A Footie Cornucopia!
What a day! We start out with a bit of left-over 4th Round Cup action between Everton and Chelsea, then we're straight into the 5th Round action alongside some key Championship fixtures highlighted by Leeds hosting Norwich at 10am EST. And it's all rounded off by humble Crawley Town visiting Old Trafford. If we can't set another blogging record today, I'll be shocked!
980 Comments:
It is 0-0 between Chelski and Everton at The Bridge in a Fourth Round replay with five minutes played.
Morning, MUR! Sorry to join you late. I overslept my alarm for a change. No matter - here are the teams at the Bridge this early morning:
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)
Everton: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Arteta, Fellaini, Osman, Cahill, Beckford.
Subs: Mucha, Hibbert, Heitinga, Bilyaletdinov, Anichebe, Duffy, Baxter.
Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Lampard, Kalou, Drogba, Malouda.
Subs: Turnbull, Essien, Zhirkov, Bertrand, Anelka, McEachran, Sala.
Very strong sides for both teams - it's clear that both Moyesie and Carlo understand that the Cup is their only chance for silverware this season.
So how was your week, mate?
Tim Cahill has fouled Mikkel twice in three minutes with Mikkel down on the turf. He should get a bonus for that.
Good morning BD. It has been a busy week. It has been stressful because everyone at work is wondering if we will be the next Wisconsin. How was your week? I overslept my alarm too. I still need to brew some coffee.
FSC is favoring us with not one, not two but three FA Cup fixtures today. This one followed by Brum v. Sheffield Utd. And finally ManYoo v. Crawley Town.
While all that's going on, I'm hoping that I might be able to pick up a link for Leeds v. Norwich at 10 am.
It is still 0-0 in a scrappy cup tie with no scoring opportunities at this point.
I'll wait until half-time to make my breakfast now. I don't know how your comrades feel, but I'd love to see you lot become the next Wisconsin. I'm hoping that we take on Cuomo's draconian moves out here too.
Leeds vs Norwich will be a big match in the Championship. Scunny sure helped with their shock win over Forest on Wednesday.
I agree - very scrappy so far. I can't see a lot of goals in this one. I assume that we go to extra time and pens if it's a draw at full time, right?
We are thinking that our insurance premiums will increase about $50/month this coming school year and are not certain about getting a raise.
Yes, that is correct since it is a replay.
Fellani is rumored to be off to Chelski this summer.
Leeds vs Norwich and Forest vs Cardiff are the top matches in the Championship today.
I've just checked the result from yesterday's match - unfortunately, Leicester won 2-1 over Bristol City. That puts them within a point of us now in 7th, albeit with a game more played and with only +2 GD to our +10 GD. Today's match is an almighty six pointer.
My colleagues have already girded their loins for two or three years of frozen wages. The union has been less than sanguine about taking on Cuomo - they supported his candidacy!
Oh - that was the best chance to date, JT skidding in after Timmy's save and blowing it over. Jags put him off.
OG Jagielka is nearly in on the act again as he heads on to his own post from a Lampard free kick,but Terry heads the rebound over.
I wish you the best at work. We do not have unions in Texas. I know they have their advantages and disadvantages.
I've just noticed that there is no Fernando Torres either on the pitch or bench. As for Fellaini, I can't really see the point of his going to SB. Moyes has converted him from a striker to a defensive middie. In either case, Chelsea have more than enough. What I think they've been lacking this season is a creative midfielder.
I guess you are hoping for a draw between Forest and Cardiff after that shock defeat to Scunny.
Don't get me wrong - I'll always choose working in a union state to working in a "right to work" state. The quandary with AFT/UFT up here is more to do with the lack of electoral choices in the country. They certainly weren't going to support Cuomo's challenger - crazypants Tea Partier Carl Paladino!
I read that Drogba would replace Torres today, but i thought El Nino would be on the bench. I wonder if he is being saved for league matches. Is he able to play in CL matches.
Another mad scramble in the Everton box. Chelsea are starting to turn the screw here half way through the first half.
I think Torres is available for the CL as Liverpool were in the Europa this season.
I agree. I wonder who will be the candidates in the next election.
Howard made a great save, there was a blocked shot, and a long range effort that went just wide in that sequence.
Phil Dowd loses patience with Cahill and books him for a really innocuous challenge.
That is three fouls by Cahill on Mikkel. Anyone who consistently fouls Mikkel should be rewarded,IMHO.
Cuomo has adopted a plain-spoken, "pragmatic" stance a la Chris Christie in New Jersey, so his poll numbers have been high, despite his Republican-style governing. Given that he's adopted their platform, I'm not sure what kind of room that leaves for GOP challengers.
