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!
Before that, we've got the undercard match of Sheffield Utd v. Forest in the first leg of the Championship playoff semi-final. I'll be rooting for Forest of course. Join me for all the end-of-season action.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 9:41 AM
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!
254 Comments:
Forest have never won a playoff tie, while Blades have played in eight playoff campaigns and been successful in none of them. Forest finished fourth after 46 games of the regular season while Blades finished fifth. The sense was that Forest, under Steve Cooper, left their revival too late after changing their manager in September, but the same is also true of Paul Heckingbottom, who replaced Slavisa Jokanovic as late as November at Bramall Lane. To get to Wembley and the £170m game, they have to get their teams through these 180 minutes over two legs. This is massive.
The teams for this one at Bramall Lane:
Sheffield United: Foderingham, Basham, Egan, Robinson, Osborn, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens, Berge, Gibbs-White, Ndiaye. Subs: A Davies, B Davies, Baldock, Hourihane, Osula, Norrington-Davies, Jebbison.
Nottingham Forest: Samba, Worrall, Cook, McKenna, Spence, Yates, Garner, Colback, Zinckernagel, Surridge, Johnson. Subs: Horvath, Figeueiredo, Davis, Laryea, Mighten, Cafu, Lolley.
Sheffield United are unchanged from the team that walloped Fulham 4-0 on the final day of the regular season, while Steve Cooper has almost completely shuffled his pack from the match with Hull. Steve Cook returns to the team, as does Jack Colback comes at left wing-back, with Djed Spence on the right. Ryan Yates will partner James Garner in the centre of midfield. Keinan Davis is named on the bench, the hope is he will be it for Wembley.
Bramall Lane is in full sunshine today; looks like the first day of the season.
It's our old pal Paul Heckingbottom in charge of the Evil Blades.
We're away at Bramall Lane, with the home side in traditional stripes and Forest in all yellow.
The Evil Blades are attempting an immediate return to the Premier League, whilst Forest have been in the wilderness since 1999.
Wahay! Forest have taken the lead through Jack Colback!
Nice move there, as Forest opened up the Evil Blades. There’s a slip in the box to let in Zinckernagel, who somehow misses the chance. No matter, up steps Colback on the rebound. Advantage to the Tricky Trees.
One more reason to hate The Blades - they're now long-throw merchants.
Oh - Sam Surridge should have put Forest 0-2 up!
Joe Worrall into the book - first caution of the afternoon. Free kick chance for the Blades.
Forest are looking really dangerous on the break.
Foderingham keeping Blades in this, making a fine save from Spence. What a game he’s had. On the sidelines, Steve Cooper’s eyes are even wider than normal - this may yet be a choke in the offing. Forest could be as many as four goals up.
Coming down to the last few moments of the first half - very satisfied with how this has gone so far.
Happy Cup Final Day Bob
Was the best day of the year of my youth!
Just finished mowing the back and front and showered. Tom and Matt are coming home to watch the Final with their dad...The Black Sheep of the family is playing golf! I don't know where I went wrong with Jon!!
Was listening to 5Live while mowing....sounds like and end to end battle at BL...Forest could have scored 5!!
Heard on the radio that Chelsea are wearing their yellow kits!!! They have had bad luck with the blue shirts in recent finals.....shouldn't be allowed
Cup Final coverage has started....what is that woman wearing!!!
I am wearing a United shirt for Cup Final Day
I am off for a little walk before we get going
Welcome, Dave! Happy Cup Final Day to you, as well.
I'm back from a refreshing shower and am happy to see that Forest are still 0-1 up. I don't know if the EFL have still retained the away goals rule for this one, but surely an away win will give Forest the advantage going into the secon leg on Monday.
Forest a little more circumspect here. Or just waiting for the counterattack? It’s a bit of both, probably.
John Fleck tries a free-kick routine with Norwood, that Forest read but the ball still comes back in, and Cook has to clear. Then Robinson fires wide.
I come downstairs as Forest score a second!!
You wearing United colors?
With fifteen minutes until kickoff, I've switched over to the Cup Final buildup. Stevie Nichol and Craig Burley in the studio reminiscing about Cup Final days past.
Kitgate....last time Chelsea wore yellow in the Final they beat Everton. Last time Liverpool met a team in yellow in the Final they lost to Arsenal in 1971
Mystery solved....I guess
I've got the match on the computer and the Cup Final on the telly through Roku
I just saw that! I switched over just at the wrong time! Forest in charge of this fixture.
