Aston Villa
James Collins scored his second goal of the season to get a draw against rivals Birmingham City. He was Aston Villa’s Man of the Match against Wigan Athletic.
League: Birmingham A 1-1 (G1 73, Y foul 86, played all)
League: Man City H 1-0 (played all)
League: Wigan A 1-2 (played all)
FA Cup: Blackburn H 3-1 (bench, on 68)
League: Man Utd A 2-1 (played all)
Blackpool
Who would have guessed at the start of the season that Blackpool fans would be sitting in Old Trafford, feeling disappointed that they didn’t beat Manchester United? They so deserve to stay up but it’s going to be tough.
Neal Eardley was off the field when Blackpool conceded for the first time, having been kicked in the face by the Man Utd goalscorer.
League: WBA A 3-2 (starts, off 67)
League: Sunderland H 1-2 (played all)
League: Man Utd H 2-3 (played all)
League: West Ham H 1-3 (played all)
David Vaughan picked up another assist when he won a penalty for Blackpool but sadly they lost to Sunderland, who promptly tried to buy him.
League: WBA A 3-2 (G1 11, Y foul 56, played all)
League: Sunderland H 1-2 (won pen 86Y 94, played all)
League: Man Utd H 2-3 (played all)
League: West Ham H 1-3 (played all)
Rob Edwards
League: Man Utd H 2-3 (bench)
Bolton Wanderers
Sam Ricketts
League: Stoke A 2-0 (played all)
League: Chelsea H 0-4 (bench)
FA Cup: FA Wigan H 0-0 (Y foul 59, played all)
League: Wolves H 1-0 (played all)
Fulham
Simon Davies
League: Wigan A 1-1 (starts, off 76)
League: Stoke H 2-0 (bench)
League: Liverpool A 1-0 (bench)
FA Cup: Spurs H 4-0 (bench, on 80)
League: Newcastle H 1-0 (bench, on 87)
Manchester United
Ryan Giggs – who has been voted Manchester United’s best-ever player - got the assist to start Manchester United’s hard-fought comeback against Blackpool. Yes, I did write hard-fought comeback against Blackpool. He also scored and got an assist in Man Utd’s 5-0 home thrashing of Birmingham City.
Ryan thinks his newly-retired team-mate Gary Neville will be a great assistant manager – but not a great manager.
League: Spurs A 0-0 (played all)
League: Birmingham H 5-0 (starts, G3 45+2, A4 53, off 55)
League: Blackpool A 2-3 (bench, on 46, A2 74)
FA Cup: FA Soton A 1-2 (bench)
League: Villa H 3-1 (played all)
Owen Hargreaves is still out with a hamstring injury – and could be the third Manchester United player to announcement his retirement this season, following his omission from Manchester United’s Champions’ League squad. He has, however, been named in the Premier League squad.
Michael Owen made his first start for Manchester United since returning from a hamstring injury. He started for a weakened Man Utd side who came from behind to beat Southampton 2-1 in the FA Cup. He was happy to play but he admits it wasn’t easy.
Michael’s horse-riding stable has raised hundreds of pounds for the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre.
League: Spurs A 0-0 (bench)
League: Birmingham H 5-0 (bench, on 55)
League: Blackpool A 2-3 (bench)
FA Cup: FA Soton A 0-1 (played all)
League: Villa H 3-1 (bench)
Showing posts with label rob edwards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rob edwards. Show all posts
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Premier League Fixtures 22nd January (Part 1)
Aston Villa v Manchester City
Villa are near the bottom of the table, having won only one of their last ten matches but Manchester City are pretty good now. A win for them would put them back on top of the table.
James Collins should start for Aston Villa.
James is delighted that Villa have signed Darren Bent.
Blackpool v Sunderland
Sunderland could buy Blackpool’s squad five times over with the money they got from selling Darren Bent. So maybe it wasn’t quite such a stupid move but they will miss him. Blackpool will be hoping for a double over Sunderland – they are the only side to have beaten Sunderland at home in the Premier League.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will probably start for Blackpool. Rob Edwards will probably be on the bench.
The Blackpool players recorded a charity single this week to raise money for their coach Gary Parkinson who has locked-in syndrome and Donna’s Dream House.
Everton v West Ham United
Another week has passed and Avram Grant is still at West Ham. But Everton have beaten West Ham more times than they’ve beaten any other Premier League team. West Ham are looking for their second away win of the season.
Danny Gabbidon will hope to be back in West Ham’s starting line-up. Jack Collison almost certainly isn’t ready to return from a knee injury although he is back in training.
Fulham v Stoke City
The Premier League’s two Welsh managers meet for the third time this season – I wonder if Tony Pulis will shake Mark Hughes’ hand this time. I hope he does. He can’t help disliking him but that sort of behaviour is too childish even for me.
Simon Davies should start for Fulham.
Ryan Shawcross should start for Stoke and Danny Collins seems certain to start too now Danny Higginbotham is injured.
Villa are near the bottom of the table, having won only one of their last ten matches but Manchester City are pretty good now. A win for them would put them back on top of the table.
James Collins should start for Aston Villa.
James is delighted that Villa have signed Darren Bent.
Blackpool v Sunderland
Sunderland could buy Blackpool’s squad five times over with the money they got from selling Darren Bent. So maybe it wasn’t quite such a stupid move but they will miss him. Blackpool will be hoping for a double over Sunderland – they are the only side to have beaten Sunderland at home in the Premier League.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will probably start for Blackpool. Rob Edwards will probably be on the bench.
The Blackpool players recorded a charity single this week to raise money for their coach Gary Parkinson who has locked-in syndrome and Donna’s Dream House.
Everton v West Ham United
Another week has passed and Avram Grant is still at West Ham. But Everton have beaten West Ham more times than they’ve beaten any other Premier League team. West Ham are looking for their second away win of the season.
Danny Gabbidon will hope to be back in West Ham’s starting line-up. Jack Collison almost certainly isn’t ready to return from a knee injury although he is back in training.
Fulham v Stoke City
The Premier League’s two Welsh managers meet for the third time this season – I wonder if Tony Pulis will shake Mark Hughes’ hand this time. I hope he does. He can’t help disliking him but that sort of behaviour is too childish even for me.
Simon Davies should start for Fulham.
Ryan Shawcross should start for Stoke and Danny Collins seems certain to start too now Danny Higginbotham is injured.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Premier League Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 2)
West Bromwich Albion v Blackpool
A win for Blackpool will only put them into a Europa League place if other results go their way – but they’ll still have that game in hand. True, the game in hand is over Manchester United but let’s not spoil things by mentioning that. After all, Burnley beat Manchester United last season and they weren’t as good as Blackpool. Blackpool are hoping to do the double over West Brom. But they haven’t won at the Hawthorns since 1964.
Boaz Myhill is now West Bromwich Albion’s No. 1 goalkeeper following recent errors by Scott Carson. This will be his first Premier League match with the Baggies.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan should both start for Blackpool with Rob Edwards possibly on the bench.
West Ham United v Arsenal
After failing to beat Championship sides in their last two matches, Arsenal will be desperate to do better against a team that could be in the Championship next season. West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green always has a good game against Arsenal but that didn’t stop Arsenal from winning last time. West Ham haven’t actually beaten Arsenal since 2006.
Danny Gabbidon wasn’t in West Ham’s last squad but maybe he’ll be back to face Arsenal. Jack Collison is out with a long-term knee injury.
Aaron Ramsey will probably be on the bench for Arsenal but Arsene Wenger doesn’t seem willing to rush him back into first-team Premier League football.
Wigan Athletic v Fulham
Fifteen years ago, these clubs were in the bottom division together. They were promoted from that league together although it took Wigan a bit longer to get all the way up. Now, if they’re not careful, they might finding themselves heading in the opposite direction together. Wigan have the worst home record of any club but Fulham have only won once away this season.
Simon Davies was substituted at half-time during Fulham’s 6-2 thrashing of Peterborough United in the FA Cup but he might not be injured, maybe they just didn’t want to tire him out unnecessarily.
