You may have noticed the lack of posts on here over the summer as I said that posts would be regular. However, this is because I was given the opportunity to blog for Steve Kell, owner of the Arsenal Supporters Club Blog, over the course of the World Cup. Therefore, if you go on there you will see all my posts. As the World Cup has now finished all future posts will be uploaded on here.
I will upload a few posts on here in the next coming days just showing what I was reporting on throughout the World Cup. If you want to see them all please follow the link below.
http://arsenalsupportersclub.blogspot.co.uk/
Thursday, 31 July 2014
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
World Cup Squad - Analysis
When Roy Hodgson announced his final 23 players that were going off to Rio for the World Cup, I felt as though for the first time in the last two decades, an England manager had eventually got it right.
Roy made big decisions, undoubtedly, selecting Southampton's Luke Shaw ahead of Ashley Cole who has won 107 International caps was a major talking point but I will be first to say that Roy made the right call (coming from a Chelsea fan).
Its about time we looked to the future, too many times we have relied on our senior players to step up and too many times they have failed on the International stage. Why not give our younger players a chance to prove themselves? We go into this tournament with little to no expectation so why not take a gamble?
You cannot argue that players like Luke Shaw, Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling don't deserve to go because they have all had magnificent seasons at their respective clubs and fully deserved selection for the preliminary 30-man squad.
No-one can deny that Shaw has had a brilliant season under Mauricio Pochettino, nor can anyone deny that Barkley had been a major factor in Everton's Champions League push. The main talking point was the fact that they, among others, are going off to compete in their first international tourbament at senior level with no experience to speak of.
Even before this season, Barkley and Shaw had barely and Premier League expereince then suddenly 12 months later they are off to the biggest tournament their is in football... risky from Roy to say the least.
But can we not applaud Hodgson in his decision to give our youth a chance, Cole defensively is a much better play than Shaw. Going forward however, Cole's advancing years and Shaw's strength and pace suggest that Roy has favoured attack over defense. Again risky, but brave.
Barkley got the nod over Michael Carrick who, for the past two years, has earned respect from a lot of critics. His vision and defensive solidarity is unquestionable but sadly he has sunk along with his club this year and it is hard to shine when the rest of your team aren't performing (bar Wayne Rooney).
Once again, Roy looked towards our youth and again, in my opinion, made the correct decision. Barkley has got everything you look for in a midfielder, he is big, has immense strength, he can pass, score goals and he can defend as well, it would not surprise me if he managed to start a game throughout the tournament.
Hodgson also had to make big calls on injuries, Kyle Walker was the unfortunate player to not make the cut due to his ongoing pelvic injury that has kept him out of Tottenham's team since March.
Although Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere did manage to make the cut after nursing their injuries just in time for Hodgson. Chamberlain has been a big player under Hodgson, you would think even if it was a 50/50 chance Chamberlian would have been fit, Roy would have opted to take him. He, alongisde Srerling is someone who I believe can be the difference for us in Rio and I am glad he has passed fit for the summer.
The other two big decisions Roy had to make was the fourth striker and the third goalkeeper. Between Andy Carroll, Jermanin Defoe and Rickie Lambert, Roy chose Lambert to accompany Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck on the plane. Again, correct decision. Carroll hasn't done enough since coming back from injury to warrant a seat on the plane. Defoe on the other hand kissed goodbye to his World Cup dream when he decided to go to Toronto FC in January. Lambert has been a consistent goalscorer for Southampton this year and adds something different to what our other three strikers have. This will most likely be his first and last International tournament which for me means he will want to leave a mark on his short international career.
The goalkeeping decision was harsh on John Ruddy, who missed out at Euro 2012 due to breaking his finger and will miss out again to Fraser Forster who has enjoyed a great season at Celtic. Ruddy has been instrumental in giving Norwich a fighting chance to stay in the Premier League this season but Hodgson perhaps looked towards the European experience Forster had by playing in the Champions League. As I said, harsh on Ruddy but you cannot argeu that Forrster doesn't deserve a chance to represent his country.
Here is the squad and the list of players on standby in full:
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).
Standby: John Ruddy (Norwich City), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), John Stones (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Andy Carroll (West Ham United), Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC).
