Photograph of the week

Javier Hernandez put Man U on their way to the Champions League semi-finals and the treble is still on. As for Chelsea, well Torres was substituted at half time and Mr Abramovich will no doubt be on the blower to his lawyer to ask him to draw up Carlos Ancelotti's resignation letter.

Transfer reminders

Some of you do have transfers left. If you have forgotten how many, then email me.

The deadline is every Tuesday at 5pm. A sale now of an out of form player, or an injured one for a fantasy point scorer could be the difference between winning nothing or quite a bit.

Email me your changes. Thanks

Wardy and Merchant continue excellent seasons

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 34
It's close in Div 2. Only 21 points separate KC's Clowns, The Capello Index and Good on paper, but all three look good for the Play-Off's.

Bingo continus his excellent season in 4th. Never out of the promotion places for Wardy, and the same for Steve and his FFC 4Ever, who are in 5th. Bobby Z, Baron Greenback, Chart This Int'l and FC Wood all fight for one of the Play-Off spots.

Blunty, Calculated Risk, Brighton Blues, Still not a chance and Sons of Pitches all strive for promotion and even outside bet Sadler's superstars should not give up!

Munden clear

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 34
To Elland Back are now 50 points clear in Div 1 and a Play-Off place is guaranteed. Loads of Roubles are 2nd with Paris Eagles 3rd. Guinness & eggs are doing what they do every season and come with a magnificent late run. Hannoi Utd, the current title holder, is now up to 5th with Boys on tour in 6th and a point behind Brox Banditos in 7th. Racing Hiccups, Old Bodeans and Gooner win league have a lot to do.

The bottom 10 are unchanged.

Sadler up

Week 34 - Manager of the Week
Emmmmmmma. Yes! A fiver to you my dear and it has been coming for a while after many fine weeks of improvement. Promotion may just be out of sight but Miss Sadler will hopefully be encouraged by her first ever N&R prize. 56 for Emma then in week 34, 53 for colleague Henry and 51 for Ready.

A half century for title chaser Rob and Cup hopeful Ian Kennett. 49 was the score of choice for Dewbs, Saveall with Bixby hitting 48,
Ricky Wood 47 and Steve Black 45. The lowest was Muddy with a rough 7.

Week 34 review

The Arse were held at home by Blackburn, which put a nasty spike into their title hopes, Birmingham improved their situation beating Bolton 2-1, Bent scored twice at Villa drew at Goodison 2-2 and injury hit Newcastle thrashed Wolves 4-1.

Stoke held Chelsea 1-1, Torres did not score! Fact! Woy got wevenge as his West Brom side beat his old Liverpool side 2-1. Brunt with two pens.

Rooney scored a hatrick and swore on the field of play. After me.... naughty, naughty, naughty Wayne. West Ham were beaten 2-4 after being 2-0 up.

Wigazzzzzzz drew with Spurs 0-0. I fucking hope those northern monkeys go down and return to playing Widnes at Rugby on ITV just before the wrestling on a Saturday afternoon.

Also that weekend Man City somehow contrived to score not just one goal but five against Sunderland, the new Charlton as it was pointed out this week, i.e. they reach 38 points and give up. Sadly Charlton are still doing that in League poxy One.... a lesson there to Sunderland.

Fulham kept Blackpool looking over their shoulders as they thrashed the Tangerines 3-0.

N&R Road to Wembley - If you know you're history....

Our N&R team is now Man United and they come head to head this weekend with their local rivals Man City.

Almost everyone knows about the Manchester derby, and whilst it may not match the air of malevolence that swirls round its Glasgow counterpart, and for years didn't even take place, in recent seasons this game has at long last rekindled some proper derby tensions. However I have done a bit of digging and whatever happens this weekend, the undercurrents will still not compare to the Manchester derby 104 years ago.

Newton Heath and Ardwick, forerunners of United and City, had first met in the FA Cup in 1891 and had grown along largely religious lines (Catholic United, Church of England City). They had co-existed happily, however, until the latter were involved in the first great football bribes scandal at the end of the 1904-5 season.

An investigation led to five of City's best players, including the game's first superstar, Billy Meredith, being banned from playing for the club again. Worse, they eventually went across the city and formed the backbone of United's first championship side in 1907-08. You can imagine the emotions pulsing through the 35,000 crowd at Clayton that day when Meredith, Herbert Burgess and Sandy Turnbull appeared for the enemy in a derby for the first time. Nani will have it easy by comparison.

Turnbull, a character designed to give managers grey hair, would later become the first player to be sent off in a derby. He was also banned sine die by the Football Association for betting irregularities and was killed serving in the Manchester Regiment in the trenches of Arras in May 1917.

Later the inter-war period is known as the yo-yo years in Manchester. United were relegated in 1922, 1931 and 1937 and City in 1926 and 1938, the last downfall setting a precedent for their "cock-up" reputation because the Sky Blues managed to lose their top-flight status despite being the division's top scorers with 80 goals. But while the clubs were slipping past each other in the League they did manage their only FA Cup semi-final, City winning 3-0 in 1926.

The post Second World War period saw a thawing of relations when City allowed their neighbours to use Maine Road for an annual rent of £5,000 because Old Trafford had been destroyed by the Luftwaffe. City's reserves, meanwhile, played at The Cliff, which was United's training ground until their recent move to Carrington.

But if there was a cordial landlord-tenant relationship through the Fifties - an atmosphere helped by the appointment of a former City player, Matt Busby, as United's manager - that was shattered in May 1963. Denis Law had gone from Moss Side to Trafford Park via Torino and, as if that was not intriguing enough, the clubs were locked in a First Division relegation struggle just a point apart at second and third bottom. Hard to imagine isn't it?

City were by far the better side in the early stages and went ahead after nine minutes through Alex Harley and had another "goal" disallowed for a hair's-breadth offside. Tempers were barely kept under control and before the interval Pat Crerand and Dave Wagstaffe were booked after an ugly confrontation.

Later it was revealed in the newspapers that Wagstaffe was laid out by an unnamed United player in the tunnel during half-time and perhaps that played a part in one of the most controversial climaxes to a Manchester derby. City were four minutes away from an important victory when Wagstaffe played a suicidal back-pass, Law nipped in and was brought down in the area by Harry Dowd. "It was a penalty," Law recalled in his autobiography. "The goalkeeper had hold of my legs, but I would never have scored. I was going away from the goal and had lost the ball. It was a lucky break for us."

It was an unlucky break for Dowd and his team-mates because Albert Quixall's penalty earned United a point that would mean the difference between their safety and City's relegation at the end of the season. Worse, as far as Maine Road was concerned, Law would be the outstanding player when United won the FA Cup final 3-1 against Leicester City a few days afterwards.

City would gain ample compensation five years later when their 3-1 win at Old Trafford proved pivotal as they finished two points ahead of their great rivals to win the 1968 championship, but the ultimate revenge came in 1974.

Tommy Docherty had sold the now veteran Law back to Maine Road, but United were scrapping to avoid relegation when City arrived in April. Little happened until the 81st minute when Colin Bell found Francis Lee who, in turn, passed to Law. His position, with his back to goal near the penalty spot, was not promising but with typical impudence the former "King of Old Trafford" brilliantly back-heeled past a startled Alex Stepney. In old television pictures the following is legend (watch here) Law made to celebrate, realised what he had done, then walked, head bowed, off the pitch and down the tunnel, leaving the game to go on for a few minutes before a second crowd invasion brought it to a premature end.

