It's FA Cup Quarter-Final Time!
posted by The Blue Devil @ 6:53 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!
Saturday, March 11, 2017
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
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341 Comments:
Two Premier League sides meet in the first FA Cup quarter-final, yet there is still scope for a giant-killing. The difference between Middlesbrough and Manchester City, in everything from resources to current form, is so pronounced that it would be a big shock if Boro went through today.
The teams now gathering in the tunnel at the Riverside:
Middlesbrough (4-3-3) Guzan; Fabio, Bernardo, Gibson, Barragan; De Roon, Clayton, Leadbitter; Stuani, Gestede, Traore.
Substitutes: Valdes, Husband, Fry, Forshaw, Fischer, Ramirez, Negredo.
Manchester City (4-2-3-1) Bravo; Zabaleta, Stones, Otamendi, Clichy; Toure; Sterling, De Bruyne, Silva, Sane; Aguero.
Substitutes: Caballero, Fernando, Nolito, Kolarov, Delph, Fernandinho, Iheanacho.
Referee Mike Dean.
As usual, the Fox numpties have decided to run some irrelevant nonsense (in this case, Nascar) instead of pre-match coverage.
That gives me time to preview the Cup consequences for our PPP game. Here are the competitors still in with a chance of points in the Cup:
Blue Devil - Winners: Chelsea; Losers: Arsenal
Gooner - Losers: Arsenal
MUR - Winners: Arsenal
Red Devil - Winners: City; Losers: Spurs
Red Drago - Winners: Chelsea; Losers: City
The Saint - Winners: Chelsea; Losers: City
Someone Said - Losers: Arsenal
UWS - Winners: Arsenal; Losers: Chelsea
West Ham Rising - Winners: Arsenal; Losers: United
Simon - Winners; Arsenal; Losers: Spurs
Yellows - Winners: United; Losers: Chelsea
The Boro faithful are having a good time with Pigbag's iconic "Papa's Got a Brand New Pigbag" as the teams come out. Marvelous atmosphere.
They're off from the Riverside.
And we're away at the Riverside - both sides thankfully wearing their traditional kits.
Good morning, Bob. I'm up to join you as I start Spring Break. How about you?
Morning, MUR - great to have you board, albeit only for a bit today, right? I hope that the footer gives you a distraction from the sad duty today.
GOAL! That didn't take long. Citeh were out of the traps quickly and Silva has opened the scoring for them. Boro in disarray.
GOAL !!!! SANE GIVES CITEH AN EARLY LEAD AS BORO HAVE YET TO START THE MATCH
Zaba found acres of space in the area and volleyed over a cross that one of three Citeh men could have finished. Silva was the one who accepted the invitation.
0-1 Citeh!
Given that Boro are typically stronger at the back than they are in the front, that is a very poor start for Boro. Karanka's game plan was likely to play for extra time and penalties. Now they'll actually have to score a goal.
Thanks, Bob. This will be a welcome distraction. I will be here for just this match, but all the action the rest of the week.
Naughty by a frustrated Ledbitter on Aguero.
Leadbitter takes his frustration out on Aguero’s left leg and is lucky not to be booked.
Please pass on my best to Elizabeth's family today.
Agreed, Bob. Boro are a traditionally defensive side, but they sure didn't show it. A great team goal , but poor defending . It started down the left then Silva found Yaya, who found Zaba unmarked down then right his cross was flicked on by Sane and tucked away art the far post by Silva
I sure will. Thanks, mate.
Aguero is still limping after that kick from Leadbitter. That’s a bit ominous for City, with the trip to Monaco on Wednesday in mind. It was a bad tackle.
Just before the goal, I was about to state that this will be the first time the FA Cup quarterfinals will go to a replay and that a fourth sub will be permitted in extra time. That certainly doesn't look like the case in this match
Ledbitter should have been at least booked. It seemed intentional.
