March is the Cruelest Month
It's been a difficult time for the Big Two coming into their titanic clash this afternoon. United have lost three in four while Arsenal enter OT fresh from being knocked out of the Champions League. Something's got to give. Before that, we've got the day's other FA Cup Quarter Final tie just around the corner - Birmingham v. Bolton. Join me for all the romance of the Cup, won't you?
1030 Comments:
I've got a tasty link for Football Focus through My Premium TV:
http://www.mypremium.tv/
The morning's match is on Fox Soccer Plus, so I'm on this link:
http://extremegoalhd.blogspot.com/
Get stuff, Rupert!
Good morning Robert
Ta for the link
The team news is in from St. Andrews:
Brum: Foster, Parnaby, Davies, Jiranek, Murphy, Larsson, Ferguson, Mutch, Beausejour, Phillips, Jerome.
Subs: Doyle, Ridgewell, Gardner, Derbyshire, Redmond, Ozlurk.
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Wheater, Robinson, Elmander, Holden, Muamba, Petrov, Kevin Davies, Klasnic.
Subs: Bogdan, Taylor, Mark Davies, Moreno, Blake, Alonso, Lee.
Morning, UWS. Great to have you on board for the early morning festivities. Feeling confident?
And we're away at St. Andrews. Link working well so far.
Who are rooting for in this one? I want Bolton. I haven't minded them since Coyle came to the club
No... after how we have been playing... I fear the worst
Muamba has a strike on goal there but it doesn't trouble Foster.
Holden trod on the guy's ankle... ouch
I'm leaning Birmingham, mainly because I like the way they play under McLeish. I still hate Bolton. I can only stand Stuart Holden and Elmander.
Cam Jerome wins a corner for Brum....
We're on opposite sides all day then...maybe I should root for Ipswich to make it a full house
We're on opposite sides all day then...maybe I should root for Ipswich to make it a full house
How was your week, mate?
Oh no...the double comments are starting... hopefully just a one off
Why would you assume that I'm rooting for Arsenal then?
Very long! Even with a snow day on Monday!
Thursday was especially long. School, department meeting and then college!
Glad not having to go to college next week.
How was your week?
Are you off next week? What are you doing?
Yellow card there for the double comment, mate. If you keep blogging beyond the whistle, you'll be off for an early bath!
A certain bloke sitting in DC and you have always hated Man U
I understand...i'll do my best to keep my comments to one at a time
Yeah - Spring Break next week. I'm not going anywhere. Just catching up on some backburner projects...and some sleep. Thursday was a killer day for me too. I was at a meeting at 8 am and didn't get home until 10:30pm!
Speaking of red cards, did you enjoy my thread from yesterday on the Dorchester Town bloke who got sent off for rugby tackling the Borat impersonator in the green man-kini?
Any links for the Championship games today? There are no Cup or Prem games at 10
Nearly fifteen minutes gone and not too many chances for all the graft so far.
I saw that already. I thought I sent you a link during the week. I guess I didn't!
Did you see my comments about the Everton Birmingham game on Wednesday? The ref forgot his cards for the first half and had to mime yellow card a player. I want to see it!
I hadn't look - I'll have a sneaky peek now....
I see one for Derby v. Swansea. I hope that Robbie can do the biz over the leek eaters today.
Here it is... classic
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/857880-peter-walton-specialist-mime-referee-caught-issuing-invisible-yellow-card
Yeah - I heard about that. That must be brilliant video.
I see a soccer saturday link on p2p
As for this afternoon's match, I promise you that I'm a neutral. Of course, I always call to console my brother when the Arsenal lose like on Tuesday but I'm. Not. An. Arsenal. Fan.
When does SS start?
Oh - that is marvelous. Here's a technical question. How would he have mimed the distinction between red and yellow?
Good point! Maybe given with more force
BOLTON TAKE THE LEAD!!!
ELMANDER WITH A COOL FINISH!
The SS schedule indicates 9:45 am.
GOAL! Elmander breaks the deadlock with his first goal since the 3rd Round. Nice move - clinical finish!
0-1 Bolton!
I see that. I actually went on the link and it is this match. It seemed to be a little ahead of your link. I have switched
What I was asking was, when does SS start normally in England?
The Guardian pod panel was saying that the issue of a player tackling a pitch invader had come up in the Observer's "You are the Ref" column and that Graham Poll had said that the technical rule is that the player must be sent off for "Violent Conduct." What a nonsense!
I hope this link just changes over after the match
http://www.justin.tv/boxingukguru#/w/957972608
That is ridiculous... it is a 'citizen's arrest"
SS comes on at noon, directly after Soccer AM, which starts at 9am. There's always a link on P2P for that one too but I can't face waking up at 4am for it!
