30 October 2006

Huckerby fit to tame Black Cats

Article following interview with Darren Huckerby at a charity dinner. (Norwich Evening News - 2 November 2006)

Darren Huckerby is fit and raring to help turn around Norwich’s recent poor form with a win on the weekend over Roy Keane’s Sunderland.

Speaking at last night’s charity dinner in aid of Jackson William’s run across America, Huckerby said “I’m feeling very good. My back was tight to be honest, a couple of little niggles, and I got cramp in my calves in the last twenty minutes [of the Colchester game]. It was difficult, I hadn’t trained at all for two weeks and then straight back in. Didn’t really even train the day before, you know. It’s nice to be back and with a few days training hopefully I’ll be ready for Saturday.”

The Black Cats are smarting from a 2-1 loss at home to Championship leaders Cardiff and Huckerby, who returned to action for the Canaries in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Colchester, is eager to add to their manager, Roy Keane’s, discontent.

Keane was not amused by Sunderland’s capitulation at the Stadium of Light despite it being their sternest test to date. They have now lost four of their last seven games. “But what do you do?” he countered, “feel sorry for yourself? We’ll kick on and get ready for Saturday. The least I expect is a reaction against Norwich.” He must fancy his chances. Norwich haven’t won in their last three outings and have shipped an embarrassing number of goals, so Keane will not be the only manager hoping for reactions from his players. Peter Grant has made his feelings clear, City must win at home.

Level on points, Sunderland and City are separated only by the Canary’s inferior goal difference, four worse than Sunderland, a result of their respective encounters with Stoke. Norwich were not alone to fall foul at the Britannia stadium in October but Sunderland’s goal difference only took a dent of one, compared with City’s five.

The Canaries supporters will be calling for nothing short of three points on Saturday. The largest crowd of the season enjoyed a wet and windy Halloween outing lacking in tricks or treats on Tuesday, although if Dion Dublin’s neat back-heel to play Robert Earnshaw into the Colchester’s penalty box had resulted in the winner, the fans, the media and the players would be less critical. Points win prizes though and if Norwich are to maintain aspirations of play-off contention then such tricks need to deliver real treats.

“It [Saturday] will be a tough game” said Huckerby. “But we’ve got nearly everybody back now. Crofty’s still out but apart from that we’re nearly full strength. We’ll have to see what they chuck at us and hopefully we’ll have enough to beat them.

On the well-being of Doherty and Fleming, who both limped out of Tuesday’s disappointing draw Huckerby added, “they’re touch and go at the minute, obviously the physios know more than me about that,” but was confident that Norwich had enough talent to cover their absence. “We’ve got young Jason Shackell who’s been very, very good.”

Roy Keane is held in high regard by Huckerby. “He’s untested as a manager, but I tell you something, he’s probably on the best centre midfielder that’s been around for the last 20 years. As a player I’ve played against him many times and he was always exception and if he can take that into management he’ll be very successful.

Huckerby’s comments from November last year, when Norwich were struggling in the Premiership, unfortunately, still ring true twelve months later in the Championship: “We do not have a divine right to win games or be top of the league but we expect ourselves to do better.” Do better they must, starting with three points at home against Sunderland. The Black Cats, however, have been given a kick by Keane and are on the prowl for fresh prey.

You're the boss - Norwich v Colchester

Fan's team selection (Norwich Evening News - 30 October 2006)

You're the boss

Gallacher; Drury, Shackell, Doherty, Colin; Eagle, Etuhu, Safri, Ryan Jarvis; Dublin, Thorne.
Subs: Camp, Hughes, Spillane, Rossi Jarvis, Robinson

With half the Norwich team on the injury table, and in the wake of two horrible defeats, Peter Grant must go back to basics to ensure three points against Colchester.

The remaining players know and are comfortable with 4-4-2. Now is not the time to tinker. Only two points separate Coventry in 8th place and City in 18th, so a home win tonight could shoot City back up the table, as well as provide a much needed morale-booster.

