DANNY Wilson is a hopeless footballing romantic, determined to chase every piece of silverware on offer no matter what the dangers or odds.
But Birmingham City’s brutal finishing ended the Sheffield United manager’s love affair with FA Cup competition - for another year at least - and condemned his team to its heaviest defeat of the season.
Chris Hughton’s side arrived at Bramall Lane in form and, having beaten neighbours Wolverhampton Wanderers en route to South Yorkshire, most definitely in the mood.
They departed clutching a ticket in the fifth-round draw too having made a mockery of claims this tie was an upset in the making.
Indeed, such was the ferocity of the visitors’ attacking play, Wilson felt compelled to admire not only the technique but also the timing of their goals.
“Their sharpness going forward was the difference,” he said. “When City got a chance they invariably took it whereas we didn’t.
“But they also scored at crucial times in the match. They scored in periods of the game when we were in the ascendancy and looked as if we were coming back.
“Sometimes you’ve just got to take it on the chin and take your hat off to your opponents.
“I don’t think that was a 4-0 contest. I don’t think that tells the entire story of what went on out there.
“But, equally, we can have no complaints about the fact that City won because they deserved to go through.”
Wilson, writing in his programme notes, described Saturday’s match as a “barometer” of United’s progress in recent weeks.
The final scoreline did not reflect their contribution to an intriguing tie but City’s incisiveness, speed of thought and movement served to remind there is still a considerable gulf in quality between the upper echelons of the Championship and League One.
Scotland international Chris Burke gave United defender Lecsinel Jean-Francois a torrid time along the flanks while Wade Elliott embellished a commanding performance by claiming City’s third after Nathan Redmond had also netted and Adam Rooney converted the first of an impressive brace.
Kevin McDonald, again oozing calm and composure in midfield, impressed for United with Lee Williamson and Matthew Lowton, who struck a post early in the second half, also catching the eye.
“I couldn’t say beforehand put I’ll say it publicly now,” Wilson admitted. “I didn’t want Birmingham City. I’d have rather got Wolves.
“I don’t mean that in a disrespectful way at all but they would have made nine or 10 changes whereas I knew Chris wouldn’t.
“We’ve effectively played his strongest 11 out there.
“But my lads can still take a lot from that game. There are positives there for them without a shadow of a doubt.
“Okay, we’re disappointed to go out. I make no bones about that.
“But performance wise I thought they did ever so well against top-quality opposition.
“They worked Birmingham hard and showed they are a quality team capable of playing some good stuff themselves.”
United started both halves brightly with Lowton and Ched Evans nearly fashioning an early strike when the latter’s decision to step over a low cross came with a whisker of releasing Stephen Quinn.
Evans also tested City’s Colin Doyle with two long-range efforts but a well-worked corner from Jordon Mutch had seen Redmond break the deadlock in between.
Rooney powered the ball into the roof of Steve Simonsen’s net during the closing stages of the first period but United’s spirited resistance meant it was not until the second that things swung decisively in City’s favour.
Williamson forced a fine save from Doyle as United appeared set to reduce the deficit with Lowton hitting the woodwork during the melee which followed and Rich-
ard Cresswell diverting inches wide from another set-piece.
But City strangled their hopes of a comeback when Elliott pounced following an excellent
interchange with Burke and David Murphy created Rooney’s second.
“I was delighted with the clean sheet, the overall display and the goals,” Hughton said. “That was a real team effort and it had to be.
“We had to weather some heavy pressure in certain periods of the game but I thought that once we found our rhythm we were strong and did ever so well.”
lunes, 30 de enero de 2012
FA Cup Blackpool 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday
STILL in the hat, granted, but do Sheffield Wednesday really need to chase a place in the FA Cup final?
According to Clinton Morrison, the Owls already have 19 ‘cup finals’ to play between now and the end of the season.
Win every one of those league games and the Owls will be guaranteed automatic promotion to the Championship.
So while it was good to see the team in yesterday’s fifth-round draw, tomorrow’s League One trip to fifth-placed Milton Keynes Dons remains far more important.
Morrison, who was loaned out to the Dons earlier this season, made a rare start against Blackpool as manager Gary Megson rested a number of players.
The striker celebrated his return to the side with a goal that so nearly secured victory for Owls but Kevin Phillips earned a replay with a stoppage-time equaliser from the penalty spot for Blackpool.
“You don’t really want a replay but the FA Cup is a big cup,” he said.
