Stadium East Stand Expanded

Work has continued on the East Stand for White Hart Lane as the fourth and fifth stadium pieces were painted and added.

As the fifth stand was loaded into place it became apparent that the length of the entire grandstand is longer that the Subbuteo pitch itself. This has caused a problem in that it does not fit onto the extendable wood we have in place for it.

To make matters worse, as the Subbuteo stands only have ‘end’ legs and nothing in the middle, the legs need to be fully supported or the stands topple over quite easily. Structural engineers have been called to site to review the current situation and come up with a solution. It may mean that supporting bases may need to be added to the end of the stands so that they can reside outside of the main base.

Division 3 Shocks With One Week Remaining

Week 6 in Division 3 has turned out some incredible results which has left some fans…and teams in utter shock.

The first match of Week 6 saw a rematch of last seasons Conference Final. Both Leicester and Wolves needed to win to boost their chances of promotion, whilst a loss would leave either team in trouble.

In an incredible repeat, the scoreline was the same as the previous match as Wolves won 1-0. The 3 points boosted Wolves promotion hopes whilst Leicester plunged to the foot of the table, thanks to some other results not going in their favour. Leicester need to take points from a match at Palace, which is going to be tough based on Palace needing points themselves.

The first of these other matches was bottom team Coventry beating Derby County 2-0. Coventry have been bottom of the table for a number of weeks but the 3 points has given them a fighting chance of survival, even though they still sit in seventh place.

The second match saw title favourites Crystal Palace away to Millwall, and they only needed a win to secure promotion. Millwall were in trouble and needed a big game and their players were absolutely outstanding as they demolished Palace 3-0, with three excellent goals. Palace were never in the running and rather than already being Champions, they now have to fight in their remaining match against Leicester to go up. Millwall are up to mid-table which has made it almost mathematically impossible to get relegated.

Villa Beat Man City In Division 2 Bombshell

Rivals and title contenders Manchester City and Aston Villa met up this week in the biggest match in Division 2 this season.

Over the last few years these two teams have challenged each other in a series of classic games. They were both promoted from Division 3 last season, with Man City taking the honours. This year they have matched each other as they both vie for promotion into Division 1. They also met in the semi-finals of the League Cup, where Man City easily won both ties, before going on to win the final. Although would City’s busy schedule have an impact on the match?

Everything was set for an incredible week 6 match, with Man City two points ahead of Villa and needing just a win to take the title. Villa were under pressure as if they lost this match, they were in danger of being caught by other teams. With only week 7 remaining, they could miss out on promotion if scores went against them.

So there was everything to play for as the teams kicked off, with City being the favourites as they had home advantage. Despite the pressure, it was quite an open game with both sides looking like they wanted to play attacking football. Villa had early advantage and pressed forward. The City defenders looked panicked and suddenly a clumsy tackle saw Villa awarded a penalty. In a huge shock for the crowd, Villa scored to take an early lead.

City tried to fight back and had plenty of possession around Villas box, but they could not get a clear shot. Villa had a few chances of their own and had better opportunities – it was only thanks to the City keeper that they did not score a second. City could not find a way through and time was running out. Villa continued to fight hard and it felt like it was only a matter of time before City would find the net.

But it wasn’t to be and Villa held out till the end. In one of the biggest shocks they beat the league leaders and as a result, Villa go top of Division 2 by two points. With only one match week remaining, the title is in Villa’s hands. They need to win their final match against a Q.P.R., who can also gain promotion, to take the title in a huge upset. If Villa draw or lose, Manchester City can still win the Division but they face a difficult match away to Luton.

The other matches in Division 2 have left all teams on a cliffhanger going into the final week of matches. Luton beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 to boost their promotion chances, whilst putting Wednesday in the danger zone. Wednesdays form has dropped badly and they have not won in the last four games, leaving them with a relegation six pointer with Charlton.

QPR won a dramatic match against Leeds 3-2. QPR are now only 1 point off the promotion places with a final game at home to Villa, who need to win to claim the title. QPR have had an outstanding season and it is incredible that they are so close to actually winning the division. Leeds defeat has left them in big trouble with one game remaining.

