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 rhys taylor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rhys taylor. 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.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
League Two Results 11th January 2011
Stockport County 3-3 Rotherham United
Two late goals for Rotherham ensured that they shared the points with Stockport. The home side will be disappointed to drop two points but there is a reason why Rotherham are second in the table. They’re good. And Stockport aren’t noted for their strong home form: they have won at their own stadium just once in the League this season.
I would say something like this but I’m sure the reinstation of Owain fon Williams in goal for Stockport has something to do with what is an excellent result.
Mark Bradley is still missing from Rotherham’s squad.
Torquay United 2-1 Crewe Alexandra
Crewe were unbeaten in five, having drawn just one of those matches/ Torquay, on the other hand, were without a win in three League games. But two consecutive FA Cup giant-killings would lift anyone’s confidence (even if one of them was only over Walsall) and Torquay claimed the win.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe.
Two late goals for Rotherham ensured that they shared the points with Stockport. The home side will be disappointed to drop two points but there is a reason why Rotherham are second in the table. They’re good. And Stockport aren’t noted for their strong home form: they have won at their own stadium just once in the League this season.
I would say something like this but I’m sure the reinstation of Owain fon Williams in goal for Stockport has something to do with what is an excellent result.
Mark Bradley is still missing from Rotherham’s squad.
Torquay United 2-1 Crewe Alexandra
Crewe were unbeaten in five, having drawn just one of those matches/ Torquay, on the other hand, were without a win in three League games. But two consecutive FA Cup giant-killings would lift anyone’s confidence (even if one of them was only over Walsall) and Torquay claimed the win.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe.
League Two Results 8th January 2011
Accrington Stanley 1-0 Bury
It looked as though Accrington would have to be content with a draw – despite the loss of Owain fon Williams, who has returned to parent club Stockport County, Bury were looking very strong in the goalkeeping department.
Luckily for Accrington, they had Joe Jacobson on the pitch – he scored the goal and gave Accrington the win they deserved. But manager John Coleman thinks he should take some of the credit because he told Joe to go up for the corner. Joe has extended his loan spell initially until 29th January but Accrington are hoping to keep him for the rest of the season. Yes, I can see why!
Aldershot Town 1-2 Oxford United
Oxford won for the fifth time in sixth games, with Aldershot their latest victims. Four of Aldershot’s last six matches have in a 2-1 away win (including their last three matches) – unfortunately Aldershot were only playing away in two of them.
Darren Jones played the full match for Aldershot. Aaron Morris was on the bench.
Bradford City 1-3 Barnet
Barnet recorded their first away win of the season – and moved out of the bottom two as a result. A win for Bradford would have put them a point behind the play-offs.
Barnet don’t seem to be missing Grant Basey, who was released by the club. But Bradford probably wish they’d been able to extend Jason Price’s loan deal.
Crewe Alexandra 3-0 Wycombe Wanderers
Crewe moved into the play-offs following a big win over rivals Wycombe, who remain in the top three.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe – but they will only have him for this season. They can’t afford his wages anyway and he wants to play at a higher level next season. And I’m sure he’ll have plenty of offers.
Northampton Town 1-1 Cheltenham Town
Northampton missed out on the chance to go into the top half of the table, despite an excellent first half. Cheltenham are outside the play-offs only on goal difference.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Cheltenham were without the injured Josh Low (hamstring).
Shrewsbury Town 1-3 Morecambe
Shrewsbury dropped out of the play-offs when they failed to win for the fourth consecutive match. Morecambe are eight points clear of the relegation zone. Maybe they won’t be in the play-offs this season but they’re only seven points away so you never know.
Tom Bradshaw was given another start but the striker has never scored in a match he’s started. Of course, he only started three matches.
Southend United 2-3 Chesterfield
Chesterfield would have been top even if they’d lost this match but a hard-fought win means they are now five points clear. But they had a bit of help from Southend, who conceded two penalties.
Peter Gilbert was on the bench for Southend. He was hoping for a starting place but he didn’t get one.
Chesterfield are still without the injured Craig Davies.
Stockport County 1-5 Gillingham
Gillingham win their fourth successive away game – which isn’t a sentence I expected to write this season. Stockport fail to win for the third consecutive match.
Just a tip, Stockport. As Owain fon Williams did such a great job on loan at Bury, don’t you think he might be an option in goal?
It looked as though Accrington would have to be content with a draw – despite the loss of Owain fon Williams, who has returned to parent club Stockport County, Bury were looking very strong in the goalkeeping department.
Luckily for Accrington, they had Joe Jacobson on the pitch – he scored the goal and gave Accrington the win they deserved. But manager John Coleman thinks he should take some of the credit because he told Joe to go up for the corner. Joe has extended his loan spell initially until 29th January but Accrington are hoping to keep him for the rest of the season. Yes, I can see why!
Aldershot Town 1-2 Oxford United
Oxford won for the fifth time in sixth games, with Aldershot their latest victims. Four of Aldershot’s last six matches have in a 2-1 away win (including their last three matches) – unfortunately Aldershot were only playing away in two of them.
Darren Jones played the full match for Aldershot. Aaron Morris was on the bench.
Bradford City 1-3 Barnet
Barnet recorded their first away win of the season – and moved out of the bottom two as a result. A win for Bradford would have put them a point behind the play-offs.
Barnet don’t seem to be missing Grant Basey, who was released by the club. But Bradford probably wish they’d been able to extend Jason Price’s loan deal.
Crewe Alexandra 3-0 Wycombe Wanderers
Crewe moved into the play-offs following a big win over rivals Wycombe, who remain in the top three.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe – but they will only have him for this season. They can’t afford his wages anyway and he wants to play at a higher level next season. And I’m sure he’ll have plenty of offers.
Northampton Town 1-1 Cheltenham Town
Northampton missed out on the chance to go into the top half of the table, despite an excellent first half. Cheltenham are outside the play-offs only on goal difference.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Cheltenham were without the injured Josh Low (hamstring).
Shrewsbury Town 1-3 Morecambe
Shrewsbury dropped out of the play-offs when they failed to win for the fourth consecutive match. Morecambe are eight points clear of the relegation zone. Maybe they won’t be in the play-offs this season but they’re only seven points away so you never know.
Tom Bradshaw was given another start but the striker has never scored in a match he’s started. Of course, he only started three matches.
Southend United 2-3 Chesterfield
Chesterfield would have been top even if they’d lost this match but a hard-fought win means they are now five points clear. But they had a bit of help from Southend, who conceded two penalties.