His last touch in League football, which virtually ensured United's relegation, had been his saddest. "It was no more than a reflex action," he said, "and I felt sick. I have never felt so depressed in my life as I did that weekend."

Old football kits

Tottenham Hotspur 1980-82
Made by Le Coq Sportif - are they still going?
Worn by Glenn Hoddle, Garth Crooks, Micky Hazard and Ossie Ardiles.
Worn on the run to the club's seventh FA Cup victory when they beat QPR 1-0 in a replay thanks to a Glenn Hoddle penalty

Photograph of the week

Whilst Fernando Torres has scored as many Chelsea goals as me, and he has played more games, new Kop hero Andy Carroll bagged a couple tonight in their stroll over sad billionaires Man City.

N&R Cup Quarter Final Results

Week 34 was N&R Cup Quarter Finals day and they all resulted in away wins.

N&R Cup QF Results:
Ricky Wood 40-47 Neil Wallis
Aaron Barden 25-29 Neville White
Steve Merchant 30-50 Rob Munden
Ken Cobbett 35-50 Ian Kennett

A real turn up with Kennett beating KC. Fcuk me, Ian might actually win something!!!!

Munden continued his superb season, and can he carry it on to finally make something of himself? Neville will be as shocked as the rest of us that he made the last four, and Neil Wallis makes the 4th Semi-Finalist after dispatching Ricky Wood in a close one.

Watch out for news of the N&R Semi-Final draw and when it will played.

The N&R FL Play-Offs are coming

Next week, week 35, will be the last week before we break for the first ever time into the N&R Play-Off's. Now are you ready?

Simply, effective week 36 the best scoring 10 managers across Div 1 and 2 go into a 5-week Play-Off Final with the winner at the end of the season being awarded the best prize money and the coveted N&R Championship trophy.

As at week 34 the top 10 managers are:
1. Ken Cobbett 1,222
2. Rob Munden 1,210
3. Richard Richards 1,201
4. Simon Ward 1,194
5. Steve Merchant 1,190
6. Neil Wallis 1,165
7. John McGovern 1,160
8. Barry Paull 1,139
9. Neil Bixby 1,131
10. Steve Black 1,116

This is quite a change from what it was just a few weeks back and it could change again. Ready, Foulger, Chris Wright, Alastair Bigg and Ricky Wood all have a good to outside chance of forcing their way into the top 10 in the last week of games.

The top 10 managers will compete in a mini-league for the title of 2010/11 N&R FL Champion. All 10 Play-Off finalists will get cash prizes.

N&R Div's 1 and 2 will continue with a prize awarded to the final winner of each Division.

Also, of course, we have the little matter of pride and the top 10 managers from Div 2 will be promoted at the expense of the bottom 10 managers from Div 1, who will be relegated. This ignominy current faces no less than 3 previous N&R Champions.

There will be other prizes such as the 2nd worse total score, the best and worst weekly score plus some others that we'll make up if we have any money left.

Any questions, then please refer to you N&R FL manual page 94. Available at WH Smiths and all good bookstores.

Bull Terrier

Week 32 - Manager of the Week
A second MoW for Lee Horne in week 32. Well done Lee. 47 points was enough for a fiver with Richard Richards next with 45 points, ahead of Steve Black (44), Ben Guarino (43) and Oakers, Chris Wright, Dewbs and Neil Addington all on 42.

Lowest score of week 32 was Richard Stirland with 11.

A focus on relegation

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 32
The top 3 are unchanged after week 32. Brox moves into 4th and Guinness & eggs 5th. Boys on tour lose a bit of ground as Old Bodeans make a big leap into 7th at the expense of previous champions Hannoi Utd and Gooner win league.

Let us focus on the bottom of Div 1 though.

Red Roy, Morgan's Machines, Rhubarb and Custard and ex-champ 2Infinity & beyond look relegated already. Lazarus United, Fabio's flops and Glasgow kiss all need the kiss of life whilst I think SYRFLTL Pk, Torres Rosso and Soozie's Sizzlers have a chance of safety. Meanwhile Arsene Knows, Aston Globetrotter, Tanus, Nortius Maximus, Hip Hip Hooray and Houdini are all looking over their shoulders.

Bingo back into 2nd!

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 32
KC still leads Div 2 with Bingo back into 2nd. Good on paper and FFC 4Ever tie for 3rd. Lower down Baron Greenback hurdles Chart This Intl into 7th. Still not a chance, Sons of pitches plus my two Chicago brethren Calculated Risk and Brighton Boys remian firmly in the promotion race.

No week 33

Because of the International break, there will be no N&R FL scores from week 33

Man United - the most hated company in the UK

Ahead of bankers, estate agents, lawyers and insurance underwriters: Read here.

Week 32 review

Wolves won at Villa, which pushes the Villians into deep trouble. Blackpool threw away a two-goal lead at local rivals Blackburn. Berbatov got a late winner at home to Bolton and the inconsistent Everton beat Fulahm 2-1.

Stoke thrashed Newcastle, who look to have enough points to stay up. West Ham got a great draw at Tottenham and Wigan beat Birmingham and the Baggies put a dent in Arsenal's title hopes drawing 2-2, despite being ahead 2-0.

On Sunday in the big game Chelsea beat Citeh 2-0, and Liverpool won at Sunderland.

Photograph of the week

As a Charlton fan it has taken me a long time to forgive Scott Parker. He left us when tapped up by Chelsea as we lay 3rd in the Premiership at Christmas and Chelsea and their billions were in 7th. We ended up 7th, Chelsea 3rd and yes, it does seem like a million years ago. However, he never got a look in at Chelsea as managers were chopped and changed. He went to Newcastle suffered a serious injury but came back to be club captain but they also swapped managers like Panini cards and the Geordies were on a downward spiral. He then headed back south to Upton Park, had an early injury lay off but has in recent seasons as captain often led the Hammers as a one man team. He finally got his England chance (although he was capped whilst at Charlton) on Saturday against Wales and took it well and played despite losing his dad the same week. At last he looks to be given the recognition he deserves despite some poor career choices.

Mascot memories

Recently for my son's 11th birthday I treated him to the mascot package at Charlton. Sadly I have long brainwashed him so he loved every minute even though we are rubbish and of course lost to Exeter City. There were 25,000 people in The Valley that day, so that was quite a thrill running out to a packed stadium.

This is what I wrote on my blog afterwards:

Saturday's mascot experience was fantastic, and a real credit to the club. We've glossed over the middle 90 minutes in our family but to be fair kids don't dwell on results, and my son is still buzzing from the day. Hopefully most of those that came on Saturday for the first time or the first time in a while will remember the atmosphere and the experience as a whole and not the result. I know that I pick my games and therefore have to take the rough with the smooth.

Anyway our day started at 12 noon when we met the mascot co-ordinator Sue and we were given our excellent goodie bag. We waited for the other match mascots in a little waiting room by the players entrance and greeted each player as they showed up for 'work.' First we were taken to the Director's Lounge, which had just been overhauled and redecorated by the new owners, with the whole intention to move on from our past achievements and allow the club to embark on a new era, a theme that we heard a lot as we toured the west stand.

