We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
It's Arsene Wenger's Arsenal's first chance of silverware in six years. But first they've got to get beyond Alex McLeish's hard-working and well-organized Birmingham side. Both sides have key injuries, so it should be an absorbing affair. Join me for the morning's events.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 8:58 AM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
271 Comments:
I can still remember a time when the Carling Cup Final was one of only four or five live matches on telly in an off-World Cup year. Now, it's merely another part of a fixture-heavy weekend schedule. Kind of sad.
That said, I'm happy to report that Scottie Parker has given West Ham the lead against Liverpool. 1-0 after about half an hour.
Good morning Bob
West Ham are deserving of their lead
I remember the League Cup Final not being shown as well. I remember having to wait until the Sunday to see the highlights on Sunday
Did you see the story that Cashley shot an intern with a pellet gun!!
Cricket Update
England will struggle to beat the hosts today. Chasing 339, England 77 for 1
West Ham are definitely on top here. I am nervous about United coming to Upton Park... we already lost 4 nil in the League Cup
Citeh and Fulham play each other at 10 today
Celtic are losing at Motherwell 2-0... not exactly what Celtic was looking for after a win in the Old Firm derby last week.
Rangers have St. Johnstone at Ibrox later
Unbelievably, Wigan now sit on the bottom of the Premiership table on a colossal 27 points a point behind Wolves, WBA and West Ham all on 28 points. We could easily see three sides at the bottom with 35 points or more at the end of the season.
Joe Cole is coming on for LiverSox on for the injured Kelly. Will Johnson move to the right? Who will play on the left?
Where's Robbie Keane? Didn't he go to West Ham to get some games?
Morning, Dave - good to have you on board this morning. I didn't hear that Cashley story. What on earth?!
TWO NIL!!!!
BA with a bullet header!!
WOW!!
WHERE IS JOHNNY!!!
They did say earlier that if they win by three they are out of the bottom three... it could be done!
I know - Robbie can't get into the side because of Cole and Ba. Even Piquionne is probably ahead of him.
Half time
All going good for the Hammers
The Hammers are up to 18th now! All four W sides are bottom. The Guardian podcast lads were joking that clubs should just change their names to "Bigan Athletic" or "Best Ham United."
Do you think Rooney could be banned for his elbow? I think so. He was an idiot. Why don't players know they are going to get caught!
It looks like it. The problem for Clattenberg is that he gave a free kick - but for what?
If Clattenburg says he saw the entire class then he will escape but if he says he saw the clash but not the elbow the FA could pounce.
Alan Hanson said "He (Rooney) is in big trouble. You can't argue with the pictures."
He could be banned for these matches
CHELSEA, LIVERPOOL and ARSENAL!!!
Personally, it might be better for United
Half time at Upton Park. What a performance by the Hammers!
Yeah - I think you'd benefit from the FA making up Fergie's mind for him. Drac and Chicha are your best pairing.
Man City v Fulham line-ups
Man City: Hart, Boateng, Toure, Lescott, Kolarov, Toure Yaya, Barry, Zabaleta, Tevez, Balotelli, Dzeko. Subs: Taylor, Milner, Wright-Phillips, Vieira, Jo, Wabara, Guidetti.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido, Duff, Etuhu, Murphy, Dempsey, Johnson, Dembele. Subs: Stockdale, Kelly, Gera, Gudjohnsen, Kakuta, Greening, Davies.
And my boy Nani as well, of course! MOTM!
Blimey - Tev, Balotelli and Dzeko all in the line-up!
I just can't believe what has happened to Rooney since the away game in Munich. He scored and then got hurt in the last seconds of the game as Bayern scored. He has been ATROCIOUS for United and England ever since. WHAT HAS HAPPENED!!!
Does Mancini really want to stick to Sparky?
Nice on - the Hammers fans are singing "Oh Lord, Demba Ba" to the tune of "Kumbaya."
It looks like it - Fulham are going with a 4-4-2 with the aging Danny Murphy in the holding role. I predict an 8-0 win for Citeh with my boy Tev scoring 4.
