Match Report: Bayer Leverkusen 0-5 Manchester United

Manchester United booked their place in the last-16 of the Champions League with a convincing 5-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.

Goals from Antonio Valencia, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Nani were more than enough to sink the Bundesliga side and all but secure top spot in Group A.

Following Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Cardiff, David Moyes made four changes to the United side, including the return of Ryan Giggs who made his 138^th European appearance just days before his 40^th birthday.

Phil Jones and Shinji Kagawa also came back into the starting XI to play alongside Giggs, and were looking to impress after missing recent games in the Premier League.  

The visitors were not injury free though, and both Robin van Persie and Nemanja Vidic were deemed unfit to play.

The game started in a good manor for United, and it appeared Wayne Rooney was in on goal after a brilliant through ball from Shinji Kagawa left him one-on-one with Leverkusen ‘keeper Bernd Leno. The chance was not to be though, and the linesman correctly raised his flag to signify offside against the United number 10.

The away side weren’t disheartened though, and they continued to press during the first 15 minutes of the match.

As the pressure continued to build, a chance soon fell to Nani on the inside of the 18-yard box. The Portuguese winger stepped onto his favoured right foot before firing a dipping effort just over the crossbar - much to the agony of the away crowd.

Minutes later, it was the home side who were on the front foot, as Stefan Kiebling pushed forward into the United area. A last ditch tackle from Jonny Evans, however, ensured the score would stay level for a little longer.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 22^nd minute though, as Antonio Valencia slotted home his second goal of the group stage.

Wayne Rooney again lofted a dangerous ball into the box and, after dipping over Shinji Kagawa, the cross fell perfectly for Valencia to side foot against the post and into the back of the net.

The first-half scoring wasn’t done here though, and bang on the half-an-hour mark, United doubled their lead over the Bundesliga side.

A free-kick was won on the edge of the Leverkusen box, and Rooney yet again fired a swirling cross into the box for Chris Smalling to attack. The right-back was beaten to the ball by Leverkusen defender Emir Spahic though, who agonisingly watched his header fly into the top corner of his own net.

A number more chances followed for the away side, however, the score stayed at 2-0 going into the break.

Half-time: Bayer Leverkusen 0-2 Manchester United

The second-half was a far more one sided affair, and it only took 20 minutes for the visitors to all but end Leverkusen hopes of a comeback.

From a United corner, Patrice Evra rose highest to nod the ball down to the feet of Wayne Rooney. The forward couldn’t quite force the ball home though, and the chance instead fell to Jonny Evans. The defender simply couldn’t miss and the ball was scrambled home to make the score 3-0 in favour of the Red Devils.

The scoring wasn’t done here though, and as the game looked to be fizzling out, Wayne Rooney was once again involved in a United goal.

This time, the England international picked up the ball just outside Leverkusen’s six yard box after a wonderful pass from Shinji Kagawa. Unselfishly, he played the ball back across the box and through the keepers’ outstretched arms for Chris Smalling to tap home.

The scoring was finally completed in the 88^th minute, when 27-year-old Nani rounded Bernd Leno before audaciously chipping home to add extra gloss to an already emphatic scoreline.

The win sees United secure qualification to the knockout round and tightens their grip on top spot in Group A.

Full-time: Bayer Leverkusen 0-5 Manchester United

Bayer Leverkusen: Leno, Spahic, Omer Toprak, Donati, Reinartz (Hegeler 70), Rolfes, Bender (Kohr 81), Can, Castro, Son (Derdiyok 70), Kiessling

Unused: Lomb, Stafylidis, Wollscheid, Kruse

Manchester United: De Gea, Smalling, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra (Büttner 70), Giggs, Jones, Valencia (Young 80), Kagawa, Nani, Rooney (Anderson 80)

Unused: Lindegaard, Cleverley, Hernandez, Welbeck

Attendance: N/A

Match Report: England 0-1 Germany (Friendly)

England slipped to successive defeats at Wembley Stadium for the first time since 1977 after Per Mertesacker scored the only goal in a close encounter which saw Germany end the international season a high.

Ahead of the game, England boss Roy Hodgson made a number of changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Chile on Friday night. The most significant change came in the form of Joe Hart returning to the side after recent criticism over his goalkeeping performances for Manchester City.

Daniel Sturridge also came back into the starting-XI after missing Friday’s friendly with a foot injury, and was looking to impress after his recent good form in the Premier League.

Another notable name in the side was Southampton forward Adam Lallana, who started his second successive game after making his international debut at Wembley on Friday.

The opening exchanges of the game were dominated by an attack-minded England who looked positive from the outset. It was Germany who had the first chance of the match though, when Heiko Westermann’s curling cross was headed wide of the post by Marco Reus in the 13^th minute.

England’s first clear cut chance of the game didn’t come until the 19^th minute, when Tom Cleverley picked up the ball on the left before whipping in a delightful ball for Wayne Rooney to attack. The striker, however, saw his looping header dip just over the crossbar, much to the despair of the home crowd.

Another chance soon followed when Steven Gerrard, making his 108^th cap for England, picked up the ball just outside the 18-yard box. The Liverpool midfielder watched his right-footed volley fire high over the crossbar though, despite a good touch and control before the shot.

The only goal of the game came against the run of play in the 39^th minute. A German corner was bravely met by Per Mertesacker, who saw his header wonderfully saved by an outstretched Joe Hart. The ball was then cleared straight to Toni Kroos who played a first time ball into the box. The cross once again fell to Mertesacker and this time the Arsenal defender didn’t miss as his towering header looped into the net to make it 1-0.

Steven Gerrard then had another chance to score just before half-time but his dipping, 25-yard drive fired just over the crossbar leaving the home side undeservedly trailing at the break.    

Half-time: England 0-1 Germany

The second-half started very much as the first had left off, and a frantic phrase of play led to chances for both the home and away side. It was first the German’s chance to strike as Mario Gotze somehow weaved his way through the defence, before setting up Marco Reus, whose shot was well saved by Joe Hart. A swift counter attack from Andros Townsend then led to a chance for England, however, neither Daniel Sturridge nor Adam Lallana could provide a sufficient finish.

