click on link
Good evening and welcome to the first Match of the Day for Gold Championship 279 England. Each week will be covering four games from the English League and they will consist of two games from Division 1 and two games from the lower divisions. In the studio we will have two managers who will give their thoughts on the games and tonight we have Frank Hirst, manager of Tranmere Rovers, and Scott 'broon' Brown who manages Tottenham Hotspur.
Four games for you tonight and we will be starting in Division 1 at the Madjeski Stadium where third placed Reading were trying to knock leaders Derby County off top spot. We will then move onto The Hawthorns where the team with the best defence in the league, West Brom entertained the top scorers in the league, Manchester City. From there we will move into Division 2 and to Ashton Gate where two sides aiming for automatic promotion met. Bristol City v Middlesbrough served up a treat for the fans and is not to be missed. And finally, we move down to Division 4 where it was third against second, Bury v Accrington Stanley. We will hear from Frank and broon later on but first it's to the Madjeski where third placed Reading took on Derby County. Your commentator is Willie Stroker:
It's a nice day, the sun is out and so are the teams.
Massive result for them! Gino has done a tremendous job at Derby, from nearly not even getting promoted last season to topping the Premier League table approaching the half way point! You can see that this team has been built from the back, once the foundations are there the rest is a whole lot easier"
Right, while Derby were winning at Reading, one of the favourites to win the title were at West Brom. Manchester City have blown hot and cold so far this season but a win today would keep them near the top. West Brom have struggled to get a run together and while they have been superb in defence, the attack has let them down. Dixie Normous seen this one:
West Brom with just one home win for their fans but they are still turning up in their thousands and today they see their heroes take on the talented Manchester City. There you see the team line ups
There is Mehmet Topal, an ever present in this West Brom defence that have conceded just 13 goals in the 16 games so far. Up front is where the problem lies and West Brom will be looking to Matri to add to the 4 goals he has this season. Manchester City in their sky blue shirt, white shorts and they have been banging in the goals but of the top 7 sides in the table they have conceded the most. 9 goals for Edinson Cavani, quite a few of them provided by Aguero but with Aguero out injured it will be interesting to see how Cavani gets on.
Off we go and City get us underway and immediately move forward with Cavani out to Lacazette on the right. Plenty of City players getting up the park. Lacazette lays it back to Clichy. Clichhhhhy!! ohhhh what an effort from the full back. He just let fly from all of 30 yards and it had Mignolet diving across his goal but the ball just clears the bar. Under a minute gone and City nearly in front.
12min - Here come West Brom with Diego bringing it forward deep into City territory. He plays it through to Hunt. Oh and that's cynical from Kompany. That's going to be a yellow and there it is. The referee had no hesitation there and rightly so.
25min - West Brom doing well at the moment, having plenty of the ball but finding it tough to get behind this City defence. Hunt has it moving towards the edge of the box under attention from Clichy. Hunt with a lovely chip to just inside the box and Diego tries a looping header but there's too much on it and the ball clears the bar without troubling Mandanda. Don't know if that was the best option for Diego there. He had Matri looking for it and I think Matri's stare in Diego's direction says it all really.
30min - City breaking forward now with Oscar. This looks promising. West Brom trying to get back. Oscar plays it to Di Maria. Di Maria slips by Golubovic and plays a nice pass through to Dzeko. Dzeko, just inside the box, has a couple of West Brom defenders with him. Dzeko still has it, trying to find some space. Oh that was great play, Dzeko! yesssss!!!! it's past Mignolet and into the net and City have the lead on the half hour mark!!!! Great play by Dzeko. His determination opened up a small gap and that was all he needed to zip it across the turf with Mignolet diving down but not able to get there!! West Brom 0 City 1!!
West Brom restart and it's Allen with it, oh and that's a poor ball and it's picked up by Lacazette. Lacazette on the run, past Diego. Good run here from Lacazette. He's played a deep ball aimed towards Hazard on the far side. Hazard chests it down, great control from the Belgian and he goes for goal and it's a wonderful strike!! It's 2 goals in 2 minutes for City. Mignolet again with no chance. It really was a superb effort from Hazard and West Brom are up against it now. 2-0 Manchester City!!
43min - West Brom doing all they can to try and get a foothold in the game. City have been the classier side. Their passing has been much more accurate but we can't rule out the home side yet and here they come now. Allen has it, looking to play it forward but City marking well. Allen plays outside to Finnbogason, who quickly plays it into Hunt in the City box. Oh that's clever from Hunt, flicking it through to Matri and Matri puts the ball in the net!! and that's a goal out of nothing for West Brom! Finnbogason played a harmless looking ball into Hunt but the way Hunt flicked it on to Matri opened up the defence and Matri had the simple task of placing it by Mandanda from six yards and West Brom are back in it just before half time!
45min - and there's the half time whistle. The players head for the tunnel with City holding the advantage. There's Chris Johnson, he will have some things to say to his players, especially the two minutes where they seemed to lack concentration and were punished fully to the max. Its half time and it's WEST BROM 1 MANCHESTER CITY 2
West Brom to start the second half looking to peg City back and get something from the game. The first half was quite even but for the two minutes where City struck twice and you would think if they get the first goal of this half then that will be it for West Brom.
60min - Here's Hunt for West Brom and he tries to play it wide to Kalou but it's far too strong and its out for a throw to City. A couple of catcalls coming from the stands with neither team been able to get to grips in this second half. It will suit City fine but West Brom needing to show a bit more urgency in their play.
73mins - Really this second half has been dreadful. West Brom labouring and City managing to limit them to long range efforts that just haven't troubled Mandanda at all. It's played forward to Matri, but that's a crunching tackle from Kompany and away come City with Matri left in a heap and Johnson out in his technical area going daft at what he thought was a clear foul on Matri. It's still Kompany, he plays it to Nasri, nasri back to Kompany who is still piling forward. This is a chance for City. Kompany plays it wide to Danilo.The Brazilian tries to cut inside and ohhh he sends in a curling effort towards Mignolet's left hand post that has Mignolet going down to his left but it goes wide of the post. Decent try from Danilo but it was always going wide.
81min - City looking for the goal that will kill the game. Nasri has it outside the penalty area, back to goal. Nice turn from Nasri but that's a free kick. Pulled back by Hunt as he turned the West Brom player. The referee shows the yellow to Hunt and he can have no complaints. Free kick in a dangerous position and it looks like Di Maria to strike it. West Brom with four men in the wall. Here's Di Maria. He's opted hit it to the six yard box. Nasri with the header!!!! and he's managed to head it over the bar from six yards! He done well to get his head on it but he had no control and the ball flies over the top.
Mignolet with the goal kick. He hits it long, it's flicked on by Allen to Hunt but a tremendous tackle by Clichy. Won the ball clearly and he comes away with it and hits a long angled pass towards Hazard. Hazard has it with Yedlin and Topal in front of him. Hazard cuts to the outside, tries one and ohhhhh it's there!!! What an effort from Eden Hazard!!! It looked like a speculative shot but it caught out Mignolet at his near post and it's squeezed into the net and that is surely it now for West Brom. 3-1 Manchester City and it looks like the points are heading back to Manchester!
86min - Four minutes left, West Brom looking down and out but they won't give up until that final whistle sounds. Allen has it midway into the City half. Oh that's great play from Allen to hold off Oscar and Nasri. And still Allen has it, he refuses to give the ball up and now plays it to the overlapping Yedlin. Yedlin in full flight, past Hazard, and now past Clichy. He cuts inside and it's opened up for him here. He's tried the shot and ooooooo it's a fantastic save from Mandanda! A great run from Yedlin past two tackles and a shot to match that looked certain for the top corner but Mandanda leapt to his right and got a finger to it too touch it over the bar. You would think that was West Brom's chance to make it a frantic finish but Mandanda had other ideas.
90min - The clock says it's time up but West Brom still trying to come forward with Kalou down the right. Kalou tries to get past Danilo but it's a fine challenge and the ball is out for a thro. Kalou takes it quickly (pheeeeeeeeeeep) but there is the final whistle as the referee brings the match to a close and Manchester City have taken the points but West Brom certainly gave it 100%. The final score from The Hawthorns is WEST BROM 1 MANCHESTER CITY 3.
DZEKO: Ermm, we are very happy with thees result. We knew we were in for very hard game. West Brom, they have good players who work hard and we are very happy to come here and score thee three goals. My goal, I had thee ball and I realised I had some room to try and erm get a shot on thee goal and fortunately I managed to place thee ball past thee erm gol-keeper.