“If we can get through and get a massive team (Wednesday will face Premier League Everton at Goodison Park if they win the replay) it would be good for some of our young players who have never played against a Premiership team.
“It would be a good experience and all the fans still love the FA Cup and deserve it.
“But there are 19 league games to go and they are all cup finals. We can’t slip up and Tuesday’s game is massive for us.”
Now approaching his 33rd birthday, Morrison has never been a player to settle for a place on the bench whether at Coventry City, Birmingham City or on the international stage with the Republic of Ireland.
These days, however, he accepts that he may have to be a support act for the Owls – and is not about to complain.
“Ask any player, they would like to have a bigger role, but the team is doing well at the moment so I don’t expect the manager to change the team,” he said.
“Against Blackpool, I just wanted to say ‘Don’t forget that Clinton is still around.’ I am here to work hard and if I don’t play all the time, so be it.”
Chris O’Grady and Gary Madine both sat on the bench at Bloomfield Road but are now widely regarded as first choices in Wednesday’s attack.
Morrison and Ryan Lowe will keep both men on their toes.
“I’ve done a lot of growing up over the last few months even though I should probably have grown up before,” reflected Morrison.
“It opened my eyes (on loan at Milton Keynes Dons). When you go away and play at another club, you realise how big Sheffield Wednesday is and what the club can be.
“A lot of people thought, when I went on loan, that I didn’t want to be here anymore but I never said that.
“I like it at this club, I’m enjoying my time here, and I want to get a promotion on my CV.
“I am experienced enough now to know that I can still make an impact and help the younger lads coming though like ‘Gaz’ and Chris. They are two young strikers and I have been there.
“I think there have been a few clubs enquiring about me but I think the manager has said he wants to keep me and I am not looking to go.”
Blackpool dominated the early exchanges at Bloomfield Road and Stephen Bywater’s flying save kept out a header from captain Keith Southern.
But the Owls produced some neat football as the first half wore on with Chris Lines and Chris Sedgwick catching the eye.
What they did with the ball may have been simple but it was precise and their passing showed great awareness of other players’ movement.
Striker Ryan Lowe, who had gone close earlier in the game, should probably have scored just before the break but his attempted lob was beaten down by Blackpool goalkeeper Matthew Gilks.
Both sides had made wholesale changes in order to have players fresh for league games tomorrow.
The game was still played in a competitive manner, however, and was watched by Blackpool’s biggest gate of the season.
Former Sheffield United loanees Billy Clarke and Matt Phillips linked up with Kevin Phillips in a three-man attack for Blackpool but were nowhere near their best.
However, the pair still carved out one great opportunity that brought a world class save from Bywater.
The Owls took the lead after 52 minutes thanks to a moment of opportunism from striker Morrison.
Goalkeeper Gilks raced off his line to block at the feet of Lowe but pushed the ball out wide to Morrison.
He curled a superb first time shot over both Gilks and a Blackpool defender before celebrating in style with the Wednesday supporters.
Megson’s reaction to the goal was to remove striker Lowe and send on a fifth defender in Jon Otsemobor – with right-back Lewis Buxton switching to a holding role.
The strategy so nearly paid off but a penalty – for Chris Sedgwick’s foul on Gary Taylor-Fletcher – allowed Phillips to equalise in stoppage time.
Alan Smith has joined MK Dons on loan from Newcastle for the rest of the season.
The 31-year-old former Leeds United midfielder has made just two substitute appearances for the Magpies this season.
Newcastle confirmed in a statement that Smith would be available to make his debut when the Dons face Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow night.
According to Clinton Morrison, the Owls already have 19 ‘cup finals’ to play between now and the end of the season.
Win every one of those league games and the Owls will be guaranteed automatic promotion to the Championship.
So while it was good to see the team in yesterday’s fifth-round draw, tomorrow’s League One trip to fifth-placed Milton Keynes Dons remains far more important.
Morrison, who was loaned out to the Dons earlier this season, made a rare start against Blackpool as manager Gary Megson rested a number of players.
The striker celebrated his return to the side with a goal that so nearly secured victory for Owls but Kevin Phillips earned a replay with a stoppage-time equaliser from the penalty spot for Blackpool.
“You don’t really want a replay but the FA Cup is a big cup,” he said.
“If we can get through and get a massive team (Wednesday will face Premier League Everton at Goodison Park if they win the replay) it would be good for some of our young players who have never played against a Premiership team.
“It would be a good experience and all the fans still love the FA Cup and deserve it.
