Number 22 March 20 2017
Chelsea v Manchester United; so much to discuss
I was left with all sorts of muddled thoughts after last
Monday’s FA Cup Quarter Final. Who were the heroes and who were the villains?
Were the sinners also those sinned against? The game was ruined by the sending
off. We sometimes see worse fouls go unpunished and the FA needs to have a long
look at inconsistent refereeing decisions, but Ander Herrera’s brain must have
gone walkabouts. Michael Oliver had just read the riot act to Phil Jones and
within moments, the Spanish midfield player, already on a yellow card, committed
a completely unnecessary foul. I certainly do not want to see a return to the likes
of Ron “Chopper” Harris who roamed the pitches of this country like a hungry T
Rex but equally, the referees have a responsibility to the paying public and TV
viewers and making fussy decisions is not conducive to retaining their interest
in football. If he had walked Herrera away from the melee, shut him up and told
him in no uncertain terms that he was now on his very last warning, would it
have saved the game as a spectacle and still be strong refereeing? I believe it
would, but there was no excuse for the United’s players surrounding and
virtually jostling the referee. Along with more technology and sin bins, the
game is crying out for 5 yard exclusion zones around referees. So full marks to
the FA for charging the club with failing to control its players. From the off,
the Reds’ mind set appeared to be to rile Costa and rough up Hazard but this
duo do hit the deck rather easily. Interestingly Sky Sports News played a tape the
following morning from two seasons back when Mourinho was at Chelsea and he was
complaining about the number of times that opposing teams set out their stall
to intimidate the Belgian wizard. His words have come back to haunt him and once
more, Jose has made a rod for his own back. I do however think that Chelsea
fans had no right to call him “Judas”. After all, the Board actually sacked
him, he did not leave for greener pastures, but then can you expect considered opinions
from moronic supporters? Like him or not, Mourinho is an outstanding manager; the
most successful in the history of Chelsea Football Club, a fact their
supporters to a man ought to recognise. Of course, lest we forget, there was a
football match going on and the West Londoners are a most impressive outfit. They
appear to be devoid of weaknesses and United would have struggled with eleven
men. Sadly “us Northerners” will have to accept that the Premier League title
is London bound. As for the FA Cup, the Sky Blues alone carry our hopes.
Fingers crossed it could it be a repeat of the 1981 final; City v Spurs, with no
Ricky Villa and a different result.
An England XI, selected from Red Rose County clubs
Following last week’s article on a “Red Rose County
Representative XI”, it has been suggested that I look at a current England XI
from the same area, so here goes.
Tom Heaton
Nathan Clyne, Michael Keane, John Stones, Leighton Baines
Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Ross Barclay, Raheem Sterling,
Marcus Rashford, Andre Gray,
Substitutes
Jason Steele, Chris Smalling, Jesse Lingard, Phil Jones, Michael Carrick, James Milner, Gareth Barry,
Captain Jordan Henderson Manager Sean Dyche
The Premier League lacks English players, particularly at goal
keeper and up front. I also did not want to select anyone who makes infrequent
club appearances. As a result I chose Blackburn’s Jason Steele (capped at U/21
level) as second keeper and ignored Luke Shaw, Wayne Rooney and Daniel
Sturridge, preferring regular club starters Gray and Baines.
Player Representation
per club
Team
|
Starting
XI
|
Substitutes
|
Burnley
|
3
|
0
|
Everton
|
2
|
1
|
Liverpool
|
3
|
1
|
Manchester
City
|
2
|
0
|
Manchester
United
|
1
|
4
|
Blackburn
Rovers
|
0
|
1
|
Jordan Henderson; the obvious selection as captain
Performances of the last week
Gillingham 0 Bolton Wanderers 4 EFL Division 1
A second consecutive haul of 4 goals is certainly noteworthy,
particularly when both are away from home and the Wanderers are well and truly
back to their best. Equally of note was the performance of Filipe Morais. The
winger produced the assists for all 4 goals, each one a cross which David
Wheater, Adam le Fondre, Mark Beevers and Josh Vela converted.
Manchester United 1 Rostov
0 (Europa League, Round of the last 16)
It is the result that counts, even though it was United’s
fourth unimpressive performance on the bounce since winning the EFL Cup at the
end of February. Juan Mata scored his 10th goal of the season (the
£89 million Pogba has 4) to give the Old Trafford faithful something to enthuse
about as they qualified to play Anderlecht from Brussels in the quarter finals.
