The Business End of the Season
posted by The Blue Devil @ 7:23 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 28, 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!
Contributors
Previous Posts
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- FA CUP SEMI FINAL #1...wish it was the Final!
- Football after Wenger
- Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 34 Update
- Sunday Morning Duty
- Into the Home Stretch
- Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 33 Update
- Top v. Bottom Sunday
- Derby Day Special in the Premiership!
389 Comments:
Teams in the tunnel now at the Brit:
Liverpool: Liverpool: Karius, Gomez, van Dijk, Klavan, Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Moreno, Salah, Firmino, Ings.
Subs: Clyne, Lovren, Milner, Mignolet, Robertson, Solanke, Woodburn.
Stoke City: Butland, Zouma, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters, Shaqiri, Allen, Ndiaye, Bauer, Diouf, Crouch.
Subs: Ireland, Adam, Cameron, Fletcher, Haugaard, Sobhi, Campbell.
Referee: Andre Marriner (West Midlands).
This is truly a must-win match for both sides. Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross has said that his side needs to win the last three matches in order to escape the drop.
Meanwhile, as they dropped two points at the Hawthorns last weekend, Liverpool are now looking over their shoulders at Chelski. If they want to qualify for the Champions League this season, they need maximum points today.
We're away at Anfield, and not the Brit as I had thought. Stoke kick off, wearing white and black. The hosts in their usual all red number. Peter Dreary on the mic.
Mo Salah, Liverpool's main threat, looks like a man who's just playing for fun on the playground. 43 goals this season, 31 of them in 35 Premiership matches. Wow!
Oh - Mo Salah races through on goal there - but he chips the ball wide! Butland did well.
If Stoke continue to defend like that, Salah is going to have a field day today.
Both sides playing good stuff so far - Stoke have come to play and Shaquiri is pulling the strings.
Moreno, deep on the left, very nearly releases Salah into the Stoke box down the middle with a glorious curling pass. It’s an inch or two too heavy, and Salah can’t connect.
Zouma dives in there on Hendo and picks up a needless yellow card.
Oh - a mistake by Klavan allows Shaqiri in there and the Maradona of the Alps wriggles a ball over the six yard line and no one connects with. A close call for the Reds.
Half an hour in and still goalless, but there’s surely no way this game is going to end goalless. It’s very open, with both teams wasting no time in getting on the front foot.
It’s suddenly gone scrappy. Salah dribbles through the centre circle, then passes to nobody. Crouch strides off with the ball before giving it up in short order.
Oh - Salah swings a free kick in and hits the frame of the goal! So close to #32.
Anfield is tense, but it’s not gone quiet. The home fans try to lift their team with a run through the songbook. The ruse doesn’t work. Stoke look comfortable right now.
Liverpool put the ball in the net, but the flag’s up for offside.
Hendo was caught there by Shaqiri. Totally accidental so no punishment is meted out. Alexander-Arnold also has a knock. This is going all pear-shaped for Klopp and co.
Good morning, Bob. Here to join you after some extra kip, walkies with Sparky, and feeding the pets. Looks like an uneventful first half.
Looks like Liverpool should be leading , Salah missed a sitter, and Ings look like he scored a perfectly good goal with a superb finish
The second half is underway from Anfield where it's surprisingly 0-0
Wee Joe down like Hendo was late in the first half. He would be a huger loss to Stoke than Hendo was for pOol
Morning, MUR - great to have you on board. How was your week?
Paul Lambert will be pleased that Wee Joe is up and able to continue.
Joey Allen appears to be able to continue. Stoke really need him in a match like this.
Shawcross heads out a cross from Moreno off a superb crossfield pass from Joe Gomez Addams. The corner is headed out and Salah shoots well wide.
Hey Boys
Been watching the match up in bed
I am here to join you guys
I was supposed to be coaching Siena at RPI today but it has been called off
I do coach at home to Union college tomorrow after. It is late enough that I won't be missing any footer
Trivia... what non spectacular president is a Union College graduate?
