More Footie Than We Know What to Do With
posted by The Blue Devil @ 7:02 AM
Lakenheath Old Boys
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!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Lakenheath Old Boys
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!
Contributors
Previous Posts
- Hurrah - it's Boxing Day!
- RIP: Joe Cocker (1944-2014)
- Stoke vs Chelsea on Monday Night Footie
- A Sunday Holiday Double Header
- Music of 2014
- It's Beginning to Feel a Bit Like Christmas Footer
- More Capital One Cup Quarterfinal Madness
- Happy Birthday, MUR!
- Capital One Cup Quarterfinal Action
- Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 16 Update!
373 Comments:
A very early morning to you all. I'm starting the day in the basement as Gooner is having a lie in after a late night.
The team news this morning:
Spurs - Lloris, Chiriches, Fazio, Vertonghen, Davies, Stambo, Mason, Townsend, Eriksen, Chadli, Kane.
Subs - Walker, Paulinho, Soldado, Lamela, Vorm, Dier, Dembele
United - Twilight, Jones, McNair, Evans, Carrick, Valencia, Mata, Roon, Yashley, RVP, Falcao.
Subs - Rafa, Shaw, Smalling, Lindy, Fletch, Pereira, Wilson
United looked like the United of old on Boxing Day. Can they build on that today?
It's even steven in the early going at Shite Fart, neither team able to fashion a good opening.
Pochettino is looking pretty animated on the touchline puffing out his cheeks.
Falcao is down holding his face after having been caught by Vertonghen. Roon is giving the ref an earful about it.
End to end stuff here, with Andros Townsend featuring prominently. He brings a save out of David de Gea with a low drive from distance.
A free-kick from Juan Mata is deflected onto the post and causes all manner of chaos on the Spurs goalline. Van Persie is inches away from giving Manchester United the lead.
Young drives up the left wing and his cross is deflected behind for a corner. Rooney takes it and there’s more chaos on the Tottenham goalline. Some United players are appealing that the ball crossed the line but the linesman has an offside flag up.
Stromboli gets a yellow card for a foul on Michael Carrick.
The cards are really flying now. Andros Townsend gets booked for a really bizarre foul on Ashley Young. The Manchester United wing-back had the ball at his feet near the halfway line and was going nowhere, when the Spurs No17 clattered into the back of him for no reason whatsoever.
Still 0-0 a half-hour into this one. Very tight.
United have it in the goal but it's ruled out. Jones had a header half-saved by Lloris. Then the ball was hooked off the line by Vertonghen. United players appealed it but the offside flag had already gone up on Falcao.
60/40 United possession at this point. The Davids would be pleased...if they were awake!
Seconds before he’d had his long-range effort saved by Hugo Lloris earlier, Andros Townsend had sent in an excellent cross for Harry Kane, who was this close to getting a touch on it and diverting it past Twilight. I was attempting to bring you this news when my computer decided to turn itself off, presumably in a fit of anti-Spurs biased.
Federico Fazio gifts possession to Falcao in a dangerous position and the Colombian gallops into the penalty area and attempts to curl the ball around Hugo Lloris and inside the far post. His effort is fairly feeble and the goalkeeper saves easily. Interestingly, Robin van Persie was on hand to pick up a pass, should Falcao have chosen to pick him out.
Not a great free kick from Eriksen. He's usually more accurate with those. Cleared out.
Crunching tackle by Mason on Falcao there leaves the striker in a heap.
Vertonghen and Van Persie have a bit of needle going this afternoon and clash shoulder- to shoulder over by the sideline, in line with the Spurs penalty area. Much to RVP's displeasure, Vertonghen is awarded a free-kick.
First time Yashley is found clear on the left but his cross is cleared out.
Into the last five minutes of the first half. Some good stuff from both sides but no killer punch yet.
Davies drifts by a static Mata but his shot was a wee bit ambitious.
