Archive for April, 2006

Week 34 (Matchdays 51 and 52)

Published by
simon
at April 27th 2006 18:48 in Weekly update. 0 Comments

CASH ALERT - could the 9 managers yet to pay please do so as soon as possible - your names are in the section below.

The Games

Wigan 3 Aston Villa 2
Another meaningless match in a humdrum end to the season, but hang on whats that? Five goals you say, with 2 from Camara, a beaut from Bullard and even Angel scoring? Nah don’t believe you

Goals: Camara 2, Bullard. Angel, Ridgewell.
Assists: Baros
YC: Henchoz, Chimbonda. Barry, Milner
RC:
MoM: Camara

Birmingham 2 Blackburn 1
It will be a couple more games before we know whether this was a crucial win or a failed attempt at survival. Sleeves were rolled up and three points dug out, with midfield grinder (and normally midfield passenger) Nicky Butt scoring before Savage scored a scrappy goal against his former club. It took Forsell to climb from the bench to score the winner and put Birmingham back into control of the dogfight.

Goals: Butt, Forsell. Savage
Assists: Heskey, Gray 2. Peter
YC: Cunningham, Tebily, Johnson, Sutton, Gray
RC:
MoM: Gray

Arsenal 1 Tottenham 1
If Arsenal don’t win the European Cup and don’t qualify for next years competition through 4th place in the league then Monsieur Wenger’s selection policy may be to blame. Henry was again left on the bench with a view to the forthcoming match against Villareal and was joined by bright young things Fabregas and Eboue. What resulted was Tottenham dominance, crowned by Keane’s disputed goal. Quite why Spurs should have put the ball out when attacking and 2 not very injured Arsenal players were on the ground is beyond me. Arsene Wenger lived up to the first part of his Christian name by first inviting a square go from Martin Jol (who would have comfortably eaten him for breakfast) and then accusing Jol of lying when he said he didn’t see it. A comment richer than one of Delia’s chocolate puds. Henry, who is looking for a pay rise (and/or an exit) powered his way to the equaliser before Davids stupidly got himself sent off for continuous infringements.

Goals: Henry. Keane
Assists: Adebayor. Davids, Tainio
YC: Pires
RC: Davids
MoM: Carrick

Chelsea 1 Liverpool 2
Incorrect tactics, poor performances and individual mistakes don’t lose teams games, it is officials decisions, that’s if you read the gospel according to Jose. Terry’s challenge on Garcia that gave Liverpool the free kick from which Riise scored was harsh, but the studs were up and to be fair JT has got away with a fair few similar or more robust challenges. If Chelsea’s wall had stood firm, there would have been no problem but they fell apart like a Chelsea champions league challenge and it was 1-0. No complaints about Garcia’s second, a beauty to behold although there was some more moaning about Terry’s disallowed effort; replays showed that there was clear evidence of climbing. No handshake at the end again from Mourinho and it begs the question as to who is the worst loser - Wenger or Mourinho.

Goals: Drogba. Riise, Garcia
Assists:
YC: Drogba. Reina, Carragher
RC:
MoM: Kewell

Portsmouth 2 Sunderland 1
Steady, steady. The nerves are jangling down on the south coast as Pompey laboured against the divisions whipping boys. It took a coolly taken penalty from Matt Taylor to settle this late on and put Pompey’s fate in their own hands. Two wins equals safety, its as simple as that.

Goals: Todorov, Taylor. Miller
Assists: Arca
YC: Stefanovic, Hughes. C Brown, Breen, Kyle
RC:
MoM: Davis

Newcastle 3 West Brom 0
Relegation battlers tend to up their games and well, battle. Battling however seems to be far from West Brom’s minds while succumbing to inevitable relegation is now top of their agenda. If Portsmouth pick up any more points or West Brom drop any they will indeed be relegated. So whose fault is it? Well, Robson’s consistency of selection could come under question as could the quality of their summer and January signings. Ameobi, who would suit Albion’s identikit striker (tall and goalshy) bagged a couple to defy his critics (me) and pick up a second consecutive MoM award, yet his drinks cabinet will surely not yet be overflowing with champagne. The teams real creative influence, Solano, scored the other in a win that could help give Glenn Roeder a second chance at management.

