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BT COME BACK!
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"Footscray people are incredible people; so humble. I'm just so happy - ecstatic"Comment
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Re: League and FA cups.
Sixth-tier minnows spring all-time upset; ‘sloppy’ Blues in big rout: FA Cup wrap
AFP from Afp
January 7th, 2024 2:32 pm
Newcastle ended their 13-year wait to beat bitter rivals Sunderland as Alexander Isak’s double inspired a 3-0 win in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
Chelsea joined Newcastle in the last 32 with a 4-0 rout of second tier Preston while Aston Villa snatched a late 1-0 win at Middlesbrough.
Non-league Maidstone United, the lowest ranked team left in the competition, clinched a surprise 1-0 win against Stevenage to reach the fourth round for the first time.
There is a 69-place gap between George Elkobi’s Kent-based club and third-tier Stevenage.
But in their first third round appearance since 1988, the National League South minnows made history as Sam Corne netted a penalty in first half stoppage-time before fans flooded the pitch in celebration at the final whistle.
In the first Tyne and Wear derby since 2016, Newcastle put Sunderland to the sword thanks to Dan Ballard’s first-half own goal and Isak’s brace after the break at the Stadium of Light.
Newcastle had lost six of their previous seven clashes with Sunderland, but their composed display neutered the fired-up Black Cats and delivered a first derby success since a 1-0 victory in 2011.
After four successive defeats in all competitions, Newcastle coach Eddie Howe hoped the derby would be a “season-changing” moment to salve the wounds from their Champions League exit and poor Premier League form.
Whether vanquishing second-tier opponents will prove transformative remains to be seen, but for now local pride was all that mattered to the 6,000 Newcastle fans who waved their black and white scarves in delight at the final whistle.
“We handled the occasion well, were brave with the ball and were very composed. We didn’t let the crowd take over,” Howe said.
“Today will have done us the world of good. It keeps us in an important competition and that brings hope.”
While the northeast rivalry might lack the glamour of the Manchester and north London derbies, there is no questioning the rivalry between clubs separated by just 14 miles.
Encapsulating the enmity was a bizarre incident this week when Sunderland were forced to apologise to furious fans after a stadium bar was redecorated with Newcastle colours in the corporate hospitality section of the visitors’ support.
Newcastle’s fans were taken to the stadium on buses in a huge police convoy, then given their tickets to the match, in a bid to avoid the violent scenes that have marred previous encounters.
Amid the sound and fury in the stands, Newcastle kept their nerve and snatched the lead in the 35th minute as Ballard diverted Joelinton’s cross into his own net.
Sunderland gifted Newcastle their second goal less than 60 seconds after the interval when Almiron robbed the dawdling Pierre Ekwah inside his own area and teed up Isak to fire home from 10 yards.
Ballard’s 90th minute foul on Anthony Gordon conceded a penalty that Isak converted to cap the exclamation point on Newcastle’s victory.
At Stamford Bridge, inconsistent Chelsea dismissed Preston with three goals in 11 second half minutes.
Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has urged his players to use the FA Cup as a route into Europe given their dismal form in the Premier League.
Heeding that message, Armando Broja headed home to break Preston’s resistance in the 58th minute.
Thiago Silva nodded in the second from a corner and Raheem Sterling grabbed the third with a fine free-kick.
Enzo Fernandez tapped in to complete the rout in the 85th minute.
“We started so sloppy. I told the players at half-time we needed to increase the energy and match that of Preston. The second half was a completely different game,” Pochettino said.
Aston Villa, just two points behind table-topping Liverpool, needed an 88th minute strike from Matty Cash to see off Championship side Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Bournemouth came from two goals down at half-time to win 3-2 at second tier QPR. Inspired by Joao Pedro’s double, Brighton won 4-2 at Championship outfit Stoke despite falling behind early on.
Sheffield United, bottom of the Premier League, cruised to a 4-0 victory at fourth tier Gillingham."Footscray people are incredible people; so humble. I'm just so happy - ecstatic"Comment
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Re: League and FA cups.
Apparently the hair-dryer came out at half time and it worked beautifully. Still alive in 2 cups is nice.The curse is dead.Comment
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Re: League and FA cups.
One win in Seven for Arsenal, their promising season is going down the deain.The curse is dead.Comment
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Re: League and FA cups.
?Oh my word!?: Star?s ?breathtaking? strike stuns as Reds twist knife in Arsenal nightmare ? FA Cup Wrap
AFP from Fox Sports
January 8th, 2024 7:53 am
Liverpool survived an Arsenal barrage to steal a place in the FA Cup fourth round in dramatic fashion as a pair of late goals sealed their gritty 2-0 win on Sunday.
While Kevin De Bruyne?s long-awaited return for Manchester City in the holders? 5-0 rout of Huddersfield was a memorable moment on Sunday, it was Liverpool?s gritty victory in the blockbuster third round clash at the Emirates Stadium that stole the spotlight.
