Im Elmo and i know it! - A career across Europe

[Nobby_McDonald]

Surprising move. Good luck.

[acidmonkey]

August Update

Dromara Village 0 - 0 Linfield (Friendly)

Linfield were left deeply frustrated by a plucky Dromara Village outfit who withstood a ninety minute barrage to come away from Bell's Bridge with a 0 - 0 draw.

Linfield had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Man of the Match: Callum Swales (Linfield)

Attendance: 1,000

NK Olimpija Ljubljana 0 - 2 Linfield (EURO Cup 3rd Qual. Rnd)

NK Olimpija Ljubljana succumbed to a 2 - 0 loss in this evening's EURO Cup Third Qualifying Round clash at Sportni park Stozice.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Linfield were denied claims by Djordje Ranisavljevic for a penalty. Midfielder Mark McWilliams gave Linfield the lead with a fluke goal in the 19th minute.

Ranisavljevic completed the scoring for Linfield with a close range effort on 40 minutes. Things went from bad to worse for NK Olimpija Ljubljana as full-back Saso Koren earned himself an early bath for ungentlemanly conduct on 48 minutes.

Man of the Match: Harry Kane (Linfield)

Attendance: 15,673

Linfield 3 - 3 NK Olimpija Ljubljana (EURO Cup 3rd Qual. Rnd)

Linfield were held to a draw by NK Olimpija Ljubljana in a close-fought EURO Cup 3rd Qual. Rnd match played at Windsor Park.

Winger Mohd Firdaus Ahmad gave Linfield the lead with a towering header from close range in the 16th minute. Striker Matthew Clarke doubled Linfield's lead with an eighteen-yard screamer on 22 minutes.

McWilliams scored with a fierce effort from eighteen yards out in the 28th minute to extend the lead further. Olimpija captain Dino Hotic pulled one back for NK Olimpija Ljubljana after 49 minutes with an accurate finish.

Winger Gregor Zupancic pulled one back for NK Olimpija Ljubljana after 63 minutes with a good diving header from close range. Hotic went on to equalise for NK Olimpija Ljubljana after 67 minutes with an accurate finish.

Linfield therefore win 5 - 3 on aggregate.

Man of the Match: Dino Hotic (Olimpija)

Attendance: 15,052

Carrick Rangers 0 - 1 Linfield (Premier Division)

Linfield battled to a deserved 1 - 0 victory over Carrick Rangers on a hard and bouncy surface in their Northern Irish Premier Division game at Taylor's Avenue.

Linfield's winner came through Mohd Firdaus Ahmad as he seized on Johnny Lavery's mistake to score a penalty. With Carrick Rangers staring at defeat, there was controversy as midfielder Ray Coyle then had a penalty shout turned down.

Linfield had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Linfield in May 2029 and has been in charge for 3 months.

Man of the Match: Rob Dowridge (Linfield)

Attendance: 3,524

Linfield 2 - 0 Glentoran (Premier Division)

Linfield enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Glentoran side at Windsor Park this afternoon.

Striker Matthew Clarke gave Linfield the lead with an effort from the edge of the area in the 32nd minute. Linfield's Tommy Turtle received the red card for a professional foul with 45 minutes on the clock.

Young centre-back Rob Dowridge finally rounded off their victory on 45 minutes with a fine header from point-blank range.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Linfield in May 2029 and has been in charge for 3 months.

Man of the Match: Rob Dowridge (Linfield)

Attendance: 15,003

ADO Den Haag 2 - 1 Linfield (EURO Cup 4th Qual. Rnd)

Despite battling hard Linfield were unable to prevent a superior ADO Den Haag side coming away from Kyocera Stadion with a 2 - 1 victory.

Striker Matthew Clarke got Linfield off to a flyer by scoring a deftly executed finish on 3 minutes. Striker Jari Karring then equalised for ADO Den Haag in the 45th minute with a well executed finish.

Then followed controversy as ADO Den Haag were denied claims by Karring for a penalty. Centre-back Patrick Joseph scored what proved to be the winner on 72 minutes with a close range header.

