‘The Beautiful Game: A Football Blog’

By Dave McArdle

Friday 30/11/2012

Another week has come and gone in the world of football – Mark Clattenburg returned to refereeing in the hot-bed of the Premier League, Rafa Benitez’s Chelsea flattered to deceive yet again and Robin Van Persie delivered the fastest goal scored in the league this season.

The midweek action saw Manchester United and Aston Villa both 1-0 win at home. QPR and Fulham both earned a point a piece away at Sunderland and Chelsea respectively. Tottenham and Stoke both enjoyed fine 2-1 victories at home to Arsenal and Newcastle. Swansea won well at the Liberty against a West Brom side who had been flying high while Manchester City were the only away side to win – Mario Balotelli and James Milner providing the goals in a 2-0 win against Wigan.

The action continues to come thick and fast across the water and between now and Monday all 20 sides will participate in another round of mouth-watering fixtures.

Premier League Preview

West Ham v Chelsea (Saturday 12:45 – Live on Sky Sports 2)

After 180 minutes without a goal, interim boss Rafa Benitez will be hoping his Chelsea side can get back to winning ways against a stubborn West Ham side who will be no pushovers at Upton Park. Benitez will be hoping that Fernando Torres can provide the spark and with a record of six goals in six games against the Hammers Torres should be confident that he can return to goal-scoring form. Sam Allardyce will have Mark Noble back from suspension but he will continue to be without Alou Diarra, Jack Collison and Ricardo Vaz Te while there are doubts over the fitness George McCartney and Andy Carroll. Yossi Benayoun is ineligible for the Hammers as the terms of his loan deal prevent him from playing against his parent club. Rafa Benitez will be without John Terry (knee), Frank Lampard (calf) and David Luiz (suspension) but Juan Mata should start after being rested last time out.

Arsenal v Swansea (Saturday 3pm)

Arsenal will be keen to secure a victory at the Emirates after drawing their last two games while Swansea will travel to London in confident mood after an impressive win over West Brom last time out. Arsene Wenger definitely will be without Andre Santos and Abou Diaby. There are serious doubts over the fitness of Laurent Koscielny and Bacary Sagna while Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski are slight doubts for the Gunners. Michael Laudrup will once more be without Michel Vorm, Neil Taylor and Alan Tate while Pablo Hernandez and Danny Graham are doubts for the Swans.

Fulham v Tottenham (Saturday 3pm)

Former Tottenham manager Martin Jol will welcome former Fulham players Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele to Craven Cottage as the Cottagers seek to build on their scoreless draw at Stamford Bridge last time out. Fulham captain Brede Hangeland will miss out as he serves the last game of his suspension. Martin Jol will also be without Bryan Ruiz and Alex Kacaniklic while Kieron Richardson could be fit enough to play a part. For Spurs, Emmanuel Adebayor also completes the third game of a suspension while Andre Villas-Boas will have to do without Scott Parker as well as defensive duo Younes Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

West Brom v Stoke (Saturday 3pm)

Stoke City travel to the Hawthorns on Saturday and they will be hoping to build on their impressive comeback against Newcastle in midweek. Steve Clarke’s side will continue to be without goalkeeper Ben Foster and there are doubts over the participation of Hungarian midfielder Zoltan Gera and Swedish defender Jonas Olsson. Tony Pulis will be unable to call upon long-term absentees Marc Wilson and Rory Delap but Andy Wilkinson and Michael Owen could return to the fold. Pulis will also be without Peter Crouch after the beanpole striker lost three teeth on Wednesday after a challenge with Fabriccio Coloccini.

Liverpool v Southampton (Saturday 3pm)

Brendan Rodgers’ side welcome Southampton to Anfield hoping for a valuable three points which would push them up the table. Martin Kelly and Fabio Borini will miss out once more for the hosts while Brendan Rodgers will be pleased to be able to call upon Andre Wisdom, Joe Cole and Lucas Leiva once again. Danny Fox should be ok to feature for the Saints while Frazer Richardson and Richard Chaplow are close to full fitness for Nigel Adkins’ side.

QPR v Aston Villa (Saturday 3pm)

Harry Redknapp will take charge of QPR at Loftus Road for the first time as they welcome an Aston Villa side who will be buoyed by a late victory over Reading last time out. QPR remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table and defeat against fellow strugglers Villa would pile further pressure on the R’s.  Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson will miss out for QPR while Julio Cesar is a serious doubt for Redknapp’s side. Villa boss Paul Lambert has a raft of defensive injuries with Joe Bennett, Enda Stevens and Richard Dunne unavailable while Ron Vlaar is also expected to miss out. Villa will also have to make do without midfield duo Gary Gardner and Charles N’Zogbia for the trip to Loftus Road.

Man City v Everton (Saturday 3pm – Live on Setanta Ireland)

Manchester City welcome Everton to the Etihad hoping for a victory which would – at least temporarily – return them to the top of the table. After six draws in their last eight games, Everton will nonetheless be confident on their trip to Manchester as they were the last side to record a victory at the Etihad in December 2010. Roberto Mancini will be without Micah Richards, Gael Clichy and James Milner while Jack Rodwell is not yet ready to return for the home side. Everton captain Phil Neville will continue to be sidelined for the Toffees while David Moyes also has serious fitness concerns over Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman along with forward trio Nikica Jelavic, Kevin Mirallas and victor Anichebe.

Reading v Man United (Saturday 5:30 – Live on ESPN)

Reading welcome league leaders Manchester United to the Madejski and they will hope to produce another upset after taking the scalp of Everton in their last home game. United, on the other hand, will aim to maintain their lead over rivals Man City ahead of next week’s Manchester derby. Alex McCarthy, Jem Karacan and Jimmy Kebe continue to be sidelined for the Royals but Brian McDermott may be boosted by the return of Danny Guthrie as he edges closer to full fitness. Sir Alex Ferguson will once more be unable to call upon Nemanja Vidic, Shinji Kagawa, Nani and Antonio Valencia while the Red Devils will be buoyed by the return of veteran duo Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs – who have a combined age of 77 years.

Norwich v Sunderland (Sunday 4pm – Live on Sky Sports 1)

Norwich City welcome Sunderland to Carrow Road on Sunday with both sides in contrasting form. The Canaries will be looking to extend a run of form which has them unbeaten in seven while the Mackems will be looking to arrest a slide down the table which could see them in the relegation places if results go against them on Saturday. John Ruddy and Michael Turner will miss out for the home side while Chris Hughton has concerns over the fitness of Russell Martin and Harry Kane. Sunderland will be without captain Lee Cattermole and long-term absentee Wes Brown while there is a serious doubt over the participation of Republic of Ireland international John O’Shea after he picked up a calf injury last weekend.

Newcastle v Wigan (Monday 8pm – Live on Sky Sports 1)

Newcastle face Wigan on Monday night at St.James’ Park looking to arrest a terrible run of form that has seen them lose their last four games on the bounce. Alan Pardew’s side have been decimated by injuries in recent weeks and they are expected to be without Steven Taylor, Ryan Taylor, James Perch, Johan Cabaye, Gabriel Obertan, Dan Gosling, Haris Vuckic and Shola Ameobi. The only chink of light for the Toon is that influential midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa is closing in on a return to full fitness. For Roberto Martinez’ side, things are looking slightly better on the injury front and the Wigan boss may be able to welcome back as many as five players for Monday night’s game with Gary Caldwell, Ivan Ramis, Ryo Miyaichi, Shaun Maloney and David Jones all closing in on full fitness. However, Antolin Alcaraz, Albert Crusat and Ben Watson are expected to remain on the sidelines for the Latics.   

CCFL Preview

Unfortunately, I could not attend the intriguing looking cup tie of St.Peters against Willow Park last weekend as the game was postponed due to bad weather. However, this week (weather permitting) I will be in Clara as home side Clara Town – who now top the Senior Division – face up to a Killavilla side who will be looking to get back to winning ways after a couple of disappointing results. The Senior Division has proven to be particularly exciting this season as several teams battle for top spot and with two of those sides in action on Sunday afternoon, Stanley O’Hara Park should host an exciting match. There are two more games in the Senior Division on Sunday as Mullingar Athletic travel to St.Peters while Melville Utd host Monksland Utd.