Oh - JB did poorly there when he was put through. He should have pulled the trigger even on his left peg.
Malouda's having a devil of a time trying to get his wedding ring off. His missus won't be pleased with that. I agree with the color guy - just tape it up and get on with it!
Tremendous turn and pass from Drogs to the newly-ringless Malouda who pulls a great save out of Timmy.
That was a chance for Chelski as Timmy blocked from Malouda at close range. The corner was cleared by Leon Osman.
Drogba has sprung to life suddenly.
Chelski is starting to take control of the match after a scrappy beginning.
Yes - Everton will do well to get into the dressing room still at 0-0.
As I speak Everton is up the pitch attacking and win a corner. Baines takes the corner and Fellani misses the header. Everton continue to attack.
Ah - that explains it. Thank you, Mr. Commentator. Torres is Cup-tied today as he played in the 3rd Round. But he's available for the CL trip to Moscow. Still - he's cutting a sad figure in a puffy anorak in the rain today.
Drogba shoots over from long range as Torres is a spectator today. If Torres played for Liversox against United in the third round, then he would not be eligible for any of Chelski's cup matches this season.
There is always a chance that Everton could nick one.
I gather that there is going to be a Tea Party rally in Wisconsin today, with Sarah Palin nagging the protesters.
Everton have had their moments so that is a possibility. They have improved after that shocking performance at Bolton last Sunday.
Malouda's the first player to go into Phil Dowd's book. I had thought that Cahill went in earlier but I guess I was mistaken.
Sarah Palin needs to shut it. All she will accomplish is to agitate the protesters and make matters worse.
Cahill was not booked because any fouls against Mikkel do not count, therfore that is the equivalent of not committing any fouls,LOL.
Oh - Ramires was through there and seemed to be tripped up by Timmy. Phil Dowd books Ramires rather than giving a penalty. I'd like to see that again.
I thought Chelski would be awarded a penalty , but Ramires is booked for diving. JT is furious.
I thought there was contact there, to be fair.
I thought Timmy got the ball. I would not have awarded a penalty ,but a booking is harsh for Ramires.
Lots of boos ringing SB as Dowd blows for half time. I'm off to toast up an onion bagel. Back in a tick.
A Chelski corner comes to nothing as JT tries to be center forward and mis-controls, so it is 0-0 at halftime from the Bridge. Will there be a winner in the second half or are we looking at extra time and penalties?
I will get some much needed coffee. I will be back in a moment.
Morning Fellas
I watched the first half in bed... I know.. I'm lazy.
I did read your comments before. I think Torres did play against United so he is Cup Tied
COME ON YOU TOFFESS!
Morning, Lazybones! Good to have you on board.
So, are you lot willing to pull a Wisconsin and scrub classes next week to stick it to Cuomo, UWS?
I'm hoping that we'll hear from the Gooner in the 10 am slot given that his Gunners won't be on the box.
I love that Gattuso head-butt footage. The man should be banned for life.
Good morning UWS. How was your week?
We don't have classes next week. We are on winter break. I have heard no talk of any action
Teams back out at the Bridge. Chelski have been making really heavy weather of this fixture.
We're right with you, comrade, if you do go out. Something's got to be done.
I agree ,BD. Playing the race card was a ridiculously cheap shot as well. I know that ban will be given on Monday. I hope he is banned for life too. He is a disgrace to the game.
Couple of rumors saying that David Silva is homesick and may go to Athletico Madrid
Tevez to go to Inter or Barca
The second half kicks off as Essien replaces Mikkel.
Enjoy your Winter Break , UWS. We have Spring Break in three weeks when we will be off for a week.
That would really hurt Citeh, as they've been their best two players this season. Still, they've always got Drogs, Messi, Ronaldo, Stevie G. and co. to turn to, right?
Yeah - our Spring Break pops up in three weeks time.
As you said earlier, we have a triple header ahead of us on FSC... what happened to FSC Plus? Nothing seems to be shown on that and I haven't seen any commercials either
That would not be a loss for Citeh as they have several replacements based on the photo on the pre-match program.
Perhaps Ribery would be a good replacement for Silva.
We have a Spring Break as well. Our week off in the spring is the week before Easter.
Of course, my college break never matches. My college break is around St. Pats
Both sides do seem to have more intent this half.
Your college break matches our Spring Break. I am not sure if that really helps you.
I think that both sides want to avoid extra time and penalties.