A win for Blackpool will only put them into a Europa League place if other results go their way – but they’ll still have that game in hand. True, the game in hand is over Manchester United but let’s not spoil things by mentioning that. After all, Burnley beat Manchester United last season and they weren’t as good as Blackpool. Blackpool are hoping to do the double over West Brom. But they haven’t won at the Hawthorns since 1964.
Boaz Myhill is now West Bromwich Albion’s No. 1 goalkeeper following recent errors by Scott Carson. This will be his first Premier League match with the Baggies.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan should both start for Blackpool with Rob Edwards possibly on the bench.
West Ham United v Arsenal
After failing to beat Championship sides in their last two matches, Arsenal will be desperate to do better against a team that could be in the Championship next season. West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green always has a good game against Arsenal but that didn’t stop Arsenal from winning last time. West Ham haven’t actually beaten Arsenal since 2006.
Danny Gabbidon wasn’t in West Ham’s last squad but maybe he’ll be back to face Arsenal. Jack Collison is out with a long-term knee injury.
Aaron Ramsey will probably be on the bench for Arsenal but Arsene Wenger doesn’t seem willing to rush him back into first-team Premier League football.
Wigan Athletic v Fulham
Fifteen years ago, these clubs were in the bottom division together. They were promoted from that league together although it took Wigan a bit longer to get all the way up. Now, if they’re not careful, they might finding themselves heading in the opposite direction together. Wigan have the worst home record of any club but Fulham have only won once away this season.
Simon Davies was substituted at half-time during Fulham’s 6-2 thrashing of Peterborough United in the FA Cup but he might not be injured, maybe they just didn’t want to tire him out unnecessarily.
League One Fixtures 14th January 2011
Brentford v Exeter City
Exeter might be down in fourteenth place, just seven points above the relegation places, but they’re also four points behind the play-offs. A win for Brentford could put them outside the play-offs only on goal difference but most of the clubs around the two teams have played fewer games.
Richard Duffy left the field at half-time due to injury in Exeter’s draw with Milton Keynes Dons but there’s nothing to suggest he won’t be able to play. Rob Edwards and Daniel Nardiello are most likely to be on the bench.
Colchester United v Bournemouth
A win for Colchester could put them outside the play-offs on goal difference. Bournemouth confidence will be high after winning their last three matches. But their second away win of the season was only a couple of games ago.
Lee Beevers is expected to keep his place in Colchester’s starting line-up. Lloyd James has also done well when he’s been given the chance but he’s more likely to be on the bench again. Tom Bender’s chances of keeping his place on the bench could be decreased by the presence of Colchester’s recent signings.
Rhoys Wiggins is available for Bournemouth after recovering from an eye infection. Joe Partington could be on the bench.
Exeter might be down in fourteenth place, just seven points above the relegation places, but they’re also four points behind the play-offs. A win for Brentford could put them outside the play-offs only on goal difference but most of the clubs around the two teams have played fewer games.
Richard Duffy left the field at half-time due to injury in Exeter’s draw with Milton Keynes Dons but there’s nothing to suggest he won’t be able to play. Rob Edwards and Daniel Nardiello are most likely to be on the bench.
Colchester United v Bournemouth
A win for Colchester could put them outside the play-offs on goal difference. Bournemouth confidence will be high after winning their last three matches. But their second away win of the season was only a couple of games ago.
Lee Beevers is expected to keep his place in Colchester’s starting line-up. Lloyd James has also done well when he’s been given the chance but he’s more likely to be on the bench again. Tom Bender’s chances of keeping his place on the bench could be decreased by the presence of Colchester’s recent signings.
Rhoys Wiggins is available for Bournemouth after recovering from an eye infection. Joe Partington could be on the bench.
Premier League Result 12th January 2011
Blackpool 2-1 Liverpool
Blackpool become the first team this season to do the double over Liverpool after coming back from a goal down to win 2-1. It was thoroughly deserved and it could have been even worse for Liverpool, who really weren’t defending like Champions’ League contenders. But no matter how dreadful Liverpool were, Blackpool deserve credit. Blackpool are in ninth place with a game or two in hand over their nearest rivals. A Champions’ League place looks beyond Blackpool. A Europa League place most certainly is not. Incredible.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan played the full match for Blackpool and each played a role in one of Blackpool’s goals. Rob Edwards was out of the squad again.
Blackpool become the first team this season to do the double over Liverpool after coming back from a goal down to win 2-1. It was thoroughly deserved and it could have been even worse for Liverpool, who really weren’t defending like Champions’ League contenders. But no matter how dreadful Liverpool were, Blackpool deserve credit. Blackpool are in ninth place with a game or two in hand over their nearest rivals. A Champions’ League place looks beyond Blackpool. A Europa League place most certainly is not. Incredible.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan played the full match for Blackpool and each played a role in one of Blackpool’s goals. Rob Edwards was out of the squad again.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Premier League Fixture 12th January 2011
Blackpool v Liverpool
When these two clubs met at Anfield, Blackpool seemed to have few problems with their illustrious (or not) opponents but Liverpool have shown signs of improvement recently and Blackpool are significantly better away than they are at home (although they have played only seven matches at home and twelve away). Still, with Liverpool only above Blackpool on goal difference, you can’t rule out a Blackpool win – and even allowing for Liverpool’s decline, that’s still great sentence to be writing. Blackpool are unbeaten in their last four games against Liverpool.
Following the defeat to Southampton, David Vaughan and the other rested first-choice players should return to the starting line-up. Neal Eardley will probably keep his place but Rob Edwards will drop to the bench.
When these two clubs met at Anfield, Blackpool seemed to have few problems with their illustrious (or not) opponents but Liverpool have shown signs of improvement recently and Blackpool are significantly better away than they are at home (although they have played only seven matches at home and twelve away). Still, with Liverpool only above Blackpool on goal difference, you can’t rule out a Blackpool win – and even allowing for Liverpool’s decline, that’s still great sentence to be writing. Blackpool are unbeaten in their last four games against Liverpool.
Following the defeat to Southampton, David Vaughan and the other rested first-choice players should return to the starting line-up. Neal Eardley will probably keep his place but Rob Edwards will drop to the bench.
League One Results 8th January 2011
Bournemouth 3-0 Plymouth Argyle
Bournemouth moved up to second in the table as they beat Plymouth, who were unbeaten in five before Bournemouth came along and spoiled it.
Rhoys Wiggins was absent from Bournemouth’s squad due to an eye infection but they just about managed without him. Joe Partington was on the bench.
Carl Fletcher played the full match for Plymouth against his first ever club.
Dagenham & Redbridge 0-1 Rochdale
Dagenham & Redbridge are eight points from safety after losing to a Rochdale side who move into the top half of the table.
Tony Roberts nearly scored for Dag & Red when he joined his team-mates at the wrong end of the pitch for a corner but he headed wide.
Nicky Adams celebrated his permanent signing for Rochdale with the assist but Tony wouldn’t let him score.
Exeter City 1-1 Milton Keynes Dons
Exeter didn’t play well despite taking an early lead and MK Dons were able to snatch a share of the points in the 73rd minute.
Richard Duffy had a good first half but then he had to be replaced at half-time due to injury. Rob Edwards and Daniel Nardiello were unused substitutes.
Tranmere Rovers 3-3 Walsall
Walsall looked set to lose for the fifteenth time this season. With five minutes plus stoppage time to play, they were 3-1 down but they got one goal in the 85th minute followed by an equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time. A point doesn’t help their survival chances much but maybe it will give them some extra confidence.
Tranmere’s Ash Taylor played 90 minutes for the first time in the league this season
Sean Geddes was on the bench for Walsall.
Yeovil 2-0 Brentford
Yeovil are unbeaten in four after beating Brentford and just three points from safety.
Yeovil played without a single Welshmen on the pitch at any time for what I believe is the first time this season. Luckily for them, it didn’t seem to be too much of a problem for them.
Rhys Baggridge and Nathan Jones were on the bench. Nathan says Yeovil won’t be rushing into making new signings.
Bournemouth moved up to second in the table as they beat Plymouth, who were unbeaten in five before Bournemouth came along and spoiled it.