“But there are 19 league games to go and they are all cup finals. We can’t slip up and Tuesday’s game is massive for us.”
Now approaching his 33rd birthday, Morrison has never been a player to settle for a place on the bench whether at Coventry City, Birmingham City or on the international stage with the Republic of Ireland.
These days, however, he accepts that he may have to be a support act for the Owls – and is not about to complain.
“Ask any player, they would like to have a bigger role, but the team is doing well at the moment so I don’t expect the manager to change the team,” he said.
“Against Blackpool, I just wanted to say ‘Don’t forget that Clinton is still around.’ I am here to work hard and if I don’t play all the time, so be it.”
Chris O’Grady and Gary Madine both sat on the bench at Bloomfield Road but are now widely regarded as first choices in Wednesday’s attack.
Morrison and Ryan Lowe will keep both men on their toes.
“I’ve done a lot of growing up over the last few months even though I should probably have grown up before,” reflected Morrison.
“It opened my eyes (on loan at Milton Keynes Dons). When you go away and play at another club, you realise how big Sheffield Wednesday is and what the club can be.
“A lot of people thought, when I went on loan, that I didn’t want to be here anymore but I never said that.
“I like it at this club, I’m enjoying my time here, and I want to get a promotion on my CV.
“I am experienced enough now to know that I can still make an impact and help the younger lads coming though like ‘Gaz’ and Chris. They are two young strikers and I have been there.
“I think there have been a few clubs enquiring about me but I think the manager has said he wants to keep me and I am not looking to go.”
Blackpool dominated the early exchanges at Bloomfield Road and Stephen Bywater’s flying save kept out a header from captain Keith Southern.
But the Owls produced some neat football as the first half wore on with Chris Lines and Chris Sedgwick catching the eye.
What they did with the ball may have been simple but it was precise and their passing showed great awareness of other players’ movement.
Striker Ryan Lowe, who had gone close earlier in the game, should probably have scored just before the break but his attempted lob was beaten down by Blackpool goalkeeper Matthew Gilks.
Both sides had made wholesale changes in order to have players fresh for league games tomorrow.
The game was still played in a competitive manner, however, and was watched by Blackpool’s biggest gate of the season.
Former Sheffield United loanees Billy Clarke and Matt Phillips linked up with Kevin Phillips in a three-man attack for Blackpool but were nowhere near their best.
However, the pair still carved out one great opportunity that brought a world class save from Bywater.
The Owls took the lead after 52 minutes thanks to a moment of opportunism from striker Morrison.
Goalkeeper Gilks raced off his line to block at the feet of Lowe but pushed the ball out wide to Morrison.
He curled a superb first time shot over both Gilks and a Blackpool defender before celebrating in style with the Wednesday supporters.
Megson’s reaction to the goal was to remove striker Lowe and send on a fifth defender in Jon Otsemobor – with right-back Lewis Buxton switching to a holding role.
The strategy so nearly paid off but a penalty – for Chris Sedgwick’s foul on Gary Taylor-Fletcher – allowed Phillips to equalise in stoppage time.
Alan Smith has joined MK Dons on loan from Newcastle for the rest of the season.
The 31-year-old former Leeds United midfielder has made just two substitute appearances for the Magpies this season.
Newcastle confirmed in a statement that Smith would be available to make his debut when the Dons face Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow night.
domingo, 29 de enero de 2012
FA Cup Leicester City 2-0 Swindon Town
Kevin Phillips scored a stoppage-time penalty to earn Blackpool an FA Cup fourth-round replay.
Clinton Morrison, one of eight changes to the Sheffield Wednesday side, put them ahead against the run of play with an exquisite chip.
Blackpool had the best of the chances but Robert Harris and Phillips missed clear opportunities.
However, Gary Taylor-Fletcher was hauled down by Danny Batth and Phillips fired home from the spot late on.
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway, who also made eight changes, went on the attack from the off with the backing of their biggest crowd of the season.
In an entertaining first half full-back Harris twice tried his luck from distance, while Matt Phillips brought a save out of Wednesday goalkeeper Stephen Bywater with a low drive.
Phillips could have scored soon after the half-hour mark when, having cleverly engineered space, he shot inches wide.
Blackpool were made to pay for their poor finishing when Morrison gave the Owls the lead.
David Prutton's through ball found Ryan Lowe, who, in attempting to round goalkeeper Matt Gilks, found Morrison. He finished clinically from an acute angle.
