Gillingham v Northampton Town
Northampton, who are now well away from the relegation zone, will hope to add to their two away wins against a team who have finally broken their away win jinx – only to forget how to win at home. But Gillingham have only forgotten how to win home games once in the last seven matches.
Paul Walker will be on the bench for Northampton.
Hereford United v Stockport County
Hereford manager/physio Jamie Ptman is ‘confident that [Hereford] will get out of it’. Let’s hope he’s not referring to League Two. But Hereford are still without a win on their home ground while four out of Stockport’s five wins have come away from home.
Stuart Fleetwood should start for Hereford but Ryan Green serves the last match of his two-match suspension and Ryan Valentine is still out with an injury that used to be a stomach injury but it seems to be a hip injury now.
Stockport drew their last match. It was a good draw but they might drop Owain fon Williams anyway. It would be really unfair if they did though.
Oxford United v Bradford City
Bradford wanted to be promotion contenders this season and as long as the play-offs count, they probably are. Admittedly, they have just lost to Barnet but they’re still just four points from the play-offs, two points behind Oxford.
Michael Flynn is still out with a groin injury but he is in training and should be back by the end of the month.
Rotherham United v Southend
Rotherham are in second, having lost just one home game this season. It doesn’t look good for Southend but the Essex side are one of three teams to have beaten them this season.
As Mark Bradley has been told he can go out on loan, I wouldn’t expect him to start for Rotherham.
Peter Gilbert has been on the bench since returning from his latest suspension but Southend did lose both those games so maybe he’ll start this time.
Showing posts with label michael flynn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label michael flynn. Show all posts
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (League Two, Part 1)
Accrington Stanley
Joe Jacobson played just two matches for Accrington in the time spell of this post but he has since extended his loan deal from Oldham Athletic.
Morecambe A 1-2 (played all)
Chesterfield H 2-2 (Y foul 52, played all)
Aldershot Town
Darren Jones was surprisingly dropped to the bench for one of the two matches Aldershot were able to play. Losing to Barnet and Hereford United: is there worse?
Barnet A 1-2 (bench, on 91)
Hereford H 1-2 (played all)
Aaron Morris also spent one match on the bench but that’s less of a surprise because he often has to do that. That doesn’t mean I agree with it though.
Barnet A 1-2 (played all)
Hereford H 1-2 (bench, on 46, Y foul 69)
Barnet
Grant Basey played his final two matches with Barnet – the club have decided to cancel his contract as they felt he wasn’t fully committed to the cause. And maybe he isn’t – he really wanted to go to Aberdeen. It’s not his fault Aberdeen kept him hanging for weeks before deciding they couldn’t afford him.
Stockport H 1-3 (played all)
Aldershot H 1-2 (played all)
Stevenage A 4-2 (OG2 8, played all)
Bradford City
Jason Price’s loan spell at Bradford didn’t really go as planned as far as goals are concerned but his manager apparently still wants him.
Cheltenham A 4-0 (played all)
Lincoln A 1-2 (bench)
Bury H 1-0 (starts, off 72)
Michael Flynn is still out with a groin injury.
Burton Albion
Player of the Year Tony James ended his year on the bench.
Port Vale A 2-1 (bench)
Garyn Preen has returned from a loan spell at Stafford Rangers after deciding not to extend his loan. So did the player who went with him. Their manager Paul Peschisolido is trying to find them both new clubs but maybe he only means new loan clubs.
Bury
Owain fon Williams exchanged Stockport County’s relegation fight for a promotion race with loan club Bury. He was great but as soon as their other keeper was fit, Owain was on the bench. (And Bury lost.)
Macclesfield H 2-2 (played all)
Bradford A 1-0 (bench)
Cheltenham Town
A number Cheltenham’s Christmas fixtures were cancelled but Josh Low would have missed them anyway as he has a hamstring injury.
Bradford H 4-0 (out, hamstring)
Wycombe H 1-2 (out, hamstring
Southend A 1-2 (out, hamstring)
Joe Jacobson played just two matches for Accrington in the time spell of this post but he has since extended his loan deal from Oldham Athletic.
Morecambe A 1-2 (played all)
Chesterfield H 2-2 (Y foul 52, played all)
Aldershot Town
Darren Jones was surprisingly dropped to the bench for one of the two matches Aldershot were able to play. Losing to Barnet and Hereford United: is there worse?
Barnet A 1-2 (bench, on 91)
Hereford H 1-2 (played all)
Aaron Morris also spent one match on the bench but that’s less of a surprise because he often has to do that. That doesn’t mean I agree with it though.
Barnet A 1-2 (played all)
Hereford H 1-2 (bench, on 46, Y foul 69)
Barnet
Grant Basey played his final two matches with Barnet – the club have decided to cancel his contract as they felt he wasn’t fully committed to the cause. And maybe he isn’t – he really wanted to go to Aberdeen. It’s not his fault Aberdeen kept him hanging for weeks before deciding they couldn’t afford him.
Stockport H 1-3 (played all)
Aldershot H 1-2 (played all)
Stevenage A 4-2 (OG2 8, played all)
Bradford City
Jason Price’s loan spell at Bradford didn’t really go as planned as far as goals are concerned but his manager apparently still wants him.
Cheltenham A 4-0 (played all)
Lincoln A 1-2 (bench)
Bury H 1-0 (starts, off 72)
Michael Flynn is still out with a groin injury.
Burton Albion
Player of the Year Tony James ended his year on the bench.
