N&R Cup - Preliminary Round

To take place over Week 12.

Alastair Bigg v Paul & Christian Long

The winner is simply the manager with the highest score. And they will progress to the 1st Round Proper. A draw will result in a replay.

Full details here.

N&R Cup 2010/11

Ok, this season's N&R Cup draw and this is how it will go:

Preliminary Rd - two teams drawn randomly from N&R Division 2.
1st Rd A - the winner from above will join the 30 teams from Division 2
1st Rd B - 30 teams will play each other from Division 1
2nd Rd - that leaves 15 winners from each Division and we will add the two best losers with the highest score.
3rd Rd - Mix the 32 teams together
4th Rd - 16 teams play each other
Quarter Final - 8 teams will play each other
Semi Final - 4 teams will play each other
Final - 2 teams will play each other. Winner takes all. Prize tbd.

Check back in the next day or so for the two unlucky Preliminary Rd managers. That game will take place over Week 12, i.e. next weekend (October 30th).

Rooney - Disgusting greed

From Drinking During the Game Blog:

If any reminder were needed this weekend about the sad state that our national game is in, we got it from Wayne Rooney and his despicable management team. In the week of austerity measures and when Portsmouth FC nearly went to the wall again, Rooney was cynically manipulated to extort a hefty ransom from Manchester United to prevent him moving on.

Having forced a reported £200,000 a week deal worth £50m over five years, he had the temerity to tell United he was staying and he withdrew his comments about their lack of ambition. All this from a player whose form has been shot since the World Cup and who again been embroiled in prostitute scandals. For me, Rooney has crossed the line and he deserves nothing but contempt.

The fact is, myopic United fans don't have too great a sense of reality when it comes to money (or class) and will, most likely, quickly forget this once Rooney manages another goal. I am surprised that Sir Alex has let this happen. It doesn't show him in a good light and I am left wondering whether or not the decision was forced on him to some extent. They say no player is bigger than the club, but you have to wonder at this.

No doubt the Rooney camp will be puffing on cigars this weekend and he will be getting pissed in a 7 star hotel in Dubai this week. Football fans have long memories and never will the chant of "one greedy Bastard" be more appropriate as swaggers his way through the rest of his career

Worst weekly scores

After the week 13 embarrassments we have a new look Worst weekly scores table. Sweaty looks hard to beat in first place.

1. Lee Baughan, week 13, -2 pts
2. Michael Stout, week 13, -1 pt
3. Brian Rutter, week 13, 0 pts
4. Henry Williams, week 13, 1 pt
5. Danny Rose, week 13, 2 pts
6= Andrew Cassell, week 13, 5 pts
6= Brett Davey, week 13, 5 pts
8= Richard Nathan, week 6, 6 pts
8= Tony Murray, week 13, 6 pts
8= Peter Doyle, week 13, 6 pts
8= Alex Boswell, week 11, 6 pts

Horney

Week 10 - Manager of the Week
Lee Horne swept to MoW in Week 10 with 54 points. Ken Cobbett rattled in his 2nd best score of his campaign, with Wardy keeping up the pressure in 3rd.

Steve Merchant, Mark Gregory and Alastair Bigg who scored well, big and Chris Wright continued off from where he left off in Week 8.

Richard Richards, Ben Guarino, Michael Stout and Neil Wallis helped their promotion aspirations, whilst Wenners had another much improved week in Div 1.

Danny Stock scored well as did Richard Stirland and Kirsty.

The week's worst score was 9 and belonged to poor old Razor Nathan.

The Lazarus effect

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 10
For the fifth week To Elland Back remain top of Div 1, 8 points ahead of rivals Brox Banditos, up to 2nd for Chris. In 3rd slip Boys on Tour with Racing Hiccups 4th.

5th is Keep the faith, and Lazarus Utd make a big move into 6th for Wenners. Soozie's Sizzlers are 7th with Loads of Roubles dropping out of the top 7.

Aston Globetrotters climbed a few places in the right direction, as did Tanus Terriers. Backwards went Guinness & eggs, Paris Eagles and Lost in the triangle.

At the bottom remains Red Roy's Rovers.

Sun shining for KC

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 10
Bingo FC stay top of the pile after 10 weeks, 7 pts clear of FFC 4Ever and 23 ahead of Good on paper.