The Seasiders struggled to fashion clear opportunities, but got their reward in the 91st minute, securing a replay that neither of these promotion-chasing sides will relish.
Sheffield Wednesday boss Gary Megson:
"I'm really disappointed, not surprised but disappointed. I thought that was the only way they were going to score, unless it was something special from distance.
"If it was a penalty it looked really soft, I didn't think it was. You saw from both line-ups what the competition is, we both want to go through but obviously there is an importance attached to the league fixtures, but the game was played in a proper competitive spirit.
"It was a little bit nip and tuck, we wanted to try and get the result away from home but once we did score we wanted to keep hold of what we've got.
"One of the problems with the FA Cup for teams like ourselves is each time we get through a round we have to postpone a game and we're near enough playing Tuesday, Saturday for the next few weeks."
Clinton Morrison, one of eight changes to the Sheffield Wednesday side, put them ahead against the run of play with an exquisite chip.
Blackpool had the best of the chances but Robert Harris and Phillips missed clear opportunities.
However, Gary Taylor-Fletcher was hauled down by Danny Batth and Phillips fired home from the spot late on.
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway, who also made eight changes, went on the attack from the off with the backing of their biggest crowd of the season.
In an entertaining first half full-back Harris twice tried his luck from distance, while Matt Phillips brought a save out of Wednesday goalkeeper Stephen Bywater with a low drive.
Phillips could have scored soon after the half-hour mark when, having cleverly engineered space, he shot inches wide.
Blackpool were made to pay for their poor finishing when Morrison gave the Owls the lead.
David Prutton's through ball found Ryan Lowe, who, in attempting to round goalkeeper Matt Gilks, found Morrison. He finished clinically from an acute angle.
The Seasiders struggled to fashion clear opportunities, but got their reward in the 91st minute, securing a replay that neither of these promotion-chasing sides will relish.
Sheffield Wednesday boss Gary Megson:
"I'm really disappointed, not surprised but disappointed. I thought that was the only way they were going to score, unless it was something special from distance.
"If it was a penalty it looked really soft, I didn't think it was. You saw from both line-ups what the competition is, we both want to go through but obviously there is an importance attached to the league fixtures, but the game was played in a proper competitive spirit.
"It was a little bit nip and tuck, we wanted to try and get the result away from home but once we did score we wanted to keep hold of what we've got.
"One of the problems with the FA Cup for teams like ourselves is each time we get through a round we have to postpone a game and we're near enough playing Tuesday, Saturday for the next few weeks."
FA Cup Millwall 1-1 Southampton
arius Henderson's late equaliser rescued a replay for Millwall in their fourth-round FA Cup tie against fellow Championship side Southampton.
Liam Feeney struck the post for Millwall in the opening minutes while Harry Kane blazed over from two yards.
Henderson forced Bartosz Bialkowski into a fine save before Rickie Lambert headed home Dan Harding's cross.
But Henderson levelled the tie in the 86th-minute when he turned to fire home from Feeney's pass.
The hosts almost got off to a flying start when Feeney fired goalwards from 10 yards but his shot rattled Bialkowski's upright.
Saints failed to heed the warning and were almost undone in the ninth minute when James Henry's searching corner found Kane at the far post and he lifted his shot over from close range.
A combination of Aaron Martin's dogged defending and a smart stop from Bialkowski denied the in-form Henderson moments later as he tried to steer home a long-range effort.
Lambert, returning from a three-game suspension, then lifted a a 25-yard free-kick narrowly over the bar as the visitors started to get a foothold in the game following a slow start.
They made their increasing dominance count with a brilliantly-crafted opening goal in the 30th minute.
Ben Reeves played in Harding down the wing and his flighted cross was headed in by Lambert for his 18th of the season.
Having failed to make their promising start in the first half pay dividends, Millwall looked to get on the front foot early in the second.
Liam Trotter advanced unopposed before unleashing a powerful strike from just inside the area but Bialkowski was equal to the challenge.
Southampton had a chance to put the result beyond doubt when a swift counter-attack found Lee Holmes in space with the option to square it for Lambert but he opted to shoot and then headed wide from Lambert's follow-up.
They were made to pay when Henderson collected Feeney's pass and held off two defenders before turning to fire in the equaliser with four minutes left, making it his seventh goal in as many matches against Southampton.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett: "Darius is on a very good run and it was a good finish from him for the goal - he put in a good performance and was a real threat for us.
"But we didn't do enough off of him, we didn't quite capitalise enough on his skills although I didn't think we deserved to get beaten.