On Saturday, Killavilla, Edenderry Town and Tullamore Town are all in action in the Umbro FAI Youths Cup while Grange Utd face Horseleap Utd in the John Farrell Combined Counties Cup. Also on Saturday, Derry Rovers will be looking to keep up with Premier Division leaders CK Utd as they host Abbeyleix Athletic at Brians Park. Sunday afternoon sees plenty of action in the John Farrell Combined Counties Cup as Moate Celtic host Portlaoise, Birr Town welcome Newtown to Frank O’Connell Park, Clonmore Utd host Noreside Celtic while CK Utd travel to St.James’.

Also on Sunday in the Premier Division, Mullingar Athletic B host Stradbally Town and Willow Park B face Mullingar Town. In Division 1 on Sunday, the pick of the games include league leaders Templevilla against third-placed Gracefield Athletic and second-placed Shinrone travelling to fourth-placed Clonaslee. The top game in Division 2 this weekend sees table-toppers Killeigh Ramblers host second-placed Dynamo Town. In Division 3A, Raheen face Brosna in a relegation battle while in Division 3B it’s first against third as Clara Town B host Banagher Utd and it’s also second against fourth as Frankford Utd square up to Melville Celtic B. There is a top of the table clash in Division 4A as Abbeyleix Athletic B host Portarlington Town whilst the pick of the action in Division 4B sees Monksland B host Clara Town C. In the women’s Division, there is only one game to be played as third-placed Tullamore Town host fifth-placed Clara Town.

For full information on fixtures, results and tables visit: www.ccfl.ie

Fantasy Football

Finally, after two barren gameweeks, Robin Van Persie came good for me in midweek. His goal after 31 seconds was enough to win the game for United and deliver the 3 bonus pints for Van Persie. Looking ahead to Gameweek 15 this weekend and it’s pretty hard to ignore the potential of Van Persie once again up against a Reading side that have been shipping plenty of goals this season. However, this week RVP has a serious rival for the captain’s armband in Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has been in lethal form this season and a home game against a Southampton side - who have shipped more goals than anyone else in the league to date - looks an appealing prospect. Some other contenders for the captain’s pick this weekend include Santi Cazorla/Olivier Giroud (Arsenal play Swansea at home), Demba Ba/Papiss Cisse (Newcastle are at home to Wigan) and Carlos Tevez/Sergio Aguero (Man City face Everton at home).

In terms of clean sheets this week, the above teams also look the most appealing with the fixtures they have – Liverpool and Arsenal at home should be looking to produce shutouts while Man United at Reading should be winning comfortably. Newcastle and Man City are also traditionally strong at home but both have found things more difficult defensively this season and clean sheets in these games are perhaps less likely.

In relation to who to transfer in this week, an Arsenal defender could be a good shout – they have four home games (against Swansea, West Brom, West Ham and Newcastle) and two away games (against Reading and Wigan) in their next six and even the notoriously attack-minded Arsenal should be able to produce some clean sheets (and some real attacking hauls) in this period. Per Mertesacker (5.3 million) and Carl Jenkinson (4.6) look the best value in the defence but buying Jenkinson comes with the risk that his game time could be severely restricted by the return of Bacary Sagna. Santi Cazorla is the main contender for attacking points and for those of you looking for more of a gamble, Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud should also be considered.

Another team whose next six fixtures are good is Liverpool – home games against Southampton, Aston Villa and Fulham along with away games against West Ham, Stoke and QPR should hold little fear for Brendan Rodgers’ men. Obviously, the main man to consider here is Luis Suarez but Jose Enrique has emerged as a really intriguing option recently – his role as part of a front three, along with his FPL classification as a defender, means he could pick up both defensive and attacking returns. Andre Wisdom and Raheem Sterling are strong budget options also.

Enjoy the weekend and I’ll be back next week with a review of all the weekend’s action.

You can follow Dave McArdle on Twitter @DaveMidlands103

Read More

Performance of the week winners

Congratulations to our performance of the week winners Michael and Mary Mulhare (Portlaoise AC) and Linda Conroy (Mullingar Harriers) for their selection on the Irish Cross Country team on the back of their achievements at the National Inter County Cross Country

Read More

Allen to start for DIT in League Final

Offaly forward Bernard Allen is set to start at corner forward for DIT in their Third Level Football League Final against St Mary's Belfast tonight

Killeshin's Jeremy Mahon is among the subs

This evening's final throws in at Mayobridge at 7.30

Read More

Morning headlines

GAELIC GAMES

Tributes are flowing in from the football world following  Padraic Joyce's retirement.

The 35 year old won two All Irelands, 3 All Stars and a footballer of the year prize during his career.

Joyce made his debut for the Tribesmen in 1998 and has picked up 4 county titles throughout an illustrious career.


Outgoing Westmeath GAA chairman Tom Farrell has confirmed that he's set for a break from administration when he's term comes to end next month.

Farrell had been linked with a return to Leinster Council but he says he's looking forward to some time off.


Lorrha's Patrick 'Bonner' Maher is set to receive the Munster senior hurler of the year award on Saturday

Maher has already won three Munster titles and All-Ireland honours at senior, minor and under 21 level in a glittering career to date

Cork's Donncha O'Connor is Munster's senior footballer of the year


The University of Limerick defeated IT Carlow in the Third Level GAA Division One Hurling League Final last night

Westmeath's Cathal Scally and Offaly's Kieran McManus collected winners medals as UL won 2-15 to 1-14, Laois' Neil Foyle scored a penalty for Carlow

IT Carlow have now lost out in the league finals in hurling and football in back to back years.


Double Paralympic gold medalist Mark Rohan and Westmeath hurling boss Brian Hanley will be among the speakers at The GAA's Games Development Conference at Croke Park on Saturday the 12th of January

Ballinahown's Rohan, along with Irish boxing head coach Billy Walsh and horseracing trainer Jim Bolger will offer a perspective from other sports

While Hanley will discuss the evolving role of the coach in Hurling

Oulart wing back Lar Prendergast is set to have a fitness test tomorrow ahead of Saturday afternoon's Leinster Club Hurling Semi Final with Ballyhale Shamrocks

An ankle tendons complaint has kept Prendergast out for over a month but last week's cancelled game may see him able to line out this week

Offaly champions Kilcormac/Killoughey await the winners of Saturday's match in the final on December 9th


Mountmellick Community School have advanced to the second round of the North Leinster Post Primary Schools C Senior Football with a 5-12 to 2-4 win over Clonaslee Vocational School

It's been confirmed that Pairc Ciaran, Newtown Cashel will host the Leinster Vocational Schools Inter County Football match between Longford and Offaly this Friday evening with a throw in time of 6 O'Clock

Offaly defeated Longford at the same stage last year


Mountrath Community School travel to face Grennan College Thomastown in the Leinster Post Primary Schools Senior Hurling B Quarter Finals this lunchtime

The match throws in at noon


LADIES FOOTBALL

The Laois Ladies Football Minor Replay between Ballylinan/Killeen and St Conleths will take place on Friday at 7.30pm in Portarlington pitch

Park Ratheniska await the winners at Annanough at 11am this Sunday

The other semi final is between Sarsfields and Timahoe/Ballyroan at 1 at the same venue


SOCCER

Manchester United and Man City have edged further clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League. United remain a point clear of their neighbours after a 1-0 win over West Ham at Old Trafford.

Robin van Persie's goal after just 31 seconds was all Alex Ferguson's side needed to take maximum points. But City have kept pace with the league leaders after a two-nil win over Wigan at the DW Stadium. After another below-par performance during the opening period, the defending champions took charge during the second-half with goals from Mario Balotelli and James Milner.

Tottenham have leap-frogged Everton and Arsenal into fifth after a 2-1 win over Liverpool at White Heart Lane. Early goals from Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale put Spurs in control - despite a second-half own goal from Bale.

Everton and Arsenal cancelled each other out in a one-all draw at Goodison Park. Theo Walcott gave Arsenal the lead in the opening minute, but the home side equalised through Marouane Fellaini.

Despite being held to a scoreless draw by Fulham, Chelsea have regained third place in the table after West Brom suffered a 3-1 defeat in Swansea. That draw at Stamford Bridge, means that Chelsea's winless league run now stand at six games - equalling their worst run since 2010.

Southampton stay in the drop zone after a one-all draw against Norwich, while Irish international Jonathan Walters got one of the goals for Stoke as they came from behind for a 2-1 win over Newcastle.


In the SPL, Celtic have gone a point clear at the top after a four-nil win over Hearts at Tynecastle.

But Pat Fenlon's Hibs are back up to second place behind Celtic after a 1-0 win over St Johnstone.

In the Championship, Bolton upset their hosts, Blackburn by two goals to one at Ewood Park.