Andros Townsend then had a chance of his own in the 57^th minute of the game, when the ball fell to him 30 yards from goal. The Tottenham winger may have had the German ‘keeper Weidenfeller beaten, but his swirling shot fired back off the post leaving the score at 1-0.

The away side had another chance to extend their lead later on in the second-half when Mario Gotze once again broke through the England defence, only to see his shot well saved by Joe Hart low down to his right.

With the game finely poised, yet more chances fell the Germans’ way, with shots from Sidney Sam, Andre Schürrle and Gotze all firing just past the post.

However, England would have one last chance to equalise late in the game.

The ball fell to the feet of Andros Townsend just outside the box, who cleverly turned and shot towards debutant Weidenfeller’s goal. It wasn’t to be though, and the drive fired wide of the right-hand post.

The result sees England slip to their second friendly defeat at Wembley in five days.

Full-time: England 0-1 Germany

England: Hart, Walker, Smalling, Jagielka, Cole (Gibbs 53), Townsend, Gerrard (Henderson 56), Cleverley (Wilshere 64), Lallana (Lambert 76), Sturridge, Rooney (Barkley 71)

Unused: Ruddy, Johnson, Baines, Cahill, Milner, Lampard, Defoe, Rodriguez, Forster

Germany: Weidenfeller, Schmelzer (Jansen 45), Westermann (Draxler 67), Mertesacker, Boateng (Hummels 45), Sven Bender, Kruse (Sam 56), Lars Bender, Kroos, Reus (Schürrle 82), Gotze

Unused: Adler, Howedes, Muller

Attendance: 85,934

Scunthorpe United Programme Work

At the start of the 2013-14 season, I was offered the job of writing the away day preview in the Scunthorpe United programme. This section is for fans who are looking to know a little more about the grounds they'll be visiting and how to get there. I began writing for the programme back in August and have continued to do so throughout the season.

Here are some examples of my work:

My first piece: an away day preview for Bristol Rovers (Mansfield Town programme)

 Away day preview for York City (Cheltenham Town programme) 

Away day preview for Chesterfield FC (Hartlepool United programme)

Images: My visit to Meadow Lane

Notts County 0-1 Rotherham United - My Pictures

The Derek Pavis Stand as it filled. 

 The Haydn Green Family Stand as it filled.

 The Kop as it filled. 

Looking towards the Derek Pavis Stand. 

 Looking towards the Haydn Green Family Stand.

Looking towards the Kop. 

Full-time: 0-1

Match Report: Scunthorpe United 2-0 Mansfield Town

Scunthorpe United kicked-off their League Two campaign with a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Conference champions Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Matt Sparrow and Sam Winnall would seal a crucial three points for the Iron on the day that saw Scunthorpe play League Two football for the first time since 2005.

Brian Law’s new-look side started with six of his summer signings in the starting 11, with Deon Burton, Matt Sparrow, Terry Hawkridge, Andy Dawson, Andy Welsh and Sam Winnall all in the side. This also, however, meant places on the bench for fellow summer signings Chris Iwelumo, Jordan Clark and Sean McAllister.

Despite the early buzz around Glanford Park, it would in fact be Mansfield who would have the first chance of the game. Lee Stevenson, however, whilst under pressure from Iron defenders, would fire his low shot just wide of the left hand post.

A second chance soon followed for Mansfield when, after 16 minutes play, Sam Clucas fought his way down the left hand side of the pitch before firing a shot at the Iron goal. The shot, however, was a tame one and Sam Slocombe saved comfortably.

The Stags’ pressure would only continue as the game grew older and Clucas was once again involved in the 19^th minute, winning the Stags a free-kick within dangerous territory around the Iron box. The host’s wall would stay strong though and the danger was soon cleared.

Scunthorpe’s first real chance of the game wouldn’t come until the 22^nd minute after a free-kick was won on the edge of the Stag’s 18-yard box. The set piece was whipped into the box by Andy Welsh only to be cleared away by the Mansfield back line. The ball, however, fell to Scunthorpe Captain Michael Collins who blazed high and wide of the goal on the half-volley. 

Despite Mansfield’s numerous early chances and pressure, it would in fact be Scunthorpe who would take the lead on the stroke of 30 minutes. After some good build up play between the Iron midfield, it would be Welsh to cross the ball into the box for the returning Matt Sparrow to fire home on the volley into the top right corner. The score was now 1-0 to the iron.

Scunthorpe almost doubled their advantage immediately when Terry Hawkridge was awarded a free-kick after being brought down on the edge of the area in the 31^st minute. Andy Dawson stepped forward to take the set piece, however, he saw his curling effort brilliantly saved by the Mansfield number one, Alan Marriott.

The lead would be doubled in the 41^st minute though, when debutant Sam Winnall raced onto a long-ball from Hawkridge, before rounding the stranded Mansfield ‘keeper Marriott to comfortably slot home and send the Iron into the break with a two goal lead.

It did appear as if the Stags would pull a goal back before the interval though, as Matthew Rhead saw a thunderous header ricochet back-off the crossbar, however, the officials would ultimately adjudge the forward to be offside and maintain Scunthorpe’s lead going into half-time.

Half-time: Scunthorpe United 2-0 Mansfield Town

The tempo would only continue from Scunthorpe in the second-half, and a third goal could have been added straight from the kick-off when an early corner was won. The ball was played short to Hawkridge who subsequently fired the ball into the box, however, the necessary finish couldn’t be applied and the danger would be cleared.

The first substitution of the game came in the 51^st minute, when Stags boss Paul Cox brought on Lindon Meikle for Lee Stevenson with the hope that the 24-year-old striker would provide a route back into the game.

Ex-Corby Town striker Matt Rhead would be the first player in the referee’s notebook after 57 minutes play, when a blatant push on Iron defender David Mirfin was spotted by the officials and the 6”4 Mansfield man couldn’t escape unpunished.

Despite the Stags bringing on Meikle, it would be another chance for the Iron that came just minutes later. Eddie Nolan, however, saw his pin-point header narrowly miss the target after some more good build up play between Collins and Welsh.

