It is now time to switch to a new Money AM football blog as the world cup is now over and we all look to the future.....World cup 2010 is over, Bravo Espana, and Forlan, once again and bring on the new season !.....I never expected the last thread to be such a success...thanks all.... so this new one might go on for years without the need to edit the title...we shall see...

Wouldn't sell Fellaini, on his day he is unplayable, looks like a fish out of water at mo. Going by the report in the Telegraph EFC didn't play that well either today, Hull didn't get any luck and Gareth Barry should have seen Red. They won 2-1 :O)

At least you won. When you pay bad and still win your going the right way imo.

Burnley go clear at the Top.

Burnley moved two points clear at the top of the Championship after a late winner at Ipswich.
The game at Portman Road seemed to be drifting towards a goalless draw until Scott Arfield headed home Kieran Trippier's 80th-minute cross to seal a sixth straight league win for Sean Dyche's side.

From my seat: Hull City (H)
By Ken Buckley :: 19/10/2013
Comments (10) jump to end
Football – back after the International break to a ‘Retro Theme’ with lots going on in the Fan Zone. However, our match day ritual built up over what seems like a million years won the day: we all assembled in the room of nonsense and, over a few bevies, all things Everton where discussed and argued over. With it being ‘Retro day’, my Brown over Bitter seemed to suit the theme... Time for the walk to the ground and getting in just before Z-Cars, cans of Coke being given away by Everton 1. And the Fan Zone being in full swing didn’t stop the patrons of the ‘Fat Van’ – ‘Scarf and badge stall’ – ‘Blue Dragon’ and ‘The Café’ having to form queues. Shame to see the ‘Winslow’ boarded up. Through the turnstile and a rack of shirts and other merchandise on sale. After scrutiny by a youngster I heard his Dad exclaim "50 quid! Yer 'avin' a laff" as I made my way to my seat.

Over 38 thousand of us gathered and gave the players a warm welcome and, on the ref's whistle, we were underway; strangely, after appearing to win the toss, we attacked the Gwladys Street end. Right away, we looked a touch jaded and out of sorts as Hull came storming forward and some of our keep-ball play was a touch off, shall we say... But, in true footy fashion, nothing is as it appears to be; within 10 mins we were one-up when we forced a corner which Baines played in – not very well, I need to report – but the upshot was that the cleared ball fell to Osman who, with spatial awareness, fed Mirallas who clipped a daisy-cutter home via the upright. Much celebrating and noise ensued, amongst which, I wondered why the keeper didn’t make an effort and after watching our big screen could still find no answer; one of those things, I suppose.

I said to my mate, "We need a good 10 minutes as they are now bound to throw things forward" and we did manage that, thus allowing things to settle a little. Hull were looking decent and not like a team that might go straight back down and we had more than a few nervy moments. As I wished for Lukaku to burst into Rambo mode, he seemed to fade away more than a little and the back-line wasn’t looking that calm either; but for McCarthy and Barry in centre-mid, they would have been under more pressure. Barry got booked for what appeared from my seat no more than winning the ball... yet the Hull striker Graham was stretchered off and replaced by Sagbo. Aluko then had a couple of goes at lying on the turf to get the game stopped each time he was robbed, which infuriated the faithful, but our players did the modern thing and kicked it out.

We had a spell of looking more than shaky from set pieces; twice in a short space of time, Faye wasted two good opportunities to level the scores. On the half-hour mark, we buckled after another lying-on-the-turf incident, Aluko went past the sleeping Baines and from the by-line whipped in a cross that the unattended sub Sagbo rifled home. The goodly number of Hull fans present enquired as to who we were. The Park Ends grasp of ‘Anglo Saxon’ was demonstrated.

The remaining 15 or so mins of the half in truth belonged to Hull who had the best of the chances, especially from corners where we looked vulnerable, Baines headed off the line and Distin deflected a dipping rocket over the bar. Hull players were still lying on the turf as 4 mins of added went up and the exodus for bars and bogs missed nothing.

Half-time and, in keeping with the retro theme, we had the great Ray Wilson also Derek Temple and Geoff "Was it over the line?" Hurst presented to us. They received a tremendous if wet reception as God opened the heavens and Everton opened the sprinklers!