RUGBY

David Clavin and Rob Connor are injury worries for Tullamore ahead of their Leinster League Division One A trip to Wanderers this Saturday

Tullamore go into the game on the artifical pitch at Lansdowne Road with a 10 point lead at the top of the table

Kick off will be 2.45

On Sunday afternoon,

Portlarlington travel to Clondalkin in Division One B, a win for Port would move them into the the top four

There's a Midlands derby in 2A as Roscrea welcome Portlaoise to Streamstown, 5th place Mullingar are away to basement side New Ross

It's fourth against second in Division Three as the Midland Warriors welcome Birr to Moate while The West Offaly Lions host Tallaght

All of Sunday's matches are at 2pm


New Zealand have made three changes to the side that beat Wales for Saturday's clash with England at Twickenham.

Fly-half Dan Carter has recovered from a calf injury and replaces Aaron Cruden,

Brodie Retallick and Keven Mealamu come into the side for Luke Romano and Andrew Hore - who is suspended.


FORMULA ONE

It's thought Ferrari are considering an appeal against the result of Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix that could alter the outcome of this year's formula one world championship.

The Italian team are reportedly looking over footage that appears to show championship winner Sebastian Vettel making illegal overtaking manoeuvres in the race.

If Ferrari appeal and are successful, Vettel could be pushed down to eighth place in the GP - handing the title to Fernando Alonso.


BOXING

Mullingar's John Joe Joyce is the big attraction at the Rylane and An Garda Síochána Boxing clubs card in Cork on Saturday evening

Former Olympic welterweight Joyce well represent the Gardai against Polish fighter Karol Ozimkowski

Triple J's brother Davey will also box on the card


CRICKET

Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has announced his retirement from international cricket.

The Aussies leading run scorer of all-time will quit the game after the final Test of their series with South Africa - which gets underway in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Ponting says his recent performances convinced him it was time to call it a day.


RACING

Forpadydeplasterer and Grand National runner-up Oscar Time will tussle at Thurles this afternoon

They both run in the renewal of the Glen Chase which is the feature of a six-race all chase card.

The action begins at 12.30pm and the going is heavy.


AND FINALLY

Westmeath journalist Gerry Buckley will launch his latest book 'Lakeside Legends' at Mullingar's Annebrook House Hotel at 8.30 this evening

The book, costing 10 Euro, will be on sale at the launch.

It contains 504 pages of facts, figures and team photographs relating to Westmeath hurling and football

Read More

Schools GAA results

Mountmellick Community School have advanced to the second round of the North Leinster Post Primary Schools C Senior Football with a 5-12 to 2-4 win over Clonaslee Vocational School

It's been confirmed that Pairc Ciaran, Newtown Cashel will host the Leinster Vocational Schools Inter County Football match between Longford and Offaly this Friday evening with a throw in time of 6 O'Clock

Offaly defeated Longford at the same stage last year 

Read More

Combined Counties Football League Fixtures Week 17

Friday November 30^th

Senior Division

Willow Park v Arlington; 8.00; Willow Park Athlone; P Nolan, I Stacey, K Ronan

Saturday December 1^st

All games 2.30 unless stated

Umbro FAI Youths Cup 2^nd Round

Boyne Rovers v Killavilla Utd; Time TBA, Drogheda; Local

Edenderry Town v Ratoath Harps; 6.30; Fr Paul Park Edenderry; A Dunne

Tullamore Town v Green Hills Boys; 2.00; Leah Victoria Park Tullamore; S Lowry 

Under 17 Division

Longford Town v Daingean Town; Flancare Park Longford; K Ronan

Rosenallis (Prov) v St Aengus; The Grove Rosenallis; S Tuohy

Emo Celtic v Mullingar Athletic; Community Centre Emo; D Moran

Willow Park v Portlaoise; Willow Park Athlone; P Tone

Idle; Portumna

Under 18 Division

Gallen Utd v Portlaoise; Brosna Press Park Ferbane; P Pardy

Mullingar Athletic v Derry Rovers (Prov); Gainstown Mullingar; D Toland

Newbridge Town v Abbeyleix Ath; 3.00; Station Road Newbridge; Local

Idle; Birr Town

Under 19 Division

St Peters v Mullingar Athletic; McCarthy Park Athlone; A Sherlock

Ballinahown v Mountmellick Utd (Prov); Sports Park Ballinahown; C McFadden

Idle; Clongowes

John Farrell Combined Counties Cup 2^nd Round

Grange Utd v Horseleap Utd (Prov); 2.00; Rathcarn Park Mullingar; L Buckley

Division 1 Saturday

Ballymahon v Mullingar Town B (Prov); Tara Park Ballymahon; M Buckley

Camlin Utd v Melville Celtic (Prov); The Mall Longford; U Beaumont

Dynamoe Rooskey (Prov) v Mostrim Utd (Prov); Quinns Field Rooskey; P Murphy

Inny FC v Boro Celtic; Parish Park Streete; A Martin

Division 3 Saturday

Granard Celtic v Longford Wanderers (Prov); Parish Park Granard; J McCrossan

Colmcille Celtic v Spartak Granard; The Rock Aughnacliffe; D Foran

Carrickboy Celtic (Prov) v Ballymahon B; Carrickboy Co Longford; T Maloney

Idle; Rathowen

Premier Division

Derry Rovers (Prov) v Abbeyleix Ath; 7.00; Brians Park Edenderry; P Geoghegan

Sunday December 2^nd

All games 11.00 unless stated

O ' Neills John Farrell Combined Counties Cup 1st Round
Moate Celtic v Portlaoise; The Dandywell, Moate; G Burke

John Farrell Combined Counties Cup 2nd Round
Birr Town v Newtown FC (Prov); 12.00; Frank O'Connell Park, Birr; C McDermott
Clonmore Utd v Noreside Celtic (Prov); Community Centre, Boora; B James
St.James v CK Utd (Prov); Ballincard House, Fivealley,Birr Road; B Kelly

Senior Division
St. Peters v Mullingar Athletic; 2.00; McCarthy Park, Athlone; A Lynch, E O’Riordan, E Dynan
Melville Utd (Prov) v Monksland Utd (Prov); 2.00; Sarsfield Park, Athlone; D McEnery, P Tone, G Burke
Clara Town A v Killavilla Utd; 2.00; Stanley O'Hara Park Clara; A Martin, M Buckley, R Goggin

Premier Division
Mullingar Athletic A v Stradbally Town A;Gainstown, Mullingar; T Cunningham
Willow Park B v Mullingar Town (Prov); Willow Park, Athlone; P Tone
Idle Edenderry Town A, Rosenallis A

Division 1

Highfield Utd v Clonbonny; Burkes Hill Birr; B James

Clonaslee Utd v Shinrone; Community Centre Clonaslee; P Geoghegan

Temple Villa (Prov) v Gracefield Ath; Villa Park Mount Temple; D Tone

Tullamore Town v Ballinahown; Leah Victoria Park Tullamore; A Fitzsimons

Division 2

Raharney v Birr Town B; Higginstown Raharney; OFF

Killeigh Ramblers v Dynamoe Town (Prov); McCormacks Field Killeigh; D Bryant

Gentex v Coolraine; Leisureworld Athlone; A Sherlock

Idle; Walsh Island, Edenderry

Division 3A
Ballybrittas v Emo Celtic, Rath, Ballybrittas; A Dunne
Raheen FC (Prov) v Brosna FC; Raheen Village; M Kelly
Kilcormac Utd v Clonminch Rovers; Broughal Road, Kilcormac; OFF
Idle Daingean Town

Division 3B
Ericcsons Athlone (Prov) v Clonown Rovers; Tormey Villas, Athlone; E Dynan
Lawrencetown FC v Gallen Utd B;Lawrencetown, Co.Galway; D Toland
Frankford Utd v Melville Celtic B; Rear St.Cormacs Park,Kilcormac; OFF
Clara Town B v Banagher Utd; Stanley O'Hara Park, Clara; A Lynch

Division 4A

Rosenallis B (Prov) v St Aengus; The Grove Rosenallis; P Pardy
Stradbally Town B v C.R Forest; The Lawn Stradbally; C McFadden