Goals: Ameobi 2, Solano
Assists: Nzogbia
YC: Clement
RC:
MoM: Ameobi

Everton 0 Birmingham 0
One step forward but 2 steps back as Portsmouth winning run put Birmingham back into the bottom 3. The soporific quality (or lack of quality) on display prevents me from being able to write too much more about this one.

Goals:
Assists:
YC: Melchiot, Cunningham, Butt
RC:
MoM: Osman

Bolton 4 Charlton 1
Big Sam looks like he’ll lose out to Big Phil for the England job so expect more high ball football from Bolton next season and of course a whole range of nationalities recruited on a free over the summer. They gave another England hopeful a damn good thrashing with only England hopeful Darren Bent providing any hope. Davies with a double, Mexican Borgetti and Portuguese Vaz Te were the scorers for the foreign legion from the Reebok.

Goals: Davies 2, Borgetti, Vaz Te
Assists: Borgetti, Nakata
YC:
RC:
MoM: Campo

Middlesbrough 0 West Ham 1
The first of Middlesbrough’s cup double bubbles were burst by the bubble blowers themselves. Marlon Harewood was the man with the strike that put the Hammers through to the final for the first time since 1980, Trevor Brooking with the header at the back post. For them to win the trophy this time would be as much as a shock as it was when they overcame Arsenal then, but don’t bet against it.

Goals: Harewood
Assists: Ferdinand, Ashton
YC: Rochemback, Maccarone. Reo-Coker, Ashton, Harewood, Collins
RC:
MoM: Benayoun

Fulham 1 Wigan 0
According to the press and media, Wigan were very unlucky not to win this and dominated much of the game. The only reason I can see that Malbranque received the man of the match award was because he scored the winner - seems to be a touch of lazy journalism from the reporter in question when the likes of Bullard and Teale may have been more deserving of the award. Never forget that these guys are just the English equivalent of Mark ‘Scoop’ Guidi and Gym Trainer (sic).

Goals: Malbranque
Assists: Boa Morte
YC: Diop, Boa Morte, McBride, Radzinski. McCulloch, Chimbonda
RC
MoM: Malbranque

The Points

Matchday 51

17 Camara
11 J Gray
7 Bullard, Angel, Butt, Savage

Matchday 52

GK
6 Hislop, Niemi, Given, Wright, Taylor

DEF
9 Ferdinand,
6 Gabbidon, Konchesky, Riise, Bramble, Mart Taylor, Rosenior, Carr, Yobo, Knight, Bridge, Matt Taylor, Babayaro, Weir, Moore

MID
12 Malbranque
7 Solano, Campo, Carrick, Benayoun, Sean Davis

STR
17 Ameobi
12 Davies
10 Borgetti
7 Keane, Osman, D Bent

The Table
A really poor week scoring-wise (now I sound like Charlie Nicholas!) with Matchday 51 presenting some several minus points to teams. Matchday 52 wasn’t much better but Aotorea Thistle, Rebel MC Shovels and Stampy Social New recruits (and by jove they need them apparently) rose above the sediment to claim the joint highest scorer on 33. Keane to Win are in fact Keane to Fade or Keane to slip down the table and managed only 3.

So its Dynamo Flummery with an 18 point gap over Sarahs Stars and Jack Bauer just behind. Exciting stuff..


The Contenders
With just a few games to go in perhaps the closest title race in (simon’s) FFL history, here is a guide to those still in the mix with just a few matches left

Dynamo Flummery (Joanne Thomson)
Recent leaders and seem to have hit the front at the right time. 6 transfers left may serve them well but equally if its not broken don’t fix it. Also in the Plate final and top of the 2nd half - looking for a tasty treble.

Sarah’s Stars (Sarah Griffiths)
A double beckons for the Stars if they can overcome Jane’s Buddies in the cup final and catch Dynamo Flummery. Even a treble if they also top the 2nd half.

Jack Bauer (Andrew Galloway)
Have slipped a little recently but still very much in contention for the title

Ramitin III (Campbell Davidson)
All those new contenders up top should be very wary of last years double winner. A team with unrivalled FFL pedigree they could again be in the money this year.

BBQ Spare Ribs (Gillian McLinden)
A surprise packet for sure, but still in with an outside chance of some glory. A spine of Liverpool players provides extra hope with a league game in hand and cup final beckoning.

Shambollox Rovers (Keith Bates)
An almost ever present in the top 10, yet have been unable to make the breakthrough into the money spots. Perhaps their ship has already sailed…..