In 4th remains Blunty, nicely placed, with Chart This Int'l joining him on 301 points. A point behind come the American's Frank & Beans, with Bobby Z is world class in 7th.

Calculated Risk, Brighton Blues and a new entrant KC Clown's are in the promotion places. Both Suffolk n good and Double Parked drop out.

The Capello Index had another good 7 days and are now 13th, the No Hopers too were big climbers. Further back FC Wood leapt a few places but Still not a chance went backwards.

Bottom 3 are Pure Irish, Megan & Hannah's Teddy Bears and Hammer Nation.

Road to Wembley - Buckled

Our N&R Road to Wembley heroes Buxton FC fell at the last hurdle before the 1st Round Proper on Saturday losing to an injury time goal at Fleetwood Town to remind us once again the thin line between glory and defeat.

Fleetwood Town are currently 5th in the Conference table, two divisions higher than Buxton but the Bucks put on a superb performance in Lancashire, and were just seconds from gaining a replay and of course having their number on a ball in the famous FA Cup draw.

No less than 8 Fleetwood starters have played league football and the majority of the players began their lives in either Liverpool or Everton's academies. Sean Gregan, who has played 624 games for Oldham (he is their current club captain), Preston, West Brom and Leeds made his debut for Fleetwood Town in defence as if they didn't have enough big guns already!

Buxton cheered on by a huge travelling army started well. Buxton’s first chance came on 12 minutes after good work by skipper Gregg Anderson down the left. A miscue found Kieran Lugsden but the nine-goal top scorer fluffed his chance.Then Bucks took an unexpected lead on 18 minutes when Town defender, Peter Cavanagh, received his fourth booking of the season for bringing Neil Stevens down in the area and Buxton goal scoring legend, MARK REED, scored decisively from the spot.

Town pressed for the equaliser and had a great chance from a free kick just outside the box on the half hour but Anthony Barry fired over. All the pressure was coming from Town but Buxton came back again towards the break with Reed beating the offside trap but denied by Scott Davies, who made a crucial save in the context of the match.

In the 2nd half Buxton attacked immediately and Neil Stevens shot just wide off his left foot. McNulty fired wide on 49 minutes as Town finally put some pressure on. Then on 50 minutes following good work by the Brazilian Vieira, the ball came out to Warlow who struck home off his right foot for Fleetwood's equaliser.

Tricky Fleetwood winger Mullan then beat offside only to be denied by a great tackle from Josh Wilde. Buxton cleared off the line from Seddon as Town mounted relentless pressure.

Buxton were still dangerous on the break with Davies forced to concede a corner from the dangerous Lugsden. Great build up from Mullan and Warlow with 15 minutes to go almost gave the impressive Miles an opportunity to slide in a second but Buxton defended manfully.

In a dramatic climax, Town mounted attack after attack and could have clinched victory on several occasions. In the end, pressure counted and it was Seddon who struck his third of the season in added time to break the boys from Derbyshire's hearts.

So it wasn't to be for poor Buxton, who miss out on being in the 1st Round for the first time for 50 years, but it was fun and we would like to wish them and their supporters the very best for the rest of the season.

Attendance: 1,181

Quotes:

Fleetwood Official Website: "Town came away with victory, an appropriate outcome based on territorial advantage and chances created, but Buxton emerged with heads held high after a dogged defensive performance punctuated with dangerous raids on the Town goal. Their impressive number of enthusiastic fans in a crowd of 1,181 will have been proud of their performance, if disappointed at the timing of the late winner."

Fleetwood Town now take over our N&R mantle and were drawn at home against League One Walsall. The game will take place on November 6th.

In the papers

"Buckling under the strain, Rooney needed friends but the United players turned their backs. They would not forgive their colleague's insult in suggesting their side had slipped into mediocrity. More money from the Glazers and a failure of nerve at Rooney's end produced the sweetness-and-light statement confirming his signature on a new five-year deal at Old Trafford. But the resentments felt by workmates and supporters will not be easily erased by the most spectacular U-turn in the history of modern transfer sagas."

Great article from Paul Hayward in The Guardian on the Wayne Rooney saga.

Click here to read.

Nobby & Ready FACT!

72 - Since Wayne Rooney signed for Man Utd, they have won 72% of all Premier League games when Rooney started, compared to 56% without him. FACT!

