Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter played every game for Nottingham Forest.
League: Portsmouth H 2-1 (played all)
League: Derby A 0-1 (played all)
League: Bristol C H 1-0 (played all)
FA Cup: FA West Ham A 3-2 (Y handball 65, played all)
League: Coventry A 1-2 (played all)
Robert Earnshaw scored twice in four league matches for Nottingham Forest. Both goals came in the match after being dropped to the bench. I don’t usually like it when Rob is dropped to the bench but maybe it’s not completely without its advantages.
Rob’s celebrations against his former club Derby led to a yellow card but he says it was worth it. He might also get fined but hopefully he can talk his way out of that!
Rob believes Forest’s defence is a big reason why they’re doing so well.
League: Portsmouth H 2-1 (starts, off 57)
League: Derby A 0-1 (bench, on 66, G1 79, Y shirt? 80)
League: Bristol C H 1-0 (starts, off 87)
FA Cup: FA West Ham A 3-2 (bench, on 66)
League: Coventry A 1-2 (starts, G2 36, off 75)
Ipswich Town
Troy Brown hasn’t been playing for Ipswich due to a hamstring injury. Their results without him haven’t been too bad but they remain in the relegation battle.
League: Millwall A 2-1 (out, hamstring)
League: Doncaster H 3-2 (out, hamstring)
Carling Cup: CC Arsenal A 3-0. 3-1 agg (out, hamstring)
League: Derby A 1-2 (out, hamstring)
Preston North End
Craig Morgan has been in and out of Preston’s starting line-up but for these three matches, he was in.
League: Leicester H 1-1 (played all)
League: Boro A 1-1 (played all)
League: Barnsley A 2-0 (starts, Y foul 59, off 60)
Paul Parry was said to have a broken wrist during some of these matches but it didn’t seem to get in his way too much.
League: Leicester H 1-1 (bench, on 48)
League: Boro A 1-1 (played all)
League: Barnsley A 2-0 (bench)
Queen’s Park Rangers
Michael Doughty didn’t appear for QPR in this time frame but he did make his debut as a substitute in the FA Cup match against Blackburn. Vital QPR says he’s the chairman’s son which must be quite interesting.
Reading
Simon Church is back in Reading’s starting line-up which was good to see but he’s yet to find the net in 2011.
League: Doncaster A 0-3 (bench, on 79)
League: Hull H 1-1 (starts, off 62)
FA Cup: Stevenage A 1-2 (played all)
League: Cardiff A 2-2 (starts, off 71)
Hal Robson-Kanu was mostly a substitute for Reading.
League: Doncaster A 0-3 (bench)
League: Hull H 1-1 (bench, on 73)
FA Cup: Stevenage A 1-2 (starts, off 75)
League: Cardiff A 2-2 (bench)
Sheffield United
Ched Evans made his 100th league appearance against Coventry. Sheffield United’s survival plan is working, Ched said shortly before they ended up in the bottom three.
League: Coventry A 0-0 (played all)
League: Norwich H 1-2 (G1 69, played all)
League: :Leicester H 0-1 (played all)
Showing posts with label hal robson-kanu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hal robson-kanu. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 22nd January 2011 (Part 4)
Reading v Hull City
Reading are unbeaten in their last seven home games and are just two points outside the play-offs but Hull have been creeping up the table and haven’t lost any of their last eight away games.
Simon Church could start for Reading in place of the doubtful Noel Hunt and Jem Karacan. Hal Robson-Kanu will probably be on the bench.
Sheffield United v Norwich City
A draw might be enough to prevent Sheffield United from slipping back into the top three – and considering that Norwich have only lost two away games, a draw would be a pretty good result.
Ched Evans should start for Sheffield United.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich but Owain Tudur Jones has joined Brentford on a month’s loan.
Reading are unbeaten in their last seven home games and are just two points outside the play-offs but Hull have been creeping up the table and haven’t lost any of their last eight away games.
Simon Church could start for Reading in place of the doubtful Noel Hunt and Jem Karacan. Hal Robson-Kanu will probably be on the bench.
Sheffield United v Norwich City
A draw might be enough to prevent Sheffield United from slipping back into the top three – and considering that Norwich have only lost two away games, a draw would be a pretty good result.
Ched Evans should start for Sheffield United.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich but Owain Tudur Jones has joined Brentford on a month’s loan.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Championship Results 15th January 2011 (Part 1)
Bristol City 0-4 Middlesbrough
Both clubs were hoping to bounce back from being the victims of an FA Cup giant-killing, with Middlesbrough’s defeat undeniably the more embarrassing (no disrespect to Burton Albion but Bristol City were playing Sheffield Wednesday). And whilst one league victory won’t make up for the Cup defeat entirely, a big emphatic win like this one can only help. Middlesbrough are now four points clear of the relegation zone.
Brett Pitman did his best for Bristol City and came close to scoring his ninth goal in nine games but he couldn’t quite do it. Lewin Nyatanga also started for Bristol City but Christian Ribeiro failed to recover from a hamstring injury and wasn’t on the bench.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough. Unfortunately, losing to Burton isn’t the best way of proving that you ought to be your club’s No. 1.
Coventry City 0-0 Sheffield United
An away point at Coventry is probably a result Sheffield United are reasonably happy with – although they are only two points from the drop zone – although the fact they haven’t won since their shock victory over Swansea City in mid-December probably is rather worrying. Coventry are probably just a little bit worried themselves – they have only won once in the last eight matches – and their win came in a Cup match.
That is not to say that Freddy Eastwood is in particularly bad form for Coventry. Three goals in his last four matches seems a more than reasonable return – especially when you consider he has five goals from his seven starts.
Ched Evans made his 100th league appearance. He didn’t score either (strikers tend not to when they’re involved in a goalless draw) but he has five goals from his last ten appearances for Sheffield United. So he’s pretty good too.
Doncaster Rovers 0-3 Reading
Reading continue their promotion quest with a 3-0 away win over Doncaster, who probably aren’t completely out of the play-off pictures themselves due to the number of games they have in hand.
Doncaster had their chances, with John Oster making his presence felt in his 400th career appearance against his former club.
Simon Church came off the bench for the last twelve minutes but Hal Robson-Kanu stayed on the bench.
Leeds United 4-0 Scunthorpe United
If Scunthorpe win their games in hand, that should be enough to take them out of the play-off zone. But when most of your points are coming from away games (not that Scunthorpe have got any points from anywhere in 2011) it is often quite a good thing to visit the division’s top sides at a time when they aren’t picking up many points. Leeds were without a win in five. So imagine how many they’d have scored if they were actually in form.
Sanchez Watt scored Leeds’ opening goal, his first for the club.
Millwall 2-1 Ipswich Town
Millwall did what Arsenal couldn’t and came back from a goal down to beat struggling Ipswich. Millwall are now unbeaten in nine and are three points from the play-offs.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s winning goal. He didn’t celebrate but he says that's because he's really tired and Neil Harris said on Late Kick-Off that Steve is still ill and it’s all he can do to drag himself around the football pitch, a celebration is just too much.
