Ready's Benfleet Bet Latest

After the 4th Round FA Cup game, Ready's Benfleet Bet table looks like this, with Francey and Ben leading:

1) France/Guarino 47pts + 27 = 74
2) Danny Rose 53 + 19 = 72
3) Ian Monahan 47 + 17 = 64
4) Chris Waterman 41 + 21 = 62
5) Dave Wisdom 49 + 12 = 61
6) Paul Long 39 + 21 = 60
7) Keith Read 39 + 19 = 58
7) Peter Godfrey 44 + 14 = 58
9) Brian Rutter 47 + 10 = 57
9) Barry Plummer 43 + 14 = 57
11) Martin Singleton 36 + 19 = 55
11) Paul Kelleher 35 + 20 = 55
13) Huw Thomas 43 + 10 = 53
14) Barry Paull 42 + 9 = 51
14) Ben Graves 33 + 18 = 51
16) Simon Ward 32 + 18 + 50
17) Ryan Saveall 45 + 4 = 49
17) Soozie Syrett 37 + 12 = 49
18) Ian Kennett 35 + 13 = 48
19) John McGowan 13 + 34 = 47
20) Rob Munden 23 + 22 = 45
20) Greg Foulger 30 + 15 = 45
22) Steve Black 28 + 16 = 44
23) Neil Reynolds 34 + 9 = 43
24) Simon Newport 29 + 10 = 39
25) Nigel Tatlock 38 + 0 = 38
26) Aaron Barden 33 + 0 = 33
27) Alan Oakley 21 + 7 = 28

Team Challenge - Greg & Leigh lead way

A different looking league table with the addition of Price Forbes, Bluefin, QBE and an Aon International line up too.

However the top two are no different with RSA just ahead of Willis with 23 weeks gone. In 3rd though are Nobby and Huw's Aon Int'l with Bingo and Chris' QBE tucked into 4th.

Allianz remain 5th with Aon Re down to 6th just ahead of Ready and Ryan 's newly named Bluefin in 7th. Ace are in 8th and then not helped by Chris' departure, AIG slump to 9th spot from 3rd.

Aon US are next followed by Aspen, down two places and in 12th are the Lloyds boys with Price Forbes bringing up the rear.

RIP Reg Gutteridge

Blimey, they are dropping like flies. Reg Gutteridge has died after a short illness aged 84. Along with Harry Carpenter, it was Reg with Jim Watt ringside who often brought boxing into our living rooms on the big fight nights originally on ITV, and then on Sky. Reg also covered 6 Olympic Games and I remember him covering the greyhounds too. Once watching him at Catford in my youth.

Obituary in The Telegraph.

Rod Liddle says

"So, let me get this straight. Middlesbrough have offloaded Mido, one of their few potential goalscorers, on the perfectly reasonable grounds that he is distrait, difficult, objectionable and uncommitted. And as a replacement, they have brought in Marlon King. Incredible."

The outspoken Millwall fan on the Transfer Window and the Relegation Battle. Click here to read the Sunday Times article.

Photograph of the week

Out of bail, but still banging in the goals. Will he be banged up?

Trivia 10

1. Keep the Faith, now under head coach Ben Guarino with Francey and his spreadsheet moving up to the role of Director of Fantasy Football have now replaced every single player that was picked before week 1. No faith there then!

2. World Champions managed by Mark Simmons were previously called just Champions, but Mark changed the name after Man Utd's recent success. Every player in Mark's team plays for the real World Champions.

3. Steve Black runs the risk of becoming the first ever American to finish in the top 10 this season. Steve who had a fantastic end to last season, has carried it into this and is currently in 5th place overall. Tim and Frank meanwhile lie in 14th.

4. Kirstie Baillie meanwhile is in contention to become the 2nd female winner. Soozie won the N&R title in 2006.

5. Long time leader Neil Reynolds surprisingly would not be the first rookie to win the title. Ryan Saveall did that two years ago.

6. We now have managers in 6 countries and very proud we are too. They are: UK, France, USA, Bermuda, Mexico and Australia.

7. Three of the managers or joint managers are not in insurance industry - lucky buggers. Our first ever non-insurance manager was a barman. Remember who?