Roy made big decisions, undoubtedly, selecting Southampton's Luke Shaw ahead of Ashley Cole who has won 107 International caps was a major talking point but I will be first to say that Roy made the right call (coming from a Chelsea fan).
Its about time we looked to the future, too many times we have relied on our senior players to step up and too many times they have failed on the International stage. Why not give our younger players a chance to prove themselves? We go into this tournament with little to no expectation so why not take a gamble?
You cannot argue that players like Luke Shaw, Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling don't deserve to go because they have all had magnificent seasons at their respective clubs and fully deserved selection for the preliminary 30-man squad.
No-one can deny that Shaw has had a brilliant season under Mauricio Pochettino, nor can anyone deny that Barkley had been a major factor in Everton's Champions League push. The main talking point was the fact that they, among others, are going off to compete in their first international tourbament at senior level with no experience to speak of.
Even before this season, Barkley and Shaw had barely and Premier League expereince then suddenly 12 months later they are off to the biggest tournament their is in football... risky from Roy to say the least.
But can we not applaud Hodgson in his decision to give our youth a chance, Cole defensively is a much better play than Shaw. Going forward however, Cole's advancing years and Shaw's strength and pace suggest that Roy has favoured attack over defense. Again risky, but brave.
Barkley got the nod over Michael Carrick who, for the past two years, has earned respect from a lot of critics. His vision and defensive solidarity is unquestionable but sadly he has sunk along with his club this year and it is hard to shine when the rest of your team aren't performing (bar Wayne Rooney).
Once again, Roy looked towards our youth and again, in my opinion, made the correct decision. Barkley has got everything you look for in a midfielder, he is big, has immense strength, he can pass, score goals and he can defend as well, it would not surprise me if he managed to start a game throughout the tournament.
Hodgson also had to make big calls on injuries, Kyle Walker was the unfortunate player to not make the cut due to his ongoing pelvic injury that has kept him out of Tottenham's team since March.
Although Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere did manage to make the cut after nursing their injuries just in time for Hodgson. Chamberlain has been a big player under Hodgson, you would think even if it was a 50/50 chance Chamberlian would have been fit, Roy would have opted to take him. He, alongisde Srerling is someone who I believe can be the difference for us in Rio and I am glad he has passed fit for the summer.
The other two big decisions Roy had to make was the fourth striker and the third goalkeeper. Between Andy Carroll, Jermanin Defoe and Rickie Lambert, Roy chose Lambert to accompany Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck on the plane. Again, correct decision. Carroll hasn't done enough since coming back from injury to warrant a seat on the plane. Defoe on the other hand kissed goodbye to his World Cup dream when he decided to go to Toronto FC in January. Lambert has been a consistent goalscorer for Southampton this year and adds something different to what our other three strikers have. This will most likely be his first and last International tournament which for me means he will want to leave a mark on his short international career.
The goalkeeping decision was harsh on John Ruddy, who missed out at Euro 2012 due to breaking his finger and will miss out again to Fraser Forster who has enjoyed a great season at Celtic. Ruddy has been instrumental in giving Norwich a fighting chance to stay in the Premier League this season but Hodgson perhaps looked towards the European experience Forster had by playing in the Champions League. As I said, harsh on Ruddy but you cannot argeu that Forrster doesn't deserve a chance to represent his country.
Here is the squad and the list of players on standby in full:
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).
Standby: John Ruddy (Norwich City), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), John Stones (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Andy Carroll (West Ham United), Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC).
Thursday, 8 May 2014
Greg Dyke's Report - The Lowdown
I think it is fair to say the world of football was shocked today as they heard of the radical changes Greg Dyke plans to put in place that will completely change the structure of the sport we love.
Within the England Commission report lead by Greg Dyke, it states that there will be a new "League Three" that will be placed in-between League 2 and the Conference Premier. This new league will feature Premier League "B Teams" who can compete in the Conference, League 2 and League 1, but cannot go any higher and cannot play in the FA Cup due to potentially drawing each other in any stage.
As well as this, Dyke plans to reduce the number of foreign players in the Premier League from 17 to 12 per squad within the next five years.
