Match Report: Cardiff City vs Wolves

Match Report: Cardiff City vs Wolves

Team Lineups:

Cardiff City                                                                      Wolves

1. David Marshall                                                              13. Carl Ikeme
2. Kevin Mcnaughton                                                         23. Ronald Zubar (Stearman 73)
3. Andrew Taylor                                                              14. Roger Johnson
5. Mark Hudson                                                                 16. Christophe Berra
12. Matthew Connolly                                                         11. Stephen Ward
7. Peter Whittingham                                                           4. David Edwards (Nouble 73)
14. Tommy Smith                                                               7. Slawomir Peszko (Forde 84)
16. Craig Noone (Cowie 74)                                                 10. Bakary Sako
18. Jordon Mutch (Gunnarsson 59)                                       28. Tongo Doumbia 
22. Heidar Helguson                                                             29. Kevin Doyle
23. Nicky Maynard (Mason 68)                                              9. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake


Report:

Cardiff started brightest and as Tommy Smith burst through the middle of the pitch but his pass lacked pace in finding Jordon Mutch, A few minutes later Cardiff conceded a sloppy free kick 30 yards out and as Sako crossed the ball in nobody got a touch on the ball but had enough pace to creep into the bottom corner of Marshalls net. Only 2 minutes later Peter Whittingham amazingly picked out Craig Noone who fell over the outstretched leg of Zubar, Whitts made no mistake in netting another penalty, Only a few minutes later Cardiff were 2-1 up as Mutch dummied a Maynard cross and Whittingham was there to half volly in his second goal. Whittingham was again involved in a chance playing the ball to Tommy Smith who curled just wide of the post. Wolves then had a chance of there own when Ebanks- Blake hit a shot just wide of the Cardiff goal, Sako then had a golden chance to equalise when Marshall parried his shot from 6 yards. Straight after Craig Noone went on a fantastic run skipping past  two players just outside his own box, 80 yards down the line his shot was saved in the bottom corner by Ikeme. 
The second half started as bright as the first with Helguson hitting his shot inches wide of the post , Noone continued to impress and when he picked out Maynard he could only put his shot high and wide. Ebanks-Blake sent a downwards header goalwards but Marshall was equal to the shot. Mutch who was already booked was subbed for Gunnarsson who played the ball to Noone who was once again brought down by a Wolves defender, Peter Whittingham steped up and put the ball right up into the top corner to complete his hat-trick. Nicky Maynard and Craig Noone both received standing ovations as they were subbed for Don Cowie and Joe Mason and Cowie brought the last chance of the game putting his shot down into the bottom corner only to see the Wolves keeper get a hand to the ball and keep it out of the net. After the game Malky praised the performances of Craig Noone and Nicky Maynard on there début performances.


Match Facts:

                           Cardiff                                           Wolves
Possession             51%                                               49%
Shots On               11                                                    4 
Shots Off               2                                                     3
Corners                 11                                                    5
Offsides                 2                                                     1

Uefa Super Cup

Uefa Super Cup

Chelsea hit for four by fantastic Falcao

Athletico Madrid were rampant as Chelsea defence was ripped to shreds in Monaco. Radamel Falcao scored a hat-trick in 45 minutes as Di Matteo’s men fell apart. The Colombian striker Falcao showed why Athletico value him so high whit a brilliant first goal, only bettered by his exquisite second. His hat-trick goal summed up Chelsea’s night, with all the defenders caught napping and no-one marking Falcao (When will they learn?) The night continued like this for Chelsea, with Miranda making it four for the Spanish club. Chelsea defender Gary Cahill got a consolation – a shot from a corner that went through several Athletico defenders – but it was never going to change the outcome of the match. Athletico Madrid won 4-1 and lifted the Super Cup. Chelsea players afterwards admitted that their performance was not good-enough, but what is certain is that Athletico’s – and specifically Radamel Falcao’s – was not at all poor.

Ince staying with Blackpool.

Thomas Ince has declared he is staying with Blackpool after the 6-0 win over Ipswich . He said in an interview "Of course I'll be staying, I have to put tremendous faith back into Blackpool." 

