Hartlepool United 2-1 Oldham Athletic
I only found out about Oldham’s Joe Jacobson a few days ago but I’m hoping he’ll be a regular in this blog from now on. Losing to Hartleppol is a bit embarrassing but it was good he was even playing as he’s had a calf injury.
Tranmere Rovers OFF Leeds United
Ash Taylor will have to wait for his opportunity to beat the league leaders, who are now without Sam Vokes as he’s gone back to Wolves. (I think the main reason this one was cancelled is because Leeds have double-booked themselves and they have an FA Cup game tomorrow. Unless I've got confused, that is.)
Walsall OFF Charlton Athletic
Walsall will be forgetting what a football looks like at this rate. If my special spreadsheet is correct (which is might well not be given it’s mine) at least their last three matches have been called off. So not only Walsall’s Mark Bradley and Rhys Weston but also Charlton’s Grant Basey have some more time to recover from New Year. (Not that I’m suggesting they went out. I’m sure they didn’t, they’re professional footballers. I’m just joking.)
Wycombe Wanderers 0-1 Norwich City
Josh Dawkin was again on the bench to witness a Norwich win. Maybe if it happens again, they could try putting him on.
Sunday, 3 January 2010
FA Cup Third Round Results 2nd January Part 5
Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 Peterborough United
The last time Peterborough went 4-0 down, they got a draw. But it wasn’t happening this time as Peterborough and defender Craig Morgan found themselves on the losing side.
Gareth Bale finally got another start and provided not one but two assists, also coming close to a goal. And if that Peterborough player hadn’t hurt his thigh, he might have gone on to get his assist hat-trick. He might not be the most experienced at winning League games but there’s no doubt he can cross a ball.
Wigan Athletic 4-1 Hull City
Hull went into half-time 1-0 up but then Wigan made the fatal mistake of replacing Jason Koumas with Charles N’Somnia, I mean N’Zogbia. N-Zogbia scored not one but two goals past poor Boaz Myhill and Hull found themselves out of the FA Cup.
The last time Peterborough went 4-0 down, they got a draw. But it wasn’t happening this time as Peterborough and defender Craig Morgan found themselves on the losing side.
Gareth Bale finally got another start and provided not one but two assists, also coming close to a goal. And if that Peterborough player hadn’t hurt his thigh, he might have gone on to get his assist hat-trick. He might not be the most experienced at winning League games but there’s no doubt he can cross a ball.
Wigan Athletic 4-1 Hull City
Hull went into half-time 1-0 up but then Wigan made the fatal mistake of replacing Jason Koumas with Charles N’Somnia, I mean N’Zogbia. N-Zogbia scored not one but two goals past poor Boaz Myhill and Hull found themselves out of the FA Cup.
FA Cup Third Round Results 2nd January Part 4
Stoke City 3-1 York City
York might be on the other side of England from Wales (or it might not be, I know where all the counties are but I’m not so good with towns) but that doesn’t stop them from having England’s highest quota of Welsh players (Swansea have more but they’e not English are they?). And they all had a part to play in this game which started brilliantly but had a predictable end.
BBC Sport originally credited Levi Mackin with the assist for the first goal. Right nationality, wrong player – it was actually Alex Lawless. Danny Parslow became the Wales player I most want to hug after scoring a horrible own goal to put Stoke level but if he hadn’t done it, I’m sure a Stoke player would have done. A double substitution saw Kevin Gall come onto the pitch as Danny left it (a good 41 minutes after his own goal, not including half-time) but technically he didn’t replace him. Levi Mackin might not have got his assist but both he and Luke Graham ensured a mention in this blog by getting a yellow card each.
Ryan Shawcross didn’t play for Stoke after getting his fifth yellow card but Danny Collins played the full match.
Sunderland 3-0 Barrow
The match came to a predictable end but in the absence of a Cupset it at least it offered the opportunity to see Barrow’s three Welsh players. And I did get to see Gareth Jelleyman making both aa ahndball and a good save (the save was with his foot) but the highlights were too short for me to see Simon Spender (who according to the Guardian is “arguably the best right back in non-league football”) and Mike Pearson (who staked his claim to be the best centre back) but they were there the whole tme. Although it was good to find out Mike had completed the match, which he was unable to do in Barrow’s last FA Cup appearance against Middlesbrough.
