Reading Halt Boro's Promotion Charge

Middlesbrough’s push for promotion suffered a minor blow on Saturday, after they were beaten by championship high flyers Reading at the Riverside stadium. A recent revival for the Teessiders had seen back to back victories over Nottingham Forrest and Millwall. But after a Noel Hunt goal on 16 minutes and a late Ian Harte free kick Tony Mowbray’s side were condemned to a 2-0 defeat which sees them drop out of the play off positions. 

Boro started the first half the brightest, controlling the game with the majority of possession. While Faris Haroum’s pace looked a problem in the early exchanges, but the Belgium international slowly faded as the game went on.

Hunt's first half goal against the run of play

However despite the home side’s early dominance it was Reading who opened the scoring on 16 minutes. When Harte’s cross was headed back across goal for Hunt to guide the ball into the net off the underside of the crossbar against the run of play. 

After that Boro still struggled in the final third, while sloppy passing left chances for the visitors on the break. The hosts rarely tested Reading keeper Federici throughout the first half and they nearly fell two behind when Harte’s free kick rippled the side netting.  

Boro again started the second half seeing most of the ball, but still failed to create a clear cut chance. And the visitor should have doubled their advantage when Seb Hines’s missed header allowed Jason Roberts a golden chance only to be denied by an outstretched Jason Steele. Boro’s best efforts came when Lukas Jutkiewicz’s header was well held by Federici while Barry Robson’s tame shot was easily held.

Reading’s resistance was then finally rewarded, when Roberts was brought down on the edge of the area for Harte to produce an unstoppable free kick sealing the win and a valuable three points for the Royals. The win sees Brian McDermott’s side move to third in the table, while the setback for Boro leaves them in eighth with a trip to Portsmouth next weekend.       

  

Steele   7- important save at 1-0 could do nothing about ether goal

Bennett   5- looked to get forward sometimes troubled by Kebe in first half

Bates (C) 7- solid at the back when called upon

Hines   6- brought down Roberts resulting in second goal and a few sloppy passes

Hoyte   6- unable to show pace to cause threat

Williams   7- covered back four and a couple of long range shots

Robson   6- created a few chances missed half chance to equalise  

Arca   6- worked hard but couldn’t create chance for front two     

Haroum   6- looked threat early on but slowly faded

Emnes   7- linked well with midfield no clear cut chance

Jutkiewicz   6- header in second half was closest to equaliser

Subs

Ogbeche   5- came on as late sub didn’t really make an impact

Main   6- tried to get involved but didn’t get much of a chance

United Hang On To European Dream

Manchester United survived a late scare last night, after they nearly threw away a three goal aggregate lead to Dutch champions Ajax in a far from convincing performance. 

United carried a 2-0 lead from the first leg in Holland, and after Javier Hernandez’s goal inside 5 minutes the home side looked to be coasting into the last 16. However an Aras Özbiliz strike just before half time and Toby Alderweireld’s late header left United hanging on to what remains of this year’s European football.

The first five minutes produced an open attacking game, as both sides pushed for the initial goal. But it was United who struck first when Dimitar Berbatov’s pass split the defence releasing Hernandez who beat the last defender before he opened the scoring with his 10th goal this session.

Alderweireld's late header made it a nervy finish for United

The home side should have added a second just 10 minutes later when they once again cut open the Ajax back four, but this time Hernandez failed to find strike partner Berbatov to seal the tie.

An entertaining game continued to flow at a quick tempo; however it was Ajax who were controlling the game in midfield. Özbiliz tested united keeper De Gea on 22 minutes, but the Ajax striker finally got his reward 7 minutes from half time. When his edge of the area shot was helped by a slight deflection off Phil Jones to level the score.

The second half saw the visitors remain on top, as they continued to ask questions of the United defence. Nicolás Lodeiro blazed his shot over from inside the box before a crucial save from De Gea denied Siem de Jong’s close range header.

Alex Ferguson introduced Paul Scholes and Jonny Evans with half an hour to go, and looked to have released the sting from their opponents attack. But United were still unable to prevent a nervous finish, after a cheap free kick found its way to the back post to be headed in by Alderweireld three minutes from time.   

