Barnett Crashes In Late Equaliser At The Kassam

We departed for the Kassam Stadium at 11.30am hoping to return to Sussex with the three points. I’ve always enjoyed my trips watching us play at Oxford, a nice big ground with a large playing surface meant I was practically pining that we would play with width during the journey up there which seemed to take longer than normal. After parking, the four of us quickly scuttled in between the home supporters to join the large away following in the bowling alley’s bar and after a quick pint of cider decided to get a bite to eat and the (Scandalously) over-priced match-day tickets. On queueing for my chips, word was quickly going round that Matt Tubbs, our top scorer was out of the game due to a groin injury meaning that John Akinde was given a start.

Similarly to the Gillingham game, Steve Evans decided to use the diamond formation (A midfield formation that never actually works as we lack width). Once again, Kyle McFadzean was sitting behind Sergio Torres and Josh Simpson in midfield with Hope Akpan being used as the driving attacking midfielder. Tubbs and injured ex-Oxford midfielder Dannie Bulman, along with defender Glenn Wilson soon joined the 600-strong Crawley fans in the stand.

Hope-ing For More: Akpan made a rare start

We started well. In a first half that seemed to fly by saw the visitors have the majority of the possession and chances with the misfiring Akinde although probably playing his best 45 minutes in a Red Devils shirt, being the culprit of the majority of efforts that either sailed wide or whistled over the bar. Also in the first half, the (poor) referee Brendan Malone booked Torres, Dean Howell and Akinde in quick succession for their first fouls. Yellows’ right back Damian Batt was already booked before he felled Torres however, Malone, (wrongly) just decided to have a word for the marauding defender. The view from the Reds supporters at half time was that “Oxford are poor”, “We’re playing well and just need the rub of the green” and “They’re there for the taking” following a largely dominant first forty five by the away side.

Second half began and we continued our high tempo.  Effort of the season let alone effort of the match was from Torres, who’s bicycle kick from about 20 yards was tipped over the bar from U’s ‘keeper Ryan Clarke. Jon-Paul Pittman, who iliterally three weeks before was playing for us on loan from Oxford was then introduced to the fray by boss Chris Wilder with the in-effective Tom Craddock being replaced. It wasn’t long before Pittman came back to haunt us as, after Reds’ goalkeeper Scott Shearer decided to take a touch after a back pass, smashed the ball straight into Pittman who simply slotted into the empty net from an acute angle.

Spectacular: Torres attempted his bicycle kick...

... Before Pittman came back to haunt his former side by slotting in

From here, Oxford looked to make the game safe; Alfie Potter had a chance when through on goal and, despite under pressure from David Hunt got his shot away but Shearer held on. It was starting to turn into end-to-end stuff in Oxfordshire as Tyrone Barnett had a good chance but despite being in a good position found the top corner… of the stand (honestly was row Z stuff). Crawley’s Claude Davis was up top with Barnett by this stage leaving Crawley with just three at the back as Evans’ side looked to snatch an equaliser and Oxford’s James Constable was next to test Shearer but saw his left footed drive palmed out for a corner.

Fans: Reds supporters were celebrating at the end

Minutes later Crawley had another chance; Scott Neilson, who had replaced Akinde midway through the second half saw his low cross find Barnett sliding in, however somehow the former Macclesfield striker saw his shot saved by the legs of Clarke.With thirty seconds or normal time remaining and four minutes of added time looming the visitors from Sussex grabbed an equaliser as McFadzean’s hooked ball looped over centre back Michael Duberry allowing Barnett to let the ball bounce before slamming the ball past Clarke and into the top corner of the net with his left foot sending the 621 away fans loopy.

Barnett smashes home

To conclude… the case of swings and roundabouts strikes again as although we were dominant for the majority of the game we were 1-0 down, kept battling and grabbed a late equaliser – the least we deserved. Dissapointed with Oxford to be honest. Expected more from a club that is sitting just one position outside the play-offs. For us, it could be a vital point come the end of the season and we look forward to the tie at home to Bristol City in The FA Cup on Saturday.


