Team Challenge update - Gravitation

I know you have been waiting for this. Nothing engenders a bit of banter and passion than a team competition.

14 weeks have passed and this is our first look at the N&R Team Challenge table that is led by new boys Gravity with 459.5 points, just a smidge ahead of QBE.

In 3rd are the HDI Gerling trio of Wardy, Muddy and Dewbs with RSA in 4th. A bit of a gap to 5th placed Aon Benfield with Steve dragging his colleagues along. In 6th are the current Team Challenge champs Bluefin, somewhat floundering so far this season despite Neil's fine efforts.

Behind them in 8th are Tokio, in 9th are the ladies of Willis Re, and both Sarah and Kirsty will be disappointed with their performance thus far. JRP are 10th, and Danny and Pete have a long way to go if they are to repeat their title many moons ago whilst they were both at Avon Insurance.

Then finally to prove that this is not fixed Nobby, Muzza, Tim, Dennis and Davor's Aon International lounge in last spot.

The full table was enclosed with the weekly email and includes week 14's scores.

N&R Straw Poll

So, the latest N&R Straw Poll focused on Man U and Chelsea, particularly after their recent displays.

The question put out to our N&R FL managers was:

Are Man United and Chelsea the force they both were a few years ago? And you answered as follows:

a) No, they are relying on youngsters because they are both skint.

rrrrrrrrrr 17%

b) Yes, one of them will still win the Premier League by a country mile. rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr 40%

c) I don't care, because I am now a Man City fan.

0%

d) The rest of the Premier is catching up.

rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr 31%

e) The end of English football is nigh.

rrrrrr 12%

Most of you then think the title will still be won at a canter by either United or Chelsea, although one or two did say it that it'll be a lot closer than that. 31% thought that Bolton, Blackpool, Birmingham and Wigan are catching up whilst 14% of you thought that noticeably United and Chelsea have relied heavily on kids this season and jettisoned many of their big earners.

No one has become a Man City fan, and 12% thought that the English Premier League is eating itself.

As always we got some interesting commentary from one or two of you. Rob Munden asked "who gives a shit as Leeds are going up and Lewis Hamilton is still a lucky sod for shagging Nicole S on a regular basis and who cares if he's arrogant." Er, thanks for that Rob.

We got more sense from Ian Kennett unusually, who commented: "It is that apparent that even my good lady wife who watches football under duress when I have it on the telly remarked whilst watching (in silent protest) the Chelsea v Sunderland the other week "are any of the Chelsea players actually English ?"" and then went on to ask how it could be called the English Premier League. Insightful stuff from a bird to be fair.

Man U fan Michael Stout questioned United's power. "Man Utd's youth seems to be prevalent - a sign that our old Scott considers himself to have eternal life. I watched the Villa game. The Utd bench sounded like a cruel joke played in a fantasy football league: Obertan, O'Shea, Gibson, Smalling (had to look him up before I called security) and Fabio (and not the impressively physiqued long haired one, but the free one in our "buy one get one free" da Silva package)."

It is true that with now 7 substitutes both United and Chelsea are hardly filling them with household names, unlike Man City of course.

Ready had just got back from the pub when he wrote: "Without a doubt Spurs or Man City will win it in the next couple of years!" Yeh, right-o.

But then he ruined it by predicting that "Capello will be got rid of 2012 latest and hopefully before but then the FA will want Harry to be manager and he has always said he would love to do it. That will set Spurs right back."

Old football kits

Liverpool 1979-82

Made by Umbro and sponsored by Hitachi.

Worn by Steve Heighway, Souness, Emlyn Hughes and Alan Hansen.

These were glory years for the Reds, who won two league titles and a European Cup under legendary boss Bob Paisley in these colours.

The leading three break away

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 14
The N&R Div 1 has been very steady these passed few weeks, this despite the wide range of scoring. For the 10th week running To Elland Back lead, but lead by only 2 points with Boys on tour in 2nd place. Brox Banditos remain 3rd a further 2 behind and these three - Rob, Greg and Chris have opened a slight gap at the top.