Overlooking the car park the Director's Lounge was unfussy and simple, a bit like like the trophy cabinet, although I will never tire of staring at the sparkly Play-Off and Championship trophies. Next we were up in the Director's Box complete with panoramic views of an empty Valley before the gates opened. Then down onto pitchside for some irresistible photo opportunities. The dugouts sadly showed signs of how tight the purse strings were previously. Half the seats were a faded and torn red leather, the other half replaced by the plastic seats one finds in the stands. A chirpy and huge Bob Bolder greeted us, Colin Walsh shook my hand and I'm in two minds whether to wash it this week and then there was Colin Powell patrolling the right wing, like he used to, who at any minute I expected to scream "keep off my grass."

Later just before kick I had a chance to catch up with Big Dave Lockwood and then I saw Colin Powell again and told him that 30 years previous he was my brother's favourite player when he was the mascot. Powell's face broke into a huge grin and he asked me to thank him. No, thank you Colin.

Sue took us around the inside corridors of the main stand stopping to explain photos, art work and honour boards. Then my son and the other mascots were taken off to finish their tour as my brother and I went for a pint in the Crossbars Lounge behind the goal.

We bought my son a red football from the club shop and he was armed with a marker pen as he went off with the other four mascots to tour the player parts of the stand, such as the Physio's Room and the Dressing Rooms. There he met all the players and his ball is covered in autographs.

Scott Wagstaff, each one of Saturday's five mascot's favourite player, was armed with jelly babies for the kids. Trouble is each one of the kids had to pick a second choice as Waggy was on the bench. My son already had a back-up plan and was paired up with Robbie Elliot. In a nice personal moment my son showed Chris Powell a photograph from the holiday we met him and his family on in 2002, and he wrote a treasured little message on the back of it. Later he greeted me with a big hug on the touchline just before kick-off.

At 2.15 the mascots joined the players out on The Valley turf for the pre-match warm up and a session with a coach, before going back in the tunnel to reappear with the teams and the officials to almost 25,000 fans and The Red, Red Robin at ten to three.

He loved every minute of it, so did my brother and I and a couple of mates that we had with us as well. According to my son, the players were great with Semedo, Waggy and Elliot coming in for extra praise.

It was a terrific day and an experience we will all remember forever. In the photo my son is the 2nd mascot from the right. Christian Dailly is Charlton's captain.

Elizabeth Taylor RIP

The film star Elizabeth Taylor, who has died of heart failure aged 79, was in the public eye from the age of 11 and remained there even decades after her last hit movie. She managed to keep people fascinated, by her incandescent beauty, her courage, her open-natured character, her self-deprecating humour, her eight marriages (two of them to the actor Richard Burton), her many brushes with death, her seesawing weight, her diamonds and her humanitarian causes, all of which often obscured the reason why she was famous in the first place.

Full obituary here.

Team Challenge Latest - Force of Gravity

It's been a while but after 31 weeks Gravity still lead the N&R Team Challenge but they are just 7.5 average points ahead of QBE. All four of the manangers involved at Gravity and QBE are having cracking campaigns.

In 3rd are Bluefin with Neil leading the scoring. 4th place are RSA's motley crew with HDI Gerling in 5th.

The Chartis army is 6th with old timers JRP in 7th. There isn't much to separate Aon Benfield and Tokio and then Aon International bring up the rear.

The latest table was sent out with the week 31 table.

week 31 review

Not many games at all in week 31.

The sole Premiership games was a 1-1 draw between Birmingham and Everton at Goodison.

The Blues also played in the FA Cup losing at home to Bolton 2-3. Elmander, Davies and Lee scoring for Wanderers as they make the semis.

Man Utd beat Arsenal of course, Stoke beat West Ham 2-1 and Man City beat Reading 1-0.

N&R Cup Quarter Final Draw

The balls have been plucked from my magic Jiffy bag and the draw for the Quarter Final of the N&R Cup is as follows:

Ricky Wood v Neil Wallis

Aaron Barden v Neville White

Steve Merchant v Rob Munden

Ken Cobbett v Ian Kennett

Some good ties there, particularly the Steve Merchant v Rob Munden game. Neil Wallis v Woody is a bit tasty too.

Ties will be played over week 34.

Not hitting the Mark

Week 31 - Manager of the Week
Not enough games in week 31 to have a MoW. There were just 9 Premiership teams in action, and Birmingham were two of them!

So, apologies to Mark Simmons who ended week 30 with the most points but there was no prize this week. Ironically Keith and I follow the rules that Mark set for his own fantasy league, so no one to blame but himself!

Anyway week 30 was a good week for making ground for Michael Stout (35), Mark Gregory (31), Mad Rick (26), Rob and Chris Waterman (24) and Godders (23) plus one or two others.

Barry Plummer scored an incredibly toilet -2, but likewise it counts for nowt.

Little change

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 31
A low scoring week and not much change at the peak of Div 1.

Gooner win league did draw level with Hannoi Utd in 7th though and AON United moved up 3 places to 11th.

Less change

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 31
Even less change in Div 2 after a pretty much non-existent Premier League week due to the Cup.

Old football kits

Southend United 1992-4
Made by Beaver, yes Beaver.
Worn by Brett Angell, Steve Tilson and Stan Collymore.
Worn when the side topped Division One at Christmas '92 but poor form in the second half of the season cost them a place in the Premiership and a unique third sucessive promotion. They have only looked downwards since.

N&R Cup 3rd Round Results

Week 30 coincided with the N&R Cup latest round. I unfortunately came up against Ricky bloody Wood.

N&R Cup 3rd Round Results:
Neil Reynolds 35-40 Ian Kennett
Simon Newport 47-79 Ricky Wood
Steve Merchant 39-33 Davor Duvancic
Ken Cobbett 48-29 Hilary Flynn
Mark Simmons 30-65 Neil Wallis
Neville White 31-30 Barry Plummer
Aaron Barden 37-26 Chris Wright
Rob Munden 43-23 Mark Gregory

Well apart from Nobby's defeat at the hands of Ricky, Ian moved onto the last 8 with a close win over previous winner Neil Reynolds. Steve beat Davor in a tight game and likewise Neville who defeated ex-colleague Barry Plummer by a solitary point.

Neil Wallis thrashed Mark, Barden beat Chris Wright and the last two places were taken by Rob Munden, who toppled Mark and title challenger Ken, who won the local Chartis derby over Hilary.

Wood a little Tiger

Week 30 - Manager of the Week

Ricky Wood hit a season best score, climbed into the promotion places and won a fiver in week 30. Not a bad week indeed. Oakers was a close second and he kept up his Div 1 challenge and Stocky once again proved how inconsistent he is.

Emma was up eating at the top table again in week 30, if only she could find some consistency too, and my old friend Sarah pulled out the stops too with a gracious 69 and a season-best.

Tony Murray, the Englishman in New York walloped a cracking 68 and easily his best of a terrible season. Tony lies 135 points adrift in Div 2 but no longer has the worst overall score. That prize belongs to Razor Nathan.

Steve Black was knocking on the door again, Neil Wallis had a another good week, Ready moved in with a 64 and Richard Richards, so good they named him twice, scored 63 as did my little petal Kirsty.

It was a good scoring week, was week 30 and 49 managers scored 30 or higher. Soozie didn't though. Mrs Sav is losing her touch rapidly and netted a poor 20, the same as Scott.

Big Woody

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 30

KC's Clowns stay top and has the best N&R score at present. FFC 4Ever and Bingo swap places and Steve looks a threat once again. Good on Paper are still in the mix, but slip a little and Bobby Z improved their position in week 30.