Rhoys Wiggins was absent from Bournemouth’s squad due to an eye infection but they just about managed without him. Joe Partington was on the bench.
Carl Fletcher played the full match for Plymouth against his first ever club.
Dagenham & Redbridge 0-1 Rochdale
Dagenham & Redbridge are eight points from safety after losing to a Rochdale side who move into the top half of the table.
Tony Roberts nearly scored for Dag & Red when he joined his team-mates at the wrong end of the pitch for a corner but he headed wide.
Nicky Adams celebrated his permanent signing for Rochdale with the assist but Tony wouldn’t let him score.
Exeter City 1-1 Milton Keynes Dons
Exeter didn’t play well despite taking an early lead and MK Dons were able to snatch a share of the points in the 73rd minute.
Richard Duffy had a good first half but then he had to be replaced at half-time due to injury. Rob Edwards and Daniel Nardiello were unused substitutes.
Tranmere Rovers 3-3 Walsall
Walsall looked set to lose for the fifteenth time this season. With five minutes plus stoppage time to play, they were 3-1 down but they got one goal in the 85th minute followed by an equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time. A point doesn’t help their survival chances much but maybe it will give them some extra confidence.
Tranmere’s Ash Taylor played 90 minutes for the first time in the league this season
Sean Geddes was on the bench for Walsall.
Yeovil 2-0 Brentford
Yeovil are unbeaten in four after beating Brentford and just three points from safety.
Yeovil played without a single Welshmen on the pitch at any time for what I believe is the first time this season. Luckily for them, it didn’t seem to be too much of a problem for them.
Rhys Baggridge and Nathan Jones were on the bench. Nathan says Yeovil won’t be rushing into making new signings.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
FA Cup Results 8th January 2011 Third Round (Part Four)
Southampton 2-0 Blackpool
Southampton might be two leagues lower than Blackpool but apparently they were the favourites for this match, with Blackpool expected to rest a number of players. Ian Holloway made nine changes, filling the bench with players so lowly, they don’t even have their own page on BBC Sport.
It’s a good thing Blackpool didn’t get relegated to League One last season really. They’ve lost to every League One club they’ve played this season. Southampton’s next challenge will be rather more difficult: they’re at home again, but to Manchester United.
Neal Eardley was one of the two who weren’t replaced. He could have got Blackpool an assist – and it wasn’t his fault that he didn’t. Rob Edwards played 90 minutes.
Stoke City 1-1 Cardiff City
It’s fair to say this wasn’t the result I was dreaming of but it’s a great result all the same and you never know what will happen. Cardiff and Stoke looked evenly matched and although it’s true Stoke left some of their best players on the bench, Cardiff were forced to leave some of theirs out of the squad entirely. Cardiff did of course knock out Middlesbrough a few years ago in the semi-final and Middlesbrough were quite good then. The winner of the replay will be away at Doncaster Rovers or Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Stoke rested top players including Danny Collins but Cardiff were without Craig Bellamy (knees), Jason Koumas (warm-up injury, maybe his toe again) and Jay Bothroyd (hamstring).
Ryan Shawcross, perhaps surprisingly, kept his place in Stoke’s team.
Adam Matthews and Darcy Blake made substitute appearances for Cardiff. Jonathan Meades was on the bench for a second successive game, this time joined by Aaron Wildig.
Sunderland 1-2 Notts County
Not many teams have won at the Stadium of Light this season. Sunderland have done so on a number of occasions but Blackpool are the only other side to win there in a League match. Notts County are now only two divisions below Sunderland, they haven’t been doing all that well in League One.
Sunderland did rest a few players, including goalkeeper Craig Gordan but there were starts for Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan among others while Titus Bramble and Jordan Henderson were on the bench. Sunderland weren’t at their best at all and Notts County thoroughly deserved their win. Last season they best another Premier League side, Wigan Athletic, although Notts County were in League Two at that time. Notts County’s next challenge will be either Leicester City or Manchester City.
Ben Davies played in midfield for Notts County. He wasn’t at goal/assist-getting best his best but perhaps that’s just as well given that the transfer window is open. Ben belives Notts County can still get promoted this season.
Southampton might be two leagues lower than Blackpool but apparently they were the favourites for this match, with Blackpool expected to rest a number of players. Ian Holloway made nine changes, filling the bench with players so lowly, they don’t even have their own page on BBC Sport.
It’s a good thing Blackpool didn’t get relegated to League One last season really. They’ve lost to every League One club they’ve played this season. Southampton’s next challenge will be rather more difficult: they’re at home again, but to Manchester United.
Neal Eardley was one of the two who weren’t replaced. He could have got Blackpool an assist – and it wasn’t his fault that he didn’t. Rob Edwards played 90 minutes.
Stoke City 1-1 Cardiff City
It’s fair to say this wasn’t the result I was dreaming of but it’s a great result all the same and you never know what will happen. Cardiff and Stoke looked evenly matched and although it’s true Stoke left some of their best players on the bench, Cardiff were forced to leave some of theirs out of the squad entirely. Cardiff did of course knock out Middlesbrough a few years ago in the semi-final and Middlesbrough were quite good then. The winner of the replay will be away at Doncaster Rovers or Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Stoke rested top players including Danny Collins but Cardiff were without Craig Bellamy (knees), Jason Koumas (warm-up injury, maybe his toe again) and Jay Bothroyd (hamstring).
Ryan Shawcross, perhaps surprisingly, kept his place in Stoke’s team.
Adam Matthews and Darcy Blake made substitute appearances for Cardiff. Jonathan Meades was on the bench for a second successive game, this time joined by Aaron Wildig.
Sunderland 1-2 Notts County
Not many teams have won at the Stadium of Light this season. Sunderland have done so on a number of occasions but Blackpool are the only other side to win there in a League match. Notts County are now only two divisions below Sunderland, they haven’t been doing all that well in League One.
Sunderland did rest a few players, including goalkeeper Craig Gordan but there were starts for Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan among others while Titus Bramble and Jordan Henderson were on the bench. Sunderland weren’t at their best at all and Notts County thoroughly deserved their win. Last season they best another Premier League side, Wigan Athletic, although Notts County were in League Two at that time. Notts County’s next challenge will be either Leicester City or Manchester City.
Ben Davies played in midfield for Notts County. He wasn’t at goal/assist-getting best his best but perhaps that’s just as well given that the transfer window is open. Ben belives Notts County can still get promoted this season.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 5)
Southampton v Blackpool
So, a win for Southampton would be quite a major giant-killing then. I love football.
Blackpool won’t be taking all members of their first team so it’s unlikely that Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will be there but Rob Edwards has a good chance of playing.
Stokc City v Cardiff City
Cardiff check out their Premier League credentials at Stoke, who are well-known for their intimidating home atmosphere and the large number of resulting wins.
Tony Pulis really wants to take Stoke to the final and he says he will play a strong side so Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins could feature. Danny believes Stoke could get into Europe – and if they win the FA Cup, that will happen.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/9341881.stm
Craig Bellamy will have a late fitness test on his knee while Jason Koumas might not recover from a niggle. Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig are all fit as far as I know. Jonathan Meades was in Cardiff’s last squad so maybe he’ll be there again.
Cardiff manager Dave Jones says Craig is an inspiration and Stoke City manager Tony Pulis feels Craig has a future in management.
So, a win for Southampton would be quite a major giant-killing then. I love football.
Blackpool won’t be taking all members of their first team so it’s unlikely that Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will be there but Rob Edwards has a good chance of playing.
Stokc City v Cardiff City
Cardiff check out their Premier League credentials at Stoke, who are well-known for their intimidating home atmosphere and the large number of resulting wins.
Tony Pulis really wants to take Stoke to the final and he says he will play a strong side so Ryan Shawcross and Danny Collins could feature. Danny believes Stoke could get into Europe – and if they win the FA Cup, that will happen.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/9341881.stm
Craig Bellamy will have a late fitness test on his knee while Jason Koumas might not recover from a niggle. Darcy Blake, Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig are all fit as far as I know. Jonathan Meades was in Cardiff’s last squad so maybe he’ll be there again.
