Barnet 1-1 Shrewsbury Town
Not even a defeat would have put Barnet back in the bottom three but Hereford United are now just a point behind them and Lincoln City have lots of games in hand. So Barnet’s 90th-minute equaliser – and fifth away point - was particularly welcome. Shrewsbury drop out of the play-off zone but only on goal difference.
Tom Bradshaw started for Shrewsbury. He didn’t score but the Shropshire Star seemed very happy with him.
Bury 1-1 Aldershot Town
Aldershot’s new manager Dean Holdsworth was very happy to see his team draw at Bury but Bury are badly missing a certain Welsh goalkeeper they signed on loan. They remain in the play-off zone but are now five points from the automatic promotion places.
Darren Jones played the full match for Bury and there was a substitute appearance for Aaron Morris.
Cheltenham Town 1-2 Accrington Stanley
A late goal for Accrington gave them their second away league win of the season – and their fourth successive game without defeat. They are now just three points behind Cheltenham.
Josh Low, who had just recovered from a hamstring injury, was a 60-minute substitute for Cheltenham. But he still had enough time to get an assist.
Joe Jacobson played the full match for Accrington.
Chesterfield 1-0 Stevenage
Stevenage found Chesterfield a bit more trouble than their last opponents, Newcastle United. Chesterfield haven’t lost in the league since mid-November and although they only scored one goal in this match, it’s their 35th at home in the league. And not every team scores against Stevenage in away matches. They’ve only conceded eight away goals this season.
Craig Davies returned from a hamstring injury for Chesterfield. It might take him a while to find his shooting boots (he is a man, men never seem to know where their shoes are) but he’s probably well in credit as far as goals are concerned.
Crewe Alexandra 2-1 Port Vale
Crewe are three points from the automatic promotion places after beating fellow promotion contenders Port Vale. If they still count as promotion contenders. With just one win in their last five league matches, they probably don’t want to know what position they’re in in the form table.
Rhys Taylor conceded a harsh penalty and for once he didn’t save it but he it probably helped keep things exciting and he still made enough saves to ensure that Crewe won the match.
Lewis Haldane played his first 90 minutes of the season for Port Vale. Gareth Owen also played the full match. Lewis thinks Port Vale’s problem is a lack of confidence but he says they’re eager to learn from new manager Jim Gannon.
Hereford United 3-0 Stockport County
Hereford hadn’t won at home at all this season before this match (except for that time they beat Hythe Town in the FA Cup). Then when it finally did happen, it wasn’t some measly little 1-0 victory, they did it in style (Stockport had just drawn with Rotherham United so it’s not like they’re complete rubbish). Now Hereford have won the same number of home games as Stockport.
Stuart Fleetwood started for Hereford. Ryan Green served the second and final match of his suspension.
Guess where Owain fon Williams was Stockport’s bench.
Rotherham United 1-2 Southend United
Rotherham seem to be a bit confused. They beat Port Vale 5-0, as in promotion contenders Port Vale, then they draw with Stockprt County and lose to Southend United. That’s just not how it’s supposed to be. Have they got the league table upside down or what?
Mark Bradley was missing from Rotherham’s squad again as they try to arrange a loan for him.
Peter Gilbert was back in Southend’s starting line-up for the first time since returning from what is probably one of the longest suspensions ever. He got a 3-match suspension almost two months ago and completed it in early January following several postponements and an abandonment but this was the first time he’s not been on the bench.
Showing posts with label lewis haldane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lewis haldane. Show all posts
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Saturday, 15 January 2011
League Two Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 1)
Barnet v Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury lost their last two home games and in theory away games are harder. But maybe not so much when they’re played against Barnet, who are probably only out of the bottom two because Lincoln City have four games in hand over them. (Yes, I am being mean about them. They terminated Grant Basey’s contract.).
Tom Bradshaw could start for Shrewsbury again but I kind of hope he doesn’t because he’s got such a great strike record when he comes off the bench.
Bury v Aldershot Town
Bury haven’t won since the 23rd November but that’s not as bad as it sounds as they haven’t played many games this season. All the same, they’ll be anxious to put this right against Aldershot. But four of Aldershot’s six wins came from away games..
Darren Jones should start for Aldershot. BBC Sport says Aaron Morris ‘could start ‘after returning from a loan spell’ and that’s not wrong, his loan spell at Newport was in the past so anything that happens now happens after he returned from the loan spell. But it sounds like he was on loan there last week and it was actually last season. But anyway Aldershot’s new boss Dean Holdsworth managed him at Newport so hopefully he likes him a lot and will want to start him all the time.
Cheltenham Town v Accrington Stanley
Cheltenham are only outside the play-offs on goal difference but maybe after this match they’ll be back in the top seven. Accrington are in a respectable mid-table position but they’ve only won one match away.
Josh Low has recovered from a hamstring injury and is likely to go straight back into Cheltenham’s starting line-up. Josh hopes to redeem himself after playing poorly in his last match (although the poor man was hobbling, what do you expect?).
Joe Jacobson should have started for Accrington anyway but his late winner against Bury last week should have made sure.
Chesterfield v Stevenage
Chesterfield are four points clear at the top of the table, having won nine of their thirteen home games. But they’re probably not as good as Newcastle United and Stevenage had no problems with them. Stevenage have struggled in the League though. Apart from their two most recent wins, which which were both against Barnet, they haven’t won in League Two for nearly three months.
Chesterfield haven’t lost any of the matches which Craig Davies has missed due to his hamstring injury. Or the match he missed last week when he was ill. But it’s hard to imagine him being left on the bench for this match.
Crewe Alexandra v Port Vale
A win for Port Vale could take them up to second in the table if other results go their way. But Crewe are in fifth despite losing to Torquay United in their last match.
Rhys Taylor will be in goal for Crewe.
Gareth Owen should start for Port Vale and maybe Lewis Haldane will as well after that assist he got in their last match.
Shrewsbury lost their last two home games and in theory away games are harder. But maybe not so much when they’re played against Barnet, who are probably only out of the bottom two because Lincoln City have four games in hand over them. (Yes, I am being mean about them. They terminated Grant Basey’s contract.).
Tom Bradshaw could start for Shrewsbury again but I kind of hope he doesn’t because he’s got such a great strike record when he comes off the bench.
Bury v Aldershot Town
Bury haven’t won since the 23rd November but that’s not as bad as it sounds as they haven’t played many games this season. All the same, they’ll be anxious to put this right against Aldershot. But four of Aldershot’s six wins came from away games..
Darren Jones should start for Aldershot. BBC Sport says Aaron Morris ‘could start ‘after returning from a loan spell’ and that’s not wrong, his loan spell at Newport was in the past so anything that happens now happens after he returned from the loan spell. But it sounds like he was on loan there last week and it was actually last season. But anyway Aldershot’s new boss Dean Holdsworth managed him at Newport so hopefully he likes him a lot and will want to start him all the time.
Cheltenham Town v Accrington Stanley
Cheltenham are only outside the play-offs on goal difference but maybe after this match they’ll be back in the top seven. Accrington are in a respectable mid-table position but they’ve only won one match away.
Josh Low has recovered from a hamstring injury and is likely to go straight back into Cheltenham’s starting line-up. Josh hopes to redeem himself after playing poorly in his last match (although the poor man was hobbling, what do you expect?).
Joe Jacobson should have started for Accrington anyway but his late winner against Bury last week should have made sure.
Chesterfield v Stevenage
Chesterfield are four points clear at the top of the table, having won nine of their thirteen home games. But they’re probably not as good as Newcastle United and Stevenage had no problems with them. Stevenage have struggled in the League though. Apart from their two most recent wins, which which were both against Barnet, they haven’t won in League Two for nearly three months.