Portlaoise Shamrocks v Tower Hill Rovers; Leisure Centre Portlaoise; L Buckley

Abbeyleix Ath B v Portarlington Town; FR Breen Park Abbeyleix; N Culleton

Idle; Mountmellick, Maryborough

Division 4B

Killoe FC (Prov) v Derry Rovers B (Prov); Ml Neary Park Longford; N Slevin

Eagles FC (Prov) v Kilcormac Utd B; Ex Rugby Grounds Roscrea Road Birr; R Goggin

St Carthages Ath v Clonmore Utd B; Rahan Desmene Rahan; U Beaumont

Monksland Utd B (Prov) v Clara Town C; Cushla Park Athlone; E O’Riordan

Women's Division
Tullamore Town v Clara Town; 2.00; Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore; A Fitzsimons
Idle Gallen Utd , Mullingar Athletic, Birr Town, Killeigh

Read More

Performance of the Week Shortlist

Our performance of the week shortlist

Portlaoise Ladies RFC - All-Ireland Division Two Champions
Portlaoise GAA - Leinster Club Football Finalists
Michael and Mary Mulhare (Portlaoise AC) and Linda Conroy (Mullingar Harriers) - Inter County Cross Country
Lough Lene Gaels - 6 in a row Westmeath minor camogie winners
Athlone GAA Under 21s - County finalists
Athlone Town U19s - Still top of Airtricty League
Tullamore Town: FAI Junior Cup win 
St Brigids GAA - 3 in a row Connacht champions 
Joe Ward - winning debut in World Series of Boxing 
Darragh Ryan (Mullingar hockey) - 2 saves in penalty flicks as Mullingar beat Clontarf in Railway Cup 
Ferbane Senior Cross country team - First senior county title in 35 years

Congratulations to all those shortlisted and we'll announce the winner at 1pm on Friday

Read More

Third Level League Final Tonight

IT Carlow face UL in the final of the Higher Education Division One Final this evening

Westmeath's Cathal Scally and Offaly duo Kieran McManus are part of the UL panel

While Offaly's Barry Harding, Sean Gardiner, Tom Carroll and Conor Clancy and Laois' Neil Foyle, Stephen Maher, TJ Lawlor and Paddy Keating are involved with IT Carlow

The match throws in at Ballykelly at 7.30

Read More

Wednesday morning headlines

SOCCER


Athlone Town are set to play a pre season friendly against League of Ireland champions Sligo, a game has also been lined up with Bohemians

New manager Roddy Collins is in the process of getting his first team squad together and is hoping to have four under 19 players involved next year

Collins says he's working on getting more fixtures arranged and will be looking at more players today




The draw was made last night for round five of the FAI Junior Cup

CCFL Premier Division side CK United, who won away to Ferns last Sunday, will have a home tie against Pearse Celtic

The winners of the Athlone derby between St. Peters and Willow Park will play host to Ballymun United

Should Crettyard get past Lions FC they'll have a home tie against Swinford/Westport/Manulla

City United await the winners of the fourth round tie between Rathangan United and Mullingar Athletic

If Tullamore Town make it through to the fifth round they'll be away to Regional United

Those fifth round ties will be played on weekend of December 8th and 9th

Aston Villa have clawed their way out of the Premier League relegation zone. Villa scored the only goal on a a drab night in the Premier League as they beat Reading at Villa Park. 

Paul Lambert's decision to leave record-signing Darren Bent out of his match-day squad looked to have back-fired up until the 80th minute when Christian Benteke powered home a header. 

The result sees Villa move up to 17th place in the table.

Harry Redknapp's arrival at QPR has failed to produce the instant success their fans were hoping for. 

QPR are still looking for their first victory of the campaign, but Redknapp's arrival in the dug-out saw them scratch-out a scoreless draw against Sunderland in the Stadium of Light.

Tonight leaders Manchester United host West Ham, Chelsea take on Fulham, Everton meet Arsenal, Southampton welcome Norwich, Stoke play Newcastle, Swansea meet West Brom, Spurs host Liverpool and Wigan take on Manchester City.

Last night Ireland striker Andy Keogh scored as Millwall beat Wolves 1-0 while Daryl Murphy was on the mark for Mick Mc Carthys Ipswich who beat Nottingham Forest 3-1.

In Scotland

Pat Fenlon's Hibernian travel to Saint Johnstone in the league tonight , if Hibs win and Celtic fail to beat Hearts at Tynecastle the Edinburgh side will go top. 

Inverness are level on points with Celtic following their 3-2 win over Aberdeen last night.

Ireland captain Robbie Keane has been named in the Major League team of the season. 

The 32-year-old scored 16 goals for LA Galaxy this season to help them to the Western Conference title and he'll be hoping to add to that total in the MLS Cup final on Sunday.

GAELIC GAMES 

Tyrone senior football manager Mickey Harte has reportedly axed several veteran All-Ireland winners as he prepares for next season.

The Gaelic Life magazine says that Harte has dropped 12 members of his 2012 squad, including Brian McGuigan and Owen Mulligan.

Sean O'Neill, John Devine and Davy Harte are among the other players that are believed to have been left out of the panel for 2013.



In the North Leinster Senior Football C this afternoon there's an all Laois tie between Mountmellick Community School and Rosenallis Vocational School at Rosenallis at 12.30pm

Yesterday afternoon Colaiste Naomh Cormac defeated Banagher College by 3-17 to 0-15 in the Leinster Vocational Schools Senior Hurling

And St Fergals Rathdowney lost 1-13 to 1-11 away to Colaiste Mhuire Johnstown



RUGBY UNION


Connacht rugby say they're determined to keep hold of Ireland forward Mike McCarthy

The 31 year old Buccaneers clubman is being linked with a switch to Leinster next season following eye catching performances in the Autumn Internationals

Connacht chief execuative Tom Sears says 'He is an intrinsic member of our squad who has come through our system here and we need to hold on to players like him'



Leinster head coach Joe Schmidt has confirmed that Brian O'Driscoll and Rob Kearney are expected back in action by mid-January.

The two Irish internationals have already been ruled-out of the Heineken Cup double-header against Clermont Auvergne, but they could return in time for rounds five and six against the Scarlets and the Exeter Chiefs.



Ulster captain Johann Muller could make a sooner than expected return for the province. The South African has been out of action since mid-October with ruptured thumb ligaments, but he's now in line to feature in this Sunday's Rabo Pro-12 game against the Scarlets.

Former captain Rory Best is hoping to be available for their Heineken Cup game against Northampton on December 7th. Stephen Ferris and Lewis Stevenson will miss that game against the Saints, but they're expected back in "another few weeks".

Courtney Lawes has been confirmed in England's 23-man squad for Saturday's autumn rugby union international against New Zealand.

The Northampton lock replaces Saracens' Mouritz Botha.

The only other change in the match-day party is the inclusion of uncapped Gloucester fly-half Freddie Burns in place of the injured Leicester man Toby Flood.



RACING

Today's racing is at Limerick with the first off at ten to one

The ground is soft, soft to heavy in places



AND FINALLY

Footballer of the year Karl Lacey has received a letter of congratulations from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Donegal defender Lacey, whose dad hails from Luggacurren in Laois, is a Gunners fan and tweeted a scan of the letter last night

Wenger praised the All-Star's commitment and stated he hopes to see trophies at the Emirates soon

Read More

FAI Junior Cup 5th Round Draw

The draw was made tonight for round five of the FAI Junior Cup

CCFL Premier Division side CK United, who won away to Ferns last Sunday, will have a home tie against Pearse Celtic

The winners of the Athlone derby between St. Peters and Willow Park will play host to Ballymun United

Should Crettyard get past Lions FC they'll have a home tie against Swinford/Westport/ Manulla

City United await the winners of the fourth round tie between Rathangan United and Mullingar Athletic;

If Tullamore Town make it through to the fifth round they'll be away to Regional United