Photos courtesy of www.crawleytownfc.com 

Gills dampen my Christmas cheer

After polishing off a few of the day before's leftovers it was the beginning of the traditional Boxing Day football.   I've got to admit, I've never really been a fan of the swish dinners and the gallons of drink and festive cheer that Christmas time brings, but instead just look forward to the mass influx of games that my team are going to undertake in a short period of time.

Anyway, after the day started so well with AFC losing to Oxford at home and my old man spotting in the front garden two magpies (Something about seeing one for sorrow and two for joy) I was looking forward to a game which saw top of the table Crawley host the play-off chasing Gills.  Hessenthaler's men naming a a couple of ex-Crawley transfer targets in their starting eleven with former Peterborough winger Chris Whelpdale lining up on the right hand side of a four man midfield and striker Danny Kedwell, an ex-Wimbledon and Grays forward that always seemed to play well against us.

Kedwell was made welcome by the home fans

Our line up looked strong even without the influential loanee Andy Drury who had returned to Ipswich following his three month loan spell; another loan ranger, this time Michael Doughty replacing Drury in a midfield diamond that saw defender Kyle McFadzean play in the defensive position, Sergio Torres and Dannie Bulman in the middle and QPR man Doughty in the attacking position.

Opposite where I was standing behind the goal, The Gills had packed out their end; 1,300 hardy souls made the short trek from Kent.

An even first eighteen minutes occured before a shambolic backpass from the usually reliable McFadzean saw Jo Kuffour take a touch only to be taken down by Claude Davis and with little hesitation referee Darren Sheldrake showed red to the Jamaican centre back.  McFadzean then was moved to centre back alongside Pablo Mills; a partnership that worked so well during the promotion winning campaign of last season.

OFF: Davis is shown red from Sheldrake

The sending off looked to fire our boys up.  David Hunt's long throw went past everyone before trickling past Ross Flitney's post and Torres also fired wide after a loose ball dropped to his feet.

The breakthrough wasn't soon after when, after winning one header, McFadzean stooped for another only to be clipped on the head by a high Matt Lawrence boot.  Penalty to Crawley and up stepped the in form Matt Tubbs to smash the ball home for his 16th goal in all competitions.  Gillingham then had a little spell straight after the goal that lasted about 3 minutes where they tried to grab themselves a quick reply however we went in at half time a man down but one goal up.

Matt Tubbs smashes home the penalty

The second half saw our visitors come flying out of the blocks and after Chris Whelpdale's ball in, Jo Kuffour sneaked in at the back post before scoring with what looked as if it hit his stomach; the ball squirming past Scott Shearer in the Crawley goal.

Whilst on the subject of Whelpdale's balls, after the game it was confirmed that, after a high challenge where David Hunt was booked, the Gills winger had split his scrotum - an injury that makes every grown man wince!

YELP-DALE!: Winger needed stitches after his unfortunate injury

Kuffour's brace was completed minutes later when, after a Crawley attack, Gillingham caught the Red Devils on the break and after Kedwell fed his strike partner (Strange considering that it’s normally Kedwell the one getting fed) the ball around thirty yards out before the on loan Bristol Rovers man ran and ran and ran at McFadzean, beat the defender before firing past Shearer at his near post from inside the box.

Kuffour has 7 goals in 11 games for the Gills

From here, Crawley huffed and puffed without really earning themselves any noteworthy chances, Mills' effort from twenty yards was comfortably saved by Flitney and, during the five minutes of added time, Gillingham outcast Luke Rooney, who boss Hesenthaler said would never play for the club again after a contract dispute , was sent off after a second booking.

One last chance then occurred for the home side; Josh Simpson's cross was headed into the corner by Tubbs only to see his effort smashed off the line by visiting defender Garry Richards.

The defeat ends our fifteen game unbeaten run as Gillingham extend their to ten

Disappointing result.  We seemed to lack width the whole game.  The diamond never worked at the start of the season before Steve Evans changed the system to the basic 4-4-2 system with wingers.  We definitely missed Drury on the left.  In the 14 games he was here we never lost - He gets recalled and we are defeated!  After the game, I read a worrying stat that Crawley last won a game on Boxing Day against Welling United ten years ago so maybe the omens weren't with us.  

