Huddersfield Town 2-1 Colchester United
Huddersfield’s win means they still have a small chance of automatic promotion. Colchester won’t finish any lower than eighth – a position they might have been happy with had they not spent so much time as promotion contenders.
Thomas Bender was on the bench for Colchester.
Milton Keynes Dons 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
MK Dons are guaranteed to finish in the top half but there isn’t that much else you can say about a disappointing season from a club who came so close to automatic promotion last season. Brighton could still sneak a top-half finish but even if they lose and finish 15th, I’d still say they’ve had a good season.
Jermaine Easter is having problems with his thigh again and missed out for MK Dons.
Andrew Crofts played the full match for Brighton.
Southend United 2-1 Stockport County
The bottom two sides met with Southend getting a rare win that moved them up to 22nd ahead of newly-relegated Wycombe Wanderers.
Owain fon Williams was dropped to the bench for Stockport County.
Tranmere Rovers 2-0 Millwall
This really wasn’t the result I was hoping for although it would be nice to go and see Millwall at Wembley again. Tranmere are still in the relegation zone.
Ash Taylor played the full match for Tranmere despite an ankle injury.
Yeovil Town 3-0 Oldham Athletic
Yeovil are officially safe now after beating Oldham Athletic and moving one point ahead of them.
Gavin Williams was again Yeovil’s hero, getting the assist for the second goal before scoring the other two. He’s going to be missed next season – on this showing, Bristol City would be silly to let him go. Arron Davies made another first-half appearance from the bench but Shaun MacDonald was out with a groin injury.
Monday, 3 May 2010
League One Results 1st May Part 1
Bristol Rovers 0-3 Norwich City
Norwich might already be Champions but it looks as though they are keen to end the season in style. Bristol Rovers haven’t been on great form recently but it’s still a good – if not exactly surprising – result for Norwich.
Byron Anthony returned from injury to play in defence for Bristol Rovers, with Ben Swallow starting for his third consecutive game.
Carlisle United 1-1 Walsall
Both sides will finish in mid-table but Carlisle at least should be happy with that after only just surviving relegation last season.
Jason Price made his first start for Carlisle since recovering from a thigh injury – and it was he who scored Carlisle’s equalising goal. He was glad to score as Walsall’s goal was quite possibly slightly his fault.
Rhys Weston played the full match for Walsall with Mark Bradley on the bench.
Charlton Athletic 1-0 Leeds United
A win for Leeds would have seen them promoted but now it’s very close between Charlton, Leeds and Millwall, Swindon Town and Huddersfield Town, although Huddersfield’s chances are not that great. Particularly with Millwall and Swindon meeting on the last day of the season.
Charlton were without Grant Basey while Sanchez Watt dropped to the bench again for Leeds. He was a 73rd minute substitute but Leeds could not find an equaliser although they did look more like scoring after Sanchez’ introduction.
Gillingham 2-1 Southampton
Gillingham have a good chance of surviving as this win put them two points outside the play-off zone but they would need to win an away game in order to be completely sure – something they haven’t done all season. Southampton will be in the top eight despite their points deduction.
I’m really not sure what’s going on with Lloyd James’ ankle but it seemed fine today. He started for Southampton and didn’t come off until the end of the match (and probably at half-time too but that doesn’t count).
Hartlepool United 1-1 Exeter City
Hartlepool still don’t know if they’re going to have three points deducted or not. If not, they’re safe. If they do have points deducted they’ll be a point outside the relegation zone. Exeter are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Richard Duffy and Rob Edwards both started for Exeter with Stuart Fleetwood coming off the bench for the last three minutes. Andy Marriott stayed on the bench.
Norwich might already be Champions but it looks as though they are keen to end the season in style. Bristol Rovers haven’t been on great form recently but it’s still a good – if not exactly surprising – result for Norwich.
Byron Anthony returned from injury to play in defence for Bristol Rovers, with Ben Swallow starting for his third consecutive game.
Carlisle United 1-1 Walsall
Both sides will finish in mid-table but Carlisle at least should be happy with that after only just surviving relegation last season.
Jason Price made his first start for Carlisle since recovering from a thigh injury – and it was he who scored Carlisle’s equalising goal. He was glad to score as Walsall’s goal was quite possibly slightly his fault.
Rhys Weston played the full match for Walsall with Mark Bradley on the bench.
Charlton Athletic 1-0 Leeds United
A win for Leeds would have seen them promoted but now it’s very close between Charlton, Leeds and Millwall, Swindon Town and Huddersfield Town, although Huddersfield’s chances are not that great. Particularly with Millwall and Swindon meeting on the last day of the season.
Charlton were without Grant Basey while Sanchez Watt dropped to the bench again for Leeds. He was a 73rd minute substitute but Leeds could not find an equaliser although they did look more like scoring after Sanchez’ introduction.
