Archive for February, 2006

Week 25 - Matchdays 34 and 35 (15th - 19th February)

Published by
simon
at February 23rd 2006 11:20 in Weekly update. 0 Comments

Ach who remembers the games last weekend now that the Champions League is back
with us? A recap below as well as the latest points and all the usual paraphernalia
that I give you each week. The service itself may be subject to minor interruption
in the next couple of weeks, more of that when it happens. In the meantime,
enjoy the latest update�.

The Games

Matchday 34

Liverpool 1 Arsenal 0
A(nother) big game with big hype and in the end a big let down. Lehmann made
a big save from Gerrard�s penalty - fast forward WC 2006, I can see it
happening again�. - and stood between Liverpool and 3 points until Garcia
reacted first to the rebound Hamann�s fierce strike.

Goals: Garcia
Assists: Hamann
YC: Ljungberg
RC:
MoM: Lehmann


Blackburn 2 Sunderland 0
This was the Craig Bellamy show, 2 goals, a booking and a man of the match.
Might have also got himself into trouble for needlessly winding up the eighteen
or so Sunderland fans who made the trip. You can take the boy out of Cardiff.

Goals: Bellamy 2
Assists: Peter
YC: Bellamy
RC:
MoM: Bellamy

Matchday 35

Bolton 0 West Ham 0
A replay beckons and it�s the last thing that Bolton need as the fixtures
pile up for them. No goals although Stelios was mightily unlucky to have one
effort wrongly ruled out for offside. The most surprising thing was it didn�t
come from a big up �n� under.

Goals: None
Assists: None
YC: None
RC: None
MoM: Speed

Charlton 3 Brentford 1
Charlton�s cup record is as poor as their draw record is fortunate. Home
draws against lower league sides have seen them come a cropper in the past but
3 of these this year see them in the quarter finals. They have a cutting edge
now though with Darren Bent bagging yet another. Hughes and Bothroyd made sure
they progressed.

Goals: Bent, Bothroyd, Hughes
Assists: Kishishev, Bartlett
YC: Thomas, Bothroyd
RC:
MoM: Hughes

Liverpool 1 Man Utd 0
This was a war of attrition if there was one and while it looked like if anyone
was to pick up an injury it would be public enemy number 1, Gary Neville as
Liverpool gave him the treatment, in the end it was Smith who suffered a horror
injury after blocking a Riise striker. Harry Kewell tried to endear himself
to the Liverpool fans by getting stuck into Neville, but it was big Crouchy
who scored the winner, stooping to nod in a Finnan cross.

Goals: Crouch
Assists: Finnan
YC: Hyypia, Carragher, Kewell, Hamann. Neville, Giggs, Vidic
RC:
MoM: Hamann

Newcastle 1 Southampton 0
You get the impression that Kieron Dyer has been hiding in the treatment room
waiting for Souness� motor to drive away. As soon as the former manager
departed, Dyer was astoundingly fit. It wouldn�t take Poirot to work out
what was going on. He was fit enough to start this one and fit enough to score
before being replaced by his former assailant Bowyer, as they shook hands you
couldn�t help but thinking it would be funnier if they slapped each other
for old times sake. Southampton were dogged but when their keeper got injured,
having used all their subs you knew it was not going to be their day.

Goals: Dyer
Assists: Nzogbia
YC: Dyer
RC:
MoM: Nzogbia


Stoke 0 Birmingham 1
I dislike both teams so I really couldn�t care less who got through. In
all fairness, I wish both teams could have gone out. Forsell�s winner
ensured it was Stoke that went out. How on earth can I get annoyed by Stoke
or Birmingham? Because I�m petty that�s why.

Goals: Forsell
Assists: Latka, Pennant
YC: Latka, Clemence
RC:
MoM: Taylor

Preston 0 Middlesbrough 2
Yakubu is a bit of cup specialist this year and for the first time, Boro disposed
of a team in the first match. Lots of points if you have the unimaginatively
nicknamed Yak and he may be one to differentiate you from the Rooney-Bent double
act that looks to be so popular. A great week rounded off for Boro, and they
look to be on the up.

Goals: Yakubu 2
Assists: Downing, Hasselbaink
YC: Hasselbaink, McMahon
RC:
MoM: Yakubu

Chelsea 3 Colchester 1
Colchester have played on worse pitches, but not many. The sight of a muddy,
boggy pitch is not unusual in the February cup ties in public parks or non-league
grounds but it should certainly be unusual at the country�s richest club.
Maybe they were worried that Colchester would play them off the park and embarked
on a watering session or maybe it was so Drogba could have softer landing after
one of his swans. That�s a dive by the way rather than a potentially flu-infected
bird; don�t you just love topical observational wit�..Colchester
were leading in case you didn�t know after Ricardo Carvalho�s clinical
o.g. The saviours were sent on at half time once Ferreira had equalised and
it was Joe Cole with a double to put the league leaders through.

Goals: Cole 2, Ferreira
Assists: Crespo, Carvalho, Duff
YC: Ferreira
RC:
MoM: Cole

Aston Villa 1 Man City 1

This one was gearing up for a real Greek tragedy; not that Samaras himself
missed lots of chances, but City did as they mesmerised Villa�s home fans
who were treated to the familiar sight of Vassell in full chance-scorning mode.
Then whiz bang, Baros opened the scoring with a snapshot and it despite some
desperate City attacking it looked like Villa would hold out. That is until
young xx Richards scored with a great header in the last minute before heading
into the crowd to pick up a yellow card. The yellow card was of course not in
the crowd but in the ref�s pocket. He nearly got a red from Garth Crooks
(and not Garth Brooks!) for swearing on air, imagine the BBC allowing profanities
on air, what is the world coming to?