The Cup and Plate Finals
This (holiday) weekend sees the culmination of the Cup and Plate competitions with the big games below. For all the anoraks out there here are the teams in detail (subject to any last minute transfers

Cup

Sarah Stars
Robinson, Terry, Carragher, Finnan, Ferdinand, Lampard, Gerrard, Nolan, Rooney, Bent, Harewood

Jane’s Buddies
Jaaskelainen, Terry, Chimbonda, Carragher, Finnan, Lampard, Gerrard, J Cole, Yakubu, Harewood, Rooney

Strikingly similar teams with it being Robinson, Ferdinand, Nolan and Bent against Jaaskelainen, Chimbonda, Joe Cole and Yakubu. Expect therefore a very close final.

The Plate

Katsu Baby
Cech, Terry, Del Horno, Hyypia, Finnan, Lampard, Sinclair, Benayoun, Rooney, A Cole, Bent

Dynamo Flummery
Reina, Terry, Carvalho, Riise, Eboue, Lampard, Gerrard, Nolan, Rooney, Bellamy, Bent

Only four common players between these teams means that a big victory for either side is possible.

Please note that matches will be played for 10 a full premiership fixture card over Saturday, Sunday and Monday but will exclude the Man Utd v Middlesbrough match on Monday as these teams will have already played on Saturday.

No predictions from me, but only the very best of luck to all four teams involved. Any replay will be played on weekend of the 6th.

The Cash
Many thanks to all the managers who have paid so far and especially to those who have done so recently. I shall ask for cash earlier next season to avoid the confusion that has ensued. Only 9 teams left to pay - managers names below:

Simon George
Bryan Deacon
Alan Thomson
Derek & Kevin Murray (cheque promised from Lynsey)
Tommy Yule
Gareth Stones
David McCallum
Stephen Booth - payment to be made in person

Could those who have not responded to my subtle reminders and idle threats please get in contact at simon@simonsffl.com to arrange payment of entry fees. Wouldn’t want to throw anyone out for financial irregularities. Seriously it will impact the prizes paid - £45 to be collected.

The Deadline
The deadline for transfers is of course before final Premiership games on 6 May.

The World Cup FFL
Some of you will recall that we ran a Euro 2004 event, funnily enough in 2004. I can confirm that we will also run a World Cup event albeit perhaps not to same depth and detail as the normal FFL. Will be able to release details in a few weeks and the competition is FREE to all current FFL managers. Any new entrants may be charged a nominal sum to help cover the cost of the trophy (to be confirmed) which will be otherwise financed from FFL coffers.

Cheers
Simon

Week 33 (Matchdays 48, 49 and 50)

Published by
simon
at April 20th 2006 08:19 in Weekly update. 0 Comments

So, not counting all the games below there are only 3 or 4 premiership games left and therefore not much time to improve your teams FFL performance. But don’t give up hope, there is still the FA Cup semis and final and this could help you to either April or May’s manager of the month title.

The Games

Matchday 48

Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 1

Big Sol doesn’t have his troubles to seek: a dramatic loss of form, an injury affected season, rumours of a breakdown of sorts, and now a cut eye and broken nose in his comeback match. If ever someone should have stayed in their bed, it was Mr Campbell. I’m sure his massive wage packet will provide him with some solace as will his performance up until his latest injury. Arsenal had looked assured at 1-0, via a trademark Henry goal, but missed chance after chance with Adebayor particularly wasteful. And so, all it took to undo their good work was one decent delivery and one unmarked flying header from in-form Lua Lua, who managed to twist his ankle in his overly exuberant patented somersault celebration.

Goals: Lua Lua. Henry
Assists: D’Alessandro, Adebayor
YC: Mwaruwari, Ljungberg
RC:
MoM: Henry

Middlesbrough 4 Charlton 2

Back in the good old days of muddy pitches when the FA Cup was still regarded as a priority, these two sides could have gone to four or five replays. Well they might have done if this match had been drawn. As it was, it wasn’t and Boro progressed to play West Ham in the semi finals with any managers having Hasselbaink and Morrison doing pretty well.

