League 2 Round up 6th September

Posted on September 7, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Cheltenham briefly moved top after drawing 0-0 away at Morecambe but Burton moved 2 points clear after a 2-0 win on Sunday over Portsmouth, Adam McGurk and Lucas Akins claiming the goals. Wycombe and Bury remain in the top six after playing out a 0-0 draw at Adams Park. Marc Richards’s 1st half brace moved Northampton into the top six after 2-0 away win at Dagenham. 

Dominic Blizzard’s second half strike sealed a 1-0 away win for Plymouth at Luton. York stay in the top half after a 3-2 victory at Stevenage, Michael Coulson and Wes Fletcher put York 2-0 up after 15 minutes before Andy Bond was sent off for Stevenage. The 10 men leveled the scores after 5 minute spell with Chris Whelpdale and Tom Pett netting before Wes Fletcher sealed all three points for York from the spot. Carlisle and Wimbledon settled for a point a piece after 8 goal thriller at Brunton Park, Kyle Dempsey twice leveled in the first half after Sean Rigg and Matt Tubbs netted for the Dons. Josh Gillies and Brad Potts put the Cumbrians 4-2 up but Gary Dicker saw red after handling in the box. Tubbs netted his 7th goal in 8 games from the spot before Adebayo Azeez equalized in stoppage time. 

Hartlepool secured their first home win of the season with 2-0 win over Shrewsbury, Charlie White and Brad Walker netting for Pool. Accrington also secured their first home win of season, James Gray put Stanley 1-0 up before a Abdulai Bell-Baggie double put Tranmere 2-1 in front but 2 goals in 4 minutes from Gray and Kal Naismith gave Stanley all three points. Oxford kept off the bottom after a 1-1 draw at Southend, Jack Payne gave Southend the lead before Danny Hylton’s penalty leveled the scores. Exeter remain rooted to the bottom after losing 2-1 at home to Mansfield, Rakish Bingham and Fergus Bell put the Stags 2-0 up and Matt Grimes’s second half strike was not enough for Exeter.

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League 1 Round Up 6th September

Posted on September 7, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Peterborough continued their best start to a season for 35 years with a 3-1 victory over Port Vale, Marcus Maddison opened scoring with his second goal in a week, Kyle Vassell added a second before Jack Payne made it 3-0 but Blackburn loanee, Jordan Slew netted a consolation for Vale. Bristol City moved second thanks to second half goals from Adent Flint and Greg Cunningham against Scunthorpe. Fleetwood lost their unbeaten start to the season losing 1-0 away at Oldham, Jonathon Forte netted from the spot just on half time for his 5th of the season. Frank Nouble’s first half strike gave Coventry their first win at the Rioch against Gillingham after a season away from the arena.

A brace from Aaron Martin and a second half strke from AJ Leitch Smith gave Yeovil victory away at Bradford, Rory McArdle netted for the Bantams. Crawley continued their poor run of form losing 4-0 at home to Rochdale, Matt Done opened the scoring with his 5th goal in 5 games before a Peter Vincenti double was rounded off with a Calvin Andrew’s header. Walsall and Colchester remain win less after 6 games with a stalemate between them. 

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Albion Back on Top

Posted on September 7, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Adam McGurk and Lucas Akins fired Burton back top of League 2 at the hands of Portsmouth. McGurk’s 2nd minute tap in was followed up by a fine Lucas Akins’s strike to maintain Burton’s unbeaten start to the season. The win puts Albion 2 points clear at the top after Morecambe drew 0-0 with Cheltenham on Saturday. 

Burton were able to name deadline day signing Stuart Beavon and dad-to-be Lucas Akins in their starting 11 whilst Portsmouth lined up in a 4-4-2 system after previous weeks adopting 3-5-2, Jed Wallace and Ricky Holmes were allowed to play further forward. Burton started very quickly after dropping down to third before kick off, took the lead after just 90 seconds. Great pressure on the right put Akins away, he crossed to Beavon who made space to unleash a cross shot which found Adam McGurk at the back post who tapped home. Burton kept control of the game with Portsmouth finding it hard to keep possession in the early exchanges but as the half grew on they began to come more in to the game. Craig Westcarr and Jed Wallace had pop shots but Burton remained in front. Portsmouth began to find more room in the Burton half but Albion had Beavon as the out ball up front bringing his team mates into play.