Goals: Baros. Richards
Assists: Davis. Barton
YC: Mellberg. Barton, Dunne, Musampa, Richards
RC:
MoM: Richards

The Points

Matchday 34
15 Bellamy
11 Lehmann
6 Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Dudek, Finnan, Todd, Nelsen, Friedel, Garcia, Neill,
Gray

Matchday 35

GK
11 Taylor
6 Schwarzer, Jaaskelainen, Hislop, Given, Reina

DEF
9 Finnan
7 Latka
6 Konchesky, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Scaloni, Kishishev, Newcastle, Mboro and Bolton
defenders,

MID
16 J Cole
12 Johansson
11 B Hughes
10 Nzogbia
7 Speed

STR
16 Yakubu
8 Mido
7 D Bent, Baros, Defoe

The Table

Only 2 games in Matchday 34 but still Ridiculous Names (+ Frank Lampard) and
Tell me no Lies managed to pick up 30 points apiece. Ridiculous Names followed
this up with a nice 41 in Matchday 35 to make a massive 71 points in total,
more of that later. 48 points made Jane�s Buddies the top earner, ahead
of Billy Oceans Eleven and Dobbers FC.

Overall, Jack Bauer has put his foot to the floor in a brave effort to escape
his captors. Its meat and drink when someone has a name that I can consistently
pun about - I shan�t go into the Ramitin pun potential, but they remain
2nd with a slim buffer over Jane�s Buddies, Sarah�s Stars and Subbuteo
Allstars who are grouping behind. Moving into the top ten are Battered Lard
and Dukla Scott McDonald Loyal. Elsewhere heading up are Chopra�s Choice,
Billy Oceans Eleven and MT Promise. Look out as well for one of the more competitive
mini-leagues as the Donohoes, particularly Gerry & Chris battle it out to
be the main man - currently a dead heat in 18th.

And so to the foot, and as Ridiculous Names (+ Frank Lampard) - lets not forget
franky boy - rocket away from the foot to apply pressure on those hovering -
Jammy Dodgers, Thierry�s French Fondant Fancies and Singtims, but who
do they leave behind? Its 3 members of the same minileague, A Team Less Ordinary,
Rapid Vieira and Larsselona2. Now I suspect that RV and L2 aren�t keeping
up with events as they�ve used none of their transfers, but A Team Less
Ordinary will surely be hoping they don�t get their finger out. Lest we
not forget, that this is in fact no �ordinary team� but the inaugural
Cup winner and top lady. I�m sure there will be an upturn in fortunes.

The Second Half
Subbuteo 42 points clear of Sarah�s Stars with Dobbers FC and BBQ Spare
Ribs not far behind.

The Fixtures

Back to normal this week, apart from the Carling Cup final which doesn�t
count for FFL purposes and therefore we can happily ignore, while wishing Wigan
all the best, naturally.

The Transfer Deadline (reminder)
In the past we�ve been a bit lax with this and it has allowed for the last
minute switch of all your players for the FA Cup finalists. We are proposing
to implement a deadline this year before the last Premiership game (7 May),
so make sure you use all your transfers by then.

The Cash (final final reminder)
Ok I�ve written the non-threatening email and will send it on in next
few days. Thanks to those who have submitted entry fees recently, still 50 odd
to collect�.

Cheers
Simon

Week 24 (matchdays 32,33)

Published by
simon
at February 16th 2006 13:33 Uncategorizedin . 0 Comments

Week 24 (matchdays 32,33)

There’s been a wee bit of movement midweek in the league table before
we applied this weeks results. Basically due to a wee issue with our database
which I won’t go into (because I don’t understand!), your view of
your team points through My Team was different from your league points. The
My Team view was generally higher and we found that one or two of the stats
that we input on a weekly basis had not been picked up by the league table.
Sorry if we got any of your hopes up but we are now happy (-ish, er) with the
table as it stands. All this weeks data has been input after we implemented
the fix…..

The changes that you may notice (although may not) did not affect any of the
weekly points and therefore no impact on the cup matches.

The Games

Matchday 32

Birmingham 2 Reading 1

Two second string sides were played in this match so maybe neither deserved
to get through? As it was Reading made a real fight of it, but goals from Forsell
and Jarosik ensured Birmingham’s passage.

Goals: Forsell, Gray
Assists: Jarosik
YC:
RC:
MoM: Jarosik

Middlesbrough 1 Coventry 0

A tight win as Boro go to their second replay of their FA Cup run this year.
Jimmy Floyd with the winner.

Goals: Hasselbaink
Assists: Yakubu
YC: Yakubu, Taylor
RC:
MoM: Southgate

Chelsea 4 Everton 1
Lambs to the slaughter at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea clicked into a gear we
have seen only fleetingly this season to score a four goal haul (or is it a
four goal salvo?). Lampard, Crespo, Robben and Terry masked their recent indifferent
league form with only Arteta scoring for a very tame Everton side.

Goals: Lampard, Crespo, Robben, Terry. Arteta
Assists: Crespo, Lampard, Gudjohnsen, Wright-Phillips
YC: Gallas. Cahill, Carsley, Valente
RC:
MoM: Robben

Charlton 2 Liverpool 0
A midweek league game as Liverpool play catch up, but this got them no closer
to catching Chelsea. Charlton were sharper and deserved their win, it helps
when the opposition attack is toothless. Darren Bent and Luke Young scored the
goals as both press their claims for a world cup spot.