Peter Gilbert was on the bench for Southend. He was hoping for a starting place but he didn’t get one.
Chesterfield are still without the injured Craig Davies.
Stockport County 1-5 Gillingham
Gillingham win their fourth successive away game – which isn’t a sentence I expected to write this season. Stockport fail to win for the third consecutive match.
Just a tip, Stockport. As Owain fon Williams did such a great job on loan at Bury, don’t you think he might be an option in goal?
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
League Two Fixtures 11th January 2011
Stockport County v Rotherham United
Stockport have lost their last two matches – and if you ignore their win against Barnet, who lose to most clubs, Stockport haven’t won since mid-November. Rotherham haven’t lost in the league since October.
Owain fon Williams is back from his loan spell at Bury, where he spent some time in the promotion places . Let’s hope Stockport’s caretaker manager noticed.
Mark Bradley hasn’t been in Rotherham’s squad since mid-November. I hope he’s all right.
Torquay United v Crewe Alexandra
Torquay will no doubt be quaking in their football boots at the thought of playing Crawley Town in the next round of the FA Cup. Crewe will hope to take advantage.
Rhys Taylor will play in goal for Crewe.
Stockport have lost their last two matches – and if you ignore their win against Barnet, who lose to most clubs, Stockport haven’t won since mid-November. Rotherham haven’t lost in the league since October.
Owain fon Williams is back from his loan spell at Bury, where he spent some time in the promotion places . Let’s hope Stockport’s caretaker manager noticed.
Mark Bradley hasn’t been in Rotherham’s squad since mid-November. I hope he’s all right.
Torquay United v Crewe Alexandra
Torquay will no doubt be quaking in their football boots at the thought of playing Crawley Town in the next round of the FA Cup. Crewe will hope to take advantage.
Rhys Taylor will play in goal for Crewe.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (League Two, Part 2)
Chesterfield
Craig Davies was in and out of the team with a hamstring injury but when he played, he scored.
Stockport H 4-1 (Y unsporting 27, G4 90, played all)
Accrington A 2-2 (out, injury)
Robert Page finished 2011 with another appearance on the bench.
Stockport H 4-1 (unselected)
Accrington A 2-2 (bench)
Mark Crossley hasn’t been named on the bench since September.
Crewe Alexandra
Rhys Taylor has the option to move to another club in January and considering that he’d actually pretty good for a Chelsea goalkeeper, I would certainly have forgiven him if he did just that (although I’m not so sure about the Crewe fans). But the good news is that he hasn’t been corrupted by Ashley Cole and he does know what the word ‘loyalty’ means.
Northampton H 2-0 (played all)
Shrewsbury A 0-1 (played all)
Hereford United
Ryan Green returned from suspension to play Hereford’s final two matches of the season, in which they were unbeaten.
Wycombe A 2-1 (suspended)
Torquay H 2-2 (played all)
Aldershot A 1-2 (played all)
All the same, Hereford probably missed Ryan Valentine, who is still sidelined with a stomach injury.
Stuart Fleetwood made the most of his final two starts of the year by scoring in each of them.
Wycombe A 2-1 (starts, off 64)
Torquay H 2-2 (starts, G1 32, off 79)
Aldershot A 1-2 (starts, G1 3, off 78)
Macclesfield Town
Have Macclesfield Town actually superglued Sam Wedgbury to the bench or do they just not want him to play? I don’t know which is more ridiculous. I’m sure it’s no coincidence that they didn’t win any of their last three games.
Oxford A 2-1 (bench)
Bury A 2-2 (bench)
Rotherham H 0-2 (bench)
Northampton Town
Paul Walker remains Northampton’s second-choice keeper despite apparently being too young to play in League Two.
Crewe A 2-0 (bench)
Lincoln H 2-1 (bench)
Oxford United
Rhys Day was destined never to play with Oxford in the Football League. He spent the first part of the season absent with a knee injury before being sent out on loan to former club Mansfield Town. He has now signed for Mansfield permanently.
Craig Davies was in and out of the team with a hamstring injury but when he played, he scored.
Stockport H 4-1 (Y unsporting 27, G4 90, played all)
Accrington A 2-2 (out, injury)
Robert Page finished 2011 with another appearance on the bench.
Stockport H 4-1 (unselected)
Accrington A 2-2 (bench)
Mark Crossley hasn’t been named on the bench since September.
Crewe Alexandra
Rhys Taylor has the option to move to another club in January and considering that he’d actually pretty good for a Chelsea goalkeeper, I would certainly have forgiven him if he did just that (although I’m not so sure about the Crewe fans). But the good news is that he hasn’t been corrupted by Ashley Cole and he does know what the word ‘loyalty’ means.
Northampton H 2-0 (played all)
Shrewsbury A 0-1 (played all)
Hereford United
Ryan Green returned from suspension to play Hereford’s final two matches of the season, in which they were unbeaten.
Wycombe A 2-1 (suspended)
Torquay H 2-2 (played all)
Aldershot A 1-2 (played all)
All the same, Hereford probably missed Ryan Valentine, who is still sidelined with a stomach injury.
Stuart Fleetwood made the most of his final two starts of the year by scoring in each of them.
Wycombe A 2-1 (starts, off 64)
Torquay H 2-2 (starts, G1 32, off 79)
Aldershot A 1-2 (starts, G1 3, off 78)
Macclesfield Town
Have Macclesfield Town actually superglued Sam Wedgbury to the bench or do they just not want him to play? I don’t know which is more ridiculous. I’m sure it’s no coincidence that they didn’t win any of their last three games.
Oxford A 2-1 (bench)
Bury A 2-2 (bench)
Rotherham H 0-2 (bench)
Northampton Town
Paul Walker remains Northampton’s second-choice keeper despite apparently being too young to play in League Two.
Crewe A 2-0 (bench)
Lincoln H 2-1 (bench)
Oxford United
Rhys Day was destined never to play with Oxford in the Football League. He spent the first part of the season absent with a knee injury before being sent out on loan to former club Mansfield Town. He has now signed for Mansfield permanently.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Premier League, Part 1)
I’m never going to catch up on all the matches that have taken place (or not) so I’ll just do a quick overview of all the Welsh (and nearly Welsh) players.
Arsenal
Aaron Ramsey made his long-awaited return to non-reserve football when he came off the bench for loan club Nottingham Forest. A number of Forest’s matches were cancelled due to the snow but Aaron managed four appearances, including two starts. Forest were hoping to extend Aaron’s loan but Arsene Wenger understandably said no.