"A year ago I was playing reserve team football, and the gaffer and chairman brought me here. It took me a while to find my feet but, from January onwards, I've enjoyed my football.

"Getting the goal at Wembley really lifted me and I knew I had to take that consistency on. The first three games have gone well for me and I have to keep doing that.

"My faith is in Blackpool. These players and this club allow me to express myself."

Tom Ince celebrating after scoring against Ipswich. 

He has also had a big influence from his farther Paul Ince, who him self being a footballer at international levels, advised to him to stay put with Blackpool. In an interview Ince said one of his biggest influences is his father. Thomas Ince has already scored more goals in his career, "I always say to my dad, I’ve scored more goals than you already in my career’ – but it’s not about my dad, it is about me and being my own man." but he also added they are not completely  the same "In fact, I'm the opposite to him in many ways. He has this stern look and has an opinion about most things, where as I am a lot quieter, much more laid back. 'While he was a midfield enforcer, I was always much more interested in taking the ball past players, rather than off them. My idol has always been Ryan Giggs, and it is weird to think he lodged with us for six months when he started out at united."

Thomas Ince with has dad at a Blackpool friendly. 

It looks like young Tom Ince is staying for the rest of the season, his is a fantastic player and has served Blackpool tremendously so far and we can only hope the future star can carry on doing so. 

Bristol City vs Cardiff City Match Report

Match Report: Bristol City vs Cardiff City

Bristol City Team:                                                         Cardiff City Team:
1. Tom Heaton                                                                  1. David Marshall
3. Mark Wilson                                                                 2. Kevin McNaughton
4. Liam Fontaine                                                               3. Andrew Taylor 
6. Louis Carey                                                                   5. Mark Hudson
17. Greg Cunningham                                                       12. Matthew Connolly
27. Albert Adomah (Davies 84)                                          7. Peter Whittingham
14. Cole Skuse                                                                  8. Don Cowie
15. Stephen Pearson                                                         14. Tommy Smith (Velikonja 75)
11. Martyn Woolford                                                        17. Aron Gunnarson (Mason 46)
18. Ryan Taylor (Elliot 74)                                                18. Jordan Mutch (Ralls 80)
9. Jon Stead (Baldock 64)                                                 22. Heider Helguson



Bristol City started the game much brighter than Cardiff creating opportunities all over the pitch, and when Mark Hudson headed a Bristol cross on to the crossbar you knew things were going to get tough. Peter Whittingham had a chance to put Cardiff a goal up with a 25 yard strike that was saved by ex goalkeeper Tom Heaton and as Bristol kept the tempo high and Adomah blazed the ball round the post after about 25 mins, Eventually Bristol broke the deadlock with Stephen Pearson scoring from inside the box in the 33rd minute.   
15 minutes later Jon Stead held off a challange from debutant Matthew Connolly before freeing Martyn Woolford who calmly stroked the ball past keeper David Marshall.

After the half time break Malky Mackay decided to substitute midfielder Aron Gunnarson for exiting young striker Joe Mason which proved to be a fantastic change with the player turning in Hudson's header before Heaton could get to the ball, 7 minutes Jon Stead was replaced by Sam Baldock and almost instantly got a goal,cutting in from the Cardiff left but his shot grazed the side netting and resulted in a goal kick, and as Cardiff went up the other end of the pitch they had there best chance of a equaliser Don Cowie found Smith free on the left who squared the ball for Peter Whittingham who spun the ball just wide off the goal, The miss proved costly as when Woolford set up Baldock for a dream debut goal he could only smack the post but Woolford was there to finish the rebound. With only 11 minutes left Cardiff brought on Velikonja and ralls to replace Mutch and Smith and this helped change the course of the game as Ralls played a ball through for Mason who crossed for Kevin McNaughton his shot was poor but fell straight to Helguson who was never going to miss from a couple of yards out, Cardiff started pressing for a dramatic equaliser but when Greg Cunningham cut out a pass and slipped a ball through between Hudson and McNaughton, Sam Baldock had the easiest of chances and made no mistake killing off the game. The final whistle blew and Bristol City had won the Sevenside derby 4-2    

Match Stats:
                       Bristol:                       Cardiff:
Possession         55%                            45%
Shots On             6                                  8
Shots Off            7                                  6
Corners               5                                  6
Fouls                  10                                  7

Bolton vs Nottingham Forest: Match Report. 