Portsmouth started the second half brighter and went close on two occasions after a period of pressure, Wynter and Taylor had shots smothered by McLaughlin in the Albion goal. Albion doubled their lead 10 minutes into the second half, after good build up play from Beavon, McGurk and MacDonald the ball was played to Akins. The summer arrival from Stevenage received the ball with his back to goal, shifted the ball onto his left foot and fired in to the far corner. Andy Awford quickly responded going back to his 3-5-2 system with Miles Storey bringing introduced for Nicky Shorey which gave Pompey an extra boost. Burton went close from Blyth who came on for McGurk with Pompey having a penalty appeal turned down for handball but Burton remained comfortable in the end.

Burton are looking to put last year’s play off defeat behind them and with 5 wins out of 6 at the start of the season, they are laying down a clear marker for the rest of the division. Portsmouth remain ninth and will put this result behind them, on another day they will create more chances at the top of the pitch. With a talented youngster in Jed Wallace, they have the quality that will see them finish in the play offs with consistency being the major issue for them this season. Burton will in the mix come the end of the season and be looking for it to be third time lucky.

Burton: McLaughlin, Edwards, Sharps, Cansdell-Sheriff (MaFadzean 82), Taft, Akins, Weir, Mousinho, MacDonald (Palmer 89), Beavon, McGurk (Blyth 72)

Portsmouth: Jones, Wynter (Butler, 79), Robinson, Ertl, Shorey (Storey 60), Dunne, Holland, Wallace, Westcarr, Holmes (Agyemang 74), Taylor

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Rampant Reds too hot for Spurs

Posted on August 31, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Liverpool highlighted their title credentials with a dominant 3-0 display over Tottenham; missing out last year, the Reds are looking to go one better this season even without the departed Luis Suarez. £16 million pound man Mario Balotelli started and looked impressive for Liverpool without his typical antics that he is known for. Raheem Sterling netted in the first half followed by a Steven Gerrard penalty and Alberto Moreno strike sealed the victory for Liverpool.

Tottenham were unchanged from their 3-0 win at home to QPR last week after looking impressive in their first two games of the season. Liverpool made three changes from their defeat to Manchester City on Monday with Manquillo in for Johnson, Balotelli in for Coutinho and Sakho in for Skrtel. The first real test for Spurs which they came unstuck in; Liverpool started fast as they did in the majority of games last year. With the inclusion of Balotelli, Liverpool reverted to a midfield diamond with Sterling behind Balotelli and Sturridge. Sterling thrived in this position last season and started where he left off, breaking in between the two Spurs defensive midfielders of Bentaleb and Capoue. Balotelli nearly made a perfect start to his Liverpool career heading straight at Lloris after a Sturridge cross. Liverpool’s passing was much slicker and faster than Tottenham’s and were rewarded after 7 minutes. Sturridge held the ball up in the right channel and played in an advancing Henderson who looked up the crossed to Sterling who evaded Eric Dier at the back post to slot home.

Liverpool continued to press for a second with Sterling and Balotelli a real threat for the visitors with Balotelli glancing wide after a cross and Sterling creating chances for Sturridge but the England striker wasn’t able to double the Reds lead. Tottenham were lacking rhythm and tempo to their play whilst Liverpool looked very comfortable and powerful in their play. With the addition of Balotelli to the already attacking squad, Liverpool now have a variety of options to play in their matches. Tottenham created one chance in the first half and it came from a mistake from Liverpool’s two center halves. A long ball to Adebayor was challenged by Lovern and Sakho with the Spurs forward glancing on to Chadli, but the Belgian midfielder saw his shot saved by Mignolet.

With Tottenham behind at the break, Pochettino needed to introduce tempo to their play but with a record of never winning a match in England after going behind the omens did not look good for them. Liverpool started in the same vein as the first half and won a penalty two minutes into the half. Joe Allen broke into the Spurs box, Eric Dier was the wrong side appearing to pull back the Welsh midfielder. A soft decision given by Phil Dowd with Steven Gerrard making no mistake from the spot putting them 2-0 in front. Spurs made a double change but made no impact with Townsend’s first touch setting up Liverpool’s third. Moreno who had been pressing Tottenham all game won the ball from Townsend in his own half, the recent signing from Sevilla advanced all the way to Spurs’s box with Kaboul standing off the left back unleashed a fizzing shot across Lloris and into the far post.