RVP darts behind the Tottenham defence to latch on to a ball over the top from distance. Lloris remains rooted to his line and about six yards out, Van Persie’s first touch is a good one. Sadly, gravity gets the better of him and the ball doesn’t drop in time for him to poke it past Lloris. He ends up having to take a second touch before he can fire off a shot, allowing the goalkeeper to push the ball clear.
More good work from Ashley Young, who canters down the left flank with the ball at his feet, before sending in a cross. Wayne Rooney leaps and sends a powerful header goalwards, but Lloris dives to his left to smother the ball and save.
Another big chance - Lloris saves from Rooney again! Wonderful stuff from United and from the Spurs keeper.
Into stoppage time now in the first half.
From a United corner, Spurs break and charge down the other end of the pitch, courtesy of Christian Eriksen. Juan Mata is forced to do a spot of last-ditch defending.
Peep peep! That's half-time. Fair to say that Spurs will be the more relieved with that goalless scoreline as the players trot off.
I dozed off during half time so we're an hour in now. Still goalless.
Vertonghen is shoved by RVP, who is lucky to escape a yellow card, which would have ruled him out of Manchester United’s next game. After today’s round of Premier League games, there’s a yellow card amnesty for all those players currently walking the four-card tightrope.
Davies blocks Falcao's progress but avoids a yellow card for the obstruction. Referee very lenient today.
Looks as if Rafa replaced Valencia while I was snoozing.
The commentators are saying that Spurs have played a lot better in this second half than they did in the first, but have created little in the way of scoring opportunities. Stromboli, who is on a yellow card already, fouls Phil Jones and concedes a free-kick.
Ian Darke says that "it's getting a bit attritional out there," whatever that means. I think it's another way of saying it's got scrappy now.
65 minutes in - we could definitely do with a goal about now.
Townsend pounces on a breaking ball about 30 yards out, drives forward and unleashes a rasping, dipping shot. Twilight is forced into action and saves well, diving low to his left.
Mata sends the ball into outer space from about six yards out after getting on the end of a pulled back cross from Falcao. He really lashed at that one, when a bit more nuance or finesse might have served him better.
Not for the first time in this match, Evans slices an attempted clearance into Row Z, earning himself a big cheer from the Spurs fans.
Twenty minutes left - surely time for some changes from both sides.
McNair is booked for a clumsy challenge on Harry Kane.
And here's that change I suspected was coming but it's hardly inspiring. Smalling on for Evans. Is LVH satisfied with a goalless draw at Shite Fart?
Great save by Twilight!
Yashley and Andros Townsend tussle as the latter attempts to sprint clear of his marker to chase a through-ball. Townsend goes to ground and it looks like Young, who is on a yellow card, might get sent off. Referee Jon Moss is having none of it, much to Townsend’s disgust. Was it a foul? I thought so, but I’d need to see a replay to be sure.
David de Gea charges out of his penalty area to hoof clear a through ball that Harry Kane was attempting to chase down. 15 minutes and stoppage to play.
Manchester United substitution: Paddy McNair off, Luke Shaw on. Are United switching to a back four?
Eriksen’s dipping effort is decent and on target, but David de Gea leaps to his right to punch clear for a throw-in.
Double substitution by Spurs - Lamela and Dembele on for Chadli and Townsend. At least that's a bit more adventurous from Pochettino.
Yashley plays the ball up the left channel for Roon to chase. He’s crowded off the ball and Spurs embark on the counter-attack.
Inside the last ten minutes now. Something's got to give.
Great chance for Spurs - Kane was able to hold up a ball for Mason to fun on to but he fired over the bar.
Falcao is booked for a clip on Lamela. He should have been subbed ages ago.
Now it's Rafa into the book for a foul on Eriksen. These are building up.
Spurs definitely finishing the stronger of the two sides.
United's changes haven't really inspired much ambition. They're clearly playing for a draw.
United remain on the back foot as Spurs continue to press for a late winner. Shaw is forced to stick a foot in and hack clear off the toe of Chiriches. Throw-in for Spurs, deep in United territory.
Three minutes of stoppage time has started.