However, onto the next one (As Jay-Z's song goes).  Strugglers Barnet are next to the Broadfield on Friday.  Although they have picked up in recent weeks, I'm quietly confident of a win.


Photos courtesy of www.crawleytownfc.com

Clinical Striker Needed For Reds

With January approaching fast and the re-opening of that winter transfer window once again the focus is on Liverpool and where I believe they need to strengthen if they are to achieve a top four place at the end of the season.

It's been just under a year since Kenny Dalglish sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea and at the same time bringing in Luis Suarez from Ajax along with Newcastle striker Andy Carroll.

Luis Cannon: The fiery Suarez hasn't been clinical

However, the partnership between the two hasn't really clicked, Carroll has been injured for most of his Liverpool career only playing 13 games since he arrived on Merseyside and although Suarez has shone, only has five goals to his name so far this season and doesn't look as if he is the 20 goal a season striker Liverpool need to break into the top four.

Everywhere else on the pitch they look solid; the backline Dalglish has the luxury of attacking full backs in Glen Johnson and another former Newcastle player, left back, Jose Enrique as well as picking two out of Martin Skrtel, Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger.  With Pepe Reina between the sticks as well who I believe to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

In midfield there are a host of options for the Scousers; summer signing Jordan Henderson, work-horse Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, captain Steven Gerrard and a re-vitalised Lucas when fit fighting for places.  At this present time though, Lucas is out for the season and he will be a big miss for the club (Never EVER thought I would write/say that!)

Lucas is starting to prove his worth

The Reds have only scored more than two league goals once this season (At home to lowly Bolton) showing their lack of fire-power and the clubs in-ability to beat the so called lesser sides such as Norwich City (1-1) and Swansea (0-0) with both results occurring at Anfield.

Its not as if Dalglish has a lack of funds, unlike city rivals Everton.  With John W. Henry taking over the reigns from Tom Hicks and George Gillett last year and promising to trust Dalglish with his cash, the gaffer duly went out and signed Adam from Blackpool (£7m), Henderson from Sunderland (£20m), Downing from Aston Villa (£18m), Sebastian Coates from Uruguayan club Nacional (£7m) and Enrique for (£6m) as well as signing 'keeper Doni and Bellamy on free transfers.

Downing hasn't done the business so far

So, here we are, coming up to late December, almost half way through the 2011-2012 Premier League season and Liverpool are currently in 6th place along with only scoring 18 in 15 games.  I feel that Liverpool NEED top 4 and Champions League football if they are to attract the top quality players.

My message to Kenny - GET A STRIKER IN!

Someone like a Karim Benzema, Edinson Cavani, Mario Gomez, Fernando Torres and, if they get Carlos Tevez, maybe AC Milan will be interested in flogging Alexandre Pato. Dalglish take note!

Pato: Knows where the net is

Cobblers Pin Hopes on Aidy

Northampton Town Football Club - one of those clubs that seem to underachieve season after season today installed former Watford gaffer Aidy Boothroyd as their new manager.

At the start of the season, many bookmakers predicted that The Cobblers would be up there around the top six in League 2 - However, they currently sit in 19th place, two places above the drop zone.

The Summer had been one of hope for Cobblers fans, Gary Johnson, the man who took Bristol City to the Championship play-off Final only three years previously was at the helm and signed some decent players such as Adebayo Akinfenwa for his second stint at the club, Ben Toxer, Aaron Davies and Jake Robinson. Everything was looking rosy until they starting kicking a ball on the pitch.

Johnson and Northampton soon parted company

A disappointing 0-0 bore draw at home to Accrington Stanley set them on their way to a misserable start in the league in what would have been Johnson's first full season as boss at the club.  Despite a 2-1 win away at Ipswich Town in the Carling Cup and beating Aldershot Town away in the same week, Johnson's side then went on a run of nine games without a win - Gaining just one point in this sequence!

Again, Northampton had another week where they won twice consecutively however that was soon halted by a 1-0 home defeat to Crawley Town - The following six games after that saw the side again pick up just one point in the league and getting knocked out by non-league Luton Town in the FA Cup - This was the final straw for Chairman David Cardozo who duly "Parted Company" with Johnson with former England goalkeeper Tim Flowers taking over as Caretaker Manager.