Bolton kicked off their third game in the Championship at home to Nottingham Forest, a challenging team who finished with 50pts last season. 

Bolton Wanderers                                   Nottingham Forest

01- Bogdan.                                             01- Camp.

02- Mears(Yellow Card).                         03- Harding.

04- Mills.                                                  05- Collins.

12- Knight(Yellow Card).                         15- Halford.

18- Ricketts.                                             18- Moloney(Yellow Card).

07- Eagles.                                                04- Gillett.

08- Andrews.                                            07- Guedioura(Yellow Card- Hutchinson-81").

16- M.Davies.                                           10- McGuan(Greening-90").

27- Lee.                                                    11- Reid(Yellow Card).             

14- K.Davies(Yellow Card).                     19- Cox.

19- Sordell(Afobe-68")                             23- Blackstock.

Sordell fires home Bolton's second.

Both teams started lively-both creating plenty of chances. Nottingham Forest just had the edge. The first save of the night came from Adam Bogdan, 7 minutes into the game and a low shot from Lewis McGugan sprung Bogdan into action. However, just 8 minutes later it was McGugan again with a cracking shot from 20yards that sailed in, with Bogdan being well beaten- a brilliant goal which was a wake up call for the Wanderers. Bolton now were creating more chances, Sordell's header being deflected wide. Plus Eagles's and K.Davies's link up work, which should of resulted in a corner to The Trotters, however the Referee, Whitestone had other idea's. Still not quite sold on him, he and his linesman missed points during the game-resulting in both sets of fans aggravated at some stage of the game. The score-board leveled in the 39" when a header from Kevin Davies beaten the keeper, but was denied by the post, Eagles sharply followed up with a blast of a shot firing past the keeper. At this part of the game, Bolton were on top, winning most challenges and dominating in possession. We had one last chance to take the lead before half-time, a cross from Eagles's was met by the head of Sordell, a great opportunity but Camp tipped over the crossbar. The half-time score was 1-1, a much better end to the half than it was at the start. 

Andy Reid celebrates a Nottingham Forest equaliser. 

A dream start to the second half a Bolton fan could say, 48 minutes in and Forest defender Halford was put under great pressure by Skipper Kevin Davies, Halford made a meal of it, practically gifting the ball to Davies, he then layed onto Sordell who slammed the ball into the bottom right corner. Marvin's first Bolton Wanderers league goal- a brilliant goal which came from nothing. A second chance came to Sordell in the 51" minute, yet another superb cross by Eagles's which was again met by the head of Sordell, but this time it was scooped over the bar. Things stopped going Bolton's way in the 57" minute, when a long ball flew over our Midfield, leaving Matt Mills under severe pressure, Mills didn't react well to this- his direction from his header went wrong, which lead Reid in on goal. Reid's shot was pinged in from the post, another great goal from the away team. After this goal there was limited chances for Bolton to nick it, a chance came to M.Davies, his diving headed effort went just wide, and then a corner from Chung Yong-Lee met K.Davies who fired over the cross-bar. The end result was 2-2, a fair result definitely, both teams had chances to take the lead in the second half, but couldn't deliver when needed. 

MATCH STATS-

Possession- Bolton: 44% Nottingham Forest: 56%. 

Shots- Bolton: 15 Nottingham Forest: 13.

Shots on Target: Bolton: 7 Nottingham Forest: 6.

Corners: Bolton: 8 Nottingham Forest: 7.

Fouls: Bolton: 16 Nottingham Forest: 14. 

Bolton's next game is in the Capital One Cup, away to Crawley Town. Location: Broadfield Stadium. Date: 28th August. Kick Off: 19:45. Tickets are available on the Official Bolton Wanderers website. 

Thanks for reading, feedback is great. The Bolton Blogger. 

Bolton 2-0 Derby; Match Report

Davies and Eagles Seal Whites Win. 