Carrick attempts to dink the ball over the Spurs defence in the general direction of Robin van Persie, but the Dutchman concedes a free-kick.
Good morning mate. I have not abandoned you. I recorded the match, deciding that a wee kip was better than getting up at an unreasonable hour during a vacation.
I will be around the remainder of the morning.
Time for maybe one more chance.
Morning, mate - that's a thoroughly understandable position. Great to have you around.
Peep! Peep! Peeeeeeeeeep! It’s all over. After a good first half, the second half was comparatively turgid, with both sets of players looking understandably weary, constantly giving the ball away.
That leaves United in third and Spurs in sixth ahead of the other matches today.
Next up is Soton v. Chelski. I'm going to head upstairs for that one.
I see that I did not even miss a goal and some extra kip on the most miserable morning of the year. Can't beat that
The Brummies have won 1-3 at Forest in a Midlands Derby,.
You definitely made the right decision, mate. I'm hoping for much better from the next one.
The team news:
Soton - Forster, Alderweireld, Fonte, Yoshida, Targett, Davis, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Tadic, Pelle, Mane.
Chelski - Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Luis, Obi Wan, Matic, Schurrle, Fabregas, Hazard, Costa.
I count three defensive middies for the Blues. Looks fairly clear what Jose is preparing.
Saints about to get us started at St. Marys.
I just made some Italian Roast Coffee. I hope that's a sign that Graziano Pelle will get a few goals. They're off from St. Mary's
Ta, Bob. Tadic high and wide with an early effort.
Tadic latches on to a wayward one but his shot is always rising.
The Italian Roast may be symbolic that fans want to roast Cellino so that he is toast.
I'd have a brace from my GBB Diego Costa today. That would have him one clear of Aguero the super crock.
It's coming home, it's coming home. It's coming - the LOB Shield is coming home!
Le Saux would be perfect for this match since he played for both clubs.
A number of the players seem to be employing the jazz hands strategy on a cold day today.
That's true - not sure who this color bloke is, are you?
I'm hoping Citeh overtake Chelsea because I may actually have a chance then. Simon came out of the middle of nowhere last season.
Looking at this Soton side on paper, I have no earthly idea how they're in fourth.
Arsenal will hope that Soton will lose this one and that they'll hammer the Hammers. That would have them back into fourth.
It looks cold here for the first time this vacation. Similar to when you and the Gooner visited, but rain instead of drizzle and even a little thunder. No wonder why I slept so well.
True - no one had Citeh winning last season, so Simon cleared up with all those correct cup picks.
I would imagine so - are Fred and Sparky keeping you company?
Trash talking between the Gooner and Johnno?
I'm constantly amazed at hoe good the Premiership pitches look at this point of the season. It's like a green carpet.
Costa wins a corner. Fabregas with the corner in, and the keeper tipped it away. Schurrle wins another corner.
They are. Sparky was in the closet because someone was setting off fireworks. That stopped around 8 when it started raining , which I think it's done ever since.
I think the Saints season is a credit to Fat Ron. He's done brilliantly despite LVG labelling him a "weak coach."
Me too. I remember the mud baths in the good old days.
JT isn't pleased with Pelle's elbow in his face.
Did you see that the rail system in London is worse than the DC metro? Simon had a really horrible time. I'm sure he's glad to be watching his Gunners against Johnno's team.
As if JT has been such an angel during his career.
Will Giroud be watching from his vacation chateau in the French Riviera? Simon and Eric implied that on FB. Those rascals.
Oh - Fonte very close to tapping in Wanyama's nod back.
A corner for the Saints.OH! the corner was headed on then Mane headed on and JT cleared for another corner
Costa headed out the next corner from Steven Davis.
He might well do; Gooner has joined me now for the proceedings.
Nice sliding cut out by Cahill or Wanyama was in on goal.
WAY HAY! MANE PUTS THE SAINTS IN THE LEAD
GOAL! Mane runs on to a lovely through ball from Tadic and pops it over Courtois.
1-0 Saints!
