England Ease Past Wales in Euro 2012 Qualifier

It had been a much  anticipated tie throughout the week, with the news that John Terry was to be reinstated as England captain on a permanent basis after losing the same role over a year ago due to personal affairs off the field and with Gareth Bale being ruled out of the game for Wales the build-up to the crucial fixture intensified thoroughly.

There was a fantastic atmosphere at the Millenium Stadium, the home support ambitious about Wales' hopes of getting their first points of this so far disappointing qualifying campaign. The passion was clearly existent before the game with the national anthems of both sides being sung. God Save The Queen was almost drowned out by the boos of the Welsh supporters attempting to intimidate the England team-failing to do so in hindsight. This passion continued into the start of the game with Craig Bellamy immediately getting involved in the action with a tussle with Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney. 

Frank Lampard converts early penalty.

It wasn't long before major chances came either, in the 7th minute James Collins was penalised for bringing down Ashley Young with what appeared minimum contact but both players fell to the ground and the Portuguese  referee awarding the penalty. Frank Lampard stepped up and comfortably sent Wayne Hennessey the wrong way and giving England an early lead. The visiting support took the lead role in amplifying the atmosphere inside the ground after the goal. It wasn't too long before they extended their lead. A wonderful long ball, which had just the right power and pace on it,  from Glen Johnson found Ashley Young down the right hand side after managing to get the right side of the Wales left back. England held on for the 2-0 lead t half time.

England players celebrate second goal from Bent.

The second half saw an improvement from Wales, England sat back slightly and didn't make fluent attacks as much.Welsh captain Aaron Ramsey held the ball in midfield and had a couple of efforts going wide of the goal. However that was all Wales had to offer in the second half, they played better and kept possession well but lacked enthusiasm and urgency. There seemed to be no passion in it despite the early signs of confidence before the game. Fabio Capello made some changes bringing on James Milner and Stewart Downing who had a decent attempt on goal narrowly missing towards the end almost making it 3-0.  In the end it finished 2-0 to England and they went up to second 3 points behind Montenegro with a game in hand on the group leaders.

Other Results: 

Group G_ Bulgaria 0-0 Switzerland

Bolton win late on, and Manchester United see off Arsenal in the FA Cup Quarter Finals

The quarter finals of the FA Cup today saw Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United book a place at Wembley in the semi-final. Bolton edged out 3-2 winners over Birmingham City in a thriller at St Andrews whilst United held off a lacklustre Arsenal beating the Gunners 2-0 at Old Trafford. 

The early kick off saw the Carling Cup winners Birmingham looking to repeat cup success against a Bolton side who have dipped in Premier League form after a surprising surge up the table before Christmas. It was the visitors who took the lead through Johan Elmander in the 21st minute after Ivan Klasnic had flicked it through to the striker. However the Blues hit back towards the end of the first half after Cameron Jerome put the ball past Jussi Jaskellainen despite the the home side being forced to make two substitutions- both Barry Ferguson and Martin Jinarek being forced off with injury.

Lee celebrates his winning goal for Bolton. 

The second half saw Bolton regain the lead 6 minutes after the hour mark had passed, Curtis Davies conceded a penalty which Kevin Davies converted. Birmingham were really piling the pressure on Owen Coyle's men and chances were agonisingly being missed. The best chance fell to Kevin Phillips, who's skillful turn put him in a great position to fire a venomous shot which was met by enough contact by Jaskellainen to push it on to the outside of the post and temporarily away from danger. It looked like Alex McLeish's side were running out of steam until Phillips struck again with a glorious effort to lob the keeper from outside the area which came out of nothing. With the tie looking like it would go to a replay, Bolton had a final twist as a ball into the area found Kevin Davies who knocked it on to Chung-Yong Lee, the South Korean nodding it past Ben Foster to win it late on in the 89th minute. Even with 4 minutes added on, Birmingham couldn't find an equaliser to rescue their FA Cup hopes. The final whistle blew and Bolton marched on to a place in the semi-finals.

The other quarter final saw Manchester United host their closest Premier League rivals Arsenal. After 2 consecutive defeats for United, and a Champions League exit for Arsenal midweek, both teams were looking to respond by keeping up their silverware chances this season. It took a while for the game to really come alive, and United's first opportunity came when Fabio played in a great delivery into his twin brother Rafael who failed to keep his header down and the ball went over for a goal-kick. Despite this opportunity, it was Fabio who gave the home side the lead. Rooney's cross to Javier Hernandez saw the Mexican's shot well saved by Manuel Almunia only to fall to Fabio who hit into the roof of an empty goal to grab the lead.

Fabio gives United the lead.