Goals: D Bent, Young
Assists:
YC: Perry, Thomas
RC:
MoM: D Bent

Matchday 33

Arsenal 1 Bolton 1
A game of two footed lunges and no red cards. The two don’t and shouldn’t
marry. Faye crocked Reyes with a big studs-up slidey and saw yellow while Flamini
lunged and got neither Gardner (thanks to some evasive action) nor the ball
yet saw nothing. Arsene saw one better than the other and you can guess which.
His assessment that Flamini tackled the ball and Faye didn’t was as grossly
inaccurate as it was biased. Better to say nothing. Sam wasn’t happy either
but he never really is (unless playing darts of course). Nolan upped his stock
with a clever lob over Lehmann and it looked like Bolton could withstand the
resultant onslaught until Gilberto hooked a volley past the defiant Jaaskelainen.

Goals: Gilberto. Nolan
Assists: Fabregas
YC: Fabregas, Gilberto. Faye, Davies
RC:
MoM: Jaaskelainen

Aston Villa 1 Newcastle 2
Almost forgot to write something for this game, would you have missed it if
I didn’t? Villa looked good early doors and Luke Moore continued his fine
run of form with another goal. Without McCann and Davis, Villa were devoid of
skill and strength in the middle which allowed man of the match Scott Parker
to get a grip on proceedings. Ameobi scored his first goal for some time and
Nzogbia scored his first goal since last week. Not a happy day for Milan Baros
who was left on the bench, booked and also missed a penalty with a powder puff
effort that Shay Given stopped with ease. -5 for Baros, +5 for Given.

Goals: Moore. Nzogbia
Assists: Solano 2, Shearer 2
YC: Baros, Delaney, Whittingham. Given
RC: Babayaro
MoM: Parker

Everton 1 Blackburn 0
Every now and then a gaffe by a Scottish goalkeeper that vindicates all those
jibes made by Jimmy Greaves. Ian Turner (who he?) decided to handle a back header
outside the box and off he went. An instinctive reaction for sure, however it
was his positioning and communication to blame. Turner is quite a dull name
but his replacement, John Ruddy made the headline writers much happier! James
Beattie made the side of Merseyside happy with the winner and Everton held on
despite the one man disadvantage.

Goals: Beattie
Assists: Arteta
YC: Valente, Hibbert, Neville, Kilbane. Todd, Nelsen
RC: Turner
MoM: Beattie

Fulham 6 West Brom 1
A royal whooping for West Brom. Although Fulham have an excellent home record
they rarely score 6 (six) but it appeared that nothing and no-one could stop
them in this match. Okay a decent defence might have stopped them but goals
from Helguson, Radzinski and John added to a Davies own goal made them look
like a top team. Kevin Campbell’s goal was only a consolation and if you
are daft enough to have West Brom defenders you are likely to end up with a
serious minus this week.

Goals: Helguson 2, John 2, Radzinski, o.g (davies)
Assists: Radzinski 2, Helguson, Malbranque, Elliott, McBride. Inamoto
YC: Radzinski, Helguson, Boa Morte, Wallwork, Martinez
RC:
MoM: Radzinski

Middlesbrough 3 Chelsea 0
Last week Boro fans are wanting McLaren’s head and throwing their season
tickets away, this week its McLaren must stay and clapping along to the horrendous
‘2 Unlimited’ tunes they play at the Riverside. Quite simply no
one expected this at all, it was supposed to be so easy. Rochemback, Downing
and Yakubu saw to it that it was easy - for Boro and were helped by some unusually
poor ‘keeping from Cech and hesitant defending from Terry. Jose would
have stripped the dressing room walls at full time such was Chelsea’s
form. Bring on Barca!

Goals: Rochemback, Downing, Yakubu
Assists: Yakubu
YC: Terry, Carvalho, Gudjohnsen
RC:
MoM: Yakubu

Portsmouth 1 Man Utd 3
Pompey fans now want rid of Harry. Why’s that? £11m spent and just
the one win since his much heralded return to Fratton Park. Pompey have used
the most players in the premiership this season and it’s no wonder they
can’t gel as a team. Man U were 3-0 up before you could say “how
many ex spurs players do you need”. Van Nistelrooy and 2 from Ronaldo.
Ok it wasn’t that quick, but it also wasn’t until they were 3-0
down that Portsmouth woke up. Lua Lua inspired a fight back that culminated
in a consolation goal from Taylor. About 6 wins required in the last 12 games
for Portsmouth and that’s not going to happen. At least they can look
forward to south coast derbies again!

Goals: Taylor. Ronaldo 2, Van Nistelrooy
Assists: Routledge. Rooney, Giggs
YC:
RC:
MoM: Van Nistelrooy


Sunderland 1 Tottenham 1
For once it was Sunderland’s turn to steal something with Daryl Murphy’s
late effort aided by Stalteri’s feeble attempts to tackle. Robbie Keane
had scored the opener in fine style for Spurs but failed to increase their lead
in 4th.

Goals: Daryl Murphy. Keane
Assists: Arca. Defoe
YC: Arca, Kyle. Danny Murphy
RC:
MoM: Lawrence

Wigan 0 Liverpool 1
A real dour encounter on a pitch that is well suited to rugby league but certainly
not attractive football. It took a centre half combo for the winner with Carragher’s
hopeful ball finished off by a hopeful Hyypia volley. Wigan had no strikers
to choose from due to a spate of injuries, a clause in Mellor’s loan and
Henri Camara hiding somewhere in Africa. Needless to say Paul Jewell wasn’t
best pleased and all things considered a Liverpool clean sheet looked inevitable.

