Swansea City
Daniel Alfei was given more chances to impress following a very successful debut against Colchester United in the FA Cup.
League: Palace 3-0 (bench, on 89)
League: Barnsley A 1-1 (unselected)
FA Cup: Orient H 1-2 (played all)
League: Bristol C A 0-2 (unselected)
Joe Allen started three matches for Swansea in this time period.
League: Palace 3-0 (played all)
League: Barnsley A 1-1 (starts, off 76)
FA Cup: Orient H 1-2 (played all)
League: Bristol C A 0-2 (bench, on 71)
David Cotterill didn’t feature at all for Swansea in this time period. I don’t know why either but I hope it’s an injury. Not that I’ve turned all masochistic or anything but I can’t think of another reason for leaving him out other than bad attitude or bad performances.
Jazz Richards has claimed a regular place in Swansea’s starting line-up.
League: Palace 3-0 (starts, off 89)
League: Barnsley A 1-1 (played all)
FA Cup: Orient H 1-2 (unselected)
League: Bristol C A 0-2 (played all)
Neil Taylor has been out with an ankle injury since the New Year fixtures.
Ashley Williams attracted the attention of Wolfsburg during the trainsfer window but he says he’s only interested in Swansea because his German is rubbish. But is it better than his Welsh?
League: Palace 3-0 (played all)
League: Barnsley A 1-1 (played all)
FA Cup: Orient H 1-2 (played all)
League: Bristol C A 0-2 (played all)
Showing posts with label jazz richards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jazz richards. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 22nd January 2011 (Part 1)
Barnsley v Swansea City
Swansea travel to Barnsley hoping for a sixth win in five matches. But they’ve also lost their last three away games.
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea, with Joe Allen, David Cotterill and young players Jazz Richards and Daniel Alfei all hoping for a place in the squad. Neil Taylor is still out with an ankle injury.
Cardiff City v Watford
A win for Watford would give them seven consecutive wins, which would equal a club record. Cardiff are still very much in the promotion pictures but two wins in nine games probably won’t help their confidence.
Aaron Ramsey has rejoined his former club Cardiff but he won’t play against Watford as he didn’t join in time to be eligible for this match.
Craig Bellamy should be back in the starting line-up to face fellow promotion-hopefuls Watford. Craig certainly has his detractors and maybe once or twice I have just vaguely thought life might be easier if Craig wasn’t Welsh but he’s certainly dedicated.
Darcy Blake should also be in the squad. Cardiff have more loanees than they have places in the squad for loanees which might be bad news for Jason Koumas (though he is ill so he wouldn’t have played anyway) but that would give Adam Matthews, Aaron Wildig, Jonathan Meades and Nathaniel Jarvis a greater chance of being included.
Swansea travel to Barnsley hoping for a sixth win in five matches. But they’ve also lost their last three away games.
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea, with Joe Allen, David Cotterill and young players Jazz Richards and Daniel Alfei all hoping for a place in the squad. Neil Taylor is still out with an ankle injury.
Cardiff City v Watford
A win for Watford would give them seven consecutive wins, which would equal a club record. Cardiff are still very much in the promotion pictures but two wins in nine games probably won’t help their confidence.
Aaron Ramsey has rejoined his former club Cardiff but he won’t play against Watford as he didn’t join in time to be eligible for this match.
Craig Bellamy should be back in the starting line-up to face fellow promotion-hopefuls Watford. Craig certainly has his detractors and maybe once or twice I have just vaguely thought life might be easier if Craig wasn’t Welsh but he’s certainly dedicated.
Darcy Blake should also be in the squad. Cardiff have more loanees than they have places in the squad for loanees which might be bad news for Jason Koumas (though he is ill so he wouldn’t have played anyway) but that would give Adam Matthews, Aaron Wildig, Jonathan Meades and Nathaniel Jarvis a greater chance of being included.
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.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part Five)
Swansea City 4-0 Colchester United
Colchester are challenging for promotion from League One but they were easily beaten by Premier League contenders Swansea City, who haven’t lost at home since November. Swansea will be at home again in the fourth round: they face Leyton Orient, who knocked out Swansea’s promotion rivals Norwich City.
Ashley Williams, Joe Allen and Jazz Richards all played 90 minutes for Swansea, as did, more surprisingly, Danny Alfei, who played a big part in two of Swansea’s goals. Jermaine Easter was a late substitute but Casey Thomas stayed on the bench.
Jazz was hoping Swansea could win this match and take their Cup form back into the League with them. It’s fair to say they’ve done the first part.
Lee Beevers started for Colchester with Lloyd James coming off the bench. Tom Bender was an unused substitute.
West Ham United 2-0 Barnsley
West Ham lost 5-0 to Newcastle United in the week, a side Stevenage had apparently little trouble in despatching. Manager Avram Grant sensibly made eight changes and it worked well in the first half – Barnsley might not be among the league’s front-runners but they do have Adam Hammill. In the second half, West Ham seemed content to defend their lead, which was only 1-0 at this time, and Barnsley were quite unlucky to get an equaliser. But luckily for West Ham, the game’s second goal was scored by the home side and they progressed to set up a home match against Nottingham Forest in the fourth round.
Danny Gabbidon was one of West Ham’s rested players.
Colchester are challenging for promotion from League One but they were easily beaten by Premier League contenders Swansea City, who haven’t lost at home since November. Swansea will be at home again in the fourth round: they face Leyton Orient, who knocked out Swansea’s promotion rivals Norwich City.
Ashley Williams, Joe Allen and Jazz Richards all played 90 minutes for Swansea, as did, more surprisingly, Danny Alfei, who played a big part in two of Swansea’s goals. Jermaine Easter was a late substitute but Casey Thomas stayed on the bench.
Jazz was hoping Swansea could win this match and take their Cup form back into the League with them. It’s fair to say they’ve done the first part.
Lee Beevers started for Colchester with Lloyd James coming off the bench. Tom Bender was an unused substitute.
West Ham United 2-0 Barnsley
West Ham lost 5-0 to Newcastle United in the week, a side Stevenage had apparently little trouble in despatching. Manager Avram Grant sensibly made eight changes and it worked well in the first half – Barnsley might not be among the league’s front-runners but they do have Adam Hammill. In the second half, West Ham seemed content to defend their lead, which was only 1-0 at this time, and Barnsley were quite unlucky to get an equaliser. But luckily for West Ham, the game’s second goal was scored by the home side and they progressed to set up a home match against Nottingham Forest in the fourth round.