Getting sent off before coming on.

A funny thing happened at the Ajax v Auxerre Champions League game this week when referee Olegario Benquerenca sent off an Auxerre sub before he had even come on. Some sort of record.

Click here to read and watch video.

More about Buxton

I've been doing a little bit more research on our N&R Road to Wembley boys Buxton FC.

At the gateway to the Peak District, Buxton is the highest market town in England. But you probably knew that. Like you also knew that Lloyd Cole was born here, as was Dave Lee Travis and Tim Brooke-Taylor.

You have heard of the Opera House, and the Natural Baths and the bottled water Buxton Spring. And I am sure you have all been to the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in August?

Then there is the Royal hospital with it's massive dome, Poole's Cavern and the wonderful Crescent, better than Bath's in my opinion.

But did you know that this town of 20,000 people and home of the mighty Buxton Bucks has 31 pubs? That's one for every 600 Buxtonians - no wonder Greg Foulger likes a beer.

There are six pubs on the High Street (six). These include the wonderful Swan and Kings Head, with it's tempting 'pie' menu (Martin Singleton must know it well).

Reputed to be the countries oldest hotel, The Old Hall Hotel was one time host to Mary Queen of Scots, who visited 4 times apparently and loved the shepherds pie. The Devonshire Arms is set in lovely grounds and the Sunday roast beef and Yorkshire pud is to die for in the Grove Hotel. Or for a real pint of Hydes try The Eagle at The Market Place.

For ribs and bottled beers try The Lone Star Cafe, it's where all the ladies hang out on a Friday, at least that is what Greg told me.

Then when you get into the ground, you can visit the Clubhouse and they allow you to drink on the terraces. It's what football should be about. Rooney, stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

What's in a team name

No. 8: Jason Syrett's Rhubarb & Custard

As Mark Simmons pointed out the other day we have an awful lot of food related team names, and one of my favourites is Jason's Rhubarb & Custard.

When pushed Jason explains that he has a sweet tooth and Rhubarb & Custard's are his favourite candy. Clearly while distinguished older people like you and me are nibbling on bars of Green & Blacks chocolate, Jason is wandering into his local shop with a 20p piece crammed in his sweaty hands and buying a 1lb of his favourite sweets from a jar. Nothing wrong with that, but I've always been a bit of Drumstick man myself!

Jason also explains that with a slight play on the name the kids television show Roobard & Custard was and still is his favourite programme and regularly sits and rewatches old shows.

For those of you that have no idea what I am talking about the website is here. Beginning in 1974 it was a 5-minute cartoon on before the early evening news. Only about 30 were made and the storyline involved the green dog Roobarb and Custard the pink cat from next door. There was also a pink mouse but I don't want to confuse you.

Actor Richard Briers did the voices and in 2005 the same writer Grange Calveley and Briers produced an updated version but keeping the wobbly screen and introduced a wider range of colourful animals.

Week 10 review

Man U were pegged back by an on-form Baggies side at the OT as United threaten to follow the Liverpool path - are we going to see a changing of the guard in the Premier League over the next couple of seasons?

Arsenal battled past a determined Birmingham side 2-1, whilst Chelsea drew at Villa Park 0-0. Huddlestone got the (dodgy) winner at Fulham to lift them into 5th. Bolton are 7th after a late goal by Klasnic defeated Stoke.

N'Zogbia on his return to St James' Park scored twice for Wigan before Ameobi and Coloccini replied for the Geordies in the 2nd half and in the relegation clash between Wolves and West Ham, it finished a point each. Jarvis and Noble getting the goals.

On Sunday under duress I went off to do some jobs around the house after Tevez gave Citeh the lead at Bloomfield Road. I came back later the see the final score of 2-3. Blackpool very unfortunate there with some iffy refereering decisions. At the bottom in the Scouse derby Everton beat Liverpool by 2 house burglaries to 0.

Monday at Ewood Blackburn and Sunderland played out a 0-0 in the pouring rain.

Photograph of the week

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Wayne Rooney wants to quit Manchester United. The Old Trafford boss admitted he was "shocked and disappointed" to hear the news first revealed by Rooney in August. "We are as bemused as anyone can be, we can't quite understand why he would want to leave," said Ferguson. There is no truth in the rumour that Aon have requested a sizeable RP from their sponsorship deal.

