Ready's Benfleet Bet - 6th Rd update

Moving on to the 6th Round. After this round of predictions Ricky Wood looks like having an unassailable lead with Francey, Ready, Mark and Foulger leading the chase.

Benfleet Bet Predictions Table - after 6th Round
1. Ricky Wood 87
2. Ian France 75
3. Ready 74
4= Mark Simmons 72
4= Greg Foulger 72
6. Paul Long 71
7. Alex Boswell 70
8. Doyley 69
9. Graham Ward 65
10= Neil Reynolds 64
10= Neville White 64
12= Mark Gregory 62
12= Ian Kennett 62
12= Andrew Shepherd 62
15= Steve Black 61
15= Ken Cobbett 61
15= Steve Merchant 61
18. Mark Dewbs 60
19= Nobby 59
19= Soozie Sav 59
19= Barry Paull 59
19= Godders 59
23= Tim Harris 58
23= Dan Weeks 58
25. Neil Addington 57
26= Ben Guarino 56
26= Brian Rutter 56
28. Rich Richards 54
29. Al Waters 53
30= Rob Munden 51
30= Oakers 51
30= John McGowan 50
33. Neil Bixby 49
34= Ryan Sav 45
34= Jason Syrett 45
36. Danny Rose 40
37. Kirsty Baillie 27

Week 38 overview

The week started Tuesday with Bolton winning 2-1 at desparate looking Aston Villa.

Then Saturday Everton hammered Fulham 4-0, Stoke and Arsenal drew 1-1, and Bolton got a point at The Stadium of Light.

In a terrific match at Swansea, Wolves finally showed some fight coming back to draw 4-4. WBA and Villa was goalless and Wigan had a magnificent win at home to the Geordies 4-0.  Liverpool won 3-0 at an increasingly tired looking Norwich.

On the big stage on Sunday QPR fell over badly as Chelsea smashed them 6-1. Torres got a hat trick and even John Terry scored to rub the R's noses in it. Then later Spurs beat relegation threatened Blackburn 2-0.

Then in the BIG ONE on Monday, City beat United 1-0 thanks to a Kompany headed goal just before half-time.

Photograph of the week

When the Saints go marching on..... Southampton follow Norwich from League One to the Premiership in two years.

Who is Roy Hodgson?

• Born in Croydon in 1947

• Adopted by a Jewish family

• Educated at John Ruskin Grammar School  

•Played for Crystal Palace, Gravesend & Northfleet, Maidstone and Tonbridge.

• He was pretty rubbish to be quite honest (as all the best managers tend to be) and briefly worked as a PE teacher from 1972–73 at Alleyn's School in south London.

•Then played for South African side Berea Park.

• Started managerial career at Swedish side Halmstad in 1976 aged 28 and won two league titles.

• In 1980 Joined Bristol City as assistant manager.

• Two years later he got the managers job but was fired after just 4 months following a poor run of results.

• In 1983, Hodgson moved back to Sweden to take over Örebro.

• In 1985, he took over at Malmö FF, which he led to five consecutive league championships, two Swedish championships (at the time the Swedish championship was decided through play-offs) and two Swedish Cups.

• Malmo fans still love Woy he is still highly appreciated. So much so that fans have unofficially named a section of the new Swedbank Stadion "Roy's Hörna" (Roy's Corner).

• Despite being offered a job for life at Malmo, Roy moved to Switzerland (slightly better tax system) and managed my favourite named Swiss club Neuchatel Xamax.

• Hodgson took over as manager of the Switzerland national team from Uli Stielike on 26 January 1992.

• In 1994 he took them to the 1994 World Cup Finals in the United States. They finished second behind Romania in Group A, losing 3-0 to Spain in the last 16.

• He then led Switzerland to qualification for Euro 96.

• And at that time Switzerland were 3rd in the FIFA rankings. They never got as high again.

•Woy resigned from the Swiss National Job prior to Euro 96 to take his biggest job yet at Inter Milan.

• In his first season, Inter finished seventh in Serie A and reached semi-finals of Italian Cup.

• In the second season, Inter lost to Schalke in the Uefa Cup Final on penalties and the Italian fans (used to winning) pelted Hodgson with coins and lighters.

• He didn't like that so left and returned to England.

• In the 1997 close season, Hodgson was tempted by Jack Walker to become manager of Blackburn Rovers. Rovers had finished 13th the previous season — only two seasons after winning the title — and had been in danger of relegation.

• His first season in charge, Blackburn finished 6th, qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

• His next season (98/99) started terribly with just nine points from 14 games, he was sacked on 21 November with Rovers bottom of the league.

• Shortlisted for Austria job. Returns to Inter on 27 April as technical director until the end of the season. 

•Joined Swiss side Grasshopper, and was there for not even one whole season

• Appointed coach of Danish side FC Copenhagen despite being linked with England job after resignation of Kevin Keegan.

• At FC Copenhagen he was an instant success, taking a team that had finished 7th and 8th in the two previous seasons, and winning the Superliga championship in the 2000–01 season – the club's first championship since 1993.

•Then in August 2001 took over as coach of Serie A club Udinese in August - but parts company with them in December.

•Hodgson took over as manager of the United Arab Emirates in April 2002, managing the senior and Olympic sides.

•Sacked in January after leading side to fifth place at the Gulf Cup then joined Norwegian side Viking FK in May.

•Following a spell at the top of the table, Viking finished fifth in the 2005 season.

•Agreed to take over as boss of Finland national team in August 2005.