Dewbs' Racing Hiccups are 31 points adrift in 4th and Loads of Roubles are up to 5th with Gooner win league in 6th. MoW Paris Eagles has a massive climb to 7th as rival Keep the faith fall out of the top 7.

Aston Globetrotters and Harry Houdini both make good ground and Lost in the Triangle and Old Bodeans move up as do Torres Rosso, SYRFLTL Pk and Hip Hip Hooray.

The same can't be said for Guinness & eggs, Nortius Maximus and especially Glasgow kiss. Kirsty falling 8 places in week 14.

Red Roy's Rovers stay bottom licking his wounds as the majority of Richard's Mitsui colleagues left last week!

Charm Merchant

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 14
FFC 4Ever are back on top after a week's respite. Steve had a cracking week and retakes top place from Good on paper. Bingo are 3rd but just 3 behind Mark. Chart this Intl and Bobby Z remain 4th and 5th with Blunty now 6th.

Sons and pitches are back in the hunt in 7th with KC's Clowns, The Capello Index and faller Calculated Risk behind.

Coming up on the rails are Baron Greenback, FC Wood and Double Parked, a big climber last week. A big surprise in week 14 was the collapse of Frank & Beans, down 8 places.

Stocky's Starlets continued their improvement along with Young Gingers and Muddy Mavericks.

Hammer Nation, Megan & Hannah's Teddy Bears and Sweaty's Young Boys remain bottom three.

Barry triomphe's

Week 14 - Manager of the Week

It was always going to happen as Week 14 was the first of the season will two full programmes and it was Barry Paull who surged through the 100 point barrier to win the MoW fiver.

Barry scored 107 points to lead the Season's best weekly score and was 9 points ahead of his nearest rival Wardy. Steve Merchant whalloped 96, Plummer finally found the net with a 95, then there was a little gap to Ben who notched 87 with Blunty on 85 and Henry making a comeback with 83.

Aaron scored 82, Danny Rose 80, Chris Wright and Tim Harris both managed a 77, Bixby, Cobbett and Nobby 76 and Godders 75. Next was Mark Gregory and Greg on 74 followed by Alex Byatt on 73.

All these managers beat the previous season best of 72 scored by Soozie in week 2.

The week's worst score was still 27 but it only adds to Razor's gloom stranded at the foot of the N&R Div 1.

Best weekly scores

With the dramatic week 14 producing 18 scores higher than the previous best by Soozie, we now have a new top 10 led by Barry Paull as follows:

Best weekly scores:
1. Barry Paull, week 14, 107 pts
2. Simon Ward, week 14, 98 pts
3. Steve Merchant, week 14, 96 pts
4. Barry Plummer, week 14, 95 pts
5. Ben Guarino, week 14, 87 pts
6. Andrew Cassell, week 14, 85 pts
7. Henry Williams, week 14, 83 pts
8. Aaron Barden, week 14, 82 pts
9. Danny Rose, week 14, 80 pts
10= Chris Wright, week 14, 77 pts
10= Tim Harris, week 14, 77 pts

Photograph of the week

Is it tumbling down at the Bridge?

If you know your N&R history

If you know your N&R history fact #2

Brian Rutter in 8 seasons has only finished above 20th once. 3rd in 2004.

Week 14 review

A bumper week 14 which resulted in many season-bests. So what happened?

In the midweek games Stoke beat Birmingham 3-2 with Huth, Fuller and Whitehead scoring for the Potters. Spurs were held at home by Sunderland. Gyan getting the equaliser for the Mackems.

On Wednesday Arsenal won at Wolves 2-0, Torres scored again but Liverpool couldn't beat Wigan, likewise at Upton Park the points were shared as West Ham drew 2-2 with WBA.

Roberts got a late deserved winner for Blackburn at St James', Everton drew with on form Bolton 1-1, and in the Manchester derby United were held by 11-man defensive unit City at Eastlands.

In the west London derby Chelsea beat Fulham, Essien getting the goal and Blackpool were very unfortunate to lose 3-2 to Villa.

On Saturday Bolton won at Wolves with Elmander scoring again. Wigan beat WBA 1-0 as the Baggies struggle after such a fine start to the season.