JOHNSON: Firstly we have come up against an extremely strong City side with millions of pounds worth of talent and I believe the result was very harsh indeed, we dominated the match and deserved something from the game so overall bitterly disappointed, we couldn't take our chances and it has come back to haunt us, there is still a long way to go but tonight I am very disappointed.
broon, is Chris right? Did City get lucky today or was it a good tactical performance?
The stats say it all here, 4 shots on target and 3 goals but that’s what happens when you have the likes of Hazard, Cavani & Di Maria on show. I think Chris can feel hard done by because West Brom played really well but were not clinical enough in front of goal but their time will come and I expect West Brom to be challenging for a European place at the end of the season.
Frank, West Brom. A bit unlucky you think?
Unlucky? No! The reason the Baggies lost today was Simon Mignolet! He had 4 shots to deal with all game and only made 1 save! If West Brom had Mandanda & City had Mignolet, they probably would've won 7-1!
Moving on now and the race for promotion from Division 2 is starting to heat up with the top ten teams all involved. Leaders Bristol City have surprised many and as we approach the halfway stage and they are now the bookies favourite to win the title. Today they had to contend with the challenge of third placed Middlesbrough knowing a win would cement their place at the top while Middlesbrough knew that a win for them could move them second and within touching distance of City. The game turned out to be a thriller and Moe Lester was at Ashton Gate to see the drama unfold:
Two of the top three go head to head as leaders Bristol City take on Middlesbrough. A win for City would go a long way to setting them up for the rest of the season and Ashton Gate is a sell out for this one. That's the teams for today
Bristol City without Jeremy Mathieu who is still recovering from a shin knock but that man there, Yuya Osako, is the man they will be looking to, to find the net for them today. He has 10 goals to his name this season and is the man that Middlesbrough will have to keep in check. There's Daniel Ayala, and the big defender will be the one responsible for that job. Surprisingly, Asamoah Gyan, the top scorer for Middlesbrough is on the bench today but that is because of this man, Ignacio Risso. The veteran stirker is 37 years old but that hasn't stopped him scoring 4 goals this season mainly from the bench. He has came off the bench 10 times this season and is the definition of an impact player but he gets a chance to show what he can do from the start. We are ready for kick off and it's City in their red and white strip that get us underway with Osako laying it back to Kurzawa and he plays a long ball towards Kalinic but that is well read by Andreolli and he comes forward with the ball. He plays the long ball to Risso, oh and that's great play by the veteran and there's a shot!! but Lopez was right behind it and almost a sensational start in just the first minute of the game. The way Risso controlled that was superb and his effort at goal, well nothing wrong with that, just that Lopez was well positioned.
3min - Bristol City trying to launch their first attack and Jung is moving down the right touchline and he slips by Ameobi with ease and this is a good run by the full back. Oh Ayala comes across and that's a great tackle but, oh dear, the referee has given a free kick. It looked like Ayala had won the ball but it's the follow through that the referee didn't like and City have a free kick wide of the penalty box. Lopez and Korb round it. A bit of jostling going on in the box that the referee may have to step in and sort but he's letting it go. It's Lopez who knocks in a high ball and .... and... and that has gone over everyone and straight into the far top corner of the net!!That's an incredible goal from Lopez!! Did he mean it? Well only he knows but it's the opening goal in just 3 minutes.
The ball just floats over everyone in the box and has caught Moya out and its 1-0 to Bristol City!! What a start for them!
7min - Middlesbrough still trying to respond to that opener but City quite tight at the back, not leaving much room for Boro to operate. Here's Ameobi trying to look for a gap in the defence but there is nothing doing. He still has it, Risso is on the edge of the box. He plays it to Risso, and that's a great return for Ameobi, and Ameobi hits it and it's there!! A great strike from the man on loan from Newcastle!! He struck that perfectly and the ball zipped across the turf and past Lopez, into the corner of the Bristol City and we are back all square at 1-1. It was a great one-two with Rossi and that return from veteran completely flat footed the Bristol City defenders and Ameobi takes full advantage.
City kick off again and this is promising to be a cracker as the ball is played back to Kurzawa but that's short and Molina is in like a shot and this could be a chance for Boro with Molina being forced wide. Carrico slides in on Molina and that's a free kick. No doubt about that one. Carrico hands out to the side claiming to have got the ball but he took the player at the same time and Boro have a free kick on the left hand side of the area. Risso is going to take this one and he takes it quick, knocking it into the box and there's Ayala!!! it's 2-1 Middlesbrough!! City completely caught out by the quick free kick. Ayala seen what was happening and made a clever run across the box and he met Rossi's cross superbly on the volley and it powered past the startled Lopez! City boss Bailey is out having a go at the referee. He is not happy that the free kick was allowed to be taken that quickly but the goal stands and its City 1 Boro 2
14min - So Jung is the second player in the book after Ayala and it's all happening here at Ashton Gate. It's Kurzawa for City, plays it for Lopez. Lopez just outside the box and he's by Zouma and this is dangerous for Boro, Lopez nicely for Osako, a chance here, Osako hits it and City are back level!!!
Osako with his 11th goal of the season, taken well but what was the Boro defence doing. Lopez skins Zouma and that seemed to make the rst of the Boro defence freeze. An easy slip to Osako who hit it first time from 10 yards over Moya, who could do little about that and now it's Doc Fox out his dug out and he is raging with that piece of defending. It's 2-2 and we have only played 14 minutes!
30min - It's calmed down now as City have it with Korb. Korb moves out to the left and oh!! that is late from Denisov. Korb was playing it back inside to Thomas and the ball was well away by time Denisov made the tackle. Denisov is shown the yellow and City have a free kick.
42min - It's not long til the break and after four goals in the opening 14 minutes the game has now taken on a more natural look. Korb, again for Bristol City coming forward, he plays it through to Thomas just outside the box. Zouma comes towards Thomas and that's a free kick. Zouma in with a hard tackle and if you are going in like that you have to make sure you get the ball. This is dangerous, just outside the box and quite central. Lopez, has already scored from a free kick and he is lining up to take this one. Three men in the Middlesbrough wall with Kurzawa standing right beside them. It's Lopez, ohhhhhh that's a beauty. That is top class from Lopez!! He just stepped up and knocked the ball over the wall and it went into the top corner of the net and Moya didn't even move! We are just coming up to half time and it's a great time for City to score. Bristol City 3 Middlesbrough 2!
Boro with it all to do again as they restart the game, and it's taken off the toes of Molina by Osako and the break is on. Osako down the left being tracked by Arroyo, he cuts inside and lays it off to Lopez. Lopez with it, Zouma in front of him. Lopez goes for the shot and it is in the corner of the net!!! From all of 30 yards, Lopez has hit that along the ground and it couldn't have been placed any better as it zips into the net past the diving Moya and it's two goals in two minutes for Lopez and that's his hat trick!!! What a strike!! It's all going wrong for Boro just before the break. They only have themselves to blame for that one. Molina lost the ball far too easily to Osako in the middle of the park and Boro pay the penalty. 4-2 City in an incredible first half.
45min - And there's the half time whistle, bringing an end to one of the most incredible first halves I have seen. Half time BRISTOL CITY 4 MIDDLESBROUGH 2
50min - Not as frantic a start to this half as the first one was but Middlesbrough looking for a way to get back into this game and they have the ball with Molina. Molina plays it down the middle and it's collected by Fernandes. Fernandes, now, he has Ameobi out to his left. Rojo is in front of him but he plays it in front of Ameobi and he hits it and the ball is in the net!!! Yet another great strike, this time from Ameobi. There seemed little danger as the ball was played to him but he hit that with venom and it flew in off the far post with Lopez looking stunned! Did he think that was going wide? Whatever he thought doesn't matter now as Ameobi pulls one back for Boro and it's game on once more! Bristol City, 4-3 in front now and you just don't know what is going to happen next!
60min - And it looks like Middlesbrough are going to make a change. Asamoah Gyan is coming on to try save this game for Boro and that looks like Valentin Eysseric that's also coming on. It's Andreolli and Ameobi to make way and Gyan comes on to a rapturous welcome from the Boro fans. We restart with a throw to Middlesbrough. It's down the side for Ayala, what's he doing there (chuckle) Ayala with it. Looks up and swings in a wonderful ball. Gyan!!!! its there!!!! Gyan, just this minute on, climbs above Rojo to get his head on the ball and it flies past Lopez and Middlesbrough are level!!! What a fantastic ball in from Ayala but just look at how Gyan gets above Rojo to send a terrific header past Lopez into the net!! We are 4-4 and what a match this is! Middlesbrough back from the dead!