That game is against Wimbledon who lost against Charlton by the scoreline of 1-0. The 3 points gained by Charlton puts them on 5 points which is equal to Leeds and Wimbledon. With two teams going down, it would seem that the loser of the Leeds v Wimbledon match will be relegated. Charlton have managed to hold off what seemed to be definite relegation and they now have a chance to save themselves. Week 7 in Division 2 is going to be very exciting.

Year 6 Season Returns After Christmas Break

With only three match weeks left in Division 1 there was a lot of play for, especially as title contenders were playing against relegation contenders.

The first match of week 9 saw Nottingham Forest challenge league leaders Arsenal. The Londoners have been through a rough patch after getting heavily beaten by Watford in the FA Cup and then losing to rivals Chelsea – but they still remained at the top of the league.

Arsenal got off to the better start and despite Forest challenging, Arsenal took the lead. Forest had to push back and they did, soon finding a way through to equalise. Forest desperately needed the three points and they stunned the visitors with a late goal to take the win. It leaves Arsenal hanging on to top place and although Forest remain in eighth place, they are now a few points ahead of the relegation rivals.

The second match saw title contenders Man Utd host long time rivals Norwich City. With Arsenal faltering, Utd had a chance to go two points clear. They got to work and took the lead around half-time. Norwich were fighting for their lives and had to find a way through. Surprisingly they did just that as Utd gave away a sloppy free kick near the end of the game, which they converted. United were gutted tthrow away 2 vital points, as the game finished 1-1. Although the point helps, it leaves Norwich in the relegation zone. Man Utd join Arsenal at the top of the table, just behind on goal difference.

West Ham took on Liverpool at home, in a must win game for both sides. Liverpool are slipping into the danger zone and West Ham are bottom of the league and looking to be in real trouble. Their problems were made worse when Liverpool got off to the best start possible, as they took possession from a poor kick off and went on to score (see main photo). West Ham appeared to be finished when Liverpool made it 2-0. In the second half West Ham had a good attack and after a few passes, made a clean shot to make it 2-1. Liverpool had chances to make it 3-1 but could not find the killer blow. As the game went into injury time, West Ham had one last chance to get the ball forward. A perfect ball saw it drop in front of their striker and he smashed it home. The crowd went mad as the game finished 2-2. Liverpool’s point moves them up to 6th place, whilst West Ham remain last and in desperate trouble, 3 points from safety.

Title contenders Everton took on Tottenham at Goodison Park. The game took a while to warm up as neither side really wanted to go for it. Everton were looking a little timid as they appeared to at least want a point from the match to keep up with the other contenders. Spurs meanwhile, seemed to have one eye on next weeks FA Cup quarter-final. Everton were the stronger team and they won a few corners which did not amount to much. It was not until the second half when Everton sparked the crowd into life as they hit the post. It was a short while later that a lovely chip shot saw them beat the Spurs keeper. Tottenham now had to attack if they wanted something from this game and they had a few near misses. But it was not enough as time ran out and Everton took all 3 points to go top of the league.

Newcastle hosted Watford in what could be a momentous game for the outcome of their seasons. Watford were hanging on to the crucial fourth place and a win for Newcastle could push them within range. It ended up as a rather disappointing match with only one controversial highlight. Watford had the better of possession and their was argument as to whether their best shot crossed the line. The cameras could not detect if the ball had gone into the goal as the goalkeeper, player and ball ended up in a heap. As there was no definite evidence, the referee could not award the goal. Newcastle had a few shots of their own but nothing to challenge the Watford keeper, so the match ended goalless.

The final game of match week 9 saw Chelsea host Southampton. Last years Champions are looking for a boost up the table whilst Southampton need points as they get sucked into the relegation battle. Chelsea started brightly in front of the home fans and were soon 1-0 up. They then nearly gave the game away when they gifted Southampton a penalty. The Chelsea keeper stood proud and saved it. Southampton did not want to give up and soon found a way to score through open play. Straight after the kick off, Chelsea made a swift move down the pitch and were back in the lead once more. Southampton were gutted and it took the wind from their sails. Chelsea could have scored a third after a fantastic shot left the attacker with a header chance, but the cross bar blocked it and Southampton escaped. The away side could not find a way through and Chelsea take all the points.

