Two FA Cup Quarterfinals , One Premier League Match , and Some Football League Matches
It's a mixed bag today as we start with an interesting FA Cup Quarterfinal as the Bradford City Bantams host the Reading Railroad. THis match kicks off at 745 AM on FS 1. This is followed by an Evil Prem Match from SFL as the Spuds host Evil QPR. Ipswich vs Brentford is on BEIN at 10 AM as well. The final match is bak to the quarters as Villa host the Baggies on FSC Plus ion a repeat of their Prem meeting on Tuesday..
posted by manunitedrules @ 7:42 AM
243 Comments:
Well done FOX, for once, as they have learned from NBC as they show us a cracking atmosphere from W Yorkshire. The fans are screaming John Denver's "West Virginia." I'm not quite sure that's their club song.
Both teams are aiming to make their first semi in years. The Reading Railroad for the first since 1927 and Bradford City for the first time since 1911.
It's Country Roads that's being sung as they're off.
Simon Cox wins a n early free kick for the Reading Railroad.
The free kick is easily headed away.
Steve Clarke, who had a stint with the Baggies, is now in charge of the Railroaders.The song is actually Country Roads, amid a cracking atmosphere.
It's been an old fashioned start to this cup tie . Lots of long balls on surface that resembles something from the 70s.
James Hanson heads straight to Federici off a cross from Meredith as the Bantams have the first chance of the match
The first chance of the match for Reading as a clearance from Stephen Kelly found Jamie Mackie down the right . He did well to get past Meredith and his pass into the box found Pav Pogs , who superbly turned and saw his shot crash off the post. The first time any of Reading's forwards have had a sniff at goal.
OH! The Bantams nearly took an unlikely lead as an in swinging cross from Gary Lidell eluded everyone and came off the post. It started from a free kick by Felipe Morais that was headed away and kept in by James Hanson.
Rory McArdell is booked for the Bantams, the first of the match
Steve Clarke would have been unhappy had the Bantams scored as Hector was called for a foul on Jon Stead when it appeared to be minimal contact, off a really long clearance from Steven Darby. That free kick started it all.
It's 0-0 at the half of an old fashioned Cup tie with lots of commitment, but few chances. Each side had an effort come off the post.
Morning, MUR - thanks for getting us going this morning. Brilliant post.
It's a real footie grab-bag this morning, isn't it? I chose sleep over the first half of Bradford v. Reading in the Cup. Can you blame me? 0-0 at the interval.
Rob Stone: "The ball has been in the air so much in the first half that it's earned platinum status on Delta."
Boom boom!
AN interesting stat. Only 45% of the passes have been completed compared to 80% in a Prem match. The state of the Valley Parade pitch has been a contributing factor as the second half is underway.
OH!!! The best chance of the match as Morais was through on goal and his wayward shot made it across the face of the goal
We're back on at Valley Parade and Bradford have an early chance there cleared off the line.
The first corner of the match as Darby clears for a corner, pressured by Pav Pogs. The corner from Norwood is out for another.
The next corner from Norwood is headed out by Jon Stead.
Good morning Bob. Great to have you on board. I hope you are well rested. This match has been a throwback to the 70s and the tactics of the Crazy Gang.
BOOM BOOM Indeed. Both teams will certainly be earning their frequent flyer miles. The chances like the food on this flight are merely scraps.
Great atmosphere at Valley Parade today - they deserve a better match. This is my warm-up for the MLS season.
Reading players dispute the Bantams first corner of the match and rightly so.
Most of the traffic headed toward Reading's goal now. The home side trying to press their advantage.
The corner from Chalobah is headed away then another is won.The next corner from Morais is also headed away.
Chalobah fouls Morais.
Incredibly, one of the semi-finals could be Bradford v. WBA!
A waste as a foul is called off the free kick.
That would be incredible. How about Bradford vs west Brom? The Bantams eliminated the Vanillas in the Capital One Cup Semis on their run to Wembley.