Chesterfield haven’t lost any of the matches which Craig Davies has missed due to his hamstring injury. Or the match he missed last week when he was ill. But it’s hard to imagine him being left on the bench for this match.
Crewe Alexandra v Port Vale
A win for Port Vale could take them up to second in the table if other results go their way. But Crewe are in fifth despite losing to Torquay United in their last match.
Rhys Taylor will be in goal for Crewe.
Gareth Owen should start for Port Vale and maybe Lewis Haldane will as well after that assist he got in their last match.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part One)
Arsenal 1-1 Leeds United
Arsenal will need a replay in order to beat Leeds – and from the way that both teams played, an Arsenal win is not a foregone conclusion. Arsene Wenger fielded a weakened, if not weak side and they were very nearly made to suffer as Manchester United were last season. Leeds took the lead through an early penalty before Arsenal equalised in stoppage team by the same method. Arsenal were rightly awarded a penalty earlier in the game, only for the referee to change his mind, but a penalty was later awarded following what Theo Walcott is very keen to tell us was a dive. The team who wins the replay will play Huddersfield Town at home.
Aaron Ramsey was on the bench for Arsenal and was seen warming up although he was an unused substitute. It’s not necessarily an insult to Arsenal’s performance to say that this was the best moment in the game.
Sanchez Watt, on loan from Arsenal, was given permission to play for loan club Leeds in this match. He says his loyalties were divided, as were those of his family but he’s happy with the result and he’s looking forward to playing Arsenal at Elland Road.
Bolton Wanderers 2-0 York City
York came so close to winning themselves a home replay but late appearances for Bolton strikers Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander, both of whom have been on good form, gave Bolton two goals in the last seven mnutes. York played well and they deserved something from the game. Hopefully it will give them some comfort to know they can match a side who are competing for a place in the Europa League. Bolton have another home tie in the fourth round and will face fellow Premier League side Wigan Athletic.
Sam Ricketts played the full match for Bolton.
Danny Parslow was in defence for York and nearly got an assist but it was only an assist for a Bolton goal so I bet he was glad that chance was missed. Levi Mackin was on the bench.
Bristol City 0-3 Sheffield Wednesday
At first glance, this result doesn’t seem like much of a surprise but it was actually the first (alphabetically) of many giant-killings. Bristol City gave Sheffield Wednesday some trouble in attack but in defence they struggled as much as the scoreline suggests. Sheffield Wednesday will host either Wycombe Wanderers or Hereford United in the next round.
Lewin Nyatanga was in defence for Bristol City. Christian Ribeiro was a 63rd-minute substitute but he left the field just ten minutes later with a hamstring injury. It looks as though he could be out for several weeks but Bristol City won’t know for sure until the swelling goes down.
Brett Pitman kept the Wednesday defence hard at work but there was no place in the squad for Gavin Williams. Gavin was on the losing side for loan club Yeovil Town against Sheffield Wednesday but Yeovil only lost by two goals, despite being the home side.
Burnley 4-2 Port Vale
Burnley might be struggling in the Championship but they were convincing winners over League Two promotion contenders Port Vale, who have just lost their manager to Sheffield United (and yes, it was Wales’ fault). However, while the better team certainly won, Port Vale worked very hard and gave Burnley more than a few anxious moments.
Lewis Haldane started for Port Vale for only the second time since recovering from blood poisoning Stoke & Staffordshire says it’s his third start of the season though so maybe I missed one) and got the assist for Port Vale’s first goal. Gareth Owen, new manager Jim Gannon’s chosen captain for the day, played 90 minutes.
Burton Albion 2-1 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s only consolation is that Newcastle United, Sunderland and also Hartlepool United were also the victims of a Cupset but perhaps it is slightly more painful for a Middlesbrough side who have seen themselves fall from being a mid-table Premier League side to contenders for relegation to League One within a couple of years. Too good to go down? Well, they weren’t good enough to beat a mid-table League Two team yesterday.
Middlesbrough didn’t play badly. They dominated and created chances but chances are no good if you don’t take them. However, Burton were excellent. They worked hard, played well and they won the game. They will be away at Burnley in the next round.
Tony James was a half-time substitute for Burton – which means he won’t be available for Cup games if Hereford United buy him.
Danny Coyne got a rare start for Middlesbrough but was sadly unable to make the most of it. But that wasn’t entirely his fault. He didn’t have to make a save for the first 80 minutes.
Arsenal will need a replay in order to beat Leeds – and from the way that both teams played, an Arsenal win is not a foregone conclusion. Arsene Wenger fielded a weakened, if not weak side and they were very nearly made to suffer as Manchester United were last season. Leeds took the lead through an early penalty before Arsenal equalised in stoppage team by the same method. Arsenal were rightly awarded a penalty earlier in the game, only for the referee to change his mind, but a penalty was later awarded following what Theo Walcott is very keen to tell us was a dive. The team who wins the replay will play Huddersfield Town at home.
Aaron Ramsey was on the bench for Arsenal and was seen warming up although he was an unused substitute. It’s not necessarily an insult to Arsenal’s performance to say that this was the best moment in the game.
Sanchez Watt, on loan from Arsenal, was given permission to play for loan club Leeds in this match. He says his loyalties were divided, as were those of his family but he’s happy with the result and he’s looking forward to playing Arsenal at Elland Road.
Bolton Wanderers 2-0 York City
York came so close to winning themselves a home replay but late appearances for Bolton strikers Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander, both of whom have been on good form, gave Bolton two goals in the last seven mnutes. York played well and they deserved something from the game. Hopefully it will give them some comfort to know they can match a side who are competing for a place in the Europa League. Bolton have another home tie in the fourth round and will face fellow Premier League side Wigan Athletic.
Sam Ricketts played the full match for Bolton.
Danny Parslow was in defence for York and nearly got an assist but it was only an assist for a Bolton goal so I bet he was glad that chance was missed. Levi Mackin was on the bench.
Bristol City 0-3 Sheffield Wednesday
At first glance, this result doesn’t seem like much of a surprise but it was actually the first (alphabetically) of many giant-killings. Bristol City gave Sheffield Wednesday some trouble in attack but in defence they struggled as much as the scoreline suggests. Sheffield Wednesday will host either Wycombe Wanderers or Hereford United in the next round.
Lewin Nyatanga was in defence for Bristol City. Christian Ribeiro was a 63rd-minute substitute but he left the field just ten minutes later with a hamstring injury. It looks as though he could be out for several weeks but Bristol City won’t know for sure until the swelling goes down.
Brett Pitman kept the Wednesday defence hard at work but there was no place in the squad for Gavin Williams. Gavin was on the losing side for loan club Yeovil Town against Sheffield Wednesday but Yeovil only lost by two goals, despite being the home side.
Burnley 4-2 Port Vale
Burnley might be struggling in the Championship but they were convincing winners over League Two promotion contenders Port Vale, who have just lost their manager to Sheffield United (and yes, it was Wales’ fault). However, while the better team certainly won, Port Vale worked very hard and gave Burnley more than a few anxious moments.
Lewis Haldane started for Port Vale for only the second time since recovering from blood poisoning Stoke & Staffordshire says it’s his third start of the season though so maybe I missed one) and got the assist for Port Vale’s first goal. Gareth Owen, new manager Jim Gannon’s chosen captain for the day, played 90 minutes.
Burton Albion 2-1 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s only consolation is that Newcastle United, Sunderland and also Hartlepool United were also the victims of a Cupset but perhaps it is slightly more painful for a Middlesbrough side who have seen themselves fall from being a mid-table Premier League side to contenders for relegation to League One within a couple of years. Too good to go down? Well, they weren’t good enough to beat a mid-table League Two team yesterday.
Middlesbrough didn’t play badly. They dominated and created chances but chances are no good if you don’t take them. However, Burton were excellent. They worked hard, played well and they won the game. They will be away at Burnley in the next round.
