So the break is almost upon us, a break that no doubt will suit Town down to the ground with all the injuries that are currently plaguing the squad, a training camp has already been planned for the players, a mini pre-season if you will, in order to get up to speed and to work on the tactical and fitness side of the game, something that has been lacking massively so far. As has been mentioned in an interview with Town's managing director Dave Baldwin, our pre-season was poorly structured and poorly executed, which ultimately has shown on the pitch with a constant lack of cohesion and a lack of idea on it during games, players that were influential last season in their performances have been lacking to various degrees, some minorly, others monumentally, and our league position shows this. Tuesday night however, showed that there was defiantly green shoots that could start growing, but a lot of fight and resolve in a side that was nothing short of a mish mash. The quality was lacking, but a few more players returning could see that change, the big thing for me was the desire to keep the ball out of our goal, which is going to be imperative in a relegation battle.

Saturday sees foreign dignitaries arrive in West Yorkshire in the form of a group of Swans from South Wales. Guests will be treated to sights such as the (not so) Colossus of Rhodes, The Pillar of Nicholls and the Great Wall of Boyle, whilst pre match delicacies of meat and potato pie and hot Bovril will be on offer to get them in the mood for some sporting 'entertainment', for the veggies out there, cheese and onion pies are available as is hot chocolate, for vegans, Terry has a stash of carrots in his kennel and some water (joking aside, I genuinely don't know if there is anything vegan on the concourses).



Ahead of Saturdays game, Town will be able to welcome David Kasumu back from his one game suspension, whilst Etienne Camara hasn't recovered from his knock to the hip. Tom Lees who has been missing due to covid will be out of his isolation now and it will come down to whether he feels like he could perform at the right levels, a place on the bench could be the best option. Kaine Kesler-Hayden could be thrown into the starting line up after doing well when replacing young Brodie Spencer. Brahima Diarra will probably drop back down to the bench after to struggling on his first start in Championship football, freeing up Jack Rudoni who operated in an unfamiliar holding midfield role. Jon Russell played for the B team on Wednesday and by all accounts he didn't set the game alight, the fact that he didn't get into the squad on Tuesday when we were so short to me signals how far off the pace he must be. Rumours are he is not being selected due to contract disputes between him and the club, which does seem to be a bit of a cutting your nose to spite your face situation from the club for not picking him. Apart from those I can't see many other players coming back, nor can I see many other changes.



Joe Allen will again be absent as he focuses on finding fitness ahead of Wales’ first World Cup appearance in 64 years.

He will be on the plane to Qatar with Wales alongside Ben Cabango, while Olivier Ntcham has also been called up for Cameroon.

Head coach Martin has confirmed Cabango and Ntcham will be available for selection against the Terriers as both hope to go into the World Cup on the back of positive performances at club level. Liam Walsh is also expected to be out with a ruptured Achilles.