Cardiff manager Dave Jones says Craig is an inspiration and Stoke City manager Tony Pulis feels Craig has a future in management.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (League One, Part 2)
Exeter City
Richard Duffy got an assist in Exeter’s shock thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday but the cold weather meant they didn’t play again for the rest of the year. And when they did play again, they’d forgotten how to thrash top teams.
Sheff Wed H 5-1 (A1 29, played all)
Soton A 4-0 (played all)
Brighton H 1-2 (played all)
Rob Edwards seemed to have a Christmas break from playing but no doubt he was still there in a coaching capacity.
Sheff Wed H 5-1 (bench)
Soton A 4-0 (unselected)
Brighton H 1-2 (unselected)
Daniel Nardiello didn’t get any starts at all, despite coming off the bench to score in the penalty shoot-out win over Bristol Rovers in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy shortly before this round-up of results begins.
Sheff Wed H 5-1 (bench)
Soton A 4-0 (bench, on 55)
Brighton H 1-2 (bench, on 74)
Andy Marriott also didn’t play. No news yet on whether he has moved to West Bromwich Albion. (As a coach, I mean.)
Notts County
Ben Davies hadn’t got an assist since October – although he has scored once since then. But the long run finally came to an end against Hartlepool United.
Plymouth A 1-1 (played all)
Walsall A 0-3 (played all)
Hartlepool H 3-0 (A2 70, played all)
Oldham Athletic
Joe Jacobson is still on loan at Accrington Stanley.
Peterborough United
Arron Davies has been in and out of the starting line-up and this is exactly what happened in the two games Peterborough played over Christmas (or over the New Year, if you want to be accurate about it).
Swindon A 1-1 (bench)
Walsall H 4-1 (starts, off 79)
Plymouth Argyle
It took Carl Fletcher a long time to recover from his leg injury but now he’s back and Plymouth are unbeaten in four.
Notts Co H 1-1 (played all)
Yeovil H 0-0 (played all)
Bristol R A 2-3 (played all)
Rochdale
Nicky Adams has signed permanently for Rochdale following a successful loan spell. But he’s yet to start for his new club as he’s been recovering from injury.
Tranmere H 3-2 (out injury although I think his loan had ended and he was back at Brentford sorting out his move)
Oldham A 1-2 (bench, on 55)
Matt Done was probably quite glad to see the back of Nicky Adams as he finally got a start. But then Nicky came back and neither of them started.
Tranmere H 3-2 (starts, off 75)
Oldham A 1-2 (bench, on 61)
Richard Duffy got an assist in Exeter’s shock thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday but the cold weather meant they didn’t play again for the rest of the year. And when they did play again, they’d forgotten how to thrash top teams.
Sheff Wed H 5-1 (A1 29, played all)
Soton A 4-0 (played all)
Brighton H 1-2 (played all)
Rob Edwards seemed to have a Christmas break from playing but no doubt he was still there in a coaching capacity.
Sheff Wed H 5-1 (bench)
Soton A 4-0 (unselected)
Brighton H 1-2 (unselected)
Daniel Nardiello didn’t get any starts at all, despite coming off the bench to score in the penalty shoot-out win over Bristol Rovers in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy shortly before this round-up of results begins.
Sheff Wed H 5-1 (bench)
Soton A 4-0 (bench, on 55)
Brighton H 1-2 (bench, on 74)
Andy Marriott also didn’t play. No news yet on whether he has moved to West Bromwich Albion. (As a coach, I mean.)
Notts County
Ben Davies hadn’t got an assist since October – although he has scored once since then. But the long run finally came to an end against Hartlepool United.
Plymouth A 1-1 (played all)
Walsall A 0-3 (played all)
Hartlepool H 3-0 (A2 70, played all)
Oldham Athletic
Joe Jacobson is still on loan at Accrington Stanley.
Peterborough United
Arron Davies has been in and out of the starting line-up and this is exactly what happened in the two games Peterborough played over Christmas (or over the New Year, if you want to be accurate about it).
Swindon A 1-1 (bench)
Walsall H 4-1 (starts, off 79)
Plymouth Argyle
It took Carl Fletcher a long time to recover from his leg injury but now he’s back and Plymouth are unbeaten in four.
Notts Co H 1-1 (played all)
Yeovil H 0-0 (played all)
Bristol R A 2-3 (played all)
Rochdale
Nicky Adams has signed permanently for Rochdale following a successful loan spell. But he’s yet to start for his new club as he’s been recovering from injury.
Tranmere H 3-2 (out injury although I think his loan had ended and he was back at Brentford sorting out his move)
Oldham A 1-2 (bench, on 55)
Matt Done was probably quite glad to see the back of Nicky Adams as he finally got a start. But then Nicky came back and neither of them started.
Tranmere H 3-2 (starts, off 75)
Oldham A 1-2 (bench, on 61)
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.
Saturday, 18 December 2010
League One Fixture (and Postponements) 18th December 2010
Only one match in League One is going ahead today.
Bristol Rovers P-P Colchester United
Dagenham & Redbridge P-P Peterborough United
Exeter City v Sheffield Wednesday
It must be quite nice being the only team in League One with a playable pitch. I don’t know when the Sheffield Wednesday players left Sheffield or if they’ve actually got there in one piece but it’s difficult to imagine them getting home tonight.
Richard Duffy should start for Exeter after some good performances but he doesn’t think he’s quite at his best yet. Daniel Nardiello seems to start on alternate matches so it’s his turn to start this time. Rob Edwards will probably be on the bench. Rob says the club are excited to be playing at home again after a long run of away matches.
Goalkeeper and general manager Andy Marriott will leave Exeter to join West Bromwich Albion as assistant to the sporting and technical director. He’ll be missed but manager Paul Tisdale says the players and staff are thrilled for him.
Leyton Orient P-P Plymouth Argyle
This match would have been Jason Brown’s final game on loan at Leyton Orient although he is hoping to extend his loan spell.
Rochdale P-P Bournemouth
Swindon Town P-P Tranmere Rovers
Ash Taylor was looking forward to getting back into Tranmere’s starting line-up after being out injured for four months. He was a doubt for this match due to a wrist injury but now he definitely won’t be playing.
Fellow Tranmere player Jack Mackreth has signed for Colwyn Bay on loan. He has just returned from a loan spell at Burscough Town where he played against Colwyn Bay. Jack joins Welsh players including former Crewe Alexandra striker Alex Titchiner, who has just returned from a loan spell at Chester.
Yeovil Town P-P Carlisle United
Bristol Rovers P-P Colchester United
Dagenham & Redbridge P-P Peterborough United
Exeter City v Sheffield Wednesday
It must be quite nice being the only team in League One with a playable pitch. I don’t know when the Sheffield Wednesday players left Sheffield or if they’ve actually got there in one piece but it’s difficult to imagine them getting home tonight.
Richard Duffy should start for Exeter after some good performances but he doesn’t think he’s quite at his best yet. Daniel Nardiello seems to start on alternate matches so it’s his turn to start this time. Rob Edwards will probably be on the bench. Rob says the club are excited to be playing at home again after a long run of away matches.
Goalkeeper and general manager Andy Marriott will leave Exeter to join West Bromwich Albion as assistant to the sporting and technical director. He’ll be missed but manager Paul Tisdale says the players and staff are thrilled for him.
Leyton Orient P-P Plymouth Argyle
This match would have been Jason Brown’s final game on loan at Leyton Orient although he is hoping to extend his loan spell.
Rochdale P-P Bournemouth
Swindon Town P-P Tranmere Rovers
Ash Taylor was looking forward to getting back into Tranmere’s starting line-up after being out injured for four months. He was a doubt for this match due to a wrist injury but now he definitely won’t be playing.
Fellow Tranmere player Jack Mackreth has signed for Colwyn Bay on loan. He has just returned from a loan spell at Burscough Town where he played against Colwyn Bay. Jack joins Welsh players including former Crewe Alexandra striker Alex Titchiner, who has just returned from a loan spell at Chester.