FC Woody hit their highest ever N&R place and it is a welcome return to the promotion places for Blunty.

Meanwhile when the tough gets going Davor's Calculated Risk (nice GF mate), Still not a chance (was nice while it lasted) and Sons of pitches (out of the the top 10 for first time since November) all come a cropper.

In the Black

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 30

The top 3 are unchanged, but Boys on tour moves back up the table to 4th. Brox drop to 5th. Outisde title contender Guiness & eggs are up to 6th after a tremendous turn of fortunes. Steve was facing relegation just 3 weeks ago in 21st and had in fact been in the bottom 10 since November. Now 6th just 100 points behind the leader. Steve is known for late runs in the N&R and those fellow Play-Off contenders should keep a close eye on the Barnsley fan from Atlanta.

Gooner win league fall back and Keep the faith needs a bit of Poyet magic as Francey's title hopes fade. Nobby's Lost in the Triangle had a better week, but more luck than judgement I would say. But like others around me such as Nortius Maximus, AON United and Racing Hiccups top 7 is still not beyond me.

Out of the relegation pack is Tanus Terriers, in is Soozie's Sizzlers and it was a far better week for SYRFLTLPK.

First fiver for Neil

Week 29 - Manager of the Week

A first time MoW win for Neil Bixby. 56 points did it in week 29, 5 more than the revitalised Steve Black and always knackered Mark Simmons.

48 for Michael Stout's forgotten No-Hopers, Lee Horne had a good week, so did Danny Rose, Barry Paull, Mark Gregory and Mad Rick, who hit his best score for over 2 months - just 38!

Godders picked up the booby prize in week 29 with a score of 6.

Frank & Beans still in with a shout?

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 29
Good on Paper and FFC 4Ever swap places in the rush for the Play-Offs. Chart This Int'l and Bobby Z did likewise.

Neville will be chuffed to see his Still not a chance in the top 10 for the first time this season and by my reckoning promotion candidates go down as far as Frank & Beans in 15th. Come on lads - for the windy city!

18 teams in relegation battle

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 29
A move into 3rd by Paris Eagles was the big news in Div 1 in week 29. Boys on tour dropped to 5th and Gooner win league are up to 6th.

Lower down Keep the faith, Hannoi Utd, Nortius Maximus and Jimmy 5 Bellies all lose ground while Guinness & eggs plus AON United move upwards.

Interestingly, at least for me, anyone from 13th down is still in the relegation fight. Tanus Terriers and Lazarus United both in week 29 showed a bit of fight and had good weeks.

Road to Wembley - United march on

Our Road to Wembley side Man U crushed Arsenal, who were knocked out of three competitons in a wek.

Sir Alex starting line-up carried an unfamiliar look but his side performed in highly effective fashion, despite Arsenal enjoying a large share of possession in the first 45 minutes.

Brazilian brothers Rafael and Fabio were relieved of their familiar defensive duties and utilised wide on the flanks, a ploy that should have brought United an early lead. Fabio's cross from the left was an open invitation for Rafael to score but he headed wastefully over the top from close range.

Fabio did not make the same mistake when presented with the chance to give United a crucial advantage after 27 minutes. Rooney's delicate cross was met by Hernandez and when his header was pushed out by Manuel Almunia the youngster slid in to prod the rebound into the roof of the net.

Van Persie led the Arsenal response with a low angled effort that was turned around the post by Van der Sar, then heading just wide from the resulting corner.

There was a welcome sight for United and their supporters at the start of the second half as Antonio Valencia returned as a substitute for the first time since breaking his leg in the Champions League tie against Glasgow Rangers at Old Trafford in September.

United keeper Van der Sar kept them on terms with an instinctive double save right after the break, twice denying Koscielny after he linked with Van Persie inside the area. The value of Van der Sar's saves was quickly illustrated as Rooney doubled United's lead shortly after.

Rafael was instrumental with a surge into the area and when another Hernandez effort was blocked Rooney pounced to head home.

Arsenal once again resumed territorial advantage but simply could not find a way past Van der Sar, who distinguished himself with further fine saves from substitute Chamakh's header and Rosicky's swerving 20-yard shot.

As Arsenal pushed forward in desperation, they inevitably left spaces at the back and United almost cashed in as Almunia clawed out a shot from Hernandez.

Defender Djourou was injured in the scramble and was stretchered off after lengthy treatment - during which he was given oxygen - that left eight minutes of stoppage time.

Manchester United substitute Paul Scholes enlivened proceedings with a needlessly hot-headed cameo that brought a yellow card and a separate rebuke from referee Chris Foy.

But nothing could take the gloss off United's win as they sealed their place in the last four of the FA Cup. They will play Manchester rivals City at Wembley, which will satisfy Man U's large Hertfordshire fan base on April 16th.

Photograph of the week

Everyone's favourite rogue and best mate's wife shagger John Terry will captain England tomorrow night after Fabio Capello decided to give him back the armband from Rio Ferdinand.

Week 30 review

FA Cup
Due to the weather the games are getting very spread out. In a replay Everton came unstuck at home to Reading after beating Chelsea in the round before.

Man C beat a weakened and uninterested Villa 3-0 and Arsenal finally overcame Leyton Orient in the replay 5-0.

Premier League
Chelsea beat Man U in an entralling game 2-1, with fat Frankie getting the winner from the spot. The Hammers went on the rampage and beat the Potters 3-0, Everton won 2-1 at Newcastle. Silva got the solitary goal for City at home to Wigan, Fulham beat Blackburn 3-2 and Bolton beat fading Villa by the same score.

The Baggies won 3-1 at The Blues, Arsenal and Sunderland shared the spoils at the Emirates.

Wolves and Spurs drew 3-3 in a cracker and in another excellent game Kuyt scored a hat trick as Liverpool beat the auld enemy Man U 3-1. On the Monday Lampard and Terry scored as Chelsea won 3-1 at Blackpool.

Photograph of the week

Robin van Persie is sent off for kicking the ball away in a rash decision by the referee. Arsenal, who had only one shot on goal the whole game and that wasn't even by them, went on to lose to Barcelona 3-1 and were knocked out of the Champions League.

Player tackles a fan in a mankini!

If you haven't seen this, then click on the link now:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-12682897

Ready's Benfleet Bet 4th Rd Results

Here is the latest FA Cup predictions table after the 4th Round matches.

These are the running totals with the 4th round score in brackets:

1= Neil Bixby 52 (25)

1= Ian France 52 (29)

3. Nobby 51 (21)

4. Neil Addington 48 (19)

5= Barry Plummer 47 (13)

5= Ken Cobbett 47 (17)

7. Peter Doyle 46 (16)

8= Alastair Bigg 45 (12)

8= Ben Guarino 45 (14)

8= Jason Syrett 45 (17)

11. Ready 44 (20)

12. Barry Paull 42 (10)

13. Ryan Saveall 41 (15)

14. Tim Harris 40 (7)

15. Alan Oakley 39 (12)

16= Neil Reynolds 38 (15)

16= Brian Rutter 38 (6)

16= Alex Boswell 38 (8)

19= John McGowan 37 (15)

19= Mark Gregory 37 (12)

19= Neville White 37 (5)

19= Aaron Barden 37 (20)

23. Steve Black 36 (0 no scores entered)

23= Mrs Saveall 36 (17)

25. Peter Goddfrey 35 (11)

26. Steve Merchant 34 (9)

27. Rickeeeee Wood 34 (12)

28= Paul Long 33 (8)

28= Kirstie Baillie (still got my trophies from last year!) 33 (11)

30. Mark Dewberry 32 (10)

31= Munden 31 (0 no scores entered)

31= Richard Richards 31 (12)

33= Ian Kennett 30 (15)

33= Danny Rose 30 (10)

35. Greg Foulger 28 (8)

36. Henry Williams 23 (0 no scores entered)

Once again, you guys are getting good. No rule breaches as everyone has finally wised up to it. There were some craracking scores of 29 from Francey and 25 from Bixby leaving them joint top closely followed by our very own Nobby with 51. Woeful scores of 5 from Neville White and 6 from Rutter who were both near the top after the 3rd round scores.