A brief history of Swansea Football Club, well they were founded in 1912 and became part of the football league in 1921, they came close to winning the first division in 1981, but ultimately fell away and finished 6th, still the clubs highest ever league finish and by 2003 they were fighting to avoid falling out of the football league, but obviously survived and managed to work their way back up to the top. Under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers they managed to get promoted from the championship thanks to a 4-2 win at Wembley over Reading and finished 11th the season after. Rodgers departed to join Liverpool and a slip cost him the title there, but at the Liberty Stadium Michael Laudrup took over and steadily guided the club to more stability in the league as well as winning their first major trophy thanks to a 5-0 win over Bradford in the league cup. This made them the first non english side to win the cup and also qualified them for their first and only taste of european football. The next season saw Laudrup eventually replaced by the man of "class, humility and respect" himself Garry Monk. Monk was a former Swansea player but his tenure only lasted the year as he was replaced by Francesco Guidolin, his spell didnt last too long as after a take over by an American consortium, he was replaced by former USA mens soccer coach Bob Bradley. The yank found himself out of his depth much like Siewert and Schofield combined and was sacked after just 2 wins from 11 games, but the decline had long since started. He was replaced by former Bayern Munich and Chelsea assistant Paul Clement and whilst results picked up seeing the swans survive the 2016-17 season, Clement soon found himself out of the door as fans became restless over his negative and boring football and he was replaced by former Wednesday manager Carlos Carvahal. He was unable to keep them up and left over the summer to be replaced by Ostersund manager Graham Potter, whilst former owner and chairman Huw Jenkins also left the club over increasing criticism over the sale to the yanks. Potter managed to finish 10th in the championship as well as reaching the quarter finals of the FA cup. He left to join Brighton and was replaced by Steve Cooper who took former Town coach Mike Marsh with him as assistant manager. In September 2019, Cooper was named Manager of The Month, with Swansea City sitting top of the table after an unbeaten first month; this was Swansea's best start to a season in 41 years. On the final day of the season, Swansea beat Reading 4–1 to finish sixth, moving into the play-offs ahead of Nottingham Forest on goal difference, but were later defeated by Brentford in the semi-final second leg. The next season, Cooper would lead the Swans to 4th in the league and secured a play-off place for a second consecutive season. Swansea went one better, reaching the Final after defeating Barnsley 2–1 on aggregate, but lost to their play off nemesis Brentford at Wembley Stadium. Cooper would leave after the summer and was replaced by former MK Dons manager Russell Martin. His appointment signalled an attempt in changing style of play. At the culmination of the 2020–21 season, only Manchester City and Barcelona had a higher average possession percentage in Europe than Martin's MK Dons. His team also had the most touches in the opposition box in League One. His first season in charge of Swansea would see the side finish 15th. Inspired by Guardiola's Barcelona and Manchester City teams, Martin prefers his teams to dominate ball possession. Tactically, he prefers the 3–4–2–1 or 3–5–2 formations, with an emphasis on passing the ball and pressing the opposition. If his teams suffer a bad result, Martin prefers to improve his game plan, rather than changing the style of play.



It was a relatively busy first full summer window for Martin as he looked to shape his squad how he would like it. Not a great deal was spent in doing so, with a few of the signings being brought in on loan. Armstrong Oko-Flex joined on loan from West Ham, he had been linked to Town whilst he was at Celtic, Matthew Sorinola joined on loan from Union SG in Belgium, he too was linked with Town when Pipa and Toffolo were leaving, he can play at either full back, Finn Stevens came in on loan from Brentford, guess what, he too was rumoured to have been of interest to Town, but we went with Hayden instead. Also joining on loan was Luke Cundle from Wolves and yes his name did feature in being of interest to Town and Nathan Wood joined on loan from Middlesbrough, was he linked to Town, no, but there is some relation to Paul Clements the Town goalkeeping coach. The club also resigned Welsh international Joe Allen on a free transfer from Stoke, whilst they signed centre half Harry Darling from Martins former club MK Dons for 2.3 million.



As for leaving the club, young players in the form of Morgan Whittaker and Kyle Joseph left on loan to Plymouth and Oxford United respectively, whilst Ossett born Jordon Garrick moved on loan to Lincoln City. Former Town keeper Ben Hamer somehow managed to get a move to Watford on a free transfer to replace Youtuber Ben Foster. Korey Smith dropped a division to go and play for a rebuilding Derby and promising midfielder Yann Danda left for Scotland to play for Ross County, he was one who promised a lot but never fulfilled his potential at the Swans, although at 21 there is still time. The big move however was that of Flynn Downes who left for the bright lights of London as he joined West Ham for 10.6 million.