Bolton Wanderers played their second game in the new Championship season against Derby last night, our first game back at The Reebok Stadium. After a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Burnley, everybody knew Bolton had to step up their quality. The Bolton team which started the match was: Bogdan, Mears, Mills, Knight, Ricketts, Eagles, M.Davies, Andrews, Chungy, K.Davies and Sordell.  

K.Davies celebrating with players after his goal.

The first half showed a Wanderers improvement from Burnley, however we still lacked something. Despite this, we still had various chances to take the lead, as did Derby. A chance came to Eagles in the 5th minute, after Chungy's wide strike Eagles used his own pace to race past the Derby defence, however he sliced it into the side-netting. Derby's Conor Sammon looked a force, he held up the ball well and could be a handful for some defenders this season. A massive penalty shout came for the Wanderers in the 12th minute, Mark Davies was brought down by James O'Connor after powering through from a great ball by Chungy. Despite chances being made in the first half, the Referee Pawson blew his whistle and the score remained 0-0. 

Chris Eagles in action with Gareth Roberts. 

No changes were made at half-time for Bolton. Owen Coyle must have had an inspiring chat in the interval as the Wanderers were a different side in the second half, much more quick and re-boosted. A chance came again to Chris Eagles in the 52nd minute, his deflected shot blasted past the Derby defence was nervously pushed over by Fielding. Sordell was substituted for young starlet Benik Afobe, who has looked sharp during pre-season. Afobe showed his talent in the 65th minute, Kevin Davies chipped a ball over the Derby defence, it landed in Afobe's path however the keeper denied Benik's efforts. More chances came for both teams, with Bolton looking more likely to land one in the net. That perfect chance was well taken in the 75th minute, Super Kevin Davies striked home for The Trotters, proving all critics he can deliver, a superb volley from The Skipper. This boosted Bolton even more, Derby were looking desperate and wasting passes and chances, Bolton definitely looked the more comfortable and composed side. Soon after K.Davies goal, Chris Eagles's battled through the Derby defence and smashed home the second, the three points were in the bag for The Whites now, a brilliant second half sealed Bolton the win. The Bolton team which finished the game was: Bogdan, Mears, Knight(yellow), Mills(yellow), Ricketts, Eagles, Andrews, M.Davies(yellow), Chungy, K.Davies, Afobe. 

Well, Bolton's first Championship three points is now on the board, Derby were the better team in the first-half, however couldn't collaborate on their chances, which cost them the game. Our next game is on Friday 24th, we face Notts Forest at home, kick-off: 19:45. Let's get some more points on the board. Come on you white men. Thanks for reading. 

The Bolton Blogger. 

Match Report: Everton 1-0 Manchester United

Well which is more surprising; Manchester United losing their first opening game since 2008 or Everton, who  are perennial slow starters hitting the ground running?

It is clear that the arrival of Robin Van Persie gained most of the attention but the former Arsenal man found himself on the bench for the opening game at goodison.With the spotlight on Manchester United and their makeshift back four it came as a surprise to many that United became unstuck going forward. With injuries to Evans, Smalling, Jones and Ferdinand, Michael Carrick was forced to partner Vidic at Centre Back and Antonio Valencia was stationed in the right back position. But the front 4 of Rooney, Welbeck, Kagawa and Nani seemed to struggle when it came to creating chances which left many wondering why Van Persie was still on the bench at the start of the second half. The main positives to take from a United point of view was the abilty of Shinji Kagawa settling very quickly and the performance of David De Gea will fill the fans with confidence ,about if their goalkeeper was really up to the task, after a mixed start at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Everton, had no trouble creating chances due to the aerial threat of Jelavic and Man of the Match Fellaini. David De Gea found himself the busiest of the two keepers but silenced many critics with a splendid first half performance keeping his side in the game. It was inevitable that if Everton were going to break the deadlock it would be from a set piece and questions were asked about the way United set up during corners, especially criticizing the decision that Carrick would have the job to mark Fellaini, whilst Vidic picked up Jagielka. This strange decision on United's behalf was one that would ultimately result in the Everton goal. It was also a positive sign from an Everton point of view that Phil Jagielka put in a performance he wont better all season, which on any other day could of snagged him the Man of the Match award.