Malcolm Allison RIP

When I was a kid the game had such wonderful characters and the 70's was a golden era for football personalities. Brian Clough, George Best, Stan Bowles, Rodney Marsh, Frank Worthington. A 10-year couldn't wait to see in the flesh some of these players talked about on the radio and imitated in the playground.

Malcolm Allison was another one. Ten Ian Holloway's rolled into one in front of a camera and a microphone.

Big Mal died today aged 83. Alongside Joe Mercer he revitalized Manchester City, who were just as shit in the early 60's as they were in the late 90's. Allison and Mercer didn't have Roberto Mancini's spending power though, in fact the UAE was just three letters in the alphabet back then, but what Big Mal did have was some cheek.

He signed Colin Bell from neighbours Bury but went on record saying that Bell "can't head it, can't pass it, he's hopeless." to put other clubs off. It worked and Bell won the league title, the FA Cup, two League Cups and a Cup Winners Cup under Mercer & Allison at Man City.

Mike Summerbee, who played under Allison described him as "the greatest coach this country ever had. And still is, without a shadow of a doubt".

"We were doing things in 1965 on running machines at Salford University with massage based fitness, we trained in Wythenshawe Park with Derek Ibbotson and some of the Salford rugby league lads - that's how hard it was and how good it was."

Allison, known for wearing a fedora and his love of cigars, spent most of his playing career as a centre half at West Ham, making 238 appearances (10 goals) in the 1950s. Dartford born, he had made a couple of appearances for Charlton before that. However his playing career was cut short after suffering tuberculosis.

He also managed Crystal Palace and was one of the most flamboyant characters in their history. He increased the clubs small profile and was even responsible for changing the nickname from The Glaziers to The Eagles. He also changed their colours to the red and blue stripes, one of many kits that Palace have worn over the years, but can you imagine now a manager having that kind of influence?

Mind you Big Mal did take Palace down twice. He also managed Plymouth, Middlesbrough, Sporting Lisbon, Yeovil Town, Galatasaray, Kuwait and Bristol Rovers but he is still fondly remembered.

Man City's flags are flying at half-mast today and City's players will wear black armbands for Sunday's Barclays Premier League match.

What they said about Malcolm Allison:

"My wife always says that 'you love Malcolm Allison more than you love me.' That's how you epitomised Malcolm Allison." - Mike Summerbee

"I'd been a professional for two and a half months and Malcolm had taught me everything I know.... When Malcolm was coaching schoolboys he took a liking to me when I don't think anyone else at West Ham saw anything special in me... I looked up to the man. It's not too strong to say I loved him." - Bobby Moore

Malcom Allison in pictures.

Top 10 Best Weekly Scores

Traditionally we have a prize for the season's best weekly score, although there is a caveat that at least 5 Premiership games have to be played during a week or on Cup weekend 10 Premiership teams have to play.

After 8 weeks, the below are the to 10 fledgling Best Weekly Scores with Soozie top of the tree with 72 pts.

1. Soozie Syrett, week 2, 72 pts
2. Davor Duvancic, week 2, 68 pts
3. Peter Godfrey, week 1, 67 pts
4. Chris Waterman, week 2, 66 pts
5. James Ashworth, week 2, 65 pts
6. Steve Merchant, week 2, 61 pts
7. Alastair Bigg, week 5, 60 pts
8. Feldbruegge/Malloy, week 6, 59 pts
8. Feldbruegge/Malloy, week 7, 59 pts
10= Ken Cobbett, week 6, 57 pts
10= John McGowan, week 6, 57 pts

Top 10 Worst Weekly Scores

The same rules apply to the Worst Weekly Score as the Best. For some crazy reason we have a prize for this too. Richard Nathan is the current holder of the worst score, but I know we can do bette! Here are the Top 10 Worst Weekly Scores with 8 weeks of the season gone:

1. Richard Nathan, week 6, 6 pts
2. Barry Plummer, week 8, 9 pts
3. Tony Murray, week 2, 10 pts
4= Barry Plummer, week 7, 11 pts
4= Alex Boswell, week 8, 11 pts
4= Kirsty Baillie, week 3, 11 pts
4= Barry Paull, week 5, 11 pts
8. Steve Black, week 5, 12 pts
9= Tony Murray, week 5, 13 pts
9= Danny Rose, week 8, 13 pts

Week 9

No N&R fantasy scores in Week 9 due to the International break.