Arsenal kept going, and managed to make a few good movements stringing a few passes along but they lacked the cutting edge, and the final touches were poor, ending some potentially dangerous attacks in disappointing fashion. Samir Nasri had a good opportunity at the end of the first half, the Frenchman worked his way through into the box, and striking the ball through the legs of Wes Brown only to see Edwin Van Der Sar make a fine save in the bottom corner. The Dutchman was on fantastic form denying Arsenal an equaliser and certainly gave his very best to do so.

The second half started similarly to the first, and Van Der Sar was dealing exceptionally well with the threat of Arsenal on the attack. Van Persie almost curled  beautiful effort in to the top corner with his left foot, just going wide of the goal, a spectacular attempt nonetheless. Arsenal didn't capitalise on their dominance and were consequently punished for it when Rooney grabbed his 6th goal in 8 games, softly heading it in to the corner of the goal doubling the lead. Although they were 2-0 down, Arsenal lacked urgency, but they did stay comfortable in possession as they showed no desperation to get back in the game. Subsitute Marouane Chamakh, who replaced Denilson, saw his header brilliantly saved by Van Der Sar who was remaining resilient in his goal. Tomas Rosicky also had a great chance but completely missed the ball.

Due to an injury suffered by Johan Djourou after a magnificent bit of goalkeeping by Almunia to deny United wrapping the game up, 8 minutes were added on at the end. Arsenal couldn't find a goal in this period and were once again out of a cup, their chances of winning silverware seem to be decreasing quickly, with the Premier League they're last hope of glory this year. It finished Manchester United 2-0 Arsenal  

Npower League 2 Preview by Mitch Reece

 npower League 2 Preview

Saturday’s fixtures see league leaders Chesterfield take a trip to mid table Crewe and second place Bury travel  North-east to promotion Hopeful’s Rotherham Utd. Also rock-bottom Stockport are looking to lift themselves of the bottom when they play hosts to fellow league 2 strugglers Burton Albion.

Cheltenham   v   Aldershot(15:00) :

Cheltenham are looking to bounce back after last week’s dropped points against top of the table Chesterfield ,whilst Aldershot are coming into this game following a impressive 1-0 win over playoff contenders Torquay. This Mid-table clash,  that will take place at Whaddon Road, see’s Keith Lowe and Midfielder David Birch available for selection after both returning from injury. Midfielders Albert Jarrett (illness) and Alex Rodman (calf) will both miss out from this Saturday’s game.

Crewe  v  Chesterfield(15:00):

High Flyers Chesterfield are looking to extend their lead at the top when they travel to Crewe on Saturday. The team in their way is coming into this game after a disappointing mid week loss to relegation battlers Macclesfield Town. Chesterfield may have to play crew without fellow midfielder Derek Niven, who has a head injury. Crewe Alexandra full-back Matt Tootle (virus) is looking to be fit in time for the visit of Chesterfield.

Gillingham  v  Accrington Stanley(15:00) :

Gillingham are looking to take their ten game unbeaten run up to 11 when they play hosts to Accrington Stanley, who are confident after a mid week win against Stockport. Gillingham striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is a Doubt for the Gills ,this comes after a recent illness. When these two teams met earlier on in the season Accrington got the better of Gillingham in a 11 goal thriller but Gills manager Andy Hessenthaler is reassured by his teams position in the league table.

Hereford    v  Barnet(15:00):

Barnet take the trip to Herefordshire where they look to keep off the bottom of the league 2 table, while Hereford look to beat Barnet after losing 2-0 back in October. Hereford manager Jamie Pitman has no new injury or suspension worries ahead of the visit of relegation plagued Barnet on Saturday. The same can’t be said, however, for the visitors who will be without midfielder Rossi Jarvis, who will serve a one match ban, and striker Steve Kabba who will be out due to a hamstring injury.

Lincoln City   v  Southend(15:00):

Southend travel to Lincoln as they look to climb ahead of Torquay into 8^th Spot as their push for promotion continues, and Lincoln are looking to spoil the visitors afternoon and move up to 14^th in the league. Lincoln have no suspensions or injury problems ahead of Saturdays clash but Southend will be without Midfielder Bilel Mohsni who remains sidelined after ankle ligament damage. Luke Howell (hamstring) and Clark Keltie (thigh) will also miss out.

Morecambe  v Bradford(15:00):

Both teams are looking to climb up the table away from the relegation zone with a chance to move 15^th(providing Results go their way).Morecambe keeper Barry Roche is out with a thigh injury and also amongst the injury mix Paul Scott(Knee). Manager Peter Jackson has no other injury or suspension worries and could name the same side that beat Rotherham in midweek.

Northampton  v  Macclesfield(15:00):

Macclesfield are coming into Saturdays clash after a important 1-0 win over crew during mid week and are ready to go 10 points clear of the drop zone, while Northampton are still yet to find victory under new management. Northampton will have to make do without Strikers Billy McKay (dislocated elbow) and Leon McKenzie (knee), as do defenders Marcus Hall (illness) and Craig Hinton (knee).As for Macclesfield strikers Ricky Sappleton and Emile Sinclair both serve the final game of their three-match bans.