•Quit Finland on 30 November after failing to secure qualification for Euro 2008. Appointed Fulham manager two months later.

• Fulham won four of their last five Premier League games of the season to stave off relegation on the last day of the season.

• In 2008/9 Woy guided the Cottagers to their highest ever top-flight finish, seventh, and ensured Europa League qualification.

•Then cversaw a stunning second-leg comeback against Juventus in the Europa League quarter-finals on the way to losing 2-1 against Atletico Madrid in extra-time in the final in Hamburg.

• Then in July 2010 he is unveiled as the new Liverpool manager.

• Hodgson had a very small transfer kitty and only signed Brad Jones, defenders Danny Wilson and Paul Konchesky, midfielders Christian Poulsen, Raul Meireles and Joe Cole.

• In January 2011 Liverpool announce Hodgson has left the club and is replaced by messiah Kenny Daglish.

• Took over as West Brom coach on 11 February after the Baggies parted company with Roberto Di Matteo and led them to 11th after a strong end-of-season run.

•Season 2011/12 has been another good one for the Baggies with them lying 10th just 3 points behind Liverpool, where King Kenny spent a summer transfer budget of 70m.

•West Brom granted the Football Association permission to speak to Hodgson about the vacant manager's position on 29 April.

Hodgson for England

"West Bromwich Albion have given the Football Association permission to talk to Roy Hodgson about the vacant England manager's position." (more)

Bit out of the blue that one, almost as if the FA have flown in the face of the media circus surrounding Harry Redknapp. Reading between the lines, and West Brom have already given their approval, it sounds as if Hodgson is the number one and only choice.

Redknapp has never even been mentioned by the suits at the FA, let alone approached, blimey there will be some serious shaking of heads amongst the popular press. Harry's season has gone down the crapper since he won his court case and the journos appointed him as England manager in waiting. Roy's meanwhile has been steady moving the Baggies into 10th, 3 points behind Kenny Daglish's Liverpool and his expensively assembled squad.

 Hodgson is a decent man and a safe bet with plenty of varied experience including big tournaments (Switzerland, 1994 World Cup). He is also in my mind far more tactically aware than Harry, if not as flamboyant in his style of play, but then that takes a large transfer kitty which a national manager doesn't have.

Question is, and one that the media will insist is answered is why not Harry? Baggage, cost, health? Only four men know and although as I am warming to Hodgson for England, I worry that we have been down this road before. I know I'd rather a Venables than a McClaren.

 The next England manager will only be as good as it's players, and Roy has a good as chance to make something of this bunch as anyone. He's biggest hurdle though will be the lads in Wapping, who will already be sharpening their pencils and doodling on their pads various kinds of vegetables.

Championship Play-Offs

Why did the Championship season finish so early this year? The Premier League has 3 more weeks and the rest of the Football League a week left. Odd.

I wonder how you Hammers fans feel out there? There are a lot of you. The Play-Off's are all about the form team and are a complete lottery, but that is why we love them. West Ham actually finished the season pretty well but they lost or drew home matches when it mattered. The Hammers meet the team who I feel will be the team to beat in the semi-finals, Cardiff City.

Cardiff haven't lost in ten and proved that they are a good cup team in this season's Carling Cup and this is what we now have, cup ties. In the league both teams won on each others turf.

It is Cardiff's 3rd consecutive time in the Play-Off's but Malky Mackay's first as manager. I hope I am wrong Hammers, but I am backing the Welshmen.

In the other tie relegated sides Blackpool take on Birmingham. First leg ties are this Thursday and Friday.

In the media

"And she's had sex before! Well, that's just asking for it. 'Locked away for 5 years for lack of consent,' one Einstein mused, mystified. Yes, that would be the rape part. If you've got consent, it's sex. If you haven't, it's rape. It's not exactly a nuance. The girl Evans raped was drunk. So drunk she fell over in a kebab shop before agreeing to accompany another footballer, Clayton McDonald of Port Vale, back to his hotel."

Great, provactive piece from the excellent Martin Samuel in the Mail on Ched Evans.

Read the entire article here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2134622/Ched-Evans-Only-football-rapist-round-applause--Martin-Samuel.html#ixzz1tExKk5R0

Photograph of the week

Pep Guardiola will stand down as Barcelona manager at the end of the season after deciding not to renew his rolling one-year contract. The 41-year-old, who made 479 appearances for Barca between 1990 and 2001, was appointed in 2008 and has led the Catalan club to 13 trophies. After a well earnt rest, I don't think he will be out of the game for long do you?

Ready's Benfleet Bet Table - update

Drip, drip, drip. This is the table following the FA Cup 5th Round Predictions. Ricky Wood has a pretty sizeable lead with Francey 2nd and Alex 3rd.

Benfleet Bet Table - as of 5th Round

1. Ricky Wood 85
2. Ian France 70
3. Alex Boswell 68
4. Greg Foulger 67
5. Paul Long 66
6= Graham Ward 65
6= Ready 65
8= Neil Reynolds 64
8= Neville White 64
10. Mark Simmons 63
11. Peter Doyle 61
12. Nobby 58
13= Soozie Sav 57
13= Mark Dewbs 57
15= Godders 56
15= Dan Weeks 56
15= Ken Cobbett 56
15= Barry Paull 56
19= Steve Merchant 55
19= Steve Black 55
21= Ian Kennett 54
21= Brian Rutter 54
23. Tim Harris 53
24. Al Waters 51
25= Ben Guarino 50
25= Andrew Shepherd 50
25= Mark Gregory 50
28= Rob Munden 49
28= Neil Addington 49
30. Rich Richards 48
31. Neil Bixby 47
32. John McGowan 44
33. Ryan Sav 43
34. Oakers 42
35. Danny Rose 39
36. Jason Syrett 36
37. Kirsty Baillie 27

Week 37 overview

Saturday Arsenal and Chelsea played out a dull 0-0, as did Villa and Sunderland. Blackburn amongst more demostrations beat Norwich 2-0 while Bolton drew 1-1 with the Swans.