Hudders and Luton are at 1-1 after yesterday's match. I'd love a Luton v. Forest final.
I'm not wearing any colors today; saving the full mojo for tomorrow. I'll be praying!
"Abide With Me" now - lovely.
Hate it that the kick off isn't at 3pm
Hate it is not after teh season
They are singing Abide By Me and the fans aren't singing it... POOR FORM
Matt came home wearing a United shirt
Tom didn't
Poor form!!
Yeah - poor form from the two sets of fans, but still lovely pageantry. You can't beat the Cold Stream Guards.
Forest almost in for a third... shot blocked from 10 yards out
Here comes the teams
Shut up TT...let's hear the fans
Klopp and TT not wearing a Cup Final suits POOR FORM
Prince William giving handshakes
Now the National Anthem....why boo....hate that crap
The teams now out on the pitch for the anthem:
Chelsea (3-4-3) Mendy; Chalobah, Thiago, Rudiger; James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Lukaku, Pulisic.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Kante, Werner, Loftus-Cheek, Saul, Barkley, Ziyech, Azpilicueta, Sarr.
Liverpool (4-3-3) Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Keita, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz.
Substitutes: Kelleher, Milner, Firmino, Gomez, Jones, Jota, Tsimikas, Origi, Matip.
Referee Craig Pawson.
Totally agree
I so miss the pitch walks in suits
The whole build up
I hate Chelsea and Real but I want them to win the Finals
I'd love this "greatest team Quad hopefuls" win the League Cup!
No German manager has won the Cup....that will change today
This is the 150th annieversay Cup Final!
Centenary Cup Final was a Dahlgren Brother Derby
Just a quick reminder of the PPP stakes in this one. Here are the players still in it:
Someone Said, Simon - Liverpool to win
Swansong - Chelsea to win
MOT, Red Dragon, Teddy, UWS, West Ham - Chelsea to lose
Everyone else is already out.
Pink Kits - Liverpool to lose
We are off
What's with the camera angle not at the center line
And we're away in the Cup Final - let's have loads of goals, eh?
That Cup Final was the first Cup Final I remember watching completely.... FIFTY BLOODY YEARS AGO
WE ARE OLD
The camera work does seem odd.
I think that's true for me, as well. 1972 of course. We had just moved to the UK.
Weak clearance from Mendy....Pool go close
First few chances for Liverpool after Chelsea cough up the ball in a dangerous area.
Bugger... Blades get a late goal
Bugger! Ah well, 1-2 is still a good result for Forest to take back to the City Ground.
Scored in 91st minute
Oh - Diaz rips the Chelsea backline apart again. He's been a revelation for Liverpool.
Struth... Liverpool almost in a couple of times!
Great pass by TAA to set up Diaz
Oh - Diaz put through by a great ball by TAA and should have scored. Good stop by Mendy.
All over at BL, as you said, still a good result for Forest
But it could have been so much better
The shadows and sun are making the camera work extra difficult.
Yeah - does anyone really want to see the Blades back in the Prem?
Liverpool all over the Blues right now.
Chelsea in the 5th Final in last 6
Third in a row...has anyone been to four?
I know a lot have been to three in a row. In our life time there was Arsenal in 78,79 and 80(winning one...unfortunately 79)
Everton in 84, 85 and 86(winning 84), United in 94, 95 96(losing the middle one). Arsenal 01, 02 and 03(winning last two) and now Chelsea(lost two)
Pulisic with a shot... was a handball by Lukaku
Oh - Pulisic with a chance there. He wouldn't be the first American to score at Wembley. Do you remember who that was and the occasion.
Thiago with a foul
Free kick chance to the Blues...I mean Yellows
Useless effort!!
Is there any reason for Chelsea not to be wearing blue today?
Robertson strides forward and has a go from distance.
Oh - Pulisic again! Very, very close!
Pulisic....hits it just wide!
Not that great of a shot!!!
HIT THE TARGET
Matt just gave me a fact...today is the first of TWELVE straight Saturdays. without the Premier League
I've mentioned the colors before
I think they are jinxed having lost the last two in Blue
Shouldn't be allowed!
I'm missing it. Of course, I may be cursing it tomorrow.