The Swans currently sit on the precipice of the play offs going into the international break and begun their campaign with a trip to Yorkshire to face newly promoted Rotherham. Chiedozie Ogbene opened the scoring for the newly promoted side, before Darling scored a long range effort on debut. It was an unhappy first game at home for the season as they welcomed Blackburn and saw them leave with a 3-0 win. Sammy Szmodics opened the scoring in the first half before Ben Brereton and Lewis Travis scored in the second half. An early exit from the League Cup followed as they lost on penalties to Oxford United. Jay Fulton and Liam Cullen put the Swans 2-0 up before half time, but a second half turn around from the hosts saw the game go to spot kicks. Alex Gorrin pulled one back before Cameron Brannagan equalised in the 93rd minute. All the Oxford takers scored, before Sorinola missed his attempt. The Swans finally got their first win of the season as they travelled up to Blackpool. Jerry Yates missed a penalty for the Tangerines before Oliver Ntcham scored late into the game to get the visitors up and running. They then welcomed Millwall to South Wales and everything was going so well for the Welsh side as Ryan Manning and Michael Obafemi scored two early goals, but as the game approached the dying embers, the Welsh side proceeded to capitulate. First Harry Darling scored a 93rd minute own goal, surely not? but yep, Nathan Wood would score a 95th minute own goal, with what would be the last kick of the match. The late capitulation stung as Luton came to the Swansea.com Stadium and left with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Allan Campbell and Town target Carlton Morris. A disappointing trip up to the North East followed as they lost 2-1 to Middlesbrough. Riley McGree opened the scoring for Boro before Town graduate Matt Crooks scored a second for the hosts. Joel Piroe pulled a late goal back, but Ben Cabango received a second yellow card to end hopes of a come back. They ended August with a trip to Stoke and again it looked promising for the Swans as Joel Piroe scored after 6 minutes, but old habits die hard so they say and Tyrese Campbell scored in injury time to pull a point from the jaws of defeat for the newly appointed Alex Neil. At this point the Swans sat 21st in the table but managed to get moving in the right direction during September, starting with a win at home to QPR, Piroe missed an early penalty but made up for it minutes later scoring what would prove to be the only goal of the game. Those bad habits came back to bite them once again as Sheffield United visited Wales and left with the 3 points thanks to a 94th minute Reda Khadra goal. With September being a short footballing month, the visit of Hull was the last of the month and proved to be what could be the turning point of the season for Martin's side. 3 second half goals from Manning, Cundle and Piroe saw the hosts coast past the Tigers and it could have been more had the woodwork not intervened.



October began with a trip to the Hawthornes to face the Baggies and Sorinola got the Swans off to a flier. The hosts managed to turn it around through goals from Jake Livermore and Grady Diangana in the second half before Ntcham pulled the visitors level with 20 minutes left. Former Town forward Karlan Grant had the chance to score from the spot for the Baggies but saw his effort saved by keeper Steven Benda, and the visitors made him pay as Obafemi scored an 89th minute winner for the Welsh side. Another late goal sealed another 3 points on the road for the Swans as they headed to Watford. Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring for the Hornets before a deflected Ntcham effort pulled the Swans level. Did I say late goal? by that I mean late, as it was in the 98th minute when Cabango headed in the winner. For your information there was still 9 minutes of injury time to be played as the game had been delayed due to a technical fault for 17 minutes. A return to Wales was next as they welcomed the Black Cats of Sunderland. The hosts went into half time 2 goals to the good thanks to Ollie Cooper and Harry Darling. Jack Clarke pulled one back in the second half but the Swans held off a nervy finish for the 3 points. A trip to the leagues in form side was next as they visited the happy place of Turf Moor. The Clarets were 2-0 up in 30 minutes, scoring with their first two efforts on target thanks to Vitinho's header and Jay Rodriguez's close-range finish. Anass Zaroury's first Burnley goal capped a dominant 45 minutes. Rodriguez scored Burnley's fourth goal on 58 minutes before Joel Piroe was sent off for a stamp on Josh Cullen. A comeback win against surprise package Reading was next, the Royals raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Tom Ince and Yakou Meite but a goal on the stroke of half time from Darling kickstarted a second half turnaround. Cooper and Jay Fulton scored in the second half to get Swansea the points. Next up was the biggest home game of the season for Swansea as Cardiff came to town. Mark Hudson's side were reduced to 10 early on due to stupidity from Callum Robinson and the home side made them pay as Cooper scored his third in four games and Obafemi scored in the second half to leave Swans fans very happy. October ended with a fairly short journey over to Bristol to face an inconsistent Robins side. Tommy Conway gave the home side the lead before Ntcham levelled with 15 minutes to go. November has seen the Swans return to type, firstly a trip to Preston ended with a Brad Potts goal sealing the points for the home side, before Swansea came from two goals down to draw at home to Wigan. Will Keane and Tom Naylor put the Lancashire side ahead before Ryan Manning pulled one back just before half time. Piroe would then score a a penalty late on to break Wigan hearts, although the Wigan kebabs won't be helping there either. Where Swansea rescued a point against Wigan, they dropped two at Birmingham, Scott Hogan got the Blues going before Ntcham and Matt Grimes put the Swans ahead, but in the 89th minute Troy Deeney equalised for the Blues sending the Swans back to Wales feeling the blues.