The Hammers drew at home again, this time with Blackpool, Spurs were 4-up at the Lane against Blackburn but ended up 4-2. Stoke beat an awful Liverpool 2-0, Newcastle and Fulham was goalless as was City and Birmingham as Mancini held out for a point but in a much better game Villa and United drew 2-2 at Villa Park. United were 2-0 down after 81 minutes.

On the Sunday Chelsea were given a football lesson by Sunderland at the Bridge. Onuoha, Gyan and Welbeck all scoring and Arsenal beat Everton. Nothing unusual there except it was only by 2 goals to 1.

Lost football grounds

I know a lot of you are not as old as me but I began watching football in the days when you had to stand behind a tall bloke who puffed cigarette smoke into your face for 90 minutes, a bag of roasted peanuts was your half-time snack and you had to watch your back when you left the ground to find your car with hopefully it's four wheels still attached.

I found this cool website detailing lost stadiums, with pictures and I thought occasionally I would share them with you starting with today.

Lost Football Grounds part #1

Wimbledon used to get a bad rap. Long ball, Wombles, small crowds, Fash the Bash, the Crazy Gang etc but every football fan shed a tear when American sports style, Pete Winkelman moved the Dons 60 plus miles from London to Milton Keynes in 2004. The club was left to die at Selhurst but long before that Wimbledon were forced to leave their homely but rapidly deterioting ground Plough Lane in south west London to share with Crystal Palace in 1991.

Owner Sam Hamman's initial idea was the sell the much sought after land for housing but this never happened and both Palace and Wimbledon's reserve teams played at Plough Lane for many years. Sam Hamman finally sold the ground to Safeway before he then sold the club to two Norwegian businessmen, Kjell Inge Røkke and Bjørn Rune Gjelsten in 1997.

Safeway's plans to build a huge supermarket were opposed by the local residents and council and the area was left derelict.

Then in 2002 Safeway sold Pl;ough Lane to David Wilson Homes and after a few years gaining planning permission apartments were built on the land and were eventually sold in 2008, 17 years after Wimbledon had the left their home. Now each of the six apartment blocks are named after ex-Wimbledon players.

Photo of Plough Lane before:

Photo of the area now:

Plough Lane Wikipedia page.

Road to Wembley - Saddle up for Walsall

Conference boys and our N&R Road to Wembley team Fleetwood were beaten by Walsall in their 1st Rd replay, so the Sadlers now take move on with our full support.

Walsall began the day bottom of League One but despite a great start from Fleetwood, Walsall won at a canter.

Fleetwood did start the game well however with Barry, Linwood and Seddon all going close in the space of a couple of minutes and Jamie McGuire having a shot cleared off the line on the half hour.

It was agony for the large number of Cod Army supporters who had made the journey down the M6. The pattern continued with Steve McNulty and Clancy, again, not quite able to convert opportunities and Thorpe stooping to head at the far post, an incident which left him injured momentarily. Walsall keeper, James Walker, was being kept busy.

Walsall came out strongly n the second half but and the decisive opening goal went to the Division 1 side who converted their first real opportunity. A great cross from Nicholls found REID on the back post and he fired home from point-blank range after 58 minutes.

Needing to push up, Town left themselves open and REID sealed the tie and an away trip to Torquay with his second just before the end.

Attendance: 2,056
Fleetwood manager Micky Mellon: "The score line flatters Walsall and the stats will show we had 7, 8 or 9 very good chances. I’m talking about clear opportunities and not half chances. Their keeper has kept them in the FA Cup.”

Old football kits

Coventry City 1975-81
Admiral with the famous double stripe. The away colours were brown.
This was the Gordon Milne period when Coventry were battling in the First Division finishing around the mid-table most seasons. The Sky Blues spent 34 consecutive seasons in the top flight between 1967 and 2001.

Red Roy off bottom

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 13
No changes at the top of the tree with To Elland Back 8 points clear of the pack. Gooner win league continue their rise up the table and are now 5th with Loads of Roubles 6th and Keep the faith 7th.

Soozie Sizzlers are just a point behind the top 7 and AON United move up to 9th.