World Cup Update
Eng 111-1 after 16 overs
They have a shot
Strauss is on 58
Trott is on 16
Is there a link for the Cricket World Cup?
Well, I think you have sent a hefty sum of dosh to Fergie to keep Berbatov out of the line up
Bugger...Trott is out
What is this Clash of the Giants voting on FSC. We get to chose which match to watch
Liverpool v Arsenal Cup Final from 71
United vs Chelsea Cup Final from 94 (MY VOTE... 4-0)
or the Chelsea v Liverpool league match from earlier this month
I haven't got one but it is a good idea. I am going to look on p2p
I would like to thank Sir Alex for benching Berbatov. He's been stuck on 20 for yonks now.
Found one
http://vip-hq2.yolasite.com/vip-tv-2.php
Just voted for the match on FSC
Right now, the Arsenal v Liverpool match has 36% of the vote, United vs Chelsea has 35% followed by Chelsea v Liverpool with 28%
Bugger... England hit a four and then I lose my link..."temporarily off line"
Fifty minutes in and West Ham are still leading 2-0.
Celtic lost two nil at Motherwell. I am not sure people saw that coming
I missed it but just read it that Meireles had to go off injured after a tackle from Parker... hope he is out for next week's match
Come on you Hammers... get another one to get out of the zone!!!
Hitzleberger has a chance for a powerdriver but hits it over
From anonymous Liverpool fan via text: "I would love to see us come back from this score to win, just like a certain Man United did a few weeks back against Blackpool. Unfortunately I feel this is going to be another example though of showing how far we are behind them and will show little passion and desire to win, and that hurts me to say that."
Suarez with a nice turn and shot but well saved by Green.. hey, it wasn't a back pass from Dempsey!!!
I'm forever blowing bubbles...come on... get another one
ooh, Noble almost put one in straight from the corner
Just lost my cricket link again 'due to copyright laws' duh!!!
Just over 20 to go.. can West Ham hold on?
Got the cricket link going again... come on England
If you're still there Bob, did you see Drogba threatens to quit if he is dropped for the United match? How will he do that with no transfers allowed
Gerrard with a rasping shot shaves the crossbar
There is a video decision for Ian Bell. The fans thinks it is out.... NOT OUT... the fans aren't happy.
I am going for a full house of London wins today.
Of course, West Ham here, Fulham at Eastlands and I do want to see Arsenal win a trophy. They deserve it and I don't want it to be any of the other ones
1504: Man City have had most of the ball in the early stages against Fulham but have not done anything with it.
West Ham are starting to sit back... not a smart idea
Are you skyping your mom? You're both on Skype as I type... Big Brother is watching!
1509: Arsenal have arrived at Wembley ahead of the Carling Cup final (KO 1600 GMT) but are not wearing suits. Tracksuits for the Gunners today...
I read yesterday that Brum's suits never arrived for them either
Strauss just hit his ton
England are 178 for 2
Uh oh... Great move by Suarez and he hits a cross for Glen Johnson taps it in
6 minutes to hold on
COME ON WEST HAM
Is your laptop still kaphut?
I have the cricket link going and I have found the BBC link for the build up for the cup final
Birmingham have never won anything.. I think.
Both line ups are in
Bendtner is in the line up with RVP
Loving the build up on the BBC
http://www.justin.tv/9nutmeg1#/w/912595440
COLE with a GOAL!!!
CARLTON THAT IS!!
Three one!!!
Nice finish but Pepe was beaten at the front post
I'm still here but my laptop's being naughty again so I've been forced onto the desktop. Working on it....
I'm shocked and saddened that it's still 0-0 at Eastlands. Tev should have had a couple at least by now.
It is over!!
Well done West Ham... Johnny probably missed it because he was playing himself!
200 up for England
They still need 137 runs to win from 18+ overs
I'm really happy for the Hammers - well done!
Balotelli has fired Citeh into the lead in the 26th minute. Only 7 goals to go now. Come on, Tev!