72min - Can someone grab a winner? Would be a shame really for either side to lose in what has been a fantastic advert for second division football. Here's Korb with it for City. Risso comes in and oh, that's clumsy. That's going to earn Risso a yellow card. A true striker's challenge and there's the yellow. Risso the fourth player to go into the book.
78min - 12 minutes to go and City have had a lot of the ball since the Boro equaliser but they cant get in behind the Boro defence. Here they are trying again with the hat trick hero Lopez on the left side. He has Molina to contend with. He tries to get past him but that is cynical from Molina. Lopez almost by him but Molina had the 'thou shall not pass' head on and he is going to be the fourth Boro player to go into the book.
85min - Into the last five minutes now. Is there a winner to be found? Lopez has it for City. He's looking for support but Boro seem to have it covered. There's Thomas. Lopez gives him the ball, Thomas plays it back to Lopez, there's a shot and it's a fourth goal for David Lopez!!! The ball flies past the diving Moya and Bristol City are back in front with five minutes to play!! There seemed nothing on for Lopez and even the pass to Thomas looked harmless but the return ball was perfect for Lopez to have a shot at goal and from 18 yards the ball flew between Zouma and Ayala and beat Moya, going inside his right hand post! Bristol City lead 5-4!!
90min - The ref has had a look at his watch. The Bristol City fans whistling for the full time whistle and there it is!! The ref brings what has been a classic game of football to an end. It's a shame there had to be a losing side but Bristol City wont worry about that as they take another small step towards First Division football! Final score BRISTOL CITY 5 MIDDLESBROUGH 4
BAILEY: I’m very pleased, an absolutely fantastic win tonight to give us the vital 3 points. I think you saw the effects of the recent fixture congestion in our defensive performance tonight, but the lads up front were superb. David Lopez obviously put in a very special performance, grabbing four goals and an assist from midfield, and I think that’s a reflection of all the hard work he’s been putting in in training recent. He’s been a key player for us ever since joining at the back end of Season 4, and he’s finally getting the plaudits he deserves.
Obviously, as much as it was a great end-to-end game for the neutrals tonight, I’ll be making sure we work on our defensive shape for the next few fixtures, as we’re not going to get away with conceding 4 ever week. In fairness to Middlesborough and The Good Doctor Fox, they’re a good side and didn’t come here to defend, which made it very hard for us and contributed to the spectacle.
AMEOBI: Gutted, well and truly gutted to lose that one. We worked so hard out there and to pull it back to 4-4 only to lose it at the end is .... well... you know. The guys in the dressing room are devastated. We deserved something from that game but we will be back at training Monday and the boss will have us focused on the next one. Thanks.
Are Bristol City serious challengers for promotion looking at that performance broon?
I would say 100% yes but not just on this performance, on previous performances too and that clearly shows as they are flying high in the second tier. I think if they can keep Osako and Lopez fit, then they have a great chance. There is a high standard in that league and every side has to fight for every point and Bristol City have that never say die thing about their play.
Frank, what a game but is that a body blow for Middlesbro?
What a game indeed, Bristol City romped home with the Division 3 title last season and it looks as though they're doing the same this season! Boro have been a very strong side since Dr Fox took over and I'm not surprised they are up there again, sitting just 1 point off the automatic places, they're still well within a shout for promotion!
Our final game tonight comes from Division 4 where third placed Bury took on the challenge from second placed Accrington Stanley. Bury have made tremendous advances under their Belgian manager Davy Vandendriessche and automatic promotion would be a huge boost for the club. Accrington are one of the oldest names in football, even older than the Doctor who claims to have seen their first ever game back in 1891. The club was liquidated in 1966 but were resurrected again in 1968. Promotion this season under Rob Ryan would see them reach their highest point since coming back into the Football League. At this one was Dick Handler:
The good days could be coming back to Bury. The fans have been enjoying a good season so far with 9 wins from 11 games here at Gigg Lane and under Davy Vandendriessche they have been playing their best football for many a season. Today they face second placed Accrington Stanley and a win would take them level on points with Accrington. Accrington, themselves, are having a fine season and promotion is very much alive. Under Rob Ryan they have dominated many games and a win tonight would see them increase the pressure on leaders Oxford United. There you can see the line ups for today
Bury today without influential midfielder Neeskens Kabano but recent signing Stefan Gustafson, who you can see there, has been a revelation in midfield and has already scored 3 goals in his first four games. Accrington wearing their all red strip are at full strength and much of the focus will be on their loan stars Sabaly, Dier and Lingard. The capture of they three on loan by Rob Ryan certainly caused a stir in the Division with Ryan working miracles to get players of their standard to come to Accrington.
We are ready to go and its Gustafson and Raman over the ball and away we go with Bury playing the ball down the left side but Sabaly is there to knock it out for a throw in to the hosts.
8min - Both sides starting to settle into the game which has been a bit scrappy so far but it's Accrington coming forward with Niasse on the ball he holds it looking for support. Ifran comes towards him and Niasse plays the ball to his feet. Ifran doing well to hold off Kongolo and Lingard is making a fine run down the right if Ifran can pick him out and he has with a lovely pass between Kongolo and Salcedo. Lingard with plenty room is arrowing in on goal with Bolingoli coming to him. Lingard shoots!! and Pacheco makes the save. That was a chance for Lingard and he could perhaps went on as he seemed to have the advantage over Bolingoli but he elected to go for goal and Pacheco got down well to make the save.
17min - Here come Bury with Gustafson picking it up deep and coming forward. He tries to pick out Raman on the right and that's a lovely pass, great precision in that ball there and now Ramon tries to cut inside with Alcock in front of him. Ramon...oh that's through the legs of Alcock and there's a great shot that Taskiran gets down to and clutches the ball with both hands!. That was great play from Ramon as he nutmegged Alcock and then sent a shot that was curling just inside the right hand post of Taskiran but the Accrington keeper diving down to his right and gets his body behind the ball.
21min - Bury starting to get on top here, pinning Accrington back in their own half and again they come forward. Ingason with it now..... Walsh picks it up and plays it out to Davila. Davila about 25 yards out, looking to get the cross in but Alcock in his way. Davila, nice move inside but Alcock fouls him and it's a free kick to Bury about 25 yards from goal. Alcock committed himself there and had no option other than to bring Davila down to the turf. Accrington with just a two man wall with everyone else back except Ifran. Walsh over the ball with Davila. Its going to be Walsh to swing it in and it's a goal!!. Bury have taken the lead and it looks like it's Raman that has got the header!! There is the cross into the box and, yes, it's Raman that has got his head to it to give Bury the lead!! There was about three heads going up for that and Raman got there just before Taskiran, who grasped at thin air and it's Bury 1 Accrington Stanley 0!!
33min - Accrington trying to push Bury back but they are holding their line well and now Burt break with Walsh. Walsh bringing it forward as Accrington try to get men back. Walsh plays it out to the left to Kebano. Kebano down the touchline and skips by Sabaly as if he wasn't there. This is a chance for Bury. Kebano still has it and now Dier over to challenge but Kebano hits the bye line and sends a nice cross in. It's Raman!!! oh and that's straight at Taskiran when he ought to have done better. Great run by Kebano down the right and a good cross but Raman's header was weak and straight at the keeper. Should have been 2-0. Accrington get away with one.
45min - Taskiran rolls it out to Dier. Dier across to Alcock. Alcock aims a long ball at Niasse (pheeeeeep) but there's the half time whistle and the players will head for the dressing room with Bury a goal to the good at the break. Plenty for Ryan to talk about with his players. Bury deserving of their lead. Half Time BURY 1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY 0
Its Accrington to start of the second half and we are underway and it's played back to Bolzoni. Bolzoni with a lovely sweeping pass to Lingard out on the right. Lingard now going down the right hand side with Bolingoli coming out to meet him. Lingard takes it outside of Bolingoli and goes for the byeline. That's superb from Lingard as he cuts across Bolingoli and cuts it back for Ifran!!! and saved by Pacheco! That was all Lingard. He teased Bolingoli down that right side before a nice cut back that Ifran hit first time. A decent effort but Pacheco was in the right place to save.
