Sunday Fulham Stuff (14/10/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Harriers climb off the bottom (just)

A pleasantly warm evening greeted Kidderminster Harriers' trip to Essex for this important tie in the Blue Square Premier league.  Harriers were still looking for their first win of the season and Braintree were, to this point, punching above their weight, being placed just outside the play-off spots.

Harriers started with a 4-4-2 formation.  New signing Richard Peniket playing as centre forward was given his first start along with fellow debutant Josh Gowling, signed from Lincoln City, who started in the centre of defence.

The Iron had a potent partnership up front themselves with the well travelled Michael Gash alongside new signing Dan Holman who had scored three goals in the preceding two games.

Harriers began the better of the two teams in the first ten minutes.  Indeed, the game started at a frantic pace as both sides created chances from the off.  Peniket had the best of the opportunities for the visitors when he hit the bar with a header after a cross came in from Danny Pilkington and he saw another effort cleared off the Braintree goal line.  His extra height was giving Harriers something that they had been missing so far this season - a tall target man.

Because of this, in the first half, Harriers often chose the lazy option of lumping the ball forward for Peniket to chase, instead of a deliberate build up, creating crafted chances and tiring out the part time opposition.  Consequently, the Iron remained a threat.

With eleven minutes on the clock Gash showed his undoubted quality; finding room inside the area he shot firmly at goal with Nathan Vaughan's woodwork coming to the rescue as the ball rebounded off the upright.

With Braintree becoming more dominant the Harriers' goal was breached on seventeen minutes when the in-form Holman made the breakthrough.  The former Histon man took his goal brilliantly even though Harriers gave him slightly too much space on the edge of the area.  Holman turned, gave himself an extra half a yard and beat the helpless Nathan Vaughan with a sweet curling purler into the top corner of the net.

As half time approached the Aggborough outfit were more and more under the cosh as Braintree pressed to increase their lead.  Luckily Steve Burr's men held on and managed to go in at half time just one nil down - a fair reflection of proceedings to that point.
  HT: 1 - 0
Just a couple of minutes after the restart Braintree went close once more when Brad Quinton blazed a shot over from distance.

Steve Burr made two changes around the hour mark and one of those, Nathan Blissett, immediately went close to making it 1-1 when his incredibly skilful back-heel from close range was met by a good save from the Braintree keeper Danny Naisbitt.

As the second half progressed Harriers' extra fitness began to tell as the Worcestershire men endeavoured to take charge of the midfield and grab the game by the scruff of the neck.  Peniket volleyed an effort over the bar and then Cheyenne Dunkley and Kyle Storer both took aim as a frustrated Harriers side looked for an equaliser they'd have thoroughly deserved.  This was followed by a Marvin Johnson free-kick from out-wide that was tipped away from danger by a grateful Naisbitt.

Nonetheless, a raft of substitutions from both sides midway through the second period left the game with a bit of a disjointed feel.  One of the new arrivals, Steve Guinan, took aim from twenty yards with seventy four minutes on the clock with a shot that floated just over the target.

A free kick awarded a few minutes later in a strong position for Harriers pretty much summed up the second half - the delivery from Johnson was good and kept out well by Naisbitt.  The follow up shot from Lee Vaughan was equally well blocked by the home defence and Storer's eventual final attempt flew well over the bar.

At that point the travelling throng of Harriers supporters - a surprisingly good turnout given it was a Tuesday evening, a 400 mile round trip and Harriers were bottom of the table - wondered whether the Iron defence could ever be broken down.  Indeed, Harriers and their supporters looked like they could be heading home empty handed with what would have been an undeserved sixth defeat of the campaign but with one minute of normal time remaining, the all-important goal arrived.

A free-kick was awarded to Harriers on the edge of the area about five yards in from the goal line.  The ball was rolled out to Mickey Demetriou so he could shoot from a better angle but his weak initial effort was blocked.  He met the rebound with a thunder bolt that blasted into the top corner, past Naisbitt, and a crowd of bodies trying to block the way into the Iron goal.

Harriers were the poorer of the two teams in the first half as they seemed to fall short of Braintree in tactical terms.  However, in the second period Burr's men showed a lot of character in continuing to take the game to the home side.

Fitness played a big part but so did belief and a desire for that first win.  In particular the central defence looked solid and both Gowling and Dunkley had good games.