Fulham pissed on Wigan's parade 2-1, Newcastle beat Stoke 3-0 and Spurs continued their fall from grace losing 1-0 to QPR thanks to Adel Taarabt's first-half free-kick
Liverpool lost to WBA at home, god their shit aren't they?
 
On the Sunday Man City won at Wolves to relegate them and Everton and Man U played out a cracker at the OT. The game ending 4-4 which sprung open the title race.

Three-way

N&R Division 1 - week 37
10 points the lead at the top of Div 1 as Boys on tour, Woody's Round Up and Guiness & eggs battle it out.

Tanus Terriers, Magnificent Eleven and Financial Bale Out are still within touching distance.

Room with a view hurdled Gooner win the league and below the top 8 Paris Eagles, Hannoi Utd, To Elland Back, Harry Houdini and Super Super Sav, Super Savlyuchenko have their foot flat down on the gas.

The bottom 12 remain unchanged but Two points, two flats and a packet of gravel and Asahi Kirin Sapporo Saki Eight both made ground.

Graham Crackers

N&R Division 2 - week 37
Pimp my side are back on top of Div 2 5 points ahead of Dalton Worblers. 2Infinity and beyond are now 3rd with Pure Irish 4th.

The rest of the top 12 are unchanged although Glasgow kiss did leapfrog Full Metal Jacket. 31 points separate 12th from the pack led by Sons of pitches.

What happened to Kings of Leon Osman? Out of the promotion race and down to midtable in a few weeks!

Arsene still knows are 34th and still hold the Penultimate place prize, which is the 2nd worst position overall as follows:

65th. CHAMP19NS, 998 points
66th. Frank & Beans, 988 points
67th. Red Ken Re-Lives the 80's, 954 points
68th. Californication, 953 points
69th. Danny Rose, 900 points
70th. Danny Stock, 800 points.

N&R Cup Quarter Final Draw

The balls have been rubbed and shaked and the 8 of them fell out as below:

N&R Cup Quarter Final Draw
Brighton Blues v Kiwi Fantastic
Gooner win league v Magnificent Eleven
Gooner go up v To Elland Back
Chillers Champions v Tanus Terriers

Some nice ties there. Interestingly no one in the top 6 of Div 2 and only two of the top 6 in Div 1 remain in the N&R Cup competition. A nice shiny trophy for the winners.

The ties will be played over week 38.

N&R Cup 3rd Round Results

In week 37 the N&R Cup 3rd Round took place and these were the results:

N&R Cup 3rd Rd Results:

Gooner Go Up 38-29 Dalton's Worblers

Guinesss & eggs 26-38 To Elland Back

Socceroos 32-46 Brighton Blues

Gooner win League 27-26 Hannoi Utd

Pure Irish 25-33 Kiwi Fantastic

Magnificent Eleven 47-27 Bingo FC

Tanus Terriers 40-27 FFC 4Ever

We are all Keith Lemon 28-34 Chillers Champions

In the tightest game Neil Reynolds pipped Ready by a point, in the big shock of the round Rob won away against Steve Black.

Chillers, Lee, Ken, John H, Paul and Soozie all make up the final 8. Quarter Final draw to follow.

Photograph of the week

An absolute unbelievable result from Chelsea last night in Barcelona to make it through to the Champions League Final in Munich.

At the final whistle on a thrilling night at the Nou Camp, Chelsea had eliminated Barcelona, the world and European champions. And all that despite losing centre-back Gary Cahill to a hamstring injury and playing for more than 50 minutes with 10 men after captain John Terry was sent off.

It was a triumph of guts, determination and spirit over the brilliance of Barcelona, which for once was nowhere to be seen just at the very moment they needed it most.

Ian Kennett's charity expedition to Nepal

Dear All,

Firstly a huge thank you to those who have so generously supported me and the Walking with the Wounded Charity thus far.

For those receiving this email for the first time, you may recall that in April 2011 a team including 4 wounded soldiers, successfully completed an unsupported trek to the North Pole, an amazing feat which was the subject of the inspirational BBC documentary Harry’s Arctic Heroes.

Not content with that unbelievable achievement in the next 6 weeks, five wounded soldiers will attempt to successfully summit Mount Everest!

I have been given the opportunity of trekking to Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5276m with the extended team.

I now have only one week before I depart for Nepal. So this is my ‘Bob Geldof moment minus the expletives’ (those under the age of 40 should probably Google Live Aid 85) - an unashamed request for more donations!

The climb team of 5 wounded soldiers are now at Base Camp and are in full preparation for the ‘big one’ climbing other peaks and testing equipment in readiness for an attempt on the ‘big one’ in mid or late May. Check out these photos

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/9197945/Walking-with-the-Wounded-disabled-soldiers-prepare-to-tackle-Mount-Everest.html?frame=2190652#?frame=2190653

You will all have seen the news reports and documentaries which graphically show the consequences for the service men and women injured in the line of duty.