"We had the better of the play up until their goal but then after it we were staring at a potential defeat and going out of the cup.
"The potential for us to get through is a big thing and it's a big thing financially as well. We haven't come back often enough this season and I'm pleased to say we fought back.
"The team has spirit and at times play some quality football but this game was almost indicative of our season. We had a lot of the ball but couldn't put it away."
Southampton boss Nigel Adkins: "I thought it was a real good cup tie and we look forward to the replay at our place.
"A draw was probably a good result in the end.
"There were waves of pressure coming in from Millwall but I thought Rickie Lambert scored a great goal, it was a great run and he was waiting for the space to open.
"We have missed him the last three games and there were other massive positives for us. Lee Barnard has been out for a hell of a long time and he played an hour.
"Jason Puncheon has rejoined us and worked very hard for 75 minutes before we replaced him with Luke Shaw - a 16-year-old from our youth team.
"We gave our younger players a chance and we have players who have been out injured for a long time who are close to coming back to fitness.
"We are high in the league but you always want to do well in the FA Cup."
Liam Feeney struck the post for Millwall in the opening minutes while Harry Kane blazed over from two yards.
Henderson forced Bartosz Bialkowski into a fine save before Rickie Lambert headed home Dan Harding's cross.
But Henderson levelled the tie in the 86th-minute when he turned to fire home from Feeney's pass.
The hosts almost got off to a flying start when Feeney fired goalwards from 10 yards but his shot rattled Bialkowski's upright.
Saints failed to heed the warning and were almost undone in the ninth minute when James Henry's searching corner found Kane at the far post and he lifted his shot over from close range.
A combination of Aaron Martin's dogged defending and a smart stop from Bialkowski denied the in-form Henderson moments later as he tried to steer home a long-range effort.
Lambert, returning from a three-game suspension, then lifted a a 25-yard free-kick narrowly over the bar as the visitors started to get a foothold in the game following a slow start.
They made their increasing dominance count with a brilliantly-crafted opening goal in the 30th minute.
Ben Reeves played in Harding down the wing and his flighted cross was headed in by Lambert for his 18th of the season.
Having failed to make their promising start in the first half pay dividends, Millwall looked to get on the front foot early in the second.
Liam Trotter advanced unopposed before unleashing a powerful strike from just inside the area but Bialkowski was equal to the challenge.
Southampton had a chance to put the result beyond doubt when a swift counter-attack found Lee Holmes in space with the option to square it for Lambert but he opted to shoot and then headed wide from Lambert's follow-up.
They were made to pay when Henderson collected Feeney's pass and held off two defenders before turning to fire in the equaliser with four minutes left, making it his seventh goal in as many matches against Southampton.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett: "Darius is on a very good run and it was a good finish from him for the goal - he put in a good performance and was a real threat for us.
"But we didn't do enough off of him, we didn't quite capitalise enough on his skills although I didn't think we deserved to get beaten.
"We had the better of the play up until their goal but then after it we were staring at a potential defeat and going out of the cup.
"The potential for us to get through is a big thing and it's a big thing financially as well. We haven't come back often enough this season and I'm pleased to say we fought back.
"The team has spirit and at times play some quality football but this game was almost indicative of our season. We had a lot of the ball but couldn't put it away."
Southampton boss Nigel Adkins: "I thought it was a real good cup tie and we look forward to the replay at our place.
"A draw was probably a good result in the end.
"There were waves of pressure coming in from Millwall but I thought Rickie Lambert scored a great goal, it was a great run and he was waiting for the space to open.
"We have missed him the last three games and there were other massive positives for us. Lee Barnard has been out for a hell of a long time and he played an hour.
"Jason Puncheon has rejoined us and worked very hard for 75 minutes before we replaced him with Luke Shaw - a 16-year-old from our youth team.
"We gave our younger players a chance and we have players who have been out injured for a long time who are close to coming back to fitness.
"We are high in the league but you always want to do well in the FA Cup."
FA Cup Leicester City 2-0 Swindon Town
SWINDON’S fine FA Cup run was brought to an end today as a goal in either half for Jermaine Beckford sealed a 2-0 win for Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Beckford opened the scoring after four minutes before ending the game as a contest with a second eight minutes into the second half
Town had their chances, most notably through Alan Connell and Alessandro Cibocchi, but it was not to be their day and in the end they exit the competition with their heads held high.
Here are the key moments from today’s game.