What's happened to the Ginger Winger? Back in the fall, he looked on top of the world. Now, I notice Pep doesn't always start him. And his form has really dropped off.
Oh - Sane was in behind the Boro defense there but instead of shooting tried to square it to Aguero. Wrong choice.
Fred is lying on my desk, looking for his Black Cats , but their NE Derby at the Riverside is not being played due to this match.
Another wasteful ball from Sane. But Citeh are threatening again and again - in full flow.
I think he somehow doesn't fit into Pep's style of play. That's my best guess.
Barragan booked for an awful foul. A good decision to make Boro players aware in case they had any ideas.
A good number of Citeh fans made the trip to the NE.
Bor scored a late equalizer when the team met earlier this season . They dominated like they are to day, so a second goal is necessary if Citeh want to clinch a place in the semis.
De Roon, who scored that late equalizer , volleys well wide.
First decent chance there - a nice knock down from Gestede and De Roon had a shot from the D. Wildly off target though.
Fabio , the ex United player , wins a corner off of Zaba.
Fabio wins a corner now - better from Boro.
And the ball is cleared off the line by Zaba from the corner!
Nearly an equalizer twice off a great corner from Ledbitter. First Bravo fumbled a close range header from Barragan that was cleared off the line from Zaba , then the return cross from Ledbitter was headed inches over by Gestede.
I guess both chances off the corner were from Gestede. Sadly for Boro, he seems to have run his course as he's now down injured.
It is as he will be replaced by normal starting striker, Negredo, who played a season for Citeh. He's on a season long loan from Valencia.
Yes - Rudy Gestede does seem to be the biggest threat for Boro. I've never really fancied Citeh's backline defensively.
Unfortunately, Negredo has been a relative flop for Boro.
Jon Champion giving Clive Allen some stick about the number of London clubs he played for . IS my place as pun master in jeopardy?
That tells you about Boro's scoring problems since he's Boro's top scorer by far.
Never, mate. Jon Champion doesn't have anything on you. Doesn't Clive hold the record for the number of London clubs that he played for?
Guzan with a near post kick save from Silva then the danger is cleared.
Oh - what a miss from Sane there. Total miscue as he was teed up for a second goal.
Citeh to be back in the groove now, after that short period of Boro dominance. If they were to score a second before half time, it would be hard to see Boro coming back.
Sane should have put Citeh two up. Silva found Sterling free down the right and his pass found Sane who scuffed a shot that should have been a goal.
Correct, mate . That's why Jon Champion gave him stick. He told Clive that he scored against one of his former London clubs just about every week and even had time to take a brief break from playing ion London to have a spell at Citeh. A tad naughty from Jon Champion?
Stuani with a free header from a great cross that was headed into the ground and straight to Bravo.
Silva with a deflected effort easily saved by Guzan
Fabio pulls back Sterling. Neither a Fab nor Sterling challenge.
Yaya heads the free kick from the Ginger Wenger wide.
Sane has the ball in the bet but it's been ruled out for offside.
Citeh don't seem to be expending any more energy than they absolutely need to today. They've definitely got their eyes on that return leg with Monaco in the CL.
Ledbitter deservedly booked for an awful foul after getting away with one earlier.
Agreed. That seems to be the case.
Two minutes of stoppage time.
Morning boys
Sorry for missing the start of this one.... I always figured this one was going to be a ho-hum match
Not sure if you posted this but starting this round there are no replays. Extra time and penalties if needed today AND teams get a fourth substitute only for extra time
Into two minutes of stoppage time now.
Morning, UWS. This one has been to script so far. But Boro are still technically in it. If they had more firepower, I'd be more hopeful. But it does seem as if Citeh have a gear or two that they could shift into if they were to concede a freak Boro goal.
Traore is going to pick up a late yellow card here for a chop on Otamendi.
Adama Traore booked for an unnecessary foul on Otamendi seconds before halftime.
That's half-time at the Riverside then. Citeh took the lead early and haven't really looked troubled since.