Port Vale v Oxford(15:00):

Port Vale look to move up to 4^th on Saturday and keep their automatic Promotion chances alive when they face an Oxford side who are also serious playoff hopefuls. Port Vale do not have any Suspensions or Injuries ahead of the weekend clash. Despite Torquay defender Gareth Owen continuing  to work his way back to fitness after an ankle injury he is not yet ready to return and also Anthony Tonkin, who serves a one-match ban will not be available for the bulls.

Rotherham  v  Bury(15:00):

Bury are looking to close the gap between them and league leaders Chesterfield when they face a Rotherham side that dropped points during midweek and are looking to bounce back into 4^th place and keep their promotion push alive. Rotherham Defender Tom Newey is suspended, while fellow defender Ryan Cresswell is not yet ready for a first team return after recovering from a broken collarbone. Bury will be without midfielder Damien Mozika, who serves the final game of a two-match ban.

Stockport  v Burton Albion(15:00):

It’s been hard work for Stockport recently both financially and Performance wise but they look to lift themselves of the bottom when they play hosts to fellow relegation battlers Burton Albion. Fellow Stockport striker Ryan Noble returns from a ban, but defender Jordan Rose remains doubtful through injury. Brewer’s manager Paul Peschisolido is hopeful midfielder Russell Penn can shake off a shoulder injury picked up in Tuesday's win over Lincoln.

Torquay  v  Shrewsbury(15:00):

While hosts Torquay utd look to close the gap between them and 7^th place, Shrewsbury have their eyes set on Automatic promotion. Jake Robinsons Parent club has given him the chance to play on Saturday and Robinson looks to mark the occasion with a goal. Also looking to get on the score sheet is former Torquay player Nicky Wroe who transferred to Shrewsbury during the January Transfer Window.

Wycombe  v  Stevenage(15:00):

Wycombe have their eyes set on second place following their game against a Stevenage side who lie 13^th in the League 2 table. Wycombe defender Dave Winfield hopes to return to the side after completing a three-match ban and Defender Andy Sandell will remain on the sidelines for at least six weeks with a knee injury. Stevenage are set to welcome back defender Mark Roberts, who has completed a one-match ban. Also defender Jon Ashton remains doubtful with a leg injury, so either Luke Foster or Michael Bostwick could deputise in defence.

FA Cup Quarter Finals Preview

The trophy the teams will be hoping to
have their hands on.

The FA Cup is back this weekend,   with a semi-final at Wembley Stadium beckoning for the teams remaining in the competition. The holders Chelsea are no longer in the cup and neither are Everton- the side that knocked Chelsea out at Stamford Bridge. The most glamorous tie at first glance is most certainly the tie between the premier league title contenders Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford.

The last times these sides met in the cup was in February 2008, the Red Devils thrashing Arsenal 4-0 at Old Trafford. The home side go into this fixture on the back of two defeats to Chelsea and Liverpool in the premier league, consequently dropping them points and putting Arsenal right back in the title challenge.  With Arsenal’s failure, after losing the Carling Cup final to Birmingham City, to end their drought of trophies since 2005 when they won the FA Cup on penalties against United, Arsene Wenger’s men will be eager to keep up their silverware hopes and progress through to the next round.  With their being such a small gap between the two sides in the league, it has the potential to be a very entertaining game and should prove to be a tight contest on Saturday afternoon.

The ties that take place on Sunday see the only football league side left in the competition Reading take on Manchester City at Eastlands. Brian McDermott’s Reading had a successful run in the same cup last year defeating Liverpool. So far they have managed to defeat West Brom and Everton en route to the last eight. City will be looking to forget their less than impressive performance against Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League on Thursday night losing 2-0 to the Ukrainians. Like the Carling Cup last year there could be a Manchester Derby in the semi-final if City and United win. However Mancini’s men will not go into the game arrogantly, there should be no under-estimation of Reading who are having a decent run in the Npower Championship.  Also on Sunday, Stoke City take on West Ham United at the Britannia Stadium, the Hammers are certainly enjoying premier league resurgence as a few good results including a defeat of Liverpool and last week’s 3-0 victory over the Potters have picked points up helping them get off the foot of the table. With Stokes strength at home, and West Ham’s good run in the cups this year, it is shaping up to be a tough battle.

The other quarter final sees Birmingham take on Bolton Wanderers at St Andrews on Saturday, the Carling Cup winners eased past Sheffield Wednesday to reach this stage and Bolton managed to get past Fulham in the previous round.  Whilst on paper it doesn’t look like the greatest of spectacles, the action on the pitch could tell a different story.

Altogether it looks to be a very good weekend of FA Cup football and the winners will have Wembley visit on the calendar to look forward to. The draw for the semi-finals will be made on Sunday evening after all of the games have been played.