UK Pre-season games

[tetsujin1979]

Robbie Keane opened the scoring for Spurs in a 3-1 win over Stevenage: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/matchreport070707.html
Finnan played in defence for Liverpool in a 3-2 over Wrexham: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/match/last_match/match_report/index.htm

[Cymro]

It was 3-2 to Liverpool actually tetsujin ;)

[tetsujin1979]

My mistake, so it was. Edited and fixed

[tetsujin1979]

Aiden McGeady played in the second half of Celtic's 4-1 loss to Young Boy's of Berne: http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_070707200321.aspx

[Paddy Garcia]

Aiden McGeady played in the second half of Celtic's 4-1 loss to Young Boy's of Berne: http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_070707200321.aspx

Over 20 players used & no O'Dea - I wonder is he injured.

[eirebhoy]

Over 20 players used & no O'Dea - I wonder is he injured.
I presume so. He wasn't involved in the 1-0 win over Basel either. He travelled to Switzerland with the squad though.

[tricky_colour]

Aiden McGeady played in the second half of Celtic's 4-1 loss to Young Boy's of Berne: http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_070707200321.aspx


Good job they wer not playing the men's team then - they would have got slaughtereed!!

[tetsujin1979]

Tony Kane was an unused sub for Blackburn in their 2-1 win over Wrexham: http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10303~1071206,00.html

Alan Lee, Shane Supple, George O'Callaghan, Jon Walters and Billy Clarke all turned out for Ipswich in their 3-0 win over Burton Albion, with Lee notching two: http://www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1071232,00.html

Paul McShane played the first half for West Brom in their 1-1 draw with Histon, a different XI played in the second half: http://www.wba.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~1071211,00.html

[Paddy Garcia]

Alan Lee, Shane Supple, George O'Callaghan, Jon Walters and Billy Clarke all turned out for Ipswich in their 3-0 win over Burton Albion, with Lee notching two: http://www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1071232,00.html


..and a "might have been" old Daryl Clare playing for Burton!!!!

[tetsujin1979]

Alex Bruce, Owen Garvan (!!), Alan Lee, Jonathan Walters, Shane Supple, Billy Clarke, George O'Callaghan and Michael Synott all played a half for Ipswich in their 3-1 win over Kettering Town, with Clarke, O'Callaghan and Synott scoring the goals: http://www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1072377,00.html
No line up in the report, but it's available here: http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/content/eveningstar/sport/story.aspx?brand=ESTOnline&category=Sport&tBrand=ESTOnline&tCategory=Sport&itemid=IPED13%20Jul%202007%2008%3A42%3A13%3A240

Ipswich Town first half: Price, Wright, Harding, Garvan, De Vos, Bruce, Sito, Moore, Lee, Walters, Haynes.
Second half: Supple, Wilnis, Naylor, Synnott, O'Callaghan, Richards, Casement, Clarke, Rhodes, Trotter.

[tetsujin1979]

Kevin Doyle started, and Stephen Hunt was introduced in the second half for Reading in their 1-0 Peace Cup loss to River Plate. Graham Stack, Alan Bennett and Shane Long were all unused subs: http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1072600,00.html

[tetsujin1979]

Mark Kennedy played central midfield in the first half for Crystal Palace in their 2-0 win over Chelmsford: http://www.cpfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10323~1073014,00.html
It was a different XI in the second half

[tetsujin1979]

Stephen Ireland and Richard Dunne played the full 90 minutes for Man City in their 3-1 win over Doncaster: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pagegid={DBD12D53-8346-431D-A04F-5D0F8664DE80}&newsid=443733
From the report, it appears Ireland was robbed for a goal

While that was going on, Man City's reserves beat Stalybridge Celtic 2-1, with Karl Moore grabbing the winner. Garry Breen played in defence: http://www.stalybridgeceltic.co.uk/report.php?fixid=9566
No report on Man City's site yet, I'll post it if it appears

Andy O'Brien played the second half as Portsmouth beat Yeovil 2-0: http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/
Pompey have changed their site to a really flash-animation heavy one, and it's slow and awkward as hell to use :(

[eirebhoy]

McGeady started for Celtic against QPR and set up the 2nd. /edit, apparently he had an excellent game.