I saw your post about this being the 20th MLS season. How time flies. I think your Revs have a marathon trip to Seattle.
Or Villa? Their season is now all about getting to a Cup Final - and avoiding relegation!
I think this is more of a Southwest Airlines flight than a Delta flight. People fighting for seats, none first class. AN economy flight with peanuts worth of quality.
That semi would be a chance for revenge for Villa in the strangest of circumstances.
We do - it's the late one on Fox Sports 1 tomorrow night - 9:30pm EST. I'll be DVRing it. I thought I might start doing a Monday MLS Update on the LOB. I can't promise to watch a lot live matches but I hope to keep up to date with whose doing well and the news around the league.
The Yak is warming up for Reading. He came off the bench to score the winner against Derby County in the last round.
The cross from Billy Clarke did NOT make it to Billy Knott.
You may be interested to note that Steve Clarke and his staff were getting frustrated in the first half with some of the physical challenges. I did not see much wrong with them, IMHO.
Billy Clarke didn't get his Scout Merit Badge for Knotts.
Great singing from the Valley Parade faithful now - I read that they did a nice John Denver rendition in the first half.
They did prior to the first half kickoff. BOOM BOOM! I don;t think any of the Bradford City players are exactly Boy Scouts.
They don't seem to be - Steve Clarke wouldn't approve.
Jon Stead was through on goal for the first time this match, but a last ditch tackle by Stephen Kelly, as he was about to shoot , prevented a goal.
Gareth McCleary is on for Hal Robson-Kanu.
The Bantams get five figure crowds for league matches due to affordable pricing. Other clubs would be wise to follow suit.
You are correct about Steve Clarke not approving . I think a lot of it is him trying to gain an unfair advantage because he knows his team is being out played and he doesn't want to admit it.
I was just reading an article about Kid Rock who has the same policy, charging $25 a ticket for his concerts. Of course, his music is as crap as this match.
A great chance for Bradford as James Hanson collected a long pass down the right and his cross was diverted just wide by James Hanson.
Not a classic day of footie, it has to be said. After this one we've got the choice of QPR v. Spurs on NBC SN or Ipswich v. Brentford on BEin - what's your choice, mate?
I agree. It reminds me of some of the kick and run we matches we watched when we lived in England.
I was thinking of watching both, but my choice would be the Tractor boys vs the Bees.
Have you experienced a lot of turbulence on this flight?
OH!!!! Nearly the lead for the Bantams as Davies headed just wide off a tasty free kick from Felipe Morais.
Andrew Halliday is on for Felipe Morais.
And then the replay of Villa v. The Baggies as the late one. I'll be taking off at half-time as Kate and I have a "culinary presentation" to participate in up in Buffalo this afternoon. Should be fun.
Credit to the Bantams for keeping Strikers Jamie Mackie, Hal Robson-Kanu , and Pav Pogs in check.
I hope you have a great presentation. Will the main course be Buffalo wings?
lt's Feed the Yak time for Reading.
Like for like as the Yak is on for Jamie Mackie. He scored a late winner at the Rams in the last round.
He's flying Southwest, so he will be eating peanuts and feeding off of scraps.
LOL - could well be. It appears that The Yak has been enjoying a few culinary adventures himself. As the commentator says, "he's carrying a bit of timber."
The Yak was playing in Qatar and by the look of it, was eating more gourmet food there. He might be interested in your presentation.
A double substitution for the Bantams as Francois Zoko is on for Billy Clarke and Yates is on for Billy Knott. Steve Clarke with a substitution as Hope Akpon is on for the shagged Nat Cahlobah. The final rolls of the dice for both managers.
Billy Lidell is called for a foul on Pav Pogs.
Bloody hell - massive scramble in the box.
Two close chances for Reading. A free kick from Oliver Norwood crashes off the bar then Ben Williams saved a close range effort to prevent a late Reading winner.