ones to watch

Oliver Ntcham- The French born midfielder will be going to the World Cup with Cameroon during the international break and whilst it has taken him a while, he finally seems to be settling in Wales. He came through the set up at Manchester City but failed to make a league appearance for the Blues. He signed a two year loan with Genoa, with the Griffins having the option to make it permanent. They didn't and he went to Scotland to play for Celtic. He had a good time for the large part in Scotland but ended up going on loan to Marseille. Their manager Andre Villas-Boas of Chelsea and Tottenham fame wasn't impressed with the signing and resigned he has yet to find a new club. Ntcham didn't feature much during the loan and he would join Swansea on a free transfer and has made 55 appearances for the side, scoring 9 goals.



Joel Piroe- Signed last season from PSV Eindhoven and scored 22 times for the Swans in his debut season. This led to a summer of rumours with plenty of Premier League sides being interested in the striker who is still only 23. This season has been a bit more of a struggle due to injuries and suspension and he has scored just 5 goals so far, but has the potential to cause lots of problems for defences.



Matt Grimes- Captain and creator in chief, the midfielder is normally in charge of set pieces for the Swans. He began his career on the south coast at Exeter where he made 58 appearances before joining Swansea. He has had time out on loan at the likes of Blackburn, Leeds and Northampton during his time in Wales, but has become an integral piece of the Swansea machine in the last few seasons. He has made 205 appearances now for the Welsh side and will be looking to add plenty more to that with him still being only 27. An interesting fact for you, he was part of the team that won the national junior ultimate frisbee championships and was voted MVP during the competition.



head to head

Town have the upper hand over the Welsh side since the first meeting between the two sides back in 1952. The Terriers have won 26 games whilst they have drawn and lost 17 games against the Swans. Swansea had a spell of dominance over Town in the early 90s but that ended when Town beat them at Wembley to win the Autoglass Trophy. The two sides would meet often during their times in the third tier of English football, with Lee Trundle being an occasional scourge of the side but Town would generally come out on top in the meetings. The two sides met during the Premier League years, with the Swans winning in Wales thanks to a mistake from Jonas Lossl and two goals from Tammy Abraham. The home fixture against Carlos Carvahals side finished 0-0 despite the Swans being reduced to 10 men after just 11 minutes when Jordan Ayew received a straight red. Since the two sides have returned to the Championship it has been fairly even between the sides with 2 wins each and 2 draws. The first game back in the Championship between the sides finished 1-1 with Jay Fulton scoring for Swansea and Grant equalising for Town who saw Trevoh Chalobah sent off in the second half. The return fixture in Wales saw a Danny Cowley side lose 3-1 thanks to goals from Andre Ayew, Fulton and Jordon Garrick, Steve Mounie scored for Town. The COVID season would see Town register a surprise double over the Welshmen. The game in Wales saw Harry Toffolo open the scoring for Town before Ayew scored from the spot, Josh Koroma in his purple patch would score in the second half to seal the points. The fixture in Yorkshire saw Town grab a surprise victory as not many of those happened in the second half of the season, with some fans feeling Corberan should have been sacked during that run. Fraizer Campbell opened the scoring for Town before Connor Hourihane equalised on the stroke of half time, but second half goals from Lewis O'Brien and two from Duane Holmes saw Town race to a 4-1 win. Last season it was Swansea with the upper hand over Town, Joel Piroe scored the only goal of the game in South Wales, whilst an early Danel Sinani goal was pegged back by a lateish Flynn Downes goal in West Yorkshire.