Scunthorpe would continue to press for the third and after some stern determination from Andy Dawson, Mansfield defender John Dempster was pressured into giving the ball away. The ball then fell to Welsh, however, his shot would be well blocked.

Just as the game appeared to be slipping away from Mansfield, defender Lee Beevers placed a dangerous ball into the box which Ross Dyer met with a diving header. However, the ball rolled just inches wide of Slocombe's goal.

Mansfield’s best chance to score though would come in the 89^th minute after a penalty was awarded against Eddie Nolan for a hand ball on the edge of the area. To make matters worse for the Iron, the defender had already been booked, and so the referee had no choice but to give him his marching orders. Substitute Louis Briscoe stepped up to take the penalty, however, his effort blazed over the bar and there would be no consolation for the Stags.

Full-time: Scunthorpe United 2-0 Mansfield Town

Scunthorpe United: Slocombe, Nolan, Mirfin, Canavan, Dawson, Hawkridge, Sparrow, Collins, Welsh (Clark 88), Burton (Iwelumo 81), Winnall (Godden 77)

Unused: Severn, Ribeiro, McAllister, Howe

Mansfield Town: Marriott, Beevers, Dempster, McCombe, Jennings, Murray, Howell, Stevenson (Meikle 51), Clucas, Dyer (Briscoe 70), Rhead (Palmer 61)

Unused: McGuire, Sutton, Speight, Deakin

Attendance: 5241 (1500)

Match Report: Kent Spitfires vs Hampshire Royals (FLt20)

Hampshire Royals confirmed their place at the top of the FLt20 South Group after a comfortable victory over Kent Spitfires, with Mark Carberry top scoring on 83*and Ben Dawson claiming four wickets for just 19 runs.

With the Royals already guaranteed a home tie in the quarter-finals, and the Spitfires already out of the competition, there was little to play for at the Lawrence Ground but for the chance Hampshire had to claim top spot.

Carberry’s superb innings of 83 not-out helped the side to a competitive total of 185-6 after captain Dimitri Mascarenhas had won the toss and elected to bat.

The opener’s innings could have unfolded quite differently though; had a first ball LBW appeal been given against him off the bowling of Mark Davies. Replays, however, showed the ball to be going just over the stumps.

Hampshire’s innings really got started in the second over when James Vince, celebrating the signing of a new contract with the Royals, hit two sixes off two balls to take the side to 20-0. His stay at the crease, however, would be a short one and he was clean-bowled just two balls later for 18.

With the loss of Hampshire’s second wicket coming in the fifth over, this brought about Neil McKenzie to the crease, who would prove to be a suitable partner for Carberry. His innings would end early, however, after being run-out for 45 off just 35 balls; just his second out of the tournament so far.

Carberry would continue his assault on the Kent bowlers though, and whilst Mascarenhas (4 runs), Ervine (10) and Dawson (17) would fall before the end, the opener would finish with his second best t20 score to date and guide Hampshire to 185-6.

This set Kent a target of 186 to win, with a rate of 9.30 runs an over required.

The innings couldn’t have started much better for the hosts, with Bell-Drummond hitting a four off the first ball of the innings, and without a loss of wicket by the fourth over, things looked to be going well for the Spitfires.

However, they soon found themselves two wickets down after some ‘fortunate’ catches off the bowling of the soon-to-be-retired Mascarenhas. First Bell-Drummond fell for just 12, after flicking the ball backwards towards Ervine at first slip. Then fell Cowdrey for 13, after hitting straight down the ground and into the hands of Chris Wood, who would go on to take 2-21.

With two men on 0 now at the crease, it looked like an impossible task for Kent to come back into the game. However, a partnership of 60 between Darren Stevens (39) and Sam Billings (21) brought the hosts back to 88-2 and in with a slight chance of victory.

Three quick wickets from off-spinner Liam Dawson, however, left Kent 89-5 and needing 97 more runs off just 42 balls to win. From here, Dawson claimed one more wicket to earn a competition best of 4-19 whilst the Spitfires struggled to 123-9, leaving them 63 short of the target.

Hampshire will now await Wednesday’s quarter final draw, whilst Kent will turn their attentions to the County Championship and the YB40.

Kent Spitfires: Bell-Drummond, Cowdrey, Billings, Stevens, Blake, Harmison, Jones (C), Coles, Claydon, Davies, Riley.

Hampshire Royals: Carberry, Vince, Adams, McKenzie, Ervine, Wheater, Dawson, Mascarenhas (C), Wood, Briggs, Griffiths. 

Images: My visit to Bracken Moor

Stocksbridge Park Steels 3-0 Rotherham United - My Pictures

The Main Stand.

The players warm up ahead of the game. 

My view from the Main Stand.

Looking towards the grassy banking behind the goal.

Looking towards the Clubhouse end.

The wooden seating.

The Rotherham players talk to the coaching staff.

The Main Stand and Clubhouse.

Appearing on the match highlights.

Talking to Stocksbridge's 'keeper Ben Scott after the game.

Our picture with Ben Scott; brilliant sport. 

Match Report: Stocksbridge Park Steels 3-0 Rotherham United

An experienced Stocksbridge outfit prevailed over a youthful Millers’ side on Wednesday night, as Paul Raynor’s Rotherham slipped to a comprehensive defeat in their penultimate pre-season friendly.

Goals from Chris Bettney, Nathan Joynes and Steven Hoyles saw the Park Steels take the spoils after an entertaining encounter at Bracken Moor.

The visitors dominated the early stages of the game, with Kayode Odejayi and Mitchell Rose both seeing shots fly past the target after some good build-up play.

The hosts, however, took the lead in the 16^th minute when Chris Bettney pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the six-yard box, much to the despair of the Millers’ backline.

The Park Steels almost doubled their advantage immediately, when Andy Ring’s intricate through ball saw Chris White bear down on goal. A clever stop from Tony Thompson, however, kept the host’s lead to just one.

A second goal did come for the home side though when Nathan Joynes rose above the Miller’s defence to head a teasing free-kick into the bottom right corner of Tony Thompson’s goal.