Bruno Martins-Indi 500 is down . Then Jim Beglin says he stalling. Not exactly as the Stoke medical staff is signalling for a substituion.
Now it's Martins Indi with a problem, being helped off the pitch. He'll be replaced straight away with Mo Salah's compatriot Sobhi.
One of Salah's international teammates, Ramadan Soby, on for the injured Indi 500.
Good morning, Bob and Dave. I think the Answer to the question is Millard Fillmore.
Morning, UWS - how are you mate? Did you see the Nocito reunion photo at the JHJ gig last night? Marvelous shot.
I change my mind. Chester Alan Arthur.
I believe that you're correct, MUR.
Bob, you are correct about it being the business end of the season. The penultimate weekend of the Football League season and the final weekend of the National League season.
Ta, UWS.
Absolutely, MUR. The Reds can ill-afford to drop points here against a relegation favorite, as Chelsea are playing another relegation threatened club later on today.
In fact , the National League matches are currently in progress.
You are correct
It is Chester Arthur
So wish I was at the Indigo @ O2 last night
Had a lot great videos.... I sent you one
So wish I wasn't missing in the siblings shot
A draw moves Stoke to within two points of the Swans , whose final two matches are at home to the Potters and Saints. Still much to play for.
Did Debs post the pic on BookFace?
I saw it on Instagram
As well as all the pictures I was getting in real time
Yeah - she did. Glad you saw it.
Agreed. That was a great video.
If Liverpool get the winner, they will go above United on GD
United having two games in hand
Salah trying one of his trademark moves there - didn't come off.
The hour mark has arrived and Klopp has seen enough. Two changes coming.
A trivia question. The Cats clinched a second successive relegation last weekend. Which other club did as well in midweek?
Danny Ings comes off and Milner comes on. Nathaniel Clyne comes on for Alexander-Arnold, who picked up a knock earlier.
And your old mate Darren Fletcher comes on for Crouchie.
Paul Lambert understandably settling for a draw, but is Jurgen doing the same?
English Football?
Is it Barnet, MUR?
Yes. English Football. Not Barnet. They have not clinched relegation yet and were not in L1 last season. It is club that did that though and below even Barnet in the table.
I don't like the new National League format. First is promoted. Second and third get a bye to the semifinal round of the playoffs while fourth through seventh are in the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. The two survivors meet second and third in the semi round. Your thoughts?
Chesterfield... out of the league?
Didn't know the format
Used to be top goes up 2-4 had a playoff
Doesn't sound right to me, MUR.
The highest scoring National League matches are some mid table dead rubber matches.
Eastleigh four up at Solihull Moors
Maidenhead lead Bromley 5-2
The Orient Express three up in a long journey to Gateshead.
It was 2-5 in the playoffs . This is the first season of the new format.
Liverpool are doing their level best to blow their top four place. They might actually have to win the Champions League in order to qualify.
A draw isn't good enough for either of these teams
Correct, UWS. Chesterfield has proved that smoking is harmful to your health. Like the Black Cats, relegated in successive seasons. Well done, UWS!
A draw would be a decent result for Stoke. They would be two points behind the Swans with a home match vs Palace next weekend and a match at the Swans. Not good for Pool , but good for us.
Liverpool is well ahead of Chelsea. Should qualify whether or not they win the Champions League
Was Chesterfield right?
A key match in the National; League is a local derby as Sutton host Aldershot . It's 1-1 on the plastic pitch. Sutton would finish third , getting a bye in the first round of the playoffs while Aldershot would finish fourth and face the seventh placed team in the first round of the playoffs, looking like AFC Fylde.
Yes it was. Well done. They proved that smoking is detrimental to your health.
The problem is that both Spurs and Chelski have two matches in hand now. If Chelski were to beat Swansea today and win their other match in hand, they'd only be three points behind Liverpool.
Already relegated Chester take a 1-2 lead at Barrow. Woking drawing 1-1 with Dover. Woking would take the last relegation spot, behind Barrow on goal difference.
Nice one MUR
Big shout for handball there. Referee Marriner having none of it.
