The Premiership:
Wolves picked up a crucial away 3-1 win at fellow strugglers West Ham to take them 7 points clear of the relegation zone.
The away side eased past The Hammers with goals from the tireless Kevin Doyle, Ronald Zubar and Matt Jarvis. Doyle and Wolves' first came just before the half hour mark. Welsh centre back James Tomkins attempted to play the ball back to 'keeper Rob Green, but succeeded only in scuffing the ball and leaves Kevin Doyle to run the ball into the box before applying a confident finish.
Wolves continued in strong fashion, with the hard working Kevin Doyle epitomising the ethos of Mick McCarthy's Wolves. On the hour mark, the travelling side put the game beyond the London side with two quick fire goals.
First, Ronald Zubar plundered in a tremendous finish from twenty yards before Matt Jarvis completed the victory for the visitors after a flowing move and a tidy finish.
In the 94th minute, Franco eluded the away side's offside trap to net a goal which will provide little consolation to either Gianfranco Zola nor the unsettled Upton Park support.
The Championship:
League leaders Newcastle extended their lead at the top to 5 points with a battling away win at playoff chasing Doncaster.
Andy Carroll scored the solitary goal of the match on the hour mark, his tenth goal in eleven games, which will prove a welcome distraction from stories of an alleged training-ground bust-up with teammate Steven Taylor. The result dented the home side's playoff hopes, leaving them 6 points off the pace, having played more games than some of their rivals.
Nottingham Forest kept up their automatic promotion charge to record their 12th consecutive home win. A rare wondergoal from Wes Morgan in first half stoppage time handed Forest the lead. Substitute Nathan Tyson was only on the field for 2 minutes when he made sure of the points for the home side in the 82nd minute. The win takes Billy Davies' home side 5 points shy of automatic promotion, and it is just Forest's patchy away form that stands between them and automatic promotion to English football's top flight. The away side however remain a point away from safety under the stewardship of newly appointed manager Paul Hart.
Playoff hopefuls Blackpool scored a fantastic 5-1 victory over fellow playoff contenders Swansea at a jubilant Bloomfield Road. The home side dominated the tie from start to finish, with first half goals from Brett Ormerod and Ian Evatt put Ian Holloway's side in charge. Blackpool's third came soon after the restart through Ben Burgess, Ormerod netted his second of the night to make it four and Gary Taylor-Fletcher completed the rout on 82 minutes. Cedric van der Gun pulled a consolation back for the visitors on 84 minutes. The win moves Blackpool 4 points behind 6th placed Cardiff City, and 7 points behind the defeated away side.
And Middlesbrough kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Darren Ferguson's Preston at The Riverside. Goals from Chris Killen and Jonathan Franks handed the home side the three points, and moved them to within 5 points of the playoffs.
Plymouth Argyle secured a surprise away win at Ipswich's Portman Road. Goals from Bradley Wright-Phillips and Joe Mason handed Paul Mariner an invaluable win in the club's bid for Championship survival. The result moves the visitors within 3 points of safety. Roy Keane's Ipswich remain in relative safety, 8 points away from the danger zone.
Beleaguered Peterborough succumbed to a crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Scunthorpe at Glanford Park. The visitors were three goals behind by half time, following goals from Paul Hayes, Garry Thompson and Sam Togwell. Thompson completed a brace just after the hour mark. The score leaves Peterborough needing a miracle if they are to play Championship football next season. Jim Gannon's side are 10 points from safety with only 7 matches to play. The win, however, was a massive result for Scunthorpe, moving Nigel Adkins' side 5 points away from the drop zone.
Neil Warnock's Q.P.R moved to 7 points clear of the relegation scrap with a 1-1 home draw with Derby. The home side took the lead just prior to half time, Lee Cook grabbing the goal following Adel Taarabt's through-ball. But Shaun Barker's equaliser on 67 minutes meant the sides would share the points. The result leaves Nigel Clough's Derby 6 points above the drop zone.