Second half started and most agreed we needed to up our game as the opening half had been sort of half-throttle with many citing the international duties of many being the cause. Well, we did start the faster and with more coherence but were soon brought back to earth as Hull almost took the lead with a shot that just evaded the upright with Howard nowhere. The manager had seen enough and didn’t hesitate to swop Osman for Pienaar before the hour mark; "Good on him," I mused...

What a sub it turned out to be as, within seconds, a move begun by Howard and through proper joined-up stuff found its way to Mirallas out wide right. He cut in and out and fed one across goal to find the in-rushing South African who slotted with some aplomb. Much celebrating by players and fans alike took place down the Park End culminating with a raucous rendition of ‘Who are yer’ 30-odd minutes still to go and with Hull looking dangerous from corners and free kicks the 12th man tried a rallying call but that just sort of died away. Although not playing badly, we did look vulnerable which transmitted to the fans and the playing of the ball across the back was starting to be frowned upon.

Barry and especially McCarthy were doing sterling work all across the park and some of McCarthy’s lung-busting work reminded me a little of Tommy Gravesen in his pomp. Corners were always a scary time for fans assembled and Hull came close a couple of times.

I don’t know if it’s a Belgian thing or not but, yet again, both Lukaku and Mirallas were looking shot just after the hour mark. Our new manager noticed this and replaced Lukaku with Kone before the 70-min mark. Mirallas was left on and given encouragement. We still played the ball about at the back up until the point where Hull had pressed right up on us and someone had to hoof! A bit of fine tuning required, methinks.

A good break on the left saw Kone come infield at pace and into the six-yard box. He shot with venom and beat the keeper but not the post; he did retrieve the ball but this time fired at the keeper who parried away; drat – a goal would have done him the world of good.

We were now playing the clock down but still time for Mirallas to hit the ball into an opponent and Distin to head over from a corner when more could have been expected. Final whistle and I am sure most in attendance put it down as three points gained from a patchy performance – but you take these wins no matter what.

MotM – McCarthy.

Overall, a good day out... albeit, to watch, a game that never reached any heights. The Martinez Way was well tolerated with understanding until about three quarters of the way through the second half, when – after one spell that became more than hairy as Hull closed us down – the faithful reacted and a fan near me succinctly put it: "Stop piss-balling about, Everton!"

I enjoyed the combination of McCarthy and Barry in midfield as they played with a commitment to join up back to front and Barry, although receiving a yellow early on, never shirked any tackles or tussles.

It will be interesting to see how we handle Villa away as we will need to be more ‘at it’ than we were today. Hopefully after a week’s rest, we should have shaken off any lethargy that may have been caused by the international excursions. We have had a fair start to the season in my book and I will be interested to take my first meaningful look at the league table come beginning of December which usually gives a good indication of possible league finishes.

Plenty of games to go and plenty to play for — Bring it on!
UP THE BLUES

World Cup 2014: France meet Ukraine in European play-offs

Former world champions France have been drawn against Ukraine in the European play-offs for the 2014 World Cup.

Portugal face Sweden, which means either Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not take part in next summer's tournament in Brazil.

Iceland, the lowest-ranked team in the play-offs, must beat Croatia to reach their first finals, while Greece meet Romania.

The two-legged ties will be played on 15 November and 19 November.

More to follow.

Pos. Team. pld w d l f a gd pts

1 BURNLEY. 12. 9. 2. 1. 22. 7. 15. 29.
2 QPR 11 8 3 0 14 4 10 27
3 LEICESTER 12 8 2 2 19 12 7 26
4 NOTT. F. 12 6 5 1 20 12 8 23
5 BLACKPOOL 12 6 5 1 14 9 5 23
6 READING 12 6 4 2 19 11 8 22

A rather wonderful sight ... I think you'll agree -):

No. Lol. How's Sheff wed doing Stan?

Sheff Wed? or as they are now referred to as Sheff "no wins" Wed are absolutely useless... Only a matter of time before the boy Jones gets the gooner -):

I will stick with arsenal then. oh dear. Thanks Stan. :-))

Can't go wrong with them this season D/C. IMHO.

PUBLISHED
16:27 22nd October 2013

Burnley striker Danny Ings has been shortlisted for the Goal of the Year at the Northwest Football Awards 2013.

The Clarets striker will battle it out alongside last year’s winner, Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Robin Van Persie (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Leighton Baines (Everton) and Cristian Montano of Oldham for the award next month.

Ings’ was shortlisted for his sensational opening strike against Nottingham Forest at Turf Moor in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday, September 24, when his shot on the turn levelled the scores and proved a catalyst for the 2-1 victory.

