PUBLISHED: 07:00 22 September 2018 Robin sainty Marco Stiepermann is in fine form for City Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd Paul Chesterton A paracosm is a phenomenon where a detailed imaginary world is created in one’s mind, and judging by his post-match interview last week, Tony Pulis spends much of his time in one. Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis Picture: PAContrary to all available evidence he attempted to portray a referee who had barely awarded a single marginal decision to City, and who had somehow conjured up six minutes of added time, as a homer who had contributed to his team’s defeat by not awarding a penalty when Britt Assombalonga crumpled theatrically at the slightest of touches from Christoph Zimmermann.Back in the real world, of course, Middlesbrough had been effectively neutralised as an attacking force by Daniel Farke’s surprising but effective team selection, and after starting brightly had been pushed further … [Read more...] about Robin Sainty: Old heads playing their part in Norwich City’s season
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Penny is finally starting to drop for improving Rams says Kelly
0 Have your say IT HAS taken all season, but coach Neil Kelly reckons Dewsbury Rams are finally starting to believe in themselves. Rams visit Rochdale Hornets tomorrow (3pm) for their penultimate game looking to build on what has been a positive campaign so far in the Betfred Championship Shield.Kelly’s side have won three of their five fixtures, but were beaten 40-28 at leaders Featherstone Rovers six days ago.“Even though we lost, that [encouraging] form continued,” said Kelly whose team complete their campaign at home to Shield finalists Leigh Centurions next week. “The side’s starting to show signs, belatedly, they realise what they are capable of.“I just hope they don’t go into pre-season mode with two games to go because we’ve got a lot to play for. “I am setting a target of two victories from our last two games to finish the season on a high.”Rochdale are bottom of the table, but the late decision … [Read more...] about Penny is finally starting to drop for improving Rams says Kelly
Aston Villa v Sheffield Wednesday: Team news, predicted line-ups, form, referee, betting odds and man to watch
Sheffield Wednesday head to Birmingham this afternoon to take on Aston Villa, with hopes of a repeat of last season’s performance and result. What’s the team news?Steven Fletcher is pushing for a recall. Sam Hutchinson has recovered from a groin injury and resumed full training. Fernando Forestieri will complete a three-match suspension, while Kieran Lee, Gary Hooper and Joost van Aken remain out iof contention.Steve Bruce has no new problems as he prepares to take charge of his 100th game for the club against Wednesday. Midfielder Mile Jedinak and defender Axel Tuanzebe are vying for recalls to the Villa side. Scott Hogan and Keinan Davis (both groin) are out.Predicted teamsVILLA (4-4-2): Orjan Nyland , Ahmed Elmohamady, James Chester, Mile Jedinak, Alan Hutton, Anwar El Ghazi , John McGinn, Conor Hourihane, Jack Grealish, Jonathan Kodjia, Tammy AbrahamOWLS (4-2-3-1): Cameron Dawson, Liam Palmer, Tom Lees, Daniel Pudil, Matt Penney, Barry Bannan, Joey Pelupessy, Marco … [Read more...] about Aston Villa v Sheffield Wednesday: Team news, predicted line-ups, form, referee, betting odds and man to watch
Park are edged out at the death
Stockwood Park were beaten 22-21 at Northampton Casuals in a tremendous Midlands Three East South clash on Saturday. The hosts were soon 7-0 up, slicing through Park’s defence after collecting a loose ball in midfield and then added to this with a penalty to make it 10-0.Park were then on the scoreboard themselves when, following forward pressure, centre Brandon Lewsey scored and converted a try.This was soon followed by left wing Kyran Ryan who outpaced the home defence to score near the posts, Lewsey’s boot making it 14-10 at half time.A yellow card for a professional foul robbed Park of Lewsey for 10 minutes at the start of the second half, with Casuals taking advantage to score again and move 15-14 in front. Stockwood continued to attack and had some quality lineout possession, where locks Phil Doherty, Jack Wharton and back row Michael Powell and Will Varnals excelled. From such a lineout on the Casuals 22 metre line, Park produced a powerful drive which was stopped … [Read more...] about Park are edged out at the death
South Shields players will be ‘turned on’ by big FA Cup clash with Stockport County
South Shields’ big game players can be ‘turned on’ by another moment in the spotlight today. That’s the view of joint manager Lee Picton as he prepares his players for their FA Cup clash against Stockport County at Mariners Park.Shields go into the game as underdogs against the former Football League side, who play at a rung higher in the pyramid.Picton, however, is confident that his players will rise to the occasion, as they did in last season’s FA Cup run which saw them dump out the likes of Darlington and York City, as well as take National League side Hartlepool United all the way.“I think there are areas we can exploit if we can get it right,” he said.“Don’t get me wrong, we will respect Stockport – they are a strong, physical team – but if we get our quality and pace right on the ball, then I think we can really hurt them.“Last season showed us that if we get it right, we are good enough to compete. We have … [Read more...] about South Shields players will be ‘turned on’ by big FA Cup clash with Stockport County