At the bottom both Glasgow Kiss and Tanus Terriers climb out of the relegation zone but Morgan's Machines and Hip Hip Hooray take their place. Week 1 leader SYRFLTL Pk are in 23rd. Meanwhile Red Roy's Rovers get off the bottom after a fine week 13 and are replaced by 2Infinity & beyond who are surprisingly struggling this season.

Paper talk

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 13
A new leader in Div 2 as Good on paper take top spot from one-week wonder FFC 4Ever. Mark leads by 11 points. Previous leader Bingo are now 3rd as the promotion race livens up.

Chart This Int'l stay 4th and Bobby Z 5th with Calculated Risk in 6th. The Capello Index move upto 7th as Richard continues his rich vein of form. Blunty drops to 10th and KC's Clowns and Frank & Beans make up the current promotion hopefuls.

Mind you Suffolk n good are just a point from 10th and Sons and Pitches, Brighton Blues and Baron Greenback Rangers are all in touching distance.

A big climber was FC Wood and a dropper was the No Hopers.

At the bottom remain Hammer Nation but Pure Irish gain some ground as they try to get out of trouble.

N&R Cup 1st Rd draw

Simply the manager with the best week 15 score qualifies for the 2nd Rd. Games will be played within the N&R Divisions and the best loser will also qualify.

Draw - Div 1
Mark Simmons v John McGowan
Brett Davey v Mark Dewberry
Jason Syrett v Barry Plummer
Barry Paull v Richard Nathan
Ian Kennett v Tim Harris
Rob Munden v Pete Godfrey
Neil Reynolds v Keith Read
Henry Williams v Ryan Saveall
Danny Rose v Simon Newport
Chris Wright v Scott Morgan
Steve Black v Aaron Barden
Mark Wenman v James Ashworth
Greg Foulger v Soozie Saveall
Lee Horne v Ian France
Kirstie Baillie v Alan Oakley

Some ties to look out for is the game between old fantasy head's Simmons and McGowan and Munden at home to Godders, ex N&R Cup winners Reynolds and Read clash as do high flyers Soozie and Foulger.

Draw - Div 2
Simon Ward v Neil Bixby
Davor Duvancic v Sarah Sheron
Andrew Cassell v Ben Guarino
Danny Stock v Ken Cobbett
Peter Doyle v Brian Rutter
Lee Baughan v Michael Stout
Neville White v Neil Addington
Neil Wallis v Richard Stirland
Mark Gregory v Alastair Bigg
Alex Byatt v Emma Sadler
Richard Richards v Glen Francis
Feldbruegge/Malloy v Steve Merchant
Hilary Flynn v Alan Waters
Alex Boswell v Chris Waterman
Tony Murray v Ricky Wood

Tie of the round here is Gregory v Bigg. Feldbruegge and Malloy play Steve Merchant in another tasty match. Doyle and Rutts take fight in an interesting tie as is Wardy and Bixby.

Ties are played over week 15. Read here for rules and regs.

Wood wins but week 13 is unlucky for a lot

Week 13 - Manager of the Week
Ricky Wood floated to the top in week 13 with a 45 point score, a season best and one that propels him onto the edge of the promotion race.

More of a surprise was seeing Razor in 2nd place in the weekly standings with 37 points, which took the Liverpool fan off the bottom of Div 1. Another Liverpool fan Aaron hit 29, the 3rd highest score despite being 16 points short of MoW Ricky. Neil Wallis and Lee Horne both scored 28, rising star Mark Gregory, Chris Wright and Kirsty each scored 27 and 26 was the ingredient for Neil Reynolds and Ian Kennett.

Div 1 leader Rob, James Ashworth and Barry Paull both hit a very decent 25 in what was a low scoring week in the main.

Other decent scores worth recording were Richard x2's 23, Neil Addington 20, Oakers 20, Emma 15, and Alex Boswell 14.

However week 13 will go down as the worst week of the season so far for low scores. Three managers failed to register a point, two were negative and an incredible 14 got less than 10!

Neville and Tim Harris scored 9, Richard Stirland after a season high last week, hit a season low 7 days later. He scored 7, the same as Barry Plummer and Muddy.

Struggling Tony Murray managed a shocking 6 as did Ginger Rabbit. Ex-champ Brett flopped with a 5, the same as Blunty.