Liverpool were far superior to Tottenham on the day, highlighting their strength in depth with the introduction of Markovic seeing Liverpool revert to a 4-3-3 system with Sterling back to his wide left berth. Balotelli gives Liverpool another option in the attacking third but they need to be careful about Sturridge’s position as his preferred place is through the middle. Sterling was a delight to watch highlighting the potential he had at the top of the game but the most pleasing think for Liverpool is the clean sheet after conceding 50 goals last season. Both full backs looked comfortable attacking and defending with Moreno bouncing back from his mistake at City on Monday.

Tottenham were disappointing after a good start to the season but lacked tempo with Liverpool limiting space for Lamela, Eriksen and Chadli to impact on the game. With the international break Liverpool have highlighted their intent for this season but Tottenham will need to better against the top teams in the division. The key decision in the game was the penalty but it was a very soft penalty to give which Tottenham will not be happy with and rightfully so. 

 

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Brewers on top

Posted on August 31, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Burton moved top with goals from Alex MacDonald and Callum McFadzean away at Mansfield; Matt Rhead halved the deficit but Burton held on. Koby Arthur netted an injury time winner moving Cheltenham to second after win over Hartlepool. Morecambe lost their 100% record away at Tranmere; Mark Hughes put Morecambe in front but Cole Stockton netted twice including a injury time winner to inflict Morecambe’s first defeat in the league. Jordan Clark’s brace against Luton moved Shrewsbury up to fourth.

Wycombe stay 5th with a 0-0 draw away at York. Danny Rose and Danny Mayor completed the comeback to move Bury up to sixth; Kal Naismith put Accrington ahead before the Bury comeback. Marc Richards’s goal a minute from time against Exeter moved Northampton to just outside the play offs. Lewis Alessandra and Reuben Reid netted to give Plymouth victory over Southend. Oxford and Dagenham played out a 6 goal thriller ending in 3-3 draw; Alex Jakubiak put Oxford ahead before Ashley Hemmings and Jamie Cureton turned the game. Danny Hylton scored twice in 6 minutes to put Oxford 3-2 up before Abu Ogogo leveled.

Cambridge moved to tenth with 5-0 win at home to Carlisle; Issago Diallo and a brace a piece from Robbie Simpson and Jayden Stockley completed the scoring.  Stevenage came away from Wimbledon victorious with a 3-2 win; Matt Tubbs netted his 5th of the season but Dean Wells, Cameron Lancaster and Charlie Lee put Boro 3-1 ahead before Abebayo Azeez netted in injury time but Boro hung on. Andy Sandell’s goal 6 minutes from time gave Newport first win of the season away at Portsmouth. 

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All Posh at the Top

Posted on August 31, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Peterborough moved top after a 3-1 victory at Colchester; Connor Washington, Kgosi Ntdhe and Jermaine Anderson netted for Posh with Freddie Sears getting the goal for the U’s. Fleetwood dropped to second but remain unbeaten after 1-1 draw at home to Leyton Orient; Darius Henderson put Orient ahead before Stephen Dobbie’s first goal for Fleetwood 7 minutes from time gave them the point. MK Dons up to the third and continue fine week for club with 2-0 win over Crawley, Dele Alli and Benik Afobe with the goals. Bradford are up to fourth after a 2-0 away win at Rochdale; Jason Kennedy and James Hanson’s 5th goal of the season gave the Bantams the win. 

Gary Roberts and Eoin Doyle’s 5th of the season got Chesterfield back to winning ways at Port Vale; Mark Marshall briefly leveled for Vale but Roberts goal a minute after the restart was enough for Chesterfield. Promotion favorites Preston and Sheffield United had to settle for a point a piece; Andrew Little put Preston ahead but Jose Baxter’s third goal in 3 games settled the scoring. Barnsley sit just outside the play off places after draw at Yeovil; Conor Hourihane put the Tykes ahead but Martin Cranie’s own goal gave the Glovers a point. Raphael’s goal 18 minutes from time for Swindon cancelled out Josh McQuoid’s opener for Coventry. 

Bradley Dack and Cody McDonald’s first half strikes gave Gillingham victory at home to Crewe. Jenson Clarke-Harris and Jonathon Forte gave Oldham first win of the season away at Doncaster. Scunthorpe secured first win of the season with 2-1 win at home to Walsall. Hakeb Adelakun and Gary McSheffrey netted in three minutes before Tom Bradshaw halved deficit with 20 minutes to go but Scunny held on. 