Year 6 League Cup Final – Match Report

It was time for the long awaited League Cup Final for Year 6 featuring Liverpool from Division 1 and Manchester City from Division 2. There had been problems at Wembley prior to the match, as the groundman’s lawn mower had gone wrong, so the chequered pitch design had been scrapped and replaced at the last minute with a much simpler striped pattern. There tends not to a be a member of the Royal family at the League Cup, so the star guests this year were pop royalty in the Pet Shop Boys. They performed some of their classic songs before the game, such as ‘You Know Where You Went Wrong’, ‘I Get Excited’ and ‘One of the Crowd’. Although most of the crowd had never heard such songs before, they seemed good choices to get the crowd livened up. After the customary hand shakes, it was on to the match itself.

Liverpool were designated as the home team, so they got to kick off for the Final. They went straight into attack mode and pressured the Man City defence. Liverpool were relentless as they piled on the pressure, winning corner after corner. Man City could not get possession of the ball and were trapped in their own half. Liverpool’s best chance came with a long range shot that bounced off the crossbar. It was a lucky escape for Man City.

Liverpool start with an early chance

Eventually City got themselves into the match and began some attacks of their own. It was late in the first half that City put a superb move together and suddenly they were presented with a golden chance. The City striker did not have to think twice and hammered the ball past the Liverpool keeper and into the far corner.

Man City line up a great chance to score

Liverpool knew it was key that they had to score next. They pushed more players forward to push back the City side, but it left them exposed at the back. Every time City won the ball, Liverpool had to race back to defend. City were getting close to scoring a second as they hit the post twice with further attacks.

Man City are awarded a direct free kick

Eventually the attacking formation caught Liverpool out as a defensive player tagged a City player on the edge of the box. The referee awarded City a direct free kick. Liverpool lined up a wall but it was not enough. The ball blasted through the wall and past the goalkeeper. 2-0 to City.

The Liverpool wall could not prevent City’s second goal

Liverpool knew their time was up and it was unlikely they could score two goals in the time remaining. They did not give up, but City were happy to take the ball into wider areas and play out the clock. It almost paid off once more as they hit the post again as they nearly scored a third. The final minutes ran down and City were declared the winners.

Manchester City celebrate on the pitch with the League Cup

It is Manchester City’s first major trophy and the second time a Division 2 team has won the League Cup, after Tottenham won it in Year 3.

Manchester City win the League Cup for the first time

The results for all of Year 6’s League Cup games can be found here.

FA Cup Quarter Final Draw

Following the conclusion of the FA Cup 3rd Round, it is time for the Quarter Final draw to take place. The competition is down to its last 8 teams from the 44 that started out. The draw can be crucial in deciding who can go forward to the semi-finals and the final itself. There are four teams from Division 1, one from Division 2, two from Division 3 and one from the Conference. Manchester City are the only team to return to the quarter-finals from last year, so it is a rare opportunity for all the teams to make history, as these chances do not come around often.

The numbers for the draw are as follows:

  1. Manchester City
  2. Tottenham Hotspur
  3. Oxford United
  4. Chelsea
  5. Burnley
  6. Watford
  7. Leicester City
  8. Manchester United

The draw has taken place and the upcoming matches are as follows:

  1. Oxford United v Watford
  2. Manchester United v Manchester City
  3. Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley
  4. Leicester City v Chelsea

There are some exciting ties in the upcoming quarter-finals. It is interesting that all Division 1 sides have been kept apart, giving all four the best opportunity to make the quarter-finals. In this respect, the draw is very similar to last year, where four Division 1 sides were kept apart and all progressed to the semi-finals.

The tie of the round is the Manchester derby. This will be a huge contest and a repeat of an FA Cup match from last year, where Man City won on penalties to oust their rivals. Watford have made it through to their first quarter final and they are rewarded with a tie against Division 3 Oxford United. Watford are in a good position to go further in the Cup and they will fancy their chances.

Tottenham got the plumb tie of the round as they got a home match against Conference team Burnley. Whilst no quarter final match will be easy, Burnley are the lowest remaining team in the competition, so Spurs will be hoping for a second semi-final in their history. The final match pits Leicester City against current league Champions Chelsea. So far Chelsea have had a mixed season and neither side have never made it past this round in the FA Cup, so this could be a close encounter.