Jurgen Klopp?s side rode their luck for long spells as Arsenal wasted a series of chances before Polish defender Jakub Kiwior headed Trent Alexander-Arnold?s free-kick into his own net with 10 minutes left.
Luis Diaz wrapped up the smash and grab raid in stoppage-time. Liverpool?s first FA Cup win over Arsenal since the 2001 final was a significant moment as the Premier League leaders inflicted a psychological blow on one of their main title rivals.
Arsenal have now won only once in their last six games in all competitions, an unexpected stumble that leaves them out of the FA Cup and League Cup and five points behind Liverpool in the title race.
No wonder Klopp celebrated with such gusto at the final whistle, pumping his fists in acknowledgment of a victory that could springboard Liverpool?s bid to win four trophies.
The Reds, who drew 1-1 with Arsenal in the Premier League in December, face Fulham in the League Cup semi-final first leg in midweek and are also through to the Europa League last 16.
Klopp turned to Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliot as stand-ins for Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo, who are competing at the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup respectively.
But in the absence of ill Liverpool centre-back Virgil Van Dijk, Arsenal poured forward in the first half.
Martin Odegaard should have rewarded the Gunners for their vibrant start, but the midfielder blasted his shot off the bar from 12 yards.
Arteta?s men were carving Liverpool open at will and Ben White?s thunderous strike from just inside the area forced a superb tip-over from Alisson Becker.
By the time Havertz wasted two good opportunities in quick succession, Arteta must have feared Arsenal would pay for their profligacy.
Arteta held his head in frustration as Bukayo Saka volleyed over from a dangerous position before Alisson made a fingertip save from Kai Havertz?s deflected cross.
Liverpool finally came to life and Luis Diaz?s snapshot was well saved by Ramsdale, while Diogo Jota hit the woodwork.
In the 80th minute, Alexander-Arnold?s corner was headed into his own net by Kiwior and Diaz sealed the win in final seconds of stoppage-time as he took Jota?s pass and fired home from 10 yards.
Meanwhile, polarising striker Patrick Bamford scored what could be one of the goals of the year as Leeds United breezed past Peterborough United.
Just two minutes into the second half, Bamford chested a long ball from defender Ethan Ampadu on the edge of the area.
Bamford then spun around and unleashed a thumping first-time volley over the head of Peterborough goalkeeper Fynn Talley.
The England international?s goal was joined Ampadu?s double as Leeds won 3-0.
Manchester City midfielder De Bruyne had been sidelined since tearing his hamstring during the Premier League opener against Burnley in August.
He finally got back in action as a 57th minute substitute in City?s emphatic victory over the Championship strugglers at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola?s side were leading by goals from Phil Foden and Alvarez when the 32-year-old was introduced.
City netted three more times through Ben Jackson?s own goal, another Foden effort and a Jeremy Doku strike on his return from injury as a second half substitute.
Fittingly, Doku?s goal was set up by a deft lofted pass from De Bruyne. City have stayed afloat without De Bruyne, but his world-class quality in midfield will be a key factor in their bid to retain the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
?We are incredibly delighted to have him back because Kevin helps to win games. It is so important to have him back after a long injury,? Guardiola said.
?Of course he has a special ability and quality to do something that is difficult to find. Kevin is exceptional. He is unique.?
Premier League strugglers Luton were held 0-0 by third tier Bolton at Kenilworth Road.
Nottingham Forest were also given a scare by League One opponents as Nuno Espirito Santo?s men recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Blackpool.
West Ham were held to a 1-1 draw against second tier Bristol City at the London Stadium.
FULL FA CUP RESULTS
West Ham United 1-1 Bristol City
Nottingham Forest 2-2 Blackpool
Luton Town 0-0 Bolton Wanderers
Peterborough United 0-3 Leeds United
Shrewsbury 0-1 Wrexham
West Bromwich Albion 4-1 Aldershot Town
Manchester City 5-0 Huddersfield Town
Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool"Footscray people are incredible people; so humble. I'm just so happy - ecstatic"Comment
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Re: League and FA cups.
Man Utd play Wigan tomorrow morning to complete the FA Cup 3rd round.
Hoping we can at least stay alive in the FA cup after a tough Premier League season so far."Footscray people are incredible people; so humble. I'm just so happy - ecstatic"Comment
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Re: League and FA cups.
Smashed in the first half by the Gunners but they just couldn't finish. Got better as the match went on and found a way to win. Always unsure if it's better be alive in 4 comps as it spreads the talent a bit thin. Time will tell.Comment
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Re: League and FA cups.
We defeat Wigan 2-0 yesterday morning in the FA cup 3rd round. Still we have a lot of work to do in the EPL but good to advance to the next round."Footscray people are incredible people; so humble. I'm just so happy - ecstatic"Comment
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Re: League and FA cups.
The tyne - wear Derby was the biggest match by a mile.
Toon embarrassed the Mackems.
Clinical really. I stayed up to watch. Was bloody amazing to see that Derby passion again.Comment
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Re: League and FA cups.