50min - Its been a ggod start to the half from Accrington and Bury haven't managed to settle in again and here they come again with Tekdemir. Tekdemir plays out to Naismith . Naismith, under pressure from Salcedo. Naismith just inside the angle of the box with Salcedo keeping him closed down. Naismith now with a jink to Salcedo's outside. He's got away but he's down!! The ref looks at his linesman and its a penalty!! Naismith looked to have got away from Salcedo but the Mexican left a foot in and you can see he definitely caught his foot and Naismith went down and the referee gives the penalty. Salcedo isn't happy and is over at the linesman arguing his case but the referee comes over to wave Salcedo away. A chance for Accrington to get on level terms and it's going to be Ifran to take it. Pacheco on his line, arms out to the side trying to make the goal look smaller. Ifran runs up! 1-1!!! Terrific penalty into the corner by Ifran. Pacheco guessed the right way but it was right in the corner and its Bury 1 Accrington 1
53min - Ingason for Bury as they look to get back on the attack. Ingason brings it forward and out to Kebano. Kebano now playing it inside for Ramon. Ramon turns Tekdemir beautifully and plays a superb ball into the path of Gustafson. Gustafson cuts inside Dier and goes for goal! Goaaaaaal!!! Bury are back in front just three minutes after conceding and it's Gustafson that fires a low shot past Taskiran!! Made by Ramon with a superb pass that split the defence leaving Gustafson with only Dier to beat, which he duly done before firing the low shot into the net!! Bury are back in the lead as Gigg Lane goes wild!! Bury 2 Accrington 1!
58min - That goal certainly settled Bury down but they have to be wary as this Accrington team don't lie down for anyone but here come Bury again with Davila playing it into Ramon. Ramon, 25 yards from goal, Akbas covering him. Raman cuts outside and, ohhh, Akbas pulls him back by the shirt and he's not going to get away with that. Yep, the referee flashes the yellow and Akbas is actually just the first player into the book which with 58min on the clock is not too bad.
70min - Akbas with it for Accrington on the left and he plays it down the line to the substitute Nowak. Nowak being closely guarded by Castagne. Nowak tries to bring it inside but Castagne stays with him and now to the outside. Nowak works some space and plays it to Tekdemir just inside the Bury box. Salcedo's there but that's a nice turn from ..... Tekdemir!!! oh good save by the keeper! Tekdemir turned Salcedo brilliantly and all in the one move swept the ball across the face of the goal with Pacheco having to get across to stop the ball sneaking in at the far post. Great effort and a good save!!
87min - Three minutes for Accrington to save the game. Dier....plays the long searching ball and finds Ifran with Castagne in close attendance. Ifran, turns and that's a foul surely by Castagne. As Ifran turned there, Castagne tugged on the shirt to stop him getting away. It's well spotted by the referee and Castagne is having his name taken. There's the yellow and its a free kick to Accrington and a chance to get the ball in the box. The box is packed with players from both teams. Lingard swings it in and it's headed clear by Kongolo
90min - Wea are seconds away from the final whistle as Accrington try to launch one last attack but again that's headed clear by Kongolo and (pheeeeep) and there is the final whistle. The referee brings things to a close and it's Bury who have picked up their tenth home win of the season. Goals from Raman and Gustafson doing the business for them and the final score is BURY 2 ACCRINGTON STANLEY 1
VANDENDREISSCHE: It was a hard tactical choice to go into this match, because in my opinion Accrington Stanley was the favourite in this game, despite we played at home . But missing some players of non-match fitness was to hard for us I was afraid . So we try to surprise Accrington with an 4-5-1 instead of the 3-5-2 we always play . The first 15 minutes of the match was like expected for Accrington, but then my players takes over the match , with an exceptional Benito Raman who scores the 1-0 with ( surprisingly ) his head. In the rest of the first half my team get some wings of the lead ,but goalkeeper Taskarin keeps Accrington in the match with several saves. Then like expected in the beginning of the second half, Accrington was attacking our side. Unfortunate Carlos Salcedo then had a foul inside the box, and Ifran could easily score the penalty, 1-1 and Accrington were to take over the match I thought . But again it was Raman who decides the match with an terrific pass to Simon Gustafson who scores the 2-1 . After that goal, we make the mistake by pulling back to defend the lead, instead of searching for a 2-goal lead. And Accrington again was searching for the 2nd come back with Nowak who replaced Naismith but luckily for us, Pacheco and the bad visor?, vision? of the Accrington strikers let us hold suprisingly the 3 points at home. Badly for us, one of our star players Neeskens Kebano had after the match an heavy knee injury and it is estimated that we won't see him for 6 weeks on the field. But after all, this victory is a good boost for the team and the manager!
RYAN: A little disappointed with that result for sure, I thought we created enough chances to win the game but our finishing was a little wayward and their keeper had a solid performance. If they manage to keep Raman fit they will cause a lot of trouble in this division I thought he was the difference today. My main concern now is the widening gap to Oxford, we can't afford to drop any more points if we want to challenge for the title.
Frank, Bury looked a bit fortunate to get away with that one?
Another great game and a result that will certainly please Malcolm at Oxford! Accrington probably had the better of the chances, but all credit must go to the Man of the Match, Benito Raman who was all over the Accrington defence.
Broon, Is that points dropped for Accrington after the chances they had?
This is going to hurt Accrington and Rob as I think we all know who should have won this one, but that’s football and it can be unkind, again though give credit to Davy’s Boys and especially there two attackers for taking their chances when asked
So that's it for tonight. Four great games providing some great goals and a lot of entertainment. We hope you enjoyed them as much as we did, so from Frank, Broon and myself, it's good night.
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reading in their familiar blue and white hoops and there's top scorer Emmanuel Mayuka, a £5m signing from Southampton and he has nine goals to his name this season and alongside him is Nicolai Muller and it's these two who have fired the goals that sees Reading sitting third in the table.
It's all maroon for Derby, who have lost just one of eight games away from home since their automatic promotion. Boss Kinnear has left out top scorer Christian Bruls for this one and the responsibility will fall to that man there, Paulinho who has been a fantastic signing for the Rams while the sparely used Roman Zozulya gets a chance after impressing in the recent friendlies.
It's Reading who get us underway to the roar of home crowd and its Vieirnha who brings it forward. He lays it out to Rose, now what can he do. He has Sorensen in front of him but he plays it back to Vieiranha. Reading probing for an opening. Vieiranha plays it through for Mayuka who turns and shoots wildly over the top. Worth having a go, trying to test Adrian in the Derby goal but it was high and handsome.
13min - Gueye coming forward for Derby. Nice pass through to Paulinho. now what can the Brazilian do here, it's a bit far out for a shot. Gutierrez forward in support but Paulinho may have a go. Instead, he slips it to Gutierrez, Gutierrez steps forwards, shoots, and ohhhhhhhhhh it's went in!! Zieler seemed to lose the ball as it flew towards him and the ball is in the net!! From all of 26, 27 yards, Gutierrez has put Derby ahead!! It's a great start for the leaders but it's not one that Zieler will want to see again. 1-0 Derby!
17min - It's Derby coming forward again and it's the left wing back Tshimanga cutting inside skinning Atsu. Tshimanga lays it back for Britos, the big defender has a go and this time Zieler sees it and turns it away for the corner! Derby certainly encouraged by Zieler earlier blunder and prepared to shoot from all over the park.
23min - Reading trying to get back into this game and now Figueiras tries coming down the right touchline being tracked by Alessandrini. Atsu is just ahead of him and that's where the ball goes. Atsu now looking to get past Tshimanga. Oh, that's wonderful from Atsu and there's the cross in, it's brought down by Kallstrom , he turns and hits it and its turned away by Adrian! Reading's best effort of the half. Kallstrom hit that perfectly for the top corner but Adrian dived to his left and turned the ball away for a corner to Reading.
44min - It's got a bit bogged down in midfield with neither side able to pick out the pass that lets them in. Here's Kallstrom with it, he plays it to Rose (pheeeppp) and there's the half time whistle with Kinnear the happier of the two managers as they go into the dressing room. Mackem with a couple of things to sort out. Half time and it's READING 0 DERBY COUNTY 1
We're off again and Gueye has it for Derby and he tries to get it forward to Paulinho but Meireles has cut it off and he comes forward at pace. Derby backing off, giving him too much room. Meireles plays through to Mayuka. Mayuka!! Oh that looked like it was going in at the right hand post but Adrian getting down superbly to keep it out. A swift break by Meireles. A perfect ball into the path of Mayuka, the first time shot from the striker and the save by Adrian. That could have been 1-1.
54min - Reading putting Derby under some pressure since the start of the half and here they come again with Atsu. Atsu cutting inside trying to shake off Tshimanga. Oh nice again from Atsu and there's the sho-o-o-o-t but it's blocked by Compper and it's out for a corner to Reading! The home crowd sensing something is in the offing here. It's Kallstrom to take it. He swings it towards the back post. Vieirinha!!! It's there!!! Reading are back on level terms!!! The corner swung to the far post and Vierinha got free to header it into the back of the net with Adrian having no chance of getting there! We are level at 1-1 and it's all to play for!