Goals: Hyypia
Assists: Carragher
YC: Henchoz, Thompson
RC:
MoM: Gerrard

Man City 3 Charlton 2
Its goals galore when these teams meet, 7 at the Valley earlier in the season
and 5 here. The first half was pretty sleep-inducing but for Dunne’s impressive
volley. In the second half though everything lightened up, Barton scored a screamer
both Bents scored and new Greek striker Samaras scored a header while displaying
shooting prowess not seen since John Fashanu, retired to squander another great
chance.

Goals: Dunne, Samaras, Barton. D Bent, M Bent
Assists: Barton, El Karkouri, Kishishev
YC:
RC:
MoM: Barton

West Ham 3 Birmingham 0
Monday night you’ve heard it all before at Upton Park. 3 goals, 3 points
and the Hammers are happy. Quite incredible is West Ham’s home Monday
night sky record - I don’t think they appear any other time. Harewood
got a couple, although since one was from a Maik Taylor penalty save he loses
those points (boo!) but he got man of the match (wahey!). Dean Ashton scored
the other as Birmingham were shown to be real strugglers.

Goals: Harewood 2, Ashton
Assists: Benayoun, Scaloni
YC: Bruce, Latka
RC:
MoM: Harewood

The Points

Matchday 32
12 D Bent
11 Robben, Young, Southgate
10 Jarosik
9 Crespo, Lampard
7 Gray, Arteta, Forsell, Hasselbaink

Matchday 33

GK
6 Dudek, Schwarzer, Hislop, Jaaskelainen

DEF
11 Hyypia
9 Carragher, Scaloni
6 Konchesky, Stubbs, Weir, Finnan, Riggott, Southgate, Riise, Gabbidon, A Ferdinand,
Parnaby, Pogatetz
-7 Davies, -6 Wallwork, -5 Martinez, Babayaro, -4 Clement, Latka, Albrechtsen

MID
15 Barton
12 Ronaldo
7 Nolan, Downing, Rochemback, Gerrard, Solano

STR
16 Radzinski
14 Yakubu
12 Helguson, Van Nistelrooy, Harewood
11 John, Beattie
8 Shearer
7 Moore, K Campbell, D Bent, M Bent
-6 for Baros

The Table

For matchday 32, our top dogs were the Dobbers who are having a great second
half to the season, on 33 with Who Ate All the Pies, Dynamo Flummery, Taxi for
Strachan and Lee United all on 32. At the other end of the scale, Keane to win
picked up hee haw allan mcgraw.

Matchday 33 saw a three way tie for top team between Jane’s Buddies,
Papa Dave’s Hairy XI and I hope he is Left Back, all on 53, with Ridiculous
Names X (+ Frank Lampard) picking up a sweet 49. Of this only 2 came from Frankie
boy, so either the ridiculous names are dominating or they’ve all been
swapped for good players - I suspect the latter. Larsselona2 picked up only
3 points for this matchday.

After all that there has been some seismic shifting in fortunes, allied to our
database problem noted at the top of the page where some teams were not being
credited with all the points they deserved. At the top, however briefly is the
first half champ, Jack Bauer (who was on fine form again on Sunday night as
well perhaps no-one can stop him now he’s back in and around CTU) with
a slender 7 point lead over FFL mainstay Ramitin. A decent gap to the (closing)
pack with Subbuteo back in 3rd and our top lady leading contenders Jane’s
Buddies and Sarah’s Stars. Picked with a Pin suffer from a bad week and
slip to 10th.

On the rise are Papa Dave, Inter mi-Sausages, Faithmonsoon, and the Ridiculous
Names who have left behind the shackles of the bottom 2, rising to chase A Team
Less Ordinary. The bottom 4 have been cut off to an extent with a 50 point gap
established.

The Second Half

It’s all about Subbuteo at the moment and a 48 point gap for the huge
£25 prize. I recall last years 2nd half winner also ended up 2nd in the
main league (well done again Gareth!) so there is plenty of incentive for those
languishing in the main league. BBQ Spare Ribs are now the main challengers
and it’s really tight below with unsung teams like Aotorea Thistle, the
Dobbers and Hamilton Allstars all in the top 10.

The Cup and Plate

Head over to the cup section for full cup results and plate results.

The headline is that both the cup and plate holders have gone out of this years
cup - Ramitin and Fairweather Footballers. Progress was achieved in the Cup
by Dukla Scott McDonald, Bishops Bashers, Jane’s Buddies, Battered Lard,
Papa Dave, Sarah’s Stars, Ginger Wizards and the Honest Men. None of these
teams are accustomed to FFL silverware, so ladies and gents we will definitely
have a new cup champ

The Plate saw wins for Thierrys French Fondant Fancies, EKFCBC, MT Promise,
Katsu Baby, Dizzy Deezers, Dynamo Flummery, On me Head Shun and I hope he is
Left Back. A good mix of FFL novices and wise old heads in there.

Commiserations to all the gallant losers.

Quarter final fixtures (to be played on weekend of 11th March)

Cup

Battered Lard v Sarah’s Stars
Dukla Scott McDonald Loyal v Papa Dave’s Hairy XI
Honest Men v Jane’s Buddies
Ginger Wizards v Bishops Bashers

Plate

Thierry French Fondant Fancies v MT Promise
Katsu Baby v Dizzy Deezers
On me Head Shun v Dynamo Flummery
EKFCBC v I hope he is Left Back

The Fixtures

It’s the FA cup this weekend and only 11 premiership teams left. One premiership
game being played at the weekend (Spurs v Wigan) in addition to the 2 games
played in midweek. Possibly not too many points around.