Citeh is one up at the half thanks to an early goal from David Silva.
HT.... Citeh half way to Wembley
Will there be a full heavyweight line up in the semis or will there be a big surprise
Good morning, UWS. I think I mentioned that right after the goal.
Did you , sorry I didn't read it
Bob, are you getting a storm this week
We could be getting a FOOT or Two of snow on Tuesday!!
oooh, just realized that the with the clock change I will only miss the first fifteen minutes of Monday's match instead of the whole half
Actually, I will get home after only about 5 minutes...lovely jubbley
The satellite is out , probably due to a storm nearby. I will be watching on foxsoccer2go as the second half is underway
Yeah - I'm not really looking forward to it. But fortunately, we're on break, so we can bunker in.
I'll look forward to joining you for that one, lads.
I'm on Spring Break this week, so I will be around for all the action except for today. I will be leaving at the conclusion of the match due to the memorial service for Elizabeth's mom.
We had storms yesterday too, thunderstorms that is. It was drizzling when I took Sparky walkies , then all of a sudden it was a downpour and really windy. Fortunately , I took an umbrella, but unfortunately , Sparky got soaked.
A similar move to the goal as the Ginger wenger pulls back a cross and Sane shoots over from a few yards out. Another missed sitter.
Bernardo is off injured for Boro and replaced by local youngster , Dael Fry.
Citeh are turning up the heat now to try to kill this one off. Lots of misses. Doubt whether they'll rue those, in the end.
That was actually a very good save from Big Brad from Aguero. Kept Boro in this one.
OH!!!! Aguero with a missed sitter as he hits the post from a few yards out.
Will Citeh regret those missed chances. This is very similar to the match at the Etihad earlier this season where De Roon scored a stoppage time equalizer.
I'm back to watching on the telly and a good thing because the link is about 45 seconds behind.
Welcome back, mate!
The hour mark comes - what has Karanka got up his sleeve to turn this one around?
Two of Clive Allen's former clubs are in action tomorrow as the Spuds host the Evil Lions
Cheers, mate.Good to be around for the final half hour unless this goes to ET.
Brad Guzan at full stretch as he turns around a long range effort from Silva with a finger tip save
Sorry, I was in the loo for the beginning of the second half
Still ho-hum?
Brad superbly turns around a long range effort from Sane.
Welcome back. Citeh have had several chances to extend their lead since the break.
An attacking switch as Gaston Ramirez is on for Ledbitter.
Gaston Ramirez comes on then to give some extra oomph up front for Boro.
No Nocito Curse today?
So, anyone for all away wins this weekend in the Cup
United, City, Millwall and Lincoln?
I do think it will be a big four for the final four
Chelsea, City, Spurs and Arsenal
TWO NIL CITY
GOAL! Aguero puts this one to bed.
GOAL !!!!! THAT SHOULD OD IT AS AGUUERO PUTS CITEH TWO UP
Likely to be the case, yes.
Sane and De Bruyne are withdrawn then. Monaco awaits.
This goal was coming as Guzan was forced to make several saves. A great team goal down the left that culminated in a pass from Sane tucked in by Aguero.
GOAL! Sterling wraps things up - no he's ruled offside.
Ball in the net...but the flag is up...not sure
Bravo with an unconventional save as he made a slide tackle save off a solo run from Ramirez.
Citeh could have gone three up.
shame United have to go to the Bridge
They've never retained the Cup
Aguero is tackled for yet another Citeh corner.
Citeh players are lining up for a third goal now. Silva's shot is just about blocked out.
Brad Guzan saves a deflected effort from Silva then gathers the rebound.
Hoping for an away win Monday. I could see that one going to penalties as both teams are in a good run of form, but I'm guessing an Italian style 1-0 win to Chelsea because they don't have nearly the number of fixtures that United do.
It should be an interesting return to SB for Jose and Juan Mata.