Torquay United 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton needed a goal to save them from a replay against a League Two side and you’ll never guess who provided it. Yes, it was Andrew Crofts, who has been named as Brighton’s official captain. And I’m sure Craig Davies could have got one a goal too if he’d come off the bench.
York might be on the other side of England from Wales (or it might not be, I know where all the counties are but I’m not so good with towns) but that doesn’t stop them from having England’s highest quota of Welsh players (Swansea have more but they’e not English are they?). And they all had a part to play in this game which started brilliantly but had a predictable end.
BBC Sport originally credited Levi Mackin with the assist for the first goal. Right nationality, wrong player – it was actually Alex Lawless. Danny Parslow became the Wales player I most want to hug after scoring a horrible own goal to put Stoke level but if he hadn’t done it, I’m sure a Stoke player would have done. A double substitution saw Kevin Gall come onto the pitch as Danny left it (a good 41 minutes after his own goal, not including half-time) but technically he didn’t replace him. Levi Mackin might not have got his assist but both he and Luke Graham ensured a mention in this blog by getting a yellow card each.
Ryan Shawcross didn’t play for Stoke after getting his fifth yellow card but Danny Collins played the full match.
Sunderland 3-0 Barrow
The match came to a predictable end but in the absence of a Cupset it at least it offered the opportunity to see Barrow’s three Welsh players. And I did get to see Gareth Jelleyman making both aa ahndball and a good save (the save was with his foot) but the highlights were too short for me to see Simon Spender (who according to the Guardian is “arguably the best right back in non-league football”) and Mike Pearson (who staked his claim to be the best centre back) but they were there the whole tme. Although it was good to find out Mike had completed the match, which he was unable to do in Barrow’s last FA Cup appearance against Middlesbrough.
Torquay United 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton needed a goal to save them from a replay against a League Two side and you’ll never guess who provided it. Yes, it was Andrew Crofts, who has been named as Brighton’s official captain. And I’m sure Craig Davies could have got one a goal too if he’d come off the bench.
FA Cup Third Round Results 2nd January Part 3
Milton Keynes Dons v Burnley
I know he’s Scottish but it’s difficult not to talk about Burnley without mentioning their manager’s strange behaviour. Maybe a family member was ill and he really couldn’t afford to wait fifteen minutes (although I hope not) in which case I can’t blame his assistant manager for not telling the Press about it. But it is very very suspicious. Personally out of Burnley and Bolton I’d prefer to see Burnley go down so getting rid of their much-too-good manager might be a good idea.
Jermaine Easter played 80 minutes for Burnley. He did try to score but he couldn’t quite squeeze it in.
Nottingham Forest v Birmingham City
I’m not quite sure on the exact numbers because I never am quite sure where numbers are concerned. But I believe this is Forest’s seventeenth game without defeat and Birmingham’s thirteenth. So it had to be a draw didn’t it? What’s the betting they’re still level after extra time in the replay.
Forest might possibly have won it if Robert Earnshaw hadn’t taken his penalty in such a strange way. But then again going a goal down might have spurred Birmingham into action so perhaps missing the penalty was the best thing Rob has ever done. Rob says scoring goals is “right up there” with sex but in this case his problem was more that he couldn’t keep it down. Chris Gunter also played for Forest and it’s another clean sheet for him. He also got another yellow card though and judging from the number he got at the beginning of the season, he must be getting close to suspension.
Portsmouth 1-1 Coventry City
Portsmouth’s players haven’t been paid for December yet whilst Coventry have an in-form (if ill) Freddy Eastwood in the side. So a Portsmouth win might actually have been more of a shock than a Coventry win. I wouldn’t bet against Coventry snatching the win in the replay – but I am anti-gambling so I wouldn’t bet on anything really.
Preston North End 7-0 Colchester United
Typical. Preston finally remember what a good side they are after all this time and they have to go and do it without Paul Parry. It’s not fair. And I like Colchester.
