BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 27 Mar 19 - 10:31 AM

hi beech

Totally agree with your comments about England's attacking against
Monte negro. Apart from the first 20 minutes when they were very slow in passing and not being very aggressive. But after that was a great performance. Especially from the young players.

I agree about the way in which the media are hyping it all up.

A great performance..... now back to the Premier League. Some great games at week end.

Regards

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: beachcomber
Date: 26 Mar 19 - 09:47 AM

OK, Montenegro not world beaters exactly but, that was the best England attacking performance I've seen for many a long year. However, I thought that Chris Sutton, in his best David "Fwrost" imitation, went a tad OTT. This is the kind of burden that too many commentators load on the England team, year after year, Competition after competition,and pile un-necessary pressure on them. Sure they were the olden times Invincibles when International Football was in it's infancy but, that will not recur too often for any country. There are many teams nowadays that can beat everyone else at certain tournaments. Good luck England , for the rest of the matches.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 23 Mar 19 - 11:37 AM

Hi

The Euro Championship is under way.

England 5 - Czech Republic 0

Watched the whole game.

After a very dull start England went ahead through Sterling and just before the interval a penalty was converted by Kane. The Czech team came out and attacked bur England had too much for them and ran out winners. Stirling ended up with a hat-trick Great start.

Wales won and Scotland lost.

There will be more games for anyone that wants to see tem.
We go Montenegro next.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 18 Mar 19 - 07:28 AM

hi steve

Because of the very inclement weather we just stayed in and watched sport all day 111

We started with Formula1 - Hamilton came 2nd.

Then watched Dundee v Celtic - Celtic scored in the last minute.

Brighton V Millwall - very exciting game which Brighton won after Extra Time and penalties.

Everton 2 - Chelsea 0. Chelsea were crap.


And of course Liverpool 2 - Fulham 1 . scrappy game but Liverpool were always going to win it.

phew feel tired after that lot !!!!!!!!!!.

I know !!!! get a life !!!!

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Mar 19 - 02:38 PM

I can't take two whole matches in one day. I watched Fulham-Liverpool and saw Liverpool win dirty. Gotta be done sometimes!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 17 Mar 19 - 12:15 PM

hi

Liverpool won 2-1

Not one of their best performances ....but hey....they go top.!!!!!

Clop must be getting info from " up There ". He brings on his penalty taker and within 2 minutes they get a penalty.

Just off to watch Chelsea v Everton......weird lol

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 17 Mar 19 - 11:00 AM

hi

Steve

ted off the pitch. After the recent improvement mysteriously they were back passing back and seeming to have lost any pace.
Pogpba was invisible, Martial could not make any progress and in general the whole team was " off colour "
In contrast Wolves were organized and knew what they were doing. they are a great team and I think they will take some stopping.


Liverpool have just scored.... Mane of course.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Mar 19 - 07:28 AM

Wolves were magnificent against Man U. Nuno will be a national treasure before too long, and already he doesn't need his surname any more, fine though it is!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Mar 19 - 10:27 AM

hi

I see that Norwich are still playing leap-frog with Leeds.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Mar 19 - 10:26 AM

Hi

Bayern 1 - Liverpool 3

Great game to watch. Liverpool were by far the better side. They play as a team and have a plan. Every Liverpool player contributed to this great result. The two outstanding players were Virgil - surely the best centre back in the World. And Mane was exciting to watch as he scored his goals.

Liverpool now go into the quarter finals and if they play like this they must have a great chance to go all the way.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Mar 19 - 02:55 PM

Doh

Just found out that Liverpool play tomorrow.....silly Billy




City just kicked off Must go    Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Mar 19 - 02:38 PM

hi

Just about to watch Liverpool and Man City play their respective games. Both on at the same time so will be changing channels regularly.

I watched Liverpool play Zagreb in the Under 19's of the European Cup. It was an entertaining game which was decided on penalties which Zagreb won. Some very good players in both teams. Looks good for Both Clubs as such good talent.

Good luck to both City & Liverpool.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 11 Mar 19 - 09:30 AM

hi Steve

Yes the bubble had to burst sooner or later. It's been a great run and our season looks much better than when Mourinho was in charge.

Arsenal are a tough team to beat at home and we had the chances but did not take them. Plus a penalty that never should have been. We are still some way yet from being able to field our best team.

We have a daunting run in to the end of the Season so we will need the best team to be available.

I was pleased that even though we were losing Ole had the strength of character to call on a very young player to get some experience in playing in the Premier League. Mason looks a good prospect.

I watched Liverpool and even though they gave away a silly goal they settled down and won very easily. They, like United missed some chances but Liverpool had the bottle to keep at it and they got 4 to win a place back at the top.