Rotherham then came close to pulling a goal back before half-time, as Lionel Ainsworth forced his way through the Park Steels’ defence. However, his low shot was parried away by the Stocksbridge number one, Ben Scott.

A number of chances soon followed for the Millers, however, the host’s back line stayed strong to see a two goal lead into the break.

Half-time: Stocksbridge Park Steels 2-0 Rotherham United

Stocksbridge continued their assault on the Rotherham defence after half-time, with substitute Joe Igenoza and Nathan Joynes both seeing efforts thwarted by some sturdy defending.

The Millers then had a chance for themselves just minutes later, however, Rowe saw his effort saved after meeting a swirling cross from Nicky Walker.

Rowe then saw another chance pass him by just minutes later as the assistant referee adjudged the Millers’ man to be offside after heading a Lionel Ainsworth cross goalwards.

Rotherham then came close again in the 70^th minute, when Kayode Odejayi’s low cross was met by James Cadman. His sliding shot, however, was miraculously kept out by Ben Scott after some good build up play from the Millers.

It would be Stocksbridge though who would have the final say, and with just three minutes remaining Hoyles rounded a helpless Tony Thompson before comfortably slotting home to ensure the win for the hosts.

The Millers would have one last chance to score though before the end of the game. However, Lionel Ainsworth’s thunderous strike was somehow kept out by Ben Scott to ensure a clean sheet for the Park Steels.

Full-time: Stocksbridge Park Steels 3-0 Rotherham United

Rotherham: Thompson, Gibson, Johnson, Rose, Rowe, Lucas, Cadman, Watson, Odejayi, Ainsworth, Walker

Substitutes: Bryan, Williamson, Wiggley, Bevins

Stocksbridge: Scott, Royles, Turner, Swirad, Bowden-Lovell, Callery, Bettney, Telling, Ring, Joynes, White

Substitutes: Hoyles, Travis, Davies, Senior, Knowles, Hoyles, Black, South, Igenoza

Attendance: N/A

Match Report: Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Rotherham United

Rotherham United took a giant step towards automatic promotion after Kieran Agard’s 75th minute goal secured a 1-0 win over Plymouth at Home Park.

Agard scored his third goal in three games, after captain Johnny Mullins nodded down for the Millers’ frontman to poke home from close range.

Steve Evans stuck with the same starting eleven that had seen off Bradford City on Tuesday night, as the only changes came in the form of Daniel Nardiello and David Noble returning to the bench.  

A familiar face featured in the Argyle starting line-up, as Reuben Reid came up against his former employers and the ex-Millers forward was immediately thrown into the fold when he was caught just offside after a minute’s play.

Plymouth’s attacking intent was clear to see in the early minutes, as Onismor Bhasera took on a mazy run before firing a dangerous ball across the box. The danger, however, was cleared by Claude Davis who ensured that a chance wouldn’t follow for the awaiting Reid.  

The Millers’ first chance came in the ninth minute when ex-Pilgrim Kari Arnason took on a shot from distance that sailed harmlessly over the crossbar, much to the delight of the Home Park faithful.

The first yellow card of the game came the Millers’ way, when Alex Revell made a late aerial challenge on Paul Wotton that saw him pick up only his second caution of the season. Andres Gurrieri then had the Pilgrims’ first chance of the game, however, his shot from just outside the area flew over the bar.

Two more yellow cards soon followed for the Millers as Kieran Agard and Kari Arnason both found themselves in the book for poor challenges on Gurrieri and Bhasera with Rotherham struggling to get a grip on a scrappy game.

The hosts then came close to taking the lead in the 25^th minute when Paris Cowan-Hall’s chip evaded the Millers’ defence before the on-rushing Scott Shearer beat Gurrieri to the ball to ensure that the score stayed at 0-0.

The tide, however, began to swing Rotherham’s way and after Kieran Agard had earnt the Millers a free-kick 25 yards from goal, Michael O’Connor saw his swirling effort stunningly saved.

Lee Frecklington then had Rotherham’s best chance of the half in the 44^th minute, when he flicked on Ben Pringle’s cross only to see a another astounding save from the Pilgrims’ number one, Jake Cole.

Half-time: Plymouth Argyle 0-0 Rotherham United

The Millers began the second-half, much as they had ended the first and came close to opening the scoring from a Kari Arnason throw-in. The Icelandic midfielder’s long throw was met by the head of Alex Revell who played a quick one-two with Kieran Agard, before seeing his effort fly just past the post.

Kieran Agard then had a chance of his own just minutes later, when he headed Ben Pringle’s cross wide from only 10-yards out. His golden chance would come later in the game.

The hosts, however, started to pull themselves back into the game and ex-Miller Reuben Reid saw his headed opportunity fly just past the post in the 54^th minute.

The forward was involved again just minutes later after Bhasera raced down the flanks before whipping in a cross that was cleverly dummied by Gurrieri. The ball then fell to Reid, however, with the goal gaping, he fired over from just over 12-yards out; another golden opportunity gone.

This would prove costly for the hosts, and in the 75^th minute the deadline was broken. A deep Joe Skarz free-kick was nodded into the path of Agard by Johnny Mullins, and the Millers’ forward tapped home from close range to send the travelling support wild. Not for the first time this season, a single Kieran Agard goal would prove enough to separate the sides.

The hosts fought back valiantly though and a number of chances followed after the opening goal.

The first chance for Argyle came after a neat touch from Ronan Murray set up Conor Hourihane. The centre-back, however, could not supply a finish and his effort went past the post after a sliced shot.

Hourihane then had his second chance in a matter of minutes when the ball fell to him in a similar position to the first oppurtunity. His shot had power this time around, however, the ball flew harmlessly over the crossbar.

The Pilgrims continued to bombard the Millers’ 18-yard box and chance after chance fell to the players in green and white. Max Blanchard had the most notable opportunity, however, his shot failed to challenge Scott Shearer and the Millers held on for an invaluable three points.