Both clubs were hoping to bounce back from being the victims of an FA Cup giant-killing, with Middlesbrough’s defeat undeniably the more embarrassing (no disrespect to Burton Albion but Bristol City were playing Sheffield Wednesday). And whilst one league victory won’t make up for the Cup defeat entirely, a big emphatic win like this one can only help. Middlesbrough are now four points clear of the relegation zone.
Brett Pitman did his best for Bristol City and came close to scoring his ninth goal in nine games but he couldn’t quite do it. Lewin Nyatanga also started for Bristol City but Christian Ribeiro failed to recover from a hamstring injury and wasn’t on the bench.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough. Unfortunately, losing to Burton isn’t the best way of proving that you ought to be your club’s No. 1.
Coventry City 0-0 Sheffield United
An away point at Coventry is probably a result Sheffield United are reasonably happy with – although they are only two points from the drop zone – although the fact they haven’t won since their shock victory over Swansea City in mid-December probably is rather worrying. Coventry are probably just a little bit worried themselves – they have only won once in the last eight matches – and their win came in a Cup match.
That is not to say that Freddy Eastwood is in particularly bad form for Coventry. Three goals in his last four matches seems a more than reasonable return – especially when you consider he has five goals from his seven starts.
Ched Evans made his 100th league appearance. He didn’t score either (strikers tend not to when they’re involved in a goalless draw) but he has five goals from his last ten appearances for Sheffield United. So he’s pretty good too.
Doncaster Rovers 0-3 Reading
Reading continue their promotion quest with a 3-0 away win over Doncaster, who probably aren’t completely out of the play-off pictures themselves due to the number of games they have in hand.
Doncaster had their chances, with John Oster making his presence felt in his 400th career appearance against his former club.
Simon Church came off the bench for the last twelve minutes but Hal Robson-Kanu stayed on the bench.
Leeds United 4-0 Scunthorpe United
If Scunthorpe win their games in hand, that should be enough to take them out of the play-off zone. But when most of your points are coming from away games (not that Scunthorpe have got any points from anywhere in 2011) it is often quite a good thing to visit the division’s top sides at a time when they aren’t picking up many points. Leeds were without a win in five. So imagine how many they’d have scored if they were actually in form.
Sanchez Watt scored Leeds’ opening goal, his first for the club.
Millwall 2-1 Ipswich Town
Millwall did what Arsenal couldn’t and came back from a goal down to beat struggling Ipswich. Millwall are now unbeaten in nine and are three points from the play-offs.
Steve Morison scored Millwall’s winning goal. He didn’t celebrate but he says that's because he's really tired and Neil Harris said on Late Kick-Off that Steve is still ill and it’s all he can do to drag himself around the football pitch, a celebration is just too much.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 1)
Bristol City v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have lost nine of their thirteen away matches this season and while Bristol City aren’t exactly one of the top teams in the league, they’re still five points ahead of Middlesbrough. Boro can’t even take advantage of Bristol City’s FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Boro’s own defeat to Burton Albion is (no disrespect to Burton) a lot more embarrassing.
Lewin Nyatanga and Brett Pitman started for Bristol City against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup but Bristol City ended up losing to the lower-ranked team. So changes could be made although it was one of relatively few matches recently where Brett didn’t score.
Christian Ribeiro became a substituted substitute last week due to a hamstring injury and is a doubt for this match. Either that or a definite absentee, if you read the Bristol City official site.
Gavin Williams probably won’t be in the squad as he had a foot operation recently.
Danny Coyne played in goal for Middlesbrough’s disastrous FA Cup match against Burton Albion but Jason Steele is expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury. Rhys Williams remains out with an injured pelvis.
Coventry City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United could end up in the bottom three again if they lose this match and with only one win in their last league games, a defeat to Coventry is a possibility. Not that Coventry are doing much better, if at all. They haven’t won any of their last six matches.
Freddy Eastwood has scored three goals in his last three matches for Coventry so they’d be a bit silly to drop him from the starting line-up.
Sheffield United’s own Welsh striker. Ched Evans, has also been prolific of late so I would expect him to start too and make his 100th league appearance. Maybe he’ll score – team-mate Jamie Ward owes him a favour.
Doncaster Rovers v Reading
Reading are two points from the play-offs and Doncaster haven’t beaten them since 1982. Doncaster scored seven goals and even then it wasn’t a big win, with Reading scoring five. Doncaster have been strong at home this season though, only losing one of their eleven home matches.
John Oster should start for Doncaster (which should make team-mate Mark Wilson happy), making his 400th career appearance against a former club. Brian Stock hasn’t recovered from an injury so he won’t play. It was a leg injury last week but now it seems to have transferred itself to his back.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are likely to be on the bench for Reading.
Leeds United v Scunthorpe United
Leeds haven’t won any of their last four matches though they did only lost one of them and they’re still in the play-off places. And if a team is in need of any confidence, drawing with Arsenal can only help. This might look like a straightforward home win – Scunthorpe are struggling in 23rd place, albeit with one or two games in hand over the teams near them in the table. But all but one of their wins have come from away games.
Sanchez Watt injured his head and hamstring in the FA Cup match against Arsenal but he should be okay.
Middlesbrough have lost nine of their thirteen away matches this season and while Bristol City aren’t exactly one of the top teams in the league, they’re still five points ahead of Middlesbrough. Boro can’t even take advantage of Bristol City’s FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Boro’s own defeat to Burton Albion is (no disrespect to Burton) a lot more embarrassing.
Lewin Nyatanga and Brett Pitman started for Bristol City against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup but Bristol City ended up losing to the lower-ranked team. So changes could be made although it was one of relatively few matches recently where Brett didn’t score.
Christian Ribeiro became a substituted substitute last week due to a hamstring injury and is a doubt for this match. Either that or a definite absentee, if you read the Bristol City official site.
Gavin Williams probably won’t be in the squad as he had a foot operation recently.
Danny Coyne played in goal for Middlesbrough’s disastrous FA Cup match against Burton Albion but Jason Steele is expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury. Rhys Williams remains out with an injured pelvis.
Coventry City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United could end up in the bottom three again if they lose this match and with only one win in their last league games, a defeat to Coventry is a possibility. Not that Coventry are doing much better, if at all. They haven’t won any of their last six matches.
Freddy Eastwood has scored three goals in his last three matches for Coventry so they’d be a bit silly to drop him from the starting line-up.
Sheffield United’s own Welsh striker. Ched Evans, has also been prolific of late so I would expect him to start too and make his 100th league appearance. Maybe he’ll score – team-mate Jamie Ward owes him a favour.
Doncaster Rovers v Reading
Reading are two points from the play-offs and Doncaster haven’t beaten them since 1982. Doncaster scored seven goals and even then it wasn’t a big win, with Reading scoring five. Doncaster have been strong at home this season though, only losing one of their eleven home matches.