57min - Reading on the ascendancy and Derby looking for ways to take the sting out of the game. Kallstrom, causing problems for the Derby defence once again. He comes forward. He's past Britos and into the box. Compper blocking the way. He slips it to Muller. Muller gets the shot away but it's straight at Adrian, who saves well.
60min - An hour played and it's 1-1. Derby coming forward with Gutierrez. Compper now, on the overlap. Paulinho in the box, Zozulya trying to get there. Compper aims it low towards Zozulya. Zozulya gets there before Basanta. Danger here for Reading. That's superb from Zozulya and he is in past the defender!! He hits it and it's past Zieler and into the net!! Derby are back in front against the run of play!! And that was all Zozulya! He was first to react to the ball played into the box, skipped past Basanta but he still had a lot to do and he slipped it past the advancing Zieler from the corner of the six yard box!!It's 2-1 Derby and the leaders are back in front!!
70min - That goal has certainly taken the sting out of Reading's play. Here's Sorensen just inside the Reading half. Oh!! that's a wonderful ball straight through to Zozulya!! The Ukranian is through on the keeper! Reinartz trying to get back, Zozulya!!! oh!! its a great save from Zieler! Zozulya was through but the pressure from Reinartz forced him to shoot. It was a great effort but Zieler pulls off a great save!
74min - Alessandrini has it now. He has Basanta to cope with. He drops his shoulder but Basanta stays with him. What will he do here? Oh that's nice, that's left Basanta for dead and now he plays it into the path of Paulinho. Paulinho shoots! Ohhhhhhh, it's taken a deflection and has wrong footed Zieler and its 3-1!!! Superb footwork by Alessadrini getting him away from Basanta, an inch perfect pass for Paulinho and the Brazilian hits it from the edge of the box, it's taken a slight deflection off Reinartz but its enough to wrong foot Zieler, who desperately tried to save it with his feet!!
83min - Figueiras has it for Reading. Time running out for the home side. Figueiras plays it high towards Atsu. Atsu brings it down, turns and ohhh, Adrian scampers across his goal before leaping high to turn Atsu's effort over the bar. Superb awareness from Atsu there. He controlled that high ball, killing it with one touch before moving to the right and hitting an absolute rocket towards the top left hand corner of the Derby net only for Adrian to leap across and turn it over the top.
89min - It's been a controlled performance from Derby and Kinnear will be delighted, especially at how his players responded to losing the goal (pheeeeeeeeeep) and there it is, the final whistle sounded by the referee and Derby hold on to top spot. Final score READING 1 DERBY COUNTY 3!!
KINNEAR: Delighted with that. The boys were brilliant today. They were under pressure after the defeat to Spurs but we tried a few things out in the friendlies we had and we have came back and we have responded well. Zozulya earned his chance today and I am delighted at what he showed out there. He took his goal superbly and it was a great time in the game to get it coz Reading were starting to get on top and we were in danger of getting too deep. Once that second goal went in I knew we had it in the bag. We stay top. I believe Spurs won 3-0 so they are on our tails but we will take it one game at a time. We have Chelsea next back at our place and that's another tough one though to be fair, they are all tough.
MACKEM: Can't really fault my lads today. Derby had their finishing boots on and that made the difference. A blow for us is that Kallstrom took a knock and will be out for a couple of weeks. Got QPR next which will be a toughie but we are 6th in the league and many pundits where expecting us to struggle this season...I'm here to prove them wrong.
Frank, a big result for Derby.
Massive result for them! Gino has done a tremendous job at Derby, from nearly not even getting promoted last season to topping the Premier League table approaching the half way point! You can see that this team has been built from the back, once the foundations are there the rest is a whole lot easier"
broon, disappointment for Reading? did they think they could win this one?
Mr Mackem always believes in his teams so I would say yes to that, Reading had the home advantage too so im pretty sure, Mental will not be too happy with this one. When I watched the match back I thought Derby were lucky to come away with the victory, never mind winning it by 1-3 but it's they kind of results, ones that you maybe need a touch of good fortune, that wins titles.
Mr Mackem always believes in his teams so I would say yes to that, Reading had the home advantage too so im pretty sure, Mental will not be too happy with this one. When I watched the match back I thought Derby were lucky to come away with the victory, never mind winning it by 1-3 but it's they kind of results, ones that you maybe need a touch of good fortune, that wins titles.
Right, while Derby were winning at Reading, one of the favourites to win the title were at West Brom. Manchester City have blown hot and cold so far this season but a win today would keep them near the top. West Brom have struggled to get a run together and while they have been superb in defence, the attack has let them down. Dixie Normous seen this one:
West Brom with just one home win for their fans but they are still turning up in their thousands and today they see their heroes take on the talented Manchester City. There you see the team line ups
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There is Mehmet Topal, an ever present in this West Brom defence that have conceded just 13 goals in the 16 games so far. Up front is where the problem lies and West Brom will be looking to Matri to add to the 4 goals he has this season. Manchester City in their sky blue shirt, white shorts and they have been banging in the goals but of the top 7 sides in the table they have conceded the most. 9 goals for Edinson Cavani, quite a few of them provided by Aguero but with Aguero out injured it will be interesting to see how Cavani gets on.
Off we go and City get us underway and immediately move forward with Cavani out to Lacazette on the right. Plenty of City players getting up the park. Lacazette lays it back to Clichy. Clichhhhhy!! ohhhh what an effort from the full back. He just let fly from all of 30 yards and it had Mignolet diving across his goal but the ball just clears the bar. Under a minute gone and City nearly in front.
12min - Here come West Brom with Diego bringing it forward deep into City territory. He plays it through to Hunt. Oh and that's cynical from Kompany. That's going to be a yellow and there it is. The referee had no hesitation there and rightly so.
25min - West Brom doing well at the moment, having plenty of the ball but finding it tough to get behind this City defence. Hunt has it moving towards the edge of the box under attention from Clichy. Hunt with a lovely chip to just inside the box and Diego tries a looping header but there's too much on it and the ball clears the bar without troubling Mandanda. Don't know if that was the best option for Diego there. He had Matri looking for it and I think Matri's stare in Diego's direction says it all really.
30min - City breaking forward now with Oscar. This looks promising. West Brom trying to get back. Oscar plays it to Di Maria. Di Maria slips by Golubovic and plays a nice pass through to Dzeko. Dzeko, just inside the box, has a couple of West Brom defenders with him. Dzeko still has it, trying to find some space. Oh that was great play, Dzeko! yesssss!!!! it's past Mignolet and into the net and City have the lead on the half hour mark!!!! Great play by Dzeko. His determination opened up a small gap and that was all he needed to zip it across the turf with Mignolet diving down but not able to get there!! West Brom 0 City 1!!
West Brom restart and it's Allen with it, oh and that's a poor ball and it's picked up by Lacazette. Lacazette on the run, past Diego. Good run here from Lacazette. He's played a deep ball aimed towards Hazard on the far side. Hazard chests it down, great control from the Belgian and he goes for goal and it's a wonderful strike!! It's 2 goals in 2 minutes for City. Mignolet again with no chance. It really was a superb effort from Hazard and West Brom are up against it now. 2-0 Manchester City!!
43min - West Brom doing all they can to try and get a foothold in the game. City have been the classier side. Their passing has been much more accurate but we can't rule out the home side yet and here they come now. Allen has it, looking to play it forward but City marking well. Allen plays outside to Finnbogason, who quickly plays it into Hunt in the City box. Oh that's clever from Hunt, flicking it through to Matri and Matri puts the ball in the net!! and that's a goal out of nothing for West Brom! Finnbogason played a harmless looking ball into Hunt but the way Hunt flicked it on to Matri opened up the defence and Matri had the simple task of placing it by Mandanda from six yards and West Brom are back in it just before half time!
45min - and there's the half time whistle. The players head for the tunnel with City holding the advantage. There's Chris Johnson, he will have some things to say to his players, especially the two minutes where they seemed to lack concentration and were punished fully to the max. Its half time and it's WEST BROM 1 MANCHESTER CITY 2
West Brom to start the second half looking to peg City back and get something from the game. The first half was quite even but for the two minutes where City struck twice and you would think if they get the first goal of this half then that will be it for West Brom.