Tony James was a half-time substitute for Burton – which means he won’t be available for Cup games if Hereford United buy him.
Danny Coyne got a rare start for Middlesbrough but was sadly unable to make the most of it. But that wasn’t entirely his fault. He didn’t have to make a save for the first 80 minutes.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 2)
Burnley v Port Vale
Port Vale are the team on the winning run although it’s only a winning run of one match and Burnley are on a win-lose win-lose run and it’s their turn to win.
Gareth Owen should play in defence for Port Vale – new manager Jim Gannon says he will be a big part of their promotion push. Lewis Haldane might be saved for games they have more chance of winning but you never know.
Burton Albion v Middlesbrough
The ‘Championship favourites’ really won’t want to cause their supporters any more embarrassment this season but losing to Burton would certainly do it. Not that Middlesbrough have ever lost to Burton. This is their first ever meeting.
Tony James will probably be on the bench for Burton.
Danny Coyne will be on the bench for Middlesbrough but Rhys Williams still isn’t ready to return from a pelvis injury.
Coventry v Crystal Palace
There are only two matches in this round of the FA Cup where both teams are members of the Championship. This is one of them although Coventry are closer to some Premier League teams than they are to Palace.
Freddy Eastwood has two goals in the last two games for Coventry and should keep his place.
Andy Dorman will hope to keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up. Lewis Price will probably be on the bench.
Port Vale are the team on the winning run although it’s only a winning run of one match and Burnley are on a win-lose win-lose run and it’s their turn to win.
Gareth Owen should play in defence for Port Vale – new manager Jim Gannon says he will be a big part of their promotion push. Lewis Haldane might be saved for games they have more chance of winning but you never know.
Burton Albion v Middlesbrough
The ‘Championship favourites’ really won’t want to cause their supporters any more embarrassment this season but losing to Burton would certainly do it. Not that Middlesbrough have ever lost to Burton. This is their first ever meeting.
Tony James will probably be on the bench for Burton.
Danny Coyne will be on the bench for Middlesbrough but Rhys Williams still isn’t ready to return from a pelvis injury.
Coventry v Crystal Palace
There are only two matches in this round of the FA Cup where both teams are members of the Championship. This is one of them although Coventry are closer to some Premier League teams than they are to Palace.
Freddy Eastwood has two goals in the last two games for Coventry and should keep his place.
Andy Dorman will hope to keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up. Lewis Price will probably be on the bench.
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (League Two, Part 3)
Port Vale
A series of cancelled fixtures gave Gareth Owen the chance tor recover from injury and play a full part in Port Vale’s end of year matches.
Gillingham A 3-0 (played all)
Rotherham A 5-0 (played all)
Burton H 2-1 (Y foul 43, played all)
Lewis Haldane continues to work his way back to full fitness gradually. Port Vale only won one of their last three matches: the one Lewis played in.
Gillingham A 3-0 (bench)
Rotherham A 5-0 (bench)
Burton H 2-1 (bench, on 81)
Rotherham United
Mark Bradley appears to have dropped off the face of the earth. He hasn’t been seen on a football pitch since November and not even the Press seem to know where he’s hiding.
Shrewsbury Town
Tom Bradshaw finally made his first start for Shrewsbury but unfortunately he couldn’t grab a winner.
Burton A 0-0 (starts, off 91)
Crewe H 0-1 (bench, on 71)
Southend United
Peter Gilbert was sent off on 24th November. On New Year’s Day, he finally completed his three-match suspension.
Oxford A 0-2 (suspended)
Cheltenham H 1-2 (bench)
Stockport County
Anthony Pulis began his Stockport career with a goal. Let’s hope he doesn’t end it as a substitute.
Barnet A 1-3 (bench)
Chesterfield A 4-1 (starts, off 71)
Morecambe H 0-2 (bench)
A series of cancelled fixtures gave Gareth Owen the chance tor recover from injury and play a full part in Port Vale’s end of year matches.
Gillingham A 3-0 (played all)
Rotherham A 5-0 (played all)
Burton H 2-1 (Y foul 43, played all)
Lewis Haldane continues to work his way back to full fitness gradually. Port Vale only won one of their last three matches: the one Lewis played in.
Gillingham A 3-0 (bench)
Rotherham A 5-0 (bench)
Burton H 2-1 (bench, on 81)
Rotherham United
Mark Bradley appears to have dropped off the face of the earth. He hasn’t been seen on a football pitch since November and not even the Press seem to know where he’s hiding.
Shrewsbury Town
Tom Bradshaw finally made his first start for Shrewsbury but unfortunately he couldn’t grab a winner.
Burton A 0-0 (starts, off 91)
Crewe H 0-1 (bench, on 71)
Southend United
Peter Gilbert was sent off on 24th November. On New Year’s Day, he finally completed his three-match suspension.
Oxford A 0-2 (suspended)
Cheltenham H 1-2 (bench)
Stockport County
Anthony Pulis began his Stockport career with a goal. Let’s hope he doesn’t end it as a substitute.
Barnet A 1-3 (bench)
Chesterfield A 4-1 (starts, off 71)
Morecambe H 0-2 (bench)
Friday, 17 December 2010
League Two Results 11th December 2010 (Part 1)
Barnet 2-0 Accrington Stanley
Barnet remain in the relegation places on goal difference but they do mean business and could move ahead of Accrington if they win their next game too.
Grant Basey helped Barnet to keep a clean sheet.
Joe Jacobson was probably trying to do the same for Accrington but he was less successful.
Bradford City 1-0 Hereford United
It was all going so well for Hereford but now the confidence has gone (and if they keep this up, the physio manager could be going too). Bradford end a run of four matches without a win.
Jason Price didn’t score Bradford’s goal but I’m sure he would have done if he hadn’t been put in a defensive role when he finally came off the bench.
Due to suspension and injury, Stuart Fleetwood was Hereford’s only Welsh representative and even he didn’t make it onto the pitch until the 72nd minute.
Burton Albion 3-1 Southend United
Southend’s five-match unbeaten run came to an end when they were overcome by Burton, who moved into the top half of the table.
Tony James has a hamstring problem and wasn’t in Burton’s squad.
Southend were without Peter Gilbert due to suspension.
Chesterfield 1-0 Torquay United
Chesterfield moved back to the top of the table after beating Torquay.
Craig Davies didn’t recover from injury in time for this game.
Macclesfield Town 2-4 Gillingham
Gillingham are just showing off now. This was their third consecutive away league win. They’re only a point behind Macclesfield now.
Sam Wedgbury was on the bench for Macclesfield.
Morecambe 1-0 Port Vale
Morecambe moved two points clear of the relegation zone with an impressive win over former league leaders Port Vale.
Gareth Owen started for Port Vale but left the field after just half an hour with a back injury. Lewis Haldane was a 59th-minute substitute.
Barnet remain in the relegation places on goal difference but they do mean business and could move ahead of Accrington if they win their next game too.
Grant Basey helped Barnet to keep a clean sheet.
Joe Jacobson was probably trying to do the same for Accrington but he was less successful.
Bradford City 1-0 Hereford United
It was all going so well for Hereford but now the confidence has gone (and if they keep this up, the physio manager could be going too). Bradford end a run of four matches without a win.
Jason Price didn’t score Bradford’s goal but I’m sure he would have done if he hadn’t been put in a defensive role when he finally came off the bench.
Due to suspension and injury, Stuart Fleetwood was Hereford’s only Welsh representative and even he didn’t make it onto the pitch until the 72nd minute.
Burton Albion 3-1 Southend United
Southend’s five-match unbeaten run came to an end when they were overcome by Burton, who moved into the top half of the table.
Tony James has a hamstring problem and wasn’t in Burton’s squad.
Southend were without Peter Gilbert due to suspension.