The loan system would change as well. SLP's, Strategic Loan Partnerships, would allow big clubs to loan out eight players to what would become a "feeder club" in League 1 or League 2 to give their youngsters more playing time.
The report as a whole has apparently received widespread satisfaction from major iconic names within the game. Ian Ayre at Liverpool, Ed Woodward at Manchester United and other officials Manchester City and Tottenham are all in favour of the report. What's more, Rio Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle and our very own Roy Hodgson were part of the commissioning team advising Dyke with his plans to change the game we love.
So I must bare this question to the FA - have you all lost your minds? Seriously?
Within the duration of one shower I could have come up with better, more constructive ideas than what Greg Dyke and his advisor's came up with.
Not only will the "B Teams" cause much controversy when they finish top of League and cannot be promoted, but what does this say of teams like Luton Town? - who have been fanatic in this years Conference. Managing Director Gary Sweet said the "heart will be ripped out" of lower league football if Dykes plans are successful. Quite frankly I couldn't agree more.
Fans who travel week in week out to watch their teams in the lower league give 100% to achieve promotion into the big time, only for the B Team of Chelsea to park the bus and scrape a 1-0 and not care if they go up or not. What if the four B Teams of both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal finish in the top four of League 1? Does that mean that fifth place would be promoted to the Championship? Complete and utter rubbish. And what about the play-off's? Your telling me Greg Dyke that 6th to 9th will compete to get into the Championship?
What I want to know is what is so bad about the English game that it needs to be changed? Obviously as a national team we haven't been as successful as we should be in the major tournaments. Can we not just accept that other nations are improving around us and that we are not actually on the decline, we are just not as advanced as other countries.
The argument that we are not doing enough at grass-roots level is an argument without sense, thought and logic. The real answer to our failures is because we haven't had 7 or 8 players playing for the same club as well as the same nation.
Take Spain for example, their success over the last decade has not been because grass-roots football has taught them to keep the ball for five minutes without losing it. It is in fact because the majority of their starting line-up plays for either Barcelona or Real Madrid. In the 2010 World Cup final, all but one player (Joan Capdevila) played for one of the El Classico sides. When you compare that to England's 2010 starting eleven against Germany, we had 8 players at different clubs. Chelsea boasted three players, Cole, Terry and Lampard, the most of any club in our starting eleven. To me, that statistic speaks volumes of why Spain have dominated International football for the last decade.
So Dyke's ideas as well as being illogical also aren't backed up well by his reasoning. There is, believe it or not, one thing that made sense in his report. Dyke wants to introduce more 3G Pitches and wants Non-EU players to be granted work permits for the lower leagues. However, as much as I agree with both statements, does the latter not contradict with one of Dykes main arguments that there are too many foreigners playing in the Premier League. Of course, the latter idea applied to work permits being granted for players to go to lower leagues clubs but if they happen to be promoted to the Premier League, the same problems would arise.
What I fail to understand is where has Reserve Team football gone? Last time I checked reserve teams were the perfect stepping stone to reach the first team and allowed youngsters to break though from the youth team and compete in a more physical environment with better and more experienced players. Furthermore, the reserve team idea would not interfere with lower league teams and would give younger English players the game time they need.
Surely this is a better option than a B Team in which the FA would actually be prepared to bribe lower league teams in order for them to accept the changes to the game. Yes you read correctly, BRIBE. Teams from the Premier League that would be in favour of a B Team would give a sum of money to the Conference or League 2 teams to allow their new second string team to play. Slightly beyond the ridiculous if you ask me.
I hope that I am not the only fan who opposes this report. Not only do I want our historic structure of our leagues to stay the same but I want foreign footballers to feel comfortable playing in our country, after all we host some of the finest players in the world in England. Luis Suarez, Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard... the list can go on and on.
Within the England Commission report lead by Greg Dyke, it states that there will be a new "League Three" that will be placed in-between League 2 and the Conference Premier. This new league will feature Premier League "B Teams" who can compete in the Conference, League 2 and League 1, but cannot go any higher and cannot play in the FA Cup due to potentially drawing each other in any stage.