Yeovil Town P-P Carlisle United
Friday, 17 December 2010
League One Results 11th December 2010 (Part 2)
Plymouth Argyle 2-0 Exeter City
Plymouth won for the second successive match as Exeter slide out of the top half of the table.
Carl Fletcher finally made his return from a leg injury as a 54th-minute substitute.
Richard Duffy helped Exeter to keep a clean sheet and there was also a start for Daniel Nardiello, who could have scored but didn’t. Rob Edwards was on the bench.
Sheffield Wednesday 6-2 Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers often do well against the top sides and as long as you just look at the away team’s goals and ignore the rest, they did well to score twice and on another day might have got something. But things really didn’t go according to plan for Bristol Rovers.
Byron Anthony played the full match for Bristol Rovers. Ben Swallow made a substitute appearance but Eliot Richards didn’t.
Southampton 0-2 Brentford
Brentford moved up to tenth after a great win over the former favourites to win the title. This was Brentford’s fifth consecutive away win.
Ryan Doble was on the bench for Southampton.
Tranmere Rovers 1-2 Leyton Orient
Sheffield Wednesday’s thrashing of Bristol Rovers ensured they went into the bottom four instead of Tranmere but other than that, Tranmere will be disappointed. Orient climbed over both teams and also promoted duo Notts County and Rochdale to take the points.
Ash Taylor was on the bench for Tranmere.
Jason Brown got his first league win with Leyton Orient. Not that he’s ever lost with Leyton Orient. Jason was very impressed with the not-exactly-first-choice centre backs.
Plymouth won for the second successive match as Exeter slide out of the top half of the table.
Carl Fletcher finally made his return from a leg injury as a 54th-minute substitute.
Richard Duffy helped Exeter to keep a clean sheet and there was also a start for Daniel Nardiello, who could have scored but didn’t. Rob Edwards was on the bench.
Sheffield Wednesday 6-2 Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers often do well against the top sides and as long as you just look at the away team’s goals and ignore the rest, they did well to score twice and on another day might have got something. But things really didn’t go according to plan for Bristol Rovers.
Byron Anthony played the full match for Bristol Rovers. Ben Swallow made a substitute appearance but Eliot Richards didn’t.
Southampton 0-2 Brentford
Brentford moved up to tenth after a great win over the former favourites to win the title. This was Brentford’s fifth consecutive away win.
Ryan Doble was on the bench for Southampton.
Tranmere Rovers 1-2 Leyton Orient
Sheffield Wednesday’s thrashing of Bristol Rovers ensured they went into the bottom four instead of Tranmere but other than that, Tranmere will be disappointed. Orient climbed over both teams and also promoted duo Notts County and Rochdale to take the points.
Ash Taylor was on the bench for Tranmere.
Jason Brown got his first league win with Leyton Orient. Not that he’s ever lost with Leyton Orient. Jason was very impressed with the not-exactly-first-choice centre backs.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Premier League Results 11th December 2010
Aston Villa 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
Aston Villa’s run of five straight defeats came to an end when they won the derby match with West Bromwich Albion.
James Collins played for Villa despite daring to go out for a meal with his wife in the vicinity of a nightclub the night before a game. He nearly scored (during the match, I mean, not at the nightclub) and finished the game with a match-saving block.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom and missed the chance to play against a former club.
Fulham 0-0 Sunderland
Both teams have drawn more than their fair share of matches this season so this result was no surprise at all. Fulham remain outside the bottom three on goal difference and have equalled the record for the biggest number of draws in the opening seventeen games. This was their tenth draw. I won’t say how many matches Mark Hughes has won from his last twenty-six because I’m supposed to be nice to Welshmen.
Simon Davies played the full match for Fulham. He might have got an assist if the referee hadn’t been paying attention.
Stoke City 0-1 Blackpool
Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway are good friends and Tony’s son Anthony Pulis, now at Stockport County on loan from Southampton, is apparently Ian Holloway’s godson. Which practically makes Ian Welsh if you’re me. But if Tony had had another child after this match, maybe he would have chosen a different godparent.
Stoke are formidable at home and they were on a five-match unbeaten run but Blackpool fear nobody and they do have the third-best away record in the League, after Arsenal and Manchester City. The win puts them into the top half of the table. They haven’t done enough to stop them from going down (not even Manchester United have done that) but at least they’ve managed to shut up most of the people who are saying they’ll go straight back down again.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played in defence for Stoke. Danny says he can’t blame the fans for jeering.
Neal Eardley nearly scored on his 150th league appearance and also made a great block to deny Stoke a certain goal but this was unfortunately credited to a team-mate.
David Vaughan also had a good game – 91% of his passes were successful. Rob Edwards was on the bench. It’s nice to see the Blackpool players being so complimentary about two of my favourite Blackpool players.
West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City
West Ham must be so disappointed. If only their former player Carlos Tevez had decided to leave forty-eight hours earlier. It would have thrown the club into disarray and maybe West Ham could have got a point or three.
Danny Gabbidon didn’t play for West Ham due to injury. Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion are both said to be interested in bringing Danny to the Midlands.
Aston Villa’s run of five straight defeats came to an end when they won the derby match with West Bromwich Albion.
James Collins played for Villa despite daring to go out for a meal with his wife in the vicinity of a nightclub the night before a game. He nearly scored (during the match, I mean, not at the nightclub) and finished the game with a match-saving block.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom and missed the chance to play against a former club.
Fulham 0-0 Sunderland
Both teams have drawn more than their fair share of matches this season so this result was no surprise at all. Fulham remain outside the bottom three on goal difference and have equalled the record for the biggest number of draws in the opening seventeen games. This was their tenth draw. I won’t say how many matches Mark Hughes has won from his last twenty-six because I’m supposed to be nice to Welshmen.
Simon Davies played the full match for Fulham. He might have got an assist if the referee hadn’t been paying attention.
Stoke City 0-1 Blackpool
Tony Pulis and Ian Holloway are good friends and Tony’s son Anthony Pulis, now at Stockport County on loan from Southampton, is apparently Ian Holloway’s godson. Which practically makes Ian Welsh if you’re me. But if Tony had had another child after this match, maybe he would have chosen a different godparent.
Stoke are formidable at home and they were on a five-match unbeaten run but Blackpool fear nobody and they do have the third-best away record in the League, after Arsenal and Manchester City. The win puts them into the top half of the table. They haven’t done enough to stop them from going down (not even Manchester United have done that) but at least they’ve managed to shut up most of the people who are saying they’ll go straight back down again.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross played in defence for Stoke. Danny says he can’t blame the fans for jeering.
Neal Eardley nearly scored on his 150th league appearance and also made a great block to deny Stoke a certain goal but this was unfortunately credited to a team-mate.
David Vaughan also had a good game – 91% of his passes were successful. Rob Edwards was on the bench. It’s nice to see the Blackpool players being so complimentary about two of my favourite Blackpool players.
West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City
West Ham must be so disappointed. If only their former player Carlos Tevez had decided to leave forty-eight hours earlier. It would have thrown the club into disarray and maybe West Ham could have got a point or three.
Danny Gabbidon didn’t play for West Ham due to injury. Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion are both said to be interested in bringing Danny to the Midlands.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
League One Fixtures 11th December 2010 (Part 2)
Plymouth Argyle v Exeter City
Exeter won when the two Devonshire teams faced one another recently in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and was the first of a four-match unbeaten run for Exeter – which will become five if they don’t lose this game. Plymouth however are on a winning run. If you can have a run of one games.
Carl Fletcher should actually play for Plymouth this time after finally recovering from a leg injury. Carl is on a three-match unbeaten run while Plymouth did win their last game. Carl says the club’s financial problems are affecting the players but they’ll still be doing their best to win the derby.
Exeter’s Richard Duffy has a slight hamstring problem but he should be fit to play. Rob Edwards has warned his team-mates to be wary of Plymouth while Daniel Nardiello is looking forward to giving Plymouth even more to worry about although he’s likely to be on the bench.
Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers are looking forward to taking on Sheffield Wednesday. They are unbeaten in two despite playing the matches in question against the top two, Brighton & Hove Albion and Charlton Athletic. They would have faced third-placed Bournemouth last weekend had the weather not intervened so now they play fourth-placed Sheffield Wednesday. Nice stat although maybe Sheffield Wednesday wouldn’t have been fourth if the last lot of matches had all gone ahead. Bristol Rovers’ next league fixture is against Colchester United – who could easily be in fifth by the time that match comes around. The run will end there as Walsall won’t quite get up to 6th place in time for the match after that (actually they won’t even be out of the relegation zone) but it was nice while it lasted.
Byron Anthony returns from suspension to boost Bristol Rovers’ chances of not losing. Ben Swallow (scorer of the best goal in the last round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy) and Eliot Richards will probably be on the bench.
Tranmere Rovers v Leyton Orient
Tranmere are only two places outside the relegation zone but they’re already thinking in terms of the top half – two wins could to it. And with Orient missing two central defenders following their dismissal in the FA Cup match against Droylsden (and having won only one away game this season), Tranmere might fancy their chances.
However, Tranmere will have to get past Orient’s loanee goalkeeper Jason Brown, who is unbeaten not only in his four matches for Orient (let’s ignore the fact his only win came in extra time), he was unbeaten in his last three games for parent club Blackburn Rovers, including the match against Chelsea.
Ash Taylor could make his first start of the season after recovering from knee surgery.
Jack Mackreth has returned to Tranmere Rovers following a very successful loan spell with Burscough and was on the bench against Hartlepool United as I failed to mention. So he could be on the bench again.
Exeter won when the two Devonshire teams faced one another recently in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and was the first of a four-match unbeaten run for Exeter – which will become five if they don’t lose this game. Plymouth however are on a winning run. If you can have a run of one games.
Carl Fletcher should actually play for Plymouth this time after finally recovering from a leg injury. Carl is on a three-match unbeaten run while Plymouth did win their last game. Carl says the club’s financial problems are affecting the players but they’ll still be doing their best to win the derby.
Exeter’s Richard Duffy has a slight hamstring problem but he should be fit to play. Rob Edwards has warned his team-mates to be wary of Plymouth while Daniel Nardiello is looking forward to giving Plymouth even more to worry about although he’s likely to be on the bench.
Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers are looking forward to taking on Sheffield Wednesday. They are unbeaten in two despite playing the matches in question against the top two, Brighton & Hove Albion and Charlton Athletic. They would have faced third-placed Bournemouth last weekend had the weather not intervened so now they play fourth-placed Sheffield Wednesday. Nice stat although maybe Sheffield Wednesday wouldn’t have been fourth if the last lot of matches had all gone ahead. Bristol Rovers’ next league fixture is against Colchester United – who could easily be in fifth by the time that match comes around. The run will end there as Walsall won’t quite get up to 6th place in time for the match after that (actually they won’t even be out of the relegation zone) but it was nice while it lasted.
Byron Anthony returns from suspension to boost Bristol Rovers’ chances of not losing. Ben Swallow (scorer of the best goal in the last round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy) and Eliot Richards will probably be on the bench.
Tranmere Rovers v Leyton Orient
Tranmere are only two places outside the relegation zone but they’re already thinking in terms of the top half – two wins could to it. And with Orient missing two central defenders following their dismissal in the FA Cup match against Droylsden (and having won only one away game this season), Tranmere might fancy their chances.
However, Tranmere will have to get past Orient’s loanee goalkeeper Jason Brown, who is unbeaten not only in his four matches for Orient (let’s ignore the fact his only win came in extra time), he was unbeaten in his last three games for parent club Blackburn Rovers, including the match against Chelsea.
Ash Taylor could make his first start of the season after recovering from knee surgery.
Jack Mackreth has returned to Tranmere Rovers following a very successful loan spell with Burscough and was on the bench against Hartlepool United as I failed to mention. So he could be on the bench again.
Premier League Fixtures 11th December 2010
Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion
Villa have never lost to West Brom in the Premier League but the two midlands clubs meet with West Brom the side on form. Villa have only lost once at home this season and that was to Arsenal.
Gerard Houllier is said to be unhappy with Villa’s defending. James Collins is in trouble for going clubbing the night before a match, although he says it was just a meal with his wife, but Houllier says he won’t punish him.
One Welshman likely to be sitting on the bench though is West Brom’s Boaz Myhill.
Fulham v Sunderland
Fulham are only out of the bottom three on goal difference and really need a win. But one thing Fulham and Sunderland share is the fact that they’ve drawn at least as many games as they’ve won and lost put together. Managers Mark Hughes and Steve Bruce did better when they were on the same team.
Simon Davies should play for Fulham.
Stoke City v Blackpool
Blackpool have been training on the beach. It sounds nice… but then I remembered the temperature. Blackpool are unbeaten in three but Stoke are notoriously strong at the Britannia Stadium and are themselves unbeaten in five.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross should both start for Stoke. And if anyone from Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid or Juventus happens to be reading, Ryan is not for sale. Okay?
Neal Eardley will be making his 150th league appearance if he plays some part in this match – I’d expect both him and David Vaughan to start with Rob Edwards on the bench.
David can expect a lot of support today from his fan club – of which Everon are apparently members.
West Ham United v Manchester City
The papers are full of rumours of Manchester City bust-ups but they are still fourth in the league and could be second after this match (or top if they win by seven goals). West Ham are unbeaten in five home games in all competitions.
Jack Collison is back in training for West Ham! He won’t be playing in this fixture and he probably still won’t play again in 2010. Maybe he’ll inspire West Ham to win. They have done quite well against teams from Manchester recently.
Danny Gabbidon should play for West Ham – which is also very exciting when you consider his own injury problems.
Villa have never lost to West Brom in the Premier League but the two midlands clubs meet with West Brom the side on form. Villa have only lost once at home this season and that was to Arsenal.
Gerard Houllier is said to be unhappy with Villa’s defending. James Collins is in trouble for going clubbing the night before a match, although he says it was just a meal with his wife, but Houllier says he won’t punish him.
One Welshman likely to be sitting on the bench though is West Brom’s Boaz Myhill.
Fulham v Sunderland
Fulham are only out of the bottom three on goal difference and really need a win. But one thing Fulham and Sunderland share is the fact that they’ve drawn at least as many games as they’ve won and lost put together. Managers Mark Hughes and Steve Bruce did better when they were on the same team.
Simon Davies should play for Fulham.
Stoke City v Blackpool
Blackpool have been training on the beach. It sounds nice… but then I remembered the temperature. Blackpool are unbeaten in three but Stoke are notoriously strong at the Britannia Stadium and are themselves unbeaten in five.
Danny Collins and Ryan Shawcross should both start for Stoke. And if anyone from Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid or Juventus happens to be reading, Ryan is not for sale. Okay?
Neal Eardley will be making his 150th league appearance if he plays some part in this match – I’d expect both him and David Vaughan to start with Rob Edwards on the bench.
David can expect a lot of support today from his fan club – of which Everon are apparently members.
West Ham United v Manchester City
The papers are full of rumours of Manchester City bust-ups but they are still fourth in the league and could be second after this match (or top if they win by seven goals). West Ham are unbeaten in five home games in all competitions.
Jack Collison is back in training for West Ham! He won’t be playing in this fixture and he probably still won’t play again in 2010. Maybe he’ll inspire West Ham to win. They have done quite well against teams from Manchester recently.
Danny Gabbidon should play for West Ham – which is also very exciting when you consider his own injury problems.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
League One Fixtures (and Postponements) 4th December 2010
Brentford P-P Notts County
Notts County are considering under-soil heating but even if they did have it, it wouldn’t be much help as this match is at Brentford, who have a frozen pitch.
Ben Davies says Notts County can build on their victory over Swindon Town. Ben will meet the board soon to discuss his future.
Brighton P-P Colchester United
This game can’t be played as Brighton just isn’t a safe place for supporters.
Bristol Rovers v Bournemouth
This game isn’t cancelled yet but there’s going to be a pitch inspection tomorrow. So don’t go out without checking though if you do it won’t be a big disaster, it’s not like the match is in Carlisle. A win for Bournemouth would put them into the top two although Charlton Athletic would have a game in hand – and Bournemouth, despite their good position, have won away only once this season.