Reading 1-1 Liverpool
Simon Church scored the goal to put Reading ahead. It would have been very difficult for him to miss it but he was in the right place at the right time and that can be one of the hardest things in football. Steven Gerrard got an equaliser in that annoying way of his but he couldn’t manage a winner. Sadly I think Liverpool might find a winner at Anfield but if Havant & Waterlooville can take the lead twice, we certainly can’t write off Reading.
Southampton 1-0 Luton Town
Lloyd James for once got neither the goal nor the assist as Southampton beat non-league Luton Town. Or not as far as I know – BBC Sport didn’t say who got the assist. But every player deserves a week off now and then.
I know he’s Scottish but it’s difficult not to talk about Burnley without mentioning their manager’s strange behaviour. Maybe a family member was ill and he really couldn’t afford to wait fifteen minutes (although I hope not) in which case I can’t blame his assistant manager for not telling the Press about it. But it is very very suspicious. Personally out of Burnley and Bolton I’d prefer to see Burnley go down so getting rid of their much-too-good manager might be a good idea.
Jermaine Easter played 80 minutes for Burnley. He did try to score but he couldn’t quite squeeze it in.
Nottingham Forest v Birmingham City
I’m not quite sure on the exact numbers because I never am quite sure where numbers are concerned. But I believe this is Forest’s seventeenth game without defeat and Birmingham’s thirteenth. So it had to be a draw didn’t it? What’s the betting they’re still level after extra time in the replay.
Forest might possibly have won it if Robert Earnshaw hadn’t taken his penalty in such a strange way. But then again going a goal down might have spurred Birmingham into action so perhaps missing the penalty was the best thing Rob has ever done. Rob says scoring goals is “right up there” with sex but in this case his problem was more that he couldn’t keep it down. Chris Gunter also played for Forest and it’s another clean sheet for him. He also got another yellow card though and judging from the number he got at the beginning of the season, he must be getting close to suspension.
Portsmouth 1-1 Coventry City
Portsmouth’s players haven’t been paid for December yet whilst Coventry have an in-form (if ill) Freddy Eastwood in the side. So a Portsmouth win might actually have been more of a shock than a Coventry win. I wouldn’t bet against Coventry snatching the win in the replay – but I am anti-gambling so I wouldn’t bet on anything really.
Preston North End 7-0 Colchester United
Typical. Preston finally remember what a good side they are after all this time and they have to go and do it without Paul Parry. It’s not fair. And I like Colchester.
Reading 1-1 Liverpool
Simon Church scored the goal to put Reading ahead. It would have been very difficult for him to miss it but he was in the right place at the right time and that can be one of the hardest things in football. Steven Gerrard got an equaliser in that annoying way of his but he couldn’t manage a winner. Sadly I think Liverpool might find a winner at Anfield but if Havant & Waterlooville can take the lead twice, we certainly can’t write off Reading.
Southampton 1-0 Luton Town
Lloyd James for once got neither the goal nor the assist as Southampton beat non-league Luton Town. Or not as far as I know – BBC Sport didn’t say who got the assist. But every player deserves a week off now and then.
FA Cup Third Round Results 2nd January Part 2
Leicester City 2-1 Swansea City
David Cotterill started things off with one of the goals of the round for Swansea City, his first for the club (although I haven’t given up hope that Arsenal will score several tomorrow that are even better). But Leicester’s Andy King soon levelled and the place in the fourth round went to Leicester after they scored again in the 89th minute.
As usual, Leicester left Nicky Adams on the bench and surprisingly Ashley Williams was on Swansea’s bench alongside David Cornell and Ashley Richards – who might be heading to Scotland after attracting the attention of the Old Firm. Joe Allen must have been particularly happy to get a start for Swansea after his early substitution midweek – he was heavily involved in David Cotterill’s goal, probably getting the assist, and he nearly scored a goal of his own not long afterwards.
Middlesbrough 0-1 Manchester City
Middlesbrough played very well with Danny Coyne making some good saves and Rhys Williams managed to get one on the roof of the net which is pretty close really. It’s a measure of their success that not even Craig Bellamy, when he came on as a substitute, could put one past him. It’s always sad to see a team you like go out of the FA Cup but Middlesbrough gave an excellent account against the richest team in the League.