John Oster should start for Doncaster (which should make team-mate Mark Wilson happy), making his 400th career appearance against a former club. Brian Stock hasn’t recovered from an injury so he won’t play. It was a leg injury last week but now it seems to have transferred itself to his back.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are likely to be on the bench for Reading.
Leeds United v Scunthorpe United
Leeds haven’t won any of their last four matches though they did only lost one of them and they’re still in the play-off places. And if a team is in need of any confidence, drawing with Arsenal can only help. This might look like a straightforward home win – Scunthorpe are struggling in 23rd place, albeit with one or two games in hand over the teams near them in the table. But all but one of their wins have come from away games.
Sanchez Watt injured his head and hamstring in the FA Cup match against Arsenal but he should be okay.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part Three)
Norwich City 0-1 Leyton Orient
A 20th-minute goal from League One strugglers Leyton Orient was enough to see off Championship promotion contenders Norwich City. After coming so close to being knocked out by Droylsden in the last match. Orient were not taking any chances. Or rather, they took one chance, scored from it, and then defended brilliantly to keep out Norwich. Their next FA Cup opponents will be Swansea City at the almost impenetrable Liberty Stadium.
Andrew Crofts was one of several players rested by Norwich, who were also without the cup-tied Owain Tudur Jones.
Preston North End 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Preston went into the break a goal up but there’s a reason why Forest have forced their way into play-off contention while Preston are still floundering at the bottom. As if the news that Phil Brown was their new manager wasn’t enough, Preston fans had to watch their team lose. Again. They’re probably getting used to it by now. Forest are away at West Ham United in the fourth round.
Craig Morgan nearly scored when he got his head on the end of a corner (which sounds quite painful when I put it like that) and could have opened the scoring. But the result wouldn’t necessarily have been 2-2 if he had. Paul Parry was absent from the team with a broken wrist – not that the injury prevented him from being on the bench for the match against Crystal Palace.
Robert Earnshaw and, slightly more surprisingly, Chris Gunter both came close to putting Forest 2-1 up but luckily Forest were 2-1 up by the end anyway.
Reading 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Not so long ago, West Brom were looking like the Premier League side beginning with W who were most likely to survive. That this was their sixth straight defeat probably makes this more doubtful although this result of course has no direct effect on their Premier League status.
Reading meanwhile seem to be heading in the opposite direction, albeit in a different division and it they’ll deservedly have the distraction of the FA Cup for one more round at least – they’ll be away at giant-killers Stevenage.
Simon Church was expected to start in the absence of Shane Long but Shane Long wasn’t absent (which must have been so annoying) and therefore Simon was on the bench. He and Hal Robson-Kanu did get a late run-out but they couldn’t add to Reading’s lead.
Boaz Myhill played in goal for West Brom and played well, the goal aside. And loads of goalkeepers have failed to keep out Shane Long shots this season.
Sheffield United 1-3 Aston Villa
The final result made it look easier than it was as Premier League strugglers Aston Villa beating Championship team Sheffield United. Villa got off to a great start with a goal from new loan signing Kyle Walker but there were mixed feelings for the passionate Sheffield United fan who began his career at his hometown club. Villa will face Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United – the second consecutive match in which he hasn’t found the net (although I’m sure he would have done if Jamie Ward had let him take the penalty like he was supposed to) but with a return of four goals in his last six games, maybe it was another player’s turn to score.
James Collins was on Aston Villa’s bench for this match which raised questions (in my mind at least) about whether Gerard Houllier was reluctant to cup-tie a player he was rumoured to be selling but his appearance in the 91st minute suggested this was unlikely.
A 20th-minute goal from League One strugglers Leyton Orient was enough to see off Championship promotion contenders Norwich City. After coming so close to being knocked out by Droylsden in the last match. Orient were not taking any chances. Or rather, they took one chance, scored from it, and then defended brilliantly to keep out Norwich. Their next FA Cup opponents will be Swansea City at the almost impenetrable Liberty Stadium.
Andrew Crofts was one of several players rested by Norwich, who were also without the cup-tied Owain Tudur Jones.
Preston North End 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Preston went into the break a goal up but there’s a reason why Forest have forced their way into play-off contention while Preston are still floundering at the bottom. As if the news that Phil Brown was their new manager wasn’t enough, Preston fans had to watch their team lose. Again. They’re probably getting used to it by now. Forest are away at West Ham United in the fourth round.
Craig Morgan nearly scored when he got his head on the end of a corner (which sounds quite painful when I put it like that) and could have opened the scoring. But the result wouldn’t necessarily have been 2-2 if he had. Paul Parry was absent from the team with a broken wrist – not that the injury prevented him from being on the bench for the match against Crystal Palace.
Robert Earnshaw and, slightly more surprisingly, Chris Gunter both came close to putting Forest 2-1 up but luckily Forest were 2-1 up by the end anyway.
Reading 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Not so long ago, West Brom were looking like the Premier League side beginning with W who were most likely to survive. That this was their sixth straight defeat probably makes this more doubtful although this result of course has no direct effect on their Premier League status.
Reading meanwhile seem to be heading in the opposite direction, albeit in a different division and it they’ll deservedly have the distraction of the FA Cup for one more round at least – they’ll be away at giant-killers Stevenage.
Simon Church was expected to start in the absence of Shane Long but Shane Long wasn’t absent (which must have been so annoying) and therefore Simon was on the bench. He and Hal Robson-Kanu did get a late run-out but they couldn’t add to Reading’s lead.
Boaz Myhill played in goal for West Brom and played well, the goal aside. And loads of goalkeepers have failed to keep out Shane Long shots this season.
Sheffield United 1-3 Aston Villa
The final result made it look easier than it was as Premier League strugglers Aston Villa beating Championship team Sheffield United. Villa got off to a great start with a goal from new loan signing Kyle Walker but there were mixed feelings for the passionate Sheffield United fan who began his career at his hometown club. Villa will face Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United – the second consecutive match in which he hasn’t found the net (although I’m sure he would have done if Jamie Ward had let him take the penalty like he was supposed to) but with a return of four goals in his last six games, maybe it was another player’s turn to score.
James Collins was on Aston Villa’s bench for this match which raised questions (in my mind at least) about whether Gerard Houllier was reluctant to cup-tie a player he was rumoured to be selling but his appearance in the 91st minute suggested this was unlikely.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Transfer News and Rumours 8th January 2011 (Championship)
It is thought that Bristol City will listen to offers for Gavin Williams, who has just had foot surgery.
Doncaster manager Sean O’Driscoll hopes Brian Stock will sign a new contract but a number of other clubs are interested.
Kenny Jackett says Millwall don’t need to sell Steve Morison – and there’s been no contact from Fulham. So if Mark Hughes wants to manage Steve, he’ll have to wait until the Wales manager post becomes vacant again. And hopefully that won’t be for a very long time.
Millwall striker Steve Morison says he won’t be letting the Fulham rumours distract him. Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested.
Nottingham Forest have told Robert Earnshaw he will need to take a paycut if he wants to remain at the club. Rob’s current contract expires this summer.
Simon Church has been linked with Swansea City but he’s focused on helping Reading into the Premier League.