Nineteen year old left back,MAtt Targett lived up to his name as he found Pelle , who headed down to Tadic and his through ball found Mane, who beat JT for pace then delightfully chipped Courtois.
I thin you and the Gooner will be delighted that JT looked like a real mug on that goal
Scheiderlin tries a pop from distance and it's well over.
I guess my plan worked out perfectly . I timed it perfectly for seeing a goal unless you include Forest vs Brum on BEIN.
Good morning to the Gooner. I was going to say, but I was interrupted by a goal.
A corner by Fab is anything but as it's cleared by the first man.
I'll pass that along.
Wanayama fouls Hazard. The free kick is taken short.
Ta, mate.
Citeh host Burnley in an hour . Anything can happen.
Soton fans chanting Ronald Koeman's name now.
I see that Leeds are not in action today. I think they are at Derby County on Tuesday. I don't think it's BEIN televised.
Fab went past two players then his cross was deflected just ahead of Schurrle Temple , who was in a great position to score.
Yeah - we are at Derby on Tuesday. I don't fancy it. We're in 20th now, four points above the dropzone. Definitely panic stations.
The color guy sounds like Brian Marwood or Chris Waddle.
A dodgy link will be necessary. That fixture was the venue for a famous fight in the mid 70s at the old Baseball Ground. I'm not sure if you remeber it.
An all Serbian clash as Tadic is called for a foul on Ivanovic just outside the box.
The free kick from Fab is headed away. Matic gets past Pelle and has a cross cleared.
Lovely short passing there from Chelski but Soton held their ground.
The Saints finally clear after Steven DAvis lumps it out.
A Soton win would really give Citeh a chance to pip them at the top as they play woeful Burnley today at home.
Matic is booked for a foul on Mane , to the delight of the home fans.
Hazard fouls Mane near the corner flag. There didn't seem much in that
A woeful free kick from Tadic, who has been doing much better than that this season.
Is Kevin Keegan the color guy?
No memories of that fight at the Baseball Ground . It was Derby vs Leeds in the mid 70s. Do you ant any clues? I saw it on youtube as described by John Motson on MOTD.
I don't think so - he sounds younger than King Kev.
Toby Alderweireld has been excellent in the Saints defense this half. I guess they're in fourth due to some astute signings by Fat Ronnie.
Kate has joined us now for the festivities.
TYpically by Obi wan. This time on Mane , who is being a thorn in Jose's side.
Fonte heads out as the free kick from Tadic was a tad too high.
A good morning to Kate. I hope she's having a great time .
We're minutes away from enjoying some English bangers for brekkies.
An ambitious run by young Matt TArgett , who didn't have a chance to find the target.
That's really tasty. I hope it's as tasty as this match. I hope you all are happier than Jose.
Drogs warming up . Is it due to the cold or because Jose has "plans."
Jose is not happy at all.
Do the Gooner and Johnno have any pre-match wagers or trash talking ahead of the match at Upton Park. That seems like the pick of the matches today
well wide by Pelle.
No response to that Derby vs Leeds question? Did you see that match?
Gooner says he's on a strict no-wager policy.
Yeah - we did have a right old ruck at the Baseball Ground in the 70s.
Two minutes of stoppage time
GOAL!!! HAZARD TIE IT UP.
GOAL! Hazard is able to jink back on his right foot and finish with aplomb.
1-1!
fELIPE lUIS FOUND cOSTA, WHO WAS ATCKLED. The ball broke to Fab , who found Hazard, who scored with a great finish. It's 1-1 at the half.
Koeman will be gutted not to have his side go in 1-0 up. That really changes his half-time team talk.
It sure does. Will he feel that Mane was fouled by Ivanovic in the build up to the goal.
Some relegation six pointers about to kickoff as it's a return to the KC for Nigel Pearson and a return to Evil Loftus Road for Evil Neil.
It's a cacophony of matches going on - I've never seen them do that before.
The suits at BEIN are showing Blackburn vs Middlesbrough that is about to kick off from Ewood Park.