Full-time: Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Rotherham United

Rotherham: Shearer, Mullins, Davis, Morgan, Skarz, Agard, O’Connor, Arnason, Frecklington, (Ridehalgh 87), Pringle, Revell (Odejayi 90)

Unused: Warrington, Tonge, Ainsworth, Nardiello, Noble

Plymouth: Cole, Blanchard, Branston, Hourihane, Cowane-Hall (Murray 51), Bhasera, Wotton, Nelson, (Chadwick 79), Bryan, Reid, (Harvey 81) Gurrieri

Unused: Gilmartin, Berry, Young, Charles

Attendance: 10,648

Match Report: Rotherham United 2-1 Fleetwood Town

Rotherham United secured a second consecutive win after Kieran Agard’s 62^nd minute goal was enough to sink the seasiders of Fleetwood Town.

Daniel Nardiello opened the scoring with his 19th goal of the season before Fleetwood's David Ball equalised after six minutes had been played. The game would be decided on the hour mark though, when Ben Pringle’s shot was deflected into the path of Agard who simply couldn’t miss.

After the 4-1 demolition of Exeter City on Tuesday, Steve Evans stuck with almost the same starting eleven to face Fleetwood. He did, however, make one change with Dale Tonge making way for the recently suspended Johnny Mullins who would once again take up the captain’s armband.

The first goal of the game came in just the third minute when an attempted clearance from the Cod Army’s ‘keeper fell straight to Daniel Nardiello who skilfully controlled the ball before volleying past the outstretched hand of Scott Davies. The ball settled into the bottom left corner of the net to the crowd’s delight, however, the number 17’s celebrations were muted as a late tackle from a Fleetwood defender left the Millers’ talisman injured.

Fleetwood’s first opportunity of the game came just a minute after the opening goal, when Junior Brown took on a tame shot that settled into the palms of Scott Shearer. This would, however, prove not to be Brown’s only involvement in the game.

With six minutes gone, ex-Miller Gareth Evans proved too much to handle for Kari Arnason, and after beating the Iceland international for pace, Evans proceeded to play a dangerous ball across the box. The cross fell to Junior Brown who, for the second time, fluffed his lines. The Millers, however, failed to clear the danger and David Ball calmly stroked home from the penalty spot to level the score at 1-1.

Following the Cod Army’s celebrations, Daniel Nardiello was substituted and replaced by Lee Frecklington, who took his position in the centre of midfield. This also meant that Kieran Agard was to be pushed up top to play alongside Alex Revell.

The visitors now had the momentum behind them and a number of chances soon followed. The first of which coming immediately after the goal, with another David Ball effort seeing the Millers’ defence all at sea, however, the danger was eventually cleared.

The next Fleetwood chance came directly from a corner when Gareth Evans whipped the ball across the box only to see his effort thwarted by the Millers ‘keeper Scott Shearer.

The first yellow card of the game went the Cod Army’s way in the 27^th minute, when Jamie McGuire unfairly challenged Michael O’Connor deep in the Millers’ half to concede a free-kick. The kick was taken by Shearer and, resulting from the following run of play, Kieran Agard fired just wide of the target.

In the 34^th minute a free-kick was awarded when Lee Frecklington angrily brought down Jamie McGuire. Ex-Miller Gareth Evans once again stepped up for the set piece, however, he failed to trouble the Rotherham number one and his shot fired over the bar.

The Millers’ chance to challenge from a set piece came in the 42^nd minute when Michael O’Connor was brought down by Paul McKenna in a dangerous area. The Northern Irishman pulled himself up only to see his menacing strike fire just past the post.

With half-time now only minutes away, the Millers would have once last chance to score a second goal before the break. The chance fell to Ben Pringle when a Kari Arnason throw-in evaded the majority of the Fleetwood defence. However, the Rotherham number 15 fired high over the crossbar to see the scores level at half-time.

Half-time: Rotherham United 1 -1 Fleetwood Town

After the break, the Rotherham dominance became clear to see and following a chance for Junior Brown the Millers began to push forward. Appeals for a penalty were soon waved away when Alex Revell fell to the ground after being tripped by Jamille Matt in the early stages of the second-half.

Michael O’Connor then had two chances to score the Millers’ second, however, both of his right-footed strikes flew harmlessly over the bar much to the home fans’ disappointment. Millers’ fans were soon cursing their luck again as Alex Revell’s toe-pocked shot rolled just past the post after Shaun Beeley’s backwards header left Fleetwood ‘keeper Scott Davies stranded.

Then, in the 61^st minute, Johnny Mullins tried his luck with a looping header from a Ben Pringle cross. However, his effort was once again cleared off the line leaving the Millers players bemused as to how they hadn’t scored a second.

The winner came just a minute later when Ben Pringle’s shot was deflected into the path of Kieran Agard, who took a touch before hammering home his third league goal of the season to secure a crucial three points.

The Millers didn’t sit back after the goal though, and went close to a third on a number of occasions. In the 65^th minute Lee Frecklington’s right footed shot was cleared off the line before Kari Arnason went close with a header from an inswinging O’Connor cross.

Despite the chances, the third goal never quite came and the Cod Army almost shocked the Millers faithful with a speedy counter attack in the 84^th minute. Andrew Mangan created space for himself before shooting juts wide into the side netting.

Full-time: Rotherham United 2 -1 Fleetwood Town

Rotherham: Shearer, Mullins, Arnason, Morgan, Skarz, Agard (Ainsworth 84), O’Connor, Noble, Pringle, Revell (Odejayi 90+1), Nardiello (Frecklington 8)

Unused: Warrington, Tonge, Davis, Ridehalgh

Fleetwood: Davies, Beeley (Nicholson 83), Matt, Brown, Goodall, McLaughlin, McGuire (Fountaine 90), Ball, Edwards, Evans (Mangan 76), McKenna

Unused: Lucas, Barry, Crowther, Atkinson

Attendance: 7360 (201)

Match Report: Rotherham United 4-1 Exeter City

Rotherham United firmly moved themselves back into the fight for automatic promotion with a convincing 4-1 victory over play-off chasers Exeter City on Tuesday night.

Ahead of what Steve Evans billed as ‘the most important game of the season’ the Millers made three changes to their starting line-up. The most notable being the return of top-scorer Daniel Nardiello, who took his place upfront against his former club, the Grecians. This saw a return to the bench for ex-Aldershot loanee Lionel Ainsworth, after being substituted at half-time during Rotherham’s 2-1 defeat to Morecambe on Saturday.  

