ARSENAL 2, MAN CITY 1 (after extra time) Manchester City had only themselves to blame after losing their Emirates FA Cup semi final against Arsenal. It was a tie dominated by City whose failure to turn territorial advantage and chances into goals was their undoing…and not for the first time this season. Disappointing for City, […]
Mission Impossible accomplished as Oldham Athletic are staying up following derby draw against Rochdale
OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1, ROCHDALE 1 Oldham Athletic achieved what appeared Mission Impossible – Sky Bet League One survival – three-and-a-half-months ago when John Sheridan became manager. The draw in the final home game of the season against Rochdale guaranteed Latics will be staying in the same division for a 21st successive season. And it ensured […]
Antonio Conte’s tactical masterclass as Chelsea defeat Tottenham in FA Cup semi final
CHELSEA 4, TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2 While Antonio Conte accepted blame for Chelsea’s defeat at Manchester United on Sunday, he can rightly take the plaudits following his side’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final win against Tottenham. Chelsea’s manager risky team selection and bold substitutions turned out to be masterstrokes as they beat a Spurs side that went […]
Marcus Rashford scores extra time winner as Manchester United defeat RSC Anderlecht to claim semi-final place in Europa League
MAN UNITED 2, RSC ANDERLECHT 1 (United won 3-2 on aggregate after extra time) Manchester United were pushed all the way by Belgium side Anderlecht before claiming a semi-final place in the Europa League. It was a nervy night at Old Trafford where Marcus Rashford’s extra-time goal sent the Reds through to the last four. […]
Wall-to-wall football as fans watch 13 games in Easter groundhop
Tony Bugby joined non-league football diehards for part of The Easter Groundhop in which many watched a remarkable 13 games in the North West Counties League and Northern Counties East League over the holiday weekend. Having been privileged to report on more than 3,000 football matches over a period spanning almost 40 years, I could […]