Into the Home Stretch
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!
Saturday, April 14, 2018
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!
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NBC Sports are engaging in their silly Pundit Swap Weekend thing today. That means that the Two Robbies are with Arlo at Wembley ahead of the big match, while Rebecca Lowe is hosting Lee Dixon and Graeme Le Sox in the LA Studio.
First up is Chelski's visit to St. Mary's. Neither side is in particularly good form. Soton are still struggling in 18th and desperately need a win today to lift themselves out of trouble. Chelski have fallen well off the pace, with only 12 points from 11 matches in 2018. That means that the champions are our of CL contention and are now looking over their shoulders at Arsenal in sixth.
Great morning , Bob. Great to join you for this marathon day as we enter the final stretch.
Teams gathering in the tunnel at St. Mary's now:
Southampton (3-4-2-1) McCarthy; Bednarek, Yoshida, Hoedt; Cedric, Romeu, Hojbjerg, Bertrand; Ward-Prowse, Tadic; Long. Substitutes: Forster, McQueen, Sims, Lemina, Boufal, Austin, Gabbiadini.
Chelsea (3-4-2-1) Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Christensen; Zappacosta, Fabregas, Kante, Alonso; Willian, Hazard; Morata. Substitutes: Caballero, Emerson, Barkley, Bakayoko, Moses, Pedro, Giroud.
Referee Mike Dean.
Morning, MUR - how has your week been?
They're off from St. Mary's
And we're away at St. Mary's - both sides playing in their traditional kits in glorious South Coast sunshine this afternoon.
It's been a pretty busy week with STAAR testing. Glad to be joining you. How have you been?
It's a lovely day in England as Spring has seemed to have finally arrived.
The Saints are back on their heels right from the off. Shane Long will likely be the loneliest player on the pitch today.
Likewise, very busy. I've been running a search this week, while there have been plenty of fires to put out around the department. Five weeks left of our semester now.
Saints are up for this , applying early pressure without getting a shot off.
We have seven weeks this left in our school year. I signed my last ever contract on Thursday.
Wow - that must have been quite a moment. Have you told your administration about your intention to retire?
Chelsea continue to dominate possession, with Southampton playing on the break. The pace of play from both sides has been a bit slow.
I heard Spring like weather is supposed to arrive in your area this weekend.
I have not. I would do tell them around this time next year.
Morata is awarded a corner off of Yoshida even though it last came off of Morata. Not a great decision by the Dean of refs.
The short lists for the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards have been announced this morning.
The six players up for the top honor are:
Kevin de Bruyne
David de Gea
Harry Kane
Mo Salah
Leroy Sane
David Silva
The players up for the junior award are:
Ederson
Harry Kane
Marcus Rashford
Leroy Sane
Ryan Sessegnon
Raheem Sterling
Who are your picks from that lot?
It's a bit up and down right now. We've got the usual rain for April this weekend, but the temps will dip down into the thirties with snow on Tuesday. Then it will pop up into the fifties by the end of the week.
Motherwell two up vs second placed Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semis.
Oh - that was a close call. A free kick was fizzed in by Willian and only needed the slightest of touches.
We have a similar pattern. it's back and fourth with some days in the 70s and some around 90
GOAL! Well, looks at that! Ryan Bertrand romps up the wing, beats his man to the by-line and lays up a sweet ball for Tadic to tap in.
1-0 Saints!
GOAL !!!!! SAINTS TAKE A VITAL LEAD VS CHELSEA. IT WAS FORMER CHELSEA TRAINEE, RYAN BERTRAND , WHO WENT ON RUN DOWN THE LEFT GETTING PAST AZPI, PASSED INTO THE BOX, LEAVING TADIC WITH AN EASY TAP IN.
Soton tails are up now and they're searching for another goal.
Saints out of the drop zone , ahead of Palace, by a +1 goal difference.
While I was watching the replay of the goal , the announcer stated how slow the Saints play was. A second later, Hoijberg, passed down the left to Bertrand , who got behind Azpi and laid it on a plate for Tadic
Oh - great team play by Chelski leads to a decent chance for Morata but my GBB puts his header over the top.
Zapacosta headed on a long cross field pass to Morata , who headed over from close range. That could have tied it up.
Hoedt heads out for a Chelsea corner taken short and a long range effort from Zapacosta is deflected for another Chelsea corner.