Photograph of the week

What a couple of complete knobs eh? But are the Boston Red Sox owners the right answer for Liverpool?

Road to Wembley - Buxton through in thriller

Greg Foulger's father was our N&R representative at Buxton's replay at Telford United this week and he commented afterwards that: "It was unbelievable, one of the best football matches I've ever been to see. Buxton were reduced to 9 men with both teams missing penalties throughout the match. Buxton's goalkeeper was then pushed upfront for the final few minutes and he (Scott Hartley) stepped up to score the 4th penalty during the shootout."

The 90 minutes finished 1-1 with KIEREN LUGSDEN scoring for Buxton, who then had skipper Anderson sent off for a foul in the box on Adam Proudlock. Telford converted and it was 1-1.

Late in the normal time, the travelling support must have thought it all over when Tommy Agus, a tower of strength and composure, was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Then in Extra Time Proudlock scored for Telford and it looked all up for the 9 men. The Telford won another penalty but hero Hartley saved it (his 4th penalty save of the season).

Incredibly late Buxton found some inner strength and forced two corners and two free kicks, with keeper Hartley advancing for all of them, and from the last of them, in the 120th minute of the match, Reed and Maxfield got touches before newcomer KAMAHL WRIGHT netted close in to make it 2-2.

The force was clearly with Buxton, and five perfect penalties by Reed, Ridley, the nerveless 18-year-old Wilde, Hartley and Maxfield drove them into the next round.

Telford scored from four of their five, but crucially James Lawrie, who a year ago was on trial at Old Trafford from his parent club Port Vale, clipped the top of the bar with the home side’s fourth kick.

According to Foulger Senior joy was uncontained.

Attendance: 1,122.

Buxton will now travel to Conference side Fleetwood Town in Lancashire in the last of the FA Cup Qualifiers on October 23rd.

Week 8 review

Everton finally won some points and they won them at Birmingham of all places who were a year unbeaten at St Andrews. Cahill and a Johnson o.g. gave the Toffees a 2-0 win.

Stoke beat Blackburn 1-0, while Sunderland and Man U played out a goalless draw at the SoL. Baggies and Bolton drew 1-1, Morrison for WBA and Elmander for the visitors.

It was 1-1 too at Upton Park as West Ham continued their recovery with a point over draw specialists Fulham. Wigan beat Wolves 2-0, the black and gold having Henry sent off and Van der Vaart scored two crackers as Spurs beat Villa in the game of the day.

On the Sunday City beat Newcastle 2-1, Tevez and Johnson scoring for the Blues, Chelsea comfortably saw off title rivals Arsenal 2-0, with Drogba scoring his umpteenth goal in this fixture and then as American sports team owners line up at the ATM, Blackpool snatched a magnificent victory at Anfield with Adam and Luke Varney helping the Tangerines to a deserved and historic win.

The Wright stuff

Week 8 - Manager of the Week

Chris Wright picked up Week 8's MoW fiver with 42 points, just 2 ahead of Sarah Sheron who bounced back into contention nicely. Div 2 leader Wardy, Wenners and Mark Gregory both claimed 38 pts with Muddy, Chris Waterman, Michael Stout, Feldbruegge/Malloy, Steve Merchant and Div 1 leader Rob Munden not far behind.

Other scores of note was a joint season best for Sweaty (31), Glasgow kiss (24), Theo is King (22) and another shocking week from Barry Plummer of 9.

Newly married couple Soozie scored 20, but Ryan came off better with 31.

Leggy

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 8

To Elland Back opened up his legs last week, so was the feedback I got back from his roofer anyhow, and Rob leads Racing Hiccups and Boys on tour by 17 points after 8 weeks of competition.

This week's starlet Brox Banditos are 4th with Keep the faith still in the hunt at 5th. I say still because normally by now Francey lays bottom, has fired himself convinced his boss that he needs to employ some university grad with a brain as big as a pumpkin and put him in charge of his N&R fantasy team.

Behind Ian is Soozie Sizzlers, a bit wobbly on her feet after her wedding night, and then Loads of Roubles with colleague Wenners and Lazarus United up to 8th.