(all matches with Nottingham Forest)
Palace H 3-0 (bench, on 74)
Derby H 5-2 (starts, off 60)
Barnsley A 2-2 (bench, on 54)
Sanchez Watt is still on loan at Leeds United so I’ll talk about him later.
Aston Villa
James Collins has got himself into a few spots of bother on and off the field but he has managed to keep his place in the team. Along with practically every other footballer whose name the media knows, there have been rumours about him leaving his club in the transfer window.
Spurs H 1-2 (played all)
Man C A 4-0 (played all)
Chelsea A 3-3 (Y foul 22, played all)
Sunderland H 0-1 (Y foul 45+2, played all)
Elliot Parish hasn’t been near the first team as far as I’m aware. Even when reserve keeper Brad Guzan was absent, Villa stuck some other guy on the benc. But hopefully that will dissuade the England lower level sides from picking him and then Wales can nip in.
Blackburn Rovers
Jason Brown has returned from Leyton Orient, ending his second loan spell of the season. Leeds United and Leyton Orient should have given him a clue about whether he really wants first-team football or not. Jason played no matches over the Christmas period due to the cancellation of Orient’s games and what can only be ignorance (or that’s what I tell myself) on the part of new manager Steve Kean.
Blackpool
Neal Eardley didn’t start the season at the forefront of Ian Holloway’s mind (and maybe that was no bad thing the forefront of Ian Holloway’s mind is probably a scary place) but now he’s starting every match and providing assists (although he didn’t get any over Christmas).
Sunderland A 0-2 (played all)
Man City A 1-0 (played all)
Birmingham H 1-2 (played all)
David Vaughan has gone about his duties rather more quietly than Neal and if you’re not physically watching or listening to the match, it’s difficult to know if he’s doing anything at all. But according to fans and manager, he most certainly is. David’s contract ends this summer and Ian Holloway wants to keep him – but only if he’ll stop arguing and sign a new contract. If he won’t sign, it might be better to let him go now and get a bit of money for him. It’s not like Blackpool are in dire relegation straits after all. There’s nothing dire about Blackpool.
Sunderland A 0-2 (played all)
Man City A 1-0 (played all)
Birmingham H 1-2 (played all)
Rob Edwards had a period of not being in the matchday squad but it turned out he was injured and over the past month, he has been on the bench every time. Maybe that’s not where he most wants to be but as long as you’re on the bench, at least you have a chance of playing.
Sunderland A 0-2 (bench)
Man City A 1-0 (bench)
Birmingham H 1-2 (bench)
Bolton Wanderers
Sam Ricketts got himself back into the first team and has pretty much stayed there. He did get dropped for one match but Bolton Wanderers soon saw sense and brought him on as a substitute.
Sunderland A 1-0 (played all)
WBA H 2-0 (bench, on 64)
Chelsea A 1-0 (played all)
Liverpool A 2-1 (played all)
Wigan H 1-1 (played all)
Chelsea
Rhys Taylor is still on loan at Crewe Alexandra from ‘struggling Chelsea’. He has the option of moving to another club in this transfer window but if he does want to go, he’s been keeping it quiet.
Fulham
Simon Davies said his ongoing foot injury would prevent him from playing regularly for Fulham but it looks as though he’s underestimated himself. But the really good news is that he hasn’t said a definite no in response to Gary Speed’s attempt to recall him to the Wales squad so I kind of feel vaguely hopeful some of the time.
Simon has four assists from his last four games, as well as a brilliant goal.
West Ham H 1-3 (A1 11, played all)
Stoke A 0-2 (played all)
Spurs A 1-0 (played all)
WBA H 3-0 (starts, G1 45+1, A2 56, A3 65, off 82)
Manchester City
Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy remains on loan at Cardiff City for the season although there are reports of plans to steal him away from his childhood club.
Arsenal
Aaron Ramsey made his long-awaited return to non-reserve football when he came off the bench for loan club Nottingham Forest. A number of Forest’s matches were cancelled due to the snow but Aaron managed four appearances, including two starts. Forest were hoping to extend Aaron’s loan but Arsene Wenger understandably said no.
(all matches with Nottingham Forest)
Palace H 3-0 (bench, on 74)
Derby H 5-2 (starts, off 60)
Barnsley A 2-2 (bench, on 54)
Sanchez Watt is still on loan at Leeds United so I’ll talk about him later.
Aston Villa
James Collins has got himself into a few spots of bother on and off the field but he has managed to keep his place in the team. Along with practically every other footballer whose name the media knows, there have been rumours about him leaving his club in the transfer window.
Spurs H 1-2 (played all)
Man C A 4-0 (played all)
Chelsea A 3-3 (Y foul 22, played all)
Sunderland H 0-1 (Y foul 45+2, played all)
Elliot Parish hasn’t been near the first team as far as I’m aware. Even when reserve keeper Brad Guzan was absent, Villa stuck some other guy on the benc. But hopefully that will dissuade the England lower level sides from picking him and then Wales can nip in.
Blackburn Rovers
Jason Brown has returned from Leyton Orient, ending his second loan spell of the season. Leeds United and Leyton Orient should have given him a clue about whether he really wants first-team football or not. Jason played no matches over the Christmas period due to the cancellation of Orient’s games and what can only be ignorance (or that’s what I tell myself) on the part of new manager Steve Kean.
Blackpool
Neal Eardley didn’t start the season at the forefront of Ian Holloway’s mind (and maybe that was no bad thing the forefront of Ian Holloway’s mind is probably a scary place) but now he’s starting every match and providing assists (although he didn’t get any over Christmas).
Sunderland A 0-2 (played all)
Man City A 1-0 (played all)
Birmingham H 1-2 (played all)
David Vaughan has gone about his duties rather more quietly than Neal and if you’re not physically watching or listening to the match, it’s difficult to know if he’s doing anything at all. But according to fans and manager, he most certainly is. David’s contract ends this summer and Ian Holloway wants to keep him – but only if he’ll stop arguing and sign a new contract. If he won’t sign, it might be better to let him go now and get a bit of money for him. It’s not like Blackpool are in dire relegation straits after all. There’s nothing dire about Blackpool.
Sunderland A 0-2 (played all)
Man City A 1-0 (played all)
Birmingham H 1-2 (played all)
Rob Edwards had a period of not being in the matchday squad but it turned out he was injured and over the past month, he has been on the bench every time. Maybe that’s not where he most wants to be but as long as you’re on the bench, at least you have a chance of playing.
Sunderland A 0-2 (bench)
Man City A 1-0 (bench)
Birmingham H 1-2 (bench)
Bolton Wanderers
Sam Ricketts got himself back into the first team and has pretty much stayed there. He did get dropped for one match but Bolton Wanderers soon saw sense and brought him on as a substitute.