Gillingham 2-1 Southampton
Gillingham have a good chance of surviving as this win put them two points outside the play-off zone but they would need to win an away game in order to be completely sure – something they haven’t done all season. Southampton will be in the top eight despite their points deduction.
I’m really not sure what’s going on with Lloyd James’ ankle but it seemed fine today. He started for Southampton and didn’t come off until the end of the match (and probably at half-time too but that doesn’t count).
Hartlepool United 1-1 Exeter City
Hartlepool still don’t know if they’re going to have three points deducted or not. If not, they’re safe. If they do have points deducted they’ll be a point outside the relegation zone. Exeter are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Richard Duffy and Rob Edwards both started for Exeter with Stuart Fleetwood coming off the bench for the last three minutes. Andy Marriott stayed on the bench.
Premier League Fixtures 3rd May
Blackburn Rovers v Arsenal
Blackburn are two points from the top half of the table. If Arsenal win, they’ll definitely finish third.
Jason Brown will be on the bench for Blackburn. Aaron Ramsey (leg) is missing for Arsenal, along with most of the rest of the first team.
Wigan Athletic v Hull City
Wigan are completely safe but Hull will be officially relegated if Wigan get so much as a point. Hull probably need to win at least 15-0 to give themselves a fighting chance of staying up but a couple of 10-0 wins would do it if they can rely on West Ham United to lose 10-0.
Jason Koumas wasn’t in Wigan’s squad and is expected to leave at the end of the season. Hardly surprising, if I was Jason I’d want to leave.
Boaz Myhill will probably be on the bench for Hull. He says the players are devastated about their relegation but they’ll work hard to bounce back next season. Although if the financial situati9n is as bad as has been reported, Bo is likely to be sold.
Blackburn are two points from the top half of the table. If Arsenal win, they’ll definitely finish third.
Jason Brown will be on the bench for Blackburn. Aaron Ramsey (leg) is missing for Arsenal, along with most of the rest of the first team.
Wigan Athletic v Hull City
Wigan are completely safe but Hull will be officially relegated if Wigan get so much as a point. Hull probably need to win at least 15-0 to give themselves a fighting chance of staying up but a couple of 10-0 wins would do it if they can rely on West Ham United to lose 10-0.
Jason Koumas wasn’t in Wigan’s squad and is expected to leave at the end of the season. Hardly surprising, if I was Jason I’d want to leave.
Boaz Myhill will probably be on the bench for Hull. He says the players are devastated about their relegation but they’ll work hard to bounce back next season. Although if the financial situati9n is as bad as has been reported, Bo is likely to be sold.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Premier League Results 1st May
Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa could still finish fourth on goal difference but it’s not very likely. Manchester City are one point behind Tottenham Hotspur, who are in the Champions’ League places.
Craig Bellamy scored the winner for Manchester City on his 300th league appearance. But although Villa let in three goals, James Collins was complimented on his defending on Match of the Day last night.
Portsmouth 3-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Portsmouth will end the season at least five points adrift of the team in 19th and at least fifteen points away from safety. But someone tell the FA Cup finalists that. Wolves are safe but they might have hoped for better against the bottom club.
David Jones was the only ‘Welsh’ player to start – and finish – for Wolves. He nearly scored from a free kick and started the move that led to what was then an equaliser. Dave Edwards was on the bench. Both Davids have been nominated for Wolves’ Goal of the Season award. Wayne Hennessey and Sam Vokes were both missing from the squad.
Stoke City 0-0 Everton
Stoke could have won this with a goal from Irishman Rory Delap but Tony Pulis forgave him. His legs might let him down occasionally (although he’s had a great season) but his arms have been a great help to Stoke this season. Stoke still have a good chance of improving on last season’s finish but Everton’s faint chances of snatching the last Europa League spot from Liverpool have now completely gone.
Ryan Shawcross was back in Stoke’s side at the expense of Danny Collins.
Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
Tottenham deservedly took the three points from this but it was tenser than it needed to be, with Tottenham missing a number of chances and Bolton very nearly taking advantage of the chances they had.
Gareth Bale came close to a hat-trick for Spurs – none of them actually went in but he’s looking so confident now. After the match, Gareth was named as Tottenham’s Young Player of the Season and One Hotspur (top-level season ticket holders)’s Young Player of the Season.
Sam Ricketts was on the bench again for Bolton.
Aston Villa could still finish fourth on goal difference but it’s not very likely. Manchester City are one point behind Tottenham Hotspur, who are in the Champions’ League places.
Craig Bellamy scored the winner for Manchester City on his 300th league appearance. But although Villa let in three goals, James Collins was complimented on his defending on Match of the Day last night.
Portsmouth 3-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Portsmouth will end the season at least five points adrift of the team in 19th and at least fifteen points away from safety. But someone tell the FA Cup finalists that. Wolves are safe but they might have hoped for better against the bottom club.