9th is Jimmy 5 Bellies and 10th Gooner win league as Aon Benfield attack the Team Challenge Trophy with full gusto.

Under this lot it is pretty congested with just a few points separating Nortius Maximus and the Wody Webels, Morgan's Machines, Harry Houdini, Hip Hop Hooray, Serves you right for leaving the league, PK, Aston Globetrotters and AON United.

Capello poses threat to leaders

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 8
A solitary week at the top for Bingo after he moved 5 pts ahead of last week's bedfellow FFC 4Ever. Good on paper and apparently not bad on the field either, Mark is now at a season-high 3rd with Blunty and Frank & Beans together in 4th.

Chart this Int'l may have shot his bolt after falling to 6th (Alastair was 1st 4 weeks ago). Brighton Blues, who is showing no sign of nerves before Saturday's game of the season, is up to 7th, Suffolk n good are back in the promotion picture after a fine week and are 8th followed by Calculated Risk and Double Parked.

Behind the leaders lay in wait are old timers Californication, Goonersmoan and upstarts KC 's Clowns and The Capello Index, which worked fcuking wonders again in the week didn't it?

Muddy's Mavericks were a climber in midtable and FC Wood went in the opposite direction in Week 8.

The bottom 4 remain unchanged.

Photograph of the week

The first ever N&R FL wedding. Ryan and Soozie cut the cake, sponsored by Nobby & Ready on Sunday 10/10/10. Congratulations to you both. More to follow.

Week 7 review

In one of the turn ups of the season so far West Brom beat Arsenal more comfortably than the 3-2 scoreline suggests at The Emirates. In the game of the weekend Man City put pay to Chelsea's unbeaten record 1-0. Tevez scoring.

An equal shock was the Hammers beating rivals Spurs 1-0 thanks to a goal from Piquionne. Darren Bent's two goals gave the Mackems a point a relegation fodder Liverpool. Blackpool battled back to to level with Blackburn, but then in injury time Brett Emerton grabbed the winner.

Fulham and Everton and Birmingham and Wigan both played out goalless draws.

On the Sunday Man U failed to take advantage of Chelsea and Arsenal's slip ups and drew 2-2 at Bolton. Stoke won at Newcastle and in the Midlands derby Heskey got Villa's winner at Molineux.

Norman Wisdom RIP part 2

It was remiss of me not to mention in last week's Norman Wisdom post that he was a lifelong Brighton & Hove Albion fan and was once a board member between 1964-1970. before moving to the Isle of Man Norman lived in the pretty West Sussex village of West Chiltington.

In fact in his younger days Norman was a splitting image of fellow life-long Seagulls fan Ian France.

Magic by Harris

Week 7 - Manager of the Week
Tim Harris blew away the cobwebs from a slow start this season to win the Week 7 MoW with 46 points. Wardy was next to keep up his early challenge (always peaks too early) and then James Ashworth rolled in 3rd.

Mark Gregory hit 41 and Greg, Steve Merchant and Michael Stout all finished on 39. Dewbs and Nobby had 38 in common and leader Rob Munden will be pleased with his 37.

Neil Bixby also hit 37 and Sarah Sheron recovered some form to score 36.

Otehr scores of note were a season high for Tony Murray (28), Henry Williams (28), Alan Oakley (25), Muddy's Mavericks (22), groom Ryan Saveall (22), Doyley (16) and the week's worst was 11 by Barry Plummer.

Dewbs races into 2nd

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 7
To Elland Back keep their distance at the top of the table. Dewbs Racing Hiccups is into 2nd place with Boys on tour 3rd.

Keep the faith drop to 4th and Mrs Soozie Sizzler falls to 5th. Brox Banditos are in 6th with the experienced (sounds better than old) Loads of Roubles in 7th.

Lazarus United moved up a few places in Week 7 as did Harry Houdini, who jumped 9 places. In the relegation scrap, Nobby's Lost in the triangle dragged himself out of the drop zone to be replaced by partner Ready and Hannoi Utd. Fabio's flops and Arsene Knows all stumble into danger.

Rhubard & Custard and Red Roys Rovers remain rooted to the bottom.

Two little ducks

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 7
Bingo FC and FFC 4Ever hold hands at the top of div 3 after 7 weeks. Both have made fine starts to their respective seasons and hold pole position. Behind in joint 3rd remains Blunty and Chart This Int'l.