Oh - McCarthy completely lost the track of that cross. Lucked out in the end that no one was at the back post to nod in.
McCarthy tips out the curling corner for another that is finally cleared. Saints counter
Macclesfield has taken the lead to the Orient Express. If Macclesfield win then they clinch a return to the Football League.
One of Bob's favorite Championship fixtures has kicked off: The Evil Blades vs the Evil Lions.
Mark Hughes could be responsible for taking two sides down. Has any other manager done that before?
Shane Long goes on a run on the counter and is not too far off with a Long shot
Hate both of those sides - I wish the ground would just open up and swallow them.
I'm not sure, but that is definitely an unwanted record. Definitely a rare event.
Courtois pushes away a long range effort from JWP then the rebound from Tadic is tame and easily saved, but he was offside.
In the match at Bramall Lane, an Evil Blades win may be best because it would almost certainly take the Evil Lions out of playoff spot.
Christiansen is called for a nudge on Shane Long , attempting a headed clearance.
Yoshida heads wide from a curling free kick./
Hoijberg booked for kicking the ball away after being called for a foul on Zapacosta.
JEP booked for a foul while Shane Long is down injured. The Dean of officials sure missed a clumsy foul by Willian on Shane Long , which infuriates Sparky.
Shane looks to be able to continue now.
A triplet of stoppage time as a horrible free kick from Willian is cleared by the first man.
Oh - Christiansen had a chance from a header. Flicked it wide.
Agreed. He should be able to play for a Long part of this match.
Sparky must be cock a hoop about this first half - Soton troop in 1-0. That could be a priceless goal by Dusan Tadic if they can hold on.
Saints one up at the half in a match they desperately need to win.
The Orient Express ties it up at Macclesfield. That would delay promotion unless Tranny fails to defeat Aldershot in a playoff six pointer.
Second half underway from St. Mary's
A nice team move from Chelsea then a long range effort from Morata is horribly wide.
That effort from Morata sums up his entire season.
The announcer stated that Chelsea have trailed at the half eleven times this season. Their record in those matches is one win and ten losses. Not looking good for the Blues.
Hoijberg wins the Saints first corner of the match off of Fab
These teams meet in the Cup semis next weekend. A repeat score would see the Saints in the final.
The earliest Citeh can clinch the Prem is tomorrow. They would need to won at Wembley AND for United to lose to the Baggies at OT tomorrow. Next weekend is more likely.
Kate's favorite - Ollie Giroud - is warming up on the touchline.
Oh - Shane Long does so well on his own and then pulls a great save from Courtois.
OH!!! A long Saints clearance finds Shane Long on the break. He had two defenders to beat, turned them then his shot headed for the upper 90 was superbly tipped over by Courtois.
McCarthy turns around a near post effort from Marcos Alonso
McCarthy superbly saves a Willian shot that took a wicked deflection then Hazard is offside.
Any thoughts about the PFA Awards? I think that the goal interrupted our conversation. I'd go for Mo Salah and Raheem Sterling.
Olly is liked today as Shane Long as he doesn't score and and if is not a Hazard to the Saints.
I would pick Mo Salah for player of the year and Raffa Benitez for manager of the year. Perhaps Sterling for young player of the year.
Ryan Bertrand wins a corner against the club where he started his career.
I agree with you on that one. If I didn't dislike Burnley so much, I might go with Sean Dyche for Manager of the Year.
Morning boys
Sorry I am delayed joining. Busy doing stuff and then I couldn't connect to the website for some reason.
Love to see this score. If it stays, a win by United tomorrow would guarantee CL football
Motherwell three up vs Aberdeen in the Scots Cup semis. A minor surprise.
YES!!!!
TWO NIL!!!!!!
Same again next week too please!
GOAL! The Saints are in dream land!
GOAL !!! THE DEBUT BOY SCORES OFF A FREE KICK FROM JWP TO PUT THE SAINTS TWO UP.
Morning, UWS - how are you mate?
Young Pole, Gendarek, volleyed in the free kick at the far post off the free kick to put the Saints two up.
Pedro for Zapacosta and Olly for Morata as Conte makes a double substitution
Cue the subs for Chelski then. They've got half an hour to get the Blues back into this one. Pedro and Giroud on for Zappa and Morata.