8. Eight managers remain since the very first N&R FL competition in 1996.

9. I have not met 7 of the managers in this season's competition. I hope to one day.

10. By my reckoning you could eat or drink 13 of the team names in this season's league.

Goddness gracious

Breaking News 88888 Week 23 scores
Godders celebrated his rise to the top of the league with a MoW performance. 70 points for Bollocks to Insurance in week 23 and Pete's 3rd MoW of the season as he looks to win his first silverware since 1998. Glasgow Kiss kept the pressure up with a fine 68 and the top 4 overall are exceptionally close.

Mark Simmons began his long haul up the table (now 48th) with World Champions collecting 63. Elland (Glad) Back and Bingo both whacked in 58, whilst Pie Munchers and Hot Pink Center scored 57. Tim and Frank are now in what is their highest ever position overall - 14th.

Bent it like Bentley knocked in a 56, then sides managers hit 52 - Megan & Hannah's bears, Dangleberry Rovers, Real Ale Madrid, who achieved a season's best and struggling Paris Eagles.

Californication came up trumps with a 51 and Nobby and Lamb to the slaughter ran in a half century.

Lowest score of the week? Not bad, a 17 for Pure Irish.

Week 23 reminder

Cup Replays:
Don't forget these are also included in week 23's results. Hull's Daniel Cousin got a late winner for the Tigers at St James'. Ballack, Kalou, Anelka and Lampard all scored for Chelski. Crouch and Kranjcar scored for Pompey in their good win over Brizzle City and on loan Jay Simpson and Robinson helped get WBA through too.

League Programme:

WBA had a fine home win 3-0 over Boro with Koren getting a brace. Gareth Barry got the winner for Villa at Sunderland, Citeh beat Wigan 1-0 but Kaka was not impressed and Rovers stuffed Newcastle 3-0.

It was the weekend of the late goal. Berbatov got one for Utd at the Reebok, Arsenal got a couple at 'Ull and Chelsea got two at home to break the Potters hearts. On Sunday Spurz drew with Pompey, with Defoe scoring against his old club and Bent missing a sitter. The Hammers continued their fine run under Zola beating Fulham 3-1 and then in the Scouse derby Liverpool and Everton shared the spoils 1-1. Gerrard then Cahill late.

Road to Wembley - Ballacks to Tractor Boys

Our new boys Chelsea progressed to the FA Cup fifth round at the expense of a dogged Ipswich thanks to a Michael Ballack brace and a spectacular Frank Lampard free-kick.

Ashley Cole crossed to BALLACK for the first-half opener before Alex Bruce levelled after calamitous Chelsea defending at a set-piece.

The Tractor Boys came out after half time with their tails up but to be honest Chelsea were comfortable after the break and a 25-yard BALLACK free-kick put the home side ahead once again.

FAT BOY LAMPARD sealed the win with a dipping 35-yard free-kick into the top corner.

The midfielder's goal made for a comfortable scoreline but for all the home side's dominance it was stillnervy viewing for the Chelsea fans until Lampard's strike five minutes from time.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho (Ivanovic 70), Alex, Ashley Cole, Belletti, Ballack (Deco 79), Lampard, Malouda (Drogba 58), Kalou, Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Ferreira, Mancienne, Stoch.
Att: 41, 137

Chelsea were drawn away to Watford in the 5th Round. Full draw:

Sheff Utd v Hull
Watford v Chelsea
West Ham v Middlesbrough
Sunderland/ Blackburn v Coventry
Derby/ Nottm Forest v Man Utd
Swansea v Fulham
Liverpool/ Everton v Doncaster/ Aston Villa
Cardiff/ Arsenal v West Brom/ Burnley

Week 23 - The Group standings

Group 1 - The Lamb
The positions all remain the same in Grp 1. Pk's Tallywacker's Bukkake Marathon closed the gao on Gooner win league by a tad. Roubles hangs in there in 3rd.

Group 2 - East India
Bent it like Bentley are up to 2nd, just 34 behind Ninjas. Torres Rosso are back in 3rd and Californication in 4th. This group is very close though.

Group 3 - New Moon
Soozie is well ahead but Nobby is now in 2nd ahead of Pot Noodle. In 4th up a place is Sizzliny Saveloys Bangers. This is also one of the tightest groups, and I'm not just talking about Lee....

Group 4 - The Ship
Bollocks to Insurance are on a role, top and clear of Towels on the bench and Pie Munchers. In 4th is Who you calling big nose followed by Arsene Knows and Shinawatras Dream, all still within range of qualification.