   

But the hosts held on to book their place in the last 16 where they will now meet Spanish side   Athletic Bilbao. United will also be joined by close rivals Manchester City after their demolition of Porto on Wednesday night, while Stoke City’s European journey came to an end in Valencia. There were also wins for Atletico Madrid, Olympiakos and Sporting Lisbon, all progressing to the last 16.

Sunderland Scupper Arsenal's Season

Arsenal’s seven year wait without a trophy now looks set to continue, after they were dumped out of this year’s FA cup by a determined Sunderland side. A first half strike from Kieran Richardson and an unfortunate own goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain concluded to a 2-0 defeat for the Gunners, which came off the back of their Champions league hammering to AC Milan in mid-week.

The first half began with Arsenal looking to press their opponents and put right the wrongs they suffered in Milan. But after an instant setback when fullback Francis Coquelin limped off the pitch with a hamstring problem, Arsene Wenger’s side struggled to re-find their early rhythm.

After the return of Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole, Martin O’Neil decided to play five in midfield leaving out striker Fraizer Campbell from when the sides met in the league just a week ago. The extra body made it difficult for Arsenal, as only Gervinho’s effort on 27 minutes tested Sunderland keeper Mignolet. 

A resolute home side slowly grew in confidence, and after a cheap free kick was given away by Arsenal they took their chance before the break. A Sebastian Larsson delivery was cleared by the Gunners only for Kieran Richardson  to fire the ball into the bottom corner  with a sweetly struck volley to lift the home fans off their seats and believing they could cause an upset. 

Throughout the second half Arsenal looked vulnerable to the pace of Sessegnon and McClean, as the hosts displayed more effort and determination than their opponents. Wenger introduced Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky to try and save the match, but his side still lacked the quality to break down the opposition. 

Sunderland’s second came 12 minutes from time when the ever present threat of Sessegnon broke clear of the Arsenal defence to pick out Larsson whose shot rebounded off the post to be nudged over the line by the backtracking Oxlade-Chamberlain. Sunderland were then never really troubled, as O’Neil’s ever improving side booked their place in the quarter final of the competition. While the defeat for Arsenal leaves them with another session without a trophy and a week to forget.    

Ruthless Milan Run Rout Over Arsenal

Arsenal’s Champions league dream was left hanging by a thread, after they were comfortably beaten by Italian league leaders AC Milan in a one sided affair at the San Siro. The Gunners were taken apart from the very beginning, as they were unable to cope with the attacking threat posed by their opponents eventually sinking to a 4-0 defeat.

Arsenal left out in form Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from their starting line-up, and looked out of ideas in midfield leaving Robin Van Persie isolated in a lone striker role. Milan were forced to replace Captain Clarence Seedorf early on, however this didn’t prevent them from opening the scoring with just 14 minutes on the clock. A perfectly weighted ball from Antonio Nocerino found Kevin-Prince Boateng whose stunning strike flew into the back of the net to give Milan the lead. After that Arsenal were left searching for their best form while looking vulnerable to Milan counter attacks throughout the night. In contrast Milan’s strikers of Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic always looked a threat making dangerous runs behind the Arsenal back four. The second goal came 8 minutes from the break when Ibrahimovic slotted through the Arsenal defence to pick out Robinho, providing the Brazilian an easy header to double their advantage.   

Boateng's strike was the start of a humiliation for Arsenal

The Gunners introduced Thierry Henry in the second half, as they looked for inspiration from their legendry striker in his last game of his loan spell. But not even he could make an impact, as the hosts added a 3^rd just after the restart. Ibrahimovic was again involved when his pass was helped by a crucial slip from Thomas Vermaelen, presenting Robinho with a clear sight of goal where he made no mistake in adding his second putting Milan in full control. Arsenal finally came to life with half an hour to go, as they pushed for an away goal to rescue the tie. However despite their efforts Arsenal couldn’t find a way back in to the match, the closest coming when  Van Persie’s volley looked to be heading for the bottom corner only to be denied by Christian Abbiati which proved to be his only real save of the night. Milan’s 4th finally came from man of the match Ibrahimovic when his tricky footwork forced a foul from Johan Djourou, giving the Swedish striker the chance to seal the win from the penalty spot resulting in Arsenal’s heaviest defeat in European history. Arsene Wenger later called the loss “shocking” and admitted his side were all but out of the competition. The Gunners must now turn their attention to this weekend’s FA cup tie with Sunderland in their only realistic chance of a trophy this year.        