The Transfer Deadline

In the past we’ve a bit lax with this and it has allowed for the last
minute switch of all your players for the FA Cup finalists. We are proposing
to implement a deadline this year before the last Premiership game (7 May),
so make sure you use all your transfers by then.

And that’s all for now

Cheers
Simon

Week 23 (matchdays 30 & 31)

Published by
simon
at February 10th 2006 11:47 Uncategorizedin . 0 Comments

Week 23 (matchdays 30 & 31)

Have mercy. Another double dose from the Premiership and that’s why this
is a day late. Or is it because I was out last night? It’s done now anyway,
so enjoy the latest offering.

The Games


Matchday 30


Blackburn 4 Man Utd 3

A real grudge building up between these two after the Carling Cup matches. Loads
of excitement though and despite Ferdinand and Savage’s running feud it
was ex-gunner Bentley who stole the show with a hat-trick to celebrate his permanent
move to Blackburn. Lucas Neill added one from the spot while Saha and RVN got
the goals for Utd. Ferdinand’s persistent and perfectly understandable
volleying of Savage led to a red card and a nasty, very nasty -8!!

Goals: Bentley 3, Neill. Saha, RVN 2
Assists:
YC: Pedersen, Savage, Gray. Rooney, Evra, Brown, Ronaldo
RC: Ferdinand
MoM: Bentley

Charlton 0 West Brom 0

Nothing to write about so I won’t waste your time, okay it’s really
my time I’m thinking about!

Goals:
Assists:
YC:
RC:
MoM: D Bent

Fulham 1 Tottenham 0

A last minute winner from Bocanegra finally broke Paul Robinson’s resolve
which was tested more by Dawson’s red card - only -2 as he was keeping
a clean sheet when he walked.

Goals: Bocanegra
Assists: Elliott
YC: Helguson, Rasiak, Jenas
RC: Dawson
MoM: Robinson

Liverpool 1 Birmingham 1

It was all going so well, a good run of recent form, a Gerrard penalty and heading
for a 1-0 win that would set them nicely up for Chelsea. Then in stepped Alonso
with an own goal to throw away 2 points. Red card for Damien ‘Omen’
Johnson, and he’s no stranger to them.

Goals: Gerrard, o.g.
Assists: Pennant, Heskey
YC:
RC: Johnson
MoM: Taylor

Man City 3 Newcastle 0

City continued their up and down form as they strolled in what was to be Souness
last game in charge of Newcastle. For once, Graeme wasn’t villain of the
peace, that was left to the greedy Joey Barton who has a goldfish like memory,
asking to be highest paid at the club despite almost being out on his ear in
the summer. He was booed initially at every touch but as City rolled over their
opponents he left to a standing ovation. How fickle. Riera, Vassell and Cole
each signed their name on Graeme’s P45. But a multi-million pound pay
off means he’ll be able to afford more than spam for dinner.

Goals: Riera, Cole, Vassell
Assists: Cole, Vassell
YC: Barton, Bramble
RC:
MoM: Vassell

Sunderland 0 Middlesbrough 3

This was not a corner turning moment but a team picking up their required 3
points against the whipping boys before heading back to their own doldrums.
Jimmy Floyd keeps on scoring though and he got another here to add to defenders
goals from Pogatetz and Parnaby.

Goals: Pogatetz, Parnaby, Hasselbaink
Assists: Downing, Mendieta, Viduka
YC: Caldwell, Doriva
RC:
MoM: Pogatetz

Wigan 1 Everton 1

Two reds here and I don’t mean gingers. Jason Roberts and big Dunc sent
off for acts of varying intent. Ferguson meant his well and truly - maybe he
mistook the Wigan player for a burgular? Wigan scored both, Scharner at the
right end and Thompson at the wrong end.

Goals: Scharner, O.G
Assists: Henchoz, Chimbonda
YC: Scharner, McFadden
RC: Roberts, Ferguson
MoM: Bullard

Arsenal 2 West Ham 3

No wonder Sol was depressed, to let three goals in at home would do anyone’s
head in. But at least sol-ace (get it?) could be found in the fact that West
Ham are a decent side. Reo-Coker is more than decent and he inspired the Hammers
to the win with a goal, assist and man of match performance. Etherington and
Zamora helped out and Arsenal’s consolation came from Pires and Henry
and at least Sol managed to catch the second half on sky at home, because the
first half completely passed him by….

Goals: Henry, Pires. Reo-Coker, Etherington, Zamora
Assists: Pires, Gilberto, Bergkamp. Reo-Coker
YC:
RC:
MoM: Reo-Coker
Darkened room: Campbell

Aston Villa 1 Chelsea 1

Whenever Chelsea slip up, and I admit that’s rare, all their rivals slip
further. So it didn’t matter that Luke Moore equalised to deny Robben
a winning goal.

Goals: Moore, Robben
Assists: J Cole, Gallas
YC: McCann. Crespo, Johnson, Gallas
RC:
MoM: Davis

Portsmouth 1 Bolton 1

A missed penalty by Fadiga which cancelled out his legit goal let Portsmouth
off the hook. They really need to be winning these if they want to stay up and
Harry avoids the drop for the second year on the trot. A late goal from Norwegian
wood Karadas saved a point.

Goals: Karadas, Fadiga
Assists: Routledge
YC:
RC:
MoM: D’Alessandro


Matchday 31


Newcastle 2 Portsmouth 0

It was Shearer’s day as he scored, assisted, took the man of the match
and Newcastle’s top scorer ever. Nzogbia scored before exciting Alan went
home and washed the score ( I reckon).