Flowers couldn't stop the rut - His two games in charge were both defeats - 7-2 at home to Shrewsbury Town and 4-1 away to Plymouth (The second half showing must have been better though as they were four down at half time).

So, fifteen points later since the well, it now must be said for Cobblers fans the "Pleasing"? draw against Accrington and two managers later here we are with Boothroyd now in charge of the same players that Johnson and Flowers had. 

This picture sums Northampton's season up

Bradford-born Boothroyd, who has managed in The Premier League with Watford, The Championship with Watford and Coventry and League 1 with Colchester is now in the bottom tier of the Football League with Northampton Town.  He has the job to firstly keep the Sixfields outfit in League 2 before aiming for the play-offs.  Cardozo, it has to be said has been clever in giving his new man at the helm a one year rolling contract which does change the Northampton way in giving managers longer contracts, the team don't perform and then the manager has been given a large pay-off before leaving - Sensible move.

Anyway, I for one wish Northampton luck with Boothroyd at the helm.  Apart from reaching the Premier League through the play-offs what now seems an eternity ago he has done very little else of note.  Still, It can't get much worse at Sixfields can it?!

Boothroyd: The new man at the helm

Warren meets... Matt Le Tissier

As many will know, Matt Le Tissier is a bit of a legend down where I now live in Southampton.

Anyway, tonight I conducted a quick interview with Matt or as he is affectionately known by Saints fans "Le God".

WL: How did a lad from the Channel Islands enter the footballing world?

MLT: I was spotted by Southampton when I was playing for the Guernsey under 15s tour of Hampshire. I played two or three games and even played out of position in one of the games - Of course I'm a central midfielder and I got played out on the right wing and one of the scouts saw me, assumed I was a right winger and decided to invite me over for a trial.

WL: In the end you spent sixteen years at Saints, a long time and a lot of loyalty there. Would you consider yourself as the big fish in the small pond plying your trade at one of the so called smaller clubs?

MLT:  Yeah, definitely and that was probably one of the reasons I stayed - I loved the status, loved the place, the fans were great to me so I saw no reason to move on whilst we were playing in the top division.

WL: And, on the topic of loyalty what's your view of it nowadays in football?

MLT: There's not a lot of it nowadays to be honest with you but that is to be expected. The kind of money thats floating around in the game now.  I mean, I have to say that if given my time again and I was earning three or four thousand pounds a week at Southampton and was offered one hundred grand a week to go and play at Man City then I'm not sure how loyal I could have been with that kind of offer.  I can't blame the players for wanting to make the most of what they can while their doing it.

WL: Of course Matt you were renowned for your penalty taking ability. With forty seven successful attempts out of forty eight efforts tell me just what was the secret?

MLT: I think a lot of it came down to a positive mental attitude and a technique where I could side foot the ball pretty powerfully so I could keep the accuracy there into the corners and know that most of the time it was probably going to go in.

WL: Matt, whilst we are talking about penalty conversions why can't England win a penalty shoot out?!

MLT: Well we did win one against Spain in about 1996 - A long time ago! I don't know. I think we have kind of got bogged down with them an the players seemed to get affected by the fact that the media go on about it quite a bit that we are crap and everyone thinks that we're crap and we're going to be crap. Until we change the media's perception of it then it's going to be very difficult to get out of that rut.

WL: Continuing with national football, Spanish World Cup winner Xavi mentioned that you were one of his inspirations growing up which must be pleasing to hear?!

MLT: Yeah, yeah he did. It was nice yeah I mean for somebody who has gone on to win the World Cup and The European Championships to say that about you is quite an accolade really. Yeah, chuffed to bits!

WL: Still on the national scene, it must be disappointing that, for a player of your quality to have only made eight appearances for England. Surely you should have earned more?

MLT: Yes and no. Obviously my ambition was to play for England as a boy and I realised that it was a massive thing for me. I think you will have to ask the England managers why I didn't make more caps.  I think a lot of it was because I was playing for an unfashionable club - It wasn't one of the bigger clubs and you kind of don't get looked upon favourably as when your maybe playing for one of the big boys.