The Championship’s leading goal-scorer, Robert Earnshaw, and the ever-energetic Darren Huckerby are unlikely to win their race for fitness and with Lee Croft freshly crocked, Grant may be forced to hand Peter Thorne his first league start of the season alongside Dion Dublin.

Gary Doherty has on numerous occasions in the past stepped forward to lead the line, but when paired with Dublin, like with Teddy Sheingham during his time at Spurs, pace would be sorely lacking. Thorne may not be that much quicker over 10 yards, but after so long on the sidelines he would surely relish the chance to start and be out to prove a point.

Doherty, as was shown against Stoke, is a defender, so let him play where he plays best and leave the midfield duties to Youssef Safri (back from injury) and Dickson Etuhu who are more than man enough to boss the centre of the park when in the mood. Given the opportunity, Robert Eagle and Ryan Jarvis on their respective flanks would provide the pace to trouble the Colchester back-line and the service for Dublin and Thorne.

Regardless, City need a result.

29 October 2006

Celtic v Benfica

Match report (UEFA Champions League coverage for Eurosport - 17 October 2006).

For my minute by minute coverage of this game please click here.

Celtic batter Benfica 3-0

Three second half goals sunk Benfica 3-0 to send Celtic second in Group F behind Manchester United. Always on top, Celtic dominated the game and were worthy winners. Benfica hit the bar early in the second half but Celtic replied with goals from Kenny Miller (2) and Stephen Pearson.
The last time Celtic met Benfica was in 1969. Portugese legend Eusebio was playing and Celtic won by the toss of a coin in one of the pub quiz results of European football.

Roll on 2006 and they came out blazing, intent on staking their claim for the second place spot in UEFA Champions League Group F behind Manchester United.

Shaun Maloney nearly stole the headlines in the third minute with a sensational scissor-kick volley from 12 yards that brought a fine reflex save from the Benfica goalkeeper, Quim.

Benfica had opted for a three-man attack led by Nuno Gomes but it was Celtic who set the pace and built on Maloney's early effort with several half chances for Scotland striker Kenny Miller.

Alongside Neil Lennon, 19-year-old Evander Sno bossed the central midfield but Celtic failed to break the deadlock in the first 45 minutes. Celtic manager Gordon Strachan had handed Sno his Champions League debut, replacing the injured Thomas Gravesen.

Striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was another injury victim who failed to recover in time for kick-off. His absence left the door open for Maciej Zurawski to line up next to Miller in attack in what proved a profitable partnership for Celtic.

Fine voice from the Parkhead faithful was not enough to help Celtic convert their chances. Lee Naylor had a low drive blocked in the Benfica penalty box and Miller, despite a battling performance, and fine supply from Naylor and Maloney, could not create a clear-cut chance.

Benfica were not without substance. In the ninth minute Simao Sabrosa nutmegged Gary Caldwell and minutes later laid off intelligently from the left flank into the path of Armando Petit who blazed over from 30 yards.

In the 40th minute Naylor had the fans on their feet with a cross-cum-shot that Quim only narrowly managed to tip over the bar. Greek international Kostas Katsouranis then nearly took the lead for Benfica with a thumping header from a fine cross by Leo Lourenco. At half time the result remained 0-0.

Celtic on Song

Celtic though, like their fans, were on song. Despite a lull around the 20 minute mark, when the visitors seemed to gain some momentum and grow in confidence, Celtic had the better of the first half and built on it in the second.

Miller pounced in the 55th minute to break the deadlock. Maloney broke down the left and cut the ball inside to Shunsuke Nakamura who swung wildly, scuffing his shot. Miller was on hand though to steer the wayward strike in the Benfica net. And thus the rout commenced.

Nuno Assis attempted to break the Celtic crossbar two minutes after Miller's opener but in the 65th minute the ex-Wolves striker extended Celtic's lead by capitalising on an explosive break from Maloney.

