Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Glenfield United Weekly Review: 18/11/2012

Nine Glenfield United teams were in action across Leicestershire this week, the biggest game being Glenfield United 2010 Under 14's game against Birstall CC at Gynsill Lane.

Prior to kick off, United were in second place in the Under 14G division, with Birstall a point and position behind. With league leaders Harborough not playing this weekend, the winners of the game would go top of the table.

It was the visitors who got off to the best start, taking the lead inside five minutes. Number 11 ran through on goal before firing a shot which the Glenfield 'keeper got a hand to but couldn't keep out.

The game was evenly balanced for the rest of the first half with both sides creating chances. Five minutes before half time, a second goal arrived for Birstall. A cross along the floor by number 9 was met at the far post by number 10 who had a simple tap in to double their lead.

With the first half finishied, the third goal of the game would be crucial. Another for Birstall would kill the game off, one for Glenfield would put them back in the game.

United started the second half well, and their early pressure was rewarded as Sam Leach fired into the bottom left corner.

The hosts could sense a comeback, and ten minutes later they found an equaliser. Dane Mace whipped in a corner which wasn't cleared by Birstall and in the goal mouth melee was poked hime by Alex Pullen.

The turnaround was complete 15 minutes from time, as another right wing corner was headed home by Lewis Goodyear.

Birstall pushed for an equaliser for the remainder of the game, but United held on to go top of the table, two points clear of Harbrorough, who do have two games in hand. Glenfield's next game is away to sixth placed Whetstone Juniors on Sunday.

Glenfield United Under 12 9v9 were in action at Ellis Park, as they welcomed league leaders Medbourne Juniors.

The best chance of the first half fell to United. A freekick from 20 yards was well hit but the Medbourne 'keeper made a good save.

But he made an even better save in the second half, as a long range strike looked set to be flying into the top corner, only for the 'keeper to tip the ball over with an outstretched arm.

It was a superb save to keep the score goalless, before Medbourne took the lead. Their number seven turned and shot from the edge of the area and the ball sneaked into the bottom corner.

That proved to be the only goal of the game, as Glenfield were unlucky not to score past an inspired performance from Medbourne's number one. They will be encouraged though that they more than held their own against a team who are top of the league and lost only once this season. Their next game is away to Cosby United on Sunday.

Finally, Glenfield United Tigers Under nine's were in action against Asfordby Under nine's. The visitors took the lead after six minutes with a strike from the edge of the area.

That lead was doubled five mnutes before half time with another long range shot, this time scored by number seven.

The second half saw Asfordby play a very attacking formation, which was rewarded with six more goals. Two goals from number nine were sandwiched by second goals for numbers four and seven, before the same two scored another goal apiece to get their hat-tricks.

Although the scoreline looked one sided, Glenfield played well throughout the match as they continue to start off playing competitve football for the first time.

Glenfield United results: Glenfield United Lions U9 0-4 Rugby Town Tigers U9, Glenfield United Tigers U9 0-8 Asfordby Amateurs, Melton Foxes 2009 U11 9v9 0-2 Glenfield United U11 9v9, Glenfield United U12 9v9 0-1 Medbourne Juniors U12 9v9, Glenfield United Under 14 2-5 Allexton & New Parks U14, Oadby Owls Tawnys U14 0-5 Glenfield United 2005 U14, Glenfield United 2010 U14 3-2 Birstall CC U14, Fleckney Athletic U18 8-0 Glenfield United U18

Monday, 12 November 2012

Glenfield United Weekly Review - 11/11/2012

There were two home games this Sunday at Gynsill Lane, on a day where we remember how grateful we are to the British soldiers that have fought and died for their country over the years.

A minutes silence was observed prior to Glenfield United 2005 Under 14's game against Oadby at 10:30 and then agan at 12:30 for the Under 7's Foxes game against East Goscote.

The Under 14's were looking to bounce back from a 3-2 defeat at Groby last week, and had the perfect opportunity against bottom of the table Oadby Owls Tawnys.