Those fifth round ties will be played on weekend of December 8th and 9th


FAI UMBRO JUNIOR CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW

Thurles Town v O' Deveney Dunard FC
Athenry FC v OLBC FC
Terenure FC or Butterkrust FC v Rockmount FC or Park United
Killylough FC or Glenea United v Sandyford Utd.
Richmond FC v Kilmacrennan Celtic or Keadue Rovers
Moville Celtic v St. Pats CY or East Wall Bessborough
Corrib Rangers v Sheriff YC or Corduff FC
Villa FC or Tramore Athletic v Newcastle West FC
Ringsend Rovers v Mallow United or Doolans or Ringmahon Rangers
Cappry Rovers v Glen Celtic or Innishvilla FC
Regional United v Tullamore or Ardee or Whyteleaf or Trinity Donaghmede
CK United v Pearse Celtic
Broadford United or Killarney Celtic v Griffith Rovers or Hartstown Hunstown FC
North End United or Bridge United v Janesboro FC
Roscommon/Ballinasloe/Ballisodare v Kilnamanagh FC
Fermoy FC or Glen Celtic B v Carrick Utd or Ferrybank FC
Avenue United or Killarney Athletic v TEK
Kilumney United or Glenthorn Celtic v Clonmel Celtic or St. Michael's FC
Phoenix FC or Clondalkin Celtic v Clonmanny Shamrocks FC
Arra Rovers v St. Kevin's Boys
Partry/Claremorris/Ballina Town v Kilbarrack United
Nenagh Celtic v Pike Rovers
Fairview Rangers v carew Park FC
St. Peter's or Willow Park v Ballymun Utd
St Brendan's Park v Kingswood FC
Lions FC or Crettyard FC v Swinford/Westport/Manulla
City United v Rathangan United or Mullingar Athletic
Rosegreen Rangers v Castlebar/Clew Bay/Iorras Aontaithe
Clonmel Town v Moyne Rangers
Courtown Hibernians v Collinstown
College Corinthians or Douglas Hall v Cherry Orchard
Duleek FC or Bellurgan United v Mungret Regional

Read More

AIT student on Irish Cross Country Team

Athlone Institute of Technology student, John Travers, has qualified for the Irish team to compete in the u23 European Cross Country Championships in Budapest.

The Drimnagh man is in second year of the Higher Certificate in Sport and Recreation at AIT and is a sports scholarship holder.

Travers secured the final spot on the Irish team at the Woodies DIY Inter-Counties and Juvenile Cross Country Championships at Tattersalls, Ratoath last weekend.

Having gone into the race as favourite, he had to stop at the half-way mark with very bad cramps. He quickly dealt with this issue and got the legs going again, by cutting through the field on the final lap to clinch the final spot.

Travers joints Laois siblings Michael and Mary Mulhare and Mullingar Harriers youngster Linda Conroy on the Irish team 

The European Cross Country Championships will be televised live on RTÉ, BBC and Europort on Sunday 9 December.

Midlands 103 will also have updates from Budapest on The Inside Line 

Read More

Schools GAA results

SCHOOLS GAA

Colaiste Naomh Cormac defeated Banagher College by 3-17 to 0-15 in the Leinster Vocational Schools Senior Hurling this afternoon

St Fergals Rathdowney lost 1-13 to 1-11 away to Colaiste Mhuire Johnstown

Tomorrow's North Leinster Senior Football C match between Mountmellick Community School and Rosenallis Vocational School will now be played at Rosenallis at 12.30pm

Read More

Midlands 103 Performance of the Week Award

We're looking for your nominations for the best performance by a Midlands team or athlete in the past week.

Each weekend we'll pick a winner from your nominations and highlight their performance on our weekend shows In Play and The Inside Line.

At the end of the month we'll select a performance of the month and the winners will go forward for an award at the end of the year.

You can send nominations to sport@midlandsradio.fm, or by message on our facebook (midlands.sport) or twitter (@MidlandsSport) pages

Read More

Mulhares and Conroy on Irish Cross Country team

Congratulations to Michael Mulhare and Mary Mulhare (both Portlaoise AC), and Linda Conroy (Mullingar Harriers) on their selection on the Irish Cross Country team for the Euros

Full team

Senior Women
Fionnuala Britton(Kilcoole AC)
Lizzie Lee (Leevale AC)
Ava Hutchinson (Dundrum South Dublin)
Linda Byrne( Dundrum South Dublin)
Sara Treacy (Moynalvy AC)
Sarah McCormack (Clonliffe Harriers AC)

Senior Men
Joe Sweeney (Dundrum South Dublin)
Michael Mulhare (Portlaoise AC)
Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham AC)
Brian Maher (KCH AC)
David Rooney (Raheny Shamrock AC)
Brendan O’Neill (Dundrum South Dublin AC)

U23 Women
Una Britton (Kilcoole AC)
Laura Behan (KCK AC)

U23 Men
Chris Johnston (Letterkenny AC)
Dave Fitzmaurice (Clonliffe Harriers)
Patrick Hogan (Ferrybank AC)
Sam Mealy (Crusaders A.C)
John Travers (Donore Harriers)
Shane Quinn (Ferrybank AC)

Junior Girls
Siofra Clerigh Buttner ( Dundrum South Dublin)
Linda Conroy (Mullingar Harriers)
Mary Mulhare (Portlaoise AC)
Claire McCarthy (Dundrum South Dublin)
Sara Collins ( Finn Valley AC)
Mary Ann O’Sullivan (Tinryland AC)

Junior Men
Stephan Kerr (Armagh AC)
Ian Guiden (Clonliffe Harriers)
Sean Tobin (Clonmel A.C.)
Killian Mooney (Dundrum South Dublin)
Eoghan Totten (Newcastle AC)

Read More

Monday headlines

GAELIC GAMES

Portlaoise and Ballymun Kickhams will contest the Leinster Club Senior Football Final in Mullingar on Sunday week

The game will be a repeat of the 1982 decider which was won by Portlaoise on the way to their All-Ireland title

Portlaoise were pushed all the way by Longford's Killoe at O'Moore Park yesterday with the men in black and white coming through by 1-11 to 2-5


Ballymun's Ted Furman found the net again as Kickhams won 1-8 to 0-5 away to Sarsfields in the other semi final

While St Brigids of Kiltoom are celebrating a third Connacht Senior Football title in as many years this morning

Kevin McStay's side defeated Mayo's Ballaghaderreen in yesterday's final


Kildare footballer Alan Smith will undergo a scan today on the knee injury he picked up during Sarsfields loss to Ballymun Kickhams


Thurles Sarsfields were crowned Munster Hurling champions after a 1-21 to 1-16 win over De La Salle.


The Leinster council have confirmed that the Ballyhale Shamrock and Oulart the Ballagh provincial semi final has been rearranged for next Sunday afternoon.

The game which was due to be played at Wexford Park yesterday has been fixed for 2 O'Clock at the same venue this Sunday.

Three Kilkenny sides will play at the same time as Clara and Thomastown will be involved in intermediate and junior provincial finals at the same time.


The Laois Under 21 Hurling Final requires a replay

Abbeyleix/Ballpickas and Borris In Ossory/Kilcotton were locked at 1-9 a-piece at the end of Saurday's Final at Ratheniska


Maryland/Tang and Athlone are set to contest the Westmeath Under 21 Football Championship 15 a-side Final

Maryland/Tang had an impressive 3-11 to 0-3 win over Caulry while Athlone defeated Coralstown/Kinnegad by 2-4 to 0-7

Castletown Geoghan have booked their place in the Under 21 Hurling Final with a 4-19 to 0-14 win over Cuchulainn


LADIES FOOTBALL

Tom McKitterick is the new Laois ladies football manager, replacing the outgoing Joe Higgins

McKitterick led Timahoe ladies to a Leinster title and will be assisted by selector
Gabriel Lawlor

Lawlor, father of last year's Laois captain Tracey, is a former selector to Mick O'Dwyer and the Laois men's team that won Leinster in 2003

Lawlor managed Laois to All-Ireland Minor titles and three in a row Leinster minor crowns


RUGBY

Portlaoise ladies rugby team are All-Ireland Women's Division Two champions

The Laois side defeated northern table toppers Queens by 15 points to 12 at Ashbourne in yesterday's final


Roscrea won the Leinster League Division Two A Midlands derby at Streamstown by 20 points to 15 against Mullingar


In Rabo Direct Pro 12 rugby

Munster are fifth in the table 2 points outside the semi final spots following last nights 13-6 defeat to the Scarlett's in Musgrave Park.

Niall Ronan went off injured in the first half with a neck injury however the coach says the injury is not as serious as it may have first looked.


SOCCER

CCFL Premier Division leaders CK United are into the fifth round of the Umbro FAI Junior Cup

Niall Kearns hit two goals while Brendan Bracken and Eddie Keenahan also found the net in a 4-0 away win against Ferns

Mullingar Athletic and Tullamore Town also advanced to round five, Athletic were 5-3 winners after extra time at Rathangan

While Tullamore won 3-1 against WFTA, MacDarragh O'Neill scored a brace before going off injured

The CCFL's Youth representative side suffered a 4-1 loss to the AUL in the FAI Youth Interleague competition

In the Senior Division, Clara Town went top of the table following a 2-0 win over Gallen United, Monksland beat Killavilla 4-0 and Mountmellick and Arlington drew two all


Under 19 National League leaders Athlone Town host Galway United Supporters Trust at 8pm this evening

New first team coach Roddy Collins will be attendance to assess the young players being coached by his assistant manager Micky Collins


West Ham are to face a Football Association investigation after their fans chanted anti-Semitic abuse at yesterday's Premier League game at Tottenham.