4 mins (GOAL, Beckford 1-0): The home side score with their first real effort on goal as Leicester regain possession after a corner is cleared and the ball is put back into the area where Matt Mills finds Jermaine Beckford and the striker makes no mistake from eight yards out.
19 mins: Few chances of note for Town during the opening exchanges but a good spell of possession ends with Simon Ferry looping a shot from the edge of the area just over the bar.
22 mins: The visitors go closer just three minutes later though, when Alan Connell headed goalwards from Matt Ritchie’s free kick, but the effort was straight at Kasper Schmeichel.
30 mins: Town are enjoying a good spell of possession and Connell sees a shot pushed onto the bar by Schmeichel as Paolo Di Canio’s men press for an equaliser.
40 mins: Great chance for Swindon when Oliver Risser’s clever ball finds Alessandro Cibocchi and the defender delivers a low cross into the area where Connell fails to connect to properly before Matt Ritchie’s pounces on the loose ball, but his shot is deflected for a corner.
45 mins: Cibocchi sees a fine free kick pushed over the bar by Schmeichel shortly after Simon Ferry was scythed down by Paul Konchesky.
53 mins (GOAL, Beckford 2-0): Town very unfortunate to find themselves two-goals down when Paul Caddis can only clear David Nugent’s shot straight to Beckford, and the in-form striker rifles home.
66 mins: The home side almost have a third when Neil Danns receives the ball around 25 yards from goal and the midfielder drills an effort that is inches wide of the upright.
Town (4-4-2): Wes Foderingham; Paul Caddis, Joe Devera, Alan McCormack, Alessandro Cibocchi; Matt Ritchie, Simon Ferry (Louis Thompson, 81), Oliver Risser, Raffa De Vita (Lander Gabilondo, 54); Paul Benson, Alan Connell (Ronan Murray, 61).
Subs: Phil Smith, Jon Smith, Lukas Magera, Daniel Boateng.
Leicester (4-4-2): Kasper Schmeichel; Lee Peltier, Matt Mills, Sean St Ledger, Paul Konchesky (Tom Kennedy, 73); Lloyd Dyer, Richie Wellens, Neil Danns, Paul Gallagher; Jermaine Beckford (Steve Howard, 65), David Nugent (Tom Hopper, 81).
Subs: Tom Parkes, Aleksander Tunchev, Adam Smith.
Beckford opened the scoring after four minutes before ending the game as a contest with a second eight minutes into the second half
Town had their chances, most notably through Alan Connell and Alessandro Cibocchi, but it was not to be their day and in the end they exit the competition with their heads held high.
Here are the key moments from today’s game.
4 mins (GOAL, Beckford 1-0): The home side score with their first real effort on goal as Leicester regain possession after a corner is cleared and the ball is put back into the area where Matt Mills finds Jermaine Beckford and the striker makes no mistake from eight yards out.
19 mins: Few chances of note for Town during the opening exchanges but a good spell of possession ends with Simon Ferry looping a shot from the edge of the area just over the bar.
22 mins: The visitors go closer just three minutes later though, when Alan Connell headed goalwards from Matt Ritchie’s free kick, but the effort was straight at Kasper Schmeichel.
30 mins: Town are enjoying a good spell of possession and Connell sees a shot pushed onto the bar by Schmeichel as Paolo Di Canio’s men press for an equaliser.
40 mins: Great chance for Swindon when Oliver Risser’s clever ball finds Alessandro Cibocchi and the defender delivers a low cross into the area where Connell fails to connect to properly before Matt Ritchie’s pounces on the loose ball, but his shot is deflected for a corner.
45 mins: Cibocchi sees a fine free kick pushed over the bar by Schmeichel shortly after Simon Ferry was scythed down by Paul Konchesky.
53 mins (GOAL, Beckford 2-0): Town very unfortunate to find themselves two-goals down when Paul Caddis can only clear David Nugent’s shot straight to Beckford, and the in-form striker rifles home.
66 mins: The home side almost have a third when Neil Danns receives the ball around 25 yards from goal and the midfielder drills an effort that is inches wide of the upright.
Town (4-4-2): Wes Foderingham; Paul Caddis, Joe Devera, Alan McCormack, Alessandro Cibocchi; Matt Ritchie, Simon Ferry (Louis Thompson, 81), Oliver Risser, Raffa De Vita (Lander Gabilondo, 54); Paul Benson, Alan Connell (Ronan Murray, 61).
Subs: Phil Smith, Jon Smith, Lukas Magera, Daniel Boateng.