Gee Fans are getting ahead of themselves. Reading need to have significant points deducted here. They've already been penalized 4 points for another problem but could lose another 4 or 8 for this effort. Port Vale need to be credited with the 3 points.
League One match abandoned as Reading fans storm the pitch in protest of the club's Chinese owner, Dai Yongge
A third-tier Football League match in England between Reading and Port Vale has been abandoned just 16 minutes into the first half after about 1,000 home fans refused to leave the pitch after invading to protest against the club's ownership.
Key points:
The third tier match between Reading and Port Vale was abandoned as home fans stormed the pitch in the 16th minute
The invasion was a protest against Reading's owner, who has failed to pay players on time on several occasions
Port Vale and Reading fans were seen shaking hands in solidarity, while it is unclear if the match will be rescheduled
Reading made several appeals over the stadium loudspeakers and social media for fans to leave the field and allow the League One game to resume, but it was eventually abandoned with the score at 0-0.
Reading fans have long been unhappy with the club's owner, Chinese businessman Dai Yongge, accusing him of financial mismanagement.
Reading has been deducted a total of four points this season for failing to pay players on time.
Saturday's game was initially held up for three minutes when fans threw tennis balls onto the playing surface at The Madejski Stadium, before supporters ran on the field in large numbers.
Referee Ross Joyce took the players to the dressing rooms, while the supporters milled around the pitch, some letting off blue flares.
Fans eventually started to leave the field but many of them returned and staged a sit-in in the centre circle.
Port Vale and Reading fans were seen shaking hands and embracing during the protest, in apparent solidarity over their concerns for the future of the former Premier League club.
It was unclear whether the game would be replayed or whether Port Vale would be credited with a win.
The English Football League, which runs the professional divisions below the Premier League, posted a statement on social media saying "every effort was made to restart the game but it became increasingly obvious that this would not be possible".
"We will now discuss the implications of this afternoon's events with the clubs involved," it said.
Before the game was abandoned, Reading posted a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying: "We are fully aware of and understand our supporters' frustrations, but we must reiterate to our supporters that entering or throwing items on to the pitch can put the fixture at risk of abandonment and can result in personal consequences including banning orders.
"Thank you for your support today."Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"Comment
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Re: League and FA cups.
If you dont pay your players you should have the club taken away from you.Gee Fans are getting ahead of themselves. Reading need to have significant points deducted here. They've already been penalized 4 points for another problem but could lose another 4 or 8 for this effort. Port Vale need to be credited with the 3 points.
League One match abandoned as Reading fans storm the pitch in protest of the club's Chinese owner, Dai Yongge
A third-tier Football League match in England between Reading and Port Vale has been abandoned just 16 minutes into the first half after about 1,000 home fans refused to leave the pitch after invading to protest against the club's ownership.
Key points:
The third tier match between Reading and Port Vale was abandoned as home fans stormed the pitch in the 16th minute
The invasion was a protest against Reading's owner, who has failed to pay players on time on several occasions
Port Vale and Reading fans were seen shaking hands in solidarity, while it is unclear if the match will be rescheduled
Reading made several appeals over the stadium loudspeakers and social media for fans to leave the field and allow the League One game to resume, but it was eventually abandoned with the score at 0-0.
Reading fans have long been unhappy with the club's owner, Chinese businessman Dai Yongge, accusing him of financial mismanagement.
Reading has been deducted a total of four points this season for failing to pay players on time.
Saturday's game was initially held up for three minutes when fans threw tennis balls onto the playing surface at The Madejski Stadium, before supporters ran on the field in large numbers.
Referee Ross Joyce took the players to the dressing rooms, while the supporters milled around the pitch, some letting off blue flares.
Fans eventually started to leave the field but many of them returned and staged a sit-in in the centre circle.
Port Vale and Reading fans were seen shaking hands and embracing during the protest, in apparent solidarity over their concerns for the future of the former Premier League club.
It was unclear whether the game would be replayed or whether Port Vale would be credited with a win.
The English Football League, which runs the professional divisions below the Premier League, posted a statement on social media saying "every effort was made to restart the game but it became increasingly obvious that this would not be possible".
"We will now discuss the implications of this afternoon's events with the clubs involved," it said.
Before the game was abandoned, Reading posted a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying: "We are fully aware of and understand our supporters' frustrations, but we must reiterate to our supporters that entering or throwing items on to the pitch can put the fixture at risk of abandonment and can result in personal consequences including banning orders.
"Thank you for your support today."The curse is dead.Comment
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Re: League and FA cups.
They got 4 points deducted in line with the league rules, Wigan's multiple misses have resulted in 8 points being taken off them. I hardly have a look at how they're going now because this has been a consistent problem for them.
Supporters raiding the pitch can't be accepted. The match shouldn't be replayed and the points should go to Port Vale.Western Bulldogs Football Club "Where it's cool to drool"Comment
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Re: League and FA cups.
I guess these people are watching their club dying before them. They are being systematically asset stripped by an absentee owner with a history of running clubs into the ground.
If you dont pay your players/employees the club should be removed from your owner.The curse is dead.Comment
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