All six contenders will be hoping their goal is the winner at the annual Awards' night at Lancashire Cricket Club's The Point Conference Centre on November 4.

Guests will be asked to vote for their favourite strike, with the winning goal announced on the night by Awards' host and BBC TV's Football Focus host, Dan Walker.

Bet it wasn't a patch on this : Mark Hudson ... wonder goal

Not bad opportunism there Dil, but if you want to see pure skill from one end of the pitch to the other, then this is what Danny Ings is capable of:

Just feast your eyes on the first 15 seconds of this match (after skipping the Ads.) to see the best away goal of the season so far

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5uHEqUuaNY

Only 1 game in town today of course... and that's this one http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24590297

Looks like a draw to me Stan.
2517

Well done Stan! Good win. Looks like Burnley & Norwich may be swapping places if things carry on like this! 0-0 v Cardiff!!! Hopeless.

Good result for Burnley, no stopping them atm.
2517

Thanks chaps, just returned and a very professional performances all round, everyone playing their part and a joy to watch. Danny boy on song again with 2 goals, he must hit a bad patch soon but right now he's full of confidence.

From My seat: Aston Villa (A)
By Ken Buckley :: 26/10/2013
Comments (4) jump to end
We all assembled at Villa Park via pubs and clubs determined to cheer the lads home. Pre-match, our discussion was of team selection and could we keep a good run going? On the line-up’s arrival via Twitter, most congratulated themselves on guessing right. I wasn’t one of them as I thought he might rest Barkley and play Osman at number 10. Still, a strong-looking side and the bench gave room for optimism. With the faithful packed like sardines in the away end – and one of the better away ends, I might add – the game started.

Right away, Villa left us in no doubt about their intention to get about us and had us on the back foot, thus causing Tim Howard to earn his corn (has he joined the Hamish people?) After a series of good saves he excelled himself after Coleman tripped his man in the area, leaving the ref with little option but to point to the spot. (I have never heard the word ‘Shit’ uttered simultaneously by so many people.) Up stepped Benteke, a formality it seemed... but no. Tim firstly guessed right then got a good strong hand to the ball and deflected over and away. I got that feeling after those opening 10 mins that this just might be our day and I wasn’t to be disappointed.

After this interlude, we started to come more into it and the game became more open as both teams pushed to gain an advantage. End-to-end stuff with Barry and McCarthy getting the upper hand in midfield – slowly at first... but you could see both growing to the task.

Both teams had good chances in the first half and both goalies showed their mettle and why they are vying for the starting berth in the USA national team. Howard from Benteke and Guzan from Lukaku when both forwards looked favourite. Baines got knocked over and gained a free kick which he curled in but it was a bread-and-butter catch for Guzan.

We were playing with a purpose and indeed using the joined-up mode but alas not quick and decisive enough with Barkley being the biggest culprit as he needed too long on the ball and Villa were in no mood for that. Benteke got clear and looked miles offside but was allowed to go on into the box. "He must score" was on the lips of the faithful until our hero Tim made a fine blocking save. Be damned – he went and it did again some moments later, this time from the winger who had got through looking well off.

Barkley at last came to life and surged past his man and fired one that beat the keeper but not the bar. It must have got a deflection because we got a corner which came to nought. More end-to-end stuff as we approached the interval and it was an entertaining half on a knife-edge. Villa forced corners, we played players in and, but for Mirallas being too selfish, we may have snatched a lead. We also tried the long ball (sorry, ‘Long Pass' as Roberto will have it known) for Lukaku to use his strength and from one of these a Villa centre back pulled something in stretching to keep out the ‘Bull’ and had to be replaced.

Half-time and the chat was of how well we had picked ourselves up after an ‘iffy’ start and how well our keeper had done and to be fair so had his fellow Yank at the other end.

Second half and from the off you got the feeling the game could go either way as both teams seemed to attack in turns, with no-one immune from the odd mistake... well, except maybe Gareth Barry, who held things together very well indeed. Thought and word ahead for us and slowly but surely as McCarthy became more steady; we were winning the midfield battle and slow but sure progress all round saw us wrestle back the initiative but we were still tardy in that final third.

On the hour mark, the manager made the change that I thought he should make and replaced the misfiring Barkley with the experienced Osman. I got some stick from some of my mates as Osman is not universally liked in some quarters yet many fans still believe he has lots to offer and, if he can keep doing it as Barkley gains experience and finds his feet at his own pace, then why not? Today, we were to witness a vintage Ossie show as the game changed in our favour from that moment.