Sunderland A 1-0 (played all)
WBA H 2-0 (bench, on 64)
Chelsea A 1-0 (played all)
Liverpool A 2-1 (played all)
Wigan H 1-1 (played all)
Chelsea
Rhys Taylor is still on loan at Crewe Alexandra from ‘struggling Chelsea’. He has the option of moving to another club in this transfer window but if he does want to go, he’s been keeping it quiet.
Fulham
Simon Davies said his ongoing foot injury would prevent him from playing regularly for Fulham but it looks as though he’s underestimated himself. But the really good news is that he hasn’t said a definite no in response to Gary Speed’s attempt to recall him to the Wales squad so I kind of feel vaguely hopeful some of the time.
Simon has four assists from his last four games, as well as a brilliant goal.
West Ham H 1-3 (A1 11, played all)
Stoke A 0-2 (played all)
Spurs A 1-0 (played all)
WBA H 3-0 (starts, G1 45+1, A2 56, A3 65, off 82)
Manchester City
Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy remains on loan at Cardiff City for the season although there are reports of plans to steal him away from his childhood club.
Friday, 17 December 2010
League Two Results 11th December 2010 (Part 2)
Rotherham United 1-0 Aldershot Town
Adam le Fondre is too good for League Two. He must have noticed he’s scored more goals in four months of the season than most players do in a whole season. It’s just a shame he was born in Stockport really. The Aldershot manager seems quite happy they only lost by one goal.
Mark Bradley was on the bench for Rotherham.
Darren Jones and Aaron Morris both played the full match for Aldershot.
Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham probably thought they’d won it but Shrewsbury had a secret weapon on the bench. A Welsh secret weapon.
The secret weapon in question is called Tom Bradshaw and he did something he did on a number of occasions last season – came off the bench and scored a goal. But he didn’t score with his feet or his head. He scored with his bottom.
Josh Low played the full match for Cheltenham.
Stevenage 0-1 Northampton Town
Northampton win their second successive league match despite spending more than half an hour with ten men – they’ve only lost one of their last seven. They’re probably in a position now where they can look at the league table and not want to kill themselves.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Stockport County 3-3 Crewe Alexandra
Stockport might have conceded – and scored – three goals but manager Dario Gradi’s main concern is with his strikers.
So hopefully he hasn’t got a problem with goalkeeper Rhys Taylor. I don’t want Rhys getting sent back to Chelsea and getting into the first team and making them good again.
Anthony Pulis was on the bench for Stockport.
Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 Bury
Wycombe are now just three points behind Bury, who are in the third automatic promotion place.
Owain fon Williams made some good saves for Bury so clearly it could have been worse.
Adam le Fondre is too good for League Two. He must have noticed he’s scored more goals in four months of the season than most players do in a whole season. It’s just a shame he was born in Stockport really. The Aldershot manager seems quite happy they only lost by one goal.
Mark Bradley was on the bench for Rotherham.
Darren Jones and Aaron Morris both played the full match for Aldershot.
Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham probably thought they’d won it but Shrewsbury had a secret weapon on the bench. A Welsh secret weapon.
The secret weapon in question is called Tom Bradshaw and he did something he did on a number of occasions last season – came off the bench and scored a goal. But he didn’t score with his feet or his head. He scored with his bottom.
Josh Low played the full match for Cheltenham.
Stevenage 0-1 Northampton Town
Northampton win their second successive league match despite spending more than half an hour with ten men – they’ve only lost one of their last seven. They’re probably in a position now where they can look at the league table and not want to kill themselves.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Stockport County 3-3 Crewe Alexandra
Stockport might have conceded – and scored – three goals but manager Dario Gradi’s main concern is with his strikers.
So hopefully he hasn’t got a problem with goalkeeper Rhys Taylor. I don’t want Rhys getting sent back to Chelsea and getting into the first team and making them good again.
Anthony Pulis was on the bench for Stockport.
Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 Bury
Wycombe are now just three points behind Bury, who are in the third automatic promotion place.
Owain fon Williams made some good saves for Bury so clearly it could have been worse.
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
League One/League Two Fixtures 27th November 2010
Rochdale v Oldham Athletic
Rochdale have dropped from being in the play-offs to being two points above the bottom two. They take on Oldham, who are just two points behind the play-offs.
Nicky Adams could keep his place in Rochdale’s starting line-up. Matt Done will probably be on the bench.
Joe Jacobson won’t be in Oldham’s squad as he has joined Accrington Stanley on loan.
Morecambe v Crewe Alexandra
Crewe will try to get a much-needed win against Morecambe, who are just two points above the bottom two.
Rhys Taylor will start for Crewe.
Rochdale have dropped from being in the play-offs to being two points above the bottom two. They take on Oldham, who are just two points behind the play-offs.
Nicky Adams could keep his place in Rochdale’s starting line-up. Matt Done will probably be on the bench.
Joe Jacobson won’t be in Oldham’s squad as he has joined Accrington Stanley on loan.
Morecambe v Crewe Alexandra
Crewe will try to get a much-needed win against Morecambe, who are just two points above the bottom two.
Rhys Taylor will start for Crewe.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
League Two Results 20th November 2010 (Part 1)
Aldershot Town 0-2 Chesterfield
Chesterfield stay two points clear at the top of League Two after beating Aldershot – who are now just three points away from the relegation zone.
Darren Jones and Aaron Morris played the full match for Aldershot.
Craig Davies scored another outstanding goal before helping to set up Chesterfield’s second.
Barnet 4-1 Northampton Town
I wasn’t even sure Barnet had scored four goals this season so to get four in a match, even against struggling Northampton, is amazing. Barnet move ahead of Hereford United and are now just a point behind Northampton.
Grant Basey got his first Barnet goal two minutes after the re-start from a free kick.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford City 0-1 Macclesfield Town
Bradford have been doing well lately but so have Macclesfield – this was their sixth successive game without defeat.
Jason Price was a 59th minute substitute for Bradford.
Sam Wedgbury was on the bench for Macclesfield.
Cheltenham Town 1-1 Morecambe
A late penalty for Morecambe gave them a very useful point – not to mention an impressive one – against play-off hopefuls Cheltenham.
Josh Low scored Cheltenham’s goal two minutes before half-time. They say it’s good to be 1-0 up at half-time. But it’s not half as good as being 1-0 up at full-time.
Crewe Alexandra 0-1 Rotherham United
Rotherham continued their promotion push with a 1-0 away victory over Crewe.