As well as this, Dyke plans to reduce the number of foreign players in the Premier League from 17 to 12 per squad within the next five years.
The loan system would change as well. SLP's, Strategic Loan Partnerships, would allow big clubs to loan out eight players to what would become a "feeder club" in League 1 or League 2 to give their youngsters more playing time.
The report as a whole has apparently received widespread satisfaction from major iconic names within the game. Ian Ayre at Liverpool, Ed Woodward at Manchester United and other officials Manchester City and Tottenham are all in favour of the report. What's more, Rio Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle and our very own Roy Hodgson were part of the commissioning team advising Dyke with his plans to change the game we love.
So I must bare this question to the FA - have you all lost your minds? Seriously?
Within the duration of one shower I could have come up with better, more constructive ideas than what Greg Dyke and his advisor's came up with.
Not only will the "B Teams" cause much controversy when they finish top of League and cannot be promoted, but what does this say of teams like Luton Town? - who have been fanatic in this years Conference. Managing Director Gary Sweet said the "heart will be ripped out" of lower league football if Dykes plans are successful. Quite frankly I couldn't agree more.
Fans who travel week in week out to watch their teams in the lower league give 100% to achieve promotion into the big time, only for the B Team of Chelsea to park the bus and scrape a 1-0 and not care if they go up or not. What if the four B Teams of both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal finish in the top four of League 1? Does that mean that fifth place would be promoted to the Championship? Complete and utter rubbish. And what about the play-off's? Your telling me Greg Dyke that 6th to 9th will compete to get into the Championship?
What I want to know is what is so bad about the English game that it needs to be changed? Obviously as a national team we haven't been as successful as we should be in the major tournaments. Can we not just accept that other nations are improving around us and that we are not actually on the decline, we are just not as advanced as other countries.
The argument that we are not doing enough at grass-roots level is an argument without sense, thought and logic. The real answer to our failures is because we haven't had 7 or 8 players playing for the same club as well as the same nation.
Take Spain for example, their success over the last decade has not been because grass-roots football has taught them to keep the ball for five minutes without losing it. It is in fact because the majority of their starting line-up plays for either Barcelona or Real Madrid. In the 2010 World Cup final, all but one player (Joan Capdevila) played for one of the El Classico sides. When you compare that to England's 2010 starting eleven against Germany, we had 8 players at different clubs. Chelsea boasted three players, Cole, Terry and Lampard, the most of any club in our starting eleven. To me, that statistic speaks volumes of why Spain have dominated International football for the last decade.
So Dyke's ideas as well as being illogical also aren't backed up well by his reasoning. There is, believe it or not, one thing that made sense in his report. Dyke wants to introduce more 3G Pitches and wants Non-EU players to be granted work permits for the lower leagues. However, as much as I agree with both statements, does the latter not contradict with one of Dykes main arguments that there are too many foreigners playing in the Premier League. Of course, the latter idea applied to work permits being granted for players to go to lower leagues clubs but if they happen to be promoted to the Premier League, the same problems would arise.
What I fail to understand is where has Reserve Team football gone? Last time I checked reserve teams were the perfect stepping stone to reach the first team and allowed youngsters to break though from the youth team and compete in a more physical environment with better and more experienced players. Furthermore, the reserve team idea would not interfere with lower league teams and would give younger English players the game time they need.
Surely this is a better option than a B Team in which the FA would actually be prepared to bribe lower league teams in order for them to accept the changes to the game. Yes you read correctly, BRIBE. Teams from the Premier League that would be in favour of a B Team would give a sum of money to the Conference or League 2 teams to allow their new second string team to play. Slightly beyond the ridiculous if you ask me.
I hope that I am not the only fan who opposes this report. Not only do I want our historic structure of our leagues to stay the same but I want foreign footballers to feel comfortable playing in our country, after all we host some of the finest players in the world in England. Luis Suarez, Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard... the list can go on and on.
Its almost Summer! Which means...
After turning my focus to the British College of Journalism to obtain a Diploma in Freelance Journalism, I am now returning to my blog after successfully completing the course.
There is a massive summer of sport ahead with the 2014 World Cup in Rio, the PGA Championship, Wimbledon, England against Sri Lanka in the ODI's and lots more to look forward to.