I remember this schedule has occurred once or twice each season for about the last three years,
They're off from Ewood Park.
I think the Hammers vs the Gunners is the pick of the lot today. Your thoughts?
Bolton Trot to an early lead at the Terriers in a War of the Roses match
Hard to pick, mate. Arsenal may struggle with Fat Sam's lot.
Boom boom, mate!
I think I've already made lunch plans on such a dreary day outside. Any guesses from those at Gooner Central?
Willian is on for the second half.
What's for brekkies?
The second half is underway from St. Mary's as Willian is on for Schurrle Temple. I think that was a good move by Jose.
I had cereal and Italian Roast for brekkies. For lunch it will be Chinese. I will order off the menu a dish called Lee Won Pen. I will need to dive into that to get the full effect!
I dare not look at the Championship scores and table today. Leeds start in 20th but could easily slip to 21st if Millwall get something against Bournemouth.
Walsall take the lead at MK. That's not fake.
Sounds good, mate.
If we blog on Tuesday then we will need a dodgy link to watch that. I'm sure Frannie Lee and Norman Hunter will not be sitting together at pride Park.
Not an actual meal. It'a dig at your old mate, Fat Frannie!! Hee Hee!
Oh - I'm sure that Frannie and Norman are fast friends now.
Wolves take the sting out of the match as they take the lead vs the Bees,
According to Frannie they are. Hard to believe they're now in their early 70s.
The Real Dons take the lead vs Exeter.
Newport County are off to the races as they take an early lead at Cheltenham
BUGGER! Stevenage take the lead vs Cambridge. Simon will be pleased.
Dover take an early lead at table topping BArnet. Dover host Palace in the Cup next Sunday
I was going to say, mate. I'm a Chinese afficionado and I've never heard of that one. Well in!
Aberdeen take the lead at Inverness Callie. The winner will move up to second. The Dons will be only two points behind Celtic if they win.
Oh - Fabregas was sure he'd earned a pen but he merely slipped over. Lee Mason is not pleased and will award him a yellow card.
Cheers mate. I'm in the mood today after some rest this vacation.
I thought that was harsh. It looked like he lost his footing as opposed to an actual dive.,
Fleetwood Mac , the smallest town in the football league, sing to the tune of a lead vs Rochdale.
Yoshida is booked for a foul on Hazard.
Tadic gets a deserved ovation as he's replaced by James Ward- Prowse.
More stinging news as Evil Cardiff take the lead vs Elton John's Hornets.
WAY HAY!! Cambridge tie it up at Stevenage .Simon will not be pleased.
Bob will be pleased as Argyle Sweater takes the lead over Oxford Shirt.
Morecambe and Wise take the lead at Jeff's foolish looking team
Garros is on for Yoshida, who was recently booked.
UWS will not be pleased that Pompey have gone to Bedfordshire as they fall behind to Luton.
The first Prem goal of the day in a match we're not watching as Citeh take the lead vs Burnley. David Silva with the goal
Costa had a shot come off of Targett for a corner that was not on target.
Our Bob must be having brekkies or else he's taking a break from my puns!
Dover are two up at table topping Barnet as they get ready for Neil's Evil Minyons next Sunday.
BUGGER! Stevenage regain the lead vs Cambridge as it's now 2-1.
One of the Olsson twins is injured for Blackburn after a good , old fashioned tackle on Grant Leadbitter.
Schneiderlin is booked for a foul on HAzard.
Nigel Pearson is enjoying his return to the KC as his Foxes take the lead at the Tigers.Maherez with the goal
Citeh go two up vs Burnley. Fernadinho with the goal
High and wide by Ivanovic.
Drogs for Obi wan as it's obvious what Jose is planning. He's hoping to have the force with him.
Bob will be pleased that the Cherries have taken the lead at the Evil Lions.
The Reading Railroad take the lead vs the Canaries in a battle of teams that were my picks for promotion, but ...
Table topping Bristol City take the lead at the Gils.
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