Port Vale A 2-1 (bench)
Garyn Preen has returned from a loan spell at Stafford Rangers after deciding not to extend his loan. So did the player who went with him. Their manager Paul Peschisolido is trying to find them both new clubs but maybe he only means new loan clubs.
Bury
Owain fon Williams exchanged Stockport County’s relegation fight for a promotion race with loan club Bury. He was great but as soon as their other keeper was fit, Owain was on the bench. (And Bury lost.)
Macclesfield H 2-2 (played all)
Bradford A 1-0 (bench)
Cheltenham Town
A number Cheltenham’s Christmas fixtures were cancelled but Josh Low would have missed them anyway as he has a hamstring injury.
Bradford H 4-0 (out, hamstring)
Wycombe H 1-2 (out, hamstring
Southend A 1-2 (out, hamstring)
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, 20 November 2010
League Two Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Aldershot Town v Chesterfield
Chesterfield have only lost once away this season. However, they have only won twice – the same number as Aldershot have won at home.
Darren Jones and Aaron Morris should both start for Aldershot.
Craig Davies will probably think he’s due a goal for Chesterfield after only scoring about two in his last four games.
Barnet v Northampton Town
Northampton manager Ian Sampson seem to think the toughest thing about Barnet is their sloping pitch. Barnet are probably grateful for it. It’s the only pitch they’ve won on in the league this season. But Northampton have only won on two pitches – their own and whoever they were playing in their solitary away win (and if I had my spreadsheets with me I could tell you who it was but I haven’t and I’m too lazy to check).
Grant Basey should be in defence for Barnet
Paul Walker will probably be on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford City v Macclesfield Town
Both these teams were looking like potential relegation fodder but both are looking fairly comfortable, with Macclesfield just two points from the play-offs and Bradford four points.
Jason Price hopes parent club Carlisle United will allow him to remain at Bradford for a bit longer. Michael Flynn will be out for some time with a groin injury.
Chelteham Town v Morecambe
Cheltenham have only lost one match at home this season and Morecambe are only two points outside the relegation zone.
Josh Low should start for Cheltenham.
Crewe Alexandra v Rotherham United
A win for Crewe might put them in the top six. But it might not happen. Rotherham are pretty good and we all know what Crewe’s drawing habits are like.
Rhys Taylor will start for Crewe but perhaps he won’t be there for much longer. He has a clause in his contract saying he can move to another club in January if he wants to. Crewe manager Dario Gradi hopes he doesn’t want to. And if Rhys wants to stay, he will play.
Mark Bradley has got a couple of starts for Rotherham recently after recovering from injury. Maybe the goals will come soon.
Chesterfield have only lost once away this season. However, they have only won twice – the same number as Aldershot have won at home.
Darren Jones and Aaron Morris should both start for Aldershot.
Craig Davies will probably think he’s due a goal for Chesterfield after only scoring about two in his last four games.
Barnet v Northampton Town
Northampton manager Ian Sampson seem to think the toughest thing about Barnet is their sloping pitch. Barnet are probably grateful for it. It’s the only pitch they’ve won on in the league this season. But Northampton have only won on two pitches – their own and whoever they were playing in their solitary away win (and if I had my spreadsheets with me I could tell you who it was but I haven’t and I’m too lazy to check).
Grant Basey should be in defence for Barnet
Paul Walker will probably be on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford City v Macclesfield Town
Both these teams were looking like potential relegation fodder but both are looking fairly comfortable, with Macclesfield just two points from the play-offs and Bradford four points.
Jason Price hopes parent club Carlisle United will allow him to remain at Bradford for a bit longer. Michael Flynn will be out for some time with a groin injury.
Chelteham Town v Morecambe
Cheltenham have only lost one match at home this season and Morecambe are only two points outside the relegation zone.
Josh Low should start for Cheltenham.
Crewe Alexandra v Rotherham United
A win for Crewe might put them in the top six. But it might not happen. Rotherham are pretty good and we all know what Crewe’s drawing habits are like.
Rhys Taylor will start for Crewe but perhaps he won’t be there for much longer. He has a clause in his contract saying he can move to another club in January if he wants to. Crewe manager Dario Gradi hopes he doesn’t want to. And if Rhys wants to stay, he will play.
Mark Bradley has got a couple of starts for Rotherham recently after recovering from injury. Maybe the goals will come soon.
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
Welsh Player News 16th October 2010 (League Two)
Jason Price has joined Bradford City on loan from Carlisle United. Bradford were interested in signing Jason following his release from Millwall in the summer but Jason decided to sign for Carlisle as he’d just completed a successful loan spell there.
However, Jason suffered a muscle injury at Carlisle and, despite his absence, Carlisle had a great start to the season which means Jason has been unable to break into the team. Carlisle United manager says Jason is still part of his plans but he wanted him to go out and get some game time. Bradford manager Peter Taylor believes Jason will do very well at Bradford.
A scan has confirmed that Bradford City’s Michael Flynn probably needs another operation on his groin which would mean he won’t play until the New Year.
Oxford United defender Rhys Day has recovered from his knee injury and signed for former club Mansfield Town on a three-month loan.
Gareth Owen believes Port Vale can bounce back from their shock draw against Hereford United and a defeat to Oxford United.
Mark Bradley was disappointed with his performance in his first league start for Rotherham United. Some people are never happy. But in football, that's not always a bad thing.
Anthony Pulis was very happy to score his first senior goal with loan club Stockport County. He says he hopes there are more goals to come. He’s glad to have gone out on loan after having only very limted chances at Southampton – he joined the club two years ago but is yet to make his first-team debut.