Good morning, UWS. How have you been?
This result will lift the Saints temporarily out of the bottom three, thrusting Palace back into the mire. It would also give Arsenal the chance to jump back into the top five.
The second half is underway at Bramall Lane as it's 0-0 between the Evil Blades and Evil Lions.
Southampton out of the bottom three but will probably drop back in after the 10 o'clockers
Palace vs the Seagulls is a relegation six pointer that will be on CNBC at 10 while the Swans vs the Toffees will be on NBCSN. Those will have an impact on the Saints position.
If it's the same result between these two next weekend then the Saints are in the Cup Final.
Correct, Bob. Love him or hate him, Sean Dyche has to be considered for manager of the year as well.
Wolves will clinch promotion tomorrow if they win a noon kickoff tomorrow, , which is a local derby at St. Andrews. Will be champs if Kate and Co. fail to defeat the Bees in a local derby at the Cottage, who may be pollinating the apple tree in the back yard.
GOAL !!! OLLY PULLS ONE BACK FOR CHELSEA . NOW 2-1.
Still twenty minutes for Chelski to pull this one out. I wouldn't put it past them.
Hoijberg fouled Hazard , who played a short free kick wide left to Marcos Alonso and his cross was headed in by Olly , who got between two defenders. Kate will be pleased. LOBers not so much
BUGGER!!! TWICE
GOAL !!! DESMOND AS CHELSEA HAVE COME FROM BEHIND WITH TWO GOALS IN FIVE MINUTES. HAZARD SCORES FROM LOSE RANGE OFF PASS FROM WILLIAN , AGAIN FROM THE LEFT.
Southampton started sitting back.... look what happens!
I had a feeling that Chelski might get into this one. Tragedy for Soton. They're back in the relegation mixer.
NO ONE attacking for the Saints!
This is going to change the atmosphere of next weekend too
To be honest , a draw helps neither side. Both need to go for the win as the Saints have Charlie Austin warming up.
Bloody Hell
Super Sub gives Chelsea the lead
GOAL! Oh my word, it's Ollie Giroud again!
Why doesn't he start every week?
Alpha Romeu booked for pulling down compatriot, Marcos Alonso and:
GOAL ! OLLY WITH HIS SECOND OFF THE BENCH AS CHELSEA HAVE COME FROM BEHIND TO LEAD 2-3
Sparky is gutted.
All Southampton's fault...they brought this upon themselves
A striker for a midfield player as Charlie Austin is on for JWP.
Shane Long booked for hacking down Hazard in a position similar to the free kick that led to the last goal.
Agreed, UWS. It was horrible defending off the free kick. Willian played a short free kick to Hazard, who put in a cross that led to head tennis in the Saints box, then a great half volley was put a way by Olly.
You're absolutely right, UWS. Soton have tried to defend deep and then hit Chelski on the break. It worked in the first half but the pressure was too hot to handle in this second half.
Chelsea fans singing
"That's why we're champions"
What do they mean... being fifth!!
I don't get this next change. Why is Sparky bringing on a defender if the Saints need a goal. Josh Sims , a defender on for Tadic, an attacking midfield player.
Now it's Josh Sims on for goalscorer Tadic.
LOL. Agreed. Too little , too late from Chelsea.
The final roll of the dice from Conte as Moses is on for Hazard, but the Red and White Sea has already been parted.
Both teams have games on Thursday ?
I guess they are playing the Sunday semi
A minor upset as Motherwell have defeated Aberdeen 3-0 in a Scots Cup Semi.
Hoijberg heads straight to Courtois with a header from the edge of the box off a corner.
I know United visit Dean Court on Wednesday
The Cup semi is on Saturday at 12:15
This match is Sunday at 10
Again, Chelsea are certs to win next week after this match
Simms with a chance....weak effort saved
That is absolutely correct, UWS. Also, Spurs at the Seagulls on Tuesday and United also on the South Coast Wednesday as they play at the Cherries.
Simms with a chance....weak effort saved
Into a quintet of stoppage time minutes.
Agreed, UWS. He should have tied it up.
Gabby coming on deep into stoppage time. Sparky might have tossed him on twenty minutes ago, of course.
Gabbiadini on for Benderak. Why is Sparky waiting till now? It's too late for him to do much of anything
Spurs have one day more rest than United ahead of the Cup semis.