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Forest Continue to Fly

Posted on August 31, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Nottingham Forest remain top with their fourth win out of five thanks to Henri Lansbury’s goal away at Wednesday. Watford moved to second after a 4-2 win at home to Huddersfield. Harry Bunn and Murray Wallace pegged back the Hornets after Troy Deeney and Almen Abdi put Watford ahead. Keith Andrews and Almen Abdi’s second completed the scoring for Watford. Nouman Dicko and a brace from Backary Sako continued Wolves fine early season form at home to Blackburn. Jordan Rhodes netted a penalty but wasn’t enough for Rovers. Lewis Grabban netted his 5th of the season against his former club but Grabban’s replacement Callum Wilson netted his 5th of season to secure draw for Bournemouth at Norwich. 

Scott McDonald and Scott Malone put Millwall back to winning ways after defeat at home to Rotherham last week. Nile Ranger netted a consolation for Blackpool but the Seasiders remain winless after 5 matches. Charlton remain in the top 6 after a 2-2 draw at Brighton; Lewis Dunk twice leveled for the Seagulls after Igor Vetokele notched his 4th and 5th of the season to twice put Charlton ahead. Chris Martin scored his 4th goal in 6 matches but Christophe Berra’s equalizer gave Ipswich a point at Derby. Fulham secured 1st point of season after Tim Hoogland netted in the first half but Kenwyne Jones scored 10 minutes in to the second half.

Brentford won the battle of the Championship new boys, goals from Andre Gray and Nick Proschwitz secured away victory at Rotherham. Simon Cox’s second goal after return from West Brom secured all 3 points for Reading at Middlesbrough. Wigan sit just outside top half after 4-0 victory against Birmingham; Callum McManaman netted twice with Andrew Taylor and Martin Waghorn scoring the other goals. Stephen Warnock’s first half strike secured victory for managerless Leeds with Bolton remaining in the bottom three on just 1 point.

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Shawcross Saves Stoke against Hull

Posted on August 24, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Ryan Shawcross prodded home with 7 minutes to go to rescue a point for Stoke against 10 man Hull. James Chester was sent off after 14 minutes for a denial of a goal scoring opportunity with a foul on Glen Whelan but Hull took the lead through Nikica Jelavic who slid home in the first half but Hull could not hold on in the end

Hull were brimming with confidence after last weeks 1-0 opening day win over QPR but were forced into two changes before the match with Bruce and Snodgrass missing out with McShane and Quinn coming in. Stoke made two changes Bojan and Ireland missed out with Odenwingie and Sidwell filling in. Hull were knocking the ball around nicely with Robertson and El Mohamady finding space in the wing back berths. Robertson was supporting well for the Tigers but they were down to 10 men after 14 minutes, pressure from Stoke on the Hull defense caused Livermore’s ball to Chester fall short. Whelan advanced and nicked the ball ahead of Chester who brought down the Stoke midfielder. John Moss had no option but to send off Chester who had an up and down game last week; netting the winner but conceding a penalty which was saved. 

With Hull down to 10 men, Bruce reverted back to a back 4 with wing backs Robertson and El Mohamady filling in at full back with McShane partnering Davies in the middle. This change seemed to help Hull who rarely troubled from a lackluster Stoke side who were lacking a cutting edge throughout. With Stoke not really threatening the 10 men, Hull grew into the game and took the lead 4 minutes before the break. Huddlestone’s left foot shot from outside the box was parried by Begovic to Jelavic who slotted home to give the Tigers the advantage before half time. 

Bojan replaced Whelan before the goal to try and create more going forward. A training ground free kick was curled towards goal by Shawcross but McGregor did well in goal to save. Hull remained comfortable at the back with Diouf shooting wide for Stoke. Charlie Adam was brought on with 25 minutes to go and nearly made an instant impact seeing his 25 yard fizzing shot touched over by McGregor. On the balance of play Hull were ahead on merit but Stoke equalized with a scrappy goal. After a throw in for Stoke which should have been awarded to Hull was taken, Bojan crossed and the ball fell towards Bardsley who saw his volley hit the post. The ricochet hit McGregor and Shawcross who followed in prodded home to draw Stoke level.