Danny Gabbidon was one of West Ham’s rested players.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Championship, Part 4)
Swansea City
Neil Taylor had a mixed Christmas, starting off as a substitute and winning back his place in the starting line-up… only to suffer an ankle injury after two starts.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (bench)
QPR A 4-0 (bench, on 20)
Barnsley H 1-0 (played all)
Reading H 1-0 (starts, off 28)
Leicester A 2-1 (out, ankle)
Ashley Williams continued to set new records for number of consecutive starts by an outfield player at Swansea City. Luckily the yellow card was his second of the season rather than his fifth.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (played all)
QPR A 4-0 (Y conc pen 62, played all)
Barnsley H 1-0 (played all)
Reading H 1-0 (played all)
Leicester A 2-1 (played all)
Joe Allen remained a very important part of the Swansea City team, starting three matches and making appearances from the bench in the other two.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (played all)
QPR A 4-0 (played all)
Barnsley H 1-0 (bench, on 63)
Reading H 1-0 (played all)
Leicester A 2-1 (bench, on 72)
I’m not sure why David Cotterill needed a rest for the match about Queen’s Park Rangers but I bet manager Brendan Roberts really regrets leaving him out.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (bench, on 66)
QPR A 4-0 (rested)
Barnsley H 1-0 (Y 92, played all)
Reading H 1-0 (bench)
Leicester A 2-1 (played all)
Jermaine Easter slowly worked his way into Swansea’s starting line-up and was rewarded with a first goal – his first league goal of the season.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (bench, on 45)
QPR A 4-0 (bench, on 71)
Barnsley H 1-0 (starts, G1 27, off 63)
Reading H 1-0 (bench, on 71)
Leicester A 2-1 (starts, off 67)
Lee Lucas made his second appearance of the season in a matchday squad.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (unselected)
QPR A 4-0 (unselected)
Barnsley H 1-0 (unselected)
Reading H 1-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-1 (bench)
Jazz Richards made his first league appearance of the season in the match against Leicester. He played 90 minutes, something he’d previously only done against Peterborough United in the Carling Cup.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (unselected)
QPR A 4-0 (unselected)
Barnsley H 1-0 (unselected)
Reading H 1-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-1 (played all)
David Cornell, Danny Alfei, Joe Walsh, Kerry Morgan and Casey Thomas did not add to their appearances in Swansea squads.
Watford
Jonathan Bond hasn’t been on Watford’s bench for months.
Neil Taylor had a mixed Christmas, starting off as a substitute and winning back his place in the starting line-up… only to suffer an ankle injury after two starts.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (bench)
QPR A 4-0 (bench, on 20)
Barnsley H 1-0 (played all)
Reading H 1-0 (starts, off 28)
Leicester A 2-1 (out, ankle)
Ashley Williams continued to set new records for number of consecutive starts by an outfield player at Swansea City. Luckily the yellow card was his second of the season rather than his fifth.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (played all)
QPR A 4-0 (Y conc pen 62, played all)
Barnsley H 1-0 (played all)
Reading H 1-0 (played all)
Leicester A 2-1 (played all)
Joe Allen remained a very important part of the Swansea City team, starting three matches and making appearances from the bench in the other two.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (played all)
QPR A 4-0 (played all)
Barnsley H 1-0 (bench, on 63)
Reading H 1-0 (played all)
Leicester A 2-1 (bench, on 72)
I’m not sure why David Cotterill needed a rest for the match about Queen’s Park Rangers but I bet manager Brendan Roberts really regrets leaving him out.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (bench, on 66)
QPR A 4-0 (rested)
Barnsley H 1-0 (Y 92, played all)
Reading H 1-0 (bench)
Leicester A 2-1 (played all)
Jermaine Easter slowly worked his way into Swansea’s starting line-up and was rewarded with a first goal – his first league goal of the season.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (bench, on 45)
QPR A 4-0 (bench, on 71)
Barnsley H 1-0 (starts, G1 27, off 63)
Reading H 1-0 (bench, on 71)
Leicester A 2-1 (starts, off 67)
Lee Lucas made his second appearance of the season in a matchday squad.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (unselected)
QPR A 4-0 (unselected)
Barnsley H 1-0 (unselected)
Reading H 1-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-1 (bench)
Jazz Richards made his first league appearance of the season in the match against Leicester. He played 90 minutes, something he’d previously only done against Peterborough United in the Carling Cup.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (unselected)
QPR A 4-0 (unselected)
Barnsley H 1-0 (unselected)
Reading H 1-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-1 (played all)
David Cornell, Danny Alfei, Joe Walsh, Kerry Morgan and Casey Thomas did not add to their appearances in Swansea squads.
Watford
Jonathan Bond hasn’t been on Watford’s bench for months.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Championship Results 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Swansea City
Doncaster will be particularly disappointed not to win this after playing well and not conceding until the 93rd minute. They actually scored twice but one was ruled out for offside.
John Oster and Brian Stock both started the match, with a lovely cross from John leading to Doncaster’s goal. Brian says Swansea are the best side he’s faced this season.
Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, David Cotterill and Joe Allen all played the full ninety minutes for Swansea. Jazz Richards was on the bench.
Hull City 1-0 Ipswich Town
Hull won a second consecutive game for the first time this season, with on-loan Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone also helping them to a second consecutive clean sheet. Ipswich are in the bottom half of the table and their unbeaten run must seem like a long time ago.
Troy Brown was an unused substitute for Ipswich.
Middlesbrough 0-1 Millwall
I don’t know exactly why Southampton decided to loan out Jason Puncheon to Millwall but so far it’s looking like a very good idea. The debutant scored Millwall’s only goal to secure their first away win over Middlesbrough for quite a long time – and their first victory against anybody for five matches.
Steve Morison could have scored too but he didn’t quite.
Norwich 1-1 Leeds United
The two teams who were automatically promoted from League One faced off in this match, with neither emerging the winner. Leeds remain in the top six despite only drawing while Norwich are only outside the top six on goal difference.
Andrew Crofts could have won it for Norwich but no-one’s perfect.
Leeds were again without Sanchez Watt, who wasn’t sufficiently fit to return from an ankle injury.
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 Preston North End
The top club faced the bottom club and came out on, well, top in this match – and it probably won’t be much consolation to Preston that they scored an away goal at Loftus Road. – only the third QPR have conceded at home this season.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry were both dropped to the bench, which probably doesn’t explain everything but I’m sure it didn’t help.
Doncaster will be particularly disappointed not to win this after playing well and not conceding until the 93rd minute. They actually scored twice but one was ruled out for offside.
John Oster and Brian Stock both started the match, with a lovely cross from John leading to Doncaster’s goal. Brian says Swansea are the best side he’s faced this season.
Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, David Cotterill and Joe Allen all played the full ninety minutes for Swansea. Jazz Richards was on the bench.
Hull City 1-0 Ipswich Town
Hull won a second consecutive game for the first time this season, with on-loan Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone also helping them to a second consecutive clean sheet. Ipswich are in the bottom half of the table and their unbeaten run must seem like a long time ago.
Troy Brown was an unused substitute for Ipswich.
Middlesbrough 0-1 Millwall
I don’t know exactly why Southampton decided to loan out Jason Puncheon to Millwall but so far it’s looking like a very good idea. The debutant scored Millwall’s only goal to secure their first away win over Middlesbrough for quite a long time – and their first victory against anybody for five matches.
Steve Morison could have scored too but he didn’t quite.
Norwich 1-1 Leeds United
The two teams who were automatically promoted from League One faced off in this match, with neither emerging the winner. Leeds remain in the top six despite only drawing while Norwich are only outside the top six on goal difference.
Andrew Crofts could have won it for Norwich but no-one’s perfect.
Leeds were again without Sanchez Watt, who wasn’t sufficiently fit to return from an ankle injury.
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-1 Preston North End
The top club faced the bottom club and came out on, well, top in this match – and it probably won’t be much consolation to Preston that they scored an away goal at Loftus Road. – only the third QPR have conceded at home this season.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry were both dropped to the bench, which probably doesn’t explain everything but I’m sure it didn’t help.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Championship Result 14th November 2010
Swansea City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Swansea tried to keep up the pressure on Cardiff with a win over Middlesbrough, who continue to struggle. Promotion favourites? Maybe next year. In League One.
