Such beauty…I want it!
That there, on the left, is one of the most desirable, coveted, stunning, important trophies in the whole of World football. That my friends is the Johnstone’s Paint trophy, known commonly as the ‘Paint Pot’. Of course, my tongue is firmly in my cheek.
Why am I sharing the beauty of such a wonderful trophy? Because my beloved Norwich City are playing away to Southampton in the regional semi-final today. Ninety minutes and then penalties if needed. However, we will likely be missing 19 goal hit-man Grant Holt and number one CB Jens Askou among others. Manager Paul Lambert does not relish a trip to Wembley as much as I do and has said his focus is on the league. BUT, I really, really, really, really, really, REALLY want to go to Wembley this season.
So, best team or not, keep your fingers crossed for me today as I listen to my super yellas at St Mary’s. I’ve been pacing my way through this competition for months and a win puts us in the regional two-legged final with either Hereford or Milton Keynes. Yeah, I KNOW, that would be extremely tasty!!!! Kick off at 2.45 EST.
There are also some Premier League games on today so let’s look at those.
Birmingham play host to Blackburn, Bolton are at home to the woeful and road weary West Ham. Wolves prepare for a thumping at Old Trafford as Villa’s win last Saturday is sure to fuel a beat-down, and Old Trafford conquerors, Aston Villa visit Sunderland. Kick off at the Stadium of Light is at 2.45 and the rest go at 3pm.
Elsewhere, Stockport and Torquay play their FA Cup second round fixture and the other 3 Paint Pot games will see Carlisle V Bradford, Hereford V MK Dons and Leeds v Accrington Stanley. There are a few games in Scotland and a bunch of non-leaguers play in the FA Trophy. Oh and also today some thing called the ‘FIFA World Club Championship’ saw a semi-final between the Pohang Steelers (no idea) v Club Estudiantes de La Plata (Argentina). The latter of the two have the wonderful nickname “Los Pincharratas” (if Wikipedia is to be believed) meaning ‘the rat stabbers’. And the final was Steelers 1 Rat Stabbers 2.
So come on in for banter, goals, rat stabbing and plenty of the jibber-jaber. It may be ’broke ass Tuesday’ but we are all rich when the football is on. GET IN!
Today’s fixtures in full…
FIFA Club World Cup
Pohang Steelers v Club Estudiantes de La Plata, SF, 16:00
Barclays Premier League
Birmingham v Blackburn, 20:00
Bolton v West Ham, 20:00
Man Utd v Wolverhampton, 20:00
Sunderland v Aston Villa, 19:45
The FA Cup
Stockport v Torquay, R2, 19:45
Johnstone’s Paint Trophy
Carlisle v Bradford, SFN, 19:30
Hereford v MK Dons, SFS, 19:00
Leeds United v Accrington Stanley, SFN, 19:45
Southampton v Norwich, SFS, 19:45
Clydesdale Bank Premier League
Dundee Utd v Rangers, 19:45
The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League Championship First Division
Raith v Airdrie Utd, 19:45
The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League Championship Second Division
Brechin v Peterhead, 19:45
Cowdenbeath v Stenhousemuir, 19:45
Stirling v Dumbarton, 19:30
The FA Carlsberg Trophy
Altrincham v Wrexham, R1R, 19:45
Chippenham v Arlesey, R1R, 19:45
Gainsborough v Southport, R1R, 19:45
Harrogate Town v Gateshead, R1R, 19:45
Maidstone Utd OFF Histon, R1, 19:45
Northwood v Carshalton, R1R, 19:45
Truro City v Chelmsford, R1R, 19:45
York v Hinckley Utd, R1R, 19:45
Discuss…
Great, now after the untimely demise of Bigus Dickus it looks like Norfolk Ned is going to off himself. Who’s going to show up next? The 3rd brother Canary Carl?
I think the name Carl is inherently funny. Except, of course, if anyone on here is actually named Carl. Tough one, though, Ned.
So I was avoiding the score, and so avoiding this thread, to watch at Nevada’s after work.
But yeah, Milner’s gotta be on the plane to SA. And I was joking that he’d be taking Barry’s spot, but since seeing him in central midfield for the past few matches, he might well pip Fat Frank’s spot.
And I do find it funny that McLeish has Blues playing so well, but he’s not gonna surpass O’Neill– just like in Glasgow.
And so, so sorry, Ned.
Sorry I wasn’t hear for this little liveblog, but I must say I am thrilled to be heading to the regional final! My m8s that went to SMS said your boys were the better side, Ned, and one of the better sides they have seen. I was over in England a few weeks ago and saw Saints v Norwich at SMS in the league, and I expect you to be challenging Charlton for automatic promotion, if you can stay healthy. Your front line is huge!
Anyway, not too much gloating, but Come On You Reds! Take Me to Wembley!
@Tex, well done mate. I’m not bitter, annoyed at the goal 20 seconds from time still tho’. Good luck!
^^^ And that, my friends, is class. Well done, Ned.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Sportsmanship sucks!
Don’t make me shepherd your ass, Goat.