Rhys Taylor struggled to deal with a ball from his own team-mate, which sadly ended up in the back of the net, but a Rotherham penalty from Adam Le Fondre caused him no problems at all and that's not something every goalkeeper can say.
Mark Bradley forced Rotherham into scoring an own goal. I’m sure he’d rather have scored it himself but as long as it goes in somehow.
Chesterfield stay two points clear at the top of League Two after beating Aldershot – who are now just three points away from the relegation zone.
Darren Jones and Aaron Morris played the full match for Aldershot.
Craig Davies scored another outstanding goal before helping to set up Chesterfield’s second.
Barnet 4-1 Northampton Town
I wasn’t even sure Barnet had scored four goals this season so to get four in a match, even against struggling Northampton, is amazing. Barnet move ahead of Hereford United and are now just a point behind Northampton.
Grant Basey got his first Barnet goal two minutes after the re-start from a free kick.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Bradford City 0-1 Macclesfield Town
Bradford have been doing well lately but so have Macclesfield – this was their sixth successive game without defeat.
Jason Price was a 59th minute substitute for Bradford.
Sam Wedgbury was on the bench for Macclesfield.
Cheltenham Town 1-1 Morecambe
A late penalty for Morecambe gave them a very useful point – not to mention an impressive one – against play-off hopefuls Cheltenham.
Josh Low scored Cheltenham’s goal two minutes before half-time. They say it’s good to be 1-0 up at half-time. But it’s not half as good as being 1-0 up at full-time.
Crewe Alexandra 0-1 Rotherham United
Rotherham continued their promotion push with a 1-0 away victory over Crewe.
Rhys Taylor struggled to deal with a ball from his own team-mate, which sadly ended up in the back of the net, but a Rotherham penalty from Adam Le Fondre caused him no problems at all and that's not something every goalkeeper can say.
Mark Bradley forced Rotherham into scoring an own goal. I’m sure he’d rather have scored it himself but as long as it goes in somehow.
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.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
League Two Results 13th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bury 0-1 Stockport County
BBC Sport described this as a shock win over Stockport but I’m not so sure. Bury have been doing well lately but they were forced to play without their goalkeeper, Owain fon Williams, as he is on loan from Stockport.
Robbie Williams (not the famous one, by which I mean not the one at Altrincham who played for Wales) is credited with the assist for Stockport’s goal but it sounds like Anthony Pulis’ free kick was a very important part of it.
Chesterfield 1-2 Burton Albion
Chesterfield lost at home for the first time this season while Burton won away for the first time. But Chesterfield are still top of the table so things aren’t too bad.
Craig Davies didn’t score for what I believe is the second time in three matches. But I don’t think that’s anything to worry about.
Tony James was in Burton’s starting line-up. Tony says he’s happy to have found himself again after being lost on the bench.
Gillingham 1-3 Crewe Alexandra
Gillingham lost again even though they need all the home points they can get but the manager was happy. Why? Because he had 12-14 players out through injury or suspension. Manager Andy Hessenthaler used to be a footballer so I think we can forgive him for having trouble with counting to fourteen.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe after recovering from an ankle injury (it seems to be Goalkeeper Injury Curse month – Rhys, Danny Coyne, Lewis Price and Tony Roberts have all been injured) and his presence was probably another reason why Gillingham lost. He did actually do them a big favour at one point but luckily Gillingham didn’t score.
Hereford United 1-1 Cheltenham Town
It’s a bit unfair when you’re unbeaten in six whole games and you’re still in the bottom two. Even if you do have an aversion to winning at home. But Hereford are only there on goal difference and if they can win the next game they should move ahead of Gillingham who are playing away.
Right back Ryan Green has been playing in central defence for Hereford and he says he likes it which is always good. He and Ryan Valentine played the full match for Cheltenham but Stuart Fleetwood was suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
Josh Low played the full match for Cheltenham. He thinks Cheltenham are playing a bit like Spain.
BBC Sport described this as a shock win over Stockport but I’m not so sure. Bury have been doing well lately but they were forced to play without their goalkeeper, Owain fon Williams, as he is on loan from Stockport.
Robbie Williams (not the famous one, by which I mean not the one at Altrincham who played for Wales) is credited with the assist for Stockport’s goal but it sounds like Anthony Pulis’ free kick was a very important part of it.
Chesterfield 1-2 Burton Albion
Chesterfield lost at home for the first time this season while Burton won away for the first time. But Chesterfield are still top of the table so things aren’t too bad.
Craig Davies didn’t score for what I believe is the second time in three matches. But I don’t think that’s anything to worry about.
Tony James was in Burton’s starting line-up. Tony says he’s happy to have found himself again after being lost on the bench.
Gillingham 1-3 Crewe Alexandra
Gillingham lost again even though they need all the home points they can get but the manager was happy. Why? Because he had 12-14 players out through injury or suspension. Manager Andy Hessenthaler used to be a footballer so I think we can forgive him for having trouble with counting to fourteen.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe after recovering from an ankle injury (it seems to be Goalkeeper Injury Curse month – Rhys, Danny Coyne, Lewis Price and Tony Roberts have all been injured) and his presence was probably another reason why Gillingham lost. He did actually do them a big favour at one point but luckily Gillingham didn’t score.
Hereford United 1-1 Cheltenham Town
It’s a bit unfair when you’re unbeaten in six whole games and you’re still in the bottom two. Even if you do have an aversion to winning at home. But Hereford are only there on goal difference and if they can win the next game they should move ahead of Gillingham who are playing away.
Right back Ryan Green has been playing in central defence for Hereford and he says he likes it which is always good. He and Ryan Valentine played the full match for Cheltenham but Stuart Fleetwood was suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
Josh Low played the full match for Cheltenham. He thinks Cheltenham are playing a bit like Spain.
Monday, 8 November 2010
FA Cup Results 6th November 2010 (Part 4)
Rotherham United 0-0 York City
Blue Square Premier side York managed to force a replay against League Two local rivals Rotherham.
Mark Bradley missed out for Rotherham due to a hip injury.
Alex Lawless and Danny Parslow both played the full match for York. But Alex won’t be in the replay as he has joined Luton Town on loan. The loan will be made permanent in January.
Rushden & Diamonds 0-1 Yeovil Town
Yeovil have struggled in the league this season but they did enough to progress to the second round of the FA Cup – although there was an element of controversy about their goal.
Nathan Jones played for Yeovil with loanees Shaun MacDonald and Owain Tudur Jones in midfield. Gavin Williams wasn’t given permission to play by his parent club.