Ashley Williams was in the right place to clear a Boro shot off the line but he was in slightly the wrong place when his header on goal went over. Joe Allen – Man of the Match according to Yahoo - also came close to to taking the lead but he laughed off the idea that he was the best midfielder in the Championship. David Cotterill also caused panic in the Boro defence with a corner. David and Neil Taylor were both substitutes but at least they were used substitutes, unlike Jazz Richards, who has had few opportunities to build on some very promising performances last season.
Boro are still without Danny Coyne, who has a calf injury but he’s been doing his bit to help Jason Steele, who has been selected for the England under-21s.
Swansea tried to keep up the pressure on Cardiff with a win over Middlesbrough, who continue to struggle. Promotion favourites? Maybe next year. In League One.
Ashley Williams was in the right place to clear a Boro shot off the line but he was in slightly the wrong place when his header on goal went over. Joe Allen – Man of the Match according to Yahoo - also came close to to taking the lead but he laughed off the idea that he was the best midfielder in the Championship. David Cotterill also caused panic in the Boro defence with a corner. David and Neil Taylor were both substitutes but at least they were used substitutes, unlike Jazz Richards, who has had few opportunities to build on some very promising performances last season.
Boro are still without Danny Coyne, who has a calf injury but he’s been doing his bit to help Jason Steele, who has been selected for the England under-21s.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Switzerland v Wales News 10th October 2010
Goalkeepers: Jonathan Bond (Watford), David Cornell (Swansea City), Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Boaz Myhill (West Bromwich Albion)
Defenders: Danny Collins (Stoke City), James Collins (Aston Villa), Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City), Ashley Williams (Swansea City), Adam Matthews (Cardiff City), Neil Taylor (Swansea City), Darcy Blake (Cardiff City), Rhoys Wiggins (AFC Bournemouth)
Midfielders: Joe Allen (Swansea City), Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur), Dave Edwards (Wolves), Andy King (Leicester), Shaun MacDonald (Yeovil Town, on loam from Swansea City), Jazz Richards (Swansea City), David Vaughan (Blackpool)
Forwards: Simon Church (Reading), Ryan Doble (Southampton), Ched Evans (Sheffield United), Steve Morison (Millwall)
Those of you who did more than glance briefly at the squad list might have noticed that there are a few players missing. And a few players added. It doesn’t look good but at the same time, it’s great to see all the new players coming into the Wales squad. Let’s hope they have a good experience, whatever the result. (Now if only the fans can have a good experience too.)
If Wales only get a point, qualification will look even more impossible. But at least they’ll be better than Spain. (We Welsh fans have to take enjoyment where we can find it.)
Joe Ledley has withdrawn from the squad as his partner Ruby is expecting their first child on Tuesday. And I can’t really argue with that but in a way it’s a shame fans weren’t made aware of it before. Maybe not all fans are like me but I prefer to have a bit of notice. Maybe not the full nine months Joe would have had but last week would have been good. But anyway, this only gives us more reason to win. Joe’s baby will be born in Scotland and will be eligible to represent that country if he wants to. It’s up to Wales to do all they can to ensure he doesn’t want to.
Chris Gunter and Sam Ricketts are both suspended, following Chris’ red card and Sam’s second yellow. Darcy Blake is expected to make a deserved Wales debut – Christian Ribeiro and Adam Matthews are also options for the right back position.
Wales wouldn’t be Wales without more injuries. Hal Robson-Kanu was only on the field for five minutes (or rather eight minutes plus stoppage time) but it was still long enough to injure his hamstring.
Brian Flynn has called up a few extra players to replace the injured, suspended and expecting. Left back Rhoys Wiggins of Bournemouth, who has had a great start to the season, was saying only last month that he would love to get into the Wales squad. Well, Rhoys – here you are. He will be joined in the squad by two Swansea Cuty players: Shaun MacDonald, captain of the Wales under-21s, currently on loan at Yeovil Town, and Jazz Richards, also an under-21 international.
Ashley Williams hopes Wales will bounce back from their defeat to Bulgaria. Sam Ricketts believes they can do it. David Vaughan feels their qualification hopes could already be over.
Robbie Savage's desperation to play for Wales has reached new heights. Whilst interviewing Brian Flynn, Robbie heard the team would need new full backs and he immediately jumped in to offer his services. I think it's great to see him showing such enthusiasm for his country and I wouldn't say that all the other midfielders who have been called up to play for Wales have done better than Robbie this season.
I suppose it's possible that Brian wants to go with the players he's seen recently - all the midfielders involved have been part of either the senior or under-21 teams in the past few months. As Brian was only recently appointed manager of the Welsh national team and was formerly in charge of players eligible for the under-21 team, he would have had no reason to watch Robbie (although he'd have missed a treat if he had. Even when Robbie plays badly, which doesn't happen often, his hair still looks amazing).
Danny Collins and Rhoys Wiggins are the only members of the squad who haven't played for Wales recently and they have had more recent experience of playing full-back then Robbie. If it was in goal where they had the problem, I'm sure Brian would have been straight on the phone.
Ashley Williams will be the next player to end his international career with Wales. But don’t worry. It’s not that one. It’s the Airbus UK one who will soon be too old to play for the Wales under-23 semi-professional side. He's not as old as Michael Pearson though. (Michael was really born in 1988.)
Defenders: Danny Collins (Stoke City), James Collins (Aston Villa), Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City), Ashley Williams (Swansea City), Adam Matthews (Cardiff City), Neil Taylor (Swansea City), Darcy Blake (Cardiff City), Rhoys Wiggins (AFC Bournemouth)
Midfielders: Joe Allen (Swansea City), Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur), Dave Edwards (Wolves), Andy King (Leicester), Shaun MacDonald (Yeovil Town, on loam from Swansea City), Jazz Richards (Swansea City), David Vaughan (Blackpool)
Forwards: Simon Church (Reading), Ryan Doble (Southampton), Ched Evans (Sheffield United), Steve Morison (Millwall)
Those of you who did more than glance briefly at the squad list might have noticed that there are a few players missing. And a few players added. It doesn’t look good but at the same time, it’s great to see all the new players coming into the Wales squad. Let’s hope they have a good experience, whatever the result. (Now if only the fans can have a good experience too.)
If Wales only get a point, qualification will look even more impossible. But at least they’ll be better than Spain. (We Welsh fans have to take enjoyment where we can find it.)
Joe Ledley has withdrawn from the squad as his partner Ruby is expecting their first child on Tuesday. And I can’t really argue with that but in a way it’s a shame fans weren’t made aware of it before. Maybe not all fans are like me but I prefer to have a bit of notice. Maybe not the full nine months Joe would have had but last week would have been good. But anyway, this only gives us more reason to win. Joe’s baby will be born in Scotland and will be eligible to represent that country if he wants to. It’s up to Wales to do all they can to ensure he doesn’t want to.
Chris Gunter and Sam Ricketts are both suspended, following Chris’ red card and Sam’s second yellow. Darcy Blake is expected to make a deserved Wales debut – Christian Ribeiro and Adam Matthews are also options for the right back position.
Wales wouldn’t be Wales without more injuries. Hal Robson-Kanu was only on the field for five minutes (or rather eight minutes plus stoppage time) but it was still long enough to injure his hamstring.
Brian Flynn has called up a few extra players to replace the injured, suspended and expecting. Left back Rhoys Wiggins of Bournemouth, who has had a great start to the season, was saying only last month that he would love to get into the Wales squad. Well, Rhoys – here you are. He will be joined in the squad by two Swansea Cuty players: Shaun MacDonald, captain of the Wales under-21s, currently on loan at Yeovil Town, and Jazz Richards, also an under-21 international.