Byron Anthony returns from suspension for Bristol Rovers with Eliot Richards and Ben Swallow on the bench.
Rhoys Wiggins will start for Bournemouth
Joe Partington has extended his loan spell at Eastbourne Borough.
Dagenham & Redbridge P-P Huddersfield Town
There’s a safety issue in Dagenham so this match won’t be played.
Exeter City v Tranmere Rovers
Exeter are three points from the top six but they’d need a to win by ten goals in order to overturn Oldham Athletic’s goal difference. Tranmere won’t be in the bottom three if they lose because not enough of the teams below tham are playing but it would be uncomfortably close.
Richard Duffy has a slight hamstring injury but he’s expected to be fit to play for Exeter and first team coach/team-mate Rob Edwards believes Richard could be playing for Wales again before too long. Brian Flynn was at a recent match and Rob doesn’t think he was there to watch him and has concluded he must have been watching Richard – though Daniel Nardiello is Welsh too, you know, Rob.
Rob believes the current Exeter side is the strongest he’s seen at the club but he is worried about facing Tranmere’s Dale Jennings. Ash Taylor isn’t too bad either but he’ll probably only be on the bench as he’s coming back from injury.
Leyton Orient P-P Carlisle United
Orient imply there’s nothing wrong with their stadium, it’s the roads around it that are the problem.
Milton Keynes Dons P-P Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth’s financial problems are unlikely to be helped by the cancellation of this match due to a frozen pitch in Milton Keynes.
Plymouth captain Carl Fletcher is still yet to make his comeback from injury. He was set to play in a reserve match this week but I’m not sure if it happened.
Rochdale P-P Charlton Athletic
It’s not just London where the pitches are frozen. Stadia that were due to be visited by a London club are having problems too.
Matt Done visited a school in Rochdale this week as part of Anti-Bullying week.
Yeovil Town P-P Peterborough United
Yeovil and Peterborough can’t play this match due to an excess of snow.
Yeovil loanee Owain Tudur Jones, who has returned to Norwich. His final match was meant to be an FA Cup match but it was postponed.
Notts County are considering under-soil heating but even if they did have it, it wouldn’t be much help as this match is at Brentford, who have a frozen pitch.
Ben Davies says Notts County can build on their victory over Swindon Town. Ben will meet the board soon to discuss his future.
Brighton P-P Colchester United
This game can’t be played as Brighton just isn’t a safe place for supporters.
Bristol Rovers v Bournemouth
This game isn’t cancelled yet but there’s going to be a pitch inspection tomorrow. So don’t go out without checking though if you do it won’t be a big disaster, it’s not like the match is in Carlisle. A win for Bournemouth would put them into the top two although Charlton Athletic would have a game in hand – and Bournemouth, despite their good position, have won away only once this season.
Byron Anthony returns from suspension for Bristol Rovers with Eliot Richards and Ben Swallow on the bench.
Rhoys Wiggins will start for Bournemouth
Joe Partington has extended his loan spell at Eastbourne Borough.
Dagenham & Redbridge P-P Huddersfield Town
There’s a safety issue in Dagenham so this match won’t be played.
Exeter City v Tranmere Rovers
Exeter are three points from the top six but they’d need a to win by ten goals in order to overturn Oldham Athletic’s goal difference. Tranmere won’t be in the bottom three if they lose because not enough of the teams below tham are playing but it would be uncomfortably close.
Richard Duffy has a slight hamstring injury but he’s expected to be fit to play for Exeter and first team coach/team-mate Rob Edwards believes Richard could be playing for Wales again before too long. Brian Flynn was at a recent match and Rob doesn’t think he was there to watch him and has concluded he must have been watching Richard – though Daniel Nardiello is Welsh too, you know, Rob.
Rob believes the current Exeter side is the strongest he’s seen at the club but he is worried about facing Tranmere’s Dale Jennings. Ash Taylor isn’t too bad either but he’ll probably only be on the bench as he’s coming back from injury.
Leyton Orient P-P Carlisle United
Orient imply there’s nothing wrong with their stadium, it’s the roads around it that are the problem.
Milton Keynes Dons P-P Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth’s financial problems are unlikely to be helped by the cancellation of this match due to a frozen pitch in Milton Keynes.
Plymouth captain Carl Fletcher is still yet to make his comeback from injury. He was set to play in a reserve match this week but I’m not sure if it happened.
Rochdale P-P Charlton Athletic
It’s not just London where the pitches are frozen. Stadia that were due to be visited by a London club are having problems too.
Matt Done visited a school in Rochdale this week as part of Anti-Bullying week.
Yeovil Town P-P Peterborough United
Yeovil and Peterborough can’t play this match due to an excess of snow.
Yeovil loanee Owain Tudur Jones, who has returned to Norwich. His final match was meant to be an FA Cup match but it was postponed.
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Premier League Results 27th November 2010 (Part 1)
Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal
This match was a lot more excrutiating than the result suggests. Arsenal won by two clear goals but it could easily have been won by one goal – and not necessarily by Arsenal. But they did get to the top of the table briefly and I’m just happy they’re still in a position where they can get to the top of the table.
James Collins played the full match for Villa and aggravated his calf which must have been, well, aggravating.
Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Blackpool
It looked as though Blackpool were about to pull off another shock when they went 2-0 ahead at Bolton. But Bolton aren’t in a Europa League place for nothing and two late goals gave them a share of the points.
Sam Ricketts played the full match for Bolton.
Neal Eardley was in the right place to ensure Bolton didn’t get a winner. He and David Vaughan played the full match for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench.
David is Ian Holloway’s dream man – if he is a man. Apparently he was manufactured which makes him sound more like a robot. Whatever he is, Holloway is going to offer him a new contract which he hopes will be enough to entice him to stay.
Everton 1-4 West Bromwich Albion
I thought Everton were getting over their usual early season slump but if you’re losing at home to West Brom (who aren’t on the best run themselves), you’ve really got a problem. Oh well, at least the Liverpool fans had something to be happy about for once.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Fulham 1-1 Birmingham City
Fulham used to be good at home but now it seems all they’re good at is drawing. In some ways, drawing a match is more of an achievement than winning it because if you win a match, you can score any number of goals and as long as it’s more than the opposition, you win. For a draw, you need to score exactly the same number of goals as the opposition. It’s probably not easy. But it still only gets you one point.
Simon Davies started for Fulham and took the corner that led to their equaliser.
This match was a lot more excrutiating than the result suggests. Arsenal won by two clear goals but it could easily have been won by one goal – and not necessarily by Arsenal. But they did get to the top of the table briefly and I’m just happy they’re still in a position where they can get to the top of the table.
James Collins played the full match for Villa and aggravated his calf which must have been, well, aggravating.
Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Blackpool
It looked as though Blackpool were about to pull off another shock when they went 2-0 ahead at Bolton. But Bolton aren’t in a Europa League place for nothing and two late goals gave them a share of the points.
Sam Ricketts played the full match for Bolton.
Neal Eardley was in the right place to ensure Bolton didn’t get a winner. He and David Vaughan played the full match for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench.
David is Ian Holloway’s dream man – if he is a man. Apparently he was manufactured which makes him sound more like a robot. Whatever he is, Holloway is going to offer him a new contract which he hopes will be enough to entice him to stay.
Everton 1-4 West Bromwich Albion
I thought Everton were getting over their usual early season slump but if you’re losing at home to West Brom (who aren’t on the best run themselves), you’ve really got a problem. Oh well, at least the Liverpool fans had something to be happy about for once.
Boaz Myhill was on the bench for West Brom.
Fulham 1-1 Birmingham City
Fulham used to be good at home but now it seems all they’re good at is drawing. In some ways, drawing a match is more of an achievement than winning it because if you win a match, you can score any number of goals and as long as it’s more than the opposition, you win. For a draw, you need to score exactly the same number of goals as the opposition. It’s probably not easy. But it still only gets you one point.