It would seem (hopefully!) that Barrow was a turning point and surely Harriers can secure their first win against Southport at home on Saturday.
  FT: 1 - 1

Goal for Braintree: Holman 17
Goal for Harriers: Demetriou 89


The Harriers Online MotM is:

Josh Gowling



http://www.harriers-online.co.uk/season12-13/reports12-13/brai_a_4-9-12.shtml?

[WhiteJC]

 
Neill, Schwarzer lay down law

A 'strong chat' from Lucas Neill and Mark Schwarzer after the loss to Jordan has the Socceroos eager to atone for their surprise defeat, according to striker Alex Brosque.

Holger Osieck's men were stunned 2-1 by Jordan on September 11, leaving them winless in the fourth round of AFC World Cup qualifying and in danger of missing a spot at Brazil 2014.

Captain Neill and veteran goalkeeper Schwarzer were quick to remind the Socceroos of what it meant to reach the World Cup, having made it to two straight finals after a 32-year drought.

Brosque, who has gone six internationals without scoring, believes the talk from the duo has led to the Socceroos being more focused ahead of their meeting with Iraq in Doha on Wednesday morning.

"We noticed it straight after the last game. Schwarzy and Lucas had a real good sort of chat and a strong chat to the boys about not letting this opportunity slip away," Brosque said.

"And what it means to go to a World Cup, how hard it used to be for the teams in the past to qualify and now - not saying that it's easier - but through the amount of games that we play, it is a little bit easier, if you like, to qualify.

"You can't just show up and expect that it's going to happen.

"After that game a few boys went home and we really just made sure that coming into the next camp it wasn't going to happen again.

"I noticed that - even from the first couple of sessions - Holger's taken the boys in and spoken about where we went wrong last game, what he wants improved on this game and just the intensity at training has lifted.

"Everyone's that little bit more focused, the fact we're not playing a friendly game as well just shows it's all about committing 100 percent to the game against Iraq."

The Socceroos have slipped eight points behind Group B leaders Japan after the poor start to qualifying, which has left them fourth.

Despite taking on an Iraq side also without a win so far, Brosque warned his team-mates not to underestimate Zico's team.

"Everyone sort of understands how difficult these games are," he said.

"Regardless of what country we're up against, from game to game, just every game against these teams varies and you don't know what you're going to get.

"We found that out the hard way in the last game. I thought we prepared well, we got a good friendly under our belt with a good victory, just didn't show up on the day.

"We were beaten quite well against Jordan. It's just something through having played more games now against these Asian teams, we're learning a lot more.

"The main thing is just to never underestimate them."


http://www.sportal.com.au/football-news-display/neill,-schwarzer-lay-down-law-203380

[WhiteJC]

 
Swede Dreams For Kaca

Alexander Kačaniklić scored his first international goal as Sweden defeated the Faroe Islands 2-1 on Friday night.

Rogvi Baldvinsson gave the hosts a shock lead in the Group C World Cup qualifier, but Kačaniklić drilled home Zlatan Ibrahimovic's weighted pass to level just three minutes after entering the fray as a second-half substitute.

And Ibrahimovic slotted in late on to spare Sweden's blushes and earn his side victory. Sweden, who are second in the group, travel to Berlin to take on leaders Germany on Tuesday.

Also in Group C, Stephen Kelly was an unused substitute as the Republic of Ireland were thumped 6-1 by Germany in Dublin. Third-placed Ireland travel to the Faroe Islands, who are bottom, on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Brede Hangeland was on target as Norway earned a 1-1 draw at Switzerland in a Group E clash in Berne.
It took until the 79th minute for Switzerland, who started as group leaders, to break the deadlock through Mario Gavranovic. But Norway, looking to recover from an opening loss to Iceland, were level moments later when Hangeland, who had earlier hit the crossbar from a John Arne Riise free-kick, headed in from his Fulham teammate's corner. Third-placed Norway face Cyprus, who sit fifth, on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Giorgos Karagounis became the most capped Greece player of all time when he made his 121st appearance for his country in their 0-0 draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina. Karagounis, who was introduced just after the hour mark of the Group G encounter, and third-placed Greece travel to Slovakia on Tuesday.

In Group B of the North, Central and Caribbean set-up, Bryan Ruiz played the first half as Costa Rica defeated El Salvador 1-0.

A loss for Costa Rica would have put the talented Ticos out of the running to reach Brazil 2014. The second-placed Ticos take on bottom side Guyana at home in their final match on Tuesday.

A late header from Josip Drmic rescued a draw for 10-man Switzerland to set up an intriguing second leg of their European Under-21 Championship Play-Off with Germany.