Goals: Nzogbia, Shearer
Assists: Shearer, Solano, Ameobi
YC: Griffin
RC:
MoM: Shearer

Middlesbrough 0 Aston Villa 4

Emotions running high at the Riverside: Luke Moore over the moon with his first
premiership hat trick; his manager delighted as he spoke of a difficult season
what with events away from the pitch (presumably the fake sheikh); Lee Cattermole
(Boro’s 17 year old midfielder) in tears; a Boro season ticket holder
running to the dugout to throw his season ticket at Steve McLaren; and the crowd
booing en masse. The Boro stewards were clearly as vigilant as the defence as
the supporter in question jogged (he was no Jesse Owens) 60 yards to deliver
his ticket shaped volley. Kevin Phillips scored the other goal in the game as
it looks like Steve Gibson may have scored an own goal by giving his manager
an extended contract. Only saving grace was Hansen having the night off MOTD,
I’ll say it for him though. “Shocking, when you talk about defending….”

Goals: Moore 3, Phillips
Assists: Phillips, Samuel, Milner, Davis
YC: Mendieta, Doriva, Maccarone, Barry
RC:
MoM: Moore

Man Utd 4 Fulham 2

Another goal fest and the beginning of Ronaldo’s season? It’s been
a turbulent one so far and he traditionally does better after new year. He got
2 goals here and others came from Park, Saha. McBride and Helguson. Defence
still looks terrible though, you wouldn’t think they had just spent £12m
on it.

Goals: Ronaldo 2, Park, Saha. McBride, Helguson
Assists: RVN 2, Neville. Rosenior, Malbranque, Bridge
YC: Smith, Neville, Brown, Evra, Rosenior, Boa Morte
RC:
MoM: Ronaldo

Birmingham 0 Arsenal 2

If you already have 2 defenders at the African nations and a further 5 injured,
then the last thing you need is your top defender doing a disappearing act.
With only one first team defender left, Senderos, Arsenal went into this looking
a bit suspect in the face of the physical presence offered by Sutton and Heskey.
Birmingham found Lehmann provided more than enough resistance in place of his
defence and he managed to keep out the initial onslaught. Birmingham at the
other end couldn’t keep out Adebayor’s debut Arsenal goal nor Henry’s
200th premiership goal. To make matters worse in what was an infinitely winnable
game, Heskey was sent off for 2 crude challenges.

Goals: Adebayor, Henry
Assists: Fabregas
YC: Sutton, Henry, Diaby
RC: Heskey
MoM: Lehmann

West Brom 2 Blackburn 0

Back to earth with a bang for Blackburn as the Baggies bored them into submission.
Kevin Campbell scored the first with a great second from Greening.

Goals: Campbell, Greening
Assists: Inamoto
YC: Wallwork, Peter
RC:
MoM: Davies

Bolton 1 Wigan 1

Aaaagh another north west derby and they’re often as dull as the weather.
This one was. Giannokopolous and Johansson with the ones that mattered.

Goals: Giannakopolous. Johansson
Assists: Vaz Te. Ziegler
YC: Mellor, Chimbonda, Henchoz, Thompson
RC:
MoM: Pollitt

Everton 1 Man City 0

A fortuitous goal won it for Everton with a deflection off Weir. Another game
where the highlights stretched to four replays of a terrible goal.

Goals: Weir
Assists:
YC: Barton, Dunne
RC: Jordan
MoM: Stubbs

West Ham 2 Sunderland 0

A debut goal from £7m Dean Ashton, who cost more than Sunderland have
spent on their whole team (I think!). Konchesky added a second via a Davis fumble
and it was all very comfortable as you would expect.

Goals: Ashton, Konchesky
Assists: Harewood
YC: Whitehead, Caldwell
RC: Wright
MoM: Reo-Coker

Tottenham 3 Charlton 1

Defoe blasted right back into form dispelling the myth that he and Keane cant
play together, A double from that Jermaine and another from the other Jermaine
(Jenas) made it look very easy. Even a consolation from another Jermaine (Thomas)
didn’t give them the wobbles.

Goals: Defoe 2, Jenas. Thomas
Assists: Keane, Jenas, Huddlestone
YC: Hughes, Hreidarsson, Fortune
RC:
MoM: Carrick

Chelsea 2 Liverpool 0

Jose wasn’t happy that the talking point of this game wasn’t a Chelsea
win, but the antics of Robben. Robben in Liverpool means to steal, but faking
is the same everywhere as is cheating and being a wee snider. He got Reina sent
off there is not doubt, but the keeper shouldn’t have grabbed him by the
throat whatever he said. It was a menacingly challenge on Gudjohnsen that led
to the melee in the first place and he could have seen red for that alone. Liverpool
punched themselves out before Gallas exposed the zonal defending and Crespo
tucked away a great second. All over then.

Goals: Gallas, Crespo
Assists: Lampard, Carvalho, Del Horno
YC: Essien, Alonso, Garcia
RC:
MoM: Terry

The Points

Matchday 30

GK
6 Kuzczak, Myhre, Schwarzer, Niemi, Taylor, James

DEF
16 Pogatetz
11 Bocanegra, Parnaby

MID
15 Reo-Coker
10 Pires
7 Etherington, Robben, Riera, Bullard, Davis, D’Alessandro

STR
21 Bentley
14 Vassell
9 Andy Cole
7 Henry, D Bent

Matchday 31

GK
11 Lehmann
6 Cech, Kuczcak, Given, Sorensen, Wright, Hislop, Pollitt

DEF
11 Weir, Gallas, Stubbs, Davies, Konchesky, Terry
9 Samuel, Del Horno, Carvalho