Man of the Match: Patrick Joseph (ADO Den Haag)

Attendance: 11,616

Linfield 2 - 1 Ballyclare Comrades (Co. Antrim Shield 1st Rnd)

Linfield showed their superiority in a 2 - 1 victory over Ballyclare Comrades during their Northern Irish County Antrim Shield First Round game at Windsor Park, but they could and should have scored more. A brace from Marc Connor helped Linfield to victory.

Midfielder Marc Connor gave Linfield the lead with a close range effort in the 17th minute. Striker Robert Taylor then equalised for Ballyclare Comrades in the 46th minute with a real poacher's effort.

Connor scored what proved to be the winner in the 55th minute with a shot from eighteen yards out. Centre-back Ruaraidh Parker then summed up his team's performance by nearly gifting Linfield another goal on 80 minutes.

Man of the Match: Marc Connor (Linfield)

Attendance: 7,793

Linfield 1 - 0 ADO Den Haag (EURO Cup 4th Qual. Rnd)

Linfield turned this match on its head to gain a smash and grab victory at Windsor Park.

Linfield's winner came through Harry Kane as he seized on Brice Masengo's mistake to score a tap-in. With ADO Den Haag staring at defeat, there was controversy as centre-back Tuomas Kyllönen then had a penalty shout turned down.

Linfield win the tie on away goals.

Linfield were carved open a number of times but despite the ability of their opponents to create chances, they struggled to put them away.

Man of the Match: Jason Hill (Linfield)

Attendance: 15,499

Well not quite the explosive start to the season I was hoping, but I have managed to guide us into the group stage for the first time ever, I’m over the moon, I think I had an extremely lucky route into the group stage though and I’m hoping for an easy group so I can do well enough to get out of it, but I’m not holding much hope, I’m just praying I can use the money next season to buy some better players.

[BadManager]

I just caught up on this. The move to Northern Ireland is a surprising one.

Nice job getting Linfield into the group stage of the Euro.

[acidmonkey]

thanks for reading, there may be a big news story soon if things pan out the way it looks currently.....

[SRL88]

Woah!!! A massive change of scenary here. Nice job getting through in Europe .

[acidmonkey]

cheers, its all going to pot a bit

[acidmonkey]

September Update

Bangor 0 - 1 Linfield (Premier Division)

Linfield showed their superiority in a 1 - 0 victory over Bangor during their Northern Irish Premier Division game at Clandeboye Park, but they could and should have scored more.

Winger Mohd Firdaus Ahmad got Linfield off to a flyer by scoring an incisive finish on 4 minutes.

Linfield had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Linfield have notched up five straight wins and the title contenders occupy 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Callum Swales (Linfield)

Attendance: 2,586

Fussballclub RB Salzburg 2 - 1 Linfield (EURO Cup Grp F)

Despite battling hard Linfield were unable to prevent a superior Fussballclub RB Salzburg side coming away from FC Red Bull Salzburg Stadium with a 2 - 1 victory.

Striker Vakhtang Daraselia gave Fussballclub RB Salzburg the lead with a fluke goal in the 17th minute. Midfielder Marc Connor then equalised for Linfield in the 21st minute with a free kick from the edge of the area.

Then followed controversy as Fussballclub RB Salzburg were denied claims by midfielder Ondrej Jurcik for a penalty. Centre-back Jacaré scored what proved to be the winner on 74 minutes with a close range finish which was timed impeccably.

Midfielder Tomas Bielskis had a chance to score from the penalty spot for Linfield on the 77 minute mark but missed his spot-kick. Fussballclub RB Salzburg's Jacaré received the red card for a professional foul with 79 minutes on the clock.

Man of the Match: Jon Smart (Linfield)

Attendance: 40,508

Linfield 2 - 0 Dungannon Swifts (Premier Division)

Linfield enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Dungannon Swifts side at Windsor Park this evening.

Striker Djordje Ranisavljevic got Linfield off to a flyer by scoring a weak close range effort on 7 minutes. Dungannon Swifts were nearly gifted a goal on 45 minutes through Tommy Turtle's lapse in concentration but they failed to capitalise on the opportunity presented to them.

Linfield captain Jason Hill finally rounded off their victory on 59 minutes with a diving header from within the six-yard box.