The 2011 runners-up looked to be heading for defeat when Fabian Schär's foul on Sebastian Polter allowed Sebastian Rudy to score from the spot with eight minutes remaining. However, substitute Drmic rose to head home Pajtim Kasami's cross with three minutes to go to claim a crucial away goal for the Swiss. The two sides meet in the second leg in Lucerne on Tuesday.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/october/13/swede-dreams-for-kaca?

[WhiteJC]

 
Win Fulham v Aston Villa tickets!

A pair of tickets to the Craven Cottage clash up for grabs

EA SPORTS™, the Official Sports Technology Partner of the Barclays Premier League, has teamed up with the the Fulham Chronicle to offer one lucky reader a pair of tickets to your team's next Barclays Premier League Match. The winner will also receive a copy of FIFA 13.

EA SPORTS is the proud sponsor of the Barclays Premier League Player Performance Index.

The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index is the Barclays Premier League's official statistical index of all 20 Barclays Premier League teams.

The EA SPORTS Team of the Week will be available at www.premierleague.com after each round of the Barclays Premier League. The team will be based on ratings from the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

To stand a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

Who is Fulham's captain?

Email your answer along with your name, address and daytime contact number to [email protected]

Closing date for entries is midday this Monday (October 15). Normal competition rules apply. 



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/10/13/82029-32019284/?#ixzz29Ffb7gV5

[WhiteJC]

 
Wales manager Chris Coleman relieved after Scotland win

Manager Chris Coleman admits he was a relieved man following Wales' 2-1 win over Scotland.

The World Cup qualifying win in Cardiff was Coleman's first win as Wales manager.

The former Fulham manager had been under pressure after defeats in his opening four games in charge.

"Every time I win as a manager, I don't celebrate - I'm relieved," Coleman said.

"That is how we all think, any manager I talk to.

"It's great that that is my first victory after I lost two friendlies and two qualifiers, and in the last one, took a hiding.
"It is my first time tasting success as an international manager.

"But I am the same manager now as I was before. I won't change, and I'll be the same again over the next few days."

Wales had been trailing to a 27th minute goal by James Morrison before Gareth Bale struck twice in the last nine minutes.

The Tottenham winger scored from the penalty spot after the referee deemed he had been fouled by Shaun Maloney.

And Bale completed the comeback with a brilliant 25-yard left-foot shot that curled into the top corner with a minute of normal time remaining.

Coleman revealed Aaron Ramsey, replaced as captain by Ashley Williams, had stepped aside to let Bale take the spot-kick.

"Aaron normally takes them, but I think Aaron thought 'Baley is on fire and playing with confidence', so he gave the ball to Baley," Coleman said.

"It has been a tough week for Aaron because I took the captaincy off him,
"But I think he understood my reasons for it, and his response couldn't have been any better."

Ramsey will miss Tuesday's game in Croatia through suspension after picking up his second yellow card of the campaign against Scotland.

Coleman has now turned his attentions to the next game in Osijek against the second placed side in Group A.

"We have to go to Croatia and that is the next task. I won't be thinking about the Scotland game or patting myself on the back," Coleman added.

"I'll be thinking 'right, what do we have to do on Tuesday - can we get a result in Croatia against a good team?'"



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19936944?

[WhiteJC]

 
Bulgaria Coach to Call Up Berbatov Once Again - Report

Bulgaria coach Lyuboslav Penev will once again try to persuade Dimitar Bebratov to return to his home country's team, according to a local media report.

Penev sent a call-up to Berbatov to play for Bulgaria in the World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Armenia in September, but the striker declined.

However, the Bulgarian coach now believes Berbatov may have changed his mind now that he has calmed down after leaving Manchester United and settling at Fulham, according to the report.

Berbatov may receive a call-up for Bulgaria's upcoming friendly against Ukraine in November.

Dimitar Berbatov announced at the beginning of May 2010 his retirement from international football with immediate effect. He was captain of his country and scored a national record 48 goals in 74 matches.



http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=144108

[WhiteJC]

 
Ex-Fulham man forced off injured as Edgar Davids sees Barnet collapse against Plymouth

League Two: Barnet 1 Plymouth 4


Collins John during his time at Fulham. Picture: Daniel Hambury/EMPICS

Edgar Davids' first game in joint charge of Barnet ended in disaster as the Bees were thumped by Plymouth at Underhill.

The home side found themselves a goal down within two minutes when Rhys Griffiths scored from the spot after Luke Young was fouled by Mark Byrne.