However, Jason suffered a muscle injury at Carlisle and, despite his absence, Carlisle had a great start to the season which means Jason has been unable to break into the team. Carlisle United manager says Jason is still part of his plans but he wanted him to go out and get some game time. Bradford manager Peter Taylor believes Jason will do very well at Bradford.
A scan has confirmed that Bradford City’s Michael Flynn probably needs another operation on his groin which would mean he won’t play until the New Year.
Oxford United defender Rhys Day has recovered from his knee injury and signed for former club Mansfield Town on a three-month loan.
Gareth Owen believes Port Vale can bounce back from their shock draw against Hereford United and a defeat to Oxford United.
Mark Bradley was disappointed with his performance in his first league start for Rotherham United. Some people are never happy. But in football, that's not always a bad thing.
Anthony Pulis was very happy to score his first senior goal with loan club Stockport County. He says he hopes there are more goals to come. He’s glad to have gone out on loan after having only very limted chances at Southampton – he joined the club two years ago but is yet to make his first-team debut.
League Two Fixtures 16th October 2010 Part 1
Accrington Stanley v Rotherham United
Mark Bradley will hope for a fourth consecutive start for Rotherham.
Aldershot Town v Morecambe
Darren Jones should keep his place in defence for Aldershot. Aaron Morris has a chance of returning to the starting line-up due to the suspension of team-mate Jamie Vincent.
As for Morecambe’s Darren Moss, I’ve heard nothing but rumours.
Bradford City v Cheltenham Town
Jason Price is likely to sit on the bench for his first match as a Bradford loanee but maybe he’ll get to come off the bench and score a winning goal. Michael Flynn (groin) probably won’t be fit enough to play for Bradford.
Josh Low should play in midfield for Cheltenham.
Macclesfield Town v Oxford United
Sam Wedgbury is probably more likely to be on the bench for Macclesfield.
Rhys Day won’t play for Oxford as he’s joined Mansfield Town on loan.
Northampton Town v Hereford United
Paul Walker will be on the bench for Northampton.
Ryan Green, Ryan Valentine and Tony James should make Hereford’s back four 75% Welsh. Assuming they play with four at the back. If I have made a mistake, perhaps one of the lovely people at Bulls News could let me know. Stuart Fleetwood should be ready to return from a back injury.
Mark Bradley will hope for a fourth consecutive start for Rotherham.
Aldershot Town v Morecambe
Darren Jones should keep his place in defence for Aldershot. Aaron Morris has a chance of returning to the starting line-up due to the suspension of team-mate Jamie Vincent.
As for Morecambe’s Darren Moss, I’ve heard nothing but rumours.
Bradford City v Cheltenham Town
Jason Price is likely to sit on the bench for his first match as a Bradford loanee but maybe he’ll get to come off the bench and score a winning goal. Michael Flynn (groin) probably won’t be fit enough to play for Bradford.
Josh Low should play in midfield for Cheltenham.
Macclesfield Town v Oxford United
Sam Wedgbury is probably more likely to be on the bench for Macclesfield.
Rhys Day won’t play for Oxford as he’s joined Mansfield Town on loan.
Northampton Town v Hereford United
Paul Walker will be on the bench for Northampton.
Ryan Green, Ryan Valentine and Tony James should make Hereford’s back four 75% Welsh. Assuming they play with four at the back. If I have made a mistake, perhaps one of the lovely people at Bulls News could let me know. Stuart Fleetwood should be ready to return from a back injury.
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.
League Two Results 9th October 2010 Part 1
Barnet 0-2 Bradford City
Bradford hadn’t won their last four matches in all competitions so they’d have been glad to get three points in this match, even if they were only playing Barnet. The win was their first of the season at a ground other than their own and it meant Barnet took their place in the bottom two.
Grant Basey started for Barnet but left the field after 47 minutes due to an ankle injury.
Michael Flynn made his return from a groin injury in Bradford’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Hartlepool United but then (as if losing to Hartlepool wasn’t bad enough) he suffered a reaction and was forced to miss this game.
Burton Albion 1-2 Wycombe Wanderers
Going into this match, Wycombe hadn’t lose away while Burton hadn’t won at home. So a draw looked the most likely result but instead it was Burton’s unbeaten run which came to an end.
With Tony James on loan at Hereford United and Garyn Preen unselected, this tie wasn’t nearly as Welsh as it has been.
Cheltenham Town 1-0 Northampton Town
Cheltenham moved into the play-off places as they consigned Northampton to their third consecutive defeat – and their fourth in six away games. Northampton went down to ten men early on so they did well in a way only to lose by one goal.
Josh Low played the full match against his former side Northampton.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Chesterfield 2-1 Southend United
Chesterfield keep their unbeaten home record intact as they beat Southend. The match looked like it was going to finish as a draw but a stoppage-time Chesterfield winner put paid to any ideas from Southend about sharing the points.
Chesterfield’s victory could have been greater without the disallowed goals, including one from Craig Davies. It’s not often a match passes without Craig either scoring or getting an assist. And in a way, he got both. He won the penalty that became the opening goal.
Peter Gilbert played the full match for Southend and could have got an own goal but luckily his deflection took the shot away from the goal. Nathaniel Jarvis made a 79th-minute substitute appearance and nearly got his first goal. Nathaniel’s would have been in the right net though.