Dale Tonge also found himself back in the starting eleven after Welshman Mark Bradley had started Saturday’s game at the Globe Arena. The move didn’t come as a surprise, however, with his imminent return to the side proving too much to start two games in a row.  

The final change for Rotherham came with David Noble replacing suspended captain Johnny Mullins, whose position at centre back was taken up by part-time defender and captain, Kari Arnason.  

The game started in the best possible fashion for the home side, as ex-Derby winger Ben Pringle ran onto Scot Bennett’s tame pass before drilling home a 25-yard shot into the bottom right corner of Artur Krysiak’s net. After finding himself out of favour in recent games, it was the perfect time for Pringle to score his ninth goal of the season.

With the confidence of the first goal behind them, the Millers’ players continued to push forward and when Kieran Agard was brought down by Pat Baldwin the first free-kick of the game was awarded. Ben Pringle stepped up, looking for his second goal of the game. However, his shot from the edge of the box was cleared with reasonable ease by the Exeter defence.

The first corner kick of the game was awarded just two minutes later when Daniel Nardiello’s attempted cross was knocked out of play by the Grecians’ number three, Craig Woodman. The corner was then taken by Michael O’Connor, who curled the ball over the top of the fully stretched Artur Kyrsiak. However, just as the ball appeared to be going in, Aaron Lawson scrambled the ball past the far post to keep the score at 1-0.

Exeter’s only real chance of the first-half came in the 14^th minute when Craig Woodman tested Scott Shearer directly from a free kick. However, the ex-Crawley ‘keeper comfortably punched the ball behind for a corner kick that would be cleared by the Rotherham defence.

The Millers’ next outstanding opportunity came in the 25^th minute. Michael O’Connor’s free-kick was nodded down by Craig Morgan before Kieran Agard’s close range shot was deflected wide by Aaron Dawson.

The pressure was fully on the Grecians and it was only a matter of time before Rotherham extended their lead.

The second goal finally came in the 28^th minute when Ben Pringle and Daniel Nardiello combined well before the latter neatly chipped home past a helpless Krysiak to make the score 2-0 in Rotherham’s favour.

It seemed that the floodgates had now opened and the hosts added a third just two minutes later when an attempted clearance fell to Michael O’Connor who comfortably volleyed home from 30-yards out.

This would see the two sides into half-time, with the hosts comfortably and deservedly leading 3-0 at the break.

Half-time: Rotherham United 3-0 Exeter City

The second half began with a different tone as Exeter shared slightly more of the possession in the first five minutes, giving some of the away supporters hope of a comeback.

This would prove to be a false dawn, however, as in the 51^st minute Rotherham scored a fourth to put the game beyond doubt. Alex Revell headed back across the box, after an attempted Exeter clearance, before Craig Morgan emphatically volleyed home to score his first for the club.

The first yellow card of the game was shown just minutes after the goal, when the Grecians’ number 25 Lawson D'Ath heavily brought down Joe Skarz much to the discontent of the Millers faithful.

With Liverpool Manager Brendan Rodgers in the crowd, it was no surprise to see Exeter boss Paul Tisdale bring on Rodgers’ son in the 70^th minute to replace Tommy Doherty in the centre of midfield.

A number of chances soon followed for the visitors before they finally pulled back a goal after a scramble in the Millers’ box.

Confusion arose when Aaron Davies’ corner was headed downward by Danny Coles. The ball appeared to cross the line before hitting the arm of Ben Pringle, leading to calls for a penalty from some Exeter fans. However, play carried on and Jamie Cureton made sure the ball had crossed the line.

In the end the goal was awarded to Coles sparing Pringle any punishment for his goal line handball. 

The 83^rd minute saw a return to action for Lee Frecklington after shaking off a virus in time to take his place on the bench. He replaced goalscorer Michael O’Connor and took his position back on the field for the first time in three matches.

Full-time: Rotherham United 4-1 Exeter City

Rotherham: Shearer, Tonge, Morgan, Arnason, Skarz, Agard (Ainsworth 73), O’Connor (Frecklington 83) Noble, Pringle, Nardiello, Revell (Odejayi 78)

Unused: Warrington, Rose, Ridehalgh, Rowe

Exeter: Krysiak, Woodman, Bennett, Baldwin, Coles, Davies, Cureton, Doherty (Rodgers 71), Dawson (O’Flynn 46), D’Ath, Molesley (Keohane  46)

Unused: Bauza, Evans, Reid, Moore-Taylor

Attendance: 6703 (222)

Daily Question #37 - 06/03/13

Today's Question: Can you tell me which English stadium this is and which club plays there?

Clue: The club is located in Derbyshire. 

I can also confirm that the answer to yesterday's question was twenty-two goals. Congratulations to Adam Bratley who answered the question correctly over Twitter! 

Gold replica of Lionel Messi's left foot valued at £3.5m'

A pure gold replica of Lionel Messi's left foot has been unveiled in Tokyo at a value of £3.5m' ($5.3). The Barcelona star's left foot was cast in Spain at the end of 2012 after his fourth consecutive world player of the year award. The cast was then taken back to Japan for the creation of the golden masterpiece. The model foot weighs 25kg and is ten inches tall.

Japanese jeweller Ginza Tanaka claims to have made the golden foot in order to celebrate Messi's achievements for the year of 2012 and some of the funds generated will go to the Leo Messi Foundation. The organisation aims to help children at risk around the world.

The golden cast will now go on sale tomorrow.

Daily Question #36 - 05/03/13

Today's Question: Can you tell me how many senior international goals Peter Crouch has scored for England?

I can also confirm that the answer to yesterday's question was indeed Cesc Fabregas, the clues being that he now plays for Barcelona and the number 4 on his shorts. Congratulations to hazzer97 who answered the
question correctly!

Daily Question #35 - 04/03/13

Today's Question: Can you tell me which ex-Arsenal player is pictured below?

Clue: Now plays for Barcelona!

I can also confirm that the answer to yesterday's question was indeed France. As always, congratulations to hazzer97 for answering the question correctly!

