Ligue 1 - 30th January 2012

Okay, so you know when the FA Cup happens in Britain and the Premiere League happens at the same time? So your favourite team could be playing in like eight games in one week and you're really disappointed because you can't afford the £8,000,000 it would cost to go and see them? Luckily, there isn't that problem in France. French teams can only do one game per week. So yeah, the French Ligue 1 took a week off because another league happened.

In fact, I heard on the grapevine that French teams used to do both of these things at the same time, but then all of the teams had a strike and drove the French football market down the toilet temporarily (although from the smells of France, it seems like when they drove it down the toilet they just went ahead and followed because they couldn't be bothered bringing it back up), so they decided that if leagues clashed, one league would have to sit out for a week. 

So that's a very long and convoluted way of telling why I wasn't able to post last week. But to be honest, I need to stretch this post out a bit because these games look boring.

Yay, football!

Despite having an amazing name, Evian Thonon Gaillar played the most boring game in the world against Bordeaux. There were only two bookings. Just two. At least the guy who was booked for Evian Thonon Gaillar is called Rippert, which makes him sound like a really suspicious guy from the 1880's. A particular guy who was in Whitechapel, London in 1888. You may have changed your name, Jack, but I'm on to you.

Ooh, this looks slightly more interesting. The score was 1-1 at half time. There were four bookings. A classic return from one of the most famous players in France, Montano. Still haven't guess which game I'm talking about yet? It was Rennes vs. Marseille, you nincompoop. Marseille scored in the second half, making the final score 1-2.

Ah. That thing has happened where the same thing has happened. Yup, four bookings. 2-1 at full time. Although, Lasne did get sent off in the second half, which probably means he's striking for a while. No, you see they don't have match bans in France. The players deliberately injure other players in protest so that they get some legitimate time off to strike. Clever, right? Anyway, this was of course the AC Ajaccio vs Valenciennes game, where Ajaccio scored two and Valenciennes blah blah. Although the player who scored for Valenciennes is called Aboubakar. You know, that sounds suspiciously like a guy from a long time ago... but it was in a galaxy far, far away. You may have changed your name, Admiral, but I'm on to you. I've laid a trap that you'd never suspect.

I'm already bored. 

Nancy beat Auxerre 3-1, but all of the goals were scored in the second half! How cool is that? Auxerre were clearly playing it rough though, getting three players booked. Violence never solved anything, Auxerre, didn't WWI tell you that? 

HAH. Can I make a pun from Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Brest? No? Damn. Day: ruined. I always look forward to the Brest games. Two weeks ago was amazing. Guess that won't happen for another year. Sad face. At least the player who got booked for Brest is called Ewolo. That's a cool name. 

I'd paris Saint-Germain's brest. I DID IT. 

What's this? A penalty that led to a goal? In all my weeks of chit-chatting about French football, I have never once come across a goal that was scored by a penalty kick. What makes this game even more interesting it that all of the goals were scored in the second half. Whether that was because of squad changes or something, I don't know, but something happened to Lille when they scored 3 goals against St Etienne, and they scored nothing.

BORING GAME. Lorient 1-1 Sochaux. Yawn. But wait, the guy who scored for Lorient is called Romao. You know, that reminds me of a guy from Verona in the 1500s... A guy who fell in love with someone he really shouldn't have fallen in love with. You may have changed your name, son of Montague, but I'm on to you. 

There was a guy who got booked in the Lyon vs. Dijon game called Umtiti. *Snigger* Oh, I should probably mention that Lyon wiped the floor with Dijon, making the final score 3-1. Umtiti. What a silly name. You know, that actually reminds me of a guy that ... Oh no wait, no it doesn't. Never mind. 

Montpellier beat Nice 1-0. Come on, Montpellier, that's not very Nice. 

PUN. 

And we round things off with a very one-sided game. Toulouse beat Caen 1-0. But from this match whatsit on the BBC, it looks like Caen just weren't interested. Aurier of Toulouse tried to beat some of the players up, but they were so not bothered that the players just got out of their way. Aurier eventually managed to get booked in the 69th minute, but it hardly seems worth the effort if I'm honest. 