Crewe Alexandra 3-3 Torquay United
Another goal-fest for Crewe, who are unbeaten in nine League matches – although only two of those matches were wins. Torquay probably still remember their record-breaking run of games without defeat – but it probably seems like a long time ago. Their run of matches without a win is now nearly as long.
Rhys Taylor was on goal for Crewe.
Gillingham 2-1 Stockport County
Gillingham won this time but maybe Stockport can win when they host Gillingham. Neither seem to be particularly good at winning away games this season. Not that they were that great at it last season either.
Anthony Pulis made his debut on loan for Stockport County and if you ignore the fact they didn’t actually win, it was a good game for him. He was the one who scored Stockport’s goal. Owain fon Williams was on the bench.
Bradford hadn’t won their last four matches in all competitions so they’d have been glad to get three points in this match, even if they were only playing Barnet. The win was their first of the season at a ground other than their own and it meant Barnet took their place in the bottom two.
Grant Basey started for Barnet but left the field after 47 minutes due to an ankle injury.
Michael Flynn made his return from a groin injury in Bradford’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Hartlepool United but then (as if losing to Hartlepool wasn’t bad enough) he suffered a reaction and was forced to miss this game.
Burton Albion 1-2 Wycombe Wanderers
Going into this match, Wycombe hadn’t lose away while Burton hadn’t won at home. So a draw looked the most likely result but instead it was Burton’s unbeaten run which came to an end.
With Tony James on loan at Hereford United and Garyn Preen unselected, this tie wasn’t nearly as Welsh as it has been.
Cheltenham Town 1-0 Northampton Town
Cheltenham moved into the play-off places as they consigned Northampton to their third consecutive defeat – and their fourth in six away games. Northampton went down to ten men early on so they did well in a way only to lose by one goal.
Josh Low played the full match against his former side Northampton.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Chesterfield 2-1 Southend United
Chesterfield keep their unbeaten home record intact as they beat Southend. The match looked like it was going to finish as a draw but a stoppage-time Chesterfield winner put paid to any ideas from Southend about sharing the points.
Chesterfield’s victory could have been greater without the disallowed goals, including one from Craig Davies. It’s not often a match passes without Craig either scoring or getting an assist. And in a way, he got both. He won the penalty that became the opening goal.
Peter Gilbert played the full match for Southend and could have got an own goal but luckily his deflection took the shot away from the goal. Nathaniel Jarvis made a 79th-minute substitute appearance and nearly got his first goal. Nathaniel’s would have been in the right net though.
Crewe Alexandra 3-3 Torquay United
Another goal-fest for Crewe, who are unbeaten in nine League matches – although only two of those matches were wins. Torquay probably still remember their record-breaking run of games without defeat – but it probably seems like a long time ago. Their run of matches without a win is now nearly as long.
Rhys Taylor was on goal for Crewe.
Gillingham 2-1 Stockport County
Gillingham won this time but maybe Stockport can win when they host Gillingham. Neither seem to be particularly good at winning away games this season. Not that they were that great at it last season either.
Anthony Pulis made his debut on loan for Stockport County and if you ignore the fact they didn’t actually win, it was a good game for him. He was the one who scored Stockport’s goal. Owain fon Williams was on the bench.
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Welsh Player News 5th October 2010 (League Two)
Michael Flynn should make his return from a groin injury in Bradford City’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy match against Hartlepool United.
Crewe Alexandra’s former No. 1 goalkeeper Steve Phillips is fit again – but Rhys Taylor isn’t giving up his place in the team as easily as all that.
Hereford United manager Simon Davey has been sacked, as predicted by one of my favourite blogs. He has been with Hereford for ten games and they’ve won one of them.
Tony James has re-signed for Hereford United on loan from Burton Albion. Great news for Hereford (and it could result in a back four which is 75% Welsh) but are you sure that’s a good idea, Burton?
Former Hereford United defender Gareth Davies speaks about the sacking of Simon Davey and the loan signing of Tony James.
Oxford United defender Rhys Day has made his comeback from injury in a friendly against a Fulham XI. Rhys hasn’t played this season due to tendonitis in his knee. Oxford won so Rhys can’t have done too badly.
Gareth Owen has no doubts that Port Vale can bounce back from their defeat to Oxford United. And at least it gave them a bit of a reality check, which everyone needs now and then.
Crewe Alexandra’s former No. 1 goalkeeper Steve Phillips is fit again – but Rhys Taylor isn’t giving up his place in the team as easily as all that.
Hereford United manager Simon Davey has been sacked, as predicted by one of my favourite blogs. He has been with Hereford for ten games and they’ve won one of them.
Tony James has re-signed for Hereford United on loan from Burton Albion. Great news for Hereford (and it could result in a back four which is 75% Welsh) but are you sure that’s a good idea, Burton?
Former Hereford United defender Gareth Davies speaks about the sacking of Simon Davey and the loan signing of Tony James.
Oxford United defender Rhys Day has made his comeback from injury in a friendly against a Fulham XI. Rhys hasn’t played this season due to tendonitis in his knee. Oxford won so Rhys can’t have done too badly.
Gareth Owen has no doubts that Port Vale can bounce back from their defeat to Oxford United. And at least it gave them a bit of a reality check, which everyone needs now and then.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
League Two Results 25th September 2010 Part 2
Northampton Town 2-0 Bradford City
Having disposed of one of the Premier League’s most successful teams this week, Northampton seemed to have little difficulty with former Premier League side Bradford, who weren’t at their best. Northampton should really have won by more but we’ll let them off, they were probably tired.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford will be counting the days until Michael Flynn returns him his groin injury.