Another newbie Good on paper are 5th with one of the pre-season promotion favourites Frank & Beans in 6th. Calculated Risk slip to 7th with Brighton Blues, Bobby Z is world class (saw him on telly at the Brighton game on Saturday - seemed like a good bloke), Double Parked and Sons of pitches all in close company.

Lower down Baron Greenback Rangers move up a few places, Still not a chance go in the other direction.

Lower down still the No Hopers finally get their act together and climb 5 places but Sweaty's Young Boys drop to 27th with Hammer Nation still bottom.

Road to Wembley - Bucks face replay

Buxton and Telford United (both co-incidentally nicknamed Bucks) will replay tomorrow night to find out which team plays Fleetwood Town in the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round.

On Saturday Buxton were trying to put right the record of having never beaten a Telford side since their name change in the late 60’s and had the better of the first half’s chances with Lugsden going close and Telford’s best effort was a long range shot from Rodgers that Hartley had to tip over. Buxton’s defence was coping well with the threat of the visitors forward line with the recalled Tommy Agus partnering skipper Gregg Anderson in the centre.

After the break the introduction of Bailey and Proudlock for Telford started to ask more questions of the Buxton rearguard but Lugsden should have done better with an header that went straight at ‘keeper Young. Telford took the lead on 73 minutes when Hartley couldn’t hang on to a Bailey free-kick and LIAM MURRAY netted the rebound.

Mills then went close to adding to the lead but Buxton were back level just 5 minutes later when GREGG ANDERSON scored from close range from a Grant Black right-wing cross after a great pass from Maxfield.

The Bucks of Buxton went close to stealing the match late on with Neil Stevens having a great opportunity to score but he couldn’t get any power on his shot.

Attendance: 836

Beans means dollars

Week 6 - Manager of the Week
Tim & Dennis collect some yankee dollars in Week 6 for winning the MoW with 59 points. Ken Cobbett and John McGowan were two points short then there was a little gap to
Andrew Cassell, Paul and Christian Long and bride to be Soozie Syrett.

Noticable weeks were had by Neil Addington (45), Wardy (42), Ben Guarino (41), Alex Byatt (38), Ricky Wood (34) and Neil Bixby (31).

16 was the week's low, with both Hilary Flynn and Danny Rose reaching it.

To Elland Backdrop

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 6
To Elland Back's lead was cut in Week 6 to just 4 points with Soozie's Sizzlers gaining in 2nd. Keep the faith drop to 3rd but are only 6 points from 1st. Racing Hiccups are 4th with Brox Banditos in 5th.

6th lie both Boys on Tour and Loads of Roubles. There's a little gap to Gooner win league in 8th with Jimmy 5 Bellies in 9th.

Godders' Serves you right for leaving the league, PK are falling backwards at a steady rate. Leaders 6 weeks ago, now 10th. Kennett's Nortius Maximus and the Wody Webels are 11th. In 12th is climber Lazarus United with Morgan's Machines 13th.

Hip Hop Hooray drop to 14th and Mark's AON United are 15th.

The bottom 10 remain the same faces although Old Bodeans are making a run for it. Red Roy's Rovers stay rooted to the bottom.

Stitch up Merchant

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 6
A new leader in week 6 with FFC 4Ever taking over the role from Chart This Int'l, who slip to 3rd after a consecutive MoW's.

Bingo FC move into 2nd but it is as tight as a gnat's chuff as only 6 points separate 6 places. Blunty 11 and Frank & Beans share 3rd place with Alastair. In 6th is one time leader Calculated Risk and Brighton Blues are 7th.
The other promotion positions are occupied by Good on paper XI, Double Parked and Bobby Z is World Class.

For the first time in 6 weeks Chris' Californication drop out of the top 10 but are only a point short. Sons of pitches are also nicely placed.

Theo is king was a upward mover as was KC's Clowns, up 8 places. Stocky's Starlets headed the other way.

FC Wood moved away from the bottom of the pile, still beautifully occupied by Tony's Hammer Nation.

Norman Wisdom RIP

The 2010 N&R Celebrity Death Pool was finally won yesterday after 95-year old Norman Wisdom passed away in a nursing home on the Isle of Man.