I don't listen to Poll any more... he can't count up to 2 for carding purposes... of course, at least he had the cards to show three times!
I would imagine it will go straight into SS after the match. That's what My Premium TV used to do last season. It has been as good this season.
The crowd sounds pro Bolton!
That was a nice flick and shot for the goal
That would make an excellent "You are the Ref." What do you do if you forgot your bloody cards at home?"
Looks like Liam Ridgewell is coming on for Jiranek, who Holden knobbled earlier.
Is there a match on FSC at 10?
Struth.. Brum have had to make two substitutions before the half hour mark!
There is no game on at 10
Sky Sports News is on at 9 and then last night's Serie A game at 10
It's all change for Brum! Now Barry Ferguson is coming off. The skipper has handed his armband to the sub - Ridgewell.
I wonder why ESPN2 or FSC didn't do this one - all they were showing was a kickboxing exercise video infomercial this morning.
Beausejour is a real threat for Brum. I remember him playing really well for Chile this summer.
What are your thoughts about this item?
Some comments down below I agree with completely
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chrisbevan/2011/03/would_a_revamp_revive_the_magi.html
Bugger, the link has gone down. I'm onto one of the SS links now.
That's odd - this one has ESPN coverage of the match with Derek Rae and Macca commentating. Why aren't they showing this on the Deuce, the bollocks.
It would be nice for Bolton to get to Wembley for Nat Lofthouse... of course he won't know.. he's dead
I have no idea how it works... we get games on FSC when it is on ESPN in England and vice versa
I do think that changes need to be made but I'm not keen on those changes - seeding and eliminating replays just benefits the big boys. I just think they should fine the big clubs when they run out understrength sides.
Didn't Rae already say that about Colin Todd?
1 -1
Jermome with a neat shot
GOAL! Cam Jerome equalizes for Brum. Good finish again there. Half volley near post. I'm not sure you can complain about Jaask there the way that Derek Rae is doing.
What is your prediction for the late match?
Well, if Premiership minnows like Wolves get fined when they do the same when they don't think they've got a chance against United, why should Arsene get fined when he runs out the kids for the Cup?
You won't like this, but I see a really niggly 0-0er. For some reason, that match has developed into a really nasty, non-footballing event with lots of previous at this point. I'd like to imagine a really open affair, but I can't see it. Replay.
I don't think it was a rule for the Cup
My thoughts are that the fans aren't showing the interest either. The cup games are played in half full stadiums? I know it is a monetary thing but it is the quarter finals and the place should be buzzing!!
That was quite some shot from Munch!
I don't want a replay. I saw on soccernet that if there is a replay it will be on Friday!
I think that the fans are taking their cues from the clubs and managers. If the managers come out and talk about how irritating the Cups are and that they're priorities are the league and the CL, then fans will take that to heart.
Chris Waddle is being very critical of the long ball play
Half time and it is all square... go for it in the second half... both teams!
Half-time: It hasn't always been pretty but the two goals had some quality to them. It's 1-1 at the interval. All to play for in the second half.
Second half is underway
Second half starting up now at St. Andrews. Brum get us underway. I love those ESPN bumpers with the former scorers in the competition as they look today. Marvelous stuff.
Macca thinks that Gary Cahill is "one for the future for England." I think he's one for now! Chris Smalling is "one for the future."
Did you see that Capello has said he want Terry as his captain again?
Really? Why? That seems a step backward.
My thoughts exactly
Big shout for a penalty! No Phil Dowd calls a foul on Cahill. And Owen Coyle is going to get a bollocking for something he's said. They're all friends again.
I'm not even sure with the choices around these days that Terry is an automatic name on the team sheet anymore.
Wow... Jas.. just gets a a touch on the ball.. I guess that is the correct call
Well, there's another big decision. Jaask seemed to upend Jerome there at first look. Dowd points for a corner. Looks a good decision on the replay.
Lots of cut and thrust in this one but to use one of your phrases from last summer...where's the quality?
Two subs coming on - Lee and M. Davies for Klasnic and Muamba.
Oh - how was that not a goal for Bolton. Davies finally finishes it but he's in an offside position.
Ball in the net but rightly off side
Now it is a penalty for Bolton!
Phil Dowd points to the spot. Davies fouls Davies.
Now.. there is a penalty... definite pen!
Kevin Davies steps up to take it.....
And finishes it. 1-2 Bolton!
Can Davies score this time... he won't be offside... 2-1 Bolton
Rubbish pen, to be fair. Straight down the middle at a comfy height for the keeper but Foster went early.
Oh - Kevin Phillips is inches away from equalizing again for Brum. Off the post!
Twenty minutes for the home side to find the equalizer now.
Good Morning BD and Uws. I am lazy and slept in late as I start Spring Break.