Walking with the Wounded raises funds to finance new qualifications, courses and further education for those who are seriously injured. It enables the blind, the burn victims, the mentally injured, the amputees and all the other wounded personnel to rebuild their lives and to return to the work place.

Please help me support them by visiting my Just Giving page

http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-Kennett

Please remember to tick the gift aid option.

Thank you in advance for your kind support.

Ian Kennett

Woody makes it 3

N&R Division 1 - week 36

One week Guinness & eggs held the lead but Boys on tour have wrestled it back in week 36 and now Woody's Round Up have joined the party to make this a really exciting three-horse race.

Tanus Terriers remain 4th, Magnificent Eleven 5th, Financial Bale Out 6th, Gooner win League 7th and Room with a view 8th.

Behind them Hannoi Utd is up to 9th alongside Paris Eagles.

In the deep do do relegation fight Loads of Roubles and Brox Banditos have made a run for it and Socceroos is back in the mess.

Worblers wobbling

N&R Division 2 - week 36

Dalton Worblers are 6 ahead of Pimp my side who are breathing very heavily down her neck. Pure Irish are gaining ground in 3rd and 2Infinity & beyond are now 4th.

Dynamo Chicken Kiev are up to 5th with Alchees Lubes a faller to 6th.

Gooner go up are 7th with Barceloner into the top 8 for the first time in 10 weeks. Full Metal Jacket drop out with Glasgow kiss just above Andy.

Brighton Blues remain in the last promotion place with Sons of pitches, Kiwi Fantastic and Conan's Destroyers in his rear view mirror.

Arsene still knows remain in the prized Penultimate Place.

Week 36 overview

It was a busy, busy week.

On the previous Wednesday Man City began their climb back into the title frame by stuffing WBA 4-0, Wigan meanwhile beat Man U 1-0 at the DW.

Arsenal won at down and out Wolves 3-0 and QPR thrashed Swansea 3-0.

Saturday 14th April 2012 This table charts the fixtures during Saturday 14th April 2012 Barclays Premier League

Then on Saturday the blue half on Manchester was in raptures as City beat previously water tight Norwich 6-1 at Carrow Road, Sunderland and Wolves were goalless giving poor Terry Connor his 2nd point.

Swansea stuffed Blackburn 3-0 and West Brom beat QPR 1-0.

On the Sunday Man Utd bounced back by beating a poor Aston Villa 4-0.

Then Monday Wigan went to Arsenal, grabbed two early goals and won 2-1.

Photograph of the week

Rangers have been hit with a 12-month transfer embargo and fined £160,000 in relation to their finances and the appointment of Craig Whyte as chairman. Rangers, who are in administration, were charged with six breaches of SFA regulations, with five guilty verdicts and one "not proven".

The club's administrators, Duff & Phelps, say the penalties are "draconian" and undermine their attempts to sell the club and will appeal against them.

Century busters

Manager of the Week - week 36

Graham Ward kept up the pace and his super first N&R FL season with a MoW winning 109 points. Ricky Wood is also well in the running for the title and he smashed 104 in a very high scoring week.

Alasrtair Bigg and Mark Gregory both hammered 99, which keeps Alastair in the prize money hunt and moves Mark away from relegation trouble.

Rich Richards was one of 10 managers scoring in excess of 90. He got 97, Neil Addington 96, Hils 95, Chris Wright 93, Jason Syrett 92, and easily a season-best and Dan Weeks 90.

Lee Horne hit 83 with Ken 82. Greg Foulger scored 81, Plums 77, Rosie 72, and Steve Black 67.

The week's worst score in a bumper week was Chris Waterman with just 15.

Season's best weekly score - Wardy (G) joins Godders at summit

After Graham Ward's stonking week 36, he joins Godders at the top of the list for the Season's Best Weekly Score with just 4 weeks left. Ricky's 104, his second 100+ weekly score moved him also into 7th place and Alastair and Mark G slip into 10th. The winner will win £30.

Here is the latest Best weekly score's:
1= Peter Godfrey, week 26, 109 points
1= Graham Ward, week 36, 109 points
3. Ricky Wood, week 26, 108 points
4= Barry Paull, week 26, 105 points
4= Soozie Saveall, week 26, 105 points
4= Mark Gregory, week 26, 105 points
7= Alastair Bigg, week 26, 104 points
7= Ricky Wood, week 36, 104 points8. Barry Plummer, week 26, 101 points
9. Rob Munden, week 26, 100 points
10= Greg Foulger, week 26, 99 points
10= Graham Ward, week 26, 99 points
10= Alastair Bigg, week 36, 99 points
10= Mark Gregory, week 36, 99 pointsUp to week 36

N&R Weekly Bet

Week 35 and bloody Man U fcuked it up for me.