Ashley Williams hopes Wales will bounce back from their defeat to Bulgaria. Sam Ricketts believes they can do it. David Vaughan feels their qualification hopes could already be over.
Robbie Savage's desperation to play for Wales has reached new heights. Whilst interviewing Brian Flynn, Robbie heard the team would need new full backs and he immediately jumped in to offer his services. I think it's great to see him showing such enthusiasm for his country and I wouldn't say that all the other midfielders who have been called up to play for Wales have done better than Robbie this season.
I suppose it's possible that Brian wants to go with the players he's seen recently - all the midfielders involved have been part of either the senior or under-21 teams in the past few months. As Brian was only recently appointed manager of the Welsh national team and was formerly in charge of players eligible for the under-21 team, he would have had no reason to watch Robbie (although he'd have missed a treat if he had. Even when Robbie plays badly, which doesn't happen often, his hair still looks amazing).
Danny Collins and Rhoys Wiggins are the only members of the squad who haven't played for Wales recently and they have had more recent experience of playing full-back then Robbie. If it was in goal where they had the problem, I'm sure Brian would have been straight on the phone.
Ashley Williams will be the next player to end his international career with Wales. But don’t worry. It’s not that one. It’s the Airbus UK one who will soon be too old to play for the Wales under-23 semi-professional side. He's not as old as Michael Pearson though. (Michael was really born in 1988.)
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Championship Fixtures 28th September 2010 Part 3
Queen’s Park Rangers v Millwall
Both teams started the season as the Championships’s pace-setters but while QPR are six points clear at the top of the table, unbeaten in the league and with a 100% record at home, Millwall have dropped to 12th and are without a win in their last five matches. Millwall haven’t beaten QPR since 1989, when both clubs were in the top division.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett has previously worked as QPR’s assistant manager.
Steve Morison should start up front for Millwall.
Reading v Ipswich Town
Reading are only a point outside the play-offs but they now face Ipswich Town, who are in fourth place and unbeaten away this season.
Hal Robson-Kanu came off the bench to score his second of the season for Reading (or his third if you include the penalty in the shoot-out against giant-killers Northampton). While this might not sound like much, he has only been on the pitch twice. It would be great to see him start for Reading, alongside Simon Church, who is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up. Jake Taylor could also be in the squad.
Troy Brown might be on the bench for Ipswich.
Watford v Swansea City
Watford are up in third place after three consecutive league victories. Swansea might not be feeling overly positive – while they do have a 100% record at home, they have a 0% record away.
David Cotterill is a doubt for Swansea due to a groin injury but Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor and Joe Allen all look likely to start. Jazz Richards could be on the bench.
Both teams started the season as the Championships’s pace-setters but while QPR are six points clear at the top of the table, unbeaten in the league and with a 100% record at home, Millwall have dropped to 12th and are without a win in their last five matches. Millwall haven’t beaten QPR since 1989, when both clubs were in the top division.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett has previously worked as QPR’s assistant manager.
Steve Morison should start up front for Millwall.
Reading v Ipswich Town
Reading are only a point outside the play-offs but they now face Ipswich Town, who are in fourth place and unbeaten away this season.
Hal Robson-Kanu came off the bench to score his second of the season for Reading (or his third if you include the penalty in the shoot-out against giant-killers Northampton). While this might not sound like much, he has only been on the pitch twice. It would be great to see him start for Reading, alongside Simon Church, who is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up. Jake Taylor could also be in the squad.
Troy Brown might be on the bench for Ipswich.
Watford v Swansea City
Watford are up in third place after three consecutive league victories. Swansea might not be feeling overly positive – while they do have a 100% record at home, they have a 0% record away.
David Cotterill is a doubt for Swansea due to a groin injury but Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor and Joe Allen all look likely to start. Jazz Richards could be on the bench.
Saturday, 25 September 2010
Championship Fixtures 25th September 2010 Part 3
Nottingham Forest v Swansea City
Nottingham Forest are unbeaten at home (and not just this season: this record stretches back more than a year) while Swansea don’t even have a single point away. So a home win sounds like the most likely result – which will be a great relief to Forest fans as it will be their first win of the season.
Chris Gunter should start for Forest but Robert Earnshaw’s hamstring is playing up again – maybe he shouldn’t have started last week after all.
As a Cardiff girl, I might have certain... reservations about Swansea City but one thing you can rely on them to do is to put a few Welsh players in their team. Ashley Wiliams and Neil Taylor look certain ti start (assuming Neil’s absence from the Carling Cup win over Peterborough United wasn’t due to injury) while David Cotterill, who played well in the aforementioned Carling Cup game, could start ahead of Joe Allen. But maybe he won’t. David Cornell will probably be on the bench unless Swansea manager Brendan Rogers has any funny ideas about putting their new goalkeeper there instead. Jazz Richards could also be on the bench.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster are unbeaten in four matches and although QPR are unbeaten in seven, Doncaster are more than capable of springing the odd surprise when they feel like it.
If Brian Stock is sufficiently recovered from his back problems, the Doncaster captain will make his 250th league start. John Oster should start too but whatever number of starts he is on, it’s obviously not worth celebrating or BBC Sport would have said something.
Nottingham Forest are unbeaten at home (and not just this season: this record stretches back more than a year) while Swansea don’t even have a single point away. So a home win sounds like the most likely result – which will be a great relief to Forest fans as it will be their first win of the season.
Chris Gunter should start for Forest but Robert Earnshaw’s hamstring is playing up again – maybe he shouldn’t have started last week after all.
As a Cardiff girl, I might have certain... reservations about Swansea City but one thing you can rely on them to do is to put a few Welsh players in their team. Ashley Wiliams and Neil Taylor look certain ti start (assuming Neil’s absence from the Carling Cup win over Peterborough United wasn’t due to injury) while David Cotterill, who played well in the aforementioned Carling Cup game, could start ahead of Joe Allen. But maybe he won’t. David Cornell will probably be on the bench unless Swansea manager Brendan Rogers has any funny ideas about putting their new goalkeeper there instead. Jazz Richards could also be on the bench.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster are unbeaten in four matches and although QPR are unbeaten in seven, Doncaster are more than capable of springing the odd surprise when they feel like it.
If Brian Stock is sufficiently recovered from his back problems, the Doncaster captain will make his 250th league start. John Oster should start too but whatever number of starts he is on, it’s obviously not worth celebrating or BBC Sport would have said something.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Carling Cup Results 21st September 2010 Part 1
Birmingham City 3-1 Milton Keynes Dons
Birmingham learned from Blackpool’s experience and made sure MK Dons were finished off before they got started. Three goals in four minutes meant MK Dons were 3-0 down with more than an hour still to play. MK Dons did get a goal back near the end but they were unable to build on it.
Jermaine Easter started off as a loan striker for MK Dons but he was unable to repeat his goalscoring exploits in the last round.
Brentford 1-1 Everton aet, 4-3 on pens
Both sides have had a poor start to the season in the league. Brentford have one only once this season while Everton’s first three points are yet to come. But even so, Everton are two divisions above Brentford so you wouldn’t think a draw was the obvious result.
But a draw it was – and it was Brentford who held their nerve in the penalty shoot-out. Well done to Brentford. They are one of just three London sides remaining in the Carling Cup.
Nicky Adams started for Brentford but he came off after 68 minutes so he couldn’t take a penalty. He did nearly score a normal goal though.