Chesterfield 1-0 Torquay United
Chesterfield moved back to the top of the table after beating Torquay.
Craig Davies didn’t recover from injury in time for this game.
Macclesfield Town 2-4 Gillingham
Gillingham are just showing off now. This was their third consecutive away league win. They’re only a point behind Macclesfield now.
Sam Wedgbury was on the bench for Macclesfield.
Morecambe 1-0 Port Vale
Morecambe moved two points clear of the relegation zone with an impressive win over former league leaders Port Vale.
Gareth Owen started for Port Vale but left the field after just half an hour with a back injury. Lewis Haldane was a 59th-minute substitute.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
League Two Fixtures (and Postponements) 4th December 2010
Accrington Stanley P-P Shrewsbury
This match won’t happen as apparently there’s something wrong with the weather.
Aldershot Town P-P Bradford City
Aldershot have a frozen pitch so this match has been postponed.
Bradford’s loan striker Jason Price gets what is probably a welcome break from the rough and tumble of League Two. Michael Flynn is at least two months away from a return.
Bury P-P Chesterfield
Bury have a frozen pitch too. There’s a lot of it going around.
Owain fon Williams says Bury v Chesterfield is a massive game – but depending on when the rearranged fixture is, he might not get to play in it.
Craig Davies has a hamstring injury so I bet Chesterfield are quite glad they (probably) won’t have to play such a big game without him.
Robert Page says he’s ready to wait for his chance to play in the first team as he is getting on a bit.
Cheltenham Town P-P Lincoln City
And another frozen pitch.
Josh Low says Cheltenham have come a long way in the last twelve months. I’d say they’ve come a long way in the last six months too. At the end of last season, they were fourteen places lower than they are now.
Crewe Alexandra P-P Wycombe Wanderers
Crewe have one fewer match to show Rhys Taylor why he should stay for the whole season. Centre back Danny Blanchett certainly seems to like him.
Rhys wants to stay with Crewe for the rest of the season. Wales might be short of players who can score penalties – but here’s one who can save them.
Gillingham P-P Rotherham United
Gillingham’s pitch is a foot deep in snow so this match is off.
Hereford United P-P Morecambe
Hereford’s pitch is frozen but at least it’s theirs.
Northampton Town v Stockport
Northampton have only won once away while Stockport have only won once at home. Both teams will be glad it’s not the other around.
Paul Walker will be on the bench for Northampton.
Anthony Pulis should start for Stockport after extending his loan deal to 4th January. Highlights of his loan spell so far include a debut goal and three 5-0 defeats. But I’m sure that’s not Anthony’s fault.
Oxford United v Barnet
This match is still on but there will be a pitch inspection tomorrow to check it’s not too cold. Barnet have only two points from away matches this season but a first win would lift them out of the bottom two.
Oxford defender Rhys Day still wants to join loan club Mansfield Town full-time despite a change of manager. Rhys has recently been Mansfield stand-in captain.
Port Vale P-P Stevenage
How many ways are there of saying ‘the pitch is frozen’? I reckon I’ve got most of them.
Lewis Haldane believes he’ll struggle to get back into Port Vale’s starting eleven.
Southend United P-P Macclesfield Town
For the reasons for this postponement, see above.
Peter Gilbert would have been suspended for this match after Southend made the decision not to appeal against his red card on the grounds that it might be deemed frivolous.
Torquay United P-P Burton Albion
I’m not even going to tell you why this one’s off.
Garyn Preen has joined Stafford Rangers on loan from Burton.
This match won’t happen as apparently there’s something wrong with the weather.
Aldershot Town P-P Bradford City
Aldershot have a frozen pitch so this match has been postponed.
Bradford’s loan striker Jason Price gets what is probably a welcome break from the rough and tumble of League Two. Michael Flynn is at least two months away from a return.
Bury P-P Chesterfield
Bury have a frozen pitch too. There’s a lot of it going around.
Owain fon Williams says Bury v Chesterfield is a massive game – but depending on when the rearranged fixture is, he might not get to play in it.
Craig Davies has a hamstring injury so I bet Chesterfield are quite glad they (probably) won’t have to play such a big game without him.
Robert Page says he’s ready to wait for his chance to play in the first team as he is getting on a bit.
Cheltenham Town P-P Lincoln City
And another frozen pitch.
Josh Low says Cheltenham have come a long way in the last twelve months. I’d say they’ve come a long way in the last six months too. At the end of last season, they were fourteen places lower than they are now.
Crewe Alexandra P-P Wycombe Wanderers
Crewe have one fewer match to show Rhys Taylor why he should stay for the whole season. Centre back Danny Blanchett certainly seems to like him.
Rhys wants to stay with Crewe for the rest of the season. Wales might be short of players who can score penalties – but here’s one who can save them.
Gillingham P-P Rotherham United
Gillingham’s pitch is a foot deep in snow so this match is off.
Hereford United P-P Morecambe
Hereford’s pitch is frozen but at least it’s theirs.
Northampton Town v Stockport
Northampton have only won once away while Stockport have only won once at home. Both teams will be glad it’s not the other around.
Paul Walker will be on the bench for Northampton.
Anthony Pulis should start for Stockport after extending his loan deal to 4th January. Highlights of his loan spell so far include a debut goal and three 5-0 defeats. But I’m sure that’s not Anthony’s fault.
Oxford United v Barnet
This match is still on but there will be a pitch inspection tomorrow to check it’s not too cold. Barnet have only two points from away matches this season but a first win would lift them out of the bottom two.
Oxford defender Rhys Day still wants to join loan club Mansfield Town full-time despite a change of manager. Rhys has recently been Mansfield stand-in captain.
Port Vale P-P Stevenage
How many ways are there of saying ‘the pitch is frozen’? I reckon I’ve got most of them.
Lewis Haldane believes he’ll struggle to get back into Port Vale’s starting eleven.
Southend United P-P Macclesfield Town
For the reasons for this postponement, see above.
Peter Gilbert would have been suspended for this match after Southend made the decision not to appeal against his red card on the grounds that it might be deemed frivolous.
Torquay United P-P Burton Albion
I’m not even going to tell you why this one’s off.
Garyn Preen has joined Stafford Rangers on loan from Burton.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
FA Cup Results 26th November 2010
Crawley Town 1-1 Swindon Town
Six months ago, Swindon got about as close as you can get to promotion without actually getting it. This season, they have an FA Cup replay against Crawley Town. It’s probably not how Swindon imagined this season – but a great result for Crawley.
Glenn Wilson played the full match for Crawley.
Port Vale 1-0 Accrington Stanley
Port Vale are in the third-round of the FA Cup after beating fellow League Two team Accrington Stanley.
Gareth Owen played the full match for Port Vale. The former Stoke trainee would love to face Stoke in the third round.
Lewis Haldane was a 70th-minute substitute.
Joe Jacobson went straight into Accrington’s starting line-up after joining on loan from Oldham Athletic. He looked lively and could have scored a couple. Once he’s used to the stadium and his new team-mates, maybe those chances will go in.
Six months ago, Swindon got about as close as you can get to promotion without actually getting it. This season, they have an FA Cup replay against Crawley Town. It’s probably not how Swindon imagined this season – but a great result for Crawley.
Glenn Wilson played the full match for Crawley.
Port Vale 1-0 Accrington Stanley
Port Vale are in the third-round of the FA Cup after beating fellow League Two team Accrington Stanley.
Gareth Owen played the full match for Port Vale. The former Stoke trainee would love to face Stoke in the third round.
Lewis Haldane was a 70th-minute substitute.
Joe Jacobson went straight into Accrington’s starting line-up after joining on loan from Oldham Athletic. He looked lively and could have scored a couple. Once he’s used to the stadium and his new team-mates, maybe those chances will go in.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
League Two Results 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Lincoln City 3-1 Hereford United
Hereford missed the chance to move out of the relegation zone when Lincoln beat them.