[dr_peepee]

Daren Gibson is in Man utd squad for their tour of Asia

[tetsujin1979]

McGeady started for Celtic against QPR and set up the 2nd. /edit, apparently he had an excellent game.
He was substituted for Jim O'Brien, and QPR had Martin Rowlands in their team

<EDIT>

Goals here: http://www.motiono.com/watch/CroSoooN

[DmanDmythDledge]

Daren Gibson is in Man utd squad for their tour of Asia
As is John O'Shea.

[tetsujin1979]

Tony Kane was an unused sub in Blackburn's 2-1 loss to Aminia Bielefeld: http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10303~1073418,00.html

[dr_peepee]

Aren't Nelson, Samba and Ooijer all centre halves by trade? I could be paranoid but it seems Hughes would rather play one of them out of position than give Kane a chance in what looks like his best available side.

[tetsujin1979]

Over 20 players used & no O'Dea - I wonder is he injured.
According to football365.com, he's aggravated a hamstring injury

[eirebhoy]

According to football365.com, he's aggravated a hamstring injury
Strachan: "Darren has a hamstring injury. It's something he has had from last year. We told him to have five weeks' rest.

"But, being the young boy he is, he gave himself two and started running, so it has not cleared up. That's enthusiasm and stupidity chucked in at the same time."

[youngirish]

Reading beat Lyon 1-0. Stack, Hunt, Long and Doyle all played with Long and Doyle being possibly the two best players on the pitch. Stack also made some good saves.

[tetsujin1979]

Reading beat Lyon 1-0. Stack, Hunt, Long and Doyle all played with Long and Doyle being possibly the two best players on the pitch. Stack also made some good saves.
Doyle had a penalty saved, Long got the assist for the goal, official site report here: http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1073787,00.html

[tetsujin1979]

Strachan: "Darren has a hamstring injury. It's something he has had from last year. We told him to have five weeks' rest.

"But, being the young boy he is, he gave himself two and started running, so it has not cleared up. That's enthusiasm and stupidity chucked in at the same time."
That's him out of the Denmark friendly so?

[Dr. Ogba]

Doyle had a penalty saved, Long got the assist for the goal, official site report here: http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1073787,00.html


no sign of Alan Bennett....is he injured or just not in favour?

[tetsujin1979]

no sign of Alan Bennett....is he injured or just not in favour?
He was an unused substitute, for the second game in a row
Full line up here: http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1073610,00.html (http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306%7E1073610,00.html)

Reading (4-4-2): Stack; Murty, Golbourne, Bikey, Duberry; Harper (Gunnarsson 28), Cisse (Oster 65), Cox (Halls 78), Hunt; Doyle, Long.
Subs: Federici, Shorey, Halls, Ingimarsson, Pearce, Bennett, Robson-Kanu, Henry, Kitson.

[beautifulrock]

I cant help feeling that Reading will have a long tough season ahead. Have not streghtened the squad and Sidwell will be a massive loss.

[Torn-Ado]

I cant help feeling that Reading will have a long tough season ahead. Have not streghtened the squad and Sidwell will be a massive loss.

One season wonder me thinks. They had their day in the sun and now I think they'll be in a relegation battle this coming season.

[youngirish]

One season wonder me thinks. They had their day in the sun and now I think they'll be in a relegation battle this coming season.

Doubt it. They'll be ok this year. Ignoring the loss of Sidwell they've a lot of young inexperienced players who will be better this year now they've a season behind them in the top flight. Convery coming back from injury could be a big player for them also (unfortunately at the expense of Hunt) and with Doyle and Lita they've two of the best young strikers in the Premiership including anything in the top four. Also Coppell being as shrewd as he is will probably make a couple of new signings before the transfer deadline.