So, that was another week of football. Did you feel like you got kicked in the balls, footballs, this week? Oh, that's good to know. 

Pete out.

Scottish Premier League Mid-Week Match Reports for Week 25.

The round up of the mid-week action in the SPL.

Motherwell (3) v (1) Dunfermline

Tuesday's game was one of great hope for the Dunfermline, who's line-up remained unchanged from the weekends surprise 3-0 victory over Kilmarknock. Pars boss Jim McIntyre seemed to be confident that his sides string of poor performances was over.

Motherwell on the other hand saw one change, with Ojama seeing his first start for the Steelman after his crucial equaliser from the weekends clash against Dundee United.

It seemed heads were locked as soon as the starting whistle was blown, however the first significant chance for either side did not arrive until 15 minutes had passed. Motherwell's Steve Jennings sent a high ball sailing over the Pars defence into the path of the Estonia Ojama. But this was not too be, and the visitors were granted reprieve by an off-side ruling against fellow Pars striker, Michael Higdon.

It gave the game the boost it needed, with Dunfermline almost immediately calling for a penalty after the Steelmen's Shaun Hutchinson's challenge seemed to rip the ground from under Joe Cardle the punishment for this coming 3 minutes later when an angry Stephen Craigan received a red card for his off-ball actions with Pars striker Andrew Barrowman. Barrowman also received a yellow card for his part in the clash.

Motherwell boss immediately re-jigged his side to strengthen his defence with Tim Clancy replacing striker Jamie Murphy. A goalmouth scramble followed, however Dumfermline were unsuccessful in their attempts to bury the ball in the Steelmen's net.

After 26 minutes, the Pars suffered a casualty in the form of Andrew Barrowman who was replaced due to injury. This seemed to be the beginning of return to the Pars before last week victory when 2 minutes later when the Estonian, Ojama, picked his way through the Pars defense single-handedly before letting off a shot which slotted the ball through Turner's arms and into the waiting net.

Soon after, a second penalty chance was rejected and the Pars had to make do with a series of corners from Darren Randolph all which were unsuccessful, much to Dunfermline's disappointment.

With both sides returning refreshed after the break, many would have expected Dunfermline to take the game into their own hands a pressurise their undermanned opponents into submission. However, this was not the case and Motherwell were soon rewarded with for their play when Ojama played the ball into the path of English midfielder Nicky Law who sent the ball rocketing into the back of the Pars net.

The Dunfermline players heads went down, however a volley from Andy Kirk 10 minutes later added the finishing touch to a beautiful cross from Paddy Boyle and placed the Pars back in the game. However, any dreams of an equaliser from Dunfermline were shattered with 9 minutes remaining when the Steelmen's substitutes Bob McHugh and Chris Humphrey combined to capitalise on sloppy defending an slide a third past the Dunfermline goalkeeper, Turner.

Overall, a disappointing performance from Dunfermline who find themselves in great need of points sitting at the bottom of the table, arguably as a consequence of unfavourable refereeing decisions.

Motherwell clinched themselves and an extra 3 points to pull themselves in to 3rd place. this will set them clear for at least a few days.The Steelmen will be disappointed with the red-card decision however, Craigen will be hoping that Ojama's performance will take the light off of him and he will hold his place in the squad.

It's been a pleasure to have you tune in folks, and it would be a shame to have you tune out now as Saturday's match reports are on the way and will be with you very shortly, but until then...

I'm Dave.

A-League Review: 30th January 2012

Gonna redo the title so as to avoid confusion. I'll start next season with Round 1, 2 etc :)

Dukey's One 2 Watch: Melbourne Victory 2-2 Sydney FC


Sebastian Ryall's late goal meant that Melbourne Victory could not kickstart their push towards the finals at AAMI Park on thursday. Cernak and Fabio both scored just before half time to give Victory the lead going into the break. However Sydney responded well and Bruno Cazarine scored in the 56th minute to give Sydney hope. In the 89th minute, they drew level through former Victory defender Ryall.

The result really benefits neither side. Sydney have consolidated their position in midtable, while Victory remain 4 points off the finals, although they do have a game in hand over their close rivals.