Maxime Blanchard headed in from close range to double the lead, before former Fulham striker Collins John was forced off through injury after 15 minutes.

A minute later though, the Bees had reduced the defecit as David Stephens fired.

But in the second half, Paris Cowan-Hall found the net to make it three, before Young's late free kick secured the win.



http://www.london24.com/sport/ex_fulham_man_forced_off_injured_as_edgar_davids_sees_barnet_collapse_against_plymouth_1_1655370

[WhiteJC]

 
League Two round-up: Boa Morte upstaged by Williams on Chesterfield debut

Luis Boa Morte tasted defeat on his Chesterfield debut as the Spireites were beaten 2-1 by Dagenham at the Proact Stadium.

The former Arsenal, Fulham and West Ham forward, who joined the club on Wednesday, made an impressive start by setting up an early chance for Neal Trotman.

But Boa Morte was upstaged by Sam Williams, who scored twice to give struggling Dagenham a much-needed victory.


Upstaged: Luis Boa Morte of Chesterfield

Edgar Davids discovered just how big a challenge he faces at Barnet as his first match in charge at Underhill ended in a 4-1 home defeat to Plymouth.

The former Holland midfielder is the new joint head coach of the Football League's bottom club, his first managerial position.

But there was no fairytale start for the former Champions League and three-time Serie A winner.

His new side fell behind after just two minutes as Rhys Griffiths converted a penalty and Maxime Blanchard made it two after 11 minutes.

David Stephens pulled one back five minutes later, but Argyle ran away with it in the second half as further goals from Paris Cowan-Hall (62) and Luke Young (90) earned them a convincing win.

Defeat left Barnet seven points from safety and five behind second-bottom Aldershot, who were thumped 4-0 at leaders Gillingham.


New boy: Edgar Davids in the Barnet dugout

Charlie Allen opened the scoring after 11 minutes and Danny Kedwell added another from the spot (27).

Myles Weston made it 3-0 by half-time and Chris Whelpdale completed the rout midway through the second half.

Cheltenham knocked Fleetwood out of the automatic promotion places by moving up to third with a 2-1 win at AFC Wimbledon.

Marlon Pack put the visitors in front after 25 minutes and Kaid Mohamed doubled the lead early in the second half.
Byron Harrison pulled one back in the 90th minute, but it was too little too late.

Fleetwood dropped to fourth as they were beaten 1-0 at home by struggling Wycombe. Bruno Andrade scored the only goal of the game in the ninth minute.

The three other sides in the play-off places, Burton, Rochdale and Exeter, all failed to win.

Burton were held 1-1 at home by Bristol Rovers, Billy Kee's 50th-minute equaliser for the hosts cancelling out David Clarkson's opener on the half-hour mark.

Rochdale lost 2-1 at home to Morecambe, for whom Jack Redshaw scored twice (10 and 66).

George Donnelly gave Rochdale hope by netting in the 73rd minute, but they could not get a leveller.

Exeter went down 3-0 at Northampton, whose goals came from Adebayo Akinfenwa (25), Kelvin Langmead (39) and Alex Nicholls (84).

The Yorkshire derby between Bradford and York ended in a 1-1 draw at Valley Parade as Zavon Hines' 59th-minute leveller for the hosts cancelled out Ashley Chambers' goal just before half-time.

Britt Assombalonga scored twice as Southend stuck three times after the break to claim a 3-0 win at Rotherham. David Martin completed the scoring.

Torquay were 3-1 winners at home to Accrington.

Rene Howe put United ahead with a fifth-minute penalty, but Padraig Amond levelled in the 65th minute.

Billy Bodin put Torquay back in front two minutes later and Lee Mansell made the points safe 10 points from time.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2217296/League-Two-round-Luis-Boa-Morte-upstaged-Chesterfield-debut.html#ixzz29FhHUFEa
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM FAVOURITES TO SIGN ARSENAL MIDFIELDER ANDREY ARSHAVIN ON A FREE

FULHAM are favourites to sign £15million Andrey Arshavin from Arsenal – for nothing.

The Gunners, who paid that fee four years ago, are prepared to let the Russian leave on a free transfer to reduce their wage bill.

And Fulham could land him in January after Arshavin turned down a move to Zenit St Petersburg last month because he wants to stay in London.

Fulham boss Martin Jol wants Arshavin, 31, to replace Moussa Dembele who moved to Tottenham.


http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/352032?