Late substitute Pearson scored the third in the 87th minute to put the game beyond doubt. Celtic need only to avoid defeat in Lisbon and Copenhagen to secure qualification for the knock-out stages.

Miller had only one word to describe the result: 'Massive'.

Middlesbrough v Notts County

Match report (Carling Cup 2nd round coverage for Eurosport - 21 September 2006).


Notts County defeat 'Boro

A goal from Tcham N'Toya-Zoa fired Notts County to the League Cup third round, much to Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate's annoyance. The Teessiders couldn't score past County's Saul Deeney, despite starting with Mark Viduka and other first-teamers.

"It is very disappointing. It is a competition I wanted to be in, but we are out of it," said Southgate after the match. "That is cup football and it is Notts County's night."

N'Toya-Zoa scored the decisive goal at The Riverside to bring an abrupt end to Southgate's first managerial foray into the competition he won in 2003 as Boro captain.

The 22-year-old''s 26th minute strike was his first goal for Notts County, who currently lie sixth in their division. Many home fans seemed to have anticipated the result, as the attendance was a measly 11,148.

Middlesbrough tried in vain to find an equaliser with captain Mark Viduka, new signing Robert Huth and fellow defender Stuart Parnaby all close to scoring, but it was Notts County's night.

Dismissive supporters may write off the defeat by describing the competition as a "Worthless" cup. The club's victorious campaign in 2003, however, was the source of the club's first-ever trophy and the competition is generally revered with greater fondness in parts of the North-East than elsewhere in the country.

Southgate fielded a strong side with Australian World Cup star Viduka, former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta and £8 million purchase Massimo Maccarone all in the starting line-up. There were notable absences though in the form of Real Madrid loanee Jonathan Woodgate, Nigeria striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu and England winger Stewart Downing.

Boos greeted the home side after N'Toya, who plays for the Democratic Republic of Congo, opened his account for County. Middlesborough failed to find an immediate response and, despite testing the County keeper on several occasions late on, including the unlikely sight of the hulking Viduka attempting an overhead kick, paid the price to the disdain of the Riverside faithful.

Serie A - Match Day 3

Live coverage and round-up (3rd match day of Serie A for Eurosport - 21 September 2006).

For my minute by minute updates of Roma v Inter Milan, please click here.

For my goal by goal coverage of the rest of Serie A please click here and then click on "match" for the game you wish to see.

Inter take three points in Rome

Inter spiced up the battle for Serie A by snatching three points tonight in Rome against Roma. The two favourites for the Scudetto clashed in exciting fashion and Ibrahimovic could have scored a hat-trick. But it was Hernan Crespo, five minutes before half-time, who broke the deadlock with what proved to be the decisive goal.

The former Chelsea striker was a thorn in Roma's side until he was replaced in the closing stages. His goal came at the end of a strong spell by Inter and was richly deserved. Stealing in from the left wing he turned Phillipe Mexes inside out before burying the ball in the net from a tight angle.

Inter went on to dominate the second half despite the sending off of Frenchman Patrick Viera. The game however was full of chances for both sides with Alexander Doni sparing Roma from a bigger defeat with a fine penalty save from the wasteful Ibrahimovic. The Swedish striker simply could not convert despite a number of glorious chances but, thankfully for him, Crespo's goal was sufficient.

Viera built on the good disciplinary record he started at Arsenal by kicking the ball away in the first half to earn a cheap yellow. He further impressed his new employers, Inter, by seeing his second red card of the season in the 90th minute after picking up another needless yellow.

Roma now lie fourth in the table one point behind Inter and three points behind surprise new leaders Palermo who came from behind to produce a spectacular 5-3 victory over Catania and move to the top of Serie A.