Group 5 - Cheshire Cheese
116 points is how many Glasgow kiss are clear, think it is safe to say that Kirsty is through. The Pohutukawas is 2nd just ahead of Sheron's ready to fac and Elland (Glad) Back. Bingo FC meanwhile has send out a note of a very late intent by climbing from bottom to 6th. Come on Wardy....

Group 6 - The Elephant
2Infinity & beyond lead from In Tatters, these two look safe. Question is will Panzo or Mono make it as one of the best runners up?

Group 7 - The Kerryman
Boys on tour are still looking good. But Guinness & eggs, Brighton Blues and Hot Pink Center - all high in the overall standings) are right behind Greg.

Shay branching upwards

Breaking News 88888 Week 22 scores
A Pohutukawas is a tree, so I don't know what relevance it has to Shay Reddy but it was sure flourishing in week 22 as Shay won the MoW award after a 51 point week and it greatly enhanced his chances of qualifying for the N&R Finals.

2Infinity & beyond was next up with 48, and Barry and Shay were well ahead of the pack last week. In fact the next best score from Soozie was 9 less than Barry. Goonersmoan had a fine week with 38, as did fellow Gooner Danny and Arsene Knows and after 23 weeks World Champions are finally making their mark.

Preston Pie Munchers hit 31, one more than Nobby and Glasgow. Dangleberry, Megan & Hannah's bears, Pure Irish, Panzo and incredibly Cyril Smith first 11 all deserve some credit. 28 points was after all Neil Cryer's best score for 8 weeks.

In week 22 we also managed the 2nd lowest score of the season, Mono dribbling in 2 pts.

Ready's Benfleet Bet - 4th Round

The 4th Round of the FA Cup is this weekend. Remember we will carry points forward into each round with the person with the most after Cup Final day winning the prize.

I will email the games to you WITH THE RULES but here are the ties:

Liverpool v Everton
Manchester United v Tottenham
Hull v Millwall
Sunderland v Blackburn
Hartlepool v West Ham
Sheffield United v Charlton
Cardiff v Arsenal
Portsmouth v Swansea
Chelsea v Ipswich
Cheltenham or Doncaster (Tues night) v Aston Villa
West Brom v Burnley
Torquay v Coventry
Kettering v Fulham
Watford v Crystal Palace
Derby v Nottingham Forest
Wolves v Middlesbrough

David Vine and Tony Hart

What a sad few days with the loss of Tony Hart and David Vine plus Prisoner star Patrick McGoohan. Tony Hart helped inspire a generation of kids in both Vision On and Take Hart but after a long period of ill health he died Sunday aged 83. I rarely missed an episode as a kid and my Mum spent a lot of money sending my pictures into the show. I had another jolt of sadness before Christmas when Oliver Posgate, the creator of Ivor the Engine, Bagpuss and the iconic Clangers also died.

I guess it is a sign of getting older but men and women I used to love as a kid are now dying on a regular basis, not a week appears to go by when I don't get a lump in my throat and a rush of childhood memories.

Earlier in the week David Vine sadly passed away as well, I read his obituary and all I could think of was his brilliant soothing voice leading the nation through the excitement of many a World Snooker match. As Dennis Taylor said though 'Whispering' Sid Lowe was the voice of Snooker, but Vine was certainly the face. Vine presented a host of sports programmes like Grandstand, Ski Sunday, Question of Sport and the fantastic Superstars.

Rumpole of Bailey creator Sir John Mortimer died last week and before Christmas the country also lost Kathy Staff, everyone's favourite battle-axe and Reg Varney.... I used to love On the Buses. Get this bus out of here Butler.

Lowest weekly score

Mono zoomed into the top 10 of the season's worst weekly scores, remember like idiots we give a prize for this shit! Here are the current top 10 worst weekly scores:

1= Mark Simmons, 1 point, week 5
1= Mark Wenman, 1 point, week 15
3= Ian Monahan, 2 points, week 22
3= Neil Cryer, 2 points, week 18
3= Danny Matthews, 2 points, week 5
3= Mark Dewberry, 2 points, week 19
7= Michael Stout, 3 points, week 6
8= Ian France, 4 points, week 8
8= Brian Rutter, 4 points, week 15
8= Glenn Francis, 4 points, week 22
Up to week 22.

Bermuda Triangle

How am I doing? Well alright, work is actually very challenging but as some of you will remember I found an NTU quite challenging back in the day! Life is good although despite the freezing cold temperatures in London and Chicago (minus 20F) at the moment I have been quite homesick for both places recently.