Watched Chelsea - they got an undeserved late goal.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 11 Mar 19 - 05:27 AM

Reality check for Man U, even though they played well. Places 3 and 4 in the top four looks like a gritty battle coming up. Liverpool back to something like it after that disgraceful shenanigans in the first few minutes which not only gave Burnley a goal but also got Allison booked for his justifiable rage (unless he swore: I hope not as he's a good Catholic lad like me). Burnley are not the kind of elegant Burnley I revered as a little lad...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 08 Mar 19 - 02:36 PM

Hi John

I agree that who-ever gets promoted to the Premier League will find it difficult to stay there. So most teams do aim purely to stay up until they get to grips with what the experience of being in the Premier league is all about.

Wolves this year are a revelation and hold a position in mid-table. History tells us that most clubs that get promoted don't stay there more than 2 years. It is a rocky road.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 08 Mar 19 - 09:40 AM

Sure, Mike. The Championship can be a difficult league to get out of and for those that follow (even if just keeping track like me), this year is particularly interesting. In one sense, there is more there than (unless we count in Leicester) than the Premiership where there are few clubs to look consider at the top. On the other hand, I think after getting there, maintaining some sort of mid table stability (sort of thing I'd imagine Norwich would aim for) in the Premiership is another huge step and not one Norwich managed in their last couple of promotions...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 08 Mar 19 - 08:51 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 07 Mar 19 - 10:22 AM

Explaining how PSG came to lose, the Guardian wrote this, which I love:

"In part, it’s true, that’s down to the frankly inexplicable magic of Solskjær, Dorian Gray as the Milky Bar Kid, living his eternal 1999. But it’s also down to the fact that PSG are the opposite of what Solskjær represents. He is romance and fun and loyalty and doing your job even if it frustrates you; open them up [PSG] and where the heart should be you’ll find a fetid roll of banknotes. When it comes to the crunch, doing it to enhance the reputation of a faraway state seems not to stir the loins. We’ve seen this before, of course, most notably when a 4-0 lead was squandered two years ago...."

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 07 Mar 19 - 09:25 AM

Hi Steve Couldn't agree more with you.

The introduction of Jurgen Clopp is a breath of fresh air in the Premier League and indeed in Europe.

Man united have not really entertained since Fergie left.

Moyse, Van Gaal and recently Mourino lacked the ability to create a top team. Let's hope that Ole gets the call at Old Trafford.

Last night I noticed Tergie having a long serious chat with Ed Woodward. Fergie has made it obvious that he wants Qle to be offered the job.

There are some important games coming up this week-end. Can't wait !!

Cheers Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 07 Mar 19 - 07:24 AM

Man U playing good, fast, spirited, positive football is vital for the Premier League. It's been way too long since we've seen it. United and Liverpool are talismanic for British football (not City or Chelsea, not never!) and we need both firing on all four. Really good last night and they deserved to go through. I've going to have to watch more of their bloody matches now. I haven't told Mrs Steve that yet...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 07 Mar 19 - 06:53 AM

hi

Definite penalty . Steve is right. T guy deliberately and stupidly played the ball. The ref had checked it out TWICE.

But hey what about the game United did something that has never been done before in the Eur Championship, They came back "from the dead"
against the favourites to won the title.

Lukacu scored two more to make it 6 in the last 3 games.

Remember they played this game with 10 regular players out injured and pogba banned. they had 4 teenagers who had never played in a big game like this.

They played to Ole's plan ......and it worked.

Huge credit must go to the whole team.

cheers

mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 06 Mar 19 - 05:54 PM

Yes it was. He left his arm flailing, which he didn't have to, turned his back and hoped for the best. Good call, ref.

And I'm a Liverpool fan.

Ole is the best thing to happen to English football for years. I bloody enjoyed that tonight. Fight, spirit, history, it was all there. Only Liverpool will stop Man U from winning the Champions League!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 06 Mar 19 - 05:13 PM

Oh ........ one more thing before Steve says it.

That was never a penalty!!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 06 Mar 19 - 04:57 PM

Astonishing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 06 Mar 19 - 02:43 PM

hi Steve

"elé sez that Liverpool will win the league. That's good enough for me".

I wonder what you would say if he said that Man City would win it ??

And besides , great player that he was, what does he know about winning the Premier League ??

Just getting ready to watch United play in Paris. We all expect them to get knocked out but hope they can prevent a landslide..

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 05 Mar 19 - 02:58 PM

Pelé sez that Liverpool will win the league. That's good enough for me...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 05 Mar 19 - 02:36 PM

Hi Sen, hope you are "listening"   

Last week I saw a guy talking about the Championship ( Norwich etc).
is going.