5th Round to follow shortly.

Please get me your 6th Round scores (if you haven't done so already) by the end of this week.

Week 29 review

Midweek in a bit of a turn around against form Blackpool beat Spurs 3-1, Squillaci scored the winner in a tough win over Stoke.


Wolves had a huge win against Blackpool 4-0, likewise at Wigan as Man U destroyed the Latics by the same score. Spurs and Bolton drew 1-1, Sturridge with another for the Trotters.


Jermaine Beckford is improving and scored both of Everton's goals over Sunderland. Villa thrashed sorry Blackburn 4-1. Ashley Young got two.


On the Sunday West Ham pulled a result out of the bag at home to Liverpool which has the Hammers' fans believing. Man C drew at home with Fulham and ex-boss Mark 'Sparkie' Hughes.


On Monday Vela got another for Woy Hodgson at WBA got a late point at The Brittania.

N&R Cup 3rd Draw

Was made this morning by my 16-month daughter pulling pieces of paper out of a tea cup. Here you go:

N&R Cup 3rd Round
Neil Reynolds v Ian Kennett
Simon Newport v Ricky Wood
Steve Merchant v Davor Duvancic
Ken Cobbett v Hilary Flynn
Mark Simmons v Neil Wallis
Neville White v Barry Plummer
Aaron Barden v Chris Wright
Rob Munden v Mark Gregory

That completes the draw. Munden v Gregory has the signs of a cracker judging by their league form. Simmons and Wallis should be entertaining, Merchant and Davor is a top of the table clash and Ken and Hilary is a Chartis derby.

All ties to be decided over week 30.

Ready pops

Week 28 - Manager of the Week
Three times winner Ready has had a disappointing season by his standards but after 28 weeks Keith finally picked up his first cash award after a 53 point MoW performance.

It was another good week for Emma, who hit the 2nd best score of 47. Emma has been climbing the Div 2 table in recent weeks. Likewise Steve Black, who scored 46.

I haven't mentioned Sarah Sheron much recently but she had a good week 28 scoring 44, one more than her old mucker Kirsty. Godders pocketed 42, Stocky netted 41, Brett belted 38 and Oakers a 37.

Other scores of note were Richard x2 (35), Lee Horne (26), Rutts (19), Neil Addington (16), Alex Byatt (15) and Hilary (11).

The week's lowest score was Razor Nathan with a big fat round 0.

Worst weekly score

Richard Nathan's zero score was his 2nd of the season but Lee still 'leads' the worst weekly score table with -2 in week 13. A prize to the winner.

1. Lee Baughan, week 13, -2 pts
2. Michael Stout, week 13, -1 pt
3= Mark Simmons, week 17 0 pts
3= Richard Nathan, week 20, 0 pts
3= Richard Nathan, week 28, 0 pts
3= Brian Rutter, week 13, 0 pts
7. Henry Williams, week 13, 1 pt
8 Danny Rose, week 13, 2 pts
9. Barry Plummer, week 28, 3 pts
10. Ben Guarino, week 28, 4 pts

Up to Week 28.

Four tops

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 28
Tight as a gnats chuff in Div 2. Just 23 points separate KC's Clowns, Bingo, FFC 4Ever and Good on paper at the tip of the table. All four of these managers have more points than the Div 1's leader.

The Capello Index has had a great first season and stays 5th, likewise Bobby Z and Chart This Int'l. Calculated Risk moves up to 9th and Sons of pitches is 10th.

Knocking on the door is Still not a chance, Blunty, FC Wood and Brighton Blues.

At the bottom Tony Murray has failed to find similar inspiration to that of Avram Grant. Hammer Nation are 145 points behind 2nd from bottom Mad Rick, who in turn are 66 behind 3rd bottom Muddy's Mavericks.

Ready, Sooz and Steve looking up

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 28
12 weeks To Elland Back have sat proudly on top of N&R Div 1. Rob is 26 points ahead of perennial title chaser Loads of Roubles. Boys on tour sit 3rd and up to 4th is Paris Eagles.

Brox, Hiccups, Keep the faith, Gooner, 5 Bellies and Hannoi Utd, who were in relegation trouble up until 3 weeks ago are all closing in.

Soozie's Sizzlers are another team now looking up and not down, Guinness & eggs are another who belatedly will be looking to get their season kick started.

Torres Rosso are in the relegation pack for the first time since early December. For Red Roy, Morgan's Machines and Rhubard & Custard it looks too late.

Week 28 review

Premier League
On the Tuesday Lovenkrands & Best got goals for Newcastle as they beat Birmingham. Then the following Saturday in the west midlands derby Wolves got a late draw at home to Wolves. On loan Vela the scorer.

FA Cup
Early in the week Klasnic scored the winner for Bolton in a replay at Wigan.

In the weekend Cup games Birmingham overcame Sheff Wed 3-0, Chelsea and Everton drew but the Toffees won on pens, and no penalty scorers don't count. Man U stuttered to a 1-0 win over our Road to Wembley side Crawley 1-0, Stoke got all of their 3 goals in the first half at home to League One leaders Brighton.

Arsenal were held 1-1 at Brisbane Road by Leyton Orient, Man C had no problems, but the 5-0 score flattered them in the win over Notts County. And that man Klasnic did it again for Bolton at the Cottage.

On Monday West Ham thrashed Eddie Howe's Burnley 5-1.

Double R

Week 27 - Manager of the Week

Joint winners in week 27. Gooners Rose and Reynolds will share the fiver after both scoring 48 points.

The improving ex-champion Brett Davey was next with 43, the same as Davor. Emma picked up a healthy 42, and our little Scottish haggis Kirsty scored 38. Neville has had a good season (well, it's all relative) notched 37, Stocky 36, and Ready and Chris Wright scored 35.

The week's lowest score was 12, and rather surprisingly it was owned by title challenger Wardy.

In the media

Is it possible that there is a bigger prick than Ashley Cole in football?

"A day after misfiring from the spot against Everton, Cole is reported to have arrived at Cobham equipped with a .22 rifle, fitted with muzzle and nightscope, something the News of the World says was witnessed by a dozen members of staff. It is said that Cole was unaware the rifle was loaded when he took aim at Tom Cowan, a 21-year-old who was on a year's internship at Chelsea."

More in The Guardian's Fiver here.

Status Quo

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 27
Loads of Roubles continue to chase To Elland Back with Boys on tour 3rd. Brox moves into 4th ahead of Paris Eagles and Racing Hiccups. Gooner win league hit the top 7th as Keep the faith fall to 8th.