Just less than 10 mins after his introduction, the Bainaar plus Osman triangle struck. With the ball fed to Osman, he already had a picture in his head and without looking up he stroked the ball into the path of the moving Lukaku who slotted home with some aplomb. A peach of a pass and a peach of a finish. What a sight to see as the Blue hoards celebrated like only the Blue hoards can. Words are not enough to describe that outpouring. Think the street end when we beat Liverpool in injury time.

Villa tried to respond but we are a different kettle of fish under our present manager and instead of "What we have, we will hold", we now look to soak up and counter at every opportunity, thus preventing the opposition from having exclusive attacking rights as under a previous manager's regime. The faithful liked this approach and burst into song singing all that is in their repertoire plus: "Are you watching, Davey Moyes?" He seems to have upset a lot of his former disciples...

We continued in controlled joined-up mode and chances were never far away and it was of little surprise as we reached 80 mins, after just swapping the tiring Pienaar for the improving Naismith, that the excellent Barry was involved in a move after a cleared corner that saw him find Osman in space and the super sub fired home past a diving but forlorn Guzman. Oh dear – celebrations akin to the first goal – but times two.

Boy, were the faithful in good mood and voice now! Raucous ‘Oles’ rang around Villa Park as the ground emptied at a great rate of knots, leaving both Everton team and Everton fans as the dominant force.

Deulofeu came on for a cameo role as he replaced Mirallas. The Villa announcers attempt at pronouncing his name deserves a YouTube outing. Amid a rousing chorus of "We're gonna win the league" the final whistle blew. Carnival time for all assembled including the players.

MotM – Howard for giving us the platform; Barry for his solidarity and leadership; and Osman for changing the game. A three-way share from me.

Overall a very enjoyable day out. A game where we could have been three-nil down and game over by half-time but for some inspired keeping, a bit of luck, and a couple of glaring misses. Instead, we rode our fortune and in the end ran out worthy winners courtesy of a togetherness of spirit and not a small measure of decent football.

Barkley seems to be having a dip but that is normal for such a fledgling player in the role he is asked to play and, no doubt, with the help of the manager, the potential that is evident will come shining through. Although the bench looked strong, the absence of Kone was noted. Is he injured again?

It is nice when you can enjoy a game and result like today's and the week will just fly by as we get ready to welcome those Spurs. I expect this to be a real test for us and hope that all our players are fit and ready to roll.

Sunday lunch in a boozer in L4 – Not quite the Ritz... hell, I wouldn’t swap it for anything. See you there!
UP THE BLUES

Reader Comments
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
067 Posted 26/10/2013 at 22:52:17 Great report, Ken, one of your finest.
And the Choral manoeuvres in the Park came across fully amped for the watching diaspora. Fantastic stuff!

Paul Ferry
074 Posted 26/10/2013 at 23:08:29 Lovely report KB, captures the game I saw and heard pitch perfectly.
God I envy you your Sunday roast, Americans have no idea how to do proper gravy and roasties and stuffing that aint effin sweet.

By the way Ken, did that hoped for half-time tribute for that poor lad who lost his life last week, so ashamed I can't remember his name, take place?.

RIP.

Paul Ferry
075 Posted 26/10/2013 at 23:35:42 James Greenop, so sorry I forgot his name.
RIP

Brian Garside
078 Posted 26/10/2013 at 23:30:11 I am making the trip from Sweden with the family for next weeks game against the spuds. I hope and pray that RM gets the boys ready for a long 90 mins. We cannot afford such a slow start as we had today.
Pienaar will be fitter but how will Ross look in training next week?
Howard seems to far more stable this season. Is this due to Woods leaving?
Coleman must get his finger out otherwise I would choose Hibbert next week.
See you in the Upper Bullens on Sunday.
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Stan , as an unbiased (lol) football fan I salute Burnley.

After 13 games you've got 30 points while last seasons runaway Championship winners had 28 at the same stage.

We were top after our first game (we opened the season on the Friday night and won) and next hit the top after winning game 9 and stayed there for two weeks.

By game 14 we had fallen to 3rd and regained the top spot after game 18 and stayed there til the end of the season.

Good luck but most promoted teams have to splash out in Jan to do it ... we got Frazier Campbell for 600k.