Leicester (4-4-2): Kasper Schmeichel; Lee Peltier, Matt Mills, Sean St Ledger, Paul Konchesky (Tom Kennedy, 73); Lloyd Dyer, Richie Wellens, Neil Danns, Paul Gallagher; Jermaine Beckford (Steve Howard, 65), David Nugent (Tom Hopper, 81).
Subs: Tom Parkes, Aleksander Tunchev, Adam Smith.
sábado, 28 de enero de 2012
FA CUP Queens Park Rangers 0 - 1 Chelsea
Los 'blues' derrotaron 1-0 al Queens Park y se mediran en la próxima ronda al Liverpool.
Un gol de penalti del español Juan Mata en el minuto 62 certificó el pase a la quinta ronda de la Copa inglesa de fútbol del Chelsea, que superó por 0-1 al Queens Park Rangers, mientras que el Liverpool dejó fuera de combate al Manchester United, al que batió por 2-1.
Chelsea alcanzó la quinta ronda a costa del QPR gracias a una pena máxima por un derribo dentro del área de Clint Hill sobre Daniel Sturridge. Juan Mata transformó el penalti que dio el triunfo a su equipo por 0-1.
Un gol del holandés Dirk Kuyt a dos minutos del final permitió al Liverpool ganar por 2-1 al United, que no pudo contar con el lesionado Wayne Rooney.
Liverpool se adelantó el marcador con un tanto de Daniel Agger en el minuto 20 a la salida de un córner y al aprovechar un fallo del portero español David de Gea, pero el United empató a seis minutos del descanso por medio del surcoreano Ji-Sung Park.
A dos minutos del final Kuyt, que no fue titular, volvió a batir de De Gea para lograr la victoria y la clasificación a su equipo El jugador del Manchester United Patrick Evra fue recibido con hostilidad en Anfield después de su incidente del pasado octubre con el uruguayo Luis Suárez y que le costó a éste ocho partidos de suspensión por conducta racista. Liverpool y el Chelsea se verán las caras en la quinta ronda de la FA Cup.
Un gol de penalti del español Juan Mata en el minuto 62 certificó el pase a la quinta ronda de la Copa inglesa de fútbol del Chelsea, que superó por 0-1 al Queens Park Rangers, mientras que el Liverpool dejó fuera de combate al Manchester United, al que batió por 2-1.
Chelsea alcanzó la quinta ronda a costa del QPR gracias a una pena máxima por un derribo dentro del área de Clint Hill sobre Daniel Sturridge. Juan Mata transformó el penalti que dio el triunfo a su equipo por 0-1.
Un gol del holandés Dirk Kuyt a dos minutos del final permitió al Liverpool ganar por 2-1 al United, que no pudo contar con el lesionado Wayne Rooney.
Liverpool se adelantó el marcador con un tanto de Daniel Agger en el minuto 20 a la salida de un córner y al aprovechar un fallo del portero español David de Gea, pero el United empató a seis minutos del descanso por medio del surcoreano Ji-Sung Park.
A dos minutos del final Kuyt, que no fue titular, volvió a batir de De Gea para lograr la victoria y la clasificación a su equipo El jugador del Manchester United Patrick Evra fue recibido con hostilidad en Anfield después de su incidente del pasado octubre con el uruguayo Luis Suárez y que le costó a éste ocho partidos de suspensión por conducta racista. Liverpool y el Chelsea se verán las caras en la quinta ronda de la FA Cup.
FA Cup Liverpool 2 - 1 Manchester United
Un chispazo del Liverpool y dos errores en la marca del Manchester United fueron suficientes para que los "Reds" sellaran el pase a la quinta ronda de la FA Cup al derrotar 2-1 al cuadro de Sir Alex Ferguson.
Fue al minuto 87 cuando Carroll peinó una pelota para que Dirk Kuyt se la encontrara en el área y la empalmara de forma plena y sin obstáculos, batiendo a David de Gea y colocando la diferencia en el marcador que significó la eliminación del Manchester United.
Los primeros minutos fueron dominados por los locales, que comenzaron a meterle nervio a la portería de David de Gea, pese a que la primera de peligro llegó para los "Red Devils" tras una buena jugada individual de Valencia que terminó en el poste de la portería del Liverpool.
Ya con los motores encendidos y aprovechando una de sus fortalezas, el equipo de Dalglish mandó a las torres que tiene por defensas centrales a rematar un tiro de esquina al minuto 20. Tras una mala salida de De Gea y una pésima marca, el danés Dani Agger remató el balón en el corazón del área para mandarlo guardar y enloquecer Anfield.