Harry Houdini makes a little move up the table as Lost in the Triangle slips.

At the bottom, there were no real changes except for an improvement in Brett's Fabio's Flops position, but he is still 55 points from safety.

Clowning around

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 27
KC's Clowns hit top spot for the first ever time in week 26. Ken leads Bingo by 3 points and FFC 4Ever by 6 pts. Good on paper drop to 4th but are very much still in it.

The Capello Index are 5th and Chart This Int'l 6th. Bobby Z fell a place and Sons of pitches, Baron Greenback Rangers and Calculated Risk all stay put.

In the middle pack no one looks like making a break although Brighton Blues, Still not a chance and Blunty are closest. Sweaty's young boys made the most ground in week 26.

Hammer Nation remain stuck to the bottom, 548 points behind the league leader.

Road to Wembley - Lucky Devils escape past Brave Devils

What a superb performance by Crawley Town at Old Trafford in front of 74,778 fans, which with the TV revenue and merchandising is said to earnt the West Sussex club £1,000,000.

Man U scored a first half goal from a corner when Wes Brown headed in, but after that it despite United dominating possession as would be expected, Crawley did their 9,000 fans proud and almost snatched a dramatic equaliser in injury time when substitute Brodie's header bounced agonisingly back off the bar.

After match quotes:

"The best manager had to think in the second half" - Steve Evans

"It looked like a big chance (the late header). Some of the boys said they thought it was in and I think a few of the United players felt the same way." - Steve Evans

"He gave me a proper Glasgow welcome (a few bottles of red no doubt). They way he and his club have treated us makes me proud to be from the same city. It was an education how to treat people. It is why they are the best club in the world." - Steve Evans

"Maybe didn't understand what FA Cup football is like. There is no doubt a few players did not do themselves justice." - Sir Alex

"I had no complaints in the first half, I thought we did okay - but we weren't at the races in the second. We were second to every ball." - Sir Alex

So, N&R's Road to Wembley switches to Man United, who play Arsenal at home in the last 8. I don't think we have ever picked up one of the big 4 this early, let alone two of them.

Photograph of the week

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Manchester City defender Kolo Toure's failed drugs test is a result of the player taking a "slimming product belonging to his wife." You can never trust your wife Wenger said as Toure looks forward to a lengthy ban.

Week 27 review

Van Persie kept up his incredible goalscoring record with two more against Wolves. Zigic, height 8ft 4', scored the winner for Brum in the win over Stoke.

In a drew-fest Blackpool and Villa drew 1-1, Blackburn and Newcastle 0-0, Liverpool and Wigan 1-1, and the Hammers came from 0-3 to draw with WBA as they finally look like having the fight to stave of relegation.

Kranjcar scored again as Spurs beat Sunderland at the SOL. And in the Manchester derby Rooney shinned a fortunate winner as U beat C.

On the Sunday Bolton beat Everton 2-0 and on Monday Chelsea drew at Fulham.

RIP Dean Richards

"Deano was a giant. He played with elegance and composure and was a joy to watch. He was a star player with a Rolls-Royce engine. In the football community we're all stunned. You can't get your head round it. He was someone who brought joy to everyone and, if you knew him, played with him or worked with him, you knew what a character he was." - Chris Kamara

36-year old Dean Richards died after a long illness. Remembered for his trademark skilful breaks out of defence as well as his ability in the air, Richards will always be fondly remembered by Wolves fans who continued to follow his career closely when he moved on to Southampton and then a big money move in 2001 to Tottenham.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said "I can't tell you how sad I feel for him and his family - 36 years of age. It is just devastating for them.

Ian Holloway added: "Dean lived a couple of doors down for me when I lived in St Albans. He was a wonderful fella, my love goes out to his family."

Photograph of the week

Viva Las Vegas! Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn promised all the players a trip to Las Vegas after their superb draw at home to Arsenal, who had beaten Barcelona four days previous.

A delighted Hearn joked on Monday morning that he wanted to head straight to Vegas after Sunday's tie at Brisbane Road but Slade vetoed an immediate departure and said they will do the trip at the end of the season.

Reminder - Ready's Bet

If you haven't seen your inbox (for those of you participating) please email me your 5th Rd FA Cup Predictions. Deadline is midnight Friday 18th.

Congratulations

To Neil Bixby and his better half on the birth of a beautiful baby girl on 6th February called Chloe Rose. Great name and her first job was to pick the 5th Round Predicitions for Ready's Benfleet Bet. She'll be queuing up in Lloyds next.

Well done to the Bixby's.

Probably get the sack for this but....

Good luck to the Red Devils of Crawley Town on their BIG day at Old Trafford Saturday.

No Sweat

Week 26 - Manager of the Week
It just shows, you can be crap all season and then the team of champions that you chose in August suddenly bursts into life in one of the craziest Premier League weeks ever, and you wallop in 92 points. People meet Lee Baughan.

A fiver for Lee then, but also a very good score for Rob Munden, who leads Div 1. He scored 91. Chris Waterman beat his previous season's best by almost 30 points and scored 88. Richard Richard's stuttered to 85, and we had two managers on 82 and they were Neville White and Oakers - both season bests.

81 for the previously quiet Kirsty and the on-form Ken Cobbett. 80 for Nobby, 79 Lee Horne, 78 Boswell and 77 Bixby and 76 Ready.

48 managers hit 50 points or more in a fabulous week of Premier League goals. A lot of season best and even Richard Nathan scored 64!

The lowest score? Hang your head Mr Plummer.

Munden not Mundane

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 26
1,000 points for To Elland Back. 35 points behind are Loads of Roubles and then another gap to Boys on tour. Brox Banditos and Racing Hiccups swap places again and Keep the faith remain in 7th.

Jimmy 5 Bellies dragged himself upwards, so did Old Bodeans and Hannoi Utd. 2Infinity & beyond dropped in the relegation doo-doo and one would hesitate a guess that Razor's Red Roy's Rovers are already down.

Ward up!

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 26

Bingo FC back on top with FFC 4Ever back to 3rd and Good on Paper 2nd. KC's Clowns are 2 pints behind Steve in 4th. Very exciting at the top of Div 2.

The Capello Index are up to 5th, Bobby Z in 6th and Baron Greenback Rangers move menacingly into 9th.

Still not a chance was a climber as was Pure Irish and Sweaty's Young Boys in week 26.

Week 26 review

A bumper week, which included Goal Crazy Saturday.

Wednesday 2nd Feb
Zigic is looking like a decent FL player. He scored in the Blues 2-2 draw with City, Crouch got the winner at Blackburn for Spurs, Obinna got two in a huge win for the Hammers at Blackpool, Bolton left it late to beat Wolves 1-0, Damien Duff scored against his old team Newcastle as Fulham won at the Cottage and Liverpool beat Stoke 2-0. Suarez scoring on his debut.

Saturday 5th Feb
Every Prem team scored, so not great for defences but loads of fantasy points all round.

Newcastle had the result of the weekend if not for many, many years after coming back from 0-4 to draw with Arsenal 4-4. Louis Saha scored 4 as Everton beat Blackpool 5-3 in a wonderful display of attacking football. Tevez scored a hat-trick as City beat WBA 3-0, Wigan beat Blackburn 4-3, which included a wonder goal by McCarthy.