Over the next three months I will be reporting on these events like I did last year, only this time, there will be more posts to look forward to and hopefully (fingers crossed) something to cheer about in the Football.
I will also be posting regularly about the current sporting debates around the country. Perhaps the biggest at the minute is Greg Dyke's plans to make a Premier League B Team and alter the loan system. I will be posting about that debate in the upcoming days.
But for now, lets look ahead to a fantastic summer of sport!
PGA Championship - 22nd May - 25th May
England vs Sri Lanka ODI's - 22nd May - 3rd June
French Open - 25th May - 8th June
Rio World Cup - 12th June - 13th July
Royal Ascot - 17th June - 21st June
Wimbledon - 23rd June - 6th July
Commonwealth Games - 23rd July - 3rd August
Sunday, 1 September 2013
Ryman Football League - Metropolitan Police 0-2 Margate
This week I decided to go down to Met Police, whom I play for the Reserves team, we didn't have a match on Saturday so I thought I would watch the first team host Margate on a sunny afternoon at Ember Court.
The Met started the better team, with Jack Sammoutis seeing his early shot go wide of the keeper, I must say, he looked like the guy who was going to be the game changer from first sight, quick, agile and a player of good vision.
It was Sammoutis again who was the architect behind a great chance for Daniel Knight, Sammoutis' ball through put Knight one on one but he took his effort first time on the half volley when perhaps he could have taken a touch, encouraging play by the hosts though.
The Met continued to look dangerous as Margate's only real chance came from a deflected shot off James Campbell. Another chance fell for the hosts just after the half hour mark as Sammoutis threaded a ball though to Charlie Collins whose shot was saved well by Craig Holloway.
Then came the drama, after a tussle in the corner, Scott Kinch was unhappy with the decision not to award a caution to the opposition and he himself was awarded a second yellow card, having previously been cautioned some fifteen minutes earlier. However referee Peter Georgiou failed to realise that it was his second yellow and the game continued for another minute or so before shouts and screams from fans and the dugouts got the referees attention and Kinch had to go on the stroke of half time.
Half Time - Metropolitan Police 0-0 Margate
This was not the first time Margate found themselves down to ten men this season, so you could say they had the experience to hold out or even perhaps win the game at Ember Court.
The Met, unsurprisingly dominated the second halves chances, the first and possibly best one of the game so far came for Collins who, after a lofted ball by Knight found him through on goal, attempted to lob Holloway but the ball had too much on it and it went over.
The domination wasn't going to stop there though as Knight had another chance but Margate's defense were standing firm. However with just less than fifteen minutes remaining, a good tactical switch from manager Chris Kinnear saw Lanre Azeez come on and within a minute helped put Margate in the lead.
Elliot Taylor, after losing the ball originally tried his best to claim it back but in the process fouled Azeez inside the box and Zac Attwood converted the penalty to give Margate a surprise lead.
With the Met pushing desperately for an equaliser, Margate took advantage of the hosts pressing and six minutes after the first goal, the visitors lead was doubled when Jake Hessenthaler's shot was parried by Dan Lincoln, who then saved the initial rebound from Attwood before Azeez converted from close range to give Margate a surprise, yet hard-earned win at Ember Court.
Full Time - Metropolitan Police 0-2 Margate
The Met started the better team, with Jack Sammoutis seeing his early shot go wide of the keeper, I must say, he looked like the guy who was going to be the game changer from first sight, quick, agile and a player of good vision.
It was Sammoutis again who was the architect behind a great chance for Daniel Knight, Sammoutis' ball through put Knight one on one but he took his effort first time on the half volley when perhaps he could have taken a touch, encouraging play by the hosts though.
The Met continued to look dangerous as Margate's only real chance came from a deflected shot off James Campbell. Another chance fell for the hosts just after the half hour mark as Sammoutis threaded a ball though to Charlie Collins whose shot was saved well by Craig Holloway.
Then came the drama, after a tussle in the corner, Scott Kinch was unhappy with the decision not to award a caution to the opposition and he himself was awarded a second yellow card, having previously been cautioned some fifteen minutes earlier. However referee Peter Georgiou failed to realise that it was his second yellow and the game continued for another minute or so before shouts and screams from fans and the dugouts got the referees attention and Kinch had to go on the stroke of half time.