No reason why ESPN couldn't put this on ESPN and the Plus
No reason at all.
Alonso..... bad touch!!
Bugger
Oh - great point blank save by Alisson from Marcos Alonso.
Positive vibes please
TT just has to talk so much EVERY TIME
Alisson has a problem now, possibly the result of that clash with Alonso.
Definitely - if we get a win tomorrow, I don't think that Burnley can catch us.
Allison down and now Salah
Now Mo Salah is down needing treatment. Liverpool players dropping like flies!
Jota being prepared to come on for Salah.
Jota is coming on for Salah
I bet it is precautionary because Klopp doesn't really rate the Cup
Pulisic....tries to cross...SHOOT!
Remember he was really good vs Arsenal a couple years ago and then went off hurt
Another chance for Pulisic - had to take it on his weaker side.
I wouldn't be surprised. Liverpool have a lot of bit matches coming up in the next two weeks.
Still don't like the 'weaker' side for pros....you should be able to use both feet with no problem
Tom, Matt and I can do it!!
This match hasn't been as good as the League Cup Final
Totally agree with you.
A non league player walked the players out of the tunnel today. He is the leading scoring the FA Cup this season... 11 goals.
He will win a trophy for it
Useless by Lukaku there!!
What was that scoop
That's a lovely moment for him.
Not sure what that was from Konate.
Gareth in the crowd, no doubt monitoring several England players.
Everyone talks about Liverpool and their press...here's an idea...don't phaff about with it in the back...why give them a chance to win it back there
Totally agree, I have noticed TT waving the players forward at goal kicks as if to underscore your point.
Oh - Jota should have scored there. Great little ball in from Robertson and it only needed a slighter touch from Jota.
Two Finals have gone to pens .... United Arsenal in 05....United battered the Gunners but lost... Liverpool beat West Ham in 06
Of course Finals went to replays before that
70 Chelsea Leeds
81 Spurs City
82 Spurs QPR...we missed the replay because of a game
83 United Brighton
90 United Palace
93 Arsenal Wednesday
HT
No goals
Shame
Teams out of for the second half
I WANT GOALS
Peep peep! Liverpool begin the second half.
Oh - Alonso nearly gives you what you asked for.
Hate all the empty red seats after the half time
oooh.... Alonso goes close
Mount was offside ... and left it
Not a good cross
Another chance for the yank...bury it!
Oh - and now a chance or Pulisic! Great start from Chelsea in this half.
Its not good enough to miss these chances
Pulisic has had four big chances in this match. He must do better.
Alonso....hits the crossbar...was it saved!
Champion lost his mic!!!
Sadly TT didn't
Good start for Chelsea... have to get a goal
I really think the FA and the Prem need to get a handle on the shirts... Two kits only. A team should have the home kit and an away that is no where near like the home. Always wear your home if you can
You can always count on TT. LOL!
Totally agree with that - otherwise it's just ripping off the fans.
You might have a problem with some of the kits...possibly a third kit
United couldn't have white or blue when they play Sotton or Palace
Oh - Diaz fires just wide. This one just feels like one where no one will score. Lots of chances but no killer touch.
Crazy that Chelsea are wearing blue because of the last two finals
How about wearing blue vs United in 18, vs Leeds in 70, vs Boro in 97, Villa in 00, Liverpool 12
Mount hasn't done much today
Show up for the big game!
Just asked Tom and Mat....their first Cup Final was 04 United Millwall
I could see two kits - home and away - that have a traditional connection to the team. And a third kit that is only used in those instances that you mention where there is still a clash. For example, Leeds would wear the all-white at home and the all-yellow away and perhaps the all-blue on rare occasions.
But no reason for the lavender nonsense that we've been wearing all season.
EXACTLY
He certainly showed up against us on Wednesday. He's got a grudge against us that goes back to his days at Derby.
United to wear their traditional and all blue away(68 EC Final)
Have a third kit to play Palace
Jota goes close
What a turn? He didn't turn!!!
Oh - Jota should have put that on target. What's going on with the shooting today?
TT is an idiot!!
He opened his body toward the goal an controlled it... what a moron!
I was wondering that, too - he just took it in his stride and then shanked it well wide.
That was a dangerous cross....where were the Liverpool men
TT can't do the same thing and sub his keeper again....right?
I'm off to help Kate with lunch prep. Back in a tick.