Aston Villa and Fulham drew 2-2, Kranjcar got a late winner for Spurs to beat Bolton 2-1, Huth got two as Stoke beat Sunderland 3-2 and finally wolves handed out Man U's first defeat of the season 2-1.

Sunday 6th Feb
Zigic scored as Birmingham beat a deflated West Ham at Upton Park 1-0, and in the game that Sky mistook for the World Cup Final Torres did nothing as Meireles got Liverpool's winner at Stamford Bridge.

The 1,000 club

In week 26 five managers hit the 1,000 point mark. They were:

Simon Ward 1,033
Mark Gregory 1,016
Steve Merchant 1,016
Ken Cobbett 1,014
Rob Munden 1,000

Feldbruegge and Malloy were the first managers to hit the 1,000 point mark last season in week 27.

The Play-Off's

We decided to split the N&R FL into two leagues this season but the campaign will end with the first ever N&R Play-Off's.

After week 35 the ten teams with the highest individual scores will go into a 5-week play-off. This will decide the N&R FL title for 2010/11.

Currently the Top 10 teams are:
1. Simon Ward 1,033
2= Mark Gregory 1,016
2= Steve Merchant 1,016
4. Ken Cobbett 1,014
5. Rob Munden 1,000
6. John McGowan 965
7. Richard Richards 948
8. Neil Wallis 941
9. Greg Foulger 939
10. Alastair Bigg 937

Other prize monies will be allocated to other placings and running concurrently will be the relegation and promotion battles. These will be decided as follows:

Bottom 10 from N&R Div 1 relegated to Div 2
The top 10 from N&R Div 2 will be promoted to Div 1.

More to follow in due course.

Frank & Beans are back!

Week 25 - Manager of the Week

Look at that Tim & Dennis back on their game. A few dollars to add to the other MoW in week 6 for the boys from Chicago. 48 for the winners then, 45 for Paul Long, 43 for Mark Simmons.

Francey minced in with 41, Stouty 39, and the luscious but now taken Soozie scored 36, the same as the even more gorgeous Nobby and less so Ben Guarino.

32 for Andy Cassell and Brett, 31 for Steve, Glenn and KC.

Week 25's worst score was 10 jointly achieved by Neil Wallis and Mark Gregory. Both season low's and a bit of a shock if I'm honest.

Little change in One

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 25
Little change at the to of Div 1. Racing Hiccups and Brox swap places, and Keep the faith replace Gooner win league in 7th.

AON United climb a few places so does my Lost in the Triangle. 2Infinity & Beyond improve their position and climb out of immediate danger.

Old football kits

Rangers 1983-85
Made by Umbro.
Worn by the late great Davie Cooper, Derek Johnstone, John McClelland and Ally Dawson
Vintage pinstripe design worn when the side went through a barren spell in the league in Jock Wallace's second spell as manager. Aberdeen under a certain Sir Alex were the Scottish champions in those days.

Blackpool's squad

Blackpool's season has become a bit tougher as teams 'find them out' but no one can deny that they have brought some fearless open attacking football to the Premiership. Well, who are these players that most Premier League fans would never had heard off?

BBC takes a look at Blackpool's squad here.

Cottaging

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 25

FFC 4Ever on top for the first time for 3 months. Steve now has the N&R FL's top score. Wardy's Bingo drop to 2nd 5 points behind with Good on paper 3rd.

KC's Clowns are 4th and then there is a big gap to Bobby Z in 5th. Sons of pitches are up to 8th.

Brighton Blues move up another spot to 11th, a point short of a promotion spot, Frank & Beans climb again as do The No Hopers.

Week 25 review

Liverpool started their climb up the table with a 1-0 midweek win over Fulham at Anfield.

The following Tuesday Chelsea won 4-2 at Sunderland, WBA drew at home to Wigan, Bent scored for Villa at the OT but Rooney got two and Vidic another in a 3-1 victory and Arsenal beat Everton 2-1.

Week 25 was FA Cup weekend and whilst a lot of Premier League clubs came close to suffering shocks, they all got through.

Fabregas got a late penalty as Arsenal beat Huddersfield, Dzeko got a late equaliser for City at Paul Ince's Notts County, the Hammers beat Nottm Forest 3-2 and Man U left it late at Southampton winning 2-1.

Elsewhere Everton and Chelsea drew 1-1, Bolton and Wigan was goalless, and Villa beat Blackburn 3-1.

Stoke won at Wolves and Fulham had their tie with Spurs won by half-time. Murphy (2), Hangeland and the impressive Dembele scoring.

N&R Cup 2nd Round Results

Week 24 was the weekend of the N&R Cup 2nd Round and here were the results:

N&R Cup 2nd Rd

Neville White 48-45 Mark Dewberry

James Ashworth 46-52 Neil Reynolds

Andrew Cassell 46-58 Ken Cobbett

Mark Simmons 54-48 Barry Paull

Barry Plummer 60-40 Tim Harris

Ian France 48-52 Chris Wright

Neil Wallis 42-29 Lee Baughan

Alex Byatt 25-35 Simon Newport

Steve Merchant 65-52 Ryan Saveall

Rob Munden 59-58 Alan Oakley

Alex Boswell 38-61 Aaron Barden

Ben Guarino 46-52 Hilary Flynn

Richard Richards 42-49 Davor Duvancic

Peter Doyle 36-47 Mark Gregory

Ian Kennett 50-46 Simon Ward

Ricky Wood 50-41 Greg Foulger

There were some very close games, none other than Rob's win over Oakers. Chris Wright squeezed past Francey, as did Neil with Jimmy and Kennett over Wardy. And Neville knocked out Dewbs by just 3 points. So 16 teams left, with the 3rd Rd draw shortly.

Photograph of the week

Another great European night for Spurs, but what a dirty bastard that Gennaro Gattuso is. Back in the day Joe Jordan ate people like him for breakfast.

A Valentine's Rose

Week 24 - Manager of the Week

A first fiver old stalwart Danny Rose in week 24. A cracking 86 points were put on the board for the Gooner. Johnny Mc weighed in with another fine score to keep up his title hopes, he got 78, and then Tim & Dennis, who have struggled of late bounced back a season best 72. Well done lads.

The Long's cracked in a 67 as the Seagulls find a bit of form, Steve Merchant scored 65 and Aaron was in the mix again with a 61.

Plumms pocketed 60, with Alastair Bigg and Rob 59. Oakers, Cobbett and Francis herded a 58, and Simmons notched 54.

Chris Wright, Ryan, Hills and Neil Reynolds each knocked in 52 points.

Week 24's worst score was 22, by Muddy.

Lazarus goes forth

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 24
Getting closer at the top, which is still headed by every window cleaners best friend, Rob Munden and is To Elland Back. John's Load of Roubles have sneaked into 2nd with Boys on tour back to 3rd.

Racing Hiccups and Gooner win League swap places and a bit further back Nortius Maximus and Hip Hip Hooray continue to make ground.

Arsene Knows move out of the relegation zone and are replaced by Lazarus United, in the bottom 10 for the first time since August. In fact Wenners was 6th at one point. I guess that's what happens when one gets a real job, eh?

Better from Beans

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 24
The only change was FFC 4Ever taking 2nd place from Good on paper. Bingo FC still lead by 11 points.

Brighton Blues were a climber as were Frank & Beans who have been stuck in the doldrums for a while.

Week 24 review

There were some FA Cup replays affecting the points.