Burnley 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
This wasn’t only a giant-killing, it was a triumph of Burnley over their former manager. Owen Coyle joined Bolton last season, leaving Burnley to sink back down into the Championship, although not before beating Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Burnley were lucky to get their goal at all. The referee, thinking the ball had not crossed the line, waved play on, but luckily one of his assistants was paying attention. I bet all you England fans wish he’d been on duty at the Germany match.
Sam Ricketts played the full match for Bolton.
Millwall 1-2 Ipswich Town
Millwall have forgotten how to win. It was a big improvement on the weekend match against Watford but they haven’t actually won a game for nearly a month. Ipswich’s good season continues in the Carling Cup as well as the League.
Steve Morison could have put Millwall into the lead early in the game but it wouldn’t go in. Steve attempted to begin a Millwall fightback when he did score in the 62nd minute but although Millwall ‘won the second half’ (I quote my Millwall-supporting father), it is the score over the full match that counts and Millwall are out, having got just as far in the compeititon as Chelsea.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Peterborough United 1-3 Swansea City
Maybe Chelsea should have hung onto Scott Sinclair. His hat-trick gave new club Swansea City a 3-0 victory over Peterborough United – meaning that Sinclair progresses further in the competition than his former employers. Peterborough, going well in League One, managed to find an equaliser for Sinclair’s first goal but after that Swansea were unstoppable.
Arron Davies had recovered sufficiently from a hamsttring injury to sit on the bench.
Swansea didn’t field a full-strength team – Neil Taylor was one of those rested - but there were still starting berths for Ashley Williams and David Cotterill – and it was a lovely pass from David which led to Swansea’s taking the lead for a second time. Jazz Richards played for the first team for the first time this season while Joe Allen, a 70th-minute substitute, played a big part in the winning goal.
Daniel Alfei made what I believe is his first appearance on the bench for Swansea. David Cornell was among those keeping him company. I was actually a little bit annoyed about that because Swansea’s first-choice goalkeeper didn’t play and David is the second-choice so he should have played but instead they gave the start to some new goalkeeper. But I’m a Cardiff girl. Why would I care if Swansea don’t play their best players?
Birmingham learned from Blackpool’s experience and made sure MK Dons were finished off before they got started. Three goals in four minutes meant MK Dons were 3-0 down with more than an hour still to play. MK Dons did get a goal back near the end but they were unable to build on it.
Jermaine Easter started off as a loan striker for MK Dons but he was unable to repeat his goalscoring exploits in the last round.
Brentford 1-1 Everton aet, 4-3 on pens
Both sides have had a poor start to the season in the league. Brentford have one only once this season while Everton’s first three points are yet to come. But even so, Everton are two divisions above Brentford so you wouldn’t think a draw was the obvious result.
But a draw it was – and it was Brentford who held their nerve in the penalty shoot-out. Well done to Brentford. They are one of just three London sides remaining in the Carling Cup.
Nicky Adams started for Brentford but he came off after 68 minutes so he couldn’t take a penalty. He did nearly score a normal goal though.
Burnley 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
This wasn’t only a giant-killing, it was a triumph of Burnley over their former manager. Owen Coyle joined Bolton last season, leaving Burnley to sink back down into the Championship, although not before beating Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Burnley were lucky to get their goal at all. The referee, thinking the ball had not crossed the line, waved play on, but luckily one of his assistants was paying attention. I bet all you England fans wish he’d been on duty at the Germany match.
Sam Ricketts played the full match for Bolton.
Millwall 1-2 Ipswich Town
Millwall have forgotten how to win. It was a big improvement on the weekend match against Watford but they haven’t actually won a game for nearly a month. Ipswich’s good season continues in the Carling Cup as well as the League.
Steve Morison could have put Millwall into the lead early in the game but it wouldn’t go in. Steve attempted to begin a Millwall fightback when he did score in the 62nd minute but although Millwall ‘won the second half’ (I quote my Millwall-supporting father), it is the score over the full match that counts and Millwall are out, having got just as far in the compeititon as Chelsea.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich.
Peterborough United 1-3 Swansea City
Maybe Chelsea should have hung onto Scott Sinclair. His hat-trick gave new club Swansea City a 3-0 victory over Peterborough United – meaning that Sinclair progresses further in the competition than his former employers. Peterborough, going well in League One, managed to find an equaliser for Sinclair’s first goal but after that Swansea were unstoppable.
Arron Davies had recovered sufficiently from a hamsttring injury to sit on the bench.
Swansea didn’t field a full-strength team – Neil Taylor was one of those rested - but there were still starting berths for Ashley Williams and David Cotterill – and it was a lovely pass from David which led to Swansea’s taking the lead for a second time. Jazz Richards played for the first team for the first time this season while Joe Allen, a 70th-minute substitute, played a big part in the winning goal.
Daniel Alfei made what I believe is his first appearance on the bench for Swansea. David Cornell was among those keeping him company. I was actually a little bit annoyed about that because Swansea’s first-choice goalkeeper didn’t play and David is the second-choice so he should have played but instead they gave the start to some new goalkeeper. But I’m a Cardiff girl. Why would I care if Swansea don’t play their best players?
Monday, 20 September 2010
Carling Cup Fixtures 21st September 2010 Part 1
Birmingham v Milton Keynes Dons
MK Dons disposed of Blackpool in their last Carling Cup fixture Birmingham are likely to field a weakened side but MK Dons will be lucky to do it again.
Jermaine Easter’s only goals so far came in the last round of the Carling Cup. Maybe another goal or two in this match will get him up and running in the league.
Brentford v Everton
Brentford beat Hull City in the last round but Everton should prove a sterner test. Everton’s only win in any competition this season was their Carling Cup win over Huddersfield Town.
Nicky Adams could keep his place in Brentford’s starting line-up.
Burnley v Bolton Wanderers
Owen Coyle walked out on Burnley to manage Bolton. I’m sure the fans will be just delighted to see him again. Bolton will field a weakened side in this Carling Cup match so Burnley, who are doing well in the Championship, might fancy their chances. Especially as their former player Robbie Blake doesn’t want to score against them.
Sam Ricketts has spent most of this season on the bench so I’d expect him to play tomorrow.
Millwall v Ipswich Town
Millwall haven’t won any of their last three fixtures and will be eager to get back to winning ways. It is unfortunate, then, that they face a side who have only lost once this season – and that was to high-flying Queen’s Park Rangers.
Millwall are a bit short of strikers due to injury and eligible loanees so Steve Morison might not be rested.
Ipswich are expected to do a spot of player rotation so Troy Brown could come into the starting line-up. He wasn’t in the squad at the weekend though so he might be injured.
Peterborough United v Swansea City
Peterborough’s last Carling Cup victims were Cardiff City. Now the League One promotion contenders set their sights on the other League side in Wales. (For once, Wrexham are probably quite glad of rheir Championship status.)
Peterborough’s Arron Davies will miss the match due to a hamstring injury.
But with Swansea on the pitch, the match is sure to have some Welsh representatives. Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor have become regulars in the League while David Cotterill and Joe Allen seem to be sharing a midfield position. If Swansea manager Brendan Rogers chooses to rest players, goalkeeper David Cornell, Jazz Richards and Casey Thomas are all capable of doing a job.
MK Dons disposed of Blackpool in their last Carling Cup fixture Birmingham are likely to field a weakened side but MK Dons will be lucky to do it again.
Jermaine Easter’s only goals so far came in the last round of the Carling Cup. Maybe another goal or two in this match will get him up and running in the league.