Gold Coast United P-P Central Coast Mariners


In a game that featured...wait, what? Postponed? Heavy rain? Aww, man. What a rip off. What if this was Brisbane vs Perth? People would have flown hours just to see it! Not happy about this, Australia.

Despite not playing, Central Coast's lead at the top of the A-League table is now 10 points and they now have this game in hand against the basement club. Only a couple of weeks to keep on slugging it out before they can claim their second Premiership. Gold Coast remain at the bottom of the table by 6 points, but have 2 games in hand.

Brisbane Roar 0-1 Newcastle Jets


Despite all their best efforts in the second half, Brisbane just couldn't get the equaliser they so desparately needed after Newcastle Jets recorded their first away win since last January. Kantarovski...err...roared the Jets...did I get away with that? I'm sure I did. Anyway, he roared the Jets into the lead after a clinical finish and maintain a fairly impressive record that stands at just one loss in 10 away matches against Brisbane.

Brisbane are...well they're 3rd. They spent half the season in the top spot, slipped and lost it to Central Coast, before entering a race with Melbourne Heart for 2nd, before losing that race with Heart to...Phoenix. They really have to start picking up points and fast if they are going to have their easy route into the Grand Final. As for Newcastle, this unlikely victory means they still have the chance to make it into the Finals come the end of the season.

Wellington Phoenix 3-1 Melbourne Heart


Wellington are 2nd. Who thought we'd see that at the beginning of the season? They achieved this through their conquest of fellow top 2 contenders Melbourne Heart. It took 3 goals - 2 from Paul Ifill and 1 from Chris Greenacre - to counter the Alex Terra goal in front of a season high 13,000 strong crowd. The only downside was Leo Bertos being stretchered off in the 76th minute.

However, it was all smiles in New Zealand as the victory means Phoenix jump up to the heady heights of second place, and if they can sustain their recent fantastic form, I have no doubt that they can push for a strong finish to the season. For Melbourne Heart, it probably means the end of their Major Final hopes. They have to consolidate what they have now, and gear up for a push in the finals unless they can start getting some good results.

Adelaide United 0-3 Perth Glory


Adelaide were the cream of the crop recently after their fantastic run of form. However, that run came to a sudden stop today as Perth continued their own run. They have proven themselves as title contenders. It is just a shame they couldn't have done this at the beginning of the season. However, it is better late than never, and they now have 7 matches unbeaten. Shane Smeltz and Steven McGarry both scored in the first half to give Glory a 2-0 lead at half time, before Liam Miller netted aswell to give Glory a 3-0 victory.

Glory are now 4th. Very good considering their horrible run at the beginning of the season. As for Adelaide, their chances of reaching the finals were dealt a blow from this match, and they need to get back into their top form if they are to get out of 9th place and pick up the 4 points difference they need to get into 6th.

English League Cup: Semi-Finals

Tuesday and Wednesday saw the completion of the League cup semi-final ties between Liverpool-Man City and Cardiff-Crystal Palace.

Liverpool 2-2 Man City (Aggregate: 3-2)

Liverpool are going to Wembley for the first time since 1996 and that infamous "White Shirt" appearance. In fact, have a free picture, on me.

Yeah, I know. They went on to lose that cup final against Manchester United, and some people think it may have jinxed their chances of appearing at Wembley. Of course they have been involved in cup finals - their last League Cup final appearance came in a loss to Chelsea in 2005 - but they were all at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff during Wembley's renovation.

However, it appears the curse has lifted, as Liverpool can now prepare to play at the New Wembley for the first time, and to be fair, history was with them. They have now got a record of 39 two-legged match wins where they have come back to Anfield with a lead. City also had a mountain to climb, having not scored two goals away from home since beating QPR 3-2 in November.

Man City took the lead twice in a match they had to win to have any chance of meeting Cardiff in this year's final. As we all know, the League Cup has a weird system of only counting the away goals rule after extra time. Just getting that out there while I remember. Anyway, the Manchester side were without the King of Crazy Balotelli, but they didn't need him as they charged into a lead through Nigel De Jong's amazing goal and his second for the club saw City take the lead in the 31st minute. Steven Gerrard soon restored Liverpool's lead through a penalty after Micah Richards handled in the area.