The away section could also be heard mocking a knife attack on Spurs supporters which happened before their midweek game against Lazio in Rome.

The FA will speak to both clubs and the Metropolitan police.


QPR manager Harry Redknapp's sent a no-nonsense message to his new players.

He's warning anyone not up to the battle of getting the club off the foot of the  League will be shipped out.

Rangers have been linked with a move for David Beckham when he leaves LA Galaxy.

But Redknapp insists that's not on his agenda right now.


ATHLETICS

Portlaoise's Mary Mulhare was crowned Women's Junior Champion at the Woodies DIY Inter County Cross Country Championships at Rathoath yesterday

Her brother Michael was second to Dublin's Joe Sweeney in the Men's Senior race as the competition heated up for places on the Ireland team for the upcoming European Championships in Hungary

Linda Conroy was second in the Women's Junior, Conroy and her Under 18 Girls Mullingar Harriers teammates were 2nd behind Dundrum in the team competition, Tullamore were 5th

The Mullingar Under 18 Boys team of Thomas Lynn, Ryan Blundell, Patrick Fagan, Eoin Lynam were also silver medalists

Mullingar Harriers finished 5th in the Under 16 Girls with Tullamore Harriers in 6th

Offaly were 10th in the Women's Seniors and 12th in the Seniors Men


GOLF

Rory McIlroy has thanked his fans for their support during 2012.

The World Number 1 completed a fantastic year yesterday winning the season ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

The 23 year old also added the US PGA Championship to his haul and collected nearly 6 million euro on the European tour, the Ulsterman says helping Europe to a Ryder Cup to a win over the USA in Chicago was also a high point.


MOTORSPORT

After securing a second world rally title in as many years Craig Breen has been voted World Rally Driver of the Year by the WRC.

The Waterford driver took 39 percent of the vote while Sebastien Loeb, who clinched his ninth World Rally title in 2012 only took  8 percent.


Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel has retained his Drivers Championship title.

The German finished sixth in the Brazilian Grand Prix in a race won by McLaren's Jenson Button.

Vettel's nearest challenger, Fernando Alonso was second but Vettel ended up 3 points clear in the final standings.


BOXING

Moate's Joe Ward made an impressive start to his World Series of Boxing career on Friday night

The European Light Heavyweight champion put in an assured performace as he defeated Imre Szello 50-45, winning every round in the bout

Joe's win helped the British Lionhearts to the win over Italia Thunder

However there was a loss on his Lionhearts debut for Mullingar's John Joe Nevin

The Olympic silver medalist was competing at a new weight class for him of 60kg and he lost on a split decision to Branimir Stankovic


BASKETBALL

Portlaoise Panthers back to winning ways

The Panthers defeated UL by 65 points to 42 in the Women's Baketball National League Division One on Saturday night


HOCKEY

Mullingar men's firsts have advanced in hockey's Railway Cup

It finished up three all after extra time against Clontarf at Tullamore Hockey Club and Mullingar advanced on penalty flicks  

Read More

CCFL Week 16 results

Combined Counties Football League Results Week 16

Umbro FAI Inter-League Cup
A.U.L 4, C.C.F.L 1;

Under 18 Division
Birr Town 1, Killavilla Utd 1;
Derry Rovers 1, Tullamore Town 3;

Umbro FAI Junior Cup 4th Round
Ferns Utd 0, C.K. Utd 4;
Rathangan 3, Mullingar Ath 5 aet;

O’Neill’s LFA Over 35 Cup
Mullingar Town 0, Patricial FC 1;

Combined Counties Shield 1st Round
Newtown FC 3, Horseleap Utd 2;
Monksland Utd 3, Raharney 2 aet;

Combined Counties Shield 2nd Round
Colmcille Celtic 3, Longford Wanderers 2;
Granard Celtic 4, Stradbally Town 3;
Clonminch Rovers 3, Daingean Town 2;
Abbeyleix Ath 0, Portlaoise 2;
Mountmellick Utd 1, Portlaoise Shamrocks 4;
Eagles FC 1, Ballybrittas 5;
Melville Celtic 3, Kilcormac Utd 2 aet;
Gallen Utd 1 (3), Banagher Utd 1 (2) aet;
Killoe FC 4, Clonown Rovers 1;
Raheen FC 7, St Carthages Ath 1;

Senior Division
Killavilla Utd 0, Monksland Utd 4;
Clara Town 2, Gallen Utd 0;
Mountmellick Utd 2, Arlington 2;

Premier Division
Rosenallis 2, Edenderry Town 0;
Birr Town 0, Abbeyleix Ath 1;

Division 1
Clonaslee Utd 4, Highfield Utd 0;
Temple Villa 4, Ballinahown 0;
Tullamore Town 2, Clonmore Utd 0;

Division 1 Sat
Dynamoe Rooskey 6, Inny FC 5;

Division 3B

Lawrencetown 1, Ericssons Athlone 2;

Division 4A
Portarlington Town 4, Rosenallis 4;
Tower Hill Rovers 1, St Aengus 2;

Division 4B
Clonmore Utd 0, Clara Town 0;

Womens Division
Mullingar Ath 3, Clara Town 0;
Birr Town 0, Tullamore Town 0;

Read More

‘The Beautiful Game: A Football Blog’

Dave McArdle

Manager Madness

Another day and another sacking in the Premier League. QPR this morning unsurprisingly confirmed the termination of Mark Hughes’ contract “with immediate effect”. The expensively assembled QPR side, bankrolled by Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, lie at the foot of the table as they have only been able to muster a meagre 4 points from 12 games played this season. The rumour mill is in overdrive today as to who will replace Hughes, with Harry Redknapp the overwhelming favourite to fill the role. Redknapp is said to be in advanced talks with the QPR board and could be confirmed as their manager in the coming hours. And so Sparky follows Robbie down to the Job Centre with his managerial career in tatters. Will he drop down the leagues to find employment again or will he drift, like so many others, into the managerial wilderness? We will have to wait and see. However, I would not bet against Harry Redknapp – as he has done so often in the past – instilling confidence in these QPR players and going on a run which sees them comfortably avoid relegation. Given the talent and the resources at his disposal, along with a board that will surely back him in the January transfer window, this job could be a very good fit for Harry and - assuming Redknapp takes the job and holds on to it for a couple of seasons – QPR could now finally be a club that is going places.

The other club which has been in the headlines this week is Chelsea. The managerial merry-go-round continues at Stamford Bridge as Rafa Benitez is the man Roman Abramovich has chosen to take the club forward and kick-start their stuttering season. Benitez’s first assignment could hardly be any more difficult – Chelsea face Man City at Stamford Bridge this Sunday in an intriguing game that could go some way to deciding where the title will end up in May. Rafa’s reign may well succeed or fail based on his relationship with Fernando Torres. If Benitez can return his fellow Spaniard to playing at somewhere near the level he did at Anfield, then Chelsea could have a real say in the title race this season. If not, Benitez may well find himself out of a job again in the summer.

Premier League Preview

Sunderland v West Brom (Saturday 12:45 -Live on Sky Sports 2)

Martin O’Neill will be looking for only his third league victory of the season at home to in-form West Brom. O’Neill will be able to call upon Craig Gardner after he served a one-game suspension last time out. Steve Clarke will have Gareth McAuley and Romelu Lukaku available once more after they missed the win over Chelsea last weekend. Youssouf Mulumbu and Ben Foster remain out for the Baggies.

Everton v Norwich (Saturday 3pm)

Everton will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Reading last week as they host Norwich at Goodison Park. Marouane Fellaini will miss out for the hosts after picking up a fifth booking of the season while Tony Hibbert and Kevin Mirallas could feature. Darron Gibson and Phil Neville remain sidelined for the Toffees. Defender Michael Turner is described as “touch and go” for the Canaries while Chris Hughton will be hoping that John Ruddy and Russell Martin will be fit enough to feature.