Brentford v Everton
Brentford beat Hull City in the last round but Everton should prove a sterner test. Everton’s only win in any competition this season was their Carling Cup win over Huddersfield Town.
Nicky Adams could keep his place in Brentford’s starting line-up.
Burnley v Bolton Wanderers
Owen Coyle walked out on Burnley to manage Bolton. I’m sure the fans will be just delighted to see him again. Bolton will field a weakened side in this Carling Cup match so Burnley, who are doing well in the Championship, might fancy their chances. Especially as their former player Robbie Blake doesn’t want to score against them.
Sam Ricketts has spent most of this season on the bench so I’d expect him to play tomorrow.
Millwall v Ipswich Town
Millwall haven’t won any of their last three fixtures and will be eager to get back to winning ways. It is unfortunate, then, that they face a side who have only lost once this season – and that was to high-flying Queen’s Park Rangers.
Millwall are a bit short of strikers due to injury and eligible loanees so Steve Morison might not be rested.
Ipswich are expected to do a spot of player rotation so Troy Brown could come into the starting line-up. He wasn’t in the squad at the weekend though so he might be injured.
Peterborough United v Swansea City
Peterborough’s last Carling Cup victims were Cardiff City. Now the League One promotion contenders set their sights on the other League side in Wales. (For once, Wrexham are probably quite glad of rheir Championship status.)
Peterborough’s Arron Davies will miss the match due to a hamstring injury.
But with Swansea on the pitch, the match is sure to have some Welsh representatives. Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor have become regulars in the League while David Cotterill and Joe Allen seem to be sharing a midfield position. If Swansea manager Brendan Rogers chooses to rest players, goalkeeper David Cornell, Jazz Richards and Casey Thomas are all capable of doing a job.
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Championship Results 19th September 2010 Part 3
Preston North End 0-1 Norwich City
Probably not many people expected Preston to beat Norwich. They have won only one match this season and not drawn any at all. Norwich, now fourth in the table, have a much healthier record. Losing 1-0 to Norwich isn’t a bad result but that won’t comfort Preston.
Paul Parry started his second consecutive match for Preston and he nearly scored. Craig Morgan was dropped to the bench.
Andrew Crofts nearly scored a great headed goal for Norwich but it was blocked on the line.
Sheffield United 1-0 Portsmouth
Portsmouth could have won this, with both goalkeepers making good saves.
But the points went to Gary Speed’s side after Ched Evans’ free kick ended up in the back of the net in the 77th minute. Just when I start to worry he’s not scoring enough, Ched pops up with a goal. But I don’t mind.
Swansea City 2-0 Scunthorpe United
Swansea kept their 100% home record intact with victory over Scunthorpe and probably should have scored more than one goal.
Joe Allen was elbowed by a Scunthorpe player but unfortunately while the referee missed this, he did see Joe’s retaliation, which earned him a yellow card. David Cotterill came off the bench, replacing Joe, and provided a great cross from which Swansea scored their first goal.
Defenders Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor played the full match for Swansea. David Cornell and Jazz Richards were on the bench.
Probably not many people expected Preston to beat Norwich. They have won only one match this season and not drawn any at all. Norwich, now fourth in the table, have a much healthier record. Losing 1-0 to Norwich isn’t a bad result but that won’t comfort Preston.
Paul Parry started his second consecutive match for Preston and he nearly scored. Craig Morgan was dropped to the bench.
Andrew Crofts nearly scored a great headed goal for Norwich but it was blocked on the line.
Sheffield United 1-0 Portsmouth
Portsmouth could have won this, with both goalkeepers making good saves.
But the points went to Gary Speed’s side after Ched Evans’ free kick ended up in the back of the net in the 77th minute. Just when I start to worry he’s not scoring enough, Ched pops up with a goal. But I don’t mind.
Swansea City 2-0 Scunthorpe United
Swansea kept their 100% home record intact with victory over Scunthorpe and probably should have scored more than one goal.
Joe Allen was elbowed by a Scunthorpe player but unfortunately while the referee missed this, he did see Joe’s retaliation, which earned him a yellow card. David Cotterill came off the bench, replacing Joe, and provided a great cross from which Swansea scored their first goal.
Defenders Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor played the full match for Swansea. David Cornell and Jazz Richards were on the bench.
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Championship Results 28th August 2010 Part 3
Sheffield United 1-0 Preston North End
Gary Speed helped Sheffield United to climb the table a little away with his first win as a manager. Preston are out of the bottom three but only just.
Gary picked fellow Welshman Ched Evans to start but the goal wasn’t his although he did come very close.
Craig Morgan played the full match for Preston but Paul Parry wasn’t in the squad.
Swansea City 1-0 Burnley
Both sides were reduced to ten men as Swansea ended Burnley’s unbeaten run and haul themselves into the top half.
Neil Taylor made his first league start for Swansea with Ashley Williams and David Cotterill, who had a particularly good game, also in the starting line-up. Joe Allen replaced David when he was substitured. David Cornell and Jazz Richards were both unusued substitutes.
Watford 0-1 Leeds United
Another win for Leeds puts them into the top six while Watford, who won their opening two games but haven’t won since.
Jonathan Bond wasn’t on the bench for Watford so presumably the second-choice keeper is now fit.
Sanchez Watt started for Leeds and probably should have scored.
Gary Speed helped Sheffield United to climb the table a little away with his first win as a manager. Preston are out of the bottom three but only just.
Gary picked fellow Welshman Ched Evans to start but the goal wasn’t his although he did come very close.
Craig Morgan played the full match for Preston but Paul Parry wasn’t in the squad.
Swansea City 1-0 Burnley
Both sides were reduced to ten men as Swansea ended Burnley’s unbeaten run and haul themselves into the top half.
Neil Taylor made his first league start for Swansea with Ashley Williams and David Cotterill, who had a particularly good game, also in the starting line-up. Joe Allen replaced David when he was substitured. David Cornell and Jazz Richards were both unusued substitutes.
Watford 0-1 Leeds United
Another win for Leeds puts them into the top six while Watford, who won their opening two games but haven’t won since.
Jonathan Bond wasn’t on the bench for Watford so presumably the second-choice keeper is now fit.
Sanchez Watt started for Leeds and probably should have scored.
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Carling Cup Results 24th August 2010 Part 5
Tranmere Rovers 1-3 Swansea City
Tranmere made a great start to the match, going 1-0 up after 22 minutes and hanging on well into the second half. It looked like the League One side might actually do it. But the equaliser finally arrived and Swansea took the lead in the very next minute. Then, just to make the score look more respectable, Swansea got a third.
Kayleden Brown wasn’t in the squad for this match. Maybe West Brom don’t want him cup-tied.
Joe Allen (who nearly marked his first start of the season with a goal) and joined Ashley Williams in the starting line-up for this match. There was also first Swansea starts for Casey Thomas and new signing Neil Taylor. David Cornell, Jazz Richards and Joe Walsh were among the unused substitutes.
Watford 1-2 Notts County
Notts County have been famous for their giant-killings recently. Wigan Athletic were their victims last year, this time another w-team, Watford, followed. Admittedly Wigan was funnier given they are in the Premier League and County were then in League Two but it stopped being so funny after Wigan beat Arsenal. Funny that.) Watford have made a good start in the Championship this season and dominated this match but Notts County were the team able to take their chances.
Ben Davies got his first Notts County goal of the season from a free kick just after half-time and they hung on for another twenty-one minutes before doubling their lead. Watford got a goal back not long after that but they were unable to add to their tally and League One Notts County advance to the next round.