The team news is in from Wembley:
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy; Song, Wilshere; Rosicky, Nasri, Arshavin; Van Persie. Subs: Almunia, Denilson, Eboue, Chamakh, Bendtner, Diaby, Squillaci.
Birmingham (4-5-1): Foster; Carr, Jiranek, Johnson, Ridgewell; Larsson, Ferguson, Gardner, Bowyer, Fahey; Zigic. Subs: Taylor, Murphy, Phillips, Jerome, Martins, Parnaby, Beausejour.
Bell just hit his fifty
229 for 2
England need 130 off of 16 overs
I have to leave for a couple of errands. I'll be back
I have to clear my driveway and then take Jon to a party
Can you believe the weathermen said we would get 1 to 3 inches and we got a foot... we got another four over night
Hurrah! I think I'm back up on the laptop just as the Final kicks off at Wembley.
And it's an early scare for the Gunners as Banjo Boy skips through and is upended. Offside called but the replay shows that he was level.
Wembley looks beautiful today. I hope that the pitch is better than it has been in the past. It looks like a snooker table on the telly but will it cut up as in the past.
The Arsenal midfield hasn't kicked into gear yet. They've been put off by the competitiveness of the Brum midfield.
This has been a very good start from Birmingham, who are playing with very little inhibition. Arsenal haven't seen much of the ball yet. They look nervous.
Oh - terrific play from Arsenal there between Nasri and Arshavin who finally turned and shot. Ben Foster saved with his feet.
Sagna bends a nice cross over but of course RVP wasn't following in. Still, the Brum defender turned it out for a needless corner. Djourou should have hit the target from the resulting corner.
Fulham have equalized at Eastlands. 1-1 there!
This is a cracking start from both sides and Arsenal are starting to dominate proceedings.
Oh - great run from Nasri but then he had a rush to the head blasting over from a narrow angle rather than squaring it.
All the Arsenal attacks are coming down the middle. They're doing some pretty stuff but lacking somewhat in width. I'd like to see a true wide man on at some point. Unfortunately Theo is injured. Have Arsenal got another wide man?
A lull now in the match with Brum comfortably stroking it about. They'll be happy to have weathered the opening onslaught.
Arshavin has tweaked his ankle trying a pop at goal there. I think he kicked the ground.
If that penalty had been given and possibly even Szcesny sent off for upending Bowyer, Arsenal might well be fighting back from 1-0 down and with ten men.
A goal is coming, you can feel it, and it's probably coming for Arsenal.
Citeh really need the win today to keep up the challenge. A draw would leave them on 50 points and having played a game more than the teams around them.
Good cross in but Koscielny did well to beat Zigic to it. Corner though...
I am back... and BIRMINGHAM SCORED!!!
GOAL! That was always the danger! Zigic pops up about two yards out to nod home Roger Johnson's initial effort.
1-0 Brum!
Great timing, mate! Welcome back! I'll look forward to your comments on the early incident when Banjo Boy was upended by Szcesny and was called offside. I think Arsenal could be 2-0 down and with ten men at this point.
I don't think that changes much for the Arsenal game plan. They'll keep plugging away, playing their typical passing game, expecting to break Brum down - at least until about the 70 minute mark.
Cricket Update
England 283 for 4.
They need 56 runs off 36 balls
I think England might just do it! Wow!
What minute was it. I am rewinding
Banjo Boy was caught there when he was crossing there.
Go back to the 2nd minute.
Just saw it...it was a pen if it wasn't offside
The Brum fans are making all of the noise. The Arsenal fans have gone quiet. I hope that Gooner and his mates at the Lucky Bar in D.C. are keep the singing going.
BUGGER... Collingwood is out
285 for 5
According to the commentators, England were winning this but have lost three quick wickets
ooh, Brum almost gets a second
Oh - Zigic was in there again! The ref let play go on and Szcesny saved well there.
Glad to see Citeh dropping points
Citeh still at 1-1 - Milner has just come on for Kolarov.
Struth.. Brum are pounding them!!!