Goals: Morrison, Rochemback, Viduka, Hasselbaink. Hughes, o.g.
Assists: Morrison. Rommedahl, Bartlett, Spector
YC: Hasselbaink. Perry
RC:
MoM: Hasselbaink

Matchday 49

Man Utd 0 Sunderland 0
Not such a good Friday for Fergie who was waging and widiculed Wooney and Wonaldo for having off games in his post match comments. His finger could have instead, with more justification been pointed at Wuud, Park, O’Shea, Evra or Giggs but he seems to have found a convenient hanging place for the blame on the youngest members of the team. Maybe Alan Hansen was right all those years ago when he said you couldn’t win anything with kids. The truth was that Sunderland had a lot of luck and their keeper, Davis was in exceptional form, putting the shutters up in the face of some fairly average goal attempts. Sunderland relegated with more pride than they have mustered all season, still relegated though.

Goals:
Assists
YC: C Brown
RC:
MoM: Davis

Bolton 0 Chelsea 2
It was here that the west was won last year and Chelsea took an almighty step by winning with their usual lack of fuss when they needed to. They were given an almighty ‘punty’ by the unexpected nature of the Man Utd result the previous evening but two of their stalwarts came good to do the business, Lampard and Terry or was it Drogba (not that you would get them confused). No it was Terry credited with the goal despite the joint nature of the header.

Goals: Lampard, Terry
Assists: Lampard, Crespo, Drogba
YC: Davies, Gardner. Drogba, Huth, Makelele
RC: Ben Haim
MoM: Lampard

Newcastle 3 Wigan 1
Old man Shearer must regard every goal now as potentially his last. He scored his ‘last’ penalty after Chopra was brought down and capitalised on some shoddy defending to notch his ‘last’ goal from open play. Sadly he celebrated a mite exuberantly choosing to eschew his trademark one arm in the air routine for a jump in the air. The Shearer celebration purist society will be unhappy with that one. Hopefully he redressed the balance by going for a celebratory car wash post match. Jimmy Bullard had opened the scoring with a superb curling free kick and xx

Goals: Shearer 2, Bramble. Bullard
Assists: Solano
YC: Moore, Elliott. Kavanagh, Baines, Scharner
RC:
MoM: Nzogbia

Everton 0 Tottenham 1
Safe from the clutches of relegation it would appear that everton are now resting on their laurels and coasting into the summer. Normally a home match at Goodison has the hearts pumping and blood flowing but Spurs were simply too good. All they had to show for their dominance however was a Robbie Keane penalty and 3 points will do them fine thank you very much.

Goals: Keane
Assists:
YC: Neville, Carsley. Gardner
RC:
MoM: Lennon

Fulham 2 Charlton 1
Fulham finally mathematically ensured their Premiership safety for another year, not that were ever really in danger of being dragged into the dogfight. Their assured home form tends to be generously priced but is often a safe bet. This win was not terribly comfortable as Charlton attacked with unusual frequency(ie more than once a game) and should have perhaps secured a draw. Boa Morte was the main man with a double only threatened by Euell’s first strike for almost 18 months. Such has been the falling nature of Jason’s star that he nearly joined Birmingham….

Goals: Boa Morte 2. Euell
Assists: Ambrose, Hreidarsson
YC:
RC:
MoM: Boa Morte

Portsmouth 1 Middlesbrough 0

Yet more light and if the league was stopped after this match then Pompey would be as safe as houses. At the moment they are as safe as a house perched on acliff in a storm, but Gary O’Neil stiffened their resolve further with a neat finish to beat an under strength opposition. They even survived a near thing at the end when Boro youngster Wheater closed his eyes to miss from a couple of feet.

Goals: O’Neil
Assists: Todorov
YC:
RC:
MoM: Mendes

Arsenal 3 West Brom 1
This day at Highbury was dedicated to Dennis Bergkamp which was a fitting tribute, although perhaps a little insensitive given the rest of the country was remembering the events of 1989 at Hillsborough. He didn’t disappoint his public and appeared from the bench in the second half to set up the 2nd (for Pires) and score the 3rd. Hleb had earlier showed some of his Stuttgart form to score a beauty while distinct non beauty Nigel Quashie provided hope with a long range strike for WBA.

Goals: Hleb, Pires, Bergkamp. Quashie
Assists: Henry, Eboue
YC: Reyes, Toure. Quashie
RC:
MoM: Henry

West Ham 1 Man City 0
Man City (or Man City nil as they are becoming known as) are getting used to losing. If ever a team gave up the ghost after their FA Cup exit it was City, this was their sixth defeat on the trot. The Hammers have their minds on other things too and with an FA Cup semi looming their performance was less than inspired, a Shaun Newton goal was enough to be the difference between the sides.