Watford played a substitute goalkeeper in this match but it wasn’t Jonathan Bond. Not unless he’s changed his name by deed poll. And his squad number.
Tranmere made a great start to the match, going 1-0 up after 22 minutes and hanging on well into the second half. It looked like the League One side might actually do it. But the equaliser finally arrived and Swansea took the lead in the very next minute. Then, just to make the score look more respectable, Swansea got a third.
Kayleden Brown wasn’t in the squad for this match. Maybe West Brom don’t want him cup-tied.
Joe Allen (who nearly marked his first start of the season with a goal) and joined Ashley Williams in the starting line-up for this match. There was also first Swansea starts for Casey Thomas and new signing Neil Taylor. David Cornell, Jazz Richards and Joe Walsh were among the unused substitutes.
Watford 1-2 Notts County
Notts County have been famous for their giant-killings recently. Wigan Athletic were their victims last year, this time another w-team, Watford, followed. Admittedly Wigan was funnier given they are in the Premier League and County were then in League Two but it stopped being so funny after Wigan beat Arsenal. Funny that.) Watford have made a good start in the Championship this season and dominated this match but Notts County were the team able to take their chances.
Ben Davies got his first Notts County goal of the season from a free kick just after half-time and they hung on for another twenty-one minutes before doubling their lead. Watford got a goal back not long after that but they were unable to add to their tally and League One Notts County advance to the next round.
Watford played a substitute goalkeeper in this match but it wasn’t Jonathan Bond. Not unless he’s changed his name by deed poll. And his squad number.
Monday, 23 August 2010
Carling Cup Fixtures 24th August 2010 Part 4
Sunderland v Colchester United
Sunderland are yet to win in the Premier League while Colchester are yet to lose. But this is still the Carling Cup.
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James have only made brief substitute appearances for Colchester this season but maybe they’ll get more of a chance tomorrow night. And maybe Tom Bender will get a place on the bench.
Tranmere Rovers v Swansea City
Swansea have never been beyond the fourth round in his competition. They were knocked out by Scunthorpe United last season but that’s probably not as funny as being knocked out by the great Havant & Waterlooville in the FA Cup.
Tranmere are of course without Ash Taylor (knee) but maybe loanee Kayleden Brown will get a start.
Swansea might rest a few players for this clash so maybe Ashley Williams and David Cotterill will be on the bench with David Cornell, Neil Taylor, Joe Allen and Jazz Richards given the chance to impress.
Sunderland are yet to win in the Premier League while Colchester are yet to lose. But this is still the Carling Cup.
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James have only made brief substitute appearances for Colchester this season but maybe they’ll get more of a chance tomorrow night. And maybe Tom Bender will get a place on the bench.
Tranmere Rovers v Swansea City
Swansea have never been beyond the fourth round in his competition. They were knocked out by Scunthorpe United last season but that’s probably not as funny as being knocked out by the great Havant & Waterlooville in the FA Cup.
Tranmere are of course without Ash Taylor (knee) but maybe loanee Kayleden Brown will get a start.
Swansea might rest a few players for this clash so maybe Ashley Williams and David Cotterill will be on the bench with David Cornell, Neil Taylor, Joe Allen and Jazz Richards given the chance to impress.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Championship Fixtures 21st August 2010 Part 3
Hull City v Watford
Hull had an excellent start to the new season before coming back down to earth again after last week’s encounter against Millwall. Watford are unbeaten but conceded two very late goals against Coventry City last week.
Jonathan Bond will again be Watford’s substitute goalkeeper.
Norwich City v Swansea City
Last year’s League One Champions face the team who just missed out on the play-offs. Both lost their opening game before winning their second.
Andrew Crofts will be in midfield for Norwich and an appearance on the bench isn’t impossible for Josh Dawkin but Owain Tudur Jones is likely to be ignored again.
Ashley Williams will start in defence for Swansea and David Cotterill will also hope for a start after scoring in his last two games – once for Swansea and once for Wales – but he knows this game won’t be easy. David Cornell should be on the bench, while Joe Allen might be given the chance to show John Toshack he was wrong to leave him out of the Wales squad. Neil Taylor and Jazz Richards could also be in the squad.
http://www.swansea.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=209925
Hull had an excellent start to the new season before coming back down to earth again after last week’s encounter against Millwall. Watford are unbeaten but conceded two very late goals against Coventry City last week.
Jonathan Bond will again be Watford’s substitute goalkeeper.
Norwich City v Swansea City
Last year’s League One Champions face the team who just missed out on the play-offs. Both lost their opening game before winning their second.
Andrew Crofts will be in midfield for Norwich and an appearance on the bench isn’t impossible for Josh Dawkin but Owain Tudur Jones is likely to be ignored again.
Ashley Williams will start in defence for Swansea and David Cotterill will also hope for a start after scoring in his last two games – once for Swansea and once for Wales – but he knows this game won’t be easy. David Cornell should be on the bench, while Joe Allen might be given the chance to show John Toshack he was wrong to leave him out of the Wales squad. Neil Taylor and Jazz Richards could also be in the squad.
http://www.swansea.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=209925
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Championship Results 7th August 2010 Part 2
Hull City 2-0 Swansea City
Seven years ago, Swansea beat Hull and stayed in the Football League. This time, they’re meeting on rather higher ground following Hull’s relegation from the Premier League last season. How times change. The result was different too.
Hull might have sold some of their best players but they looked solid today. Maybe they’ve found their level – but on this showing, they are one of the best at this level. It’s just a shame their best goal was scored by a Tottenham Hotspur player, I do tend not to like players from that club although I do like Gareth Bale. But there’s plenty of time for this to change. Swansea were very poor and they made a poor start last year before nearly getting into the play-offs. You could say their poor start cost them the play-offs but they also had a poor run at the end of the season. This is the fifth consecutive occasion on which they’ve lost their opening match.
Ashley Williams and David Cotterill played the full match. David nearly scored from one of his free kicks while a pass from Ashley deserved to be an assist. David Cornell was on the bench with new signing Neil Taylor. Jazz Richards was thought to be in with a chance of starting but he didn’t make the squad.
Leeds United 1-2 Derby County
Derby have been in the Championship longer than Leeds but with Leeds’ history, many would have expected a home win. But this is not what happened. Instead, Leeds suffered their first opening-day defeat since 1989 – two years before Leeds’ loanee Wales-eligible striker was bron.
Leeds weren’t that bad. Kasper Schmeichel was in great form in goal for Leeds – probably not many teams, on promotion to the Championship, get rid of their keeper and buy the guy who played for the team promoted from League Two. But this looks like a not completely ridiculous decision. Without him, Derby would have won by more than one goal.
Arsenal’s Sanchez Watt is with Leeds for a second loan spell and, after spending most of his first loan spell on the bench, he started this match and stayed on the pitch until the end.
Derby have signed left back Gareth Roberts from Doncaster Rovers and he proved his worth when a goal-line clearance late on meant Derby could leave with all three points.
Derby also have Robbie Savage in midfield. I wasn’t sure about Robbie’s hair or his tackles but there’s no doubt he can still play. He is thinking of retiring at the end of this season but at the moment you wouldn’t guess it. The goal might just possibly have had something to do with Robbie but let’s not mention that.
Middlesbrough 1-3 Ipswich Town
Middlesbrough are the favourites for promotion but they didn’t look it against the team who last season needed fifteen games before they found their first win. Middlesbrough’s team looks a bit like my fantasy football teams – full of players that are the same nationality as their manager.