Hal Robson-Kanu could move from Reading to Swindon Town in a swap with Charlie Austin.
Jermaine Easter hopes to sign a permanent deal with Swansea City, having apparently come to the conclusion he’d rather be on the bench for a top Championship side than for a mid-table League One club.
Newcastle United are interested in Swansea City’s Ashley Williams but Brendan Rogers has no plans to sell him. Swansea are also concerned that they could lose Joe Allen.
Swansea City goalkeeper David Cornell will spend the rest of the season on loan at Welsh Premier League club Port Talbot.
Doncaster manager Sean O’Driscoll hopes Brian Stock will sign a new contract but a number of other clubs are interested.
Kenny Jackett says Millwall don’t need to sell Steve Morison – and there’s been no contact from Fulham. So if Mark Hughes wants to manage Steve, he’ll have to wait until the Wales manager post becomes vacant again. And hopefully that won’t be for a very long time.
Millwall striker Steve Morison says he won’t be letting the Fulham rumours distract him. Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested.
Nottingham Forest have told Robert Earnshaw he will need to take a paycut if he wants to remain at the club. Rob’s current contract expires this summer.
Simon Church has been linked with Swansea City but he’s focused on helping Reading into the Premier League.
Hal Robson-Kanu could move from Reading to Swindon Town in a swap with Charlie Austin.
Jermaine Easter hopes to sign a permanent deal with Swansea City, having apparently come to the conclusion he’d rather be on the bench for a top Championship side than for a mid-table League One club.
Newcastle United are interested in Swansea City’s Ashley Williams but Brendan Rogers has no plans to sell him. Swansea are also concerned that they could lose Joe Allen.
Swansea City goalkeeper David Cornell will spend the rest of the season on loan at Welsh Premier League club Port Talbot.
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 4)
Norwich City v Leyton Orient
Norwich had a few problems with Droylsden in the last round, needing a replay and extra time in order to beat them 8-2. They’ll be hoping Orient are a lot less trouble.
If Norwich rest players, Andrew Crofts could be one of them. Owain Tudur Jones is cup-tied, having already played for Yeovil in the FA Cup.
Preston North End v Nottingham Forest
Here’s the second of the two all-Championship ties. Preston are looking like a team who could be in League One next season while Forest have crept up on the play-offs and now look like contenders. But anything can happen in the FA Cup.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry could start for Preston but they might be saved for more important games. No disrespect to the FA Cup but they have more chance of surviving relegation than winning the Cup and surviving is probably something they quite want to do.
If Forest do plan on giving star players such as Chris Gunter a rest, this might be a good time. Robert Earnshaw was rested in Forest’s last match so maybe he was being saved for the FA Cup. He did score a hat-trick two matches ago. Aaron Ramsey has returned to Arsenal after Arsene Wenger refused a request to extend his loan. The chances are, he wouldn’t have let them cup-tie Aaron either.
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
These two clubs were probably hoping not to see each other for a couple of season after playing four times last season.
Simon Church is expected to start for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu and Jake Taylor might also get the chance to feature.
Boaz Myhill will start in goal for West Brom/
Sheffield United v Aston Villa
Sheffield United and Aston Villa have something in common. Not only are they both playing in this match, they are both have one point from their last four matches.
Ched Evans should play for Sheffield United. They might not be winning but that isn’t stopping him from scoring.
James Collins will probably play for Villa unless they are going to sell him and don’t want him cup-tied. The other James Collins has signed for Shrewsbury Town but he’s not Welsh.
Norwich had a few problems with Droylsden in the last round, needing a replay and extra time in order to beat them 8-2. They’ll be hoping Orient are a lot less trouble.
If Norwich rest players, Andrew Crofts could be one of them. Owain Tudur Jones is cup-tied, having already played for Yeovil in the FA Cup.
Preston North End v Nottingham Forest
Here’s the second of the two all-Championship ties. Preston are looking like a team who could be in League One next season while Forest have crept up on the play-offs and now look like contenders. But anything can happen in the FA Cup.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry could start for Preston but they might be saved for more important games. No disrespect to the FA Cup but they have more chance of surviving relegation than winning the Cup and surviving is probably something they quite want to do.
If Forest do plan on giving star players such as Chris Gunter a rest, this might be a good time. Robert Earnshaw was rested in Forest’s last match so maybe he was being saved for the FA Cup. He did score a hat-trick two matches ago. Aaron Ramsey has returned to Arsenal after Arsene Wenger refused a request to extend his loan. The chances are, he wouldn’t have let them cup-tie Aaron either.
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
These two clubs were probably hoping not to see each other for a couple of season after playing four times last season.
Simon Church is expected to start for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu and Jake Taylor might also get the chance to feature.
Boaz Myhill will start in goal for West Brom/
Sheffield United v Aston Villa
Sheffield United and Aston Villa have something in common. Not only are they both playing in this match, they are both have one point from their last four matches.
Ched Evans should play for Sheffield United. They might not be winning but that isn’t stopping him from scoring.
James Collins will probably play for Villa unless they are going to sell him and don’t want him cup-tied. The other James Collins has signed for Shrewsbury Town but he’s not Welsh.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Championship, Part 3)
Millwall
Steve Morison has been attracting the attention of Premier League clubs which can only mean one thing – he has been playing brilliantly for Millwall despite a recent goal drought. Poor Steve missed out on the New Year’s Day game with flu and judging him from his performance a couple of days later, it wasn’t the sort of flu footballers get sometimes when they’re in talks with a new club. Let’s hope he’s feeling better for Millwall’s FA Cup match against Birmingham City.
Portsmouth A 1-1 (played all)
Leicester H 2-0 (G1 12, played all)
Palace H 3-0 (out, flu)
Derby A 0-0 (starts, off 71)
Norwich City
Norwich were predicted to struggle and to be fair, they are struggling to get into the automatic promotion places. It’s been an excellent season so far and part of the reason for that is Andrew Crofts.
Coventry A 1-2 (out, illness)
Sheff Utd H 4-2 (played all)
QPR H 1-0 (played all)
Boro A 1-1 (played all)
When Owain Tudur Jones returned from a loan spell at Yeovil Town, I wasn’t sure how many chances he’d have at Norwich and was very happy to see him on the bench for the very next game. Not only that, he came off the bench too. Since then, he’s always been a substitute except for his most recent match, where he got his first Norwich start of the season (he did get substituted at half-time but that’s not necessarily a very bad thing).
Coventry A 1-2 (bench)
Sheff Utd H 4-2 (bench)
QPR H 1-0 (bench)
Boro A 1-1 (starts, off 46)
Josh Dawkin has made one appearance on Norwich’s bench this season and it wasn’t at Christmas but let’s hope his next appearance isn’t too far away.
Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter kept his place in Forest’s starting line-up as they pushed slowly up towards the right end of the table and (briefly) into the play-off places.