Stevenage 0-0 Milton Keynes Dons
Stevenage managed to draw with League One’s MK Dons.
Jermaine Easter wasn’t in MK Dons’ squad, possibly due to his recent illness.
Stockport County 1-1 Peterborough United
Stockport forced a draw aganst League One promotion hopefuls Peterborough.
Anthony Pulis played the full match for Stockport after receiving permission to play from parent club Southampton.
Arron Davies played the full match for Peterborough but Lewin Nyatanga’s parent club Bristol City said he couldn’t play.
Swindon Supermarines 2-1 Eastwood Town
Swindon Supermarines performed a giant-killing to move into the second round at the expense of Eastwood Town. This was their first appearance in the first round of the FA Cup. And their first appearance in the second round isn’t too far away.
Tamworth 2-1 Crewe Alexandra
Tamworth are Saturday’s final giant-killing side after beating Crewe, who have been on a really good run recently.
Scott Barrow played the full match for Tamworth and the defender played a bit part in keeping Tamworth ahead.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe.
Blue Square Premier side York managed to force a replay against League Two local rivals Rotherham.
Mark Bradley missed out for Rotherham due to a hip injury.
Alex Lawless and Danny Parslow both played the full match for York. But Alex won’t be in the replay as he has joined Luton Town on loan. The loan will be made permanent in January.
Rushden & Diamonds 0-1 Yeovil Town
Yeovil have struggled in the league this season but they did enough to progress to the second round of the FA Cup – although there was an element of controversy about their goal.
Nathan Jones played for Yeovil with loanees Shaun MacDonald and Owain Tudur Jones in midfield. Gavin Williams wasn’t given permission to play by his parent club.
Stevenage 0-0 Milton Keynes Dons
Stevenage managed to draw with League One’s MK Dons.
Jermaine Easter wasn’t in MK Dons’ squad, possibly due to his recent illness.
Stockport County 1-1 Peterborough United
Stockport forced a draw aganst League One promotion hopefuls Peterborough.
Anthony Pulis played the full match for Stockport after receiving permission to play from parent club Southampton.
Arron Davies played the full match for Peterborough but Lewin Nyatanga’s parent club Bristol City said he couldn’t play.
Swindon Supermarines 2-1 Eastwood Town
Swindon Supermarines performed a giant-killing to move into the second round at the expense of Eastwood Town. This was their first appearance in the first round of the FA Cup. And their first appearance in the second round isn’t too far away.
Tamworth 2-1 Crewe Alexandra
Tamworth are Saturday’s final giant-killing side after beating Crewe, who have been on a really good run recently.
Scott Barrow played the full match for Tamworth and the defender played a bit part in keeping Tamworth ahead.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
FA Cup Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 6)
Stockport County v Peterborough United
Southampton have given Anthony Pulis permission to play for Stockport. Stockport also have a young Welsh striker called Craig Roberts who appeared in the squad on a few occasions last season. Most people seem to have forgotten about him but I haven’t.
Bristol City have not given Peterborough permission to play Lewin Nyatanga in the FA Cup but they still have Arron Davies, who practically won their last match for them.
Tamworth v Crewe Alexandra
Scott Barrow could play for Tamworth.
Chelsea have said Rhys Taylor can play for Crewe in the FA Cup.
Southampton have given Anthony Pulis permission to play for Stockport. Stockport also have a young Welsh striker called Craig Roberts who appeared in the squad on a few occasions last season. Most people seem to have forgotten about him but I haven’t.
Bristol City have not given Peterborough permission to play Lewin Nyatanga in the FA Cup but they still have Arron Davies, who practically won their last match for them.
Tamworth v Crewe Alexandra
Scott Barrow could play for Tamworth.
Chelsea have said Rhys Taylor can play for Crewe in the FA Cup.
FA Cup Fixtures 6th November 2010 (Part 4)
Hereford United v Hythe Town
Hereford really have lost Tony James this time but parent club Burton Albion probably wouldn’t have allowed him to play anyway. Stuart Fleetwood will hope for the start he should have got two matches ago and maybe Ryan Green and/or Ryan Valentine will be in line for a rest.
Macclesfield Town v Southend United
Sam Wedgbury will hope for another start for Macclesfield.
Southend defender Peter Gilbert has five yellow cards and will be suspended for this match. He was originally suspended for their match against Cheltenham Town but then he got updates from his team-mates telling him the floodlights have gone. He didn’t believe them but it was true and the match was abandoned, meaning Peter’s suspension has been carried over to this fixture.
Mansfield Town v Torquay United
Mansfield have signed Rhys Day on loan from Oxford United. I don’t know if Oxford gave them permission to play him but it doesn’t matter because he’s suspended. Rhys feels his red card for punching an opponent was undeserved as it wasn’t so much a punch as mutual shoving. But at least the fans were nice to him.
Rob Duffy, brother of Exeter City’s Richard, and Matt Sommer are the other Welshmen in Mansfield’s squad.
Notts County v Gateshead
I heard a while ago that Ben Davies was playing through an injury. If he still is, this would be a good chance to give him a rest. And even if he isn’t, Notts County might prefer not to play their first-choice team.
Plymouth Argyle v Swindon Town
Plymouth are still without Carl Fletcher, who has an injured leg.
Swindon might want to give Billy Bodin a chance.
Hereford really have lost Tony James this time but parent club Burton Albion probably wouldn’t have allowed him to play anyway. Stuart Fleetwood will hope for the start he should have got two matches ago and maybe Ryan Green and/or Ryan Valentine will be in line for a rest.
Macclesfield Town v Southend United
Sam Wedgbury will hope for another start for Macclesfield.
Southend defender Peter Gilbert has five yellow cards and will be suspended for this match. He was originally suspended for their match against Cheltenham Town but then he got updates from his team-mates telling him the floodlights have gone. He didn’t believe them but it was true and the match was abandoned, meaning Peter’s suspension has been carried over to this fixture.
Mansfield Town v Torquay United
Mansfield have signed Rhys Day on loan from Oxford United. I don’t know if Oxford gave them permission to play him but it doesn’t matter because he’s suspended. Rhys feels his red card for punching an opponent was undeserved as it wasn’t so much a punch as mutual shoving. But at least the fans were nice to him.
Rob Duffy, brother of Exeter City’s Richard, and Matt Sommer are the other Welshmen in Mansfield’s squad.
Notts County v Gateshead
I heard a while ago that Ben Davies was playing through an injury. If he still is, this would be a good chance to give him a rest. And even if he isn’t, Notts County might prefer not to play their first-choice team.