Half Time - Metropolitan Police 0-0 Margate
This was not the first time Margate found themselves down to ten men this season, so you could say they had the experience to hold out or even perhaps win the game at Ember Court.
The Met, unsurprisingly dominated the second halves chances, the first and possibly best one of the game so far came for Collins who, after a lofted ball by Knight found him through on goal, attempted to lob Holloway but the ball had too much on it and it went over.
The domination wasn't going to stop there though as Knight had another chance but Margate's defense were standing firm. However with just less than fifteen minutes remaining, a good tactical switch from manager Chris Kinnear saw Lanre Azeez come on and within a minute helped put Margate in the lead.
Elliot Taylor, after losing the ball originally tried his best to claim it back but in the process fouled Azeez inside the box and Zac Attwood converted the penalty to give Margate a surprise lead.
With the Met pushing desperately for an equaliser, Margate took advantage of the hosts pressing and six minutes after the first goal, the visitors lead was doubled when Jake Hessenthaler's shot was parried by Dan Lincoln, who then saved the initial rebound from Attwood before Azeez converted from close range to give Margate a surprise, yet hard-earned win at Ember Court.
Full Time - Metropolitan Police 0-2 Margate
Monday, 26 August 2013
The Ashes - 5th Test - Match Drawn - England win 2013 Ashes 3-0
Australia - 1st Innings - 492/9d (128.5 overs)
England - 1st Innings - 377 (144.4 overs)
Australia - 2nd Innings - 111/6 (23 overs)
England - 2nd Innings - 206/5 (40 overs)
MATCH DRAWN - ENGLAND WIN THE ASHES SERIES 3-0
Although the final test of the 2013 Ashes Series didn't have as much meaning as the others, it certainly did not stop both teams from putting on a vastly entertaining display on the final day of the last test at the Oval.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia lost their first wicket early on. David Warner edging the ball into Prior's hands for a routine catch, but Chris Rogers shut up shop and Watson come in and bat. Rogers did eventually get dismissed for 23 when Trott took a good low catch but that didn't affect Watson who continued to bat with confidence and got his century with over one every two balls.
Michael Clarke was dismissed cheaply, which meant Steve Smith came in, batting slightly further up the batting order than normal. However Smith took advantage of this and formed a brilliant pairing with Watson who combined put on a 100+ partnership and put Australia in a healthy position. Smith's fantastic innings was reinforced by the fact he didn't get out, as the lower batting order chipped away a few runs, including 33 for Ryan Harris. It was no doubt though that Watson's innings combined with Smith's fine batting was the reason behind Australia's strong first innings.
Australia declared at 492/9 with an impressive 3.81 per over, James Anderson was again the highlight of England's bowling, taking for wickets for overall figures of 4/95. England started strongly with the bat, Alastair Cook was the first to fall for 25 runs, Joe Root put on a good 68 to take England to 118/2 and Trott and Pietersen continued a slow and steady innings from England to put them on 247/4 at the end of day three.
There was to be no play throughout day four, although that didn't stop both teams putting on an exhilarating final day display at the oval, which ended with drama and set a new record for test match cricket.
Realising that a draw was the likely outcome, Ian Bell's dismissal inspired England's lower batsmen to hit out and attempt to up the run rate and beat the follow on. Graeme Swann put on 34 off 24 as England were bowled out for 377 to give Australia the only option to go back in to bat.
At this point the draw was surely the only outcome but what the fans at the Oval were about to see was pure entertainment that even ODI cricket would be proud of. Australia, instead of batting out the day, decided to attempt the impossible of putting on a few runs in short duration and then try to bowl England out.
Unsurprisingly, Australia's batsmen fell for low figures, with impressive bowling from Broad who took four of the 6 wickets but Clark's unbeaten 28 along with Watson 26 runs helped Australia along to 111/6 in which they decided to declare giving England a target of 227.
In theory this outcome would never have occurred had there been higher stakes to this game but the fans got a final day to almost remember as England got agonisingly close to pulling off a remarkable win.