Great sweeper keeping from Guzan, who keeps the score down
Guzan headed to Atlanta United at the end of the season.
ooh, off the line by Stones
Claudio Bravo is a rubbish keeper but you wouldn't know it playing in this Citeh side today. He could have gone off for a kebab during much of this second half. About the only things he's had to do, he's relied on his defenders to bail him out. Like there.
OH!!! Stones clears a header from Fabio off the line. The best football of the match as Traore went on a solo run, his cross was headed down by Negredo then Fabio's header was cleared off the line.
Agreed. Just that one slide tackle on Ramirez. He could have gone to the loo.
I guess you could say that Boro were a Stones throw from getting back into this match.
Sterling with a shot easily saved by Guzan . He should have done better,
I noticed that all the other quarterfinals take place in London as do the remaining ties. I guess this is the last FA Cup tie of the season to be played outside London.
Boom boom, mate!
Nolito fails to connect on a cross from the Ginger Wenger. Nocito would have connected.
Yes - it could easily be an all-London affair this year.
Cheers, mate.
De Roon becomes the fourth Boro player booked.
I'd like a Manc and North London derbies for both semis
I was stating about the matches in London because the remaining quarters take place in London, both semis are at Wembley as is the final. The match at SB is the only not in North London.
Those would be two decent semis.
The Gunner face Abe Lincoln after looking anything , but Presidential in the second half vs BAyern
YA Ya ! Fernando is coming on according to Abba.
I'd be happy with two derby semis.
Boro facing Citeh today at the Riverside and United a week from tomorrow, also at the Riverside , then the international break.
Traore is a naughty boy - he's already been booked.
Nolito upset with what seemed reasonable challenges from Traore. Nocito would have dealt with that,
Wishing Leeds the best vs Evil QPR today.
Thanks, mate - we really need the three points.
Three minutes of stoppage time and the final roll of the dice from Pep as Ihenacho is on for Aguero.
Boro will spend the remainder of the season fighting for their Premier League lives.
Ihenacho wins a late Citeh corner,.
Gibson blocks a close range effort from Ihenacho for a corner. Adam Clayton fouls Silva off the short corner and that's it as Citeh comfortably win 0-2 at the Riverside.
That's it
Now on to the Premier League
That's it for me . I will be around for a London quarterfinal and a Merseyside Prem match tomorrow. It was great chatting.
CHEERS!
Take care MUR
Have a peaceful day, mate!
NBC showing the Best of the Rest match at Goodison Park between 7th Everton and 8th WBA
Strange happening this weekend....both Merseyside sides play at home. That never happens but is this weekend because of the Anfield construction earlier in the season. Liverpool moved some home games to away at the beginning to finish their stand. Their match where they lost 2-0 at Turf Moor should have been at Anfield so today's match should have been in Burnley
Damn... still no sound on the SS link
I'm looking to see if Leeds v. QPR is on one of the BEin Connect channels. No luck so far. I'll let you know.
Shame - that was a really good link.
I can't say too many kind words for NBC.... they just said they will show the FA Cup goals... they don't pretend a competition doesn't exist just because they don't have the rights to it
Please do
I've still got it running for the scores to pop up
BTW, I don't like the offside rules
David Silva was offside as the ball went out to the wing. It wasn't called because the ball didn't go to him BUT he was closer to the goal as the cross came in. so he had an unfair advantage
You are Toon fan today... hosting Fulham
I can't believe that Leeds don't have a larger lead on the Cottagers
Motto gets a mention
Not sure if this is going to work but fingers crossed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXmY8Wrm-Ew
I'll give it a shot. Cheers, mate!
I'm back for the relegation dogfight between Hull and Swansea.
Here are the teams:
Hull: Jakupovic, Elabdellaoui, Ranocchia, Maguire, Robertson, Huddlestone, Markovic, N’Diaye, Clucas, Grosicki, Hernandez. Subs: Davies, Meyler, Maloney, Diomande, Marshall, Niasse, Elmohamady.