It would have been a controversial goal as that free kick was knocked on to the post by the hand of Pav Pogs.
If there is a replay then it looks likely to be during Spring Break.
The replay shows that the free kick was headed out of play , but for Pav's hand ball.
Looks like it, mate. Do you have break the same week we do - March 16-20?
Four minutes of stoppage time.
Yes I do. I plan to be around for all the action that week.
Pearce is down and shedding blood after a clash of heads. He's really woozy.
Pathetic by the ref. He's more concerned about the player changing shirts than his safety.
It's a horror show now with Jamie Mackie bleeding like a stuck pig.
It sure is , but I thin it's Alex Pearce. He finally makes it off the field.
Play resumes.
It's over as it finishes 0-0. There was lots of huffing and puffing , but few chances. The replay will be at the Madjeski during Spring Break.
Next up is the Spuds vs Evil QPR on NBCSN and Ipswich vs Brentford on BEIN.
I think I'm going to watch the Evil QPR v. Spuds match and follow the Championship match on-line.
Teams in the tunnel now at Loftus Road.
QPR - Green, Onuoha, Caulker, Rio, Yun, Isla, Sandro, Henry, Austin, Zamora, Phillips. Subs: HIll, SWP, McCarthy, Kranjcar, Hoillett, Grego-Cox, Cornley.
Spuds - Lloris, Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Davies, Mason, Bentaleb, Townsend, Eriksen, Chadli, Kane. Subs: Rose, Soldado, Lamela, Vorm, Dembele, Fazio, Stambo
Sounds like a plan. I'm going for the Spuds because that late Villa winner earned me four points in the PPP. I want QPR to stay in the drop zone.
I hope your Whites have a massive road win at the Evil DW.
They're off from SFL. Two false starts. The third time is the charm.
Hoping for the best at the DW. Here's the starting line-up for Leeds:
Silvestri, Wootton, Bamba, Bellusci, Berardi, Mowatt, Cook, Murphy, Taylor, Sharp, Morison.
Loads of confusion at the beginning of this one.
QPR attack from the off and Lloris tips over a header from Bobby Zamora that came off the angle of the post and bar. The ref does not call a corner on Zamora's return to SFL.
Let the Evil Latics have it!
We need three points today against relegation threatened Wigan.
Lots of connections between the two clubs . Clive Allen commentating as he's watching tow of his former London Clubs. Chris Ramsey , the QPR manager, was a youth team manager with the Spuds. Caulker and Zamora both previously played for the Spuds.
Townsend wins a corner.
Not a lot of goals on offer yet this morning. Bradford v. Reading obviously finished 0-0. The Southwest Derby of Wrexham v. Chester finished 1-0.
A poor corner is easily cleared.
What will Happy Harry make of proceedings in this match
Rob Green does well to turn around a header by Harry Kane off a cross from Kyle Walker.
I have a feeling we will see more goals .
Harry Kane is my main hope for England. There was a lot of banter on last Sunday's 606 about the preferred front-line for England. I'd have Sturridge and Kane up top and Roon in the hole.
Townsend wins another corner.
I think I would do the same.
Coventry , in desperate need of a win, take the lead vs Port Vale.
Very quiet start. No goals in the Championship either.
Rochdale take the lead vs Colchester.
GOAL !!! THE TRACTOR BOYS TAKE THE LEAD FROM A CORNER.
Well in!
That will move Ipswich back up into the playoff spots ahead of Brentford. It's a real promotion six pointer today at Portman Road.
Freddy Sears headed down the corner and Daryl Murphy diverted it in from about a yard out. Poor defending by the Bees.
The two East Anglian rivals locked together on 63 points now.
Cheers mate. That's why I have the PIP in action.
It looks like Mick is having the Tractor Boys tick.
Daryl Murphy tried for a second goal as he got behind the defender and the keeper, but shot into the side netting from a really narrow angle.