FA Cup Third Round Match Reports

The 3rd Round of the revamped FA Cup is underway. This is the first time that a 3rd Round has taken place as the FA Cup is bigger than ever this year. Here is a round up of the results, with match reports from all games as teams from Division 1 & 2 join the winners from the 2nd Round.

Luton Town v Manchester City – It is surprising to think that Luton have got further in FA Cup tournaments than Manchester City at SubbuteoClub. So although Man City are flying high at the top of Division 2, this was not going to be a walkover. In reality, it would have been closer had Luton not made so many mistakes. It was a mistake that lead to City being awarded a penalty, which gave them the lead. Within two minutes they scored a second. Luton then pulled one back with the goal of the match. But with only a small amount of time remaining, there was not enough for them to find an equaliser.

Result: Luton Town 1 v 2 Man City

Tottenham Hotspur v Wimbledon – Division 1 Spurs were the favourites for this tie as they hosted Division 2 strugglers Wimbledon. The away side have a history of amazing Cup runs and the team were seeking another scalp. Their dream almost came true as Wimbledon took full control of the match. Spurs could do nothing but hold on and defend for their lives. Wimbledon’s only failing was their forward line who were unable to convert anything. With injury time left to play, Spurs managed to get a corner. Whether it was a fluke or skill no-one will know, but the ball ended up directly in front of a Spurs player. Wimbledon were unable to block and the Spurs player found the back of the net with the last kick of the game, to end WImbledons cup run for another year.

Result: Tottenham 1 v 0 Wimbledon

Everton v Oxford United – Everton from Division 1 were looking to have a good Cup run for the second year running when they came up against Oxford United from Division 3. With home advantage everything was in their favour to do well. The game was fairly even with opportunities at both ends. Eventually Oxford were the first side to find a way through as they took a surprise lead. Everton pushed for an equaliser but Oxford kept the goal area covered with players marking the opposition. Oxford nearly caught Everton on the break and were unlucky as the shot hit the post and went off. Everton had a few more opportunities but Oxford defended well, getting the ball out for corners and then shutting down the crosses. Everton ran out of time and will suffer after this shock defeat.

Result: Everton 0 v 1 Oxford United

Chelsea v Nottingham Forest – League winners Chelsea took on Cup holders Forest in a re-run of last year’s Charity Shield. It was Chelsea who got off to the brighter start, as they looked to banish their cup demons and make it to the quarter finals for the first time since Year 1. It was not long for them to go ahead with some excellent play and slick passing. From the kick off they soon won possession and went on the attack again, which yielded a second goal. Although they held a comfortable lead, Forest were not going to give up their trophy easily and if their shot had gone it rather than rebound off the crossbar then the story may have had a different ending. Chelsea had a few more chances to go further ahead, but Forest held on to keep the score line reasonable.

Result: Chelsea 2 – 0 Notts Forest

Burnley v Sheffield Wednesday – Burnley hosted Sheff Wed as the last Conference side in this years FA Cup. Sheff Weds were hopeful of progressing to the quarter-finals and they were even more confident as they scored in the early minutes. Burnley could not get going and Sheff Weds took full advantage of this to go 2-0 up, as the keeper made a mistake to redirect the ball into his own goal. Burnley finally got going and were unlucky as they hit the post. But they kept on attacking and were rewarded was they scored to make it 2-1. Wednesday looked a little rattled and Burnley continued to dominate and shocked the crowd when they managed to equalise. Wednesday were frustrated after losing their lead and went to find a winner – and they nearly did as a shot spun along the line but did not cross it. Burnley held on to take the match into extra time. Burnley continued to control the ball and had the better chances but could not find a way through, but Wednesday had the last shot on goal but the keeper was able to retain the weak shot. The match went to penalties and it was all even as both sides scored their first 3, before both missed their fourth. It effectively made it a sudden death shoot out as both sides converted their fifth penalty. Burnley continued and tucked away the 6th penalty. Wednesday had to score to continue but by a fluke the Burnley keeper went to his right and palmed the ball away. Burnley continue their incredible cup run as they progress.