Edin Dzeko, who seems to finally be finding his feet in England, scored to put City back in the lead, and all seemed lost for Liverpool until former City striker and outcast Craig Bellamy scored a well-worked goal in the 74th minute to sink his former club and deny them a second final appearance in two years. Liverpool can now begin planning for the final against Cardiff on the 26th February.

Cardiff City 1-0 Crystal Palace (Aggregate 1-1) Cardiff win on Penalties

Cardiff overcame a one goal deficit and a penalty shootout to book their first ever League Cup final. They trailed 1-0 to Crystal Palace from the first leg, and went out with the attacking intent that has defined their league form. It was an own goal from Palace's Gardner that proved to be the goal to level Cardiff. They dominated from the off, but they just couldn't get the ball in the net. Palace's problems were compounded when they had their captain McCarthy sent off in the 78th minute.

It was a nerve wracking match for both sets of fans, as Cardiff hit the woodwork 3 times, but the Palace defence held strong, and penalties loomed. Kenny Miller missed the first of Cardiff's penalties after he smashed it over the bar, but Tom Heaton saved two penalties in a row to bring them back into the game. Cardiff went 3-1 up, and Palace missed, to end a tense match between two very determined teams. However for Palace it was not to be, and one can only imagine what would have happened had their captain not been sent off. Here's looking forward to the Final in February.

Scottish Premier League Fixtures for Week 25!

Scottish Premier League Fixtures for Week 25, 23^rd January 2012.

Hey there guys, just a quick bullet-in to plan out this weeks action in the SPL.

First up this Tuesday (24^th), the league’s only mid-week fixture is Motherwell (the Steelmen) take on Dunfermline (the Pars). It’s looking like we’ll be in for an interesting match with the Pars entering the game off the back of a much needed 3-0 win over Kilmarnock, and looking to clinch another essential 3 points to lift them off the bottom of the table, though this is also much affected by Hibernian’s result. The Steelmen on the other hand will be look to shrug off any disappointment of their weekend draw with Dundee Utd. and seal 3 points to potentially lift their table standing.

Next up: the first of four fixtures scheduled for Saturday (28^th); Aberdeen (the Dons) versus Dunfermline. Again, another interesting fixture with both squads looking to grab any points available to better their standings in the league table. With every point proving crucial to the Pars at this stage in the season they are bound to kick-off with all guns blazing. The Dons will go into this game with theirs heads high after holding Rangers off to a 1-1 stalemate last week, however, like the Pars they’ll be searching for another three points to keep them comfortably away from any danger of relegation.

Saturday’s second fixture takes the form of Inverness Caledonian Thistle (ICT) versus St. Mirren (the Buddies). With ICT sitting below the Buddies in the league table, with only a mere 1 point difference separating them, this match has the potential to show some great football with Caley seeking the prize of step up the table and out of reach of the dreaded relegation zone. The Buddies will be looking to prevent themselves sliding down the table, especially off the back of a defeat against Celtic. However, it’s no easy task with ICT brimming with confidence with the previous weeks 1-0 victory over Hearts.

Another epic clash scheduled for Saturday is Motherwell versus St. Johnstone (the Saints), currently with only goal difference separating them. The Steelmen will be looking to seal a victory over their counterparts, the Saints, but their performance may be under heavy influence of their mid-week encounter with Dunfermline. St. Johnstone on the other hand will be rolling off of a bitterly fought 3-2 victory against Hibernian last week. They will be looking to build on this success with a step up the table which victory, and the 3 points it will bring.

Finally, the last fixture of the week summons squads from both ends of the table – Rangers (Blues) versus Hibernian (Hibs). Stakes for both sides are of equal proportion. The Blues will be seeking an easy victory to move themselves ever closer to their rivals at the top of the table, Celtic. However, after a disappointing draw with Aberdeen the week before, it will also be a chance for Rangers to redeem themselves. Hibs on the other hand will be looking for those vital, golden, 3 points in an attempt to distance themselves from the relegation zone currently occupied by Dunfermline. However, their previous narrow defeat has the potential to act as as double-edged morale sword bringing either inconfidence or a reassurance in their ability to play Premier League football.