And the hosts took the lead after just three minutes. A lovely pass from midfielder Lochlan Murray found striker Luke Savage who cooly finished.

United doubled their lead inside the 20 minute mark. From a second consecutive corner Oadby failed to clear. A goalmouth scramble ensued before Jacob Watkins prodded the ball over the line.

Glenfield kept pushing for a third to put the game to bed, but had to wait until 15 minutes into the second half to get that goal. A cross into the box was headed away by an Oadby defender only into the path of Savage who shot past the 'keeper.

The scoring was complete with five minutes left. Another through ball found Murray one-on-one with the 'keeper before going round him and shooting into an empty net.

Glenfield remain seventh in the table with nine points from their seven games. Both teams meet again next weekend in the league cup.

The second and final game of the day saw Glenfield United Foxes Under 7's take on East Goscote.

The visitors took the lead after five minutes. A pass across the box found number five who had a simple tap in.

Glenfield kept pushing for an equaliser for the remainder of the half, but it was Goscote who got the important second with virtually the last kick of the first 20 minutes. A cross from number seven found number nine whose shot looped in.

Number seven then went from provider to goalscorer as he made it 3-0 with a shot which went in off the bar.

With ten minutes remaining, the visitors had a great chance to make it 4-0 with a penalty. However, number nine shot wide of the left hand post.

United then responded when they won a penalty of their own which Harrison Webb fired into the roof of the net to make the final score Glenfield United Foxes Under 7's 1-3 East Goscote Under 7's.

Glenfield United results: Glenfield United Foxes U7 1-3 East Goscote U7, Coalville Town Rooks U10 0-4 Glenfield United Tigers U10, Glenfield United U11 9v9 0-7 Markfield Colts, Thurmaston Magpies JFC U14 8-0 Glenfield United U14, Glenfield United 2005 U14 4-0 Oadby Owls Tawnys U14, Cosby United U14 1-2 Glenfield United 2010 U14

Friday, 9 November 2012

Leicester City v Nottingham Forest - Match Preview

The Foxes face their first East Midlands derby of the season as they host Nottingham Forest at the King Power stadium on Saturday lunchtime, a game broadcast live on Sky.

City were unbeaten in the four meetings last season, drawing twice in the league and again in an FA Cup Third Round tie before winning the replay 4-0.

A lot has changed for both teams since last season, most notbaly for the visitors who were the subject of a Kuwaiti takeover in the summer and are now managed by Sean O'Driscoll.

Leicester have some defensive troubles ahead of the 103rd meeting. Paul Konchesky will definitly missing after picking up a hamstring injury against Bolton on Tuesday, as will centre back Sean St Ledger. However, Zak Whitbread returns after his one match suspension.

Striker Jamie Vardy is also out, so Martyn Waghorn is expected to carry on alongside David Nugent up front.

Michael Keane, signed on loan from Manchester United on Monday, went off as a precaution on Tuesday night but should be ok, while fellow loanee Jesse Lingard is pushing for a starting berth.

Forest were dealt a blow this week when it was revealed midfielder Radoslaw Majewski would be out until at least the New Year with ankle ligament damage.

Adlene Guedioura is expected to replace the Polish international, with Henri Lansbury and Lewis McGugan also possible options.

Jermaine Jenas is out through injury, while Andy Reid, Dan Harding (both hamstring) and Simon Cox (foot) will have fitness tests.

Leicester captain Wes Morgan on facing his former club: "I spent a long time at Forest, and I have a lot of fond memories and good times there.

"One of the big regrets is that I was never part of a Forest side that reached the Premier League.

"Now I want to achieve that dream with Leicester. I came here because I wanted the challenge and we have a great chance this season.

Nottingham Forest manager Sean O'Driscoll: "I'm trying to put processes in place that will stand this club in good stead in the future. We’re just trying to be consistent in what we do.

"“We’re still forming as a team – the teams that are coming to the fore in the division, the likes of Cardiff and Leicester, have worked out that throwing around big money doesn’t necessarily work in the Championship.