He said that this Season there have been 29 changes in the top two places. He described how this League is the most difficult one to win. There are many good teams that keep keep on beating each other and he reckoned that even at this late stage in the season that about 15 teams have a chance to get in the top 4,!!!
Norwich and Leeds are the front runners to be Champions but several teams can still challenge for this.

I do keep a watch-out on this situation and find it fascinating.

regards

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 05 Mar 19 - 09:55 AM

Hi

I don't think either team is playing at their best. I take in all of Steve's points but .....do I detect hope in there?

Another thing to consider is that City has more titles to win and this could be a factor. plus City lost arguably their best player and they have not announced how long he could be out. I refer to de Bruyne.

There again City have much more experience in landing a Premier League Title.

Take your choice but it's going to be close.

Cheers

Mike

United have now lost another player to injury. - Sanchez is out for rest of season.
They have to play Paris St. Germain in Paris and they have 9 Ist team injuries. If that is not Ole is scraping a team together but if that is not enough we are already 2 down. !!!!! I heard he was searching the under 10's ......lol

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 05 Mar 19 - 04:57 AM

Hmm a "not" in that sentence shouldn't have been there. It should read:

That is not to say Liverpool are playing badly but it does say that City are playing better.


!&*??$£&*!!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 05 Mar 19 - 04:55 AM

I hate to remind you Steve that just after New Year Liverpool were SEVEN points clear of City at the top of the table. Two months later they are 1 point behind.

That is not to say Liverpool are playing badly but it does not say that City are playing better.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 04 Mar 19 - 07:57 PM

In the next few weeks Liverpool will have Joe Gomez, Lovren and The Ox back. No more need for reshuffles at the back and The Ox running fearsomely at the bastards from midfield. And who bloody gets past Virgil and Allison? And have you SEEN how beautiful Allison's missus is! We have an easier run-in than City and we never lose at home. If you think we're wavering then you seem to have forgotten Bournemouth and Watford. Be very afraid, Citeh!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 04 Mar 19 - 03:47 PM

Well MikeL,

City have been there, read the book watched the film and got the T shirt (and the medals)

Liverpool who have played some wonderful football this year seem to be "bottling" it.

I hope for Steve's sake I am wrong but if I were a gambling man my money would be on City.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 04 Mar 19 - 02:21 PM

Hi Raggy

Yes the drive for the title hots up.

Both City and Liverpool look as though they are feeling the pressure.

I think Steve's " Five Bob " is in geopardy. I don't gamble or I would take him on. lol

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 04 Mar 19 - 10:02 AM

And City go top again !!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 03 Mar 19 - 06:58 AM

HI

Man United 3 V Southampton 2.

I was lucky enough to get in a box with my son and his Dutch colleagues.

This match crackled from the kick off until the final whistle.

United could easily have been three up in the first 10 minutes. But
Southampton had come to win this game and counter-attacked and pressed United giving them little space. Against the run of play they scored a fantastic goal and continued to attack. They could have had two penalties with close decisions.

In the second half United opened up and a great goal by young Pereia ( his first) put them back in the hunt. Lucacu made it 2-1 and Southampton equalised with another fine goal. Lucaco put Unided ahead
and Pogba missed a late penalty.

Great game.

Now getting ready for 3 matches this afternoon with the mouthwatering prospect of seeing Everton and Liverpool. Phew !!!

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 28 Feb 19 - 09:50 AM

hi Steve

Yes Liverpool were back to their early seasons form. They pressed Watford and attacked dangerously ( for Watford ) with many attempts. The big hitters were back to form and goals just had to come as Watford buckled. Good to see Mo impressive and Mane getting back on the scoreboard. His second goal was outrageous and entertaining at the same time, Trent was back and in my opinion was man of the match.

City were scrambling and just made it through.

I watched Tottenham v Chelsea. Spurs were not a match for a
re-juvenated Chelsea. It was a tough encounter with flashes of agreesion from both teams. Harry Kane was not in the game at all and the second Chelsea goal was a farce. They will need to do better if they want to get into Europe. Arsenal won 5-1 and with Chelsea back and Man U winning, anything can happen.

United were hard hit by injuries and had to male 8 changes. Lucaku scored twice but even at 2 nil United did not have it all their way. Some wayward finishing helped United and until Young scored a third goal, Crystal Palace looked dangerous. This United team don't give in and in the end JUST scrambled home. I hope they can get some of the injuries sorted as we will need to to get into the top four.