Hereford striker Stuart Fleetwood (who started for once) scored in the 57th minute to bring the score to 2-1 but two minites later Lincoln scored again. Ryan Green also played the full match for Hereford.
Port Vale 2-1 Wycombe Wanderers
Port Vale moved into second place after beating Wycombe and ending their unbeaten away record.
Gareth Owen played the full match for Port Vale, while Lewis Haldane was a late substitute.
Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Southend United
Promotion contenders Shrewsbury probably thought they’d won it. But then Southend scored a great goal to earn them a point and move three points away from the relegation zone. Shrewsbury do remain unbeaten at home though.
Peter Gilbert played in defence for Southend.
Stockport County 1-1 Torquay United
Stockport did well to claim a point from a long shot, just fourteen minutes after Torquay had taken the lead.
Anthony Pulis played the full match for Stockport.
Hereford missed the chance to move out of the relegation zone when Lincoln beat them.
Hereford striker Stuart Fleetwood (who started for once) scored in the 57th minute to bring the score to 2-1 but two minites later Lincoln scored again. Ryan Green also played the full match for Hereford.
Port Vale 2-1 Wycombe Wanderers
Port Vale moved into second place after beating Wycombe and ending their unbeaten away record.
Gareth Owen played the full match for Port Vale, while Lewis Haldane was a late substitute.
Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Southend United
Promotion contenders Shrewsbury probably thought they’d won it. But then Southend scored a great goal to earn them a point and move three points away from the relegation zone. Shrewsbury do remain unbeaten at home though.
Peter Gilbert played in defence for Southend.
Stockport County 1-1 Torquay United
Stockport did well to claim a point from a long shot, just fourteen minutes after Torquay had taken the lead.
Anthony Pulis played the full match for Stockport.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
League Two News/Fixtures 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Lincoln City v Hereford United
Hereford still aren’t quite out of the bottom two but if they do better than Gillingham this weekend, that will be enough. And considering Gillingham (no wins away for years) and Hereford (no wins at home this season) are both playing away, Hereford might fancy their chances.
Ryan Green will be back in central defence for Hereford after doing a great job as a stand-in full-back. Stuart Fleetwood should be back in the squad after serving a one-match suspension but Ryan Valentine is out with a stomach ’problem’ – which I would guess means an injury but I’m not sure.
Port Vale v Wycombe Wanderers
Port Vale will hope to continue their strong home form and keep their place in the automatic promotion places but Wycombe are creeping at the table – and they haven’t actually lost away this season.
Gareth Owen should start for Port Vale but Lewis Haldane might not be ready for another start just yet.
Shrewsbury Town v Southend United
Shrewsbury are unbeaten at home this season and could replace Port Vale in the top three if results go their way. Southend are ten points behind them.
Tom Bradshaw could return to Shrewsbury’s squad after recovering from an ankle injury.
Peter Gilbert should be in defence for Southend.
Stockport County v Torquay United
Stockport have only won once at home this season and Torquay seem to be on another of those long unbeaten runs that saw them break a club record last time.
Unfortunately Stockport don’t have any goalkeepers on loan at Torquay so they won’t be able to beat them in the sneaky way they beat Bury.
Anthony Pulis should be in midfield for Stockport.
Hereford still aren’t quite out of the bottom two but if they do better than Gillingham this weekend, that will be enough. And considering Gillingham (no wins away for years) and Hereford (no wins at home this season) are both playing away, Hereford might fancy their chances.
Ryan Green will be back in central defence for Hereford after doing a great job as a stand-in full-back. Stuart Fleetwood should be back in the squad after serving a one-match suspension but Ryan Valentine is out with a stomach ’problem’ – which I would guess means an injury but I’m not sure.
Port Vale v Wycombe Wanderers
Port Vale will hope to continue their strong home form and keep their place in the automatic promotion places but Wycombe are creeping at the table – and they haven’t actually lost away this season.
Gareth Owen should start for Port Vale but Lewis Haldane might not be ready for another start just yet.
Shrewsbury Town v Southend United
Shrewsbury are unbeaten at home this season and could replace Port Vale in the top three if results go their way. Southend are ten points behind them.
Tom Bradshaw could return to Shrewsbury’s squad after recovering from an ankle injury.
Peter Gilbert should be in defence for Southend.
Stockport County v Torquay United
Stockport have only won once at home this season and Torquay seem to be on another of those long unbeaten runs that saw them break a club record last time.
Unfortunately Stockport don’t have any goalkeepers on loan at Torquay so they won’t be able to beat them in the sneaky way they beat Bury.
Anthony Pulis should be in midfield for Stockport.
Monday, 8 November 2010
FA Cup Results 6th November 2010 (Part 2)
Colchester United 4-3 Bradford City
Bradford have been on a great run after a poor start to the season and they came very close to giving League One promotion hopefuls Colchester a bit of a shock.
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James were unused substitutes for Colchester.
Bradford are so good, Jason Price just can’t get a start. He was a 58th-minute substitute.
Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Leyton Orient
These East London teams are now set to meet four times this season after their FA Cup tie went to a replay.
Dag & Red keeper Tony Roberts, who is possibly still slightly troubled with his ankle injury, was on the bench.
Darlington 2-1 Bristol Rovers
It hasn’t been a good year for Bristol Rovers in the Cups. The League One side was thrashed 6-1 by League Two team Oxford United in the Carling Cup and now they have lost to Darlington, who haven’t exactly been lighting up the Blue Square Premier.
Byron Anthony played in defence for Bristol Rovers while Ben Swallow and Eliot Richards both made substitute appearances.
Dartford 1-1 Port Vale
Blue Square South strugglers Dartford managed to force a replay against Port Vale, who aren’t exactly struggling in League Two.
Lewis Haldane made his long-awaited return to League Two football when he came off Port Vale’s bench after half-time. Gareth Owen also played for Port Vale.
Fleetwood Town 1-1 Walsall
Walsall haven’t had a great season but perhaps it’s just got even worse after the League One side failed to knock the Conference North side out of the FA Cup. They will get another chance though.
Sean Geddes wasn’t in Walsall’s squad for the sixth consecutive game.
Forest Green Rovers 0-3 Northampton Town
Northampton are pretty good at these Cups. They found Forest Green even less trouble than Liverpool.
Mike Fowler played 85 minutes for Forest Green. Curtis McDonald was on the bench.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford have been on a great run after a poor start to the season and they came very close to giving League One promotion hopefuls Colchester a bit of a shock.
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James were unused substitutes for Colchester.
Bradford are so good, Jason Price just can’t get a start. He was a 58th-minute substitute.
Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Leyton Orient
These East London teams are now set to meet four times this season after their FA Cup tie went to a replay.
Dag & Red keeper Tony Roberts, who is possibly still slightly troubled with his ankle injury, was on the bench.
Darlington 2-1 Bristol Rovers
It hasn’t been a good year for Bristol Rovers in the Cups. The League One side was thrashed 6-1 by League Two team Oxford United in the Carling Cup and now they have lost to Darlington, who haven’t exactly been lighting up the Blue Square Premier.
Byron Anthony played in defence for Bristol Rovers while Ben Swallow and Eliot Richards both made substitute appearances.
Dartford 1-1 Port Vale
Blue Square South strugglers Dartford managed to force a replay against Port Vale, who aren’t exactly struggling in League Two.
Lewis Haldane made his long-awaited return to League Two football when he came off Port Vale’s bench after half-time. Gareth Owen also played for Port Vale.
Fleetwood Town 1-1 Walsall
Walsall haven’t had a great season but perhaps it’s just got even worse after the League One side failed to knock the Conference North side out of the FA Cup. They will get another chance though.