York City announce Nigel Worthington as new manager

York City have today announced that former Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington will become the club's next manager after sacking Gary Mills just two days ago.

He arrives with the club sat in 18th place in the League Two table and just four points above the relegation zone.

The 51-year-old has plenty of managerial experience in football, most notably with Norwich City who he led to the Premier League during his six years in charge. Worthington most recently managed his home nation  Northern Ireland before leaving the hotspot in October 2011, after a poor Euro 2012 Qualifying campaign.

Worthington's first managerial position was as player-manager with Blackpool in 1997 however, he soon stepped down from the position after a poor run of form in late 1999. His new position at York City will be his first managerial placement since 2011 when he stepped down from the Northern Ireland job.

The club statement claimed that Worthington's appointment was "based on his Football League experience, strong coaching ability and extensive knowledge of players throughout the leagues".

The club then stated: "He is also an excellent coach and we believe he's the right person to take us forward."

Worthington will be in charge by the time York travel to London to face AFC Wimbledon this Saturday.

Daily Question #34 - 03/03/13

Today's Question: Another easy one. Can you tell me who won the 1998 FIFA World Cup?

Clue: The winners also hosted the tournament.

I can also confirm that the answer to yesterday's question was Russia. The question was answered correctly by Adam Bratley, James Wildgoose, Max Stott, hazzer97 and an anonymous user - well done!

Gary Mills sacked by York City

York City have sacked manager Gary Mills after Saturday's 2-0 home defeat to League Cup finalists Bradford City. The news comes with the Minstermen sat in 18th place and just four points off the relegation zone. York have now failed to pick up a win in any of their last eleven games.

The 51-year-old Mills, led York to victory in last season's Conference Premier play-off final and into the Football League for the first time since 2004. However, the York City board of directors have now taken action in order to secure the Minstermen's league status for next season.

A statement from the club read: "It is with regret that the York City board of directors has terminated the contract of manager Gary Mills with immediate effect."

The statement then continued: "The recent playing form, which has resulted in the team achieving only six points out of a possible 33, has led the board to this extremely difficult decision. The absolute priority is to safeguard the club's Football League status and an improvement in results is essential due to our current league position."

The club are now looking to appoint a new manager within the next week.

Daily Question #33 - 02/03/13

Today's Question: Can you tell me which country will host the 2018 FIFA World Cup?

Clue: The country is in Europe.

I can also confirm that the answer to yesterday's question was indeed Jonathan Greening. Congratulations to hazzer97 who answered the question correctly.

Puncheon extends Southampton stay

Jason Puncheon has signed a new three-year contract with Southampton FC to keep him at the St Mary's Stadium until the summer of 2016. The 26-year-old signed the contract with the South Coast side as his current deal would have expired in the summer, leaving him available to leave on a free transfer.

The winger has been a hugely important entity to the Saints' side this season making 26 appearances and scoring a total of six goals. Puncheon signed for the club in January 2010 from Plymouth Argyle and would be later named in the PFA League One Team of the Year.

Puncheon commented on the matter saying: "It feels amazing. It's obviously been a worry because my contract was up at the end of the season, so it was important for me to get tied down."

He then continued to say: "We got to the Premier League in three years, and now the club has a vision of playing European football - and we want to get there as soon as possible."

Puncheon will be available for selection when bottom-of-the-table QPR visit St Mary's Stadium tomorrow.

Daily Question #32 - 01/03/13

Today's Question: Can you tell me who is pictured in the image below?

Clue: The player's initials are 'J and G'.

I can also confirm that answer to yesterday's question was indeed Robin van Persie with nineteen Premier League goals so far this season. Congratulations to hazzer97 who answered the question correctly!

Robert Earnshaw signs for Toronto FC

Cardiff City's Robert Earnshaw has signed for Major League Soccer side Toronto FC after confirming the news on Twitter earlier today: "Breaking news: I have now signed and officially a @Torontofc player."

The move comes for Earnshaw after finding first team chances at Cardiff limited due to the Blubirds' strength in attacking options. The striker has already found himself out on loan at Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv however, he arrived back in Wales at the beginning of the year. 

Earnshaw hasn't featured this season for the Bluebirds and so it comes as no surprise to fans that he will be leaving the club. After his tweet confirming the move he then went on to say: "I want to thank my home town club Cardiff City, I had the best fun playing in front of those fans from the age of 16 until now."

With the MLS season kicking off on Saturday, Earnshaw will fly to Toronto tomorrow to meet up with his new team mates and the manager before their away trip to Vancouver. 

New Poll: At current, who do you think is the best player in the World?

After my last poll finished, with Hull City/Crystal Palace as winners, I have decided to this time pick a rather controversial topic to question. 'Who do you think is the best player in the World?'  If you look to the right of your screen the poll should appear something like this:

Cristiano Ronaldo	1 (100%)
Lionel Messi	0 (0%)
Neymar	0 (0%)
Gareth Bale	0 (0%)
Xavi	0 (0%)
Andres Iniesta	0 (0%)
Robin van Persie	0 (0%)
Radamel Falcao	0 (0%)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic	0 (0%)

Please feel free to vote for who you think is the best player in the World and try to get as many people as you know to vote as well!

Thanks,

Toby!

Daily Question #31 - 28/02/13

Today's Question: Can you tell me who is currently the Premier League's leading scorer and with how many goals?

Clue: Plays for one of the current top four.

I can also confirm that the answer to yesterday's question was indeed 1867 when the original Chesterfield FC were formed. Congratulations, once again, to hazzer97 who answered the question correctly!

Kevin MacDonald appointed Swindon Town manager

Kevin MacDonald has been announced as the new manager of League One side Swindon town this evening after Paolo Di Canio left the club just over a week ago. The 52-year-old will replace the tenacious Italian who led the County Ground club to the League Two title last season.

He takes over with the club currently sat in fourth place; three points behind top-of-the-table Doncaster Rovers and will be unveiled as manager tomorrow morning during a press conference.

MacDonald's last job in football was as a coach at Premier League side Aston Villa, where he worked for 17 years before leaving at the end of last season. He had a brief spell in charge at Villa Park, as caretaker boss, when Martin O'Neill left the club just before the start of the 2010/11 season.