Manchester City 1 Liverpool 1 (Premier League)
Full marks to both sides for producing a cracker-jack of a game, but it was a bad result for the North West. I honestly did not mind which one of these giants won, as long as there was a victor; thus applying a final touch of Red Rose pressure to Chelsea. Unfortunately it is now game over and if we are not careful, it could be a London 1-2. Perish the thought!
Newport County 1 Blackpool 3
In less than perfect conditions at Rodney Parade, Blackpool
skipped away to a 2 goal lead with scores from Bright Osayi-Samuel and a Mark
Cullen penalty. A late rally put the Tangerines under late pressure but a
bizarre second from Osayi-Samuel put the game beyond doubt; the keeper, having
gone up for a corner, was unable to get back in time.
On the Non-league scene,
National League Barrow came from
behind to beat Dagenham & Redbridge 2-1, keeping their faint hopes of a
Play-Off place alive. In the National League North, AFC Fylde’s 2 -2 draw with closest rivals Kidderminster Harriers
and Salford’s 1-1 draw with Stockport
County strengthened their positions. Northern Premier League Ashton United stayed in mid-table
following a 1-0 victory over Matlock Town and Warrington Town won their 4th straight game to move into
4th place thanks to a Daniel Hattersley goal, although they have
played more games than their rivals. In the Northern Premier League 1 North, Lancaster City narrowly beat Tadcaster
Albion 1-0 to stay level at the top, but 3rd placed Trafford dropped 2 points in a 2-2 draw
with Ramsbottom United, Rammy’s Lee
Gaskell converting 2 penalties. In the North West Counties Premier League, Atherton Collieries remain top after a
1-0 win at Maine Road but the shock of the weekend was Barnoldswick Town’s 4-3 win at the high-flying Runcorn Town. In
Division 1, Litherland REMYCA and City of Liverpool defeated Silsden and
FC Oswestry Town respectively to stay in 1st and 2nd
places in the League. Finally Mossley Hill
Athletic from Liverpool moved to the top of the West Cheshire League by
defeating the previous incumbent Rainhill
Town 3-0.
Games to look forward to this week
Bury v Fleetwood (EFL Division 1)
Saturday March 25, 15.00
Bury, fresh from a fighting goal-less draw at Millwall where
keeper Joe Murphy’s display was described as stunning, are now up to 17th
place. They could yet be relegation contenders but the new manager has turned around
their season and suddenly they are extremely difficult to beat. Fleetwood have
had a mini-stumble and dropped to 3rd place, one point away from an
automatic promotion place. The play-offs are a lottery and bear little
correlation to previous form so 3 points will mean so much for the Cod Army at
Gigg Lane.
Oldham Athletic v Sheffield United
(EFL Division 1) Saturday March 25, 15.00
The
high-rollers are paying a visit to Boundary Park and it ought to be the Latics’
highest gate of the season. The Blades have all but sewn up promotion but
Oldham. although much improved under John Sheridan, are still having to look
over their shoulder as they move into the final stages of what has been a dog
fight since day one. They will not lie down, it will be a battle for 90 minutes
and a point will probably be gratefully received.
Blackpool v Hartlepool United (EFL
Division 2) Saturday March 25, 15.00
The Tangerines have suddenly found some consistency,
something that the fans have been demanding all season. Following an 8 game
unbeaten run, the play-offs are now within touching distance but Gary Bowyer
has injuries to cope with. Hartlepool are poor away from home and Blackpool
ought to win this game; in fact they have to win. It is as simple as that.
Brad Potts; his return to form has
coincided with Blackpool’s promotion charge
Chorley v Curzon Ashton (National
League North) Saturday March 25, 15.00
Back in 1990, Chorley were relegated from the Conference
(Tier 5), but Matt Jansen has prepared a side ready to return to those lofty
heights. AFC Fylde appear to have the top spot at their mercy but Chorley are
still in the race for the runners up slot. They did however lose at Harrogate
Town on Saturday and Curzon Ashton are much improved. They will provide
stubborn opposition but to gain promotion, Chorley must win this home game.
Quiz of the Week (Answers at the foot of the Blog)
Each question has a Red Rose County connection
1
In 1997, John Barnes left Anfield to join which Premier League club?
2
There are 2 ex-Blackburn Rovers players in the current England
squad. One is Michael Keane who was on loan but who is the one time permanent
Rover?
3
There are 2 German managers currently plying their trade in the
Red Rose County. Jürgen Klopp and which other?
4
Who played 569 league games for Blackpool and went on to manage
the Leeds United side which reached the 1974 final of the European Cup?
5
Signed from Everton in 2000, which ex-Manchester City player
holds 2 unwanted Premier League records. Most own goals and joint most sendings
off?