Joe Root was first to be dismissed for 11 off 17 but Jonathan Trott and Cook put on a good partnership and got the ball rolling in the final innings of the Ashes. England were nearing the 100 mark when Cook was dismissed by lbw from James Faulkner. In came Kevin Pietersen, with the stage practically set for him, this was his ideal situation, runs needed in a short time to get a unbelievable final day win. Himself and Trott combined brilliantly and started to make Australia regret their decision to declare. Both players reached their half centuries. Pietersen batting at a rate of over one a ball and England were nearing their target.
However Pietersen fell after attempting the big shot but the ball falling short to long on, Trott was dismissed shortly after as Faulkner got another lbw to set up a tense finish at the Oval.
England needed 57 runs, with light starting to fade but they were determined to fight on and beat the time, the fans were urging England on, ball by ball to help them across the line, Ian Bell managed 17 off 17 before some fine bowling by Mitchell Starc. Chris Woakes continued to collect the runs as England came within 25 runs of their target.
But with a maximum of five overs left bad light stopped play at the Oval causing a rupture of boos all around the stadium, England couldn't believe it, Clarke was doing everything he could previously to stop play, but even though the laws of the ICC state that when the light meter hits a certain number there can be no more play, common sense could have prevailed and England could have been allowed to perhaps finish the day off in style but it wasn't to be. The 447 scored on day five was a record score for test cricket.
England, despite the drama of the last day, won the 2013 Ashes Series 3-0 and will be brimming with confidence when the go to Australia later in the year.
England - 1st Innings - 377 (144.4 overs)
Australia - 2nd Innings - 111/6 (23 overs)
England - 2nd Innings - 206/5 (40 overs)
MATCH DRAWN - ENGLAND WIN THE ASHES SERIES 3-0
Although the final test of the 2013 Ashes Series didn't have as much meaning as the others, it certainly did not stop both teams from putting on a vastly entertaining display on the final day of the last test at the Oval.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia lost their first wicket early on. David Warner edging the ball into Prior's hands for a routine catch, but Chris Rogers shut up shop and Watson come in and bat. Rogers did eventually get dismissed for 23 when Trott took a good low catch but that didn't affect Watson who continued to bat with confidence and got his century with over one every two balls.
Michael Clarke was dismissed cheaply, which meant Steve Smith came in, batting slightly further up the batting order than normal. However Smith took advantage of this and formed a brilliant pairing with Watson who combined put on a 100+ partnership and put Australia in a healthy position. Smith's fantastic innings was reinforced by the fact he didn't get out, as the lower batting order chipped away a few runs, including 33 for Ryan Harris. It was no doubt though that Watson's innings combined with Smith's fine batting was the reason behind Australia's strong first innings.
Australia declared at 492/9 with an impressive 3.81 per over, James Anderson was again the highlight of England's bowling, taking for wickets for overall figures of 4/95. England started strongly with the bat, Alastair Cook was the first to fall for 25 runs, Joe Root put on a good 68 to take England to 118/2 and Trott and Pietersen continued a slow and steady innings from England to put them on 247/4 at the end of day three.
There was to be no play throughout day four, although that didn't stop both teams putting on an exhilarating final day display at the oval, which ended with drama and set a new record for test match cricket.
Realising that a draw was the likely outcome, Ian Bell's dismissal inspired England's lower batsmen to hit out and attempt to up the run rate and beat the follow on. Graeme Swann put on 34 off 24 as England were bowled out for 377 to give Australia the only option to go back in to bat.
At this point the draw was surely the only outcome but what the fans at the Oval were about to see was pure entertainment that even ODI cricket would be proud of. Australia, instead of batting out the day, decided to attempt the impossible of putting on a few runs in short duration and then try to bowl England out.
Unsurprisingly, Australia's batsmen fell for low figures, with impressive bowling from Broad who took four of the 6 wickets but Clark's unbeaten 28 along with Watson 26 runs helped Australia along to 111/6 in which they decided to declare giving England a target of 227.
In theory this outcome would never have occurred had there been higher stakes to this game but the fans got a final day to almost remember as England got agonisingly close to pulling off a remarkable win.