Sean Geddes wasn’t in Walsall’s squad for the sixth consecutive game.
Forest Green Rovers 0-3 Northampton Town
Northampton are pretty good at these Cups. They found Forest Green even less trouble than Liverpool.
Mike Fowler played 85 minutes for Forest Green. Curtis McDonald was on the bench.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
FA Cup Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 2)
Cambridge United v Huddersfield Town
David Partridge is likely to play for Cambridge after recovering from an ankle injury.
Cheltenham Town v Morecambe
Josh Low should play for Cheltenham.
Colchester City v Bradford City
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James probably have a chance of starting against League Two Bradford. Maybe we’ll be really lucky and Tom Bender will be in the squad too.
Carlisle United have given Jason Price permission to play for Bradford in the FA Cup. Bradford won’t have Michael Flynn due to a groin injury.
Dagenham & Redbridge v Leyton Orient
Dagenham will be without goalkeeper Tony Roberts, who has an ankle injury.
Darlington v Bristol Rovers
Ben Swallow and Eliot Richards will hope for a chance against non-league Darlington. Byron Anthony could also play but if Bristol Rovers are resting players, he could be one of them.
Dartford v Port Vale
Lewis Haldane is expected to return to the squad after recovering from an infected insect bite although he is unlikely to play. He has been out for three months and it will be great to see him back. Gareth Owen might play or might be rested.
Fleetwood Town v Walsall
Sean Geddes might return to Walsall’s squad. He hasn’t been in it for the last few weeks but Walsall might give different players a chance against Fleetwood.
David Partridge is likely to play for Cambridge after recovering from an ankle injury.
Cheltenham Town v Morecambe
Josh Low should play for Cheltenham.
Colchester City v Bradford City
Lee Beevers and Lloyd James probably have a chance of starting against League Two Bradford. Maybe we’ll be really lucky and Tom Bender will be in the squad too.
Carlisle United have given Jason Price permission to play for Bradford in the FA Cup. Bradford won’t have Michael Flynn due to a groin injury.
Dagenham & Redbridge v Leyton Orient
Dagenham will be without goalkeeper Tony Roberts, who has an ankle injury.
Darlington v Bristol Rovers
Ben Swallow and Eliot Richards will hope for a chance against non-league Darlington. Byron Anthony could also play but if Bristol Rovers are resting players, he could be one of them.
Dartford v Port Vale
Lewis Haldane is expected to return to the squad after recovering from an infected insect bite although he is unlikely to play. He has been out for three months and it will be great to see him back. Gareth Owen might play or might be rested.
Fleetwood Town v Walsall
Sean Geddes might return to Walsall’s squad. He hasn’t been in it for the last few weeks but Walsall might give different players a chance against Fleetwood.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
League Two Fixtures 2nd November 2010 (Part 1)
Barnet v Stevenage
The Barnet manager has named an unchanged squad. Grant Basey wasn’t in the last squad. So I cam only assume he’s not in this one either.
Burton Albion v Port Vale
Tony James has returned to Burton after his loan spell at Hereford United came to an end.
Gareth Owen should start for Port Vale but Lewis Haldane is still out.
Bury v Bradford City
Can’t get a game at struggling Stockport County? No problem, promotion contenders Bury are still interested. Owain fon Williams will hope to keep his place.
Jason Price will start if Bradford’s appeal against James Hanson’s red card is unsuccessful. Michael Flynn is still recovering from groin surgery.
Cheltenham Town v Southend United
Josh Low should start for Cheltenham.
Southend’s Peter Gilbert is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
Chesterfield v Accrington Stanley
Craig Davies has scored four goals in his last three games for Chesterfield but none in his last time. I think he’s due another goal.
The Barnet manager has named an unchanged squad. Grant Basey wasn’t in the last squad. So I cam only assume he’s not in this one either.
Burton Albion v Port Vale
Tony James has returned to Burton after his loan spell at Hereford United came to an end.
Gareth Owen should start for Port Vale but Lewis Haldane is still out.
Bury v Bradford City
Can’t get a game at struggling Stockport County? No problem, promotion contenders Bury are still interested. Owain fon Williams will hope to keep his place.
Jason Price will start if Bradford’s appeal against James Hanson’s red card is unsuccessful. Michael Flynn is still recovering from groin surgery.
Cheltenham Town v Southend United
Josh Low should start for Cheltenham.
Southend’s Peter Gilbert is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
Chesterfield v Accrington Stanley
Craig Davies has scored four goals in his last three games for Chesterfield but none in his last time. I think he’s due another goal.
Saturday, 16 October 2010
League Two Fixtures 16th October 2010 Part 2
Port Vale v Gillingham
If Gillingham don’t win this match, they’ll have equallsed a club record of 33 away games without a win.
Gareth Owen will be in defence for Port Vale but it’s likely to be a while before Lewis Haldane has played for Port Vale’s reserves but he’s not ready for the first team yet.
Shrewsbury Town v Lincoln City
Tom Bradshaw will be hoping to make another supersub appearance for Shrewsbury.
Southend United v Crewe Alexandra
Peter Gilbert should be in the starting line-up for Southend with Nathaniel Jarvis probably coming off the bench again.
Rhys Taylor will play in goal for Crewe.
Stockport County v Barnet
Anthony Pulis will be hoping for another start for Stockport after his goalscoring debut. Owain fon Williams will be on the bench.
Grant Basey has an ankle injury so he might not play for Barnet.
Wycombe Wanderers v Chesterfield
Craig Davies will be hoping to put the ball in the net again for Chesterfield – except this time ideally it won’t be disallowed. Robert Page might be on the bench but he might not.
If Gillingham don’t win this match, they’ll have equallsed a club record of 33 away games without a win.
Gareth Owen will be in defence for Port Vale but it’s likely to be a while before Lewis Haldane has played for Port Vale’s reserves but he’s not ready for the first team yet.
Shrewsbury Town v Lincoln City
Tom Bradshaw will be hoping to make another supersub appearance for Shrewsbury.
Southend United v Crewe Alexandra
Peter Gilbert should be in the starting line-up for Southend with Nathaniel Jarvis probably coming off the bench again.
Rhys Taylor will play in goal for Crewe.
Stockport County v Barnet
Anthony Pulis will be hoping for another start for Stockport after his goalscoring debut. Owain fon Williams will be on the bench.
Grant Basey has an ankle injury so he might not play for Barnet.
Wycombe Wanderers v Chesterfield
Craig Davies will be hoping to put the ball in the net again for Chesterfield – except this time ideally it won’t be disallowed. Robert Page might be on the bench but he might not.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
League Two News 11th October
Bradford City midfielder Michael Flynn will see a specialist after he suffered a reaction following his comeback from a groin injury.
Garyn Preen started for Burton Albion in their 2-1 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Rotherham United. He nearly got his first goal too. Mark Bradley scored one of Rotherham’s goals.
Josh Low was looking forward to facing his former club Northampton Town.
Rhys Taylor is the Vital Crewe Alexandra Player of the Month for September. He was also Player of the Month in August.
These Welsh players keep on breeding! Congratulations to Stuart Fleetwood, who has just become a father for the first time. Let’s hope it’s not a big heavy baby, Stuart already has a bad back.
Gareth Owen is supporting a 10-week fitness course for children aged 7-13 and their families.
Lewis Haldane has had a setback after suffering a bad reaction to training.
Garyn Preen started for Burton Albion in their 2-1 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Rotherham United. He nearly got his first goal too. Mark Bradley scored one of Rotherham’s goals.
Josh Low was looking forward to facing his former club Northampton Town.
Rhys Taylor is the Vital Crewe Alexandra Player of the Month for September. He was also Player of the Month in August.
These Welsh players keep on breeding! Congratulations to Stuart Fleetwood, who has just become a father for the first time. Let’s hope it’s not a big heavy baby, Stuart already has a bad back.