Nadie como Luis Suárez, desde la tribuna por suspensión por actos racistas cometidos en el juego de Premier League ante el propio United, gritó el gol y explotó tras el tanto de Agger.
Sir Alex Ferguson respondió desde el banquillo y tras el error de su portero español mando a calentar al guardameta suplente, Lindegaard con el fin de recuperar la seguridad en el arco.
Manchester United se adueñó de la pelota, comenzó a jugar en el medio campo de los "Reds" y a tener profundidad por las bandas comandadas por Patrice Evra y Rafael.
Fue precisamente el lateral y mellizo brasileño el que, al minuto 39 de partido, comandó de gran forma un contragolpe por la banda derecha para luego ceder a Ji-Sung Park y que este rematara de media vuelta poniendo el balón raso y lejos del alcance de Reina para hallar el 1-1 en el tanteador.
La segunda mitad no desentonó. En los primeros suspiros, los "Red Devils" ya habían tenido la primera de peligro que gracias a la suerte y a la pierna salvadora de Agger no terminó en el fondo de las redes.
La polémica también quiso ser parte del Clásico y llegó cuando una extraña barrida de Smalling en el área parecía pegarle en la mano, aunque el Árbitro dejó seguir ante los reclamos de todo Anfield y los "Reds" encabezados por Carroll.
Luego el juego entró en un letargo que fue disipado por tiros de Carrick desde fuera del área, intentos de Carroll por el Liverpool y algunos apuros de David de Gea para jugar en su área.
Fue hasta los 76 minutos que Sir Alex Ferguson intentó cambiar el rumbo del partido y dio entrada al mexicano Javier Hernández, que ya sabía lo que era marcar en el mítico Anfield Road, pero que no pudo hacer diferencia.
Fue al minuto 87 cuando Carroll peinó una pelota para que Dirk Kuyt se la encontrara en el área y la empalmara de forma plena y sin obstáculos, batiendo a David de Gea y colocando la diferencia en el marcador que significó la eliminación del Manchester United.
Los primeros minutos fueron dominados por los locales, que comenzaron a meterle nervio a la portería de David de Gea, pese a que la primera de peligro llegó para los "Red Devils" tras una buena jugada individual de Valencia que terminó en el poste de la portería del Liverpool.
Ya con los motores encendidos y aprovechando una de sus fortalezas, el equipo de Dalglish mandó a las torres que tiene por defensas centrales a rematar un tiro de esquina al minuto 20. Tras una mala salida de De Gea y una pésima marca, el danés Dani Agger remató el balón en el corazón del área para mandarlo guardar y enloquecer Anfield.
Nadie como Luis Suárez, desde la tribuna por suspensión por actos racistas cometidos en el juego de Premier League ante el propio United, gritó el gol y explotó tras el tanto de Agger.
Sir Alex Ferguson respondió desde el banquillo y tras el error de su portero español mando a calentar al guardameta suplente, Lindegaard con el fin de recuperar la seguridad en el arco.
Manchester United se adueñó de la pelota, comenzó a jugar en el medio campo de los "Reds" y a tener profundidad por las bandas comandadas por Patrice Evra y Rafael.
Fue precisamente el lateral y mellizo brasileño el que, al minuto 39 de partido, comandó de gran forma un contragolpe por la banda derecha para luego ceder a Ji-Sung Park y que este rematara de media vuelta poniendo el balón raso y lejos del alcance de Reina para hallar el 1-1 en el tanteador.
La segunda mitad no desentonó. En los primeros suspiros, los "Red Devils" ya habían tenido la primera de peligro que gracias a la suerte y a la pierna salvadora de Agger no terminó en el fondo de las redes.
La polémica también quiso ser parte del Clásico y llegó cuando una extraña barrida de Smalling en el área parecía pegarle en la mano, aunque el Árbitro dejó seguir ante los reclamos de todo Anfield y los "Reds" encabezados por Carroll.
Luego el juego entró en un letargo que fue disipado por tiros de Carrick desde fuera del área, intentos de Carroll por el Liverpool y algunos apuros de David de Gea para jugar en su área.
Fue hasta los 76 minutos que Sir Alex Ferguson intentó cambiar el rumbo del partido y dio entrada al mexicano Javier Hernández, que ya sabía lo que era marcar en el mítico Anfield Road, pero que no pudo hacer diferencia.
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