I think that was a penalty
His arm was making himself wide
It looks like an interesting end to the season. Chelsea and Liverpool will have the distraction of cup finals. Looks like third for Spurs , fourth for Pool , and fifth for Chelsea. That's my prediction.
Oh - close this there for Stoke.
Chesterfield made the FA Cup Semi with Sean Dyche in the side... lost a replay after drawing 3-3
oooh Stoke go so close to the winner
Shawcross should have given Stoke the lead as he missed the ball at the far post after a cross was headed on at the far post.
The Top wants a foul on Shawcross
It was a good tackle by him but not too smart... You know the ref is looking for a chance to give a free kick
Well done ref
I watched that match. It was a classic at OT. Chesterfield should have made the final when a shot off the underside of the bar crossed the line, but David Ellery said it wasn't a goal.
Half a dozen minutes of stoppage time as Jurgen has been sent to the stands for some unsavory language.
This would take Stoke three points behind Swansea... who play Chelsea today
I guess it would be a good result
Six added minutes.... half way thru them and Pool have a corner
Hendo has a long range effort deflected for a corner.
Salah's miss early doors could be costly
Is it three or two.Either way, it puts pressure on the Saints , who have a must win in a South Coast Derby vs the Cherries.
Liverpool would be 9 points ahead of Chelsea in fifth
The Blues have TWO games in hand
2 to go
Chelsea and Liverpool play each other
They could be caught by Chelsea
Maybe United are confirmed as top four because of those two meeting
This would be a third consecutive draw for Stoke. They need to win vs Palace next weekend.
Liverpool not crossing the ball!!
Finally...too long!
That should be it
Great for United
That's it
I am off to the loo and walkies
I'll be back for the 3 o'clockers
it finishes 0-0 , which is a valuable point for the Potters, making Liverpool vs Chelsea next weekend and Saints vs Cherries vital.
Not a great result for either side. I'm off to the shower.
I'm back for the big South Coast Derby now. Couldn't be more important for the Saints.
Back from taking Elizabeth and Jacquelyn shopping , which took a little longer than normal since it is raining this morning
Lewis Cook with the perfect ingredient for an early booking. A nasty foul on Tadic.
The teams on display at St. Mary's today:
Southampton: McCarthy, Cedric, Yoshida, Hoedt, Bertrand, Tadic, Romeu, Lemina, Bednarek, Austin, Redmond. Subs: Ward-Prowse, Gabbiadini, Sims, Forster, Stephens, Long, Hojbjerg.
Bournemouth: Begovic, Francis, Steve Cook, Ake, Daniels, Mousset, Gosling, Lewis Cook, Fraser, Callum Wilson, King. Subs: Boruc, Surman, Pugh, Brad Smith, Mings, Ibe, Defoe.
Referee: Anthony Taylor.
The Toon vs Baggies is on CNBC. Failure to win at SJP means relegation for the Baggies.
My beloved Leeds United visit my old stomping grounds at Carrow Road today with not a lot to play for, in all honestly. It's been a disappointing season for both Norwich - currently in 13th - and Leeds - currently in 12th. So, all I can hope for today is that Heck plays the kids and that it's a good, open match with loads of goals. #MOT!
The regular season of the National League just concluded. Macclesfield up as champs. Tranny and Sutton in the playoffs with a first round bye. In the quarters it will be a derby of sorts between Aldershot and Ebbsfleet United and Boreham Wood vs AFC Fylde, which will be Fylde with excitement. Woking , Fawlty Towers, Chester, and Guisely relegated.
Both of Leeds last two matches can be described that way with a match vs QPR next weekend at ER fitting that description as well.
At Crystal Palace, Tomkins’ header has been cleared off the line by Iheanacho.
Motley Crewe takes the lead at Crawley with both already safe.
I'm just happy that some of the academy kids have had a chance in this last weeks of the season. Tom Pearce is a particular bright spot at center back. One for the future, for sure.
The Cottagers moved into second with that come from behind win vs the Black Cats yesterday, pending the Tigers vs Evil Neil's lads today.