Derby, Fulham, Wigan, Middlesboro and Birmingham are the teams most likely to be involved in the relegation battle. I wouldn't be surprised to see Portsmouth struggle either despite having a good season last year though their home form probably will keep them going.

[Cymro]

Doubt it. They'll be ok this year. with Doyle and Lita they've two of the best young strikers in the Premiership including anything in the top four.
Derby, Fulham, Wigan, Middlesboro and Birmingham are the teams most likely to be involved in the relegation battle. I wouldn't be surprised to see Portsmouth struggle either despite having a good season last year though their home form probably will keep them going.

Doyle maybe. Not Lita. Lita has potential but has yet to deliver on it really. Unless he improves tenfold next year I certainly wouldn't count him as one of the Premiership's best.

Also, Doyle may leave Reading in January, if he plays the first half of next season as he did most of last year.

Certainly wouldn't rule Reading out of relegation.

[Paddy Garcia]

Liam Lawrence notched one for Stoke in a pre-season friendly. He was playing very well for Stoke at the end of last season, and pushed them towards the play offs before getting injured.

Delap is also back.

[tricky_colour]

I would say Reading will do OK, the bookies have them at 5-1 for relegation thats about eighth favourite, I don't think Coppell is planning on getting relegated and he seems to be able to pick up good players on the cheap. I wouldn't be surprised if they finished in the top half again. As for Hunt losing his place, well he finished in the Actim index top 100

Anyone else think Hunt looks disconcertingly similar to Kevin Keegan? :D

[tetsujin1979]

John O'Shea came off the bench in Man United's 2-2 draw with Urawa Red Diamonds: http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=444919
Plus ça change...

[tetsujin1979]

Michael Timlin played the second half for Fulham in their 1-0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0708/Friendlies/Dagenham.aspx

Shay Given played the first half, and Stephen Carr played the whole game as Newcastle beat Hartlepool 3-1: http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1074491,00.html

Andy O'Brien played the whole game as Portsmouth beat Havant & Waterlooville (South African side) 2-0: http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/

Alan Sheehan and Jonathan Hayes played the full game, while Conrad Logan was an unused sub as Leicester City beat Hinckley 3-1: http://www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1074589,00.html
(where is CraftyToePoke these days??)

JJ Melligan and an on-trial Fred Murray played as Leyton Orient beat SD Portmany (from Ibiza) 4-1, Melligan was substutited for Sean Thornton in the second half: http://www.leytonorient.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10439~1074603,00.html

Jim Goodwin scored a rare goal as S****horpe beat Brigg Town 1-0: http://www.s****horpe-united.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10442~1074587,00.html
<EDIT>
hmm, the offensive word in the url has been converted to asterisks - you'll have to change it manually after clicking it if you want to read the report

Steve Finnan played the first half as Liverpool beat Werder Bremen 3-2: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/match/last_match/match_report/index.htm
Incidentally, the guy who came on for Finnan scored an OG.

[dr_peepee]

Folan scored for Wigan in their Pre-Season Friendly win yesterday. Can't remember who the played but he scored the 2nd goal in a 2-1 win.

[paul_oshea]

A.N.Other?

[tetsujin1979]

Folan scored for Wigan in their Pre-Season Friendly win yesterday. Can't remember who the played but he scored the 2nd goal in a 2-1 win.
It was Dutch side FC Zwolle: http://www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10429~1074571,00.html (http://www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10429%7E1074571,00.html)
The game finished 2-0, and Kilbane played in defence, line up here: http://www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10429~1074355,00.html (http://www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10429%7E1074355,00.html)

-Mike Pollitt in goal
-Defence, from right to left: Mario Melchiot, Emmerson Boyce, Titus Bramble, Kevin Kilbane
-Midfield, from right to left: David Cotterill, Paul Scharner, Denny Landzaat, Jason Koumas
-Strikers: Julius Aghahowa, Caleb Folan

[eirebhoy]

Off topic but if that is close to Wigan's first team have they any hope of staying up?