Midtable sides Bristol City and Barnsley played out a thrilling 5-3 result in favour of the home side at Ashton Gate. And it was they who opened the scoring after just 2 minutes following a goal from Danny Haynes. The visitors made an immediate response, Hugo Colace netting the equaliser just a minute later. And Alex Bogdanovic gave the travelling Tykes the lead on 25 minutes before City's Nicky Maynard restored parity on the stroke of half time. After the break both Maynard and Haynes doubled their individual tally for the night, making it four for the hosts. A 76th minute Paul Hartley penalty settled the tie. Andy Gray's 81st minute goal, however, gave the travelling Barnsley hope of an unlikely comeback.
League One:
Southend secured a massive three points in their quest for League One survival this season.
Dogged with off-field problems, an on-field improvement would be welcome at Roots Hall. Franck Moussa made himself the hero for the home side, bagging a brace. Moussa opened the scoring after 18 minutes, following which Walsall's Clayton Donaldson was dismissed for a wreckless challenge. Southend doubled their lead after the break through with a Scott Spencer headed goal before Franck Moussa completed his brace on 89 minutes sending the home fans into delirium. The win moves Southend to within a point of safety.
Elsewhere Southampton secured a 3-2 home win over Hartlepool to keep their slender playoff prospects alive. It wasn't easy going for the hosts, and they fell behind to a tenth minute goal from Andy Monkhouse. A Lee Barnard header restored parity just three minutes later, however. Seven minutes before the break Rickie Lambert scored his 30th goal of the campaign to put his side into the lead before Papa Waigo seemed to have secured the win for the St. Mary's side. The visitors, however, replied immediately, Neil Austin scoring from the edge of the box to bring the Hartlepool back into the match. The home side held on, however, and the three points leaves them 11 points off 6th spot with just 9 games left to play. The away side remain in serious threat of relegation. The defeat leaves them just 2 points above Southend following their invaluable home win.
Colchester will regard their 3-3 draw with Brentford as a point gained rather than two points dropped following an eventful draw at The Colchester Community Stadium. The away side took a surprise 2-0 lead over playoff chasing Colchester with goals from David Hunt and Leon Legge inside twenty minutes. The U's pulled level as Hunt put through his own net before Anthony Wordsworth levelled the tie on the stroke of half time. But the away side started the second half well, Charlie MacDonald restoring their lead on 57 minutes. A 76th minute David Prutton equaliser settled the tie. The point leaves the home side 3 points clear inside the playoffs as Brentford are left all but safe from relegation in 13th place.
League Two and Blue Square Premier updates to follow...
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Spurs swoop to sign combative Brazilian Sandro
Harry Redknapp has delved into the transfer market to sign long term target 21 year old Brazilian midfielder Sandro Ranieri.
The Spurs boss has been tracking the movements of the young holding midfielder for some time following a failed 14 million pound transfer bid last summer. Sandro, whose full name is Sandro Ranieri Guimarães Cordeiro, will add some resolve to a Spurs midfield that is largely built upon its attacking merits, and fill the void of left by the departure of Dider Zokora. Sandro made his full international debut for ten man Brazil in September 2009, coming off the bench to to replace Julio Baptista in a 4-2 World Cup Qualification win over Chile.
Whilst primarily a defensive player, the six foot one Internacional player harbours many of the ball-playing skills that we have come to expect from Brazilian footballers. His finishing appears decent too, as demonstrated in this video of his goal against Sporting Recife:
Prior to his move to north London, Sandro had been linked with moves to many of Europe's top clubs. It was rumoured that both the Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona were interested in the young midfielder, whilst the main Italian interest appeared to be Fiorentina. However, it is the persistance of Spurs that has led to something of a coup for Redknapp's side.
It would be understandable for Spurs fans to have reservations, however. The last time their side splashed out on a Brazilian, they ended up with the mercurial 'keeper Heurelho Gomes. But early indications are promising on the prospects of the internationally decorated Sandro. Harry Redknapp has a strong pedigree in the transfer market, and doesn't often make mistakes, particularly when large fees are involved.
The Brazilian will join up with Spurs at the conclusion of this year's Copa Libertodores in July, subject to a medical, for a fee believed to be around £10 million.