Goals: Newton
Assists: Zamora
YC: Reyna, Dunne
RC:
MoM: Richards

Aston Villa 3 Birmingham 1
If the world was fair then Brucey (a manager I quite like) would be in charge of Villa (a team I don’t mind, although they are in no way a big club) and O’Leary (a manager I don’t like) would be in charge of Birmingham (a team I really don’t like). But the world isn’t fair, so to be true to myself I completely ignored this game but I hear that Villa deserved it with a rare brace from Baros, an overhead volley from young Gary Cahill and a consolation for Birmingham from Chris Sutton.

Goals: Baros 2, Cahill. Sutton
Assists: Milner, Phillips, Hughes
YC: Baros, Cahill, McCann, Barry. Butt, Johnson, Tebily
RC:
MoM: Cahill

Blackburn 0 Liverpool 1
It seems to be that as soon as a team says they would quite like to sign Robbie Fowler if Liverpool don’t want them, then he scores against them. Note for all managers due to play Liverpool, do not express an interest in him before the match. With Crouch injured, Gerrard rested then who else will score against you. Not Cisse, although he played his part by motioning towards then dummying a through ball while in a blatantly offside position as part of the move for the only goal. Blackburn were rightly upset and they then spent the rest of the game seeking retribution for the injustice by dishing out a bit of welly.

Goals: Fowler
Assists: Morientes
YC: Neill, Savage, Bentley. Alonso, Sissoko
RC:
MoM: Carragher

Easter Monday

Chelsea 3 Everton 0
Chelsea don’t need anyone’s help to win matches, they do alright by themselves. But when you’re at the top things go for you and Lee Carsley’s challenge which merited a red card as much as Iran deserves to be nuked (edging into political discussion - dangerous) was dealt with severely. Everton who had not troubled Chelsea too much, then retreated into their shells on a damage limitation exercise. It was Lampard, Drogba and Essien dishing out the beatings to the ten men and now Chelsea can win it against Man Utd in ten days time.

Goals: Drogba, Lampard, Essien
Assists: Lampard
YC:
RC: Carsley
MoM: Drogba

Charlton 2 Portsmouth 1
Having rode their luck for a few games, Portsmouth were a little unlucky to lose this one and indeed not to win. Having lead through D’Alessandro they threw it away to Hughes and Bent. Now with Birmingham having won in midweek, they find themselves back in the bottom 3, although goal difference is what keeps them there. I’m sure Harry’s nightmares must include that 5-0 defeat to Birmingham in January that could be so crucial. Apparently his other nightmares include a night out with Rupert Lowe and Clive Woodward, having to appear with those god awful people on Goal on Sunday and of course, seeing his own reflection in the mirror.

Goals: D Bent, Hughes. D’Alessandro
Assists: Hreidarsson, D Bent
YC: D Bent. Karadas
RC:
MoM: D Bent

Middlesbrough 2 West Ham 0
If this was a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup semi final then Middlesbrough’s complete dress down policy including wearing some very young clothes was better than West Ham’s business casual but not quite as smart as usual. Translated, Boro played a few youngsters and dropped more key players than West Ham but still won, with old fave Jimmy Floyd scoring and never-been-a-fave Maccarone scoring a penalty.

Goals: Hasselbaink, Maccarone
Assists: Bates
YC: Sheringham
RC:
MoM: Hasselbaink

Tottenham 1 Man Utd 2
A hammer blow to Tottenham from a United side determined to prove a point albeit it is undoubtedly too little too late. A quick one two from Rooney (the second thanks to calamitous dithering from Lee) had Spurs on the ropes and even a fortunate close range equaliser from Jenas didn’t quite shake them into action. Spurs retain a four point buffer over their North London rivals having played a game more. But with a derby in prospect this weekend, what price Spurs to be usurped?