Millwall 1-1 Derby County
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett was so desperate for Millwall to snatch a winner, he even let Jason Price come off the bench. Sadly Jason couldn’t take advantage and it’s fair to say the replay at Pride Park will be very different. Particularly if Robbie Savage doesn’t get himself suspended again in the meantime.
David Cotterill started things off with one of the goals of the round for Swansea City, his first for the club (although I haven’t given up hope that Arsenal will score several tomorrow that are even better). But Leicester’s Andy King soon levelled and the place in the fourth round went to Leicester after they scored again in the 89th minute.
As usual, Leicester left Nicky Adams on the bench and surprisingly Ashley Williams was on Swansea’s bench alongside David Cornell and Ashley Richards – who might be heading to Scotland after attracting the attention of the Old Firm. Joe Allen must have been particularly happy to get a start for Swansea after his early substitution midweek – he was heavily involved in David Cotterill’s goal, probably getting the assist, and he nearly scored a goal of his own not long afterwards.
Middlesbrough 0-1 Manchester City
Middlesbrough played very well with Danny Coyne making some good saves and Rhys Williams managed to get one on the roof of the net which is pretty close really. It’s a measure of their success that not even Craig Bellamy, when he came on as a substitute, could put one past him. It’s always sad to see a team you like go out of the FA Cup but Middlesbrough gave an excellent account against the richest team in the League.
Millwall 1-1 Derby County
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett was so desperate for Millwall to snatch a winner, he even let Jason Price come off the bench. Sadly Jason couldn’t take advantage and it’s fair to say the replay at Pride Park will be very different. Particularly if Robbie Savage doesn’t get himself suspended again in the meantime.
FA Cup Third Round Results 2nd January Part 1
Aston Villa 3-1 Blackburn Rovers
James Collins got his first start for Aston Villa for some time as Aston Villa won 3-1. It would have been brilliant if only Blackburn hadn’t had Jason Brown in goal although he did make some good saves and you can’t blame him for not saving the penalty, we can’t all be Thomas Sorensen or Brad Guzan James nearly scored but Carlos Cuellar got his head in the way so he scored instead.
Blackpool 1-2 Ipswich Town
Blackpool have more Welsh players than Cardiff so it was a shame they found themselves on the losing side. Neal Eardley and David Vaughan both started the match but David was replaced on 61 minutes by Rob Edwards, who lost no time in getting himself sent off (it was a bit harsh though). Daniel Nardiello stayed on the bench, perhaps thinking that it was so much easier when he was at Bury.
Bolton 4-0 Lincoln City
It should have been a great day for Sam Ricketts but not only did Gary Megson leave him on the bench, caretaker Chris Evans decided not to pick him either. Well what do you expect from someone called Chris Evans? Lincoln as expected were without the injured Anthony Pulis.
James Collins got his first start for Aston Villa for some time as Aston Villa won 3-1. It would have been brilliant if only Blackburn hadn’t had Jason Brown in goal although he did make some good saves and you can’t blame him for not saving the penalty, we can’t all be Thomas Sorensen or Brad Guzan James nearly scored but Carlos Cuellar got his head in the way so he scored instead.
Blackpool 1-2 Ipswich Town
Blackpool have more Welsh players than Cardiff so it was a shame they found themselves on the losing side. Neal Eardley and David Vaughan both started the match but David was replaced on 61 minutes by Rob Edwards, who lost no time in getting himself sent off (it was a bit harsh though). Daniel Nardiello stayed on the bench, perhaps thinking that it was so much easier when he was at Bury.
Bolton 4-0 Lincoln City
It should have been a great day for Sam Ricketts but not only did Gary Megson leave him on the bench, caretaker Chris Evans decided not to pick him either. Well what do you expect from someone called Chris Evans? Lincoln as expected were without the injured Anthony Pulis.
Friday, 1 January 2010
Welsh Transfer Window Rumours 1st January Part 2
Kyle Letherhen to ?