Joe Root was first to be dismissed for 11 off 17 but Jonathan Trott and Cook put on a good partnership and got the ball rolling in the final innings of the Ashes. England were nearing the 100 mark when Cook was dismissed by lbw from James Faulkner. In came Kevin Pietersen, with the stage practically set for him, this was his ideal situation, runs needed in a short time to get a unbelievable final day win. Himself and Trott combined brilliantly and started to make Australia regret their decision to declare. Both players reached their half centuries. Pietersen batting at a rate of over one a ball and England were nearing their target.
However Pietersen fell after attempting the big shot but the ball falling short to long on, Trott was dismissed shortly after as Faulkner got another lbw to set up a tense finish at the Oval.
England needed 57 runs, with light starting to fade but they were determined to fight on and beat the time, the fans were urging England on, ball by ball to help them across the line, Ian Bell managed 17 off 17 before some fine bowling by Mitchell Starc. Chris Woakes continued to collect the runs as England came within 25 runs of their target.
But with a maximum of five overs left bad light stopped play at the Oval causing a rupture of boos all around the stadium, England couldn't believe it, Clarke was doing everything he could previously to stop play, but even though the laws of the ICC state that when the light meter hits a certain number there can be no more play, common sense could have prevailed and England could have been allowed to perhaps finish the day off in style but it wasn't to be. The 447 scored on day five was a record score for test cricket.
England, despite the drama of the last day, won the 2013 Ashes Series 3-0 and will be brimming with confidence when the go to Australia later in the year.
Sunday, 18 August 2013
Gillingham vs Brentford - Priestfield Stadium
On Saturday I went to see Brentford play at Gillingham as a friend of mine supports The Bees and I was invited to go along with him and a few other friends. Although an hour and a half trip, it was well worth the journey as Brentford managed to grab a late equaliser after Adebayo Akinfenwa opened the scoring for Gills.
I must say, it was an interesting away stand, three quarters of the stadium were new and attractive yet our stand in all truthfulness wasn't the best, it didn't help when it rained either as it was an open stand. Yet the weather wasn't going to the ruin the occasion and Brentford started the strongest in what was a close match from start to finish.
However, Akinfenwa opened the scoring for Gills, giving them their first goal of the season when he cleverly put away a half-volley inside the box following a good header back from Danny Kedwell, the ball beating David Button to roll into the bottom left corner.
Although never looking their best, Brentford did hit the woodwork twice in the second half, firstly Adam Foreshaw from just outside the area hitting the post with a fierce strike, then five minutes from time Clayton Donaldson hit the same woodwork after some good attacking play from Shaleum Logan down the left wing.
It seemed as though Gills were going to hang on to all three points and get their first win of the season. It wasn't to be though as five minutes into injury time, Adam Foreshaw's free-kick was brilliantly headed across goal by Harlee Dean and El Alagui managed to squeeze his half-volley into the top left hand corner sending myself, my friends and the rest of the traveling fans crazy.
Final Score - Gillingham 1-1 Brentford
I must say, it was an interesting away stand, three quarters of the stadium were new and attractive yet our stand in all truthfulness wasn't the best, it didn't help when it rained either as it was an open stand. Yet the weather wasn't going to the ruin the occasion and Brentford started the strongest in what was a close match from start to finish.
However, Akinfenwa opened the scoring for Gills, giving them their first goal of the season when he cleverly put away a half-volley inside the box following a good header back from Danny Kedwell, the ball beating David Button to roll into the bottom left corner.
Although never looking their best, Brentford did hit the woodwork twice in the second half, firstly Adam Foreshaw from just outside the area hitting the post with a fierce strike, then five minutes from time Clayton Donaldson hit the same woodwork after some good attacking play from Shaleum Logan down the left wing.
It seemed as though Gills were going to hang on to all three points and get their first win of the season. It wasn't to be though as five minutes into injury time, Adam Foreshaw's free-kick was brilliantly headed across goal by Harlee Dean and El Alagui managed to squeeze his half-volley into the top left hand corner sending myself, my friends and the rest of the traveling fans crazy.
Final Score - Gillingham 1-1 Brentford
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