Cahill booked as he concedes a free kick
Courtois gathers the free kick in a crowd and that should do it.
Courtois grabs that free kick and that should be that.
Saints in big trouble if both Palace and the Swans win.
That's it
Southampton have only themselves to blame!
Off for a shower
It's over as the Saints blow it. Chelsea come from tow down to win 2-3. Both teams meet in a cup semi at Wembley a week from tomorrow.
The Saints must be gutted. It looked so good for them around the hour mark. But Chelski turned it around with three late goals from Giroud and Hazard.
Off to take Sparky walkies in an unusually cool breezy April morning.
Well, lads. The 10am matches seem a bit rubbish so I'm going to get a few errands done before the late matches. Cheerio for now.
Swansea vs Everton is off from the Liberty as is Palace vs the Seagulls from Selhurst Park
Cheers, Bob. See you around for Liverpool vs the Cherries and the Spuds vs Citeh
It finished 1-1 between The Evil Lions and the Evil Blades.
It finished the same between Macclesfield and the Orient Express, so promotion will only be achieved today if Tranny drop points vs Aldershot in a promotion playoff six pointer.
Jayne Mansfield on top on a nearby trip trip to Chesterfield on a short trip, smoking her way to a 0-1 lead.
GOAL !!!! PALACE TAKE AN EARLY LEAD VS THE SEAGULLS . MILOVOJEVIC PLAYED A SHORT CORNER THEN GOT THE RETURN PASS. HIS PASS INTO THE BOX WAS NOT PROPERLY PALMED AWAY AND ZAHA SCORED WITH A TAP IN AT THE FAR POST FROM ABOUT TWO INCHES OUT.
Chesterfield bottom of the Football League, half a dozen points from safety , looking at consecutive relegations. The one field set to replace another as Jayne is point out of a playoff spot.
Dale Stephens booked for a foul on Zaha
RUDDY NORAH ! Burnley two up vs the Foxes. Surely that would cement an EL spot unless Saints win the Cup.
Chris Wood , A former Fox with the first goal.
Chris Wood , A former Fox with the first goal.
GOAL!!!! PALACE GO TWO UP .
Palace took a corner and Matty Ryan pushed away a long range effort from Townsend . The rebound was cleared away. The next corner was curled in and Matty Ryan saved a close range header from James Thomkins. The Seagulls then blocked two close range efforts before James Thomkins smashed home from close range
GOAL !!!! THE SEAGULLS PULL ONE BACK. NOW 2-1 PALACE. GLENN MURRAY SCORES ON HIS RETURN TO SELHURST PARK.
Izquierdo won a corner off of PVA on the Seagulls first attack of the match. The corner from Gross was headed on by Slam Dunk and diverted in by Glenn Murray a yard from goal.
Long with the second Burnley goal. He's Irish , but it's Kevin , not Shane.
Not a Big Club takes the lead at The KC while QPR takes the lead vs Preston. It's between Middlesbrough and Bristol City. I think the winner of that match moves into a playoff spot.
GOAL !!!ZAHA WITH HIS SECOND AS PALACE NOW LEAD 3-1.
Fred will not be pleased that after a long train ride the Black Cats trail at the Reading Railroad.
The Seagulls had a close range effort blocked . Palace went immediately up the pitch and after some short passes , Bong guilty of a poor clearance and a superb cross from Cabaye was headed in by Zaha. Great powerful header, but Matty Ryan beaten too easily at the near post.
Richard Burton takes the lead vs the Rams. That would put the Black Cats back in last place.
Rochdale takes a much needed lead at Posh while Wasall take the lead vs the Real Dons. The Fake Dons take the lead vs Donny Trump and it's 1-1 between Bury and Northants. I think Bury would be relegated with that result.
Exeter, in a playoff spot, take the lead at table top[pong Accrington Stanley as do Colchester vs Notts County, Grimsby vs relegation threatened Barnet, and Newport vs Swindon. Carlisle take the lead at Morecambe and None Too Wise on a shorter journey than normal.
The Rams tie it up at Richard Burton.
Barnsley takes the lead vs Bolton in a relegation six pointer. That moves Brum in to a relegation spot as they have the thankless task of hosting Wolves, who will clinch promotion with a win.