Danny Rose scored 2. I will need to check but that may well be a lifetime low. Henry Williams, once a rising N&R star fell to the ground with only 1 point. Rutts managed a fat round zero, and then there were two managers who literally went backwards.

Michael Stout had a total of -1, but that was one more than Sweaty, who despite soon to be married, could not get it up beyond a score of -2. Oh the shame!

Week 13 review

Happy Hammers and the Blue Noses drew 2-2 at St Andrews, Piquionne scoring again. Dirty Blackburn beat Wigan 2-1, Bolton shocked Spurs stuffing them 4-2 while Blackpool shared the points with Everton up on the Lancashire coast.

Foolham scored late to draw with Villa on the bank of the River Thames, Gyan scored twice for Sunderland in the Black Cats win over Stoke and two from Park Ji-Sung gave United a hard fought win over unlucky Wolves.

On Sunday Newcastle won at the Emirates. England call up and long haired lout Andy Carroll got the all important winner. Equally as nutty is Man City's Balotelli who got both in the victory at the Hawthorns.

And finally in the big game of the weekend Torres turned on the style to score two fine goals in the win over Chelsea.

The Sav's

As most of you know, Nobby & Ready have an array of talents.

Before dating website's became vogue and in the good old fashioned days of actually chatting a bird up at the bar, Keith and I were pretty handy at not just putting underwriters together with risks but also putting lonely love-starved friends together as well. Many couples (and we can't mention names - Glen & Rutts) have actually gone on to be lifelong partners, although some people we just couldn't help - Sweaty, Godders, Kirsty etc..

You'd be surprised how many insurance people over the years have asked Keith and my advice on matters of sexual relations (Francey and Doyley to name just two) and behind our insurance broker facade we've built up a whole network of career minded, fantasy football loving, horny singletons.

Our most recent success, and honestly we do it for the love, not the cash, were a young Essex couple missing something in their busy lives. One was a young blonde sort from Grays. Fun, bubbly, well proportioned, the other was a quiet, retiring young broker who had a bit of a drink problem and frankly if it wasn't for us, then he may just have gone of the rails.

We got them together, helped them sexually in those early days (Keith and I took Ryan to Metropolis and Soozie to Browns) and they formed an undying love for each other resulting in the following:
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Sav. If any others of you need help finding love (or just a quick shag) then please click on http://www.nobbyandreadyfantasydating.com/

Announcements

Alan Oakley has taken his German accent from Munich America to Allianz. He will join Jon Bartlett in the Global Property team in London.

Sehr best unter dem Glück Oakers.

New series - Old football kits

West Ham United home 1983-85

Adidas made with simple rivet hammers badge.

Worn by Alan Devonshire and Frank Lampard.

In this period John Lyall took West Ham to their highest ever league finish - 3rd.

If you know your N&R history

A new feature using N&R FL stats going back to 1997.

If you know your N&R history fact #1
Peter Godfrey has had more Top 10 finishes than any other manager - 9

Photograph of the week

Even Jay Bothroyd can hear the cries of derision. Carlton Cole and Jay Bothroyd England's strike pair. Heaven help us.

Photograph of the week

Surprise news coming out of Stamford Bridge as Ray Wilkins was shown the door as first team coach. The Crab as he was known in my day (most Chelsea fans weren't born then) was well liked by the players and the fluent Italian speaker was a known conduit between players and management.

Rumours on the net are that Wilkins will join Ancelotti at Man City in January!

Bermuda Triangle

The 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month. Bermuda takes today very seriously and the day is a national holiday with shops and businesses closed to remember those that were lost. The island lost 125 brave men and women during the World Wars fighting overseas on behalf of the Brits, Americans and Canadians protecting the freedom of those back home on a 21 sq. mile island in the middle of the Atlantic.

Also during those bleak years the Home Guard were joined by Bermudians in Royal Naval Dockyard who kept the Atlantic supply lines open, ensuring the British and Americans received essential supplies.

At 11am today guns are fired at Fort Hamilton and Ordnance Island in St. George's, to signal the two-minute silence and a parade by over 180 veterans is held in Hamilton ending with wreaths being laid at the Cenotaph on Front Street (photo).