MID
17 Ronaldo
10 Jenas
7 Nzogbia, Giannokopolous, Greening, Carrick, Reo-Coker

STR
21 Moore
15 Shearer
12 Defoe
10 Phillips
8 Van Nistelrooy
7 Crespo, Saha, McBride

The Table

First the big point scorers - for matchday 30 top scorers were The Mothership
and Fat Macs Barmy Army on 30 and GoodBadorUgly on 28. Rio Ferdinand’s
comical midfield performance and resultant red card led to some minuses unfortunately
with Danske coming up with -5, That’s Amore -2 and Subbuteo All Stars
-1

Matchday 31 there were some very big scores - recent abscondee (without paying)
to Oz, Roman’s Return are tops with 62 and another antipodean refugee,
Aotearoa Thistle with 59 just behind. Also doing well are Hamilton Allstars,
Bring Back the Caleygator, Dizzy Deezers and Partizants Bellygrade

So after all that its Ramitin by 12 from Jack Bauer with the manager of the
month from way back in August, Picked with a Pin, suddenly springing back into
the money spots. Just outside the top 10, Dukla Scott McDonald Loyal, the Queens
Eleven and Lyall’s only here ‘til January part-timers are all on
the rise.

The Second Half

Subbuteo Allstars looking pretty comfortable with a 26 point lead over surprise
packages Inter Mi-Sausages and the Bhoys. Hamilton Allstars move into contention
as do Bring Back the Caleygator and Aoteroa Thistle on the back of good weeks.

The Manager of the Month

January award time. With a midweek fixture list crossing into February, we
have decided to implement the Magnusson approach (started so we’ll finish)
and include the games from Tuesday 31 Jan and Wednesday 1 Feb (matchday xx)-
too hard to split a matchday. It has actually has no effect on the eventual
winner, but the scores on the doors for the top 5 are:

5th - The Mothership 188
4th - Inter Mi-Sausages 197
3rd - Pro Evolution 202
2nd - The Bhoys 206

and the winner is Michael McCarthy’s Subbuteo Allstars who have flicked
their way up to 3rd during the month, lead the race for the hard cash prize
of the second half and take away the £10 amazon voucher with a winning
total of 212. Congratulations Michael, voucher will be with you shortly.

The Cup

THIS WEEKEND…………..THIS WEEKEND……………….THIS
WEEKEND

Fixtures are:

CUP

Ramitin III v Battered Lard
Sarah’s Stars v Hope not Toulouse

Middlesbrough Midtable Mediocrity v Dukla Scott McDonald
Cream of the Crop v Papa Dave’s Hairy XI

Fairweather Footballer v Honest Men
Jane’s Buddies v Wizards

Borrussia Munchinkebabs v Ginger Wizards
Norfolk an Way v Bishops Bashers

PLATE

Thierry’s French Fondant Fancies v Bjays Mk 2
The Maradonohoes v MT Promise

Katsu baby v GK Wonderers
Dizzy Deezers v Singtims

Creanzo City Wiz v On me Head Shun
Glazier the Saviour v Dynamo Flummery

New Slimline Hartsonal v I hope he is Left back
EKFCBC v Tango & Sash Red XI

What isn’t immediately obvious is that these games are now drawn all
the way to the final - so for example in the cup the winners of Ramitin III
v Battered Lard will play the winners of Sarah’s Stars v Hope not Toulouse
in the last 16

Best of luck!!

Right that’s all, except for the last cash reminder - email coming to
the defaulters in the next week - thanks to all those who have responded in
the meantime.

Cheers
Simon

Week 22 - Matchday 29 (27 & 28 January)

Published by
simon
at February 2nd 2006 11:02 Uncategorizedin . 0 Comments

Week 22 - Matchday 29 (27 & 28 January)

The transfer window closes with a flurry of activity in and around the Premiership.
Some big moves, some predictable and some surprises. Players on the move between
clubs include Murphy, Fowler, Michael Brown, Routledge and Kiely. Plenty of
players coming in although not particularly high profile in all instances -
these will appear on the website in the coming days.

Also a number of players heading for stage left - again not too many world
beaters - Kroldrup, Earnshaw and Nemeth amongst the better known.

Your team

We have discovered a wee anomaly - when you make a change after the weekends
games but before the points go in, your team updates properly to reflect the
transfers but your weekly points may look incorrect when you the ‘My Team’
page and may not always agree to the league table. You are definitely accruing
the correct points for your team as was at the weekend.

The Games

Aston Villa 3 Port Vale 1

Baros at the double to defeat Robbie Williams favourite team. Steven Davis got
the other and it was all too easy for Villa. Just as well they weren’t
away from home…..Doncaster anyone?

Goals: Baros 2, Davis
Assists: Mellberg, Hendrie, Phillips, Milner
YC:
RC:
MoM: Baros

Bolton 1 Arsenal 0

Mystifyingly Arsenal put out a second string side due to a combination of resting
players, injury and African Nations duty. They have a poor record at the Reebok
Stadium and it was no mystery when Giannokopolous dived to nod in the winner
in the last minute.

Goals: Giannokopolous
Assists: Gardner
YC: Davies. Reyes, Van Persie, Diaby, Gilbert, Senderos
RC:
MoM: Diaby

Brentford 2 Sunderland 1

A giant kill, well certainly a kill but Sunderland hardly have the look of giants.
In fact if Brentford’s good league form continues, these teams will be
in the same division next season. Two goals from now Birmingham striker DJ Campbell
were enough and only countered by a cross cum shot from Arca that sailed past
the stranded keeper.