anagrams

1) Jil Want Urine

2) Jock Not Hash

3) Wild Riflemen

4) Ready Wane

5) Via Church Roll

6) Military Debuts

7) Plow Beat Bat

8) Jests Even Kin

9) Neat Rejection Hazes

10) A Cigar Orgies

Aldershot 0-2 Maidenhead United
Boreham Wood 1-2 Woking
Bromley 0-0 Halifax
Eastleigh 1-1 Notts County
Oldham 0-3 Barnet
Scunthorpe 2-1 Maidstone United
Solihull Moors 1-0 Dag & Red
Southend 3-2 Dorking
Torquay 1-3 Chesterfield
Wealdstone 0-6 Wrexham
Yeovil 1-2 Gateshead
Altrincham 3-3 York


League Table After Matchday 20
Devon - 441
Lord Snoots - 390
Amelia - 369
SaltergateBorn - 355
St Charles Owl - 347
Dancing - 334
Spireitematt - 296

Premier League

Zinman          10pts 2CS 4CR -3GB 3BB 0SB
Minizin              8pts 0CS 3CR 0GB 3BB 1SB
Snooty              6pts 2CS 4CR -3GB -3BB 0SB
Stairs                4pts 0CS 3CR 0GB -3BB 1SB
Derby                0pts 0CS 3CR -3GB -3BB 0SB
Sanjay              -1pt 1CS 1CR -3GB -3BB 1SB
Blue Baggie      -2pts 0CS 2CR -3GB -3BB 0SB
SCO                  -5pts 0CS 0CR -3GB -3BB 1SB

I think it's a fair comment to say that the Premiership participants are staggering towards the much needed World Cup break after the 2nd worst performance of the season with just 20 points amassed in total. I'm not sure what the problem was personally, apart from a gamball result that nobody predicted and only 2 correct bonuses.

Zinman was responsible for half this week's total points tally as he scrambled to double figures thanks to a week's high of both correct scores and results. His failure on the gamball was offset by the bonus and sees him sit on top of the table. Keeping it in the family, Minizin sits 2nd, not a great week for him but the choice not to gamble proved to be a wise one. Snooty matched Zin's number of scores and results but missed on all of his balls while Stairs was the only other player to make a positive contribution, again grateful for avoiding the gamball.

Derby's recent good run came to a halt as he failed to trouble the scorers - but still managed 5th place - another player to miss on all his balls. Sanjay only got one result correct but managed to double up his points with a correct score but it wasn't enough to keep him above zero. Blue's nightmare continued with his 3rd negative score in the last 4 weeks, just 2 correct scores and nothing on his balls. And then there was SCO, saved from a complete wipe out by his successful scoreball in an otherwise miserable week!

Derby 108
Minizin 98
Snooty 97
Zinman 93
Sanjay 80
Stairs 78
SCO 76
Blue 43

Not a lot of the change in the overall table with Derby maintaining his lead though it's now down to just 10 points. Minizin moves back above Snooty with Zinman making up ground in 4th. Sanjay, Stairs and SCO are separated by just 4 points while Blue remains some way adrift at the foot of the table.

Zin


Championship

Lady Jane 7pts 0CS 4CR -3GB 3BB 1SB
Dingle 6pts 0CS 3CR 5GB -3BB 0SB
BaggieOne 5pts 0CS 2CR 5GB -3BB 1SB
BBB 5pts 2CS 1CR -3GB -3BB 1SB
Amelia 4pts 0CS 2CR 5GB -3BB 0SB
Twerton 2pts 1CS 2CR -3GB -3BB 0SB
AAA 0pts 0CS 1CR NPGB -3BB 1SB
Themaclad -1pts 0CS 2CR -3GB -3BB 1SB

It's only fitting that in a week when I am so late posting this, its a week that everyone will want to forget anyway!!  A season's low total of just 28 points was scored in the Championship!!!  Lady Jane managed a barely respectable 7 points in first place, at least she managed to score positive points on 4 games!!  Dingle is 2nd with 6 points, he was one of 3 players to get a CR on the Gamball.  BaggieOne and BBB each got 5 points, B1 got his from the Gamball and BBB managed 2 CSs but missed on all his balls!!

Amelai ended with 4 points, this despite getting 5 points on the Gamball and bugger all else!!  Twerton of course missed on the Gamball and Bonus but just scraped enough other pont to end with 2 in the end.  AAA didn't play the Gamball and it saved him from a negative score instead of just a paltry zero.  Themaclad had a MacMare this week and ended on -1.