Bermuda's 'winter' is actually upon us.... quite a bit of rain, bit chilly in the evenings but still mid 60'sF, it does make me laugh when the locals bang on about how cold it is - I've never seen so many Helly Hanson and North Face ski jackets! Remind me, when I start to moan about the weather, get me the fcuk of this desert island!

I have (don't laugh) been taking up golf more seriously and have been having tennis lessons (we have a court in the garden) and I've fancied myself as a bit of a Martina Navratilova without the biceps and so far I am really enjoying it.

I am starting to settle though, although the whole "It's Bermuda" thing does get right on my tits. Poor service, a lackadaisical attitude to almost everything and a general malaise to the real world plus the fact everything is so ridiculously expensive. A couple of carrots needs a friggin' mortgage.

Anyway the sun is out and from my home window I can see the sea and a nice looking boat bobbing on the water (not mine), we have some good friends coming around tonight to drink some nice wine (surprisingly reasonably priced here) and I'm playing tennis tomorrow. But hang on Charlton have just been THRASHED AGAIN!

Week 22 - Group action

Group 1 - The Lamb
Gooner win league still way out ahead with Tallywacker's Bukkake Marathon in 2nd. there were a couple of changes lower down the standings. Goonersmoan move into 4th and Lamb to the slaughter drop to last.

Group 2 - East India
This AIG group has closed up somewhat in recent weeks. Leader Chris Wright (now at QBE ironically) side Ninjas lead by 20-odd from Torres Rosso, but only 18 behind him is Bent it Like Bentley (should be Head it like Bentley). Then there is a gap to Pure Irish but Chris, Californication, Megan & Hannah's bears and Keep the faith are all still in with a good shout.

Group 3 - New Moon
Soozie still leads this group by 80 points. Pot Noodle remains 2nd but Nobby's Bermuda shorts are up to 3rd ahead of Gunners Bandits with Saveloys bangers dropping away. Hannoi Utd are 6th.

Group 4 - The Ship
Bollocks to Insurance in front 61 ahead of Towels on the bench with Pie Munchers still in 3rd. The only change in placings in this group was Shinawatras Dream swap with Arsene Knows.

Group 5 - Cheshire Cheese
The Pohutukawas surged into 2nd spot behind longtime leader Glasgow kiss with Sheron's ready to fac slipping to 3rd. Lower down and still in contention Ginger Rapids hurdled St Mirnoff FC.

Group 6 - The Elephant
2Infinity & beyond are 47 ahead of In Tatters whilst Panzo moves up to 3rd ahead of Mono.

Group 7 - The Kerryman
In Mexico Boys on tour lead by 48 from Chicago's Guinness & eggs with Brighton Blues in 3rd and Hot Pink Center in 4th. A gap of 75 points then exists between Tim & Dennis to Nancy Lollygaggers in 5th.

Week 22 reminder

Man U are on a big catch up and played twice in 3 days winning both. Rooney, Berbatov and Vidic all scoring in their massive win over Chelsea. Wigan played twice as well beating Spurs and keeping them in the rele mix and then losing to Man Yoo.

Bendtner scored the winner for Arse over Bolton. Hull continued their bad league run losing to Everton. Scott Carson was 'credited' with o.g. in WBA's loss to Villa, who remain in the vip room of the top 4. Boro and Sunderland shared the spoils, with goals from Alves and Jones respectively.

The Hammers should have won at Newcastle but didn't. Bellamy and Cole for the Eastenders and Owen and a late header from Carroll for the Geordies. Finally Stoke held Liverpool 0-0 and deservedly so.

Road to Wembley - Oh Roubles!

Well despite taking a shock lead the Chelskites amongst you must have been relieved that the Blues quality finally showed through, although to be fair after a tough week they worked very hard and displayed all the resilience Luiz Felipe Scolari asked for as they came from a goal down to beat Southend in a tough FA Cup third round replay.

ADAM BARRETT headed the hosts into a shock lead from a corner, while Alex Revell also stung Petr Cech's palms But otherwise it was one-way traffic and after MICHAEL BALLACK'S drive made it 1-1, SALOMAN KALOU slid in a second.

Bad boy and Premier League top scorer NICOLAS ANELKA and FRANK LAMPARD each then poked in as Chelsea ran away with it, with Ipswich up next for the Blues as they take over as our N&R Road to Wembley team.