60min - Here's Hunt for West Brom and he tries to play it wide to Kalou but it's far too strong and its out for a throw to City. A couple of catcalls coming from the stands with neither team been able to get to grips in this second half. It will suit City fine but West Brom needing to show a bit more urgency in their play.
73mins - Really this second half has been dreadful. West Brom labouring and City managing to limit them to long range efforts that just haven't troubled Mandanda at all. It's played forward to Matri, but that's a crunching tackle from Kompany and away come City with Matri left in a heap and Johnson out in his technical area going daft at what he thought was a clear foul on Matri. It's still Kompany, he plays it to Nasri, nasri back to Kompany who is still piling forward. This is a chance for City. Kompany plays it wide to Danilo.The Brazilian tries to cut inside and ohhh he sends in a curling effort towards Mignolet's left hand post that has Mignolet going down to his left but it goes wide of the post. Decent try from Danilo but it was always going wide.
81min - City looking for the goal that will kill the game. Nasri has it outside the penalty area, back to goal. Nice turn from Nasri but that's a free kick. Pulled back by Hunt as he turned the West Brom player. The referee shows the yellow to Hunt and he can have no complaints. Free kick in a dangerous position and it looks like Di Maria to strike it. West Brom with four men in the wall. Here's Di Maria. He's opted hit it to the six yard box. Nasri with the header!!!! and he's managed to head it over the bar from six yards! He done well to get his head on it but he had no control and the ball flies over the top.
Mignolet with the goal kick. He hits it long, it's flicked on by Allen to Hunt but a tremendous tackle by Clichy. Won the ball clearly and he comes away with it and hits a long angled pass towards Hazard. Hazard has it with Yedlin and Topal in front of him. Hazard cuts to the outside, tries one and ohhhhh it's there!!! What an effort from Eden Hazard!!! It looked like a speculative shot but it caught out Mignolet at his near post and it's squeezed into the net and that is surely it now for West Brom. 3-1 Manchester City and it looks like the points are heading back to Manchester!
86min - Four minutes left, West Brom looking down and out but they won't give up until that final whistle sounds. Allen has it midway into the City half. Oh that's great play from Allen to hold off Oscar and Nasri. And still Allen has it, he refuses to give the ball up and now plays it to the overlapping Yedlin. Yedlin in full flight, past Hazard, and now past Clichy. He cuts inside and it's opened up for him here. He's tried the shot and ooooooo it's a fantastic save from Mandanda! A great run from Yedlin past two tackles and a shot to match that looked certain for the top corner but Mandanda leapt to his right and got a finger to it too touch it over the bar. You would think that was West Brom's chance to make it a frantic finish but Mandanda had other ideas.
90min - The clock says it's time up but West Brom still trying to come forward with Kalou down the right. Kalou tries to get past Danilo but it's a fine challenge and the ball is out for a thro. Kalou takes it quickly (pheeeeeeeeeeep) but there is the final whistle as the referee brings the match to a close and Manchester City have taken the points but West Brom certainly gave it 100%. The final score from The Hawthorns is WEST BROM 1 MANCHESTER CITY 3.
DZEKO: Ermm, we are very happy with thees result. We knew we were in for very hard game. West Brom, they have good players who work hard and we are very happy to come here and score thee three goals. My goal, I had thee ball and I realised I had some room to try and erm get a shot on thee goal and fortunately I managed to place thee ball past thee erm gol-keeper.
JOHNSON: Firstly we have come up against an extremely strong City side with millions of pounds worth of talent and I believe the result was very harsh indeed, we dominated the match and deserved something from the game so overall bitterly disappointed, we couldn't take our chances and it has come back to haunt us, there is still a long way to go but tonight I am very disappointed.
broon, is Chris right? Did City get lucky today or was it a good tactical performance?
The stats say it all here, 4 shots on target and 3 goals but that’s what happens when you have the likes of Hazard, Cavani & Di Maria on show. I think Chris can feel hard done by because West Brom played really well but were not clinical enough in front of goal but their time will come and I expect West Brom to be challenging for a European place at the end of the season.
Frank, West Brom. A bit unlucky you think?
Unlucky? No! The reason the Baggies lost today was Simon Mignolet! He had 4 shots to deal with all game and only made 1 save! If West Brom had Mandanda & City had Mignolet, they probably would've won 7-1!
Moving on now and the race for promotion from Division 2 is starting to heat up with the top ten teams all involved. Leaders Bristol City have surprised many and as we approach the halfway stage and they are now the bookies favourite to win the title. Today they had to contend with the challenge of third placed Middlesbrough knowing a win would cement their place at the top while Middlesbrough knew that a win for them could move them second and within touching distance of City. The game turned out to be a thriller and Moe Lester was at Ashton Gate to see the drama unfold:
Two of the top three go head to head as leaders Bristol City take on Middlesbrough. A win for City would go a long way to setting them up for the rest of the season and Ashton Gate is a sell out for this one. That's the teams for today
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bristol City without Jeremy Mathieu who is still recovering from a shin knock but that man there, Yuya Osako, is the man they will be looking to, to find the net for them today. He has 10 goals to his name this season and is the man that Middlesbrough will have to keep in check. There's Daniel Ayala, and the big defender will be the one responsible for that job. Surprisingly, Asamoah Gyan, the top scorer for Middlesbrough is on the bench today but that is because of this man, Ignacio Risso. The veteran stirker is 37 years old but that hasn't stopped him scoring 4 goals this season mainly from the bench. He has came off the bench 10 times this season and is the definition of an impact player but he gets a chance to show what he can do from the start. We are ready for kick off and it's City in their red and white strip that get us underway with Osako laying it back to Kurzawa and he plays a long ball towards Kalinic but that is well read by Andreolli and he comes forward with the ball. He plays the long ball to Risso, oh and that's great play by the veteran and there's a shot!! but Lopez was right behind it and almost a sensational start in just the first minute of the game. The way Risso controlled that was superb and his effort at goal, well nothing wrong with that, just that Lopez was well positioned.
3min - Bristol City trying to launch their first attack and Jung is moving down the right touchline and he slips by Ameobi with ease and this is a good run by the full back. Oh Ayala comes across and that's a great tackle but, oh dear, the referee has given a free kick. It looked like Ayala had won the ball but it's the follow through that the referee didn't like and City have a free kick wide of the penalty box. Lopez and Korb round it. A bit of jostling going on in the box that the referee may have to step in and sort but he's letting it go. It's Lopez who knocks in a high ball and .... and... and that has gone over everyone and straight into the far top corner of the net!!That's an incredible goal from Lopez!! Did he mean it? Well only he knows but it's the opening goal in just 3 minutes.
The ball just floats over everyone in the box and has caught Moya out and its 1-0 to Bristol City!! What a start for them!
7min - Middlesbrough still trying to respond to that opener but City quite tight at the back, not leaving much room for Boro to operate. Here's Ameobi trying to look for a gap in the defence but there is nothing doing. He still has it, Risso is on the edge of the box. He plays it to Risso, and that's a great return for Ameobi, and Ameobi hits it and it's there!! A great strike from the man on loan from Newcastle!! He struck that perfectly and the ball zipped across the turf and past Lopez, into the corner of the Bristol City and we are back all square at 1-1. It was a great one-two with Rossi and that return from veteran completely flat footed the Bristol City defenders and Ameobi takes full advantage.
City kick off again and this is promising to be a cracker as the ball is played back to Kurzawa but that's short and Molina is in like a shot and this could be a chance for Boro with Molina being forced wide. Carrico slides in on Molina and that's a free kick. No doubt about that one. Carrico hands out to the side claiming to have got the ball but he took the player at the same time and Boro have a free kick on the left hand side of the area. Risso is going to take this one and he takes it quick, knocking it into the box and there's Ayala!!! it's 2-1 Middlesbrough!! City completely caught out by the quick free kick. Ayala seen what was happening and made a clever run across the box and he met Rossi's cross superbly on the volley and it powered past the startled Lopez! City boss Bailey is out having a go at the referee. He is not happy that the free kick was allowed to be taken that quickly but the goal stands and its City 1 Boro 2
14min - So Jung is the second player in the book after Ayala and it's all happening here at Ashton Gate. It's Kurzawa for City, plays it for Lopez. Lopez just outside the box and he's by Zouma and this is dangerous for Boro, Lopez nicely for Osako, a chance here, Osako hits it and City are back level!!!
Osako with his 11th goal of the season, taken well but what was the Boro defence doing. Lopez skins Zouma and that seemed to make the rst of the Boro defence freeze. An easy slip to Osako who hit it first time from 10 yards over Moya, who could do little about that and now it's Doc Fox out his dug out and he is raging with that piece of defending. It's 2-2 and we have only played 14 minutes!