Port Vale 2-0 Accrington Stanley
Accrington’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end at the home of league leaders Port Vale. They didn’t play especially badly and they remained in the top seven but Port Vale are on great form right now and not many teams will stop them.
Gareth Owen played in defence for Port Vale.
Rotherham United 1-0 Chesterfield
Chesterfield lost for the first time this season against a strong Rotherham side, who move ahead of them into third place.
Mark Bradley made another late appearance from the bench for Rotherham. He hasn’t had many chances at his new club – maybe if one of the midfielders got injured really early in the game, he could come on and have a nice long time to show what he can do. But I don’t want to see any player get injured and I’m sure Mark feels the same way.
Craig Davies did his best to add to his four goals this season but it didn’t happen for him this time with the Rotherham keeper on great form. Robert Page was on the bench.
Stockport County 2-2 Aldershot Town
Aldershot took the lead in the first half and looked set to take all three points but two late goals from Stockport meant they were forced to share.
Owain fon Williams was on the bench for Stockport.
Darren Jones returned to Aldershot’s defence which meant Aaron Morris was back on the bench despite a great performance last week.
Torquay United 1-3 Macclesfield Town
The problem with winning several games is a row is that it can become almost second nature. So when someone does finally beat you, you can’t quite remember what the winning formula was. At least, that’s why I think Torquay are struggling for points now. Macclesfield scored twice in two minutes to take the points although some would say Torquay were the better side.
Sam Wedgbury was a late substitute for Macclesfield.
Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 Shrewsbury Town
A stoppage-time goal for Wycombe meant that Shrewsbury were forced to share the points – and surrender their place at the top of the League Two table.
Wycombe were winning 1-0 with just over ten minutes left to play but substitute Tom Bradshaw’s 78th minute equaliser inspired Shrewsbury to fight for a winner. And they did get another goal but unfortunately so did Wycombe.
Having disposed of one of the Premier League’s most successful teams this week, Northampton seemed to have little difficulty with former Premier League side Bradford, who weren’t at their best. Northampton should really have won by more but we’ll let them off, they were probably tired.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford will be counting the days until Michael Flynn returns him his groin injury.
Port Vale 2-0 Accrington Stanley
Accrington’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end at the home of league leaders Port Vale. They didn’t play especially badly and they remained in the top seven but Port Vale are on great form right now and not many teams will stop them.
Gareth Owen played in defence for Port Vale.
Rotherham United 1-0 Chesterfield
Chesterfield lost for the first time this season against a strong Rotherham side, who move ahead of them into third place.
Mark Bradley made another late appearance from the bench for Rotherham. He hasn’t had many chances at his new club – maybe if one of the midfielders got injured really early in the game, he could come on and have a nice long time to show what he can do. But I don’t want to see any player get injured and I’m sure Mark feels the same way.
Craig Davies did his best to add to his four goals this season but it didn’t happen for him this time with the Rotherham keeper on great form. Robert Page was on the bench.
Stockport County 2-2 Aldershot Town
Aldershot took the lead in the first half and looked set to take all three points but two late goals from Stockport meant they were forced to share.
Owain fon Williams was on the bench for Stockport.
Darren Jones returned to Aldershot’s defence which meant Aaron Morris was back on the bench despite a great performance last week.
Torquay United 1-3 Macclesfield Town
The problem with winning several games is a row is that it can become almost second nature. So when someone does finally beat you, you can’t quite remember what the winning formula was. At least, that’s why I think Torquay are struggling for points now. Macclesfield scored twice in two minutes to take the points although some would say Torquay were the better side.
Sam Wedgbury was a late substitute for Macclesfield.
Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 Shrewsbury Town
A stoppage-time goal for Wycombe meant that Shrewsbury were forced to share the points – and surrender their place at the top of the League Two table.
Wycombe were winning 1-0 with just over ten minutes left to play but substitute Tom Bradshaw’s 78th minute equaliser inspired Shrewsbury to fight for a winner. And they did get another goal but unfortunately so did Wycombe.
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
League Two Fixtures 18th September 2010 Part 1
Aldershot Town v Wycombe Wandeers
Wycombe are managed by a former Aldershot boss who would probably love to see them challenging for promotion again – but maybe they could save their challenge for next week.
Darren Jones should start for Aldershot with Aaron Morris on the bench.
Barnet v Rotherham United
Rotherham failed to win their last two matches but Barnet tend to be a lot more obliging than most opponents.
Mark Bradley will probably be on the bench for Rotherham.
Bradford City v Gillingham
Gillingham hope to end their away day hoodoo against Bradford, who haven’t quite got the hang of this fighting for promotion business.
Michael Flynn is still out with a groin injury but BBC Sport say the Bradford midfielder has a calf injury too. Michael misses the chance to play against former club Gillingham.
Burton Albion v Crewe Alexandra
Burton have made a good start to their second season in League football and are unbeaten at home. Crewe have only won two games this season, neither of which were away. But when they do win, it’s usually pretty emphatic.
Tony James will be hoping to keep his place in Burton’s defence after some impressive performances when deputising for an injured team-mate.
Rhys Taylor will be in goal for Crewe.
Bury v Hereford United
Hereford have only won once this season but that victory did come from an away game. A defeat for Bury certainly wouldn’t end their promotion hopes – and a victory wouldn’t defeat Hereford’s – but they’ll want to keep pace with the other promotion challengers.
Ryan Green, Ryan Valentine and Stuart Fleetwood should all be in Hereford’s squad with the two Ryans more likely to start than Stuart.