Goals: Arca
Assists: None
YC: N Collins
RC:
MoM: DJ Campbell (no ffl points available)

Charlton 2 Leyton Orient 1

London derby and although 3 divisions separate them, Charlton were fortunate
to progress. Former Arsenal reserve Bothroyd scored the winner via a deflection
to add to Jon Fortune’s opener. With Murphy leaving Charlton have lost
another creative influence as they rely on a workmanlike approach going forward.

Goals: Fortune, Bothroyd
Assists: Ambrose
YC: Kishishev, Bothroyd
RC:
MoM: Steele (Orient)

Cheltenham 0 Newcastle 2

Another simple draw for the Toon Army, although they have struggled at these
places with better teams. Michael Chopra (not even in FFL) is not regarded as
a potential saviour in the North East but he got the first and an unfortunate/fortunate
(delete as appropriate) rebound off Scott Parker sealed it.

Goals: Chopra, Parker
Assists: Babayaro
YC:
RC:
MoM: some big guy up front for Cheltenham

Coventry 1 Middlesbrough 1

Coventry used to spend decent amounts in the Premiership until one year they
went down and never recovered. A lesson to learn for Middlesbrough who survived
thanks to a Hasselbaink equaliser and can consider themselves extremely fortunate.
Not even the boost (?) of a new contract from the most smug man in the Premiership
(yes even more smug than Jose) - Steve McLaren didn’t lift their game.
McLaren’s live contract signing at a press conference was indeed the epitome
of misplaced arrogance - he claimed a previous hold up was due to tax (not football
reasons), In other words he is a greedy b…..

Goals: Hasselbaink
Assists: Yakubu
YC: Bates
RC:
MoM: McSheffrey (Coventry)

Everton 1 Chelsea 1

Normally title chasing sides don’t particularly like replays but as Chelsea
are so far ahead, they probably don’t mind. Lampard equalised an excellent
McFadden header. McFadden ended up with 8 stitches in his leg and a broken nose
after some robust challenges and no it wasn’t big Dunc….

Goals: McFadden. Lamprad
Assists: Valente. Gallas
YC: Gallas, Huth
RC:
MoM: Kilbane

Man City 1 Wigan 0

An Andy Cole winner settled this derby - City only seem to play derbies recently.
Wigan rested a few and can be happy with one cup final this season.

Goals: Cole
Assists: Wright-Phillips
YC:
RC:
MoM: Sinclair

Portsmouth 1 Liverpool 2

Liverpool made it through to a 5th round match up with Man Utd after a win that
was perhaps more comfortable than the scoreline suggests. A disputed Gerrard
penalty a second from Riise had them 2 up by half time but Sean Davis gave Pompey
some hope. Pompey continue to buy and buy and buy and buy

Goals:
Assists:
YC:
RC:
MoM:

Reading 1 Birmingham 1

It is a measure of Birmingham’s standard and reputation that Reaidng felt
they could rest their best players for this clash. David Dunn is enjoying a
renaissance of sorts and his goal ensured a replay.

Goals: Dunn
Assists: Sutton, Melchiot
YC: Tebily
RC:
MoM: Dunn

West Ham 4 Blackburn 2

The one tie in the round that can truthfully be described as a text book cup
tie. Six goals, but strangely only one booking (Dailly). Old man Sheringham
returned from his winter hiatus to score a penalty, Etherington, Zamora and
a clinical og from Khizanishvilli made up the Hammers scorers - Neill and Bentley
for Blackburn.

Goals: Sheingham, Etherington, Zamora, o.g. Neill, Bentley
Assists: Konchesky, Harewood, Zamora. Kuqi
YC: Dailly
RC:
MoM: Zamora

Wolves 0 Man Utd 3

Makeshift midfield partnership of Rooney & Ferdinand is no long term solution
for Man U but it was good enough for this easy win. Kieran Richardson scored
an unlikely double, added to by a Saha sclaff.

Goals: Richardson 2, Saha
Assists: Vidic, Neville
YC:
RC:
MoM: Richardson

The Points

GK

6 Jaaskelainen, James, Van der Sar, Given

DEF

11 Riise
9 Babayaro
7 Vidic
6 Fortune, Ben Haim, Ngotty, Ferdinand, Dunne, Distin, Jordan, Jihai, Ramage,
Bramble, Boumsong

MID

16 Richardson
11 Dunn
7 Etherington, Kilbane, Lampard, Kilbane, Arca, Davis, Sinclair

STR

17 Baros
14 Zamora
7 Andy Cole, Hasselbaink

The Table

Ramitin steadily increasing their advantage on Jack Bauer (who is incidentally
coming back to the tv - woohoo!). Form horse looks like Subbuteo Allstars closing
in 3rd. Top score this week from Team Schneider with 45 and other creditable
mentions to Les Charles Eleven (officially the Billy Oceans Eleven tribute team),
the Bhoys and Hugs Thistle. Also on the up are Jane’s Buddies into 5th
, Partizants Bellygrade (57th) and Who Ate All the Pies (65th)

Worst this week were Rapid Vieira with 5 and early season form team Pandoras
Boaks on 7.

The Second Half

Subbuteo Allstars dominating, with the Bhoys closing on Pro Evolution in 2nd.
Batbox United and the Bolly Boys moving up with slips from Real Larkhall Again
and the Mothership

The Rest

No not a rest for me, but the round up. Cup fixtures will follow soon (our techy
guru was on hols last week - I know its not on is it?). Google ads on the site
soon, if you click them we get cash - not much but every little helps.

The Cash

Now got 60 entries in, 55 to go. Email on the way to all those who haven’t
yet paid - I know most of you don’t remember. When you get the email it
will give you the payment options etc - if you have already paid someone else
the let me know who and I’ll chase them for double…..

Cheers
Simon