Palace H 3-0 (played all)
Derby H 5-2 (played all)
Barnsley A 2-2 (wins pen 68, played all)
Ipswich A 0-1 (played all)
Robert Earnshaw started most matches over the Christmas period and got a hat-trick in the process. Three goals in three games doesn’t really seem like a reason to drop a player to the bench but that’s what happened.
Palace H 3-0 (played all)
Derby H 5-2 (G2 24, G4 53, G5 94, Y 94, played all)
Barnsley A 2-2 (starts, off 75)
Ipswich A 0-1 (bench)
Preston North End
Craig Morgan has been in and out of Preston’s squad and in and out of the starting line-up as they desperately try to save themselves from relegation.
Boro H 1-3 (played all)
Derby H 1-2 (bench)
Palace A 0-0 (played all)
Paul Parry has always been in the squad but his knee problems have prevented him from starting many games. Now if Paul refused to come out of retirement for Wales for injury reasons, I would have no cause for complaint. (Not that I necessarily have cause the other times.)
Boro H 1-3 (bench, on 85)
Derby H 1-2 (starts, off 71)
Palace A 0-0 (bench)
Reading
Simon Church was back on the bench over Christmas but his one goal was rewarded with one start in the very next match. But he couldn’t get two in two (how many strikers do that?) so he was back on the bench again against Burnley.
Derby A 1-2 (bench, on 65)
Bristol C H 4-1 (bench)
Hull A 1-1 (bench, on 58, G1 82)
Swansea A 1-0 (played all)
Burnley H 1-1 (bench, on 72)
Hal Robson-Kanu has had a similar problem to Simon although he did get an assist.
Derby A 1-2 (bench, on 76)
Bristol C H 4-1 (bench, on 80, A4 89)
Hull A 1-1 (bench)
Swansea A 1-0 (starts, off 71)
Burnley H 1-1 (bench, on 67)
Jake Taylor made his long-awaited return following knee surgery but he’s only been on the bench once so let’s hope he hasn’t had a relapse.
Derby A 1-2 (unselected)
Bristol C H 4-1 (unselected)
Hull A 1-1 (unselected)
Swansea A 1-0 (bench)
Burnley H 1-1 (unselected)
Sheffield United
Ched Evans got four goals in four games, helping to get some much-needed wins against form teams. He can even score penalties, always a useful trait in a Welshman.
Swansea H 1-0 (starts, G1 44, off 93)
Hull H 2-3 (G1 62, G2 73, played all)
Norwich A 4-2 (played all)
Burnley A 4-2 (G2 pen 47. played all)
Doncaster H 2-2 (played all)
Steve Morison has been attracting the attention of Premier League clubs which can only mean one thing – he has been playing brilliantly for Millwall despite a recent goal drought. Poor Steve missed out on the New Year’s Day game with flu and judging him from his performance a couple of days later, it wasn’t the sort of flu footballers get sometimes when they’re in talks with a new club. Let’s hope he’s feeling better for Millwall’s FA Cup match against Birmingham City.
Portsmouth A 1-1 (played all)
Leicester H 2-0 (G1 12, played all)
Palace H 3-0 (out, flu)
Derby A 0-0 (starts, off 71)
Norwich City
Norwich were predicted to struggle and to be fair, they are struggling to get into the automatic promotion places. It’s been an excellent season so far and part of the reason for that is Andrew Crofts.
Coventry A 1-2 (out, illness)
Sheff Utd H 4-2 (played all)
QPR H 1-0 (played all)
Boro A 1-1 (played all)
When Owain Tudur Jones returned from a loan spell at Yeovil Town, I wasn’t sure how many chances he’d have at Norwich and was very happy to see him on the bench for the very next game. Not only that, he came off the bench too. Since then, he’s always been a substitute except for his most recent match, where he got his first Norwich start of the season (he did get substituted at half-time but that’s not necessarily a very bad thing).
Coventry A 1-2 (bench)
Sheff Utd H 4-2 (bench)
QPR H 1-0 (bench)
Boro A 1-1 (starts, off 46)
Josh Dawkin has made one appearance on Norwich’s bench this season and it wasn’t at Christmas but let’s hope his next appearance isn’t too far away.
Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter kept his place in Forest’s starting line-up as they pushed slowly up towards the right end of the table and (briefly) into the play-off places.
Palace H 3-0 (played all)
Derby H 5-2 (played all)
Barnsley A 2-2 (wins pen 68, played all)
Ipswich A 0-1 (played all)
Robert Earnshaw started most matches over the Christmas period and got a hat-trick in the process. Three goals in three games doesn’t really seem like a reason to drop a player to the bench but that’s what happened.
Palace H 3-0 (played all)
Derby H 5-2 (G2 24, G4 53, G5 94, Y 94, played all)
Barnsley A 2-2 (starts, off 75)
Ipswich A 0-1 (bench)
Preston North End
Craig Morgan has been in and out of Preston’s squad and in and out of the starting line-up as they desperately try to save themselves from relegation.
Boro H 1-3 (played all)
Derby H 1-2 (bench)
Palace A 0-0 (played all)
Paul Parry has always been in the squad but his knee problems have prevented him from starting many games. Now if Paul refused to come out of retirement for Wales for injury reasons, I would have no cause for complaint. (Not that I necessarily have cause the other times.)
Boro H 1-3 (bench, on 85)
Derby H 1-2 (starts, off 71)
Palace A 0-0 (bench)
Reading
Simon Church was back on the bench over Christmas but his one goal was rewarded with one start in the very next match. But he couldn’t get two in two (how many strikers do that?) so he was back on the bench again against Burnley.
Derby A 1-2 (bench, on 65)
Bristol C H 4-1 (bench)
Hull A 1-1 (bench, on 58, G1 82)
Swansea A 1-0 (played all)
Burnley H 1-1 (bench, on 72)
Hal Robson-Kanu has had a similar problem to Simon although he did get an assist.
Derby A 1-2 (bench, on 76)
Bristol C H 4-1 (bench, on 80, A4 89)
Hull A 1-1 (bench)
Swansea A 1-0 (starts, off 71)
Burnley H 1-1 (bench, on 67)
Jake Taylor made his long-awaited return following knee surgery but he’s only been on the bench once so let’s hope he hasn’t had a relapse.
Derby A 1-2 (unselected)
Bristol C H 4-1 (unselected)
Hull A 1-1 (unselected)
Swansea A 1-0 (bench)
Burnley H 1-1 (unselected)
Sheffield United
Ched Evans got four goals in four games, helping to get some much-needed wins against form teams. He can even score penalties, always a useful trait in a Welshman.
Swansea H 1-0 (starts, G1 44, off 93)
Hull H 2-3 (G1 62, G2 73, played all)
Norwich A 4-2 (played all)
Burnley A 4-2 (G2 pen 47. played all)
Doncaster H 2-2 (played all)
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.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Championship Results 11th December 2010 (Part 3)
Norwich City 0-2 Portsmouth
Portsmouth ended Norwich’s six-match unbeaten run but didn’t quite manage to take them out of the play-off places.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich but Owain Tudur Jones was an unused substitute.