GOAL !!! IZQUIERDO SCORES FOR THE SEAGULLS TO PULL IT BACK TO 3-2 WITH A WELL PLACED SHOT IN THE CORNER.
The Seagulls won a tackle just outside their own box and Dale Stephens passed to Kayal , who passed to a new Seagull. His pass found Yzquierdo, who got behind Joe Ward and he placed a shot in the corner with just Hennessey to beat.
Scunny takes the lead at Charlton in a playoff six pointer.
Morecambe and Wise ties it up vs Carlisle
it's 1-1 between Sutton United and Jeff's lads.
Northants have come from behind to lead 1-2 at Bury , who will be relegated with that result.
Newport two up vs Swindon.
Accrington Stanley tie it up vs Exeter City while Motley Crewe take a surprise lead at Luton
The Tractor Boys take the lead at Forest
GOAL !!! THE TOFFEES TAKE THE LEAD AT THE LIBERTY.
The Toffees had been threatening to score. A cross from Coleman was volleyed by Bolassie that produced a superb close range reflex save from Flappy then Flappy saved the rebound from Gana, but that rebound went in off of Naughty Naughton and over the line for an unfortunate OG despite Alfie MAwson clearing inches after it had crosssed the line
The Toffees one up at the half nearly scored a second as Theo was put through, but his former Gunners teammate , Flappy rushed out to clear.
It's halftime at Selhurst park as Palace lead the Seagulls 3-2 in a wild first half.
Oldham takes the lead vs the Gils while Richard Burton now leads the Rams 2-1. Wasall two up vs the Real Dons. Forest Green takes the lead at Cheltenham in the Gloucestershire Derby , leaving Barnet and Chesterfielsd in real trouble.
Luton ties it up vs Motley Crewe.
Back from a shower and walkies...missed quite a half!!
About to tune in to Final Score
Salfrod City two up at Nuneaton while Harrogate is one up vs Southport.
It's 0-0 at the half between Tranny and Aldershot. If that result holds then Macclesfield will clinch a return tot the Football League.
Welcome back, UWS. it sure was a fantastic first half.
Based on current scores, Saints are four points from safety behind the Swans.
We are off at Selhurst Park again
Eagles eat Seagulls
Seagulls eat Eagles
Second half underway from The Liberty
No wait a minute... why are they at the Liberty!!
Sounds like two hungry teams
I think it was due to extra first half stoppage time from Slehurst Park.
Bonus coverage...must be having technical problems
Now they are back
They are off
Second half underway from Selhurst as Chris Hughton makes a change. Is it a knockout as Knockaert is on for the person, who assisted on the second Seagulls goal.
Salford two up away
Harrogate one up at home
Salford three points up with three games to go
Like to see Swansea get back into against Everton
I want them to go on a roll..they have play City at the end of the season....United win the league when City lose
United better go out with guns a-blazing tomorrow
Sunderland tie it up at the Mad Stad... Paddy McNair scores again! Is he no longer a center back as he was at OT?
Luton have come from behind to lead Motley Crewe 2-1.
Not sure. Fred will be pleased.
Cardiff still scoreless at Carrow Road
That would take up Cardiff's game in hand and they would still be in third
Wolves one win away from the Premier League... and the championship
OF course, I am here and the goals dry up at Selhurst
Ac Stan are drawing at home. A win would promote them into the third tier for the first time ever
They were so low down the table at Boxing Day
As I mentioned earlier, Bury look set to be relegated today, leaving them dead and buried. They may even clinch last place today
LOVE Final Score
Not as entertaining as Soccer Saturday but great score updates
They were in the old Third Division North. Does that count?
I'm back from my errands. Kate and I always try to put fresh grass seed down before the last snow. We're due for a snowfall on Tuesday.
A draw not good enough for the Black Cats are Barnsley are one up vs Bolton and Richard Burton leads the Rams 2-1.
Welcome back, Bob. You missed quite a first half. Late in the season for snow?
Looks like this could be a particularly bad day for Soton now, with Palace leading 3-2 over Brighton at Selhurst Park. At least for their sake, Swansea are losing at home to Everton.
Cabaye with a stupid foul just outside the Seagulls box.
It is indeed. We've had an especially long winter. I usually get a chance to tool up my bike for the season during Spring Break. We're two weeks beyond that and I still haven't had a ride over to campus yet. Maybe this next week?
The Seagulls win a corner.
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