144 Dingle
119 BaggieOne
109 Lady Jane
94 BBB
91 Themaclad
84 AAA
69 Amelia
53 Twerton

Not much change here of course with such low scores.  The one positional change sees BBB overtake Themaclad and move into 4th spot.

Cheers
SCO

Obviously being recognised as being the best central defender in Italy doesn't make you good enough for England, though being injured or being on your club's bench both seem to qualify you.

But then being your team's reserve centre forward doesn't appear to be a problem either.

Last sixteen if we are lucky.

Is anyone excited about Qatar?

Harsh in my view

Wigan Athletic have sacked manager Leam Richardson after they lost six of their past seven games to fall into the Championship relegation zone.

The 42-year-old led the Latics to the League One title last season in his first full season in charge.

Richardson, who had only signed a new three-year deal on 25 October, initially joined the club as assistant to Paul Cook in the summer of 2017.

Assistant Rob Kelly has been placed in caretaker charge.

Richardson took over on a temporary basis in November 2020 after John Sheridan left with the club in administration and struggling at the bottom of League One.

He guided the club to safety with a strong finish to the season and new owners Phoenix 2021 Limited appointed him on a permanent basis in April 2021.

They missed two chances to seal automatic promotion last season before ultimately claiming the title on the final day with a 3-0 victory over Shrewsbury.

A win over Blackburn on 12 October moved them to within two points of the Championship play-offs places this season but they have taken just one point from the subsequent seven matches and lost 2-0 at Coventry on Tuesday.

They are two points behind 21st-placed Blackpool, who visit the DW Stadium on Saturday.

Wigan thank 'much-loved' Richardson
Richardson's most vital involvement last season came away from the pitch.

He was credited with helping to save the life of striker Charlie Wyke in November after he had a cardiac arrest in training - beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) process before club doctor Jonathan Tobin took over.

The Latics said in a statement that the former Accrington boss would "always be held in high regard by fans".

"Leam will be fondly remembered as one of the most significant managers in the club's 90-year history," they said.

"However, having looked at the recent run of form that is challenging the team's status as a Championship club, the board have made the decision to make a change.

"The club would like to place on record it's thanks to Leam for his efforts and dedication throughout his time at the football club, none more so than during the period of administration and his instinctive reaction that helped save the life of Charlie Wyke.

"A much-loved individual and someone who Latics fans will always hold in very high regard, Leam will always be welcomed back at the DW."

Analysis - 'What next after bold move?'
Mike Minay - BBC Radio Manchester sport reporter

This is a bold move by the owner who just 16 days ago appeared to back the manager who kept the club in League One during a year of administration before winning promotion the season after.

Leam Richardson had moulded the squad in his vision and had a group of players that knew him and his style. Now it's down to someone else to take over the task, get to know that squad and get them out of the relegation fight.

Who could replace him? A quick scan through the managerial market - you have a young manager such as Rob Edwards who was given a short opportunity by Watford recently. Dean Holden lives in the local area and has experience at Championship level with Bristol City.

There'd be some bigger names that might be tempted - Steve Bruce to his former club maybe? Although his recent stint at this level didn't go well with West Brom.

LAST TIME OUT



FORM GUIDE

PNE 16 MILLWALL 9

ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON

Thomas William Bradshaw (born 27 July 1992) is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Championship club Millwall. He has previously played for Aberystwyth Town, Shrewsbury Town, Walsall and Barnsley. Born in England, he represented Wales at under−19 and under−21 level before making his senior Wales debut in March 2016.

Always rated this lad

A Look At Our Visitors


Millwall are among many teams in the Championship who will be looking to keep in and around the top six as the season develops, currently sitting 11th in the table.

Gary Rowett’s side have proven hard to beat in recent weeks, losing just one of their last eight matches, and in that spell came four victories in succession – which PNE will be looking to achieve themselves this weekend.

Having finished eighth, 11th and ninth in their previous three campaigns respectively, the Lions will be hoping this can be their year to make that final push towards the Play-Off spots.