His black and white movies were to a generation heartwarming and funny. He was a master of comic timing and good old fashioned slapstick. Sir Norman starred in 19 films

Sir Norman played the fool in his shrunken jacket and flat cap, defying fate and Mr Grimsdale, to eventually of course get the girl in the final frame. He was also a hit Broadway in the 1960's defying most people's perception that he couldn't act.

Also he had a huge following in Albania. During the height of the Cold War, the country's Stalinist rulers decreed that his films were politically acceptable and he was the only westerner allowed onto Albanian television screens!

Sir Norman, who was knighted in 2000, was renowned for a string of comic roles and Charlie Chaplin described him as his favourite clown.

His later work included the recurring role of Billy Ingleton in the long-running BBC comedy Last of the Summer Wine.

Mark Wenman collects the £25 for have Norman Wisdom. The full N&R Celebrity Death Pool List is here.

Norman Wisdom's life in pictures.

In the papers

"Tottenham Hotspur might as well move to Stratford-upon-Avon as Stratford, east London!" Martin Samuel in The Mail studies Spurs' chairman Daniel Levy decision to seek a move to the 2012 Olympic Stadium.

Read more here.

Road to Wembley - Buxton's Reed the hero

The Foulger family will be delighted as we were to see our Road to Wembley boys Buxton beat Brackley Town away 3-1 in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round.

Brackley included Marcus Bignot, Steve Basham and ex-Rep of Ireland international Barry Quinn in their side, so it was a fine wine for the Bucks.

The Bucks had started well and should have led from as early as the 3rd minute when a Neil Stevens shot was deflected over the home defence to an unmarked Kieran Lugsden who snatched at his volley and cleared the bar from 6 yards but six minutes on and Buxton led, courtesy of a fine curling free-kick by STEVE RIDLEY.

Then Town equalised as poor marking in midfield allowed PALMER a clear run at goal and he gave Hartley no chance.

Buxton emerged from their poor mid-match spell to snatch a 64th minute lead. Ridley started the move but it was Towey’s superb ball that dissected the home defence for MARK REED to run on and score confidently. Five minutes later he was close to earning a penalty award when brought down by ex-oxford United centre-half Willmott, who shortly afterwards was despatched by the referee for another foul on the impressive Buxton striker.

The thrilling action at both ends continued to the final whistle with Buxton settling the tie in added time. Inexplicably Wilde was denied a penalty when tackled from behind but seconds later REED was chopped down by Magundo. The limping striker (pictured) took the spot-kick himself to net his 4th goal in 2 games.

306 were at Brackley, but Buxton get a home tie for the next round when they entertain AFC Telford on October 9th. We have come across AFC Telford before in N&R's Road to Wembley. Also nicknamed the Bucks, they play in the Conference North.

Knees up

Back to work tomorrow, at least back to work properly although I might still go on a client boat cruise in the afternoon. I showed my face twice last week, but that was to go on er, a couple of boat cruises and after dropping my Mum at the airport this evening, I then have to join a client dinner. As my Dad used to say when he studied the palms of my hands when I was in the early throes of my career "it's not real work is it son?"

My knee is still sore as is my hamstring from where they took the graft to construct the new ligament but it appears to be doing well. It is still a fortnight before I can use a static bike and my physio was insisting I use my crutches or at least a cane until then. A cane I ask you.

I'm walking pretty well without the crutches but still aided by painkillers, which are now commingling nicely with beer. I am also an owner of the ugliest, hottest and blackest leg brace you can imagine. How I'm supposed to build my muscles up all the while wearing an electric blanket around my knee in this heat is slightly confusing.

Week 6 review

Villa and Bolton shared the spoils with new England call-up Kevin Davies getting Wanderers goal. Blackburn and Fulham also shared the points as did Stoke and West Ham and Sunderland and Arsenal.

Spurs beat Wolves at home 3-1, the same scoreline at The Hawthorns as the Baggies beat Birmingham.

Poor Ben Arfa hit a cracker in Newcastle's win at Everton. Tevez and Yaya Toure got the goals in Citeh's win at lowly Wigan, United beat Liverpool in the game of the weekend. Berbatov getting a super hat-trick and Chelsea's 4 first half goals did for Blackpool.

Photograph of the week

It never rains but it pours for Roy Hodgson. The likeable manager is having a 'mare at Anfield and Blackpool were the latest to rub salt into gaping wounds on Sunday.