Lots of Saints pressure with backs to the wall defending from the Cherries with two desperate blocks.
Crawley ties it up vs Motley Crewe while Coventry takes the lead at Cheltenham , which will help solidify their playoff spot.
Key match in the Championship is Richard Burton vs Bolton. A Bolton win all but dooms Richard Burton while a win from Liz Taylor leaves relegation wide open heading into the final match of the season.
Talking about relegation, Barnsley takes the lead vs the Bees.
The Sixth place Rams take the lead at fourth placed Villa.
Can they still escape, MUR?
Stevenage takes the lead vs Exeter,
The Black Cats no. Richard Burton, Bolton, and Barnsley yes. Three teams fighting to avoid two spots.
Palace takes the lead vs the Foxes, which would make Palace surely safe,.
I am back...missed nowt
Just tuned in Final Score
That's the first prem goal of the day today. None shown yet on the telly.
Zaha gives the Eagles the lead vs the Foxes
Rams take the lead at the Villans
Welcome back. You did not. Only Prem goal has been scored all day and not shown on the telly.
A tad behind the Goldy Sportscenter, LOL. You will probably overtake me.
Yeovil on top of Jayne Mansfield after clinching safety in midweek. A great way to celebrate.
Charlton take the lead against already promoted Blackburn.... they are securing their play off spot
Saints take the lead!!
GOAL !!! TADIC GIVES THE SAINTS THE LEAD ON THE BREAK. FIRST TELEVISED GOAL OF THE DAY.,
BREAK WITH PACE
Can Southampton survive?
That's a massive goal for the Saints. It really puts pressure on Swansea.
Wigan losing as well
Neither team want to win the league?
Classic break from the Saints off a Cherries short corner. A cross from Wee Ryan was headed out and superb skill from Redmond led to the break. He passed to Lemina, who found Tadic with just one Cherries outfield player back, he had the freedom of at. Mary's . Went on a long run and picked his spot past Begovic.
Southampton would be sitting pretty if they could have kept their two goal lead vs Chelsea
Coventry two up at Cheltenham...they should be in the playoffs
WBA take the lead at SJP
Of course! Soton are now only a point behind Swansea, who play Chelski today. Stoke also have an outside chance of surviving, if West Ham don't watch themselves.
Saints one point from safety and Stoke two points. The relegation race is back to being wide open.
Give the bloke the job at the Hawthorns
Matty Phillips with the goal. Baggies undefeated since Darren Moore took over. They probably would have survived if he bad in charge after Pulis left.
Burton one up vs Bolton. in a real six pointer
Barnsley winning too
Horrible news for Bolton
Birmingham winning at Loftus Road...that would mean safety for the Blue Noses
Bolton have dropped from fourth bottom to second bottom
Pompey really need a goal at rock bottom Bury
A classic Pulis type goal that in all honesty caught the Toon back four napping. A long Toon goal kick was headed back to the halfway line and an innocuous long ball found Matty Phillips with just the keeper to beat.
Cardiff take the lead at Hull and back in second
QPR tie it up vs Brum
Relgation will go down to the final day in the Championship as things stand.
The Toon should have tied it up . Kenedy played a one two then his shot went off the outside of the post with just Ben Foster to beat.
Can the Baggies still escape? I don't think so, but it would be thrilling to watch.
Oh - Newcastle have hit the post at SJP.
I agree, UWS. Darren Moore was Pulis's long time assistant and should have been given the job instead of Pardew. Not sure what the board was thinking.
The Baggies still have a chance , but have to win ALL their remaining matches. It also depends on Swans last two matches vs Saints and Potters.
United have not qualified yet for the CL
United have 74
If Liverpool win all their games then Chelsea can't
If Chelsea win all their games then Liverpool can't
If Chelsea win, they could get up to 75 as well as Liverpool could get to 75 with a loss at Chelsea
QPR ties it up vs Blue Noses, who would still be all but safe.
Burton two up vs Bolton
Bolton could be going down again
Palace two up!!
Thanks, as always, for the anoraking, MUR.