Morning, MUR! I don't blame you at all. Happy Spring Break to you!
It looks to be a thrilling week of European footie. Champions League on Tuesday and Wednesday and Europa second legs on Thursday. I'll be there for the lot.
Thank You BD. Is this Brum vs Bolton?
Yes - we're on this link, which we hope will convert to Soccer Saturday at the climax of this one:
http://www.justin.tv/boxingukguru#/w/957972608/2
Any predictions for the late match, MUR?
Phil Dowd is definitely earning his corn today. Plenty of chippiness and both managers are on the edges of their technical areas bellowing at him.
It seems as if UWS has probably taken Shadow for a walkies.
Just to let you know, MUR, I sent you a Skype confirmation for my new laptop.
I am here.. I was putting away some laundry!
KEVIN PHILLIPS!! GREAT GOAL!
Oh - where did that come from? Kevin Phillips with a really improbably finish from twenty yards. I think he injured himself in the midst too.
2-2 Game on!
WOW! WHAT A GOAL BY SUPER KEV! HE STILL HAS IT . A SUPERB LONG RANGE EFFORT. IT IS 2-2
Super Super Kev
Super Super Kev
Super Super Kev
Super Kevin Phillips
I can remember you scoring one of those against an English side, UWS.
Kevin Davies picks up his requisite yellow card.
Matt Derbyshire coming on now.
I predict that Man Yoo will win 2-1 , that Wenger will launch a verbal volley at one or more officials, that RVP will not hear the ref's whistle, and KOS will be in a charitable mood.
Oh - Lee had a chance to play Mark Davies in but his ball was too heavy.
Matt Derbyshire is on for David Murphy as Brum go for it. Why can't they do this in the league?
Yeah - a looping volleyed effort over the keeper from distance just like that one. I forget who the side was.
I think that RVP is crocked for this match. I don't think they'll risk him or Cesc for this match. It will be an interesting team selection for both managers today, for sure.
Did you send the skype message today? I would like to skype as many LOB people as possible.
Super Kev tries an effort similar to the goal, but this one lands in ROW W.
This one will probably go to a replay now. That doesn't help Brum at all. They need league matches and points at this stage.
Yeah, I did.
In other words Man Yoo 2 Islington 1
Boom Boom Basil!
I will check once this match ends.
I know Fab is out of the game because of a hammy
Not sure about RVP
I think Arsene will put out a strong side...not sure about SAF
I think that both of them were rushed back for the Barca match and both were flops.
Bolton have put on some pressure, but the Brum defense clear each time.Now Bolton have a free kick.
BOLTON RETAKE THE LEAD!!
Lee with the goal
Rubbish free kick effort there.
But it's back in and GOAL!
It's Lee popping up like a great vampire ghosting in for a header.
Great header from Davies... never offside
I didn't even realize it is the last minute!!!
Can Brum possibly come back a third time? I doubt it.
GOAL!!! 2-3 to BOLTON WHO AREE SURELY OFF TO THE SEMIS AS LEE SCORES WITH A GREAT HEADER AFTER A GREAT HEADED PASS FROM PAUL ROBINSON.
On comes Pompey old boy Matty Taylor.... struth... Brum almost get it back right away... good cup game
Matt Taylor is on for Martin Patrov as Brum attempted an equalizer. There is four minutes of stoppage time.
These players seem to be happy winning a cup game
BOLTON VERY CLOSE TO THE SEMIS AND A TRIP TO WEMBERLEY!!!!
It appears that Brum will go back to their miserable existence which is a relegation scrap.
This will be Bolton's first appearance in the semis since 2000.
1 more minute
Surprised they got there in 2000
Brum players are furious as Mark Davies is down injured. It appears to be an ankle injury.
I hope the Bolton guy isn't faking... it will just add more time
The bloke running this link has GSS already to change to... good boy
That was a nice goal by Bolton... great header across the box and clinical finish too
I think they lost on pens to Villa in the semis that year
Brum give it back... just have a drop ball
Last final at the old Wembers
That's it!
Bolton are in the FA Cup Semi Final
Well done!
I'm 1 for 1
Bob is 0 for 1
Bolton have done it - into the semi finals of the Cup! It wasn't a classic but Bolton were good value for the win IMHO.
He's changed it to GSS... well done!
Magic - the link has immediately gone to SS. Well in, mate!
And they're talking about Leeds v. Ipswich.
That's it and Bolton are off to Wemberley as they win 2-3.
THEY'RE GOING TO WEMBERLEY
THEY'RE GOING TO WEMBERLEY
Taking the dog until kick off
Big Nose, Le Tiss and Merse go for Leeds - well done, lads!
My link is on FSC PlUS.