Swansea: Fabianski, Rangel, Fernandez, Mawson, Olsson, Fer, Cork, Carroll, Routledge, Llorente, Sigurdsson. Subs: Amat, Ayew, Britton, Borja Baston, Nordfeldt, Narsingh, Kingsley.
Referee: Andre Marriner.
All eyes on Elland Road. Unfortunately, BEin seem not to care. Grrr!
Is that on CNBC?
I have NBCSN for Everton WBA...which doesn't excite me
Hope this link works
I have to go for walkies at some point in this freezing wind..not looking forward to it
Still nothing for the link
And we're off from the KC on CNBC. Tony Jones and Danny Higginbotham on the mics. Teams in their usual kits.
Not a sausage.
Bugger...not live
Yeah - I didn't fancy the mid-table fixture. This one at least has something at stake. It's 19th v. 16th.
Do you remember a guy from Feltwell JH named Doug Fusella?
No
Why?
The crowd seems a wee bit subdued at the KC. They should be well up for this one. It's a bloody six-pointer!
He's recently friended me on Facebook and has been commenting on my threads about Leeds. He's a Leeds fan. I don't remember him but he was apparently in the UK during 1976-78. I'm thinking of inviting him along to the LOB. The more the merrier, eh?
Oh - Jakupovic will a great save from Routledge there to prevent an early goal from Swansea.
Penalty to Bournemouth! Feghouli is defending on the right flank, and Charlie Daniels passes to his right and then heads towards the box. Feghouli follows him, waits until he’s in the area, and then grabs him by the shoulder and hauls him down!
5 Live is not blacked out because they are going to be cover the Calcutta Clash in the 6 Nations between England and Scotland but they are giving updates because game hasn't started
Bournemouth have a penalty... another early penalty...they have missed it!
Of course they scored one last week at OT!
Josh King has hit the post! What a let off for West Ham!
West Ham go down the other end and score
Keeper didn't make a worldie save...like last week
Fatty tries one from range. Not enough weight behind it, ironically. Easily held by Flappy.
Now West Ham have taken the early lead, only moments after The Cherries blew that penalty opening. Antonio with the goal.
Lukaku hits one low and just wide
Llorente has been in great form but he failed to get a touch on that free kick chance.
Oh dear.... Fulham have take the lead at SJP
We'll need some help today from Villa against Not a Big Club, Brentford against Hudders, PNE against Reading and a draw, please, between Newcastle and Fulham.
That's alright - early doors. A draw would be fine in that one. I don't see Newcastle blowing a home match against the Cottagers.
Managerless Canaries take the lead at CR vs Blackburn
Now it's the Canaries with an opening goal at home to Blackburn. Knock it off you lot!
Isn't Alan Irvine the interim boss there?
Norwich one up but a man down
Not sure
I did hear that Pardew was in the frame for the job
That might be a good fit for him.
Goals all over the place at Fleetwood against Bolton
1-2 to Bolton 2v4
Sounds like the goal from Tom Cairney for Fulham was a right stonker.
Bolton really should be back up in the Championship.
Hull get a decent free kick right outside the D.
Portsmouth just moved into the automatic promotion spots midweek and just took the lead away today
At Colchester
Into the wall from Maguire - disappointing effort.
The Hull crowd look like they're at a funeral. Come on, people!
Angel Rangel has done himself an injury and has been replaced by Amat.
Josh King has equalized! Making up for his earlier miss, he's done a Pele, flipping the ball over his shoulder, turning and hitting it home on the volley. Sounds like a special goal!
1-1!
Villa take the lead vs Wednesday
That'll do nicely!
Another penalty at Bournemouth... for the hosts..another miss!!
WHY DIDN'T THEY MISS LAST WEEKEND
1-0 Everton
Huddersfield have taken the lead at Brentford - not good.
They are very close to United
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