Linfield have notched up six straight wins and the title contenders occupy 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Mohd Firdaus Ahmad (Linfield)

Attendance: 15,402

Cliftonville 0 - 1 Linfield (Premier Division)

Lady luck smiled on Linfield this afternoon as they somehow managed to snatch an unlikely 1 - 0 victory against Cliftonville.

Linfield captain Jason Hill got Linfield off to a flyer by scoring a tap-in after just one minute. Midfielder Sean Given saw a penalty beat the keeper but hit the post on the 20 minute mark.

Linfield's Jason Hill received the red card for a professional foul with 55 minutes on the clock. Linfield's Tommy Turtle received the red card for a professional foul with 63 minutes on the clock.

Linfield were carved open a number of times but despite the ability of their opponents to create chances, they struggled to put them away.

Linfield have notched up seven straight wins and the title contenders occupy 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Jon Smart (Linfield)

Attendance: 5,909

Well we are spot on in the league collecting plenty of points for us to keep within touching distance of the top, the Winnable game I first envisioned in the Europe league was a bust, its disappointing but I don’t expect to pick up any points as they were who I considered the weaker team in the group. Like I said league wise, its functional if not attractive wins on the domestic front will at least allow me another chance on the European front next season, im hoping to play some more tonight after the England match

[acidmonkey]

Been Dumped back to August because of a "game cannot load" issue ill only post the replacement results

[acidmonkey]

[acidmonkey]

November Update

Linfield 2 - 0 Portadown (Premier Division)

Linfield enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Portadown side at Windsor Park this afternoon.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Linfield were denied claims by Djordje Ranisavljevic for a penalty. Midfielder Marc Connor gave Linfield the lead with an incisive finish in the 33rd minute.

Striker Pak Ho-Ji finally rounded off their victory on 53 minutes with a simple finish from close in.

Linfield have notched up four straight wins and the title contenders occupy 4th place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Mark McWilliams (Linfield)

Attendance: 12,167

Linfield 4 - 1 Carrick Rangers (Premier Division)

An efficient performance from Linfield saw them run out 4 - 1 winners over Carrick Rangers at Windsor Park.

Winger Mateus gave Linfield the lead with a well timed finish from close range in the 19th minute. Midfielder Tomas Bielskis doubled Linfield's lead with a well struck effort from the edge of the box on 29 minutes.

Clarke scored with a placed shot from close range in the 47th minute to extend the lead further. Young centre-back Declan O'Donnell compounded the misery for Carrick Rangers on 55 minutes with an embarrassing own-goal. An error from Linfield's Rob Dowridge allowed striker Alan O'Neill to score a deftly executed finish.

Linfield have notched up five straight wins and the title contenders occupy 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Callum Swales (Linfield)

Attendance: 12,823

Juventus 3 - 0 Linfield (EURO Cup Grp J)

The underdogs of Linfield never threatened to cause an upset as they succumbed to a 3 - 0 defeat at Juventus Stadium. A brace from Mohamed Ragab helped Juventus to victory.

Experienced striker Patrick Lodter got Juventus off to a flyer by scoring a simple finish from close in on 4 minutes. Striker Mohamed Ragab doubled Juventus' lead with a well struck shot from inside the box which made sure on 44 minutes.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 61 minutes as that man Ragab popped up again with a well struck effort.

Man of the Match: Mohamed Ragab (Juventus)

Attendance: 37,055

Cliftonville 0 - 2 Linfield (Co. Antrim Shield Final)

A sturdy defence and a battling midfield display were the foundations upon which Linfield built their 2 - 0 victory over Cliftonville this evening.

Full-back Jon Smart gave Linfield the lead with a fluke goal in the 29th minute. Centre-back Tommy Turtle finally rounded off their victory on 78 minutes with a close range header.

Man of the Match: Tommy Turtle (Linfield)

Attendance: 24,374

Dungannon Swifts 0 - 1 Linfield (League Cup 3rd Rnd)

Linfield showed their superiority in a 1 - 0 victory over Dungannon Swifts during their Northern Irish League Cup Third Round game at Stangmore Park, but they could and should have scored more.

Linfield finally took the lead when full-back Jon Smart scored a well struck effort from the edge of the box on 45 minutes. Dungannon Swifts were nearly gifted a goal on 52 minutes through Gavin Gordon's lapse in concentration but they failed to capitalise on the opportunity presented to them.