30min - It's calmed down now as City have it with Korb. Korb moves out to the left and oh!! that is late from Denisov. Korb was playing it back inside to Thomas and the ball was well away by time Denisov made the tackle. Denisov is shown the yellow and City have a free kick.
42min - It's not long til the break and after four goals in the opening 14 minutes the game has now taken on a more natural look. Korb, again for Bristol City coming forward, he plays it through to Thomas just outside the box. Zouma comes towards Thomas and that's a free kick. Zouma in with a hard tackle and if you are going in like that you have to make sure you get the ball. This is dangerous, just outside the box and quite central. Lopez, has already scored from a free kick and he is lining up to take this one. Three men in the Middlesbrough wall with Kurzawa standing right beside them. It's Lopez, ohhhhhh that's a beauty. That is top class from Lopez!! He just stepped up and knocked the ball over the wall and it went into the top corner of the net and Moya didn't even move! We are just coming up to half time and it's a great time for City to score. Bristol City 3 Middlesbrough 2!
Boro with it all to do again as they restart the game, and it's taken off the toes of Molina by Osako and the break is on. Osako down the left being tracked by Arroyo, he cuts inside and lays it off to Lopez. Lopez with it, Zouma in front of him. Lopez goes for the shot and it is in the corner of the net!!! From all of 30 yards, Lopez has hit that along the ground and it couldn't have been placed any better as it zips into the net past the diving Moya and it's two goals in two minutes for Lopez and that's his hat trick!!! What a strike!! It's all going wrong for Boro just before the break. They only have themselves to blame for that one. Molina lost the ball far too easily to Osako in the middle of the park and Boro pay the penalty. 4-2 City in an incredible first half.
45min - And there's the half time whistle, bringing an end to one of the most incredible first halves I have seen. Half time BRISTOL CITY 4 MIDDLESBROUGH 2
50min - Not as frantic a start to this half as the first one was but Middlesbrough looking for a way to get back into this game and they have the ball with Molina. Molina plays it down the middle and it's collected by Fernandes. Fernandes, now, he has Ameobi out to his left. Rojo is in front of him but he plays it in front of Ameobi and he hits it and the ball is in the net!!! Yet another great strike, this time from Ameobi. There seemed little danger as the ball was played to him but he hit that with venom and it flew in off the far post with Lopez looking stunned! Did he think that was going wide? Whatever he thought doesn't matter now as Ameobi pulls one back for Boro and it's game on once more! Bristol City, 4-3 in front now and you just don't know what is going to happen next!
60min - And it looks like Middlesbrough are going to make a change. Asamoah Gyan is coming on to try save this game for Boro and that looks like Valentin Eysseric that's also coming on. It's Andreolli and Ameobi to make way and Gyan comes on to a rapturous welcome from the Boro fans. We restart with a throw to Middlesbrough. It's down the side for Ayala, what's he doing there (chuckle) Ayala with it. Looks up and swings in a wonderful ball. Gyan!!!! its there!!!! Gyan, just this minute on, climbs above Rojo to get his head on the ball and it flies past Lopez and Middlesbrough are level!!! What a fantastic ball in from Ayala but just look at how Gyan gets above Rojo to send a terrific header past Lopez into the net!! We are 4-4 and what a match this is! Middlesbrough back from the dead!
72min - Can someone grab a winner? Would be a shame really for either side to lose in what has been a fantastic advert for second division football. Here's Korb with it for City. Risso comes in and oh, that's clumsy. That's going to earn Risso a yellow card. A true striker's challenge and there's the yellow. Risso the fourth player to go into the book.
78min - 12 minutes to go and City have had a lot of the ball since the Boro equaliser but they cant get in behind the Boro defence. Here they are trying again with the hat trick hero Lopez on the left side. He has Molina to contend with. He tries to get past him but that is cynical from Molina. Lopez almost by him but Molina had the 'thou shall not pass' head on and he is going to be the fourth Boro player to go into the book.
85min - Into the last five minutes now. Is there a winner to be found? Lopez has it for City. He's looking for support but Boro seem to have it covered. There's Thomas. Lopez gives him the ball, Thomas plays it back to Lopez, there's a shot and it's a fourth goal for David Lopez!!! The ball flies past the diving Moya and Bristol City are back in front with five minutes to play!! There seemed nothing on for Lopez and even the pass to Thomas looked harmless but the return ball was perfect for Lopez to have a shot at goal and from 18 yards the ball flew between Zouma and Ayala and beat Moya, going inside his right hand post! Bristol City lead 5-4!!
90min - The ref has had a look at his watch. The Bristol City fans whistling for the full time whistle and there it is!! The ref brings what has been a classic game of football to an end. It's a shame there had to be a losing side but Bristol City wont worry about that as they take another small step towards First Division football! Final score BRISTOL CITY 5 MIDDLESBROUGH 4
BAILEY: I’m very pleased, an absolutely fantastic win tonight to give us the vital 3 points. I think you saw the effects of the recent fixture congestion in our defensive performance tonight, but the lads up front were superb. David Lopez obviously put in a very special performance, grabbing four goals and an assist from midfield, and I think that’s a reflection of all the hard work he’s been putting in in training recent. He’s been a key player for us ever since joining at the back end of Season 4, and he’s finally getting the plaudits he deserves.
Obviously, as much as it was a great end-to-end game for the neutrals tonight, I’ll be making sure we work on our defensive shape for the next few fixtures, as we’re not going to get away with conceding 4 ever week. In fairness to Middlesborough and The Good Doctor Fox, they’re a good side and didn’t come here to defend, which made it very hard for us and contributed to the spectacle.
AMEOBI: Gutted, well and truly gutted to lose that one. We worked so hard out there and to pull it back to 4-4 only to lose it at the end is .... well... you know. The guys in the dressing room are devastated. We deserved something from that game but we will be back at training Monday and the boss will have us focused on the next one. Thanks.
Are Bristol City serious challengers for promotion looking at that performance broon?
I would say 100% yes but not just on this performance, on previous performances too and that clearly shows as they are flying high in the second tier. I think if they can keep Osako and Lopez fit, then they have a great chance. There is a high standard in that league and every side has to fight for every point and Bristol City have that never say die thing about their play.
Frank, what a game but is that a body blow for Middlesbro?
What a game indeed, Bristol City romped home with the Division 3 title last season and it looks as though they're doing the same this season! Boro have been a very strong side since Dr Fox took over and I'm not surprised they are up there again, sitting just 1 point off the automatic places, they're still well within a shout for promotion!
Our final game tonight comes from Division 4 where third placed Bury took on the challenge from second placed Accrington Stanley. Bury have made tremendous advances under their Belgian manager Davy Vandendriessche and automatic promotion would be a huge boost for the club. Accrington are one of the oldest names in football, even older than the Doctor who claims to have seen their first ever game back in 1891. The club was liquidated in 1966 but were resurrected again in 1968. Promotion this season under Rob Ryan would see them reach their highest point since coming back into the Football League. At this one was Dick Handler:
The good days could be coming back to Bury. The fans have been enjoying a good season so far with 9 wins from 11 games here at Gigg Lane and under Davy Vandendriessche they have been playing their best football for many a season. Today they face second placed Accrington Stanley and a win would take them level on points with Accrington. Accrington, themselves, are having a fine season and promotion is very much alive. Under Rob Ryan they have dominated many games and a win tonight would see them increase the pressure on leaders Oxford United. There you can see the line ups for today
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bury today without influential midfielder Neeskens Kabano but recent signing Stefan Gustafson, who you can see there, has been a revelation in midfield and has already scored 3 goals in his first four games. Accrington wearing their all red strip are at full strength and much of the focus will be on their loan stars Sabaly, Dier and Lingard. The capture of they three on loan by Rob Ryan certainly caused a stir in the Division with Ryan working miracles to get players of their standard to come to Accrington.
We are ready to go and its Gustafson and Raman over the ball and away we go with Bury playing the ball down the left side but Sabaly is there to knock it out for a throw in to the hosts.
8min - Both sides starting to settle into the game which has been a bit scrappy so far but it's Accrington coming forward with Niasse on the ball he holds it looking for support. Ifran comes towards him and Niasse plays the ball to his feet. Ifran doing well to hold off Kongolo and Lingard is making a fine run down the right if Ifran can pick him out and he has with a lovely pass between Kongolo and Salcedo. Lingard with plenty room is arrowing in on goal with Bolingoli coming to him. Lingard shoots!! and Pacheco makes the save. That was a chance for Lingard and he could perhaps went on as he seemed to have the advantage over Bolingoli but he elected to go for goal and Pacheco got down well to make the save.