Mine too - mid-March week. Still not sure what my plans are for that. We are scheduling a mini-LOB reunion for late April.
I think that was a harsh booking for Baines as he accidentally stepped on Ramires.
I have a four day weekend during Easter. Is the reunion at that time?
Coleman's into the book now. Strong challenge, yes, but not a booking for me.
Drogba had a shot blocked from a corner and Coleman is booked for a foul on Ivanovic.
WHo is organizing? I've heard nowt about a reunion
I agree. That is two unlucky bookings for Coleman.
Not sure - I'd have to check the calendar. Yeah, it does look like the same weekend. WHR, Gooner and I were keen to see Iron & Wine on the Friday night.
Drogba took a great free kick that was headed wide by Lampard. A great opportunity for Chelski.
There is a link on atdhe.me for Forest Cardiff but not Leeds Norwich
Just a quickie, D.C. trip around the concert. I didn't think anyone else would have time to travel around then. But you're always welcome to come along.
Bugger - I was really hoping for a link today. Ah well....next season, right?
Forget it... I am not going to be an afterthought!!!!!
I quit... I am longer an LOBer
There are two promotion matches in the Championship today.
Alright.... I've come to my senses and am back... I couldn't be mad at you guys for that long!
Did my 30 seconds scare you???
Oh - stop! You're never an afterthought. It's just me getting together with the D.C. boys, nothing more. I did the same last summer for the World Cup, didn't I?
And where were you for the LHS reunion, mate? We were there, weren't we MUR? A good time was had by all.
Of course, we could have extra time and penalties from this one today
That said, we should try to get a proper LOB reunion together in the near future. Any ideas?
Distin is booked for a foul on Ivanovic. This booking was deserved as opposed to the first two bookings.
I just got yelled at... I am off again!!!
Ok, I am back
Silly Billy.
What has happened to Chelsea? They don't look a good team at all!!
Can they turn it on when they meet United on March 1... I have a bloody faculty meeting that day!!
We did have a good time at the reunion. I think the summer would be the best time as it is difficult to travel during the school year. I am not certain about the location.
I'm telling you, mate. It's time for you lot to go on strike. You could schedule it around March 1. I'm with you!
That is the make up match at the Bridge if I am not mistaken.
That's my hunch, too. D.C. was the logical place last time in 2004 because Steve, John, Stef and Phil were all there. But I'm open to suggestion.
GET IT OVER COLEMAN!!!!
What a stupid foul by JB
A good run by Coleman is ruined as Cahill fouls Ferrera.
Oh - great save, Timmy! Lamps must score there and Howard saves with his feet. And again!
Beckford has been woeful today. Send him back to Leeds!
Lamps should have buried that!
Howard with another save
Come on Everton
Ref blows... pen... no offiside
WOW! A superb reflex save by Timmy from Lampard, then Timmy saves a close range effort from Ivanovic off the corner.
Oh - and one more thing, UWS. WHR organized the April 22nd event on Facebook. Perhaps it's time for you to join in there? (hint hint)
I am open to the location. I just need to know the dates, so I can plan the summer.
There is extra time, right?
Come on JB... you can score at OT!!!
Some league matches including Sotton's game has been called off for the weather
It's easier to score at Old Trafford, to be fair.
There will be extra time since this is a replay.Why is Southampton's match postponed?
Cricket World Cup has started.
The hosts, India, hit 375 against Bangladesh
The Bangladeshis are 93 for 1
Do we go to extra time or straight to pens here?
Chelski have put on the pressure in the last few minutes as they want to avoid extra time,if possible.
I think the rain is the problem. Waterlogged pitch
Ah - it'll be in the middle of the night then, right? Shame - I would have liked to blog it. I enjoyed the last one - I think it was in the Windies, right?
Billy is on for Cahill.
You're doing a fine job not taking my bait this morning, UWS.
Pull my finger....
There would be extra time, then penalties if the match is not settled at the end of extra time.
I am not sure what they have done with the Cup games... I hope they have extra time
The commentator just mentioned ET
Lamps seems to be playing in the center forward channel now.
A shot of Frank Sr. in the stands
Do you remember me copying his celebration from the 80 Cup Semi when he ran circles around the corner flag? I did the same when I scored against Upper Heyford... how the hell do I remember those type of things!!!
To be honest, Chelski would be ahead by at least two goals, but for Timmy and poor finishing.
Yes, the WC was in the Windies. I was in England for part of it in 07
I seem to remember that we completely ignored you, right?
Yes you did
Anelka is warming up on the bench with fifteen plus stoppage time remaining before the possibility of extra time.