Linfield had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Man of the Match: Jason Hill (Linfield)

Attendance: 1,345

Glentoran 0 - 2 Linfield (Premier Division)

An efficient performance by Linfield's players saw them confidently overcome a lacklustre Glentoran 2 - 0 at The Oval.

Striker Mark Hughes got Linfield off to a flyer by scoring a deftly executed finish on 3 minutes. Midfielder Mark McWilliams finally rounded off their victory on 7 minutes with a fierce shot.

Linfield have notched up six straight wins and the title contenders occupy 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Mark McWilliams (Linfield)

Attendance: 3,157

Linfield 3 - 0 Crusaders (Premier Division)

Linfield enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Crusaders side at Windsor Park this evening. A brace from Matthew Clarke helped Linfield to victory.

Striker Pak Ho-Ji gave Linfield the lead with a shot from eighteen yards out in the 27th minute. Striker Matthew Clarke doubled Linfield's lead with an accurate finish on 57 minutes.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 82 minutes as that man Clarke popped up again with an incisive finish.

Linfield have notched up seven straight wins and the title contenders occupy 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Matthew Clarke (Linfield)

Attendance: 14,716

Well a great month the only disappointment was the face we couldn’t fluke our a second win over Juventus as we were well and truly beaten, in the league 4 wins can’t get any better than that, 11 scored one conceded cant fault that we are slowly pushing further up the league and starting to get well and truly into the title race we need to keep pushing I want the title, I’m also happy we managed to win the county Antrim shield this year one trophy is good enough but there are other trophies to come I feel.

[deltablue]

The Huesca defeat seemed to knock you off your league stride briefly.

[acidmonkey]

December Update

Glenavon 1 - 3 Linfield (Premier Division)

An efficient performance by Linfield's players saw them confidently overcome a lacklustre Glenavon 3 - 1 at Mourneview Park.

Veteran striker Harry Kane got Linfield off to a flyer by scoring a deftly executed finish on 10 minutes. Midfielder Marc Connor doubled Linfield's lead with a real poacher's effort on 12 minutes.

McWilliams scored with an eighteen-yard screamer in the 17th minute to extend the lead further. Midfielder Magnus Mackenzie then summed up his team's performance by nearly gifting Linfield another goal on 76 minutes.

Centre-back Louie Young pulled one back for Glenavon after 87 minutes with a fine header from point-blank range.

Linfield have notched up eight straight wins and the title contenders occupy 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Harry Kane (Linfield)

Attendance: 2,361

Sociedad Deportiva Huesca S.A.D. 5 - 0 Linfield (EURO Cup Grp J)

Linfield didn't produce any surprises as they were heavily beaten by Sociedad Deportiva Huesca S.A.D. A brace from Frederic Gilson helped Huesca to victory.

An error from Linfield's Jason Hill allowed midfielder Babacar Müller to score an accurate finish. An error from Linfield's Jason Hill allowed striker Frederic Gilson to score a well timed close range finish. Gilson added his 2nd goal of the game with a powerful effort on 76 minutes.

Centre-back Tommy Turtle compounded the misery for Linfield on 80 minutes with an embarrassing own-goal. Midfielder Raúl Benítez completed the rout with a well struck shot from inside the box which made sure on 87 minutes.

Man of the Match: Frederic Gilson (Huesca)

Attendance: 9,844

Linfield 3 - 0 Institute (Premier Division)

Linfield enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Institute side at Windsor Park this evening. A brace from Tomas Bielskis helped Linfield to victory.

Institute's Colin Crace received the red card for a professional foul with 30 minutes on the clock. Bielskis scored from the penalty spot after Crace gave away a penalty. Institute were nearly gifted a goal on 48 minutes through Gavin Gordon's lapse in concentration but they failed to capitalise on the opportunity presented to them.

Bielskis was able to keep his composure to score from the spot after Walsh gave away a penalty. Veteran striker Harry Kane completed the rout with an accurate finish on 84 minutes.

Linfield have notched up nine straight wins and the title contenders occupy 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Kyle Hendry (Linfield)

Attendance: 12,179

Institute 2 - 2 Linfield (Premier Division)

Linfield fans came away from Riverside Stadium largely in good spirits after their match against Institute.