Evans carries GB to Davis Cup victory

Dan Evans finally came of age on Sunday, after he held his nerve to carry team GB to Davis Cup glory over Slovakia. Evans in only his 3^rd ever Davis cup tie had breezed through the first 2 sets in under an hour against Martin Klizan ranked 156 places ahead of him. However a lapse in concentration and an improved opponent nearly allowed the match to slip away, but the determined Brit dug deep to claim his second scalp in three days with a score of 6-1 6-1 4-6 3-6 6-3.

Evans had started the match much the brighter player, putting his nerves to one side to throw his higher ranked opponent. Klizan on the back of victory over James Ward on Friday looked lost from the off, as a combination of errors and inspired play from Evans left the Slovakian trailing a double break. A dream start for Britain saw their man comfortably see out the first set 6-1 with Klizan stunned by the one sided score line.

The second set picked up where the fist left off, as Evans was again quick to seize an advantage with another early break. Klizan remained clueless and had no response to Evans variety of shots, with his aggressive return of serve and faultless net play concluding in another one side set to put Britain in full control.  

However missed opportunities at the start of the third set proved costly; as an improved Klizan found the form which helped him become a top 100 player.Dispite this Evans continued to be positive and responded to any deficits he faced, as both players established a good rhythm on serve. But at 4-4 the errors crept in to the Evans game, as the match was quickly turned to see Klizan half the deficit.

Now inspired Klizan took no time in snatching a break in the fourth, as the Brit’s hard work was then cancelled out. An early break making the difference producing a decider. But then it was Evans who rediscovered his form, as improved serving allowed him to regain a foot hold in the match. The Slovakian now favourite to take the victory could do nothing, as Evans took his chance with tremendous returning to break serve and again take momentum. Klizan then couldn’t reply, as a determined effort saw Evans close out the match with an almighty effort. 

The victory for Evans off the back of a straight sets win over Lukas Lacko guiding his country to victory with two crucial rubbers. The other win coming from doubles pairing Ross Hutchins and Colin Fleming yesterday while James Ward was unfortunate as he  failed to win either of his matches against Lacko or Klizan. A big win for Britain and captain Leon Smith who remains unbeaten while in charge despite the absence of Andy Murray. The victory now sets up a tie with Belgium on the 6^th of April to progress to the world group play offs.    

Redknapp for England?

After Fabio Capello’s shock resignation as England manager on Wednesday the question now being asked is who will be next to succeed the Italian and take up the reigns for this year’s European Championships. Harry Redknapp remains the clear favourite with both fans and bookmakers after winning his tax evasion court case the same morning Capello stepped down. However divided loyalties with current club Tottenham will make it difficult for Redknapp to take the job straight away, as the London club and Chairman Daniel Levy will be reluctant to let their talisman go. Under 21s manger  Stuart Pearce will take charge of the team for this month’s friendly with Holland but question marks over his managerial experience may prevent him taking up the job full time. Other British managers in the frame include Roy Hodgson and Steve Bruce while Alan Pardew and Martin O'Neill have ruled themselves out both clearly backing Redknapp to take the job. 

An international job would be a different challenge for Redknapp to what he has faced in the past, with him only seeing the players on a monthly basis rather than every week. The England job would come with big decisions to be made starting with who will take the up the captains role, after John Terry was once again stripped from leading the team. If Redknapp took charge where would that leave Frank Lampard? As Redknapp’s nephew the Chelsea midfielder may return as a regular in the team after missing games under Capello. Plus Tottenham players like Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon could benefit after working with Redknapp previously.           

Middlesbrough v Sunderland FA cup fourth round replay

A determined effort from a young Middlesbrough side wasn’t quite enough to overcome near neighbours Sunderland, after a late Stephane Sessegnon strike finally broke down the Teessiders to end their FA cup run in heart breaking fashion. Penalties beckoned when goals from Jack Colback and Lukas Jutkiewicz had forced extra time; however Benin international Sessegnon showed his premier league quality to prevent the shootout 7 minutes from time.