Man Utd v QPR (Saturday 3pm – Live on Setanta Sports 1)

QPR will go to Old Trafford on Saturday without Mark Hughes and still searching for their first victory of the season. Sir Alex Ferguson will be demanding a return to winning ways for his side after their toothless performance against Norwich last time out. Wayne Rooney is fit again for the hosts following a bout of tonsillitis and Chris Smalling is once more available for selection - but the game comes too soon for Jonny Evans. QPR can welcome back Stephane M’Bia after suspension but Manchester United loanee Fabio is ineligible to face his parent club. Andy Johnson is on the long-term injury list for the R’s.

Wigan v Reading (Saturday 3pm)

Wigan will be looking to arrest a run of form that has seen them lose their last two as they host a Reading side who will be buoyed by their first win of the season last time out. Roberto Martinez is faced with his worst injury crisis since taking over the Latics with Ben Watson (broken leg) and captain Gary Caldwell (hamstring) the latest additions to an injury list which already includes Antolin Alcaraz, James McArthur, Albert Crusat, Ryo Miyaichi and Franco Di Santo. Reading welcome back Jimmy Kebe and Alex McCarthy but the game will come too soon for Jem Karacan and Danny Guthrie.

Stoke City v Fulham (Saturday 3pm)

Martin Jol’s Fulham travel to the Brittania to face a Stoke side that have not lost at home since February. The Cottagers will be looking for an unlikely victory which would help them push towards the European spots. Tony Pulis will have Dean Whitehead available again after suspension. Full-back Andy Wilkinson is a doubt while Michael Owen, Rory Delap and Marc Wilson remain sidelined for the Potters. Martin Jol will be without several of his first team regulars as Alex Kacaniklic, Bryan Ruiz, Brede Hangeland, Simon Davies and Karim Frei are all expected to miss out. However, Mahamadou Diarra and Chris Baird are back in contention for the Cottagers.

Aston Villa v Arsenal (Saturday 5:30 – Live on ESPN)

Aston Villa will be looking for a result to drag themselves out of the relegation places as they welcome the Gunners to Villa Park. Paul Lambert will have to once more do without the services of Joe Bennett, Chris Herd, Richard Dunne, Charles N’Zogbia and Darren Bent. Arsene Wenger can welcome Kieran Gibbs and Gervinho back to the fold but Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky, Andre Santos and Theo Walcott will miss out for the Gunners.

Swansea v Liverpool (Sunday 1:30 – Live on Sky Sports 1)

Brendan Rodgers returns to former club Swansea in Sunday’s lunchtime kick-off looking to extend Liverpool’s unbeaten run to eight. Michael Laudrup has doubts over the fitness of Ki Sung-Yeung, Kyle Bartley and Chico while Michel Vorm, Neil Taylor, Andrea Orlandi and Leroy Lita will definitely miss out. Brendan Rodgers has no new injury concerns – Lucas is back in training but the game is expected to come too soon for him to feature – and he will continue to be without Martin Kelly and Fabio Borini.

Southampton v Newcastle (Sunday 3pm)

Southampton will be hoping to build on a priceless victory over QPR last time out as they welcome Newcastle to St.Mary’s. Nigel Adkins has very few injury concerns as only Frazer Richardson and Richard Chaplow are unavailable for the Saints. Alan Pardew, on the other hand, has plenty of worries on the injury front – Shola Ameobi and Papiss Cisse are doubts for the Toon while Johan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa, Ryan Taylor, Dan Gosling and Haris Vuckic are certain to miss out.

Chelsea v Man City (Sunday 4pm – Live on Sky Sports 1)

Rafa Benitez takes charge of Chelsea for the first time as they welcome league leaders Manchester City to Stamford Bridge in Sunday’s big game. Chelsea will be looking for a victory which would see them cut the gap on City to just one point. Benitez will be without stalwarts John Terry and Frank Lampard for his first game in charge while it will be fascinating to see if he returns Fernando Torres – the man he signed for Liverpool – to the starting line-up. Roberto Mancini will have to do without Micah Richards while Vincent Kompany, Gael Clichy, Jack Rodwell and Mario Balotelli will all hope to shake off knocks in order to be available for selection.

Tottenham v West Ham (Sunday 4pm)

Spurs welcome West Ham to White Hart Lane hoping for a victory which would help to erase the memories of their 5-2 mauling against North-London rivals Arsenal last time out. Andre Villas-Boas should have Moussa Dembele and former Hammer Scott Parker available as they make their comebacks from injury while Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor begins a three-game suspension after his red card against Arsenal. Sam Allardyce will have to do without record signing Matt Jarvis while there is a doubt over the fitness of Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun.

Fantasy Football

After a set of tips last weekend that are best forgotten, I will once more try to provide some pointers to those of you who, like me, have an unquenchable thirst for fantasy football. I was stung last week by Robin Van Persie who produced his first 2-pointer of the season at Carrow Road. But when you fall, you gotta get back up and I’m backing RVP again this week by handing him the armband – surely at home to a managerless QPR Van Persie has to produce? I certainly hope so! If Van Persie is the overwhelming favourite for the armband in Gameweek 13, there are some other contenders in the mix also: Nikica Jelavic (at home to Norwich), Wayne Rooney (home to QPR), Steven Fletcher (home to west Brom), Jermain Defoe (home to West Ham) and the league’s leading marksman Luis Suarez (away to Swansea) all look like viable captaincy alternatives to the Dutchman.

Only one of my three clean sheet picks worked out last time but I’ll try again. This week, I have chosen Everton at home to Norwich (Leighton Baines owners will be hoping for returns at both ends of the pitch), Man United at home to QPR (Rafael looks the main contender for attacking points and a clean sheet here) and Stoke at home to Fulham (Stoke are extremely strong at the Brittania and Geoff Cameron is a relatively inexpensive route into the Potters defence).

In relation to transfers, I have decided to bank my transfer so I can do two free transfers next week but in terms of targets for the next few games, Sunderland look appealing. In the next four gameweeks they face West Brom (H), QPR (H), Norwich (A) followed by double Gameweek 16 home games against Chelsea and Reading. And so, a punt on striker Steven Fletcher or a member of the Sunderland defence (Simon Mignolet or Carlos Cuellar look good options) could be a profitable transfer for the weeks ahead. Also worth considering for transfers in are Manchester United who, even in spite of the Gameweek 16 clash with Man City, have very strong fixtures in the next few weeks: QPR (H), West Ham (H), Reading (A), Man City (A), Sunderland (H), Swansea (A). And so, a punt on Rafael, Antonio Valencia, Wayne Rooney or RVP could well deliver lots of points over the next few weeks. Tottenham also could be considered – with four home games (against West Ham, Liverpool, Swansea and Stoke) in the next six, Spurs could be set to deliver some big hauls. Gareth Bale is the obvious choice here but Jermain Defoe is an alternative (Adebayor will sit out the next 3 games with suspension) while Jan Verthongen offers the potential for both clean sheets and attacking returns.

Have a great weekend folks and I’ll be back on Monday with a look at the CCFL as well as the weekend’s action.

You can follow Dave McArdle on Twitter @DaveMidlands103

Read More

Gibbons performs well in France

Athlone's Brendan Gibbons has preformed well on his European senior debut

The teenager clocked a time of 3 minutes 57 in the 400 metres as he finished 35th in the heats in France

And as part of the 4x50 relay team alongside Brendan Hyland, Cian Duffy and David O'Sullivan they set a new Irish Junior record of 1 minute 47, that was good enough for 11th place

Sycerika McMahon has qualified for this evenings semi finals of the 50 metre breaststroke

The Olympian finished her heat in an Irish record time of 30 point 88 seconds.

Read More

Rugby team news

Athlone's Robbie Henshaw starts at full back for Conancht's Rabo Direct Pro 12 trip to Newport Gwent Dragons tomorrow

Captain Gavin Duffy returns to the team and will start on the left wing

Henshaw's Buccaneers clubmate Mick Kearney starts in the second row for the 7 O'Clock kick off at Rodney Parade

Mullingar's Conor Gilsenan will captain Leinster A against Connacht Eagles at the Sportsground tomorrow evening.

Birr's Shane Delahunt and Laois' Eoghan Masterson are among the replacements.

Tom Denton continues his return from injury with a start in the second row.

Read More

Gilroy in for Ireland

Ulster winger Craig Gilroy's hat trick performance against Fiji has been rewarded with a start against Argentina on Saturday afternoon 

Gilroy replaces his clubmate Andrew Trimble in the only change from the side that lost to South Africa 

That means another start for once Buccaneers and now Connacht forward Mike McCarthy in the second row

Backs: Simon Zebo, Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Gordon D’Arcy, Criag Gilroy, Jonny Sexton, Conor Murray;  

Pack is Cian Healy, Richardt Strauss, Mike Ross, Donnacha Ryan, Mike McCarthy. Peter O'Mahony, Chris Henry, and captain Jamie Healsip. 