Kyle Letheren has been released by Plymouth Argyle after his contract came to an end. He was only signed short-term to sit on the bench and cover while their usual second-string goalkeeper was injured. No word yet on whether he’s likely to join another club in the near future but it’s hard to believe that a keeper who’s good enough to sit on a Championship bench should have too much trouble finding a new club.
Adam Matthews to Manchester United or Arsenal
Manchester United have apparently beaten Arsenal to the signing of Adam Matthews but as this was announced at least a week before the transfer window opened, I can’t take this too seriously. Besides, Adam might choose to go to Arsenal like Aaron Ramsey did. If Adam goes to Arsenal, he’ll be guaranteed Carling Cup and possibly FA Cup appearances (next season), he will also have chances to play in Premier League and Champions’ League games against weaker opposition. This might also happen if he plays for Manchester United but it’s not guaranteed. Also, Man U already have a young right back in Rafael and he is behind about three (admittedly injury prone) right backs in the pecking order. At Arsenal, Adam will be behind Bacary Sagna and Emmanuel Eboué, who might be playing right wing anyway.
Most of all though, I think I’d like to see him stay as Cardiff City. He’s quality and Cardiff really need some of that at the moment. And Cardiff are giving him regular, if not weekly, first team games.
Shaun MacDonald to Yeovil (loan)
Yeovil wanted to extend Shaun MacDonald’s loan but Swansea wanted him back. But as he hasn’t even been on the bench for Swansea yet it’s not impossible Yeovil will get their way and get him back.
Craig Morgan to Notts County
Notts County are aiming high – or at least as high as the bottom of the Championship. Craig Morgan doesn’t seem to be a manager’s favourite at Peterborough United, apparently preferring to play him only when needed. Not many players would willingly give up Championship football in favour of League Two, even if the chances are he’ll be playing League One football whichever club he’s at. Notts County are a bigger club than Peterborough with a bigger history but they do seem to be in quite a big mess.
Lewis Price to ?
I’m not quite sure what’s happening with Lewis Price. First he was Brentford’s first-choice keeper. Then he was dropped from the squad completely and Derby were making noises about wanting him back. Now Lewis is back between the sticks and Derby have gone quiet but with Wojciech Szczęsny apparently preferred when fit, who knows what’s going to happen?
Anthony Pulis to Lincoln City (loan)
Anthony Pulis has been on-loan at Lincoln for a while but he has not featured for a while due to injury. It was thought his loan would come to an end before he recovered but that Lincoln would get him back for another loan when he was better.
Ryan Shawcross to Manchester United
Two years ago, Manchester United sold Ryan Shawcross to Stoke on the grounds that he wasn’t good enough for them. A season and a half for Stoke in the Premier League and Man Utd are beginning to think that maybe they made a bit of a mistake. But Stoke don’t want to sell him and Ryan seems more interested in regular football with Stoke than Manchester United’s wage bill.
Brian Stock to Cardiff City
Brian Stock has hardly played for Doncaster Rovers this season due to injury but Cardiff are still interested in this strong and influential midfield player. And especially with Joe Ledley going off to have an operation, Cardiff really need one of those. Doncaster are doing amazingly well but you can’t really imagine them in the Premier League – which is (if they stop giving up 4-goal leads) more of a possibility for Cardiff.
Ben Thatcher to ?
Roy Keane insists the only reason Ben Thatcher isn’t playing for Ipswich Town is because he has a knee injury. Well fair enough. But there are rumblings that two of football’s biggest hotheads don’t get on terribly well and that Ben refused to adhere to Roy’s rule that all players must live within a certain distance from the training ground. You can’t blame a manager for putting a player on the transfer list if this is true. But how many clubs would be interested in an injured hothead?
Ashley Williams to Wigan Athletic
Just as former Wigan boss Steve Bruce has buying all his old Wigan recruits for Sunderland, Roberto Martinez has been raiding his own club Swansea. And next on his list seems to be centre back Ashley Williams, who has lately been captain of both Swansea and Wales. No word on whether Ashley is happy to go – it depends on whether he prefers a relegation battle he has a good chance of surviving or a promotion battle that might come to nothing.