I am grateful for having today off work but I know it could have been so very different if it wasn't for those that gave their lives to allow us to live ours. It is a shame other countries don't consider today worthy of a national holiday as it should bring generations and cultures together more than any religious holidays.

"If ye break faith with us who die, we will not sleep, though poppies grow in Flander's fields."

N&R Cup - Preliminary Round Result

Apologies to Alastair and the Long's for being thrust into the Preliminary Round, which makes for a long road to the N&R Cup Final. The game was contested in week 12 and here is the final score from the game:

Alastair Bigg 43-31 Paul & Christian Long

So a win for Alastair, who qualifies for the 1st Rd proper in week 15.

In the papers

"In a small country churchyard, deep in the farmlands of northern Germany, is a plain stone cross with two names engraved on it. It is a peaceful spot, the silence broken every few minutes by the regional express trains rushing past a few hundred metres away."

A year since German keeper Robert Enke took his life. Read more here.

Gregory making his Mark

Week 12 - Manager of the Week
Mark Gregory is looking more than just Good on paper after a MoW winning week 12. 62 points for the boy from Gravity. Steve Merchant scored 56, Neil Bixby 55 - both flying high in Div 2. Sarah was next up with 50 giving the 2nd Division the upper hand in week 12.

Mark Simmons scored 46 and Steve Black made his best score since week 1. Johnny Mc kept us his almost perennial challenge and then Mr Bigg, Munden, Rich Richards and Neil Addington all mustered 43 points.

Other scores of note were season best's from Richard Stirland (42), Aaron (40) and Glen Francis (38). Ex champions Neil Reynolds scored 40, Peter Doyle 35, Barry Plummer 32, Soozie Sav 28, Ryan Sav 32, Brett Davey 25, Danny Rose 20, Godders 17 and lastly at the bottom of the heap Ready with just 12.

Hannoi down the pannoi

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 12
To Elland Back remain out in front with Boys on tour next and Brox Banditos 3rd with Racing Hiccups 4th.

Old pro John and Loads of Roubles are 5th but ex-champion Gooner win league climb 4 places to 6. Watch him, he's good. Keep the faith are 7th with Lazarus United right alongside them.

Jimmy 5 Bellies drop like a rock and AON United move up a few places but just 353 points separate 7th from Hip Hip Hooray in 15th.

A quartet of fine young men - Lost in the triangle, Paris Eagles, Guinness & eggs and Old Bodeans all continue their climb to the top of the table, whereas Tanus Terriers and Serves you right for leaving the league PK (I am going to have to shorten that) all slip backwards.

The bottom three remain unaltered but the real surprise is seeing Ready's Hannoi Utd now in 27th place. The current title holder of course.

Charm Merchant

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 12

A new leader of Div 2 in week 14. FFC 4 Ever capped off a fine week with moving back to the top of the table after a 5 week hiatus. Good on Paper are just a point away in 2nd. Bingo had a decent week but drops from top to 3rd.

Chart This Intl stay 4th with Bobby Z up to 5th and Calculated Risk 6th and Blunty 7th.

New into the top 10 (they were 10th in week 1) is Richard Richards The Capello Index The Capello Index who scored his best score for 9 weeks. Sons of pitches fall to 11th.

Six of the top 10 are newbies, proving how rubbish the exisiting managers were and the reason they are in the 2nd Division. No offence.

Baron Greenback Rangers move up 5 places to 13th, just behind (a good view I would say) Sarah Sheron and Suffolk n good.

At the bottom New York alien Tony Murray has promised to make some changes to his Hammer Nation. Apparently he has a back four of Parkes, Bonds, Martin, Moore and Dicks.

Road to Wembley - Fleetwood held by Walsall

2,319 watched Fleetwood Town draw with League One side Walsall 1-1 despite dominating the game in last Saturday's FA Cup 1st Rd.

Fleetwood had 11 shots at goal as Walsall 'keeper Jimmy Walker performed heroics in goal. Matt Richards slotted home to put Walsall ahead, but Town's Steve McNulty missed a penalty after Richard Taundry felled Ian Craney in the box.