Another chance for the Tractor Boys as Jonathan Parr found Freddy Sears , who dragged an effort wide.
Goal at Molineux - to Wolves! That's a big one in the promotion battle. Afobe with the goal.
Another goal in League One as Barnsley takes the lead vs Walsall.
Oh - great save by Lloris while Austin was lurking. He really bailed out his back four there.
The Shrews take the lead vs Cambridge an UWS will not be pleased that Accrington Stanley have taken the lead vs Pompey.
That was as horrible back pass from Kyle walker that could have given QPR the lead . Then Matty Phillips misses a great chance for QPR as Bobby Zamora headed on a pass to Charlie Austin, who found Phillips.
Luton have gone to Bedfordshire as they fall behind to Morecambe and Wise.
The Real Dons take the lead vs Dick York.
I've got Kate singing MOT right now.
UWS will be pleased that Pompey have tied it up.
Jamie Ward has put Derby ahead of Brum now.
Well in, mate. Next is Country Roads.
That is a massive goal at Molineaux as the Wolves make a late run towards a playoff spot. I almost picked them for promotion.
GOAL !!! THE BEES TIE IT UP AT PORTMAN ROAD.
Oh - Charlie Austin hits the woodwork!
What are Spuds playing at? They're making QPR look good!
dALLAS HEADED IN A REBOUND after a superb save from a header by Dean Gerken.
Goal at the City Ground as well - to Boro who are top of the pops in the Championship again.
We need a goal at the DW!
Poor by the Spuds as Ryan Mason coughed up the ball in midfield. Matty Phillips found Charlie Austin , who turned and cannoned a shot off the bar.
Peterborough take the lead vs the Orient express.
GOAL! Harry Kane on the spot once again!
GOAL !!! GUESS WHO? YES. IT'S HARRY KANE AS HE HEADS IN A FREE KICK FROM TOWNSEND. ROB GREEN WAS TOO HESITANT , COMING FOR THAT CROSS.
Simple free kick lofted in, keeper didn't come and Kane wanted it more than anyone else. Simple header.
1-0!
Harry Kane is now level third in the GBB stakes - on 15 and level with Charlie Austin. He could be a real threat to my pick of Diego Costa, who's locked on first with Sergio Aguero.
The Bees nearly took the lead as a cross from Pritchard was headed over by Judge , who misjudged what was a free header.
Music to Bob's ears as Fleetwood Mac are two up at Bramall Lane. what will Kate be singing?
Watford have leveled it against Wolves. Right old ding dong going on there at Moline.
And Forest have leveled it at the City Ground against Boro.
Kate's not a fan of the Mac, but I am - especially right now.
If Harry Kane wins then that could throw the PPP race wide open.
Not good news for Middlesborugh or Wolves.
It could well do that. I want that Shield back on my wall.
Kate may prefer Mac N Cheese. Silverware not required.
Isla is down in the box, looking for a penalty. It was poor keeping by Lloris, but I don't think it was a penalty
Sandro is another QPR player playing against his former club.
Bob will be pleased that the Canaries have taken the lead at the Evil Lions. Good news for me too.
The Evil Blades have pulled one back vs Fleetwood Mac.
Luton have really gone to Bedfordshire as they are two down vs Morecambe and Wise.
Argyle have take the lead vs Northants.
A correction. The match is being played at Loftus Road, not SFL.
Port Vale tie it up at Coventry.
Two minutes of stoppage time as the Bees are inches away from taking the lead at Portman Road.
Rob Green saves a deflected effort from Kyle walker.
Lloris pushes away a powerful near post effort from Charlie Austin./
Hudders take the lead at Rotherham
The Spuds are one up at the half at Loftus Road.
It's 1-1 at the half at Portmman Road as Button did well to save from Ricahrd Chaplow.
WAY HAY! The Canaries have gone two up at the Evil Lions.
Port Vale have come from behind to go 1-2 up at Coventry.