I didn’t think Ipswich were all that good as the main reason for their win seemed to be awful defending from Middlesbrough. While one of Ipswich’s goals in particular was quality, Boro should never have allowed the ball to stay in the box as long as it did.
But Steve Claridge said Ipswich were excellent and he knows what he’s talking about so they probably were.
Boro’s first-choice goalkeeper Brad Jones was suspended after a red card in the final match of last season so Danny Coyne had the chance to impress. Unfortunately he didn’t really except he did do one really good save.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich and he’s got a nice new number too. He’s ditched the No. 39 shirt for the No. 22 shirt which sounds a lot more promising.
Seven years ago, Swansea beat Hull and stayed in the Football League. This time, they’re meeting on rather higher ground following Hull’s relegation from the Premier League last season. How times change. The result was different too.
Hull might have sold some of their best players but they looked solid today. Maybe they’ve found their level – but on this showing, they are one of the best at this level. It’s just a shame their best goal was scored by a Tottenham Hotspur player, I do tend not to like players from that club although I do like Gareth Bale. But there’s plenty of time for this to change. Swansea were very poor and they made a poor start last year before nearly getting into the play-offs. You could say their poor start cost them the play-offs but they also had a poor run at the end of the season. This is the fifth consecutive occasion on which they’ve lost their opening match.
Ashley Williams and David Cotterill played the full match. David nearly scored from one of his free kicks while a pass from Ashley deserved to be an assist. David Cornell was on the bench with new signing Neil Taylor. Jazz Richards was thought to be in with a chance of starting but he didn’t make the squad.
Leeds United 1-2 Derby County
Derby have been in the Championship longer than Leeds but with Leeds’ history, many would have expected a home win. But this is not what happened. Instead, Leeds suffered their first opening-day defeat since 1989 – two years before Leeds’ loanee Wales-eligible striker was bron.
Leeds weren’t that bad. Kasper Schmeichel was in great form in goal for Leeds – probably not many teams, on promotion to the Championship, get rid of their keeper and buy the guy who played for the team promoted from League Two. But this looks like a not completely ridiculous decision. Without him, Derby would have won by more than one goal.
Arsenal’s Sanchez Watt is with Leeds for a second loan spell and, after spending most of his first loan spell on the bench, he started this match and stayed on the pitch until the end.
Derby have signed left back Gareth Roberts from Doncaster Rovers and he proved his worth when a goal-line clearance late on meant Derby could leave with all three points.
Derby also have Robbie Savage in midfield. I wasn’t sure about Robbie’s hair or his tackles but there’s no doubt he can still play. He is thinking of retiring at the end of this season but at the moment you wouldn’t guess it. The goal might just possibly have had something to do with Robbie but let’s not mention that.
Middlesbrough 1-3 Ipswich Town
Middlesbrough are the favourites for promotion but they didn’t look it against the team who last season needed fifteen games before they found their first win. Middlesbrough’s team looks a bit like my fantasy football teams – full of players that are the same nationality as their manager.
I didn’t think Ipswich were all that good as the main reason for their win seemed to be awful defending from Middlesbrough. While one of Ipswich’s goals in particular was quality, Boro should never have allowed the ball to stay in the box as long as it did.
But Steve Claridge said Ipswich were excellent and he knows what he’s talking about so they probably were.
Boro’s first-choice goalkeeper Brad Jones was suspended after a red card in the final match of last season so Danny Coyne had the chance to impress. Unfortunately he didn’t really except he did do one really good save.
Troy Brown was on the bench for Ipswich and he’s got a nice new number too. He’s ditched the No. 39 shirt for the No. 22 shirt which sounds a lot more promising.
Saturday, 7 August 2010
Championship Fixtures 7th August 2010 Part 2
Hull City v Swansea City
Interesting fact on BBC Sport: the last time these two teams played, they were in League Two. They must have missed each other on the way up but they’ve met up on the way down again. Unless Swansea get promoted this season of course. I’m sure I can cope with them finishing second if Cardiff are first.
Hull are now without goalkeeper Boaz Myhill who has signed for West Bromwich Albion.
Swansea have about a million more Welsh players in their first team than Cardiff but maybe that’s because Cardiff’s Academy is so good, the bigger teams come and steal their players. Maybe.
Ashley Williams should be in defence for Swansea and David Cotterill is expected to start too after a solid pre-season. I can only assume John Toshack wasn’t watching, he’s left David out of the Wales squad. Vital Swansea says Jazz Richards is fighting it out with Albert Serran for a place in midfield (I know who I’d choose) and that Neil Taylor could start at left back which would be nice. Goalkeeper David Cornell will be in the squad but Joe Allen is out with a shoulder injury.
Middlesbrough v Ipswich Town
Middlesbrough are the bookies’ favourite for the Championship, possibly because they are the only team who have been relegated recently who a) haven’t gone back already, b) haven’t got big financial problems and c) aren’t Burnley. I’m not sure why buying half the Scotland national team makes you Premier League contenders but Scotland might be a much better than they looked when I saw them play. There’s no shame in being beaten 3-0 by Wales.
But let’s forget the jokes for a minute. Rhys Williams missed several of months of last season with a pelvis injury. He then missed out on the chance to play in the World Cup for Australia. Now it looks like he could be missing for several more months. I know he chose Australia but poor Rhys.
It looks like Danny Coyne has shaken off his knock and good thing too because Brad Jones is suspended. Come on Danny, you can keep your place even if Brad Jones doesn’t go to Liverpool.
Roy Keane has said Ipswich’s younger players including Troy Brown will be given chances to play this season. Maybe not in the first match though.
Interesting fact on BBC Sport: the last time these two teams played, they were in League Two. They must have missed each other on the way up but they’ve met up on the way down again. Unless Swansea get promoted this season of course. I’m sure I can cope with them finishing second if Cardiff are first.
Hull are now without goalkeeper Boaz Myhill who has signed for West Bromwich Albion.
Swansea have about a million more Welsh players in their first team than Cardiff but maybe that’s because Cardiff’s Academy is so good, the bigger teams come and steal their players. Maybe.
Ashley Williams should be in defence for Swansea and David Cotterill is expected to start too after a solid pre-season. I can only assume John Toshack wasn’t watching, he’s left David out of the Wales squad. Vital Swansea says Jazz Richards is fighting it out with Albert Serran for a place in midfield (I know who I’d choose) and that Neil Taylor could start at left back which would be nice. Goalkeeper David Cornell will be in the squad but Joe Allen is out with a shoulder injury.
Middlesbrough v Ipswich Town
Middlesbrough are the bookies’ favourite for the Championship, possibly because they are the only team who have been relegated recently who a) haven’t gone back already, b) haven’t got big financial problems and c) aren’t Burnley. I’m not sure why buying half the Scotland national team makes you Premier League contenders but Scotland might be a much better than they looked when I saw them play. There’s no shame in being beaten 3-0 by Wales.
But let’s forget the jokes for a minute. Rhys Williams missed several of months of last season with a pelvis injury. He then missed out on the chance to play in the World Cup for Australia. Now it looks like he could be missing for several more months. I know he chose Australia but poor Rhys.
It looks like Danny Coyne has shaken off his knock and good thing too because Brad Jones is suspended. Come on Danny, you can keep your place even if Brad Jones doesn’t go to Liverpool.
Roy Keane has said Ipswich’s younger players including Troy Brown will be given chances to play this season. Maybe not in the first match though.
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