Steve Bruce would have taken the point after going down to 10 men after Chester was sent off but after being comfortable and limiting Stoke to little, he would have been disappointed seeing his side concede. Both wing backs impressed for Hull with both supporting well giving Hull an outlet in the first half. Robertson who looks a brilliant signing for Hull and looks a perfect fit to Bruce’s 3-5-2 system. Hull just seem to be missing a striker after the departure of Shane Long to Southampton. Bruce was widely reported to have had a bid for Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes rejected and will be looking to secure the signature of a striker before the transfer window closes.

Stoke look disjointed going forward and lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. Mark Hughes started 3 defensive midfielders with Nzonzi playing the furthest forward and Mame Biram Diouf doesn’t look a good addition to the Potters. Bojan disappointed on his first away appearance for Stoke highlighting could he be a home ground playing for Stoke.  

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Morecambe at 100%

Posted on August 24, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Morecambe remain the only club in the Football League with a 100% record, Paul Mullin scored either side of Tom Elliot’s equalizer for Cambridge. Craig Westcarr netted his second goal in 2 games to move Portsmouth up to second after victory at Oxford. 3 goals in 6 second half minutes moved Cheltenham up to third. Matt Richards, Koby Arthur and Jordan Wynter all netted after Elliott Richards and Marc Laird gave Tranmere a 2-0 half time lead. Burton remain unbeaten thanks to John Mousinho’s equaliser away at Newport, Chris Zebroski netted his first of the season for County. 

Wycombe bounced back from defeat in midweek to register a 3-1 win away at Stevenage, Darius Charles put the home side in front before Paul Hayes and Peter Murphy struck just before half time. Matt McClure netted in added time to secure the win for Wanderers. Matt Tubbs’s 4th of the season was not enough for Wimbledon, Charlie Wyke and Marlon Harewood netted in he second half to give Hartlepool the win. Tom Soares and Danny Rose scored in the 1st half to give Bury 2-1 win over Plymouth; Reuben Reid netted a second half penalty for his 4th of the season. Luke Howell and Abu Ogogo scored to give Dagenham 2-0 victory over Mansfield. 

Emile Sinclair scored in added time to rescue point for Northampton at home to 10 man Shrewsbury; Liam Lawrence saw red in the first half before James Collins put the 10 men ahead until Sinclair struck. Keith Lowe’s goal 8 minutes from time gave York a 1-1 draw at Exeter, David Wheeler had put the home side ahead. 2 goals at the end of the first half saw Carlisle share the points with Southend, Anthony Sweeney netted the opener before Conor Clifford leveled 2 minutes later. 4 first half goals saw Accrington get their first point of the season at home to Luton. James Gray and Luke Joyce put Stanley 2-0 up but Luke Rooney and Jake Howells scored for the Hatters. 

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Fleetwood on Top but Peterborough hot on their heels

Posted on August 24, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Fleetwood lost their 100% record but remained top after a 0-0 draw with Chesterfield. Peterborough moved up to second after Kyle Vassell struck his 4th of the season away at Bradford. Preston moved up to 3rd with a 1-0 victory over Oldham thanks to Jack King’s fourth minute strike. Bristol City had to be satisfied with a 1-1 draw away at Rochdale. Luke Freeman netted his first for City after moving from Stevenage in the summer; Ian Henderson leveled with his 3rd goal in a week for Dale. 

Barnsley moved 5th win a 4-1 win over Gillingham, goals from Connor Houihane, Sam Winnall, Devante Cole and Dale Jennings gave the Tykes the win; Danny Kedwell netted his 4th in 4 games for the consolation. Swindon moved up to 6th thanks to Yaser Kasim and Andy Williams’s goals in a 2-0 win over Crewe. MK Dons remain outside the play offs after a 0-0 draw at home to Coventry. Walsall remain winless in 4 after a 0-0 draw away at Leyton Orient. 

Jose Baxter gave Sheffield United back to back wins at the expense of Crawley. Port Vale’s unbeaten start came crashing down at home to Notts County. Goals from Gary Jones and Liam Noble gave the visitors the win. Kyle Bennett’s 2nd goal of the season gave Doncaster 1-0 victory away to Colchester. Paddy Madden’s equalizer prevented his old side notch three points, the former Glovers man netted 8 minutes from time after Kieffer Moore opened the scoring. 

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