Luton have pulled one back vs Morecambe and Wise.
it's 0-0 at the half at the Evil DW.
Rangers are being held 0-0 at Cowdenbeath , who shipped in ten at Hearts last week.
The second half is underway from Loftus Road.
OH!!!! Eriksen had a curling effort from just outside the box come off the post, and the normally reliable Harry Kane shoots the rebound high and wide
The second half is underway from Portman Road.
Daryl Murphy misses a wide open goal as he shoots over from two yards out off a pass from Jonathan Parr.
I'm back after a lengthy chat with my brother. We're still coordinating efforts for a memorial service for my aunt next Sunday. I'll be in Virginia for Spring Break Saturday through Saturday.
Wahay! Alex Mowatt has scored again and we're 0-1 up!
That's Alex's fourth goal in five matches and he's now our top scorer on the paltry score of eight. That shows you everything about our season. We've got three other players who have scored seven but it's been a meagre season for goals at Elland Road. We could really use Ross McCormack's goals this season.
Not a Big Club have stuck another knife into Blackpool. 0-1 there. Take them out of the oven because they're well done.
OH!!! Llloris does well to push a close range powerful effort from Bobby Zamora on to the post that came off a long free kick from Rob Green.
OH !!!! Charlie Austin clears off the line from Eriksen
I wish the best with the memorial service. I hope all is well with your bruv.
Well done, Leeds. Score more./
Karl Henry receives a requisite booking.
Derby are two up vs Brum while Evil Cardiff have taken the lead vs Charlton. Wolves now lead watford 2-1.
Bentaleb is booked for afoul on Karl Henry.
WAY HAY!!!! The Canaries are now three up at the Evil Lions.
Dembele is on for Townsend.,
YESSSSSSSSS!!!! The Canaries are now four up at the Evil Lions.
Rotherham go two up at Hudders.
Norwich have really put Evil Millwall to the sword today. 0-4 there at the new Den. Crikey.
Cardiff have gone 1-0 up and that pushes us back down into the bottom half.
Forest have gone 2-1 up against high flying Boro.
GOAL! Kane rounds Rob Green and sticks away Spurs' second. That's is 16th Premiership goal and he's really putting the wind up me now about the GBB stakes.
GOAL !!!! BLAME IT ON RIO AS HARRY KANE SCORES HIS AND THE SPUDS SECOND GOAL AS HARRY KANE BEAT THE OFFSIDE TRAP AND ROUNDED ROB GREEN TO SCORE IN AN EMPTY NET. RIO WAS CAUGHT BALL WATCHING OFF A SUPERB LONG BALL FROM RYAN MASON
Desmond at Moline now as Wolves equalize.
Chris Ramsey responds by bringing on Junior Hoilett for Mauricio Isla. I think this one is done and dusted.
Roy Hodgson must have just chiseled Harry Kane's name into his squad for next week. What do you think of my idea of Kane and Sturridge up front with either Welly or Sterling out wide and Roon in the hole?
Preston take the lead in an Evil League one match at Milton Keynes.
Wasn't that the lyric from Duran Duran:
"His name is Rio and he's bollixed up the offside trap."
I agree. I would have welly on the subs bench, but otherwise, I completely agree
So Sterling over Welly? Sooner's not so key on Theo in his current form.
I actually got it from the movie with Michael Kane, who must be proud of his namesake.
Gooner, that is. Stupid auto-correct.
Theo is just back from a marathon injury layoff. I don't think her;s ready to be in the England squad.
Ah, yes - I remember that Michael Caine movie. Not one of his best, I fear.
Billy Sharp picks up the third yellow card for our lot.
GOAL! Sandro gets one back from QPR. Great strike!
Game on at Loftus Road!
GOAL !!!! SANDRO PULLS ONE BACK FOR qpr. hE DOESN'T CELEBRATE AGAINST HIS OLD CLUB AS HE WAS ASSISTED BY ANOTHER FORMER SPUD.
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