Goals: Jenas. Rooney 2
Assists: Ronaldo, Park, Van Nistelrooy
YC: Stalteri. Vidic
RC:
MoM: Rooney

Sunderland 1 Newcastle 4
If Friday was Good then this was undoubtedly Black Monday. A walloping from your local rivals after being one up (Justin Hoyte) certainly was the nadir to Old Trafford’s zenith. A big black spot for Newcastle on an otherwise happy day was the likely end to Alan Shearer’s career after an injury, he had however scored his last last premiership goal with a trademark penalty (what else?!). Other scorers were Chopra, Nzogbia and Luque. Finally, a note of congratulations to Craig Moore who, in his fifth appearance finally managed to not be booked. Refs in England must be firmer on the heavy tackle from behind with no intention of playing the ball…..

Goals: Hoyte. Chopra, Shearer, Nzogbia, Luque
Assists: Whitehead. Bramble
YC: McCartney. Bramble, Clark
RC:
MoM: Nzogbia

West Brom 0 Bolton 0
Monday night was the night dedicated on TV to the very best that Bolton has to offer. A substandard first half hour was followed by a tremendous last hour featuring a vintage performance, that’s right, Peter Kay night on channel 4. The match, no we’re not bothered about that, garlic bread?

Goals:
Assists:
YC:
RC:
MoM: Faye

The Fixtures

Games played at the time of writing and not included in the points this week:
Wigan v Aston Villa
Birmingham v Blackburn

The Points

Matchday 48
12 Henry
10 Morrison
9 Hasselbaink
7 Viduka, Rochemback, B Hughes

Matchday 49
GK
11 Davis
6 Cech, Van der Sar, Reina, Robinson, Kiely

DEF
11 Terry, Carragher

MID
15 Lampard
7 Bullard, O’Neil, Mendes, Nzogbia, Euell

STR
17 Boa Morte
12 Shearer
10 Baros
9 Henry
7 Keane, Sutton

Matchday 50
GK
6 Schwarzer, Jaaskelainen, Kuczszak

DEF
11 Faye
9 Bates

MID
11 Nzogbia
10 Lampard
7 Jenas, B Hughes, D’Alessandro, Essien

STR
17 Rooney
13 D Bent
12 Drogba
11 Hasselbaink
7 Maccarone


The Table

Have a look over the past couple of matchdays and you’ll see some fluctuations, I’ll try my best to describe the ups and downs here as only the most recent matchday is shown on the face of the league table

Matchday 48 - not a lot to tell with only 2 matches, but top scorers were MT Promise with 17

Matchday 49. All premiership teams played in this one with top team To Be Sure, To Be Sure with a massive 78, ahead of BBQ Spare Ribs, 10 Tools and a Plank and Norfolk and Chance. Honourable mentions also to Dizzy Deezers, Borrussia Munchinkebabs and Creanzo City wiz for their best weeks for a while

Matchday 50 - the top earners were Glazier the Saviour with a marvellous 64. They were followed by Borrussia (a candidate for Manager of Month surely?), I Hope he is Left Back, the Off Cider Rule and the Queens Eleven, all in the 60s as well.

The upshot of all of that is…..Dynamo Flummery lead by 10 points from Jack Bauer with Sarahs Stars and Ramitin III very much in touch, Still in with an outside chance of some glory are Shambollox and BBQ Spare Ribs. Teams moving up this week include Return of the Jhedi, I’m Brian and so is my Team, Cream of the Crop, Faithmonsoon Allstars, Lou’s Losers and the Off Cider Rule (into the top 100).

The Second Half

Still under female domination with only Subbuteo in with a chance of catching the three lucky ladies, Dynamo Flummery, Sarah’s Stars and BBQ Spare Ribs

The Cash

I think we are now down to 15 managers to pay (with seven of these having at least promised the cheque is in the post) - waiting on communication and cash from:

Footballschmootball,
Hugh Trowsers
The Three Johnnies
FC Kaunas XI
Artmedia Bratislava
Honest Men
Danske
Romans Return.

This is the official name and shame list that inspired many into action last year….fingers crossed for the same response.

Next year I shall ask for the cash earlier, probably upon entry, I know this will make it easier for you all.

The Transfer Deadline

Last transfers by 12pm on 6 May - your front page (once logged in) will tell you how many transfers you have left

The Finals

Cup and Plate finals are 29 April - best of luck to the four teams involved

Cheers
Simon

Week 32

Published by
simon
at April 12th 2006 21:31 in Weekly update. 0 Comments

The name of the game this week is catch up and of course short cut.  In order to achieve the former I shall be using the latter.  An abridged version of last weeks important bits first, followed by the usual standard of detail and patter.