The Spurs boss has been tracking the movements of the young holding midfielder for some time following a failed 14 million pound transfer bid last summer. Sandro, whose full name is Sandro Ranieri Guimarães Cordeiro, will add some resolve to a Spurs midfield that is largely built upon its attacking merits, and fill the void of left by the departure of Dider Zokora. Sandro made his full international debut for ten man Brazil in September 2009, coming off the bench to to replace Julio Baptista in a 4-2 World Cup Qualification win over Chile.
Whilst primarily a defensive player, the six foot one Internacional player harbours many of the ball-playing skills that we have come to expect from Brazilian footballers. His finishing appears decent too, as demonstrated in this video of his goal against Sporting Recife:
Prior to his move to north London, Sandro had been linked with moves to many of Europe's top clubs. It was rumoured that both the Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona were interested in the young midfielder, whilst the main Italian interest appeared to be Fiorentina. However, it is the persistance of Spurs that has led to something of a coup for Redknapp's side.
It would be understandable for Spurs fans to have reservations, however. The last time their side splashed out on a Brazilian, they ended up with the mercurial 'keeper Heurelho Gomes. But early indications are promising on the prospects of the internationally decorated Sandro. Harry Redknapp has a strong pedigree in the transfer market, and doesn't often make mistakes, particularly when large fees are involved.
The Brazilian will join up with Spurs at the conclusion of this year's Copa Libertodores in July, subject to a medical, for a fee believed to be around £10 million.
Monday 22 March 2010
Millwall underline their promotion credentials
Goals from two graduates of non league football fired Millwall to within three points of Leeds in the battle for League One's automatic promotion places.
Simon Grayson's Leeds were a mere shadow of the side that started the season dominantly, holding the lead of the league for four months. The Yorkshire side were without top scorer Jermaine Beckford, who missed out with a tight hamstring, but it would have taken a massive performance from the striker if Leeds were to have taken anything from this tie.
Grayson's side were dealt their first blow of the evening when influential defender Patrick Kisnorbo was stretchered off after just six minutes with an apparent recurrence of an achilles problem. The Australian pulled up with his injury tracking the menacing Steve Morison. And it was the former Stevenage Borough striker who put The Lions ahead just five minutes later, latching onto a deep cross to rifle the ball into the midriff of the helpless Casper Ankegren as both 'keeper and ball hit the back of the net.
Following the opener, the East London side continued to dominate, and looked likely to score a second goal amid apprehensive Leeds defending. Extra pressure was applied to the home side's back four as Leeds were perpetually wasteful with possession in midfield. It wasn't until approaching half time that the Yorkshire club began to gain something of a foothold.
"Leeds were perpetually wasteful with possession in midfield"
After the break Leeds showed much more urgency in getting the ball forward, but lacked the necessary creative spark to generate realistic goal scoring opportunities. Usually inventive midfielders Luciano Becchio and Robert Snodgrass both looked short of imagination in their play, and they were ably shut down by the hard working Millwall midfielder Nadjim Abdou. With Leeds unable to convert their increasing dominance into clear cut chances they conceded a goal which will have frustrated manager Simon Grayson.
Freshly introduced winger Shaun Batt battled well on the left hand side following a throw in down the line, scrapping to work the ball goalwards before firing in a speculative near-post effort. Casper Akegren was beaten at his near post by the power of the strike, but the ball appeared to go underneath the Danish 'keeper's hand. The goal all but settled the tie, and the impressive Steve Morison showed competence and perseverance in winning a series of corners, enabling the away side to close down the match.
Leeds' recent woes continue. Having looked like Champions elect around the turn of the new year their season is going downhill. Their problems may well be compounded in their next fixture, as they travel to run away league leaders Norwich. Defeat at Carrow Road would likely see the Yorkshire club retain their automatic promotion spot on goal difference alone, and boss Simon Grayson will be eager to take a positive result. Millwall, on the other hand, are building a head of steam at the perfect juncture. With increasingly strong results, Millwall look the most likely side to take the automatic promotion spot and make a return to The Championship following a four year absence.
Simon Grayson's Leeds were a mere shadow of the side that started the season dominantly, holding the lead of the league for four months. The Yorkshire side were without top scorer Jermaine Beckford, who missed out with a tight hamstring, but it would have taken a massive performance from the striker if Leeds were to have taken anything from this tie.