Kyle Letheren has been released by Plymouth Argyle after his contract came to an end. He was only signed short-term to sit on the bench and cover while their usual second-string goalkeeper was injured. No word yet on whether he’s likely to join another club in the near future but it’s hard to believe that a keeper who’s good enough to sit on a Championship bench should have too much trouble finding a new club.
Adam Matthews to Manchester United or Arsenal
Manchester United have apparently beaten Arsenal to the signing of Adam Matthews but as this was announced at least a week before the transfer window opened, I can’t take this too seriously. Besides, Adam might choose to go to Arsenal like Aaron Ramsey did. If Adam goes to Arsenal, he’ll be guaranteed Carling Cup and possibly FA Cup appearances (next season), he will also have chances to play in Premier League and Champions’ League games against weaker opposition. This might also happen if he plays for Manchester United but it’s not guaranteed. Also, Man U already have a young right back in Rafael and he is behind about three (admittedly injury prone) right backs in the pecking order. At Arsenal, Adam will be behind Bacary Sagna and Emmanuel Eboué, who might be playing right wing anyway.
Most of all though, I think I’d like to see him stay as Cardiff City. He’s quality and Cardiff really need some of that at the moment. And Cardiff are giving him regular, if not weekly, first team games.
Shaun MacDonald to Yeovil (loan)
Yeovil wanted to extend Shaun MacDonald’s loan but Swansea wanted him back. But as he hasn’t even been on the bench for Swansea yet it’s not impossible Yeovil will get their way and get him back.
Craig Morgan to Notts County
Notts County are aiming high – or at least as high as the bottom of the Championship. Craig Morgan doesn’t seem to be a manager’s favourite at Peterborough United, apparently preferring to play him only when needed. Not many players would willingly give up Championship football in favour of League Two, even if the chances are he’ll be playing League One football whichever club he’s at. Notts County are a bigger club than Peterborough with a bigger history but they do seem to be in quite a big mess.
Lewis Price to ?
I’m not quite sure what’s happening with Lewis Price. First he was Brentford’s first-choice keeper. Then he was dropped from the squad completely and Derby were making noises about wanting him back. Now Lewis is back between the sticks and Derby have gone quiet but with Wojciech Szczęsny apparently preferred when fit, who knows what’s going to happen?
Anthony Pulis to Lincoln City (loan)
Anthony Pulis has been on-loan at Lincoln for a while but he has not featured for a while due to injury. It was thought his loan would come to an end before he recovered but that Lincoln would get him back for another loan when he was better.
Ryan Shawcross to Manchester United
Two years ago, Manchester United sold Ryan Shawcross to Stoke on the grounds that he wasn’t good enough for them. A season and a half for Stoke in the Premier League and Man Utd are beginning to think that maybe they made a bit of a mistake. But Stoke don’t want to sell him and Ryan seems more interested in regular football with Stoke than Manchester United’s wage bill.
Brian Stock to Cardiff City
Brian Stock has hardly played for Doncaster Rovers this season due to injury but Cardiff are still interested in this strong and influential midfield player. And especially with Joe Ledley going off to have an operation, Cardiff really need one of those. Doncaster are doing amazingly well but you can’t really imagine them in the Premier League – which is (if they stop giving up 4-goal leads) more of a possibility for Cardiff.
Ben Thatcher to ?
Roy Keane insists the only reason Ben Thatcher isn’t playing for Ipswich Town is because he has a knee injury. Well fair enough. But there are rumblings that two of football’s biggest hotheads don’t get on terribly well and that Ben refused to adhere to Roy’s rule that all players must live within a certain distance from the training ground. You can’t blame a manager for putting a player on the transfer list if this is true. But how many clubs would be interested in an injured hothead?
Ashley Williams to Wigan Athletic
Just as former Wigan boss Steve Bruce has buying all his old Wigan recruits for Sunderland, Roberto Martinez has been raiding his own club Swansea. And next on his list seems to be centre back Ashley Williams, who has lately been captain of both Swansea and Wales. No word on whether Ashley is happy to go – it depends on whether he prefers a relegation battle he has a good chance of surviving or a promotion battle that might come to nothing.
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