WL: And after that, what are your feelings now towards Glenn Hoddle?!

MLT: Erm........ It was a long time ago.  We actually did have a chat - We were on the same golf trip in Dubai a few years ago and we sat down over breakfast, had a little chat and kind of resolved our differences so I'd like to say that my relationship with Glenn is fine now!

WL: Off the pitch, you have got a son - Mitchell - What are the chances of seeing another member of the Le Tissier clan grace the Premier League stage?!

MLT: Erm... (Laughs) No chance whatsoever!  He's actually far more into his cricket than he is football to be honest and he plays a little bit of five-a-side but there is no chance yu will see him in the Premier League I can assure you!

WL: When retiring, were you interested in maybe going into the coaching or managing side of things or was getting into media the real plan?

MLT: I kind of just fell into the media really - Never had that many great plans. It just turned out that way. I didn't have any ambitions to get into coaching but you never rule it out because you never know what hand life's going to deal you. Who knows what the future brings? I will never say never.

WL: As I've mentioned, you are in the media now and although it has its pros you must be dissapointed not to watch live games on a Saturday afternoon?

MLT: It does curtail my chances of getting to St. Marys but I do get down to the midweek ones when I'm not working. I think last season was about six or seven games and this season it will probably turn out the same but its my job and I've still got a mortgage to pay so it has to be done!

WL: Matt, its those old classics now - Best player played with and best player played against...GO!

MLT: Best player played with is definitely Gazza (Paul Gascoigne)... unbelievable player. I feel sad for him because I think that possibly playing thirty odd games one season and then getting a bad injury and not playing really at all the next hit him hard health wise - he just wanted to play all the time.  It was different to me because I just went on a downward spiral gradually during the latter part of my career!  Best player played against...... We played Juventus once and they had a fella called Roberto Baggio - he was alright!  The one player I really dreaded playing against was Stuart Pearce - If there was a chance of taking the ball and the man then Stuart would never turn the opportunity down!

WL: When you were a youngster who was the one player you wanted to emulate?

MLT: Liam Brady - I was a Tottenham fan back then but with me being from Guernsey and not London there was never really any real hatred towards Arsenal so admiring Liam was okay!  

WL: Finally Matt, Saints have certainly had a topsy-turvey last couple of years but now it looks like they are really on the rise.

MLT: Yeah its been a pretty decent start. I think its exceeded everyone's expectations at the start of the season so if we can keep it going then we will keep our fingers crossed that next season we'll be back in the big time.

Me and Le Tiss

Newcastle show why having a settled side works

Newcastle United's unbeaten Premier League run came to an end on Saturday at The Etihad Stadium as table toppers Manchester City defeated the magpies 3-1.

The Summer saw a lot of comings and goings on Tyneside.  Many pundits predicted a season of struggle for the Toon after the departures of key midfielders Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton to West Ham and QPR respectively.

Barton joined QPR on a free

Newcastle still hadn't replaced Andy Carroll according to some, before Demba Ba started banging in the goals (8 in 12 Premier League games), unknown French midfielder Yohan Cabaye arrived from Lille... He won't replace Nolan's quality said some and Sylvain Marveaux was another import from the French league, after arriving from Rennes that the Geordies had ever heard of.

Due to the form of Tim Krul from the previous season meant that Mike Ashley didn't need to splash the cash in getting another goalkeeper meaning that the one position that had been untouched by boss Alan Pardew was defence.

The back four at the start of the season, from right to left consisted of Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini and Ryan Taylor.  The back four twelve games into the season - Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini and Ryan Taylor.

The settled back line has helped in Newcastle's brilliant start.  Krul knows whether his defence will leave a cross for him to catch and the backline knows when Krul will come for it - An element of trust is their now and The Toon finally seem to have some stability - On the pitch at least.  Ryan Taylor, playing in a more un-accustomed left back position has gone from strength to strength and even netted the winner against arch rivals Sunderland at The Stadium of Light.

Its not just defence that have earned praise however, Cabaye has been a revelation in the centre of the park and seems to be the heartbeat of everything good the Toon do and already has a good understanding with Cheik Tiote.