Simon Davies started for Fulham and took the corner that led to their equaliser.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Premier League Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 1)
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back from two humiliating wins in their last two matches. Birmingham City did them a huge favour last weekend by beating Chelsea and while Arsenal spurned the chance to overtake them, at least it means Chelsea aren’t too far ahead. He’s not Welsh but former Arsenal star Robert Pires could start for Villa – who are unbeaten at home this season.
James Collins will return from a calf injury to play in defence for Aston Villa
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until January, a move which has been welcomed by Wales caretaker manager Brian Flynn.
Bolton Wanderers v Blackpool
Blackpool’s impressive start to the season has got everyone’s attention but meanwhile Bolton have been sneaking quietly up the table and they are currently in fifth place.
Sam Ricketts will hope to keep his place in Bolton’s defence – and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t, given how well he’s done. But it’s not all the defence – Sam believes Johan Elmander is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will probably start for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench. Ian Holloway really wants David to remain at Blackpool but he doesn’t sound very hopeful.
Everton v West Bromwich Albion
West Brom’s six-match unbeaten run seems like a long time ago and they could be in the relegation zone on Saturday evening if results don’t go their way. But with Everton winning only three times this season (although they have only lost four in their last 25), maybe this is the time for West Brom to halt their slide down the table… and win their second away league match this season.
Boaz Myhill probably won’t start for West Brom.
Fulham v Birmingham City
Fulham are in trouble after losing to Manchester City in their last match. Now they must try to beat the team who’s just beaten the League Champions. Birmingham are however much weaker away from home – they’re yet to win away this season. The last time Birmingham beat Fulham at home, Robbie Savage scored. Even more incredibly, so did Emile Heskey.
Fulham are short of strikers as usual but they’ve been short of strikers for the last two years and that didn’t stop them from getting their highest finish ever and going all the way to the Europa League final. They do have a number of midfielders capable of scoring, including Simon Davies. Although if Roy Hodgson has his way, Simon might not be a Fulham player for very much longer.
Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back from two humiliating wins in their last two matches. Birmingham City did them a huge favour last weekend by beating Chelsea and while Arsenal spurned the chance to overtake them, at least it means Chelsea aren’t too far ahead. He’s not Welsh but former Arsenal star Robert Pires could start for Villa – who are unbeaten at home this season.
James Collins will return from a calf injury to play in defence for Aston Villa
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until January, a move which has been welcomed by Wales caretaker manager Brian Flynn.
Bolton Wanderers v Blackpool
Blackpool’s impressive start to the season has got everyone’s attention but meanwhile Bolton have been sneaking quietly up the table and they are currently in fifth place.
Sam Ricketts will hope to keep his place in Bolton’s defence – and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t, given how well he’s done. But it’s not all the defence – Sam believes Johan Elmander is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League.
Neal Eardley and David Vaughan will probably start for Blackpool with Rob Edwards on the bench. Ian Holloway really wants David to remain at Blackpool but he doesn’t sound very hopeful.
Everton v West Bromwich Albion
West Brom’s six-match unbeaten run seems like a long time ago and they could be in the relegation zone on Saturday evening if results don’t go their way. But with Everton winning only three times this season (although they have only lost four in their last 25), maybe this is the time for West Brom to halt their slide down the table… and win their second away league match this season.
Boaz Myhill probably won’t start for West Brom.
Fulham v Birmingham City
Fulham are in trouble after losing to Manchester City in their last match. Now they must try to beat the team who’s just beaten the League Champions. Birmingham are however much weaker away from home – they’re yet to win away this season. The last time Birmingham beat Fulham at home, Robbie Savage scored. Even more incredibly, so did Emile Heskey.
Fulham are short of strikers as usual but they’ve been short of strikers for the last two years and that didn’t stop them from getting their highest finish ever and going all the way to the Europa League final. They do have a number of midfielders capable of scoring, including Simon Davies. Although if Roy Hodgson has his way, Simon might not be a Fulham player for very much longer.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
League One Results 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Huddersfield Town 0-1 Exeter City
Exeter are only in 12th place but they are only two points behind the topsix – and one behind Huddersfield.
Richard Duffy scored Exeter’s goal with his head. Daniel Nardiello was a late substitute but Rob Edwards stayed on the bench.
Leyton Orient 2-2 Bournemouth
Orient came back from 2-0 down to snatch a point in the second minute of stoppage time.
Jason Brown made his first start for Orient, after joining on loan from Blackburn Rovers, who’d only just got him back from Leeds United. He let in two goals but he had no chance with at least one of them.
Rhoys Wiggins played the full match for Bournemouth.
Milton Keynes Dons 1-4 Sheffield Wednesday
MK Dons lost at home for the first time when they were thrashed 4-1 by Sheffield Wednesday. MK Dons took the lead in the 6th minute but it all went downhill from there.
Jermaine Easter was again absent for MK Dons due to a thigh injury.
Notts County 0-1 Tranmere Rovers
Notts County are in the bottom four, three points behind Plymouth Argyle, after losing to Tranmere, who are now six points clear of trouble.
Ben Davies could have got a couple of goals for Notts County.
Ash Taylor made a surprise appearance on the bench for Tranmere. It was his first appearance in a Tranmere squad this season since having a knee operation in the summer.
Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Brentford
Brentford continue to improve as Plymouth go the other way.Another defeat and they could be in the bottom four – but only if Notts County win.
Carl Fletcher is still out with a leg injury.
Rochdale 3-3 Swindon Town
Swindon must have been feeling all hopeful after first they equalised and then, two minutes later, went ahead. But Rochdale scored five minutes later and the points were shared.
Nicky Adams started for Rochdale. Matt Done was on the bench.
Southampton 4-1 Peterborough United
Football doesn’t have wheels even when things are going well but if Peterborough did have wheels, perhaps they really would be coming off. It’s their second consecutive thrashing and they’re down to 11th, if only two points from the play-offs.
Lewin Nyatanga and Arron Davies both played the full match for Peterborough.
Walsall 2-1 Carlisle United
Walsall got a very welcome three points when they came from behind to beat play-off hopefuls Carlisle.
Sean Geddes was on the bench for Walsall.
Exeter are only in 12th place but they are only two points behind the topsix – and one behind Huddersfield.
Richard Duffy scored Exeter’s goal with his head. Daniel Nardiello was a late substitute but Rob Edwards stayed on the bench.
Leyton Orient 2-2 Bournemouth
Orient came back from 2-0 down to snatch a point in the second minute of stoppage time.
Jason Brown made his first start for Orient, after joining on loan from Blackburn Rovers, who’d only just got him back from Leeds United. He let in two goals but he had no chance with at least one of them.
Rhoys Wiggins played the full match for Bournemouth.
Milton Keynes Dons 1-4 Sheffield Wednesday
MK Dons lost at home for the first time when they were thrashed 4-1 by Sheffield Wednesday. MK Dons took the lead in the 6th minute but it all went downhill from there.
Jermaine Easter was again absent for MK Dons due to a thigh injury.
Notts County 0-1 Tranmere Rovers
Notts County are in the bottom four, three points behind Plymouth Argyle, after losing to Tranmere, who are now six points clear of trouble.
Ben Davies could have got a couple of goals for Notts County.
Ash Taylor made a surprise appearance on the bench for Tranmere. It was his first appearance in a Tranmere squad this season since having a knee operation in the summer.
Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Brentford
Brentford continue to improve as Plymouth go the other way.Another defeat and they could be in the bottom four – but only if Notts County win.
Carl Fletcher is still out with a leg injury.
Rochdale 3-3 Swindon Town
Swindon must have been feeling all hopeful after first they equalised and then, two minutes later, went ahead. But Rochdale scored five minutes later and the points were shared.
Nicky Adams started for Rochdale. Matt Done was on the bench.
Southampton 4-1 Peterborough United
Football doesn’t have wheels even when things are going well but if Peterborough did have wheels, perhaps they really would be coming off. It’s their second consecutive thrashing and they’re down to 11th, if only two points from the play-offs.
Lewin Nyatanga and Arron Davies both played the full match for Peterborough.
Walsall 2-1 Carlisle United
Walsall got a very welcome three points when they came from behind to beat play-off hopefuls Carlisle.
Sean Geddes was on the bench for Walsall.
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