Chesterfield v Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham don’t want another season like the last one and they’re doing all the right things to increase the chances of its happening again this season. Chesterfield are also in the play-off places.
Craig Davies will be hoping to get on the score sheet again after scoring three goals in his first four games for Chesterfield. Robert Page could be on the bench again.
Josh Low should be in Cheltenham’s team.
Wycombe are managed by a former Aldershot boss who would probably love to see them challenging for promotion again – but maybe they could save their challenge for next week.
Darren Jones should start for Aldershot with Aaron Morris on the bench.
Barnet v Rotherham United
Rotherham failed to win their last two matches but Barnet tend to be a lot more obliging than most opponents.
Mark Bradley will probably be on the bench for Rotherham.
Bradford City v Gillingham
Gillingham hope to end their away day hoodoo against Bradford, who haven’t quite got the hang of this fighting for promotion business.
Michael Flynn is still out with a groin injury but BBC Sport say the Bradford midfielder has a calf injury too. Michael misses the chance to play against former club Gillingham.
Burton Albion v Crewe Alexandra
Burton have made a good start to their second season in League football and are unbeaten at home. Crewe have only won two games this season, neither of which were away. But when they do win, it’s usually pretty emphatic.
Tony James will be hoping to keep his place in Burton’s defence after some impressive performances when deputising for an injured team-mate.
Rhys Taylor will be in goal for Crewe.
Bury v Hereford United
Hereford have only won once this season but that victory did come from an away game. A defeat for Bury certainly wouldn’t end their promotion hopes – and a victory wouldn’t defeat Hereford’s – but they’ll want to keep pace with the other promotion challengers.
Ryan Green, Ryan Valentine and Stuart Fleetwood should all be in Hereford’s squad with the two Ryans more likely to start than Stuart.
Chesterfield v Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham don’t want another season like the last one and they’re doing all the right things to increase the chances of its happening again this season. Chesterfield are also in the play-off places.
Craig Davies will be hoping to get on the score sheet again after scoring three goals in his first four games for Chesterfield. Robert Page could be on the bench again.
Josh Low should be in Cheltenham’s team.
Friday, 17 September 2010
Welsh Player News 16th September 2010 (League Two)
Michael Flynn says his biggest football regret is moving to Gillingham rather than staying with Wigan Athletic and possibly playing in the Premier League with them – although he probably did do the best thing for his career.
Tony James was given a warm reception when he came off Burton Albion’s bench to play against Hereford United. And not just by the Burton fans.
Chesterfield goalkeeper Mark Crossley takes part in the latest Football League podcast.
Gareth Owen was delighted to help Port Vale to their first home win of the season.
Young Shrewsbury striker Tom Bradshaw says former team-mate and mentor Dave Hibbert is his inspitation but now he has to go it alone. And he’s certainly doing all right on his own – he not only scored on his Shrewsbury debut, he scored on his Wales debut too.
Peter Gilbert says the problems at Southend United are helping to bring the players closer together.
Tony James was given a warm reception when he came off Burton Albion’s bench to play against Hereford United. And not just by the Burton fans.
Chesterfield goalkeeper Mark Crossley takes part in the latest Football League podcast.
Gareth Owen was delighted to help Port Vale to their first home win of the season.
Young Shrewsbury striker Tom Bradshaw says former team-mate and mentor Dave Hibbert is his inspitation but now he has to go it alone. And he’s certainly doing all right on his own – he not only scored on his Shrewsbury debut, he scored on his Wales debut too.
Peter Gilbert says the problems at Southend United are helping to bring the players closer together.
League Two Results 11th September 2010 Part 2
Northampton Town 2-1 Southend United
Peter Gilbert was turfed out of Northampton in disgrace after it was suspected that he was delaying the signing of a new contract in the hope of something better coming along. He ended up at Southend and when his new club took the lead against the formerly winless Northampton, he was probably looking forward to taking points off his old club in more ways than one. But it was his old club who took the points.
Peter played the full match but Northampton fans probably weren’t overly thrilled to see him. Or not if a recent edit to Peter’s Wikipedia page is anything to go by.
Paul Walker was back on the bench for Northampton after their loan keeper departed.
Port Vale 1-0 Aldershot Town
Port Vale moved into the top three after beating last year’s play-off semi-finalists Aldershot Town. Aldershot nearly equalised in the second half but luckily Port Vale were able to stop them.
The presence of Gareth Owen probably helped Port Vale to hold on.
Darren Jones played in defence for Aldershot but Aaron Morris stayed on the bench this time.
Rotherham United 3-3 Burton Albion
Rotherham were 3-0 up at half-time so some would feel Burton did well to fight back for a draw. But they were the best side throughout the match and how they managed to be 3 goals down, I don’t think anyone knows.
Mark Bradley came off Rotherham’s bench after 77 minutes.
Tony James kept his place in Burton’s defence.
Stockport County 1-1 Bradford City
Ten years ago, Bradford were in the Premier League while Stockport were just a division below them and I was a 12 year old with her first two GCSEs. Now, both clubs find themselves at the wrong end of League Two while I’m training to become a hairdresser on a course that only asks for two GCSEs (although to be fair I did pass another eleven). It’s not what people hoped for but it doesn’t mean there’s no hope at all.
Stockport finally seem to be recovering from the disaster of last season and it’s just a shame they’re doing it without Owain fon Williams, who was on the bench.
Bradford’s Michael Flynn is still out with a groin injury.