Cabaye keeps Toon ticking over in midfield

Up front, it took a bit of time but Ba is coming alive - since kickstarting his career on the Tyne with a hat-trick at home to Blackburn, the Senegal hitman has scored against Wolves and Tottenham before grabbing another treble away at Stoke.  The partnership between him and Leon Best is beginning to bear fruit with the latter being more of an assister to Ba's goals rather than a goalscorer himself judging by the three goals he has to his name so far.

Deadly Duo: Ba and Best have shown a good understanding

Right, I've given plenty of praise to the players on the pitch but a big pat on the back needs to go to Pardew.  The manager raised a few eyebrows when he was appointed by the owner however, he has slowly but surely got the Toon Army on his side.  Pardew obviously knew his best side early on, probably in pre-season and is sticking to his guns.  The team, although maybe not the best has shown that by knowing what each is going to do on the field they can be a success and can do well.

Happy Days: Pardew has answered his critics

Of course, the real test now is seeing how they do now that unbeaten run has come to an end.

Nevertheless, things are looking up at St James Park..... or is it The Sports Direct Arena nowadays?!

How long has Steve Kean got at Blackburn?

The Blackburn Rovers' fans were never pleased when Steve Kean took over the reigns at Ewood Park from well respected manager "Big" Sam Allardyce,  and it has really never took off for the Scot.

Born in Glasgow, Kean's playing career never really got started where, according to Wikipedia, Kean played for  6 clubs; Celtic, Swansea City, Alloa Athletic, Academica Coimbra, Bath City and Newbury Town culminating in a grand total of 5 appearances.

It was more of the same when he turned his hand to management, where, apart from a brief spell as Assistant Manager at Fulham, Spanish side Real Sociedad and Championship strugglers Coventry City, all with Chris Coleman as the main man at the helm.

Allardyce, on the other hand is renowned for making sure that every club he manages at the very least stays in the same league before looking at the next aim - Famously keeping Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League before delivering UEFA Cup (Now Europa League) football at The Reebok Stadium.

Allardyce is now at West Ham United

Venky's, a meat processing and pharmaceutics company took over the club in November 2010 and straight away announced big things for the club, including mentioning Ronaldinho and former England captain David Beckham when referring to the January transfer window. Rovers fans were drooling at the mouth - New owners, lots of money, big signings etc.....

Barcelona....Milan.....Blackburn?!

However, a month later, Allardyce was sacked and Venkys installed 44-year old Kean to First Team Manager when, after 2 years as a coach, where Allardyce brought him in, he replaced Big Sam, sacked on 13th December 2010, as Rovers gaffer.

Kean's first game began with a 1-1 home draw with relegation-threatened West Ham and, after scraping points throughout the second half of the season and after I'm sure narrowly failing with bids for Beckham and Ronaldinho in January, Rovers eventually stayed in the league on the final day of the season with a 3-2 win away at Wolves to finish 15th - Their fourth league win that season since Kean became boss.

Is the clock ticking for Steve Kean at Ewood?

Venky's gave Kean a contract until 2013 and the manager pursuaded big names Scott Dann, Yakubu, Ruben Rochina and David Goodwillie as well as other stars to sign for the club. Ronaldinho now at Flamengo and Beckham still in Los Angeles with LA Galaxy - LA or Blackburn... tough choice!

The 2011-2012 season didn't begin well for Blackburn; losing the first three games; two at home, to Wolves and Everton sandwiching an away defeat at Aston Villa.

Since then, chants and banners of "Kean Out!" have been heard and seen around Ewood Park but, after 11 league games, consisting of 1 win, 6 points, fans wanting the manager to resign and sitting at the bottom of the table, the club's owners are still sticking by their man.  Surely Steve Kean's time is up?

Rovers fans make their feelings known

Despite fans wanting the Scot out, Kean still tells the media that it is only "A small pocket of supporters" or "Most of the fans are sticking with us"... you get the jist of his interviews that are practically the same every single week.

Oh, and before I forget, Kean's managerial record for Blackburn Rovers since he took over in December last year:

G      W      D      L      Win %
32      6       10    16     18.75

My message to Rovers' fans... Erm... the only way is up!