“Having some financial strength helps but it’s the little things that don’t cost anything that are quite often the most important.”

Match Odds: Leicester (4/5) Draw (13/5) Nottingham Forest (100/30)

Leicester to win 3-1 (14/1) 0-0 Draw (10/1) Nottingham Forest to win 2-1 (12/1)

Andy King to score in 90 minutes (9/2) Billy Sharp to score first (15/2)

Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Glenfield United Weekly Review - 04/11/12

Seven Glenfield United teams were in action on what was the wettest weekend of the season so far.

Glenfield United Under 14's were in County Cup third round action, taking on Leicester Nirvana at Gynsill Lane. Only one league place separates both sides, with United bottom of division one and Nirvana top of the second division.

The deadlock was broken 10 minutes into the first half as United took the lead. A cross into the box was headed down by Sam Cufflin into the path of Charlie Royle who slotted past the 'keeper.

Three minutes later and the lead was doubled. A low cross into the box found Harry Moir who fired home from six yards.

Glenfield were playing confidently and could have further extended their lead inside 20 minutes, but Royle struck the post from a tight angle.

Nirvana looked set to pull a goal back on the half hour mark, but the score remained 2-0 thanks to superb defending from Ashley Kirk, blocking a shot on the goal line with his back whilst falling backwards.

The two goal lead remained until five minutes after the second half when Glenfield added a third. A through ball found striker Shiv Odedra who ran clear through the opponents half before rounding the 'keeper and scoring.

It was a very good goal and gave Glenfield complete control of the cup tie. Nirvana did pull a goal back on the hour mark though as number 17 shot into the bottom left corner on the edge of the area from a right wing cross.

But any hopes of a Nirvana comeback were absolutely dashed as two minutes from time, Royle added his second and United's fourth to book their place into the last 16 of the under 14's County Cup.

The final home game of the day saw Glenfield United Tigers Under 10's take on a Hamilton side who had won all three of their league games this season.

The visitors took the lead after five minutes. A left wing corner wasn't fully cleared and number 10 scored with a half volley.

United had the ideal opportunity to level the scores after ten minutes after they won a penalty. Striker Harry Noble stepped up after winning the spot kick but just missed the target, firing wide of the left hand post.

Hamilton responded with two quick goals just before half time. Firstly a right wing corner was met again by number 10, who this time struck the ball on the volley, to make it 2-0 before the same player got his hat-trick as a hit a first time shot into the bottom right corner.

A minute into the second half Hamilton got a fourth as he scored from a tight angle before number 10 scored his fourth and Hamilton's fifth. Good work from number five down the left wing saw him square the ball to the striker who slid in and scored into the bottom corner.

Despite the scoreline looking one sided, United had created chances throughout the match and got their reward with five minutes left as Noble unleashed a powerful shot from inside the box which gave the visiting 'keeper no chance.

However, it was Hamilton who had the final say as number seven made it 6-1 with a shot from the edge of the box into the top left corner. The result means Hamilton retain their 100% record with now four wins from four. Glenfield meanwhile, are sixth in the table with three points from their five games. The Tigers travel to Coalville Town next weekend who are a place above them in the early standings.

Glenfield United results: Kingsway Rangers 3-3 Glenfield United Lions U9, Glenfield United Tigers U10 1-6 Hamilton Youth U10, Sileby Juniors 2011 U11 9v9 1-1 Glenfield United U11 9v9, GNG U12 Lions 9v9 7-0 Glenfield United U12 9v9 (County Cup), Glenfield United U14 4-1 Leicester Nirvana U14 (County Cup), Groby Juniors U14 3-2 Glenfield United 2005 U14, Ibstock United Youth U14 1-2 Glenfield United 2010 U14.

Monday, 5 November 2012

Bolton Wanderers v Leicester City - Match Preview

Following two consecutive defeats, Leicester City will be desperate for the three points when they travel to Bolton on Tuesday evening.

The Foxes lost 2-1 at Watford on Saturday, but the trip to the Reebok offers the immediate opportunity to recover and get their promotion campaign back on track.