 
LAST WEEK

The key points scorers for Matchdays 44 and 45 were:

Matchday 44

7  Rooney, Van Nistelrooy
6  Vidic, Van der Sar, Ferdinand, Pique, O’Shea

 

Matchday 45

GK

6        Cech, Lehmann, Reina, James, Jones, Hislop, Myhre, Taylor

 

DEF
11  Gabbidon
6    West Ham, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Birmingham , Charlton defenders

MID
12  Bowyer
10  Alonso, O’Neil
7    McFadden, Solano, Delap

STR

16  Henry
11  Lua Lua, Stead
10  Adebayor, Roberts, Saha
9    Cisse
7    Osman, Shearer, Ameobi

Big points scorer of last week was a team who nary a mention this season, Hylands Hotshots who picked up 56 points, with International Football and the Rebel MC Shovels showing well on 53.

At the top of the table we were looking at a veritable coup d’etat with Dynamo Flummery timing their run just right to hit the top.  Also top in the 2nd half they are looking good to be in the money at the end of the season, let’s hope they don’t spend it all at Ikea….

The Cup and Plate

 It was semi final time and the games went like this:

 Sarah’s Stars 25  Papa Dave’s Hairy XI 18

Jane’s Buddies 27  Ginger Wizards 23


Thierry’s Fondant French Fancies 27  Katsu Baby 34

Dynamo Flummery 35  I hope he is Left Back 23

 

So, the finals, to be played on 29 April (ONLY 2 WEEKS AWAY) are (as if it needed saying)

 Cup

Sarah’s Stars v Jane’s Buddies

 Plate

Katsu Baby v Dynamo Flummery

 

 

Manager of the Month

5th – Boys in Black & Gold  214
4th – Shambollox Rovers  215
3rd – That’s Amore 216
2nd – Sarah’s Stars 217

And of course there are no prizes for guessing that the winner is - its Dynamo Flummery, the team of the moment who in picking up 222 points for March also pick up the manager of the month award and the Amazon voucher. 

 

THIS WEEK


The Games

 Matchday 46

 

Birmingham 1 Bolton 0

A catch up game that was postponed long ago at the tail end of 2005 and some may wish had been cancelled all together.  Birmingham won’t have wished this as they picked up 3 vital points in their titanic relegation battle.  Note the use of the word titanic….

Goals: Jarosik
Assists:
YC: Pennant
RC:
MoM: Jarosik

 

Matchday 47

Aston Villa 0 West Brom 0

Midlands derbies don’t come much better than this, no really they don’t.  So guess who won’t be watching this weekend when Villa take on Birmingham?

Goals:
Assists:
YC: Wallwork, Robinson
RC:
MoM: some guy not on the list…..

Liverpool 1 Bolton 0

So Bolton’s slide continues as Liverpool return to familiar form, that old chestnut the one nil win home win. It was Fowler with the winner as he looks for a contract for next season and if Liverpool don’t give him a contract it seems that Bolton might.

Goals: Fowler
Assists: Crouch
YC: Hyypia. Faye
RC:
MoM: Ngotty

Charlton 0 Everton 0
Another nil nil draw from the specialists, as the thought of Curbs turning England into a dreary side begins to appeal.  Either that or a long ball Sam Allardyce type team.  The punters should really be asking for their money back as 2 teams safe from the drop and unlikely to reach Europe reach a very likely stalemate.

Goals:
Assists:
YC: McFadden, Hibbert
RC:
MoM: Sorondo

 

 

Chelsea 4 West Ham 1

Rarely this season have we witnessed Chelsea in anything close to full flight which given their dominance is a sad indictment only on the other challenging sides.  Despite being down to 10 thanks to a reckless Maniche (aka Fat Jim Carrey) challenge and one down to a James Collins header, they swatted the Hammers aside with Drogba rampant.  A new approach from Drogba to stay on his feet appears to be bearing some fruit and helped himself to a goal, Crespo to another while the steady eddies at the back Terry and Gallas completed the rout.  Be in no doubt that it was a rout and the Hammers had better shape up.