Even Lampard's late strike was little more than Chelsea deserved, despite a brave backs-to-the-wall performance from Southend, who belied their position 56 places behind the Blues down in League One with a performance full of heart and

Southend manager Steve Tilson:
"I could not be prouder of the players. It was fantastic to take the lead and we gave it a real go on the night.
"We knew that set-pieces were going to be our best chance to score and that proved the case - to be honest, I think the save from Revell was the turning point because if that had gone in, who knows what would have happened.
"At the end of the day, we have had a great run in the FA Cup with plenty of memories and the fans were superb."

Shrimpers: Mildenhall, Sankofa, Barrett, Clarke, Herd, Revell (Betsy 86), Grant (Francis 80), Moussa, Christophe, Stanislas, Barnard (Freedman 73).
Subs Not Used: Joyce, Walker, O'Keefe.
Att: 11,314

N&R Fantasy Cup - Preliminary Round

Result >>>>>
Chris Waterman 20 - 19 Paul & Christian Long
A close match in week 22, but it is Chris that qualifies for the the 1st Round Proper and goes through to face a tough tie against Neil Reynolds.

Ready's Benfleet Bet - Extended offer

Following a secret meeting between Nobby & Ready, roughly justified as an extraordinary meeting with expenses to come out of the prize pot, we are happy to announce our recession proof offer to extend the FA Cup Benfleet Bet until May, May 30th to be precise.

What we mean by that is every round until the final you will be given the same opportunity to guess the correct score and we will produce a league table and the manager with the most points after Cup Final day will win the prize, which will be announced with the other prizes in due course. So, after Round 3 of the Cup Ready's Benfleet Bet standings look like this:

Ready's Benfleet Bet
1 Danny Rose - 53pts
2 Dave Wisdom - 49pts
3 Brian Rutter - 47pts
3 Ian Monahan - 47pts
3 Ian France & Ben Guarino - 47pts
6 Ryan Saveall - 45pts
7 Peter Godfrey - 44pts
8 Barry Plummer - 43pts
8 Huw Thomas - 43pts
10 Barry Paull - 42pts
11 Chris Waterman - 41pts
12 Keith Read - 39pts
12 Paul & Christian Long - 39pts
14 Nigel Tatlock - 38pts
15 Soozie Syrett - 37pts
16 Martin Singleton - 36pts
17 Paul Kelleher - 35pts
17 Ian Kennett - 35pts
19 Neil Reynolds - 34pts
20 Ben Graves - 33pts
*20 Aaron Barden - 33pts (43 minus 10pts deduction for 12 draws)
21 Simon Ward - 32pts
22 Greg Foulger - 30pts
23 Simon Newport - 29pts
Steve Black - 28pts
24 Rob Munden - 23pts
*25 Alan Oakley - 21pts (41 minus 2 X 10pt deductions for 13 draws and 8 1-1's)
*26 John McGowan - 13pts (43 minus 3 X 10pt deductions for 14 draws, 11 1-1's and 7 0-2's)

*Now there are rules, there is always rules and they need to be abided by. They were clearly attached to the email and indicated on the blog. Sadly we have 3 managers who openly flouted the rules and therefore they have had, Luton style, points deducted. Apologies, but rules is rules! In the immortal words of the Ginger Rabbit, don't talk to us, get 10p and call someone who gives a fcuk.

Movers and Shakers

Nigel Tatlock after many years in the company market at XLRe has moved back into Lloyds (blimey didn't you work at RDR's box Nige?) and is now property underwriting for the Liberty syndicate.

Mark Wenman and Danny Matthews have joined forces at Price Forbes in London and left BMS. Price Forbes will join the Team Challenge and the expense of BMS (sorry Shay!).

Chris Wright has left the bosom of AIG and moved to join fellow N&R Fantasy Leaguer Bingo at QBE. The net result of that is that the collective points of Chris and Wardy will form a QBE team in the N&R Team Challenge and Chris' points will transfer to QBE.

Huw Thomas has made the biggest life change moving to Adelaide in Australia leaving the freezing cold of London with his missus to the summer of down below. Huw worked previously at Layton Blackham with Ready. Huw has now joined the wacky world of Aon.

Therefore I have decided that Huw and Nobby will start a new team, to be called Aon International and will join the N&R Team Challenge with immediate effect.

Ready and Ryan Saveall are now part of the collection of insurance brokers (the website says "brilliant minds") known as Bluefin Group, backed by Axa. So they will change their Team Challenge name with immediate effect. Also if you want to contact Keith, use his new email address: keith.read.2@bluefingroup.co.uk

An up to date Team Challenge table will be produced for next week.