Nasri, Sagna and Van Persie all scored for Arsenal at Leeds, Walters scored twice for Stoke as they won at Cardiff. Tevez, Vieira, Johnson and Kolarov all scored as City saw off Sven's Leicester challenge 4-2 and Wolves hammered Donny 5-0. Goals from Fletcher, Mujangi Bia, Doyle, Jarvis and Jones. Remember these points count and replays are extra points. Those with Jonathan Walters and Geoffrey Mujangi Bia in your team.... take a bow!

In the League there were plenty of games. Blackburn put a nail in Di Matteo's coffin with a 2-0 win, Van Persie kept up his goal rampage with a hat trick against Wigan, Darren Bent scored 18 minutes into his debut at home to Villa, Blackpool lost 2-1 at home to Sunderland who shpwed no ill effects of Benty's move.

West Ham were a minute from taking all 3 points at Goodison. They drew 2-2. Yank Dempsey picked a brace at home for Fulham at home to Stoke, Man U hit Birmingham for 5 with another Berbatov hat trick.

Lennon got a late equaliser for Spurs at the Toon, and Liverpool won for the first time since Christmas 1993 when they won at Wolves 3-0. Two for Torres.

In the Monday game Chelsea won 4-0 at Bolton with goals from Drogba, Malouda, Anelka and Ramires but the Russian bloke still thinks they are short on goal power.

Then finally in midweek Blackpool are 2-up at home to Man U but lose 3-2. Berbatov getting two more for quite a fantasy week plus Villa win 2-1 at Wigan.

Not the Wright stuff

N&R FL Division 1 - Week 23
A 20 point lead for To Elland Back over Boys on tour. Loads of Roubles now in 3rd with Paris Eagles in 4th and Racing Hiccups down to 5th.

A big faller in week 23 was Brox Banditos, but only 48 points off top spot. Gooner win League are in 7th with Keep the faith down to 8th.

Jimmy 5 Bellies was a climber, so was Nortius Maximus and Old Bodeans.

Rich List

Nope no sign of Chris Waterman or Barry Paull here. Delloitte's have issued their Football Money Table for 2010.

The Deloitte review does not include the cost of transfer fees or player wages, or VAT and other sales taxes, and concentrates solely on day-to-day income from football business. Income includes money from ticket sales, sponsorship, merchandising and other commercial revenues, television monies, corporate hospitality and non-match day stadium use, such as for conferences

Real Madrid topped the table for the 6th straight year. Real's arch-rivals Barcelona retained second spot in the list, ahead of Manchester United who remain third. Manchester City were the biggest climbers, up from 20th to 11th place. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool were fifth, sixth and eighth respectively.

Deloitte Football Money League
1. Real Madrid: 438.6m euros
2. Barcelona: 398.1m euros
3. Man Utd: 349.8m euros
4. Bayern Munich: 323m euros
5. Arsenal: 274.1m euros
6. Chelsea: 255.9m euros
7. AC Milan: 235.8.m euros
8. Liverpool: 225.3m euros
9. Inter Milan 224.8m euros
10. Juventus: 205m euros

Simon says

N&R FL Division 2 - Week 23
Same old, same old at top of the tree. Bingo lead by 10 points ahead of Good on Paper, who in turn are 10 points ahead of FFC 4Ever.

Down in 9th, Calculated Risk hurdle Sons of Pitches.

Maximus for Ian

Week 23 - Manager of the Week
Will wonders ever cease. Ian Kennett won week 23's MoW award with a 58 point score, which also moved him up to the edge of the top 7 in Div 1.

Danny Rose was next past the post with 54, Neil Reynolds scored 52 and then the handsome couple of Davor and Barry P each waded in with a half century.

Another looker Oakers scored 49 with the triumvirate of Simon Ward, Barry Plummer and John McGowan all schlept in with 48.

The lowest score was - shock, horror - Tony Murray with 12.

Old football kits

Arsenal 1978-1982
Made by Umbro
Worn by Liam Brady, Pat Rice and Frank Stapleton.
This will take you back. Fantastic 70's design worn for 5 seasons and including the famous 1979 FA Cup triumph and when the side reached the 1980 Cup Winners Cup Final.

Photograph of the week

Can Drogba, Anelka and Torres work together?

Week 23 review

In midweek Blackpool beat Liverpool 2-1, as Daglish realises what he has inherited.

On Saturday Chelsea saw Blackburn off 2-0 at the Bridge, City beat Wolves in a cracker at Eastlands 4-3 and likewise at the Hawthorns WBA beat Blackpool 3-2.

Stoke won 2-0 against Bolton, Van Persie (2) and Walcott scored for the Arse as they strolled to victory at Upton Park whilst Wigan and Foolham shared the spoils.

Sunday was derby day in the Prem, as Sunderland and Newcastle drew 1-1, Gyan getting a late, late equaliser for the Mackems. Blues and Villa drew 1-1 in a poor game and Liverpool and Everton drew 2-2 in a game that ebbed and flowed at Anfield.

Finally Tottenham and Man U played out a goalless draw at The Lane.

Road to Wembley - Creepy Crawley beat Gulls

Well, Torquay United weren't our Road to Wembley team long enough for me even to write a piece on them, but after non-league Crawley Town beat them 1-0 away thanks to a goal by MATT TUBBS (photo), they went into the 5th Round draw and were given the dream tie of Man Utd (sponsored by Aon) away.

Crawley deservedly beat Torquay. They missed two penalties but still edged out League Two Torquay to become the first non-league side to reach the FA Cup fifth round for 17 years.

Only five other sides from outside the Football League have reached the last 16 of the Cup, and none have made it this far since Kidderminster Harriers in 1994.

Having spent more than £500,000 on players last summer, Crawley can hardly be classed as minnows and in fact are known as the Man U of non-league, but they have still punched way above their weight and their performance against Swindon in the round before means that even Sir Ferg will be a little worried about their 5th Rd tie.

Torquay were trying to create their own bit of Cup history too, having never been beyond round four in their 111-year history, but missed out despite goalkeeper Bevan's best efforts. He saved the two penalties and denied Crawley a number of times in front of an almost sold out Plainmoor - the attendance was 5,065, about 70,000 less than should be at Old Trafford on the 19th February.

Ready's Bet - 3rd Round FA Cup Predictions

Thank you to those that entered Ready's Benfleet Bet. This prediction competition will run all the way to the Final in May.

These are the scores after the 3rd Rd:

1. Steve Black 36
2. Barry Plummer 34
3= Tim Harris 33
3= Alastair Bigg 33
5= Brian Rutter 32
5= Neville White 32
5= Barry Paull 32
8= Rob Munden 31
8= Ben Guarino 31
10= Nobby 30
10= Peter Doyle 30
10= Alex Boswell 30
10= Ken Cobbett 30
14. Neil Addington 29
15. Jason Syrett 28
16= Neil Bixby 27
16= Alan Oakley 27
18. Ryan Saveall 26
19= Steve Merchant 25
19= Paul Long 25

19= Mark Gregory 25
22= Ready 24
22= Peter Godfrey 24
24= Ian France 23
24= Henry Williams 23
24= Neil Reynolds 23
27= John McGowan 22

27= Kirsty Baillie 22
27= Ricky Wood 22
27= Mark Dewberry 22
31= Danny Rose 20
31= Greg Foulger 20
33= Soozie Saveall 19
33= Richard Richards 19
35. Aaron Barden 17
36. Ian Kennett 15