Preston North End 1-0 Ipswich Town
Preston claimed a much-needed victory over Ipswich, who have now lost their last six league matches. Their only recent victory was the Carling Cup win over West Bromwich Albion.
Paul Parry played the last five minutes for Preston but Craig Morgan was left on the bench.
Troy Brown kept his place in Ipswich’s defence and came close to scoring with his head.
Reading 0-0 Coventry City
Reading drew a fifth successive match against Coventry. They haven’t won any of their last six matches although the one they lost was against Queen’s Park Rangers. Coventry were therefore denied a fourth successive win but at least they’re unbeaten in four, with four clean sheets.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu came on the field together in a double substitution but neither could find a winner for Reading.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t get a chance to snatch the points for Coventry, who left him on the bench.
Portsmouth ended Norwich’s six-match unbeaten run but didn’t quite manage to take them out of the play-off places.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Norwich but Owain Tudur Jones was an unused substitute.
Preston North End 1-0 Ipswich Town
Preston claimed a much-needed victory over Ipswich, who have now lost their last six league matches. Their only recent victory was the Carling Cup win over West Bromwich Albion.
Paul Parry played the last five minutes for Preston but Craig Morgan was left on the bench.
Troy Brown kept his place in Ipswich’s defence and came close to scoring with his head.
Reading 0-0 Coventry City
Reading drew a fifth successive match against Coventry. They haven’t won any of their last six matches although the one they lost was against Queen’s Park Rangers. Coventry were therefore denied a fourth successive win but at least they’re unbeaten in four, with four clean sheets.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu came on the field together in a double substitution but neither could find a winner for Reading.
Freddy Eastwood didn’t get a chance to snatch the points for Coventry, who left him on the bench.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Championship Fixtures 11th December 2010 (Part 3)
Preston North End v Ipswich Town
Preston have only won one of their last eleven matches but they are unbeaten in two. Ipswich have just beaten West Bromwich Albion but that wasn’t in the league. They haven’t won in the league for over a month.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry haven’t started for Preston since they lost to Hull nearly a month ago. But in the two games before that when both started, one of them scored.
Troy Brown played in the win over West Brom and kept his place for the next game but Ipswich didn’t win. So he could be back on the bench again. It wasn’t his fault though – but neither was it Roy Keane’s, according to Troy and his team-mates.
Reading v Coventry City
If Coventry win this match, it will be their fourth win in a row and fourth clean sheet in a row. Reading are also unbeaten in four but they didn’t actually win any of those games. Like Leeds’ away form, Reading’s home form could be a clue to what formation they will play. Coventry go for a more radical 4 2 4.
Simon Church has been starting for Reading but not scoring. So he could be back on the bench with Hal Robson-Kanu and that might not be all bad because he’s such a great supersub but I’m sure he’d rather be a superstarter.
Freddy Eastwood will probably be on the bench as the other strikers keep scoring.
Scunthorpe United P-P Nottingham Forest
Aaron Ramsey misses another chance to build up his match fitness after the freezing weather conditions in Scunthorpe lead to the cancellation of this match.
Preston have only won one of their last eleven matches but they are unbeaten in two. Ipswich have just beaten West Bromwich Albion but that wasn’t in the league. They haven’t won in the league for over a month.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry haven’t started for Preston since they lost to Hull nearly a month ago. But in the two games before that when both started, one of them scored.
Troy Brown played in the win over West Brom and kept his place for the next game but Ipswich didn’t win. So he could be back on the bench again. It wasn’t his fault though – but neither was it Roy Keane’s, according to Troy and his team-mates.
Reading v Coventry City
If Coventry win this match, it will be their fourth win in a row and fourth clean sheet in a row. Reading are also unbeaten in four but they didn’t actually win any of those games. Like Leeds’ away form, Reading’s home form could be a clue to what formation they will play. Coventry go for a more radical 4 2 4.
Simon Church has been starting for Reading but not scoring. So he could be back on the bench with Hal Robson-Kanu and that might not be all bad because he’s such a great supersub but I’m sure he’d rather be a superstarter.
Freddy Eastwood will probably be on the bench as the other strikers keep scoring.
Scunthorpe United P-P Nottingham Forest
Aaron Ramsey misses another chance to build up his match fitness after the freezing weather conditions in Scunthorpe lead to the cancellation of this match.
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 3)
Sheffield United 3-2 Crystal Palace
In the 85th minute, Palace were 2-1 ahead and perhaps even feeling hopeful. But it was not to last, with Sheffield United scoring twice in three minutes to take the three points. Palace have lost seven of their nine away games this season.
Ched Evans played his part in two of the three goals, winning a penalty which led to Sheffield Utd’s first before scoring the (possibly offside) equaliser himself. Ched feels Sheffield United can challenge for promotion to the Premier League this season. Well. according to manager Gary Speed, they do have a Premier League quality striker in Ched.
Lewis Price was on the bench but Andy Dorman was out of the squad again.
Watford 1-1 Reading
Reading took the lead after 15 minutes but Watford’s equaliser just before time prevented them from moving into the top siz. Watford are now four points away from the play-off places.
Simon Church started for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu was on the bench.
In the 85th minute, Palace were 2-1 ahead and perhaps even feeling hopeful. But it was not to last, with Sheffield United scoring twice in three minutes to take the three points. Palace have lost seven of their nine away games this season.
Ched Evans played his part in two of the three goals, winning a penalty which led to Sheffield Utd’s first before scoring the (possibly offside) equaliser himself. Ched feels Sheffield United can challenge for promotion to the Premier League this season. Well. according to manager Gary Speed, they do have a Premier League quality striker in Ched.
Lewis Price was on the bench but Andy Dorman was out of the squad again.
Watford 1-1 Reading
Reading took the lead after 15 minutes but Watford’s equaliser just before time prevented them from moving into the top siz. Watford are now four points away from the play-off places.
Simon Church started for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu was on the bench.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Championship Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 3)
Norwich City v Leeds United
It must be nice being Norwich. They haven’t won for four matches and they’re still only outside the play-offs on goal difference. It can’t be that bad being Leeds either.
This was one of the matches in my Online Football Manager game last night. Leeds won about 6-2 (I’m managing Cardiff and I’ve just signed Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, I bet Dave Jones wishes he could do things like that) but somehow I don’t think either of these teams will score six.
Andrew Crofts will be in midfield for Norwich. They’re actually having a few problems in midfield which can only increase Josh Dawkin’s chances of being on the bench.
Jason Brown won’t be on Leeds’ bench because he’s gone back to Blackburn – and been loaned out almost immediately to Leyton Orient which must be a bit of a come-down. Sanchez Watt could be ready to return after playing in a reserve fixture.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Preston North End
One of these teams has not lost in the Championship this season. The other has only won one of their last eight matches. If Preston win, it will practically be a giant-killing. But it’s also likely you’re asleep and you dreamed the whole thing.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will both hope to stay in Preston’s starting line-up.
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Gary Speed hopes Sheffield United can push up the table and end the season in a play-off place.