Gareth Owen is supporting a 10-week fitness course for children aged 7-13 and their families.
Lewis Haldane has had a setback after suffering a bad reaction to training.
Saturday, 25 September 2010
League Two Fixtures 25th September 2010 Part 2
Northampton Town v Bradford City
Northampton’s confidence should be high after knocking Liverpool out of the Carling Cup. (Yes, that is correct. It was Liverpool.) Now they take on former Premier League side Bradford.
Paul Walker could be on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford’s Michael Flynn returned to training this week after a hernia operation but he’s unlikely to play.
Port Vale v Accrington Stanley
A big enough win could see Port Vale go top even if current top side Shrewsbury Town do win. But Accrington have had a strong start to the season and although they’re yet to win away, they have an unbeaten record which they won’t want to lose.
Gareth Owen should be in defence for Port Vale. Lewis Haldane is still recovering from an insect bite he suffered in pre-season (and ‘suffered’ really is the word for it. Hope you’re doing okay, Lewis);
Rotherham United v Chesterfield
Rotherham could take Chesterfield’s place in the top three if they win this match although it does depend on Torquay United. With Rotherham unbeaten at home and Chesterfield unbeaten away (and home), I fancy a draw.
Mark Bradley will probably be on the bench for Rotherham but they really should give him a chance soon.
Craig Davies should start up front for Chesterfield with Robert Page on the bench.
Stockport v Aldershot Town
Stockport are slowly climbing the table and they’ll be hoping this match marks their first home win of the season. Aldershot will be hoping this is their first away win of the season.
Owain fon Williams will probably be on the bench for Stockport.
Aaron Morris deserves to keep his place after an excellent performance for Aldershot against Wycombe Wanderers but if Darren Jones is back from the thigh strain which kept him out of the team last week, he could take Aaron’s place.
Torquay United v Macclesfield Town
Torquay haven’t won since their long unbeaten run came to an end but they are kind of on another unbeaten run now because they haven’t lost for two games. Macclesfield are outside the bottom two on goal diffrerence.
Sam Wedgbury will probably be on the bench for Macclesfield.
Wycombe Wanderers v Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury are top of the table now but they’ll almost certainly need to win to stay there. As for Wycombe, I’d never have realised they were mounting a promotion challenge if their manager hadn’t said so.
Tom Bradshaw should be on the bench for Shrewsbury.
Northampton’s confidence should be high after knocking Liverpool out of the Carling Cup. (Yes, that is correct. It was Liverpool.) Now they take on former Premier League side Bradford.
Paul Walker could be on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford’s Michael Flynn returned to training this week after a hernia operation but he’s unlikely to play.
Port Vale v Accrington Stanley
A big enough win could see Port Vale go top even if current top side Shrewsbury Town do win. But Accrington have had a strong start to the season and although they’re yet to win away, they have an unbeaten record which they won’t want to lose.
Gareth Owen should be in defence for Port Vale. Lewis Haldane is still recovering from an insect bite he suffered in pre-season (and ‘suffered’ really is the word for it. Hope you’re doing okay, Lewis);
Rotherham United v Chesterfield
Rotherham could take Chesterfield’s place in the top three if they win this match although it does depend on Torquay United. With Rotherham unbeaten at home and Chesterfield unbeaten away (and home), I fancy a draw.
Mark Bradley will probably be on the bench for Rotherham but they really should give him a chance soon.
Craig Davies should start up front for Chesterfield with Robert Page on the bench.
Stockport v Aldershot Town
Stockport are slowly climbing the table and they’ll be hoping this match marks their first home win of the season. Aldershot will be hoping this is their first away win of the season.
Owain fon Williams will probably be on the bench for Stockport.
Aaron Morris deserves to keep his place after an excellent performance for Aldershot against Wycombe Wanderers but if Darren Jones is back from the thigh strain which kept him out of the team last week, he could take Aaron’s place.
Torquay United v Macclesfield Town
Torquay haven’t won since their long unbeaten run came to an end but they are kind of on another unbeaten run now because they haven’t lost for two games. Macclesfield are outside the bottom two on goal diffrerence.
Sam Wedgbury will probably be on the bench for Macclesfield.
Wycombe Wanderers v Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury are top of the table now but they’ll almost certainly need to win to stay there. As for Wycombe, I’d never have realised they were mounting a promotion challenge if their manager hadn’t said so.
Tom Bradshaw should be on the bench for Shrewsbury.
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Welsh Player news 18th September 2010 (League One, League Two, Scotland)
League One
Colchester United defender Lee Beevers will miss the next three or four weeks after hurting himself on his child’s pram. Yes, a pram. In a particularly painful, er, twist on Liam Lawrence’s ‘tripping over the dog’ incident, Lee tripped whilst carrying a pushchair downstairs and the nasty evil thing trapped and injured his hand. He is continuing to train but the plaster cast on his hand makes him a danger to his team-mates.
Tony Roberts is the epitome of being a Dagger.
Shaun MacDonald believes loan club Yeovil Town will beat Huddersfield Town.
League Two
Lewis Haldane is now back in training for Port Vale after recovering from an infected insect bite. Manager Micky Adams says Lewis should be available to play again in a month’s time but he has to build up some match fitness first.
Shrewsbury Town manager Graham Turner says Tom Bradshaw has a big future. Tom hasn’t played in League Two yet this season but he scored on his debut last season before doing the same in his Wales under-19 debut. Tom is very excited about his Wales goal and he thoroughly enjoyed playing for his country. Let’s hope Brian Flynn can give Tom a competitive cap for Wales before England start sniffing round.
Scotland
It sounds as though Grant Basey won’t be able to play for Aberdeen after all as they still don’t have enough money to pay his wages. No news on what he’s going to do instead.
Joe Ledley hopes that the Champions’ League will distract Rangers from winning the League so Celtic can have the title again.
Colchester United defender Lee Beevers will miss the next three or four weeks after hurting himself on his child’s pram. Yes, a pram. In a particularly painful, er, twist on Liam Lawrence’s ‘tripping over the dog’ incident, Lee tripped whilst carrying a pushchair downstairs and the nasty evil thing trapped and injured his hand. He is continuing to train but the plaster cast on his hand makes him a danger to his team-mates.
Tony Roberts is the epitome of being a Dagger.
Shaun MacDonald believes loan club Yeovil Town will beat Huddersfield Town.
League Two
Lewis Haldane is now back in training for Port Vale after recovering from an infected insect bite. Manager Micky Adams says Lewis should be available to play again in a month’s time but he has to build up some match fitness first.
Shrewsbury Town manager Graham Turner says Tom Bradshaw has a big future. Tom hasn’t played in League Two yet this season but he scored on his debut last season before doing the same in his Wales under-19 debut. Tom is very excited about his Wales goal and he thoroughly enjoyed playing for his country. Let’s hope Brian Flynn can give Tom a competitive cap for Wales before England start sniffing round.
Scotland
It sounds as though Grant Basey won’t be able to play for Aberdeen after all as they still don’t have enough money to pay his wages. No news on what he’s going to do instead.
Joe Ledley hopes that the Champions’ League will distract Rangers from winning the League so Celtic can have the title again.
League Two Fixtures 18th September 2010 Part 2
Macclesfield Town v Port Vale
Macclesfield haven’t yet won at home and now they face third-placed Port Vale, who have a 100% record away from home.
Sam Wedgbury should be in Macclesfield’s squad, most likely on the bench.
Gareth Owen will be in defence for Port Vale but Lewis Haldane is still building up his fitness after a spell in hospital with blood poisoning. Lewis has now returned to training but it will take a while for him to build up his match fitness.
Oxford United v Stockport County
Both these teams have been strongest away this season so it’s Stockport who have the advantage in this match. Oxford have won twice as many games as Stockport this season – two.