In the night's other matches the goal fest continued. Not to be outdone by Palermo's attacking verve, Sampdoria came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 against Udinese, and Cagliari and Livorno laid on a mid-table four goal thriller ending 2-2.

Elsewhere more sedentary results saw Atalanta draw 0-0 with Empoli thanks to a penalty save by the Empoli goalkeeper and Chievo fall to Lazio 0-1 at the hands of a strike by Lorenzo Squizzi and a goal by Chievo's new signing from Palermo, Denis Godeas, being ruled out in the 84th minute.

AC Milan continued their long road back with a third straight win, a 1-0 victory over Ascoli at the San Siro courtesy of a goal by Czech international Marek Jankulovski, whilst Messina moved up to second place in the table after beating Reggina 2-0 with a brace from Cristian Rigano.

Siena striker and Leichenstein international Mario Frick was also on target twice to fire his team to a 1-2 win over Torino. 0-2 down after 35 minutes, Roberto Muzzi pulled one back for the home side but an equaliser eluded them.

In the final game of the night Fiorentina overcame Parma 1-0 through another former Chelsea player, Adrian Mutu, but the Italian World Cup star Luca Toni, who set up the goal, was sent off in the 90th minute and Fiorentina remain five points adrift at the foot of the table.

Dinamo Zagreb v Arsenal

Match report (UEFA Champions League coverage for Eurosport - 9 August 2006).

For my minute by minute coverage of the game please click here.

Arsenal young guns last away Dinamo

Arsenal put themselves firmly in the driving seat in their Champions League qualifying tie with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday. Arsene Wenger's side will be confident heading into the second leg in a fortnight after a double from Cesc Fabregas and one from Robin van Persie.

Arsenal's young guns have more than survived their first European foray of the season. The win in Croatia was driven by a phenomenal performance from Fabregas who bagged two of the Gunners' three second-half strikes.

Thierry Henry, Freddy Ljungberg, Jose Antonio Reyes, Philippe Senderos, Ashley Cole and Theo Walcott were all absent from the field and Dinamo were expected to prove a sterner test.

Arsenal controlled the first half though with Emmanuel Adebayor coming close with a long range effort and Thomas Rosicky and Van Persie also forcing saves from Ivan Turina in the Dinamo goal.

Lacking imagination, Zagreb sat deep and tried to hit Arsenal on the counter attack. Luka Modric was their only real player of any showing but Kolo Toure and the Arsenal defence were more than a match for anything he could conjure up from the Dinamo midfield.

Rare forays

There were signs that the home side could trouble Arsenal but the temptation to sit back and take a draw seemed to weigh heavily on their minds. Modric's clever play only produced a handful of openings for the home side. Zoran Mamic let fly to test Manuel Almunia midway through the second half and Eduardo da Silva broke clean through shortly after only for Johan Djourou to show off his potential with a timely interception.

The deadlock was broken on 63 minutes by Fabregas, running onto a fine ball from Van Persie and burying the ball from a tight angle. One minute eighteen seconds later Van Persie went one better. A perfectly weighted ball from Alex Hleb was dispatched low and hard across the keeper without hesitation from 20 yards; Arsenal's second away goal.

In the bag

With the result in the bag Arsenal eased off the pace. Zagreb failed to muster any real response and on 79 minutes Fabregas picked up the ball in Zagreb's half, put his head down, charged past two defenders and slotted home to put the tie beyond doubt.

Fuelling rumours as to the future of Reyes, Arsene Wenger opted to keep him on the bench. An appearance would have prevented him from appearing for any other club in the Champions League this season.

Wenger has continued to deny all talk of Reyes leaving but has clearly decided to keep his options open. With mounting rumours from Spain of interest from Real Madrid, Cole may not be the only Arsenal player out the door in coming days.

It was a satisfying night for Arsenal and Wenger in particular. The Gunners clearly have an embarrassment of riches at their disposal and can use the second leg to provide further experience to their young stars. Fabregas might even have earned the night off.