Great Anoraking Dave. Was that when Chelsea beat Villa? It was a boring final if my memory serves me . The next six finals were played in Cardiff or was it five?
I am watching an interview with Ardiles and Ricky Villa.
It's another crucial weekend in the Championship today, but then they all are from here on in. Ten matches to play for most of the sides.
Beyond the Leeds v. Ipswich at Elland Road, I'll be tracking Burnley v. Millwall. Burnley scare me a lot because they've got two matches in hand and are only four points back from us. Forest are below us now but are at home to Doncaster today. Norwich and Cardiff have the day off, while Swansea travel to Derby and QPR host Palace ahead of their 30 point deduction from the FA
Come on!
Will Leeds vs Ipswich be on the same link? I sent you a message on skype, but did not receive your skype message.
Is the thirty point deduction official or is this wishful thinking?
The line-ups for the biggie at ER:
United: Schmeichel, Lichaj, O'Brien, Bromby, McCartney, Johnson, Kilkenny, Snodgrass, Howson, Gradel, Paynter. Subs: Higgs, Bruce, Naylor, Becchio, Watt, Bannan, Somma.
Ipswich: Fulop, McAuley, O'Dea, Delaney, Leadbitter, Martin, Bullard, Priskin, Edwards, Dyer, Wickham. Subs: Civelli, Peters, Lee-Barrett, Smith, Hyam, Scotland, Drury.
Referee: D Deadman
You probably sent one to my work Skype. I'll get that later. Try searching for "fredoniabob@gmail.com"
I cannot find the match is it on the same link?
I will do that.
Found Derby vs Swansea , but not the ER match.
Kieron Dyer has been added to Ipswich from today. And Big Nose says that Ipswich have been straight onto the attack from the kick-off.
I don't think there's any telly coverage from ER today, sadly.
I am back...miss anything?
Swansea are on the front foot at Derby according to Merse.
Not really, Dave. How's the weather your way? We got some sleety snow yesterday.
That is correct? Is the ER match on the same link?
Just saw your message about the Chelsea Villa Final
It was a one niller.
DeMatteo scored after Calamity dropped a corner on to his foot
We had a bit of snow this morning but it is pretty mild right now
I've just noticed that Becchio is on the bench so my "El Torrero" shirt has come off and my ageless lucky Leeds shirt is on now.
Bournemouth take the lead in the southcoast derby against Southampton
Yes! 1-0 Derby! Lovely stuff.
Derby take the lead against Swansea!
Sounds like a farcical own goal, but they all count. Loving it.
Swansea will remain in second due to Norwich not playing today but they'll drop back down to 63 on the strength of that goal.
Oh dear - Big Nose reports that Ipswich have been "the dominant force."
Uh Oh... Ipswich have been the 'dominant force'
Leeds almost score though!
What is up with Ipswich? Very inconsistent
Sotton tie it up
Watford take the lead against the Blades
Uh oh - Watford have taken the lead against the hopeless Blades. That will launch Watford up to 53 points and 9th. I know I shouldn't worry but I do.
Watford have taken the lead against the Blades, Huddersfield have taken the lead at Bristol Rovers, Soutton tie it up at Bournemouth.
Peterboro have taken the lead against Carlisle.
Jeff is complaining that it's the "Showcase Day" for the Championship and there are only two goals.
There's a goal at Loftus Road - oh dear, it's gone to evil QPR!
Nearly 2-0 to Derby County as Ashley"backpass" Williams clears off the line.
So they're up to 73 - make that 43 - points after the FA deducts their points.
It should be Ashley og Williams.
Rangers take the lead against Palace
Looks like QPR and Leeds for promotion
Is the thirty points deduction official?
Jeff is doing the Sweeney theme - Hartlepool are 1 up.
Ashley Williams headed against the bar as Swansea attempted to tie it up.
Not yet - just me dreaming.
Hartlepool take the lead against Plymouth who haven't lost since they were deducted 10 points
Young Fergie lads are two up
So Ashley Williams has scored an og that gave Derby the lead, hit the upright twice, and cleared off the line.He sure has been in the center of the action today.
Goal at Scunny and it's gone to Leicester - 0-1!
It is a surprise to see Derby in the lead as they have been in a poor run of form. One win in the last twelve, and they have not won at home in four months. Great job Cloughie Jr.
Leicester up to 7th now but they've got rubbish GD.
Not good... Sven's men take the lead
Great news as Leicester had been on a good run. Well done Scunny!
Now the Blades have had a man sent off. They are useless!
Cambridge are down to ten men
Struth! I thought Scunny scored. Sorry Bob.
Come on Scunny!
We need a goal - come on, you Whites!
How about this final four in the FA Cup
Man Utd, Man Citeh, Bolton and West Ham
Three Manchester clubs and a London club!
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