 

Goals: Drogba, Crespo, Gallas, Terry

Assists: Drogba, Gallas. Benayoun
YC: Harewood, Konchesky

RC: Maniche

MoM: Drogba

Middlesbrough 1 Newcastle 2

The only thing consistent about these two sides is their inconsistency.  Boro while unfathomably successful in Europe can quite as easily slip up in the league.  Newcastle, having been on first a great run then a terrible run are back on a decent run.  They picked up the three points thanks to Boateng charitable work, although he did score at the correct end as well.  Shola Ameobi confounded the crowd, critics and the football world in general by not only scoring and assisting but also winning the man if the match award.  Question is - is this his first ever?

Goals: Boateng. Ameobi, O.G
Assists: Viduka, Rochemback. Solano, Ameobi
YC: Maccarone, Rochemback. Ameobi, Moore, Emre, Nzogbia
RC:
MoM: Ameobi

 

Man Utd 2 Arsenal 0
Once upon a time, before Abrahamovic’s billions this would have been a real clash of the titans, the Premierships top two teams with an unrivalled and mutual dislike for each other.  The dislike remains but you get the feeling Arsenal would prefer United to take the title rather than Chelsea.  How? Perhaps by leaving Henry on the bench for most of the match.  The other great matchwinner on shoe simply won the match, setting up Park after notching the first himself.  Just a shame he can’t win at the bookies as easily as he can on the pitch.  Wayne looked delighted with the 3 points and no wonder, he needs every win bonus he can get at the moment.

Goals: Rooney, Park ji Sung
Assists: Silvestre, Neville, Rooney
YC: O’Shea, Silvestre, Vidic. Gilberto
RC:
MoM: Rooney

 

Tottenham 2 Man City 1
Always a good match between these sides although it generally takes the FA Cup to bring the best out of them.  Spurs looked less comfortable at 2-0 than they did at 0-0, and it was no surprise that Samaras pulled a goal back to give City some hope that looked forlorn after Stalteri & Carrick goals.  Spurs nervously on course for fourth, but still a north London derby to come.

Goals: Stalteri, Carrick. Samaras
Assists: Keane, Tainio. Distin
YC: Vassell, Richards, Thatcher
RC:
MoM: Musampa

 

Wigan 1 Birmingham 1

Another good point for Birmingham who may not be doomed after all (a very swift backtrack).  David Dunn, he who cost 5.5million at one time knocked in the equaliser from close range after persistent and skilful play from Heskey. 

Goals: Johansson, Dunn
Assists: Scharner, Heskey
YC: Pennant, Tebily
RC:
MoM:  Roberts

 

Portsmouth 2 Blackburn 2
Not quite the end of the tunnel but there is some discernible light for Harry’s old eyes.  Another resolute performance against a high flying Bellamy, sorry Blackburn.  It was another double from the Welsh wizard which was cancelled out by another wizard, Lua Lua and super sub Todorov. 

Goals:  Lua Lua, Todorov. Bellamy 2
Assists: Taylor, Bentley
YC: Mendes. Bellamy, Emerton, Dickov
RC:
MoM: Friedel

 

 

 

The Points

Matchday 46

12  Jarosik
6    Maik Taylor, Tebily, Martin Taylor, Cunningham

Matchday 47

GK
6 Reina, Myhre, Wright, Van der Sar, Sorensen, Kuzcsak

DEF
11 Sorondo
9   G Neville, Gallas
7   Silvestre

MID
7  Carrick, Musampa

STR
15  Rooney
14  Drogba
13  Ameobi
10  Bellamy
7    Lua Lua, Roberts, Samaras     

The Table
Nothing really happened in matchday 46 so the big points winners of the week in week 47 were Bainnie Boys Battlers with 59. Battered Lard, Norfolk and Chance. The Bhoys and Dukla Scott McDonald were all worthy of a mention.

 At the top as the line hoves into sight, its Dynamo Flummery by 16 followed by Jack Bauer, Sarah’s Stars and Ramitin III.  Battered Lard moves into the top ten with old horse Gerry’s Geriatrics making a late surge in 11th.

The Second Half
21 points is Dynamo Flummery’s lead in the second half, but it looks to be between the top 4 for now

The Cash

Thanks to those of the last 30 who responded to the reminder – I think we are down to the last 18 or 19 – further reminder on way.  Remember it will impact the prizes if we don’t get all the cash in.

The Fixtures

Double games this weekend, with the Easter programme card – THE weekend to make or break your season (unless it is of course already well and truly broken….)

 
The Transfer Deadline

Last day for transfers is 6th May

Cheers
Simon