Plymouth Argyle v Swindon Town
Plymouth are still without Carl Fletcher, who has an injured leg.
Swindon might want to give Billy Bodin a chance.
Friday, 5 November 2010
League Two Results 2nd November 2010 (Part 1)
Barnet 0-3 Stevenage
Barnet remain bottom of the table but they’re only two points behind Hereford. And things can’t be too bad if you’re two points behind a team that’s had back-to-back 5-0 wins.
Grant Basey returned to Barnet’s starting line-ip after recovering from an ankle injury and nearly scored from a free kick.
Burton Albion 0-0 Port Vale
I thought Tony James would be back at Burton for this match but I messed up, he wasn’t, he was still at loan club Hereford United. Burton decided not to let Burton extend his loan because they need Tony to cover for injuries. Small problem: Tony has a thigh injury.
Port Vale seem to have forgotten how to win away. It’s a shame they’ve already played their home tie with Gillingham really.
Gareth Owen kept a clean sheet for Port Vale.
Bury 0-1 Brasford City
When I looked for Bradford in the League Two table, it took me ages to find them. I wasn’t looking high up enough. They’re now up to tenth after beating third-placed Bury.
Owain fon Williams conceded a penalty for fouling Bradford’s Jason Price. The penalty was scored (although not by Jason) which gave Bradford the win. But that’s good. It means Stockport County will be less likely to want Owain back and he can stay with his third-placed team instead of going back to his 21st-placed team.
Chesterfield 5-2 Accrington Stanley
Accrington are still without an away win this season after Chesterfield;s unbeaten home record continues.
Craig Davies returned to his goalscoring duties with a bang, scoring Chesterfield’s first and last goals, as well as getting the assist for the fourth. Chesterfield fans might have preferred it if he’d used one of his goals or assists for the previous match instead and got six points instead of four but you can’t have everything. Not even when you’re at the top of the league.
Crewe Alexandra 1-2 Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury are up to fourth despite having lost half their away games.
Rhys Taylor saved a Shrewsbury penalty but was unable to stop them from winning. It’s an improvement though. A few days ago, he was conceding penalties. Now he’s saving them. It’s by far the best way.
Tom Bradshaw was still missing for Shrewsbury due to an ankle injury he suffered whilst playing for Wales.
Barnet remain bottom of the table but they’re only two points behind Hereford. And things can’t be too bad if you’re two points behind a team that’s had back-to-back 5-0 wins.
Grant Basey returned to Barnet’s starting line-ip after recovering from an ankle injury and nearly scored from a free kick.
Burton Albion 0-0 Port Vale
I thought Tony James would be back at Burton for this match but I messed up, he wasn’t, he was still at loan club Hereford United. Burton decided not to let Burton extend his loan because they need Tony to cover for injuries. Small problem: Tony has a thigh injury.
Port Vale seem to have forgotten how to win away. It’s a shame they’ve already played their home tie with Gillingham really.
Gareth Owen kept a clean sheet for Port Vale.
Bury 0-1 Brasford City
When I looked for Bradford in the League Two table, it took me ages to find them. I wasn’t looking high up enough. They’re now up to tenth after beating third-placed Bury.
Owain fon Williams conceded a penalty for fouling Bradford’s Jason Price. The penalty was scored (although not by Jason) which gave Bradford the win. But that’s good. It means Stockport County will be less likely to want Owain back and he can stay with his third-placed team instead of going back to his 21st-placed team.
Chesterfield 5-2 Accrington Stanley
Accrington are still without an away win this season after Chesterfield;s unbeaten home record continues.
Craig Davies returned to his goalscoring duties with a bang, scoring Chesterfield’s first and last goals, as well as getting the assist for the fourth. Chesterfield fans might have preferred it if he’d used one of his goals or assists for the previous match instead and got six points instead of four but you can’t have everything. Not even when you’re at the top of the league.
Crewe Alexandra 1-2 Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury are up to fourth despite having lost half their away games.
Rhys Taylor saved a Shrewsbury penalty but was unable to stop them from winning. It’s an improvement though. A few days ago, he was conceding penalties. Now he’s saving them. It’s by far the best way.
Tom Bradshaw was still missing for Shrewsbury due to an ankle injury he suffered whilst playing for Wales.
Thursday, 4 November 2010
League Two Results 30th October 2010 (Part 1)
Accrington Stanley 2-4 Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham move into the play-off places after beating Accrington. The home are one of three sides in the division who are without an away win – so the last thing they need is for their home form to falter too.
Josh Low played the full match for Cheltenham.
Aldershot Town 1-3 Bury
It was a disappointing day for Aldershot and manager Kevin Dillon blames the referee. Aldershot had two players sent off and he planned to appeal against both. Bury’s impressive away form continues
Darren Jones had been on the field for just 23 minutes when the referee showed him a red card that did look a bit harsh to me but I’m not sure I trust my judgement. Darren conceded a penalty too but luckily for him, Bury missed it. Aaron Morris came off the bench to fill the gap in Aldershot’s defence.
Owain fon Williams debut for loan club Bury didn’t exactly get off to the best possible start when he found the ball in his net after eleven minutes. But he made sure it didn’t happen again and the match finished off as a good win for Bury.
Bradford City 5-0 Oxford United
Oxford were not the only team to receive two red cards this week but as Bradford had a player sent off too, they only had a slight numerical advantage.
Jason Price came off Bradford’s bench after 77 minutes.
Macclesfield Town 2-1 Burton Albion
Macclesfield hope to have at least fifty points by the end of the season. They now have eighteen and are a point ahead of Burton, who are yet to win away.
Sam Wedgbury was an unused substitute for Macclesfield but so were all the rest of the substitutes.
Northampton Town 2-1 Gillingham
Northampton were hoping to end a run of three straight defeats. If they could have chosen their opponents for this match, Gillingham probably would have been top of the list. True to form, Gillingham failed to win away for the 34th consecutive time.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Port Vale 2-1 Crewe Alexandra
Port Vale would have been glad to beat Crewe, firstly because they are local rivals but also because they haven’t won any of their last four league games. Crewe are now in ninth, two points outside the play-offs.
Gareth Owen played in defence for Port Vale.
Rhys Taylor conceded a penalty for Crewe (and this one actually did look like a penalty) but I still love him. When he’s Chelsea’s #1, maybe he can do the same against Arsenal. But not when he’s playing for Wales.