David Jones was the only ‘Welsh’ player to start – and finish – for Wolves. He nearly scored from a free kick and started the move that led to what was then an equaliser. Dave Edwards was on the bench. Both Davids have been nominated for Wolves’ Goal of the Season award. Wayne Hennessey and Sam Vokes were both missing from the squad.
Stoke City 0-0 Everton
Stoke could have won this with a goal from Irishman Rory Delap but Tony Pulis forgave him. His legs might let him down occasionally (although he’s had a great season) but his arms have been a great help to Stoke this season. Stoke still have a good chance of improving on last season’s finish but Everton’s faint chances of snatching the last Europa League spot from Liverpool have now completely gone.
Ryan Shawcross was back in Stoke’s side at the expense of Danny Collins.
Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
Tottenham deservedly took the three points from this but it was tenser than it needed to be, with Tottenham missing a number of chances and Bolton very nearly taking advantage of the chances they had.
Gareth Bale came close to a hat-trick for Spurs – none of them actually went in but he’s looking so confident now. After the match, Gareth was named as Tottenham’s Young Player of the Season and One Hotspur (top-level season ticket holders)’s Young Player of the Season.
Sam Ricketts was on the bench again for Bolton.
All Change at Wrexham
A number of Welsh players will be looking for new clubs after Wrexham manager Dean Saunders has released eleven players, including some Welsh ones. He will be working with a smaller budget and can’t afford to keep all the players.
Defender Mike Williams has come to the end of his contract and will not be offered a new one. The 23 year old has been at Wrexham for 13 years. He says he was disappointed but nor surprised and he gave a lovely and positive interview to the Daily Post. He says Dean Saunders is going to help him find another club.
Midfielder Mark Jones is one of several players who have been told to find another club.
Defender Kai Edwards, midfielders Johnny Hunt and Kristian O’Leary and striker Gareth Taylor, who have all been given year-long contracts. Declan Walker has been offered his first professional contract. Leon Clowes will be invited back for pre-season training although the Daily Post’s wording suggests he doesn’t have a contract.
Neil Taylor, who has apparently attracted the attention of Burnley, was also offered a contract but he rejected it and is expecting to leave.
Striker Marc Williams (younger brother of Mike) has a broken foot so he’s got a six-month contract and time to prove his fitness.
Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has a year left on his contract.
Defender Mike Williams has come to the end of his contract and will not be offered a new one. The 23 year old has been at Wrexham for 13 years. He says he was disappointed but nor surprised and he gave a lovely and positive interview to the Daily Post. He says Dean Saunders is going to help him find another club.
Midfielder Mark Jones is one of several players who have been told to find another club.
Defender Kai Edwards, midfielders Johnny Hunt and Kristian O’Leary and striker Gareth Taylor, who have all been given year-long contracts. Declan Walker has been offered his first professional contract. Leon Clowes will be invited back for pre-season training although the Daily Post’s wording suggests he doesn’t have a contract.
Neil Taylor, who has apparently attracted the attention of Burnley, was also offered a contract but he rejected it and is expecting to leave.
Striker Marc Williams (younger brother of Mike) has a broken foot so he’s got a six-month contract and time to prove his fitness.
Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has a year left on his contract.
Premier League Fixtures 2nd May
Fulham v West Ham United
Fulham look guaranteed to be playing in the Europa League next season, either by winning it this year or through the Fair Play League. A win against West Ham could go some way towards getting them a top-half finish in the League too. West Ham will have to lose at least 15-0 to stand any chance of going down. Not to mention that Hull City need to win their next game by a similar scoreline.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is likely to rotate his squad so Simon Davies could miss out after his starring role against Hamburg. Simon has praised Roy Hodgson and also the Fulham fans for helping the players into the Europa League final.
West Ham’s Jack Collison is expected to havean operation on his knee this week so he’s out. Danny Gabbidon will probably be on the bench. Both West Ham’s Welsh players could leave the club this summer as West Ham make plans for a busy transfer window.
Sunderland v Manchester United
Sunderland are currently in the top half of the table but they need to win to make sure they stay there. If Manchester United lose, they could still win the title but only on goal difference and only if Chelsea lose their last match.
Ryan Giggs could start for Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted Ryan will be offered a coaching job at Man Utd when he retires although at the rate Ryan’s going, his manager night even retire first. Owen Hargreaves is unlikely to do more than sit on the bench again for United but it’s great just to see him there.
Fulham look guaranteed to be playing in the Europa League next season, either by winning it this year or through the Fair Play League. A win against West Ham could go some way towards getting them a top-half finish in the League too. West Ham will have to lose at least 15-0 to stand any chance of going down. Not to mention that Hull City need to win their next game by a similar scoreline.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is likely to rotate his squad so Simon Davies could miss out after his starring role against Hamburg. Simon has praised Roy Hodgson and also the Fulham fans for helping the players into the Europa League final.