The game started with both teams cancelling out the other, with the Black cats seeing more possession but were unable to trouble Jason Steele’s goal. Boro’s attacking threat had been significantly weakened since the sides met in the original tie, as Barry Robson, Faris Haroun and Scott McDonald all joined an ever increasing injury list. However it was the home side who created the game’s first real chance with half an hour played, when Sunderland keeper Mignolet tipped over Seb Hines’s effort to keep the game level. But Sunderland who have been recently inspired by new boss Martin O'Neill finally broke down their resolute opponents. Fraizer Campbell drew the defenders to give Jack Colback space to produce the match’s first piece of quality, when his left foot volley from the edge of the area perfectly hit into the top corner giving keeper Steele no chance to silence the home fans on 42 minutes. Boro came close with a rapid response, both Tony McMahon and full debutant Curtis Main were denied the chance to level the match in quick succession. 

Sunderland remained in control at the start of the second half, with Boro digging deep to stay in the game. The home side were rewarded when a long ball from Justin Hoyte was headed down from Main showing strength and courage to find strike partner Jutkiewicz who made no mistake on converting his first goal for the club. After that Sunderland’s Phil Bardsley was denied by both the post and Steele, as the game swung towards extra time. Boro introduced top scorer Marvin Emnes, as his shot was blocked after a great run from Hoyte. But it was the Premier League side who found a late winner when Sessegnon made the most of an ever tiring young Boro side, as his run was halted before bouncing back for him to tuck away what turned out to be the winner. Sunderland’s reward is a home tie with Arsenal in this week’s fifth round match. While Boro will hope for the return of key players for an away fixture at Ipswich, now fully focusing on a promotion to the Premier League.
   

Match Ratings

Steele    7- made some important saves, could do nothing about the goal

Hoyte    6- pace of the side made occasional runs forward where he looked a threat

Bates (C)   8-great performance with crucial tackles and blocks

Hines   7- another solid performance drawn out of position for opening goal

Bennett   7- defended well and was one player who looked a threat going forward

McMahon   7- got in some good positions unlucky not to score before half time

Williams   7- worked hard and protected defence for long periods of time

Thompson   6- kept shape in midfield but a couple of wild shots at goal

Arca   6- found some good passes early on against former club

Main   7- stayed patient used physical strength to create goal

Jutkiewicz   7- not much service but took goal well when it came

Subs

Smallwood   6- came on in second half allowed Williams to get forward    

Reach   6- looked confident with the ball added some spark to the game

Emnes   5- came on in second half but didn’t look sharp  

Football Leauge Review

Manchester City regained control of the premier league title race, after they bridged a 2 point lead over their near rivals in a weekend when heavy snow affected games across the country. City quickly put their mid-week setback at Everton behind them, as they made light work of Martin Jol’s Fulham with goals from Aguero and Dzeko and a Chris Baird own goal sealing a 3-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium. This then put the pressure back on United in Sunday’s away tie at Chelsea, as they fell to a 3-0 deficit with 50 minutes played. However two controversial penalties from Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez header recused a point for Alex Fergusons side in a highly entertaining 3-3 draw. Elsewhere Arsenal found their top form as they embarrassingly thrashed struggling Blackburn with a resounding 7-1 victory. While Wolves climbed out of the bottom three with an away win at QPR.There were also wins for Sunderland, Swansea and Norwich, as they all took another step to safety.

In the Championship West Ham increased their lead at the top of the table, despite an early dismissal for Captain Kevin Nolan. Carlton Cole and Winston Reid were on target, as the Hammers battled past neighbours Millwall to record a 2-1 victory. The gap now lies at 4 points, after Southampton were held to a goalless draw away at Birmingham as well as Cardiff surrendering their lead in a 3-1 defeat to Blackpool. At the foot of the table Ipswich found a late goal to overcome Coventry leaving the sky blues rooted to the bottom of the table. In League One only 3 games escaped the winter weather, as Sheffield Wednesday came from behind to move into second place. While Plymouth and Southend shared the points in League Two’s only game.