Goal at the John Smith... Everton take the lead from nothing
Charlie Austin goes over in the box under the challenge from the keeper Begovic. Looked like a good shout for a penalty to me.
What did he anorak?
Thanks, Bob. Championship relegation will come down to the final day of the season next Sunday
Leeds take the lead at Carrow Road
Scunny two up at Fake Dons, who will be relegated to L@ with a loss. Bob will be pleased.
Super Kalvin Phillips with the Leeds goal
Congrats, Bob. A lead is still a lead despite being a dead rubber match
With Leicester two down... Burnley are in Europe....almost!!
Bottom of the lot Chesterfield beating promoting chasing Wycombe
Rotherham takes the lead at Argyle in a playoff six pointer while it's 0-0 between Wasall and Northants in a relegation six pointer. Both, one , or neither could go down.
Coventry FOUR up at Cheltenham
Bob....let's be havin ya
Garbett with a great kick save from MOusset to preserve the Saints lead.
Bob....let's be havin ya
Evil Neil's lads take the lead at the KC, moving them back to second ahead of the Cottagers
GOAL! Josh King has leveled it and Sparky is sick as a parrot.
1-1.... wide open at the back post at the 45th minute at St Marys
GOAL !!! JOSH KING TIES IT UP FOR THE CHERRIES AS STOPPAGE TIME BEGINS
Sorry - I missed it! Wahay!
Agreed. A corner from Wee Ryan was headed on and Josh King was wide open at the far post for an easy tapin.
As soon as Bob notices.... Lead concede Wes Hoolahan with the equalizer in the 45th minute
Was he at Leeds?
That's Kal Phillips' sixth goal of the season. I'm really worried that the club will decide to sell him this summer and we'll lose another Academy kid with a huge future for the club.
Bugger! I don't think Wes ever played for us. I don't remember it anyway.
It's 1-1 at the half as Saints and Stoke are three points behind the Swans.
Sorry, Bob.
Wycombe equalize at Chesterfield
Sorry, I been a bit in and out. I've been engaged in a furious debate about the Mueller investigation with our old LHS pal Gary Chirgwin. Remember him? He's a postman living in the UK now.
Did you see that if Stevie G wants the job at Ibrox....it's his
Remember the name
Has it been a friendly debate?
Great save by Foster for the Baggies
HOW DID BURNLEY NOT SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just noticed that Pompey can't make the playoffs even with a win today because Scunny two up
Has Gary been Mullered?
It will relegate the Fake Dons to L2 , which is a good thing.
We are off again .... at SJP first... things delayed at SM
NBC... great job... show us football
Second half underway from SJP
Late Championship match is Teesiders vs the Evil LIons . If the Teesdiers win and current results hold then all the playoff spots will have been decided with the Evil Lions NOT making the playoffs. We can only hope.
We are back at SM... we are off
Wonder if Sparky lit a fire under the Saints...or will they be devils!
MUR impersonation
That was odd. We got a bit of the Newcastle - WBA match before the second half started at St. Mary's.
We got that last week too
Yeah - I have friendly banter with a load of conservative LHS friends on Facebook.
In the relegation battle as things stand:
The Reading Railroad 44 pts -18 gd
Blue Noses 44pts -30 gd
Barnsley 41 pts -22gd
Richard Burton and Liz Taylor 41 Pts -22 gd
Bolton 40 pts
Still all to play for next weekend if current results hold.
LOL, UWS.
Looks like Blue Noses would be safe with their point today
The Fake Dons definitely relegated if they lose today. The final two releghation spots between Northants, Oldham , Rochdale,and Wsaall. ALL drawing 0-0. Talk about tense!
I notice that all of the Championship matches are early Sunday morning next weekend. No rest for us second division watchers, eh?
Teams don't get men running in the box at all these days
One man running in the box...possibly two but never more than that!
Gone are the days of first man in the box goes to the front post...that's where the ball goes first
Changing the subject... will the Ox be missed this summer?
I would like us to finish on an even 60 points this season. Let's get it done today, lads. Come on, you Whites (or whatever we're playing in today!)
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