West Ham’s Jack Collison is expected to havean operation on his knee this week so he’s out. Danny Gabbidon will probably be on the bench. Both West Ham’s Welsh players could leave the club this summer as West Ham make plans for a busy transfer window.
Sunderland v Manchester United
Sunderland are currently in the top half of the table but they need to win to make sure they stay there. If Manchester United lose, they could still win the title but only on goal difference and only if Chelsea lose their last match.
Ryan Giggs could start for Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted Ryan will be offered a coaching job at Man Utd when he retires although at the rate Ryan’s going, his manager night even retire first. Owen Hargreaves is unlikely to do more than sit on the bench again for United but it’s great just to see him there.
Championship Fixtures 2nd May Part 3
Plymouth Argyle v Peterborough United
The Championship’s bottom two clubs face off in this match – the bottom clubs in Leagues One and Two also played against each other this weekend. Plymouth and Peterborough will finish in 23rd and 24th respectively, regardless of the result.
Carl Fletcher will play for Plymouth – and his manager is hoping he’ll be there next season too. Carl is sad about relegation but he thinks Plymouth can bounce back like Leicester City and Norwich City.
Craig Morgan could return to Peterborough’s starting line-up after recovering from illness.
Reading v Preston North End
Reading’s play-off hopes might be over but they’re still in with a good chance of finishing in the top half. Preston could finish almost anywhere from 13th to 20th.
Simon Church will probably be on the bench again for Reading.
Scunthorpe United v Nottingham Forest
Facing Nottingham Forest isn’t an easy proposition for Scunthorpe but Forest’s away form hasn’t been the best.
Chris Gunter will almost certainly start for Forest unless Billy Davies has any strange ideas about resting him again. Robert Earnshaw could be in the starting line-up or on the bench, it’s hard to tell really. Rob really wants another chance to play in the Premier League. He says all Forest need is keep doing what they’ve done all season.
Swansea City v Doncaster Rovers
Swansea’s poor goal difference mean they really need to win in order to stand any chance of the play-offs. Doncaster could end up finishing one place below Swansea if they win.
Ashley Williams is almost certain to start for Swansea. He’s worried that Swansea City could lose several of their best players if they fail to win promotion. Sunderland Newcastle United have both expressed an interest in Ashley. Ashley is Swansea’s Players’ Player of the Year.
David Cornell will be on the bench. Joe Allen and David Cotterill could be anywhere. Joe believes Swansea have a very good chance of getting into the play-offs. Jazz Richards might still be injured but he has been named as Swansea’s Young Player of the Year.
Brian Stock will be Doncaster’s captain as he has suffered any ill effects following his early return from a back injury. John Oster should return from a knee problem with Gareth Roberts, winner of the Goal of the Season award, is also likely to play.
The Championship’s bottom two clubs face off in this match – the bottom clubs in Leagues One and Two also played against each other this weekend. Plymouth and Peterborough will finish in 23rd and 24th respectively, regardless of the result.
Carl Fletcher will play for Plymouth – and his manager is hoping he’ll be there next season too. Carl is sad about relegation but he thinks Plymouth can bounce back like Leicester City and Norwich City.
Craig Morgan could return to Peterborough’s starting line-up after recovering from illness.
Reading v Preston North End
Reading’s play-off hopes might be over but they’re still in with a good chance of finishing in the top half. Preston could finish almost anywhere from 13th to 20th.
Simon Church will probably be on the bench again for Reading.
Scunthorpe United v Nottingham Forest
Facing Nottingham Forest isn’t an easy proposition for Scunthorpe but Forest’s away form hasn’t been the best.
Chris Gunter will almost certainly start for Forest unless Billy Davies has any strange ideas about resting him again. Robert Earnshaw could be in the starting line-up or on the bench, it’s hard to tell really. Rob really wants another chance to play in the Premier League. He says all Forest need is keep doing what they’ve done all season.
Swansea City v Doncaster Rovers
Swansea’s poor goal difference mean they really need to win in order to stand any chance of the play-offs. Doncaster could end up finishing one place below Swansea if they win.
Ashley Williams is almost certain to start for Swansea. He’s worried that Swansea City could lose several of their best players if they fail to win promotion. Sunderland Newcastle United have both expressed an interest in Ashley. Ashley is Swansea’s Players’ Player of the Year.
David Cornell will be on the bench. Joe Allen and David Cotterill could be anywhere. Joe believes Swansea have a very good chance of getting into the play-offs. Jazz Richards might still be injured but he has been named as Swansea’s Young Player of the Year.
Brian Stock will be Doncaster’s captain as he has suffered any ill effects following his early return from a back injury. John Oster should return from a knee problem with Gareth Roberts, winner of the Goal of the Season award, is also likely to play.
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