Grayson's side were dealt their first blow of the evening when influential defender Patrick Kisnorbo was stretchered off after just six minutes with an apparent recurrence of an achilles problem. The Australian pulled up with his injury tracking the menacing Steve Morison. And it was the former Stevenage Borough striker who put The Lions ahead just five minutes later, latching onto a deep cross to rifle the ball into the midriff of the helpless Casper Ankegren as both 'keeper and ball hit the back of the net.
Following the opener, the East London side continued to dominate, and looked likely to score a second goal amid apprehensive Leeds defending. Extra pressure was applied to the home side's back four as Leeds were perpetually wasteful with possession in midfield. It wasn't until approaching half time that the Yorkshire club began to gain something of a foothold.
"Leeds were perpetually wasteful with possession in midfield"
After the break Leeds showed much more urgency in getting the ball forward, but lacked the necessary creative spark to generate realistic goal scoring opportunities. Usually inventive midfielders Luciano Becchio and Robert Snodgrass both looked short of imagination in their play, and they were ably shut down by the hard working Millwall midfielder Nadjim Abdou. With Leeds unable to convert their increasing dominance into clear cut chances they conceded a goal which will have frustrated manager Simon Grayson.
Freshly introduced winger Shaun Batt battled well on the left hand side following a throw in down the line, scrapping to work the ball goalwards before firing in a speculative near-post effort. Casper Akegren was beaten at his near post by the power of the strike, but the ball appeared to go underneath the Danish 'keeper's hand. The goal all but settled the tie, and the impressive Steve Morison showed competence and perseverance in winning a series of corners, enabling the away side to close down the match.
Leeds' recent woes continue. Having looked like Champions elect around the turn of the new year their season is going downhill. Their problems may well be compounded in their next fixture, as they travel to run away league leaders Norwich. Defeat at Carrow Road would likely see the Yorkshire club retain their automatic promotion spot on goal difference alone, and boss Simon Grayson will be eager to take a positive result. Millwall, on the other hand, are building a head of steam at the perfect juncture. With increasingly strong results, Millwall look the most likely side to take the automatic promotion spot and make a return to The Championship following a four year absence.
Lionel Messi is the best player in the world
Barcelona supremo Lionel Messi has had quite a week. The 22 year old Argentine, dubbed by Diego Maradona as his "successor", is in simply irresistible form, scoring eight goals in his last three outings.
The diminutive genius started his week in blistering fashion, netting a majestic hattrick in front of a privileged Camp Nou crowd in Barca's 3-0 victory over high-flying Valencia. Messi took all three of his goals with typical class, ghosting past confounded Los Che defenders and leaving the home fans breathless.
Messi's mid-week exploits saw him lead the Catalan side's charge in Europe. The European Champions, bidding to become the first side in history to retain the trophy, eased past helpless German side Stuttgart. The young Argentine played a massive part in Barca's victory, scoring two and creating another.
Messi's first came from nothing. He picked up the ball just beyond the halfway line before weaving into a throng of Stuttgart defenders and striking into the top corner, leaving former Arsenal 'keeper Jens Lehmann helpless.With the German side's defence closing in on him, it had seemed impossible that the Argentine could find the back of the net - write off Messi at your peril.
"Write off Messi at your peril"
On 22 minutes it was Messi's turn to become provider. The 22 year old dinked a delightful, defence-splitting ball wide to Toure, who consummately squared for the on-rushing Pedro to tap in a wonderfully worked team goal.
Messi scored Barca's third on the hour mark, settling the tie at 4-1 on aggregate. Creative industry from the attacking Dani Alves sent Pedro surging down the right hand flank and he pulled the ball back to Alves, whose smart flick found Messi, leaving the European player of the year to guide the ball into the near corner, wrong footing Lehmann in the Stuttgart goal.
Barca's fourth came as Stuttgart were looking stretched. A simple counter-attack saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic slide 19 year old prodigy Bojan Krkic in for his first touch of the night, slotting past Lehmann's valiant outstretched arm to seal a fantastic European night for Barcelona.