17min - Here come Bury with Gustafson picking it up deep and coming forward. He tries to pick out Raman on the right and that's a lovely pass, great precision in that ball there and now Ramon tries to cut inside with Alcock in front of him. Ramon...oh that's through the legs of Alcock and there's a great shot that Taskiran gets down to and clutches the ball with both hands!. That was great play from Ramon as he nutmegged Alcock and then sent a shot that was curling just inside the right hand post of Taskiran but the Accrington keeper diving down to his right and gets his body behind the ball.
21min - Bury starting to get on top here, pinning Accrington back in their own half and again they come forward. Ingason with it now..... Walsh picks it up and plays it out to Davila. Davila about 25 yards out, looking to get the cross in but Alcock in his way. Davila, nice move inside but Alcock fouls him and it's a free kick to Bury about 25 yards from goal. Alcock committed himself there and had no option other than to bring Davila down to the turf. Accrington with just a two man wall with everyone else back except Ifran. Walsh over the ball with Davila. Its going to be Walsh to swing it in and it's a goal!!. Bury have taken the lead and it looks like it's Raman that has got the header!! There is the cross into the box and, yes, it's Raman that has got his head to it to give Bury the lead!! There was about three heads going up for that and Raman got there just before Taskiran, who grasped at thin air and it's Bury 1 Accrington Stanley 0!!
33min - Accrington trying to push Bury back but they are holding their line well and now Burt break with Walsh. Walsh bringing it forward as Accrington try to get men back. Walsh plays it out to the left to Kebano. Kebano down the touchline and skips by Sabaly as if he wasn't there. This is a chance for Bury. Kebano still has it and now Dier over to challenge but Kebano hits the bye line and sends a nice cross in. It's Raman!!! oh and that's straight at Taskiran when he ought to have done better. Great run by Kebano down the right and a good cross but Raman's header was weak and straight at the keeper. Should have been 2-0. Accrington get away with one.
45min - Taskiran rolls it out to Dier. Dier across to Alcock. Alcock aims a long ball at Niasse (pheeeeeep) but there's the half time whistle and the players will head for the dressing room with Bury a goal to the good at the break. Plenty for Ryan to talk about with his players. Bury deserving of their lead. Half Time BURY 1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY 0
Its Accrington to start of the second half and we are underway and it's played back to Bolzoni. Bolzoni with a lovely sweeping pass to Lingard out on the right. Lingard now going down the right hand side with Bolingoli coming out to meet him. Lingard takes it outside of Bolingoli and goes for the byeline. That's superb from Lingard as he cuts across Bolingoli and cuts it back for Ifran!!! and saved by Pacheco! That was all Lingard. He teased Bolingoli down that right side before a nice cut back that Ifran hit first time. A decent effort but Pacheco was in the right place to save.
50min - Its been a ggod start to the half from Accrington and Bury haven't managed to settle in again and here they come again with Tekdemir. Tekdemir plays out to Naismith . Naismith, under pressure from Salcedo. Naismith just inside the angle of the box with Salcedo keeping him closed down. Naismith now with a jink to Salcedo's outside. He's got away but he's down!! The ref looks at his linesman and its a penalty!! Naismith looked to have got away from Salcedo but the Mexican left a foot in and you can see he definitely caught his foot and Naismith went down and the referee gives the penalty. Salcedo isn't happy and is over at the linesman arguing his case but the referee comes over to wave Salcedo away. A chance for Accrington to get on level terms and it's going to be Ifran to take it. Pacheco on his line, arms out to the side trying to make the goal look smaller. Ifran runs up! 1-1!!! Terrific penalty into the corner by Ifran. Pacheco guessed the right way but it was right in the corner and its Bury 1 Accrington 1
53min - Ingason for Bury as they look to get back on the attack. Ingason brings it forward and out to Kebano. Kebano now playing it inside for Ramon. Ramon turns Tekdemir beautifully and plays a superb ball into the path of Gustafson. Gustafson cuts inside Dier and goes for goal! Goaaaaaal!!! Bury are back in front just three minutes after conceding and it's Gustafson that fires a low shot past Taskiran!! Made by Ramon with a superb pass that split the defence leaving Gustafson with only Dier to beat, which he duly done before firing the low shot into the net!! Bury are back in the lead as Gigg Lane goes wild!! Bury 2 Accrington 1!
58min - That goal certainly settled Bury down but they have to be wary as this Accrington team don't lie down for anyone but here come Bury again with Davila playing it into Ramon. Ramon, 25 yards from goal, Akbas covering him. Raman cuts outside and, ohhh, Akbas pulls him back by the shirt and he's not going to get away with that. Yep, the referee flashes the yellow and Akbas is actually just the first player into the book which with 58min on the clock is not too bad.
70min - Akbas with it for Accrington on the left and he plays it down the line to the substitute Nowak. Nowak being closely guarded by Castagne. Nowak tries to bring it inside but Castagne stays with him and now to the outside. Nowak works some space and plays it to Tekdemir just inside the Bury box. Salcedo's there but that's a nice turn from ..... Tekdemir!!! oh good save by the keeper! Tekdemir turned Salcedo brilliantly and all in the one move swept the ball across the face of the goal with Pacheco having to get across to stop the ball sneaking in at the far post. Great effort and a good save!!
87min - Three minutes for Accrington to save the game. Dier....plays the long searching ball and finds Ifran with Castagne in close attendance. Ifran, turns and that's a foul surely by Castagne. As Ifran turned there, Castagne tugged on the shirt to stop him getting away. It's well spotted by the referee and Castagne is having his name taken. There's the yellow and its a free kick to Accrington and a chance to get the ball in the box. The box is packed with players from both teams. Lingard swings it in and it's headed clear by Kongolo
90min - Wea are seconds away from the final whistle as Accrington try to launch one last attack but again that's headed clear by Kongolo and (pheeeeep) and there is the final whistle. The referee brings things to a close and it's Bury who have picked up their tenth home win of the season. Goals from Raman and Gustafson doing the business for them and the final score is BURY 2 ACCRINGTON STANLEY 1
VANDENDREISSCHE: It was a hard tactical choice to go into this match, because in my opinion Accrington Stanley was the favourite in this game, despite we played at home . But missing some players of non-match fitness was to hard for us I was afraid . So we try to surprise Accrington with an 4-5-1 instead of the 3-5-2 we always play . The first 15 minutes of the match was like expected for Accrington, but then my players takes over the match , with an exceptional Benito Raman who scores the 1-0 with ( surprisingly ) his head. In the rest of the first half my team get some wings of the lead ,but goalkeeper Taskarin keeps Accrington in the match with several saves. Then like expected in the beginning of the second half, Accrington was attacking our side. Unfortunate Carlos Salcedo then had a foul inside the box, and Ifran could easily score the penalty, 1-1 and Accrington were to take over the match I thought . But again it was Raman who decides the match with an terrific pass to Simon Gustafson who scores the 2-1 . After that goal, we make the mistake by pulling back to defend the lead, instead of searching for a 2-goal lead. And Accrington again was searching for the 2nd come back with Nowak who replaced Naismith but luckily for us, Pacheco and the bad visor?, vision? of the Accrington strikers let us hold suprisingly the 3 points at home. Badly for us, one of our star players Neeskens Kebano had after the match an heavy knee injury and it is estimated that we won't see him for 6 weeks on the field. But after all, this victory is a good boost for the team and the manager!
RYAN: A little disappointed with that result for sure, I thought we created enough chances to win the game but our finishing was a little wayward and their keeper had a solid performance. If they manage to keep Raman fit they will cause a lot of trouble in this division I thought he was the difference today. My main concern now is the widening gap to Oxford, we can't afford to drop any more points if we want to challenge for the title.
Frank, Bury looked a bit fortunate to get away with that one?
Another great game and a result that will certainly please Malcolm at Oxford! Accrington probably had the better of the chances, but all credit must go to the Man of the Match, Benito Raman who was all over the Accrington defence.
Broon, Is that points dropped for Accrington after the chances they had?
This is going to hurt Accrington and Rob as I think we all know who should have won this one, but that’s football and it can be unkind, again though give credit to Davy’s Boys and especially there two attackers for taking their chances when asked
So that's it for tonight. Four great games providing some great goals and a lot of entertainment. We hope you enjoyed them as much as we did, so from Frank, Broon and myself, it's good night.
No comments:
Post a Comment