Congratulations to all of those that have moved on.

Photograph of the week

David Beckham back in the big time at AC Milan and it is rumoured he may not actually go back to the MLS as he attempts to beat Bobby Moore's all time England record.

Week 21 reminder

It was FA Cup 3rd Round day of course, and points gained are included in the N&R FL points tallies.

A quick look at the Premiership teams and how they got on.... Arsenal beat Plymouth 3-1, Chelsea as you will read below were held to a draw at the Bridge by the Super Shrimpers, Villa came through a tough tie at the Gills, Newcastle and Hull in an all Prem clash were goalless, and yes replay's count in the points total. Stoke were knocked out by Stoke in one of the round's big shocks.

In another one Nottm Forest thrashed the world's richest club 3-0. Citeh also lost to Brighton in the Carling Cup earlier in the season. Everton won at Macclesfield, Boro beat non league Barrow, just 2-1. Pompey were held by Bristol City at Fratton Park, whilst Liverpool won reasonably cmfortably at Preston, a game I saw on the box.

Foolham continued their fine season under Hodgson with a impressive win in a tough-looking tie at Sheff Wed. Man U's youngsters won at Southampton. Sunderland beat Bolton in another all Premier clash and Spurs beat Wigan likewise. And finally
Peterborough got a fine draw at the Hawthorns.

Replays will be next week.

Bear down

Breaking News 88888 Week 21 scores
Alex Boswell has been a paid up member of the N&R since before he was important. And rarely has he ever won anything. But, wait, week 21 of this year's competition and bobs yer Uncle. 47 points is all it took but Megan & Hannah's Bears walked to last week's MoW award. Alex was apoint ahead of The Pohutukawas, and then a little more ahead of the bang on form Sheron's ready to fac and Nobby's Bermuda shorts fitting snuggly behind her.

Arsene Knows had a fair old week 21 with 41, as did Towels on the bench and then Dynamo Kebab, Californication, Lovejoy and Elland (Glad) back.

Week 21's lowest score? Chris Wright's Ninjas somewhat surprisingly with 7, that QBE culture must be infectious Chris, eh?

Week 21 - How are the Groups doing?

Group 1 - The Lamb
Bit of a right off this one. Gooner win league is 150 points clear, so subject to a complete Charlton-like meltdown Neil is through. But 2nd place is still up for grabs with Tallywackers Bukkake Marathon, Roubles, Lovejoy and Goonersmoan in with a shout. A best runner up score is a big possibility in this group too.

Group 2 - East India
The top two battle it out Ninjas (who will stay in this group) and Rosso. Californication surged into 3rd in week 21. Keep the faith, Pure Irish and Bent it are close behind

Group 3 - New Moon
Soozie is out in front with Pot Noodle into 2nd but the 2nd place could go to anyone of the following: Nobby's Bermuda Shorts, Hannoi, Bandits, Bangers and Gerrardinho. It's a high scoring group too, so expecta 3rd placed team.

Group 4 - The Ship
Boll0cks to Insurance are going well, as are Towels on the Bench in another big scoring group. Preston Pie Munchers could also qualify and we need a bit more from Who are you calling Big Nose, Shinawatras Dream and Arsene Knows to crash the party.

Group 5 - Cheshire Cheese
Glasgow are well ahead but Sheron is having a great first season. Elland (Glad) back are in 3rd but this is a very tight group with all managers in with a shout.

Group 6 - The Elephant
2Infinity & beyond head the group followed closely by In Tatters. Both are having good seasons but Mono, Panzo, Chong and Beaver are all in their slipstream.

Group 7 - The Kerryman
Boys on tour and Guinness & eggs are striding away with this group. But I reckon Brighton Blues and Hot Pink Center are both still in the mix and have good chances of qualifying.

Road to Wembley - Super Shrimpers

The Shrimpers are the best in the world! Peter Osgood, Chopper Harris, Bobby Tambling, The Chosen One, Gianfranco Zola, Ken Bates, the Rich Obnoxious Ruskie, Fat Boy Lampard and Cry Baby Terry, You can keep your Dirty Roubles and your oil. We almost beat you, we almost beat the Flash Chelsea Ten Men Went To Mow Commies. Kerry Dixon, can you hear me? As they say in your language in poncy wine bars around the Kings Road: Your boys took a hell of a beating! Your boys took a hell of a beating!