Nobby
Blackburn v Norwich HOME - RIGHT

Fulham v Wigan HOME - RIGHTMan U v Everton - HOME - WRONG

£2 stake. Winning potential £13.50. Winnings £0

Ready:
Wolves v Man C AWAY - RIGHT
Liverpool v WBA - HOME - WRONG
QPR v Spurs -  AWAY - WRONG

£2 stake. Winning potential £8.10. Winnings £0

Running totals:
Ready £27.94 (positive)
Nobby £2.12 (negative)

Ready's Benfleet Bet - 4th Round table

As previously discussed, we are drip feeding you the FA Cup Prediction scores. This is how the table looked after the 4th Round:

Benfleet Bet Predictions - table after the 4th Rd.
1. Ricky Wood 78
2. Alex Boswell 66
3. Graham Ward 62
4= Ready 61
4= Paul Long 61
4= Ian France 61
4= Greg Foulger 61
8= Mark Simmons 60
8= Neil Reynolds 60
10. Neville White 55
11. Nobby 53
12= Brian Rutter 52
12= Dan Weeks 52
12= Peter Doyle 52
12= Barry Paull 52
16. Steve Black 51
17. Steve Merchant 50
18= Godders 49
18= Soozie Sav 49
20= Ian Kennett 48
20= Mark Dewbs 48
20= Neil Addington 48
20= Tim Harris 48
24= Al Waters 47
24= Ken Cobbett 47
26. Ben Guarino 45
27= Neil Bixby 44
27= Mark Gregory 44
29= Andrew Shepherd 41
29= Oakers 41
31= Danny Rose 39
31= Rob Munden 39
33. Rich Richards 38
34. Ryan Saveall 37
35. John McGowan 35
36. Jason Syrett 34
37. Kirsty Baillie 27

So Ricky well out in front, with Alex 2nd and Graham 3rd. 5th Round to follow shortly.

What is your Brazilian football name

Clearly something that you have always wondered. Mine is SIMSON.

What's yours? Click here.

Photograph of the week

With 100 days to go before the start of the London Olympics David Beckham, who will be 37 by the start of the Games, is among 80 players told by the FA they are in contention for a place in the GB football squad. The original list numbered 191.

Mine's a Guinness

N&R Division 1 - week 35
A new leader at the top of Div 1. Guinness and eggs hit top spot for the first time this season and the 2011/12 title looks on target for a really exciting finish with Woody's Round Up, Tanus Terriers and Magnificent Eleven all capable of adding to the fun.

Guiness & eggs were 15th at the turn of the year and 9th just 10 weeks ago and have almost every season since Steve joined (2007) always finished really strongly. Boys on tour are back in 2nd for the first time since before Christmas.

Room with a view remain 8th and To Elland Back fall back to 14th place. Looking extremely unlikely that Rob will retain his title now.

If we are looking for an underdog to push into the top 8, look no further than Hannoi Utd and FFC 4Ever, but making good runs up the table at just the right time.

At the bottom. Loads of Roubles are climbing to safety, as are Socceroos after 22 solid weeks in the relegation zone.

Brox Banditos are back in trouble and the others can't seem to find the energy (including Nobby) to grab a lifeline.

Lubes smooth the way

N&R Division 2 - week 35
Dalton Worblers remain top but stretched their lead to 43 points in week 35. Pimp my side are 2nd and 2Infinity & beyond 3rd.

Alchees Lubes are up to 4th folllwing a tremendous couple of weeks. Brett looks certain to get promotion, remember he is a previous N&R FL Champion, and he may be a good outside bet for the Div 2 title?

Dynamo Chicken Kiev slip a few places, and Full Metal Jacket move up to 8th. In the promotion spots Brighton Blues and Kings of Leon Osman continue to battle for the last place, whilst the others look on.

Interesting to note that promotion challengers Kiwi Fantastic, Sons of pitches, Planet Kilpo and Conan's Destroyers have neither been in the top 12 for 15 weeks.

Congratulations to Fleetwood Town

I try to keep an eye on some of the smaller names we have championed over the years in our Road to Wembley series and I was happy to see Fleetwood Town win promotion to the League this past weeend.

The Cod Army is a terric story - more here, and they have stormed this season's Conference to follow in the footsteps of Crawley Town, AFC Wimbledon, Stevenage and Dagenham & Redbridge to bring new colour to the English top flight. Congratulations.

Ten things you never knew about Fleetwood Town.

More Lube

Manager of the Week - week 35

Well lube me up with silk glove, Brett Davey picked up a second consecutive MoW in week 35, his 4th of a lucrative campaign. 70 points did it and that is 279 points in just 5 weeks that has included 3 MoW's! A run also that has taken Brett to touching distance of the Div 2 leaders.

Next best was Steve Black (66), new leader of the N&R title race. Incredibly Steve has yet to win a MoW this season.

On 64 points was Henry down in Oz. Ex-colleague Rosie was next up as she races to the finish line. She scored 62, John Hardiman is also on a rich vein of form and the Kiwi scored 59, Steve Merchant 58, Andy Wheeler 55 and Lee Horne 54.

Andy Shepherd had another excellent week as he pushes himself into a prize Div 2 position, and then Dewbs (52), Murray (50), Ken (49), Ready (47) and Mutley (47) all continued their nice end of season runs.

Bottom of the pile was Neville with unlucky 13.

N&R Cup 3rd Round Draw

Early this morning Pele and Maradona joined me to pick the 16 balls out of the hat for the N&R Cup 3rd Round Draw. This is what happened:

N&R Cup 3rd Rd
Gooner Go Up v Dalton's Worblers
Guinesss & eggs v To Elland Back
Socceroos v Brighton Blues
Gooner win League v Hannoi Utd
Pure Irish v Kiwi Fantastic
Magnificent Eleven v Bingo FC
Tanus Terriers v FFC 4Ever
We are all Keith Lemon v Chillers Champions

Some big ties but also I note a chance for some underdogs to grab the spotlight in the Quarter Finals. Good luck to all managers. These games will take place this weekend (week 37).