Result: Burnley 2 – 2 Sheff Wed Sudden Death- Burnley

Watford v Liverpool – There was a tricky tie for League Cup finalists at they visited the surprisingly strong team of Watford. Whether it was form or if Liverpool had one eye on next weeks final, they were completely outclassed. Watford batted away some initial pressure before they took control scoring quite early. The domination continued and a rushed slide by a Liverpool gave away a shock penalty. Luckily, the Liverpool keeper was up to the challenge and saved it. Another subline attacking soon after, saw the Watford striker volley the ball into the net to stun the visitors. Watford could have easily scored another but the shot was freakily saved by another Watford player who was goal hanging. Liverpool had to press forward to try and get back into the game, but that left them open at the back. Watford capitalised on this with another slick move into the area. The Watford player miskicked the ball, but it was enough to wrong foot the keeper and it trickled over the line. Watford recorded one of their best wins and Liverpool crash out of the FA Cup.

Result: Watford 3 – 0 Liverpool

Wolves v Leicester City – It was going to be a close encounter between these Division 3 teams as they both looked to make it to the quarter finals. Wolves had the slight upper hand as they had home advantage and they made the most of it at the start. It was an early move that took Wolves forward but Leicester were not alarmed as the shooting angle looked too severe. But the Wolves forward had other ideas as he flicked it and it sailed past the keeper in to the far side of the goal – an incredible shot! Leicester came back into the game and it was a long range chance that rocketed past the defenders and hit the back of the goal. There was plenty of time on the clock when Wolves kicked off once more, but they kicked the ball straight into touch. Leicester took the opportunity and raced forward before netting their second. Wolves could not believe they had lost the lead so quickly. Despite the home team rallying to find an equaliser, Leicester stood strong to hold out until the final whilst.

Result: Wolves 1 – 2 Leicester City

Coventry City v Manchester United – The last match of the 3rd round matched lowly Division 3 team Coventry against Division 1 Manchester United. The bookies had United as the easy favourites to go through, but Coventry were up for the fight, despite them facing possible relegation out of the league. In fact, it was Coventry who set the early pace and had the better chances. It was only some poor shots that hindered them from taking the lead. Man Utd realised they would have a battle on their hands so were reluctant to send too many players forward. Eventually the higher skill of the United players shone through and a nice passing move set them up for a nice scoring opportunity – with not much time left in the match. With only injury time remaining Coventry pushed forward but lost possession. United took the ball up the other end out of danger, and some quick passes gave them an opening. With the last tough of the game, the United striker carefully tapped the ball to the keepers right to put him on the wrong foot and the ball slowly trickled over the line.

Result: Coventry City 0 – 2 Man Utd

Year 6 League Cup Final – Preview

The next League Cup final will soon be upon us, with the two teams preparing for their big day. Cup Finals take many years to come around at SubbuteoClub, so it really is a special occasion.

So what do we have to look forward to this year?

The Final will feature two giant teams, Liverpool and Manchester City. For SubbuteoClub, it sees the historical Cup giants facing the new upstarts.

Liverpool have been the most successful Cup team at SubbuteoClub, having previously won the League Cup in Year 4. They have also won the FA Cup, Charity Shield and Champions League in their history and currently play in Division 1.

For Manchester City, this is their first Cup Final after coming close in previous seasons with a League Cup semi-final appearance in Year 4 being their furthest journey in this tournament to date. It adds a bit more rivalry that the team that beat them in the semi-final that year was none other than Liverpool. Although City play in Division 2, they are a sleeping giant who is beginning to awaken. They are almost guaranteed Division 1 football next season and have already shown that they have a squad capable of taking on the biggest teams in the league.

Route To The Final

The two finalists have had relative similar journeys to the Final, in terms of meeting teams from other Divisions and having some close calls.

Liverpool began their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over Division 3 Wolves. They faced a tough tie when they took on Division 2 Leeds United at Elland Road, as they came away with a 1-0 victory. The two-legged quarter-final saw them take on Division 3 Leicester City which they put away with ease. They faced tough semi-finals against rivals Arsenal and they were in trouble after losing the 1st leg 1-0. They required extra-time in the second leg to pull ahead and book their place in the final.