And that is all for this week folks, tune in later this week for the results of Tuesdays game. Then tune in even later this week for the round up of Saturdays action…

Sign your non-aggressive (kind of) Scot, Dave.

P.s - There will be pictures coming... When the technology stops failing and lets me add them =]

Premier League: Round 22 (Part 2)

Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United

United continued their dominance over the Arsenal-Manchester fixture with a close encounter with opportunities galore for both sides. United went ahead after a Ryan Giggs cross found Antonio Valencia clear in the box to put the Reds into the lead just before the interval. After half time, Arsenal increased their pressure and pushed for an equaliser. After Van Persie missed a glorious chance, he made no mistake a second time as he smashed the ball into the corner from 15 yards. The turning point of the match was Oxlade-Chamberlain being withdrawn to some disgust by the crowd at the Emirates, and replaced by Andrey Arshavin who made an instant impact in letting Valencia go on a mazy run to put through Danny Welbeck who blasted home from close range.

United keep up the pressure on city rivals...City, and stay 3 points behind them. Arsenal, however, are now 5 points from Chelsea and a Champions League qualification spot and are level on points with Newcastle and only one ahead of Liverpool. It is shaping up to be an intense battle towards the end of the season.

Manchester City 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester City maintained their lead at the top of the Premier League, but only just. It took an injury time penalty from Mario Balotelli to seal the 3 points. City scored two quick goals early in the second half with Samir Nasri and Joleon Lescott both scoring. But Tottenham were not through there, oh no. They dug in and battled back, and they were quickly rewarded, as just a minute after going 2-0 down, Defoe managed to pull one back. Only 5 minutes later the Welsh sensation Gareth Bale scored a beauty of a goal to bring Tottenham to 2-2 and within sight of a valuable point. However Balotelli, who in fairness should have already been sent off having picked up a booking then proceeding to stamp on Scott Parker - an incident which was missed by the referee - then stepped up to take a penalty after being taken down in the area by Ledley King.

BBC's Phil McNulty is spot on when he says "Balotelli might win Man City the title but there's a danger his unpredictability could potentially lose it for them". He definitely is right on the money there. While he is definitely a proven goalscorer, he has an anger problem that could see him sent off in an important match, and leave City to play with 10 men. When he grows up and matures a bit, I can see him becoming one of the greatest players to have ever been in the game, but until then he is just a liability.

While City have kept their lead in the league, Tottenham are in a pretty safe 3rd place. 5 points behind United, but 5 points clear of Chelsea, and while I don't see them mounting a title challenge anymore, I can definitely see that they will be in the automatic Champions League qualification spots come the end of the season. I've been Peter Duke and you've been awesome. Ciao!

A-League Review: 22nd January 2012

I think it's 17..if it's not, I'll change this and none of you will ever know.
Actually, I think I've been one off all this time...I'll leave it like this so we don't all get confused :)

Dukey's One 2 Watch: Melbourne Heart 1-1 Brisbane Roar

Two teams near the top of the table who desparately needed a win to keep up the chase on Central Coast. Of course it was going to turn out to be a draw. In a match with plenty of penalty situations - Heart having two turned down late on - the Melbourne side took the lead after thirty minutes thanks to a Germano goal. Besart Berisha, who is technically banned for a match but was still allowed to ply as Brisbane are appealing his ban (which I found out was because he took his shirt off and this somehow led to a bust up during the celebration), missed a first half penalty before grabbing the equaliser in the 69th minute.

Perth have now played 3 home matches in a week without winning any of them, Central Coast Mariners and Perth the other team to have gone home with points. But for Brisbane, it was the same old story as they started with some attacking flair before conceding their first goal and having to attack even harder. It's always entertaining watching them play. Like Barcelona (hence their nickname Roarcelona), just not as...fluid.

Brisbane are now 11 points behind Central Coast, and unless they have a sudden decline in form - a DRAMATIC decline in form - I can't see the Roar becoming the first A-League team to win back-to-back Premierships. As for Heart, they find themselves in 4th, 3 points behind Brisbane and 1 point behind Wellington Phoenix.