Week 35 overview

Midweek Liverpool leave it late to win at relegated haunted Blackburn 3-2, Man C get their title tilt back on track beating WBA 4-0 as Wigan beat Man U at the DW. Arsenal beat Wolves 3-0 and QPR do likewise at home to Swansea.

On Saturday WBA beat QPR 1-0 and Swansea thrash Blackburn 3-0. Wolves get only their 2nd point under Terry Connor at Sunderland and Man C get the media all excited again thrashing Norwich 6-2 at Carrow Road.

On Sunday Man U beat Villa 4-0. Monday Arsenal blew it and lost to a resurgent Wigan.

In the FA Cup Semi Finals Chelsea beat Spurs 5-1 and Liverpool beat Everton 2-1.

Photograph of the week

Come on you Addicks!

The black stuff

N&R Division 1 - week 34
Guiness & eggs move into 2nd place and are just 16 points behind Boys on tour. Woody's not far behind in 3rd and Tanus are still very much in the picture in 4th.

Last season's runner up Magnificent Eleven are 5th eith Financial Bale out 6th, Gooner win League 7th and Room with a view 8th.

Bagpuss drop out of the top 8 but Hannoi Utd were a big climber as were FFC 4Ever.

In relegation do-do remains the same old 12 buy Socceroos, Brox, Non Calculated Risk and Two points, two flats and a packet of gravel look to have the best chance of survival.

Rant over

What a shambles the FA Cup Semi Final was between Chelsea and Spurs.

Now there is no denying that the Blues were the better team but if ever that decision to give a goal when the ball never even reached the line let alone crossed it, doesn't scream out for TV replays, then I don't know what does.

In fact it was a foul by Terry on the defenders in the first place, which if the referee gave that, it would have saved him the embarrassment of missing the goal line deception.

And as for that prick John Terry saying it didn't cross the line, then why was he in the ref's face and celebrating when he allowed it?

Also, what is the rule with denying a goal scoring opportunity? Cech should have been sent off, even though Bale scored.

Anyway, rant over but a few seconds to make the most crucial decisions right ain't going to hurt anyone. With middle aged officials in a very fast moving game technology is a must.

Oh and I won't even mention Ashley Young.

N&R Cup 2nd Round Results

The 2nd Round of the famous N&R Cup was played over week 34. Here were the results with one or two surprises:

N&R Cup 2nd Rd Results
Hannoi Utd 66-24 Standard Ginger
Guinness & eggs 64-24 Sons of pitches
Gooner win league 47-45 Harry Houdini
Brighton Blues 45-44 Barceloner
Tanus Terriers 53-43 Room with a view
SAF 23-48 Magnificent Eleven
Chillers Champions 44-34 Glasgow kiss
Gooner go up 53-50 Conan Destroyer
Kiwi Fantastic 56-30 No Hopers
FFC 4Ever 56-32 Sainsbury's Maggotts LMFC
We are all Keith Lemon 48-32 Nobby Junior
Wheelers Warriors 40-41 Bingo
How's about Bollocks 34-58 Pure Irish
Dalton's Worblers 54-36 Woody's Round Up
Paris Eagles 44-49 To Elland Back
Morgan's Machines 15-63 Socceroos

In the big derby game Soozie squeaked past brother Jason. Sweaty saw off old boss Nobby, and Ready beat Doyley.

Rob had a fine wine away to Barry Paull, Bingo beat Andrew by a solitary point and in the clash of the round Rosie overcame title chaser Ricky.

Paul Long beat Geoff by a point, Steve M beat Pk, Hils beat Godders and John Hardiman had a great result over Michael Stout.

It was no surprise to see Steve Black continue his annual end of season run to beat Ben G, and Ken was a winner away to Mark Sterry.

Finally in the all girl clash Chillers beat Nee Baillie.

Look out for the 3rd Round N&R Cup draw coming your way.

Piermario Morosini RIP

It's getting to be far to often that we read about this tragic circumstances at football.

25-year old Piermario Morosini died during a Serie B game on Saturday. Morosini, who was on loan from Udinese at Livorno and collapsed in the 31st minute of the game against Pescara. He suffered a cardiac arrest and was tragically dead on arrival at the hospital.

Udinese's captain Di Natale said: "When I saw the scene on the TV it was immediately clear that it was something serious. It was a very bad moment. He was an exceptional lad, so full of life. Despite all the problems he had, he was always at the disposal of the team and every day he gave us all strength."

Those problems included his mother passing away when he was 15, his father dying soon after and his disabled brother killed himself more recently. He leaves behind his disabled sister who Piermario unselfishly looked after 100% of the time.

Antonio di Natale said Serie A side Udinese will provide lifelong financial aid to the sister. She relied on Morosini for financial and emotional support since their parents died seven years ago.

The Serie A, Italy's top football league, cancelled all its matches on the weekend after his death and Italy's sports minister Piero Gnudi has requested for athletes to undergo more frequent medical tests following the sudden death of Livorno midfielder Piermario Morosini.

Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba has made remarkable progress since suffering a cardiac arrest during the FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham four weeks ago, and was released from hospital this past weekend, but Italian volleyball player Vigor Bovolenta died during a league game last month at the age of 37 following a heart attack.

Neck and neck

N&R Division 2 - week 34
We are closing in on the season finale and the promotion shake up and with 7 weeks to go Dalton Worblers and Pimp my side are neck and neck, with Rosie moving back to the top in week 34.

Graham is in 2nd 32 ahead of 2Infinity & beyond with Light & Lager champion Dynamo Chicken Kiev in 4th.