Wycombe Wanderers 1-2 Macclesfield Town
Macclesfield got their first win of the season – and they did it in style with two great goals in the first fifteen minutes. After that Wycombe were probably a bit demoralised although they did win and score a penalty later on.
Sam Wedgbury came off Macclesfield’s bench after 78 minutes.
Peter Gilbert was turfed out of Northampton in disgrace after it was suspected that he was delaying the signing of a new contract in the hope of something better coming along. He ended up at Southend and when his new club took the lead against the formerly winless Northampton, he was probably looking forward to taking points off his old club in more ways than one. But it was his old club who took the points.
Peter played the full match but Northampton fans probably weren’t overly thrilled to see him. Or not if a recent edit to Peter’s Wikipedia page is anything to go by.
Paul Walker was back on the bench for Northampton after their loan keeper departed.
Port Vale 1-0 Aldershot Town
Port Vale moved into the top three after beating last year’s play-off semi-finalists Aldershot Town. Aldershot nearly equalised in the second half but luckily Port Vale were able to stop them.
The presence of Gareth Owen probably helped Port Vale to hold on.
Darren Jones played in defence for Aldershot but Aaron Morris stayed on the bench this time.
Rotherham United 3-3 Burton Albion
Rotherham were 3-0 up at half-time so some would feel Burton did well to fight back for a draw. But they were the best side throughout the match and how they managed to be 3 goals down, I don’t think anyone knows.
Mark Bradley came off Rotherham’s bench after 77 minutes.
Tony James kept his place in Burton’s defence.
Stockport County 1-1 Bradford City
Ten years ago, Bradford were in the Premier League while Stockport were just a division below them and I was a 12 year old with her first two GCSEs. Now, both clubs find themselves at the wrong end of League Two while I’m training to become a hairdresser on a course that only asks for two GCSEs (although to be fair I did pass another eleven). It’s not what people hoped for but it doesn’t mean there’s no hope at all.
Stockport finally seem to be recovering from the disaster of last season and it’s just a shame they’re doing it without Owain fon Williams, who was on the bench.
Bradford’s Michael Flynn is still out with a groin injury.
Wycombe Wanderers 1-2 Macclesfield Town
Macclesfield got their first win of the season – and they did it in style with two great goals in the first fifteen minutes. After that Wycombe were probably a bit demoralised although they did win and score a penalty later on.
Sam Wedgbury came off Macclesfield’s bench after 78 minutes.
Friday, 10 September 2010
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.
Thursday, 26 August 2010
League Two Fixture 27th August 2010
Bradford City v Southend United
Bradford’s and Southend’s Carling Cup dreams came to an end midweek after taking their Championship and Premier League opponents to extra time before both losing by a very respectable two goals to one.
Michael Flynn had a groin operation this week and won’t play for Bradford for about a month.
Southend’s Peter Gilbert should keep his place in the starting line-up.
Bradford’s and Southend’s Carling Cup dreams came to an end midweek after taking their Championship and Premier League opponents to extra time before both losing by a very respectable two goals to one.
Michael Flynn had a groin operation this week and won’t play for Bradford for about a month.
Southend’s Peter Gilbert should keep his place in the starting line-up.
Carling Cup Results 24th August 2010 Part 1
Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Norwich City
Blackburn are a good side but they are slightly lacking in the goalscorer department. The answer? Sign a striker from a top four team. It worked last season with Chelsea’s Franco di Santo and so far the ploy looks set to reap still more dividends this season. Mame Biram Diouf didn’t even wait thirty minutes before he got onto the scoresheet and he went on to get a hat-trick. Exciting stuff if you’re a Blackburn fam but not so good if you want some Carling Cup giant-killing romance. Norwich did have a go at fighting back but as their goal came in the 90th minute, the referee’s whistle got in the way of any attempts to build on this comeback.
Jason Brown was nowhere to be seen for Blackburn. Mark Bunn played in goal and England star Frankie Fielding was on the bench. This sounds bad but I do kind of hope Jason’s injured. Because if he’s not injured, he’s being ignored.
Andrew Crofts was rested due to a slight knock but Norwich didn’t bring in Owain Tudur Jones or Josh Dawkin.
Bradford City 1-2 Preston North End (after extra time)
League Two Bradford managed to hold Preston to a draw in normal time but Preston got a winner in extra time which is just so unromantic. Although of course it’s Bradford, not Preston who are the former Premier League side.
Michael Flynn didn’t play for Bradford as he’s going to have a groin operation. I’m not sure why as it I heard he had a back injury.
Preston were without Paul Parry. I’m a bit worried about him. He’d just got back into the first team but then he’s missed the last two matches, even though he has appeared in a reserve match. Maybe he needs the reserve matches to help him get up to literal and figurative speed.
Craig Morgan did play for Preston though.
Brentford 2-1 Hull City
Yes, that’s more like it! I do actually like Hull and Brentford are technically a rival London team but this is what the Carling Cup’s all about. At least until Arsenal come into the competition. Hull took the lead in the 8th minute but Brentford got an equaliser fourteen minutes later before finding a late winner.
Nicky Adams was absent from Brentford’s squad. He’s not cup-tied so that’s not why.
Crewe Alexandra 0-1 Ipswich Town (after extra time)
Crewe struggled in their opening league games but a 7-0 victory over Barnet seemed to give them a bit of confidence. Ipswich have been on great form in the Championship this season but League Two Crewe took them to extra time.
Ipswich found a winner in the 101st minute but only though s stunning goal, the kind that more experienced keepers than Rhys Taylor couldn’t have stopped.