[tricky_colour]

Stokes scored for Sunderland
some comentary here but only 7 miutes to go.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/tees/local_radio/index.shtml

[ForzaWexford]

Gary Dempsey played the first half for his new club Yeovil Town in their 2-1 loss to Plymouth. Stephen Maher played the second half.

[tetsujin1979]

Colin Doyle and Stephen Kelly played as Birmingham won 1-0 against FC Heidenheim 1846: http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10412~1075190,00.html

Glen Whelan started, and was substituted in the second half after setting up Wednesday's second goal in a 2-2 draw with Dutch side Heerenveen: http://www.swfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10304~1075194,00.html

Billy Clarke and Michael Synnott played as Ipswich drew 2-2 with Chelmsford: http://www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1075191,00.html

Colin Hawkins, Michael Doyle, and Jay Tabb all start for Coventry, while Kevin Thornton and Leon Best were introduced as second half substitutes in their 2-2 draw with Shrewsbury Town: http://www.ccfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10269~1075187,00.html
Doyle was captain on the night, and Tabb put the sky blues 2-1 up.

Richard Dunne and Stephen Ireland both started, and were both substituted in the second half, in Man City's 4-1 win over Swedish side Örgryte: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pagegid={DBD12D53-8346-431D-A04F-5D0F8664DE80}&newsid=445473
According to the report, Ireland impressed on the left

While that was going on, Garry Breen, Michael Daly, Karl Moore, Paul Marshall started for Man City's reserves in a 4-2 loss to Hyde United, while Donal McDermott was introduced as a substitute: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pagegid={DBD12D53-8346-431D-A04F-5D0F8664DE80}&newsid=445248
Moore got the second goal for City's second string

[ofjames]

Any chance that lad logan who scored for city has irish connections?

Sven has apparently taken quite a liking to the lad.

[dr_peepee]

Stokes scored for Sunderland
some comentary here but only 7 miutes to go.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/tees/local_radio/index.shtml

Seen it this morning on SSN. Not a bad goal. He got in behind the defence through the middle, one on one with the keeper, and slotted it away with confidence.

[tetsujin1979]

/
none that I'm aware of, and watch the faux-racism. You're not Borat

[paul_oshea]

/


i have to say i found that funny :D but it probably shouldnt be said on an internet forum!

[eirebhoy]

Seen it this morning on SSN. Not a bad goal. He got in behind the defence through the middle, one on one with the keeper, and slotted it away with confidence.
Exactly the type of goal I've been saying he'll score plenty of if given the chance. By "given the chance" I mean play him as the number 9, not the number 10. It'd be great to get a copy of the match he played at Celtic Park. It's a different Stokes to what most people would know. He was just completely disciplined and spent the time doing the things Ruud van Nistelrooy does best. Alan Gow was his support striker and he'll be more of a creator. Stokes hit the post and eventually scored a goal. He wasn't required to do anywhere as much work on the ball as the likes Keane and Stan have him doing.

[Closed Account]

Sunderland: Fulop (Ward 45), Halford (Kay 45), Nosworthy (Varga 45), Collins (Donoghue 45), Clarke, Leadbitter (Hysen 45), Kavanagh (Yorke 45), Whitehead (Miller 45), Wallace, Murphy (Stokes 45), Connolly (John 45).

[paul_oshea]

in fairness that team is nowhere near mid-table premiership standard.....i really cant see where sunderland are going to get goals from this season.

[Closed Account]

Reading V Shimizu S-Pulse
Reading (4-4-2): Federici; Murty, Shorey, Ingimarsson, Bennett; Harper, Cisse, Oster, Hunt; Kitson, Long.
Subs: Stack, Halls, Golbourne, Pearce, Bikey, Duberry, Gunnarsson, Henry, Seol, Robson-Kanu, Cox, Doyle

Good to see Bennett get a start pre-season, has to get an opportunity ahead of yellow card merchant Bikey this season.

[bellavistaman]

Hally given big chance: http://www.avfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Home/0,,10265,00.html