Pure Irish, Alchees Lubes, Gooner go up and Glasgow kiss all look up, but Full Metal Jacket and Barceloner need a little more breathing space to make sure.

Meanwhile No Hopers, Brighton Blues, Kings of Leon Osman, Sons of pitches, Planet Kilpo, Kiwi Fantastic and even I would say Conan's Destroyers, Luis & Carroll, Buy, Buy, Buy Arsene Wegner and Standard Ginger are all just a clever timely transfer away. Heck even Hammer Nation could make a late run!

Bottom remains Stocky's Starlets with Arsene still knows in the prized Penultimate Place.

Lubed up

Manager of the Week - week 34
A hatrick of MoW's for Brett Davey after he finished top of the pile in week 34. 67 points for the Chelsea fan, one ahead of Ready and two ahead of Steve Black.

Next up was Sav and Henry with 63, Neil Wallis 62 and Hils 58.

Other notables were Lee Baughan 48, Chillers 44, Huw 36, Pk 32, Daniel Duboux 28, Aaron 15 and last but not least Ian Kennett with 13.

Ready's Benfleet Bet

We have done the FA Cup Prediction competition results a bit different this season, i.e. blind. We haven't announced any results so far, despite 37 of you predicting games all the way to the past weekend's Semi-Finals.

So, one by one we are going to tease you with the scores from each round and the cumulative table, starting with the 3rd Round.

Benfleet Bet Predictions - table after the 3rd Rd.
1. Graham Ward 45
2. Ricky Wood 44
3. Neil Reynolds 43
4= Alex Boswell 40
4=Nobby 40
4= Tim Harris 40
4= Steve Merchant 40
4= Ian France 40
9= Dan Weeks 39
9= Ian Kennett 39
11= Ready 38
11= Peter Doyle 38
13= Soozie Sav 37
13= Neil Addington 37
15. Barry Paull 36
16. Ben Guarino 35
17= Godders 33
17= Mark Dewbs 33
17= Andrew Shepherd 33
20. Alan Waters 32
21= Paul Long 31
21= Foulger 31
23= Simmons 30
23= Brian Rutter 30
25= Steve Black 28
25= Mark Gregory 28
27= Kirsty Baillie 27
27= Mr Sav 27
27= Neil Bixby 27
27= Rob Munden 27
27= Neville White 27
32. Jason Syrett 24
33. Oakers 23
34= Danny Rose 21
34= Ken Cobbett 21
36. John McGowan 20
37. Rich Richards 19

Road to Wembley - time to switch our Scouse allegiance

Andy Carroll's late header sent Liverpool through to the FA Cup Final as they came from behind to beat our boys Everton at Wembley 2-1 on Saturday.

NIKICA JELAVIC took advantage of a mix-up between Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger to give Everton the lead midway through the first half - but an Everton defensive error just after the hour gave the Reds a route back to their second major Wembley final this season.

Sylvain Distin's backpass never carried the weight to reach Everton keeper Tim Howard and Luis Suarez was only too happy to take advantage to race through and score.

And with three minutes left Carroll - who had missed the easiest of chances early in the second half - glanced substitute Craig Bellamy's free-kick past Howard to give Liverpool the chance to add the FA Cup to the Carling Cup they won on penalties against Cardiff.

David Moyes: "It was a good opportunity to get to the final and when it goes like that you feel sorry for them all. As you can imagine we are not full of the joys but we now need to focus on the rest of the season, I'm just really disappointed we are not able to give the supporters a final because they were fantastic and when you lose to your local rivals it is even harder to take."

Everton: Howard, Baines (Anichebe), Heitinga, Distin, Neville, Gibson, Cahill, Osman, Fellaini,
Jelavic, Gueye (Coleman),
Substitutes: Hahnemann, Hibbert, Jagielka, Coleman, Stracqualursi, McFadden, Anichebe.
Attendance: 87, 321

We now switch our allegiances across Stanley Park to Liverpool, who play Chelsea in the FA Cup Final.

Week 34 overview

On Good Friday Newcastle had a fine win at Swansea as they keep up their Euro challenge.

Saturday Stoke beat certain to be relagated Wolves 2-1, WBA thrash Blackburn 3-0, Norwich and Everton draw 2-2 and Villa hold Liverpool at Anfield 1-1.

Chelsea, with the help of the ref, beat Wigan 2-1, Fulham go to the Reebok and win 3-0 and Sunderland and Spurs are goal less.

On Easter Day Man U beat QPR thanks to a very dodgy penalty 2-0 and Arsenal beat Man C 1-0 halting City's title challenge.

On Easter Monday Fulham and Chelsea share the spoils, as do Villa and Stoke. Norwich play superbly and win at Spurs 2-1, Newcastle beat Bolton 2-0 and Everton thrash Sunderland 4-0.

Road to Wembley - Scouse derby in London

Good luck to our Road to Wenbley side Everton tomorrow in their derby semi-final against Liverpool (kick off 12.30). Being at traditionalist I have no idea why both sets of supporters have to drive down the M6 to play in London when they will pass within 10 miles of Old Trafford and one mile of Villa Park, two historic semi-final venues.

The situation has been complicated by the FA’s need to play the Cup semis at Wembley to help pay for the huge debts brought on by the £757 million reconstruction.

The FA is under a financial imperative to milk as much revenue as it can from Wembley but more thought should have been given to supporters, either with a 3pm kick-off or some form of reduced price on the ticket to acknowledge the cost required to get to Wembley.