Craney was then the victim of a reckless two-footed challenge by Ryan McGivern that earned him a red card.

JAMIE MULLEN'S looping 20-yard strike drew Fleetwood level, but Walker made a string of further late saves to force a replay.

Week 12 review

Alex Song got a late winner to see off the unhappy Hammers, Ivanovic did likewise at Blackburn. Yakubu kept the Toffeemen's improvement up by getting the winner at home to Stoke. Dempsey scored twice for Fulham to beat Wigan and Woves surprisingly turned over the Citeh billionaires.

At the OT Aon, sorry Man U beat Spurs 2-0.

On Sunday Liverpool finally won, at Bolton 1-0, in the west midlands derby Birmingham and Villa played out a dull 0-0 but on Tyneside Newcastle stuffed Sunderland 5-1. Nolan got 3 and Ameobi 2.

Then on Monday night in an entertaining game at Blackpool, the Tangerines won eventually 2-1 at home to 9-man West Brom.

Road to Wembley - Fleetwood Town - 10 things

Fleetwood Town play at home to Walsall in the FA Cup 1st Round proper tomorrow. Here are 10 things you never knew about the team from Lancashire and our Road to Wembley side:

1) They play home games at Highbury.

2) Capacity is only 3,363

3) Big plans are in the works for redevelopment of their 80-year old ground.

4) Fleetwood's home kit is identical to Arsenal's strangely.

5) The club's nickname is not the Gunners though, it is The Cod Army

6) Frank Swift, the ex Man City goalkeeper who died in the Munich air tragedy played for Town before he became a sports reporter and was on the fateful plane to Munich.

7) In recent years Fleetwood have quickly moved up the league pyramid system and are now in the Conference (tier 5).

8) Fleetwood's manager is Micky Mellon whose playing career took in Blackpool, West Brom, Burnley and Tranmere. He was previously Burnley's youth team coach

9) Fleetwood is a seaside resort

10) Syd Little was born there.

Good job Wallis

Week 11 - Manager of the Week
Neil Wallis was week 11's MoW with a nifty 48 points, one ahead of the in-form Michael Stout. Mark Gregory and title chaser Greg Foulger both hit a 42. Alastair Bigg kept up his run with a 41, Henry scored 40 and Ricky Wood and my favourite Montenegrin Davor Duvancic knocked out a fine 38.

Other scores of note were Mark Simmons 36, Ben G 34, Mad Rick 30, Ken 27, Tim & Dennis 23, Emma 17 and with the joint worst weekly score of 6 was Alex Boswell.

A point between Rob & Greg

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 11
There is just a point now between leader To Elland Back and Boys on tour. Brox Banditos slip to 3rd and Racing Hiccups are nicely tucked in, in 4th.

There is a nice little title race developing here with Keep the Faith, Loads of Roubles, Lazarus United, Jimmy 5 Bellies, Soozie's Sizzlers and Gooner win League all in contention.

Francey is doing a wonderful impression of Gus Poyet and while Brighton are surprising many in League One, Ian is suprising everyone in the N&R FL.

Paris Eagles and Aon United were a big jumpers in week 11 whilst Nortius Maximus and the Wody Webels headed the other way.

The bottom 10 remain unchanged.

Son's make their pitch

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 11
No changes in the top 4 after week 11's scores. FFC 4Ever slightly close the gap on Bingo. Blunty's in 5th, MoW Bobby Z is world class are now 6th.

Sons of pitches reach the top 10 for the first time this season and further back No Hopers and Goonersmoan were significant climbers.

Sadler's superstars dropped down to 27th and Hammer Nation are still rooted to the bottom.

Week 11 review

Chelsea saw off Wolves 2-0 at home, Birmingham did the same to Blackpool. Villa lost to a Dunne o.g. at Sunderland.

WBA continued their great season by overcoming Fulham 2-1. Newcastle won at Upton Park 2-1. Carroll and Nolan shared the goals as well as a roof. Wigan drew with Bolton and Spurs drew with Everton.

On the Sunday Liverpool just edged past Blackburn and Arsenal thrashed 10-Man City 3-0 away from home whilst Hernandez grabbed a late winner for Man U in the Potteries.