A 90th minute goal from PETER CLARKE earned OUR League One boys Southend a shock third-round replay against Chelsea. SALOMAN KALOU opened the scoring on 31 minutes when he rose unchallenged to head in Frank Lampard's corner. Didier Drogba twice failed to find the net when put clean through, instead busying himself picking coins up of the turf. Juliano Belletti also saw a header cleared off the goal-line by Southend hero Johnny Herd.

The Blues were made to rue their misses when defender Clarke popped up inside the area to head in a long throw-in. Replay date is Wednesday 14th.

Southend: Mildenhall, Sankofa, Clarke, Barrett, Herd, Grant, Christophe (Moussa 74), McCormack, Stanislas, Barnard (Freedman 75), Revell (Laurent 75).
Subs Not Used: Joyce, Francis, Betsy, O'Keefe.
Goals: Clarke 90.
Att: 41,090

Photograph of the Week

Jermaine Defore, aka Judas Iscariot. More signing on fees than you can shake a big fat wallet at. C*ck.

The N&R Fantasy Cup 2009

I'm sat here at my desk, almost everyone has gone home so I've found an old baseball cap that a client gave me, torn up 55 pieces of paper and written names on them and put them all into this blue cap.

As we have an odd number, unfotunately there has to be a Preliminary Round between two sides. Then the winner will go into the First Round proper where 44 teams will battle it out to compete in Round 2. 10 managers will get byes to the 2nd Round.

Rounds 3, 4 and the Semi-Finals will be played out before the Final towards the end of the season. All Rounds will take place when there is a full weekend Premiership programme. The manager with the most points in each tie progresses and in the event of a draw, a replay will decide the winner. Got it?

So here goes, Preliminary tie:
Chris Waterman v Paul & Christian Long
(to be played weekend 10/11 January)

1st Round ties:
Mark Simmons v Ian Kennett
Alex Byatt v John McGowan
Soozie Syrett v Ian France/Ben Guarino
Peter Doyle v Glenn Francis
Danny Rose v Michael Stout
Danny Matthews v Paul Kelleher
Tim Feldbruegge/Dennis Malloy v Simon Newport
Neil Reynolds v Chris Waterman or Paul & Christian Long
Mark Dewberry v Steve Black
Pam Ross v Neil Cryer
John Littig v Wayne Harrington/Tom Hillier
Megan McLeod v Colin Panzetta
Lee Baughan v Akshay Reddy
Mark Wenman v Sarah Sheron
Simon Ward v Nigel Tatlock
Martin Singleton v Jason Syrett
Leigh Langton v Alex Boswell
Chris Wright v Hilary Ryan
Barry Paull v Alan Oakley
Greg Foulger v Dave Wisdom
Peter Godfrey v Brian Rutter
Rob Munden v Huw Thomas

Byes:
Ryan Saveall, Ian Monahan, Paul Hargis, Barry Plummer, Aaron Barden, Richard Nathan, Ben Graves, Kirsty Baillie, James Down and Keith Read.

Good luck to everyone, there will a prize for the winner of course.

Happy New Year

The last five New Years Eve's have been spent in the freezing cold of Chicago. I miss Chicago, I really do but do I miss the winters? Now that would be pushing it. Life in Bermuda is enjoyable. Work is thoroughly more challenging, but life outside of the office is unhurried and restful. Ok, you got me, Bermuda is not a bad place to hang out for a couple of years.

2008 was a shitty time for a lot of us, lets hope 2009 brings bright hope, some better security and plenty of laughs along the way.

Happy new year to you and your loved ones.
Nobby & Ready

Dear Godd

Breaking News 88888 Week 20 scores
The 3rd highest ever weekly score since the inception of the N&R FL was hit by old pro Pete Godfrey and his motto Bollocks to Insurance in the Christmas week 20. Two set of games was always going to lend itself to a big week of scoring as we enter a brand new year.

Pete propelled himself into 2nd in the overall standings, behind Gooner Win League, who continued their fantastic season with 99 points last week. Another title challenger Boys in tour hammered 91 whilst Preston Pie Munchers swallowed 93. Great week by all.

Also up there were the father and son team of Long's and Brighton Blues, they scored 86 before a host of teams landed on 81 pts - Saveloys Bangers, Who are you calling Big Nose, Torres Rosso and most surprisingly Dave's Curbishley is shit. Almost treble Wizzo's best score so far!