Despite many people's pre season favourites struggling in 17th in the table, Wanderers' home record is strong having only lost once and beating league leaders Cardiff on Saturday.

New manager Dougie Freedman, taking charge of his second game, will have to make do without striker David Ngog after he was sent off on Saturday. Kevin Davies, Marvin Sordell and Benik Afobe are all in contention to start.

Martin Petrov is also in contention to start after coming off the bench and scoring against Cardiff. Matt Mills is also likely to start, coming up against his former club.

Goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, defender David Wheater, midfielder Stuart Holden and young striker Josh Vela are all still absentees.

The Foxes will be without defender Zak Whitbread after the American was sent off in the defeat against Watford. But manager Nigel Pearson can welcome back right back Richie de Laet, meaning Liam Moore is likely to drop in at centre half alongside Wes Morgan.

Jamie Vardy may return if he recovers from the calf problem that saw him miss the trip to Hertfordshire, but may have to make do with a place on the bench.

Lloyd Dyer, Martyn Waghorn and Marko Futacs are all pushing for starts after coming off the bench on Saturday.

Bolton Wanderers manager Dougie Freedman (speaking after the win against Cardiff on Saturday): "I learnt today that this team can respond from setbacks and not just put their heads down when things aren't going right for them.

"We've got a group of players in there who are up for the challenge and this is a team that I think will play in the Premier League.

"It was difficult to take being 1-0 down at half-time, but it was a terrific response from our players after the break."

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson (speaking after the defeat against Watford on Saturday): "That is two games running (we have lost) which is something we need to rectify relatively quickly.
 
"But what I would say is as a group of players, so far this season they have been excellent.

"On the face of it, yes it has been a tough couple of games where we have not performed well as a team. But the reason for this is because we have too many players who are not quite hitting the very high standards of performance that they have hit so far this season."

Match odds: Bolton (7/5) Draw (12/5) Leicester (17/10)

Bolton to win 2-0 (11/1) Leicester to win 1-0 (9/1)

Friday, 2 November 2012

Watford v Leicester City - Match Preview

After defeat last Saturday, Leicester are looking to return to winning ways with a trip to Watford.

The 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace, the first home loss of the season and first defeat in eight matches, saw City surrender top spot to Cardiff and also saw the chasing pack close the gap.

Tomorrow they travel to Hertfordshire needing a win to stay in the top two, but Watford themselves are desperate for the three points after suffering two consecutive defeats against Cardiff and Blackburn.

Gianfranco Zola is set to welcome back midfielder Almen Abdi, but the match will come too soon for Geoffrey Mujangi Bia.

Nyron Nosworthy, Prince Buaben, John Eustace and Neuton will also be missing for the Hornets

Foxes manager Nigel Pearson will have to make one change as right back Richie De Laet is suspended, so Liam Moore will deputise.

Striker Jamie Vardy is also a doubt with a calf injury, with Martyn Waghorn likely to replace him if the former Fleetwood striker doesn't recover.

Neil Danns and Paul Gallagher could also feature for the first time this season, with both likely to have a place on the bench.

Watford manager Gianfranco Zola: "We have been working on not defending too deep and we did some things on that. We are going to try to do more on Friday.

"I have always been told that when you have a problem, it is solved when you realise you have a problem. We are aware of it and we are working on it, and will carry on doing so.

"It is not just down to us though, it is also a mentality. The tendency in this country when you want to defend safely, is to defend in your own box. It is a difficult thing to change but we are going to get there."

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "We’ll travel with 18 and he (Danns) will be one of them.

"We have a smallish squad and players that aren’t currently involved need to work very hard. If they are involved and get their opportunity, then the ball is in their court.

"I have no qualms about Liam coming back in for us, he’s done very well this season and good luck to him!”

Match odds: Watford (23/10) Draw (5/2) Leicester (11/10)

Watford to win 2-1 (10/1) Leicester to win 2-0 (9/1)

Troy Deeney first goalscorer (7/1) Andy King to score in 90 minutes (9/2)