Back on home soil, Messi was at it again. This time it was Real Zaragoaza's Romareda crowd who were treated to another masterclass as Messi completed his second domestic hattrick in the space of seven days. In a role reversal from mid-week, it was Pedro who supplied Messi with the opening goal after just 5 minutes. The Spanish winger fired in a left footed cross for Messi to deftly nod home, demonstrating the versatility of the current Ballon D'or holder who scores goals with both his feet and his head.
"Messi scores goals with both his feet and his head"
In the 66th minute, Messi showed effortless, all-round quality to score his and Barca's second. Back-tracking, the Argentine wizard wrested possession in midfield before skipping past one then running at the hapless Matteo Contini, turning the defender inside out before rifling a low strike into the far corner. He simply made it look easy.
Barca's third showed how easy it is for creative players like Andres Iniesta to get their assist bonus with Messi in their line-up. The Spanish playmaker picked up the ball in midfield before distributing it to Messi outside the area, Messi took one touch to push the ball outside his left foot before curling it into the near corner to complete his hattrick.
Zaragoza then thereatened an unlikely comeback, with two quick fire goals from hard-working striker Adrian Colunga in the 85th and 89th minute. The home side's uprising was quashed in stoppage time however, as Messi once more tormented centre back Contini whose only option was to bring the Argentine maestro down for a penalty. Selflessly, Messi handed the responsibility of taking the spot-kick to striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"Contini's only option was to bring the
Argentine maestro down for a penalty"
The recent form of the Swedish striker has been an interesting sub-plot in Barca's season. The Catalan giants' win at La Romareda typified the second most expensive player in the world's 2010 so far as he missed a number of guilt-edged chances, looking bereft of confidence. And when he plundered in the penalty won by the masterful Messi, the big striker's frustration was clear for all to see. Despite the difference in their physical stature, Ibrahimovic knows that he has been dwarfed by the irrepresible Messi this season, and will hope his twelve yard strike will be the catalyst that re-ignites his goalscoring form.
As for Messi, there are no words. Superlatives simply don't do him justice.
The diminutive genius started his week in blistering fashion, netting a majestic hattrick in front of a privileged Camp Nou crowd in Barca's 3-0 victory over high-flying Valencia. Messi took all three of his goals with typical class, ghosting past confounded Los Che defenders and leaving the home fans breathless.
Messi's mid-week exploits saw him lead the Catalan side's charge in Europe. The European Champions, bidding to become the first side in history to retain the trophy, eased past helpless German side Stuttgart. The young Argentine played a massive part in Barca's victory, scoring two and creating another.
Messi's first came from nothing. He picked up the ball just beyond the halfway line before weaving into a throng of Stuttgart defenders and striking into the top corner, leaving former Arsenal 'keeper Jens Lehmann helpless.With the German side's defence closing in on him, it had seemed impossible that the Argentine could find the back of the net - write off Messi at your peril.
"Write off Messi at your peril"
On 22 minutes it was Messi's turn to become provider. The 22 year old dinked a delightful, defence-splitting ball wide to Toure, who consummately squared for the on-rushing Pedro to tap in a wonderfully worked team goal.
Messi scored Barca's third on the hour mark, settling the tie at 4-1 on aggregate. Creative industry from the attacking Dani Alves sent Pedro surging down the right hand flank and he pulled the ball back to Alves, whose smart flick found Messi, leaving the European player of the year to guide the ball into the near corner, wrong footing Lehmann in the Stuttgart goal.
Barca's fourth came as Stuttgart were looking stretched. A simple counter-attack saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic slide 19 year old prodigy Bojan Krkic in for his first touch of the night, slotting past Lehmann's valiant outstretched arm to seal a fantastic European night for Barcelona.
Back on home soil, Messi was at it again. This time it was Real Zaragoaza's Romareda crowd who were treated to another masterclass as Messi completed his second domestic hattrick in the space of seven days. In a role reversal from mid-week, it was Pedro who supplied Messi with the opening goal after just 5 minutes. The Spanish winger fired in a left footed cross for Messi to deftly nod home, demonstrating the versatility of the current Ballon D'or holder who scores goals with both his feet and his head.