Sheffield United did quite well the last time they beat a London side. They beat Millwall – and theoretically, Palace should be easier to beat. They’ve only won one away game this season.
Ched Evans started for Sheffield United last week but couldn’t find the net.
Andy Dorman could be out of the squad again as manager George Burley reveals he is struggling to adapt to life in the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench.
Watford v Reading
Everyone goes on about Watford’s away form, including me but it probably isn’t that good at the moment. They only have four points from the last six matches and even if they are all away points that probably doesn’t quite count as good away form although it’s not bad.
Simon Church says playing on the wing for Reading wasn't as bad as he expected – and he might do just that against Watford. Hal Robson-Kanu will also hope for a start.
Jake Taylor is still out following a knee operation.
It must be nice being Norwich. They haven’t won for four matches and they’re still only outside the play-offs on goal difference. It can’t be that bad being Leeds either.
This was one of the matches in my Online Football Manager game last night. Leeds won about 6-2 (I’m managing Cardiff and I’ve just signed Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, I bet Dave Jones wishes he could do things like that) but somehow I don’t think either of these teams will score six.
Andrew Crofts will be in midfield for Norwich. They’re actually having a few problems in midfield which can only increase Josh Dawkin’s chances of being on the bench.
Jason Brown won’t be on Leeds’ bench because he’s gone back to Blackburn – and been loaned out almost immediately to Leyton Orient which must be a bit of a come-down. Sanchez Watt could be ready to return after playing in a reserve fixture.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Preston North End
One of these teams has not lost in the Championship this season. The other has only won one of their last eight matches. If Preston win, it will practically be a giant-killing. But it’s also likely you’re asleep and you dreamed the whole thing.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will both hope to stay in Preston’s starting line-up.
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Gary Speed hopes Sheffield United can push up the table and end the season in a play-off place.
Sheffield United did quite well the last time they beat a London side. They beat Millwall – and theoretically, Palace should be easier to beat. They’ve only won one away game this season.
Ched Evans started for Sheffield United last week but couldn’t find the net.
Andy Dorman could be out of the squad again as manager George Burley reveals he is struggling to adapt to life in the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench.
Watford v Reading
Everyone goes on about Watford’s away form, including me but it probably isn’t that good at the moment. They only have four points from the last six matches and even if they are all away points that probably doesn’t quite count as good away form although it’s not bad.
Simon Church says playing on the wing for Reading wasn't as bad as he expected – and he might do just that against Watford. Hal Robson-Kanu will also hope for a start.
Jake Taylor is still out following a knee operation.
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?
Monday, 8 November 2010
Championship Results 6th November 2010 (Part 2)
Middlesbrough 2-1 Crystal Palace
Middlesbrough remain in the bottom three despite winning for the fourth time this season. The team they lost to are the only team below them. Palace have just four points from their eight away matches this season.
Middlesbrough were without Danny Coyne due to a calf injury but he wouldn’t have played anyway.
Andy Dorman came off the bench for Palace but there was no sign of goalkeeper Lewis Price.
Norwich City 2-2 Burnley
Norwich are outside the play-offs onluy on goal difference after coming back from 2-0 down to draw with Burnley, who are still without an away win this season.
It was quite a match for Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts. It really had a bit of everything. He got the assist for their first goal, scored the second to get Norwich a point in stoppage time, got a yellow card for unsporting conduct (possibly relating to his celebration?) and then got sent off. But his team-mates still love him.
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 Reading
Unbeaten QPR moved back to the top of the table following this win over Reading and they remained their when Cardiff City lost to Swansea City the following day.
Simon Church had to be content with a place on the bench again. They did bring him on just after the hour mark but he didn’t get any winning goals this week. Well, scoring late goals doesn’t help him get into the team, maybe not scoring them will have more effect. Hal Robson-Kanu started for Reading and he was the victim of a foul that took QPR down to ten men. It didn’t help.
Sheffield United 1-2 Ipswich Town
Sheffield United lost for the third consecutive match and are now just a point outside the relegation zone while Ipswich are back in the top six.
Ched Evans was a half-time substitute for Sheffield United and could have scored a couple but it wasn’t to be.
Troy Brown came off Ipswich’s bench in the 85th minute.
Watford 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have done well at home but they still only have one away win after only drawing with Watford, who would have been in the play-offs if they’d won.
Robert Earnshaw made his first start for Forest since returning from a hamstring injury. Chris Gunter also started.
Middlesbrough remain in the bottom three despite winning for the fourth time this season. The team they lost to are the only team below them. Palace have just four points from their eight away matches this season.
Middlesbrough were without Danny Coyne due to a calf injury but he wouldn’t have played anyway.
Andy Dorman came off the bench for Palace but there was no sign of goalkeeper Lewis Price.
Norwich City 2-2 Burnley
Norwich are outside the play-offs onluy on goal difference after coming back from 2-0 down to draw with Burnley, who are still without an away win this season.
It was quite a match for Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts. It really had a bit of everything. He got the assist for their first goal, scored the second to get Norwich a point in stoppage time, got a yellow card for unsporting conduct (possibly relating to his celebration?) and then got sent off. But his team-mates still love him.
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 Reading
Unbeaten QPR moved back to the top of the table following this win over Reading and they remained their when Cardiff City lost to Swansea City the following day.
Simon Church had to be content with a place on the bench again. They did bring him on just after the hour mark but he didn’t get any winning goals this week. Well, scoring late goals doesn’t help him get into the team, maybe not scoring them will have more effect. Hal Robson-Kanu started for Reading and he was the victim of a foul that took QPR down to ten men. It didn’t help.
Sheffield United 1-2 Ipswich Town
Sheffield United lost for the third consecutive match and are now just a point outside the relegation zone while Ipswich are back in the top six.
Ched Evans was a half-time substitute for Sheffield United and could have scored a couple but it wasn’t to be.
Troy Brown came off Ipswich’s bench in the 85th minute.
Watford 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have done well at home but they still only have one away win after only drawing with Watford, who would have been in the play-offs if they’d won.
Robert Earnshaw made his first start for Forest since returning from a hamstring injury. Chris Gunter also started.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 2)
Doncaster Rovers v Millwall
Kenny Jackett celebrates his third anniversary of becoming Millwall’s manager. Or he’s hoping to celebrate.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both start to Doncaster.
Steve Morison should keep his place in Millwall’s starting line-up.
Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace
Danny Coyne he has had a calf injury and is a doubt.
Andy Dorman could keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up with Lewis Price on the bench.
Norwich City v Burnley
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Reading
Simon Church deserves to start after two recent winning goals as a substitute. If so, he could replace Hal Robson-Kanu but I hope they both start. Simon this week became probably the tenth Wales international to say he wants Brian Flynn to become the permanent Wales manager.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11673_6482939,00.html
Sheffield United v Ipswich Town
Ched Evans will be hoping to start for Sheffield United, something he hasn’t done for over a month.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Watford v Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter, who signed a new contract with Forest this week, should start. Robert Earnshaw could be the next to sign – he’s currently in contract talks. Rob has been on the bench recently after returning from a hamstring injury but he could start today.