Read More

Leinster Club Hurling Final on December 2nd

The Leinster Club Hurling Final will be played on December 2nd. 

Oulart the Ballagh had requested for the provincial decider to be put back to December 9th but that request has been turned down.

Offaly champions Kilcormac Killoughey will play Oulart or Ballyhale in the final. 

Read More

Lowry ill ahead of DP World Tour Championship

Offaly's Shane Lowry has taken ill in Dubai.

He's due to play the DP World Tour Championship tomorrow - where he's down to tee off at 6.45 alongside Marcus Fraser.

Shane is understood to be suffering from a virus and has attended hospital where he was placed on a drip for a number of hours this morning.

He's said to be feeling better following treatment and his expected to take part tomorrow.

Lowry is currently 23rd on the Race to Dubai standings.

Read More

Ollie Campbell Interview

Lions and Ireland rugby legend Ollie Campbell spoke to Will O'Callaghan on Midlands Today yesterday ahead of his visit to Athlone

Read More

“The Hard Yards “by Podge O’Donnell

Ireland v Argentina – Could this be the changing of the guard?

There is no doubt that we are either currently entering or about to enter a major period of change in the
make-up of the Irish rugby squad. For all that witnessed last Saturday’s game in Thomond Park, it was clear to see that we have a crop of players not really featuring at International level that could/should or at least can, come into the team and do job or possibly a better job!

Ireland did themselves justice against South Africa, but that is no longer good enough. The Irish team looked
stale in attack and could not close off the game, even with a convincing lead at half time. I fear the worst this
Saturday too. The Argentineans are a team on the up. They have performed admirably in the inaugural Rugby Championship against the three best teams in the world. Those matches will add another dimension to a notoriously tough Argentinian pack and with the mercurial former Co. Carlow clubman, Dr Filipe Contepomi out injured, the Pumas will be looking to add to their scalp of the Welsh.

Declan Kidney went with the tried and trusted for the opening game of the series and will probably do similar
on Saturday in Lansdowne Rd (Aviva to the non-purist). I for one hope that last Saturday’s outing against the Fijian’s struck a note with the Irish coaching staff. The freshness that the Irish team played with was a joy to watch. Craig Gilroy, Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall, Ian Henderson and the slightly older Darren Cave and Paul Marshall held their hands up high for selection this week. If the jury was out on whether these young players are good enough to step up, well the answer has to be yes now.

I am not advocating wholesale changes to the Irish team, this would be foolish. However, I believe form
players need to be included and freshening things up may also add some life to the old guard. I am also not
saying that Kidney is not trying to develop players and bring younger talent through. He is, but I think his hands are tied slightly by HQ. Players like Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Micheál Bent, Zebo and of course Strauss have all been give their chance. It is going to be hard not to include the likes of Gilroy, Henderson, Jackson and the Marshall’s in the coming months. One must also hold their hands up to the work that is being done in developing players up in Ulster. For me Saturday was a tribute to this work. The Leinster Academy is churning out class players too but they seem to grab all the headlines. Ulster is producing fantastic players and I take my hat off to them, as are all the provinces academies it must be said!

Throw into the mix other academy graduates Tiernan O’Halloran in Connacht and Felix Jones in Munster
(if ever fit), Dave Kearney and Ian Madigan of Leinster. I believe these few names are also of international
standard and can step up. The future of the Irish backline looks good to me!

“The New Kids On The Block”


Paddy Jackson looked on Saturday as if he was very capable of backing up Jonny Sexton. Granted that it was only against Fiji, but he couldn’t have done any more than he did. Ronan O’Gara is a sure bet to back up Jonny Sexton in the World Cup, but to me he looks well past his best. The best thing for Irish rugby would be to develop the next Jonny Sexton as he is now well into his prime at 27.



Luke Marshall surprised me, this time last season he was cutting his teeth at AIL level for Ballymena. Even this season he hasn’t cemented a place in the Ulster team. Putting this aside he has all the raw skills to be a class act at 12. Marshall showed a lovely handling skills and awareness for space for a big man; he also has a kicking game that can take the pressure off the out half when required. Without a doubt D’Arcy is on the way down unfortunately and Marshall if he can build on Saturday looks like a real find by Kidney, granted he has gambled on a player who hasn’t nailed down a spot at provincial level as yet. Credit must go to Kidney for taking a punt on this selection!



Craig Gilroy is the real deal! In any other nation he would have 20 caps by now. He reminds me of a young
Corey Jane. This could be both good and a bad thing that he hasn’t 20 caps, but we have on our hands a real talent. Gilroy is blessed with explosive speed and magic feet. Gilroy has been in the Ulster team for almost two full seasons now and his time really is now to play for Ireland. We have as it stands Bowe and Trimble on our wings. This is ok but Trimble is limited and Gilroy would add some real cutting edge. Kidney has decided that Zebo is a full back. This for me is a major gamble as he is expected to learn at the highest level. Gilroy could have stepped in against the South African’s as he was a standout in this position at Irish U20’s level, but this was never likely.



Darren Cave and Paul Marshall are slightly older than the previous mention at 25 & 27 respectively, their
time has to be now if it is ever going to be. Kidney went with Earls against South Africa and will do the same
this Saturday. He has also mentioned Bowe in the 13 slot and has looked at but has drifted away from Fergus McFadden, as the heir to O’Driscoll. Cave showed Saturday and has showed for a long time that he is a natural talent I think he should be in the pole position for the 13 jersey as he is the only player playing in this position week in week out at club level. Marshall is unlucky that Ruan Pienaar is in these parts of the world.

Marshall may have missed the boat at international level at 28 but for me is a serious operator and can really
add impetus and pace to the Irish backline. He has a better pass than Murray and I would say a better break.

What Murray does have is size and presence, but for me this shouldn’t be a decider for Kidney, the man who developed Peter Stringer into an international class number 9 surely knows what the skill set for a scrum half is, with the speed of delivery a key skill requirement.

There are other players too putting their hands up and knocking on the door for international honours. It
looks like these players will have to settle for Wolfhound selection in the coming months. The likes of Tiernan
O’Halloran, Kieran Marmion, Dave McSharry and Robbie Henshaw are all young and having fine seasons in
Connacht. The problem here seems to be the word Connacht. Excuse my bias. While in Leinster Dave Kearney,

Andrew Conway and Ian Madigan all look like they can make the step up if needed. Munster’s Felix Jones
will feature as soon as fit. While watch out for J.J Hanrahan! He will feature if not this year but certainly
next season in the International mixing pot. Hanrahan can play equally as well at 12 or 10 and will overlap Ian Keatley in Munster before the season is out possibly. The future from 9-15 is safe.

Upfront we learned bits and pieces at the weekend of what we have coming through the ranks.

Ian Henderson the 20 year old blindside flanker/second row also from Ulster was the stand out player in the forwards for me last week. Henderson has the size and skills of the modern player and would add something different to what O’Callaghan is currently offering Ireland of the bench

While players like Dominic Ryan (When fit) and Jordi Murphy in Leinster also look like they have what it takes to step up to full international honours if they can get a clean run in the Leinster back-row. Paddy Butler in Munster is also making good strides in Munster in the number 8 jersey but may need a little more time.

Saturday will be interesting regardless of the result. If Ireland win with the “new kids on the block”or without,
the pressure is still on Kidney. If he wins using the “new kids” on the block, then I think he buys himself some
much needed breathing space! There is a lot on the line this weekend in terms of World Cup ranking points, so don’t be expecting too much in terms of changing of the guard!




Podge’s Ireland Team v Argentina

1. Healy
2. Strauss (Under duress)
3. Ross
4. McCarthy
5. Ryan
6. O’Mahony
7. Henry
8. Heaslip
9. Reddan
10. Sexton (c)
11. Earls
12. D’Arcy
13. Cave
14. Gilroy
15. Bowe

16. Cronin
17. Kilcoyne
18. Bent (Under less duress than Strauss)
19. Henderson
20. Ruddock
21. P Marshall
22. Jackson
23. Zebo

Some Reasoning Behind Selection:
- Bowe at 15 is simply a better bet than Zebo and adds experience-
- Sexton is a natural Captain in my view Heaslip not-
- Earls is best on the wing-
- Reddan & Sexton best half back partnership
- Marshall is better than Murray in my opinion-

Read More