MacDonald will meet the players and staff tomorrow morning before watching his new side take on Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday.

Daily Question #30 - 27/02/13

Today's Question: Can you tell me in which year Chesterfield FC were formed?

Clue: The year was in the nineteenth century.

I can also confirm that the answer to yesterday's question was indeed Swindon Town. Congratulations to hazzer97, who as always answered the question correctly, and to Max Stott who answered over twitter!

Daily Question #29 - 26/02/13

Today's Question: Can you tell me who won last season's nPower League Two title?

Clue: The team's name begins with an 'S'.

I can also confirm that the answer to yesterday's question was the 2008/2009 season. Congratulations to hazzer97 and James Wildgoose who both answered the question correctly!

John Still to become new Hatters' boss

John Still is set to be announced as the new manager of Luton Town, after agreeing personal terms with the club. The Hatters have been looking for a replacement manager ever since Paul Buckle parted company last week for personal reasons after defeat to Millwall in the FA Cup.

The Dagenham & Redbridge boss, who has been at the helm since 2004, led the club to two promotions - from the Conference to League Two in 2007 and to League One in 2010. However, the Daggers' main man is now looking for a new challenge at Luton Town, who are currently sitting in eighth place in the Conference Premier, the divison below Dagenham & Redbridge, who sit sixteenth in League Two.

The 62-year-old could be in charge in time for tomorrow night's game away to Braintree Town.

Daily Question #28 - 25/02/13

Today's Question: Can you tell me in which season Luton Town were last relegated to the Conference Premier from League Two?

Clue: It was within the last five years.

I can also confirm that the answer to yesterday's question was indeed Rob/Robert Earnshaw. Congratulations to James Wildgoose, hazzer97 and the first Anonymous commenter who all answered correctly!

Poll Result: nPower Championship Winners

Question: Who do you think will be this season's nPower Championship winners? (Based on the then top six).
Results:
Cardiff City - 1 vote (8%)
Hull City - 5 votes (41%)
Crystal Palace - 5 votes (41%)
Middlesborough - 1 vote (8%)
Leicester City - 0 votes (0%)
Watford - 0 votes (0%)

This means that you have chosen either Hull City/Crystal Palace as the team you think will win this season's nPower Championship! A rather brave statement considering Cardiff now have a commanding five point lead at the top of the division with two games in hand. However, one thing about football is that nothing's and Cardiff are not guaranteed to maintain top spot.

Thanks to everyone that voted!

Look out for more polls to the right of your screen soon!

Daily Question #27- 24/02/13

First of all, I would like to thank you for your patience with regard to the regularity of updates to the blog - it's been much appreciated! I now have the spare time to be able to post daily updates to the blog. Therefore, I have decided to restart my 'Daily Question' whereby I post a question everyday for you to answer!

Today's Question: Can you tell me the only player to have scored a hat-trick in every professional division of English football? (Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two)

Clue: His nationality is Welsh!

I can also confirm that the answer to my last Daily Question was indeed Wembley Stadium! Unfortunately, nobody answered the question correctly.

Special Report - The plight of Portsmouth FC

Portsmouth Football Club was formed all the way back in 1898, but could 2013 be the year that the club ceases to exist? Today, we look into the recent highs, and the recent lows of the club, and where Pompey can go from here.

'NO MATCH' - Could this soon become a familiar sight to Pompey fans?

Amazingly, this isn't the only occasion the crisis stricken club has come close to liquidisation. In the 1998/99 season, a supposed year of celebration for the club, the atmosphere turned sour when Pompey went into administration in December 1998 and were a fraction away from extinction. Milan Mandaric would prove to be the saviour of the club when he took cash out of his own pocket to buy the club in May 1999. This would ultimately prove to be the start of a new era for Portsmouth.

In the year 2002, Harry Redknapp was appointed Manager of the club and within a year's time of being on the south coast he had lead the 'blue army' to the Premier League after winning the then Division One title. This promotion proving to be down to the willingness of Milan Mandaric to spend money on new players for the club and the fantastic fan support Harry Redknapp received. 

Pompey would go on to record a thirteenth place finish in their first season in the Premier League and all seemed to be going well for the south coast club. However, midway through the club's second season in the top tier of English football, disaster struck as Harry Redknapp left the club after a dispute with the Chairman, Milan Mandaric. The club would go on to finish the season in sixteenth position and would slip a place to seventeenth in the year after. The only positive to be found from the third season being that Harry Redknapp made his return to the club.

2006 saw a new owner for Portsmouth as Alexandre Gaydamak bought the club from Milan Mandaric. His investment was immediate and numerous new players saw Portsmouth to their first top-half finish in the Premier League.This success continued into the 07/08 season as Portsmouth won their second ever FA Cup after beating Cardiff City 1-0 in the final at a packed out Wembley Stadium. This meant that Portsmouth would participate in the 08/09 season's UEFA Cup, the first time Pompey would take part in a European competition. 

However, all of this success would come at a huge cost and at the start of the 09/10 season it was revealed that Portsmouth were in yet another serious financial crisis. This because of over spending on so called 'top players' who failed to perform in their time at Pompey and would eventually be sold on for big losses. During the season, new owner Balram Chainrai discovered that the club were in around £135 million debt and so Portsmouth became the first Premier League team to enter administration. This automatically en cured a nine point deduction and all but doomed Portsmouth to relegation.

Ultimately, the season would end in relegation for the club and a return to the second tier of English football, the Championship. However, after more financial troubles the club would slip even further down the English football pyramid into League One in 2012 after the club once again entered administration and suffered yet another points deduction. 

So where does this leave Portsmouth now? Well the club currently sits bottom of League One after almost a year in administration and without new owners by the summer, Portsmouth will be kicked out of the Football League. However, the Football League's preferred bidders are the Pompey Supporters' Trust and bids from any other group or investor will be turned down. 

With the end of the season growing ever nearer and the chance of a takeover becoming ever smaller, Portsmouth's future is only becoming ever more clouded. However, one thing that is for sure is that football always finds a way.