It's Arsenal for a change who are doing the clogging. Koscielny went over the ball there. Banjo Boy is down again.
It would really be a two horse race if Citeh don't win. United would be 10 points clear of Citeh with a game in hand
It was RVP who was marking Zigic on the goal. I never like it when strikers are put on other strikers at set pieces. It's always a bad idea.
52 runs needed off 30 deliveries... 5 wickets left
Koscielny picked up a yellow for that challenge.
I still think that England can do it. They're batting even in the middle order is strong. Who's at the crease?
It's a good Final so far... ooh off the bar!!!
RVP KNOCKS IT IN!!!!
Oh - off the crossbar from Wilshere and then...
GOAL! RVP finishes finally after Arshavin got it back in. Great volleyed finish.
1-1 Game on!
1638: Over to Eastlands, where Fulham are the better team at the moment, and are seeing far more of the ball. Just over 10 minutes left for somebody to find a winner.
RVP is limping after that finish but he's still happy. Arsene a bit anxious that his fragile striker is down on the pitch. Nik Bendtner up running about.
RVP seems to have hurt his knee when he knocked it in
289-6
You'd have to say that the goal was against the run of play. Brum really had the bit between their teeth.
No goals from Tevez yet - I'm gutted.
Arsenal old boy Seb Larsson picks up a yellow and he's not happy about it.
RVP seems to have run it off. He seems more resilient these days.
England are blowing it!
42 needed off 24 balls
My cricket link just keeps freezing after 5 seconds!
Bloody hell - Banjo Boy's down for the count again. Arshavin trod on him.
4 added minutes
I think Brum have blown their chance. They have played really well and don't have anything to show for it
I have kept my BBC link going during the whole match. It is behind the TV but I am looking forward for the half time talk
I wouldn't count them out. Arsenal look weak every time they have to face a set piece.
Rangers are taking advantage of Celtic's slip up.. 3 nil up
It's definitely a two-horse if this Citeh result holds up. They'd be ten points back on you lot with a game more played.
Great hit by Nasri and Foster can only parry it down. RVP should have been following in.
Arsenal and Brum troop in for the interval at 1-1. Who will have the momentum coming out of the dressing room?
Half time... I feel there is only one winner
THE ARSE
YES... Citeh and Fulham have drawn!
England have just lost their 7th wicket.
22 off 9... not going to happen
Just hit a six!!
14 off 7
Lost my BBC link for the Final
Cricket
14 off the last over
COME ON ENGLAND.. a couple of sixes!
2 off the first
12 off five
1 off the next
11 off four
COME ON ENGLAND.. HAVE A SLOG
SIX!!!!
5 off 3
1 off the next
4 off two
SLOG IT!!
2 off the penultimate delivery
2 to winn 1 to draw
COME ON ENGLAND!!!
Here is the last ball.. 2 runs needed to win...he gets one
TIED!!!!!
Both teams scored 338 runs
Very exciting
Back to the footer
The second half is underway
Wow - thanks for the commentary on the cricket, mate. That was amazing.
We're back at Wembley. No changes to either side.
It's crossword time, mate.
"The Beavers of the NCAA" (three letters)
Hello BD and UWS. I was chatting on a separate thread. It is great to join you for the second half.
Oh - Rosicky arrived late there to put Sagna's cross just wide.
Just wide by Rosicky after some curious defending.
Morning, MUR - sorry for the confusion with the threads. Good to have you around. What did you make of the first half and that missed penalty for Brum?
I was surprised that Brum dominated for periods of the half and deserved to be level at the half. The Gunners were fortunate that the offside flag saved them from a penalty and red card for Czezny.
Beausejour is on for Craig Gardener due to what I think is an injury.
Did you see The Hammers vs Liversox? It was an excellent performance by the Hammers. It is tight at the bottom as Stoke host the Baggies tomorrow.