On 81 points was Torres Rosso, one more than this season's surprise hit Oakers and his Towels on the bench. 79 for Elland (Glad) back, a 78 for In Tatters and 77 for Loads of Roubles.

Student Ninjas, Gerradinho, Hot Pink Center, Megan & Hannah's bears, Team GB, The Pohutukawas, Californication, Shinawatras Dream, Gunners Bandits and Panzo all scored in the 70's.

The worst week 20 score was terrible in fact. Just 15 points from Cyril Smith First 11, less than half than the next worst by Arsene Knows.

Top Best Weekly Score's

The double dipping week 20 has changed the top 10 Best Weekly Score list somewhat.

Here they are:

1. Peter Godfrey, 120 pts, week 20
2. Neil Reynolds, 99 points, week 20
3. Martin Singleton, 93 points, week 20
4. Greg Foulger, 92 pts, week 12
5. Greg Foulger, 91 points, week 20
6. Paul & Christian Long, 86 pts, week 20
7. Ian Monahan, 83 pts, week 12
8. Neil Reynolds, 82 pts, week 12
9= Ryan Saveall, 81 pts, week 21
9= Dave Wisdom, 81 pts, week 20
9= Aaron Barden, 81 pts, week 20
9= Ian Kennett, 81 pts, week 20

Week 20 - How are the Groups doing?

Group 1 - The Lamb
Glenn's Lamb to the slaughter were the group's biggest gainers in week 20. Now pushed itno 4th with a little gap to Load of Roubles. Gooner win League are well clear though after another stunning week's score.

Group 2 - East India
Bent it like Bentley up to 3rd the only change in the AIG group. Ninjas and Torres Rosso set the pace here with Keep the faith nicely placed in 3rd.

Group 3 - New Moon
Hannoi Utd slumped from 2nd to 5th in week 20 in this tight group. Soozie remains top followed by Mr Soozie. Nobby's Bermuda shorts slip to 6th but just 90 points behind the leader.

Group 4 - The Ship
Bollocks to Insurance opened a 69 point gap at the top. Towels on bench remain 2nd with Pie Munchers 3rd. Who are you calling big nose are up to 4th from 6th. Cyril Smith XI remain bottom with the worst score in the entire league as we enter 2009.

Group 5 - Cheshire Cheese
Elland (Glad) back move into a challenging 3rd behind Glasgow and Sheron breaking the lady stranglehold on the group with Pam's St Mirnoff dropping to 4th. Bongo FC slip to last.

Group 6 - The Elephant
2Infinity and In Tatters lead this group with Mono in 3rd still. Panzo continues good run and are now 4th with Chong 5th and Beaver fall to 6th.

Group 7 - The Kerryman
Top two unchanged, top Boys on tour and 2nd Guinness & eggs. Brighton Blues now 3rd. The No hopers stay bottom.

Week 20 reminder

Boxing DayA full schedule of matches with Villa's 2-2 draw with Arsenal being the pick. Utd beat Stoke 1-0 at the OT, Chelsea put away the Baggies 2-0 and Liverpool with two goals from Keane beat Bolton 3-0.

Hull conceded another 5 as they head to the relegation battle. Caicedo (2), Robinho (2) and Ireland score in City's 5-1 win. Cahill beats the corner flag up at the Riverside at the Toffeemen beat Boro. Wigan beat Newcastle 2-1, goals from Taylor and Zaki.

Sunderland v Blackburn and Spuds and Foolham couldn't pull a cracker between them but Hammers had it away at Fratton Park thrashing poor old Tony Adams' Pompey 4-1. May there are 3 worst teams than West Ham in the division.

Sunday after Christmas
The previously estranged Gallas got the winner for Arsenal against Arsene prodigy Adams at The Emirates, Wigan won again, this time at Bolton. Arteta got two as Ricky Sbraiga's wheels start to come of for Sunderland. Everton won 3-0.

Foolham got another excellent point at home to their "I'm considerably richer than you" neighbours. Blackburn and City share the spoils in a Lancashire derby. The Baggies beat Spurs, who await Redknapp's transfer magic.

West Ham completed a great week beating Stoke 2-1, Cole and Tristan scoring and Liverpool look the real deal as they go into 2009 league leaders thrashing Newcastle 5-1 at St James. Gerrard scoring twice before he goes out and clumps a Man U fan.

Monday / Tuesday games
Man U beat Boro with a Berbatov strike and then the next day Hull lose again as Villa go 4th after a late og from Zayatte.