Alltogether it was a good night for NW England teams

CHEERS

Mike

PS I wouldn't bet against Liverpool.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Feb 19 - 06:19 PM

Howdy Mike. Liverpool firing on all four again tonight and City spluttering. Well done Ole, though as I type I haven't seen Man U on MOTD as yet. Good to see Man U playing the sort of footie we haven't seen since Fergie's early days. As Spurs lost, it looks like a two-horse race at the top. I'll bet you five bob that Liverpool edge it...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 25 Feb 19 - 09:54 AM

hi
Steve

I agree the game we expected did not happen. Like you I think the injuries spoiled the game. I thought Rashford should have gone off - he could suffer for his loyalty.

In the circumstances Ole did what he needed to do in reverting to a totally defensive game. Liverpool were surprisingly poor and United actually had more shots on target and had two close efforts to score.

I do not remember a United / Liverpool game where Liverpool did not even test De Geah,

I suppose a point each was fair but neither club wanted that.

I watched the City game. - close call th City who took the first half without scoring and Chelsea looking dangerous but City kept them out.

The penalty shootout was marred by the incident of the Chelsea keeper refused to come off to the Manager's order.

City won the shootout. Strange ????

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 25 Feb 19 - 04:56 AM

Not the old rivals spectacle we wanted to see, eh, Mike. I've seen less carnage in episodes of Holby City. Gawd knows what's happened to our misfiring front three of late. I think that all those early injuries must have had an adverse psychological impact on both sides. We'll take a point each and try to forget it. I hope that Rashford didn't hobble himself even more by carrying on. I loved seeing that placard in the crowd, though, which read: "I support two teams, Man U and whoever's playing City." :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 22 Feb 19 - 10:46 AM

Hi

Sandman

I think it unlikely. Unless of course they can wangle their way into getting a good replacement - Not easy at this time in the Season.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 22 Feb 19 - 10:43 AM

Hi Steve

I must have Bayern on the brain.....I wonder why???

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: The Sandman
Date: 22 Feb 19 - 04:26 AM

When will the chelsea manager be sacked? after the man city match?

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 21 Feb 19 - 07:35 PM

Er, and it wasn't Bayern, Mike...

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 21 Feb 19 - 06:23 PM

I understand that the away goals rule will be dropped next year.

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 21 Feb 19 - 09:13 AM

Hi

Bayern 2 v Man City 3

This was a great game - highly entertaining but sometimes for the wrong reasons.
City started the game in their usual attacking mode and That consistant striker Aguero put them in front after a horrific mix up by the hosts....... Game over we all thought. Not a bit of it. The referee was handing out Yellow cards like The Salvation Army handing out the War Cry.

A decision for hands in the penalty area took 4 Minutes to award the penalty. The penalty put Bayern level and after this the physical Germans dictated the game with some good counter attacking but they could not score. Then another penalty for a push in the area gave them another penalty which again was converted.

From then on it looked all over when City had a player sent off.

But a crucial substitution brought on Mane ( who used to play for Beyern ). A stunning free kick levelled the score against the run of
play and in injury time Sterling tapped in a winning goal.

Job done.

Highly entertaining fare.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 20 Feb 19 - 09:01 AM

Hi

Liverpool 0 v Bayern 0

By no means a classic. Liverpool were held to a goalless draw in an uninteresting game. Liverpool did create a few half chances none of which was converted by the usually prolific strikers. Mane was the major culprit. Salah was shackled by a very experienced defence.

The game became one where both sides had settled to a tactic of spoiling.

I believe the 2 legged matches create a more technical game where the home side has to try to defeat teams that purely try to stop the away side from scoring what is known as a valuable thing to take for the home leg.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: MikeL2
Date: 19 Feb 19 - 02:32 PM

hi raggy

Yes United played well after their slip-up against PSG in Euro Championship.

Pogba and Rashford carved huge holes in Chesea's defence. Second half they played a defensive game - they did so well that although Chelsea was allowed over 80% of the possession United's Keeper did not have one shot to save.

We have been drawn away v Wolves ( Yes yet another away to Premier league sides. I watched Wolves over the weekend. They are a good side.
And they have a manager who can out-sprint Clopp !!!!! lol

Just off to watch Liverpool play Bayern.....Should be a cracker.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 19 Feb 19 - 11:54 AM

A bit before my time, Steve - my memories start with the Clive Lloyd captained sides but some great names there!

Am I right in thinking that the Lancashire League (as well as possible county outlet) has seen a good few future stars pass through?

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Raggytash
Date: 19 Feb 19 - 11:50 AM

Sonny Ramadhin was the landlord of the White Lion in Delph at one time. A fact my father used to remind me of every time we drove past it!

Subject: RE: BS: Football (not the U.S. kind)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 19 Feb 19 - 11:35 AM

May I just namedrop, Jon? Garfield Sobers, Frank Worrell and Sonny Ramadhin lived in my town, Radcliffe, and they frequently partied a few doors down from us - in Everton Weekes' house!