Troy Brown played his first ninety minutes – plus another thirty – for Ipswich.
Leeds United 1-2 Leicester City
Leeds led for much of this tie after taking the lead through the supersub that beat poor Millwall at the weekend. But Leicester equalised shortly after the hour mark before winning a penalty in the 89th minute. This penaty was scored – saving them from more penalties half an hour later.
Sanchez Watt came off the bench for Leeds after 72 minutes. I’m sure he was just being rested.
Leicester’s Andy King was also rested but at half-time they realised they just couldn’t do without him. Well I could have told them that. He made a big difference to Leicester’s attack and also playing his part in defence, clearing a Leeds shot off the line.
Blackburn are a good side but they are slightly lacking in the goalscorer department. The answer? Sign a striker from a top four team. It worked last season with Chelsea’s Franco di Santo and so far the ploy looks set to reap still more dividends this season. Mame Biram Diouf didn’t even wait thirty minutes before he got onto the scoresheet and he went on to get a hat-trick. Exciting stuff if you’re a Blackburn fam but not so good if you want some Carling Cup giant-killing romance. Norwich did have a go at fighting back but as their goal came in the 90th minute, the referee’s whistle got in the way of any attempts to build on this comeback.
Jason Brown was nowhere to be seen for Blackburn. Mark Bunn played in goal and England star Frankie Fielding was on the bench. This sounds bad but I do kind of hope Jason’s injured. Because if he’s not injured, he’s being ignored.
Andrew Crofts was rested due to a slight knock but Norwich didn’t bring in Owain Tudur Jones or Josh Dawkin.
Bradford City 1-2 Preston North End (after extra time)
League Two Bradford managed to hold Preston to a draw in normal time but Preston got a winner in extra time which is just so unromantic. Although of course it’s Bradford, not Preston who are the former Premier League side.
Michael Flynn didn’t play for Bradford as he’s going to have a groin operation. I’m not sure why as it I heard he had a back injury.
Preston were without Paul Parry. I’m a bit worried about him. He’d just got back into the first team but then he’s missed the last two matches, even though he has appeared in a reserve match. Maybe he needs the reserve matches to help him get up to literal and figurative speed.
Craig Morgan did play for Preston though.
Brentford 2-1 Hull City
Yes, that’s more like it! I do actually like Hull and Brentford are technically a rival London team but this is what the Carling Cup’s all about. At least until Arsenal come into the competition. Hull took the lead in the 8th minute but Brentford got an equaliser fourteen minutes later before finding a late winner.
Nicky Adams was absent from Brentford’s squad. He’s not cup-tied so that’s not why.
Crewe Alexandra 0-1 Ipswich Town (after extra time)
Crewe struggled in their opening league games but a 7-0 victory over Barnet seemed to give them a bit of confidence. Ipswich have been on great form in the Championship this season but League Two Crewe took them to extra time.
Ipswich found a winner in the 101st minute but only though s stunning goal, the kind that more experienced keepers than Rhys Taylor couldn’t have stopped.
Troy Brown played his first ninety minutes – plus another thirty – for Ipswich.
Leeds United 1-2 Leicester City
Leeds led for much of this tie after taking the lead through the supersub that beat poor Millwall at the weekend. But Leicester equalised shortly after the hour mark before winning a penalty in the 89th minute. This penaty was scored – saving them from more penalties half an hour later.
Sanchez Watt came off the bench for Leeds after 72 minutes. I’m sure he was just being rested.
Leicester’s Andy King was also rested but at half-time they realised they just couldn’t do without him. Well I could have told them that. He made a big difference to Leicester’s attack and also playing his part in defence, clearing a Leeds shot off the line.
Monday, 23 August 2010
Welsh Player News 24th August 2010
Craig Bellamy says he can’t get Cardiff promoted all on his own. But there’s more to come from him.
Either way, the fans love him.
Gary Speed thinks Craig can go back to the Premier League anytime he likes but Robbie Savage thinks Craig might prefer to stay at Cardiff City for the rest of his career. Cardiff manager Dave Jones says it’s far too early to think beyond next season. He thinks it’s a possibility if Cardiff get promoted but if this happens, would Manchester City be happy to sell Craig to Cardiff? And would Cardiff be able to afford him?
Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan isn’t very happy about Craig’s arrival at Cardiff City. Not because Cardiff beat them 4-0 (although it probably didn’t help) but the financial implications generally.
No surrise to hear that Craig is in the Championship Football League Team of the Week.
Is Craig the missing piece in the Cardiff jigsaw?
Or is he a cuddly piranha?
Bradford City’s Michael Flynn is going to have a groin operation tomorrow and will be ruled out for a month.
Either way, the fans love him.
Gary Speed thinks Craig can go back to the Premier League anytime he likes but Robbie Savage thinks Craig might prefer to stay at Cardiff City for the rest of his career. Cardiff manager Dave Jones says it’s far too early to think beyond next season. He thinks it’s a possibility if Cardiff get promoted but if this happens, would Manchester City be happy to sell Craig to Cardiff? And would Cardiff be able to afford him?
Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan isn’t very happy about Craig’s arrival at Cardiff City. Not because Cardiff beat them 4-0 (although it probably didn’t help) but the financial implications generally.
No surrise to hear that Craig is in the Championship Football League Team of the Week.
Is Craig the missing piece in the Cardiff jigsaw?
Or is he a cuddly piranha?
Bradford City’s Michael Flynn is going to have a groin operation tomorrow and will be ruled out for a month.
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