Everton started the brighter of the two sides with the crowd proving to be the 12th man giving the extra momentum in every attack.

Due to Everton's bright start David De Gea was put to the test and prevailed proving to be the best player in the first half, arguably single handedly keeping United in the fixture.

However,  he was run a close second by Fellaini, playing just behind striker Nikica Jelavic, who was the dominant force in United's penalty area.

The Belgium international had already headed over Leighton Baines' corner before he collected a throw-in and turned into the penalty area, holding off Carrick, to hit the post from the narrowest of angles.

Fellaini later turned provider using his physical presence to allow him to chest one into the path of Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman on separate occasions to bring the best out of David De Gea.

De Gea later denied Jelavic, tipped over a long-range Pienaar header and flung himself to his left to save the South Africa midfielder's low shot before preventing Baines' deflected free-kick sneaking into the top corner.

It was not completely one sided as United mustered up chances of their own but were neither as good or as frequent as the hosts.

Danny Welbeck, who could find himself replace by Robin Van Persie, failed to conjure up any clear goal scoring chances partnered with a rather below average performance from Wayne Rooney, none of his attempts causing Howard much trouble throughout.

Fellaini's ravaging of the United defence continued after the interval as his header across goal was smashed against the crossbar by Leon Osman with De Gea, for once, beaten.

With Everton again hitting the woodwork their players and fans knew they were on the front foot and the game was theirs for the taking.

The big Belgian was finally rewarded for his outstanding display with a goal in the 57th minute when former Red Devil Gibson swung over a corner and he left Carrick sprawling on the turf to power home a header. The struggling Michael Carrick was at the centre of the discussion of why Vidic wasn't marking Evertons biggest aerial threat.

The Introduction of Robin Van Persie followed in the 68th minute and he looked promising with the few touches he had, with his highlight being a perfectly weighted nutmeg pass which found it's way to Shinji Kagawa who was unfortunately smothered by Tim Howard causing the ball to ricochet out for a goal kick.

One clear cut chance was really created from United and it was more luck than judgement that the ball fell to the feet of Tom Cleverly inside the box. The Olympian squandered a golden opportunity to level it up with a remarkable goal line clearance from Phil Jagielka resulting in more frustration for the away supporters.

Continuing into the latter stages of the game United dominated possession but couldn't break down the Evertonian back line as they parked the bus in search of an opening day victory.

Full Time Score: Everton 1-0 Manchester United 

Stephan Dobbie and Blackpool

We all know Swansea's Stephen Dobbie is open for offers but what excatly is happening with him?

 

On loan to blackpool:

Well Stephan Dobbie first joined Blackpool in 2010 on loan for the season. He had 19 appearances and in them he scored 5 goals. Dobbie was also was there and played in the 2010 play off finals. Then on the 22nd March Blackpool re-signed the Swansea's Stephan Dobbie on loan where he appeared in the championship play off final. 

Stephan Dobbie for Blackpool VS Nottingham Forest

What's happening now:

It is said that Blackpool have now agreed on a £300,000 transfer but Swansea have dismissed the claim. A Swansea spokesman said "there's a lot of interest from a number of clubs regarding Stephan, However nothing has been agreed with any of them." The main interest has come from Blackpool, Bristol city and Celtic and there's minor interest from a few other clubs. Blackpool are the most likely to sign him having done so on loan twice in the past and being a fan favourte makes him likely to come with Blackpool already having made an offer. Stephan Dobbie although liking Blackpool said he is determined to prove his worth to the new Swansea manager and said he was not given a fair chance under Rodgers last season.

But nobody knowswhere he is going and not going to and we can only wait to find out where he is going.

Interview with James Tarkowski

Its always a privilege for a journalist to interview a footballer, whether they be playing at Non-League level or on the biggest stages of them all, its a brilliant opportunity to ask players questions about their career and more.

So I caught up with Oldham Athletic defender James Tarkowski and talked all things football, about his partnership with Jean-Yves M'Voto, the greatest player he has ever come up against, footballing inspirations and more.