Rhys Day won’t play for Oxford due to a long-term knee injury.
Owain fon Williams will probably be on the bench for Stockport. Unfortunately his replacement is doing rather well.
Shrewsbury Town v Northampton Town
Even a point could be enough for Shrewsbury to go top of the table but it’s not entirely in their hands. Northampton got their first win last week.
Tom Bradshaw should be back on the bench for Shrewsbury after playing for the Wales under-19s midweek.
Paul Walker might be out of the squad again as their first-choice goalkeeper is fit again.
Southend United v Morecambe
It looks as though Southend will have a better time this season than last season but the same so far can’t be said about last year’s play-off semi-finalists Morecambe, who are yet to win a match.
Peter Gilbert should be in defence for Southend.
Darren Moss was missing from Morecambe’s last squad so who knows if he’ll be there today.
Macclesfield haven’t yet won at home and now they face third-placed Port Vale, who have a 100% record away from home.
Sam Wedgbury should be in Macclesfield’s squad, most likely on the bench.
Gareth Owen will be in defence for Port Vale but Lewis Haldane is still building up his fitness after a spell in hospital with blood poisoning. Lewis has now returned to training but it will take a while for him to build up his match fitness.
Oxford United v Stockport County
Both these teams have been strongest away this season so it’s Stockport who have the advantage in this match. Oxford have won twice as many games as Stockport this season – two.
Rhys Day won’t play for Oxford due to a long-term knee injury.
Owain fon Williams will probably be on the bench for Stockport. Unfortunately his replacement is doing rather well.
Shrewsbury Town v Northampton Town
Even a point could be enough for Shrewsbury to go top of the table but it’s not entirely in their hands. Northampton got their first win last week.
Tom Bradshaw should be back on the bench for Shrewsbury after playing for the Wales under-19s midweek.
Paul Walker might be out of the squad again as their first-choice goalkeeper is fit again.
Southend United v Morecambe
It looks as though Southend will have a better time this season than last season but the same so far can’t be said about last year’s play-off semi-finalists Morecambe, who are yet to win a match.
Peter Gilbert should be in defence for Southend.
Darren Moss was missing from Morecambe’s last squad so who knows if he’ll be there today.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Welsh Player News 9th September 2010 (League Two)
Chesterfield striker Craig Davies is glad he’s in the same team as Jack Lester.
Chelsea have allowed Crewe Alexandra to extend Rhys Taylor’s loan. Rhys is Vital Crewe’s Player of the Month for August.
Northampton manager Ian Sampson says he’d be happy for Paul Walker to play in goal if the first-choice goalkeeper is injured.
Rhys Day will be back in light training next week. The Oxford defender has missed the season so far with a knee injury. Once he’s fit, he’s likely to go out on loan.
Robbie Earle wishes Port Vale’s Lewis Haldane all the best. He says he knows what Lewis is going through.
Peter Gilbert says he isn’t worried about getting a hostile reception from his former side Northampton Town when they play his current side Southend United at the weekend.
Owain fon Williams could sent out on loan from Stockport County just weeks after the manager told everyone he was a great goalkeeper. Championship sides Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Norwich City and Swansea City are said to be interested. But whether they want him to start, I don’t know.
Chelsea have allowed Crewe Alexandra to extend Rhys Taylor’s loan. Rhys is Vital Crewe’s Player of the Month for August.
Northampton manager Ian Sampson says he’d be happy for Paul Walker to play in goal if the first-choice goalkeeper is injured.
Rhys Day will be back in light training next week. The Oxford defender has missed the season so far with a knee injury. Once he’s fit, he’s likely to go out on loan.
Robbie Earle wishes Port Vale’s Lewis Haldane all the best. He says he knows what Lewis is going through.
Peter Gilbert says he isn’t worried about getting a hostile reception from his former side Northampton Town when they play his current side Southend United at the weekend.
Owain fon Williams could sent out on loan from Stockport County just weeks after the manager told everyone he was a great goalkeeper. Championship sides Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Norwich City and Swansea City are said to be interested. But whether they want him to start, I don’t know.
League Two Results 4th September 2010 Part One
Aldershot Town 1-1 Northampton Town
Aldershot remain unbeaten after drawing with a team who are themselves unbeaten in the last four league games. Not that this is much consolation when they’re all draws and you’re yet to win. Northampton took the lead and managed to hang on to it until the 95th minute. If only the referee had blown the whistle ninety seconds earlier.
Darren Jones gave a good performance in defence for Aldershot but they were missing Aaron Morris, who was away with the Wales under-21s.
Paul Walker wasn’t on the bench for Northampton. Their other goalkeeper must have recovered.
Barnet 3-1 Cheltenham Town
Barnet finally got their first win of the season when they beat Cheltenham, the only team to finish below Barnet last season still playing league football.
Josh Low played the full match for Cheltenham and went very close with a free kick.
Bradford City 0-2 Port Vale
Both these teams were criticised for underachieving last season and it’s certainly Port Vale who have taken more notice of the criticism. They are up in fourth place while Bradford only have the two teams in the relegation places below them. Bradford could have equalised but their striker thought he was Thierry Henry and used his hand.
Bradford were without Michael Flynn, who is recovering from a hernia operation.
Gareth Owen helped Port Vale to keep a clean sheet while Lewis Haldane isn’t ready to return from what is mostly now referred to as an ankle problem but we know it was an insect bite really. He’d probably prefer it if it was an ankle injury.
Burton Albion 3-0 Hereford United
Burton are in the play-off places after an emphatic win over Hereford – a particularly impressive result considering they were forced to play the last ten minutes with ten men due to injury.
Tony James was left on the bench today but luckily for him a defender got injured and he was needed to join the action after just 19 minutes. And it looks like he did pretty well.
Ryan Green and Ryan Valentine both played the full match in defence. Or possibly not the full match as quite a few players seemed to go missing. Stuart Fleetwood was on the bench but he made a 65th minute substitute appearance.
Aldershot remain unbeaten after drawing with a team who are themselves unbeaten in the last four league games. Not that this is much consolation when they’re all draws and you’re yet to win. Northampton took the lead and managed to hang on to it until the 95th minute. If only the referee had blown the whistle ninety seconds earlier.
Darren Jones gave a good performance in defence for Aldershot but they were missing Aaron Morris, who was away with the Wales under-21s.
Paul Walker wasn’t on the bench for Northampton. Their other goalkeeper must have recovered.
Barnet 3-1 Cheltenham Town
Barnet finally got their first win of the season when they beat Cheltenham, the only team to finish below Barnet last season still playing league football.
Josh Low played the full match for Cheltenham and went very close with a free kick.
Bradford City 0-2 Port Vale
Both these teams were criticised for underachieving last season and it’s certainly Port Vale who have taken more notice of the criticism. They are up in fourth place while Bradford only have the two teams in the relegation places below them. Bradford could have equalised but their striker thought he was Thierry Henry and used his hand.
Bradford were without Michael Flynn, who is recovering from a hernia operation.
Gareth Owen helped Port Vale to keep a clean sheet while Lewis Haldane isn’t ready to return from what is mostly now referred to as an ankle problem but we know it was an insect bite really. He’d probably prefer it if it was an ankle injury.
Burton Albion 3-0 Hereford United
Burton are in the play-off places after an emphatic win over Hereford – a particularly impressive result considering they were forced to play the last ten minutes with ten men due to injury.
Tony James was left on the bench today but luckily for him a defender got injured and he was needed to join the action after just 19 minutes. And it looks like he did pretty well.
Ryan Green and Ryan Valentine both played the full match in defence. Or possibly not the full match as quite a few players seemed to go missing. Stuart Fleetwood was on the bench but he made a 65th minute substitute appearance.
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