Central Coast Mariners 3-2 Adelaide United

Central Coast capped off an impressive comeback by opening the gap at the top of the A-League table to 11 points and in the process setting a new club record of 15 matches unbeaten. Some way off Brisbane's record admittedly, but we'll see where this one goes. They scored first aswell, McBreen netting in the 14th minute only for Sergio Van Dijk (wow, that guy's on form) to score a minute later. Bruce Djite then scored after only 4 minutes to make the score 2-1 in a dramatic reversal of fortune. Mariners spent the rest of the match trying to claw their way back in, and after many chances, finally ade the break through after an equaliser from Kwasnik in the 74th minute, before finally Joshua Rose managed to slam home the winner 3 minutes later.

It was a great match, filled with high tension and thanks to the quickfire double, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. There were goals, great saves, mazy runs and even some slipping over, the game truly did have everything. How I bet you wish you could have seen it. Anyway, the result leaves Central Coast pretty much assured of their title, while for Adelaide it means the end of their brilliant run of form. However they are still within reach of the finals and I'm sure we have not heard the last from them.

Newcastle Jets 0-1 Wellington Phoenix

Manny Muscat's goal was the only thing that separated the Jets and Wellington in a match that sees Wellington leapfrog Melbourne Heart into 3rd position and gave them back to back away wins for the first time in...a while. Newcastle are now in freefall, and didn't really threaten at all in this match. They have been on such a bad streak of late and looking at their next couple of fixtures - Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney - I can't see where their next points are going to come from.

Wellington are 3rd and while they're only 2 points behind Brisbane, their resurgence comes too late to mount a title challenge, need Central Coast to lose another 4 games on the trot to actually have any chance. As for Newcastle, they're 1 position and 4 points off the bottom of the table and if they continue to drop points, could end up with the the wooden spoon.

Sydney FC 2-1 Gold Coast United

Ben Halloran got Gold Coast off to a flier with his goal in the 54th minute. However, this was not to last as two goals in the final 20 minutes from Cazarine and Kisel ended any hope of the Gold Coast pulling themselves towards safety. Sydney, who are beginning to find their feet somewhat, were the better of the two sides, but it was Gold Coast who struck first, with a goal off the post after latching onto a ball from Jungschlager. Then 15 minutes later, Scott Jamieson fed Karol Kisel through to slide home from inside the box. Kisel then turned provider as he set up Cazarine to give Sydney a win that completes a full reversal (1-2L, 1-1D, 2-1W). However, Gold Coast's form (1-1D, 0-1L, 1-2L)is back on the down side after a slight improvement a month or so back.

Gold Coast remain rooted to the bottom of the table, while Sydney have been pulled up to 6th place and will have an important few matches to come if they want to be in the top 6 come the end of the year.

Perth Glory 4-1 Melbourne Victory

Perth Glory had not let Melbourne Victory escape the nib Stadium without conceding, and Melbourne hadn't kept a clean sheet in a long time - of course this was going to happen and Victory's record in Perth now stands at 7 of 8 games lost. Perth's 3 first half goals started with a Sterjovski goal after 13 minutes before Leijer pretty much wrestled Howarth to the floor while awaiting a corner which resulted in a Shane Smeltz penalty, which we duly buried in the corner of the net. Berger was than brought down by Matthew Foschini and on 40 minutes, Sterjovski blasted in his second of the game. 3-0 at half time and Melbourne were without a shot on goal.

Solorzano was the cause of Victory's penalty, blasting into the box and colliding with former Melbourne defender Pantelidis. Harry Kewell stepped up to slot the penalty in and continue his recent scoring streak (albeit from the penalty spot). It looked like Victory could possibly get something from the game for a few minutes before Allsopp was sent off for a reckless challenge and in front of 12,000 fans, Andrezinho netted Glory' fourth and final of the match.

Glory jumped up to 5th, and are in view of 3rd place, while Victory now find themselves 4 points off the finals and the two time winners find themselves 4 points from the bottom of the table.