which also happens to be their fifth home win of the season.
Robbie Savage scored a penalty in the 23rd minute and Derby never looked back. Well, they probably did look back. It wouldn’t have been 2-0 if they hadn’t looked back. Gareth Roberts was on the bench. It sounds like the Derby players did well – but, as Robbie reminds us, the manager plays a part too.
Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Millwall
Millwall often do seem to take the lead in matches. They take the lead and get your hopes in but then they let in two and don’t score anymore and suddenly it’s not the result you wanted at all.
Brian Stock and John Oster both played the full match for Doncaster.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s goal ans got his fifth yellow card.
Leicester won only their second away game of the season to beat Barnsley.and get a second consecutive win.
Andy King scored twice for Leicester but the first one was offside. The stand-in captain got the winner four minutes from the end of the match.
Bristol City 1-1 Preston North End
Bristol City’s problem at home continue – they have only six points from their eight home games.
Brett Pitman was a late substitute for Bristol City and had a late chance to grab a winner.
Craig Morgan was back in Preston’s starting line-up. Paul Parry made another appearance from the bench.
Coventry City 2-3 Leeds United
Coventry remain in the play-off places, despite losing to Leeds, who are now only a point behind them.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t return to Coventry’s squad as expected.
Jason Brown was back in goal for Leeds after first-choice keeper Kasper Schmeichel became a father on Friday night.
Sanchez Watt didn’t return from his ankle injury.
Derby County 2-0 Portsmouth
Derby are up in fourth place after a fifth successive home win – which also happens to be their fifth home win of the season.
Robbie Savage scored a penalty in the 23rd minute and Derby never looked back. Well, they probably did look back. It wouldn’t have been 2-0 if they hadn’t looked back. Gareth Roberts was on the bench. It sounds like the Derby players did well – but, as Robbie reminds us, the manager plays a part too.
Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Millwall
Millwall often do seem to take the lead in matches. They take the lead and get your hopes in but then they let in two and don’t score anymore and suddenly it’s not the result you wanted at all.
Brian Stock and John Oster both played the full match for Doncaster.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s goal ans got his fifth yellow card.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 1)
Barnsley v Leicester City
Andy King should keep his place in Leicester’s starting line-up.
Bristol City v Preston North End
Brett Pitman will be in Bristol City’s squad but all their other Welsh players are either injured or on loan. Christian Ribeiro is on his way back from hip and groi injuries and will have a fitness test before the match. Some reports say Sam Vokes is also on his way back too.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry are probably most likely to be on the bench for Preston.
Coventry City v Leeds United
Freddy Eastwood is back in Coventry’s squad after recovering from a knee injury. He played 90 minutes in a training match a few days ago.
Jason Brown will be on the bench for Leeds but Sanchez Watt isn’t ready to return from an ankle injury.
Derby County v Portsmouth
Robbie Savage, who this week quit Twitter shortly before taking it up again, will hope to keep his place for Derby. Hopefully he’ll get lots of abuse – he likes it! Though I wouldn’t have a problem if he drove around in his underpants. I sincerely hope he always wears underpants.
After two consecutive late appearances from the bench, Gareth Roberts might be fancying his chances of being back in the starting line-up fairly soon.
Andy King should keep his place in Leicester’s starting line-up.
Bristol City v Preston North End
Brett Pitman will be in Bristol City’s squad but all their other Welsh players are either injured or on loan. Christian Ribeiro is on his way back from hip and groi injuries and will have a fitness test before the match. Some reports say Sam Vokes is also on his way back too.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry are probably most likely to be on the bench for Preston.
Coventry City v Leeds United
Freddy Eastwood is back in Coventry’s squad after recovering from a knee injury. He played 90 minutes in a training match a few days ago.
Jason Brown will be on the bench for Leeds but Sanchez Watt isn’t ready to return from an ankle injury.
Derby County v Portsmouth
Robbie Savage, who this week quit Twitter shortly before taking it up again, will hope to keep his place for Derby. Hopefully he’ll get lots of abuse – he likes it! Though I wouldn’t have a problem if he drove around in his underpants. I sincerely hope he always wears underpants.
After two consecutive late appearances from the bench, Gareth Roberts might be fancying his chances of being back in the starting line-up fairly soon.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Championship Results 30th November 2010 (Part 2)
Derby County 4-1 Watford
Derby bounced back from their defeat to Millwall with another big win which takes them to seventh place, one place and one point from the play-off zone. Both Watford are strong away but both their away defeats this season have come in the last three matches.
Robbie Savage played the full match for Derby and his assist for the winning goal was nearly as beautiful as his hair. Gareth Roberts was a late substitute again.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Millwall
Ipswich have struggled for wins lately while Millwall were probably feeling hopeful after beating the on-form Derby County. Millwall had their chances and kept on pressing but Ipswich played very well.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Steve Morison played the full match for Millwall and arguably should have won them a penalty.
Leicester City 1-0 Preston North End
Leicester moved out of the relegation zone following a very important win over Preston, who are now below them as a result.
Andy King played the full match for Leicester.
Paul Parry made another late appearance from the bench. Craig Morgan was back in the squad after an unexplained absence but he stayed on the bench.
Middlesbrough 1-2 Bristol City
Bristol City came from behind to win only their third game of the season over Middlesbrough, who are now in the bottom three.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Brett Pitman came off the bench in the 93rd minute for Bristol City.
Derby bounced back from their defeat to Millwall with another big win which takes them to seventh place, one place and one point from the play-off zone. Both Watford are strong away but both their away defeats this season have come in the last three matches.
Robbie Savage played the full match for Derby and his assist for the winning goal was nearly as beautiful as his hair. Gareth Roberts was a late substitute again.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Millwall
Ipswich have struggled for wins lately while Millwall were probably feeling hopeful after beating the on-form Derby County. Millwall had their chances and kept on pressing but Ipswich played very well.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Steve Morison played the full match for Millwall and arguably should have won them a penalty.
Leicester City 1-0 Preston North End
Leicester moved out of the relegation zone following a very important win over Preston, who are now below them as a result.
Andy King played the full match for Leicester.
Paul Parry made another late appearance from the bench. Craig Morgan was back in the squad after an unexplained absence but he stayed on the bench.
Middlesbrough 1-2 Bristol City
Bristol City came from behind to win only their third game of the season over Middlesbrough, who are now in the bottom three.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Brett Pitman came off the bench in the 93rd minute for Bristol City.
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