Kante on for Kovacic
Pulisic misses another chance...has he hit the target on any of them
All these subs ruin the match too
Of course, Klopp wants to be able to switch all 11
My old LUFC bud Jamie Milner coming on now or Keita. This one feels like a stalemate and extra time.
Jame into the book... I bet the media want a red
It is a a yellow
I dont' think Pulisic has played well..not good finishing or decision making
Useless cross by Lukaku
Pool hit both posts
How did Robertson miss that
Pulisic and Lukaku are both coming off
Pulisic didn't come off
I heard it announced
Free kick for Liverpool
It wasn't a foul
Comes to nothing
I keep harping on about it... THREE Liverpool players standing outside the edge of the box ready to pounce.... so Chelsea go short inside their own box
MADNESS
Hasn't been as many chances as the League Cup Final TT
Ruddy Norah...this is going to go to ET
Diaz...tries a curler...ala Whiteside from the other post
I'm back from lunch, with this one winding down to extra time. Liverpool should have won this one.
And what's with taking Lukaku off with extra time and possibly pens coming?!!
Three added minutes
Both BBC and ITV showing the match
Apparently...the coverage has been rotten
Kepa's thinking, "Cor, I could eff this one up for Chelsea as well!"
Away we go again in the extra time.
Dick Van Dyke replaced
Devaluing the Cup
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-10816537/FA-Cup-final-Football-fans-fume-unwatchable-BBC-ITV-pictures-quality.html
Useless again by Pulisic....has been in the right places but....
Good Afternoon, Bob and Dave. Just checking in. Doesn't exactly seem like one of the classic Cup Finals.
You've got that right. Saving him for the other matches.
Hey David
Nothing like the League Cup Final
Afternoon, David! How are the graduation celebrations going?
Alonso can't get the ball over... crossing the ball... a lost art
Jump in any rivers lately!
And now Bobby Chompers is coming on for Luis Diaz.
Crazy Texans
Reminds me of our punting on the Cam shenanigans, Dave.
Mount with an effort...mises the target...why couldn't he have done that at Elland Road!
You were a rascal on the Cam!!
Ripping off things hanging from a bridge...then cheering!
Useless front post corner for Chelsea
Now they have another one
An even WORSE effort
I was thinking the same thing. Clinical against us, he was.
A rascal? Moi?
Now a free kick chance...will the delivery be any better...yes but no one there
Another corner
Another wasted corner
LOL! No not since Thursday .We went on a walking trail then came back to the hotel because it started getting too hot
This is the fourth time these two teams have met this season...none of the first three had a winner
Hate all the tiredness talk
They are professionals...this is all they do
If they weren't playing, they would be training
Nearly at the half way point of extra time. This is exactly the last thing that Liverpool needed at this point of the season. Citeh fans must be loving it.
HT of ET
COME ON
Half time - zzzzzz
Huge PPP implications in this match. If Chelsea win the Swansong retains the shield. Otherwise it's between Swansong, Teddy Goalesevelt, and Yours Truly. My chances are the slimmest.
Will Klopp play reserve sides in the last two league matches ahead of the CL Final?
This is going to penalties. Both teams are shattered.
RLC and Azpa coming on
Loftus-Cheek coming on - cue the Punmeister.
The Yank is yanked
I need Pool to win the Cup, Burnley to finish third from bottom, AND Real. If that happens it's between Swansong and Yours Truly where it will come down to the PFA awards. Have those been decided?
Pulisic doesn't look that pleased to have been subbed off.
Sorry Real to win the CL
Klopp complaining about something
I don't think so, mate. I'll check.
I can't have Pool win... Quad Done!
That's a cheeky substitution by Temperamental Tommy Teuton. Yanks don't like to be yanked
I don't see Pool winning the league. A treble is the best they can do
Never like Finals that go to pens....ESPECIALLY after a nil niller
There you go, mate! I was waiting for that one. Unfortunately, you missed a classic "Klich-Bate" substitution in the Leeds match on Wednesday. Might see it again tomorrow.
I need Pool to win the Cup and to lose in the CL Final. That gives them a double
That should be enough for them.
Geez... Chelsea do have a sub to use...he's not going to do it again...his he?
The final ball or shot has been USELESS
Oh - Cheeky was in there but his cross was useless.
Wouldn't you love it if he did?
Not exactly a Tongue n Chek cross?
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