6
Ricardo Gardner was capped 75 times for Jamaica whilst playing
for which Red Rose County club?
Ricardo
Gardner; captained Jamaica for 4 years
7
From 2009-15, which French defender made 159 appearances for
Everton?
8
Who managed Burnley FC when promoted to the Premier League in
2009?
9
Which club drew at Blackburn 1-1 on May 14 2011 to clinch the
Premier League title?
10
The Northern Premier League North clubs, Mossley, Droylsden and
Hyde United all have grounds situated in which Greater Manchester Metropolitan
Borough?
Post Weekend Musings
Manchester City’s defeat amongst the Monegasque, the
millionaires of Monaco, seemed somehow self-inflicted. There is no doubting the
class and skill at the Etihad club but they never seem to chase back as fast as
they run forward. Hence they were quickly 2-0 down. They came out after the
interval with more determination and Sane gave them a life line. They then had
to hold firm for 20 minutes and the newly revitalised Leicester for example would
have won it from there. City however defend so feebly and it was no surprise
when that impressive physical specimen Bakayoko powered home a header from a
free kick. Talent is an important asset at a football club but often “guts” is
even more important.
John Stones; so much talent but is he
consistently tough enough?
There are three interesting Non-League games on Saturday. Marine, struggling to stay in the Northern
Premier League for a record 39th consecutive season, travel to Corby
Town, one point below them and just above the relegation zone. In the Northern
Premier League North, Colne, arguably
the Red Rose surprise packet of the season, look to improve on their 5th
place as they host a resurgent Colwyn Bay. Finally Bootle accommodate Runcorn Linnets in the North West Counties
Premier League match of the day, looking to hang on to the shirt tails of Atherton Collieries at the top of the
Division.
Players from our local clubs were amongst the honours when
the EFL Teams of the Year were selected. There was nothing for our Championship
sides but in League 1, the Oldham
goal keeper Connor Ripley, the Fleetwood
right back Conor McLaughlin, Bolton
centre backs David Wheater and Mark Beevers and Bury striker James Vaughan all made the eleven. In League 2, Blackpool’s Kelvin Mellor and Brad
Potts at right back and in midfield respectively gained selection.
Congratulations to all seven for flying the Red Rose flag.
Neil
Warnock, not everyone’s favourite, claimed to have predicted Warren Joyce’s
failure at Wigan Athletic. He argued
that there is no comparison between running Manchester United’s reserves in a
pressure free zone and the cut and thrust of the Championship where every point
counts. Warnock may be right, but I felt sorry for Joyce because Wigan knew
what they were buying into but gave him just 4 months to turn the club around.
Hopefully his reputation is untarnished and he can return to this level; being
far better prepared.
Red Rose County Player of the Week
Romelu Lukaku may be greedy when it comes to contracts but he is a handful on the pitch. They say his first touch is poor, but his physicality, pace, power and deadly finishing was too much for Hull City. With 21 league goals already, he has his eyes set on Gary Lineker’s Premier League record of 30 Everton goals in a season; a worthy Player of the Week.
Tier 10 Club of the Week
Daisy Hill FC; becalmed at Tier 10 for nigh on 40 years
Daisy Hill sounds like a beauty spot, the place you would take the family for a picnic on an idyllic summer’s day. In actual fact it is a part of Westhoughton which in turn is a small town, part of the sprawling Metropolitan Borough of Bolton. The football club has a long history dating back to 1894 with much success at the lower levels prior to joining the Lancashire Combination in 1978. This league morphed into the North West Counties League in 1982 and amazingly, Daisy Hill has played at Tier 10 for 39 seasons. Their ground, intriguingly named New Sirs, has seen a number of upgrades as the club has developed but seen little success. They finished 4th in 1986, their best season at this level and have finished in one of the two relegation spots on 6 occasions but always avoiding relegation. They have never won an FA Cup game and in 1989 the club changed its name to Westhoughton Town, reverting back to Daisy Hill 5 years later. The club’s colours are all blue from head to toe and the average crowd is 70 per game, not bad for this level. As per the norm; they are currently residing in 16th place in the league, but providing football for the locals to watch.
The New Sirs Ground at Daisy Hill
Quiz Answers
1 Newcastle
United, 2 Phil Jones, 3 Uwe Rosler, 4 Jimmy Armfield, 5 Richard Dunne,
6 Bolton
Wanderers, 7 Sylvain Distin, 8 Owen Coyle, 9 Manchester United, 10 Tameside,
In my previous post next should read brfc.
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