I've just gone back to read through your earlier comments on matches. You beat me to the LOB this morning. Sorry I didn't check yesterday's thread before posting the one for the Carling Cup around 9ish.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini on his exchange with Mark Hughes (see 1655): "I don't know, don't know what he (Hughes) said. I shook hands with him, but I don't understand what he said, I don't know. There's no problem as far as I'm concerned."
Somehow this one smells like a match that might go all the way to penalties. Anyone else sense that?
Clichy is booked for a foul on Fahey.
Nervy defending again by Arsenal. And here comes another Brum corner....
This was the first comment
1655: A bit of handbags at the final whistle at Eastlands. Fulham boss Mark Hughes and his Man City counterpart Roberto Mancini clearly do not want to shake hands but approach each other without really looking and touch fingers (that's probably the most accurate way of describing it) until Hughes, Mancini's predecessor in the City hotseat, whips his hand away and marches off. Now, now children...
No problems. I remember that Birmingham played Liverpool in the Carling Cup Final in 2001 and lost on penalties to Liverpool when Trevor Francis was in charge. That was the last Carling Cup Final I watched, so I guess this is destined for penalties.
Morning MUR... sorry I missed you joining us
I say the Arse will win... the big teams always find a way
If Birmingham win today then they qualify for a Europa League spot for next season.
No problems, UWS. I was on the wrong thread. It is great to be part of the Carling Cup Final.
ooh off the post by City!!!! That was a bullet
OOH! Fahey sees a his shot from just outside the box come off the post. This is similar to the 2001 final.
WHR must be delighted that the Hammers got a much needed victory today against Liversox.
Six Nations Update
After England beat the French yesterday, Ireland beat Scotland today
This is just the WORLD OF SPORT here by Nocito
Interesting
Since Arsenal last won a trophy, United have won 7 and Chelsea 6
SHame West Ham couldn't get one more goal and be out of the drop zone
A great run by Larsson , but poor control by Banjo Boy.
It is tight at the bottom as relegation might come down to goals scored.
I am shocked that Brum are still in this
Arsene can't complain about Brum sitting back
1726: Arsenal's best player so far? Jack Wilshere. Birmingham's? Take your pick... Lee Bowyer, Keith Fahey and Seb Larsson going forward, or Roger Johnson at the back
RVP coming off... surprise there!
Crossword help from earlier
Oregon State are the Beavers
OSU
More on that minor dust-up between Fulham boss Mark Hughes and Man City manager Roberto Mancini (see 1655). Here's Hughes: "Maybe I'm a bit old-fashioned. I was beaten 4-1 by Roberto at our place but I offered my hand and acknowledged they were the better team. But I didn't think he offered his hand with any sincerity today. I apologise if I offended anyone."
Bob's buggered off again
After Citeh's draw, they are only 3 points ahead of Spurs having played an extra game. The top three automatically go into the CL
In my book, Birmingham look the more likely
I've bailed out on my poor old laptop and am now over at the office following the match.
Cue chances for Arenal!
Nasri has a shot that is saved by Foster's knees and face
I'm fortunate that there haven't been any further goals. I had a feeling.
Thanks for the earlier crossword help, mate.
Ferguson was hurt there by Wilshire's challenge
oooh Foster saves and collects!
Great save, Foster!
He won this competition for United, didn't he? Or was that he C. Shield?
I agree with MUR that the relegation battle may come down to GD and there will almost certainly be a relegated side with more than 40 points - perhaps West Ham again?
You need to buy yourself a brand new Mac!!!
Just go to the store and get one today!!!
STOP GOING OFF TO BELIZE!!
It's Weird Haircut Model Maroune Chamakh on now with a bit over ten minutes to make his mark.
After I weather the tax season, I may well plonk down for a new one, mate.
Oh - Arsenal piling it on now. Struth!
Just over ten to go... it is anyone's Cup... Arsenal are starting to turn the screw. I feel this is going to make City sit back... bad idea
What was Rosicky on about there? Far too cute.
Another fine save by Foster
Foster having the game of his life there. Another great stop!
Buy one today!!!
Now it's MUR who's buggered off. Are you posting on the other thread again, mate?
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