"Messi scores goals with both his feet and his head"
In the 66th minute, Messi showed effortless, all-round quality to score his and Barca's second. Back-tracking, the Argentine wizard wrested possession in midfield before skipping past one then running at the hapless Matteo Contini, turning the defender inside out before rifling a low strike into the far corner. He simply made it look easy.
Barca's third showed how easy it is for creative players like Andres Iniesta to get their assist bonus with Messi in their line-up. The Spanish playmaker picked up the ball in midfield before distributing it to Messi outside the area, Messi took one touch to push the ball outside his left foot before curling it into the near corner to complete his hattrick.
Zaragoza then thereatened an unlikely comeback, with two quick fire goals from hard-working striker Adrian Colunga in the 85th and 89th minute. The home side's uprising was quashed in stoppage time however, as Messi once more tormented centre back Contini whose only option was to bring the Argentine maestro down for a penalty. Selflessly, Messi handed the responsibility of taking the spot-kick to striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"Contini's only option was to bring the
Argentine maestro down for a penalty"
The recent form of the Swedish striker has been an interesting sub-plot in Barca's season. The Catalan giants' win at La Romareda typified the second most expensive player in the world's 2010 so far as he missed a number of guilt-edged chances, looking bereft of confidence. And when he plundered in the penalty won by the masterful Messi, the big striker's frustration was clear for all to see. Despite the difference in their physical stature, Ibrahimovic knows that he has been dwarfed by the irrepresible Messi this season, and will hope his twelve yard strike will be the catalyst that re-ignites his goalscoring form.
As for Messi, there are no words. Superlatives simply don't do him justice.
Sunday 21 March 2010
Sunday Round-Up
The Premiership:
Manchester United moved back to the top of the Premier League after a cagey 2-1 over arch-rivals Liverpool.
Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a familiar first XI for a game of this magnitude, handing starts to the combative Darren Fletcher and Ji-Sung Park. And it was United's two big-game players who linked up to supply the Champions with a valuable win at a boisterous Old Trafford. Fletcher's pinpoint cross on the hour-mark saw Park win a brave header, before being struck on the head by Glen Johnson's boot in a despairing attempt at clearing his lines.
Liverpool's Fernando Torres had handed the visitors a surprise lead after just 5 minutes, when the Spaniard intercepted Dirk Kuyt's centre with a powerful header. This early goal contributed to a lively opening to the fixture, with both sides committing men forward. It was during one of the home-side's attacking forays that Javier Mascherano once again proved to be the villain for Liverpool against United.
"Mascherano once again proved to be
the villain for Liverpool against United"
Mascherano cynically tugged on the arm of Antonio Valencia, who had eluded him, but appeared to have been fouled outside of the penalty area. Referee Howard Webb interpreted the offence as a penalty, and subsequently showed the Argentine midfielder the yellow card. the villain for Liverpool against United"
England's hero in-waiting Wayne Rooney stepped up confidently, but saw Liverpool 'keeper Reina make a commanding save away to his left. If you could level any criticism at Reina, it was the he had dived too far, and could only bunt the ball back to a relieved Wayne Rooney for simple tap-in.
The result moved gave United a 2 point lead at the top of the table, following Chelsea's lacklustre 1-1 draw away at Blackburn.
Events from Ewood Park will have frustrated Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, who saw his side start strong, and take the lead as his two front-men combined for Didier Drogba's 28th goal of the season. Supplying the assist was Nicolas Anelka, who has shared a prolific partnership with Drogba under the stewardship of Chelsea's Italian manager. Anelka showed pace and power as he surged down the right hand flank before pulling a smart ball back for the Ivorian striker to slot home with his left.
"Anelka has shared a prolific partnership with
Drogba under the stewardship of Ancelotti"
Drogba under the stewardship of Ancelotti"
Carlo Ancelotti will have been looking for a response from his side, following their Champions League exit in mid-week. The Chelsea boss witnessed his side allow Blackburn to re-establish a foothold in the fixture, and, as the hosts built a head of steam the equaliser seemed inevitable. Michel Salgado rolled back the years as he exposed the counter attacking Chelsea, flying down the right wing before delivering a centre for El-Hadji Diouf who out-leapt Paulo Ferreira to pull the home side level on 70 minutes.