Kenny Jackett celebrates his third anniversary of becoming Millwall’s manager. Or he’s hoping to celebrate.
Brian Stock and John Oster should both start to Doncaster.
Steve Morison should keep his place in Millwall’s starting line-up.
Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace
Danny Coyne he has had a calf injury and is a doubt.
Andy Dorman could keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up with Lewis Price on the bench.
Norwich City v Burnley
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Reading
Simon Church deserves to start after two recent winning goals as a substitute. If so, he could replace Hal Robson-Kanu but I hope they both start. Simon this week became probably the tenth Wales international to say he wants Brian Flynn to become the permanent Wales manager.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11673_6482939,00.html
Sheffield United v Ipswich Town
Ched Evans will be hoping to start for Sheffield United, something he hasn’t done for over a month.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Watford v Nottingham Forest
Chris Gunter, who signed a new contract with Forest this week, should start. Robert Earnshaw could be the next to sign – he’s currently in contract talks. Rob has been on the bench recently after returning from a hamstring injury but he could start today.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Championship Results 30th November 2010 (Part 3)
Portsmouth 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Portsmouth’s good form continued with a win over Nottingham Forest. The win takes Portsmouth up to 10th place, just one point away from the play-offs.
Chris Gunter was back at right back for Forest with Robert Earnshaw making a late appearance from the bench.
Reading 4-3 Doncaster Rovers
Reading scored four goals in the same match for the second successive game, this time coming back from 3-1 down to beat Doncaster. And for the second successive game, Simon Church came off the bench and scored Reading’s winning goal.
Hal Robson-Kanu started again for Reading..
John Oster and Brian Stock both started for Doncaster.
Scunthorpe United 1-4 Leeds United
Scunthorpe have sprung a number of games this season – at least as far as I’m concerned as I thought they’d be spending the season struggling at the foot of the table. And strange as it sounds, Scunthorpe were in the division above Leeds last season. But Leeds dominated and thoroughly deserved their win.
Jason Brown was on the bench for Leeds.
Sheffield United 0-1 Coventry City
Covrentry moved up to fourth after an away win over Sheffield United, who haven’t won since September.
Ched Evans made his second comeback from a groin injury in the 65th minute.
Freddy Eastwood is back in full training but was not in Coventry’s squad.
Portsmouth’s good form continued with a win over Nottingham Forest. The win takes Portsmouth up to 10th place, just one point away from the play-offs.
Chris Gunter was back at right back for Forest with Robert Earnshaw making a late appearance from the bench.
Reading 4-3 Doncaster Rovers
Reading scored four goals in the same match for the second successive game, this time coming back from 3-1 down to beat Doncaster. And for the second successive game, Simon Church came off the bench and scored Reading’s winning goal.
Hal Robson-Kanu started again for Reading..
John Oster and Brian Stock both started for Doncaster.
Scunthorpe United 1-4 Leeds United
Scunthorpe have sprung a number of games this season – at least as far as I’m concerned as I thought they’d be spending the season struggling at the foot of the table. And strange as it sounds, Scunthorpe were in the division above Leeds last season. But Leeds dominated and thoroughly deserved their win.
Jason Brown was on the bench for Leeds.
Sheffield United 0-1 Coventry City
Covrentry moved up to fourth after an away win over Sheffield United, who haven’t won since September.
Ched Evans made his second comeback from a groin injury in the 65th minute.
Freddy Eastwood is back in full training but was not in Coventry’s squad.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Welsh Player News 29th October (Championship, Part 2)
Middlesbrough’s Danny Coyne and Stephen McManus visited Teeside Hospice to help with the refurbishment and meet the guests and staff. There will be collection buckets for the hospice at Middlesbrough’s match against Bristol City tomorrow.
Kenny Jackett says Steve Morison can’t get Millwall promoted on his own – the other strikers have got to help.
Blackburn Rovers say they have not made an approach for Steve. Blackburn must be mad then but I think they’re quite right to leave him where he is.
Paul Parry says Preston North End will continue to climb the Championship table. And they probably will if Paul’s tendonitis allows him to get a good run in the team. He scored twice for Preston’s reserves in a 3-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers
Simon Church says his winning goal for Reading against Burnley wasn’t a fluke – he meant it!
Hal Robson-Kanu says the Reading players never doubted that they could beat Burnley. How right they were. Hal hopes he will continue to make an impact for Reading.
Reading striker Jake Taylor has had knee surgery and will be out for a few weeks.
Gary Speed says Sheffield United never get penalties. Except against West Bromwich Albion which is great when they’re in the same division as you but not so good when they’re up competing for a Champions’ League place. Sheffield Utd’s last penalty at home was so long ago, David Cotterill was there to score it.
Ashley Williams will equal a club record if he starts tomorrow. He will make his 106th start for the club, thus equalling the record currently held by Andy Legg and Gilbert Beech (who might also be Welsh, Google isn’t being helpful and I’m in a hurry) for biggest number of successive starts by an outfield player. The overall record is held by goalkeeper Roger Freestone. Let’s hope Ashley doesn’t get concussion again. He can’t remember last week’s match against Leicester City at all. This is South Wales suggests Ashley’s next target is to equal Freestone’s record – but I’d have thought his next aim should be making sure he breaks the outfield record in the match after this one.
Joe Allen says the derby against Cardiff City is a big match but for now the players are focused on Crystal Palace.
Kenny Jackett says Steve Morison can’t get Millwall promoted on his own – the other strikers have got to help.
Blackburn Rovers say they have not made an approach for Steve. Blackburn must be mad then but I think they’re quite right to leave him where he is.
Paul Parry says Preston North End will continue to climb the Championship table. And they probably will if Paul’s tendonitis allows him to get a good run in the team. He scored twice for Preston’s reserves in a 3-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers
Simon Church says his winning goal for Reading against Burnley wasn’t a fluke – he meant it!
Hal Robson-Kanu says the Reading players never doubted that they could beat Burnley. How right they were. Hal hopes he will continue to make an impact for Reading.
Reading striker Jake Taylor has had knee surgery and will be out for a few weeks.
Gary Speed says Sheffield United never get penalties. Except against West Bromwich Albion which is great when they’re in the same division as you but not so good when they’re up competing for a Champions’ League place. Sheffield Utd’s last penalty at home was so long ago, David Cotterill was there to score it.
Ashley Williams will equal a club record if he starts tomorrow. He will make his 106th start for the club, thus equalling the record currently held by Andy Legg and Gilbert Beech (who might also be Welsh, Google isn’t being helpful and I’m in a hurry) for biggest number of successive starts by an outfield player. The overall record is held by goalkeeper Roger Freestone. Let’s hope Ashley doesn’t get concussion again. He can’t remember last week’s match against Leicester City at all. This is South Wales suggests Ashley’s next target is to equal Freestone’s record – but I’d have thought his next aim should be making sure he breaks the outfield record in the match after this one.
Joe Allen says the derby against Cardiff City is a big match but for now the players are focused on Crystal Palace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