Going Head To Head


Games played: 70
PNE wins: 25
Draws: 13
Millwall wins: 32
Last PNE victory: Millwall 1-3 PNE, 23rd February 2019

One To Watch


There was tons of excitement surrounding the arrival of Dutch attacker Zian Flemming when he arrived at The Den in the summer for an undisclosed fee – quickly being nicknamed the ‘Bermondsey Bergkamp’.

The Ajax Academy product had scored a combined 24 goals in his previous two seasons with Fortuna Sittard, so it appeared to be something of a coup when he was announced as a Millwall player.

Although it perhaps took him a few weeks to get into his stride in the English game, he’s now looking like the talent everyone hoped for, and he enjoyed a purple patch either side of the September international break when he scored five goals in as many games.

Match Officials



Oliver Langford will referee his second PNE game of the season on Saturday.

His previous North End fixture was the 0-0 draw at home to Rotherham United, and he was also set to take charge of the trip to Norwich City in October, but was replaced by Dean Whitestone in the days leading up to the game.

So far this season, he’s shown 55 yellow cards and one red in 15 matches, and he will be assisted on Saturday by Robert Merchant and James Wilson, with Seb Stockbridge on fourth official duty


We've hit a decent bit of form winning the last three games sadly though after Saturday we have a three week holiday due to a World Cup being played at the wrong time of the year in a country that shuld never have been awarded it in the first place, but hey money talks eh.
Millwall as always will be a tough team to play against with some big lads at the back. They have had issues finding the net in the last couple of games but that's not unusual is it. Be nice to sign off with a win before the visit to Bleakburn sometime next month

THE MATCH

SATURDAY 11TH NOVEMBER KO 3:00PM

v

LAST MATCH



We put in a decent enough performance but eventually lost out in a penalty shootout. It was a game of two halves, we were better in the first, The Saints better in the second half. We took the lead midway through the first half, Windass firing in after a FDB pass. We were the better team but the Saints levelled in injury time, Ward Prowse firing in from the spot after a foul. The Saints were the better team in the 2nd half, but despite having numerous chances we took the game to spot kicks. Everybody scored until Iorfa's spot kick was saved, The Saints winning 6-5 on penalties

THE MATCH



Back to the league and we make the short trip to Accrington. They are struggling in the league and currently lie 20th in the table and are winless in 6 games, losing 5 of them. McConville & Whalley are there top scorers with 4 goals apiece. They are managed by Joh Coleman who has been in charge for 8 years, a rare achievement in modern football with sack crazy owners. They will be involved in the relegation battle, do they have enough to stay up, I think not.

ALL TIME H2H

OWLS 2
ACCR 1
DRAWS 0 

CURRENT FORM

OWLS              -                                                                 

ACCR              -             

EFL STOOGES

DOES IT MATTER THERE ALL CORRUPT  

CHARLES BREAKSPEAR
Mark Cunliffe and Matthew Parry
Fourth Official : Conor Brown

THE TEAM

Stockdale
Palmer Ihikwe McGuiness Johnson
Bannan Byers FDB
Windass
Gregory Smith

SCORE & SCORER (HOME TEAM SCORE FIRST)

1-3 Smith

ATTENDANCE

N/A

WEDNESDAYS FIRT GOAL TIME

26

BML LEAGUE

Stateside 10
Imre 8
Wash 7
Pieowl 5
Maddix 4
SCO 4
Owlskev 4

OTHER GAMES OF MILD INTEREST

Newcastle v Chelsea
Norwich v Middlesboro
Lincoln v Plymouth
Grimsby v Doncaster
Torquay v Chesterfield

HHDHA

THE MUPPETT LEAGUE

WEREHAM




KATE BECKINSALE TRIBUTE PIC

Last one for a few weeks.

Gamball:
Newcastle - Chelsea

Others:
Bournemouth - Everton
Nottingham Forest - Crystal Palace
Bristol C - Watford
Coventry - QPR
Huddersfield - Swansea
Hull - Reading
WBA - Stoke
Wigan - Blackpool
Fulham - Man Utd

Blatter starts his latest alternative version as to why he awarded it to Qatar and why it wasn't all about money and in any case, it was all Platini's fault.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/202...up-mistake

Yeah, right.