Seventh-placed Everton are a point and a place ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League table but were beaten 3-0 by their neighbours when the teams met at Anfield in the league last month. The Reds were also on top at Goodison in October, winning 2-0.

David Moyes is in his 10th year and Everton would be very popular winners of the FA Cup. Good luck to the Toffeemen.

Week 33 overview

Chelsea's goals kept coming winning 4-2 at Villa, Everton beat WBA at home 2-0, Fulham beat Norwich 2-1 and Sunderland drew 3-3 at Man C, after being 3-1 ahead.

QPR surprised everyone by halting Arsenal's run at the Loft, Wigan beat Stoke 2-0 and Bolton had a huge win at Wolves 3-2.

On Sunday Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-0 at St James' and Spurs beat Swansea 3-1.

Monday Man U won at Blackburn.

Champions!

Not league champions, but the first N&R FL champions of the season and the winners of the Light & Bitter Cup and the Light & Lager Cup are:

Ken Cobbett and Daniel Weeks. Congratulations and £40 to you both!

Light & Bitter (Div 1) Final
Loads of Roubles 40-41 The Magnificent Eleven

In an extremely close game Ken pipped John to the £40 by a single point.

Light & Lager (Div 2) Final
Dalton Worblers 48-52 Dynamo Chicken Kiev

Rosie and Daniel put on a fine contest (1st v 4th) but it was Dan that won through and wins his first ever N&R FL title.

Photograph of the week

Squeaky bubbly bum time.

3 will become 1

N&R Division 1 - week 33
Boys on tour 1, Woody's Round Up 2, Guinness & eggs 3.

Greg is desperate to win his first ever N&R FL to coincide with his return to London, Ricky has proven what an expert FL player he is in his two N&R seasons and Steve Black is a notorious closer and could easily eat up the 66 point gap between 3rd and 4th.

All very exciting indeed and no one in the top 5 has ever held the N&R Championship Trophy before. Neil Reynolds' Gooner win the league has though and they are still less than 100 points behind the leader. A tough ask but still 8 weeks and many, many games to go.

I would say anyone down to Francey's Keep the faith in 18th could still get themselves into the prized top 8. It is that close.

Behind Francey everyone else is fighting to stay up and probably only the bottom four - CHAMP19NS, Ted Striker, Sainsbury's Maggotts LMFC and Still not a chance look doomed. Although Neville is another late finisher.

Pimped

N&R Division 2 - week 33
Dalton Worblers, top since January, were knocked of their perch in week 33 as Pimp my side went to the summit. It was Graham from whom Rosie took the pole position from, and now with 8 weeks left 7 points separate them.

2Infinity & beyond are 3rd but in touching distance and Dynamo Chicken Kiev lie 4th. Pure Irish, top for so long early season, still remain in a strong promotion position and Gooner go up are 6th.

In 12th now is Kings of Leon Osman, who usurp Brighton Blues into 14th with Sons of pitches in between them.

Lower down Planet Kilpo, Luis & Carroll's Adventures in Wonderland and Kiwi Fantastic are not far away from the top 12.

Bottom remains Stocky's Starlets over 100 points adrift.

Smelling of Roses

Manager of the Week - week 33
The beauty of the Nobby & Ready FL. Danny Rose, who frankly has had an absolute stinker of a season having spent almost the entire time in the bottom two of Div 2, incredibly won the MoW in week 33.

I'm not sure how, but in just 7 days he managed more points than he has in the past month, and 75 was easily a season's best.

Danny in fact is on for a unique double as the 2nd worst score also wins a N&R prize. Currently Dan (783 pts) sits sandwiched between Danny Stock (671) and Mark Simmons (844).

The 2nd best score in week 33 was promotion chaser Soozie with 68, then Andrew Shepherd (66), who is also chasing a first season promotion.

Davor is fighting relegation and 65 points certainly helped the Serb. Mr Sav scored 63 with Graham Ward and Jason Syrett, who made it a great family week, both on 60.

The week's lowest was shared by Mark Simmons and Neville White. 27.

N&R Weekly Bet

Week 32.

Nobby:Arsenal v Man C HOME - RIGHTBolton v Fulham HOME - WRONG
Norwich v Everton - DRAW - RIGHT

£2 stake. Winning potential £22.00. Winnings £0

Ready:Arsenal v Man C DRAW - WRONG
Liverpool v Aston V - HOME - WRONG
Man U v QPR - HOME - RIGHT
£2 stake. Winning potential £11.80. Winnings £0

Running totals:Ready £29.94 (positive)
Nobby £0.12 (negative)

Photograph of the week

N&R Weekly Bet

Week 31 and the Nobster is back in the black.

Nobby:
Wigan v Stoke HOME - RIGHT
Wolves v Bolton AWAY - RIGHT
Tottenham v Swansea - HOME - RIGHT

£2 stake. Winning potential £12.25. Winnings £12.25

Ready:
QPR v Arsenal AWAY - WRONG
Everton v WBA - HOME - RIGHT
Man U v Blackburn - HOME - RIGHT

£2 stake. Winning potential £6.95. Winnings £0

Running totals:
Ready £31.94 (positive)
Nobby £1.88 (positive)

Liverpool players at it again

Following the straight red card issued to Pepe Reina today, Liverpool football club have issued the following statement...

"In Spain head butting someone in the face is considered to be an act of friendship, and the players will be wearing Pepe Reina T-shirts against Aston Villa next week"