Manchester City Also took on a Division 3 side in the 1st Round, as they hammered newbies Hull City 3-0. The second round saw them face Division 2 Charlton and this tie was as close as they get, as they cold only be separated by penalties. The quarter-finals put City against Division 1 Tottenham. City showed that they have a team ready to face the top teams as they dispatched Spurs easily, winning both legs. City too faced a tricky semi-final as they faced current arch-rivals Aston Villa. They were promoted with Villa last season and the rivalry has continued this season as both teams close in on the Division 2 title. City were dominant in the first leg as they smashed Villa 3-0, and then finished the job with a 2-1 win in the second leg.

Summary

Interestingly, both sides have played in all rounds of the League Cup, rather than getting a bye into the second round, so they are equal in this. Also, they have both progressed to the FA Cup third round, which plays the week before the Final – so neither team will have a rest weekend. It will be interesting to see if they play hard in their FA Cup campaign or if they decide to rest some players and focus on the League Cup. There is hardly anything to split these two sides, so it all leads towards a really exciting Year 6 League Cup Final.

Palace Go Four Points Clear In Division 3

There were some interesting fixtures in Division 3 Week 5 as the teams look towards promotion and fight to escape the perils of relegation. With only 7 games in a season and two teams being relegated to the conference, there is not much between the sides. This has been made more difficult in Division 3 due to the number of draws that have happened so far.

Surprise team Hull City hosted Millwall in a match that could have propelled them to the top if they had won. Millwall were desperate for points too as they began in 7th place. In a tight game, neither side wanted to lose and this resulted in an 0-0. The point still helped Hull move into second place, which is an automatic promotion place.

The second game saw Leicester play Coventry. Many had favoured Leicester to do well this season after a strong performance in the the Conference last season, but they have disappointed so far. Coventry are bottom of the league and a win would push them to mid-table. Leicester’s strikers once again failed to find the net and the match became the second 0-0 of the week, which is very unusual. Leicester are now in 6th place and in real danger of losing their place in the league unless results improve.

The third game saw Derby County play Oxford United. A win for either side had the potential to push either side into a promotion place, such is the closeness in the Division 3 this season. Oxford began the match as slight favourites but Derby made use of home advantage as they took the lead. Despite Oxford throwing everything forward, Derby held strong and the 3 points not only puts them above Oxford, but into third place in the league which eases any threat of relegation.

the final match of week 5 saw title contenders Crystal Palace host Wolves. Both sides want to win the league and a win for either side would put them top. The fans were expecting an even match, with the fear that it could be another 0-0. Palace are keen to grab promotion this season after missing out last year and they were soon ahead. Wolves were expected to fight back but their lacklustre performance meant they could not contend with Palace’s strength. Palace soon put the tie out of reach as they popped in a second to seal all 3 points. Palace are now top by 4 points, only needing 2 points to lock in the title, so it is all but done unless they fall apart over the last two games. Wolves are left languishing in 5th place after the defeat, leaving them only 2 points above the relegation places and requiring wins to have a chance of promotion now.

Cracker Of A Match In Week 5 For Division 2

Following some weeks off for Division 2 sides, to allow for Cup games to take place, teams returned as they head towards the end of the season. With only 7 league games per team, the table is close and a win can propel a team up the table.

The first game was a relegation 6-pointer between Leeds and Charlton, as both searched for a first league win. It was Leeds that came out on top after a good battle which leaves Charlton at the bottom. Aston Villa took on Sheff Wed in another must win game for both sides. Villa went 2-0 up and looked to be cruising but Sheff Wed had other ideas as they came back to make it level. A sensational goal from Villa gave the fans hope they had clinched it, but Wednesday scored a blinder themselves from a difficult angle to make it level again. Neither side will be overjoyed with a point, but this could be the game of the season when the fan awards are announced.

Luton were looking to get into a promotion spot as they took on winless Wimbledon. Despite some early pressure, it was Wimbledon who shocked the home crowd with an early goal. Some stern defending kept them in the game and they were later rewarded as a second goal snuck past the Luton keeper. The result puts a huge dent in Luton’s promotion hopes with a first loss, but Wimbledon get their first league win to give them potential to get out of trouble as they go 7th on the same points as Leeds. The final game saw QPR take on leaders Man City. With the League Cup final coming up for City, the home fans hoped they would ease up and give them a chance. Indeed City were off the gas but still managed to go ahead first. City slowed to a canter to defend their lead, which could have been risky, but QPR could not score so City were able to take the points and go 2 clear at the top of the table.