Josh: Towards the end of last season, you really worked your into the starting 11 at Oldham and established yourself as a first-team regular, what do you put that down to?

James: It was a mixture of a few things really, one was working hard in training to keep myself in good condition. Also playing well for the reserves and then abit of luck with other player in my positions getting injuries or suspensions.

Josh: Since breaking into the first-team, you have formed a terrific partnership with Jean-Yves M’Voto, what is it like playing alongside such a strong defender in the air, does it help your performance?

James: Playing with Jean you can have the confidence that he is going to win all his headers and defend well, that helps me concentrate on my own game more. He also brings some experience even though he isn’t that old, he has played a lot of league games at this level.

Josh: What was it like to finally make your debut in January 2011 against Brentford, was it a relief to finally get some action on the pitch after a lot of hard work?

James: It came as a big surprise for me to be honest, all of a sudden I was thrown into a men’s game which I had little experience in and I had to grow up quick if I wanted to stay at that level.

Josh: You’ve now made 25 appearances for Latics, are you hoping to get even more game time this season?

James: I hope to play every game this season, obviously there’s certain factors which will affect that such as fitness, suspensions and performances. But I just want to do my best for the club and myself.

Josh: With the season just around the corner, what do you personally feel is the realistic target that Latics can achieve this season?

James: We just want to put ourselves in a good position come the last 10 games of the season and give ourselves a chance of fighting for promotion. Everybody knows our budget isn’t massive but the manager has brought in some very good players into a good squad, you never know what can happen.

Josh: You started the friendly victory against Man City, what was it like to be up against some of the greatest players in the world?

James: A great experience I won’t forget, to play against players of there ability showed how talented and gifted people are at the top of their game.

Josh: What is it like to play under Paul Dickov, what sort of managerial style does he posses do you think?

James: The minimum he wants from his players is to give everything you have on the pitch and listen to instructions given to us. And if we do that week in week out, we will have a good chance.

Josh: How was you feeling when you netted your first goal on the final day of last season?

James: It was a special moment in my career, I’d been close a few times but to finally score a professional goal finished my season on a very high note.

Josh: Who in your opinion is the greatest player you have come up against?

James: I must say Samir Nasri, his ability to keep the ball under pressure is something I had never been faced with before. Composure and footwork was world-class.

Josh: What do you make of the signings that Oldham have made, can they make a huge impact this season?

James: We’ve brought in Premier League experience with Lee Croft and Jonathan Grounds, then some young lads like myself trying to make a name for themselves in the game. All have fitted in well and there’s great morale around the team.

Josh: In pre-season Oldham seem to be playing some super football, is playing entertaining football something Latics are trying to do this season?

James: Our main aim is to win games, but if we can entertain fans with good passing and movement with goals at the end, then all the better.

Josh: Your still only young, but what do you hope to have achieved in football, come the end of your career?

James: To play at the highest level possible, where that is for me I’m yet to know, but I will work hard and hopefully it will pay off for me.

Josh: From the stands, Dean Furman looks quite a vocal guy on the pitch, is he a good leader?

James: He’s a good leader in a couple of ways. Not only is he vocal, he sets good examples on and off the pitch. One of the most dedicated players I’ve worked with and will give you his everything every time we train or play.

Josh: Growing up, who was your footballing inspiration or role model?

James: I grew up a United fan, so with the likes of Beckham and Scholes, I had to admire their ability and hope that one day I could play at the same level as them.

Josh: Even though its far away, what do you see yourself doing after your career?

James: Not too sure If I’m honest, never really thought about it. I’ll see where my football career goes then I will plan from then on. I would love to do the coaching side one day but it’s not something I’ve planned yet.

Josh: Ronaldo or Messi?

James: Ronaldo, he played for United.

Josh: Chocolate or Sweets?

James: Sweets for me.

Josh: Left-footed players or Right-footed players?

James: I’ll stay loyal and go with right.

Josh: Olympics or Paralympics?

James: Both, I have a cousin with no lower limbs who played Wheel-chair tennis at a very high level.

Josh: League 1 or Premier League?

James: For now League 1, in the future Premier League.