Shrewsbury Town 2-1 Barnet
Shrewsbury v Barnet – it sounds like a match with only one outcome – a home win. And that’s exactly what happened but Barnet fought hard. However, Shrewsbury took the three points and kept their unbeaten home record intact.
Tom Bradshaw didn’t play for Shrewsbury because of an ankle injury he picked up when playing for Wales’ under-19s. Grant Basey was also injured.
Cheltenham move into the play-off places after beating Accrington. The home are one of three sides in the division who are without an away win – so the last thing they need is for their home form to falter too.
Josh Low played the full match for Cheltenham.
Aldershot Town 1-3 Bury
It was a disappointing day for Aldershot and manager Kevin Dillon blames the referee. Aldershot had two players sent off and he planned to appeal against both. Bury’s impressive away form continues
Darren Jones had been on the field for just 23 minutes when the referee showed him a red card that did look a bit harsh to me but I’m not sure I trust my judgement. Darren conceded a penalty too but luckily for him, Bury missed it. Aaron Morris came off the bench to fill the gap in Aldershot’s defence.
Owain fon Williams debut for loan club Bury didn’t exactly get off to the best possible start when he found the ball in his net after eleven minutes. But he made sure it didn’t happen again and the match finished off as a good win for Bury.
Bradford City 5-0 Oxford United
Oxford were not the only team to receive two red cards this week but as Bradford had a player sent off too, they only had a slight numerical advantage.
Jason Price came off Bradford’s bench after 77 minutes.
Macclesfield Town 2-1 Burton Albion
Macclesfield hope to have at least fifty points by the end of the season. They now have eighteen and are a point ahead of Burton, who are yet to win away.
Sam Wedgbury was an unused substitute for Macclesfield but so were all the rest of the substitutes.
Northampton Town 2-1 Gillingham
Northampton were hoping to end a run of three straight defeats. If they could have chosen their opponents for this match, Gillingham probably would have been top of the list. True to form, Gillingham failed to win away for the 34th consecutive time.
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Port Vale 2-1 Crewe Alexandra
Port Vale would have been glad to beat Crewe, firstly because they are local rivals but also because they haven’t won any of their last four league games. Crewe are now in ninth, two points outside the play-offs.
Gareth Owen played in defence for Port Vale.
Rhys Taylor conceded a penalty for Crewe (and this one actually did look like a penalty) but I still love him. When he’s Chelsea’s #1, maybe he can do the same against Arsenal. But not when he’s playing for Wales.
Shrewsbury Town 2-1 Barnet
Shrewsbury v Barnet – it sounds like a match with only one outcome – a home win. And that’s exactly what happened but Barnet fought hard. However, Shrewsbury took the three points and kept their unbeaten home record intact.
Tom Bradshaw didn’t play for Shrewsbury because of an ankle injury he picked up when playing for Wales’ under-19s. Grant Basey was also injured.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
League Two Fixtures 2nd November 2010 (Part 2)
Crewe Alexandra v Shrewsbury Town
Rhys Taylor will play in goal for Crewe.
Tom Bradshaw is missing for Shrewsbury due to injury.
Hereford United v Aldershot Town
Hereford are without defender Tony James, whose loan has come to an end but they’ve still got Ryan Green and Ryan Valentine. Stuart Fleetwood is pushing for a start after scoring three in his last three substitute appearances.
Aldershot are without Darren Jones, who is suspended following a red card against Bury. Aaron Morris came off the bench to plug the hole left in the defence so he’ll be hoping to start in Darren’s place.
Lincoln City v Northampton Town
Paul Walker seems to be Northampton’s second-choice goalkeeper now.
Morecambe v Stockport County
Southampton loanee Anthony Pulis will hope to start for Stockport. It’s all gone downhill a bit for Anthony but it does tend to happen when you score on your debut.
Rotherham United v Macclesfield Town
Rotherham’s Mark Bradley could take the place if injured Arsenal loanee Mark Randall.
Sam Wedgbury will probably be on the bench for Macclesfield.
Rhys Taylor will play in goal for Crewe.
Tom Bradshaw is missing for Shrewsbury due to injury.
Hereford United v Aldershot Town
Hereford are without defender Tony James, whose loan has come to an end but they’ve still got Ryan Green and Ryan Valentine. Stuart Fleetwood is pushing for a start after scoring three in his last three substitute appearances.
Aldershot are without Darren Jones, who is suspended following a red card against Bury. Aaron Morris came off the bench to plug the hole left in the defence so he’ll be hoping to start in Darren’s place.
Lincoln City v Northampton Town
Paul Walker seems to be Northampton’s second-choice goalkeeper now.
Morecambe v Stockport County
Southampton loanee Anthony Pulis will hope to start for Stockport. It’s all gone downhill a bit for Anthony but it does tend to happen when you score on your debut.
Rotherham United v Macclesfield Town
Rotherham’s Mark Bradley could take the place if injured Arsenal loanee Mark Randall.
Sam Wedgbury will probably be on the bench for Macclesfield.
Thursday, 28 October 2010
League Two Results 23rd October 2010 (Part 2)
Crewe Alexandra 3-1 Aldershot Town
Rhys Taylor played in goal for Crewe.
Darren Jones was in defence for Aldershot with Aaron Morris on the bench.
Hereford United 1-1 Accrington Stanley
Ryan Green, Tony James and Ryan Valentine played in defence for Hereford. Stuart Fleetwood came off the bench after 72 minutes. Last time Stuart came on as a substitute, he’d scored two goals by the 70th minute and Hereford came back to win. He came on a bit too late this time.
Lincoln City 0-0 Stockport County
Anthony Pulis played the full match for loan side Stockport County – against last season’s loan side Lincoln City. Owain fon Williams was on the bench.
Oxford United 3-1 Northampton Town
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Rotherham United 3-4 Wycombe Wanderers
Mark Bradley started for Rotherham
Rhys Taylor played in goal for Crewe.
Darren Jones was in defence for Aldershot with Aaron Morris on the bench.
Hereford United 1-1 Accrington Stanley
Ryan Green, Tony James and Ryan Valentine played in defence for Hereford. Stuart Fleetwood came off the bench after 72 minutes. Last time Stuart came on as a substitute, he’d scored two goals by the 70th minute and Hereford came back to win. He came on a bit too late this time.
Lincoln City 0-0 Stockport County
Anthony Pulis played the full match for loan side Stockport County – against last season’s loan side Lincoln City. Owain fon Williams was on the bench.
Oxford United 3-1 Northampton Town
Paul Walker was on the bench for Northampton.
Rotherham United 3-4 Wycombe Wanderers
Mark Bradley started for Rotherham
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