Sam Allardyce's Blackburn showed great character in grinding out the result, withstanding increasing Chelsea pressure as the match drew to a close. No player typified the performance more than 18-year old debutant Phil Jones. The young centre back was handed the man of the match award for his lion-hearted display at the back, and showed all the qualities that Allardyce expects from one of his sides.
Goals from Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez handed Manchester City a confident 2-1 win at Craven Cottage.
Roberto Mancini's side started well with Santa Cruz following-up Craig Bellamy's 7th minute effort, which rebounded off the woodwork. And Tevez doubled City's lead ten minutes before half time from close range.
Gareth Barry handed the home side an opportunity to reduce the deficit on 75 minutes. The former Aston Villa man handled the ball, allowing Danny Murphy to convert from twelve yards.
But City held on to a 2-1 win against a Fulham team who appeared to show some weariness following their mid-week heroics in the Europa League. For City, the win moved them up into 5th ahead of the earlier-vanquished Liverpool and demonstrated their Champions League qualification credentials.
The Championship:
Cardiff City enjoyed a 3-1 home victory over strugglers Watford. Goals from Ross McCormack, Peter Whittingham and Chris Burke saw The Bluebirds maintain their playoff push as they opened up a 5 point margin between themselves and 7th placed Sheffield United. With the tie all but over, Heidar Helguson netted his eighth league goal of the season with a consolation on 93 minutes. Watford, in 19th place, sit just 3 points above the drop zone with 10 matches left to secure their Championship status.
Two first half Andy King goals and playoff-chasing Leicester City appeared to have given them complete control in this afternoon's home tie against Coventry. But The Sky Blues made a confident comeback in the second half to take a share of the spoils in front of the BBC cameras. Stuart McPake struck 8 minutes after the restart to bring Chris Coleman's side back into contention. It wasn't until Gary Deegan's 87th minute strike that the comeback was complete. There was a question of offside about the goal. Freshly introduced loanee Freddie Spears was stood in an offside position as Martin Cranie mis-hit an effort back into the box in the build-up to the equaliser, but whether or not he interfered with play was questionable.
Sam Allardyce's Blackburn showed great character in grinding out the result, withstanding increasing Chelsea pressure as the match drew to a close. No player typified the performance more than 18-year old debutant Phil Jones. The young centre back was handed the man of the match award for his lion-hearted display at the back, and showed all the qualities that Allardyce expects from one of his sides.
Goals from Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez handed Manchester City a confident 2-1 win at Craven Cottage.
Roberto Mancini's side started well with Santa Cruz following-up Craig Bellamy's 7th minute effort, which rebounded off the woodwork. And Tevez doubled City's lead ten minutes before half time from close range.
Gareth Barry handed the home side an opportunity to reduce the deficit on 75 minutes. The former Aston Villa man handled the ball, allowing Danny Murphy to convert from twelve yards.
But City held on to a 2-1 win against a Fulham team who appeared to show some weariness following their mid-week heroics in the Europa League. For City, the win moved them up into 5th ahead of the earlier-vanquished Liverpool and demonstrated their Champions League qualification credentials.
The Championship:
Cardiff City enjoyed a 3-1 home victory over strugglers Watford. Goals from Ross McCormack, Peter Whittingham and Chris Burke saw The Bluebirds maintain their playoff push as they opened up a 5 point margin between themselves and 7th placed Sheffield United. With the tie all but over, Heidar Helguson netted his eighth league goal of the season with a consolation on 93 minutes. Watford, in 19th place, sit just 3 points above the drop zone with 10 matches left to secure their Championship status.
Two first half Andy King goals and playoff-chasing Leicester City appeared to have given them complete control in this afternoon's home tie against Coventry. But The Sky Blues made a confident comeback in the second half to take a share of the spoils in front of the BBC cameras. Stuart McPake struck 8 minutes after the restart to bring Chris Coleman's side back into contention. It wasn't until Gary Deegan's 87th minute strike that the comeback was complete. There was a question of offside about the goal. Freshly introduced loanee Freddie Spears was stood in an offside position as Martin Cranie mis-hit an effort back into the box in the build-up to the equaliser, but whether or not he interfered with play was questionable.
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