I was loving the Ashes at Christmas. It would come on at 11:30 every night. I'd drift off to sleep with it on. It was a bit like one of those environmental tapes for background. Just the occasional "thwock" and polite applause.
I really don't want to see Chelsea scrape through this one again! One of these days, they will click again
That was rude of us, wasn't it?
Terry should have hit it first time
What a change from the Chelski who were ripping teams apart 6-0 and 8-0 at the beginning of the season!
Lamps left his shooting boots at home today.
Everyone missed the ball when they had it in the box. JT is the last person you would want on the end of a cross.
Of course, as I have always said, they were playing the Women's Auxiliary squad
Jags is receiving treatment for a cut near the eye.
I agree , UWS. They have trouble against "real" teams. That was a shocking miss by Lamps.
JB is off
JB is replaced by Anichebe. I thought JB was invisible today.
Control it Baines!!!
The commentator remarks that JB "couldn't do any more today." How about score, eh?
Inside the last ten minutes. This smells like a 0-0er with et to come.
I was thinking that he couldn't do any less.
Lamps chips over
Bloody hell, Frank! Hit the target!
Lamps should have scored as he tried the fancy chip, but shot over after great work by Malouda and Drogba.
No Frank... miss the target
This must be going to extra time as Chelski seem to be doing their best not to score.
Essien forgot his shooting boots as he thought the security guard was the target rather than the goal.
Nice one, MUR - LOL!
Chelski fans are texting rather than watching the match.
The Little Neviller is having a laugh with the Chelski fans, now. It's as if neither side wants to win this one.
Thanks BD. I honestly thought he was poor today.
I agree BD. I am not sure how extra time would benefit either team.
Do either side have much to play for at this point?
A late onslaught by Chelski results in a series of blocked shots, then Anichebe counters and is fouled by Ivanovic.
YES! Hair bear sticks in a rebound!
Oh no - it's ruled offside!
Rats
What a shame. Cech saves a powerful long range effort form Baines off the free kick, but the rebound from Fellani is ruled out for offside.
FSC have a "Matchday Live" scheduled for 9:30. Apparently Warren and the boys have put suits on for nought this morning.
There is three minutes of stoppage time before we enter extra time.
The "Matchday Live " show will have to be canceled.
Anichebe wins a late corner.
Full time
Was it offside?
The corner is cleared and there will be extra time as it is 0-0 in this fourth round replay.
I think that one evens up the missed penalty call in the first half. 0-0 it is then. Extra time to come.
Just looked at it.. he was JUST offside
Anelka replaces Malouda as we start extra time.
Chelski will need to use their entire squad for the CL fixture.
Morning, All. I'm back from my morning soccer. I believe 46.9 years of age is the inflection point where one transitions from decent player to crap player. Is the Crawley Town match on FSC today?
The last thing they wanted was extra time as they have a CL match in Copenhagen on Tuesday.
Right - it's crossword help time, chaps.
"Subj. of Form 1040's Line 32. (3 letters."
Okay, that's better.
Morning, Lauri!
Good morning Lauri.The match against Crawley will be the late match today.
Isn't line 32, Adjusted Gross Income. AGI?
I'm guessing that Lauri has better looking legs than Trevor Brooking, eh WHR?
Stop greeting my wife. She's naked in the shower and doesn't want to be bothered by you lot.
Good morning WHR. The Hammers play Burnley on Monday.
So is Crawley on the telly?
Morning John
I think my age for the fall was 45.6
AND THE EXTA WEIGHT
MUR -- Correction . . . The Hammers destroy Burnley on Monday.
Correct WHR. I will be cheering for the Hammers.My age is 45.2 with some extra weight since my Lakenheath days.
Football League Macca: "The Championship menu looks particularly appealing this week. Where to start? How about the bottom v top tie between Preston and QPR? Or maybe second-placed Cardiff visiting Forest, lying fourth and still unbeaten at home? Maybe in-form Leeds (6th) hosting in-form Norwich (3rd)? Plenty more besides."
Yup, United vs Town on at noonish
The corner from Drogba comes to nothing as there was pushing in the box.
Well in, Macca! The Championship is definitely where it's at today.
Did any of you reply to my FSC Plus comment from earlier?
The Championship seems to have more interesting matches than the Fa Cup today with the exception of the match from OT.
Lamps shoots wide again.
Nearly half way into this extra time period now. Neither side seems bothered to score.
I think Stoke vs Brighton is on FSC Plus.
It's a hard call between Forest and Evil Cardiff. I suppose a draw is our best score between the pair of them.
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