Midfielder Grant Hagen had a chance to score from the penalty spot for Institute on the 30 minute mark but missed his spot-kick. Institute's Ryan Jenkins however made the Institute fans forget the miss by scoring a tame effort from close to goal shortly after.

Centre-back Kaid Pengilley doubled Institute's lead with a close range header on 36 minutes. An error from Institute's Thomas McEvoy allowed striker Matthew Clarke to score a fierce effort from eighteen yards out. Young midfielder Tiarnán Sullivan suffered the agony of putting the ball into his own net after 48 minutes to deny his team the win.

Linfield are currently on a ten match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Kaid Pengilley (Institute)

Attendance: 1,636

Dungannon Swifts 0 - 3 Linfield (Premier Division)

Linfield enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Dungannon Swifts side at Stangmore Park this evening. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Linfield's Djordje Ranisavljevic.

Striker Djordje Ranisavljevic gave Linfield the lead with a placed shot in the 40th minute. Ranisavljevic added his 2nd goal of the game with a real poacher's effort on 45 minutes.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 62 minutes as that man Ranisavljevic popped up again with a close range header.

Linfield are currently on an eleven match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Djordje Ranisavljevic (Linfield)

Attendance: 1,396

Linfield 2 - 4 Hibernian (EURO Cup Grp J)

Linfield failed to cause an upset at Windsor Park as Hibernian coasted to an expected 4 - 2 victory.

Centre-back Stewart Ireland suffered the ignominy of scoring a calamitous own goal in the 14th minute on the clock. Striker Marko Mihajlovic then equalised for Hibernian in the 21st minute with a tidy finish.

Striker Djordje Ranisavljevic put Linfield in front in the 32nd minute with a tidy finish. Midfielder Fusca then equalised for Hibernian in the 36th minute with a fine header from point-blank range.

Midfielder Frnady Blaze then put Hibernian in front after 69 minutes with an accurate finish. It was a superb solo effort and Blaze looked delighted. Striker Michael Holmes finally rounded off their victory on 93 minutes with a good diving header from close range.

Man of the Match: Frnady Blaze (Hibernian)

Attendance: 15,602

Portadown 0 - 1 Linfield (Premier Division)

Linfield showed their superiority in a 1 - 0 victory over Portadown during their Northern Irish Premier Division game at Shamrock Park, but they could and should have scored more.

The first incident of note was on 40 minutes as Linfield were denied claims by Ian Neville for a penalty. With the game nearing an end, it was Callum Swales who scored a good header from just inside the six-yard box to give Linfield the lead on 80 minutes.

Swales' impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

Linfield had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Linfield are currently on a thirteen match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Kyle Hendry (Linfield)

Attendance: 3,595

League after 20 games:

1^st Clifftonville 47 Points

2^nd Linfield 43 points (1 game in hand)

3^rd Portadown 38 points

The month was an average one, with enough wins in the league too keep in touch with the top spot. The Europa league games were disappointing but I guided a Northern Irish side to the Europa league for the first time in their history, im a bit disappointed with the league draws, we could and perhaps should have done better, wins in those games would have us top of the league by now but it wasn’t to be, we now have a demanding month with two league games a week every week.

[acidmonkey]

January Update

Linfield 3 - 0 Lisburn Distillery (Premier Division)

An efficient performance by Linfield's players saw them confidently overcome a lacklustre Lisburn Distillery 3 - 0 at Windsor Park. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Linfield's Pak Ho-Ji.

Striker Pak Ho-Ji gave Linfield the lead with a placed shot in the 12th minute. It was a superb solo effort and Pak Ho-Ji looked delighted. Pak Ho-Ji added his 2nd goal of the game with a deftly executed finish on 16 minutes.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 70 minutes as that man Pak Ho-Ji popped up again with a finish executed with aplomb.

Linfield are currently on a fourteen match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Pak Ho-Ji (Linfield)

Attendance: 12,170

Ballymena United 0 - 2 Linfield (Premier Division)

Linfield enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Ballymena United side at Ballymena Showgrounds this afternoon.

Enthusiastic centre-back Tarkan Sampson showed a sign of things to come though as he nearly gifted Linfield a goal on 9 minutes. Linfield finally took the lead when striker Mark Hughes scored a good header from just inside the six-yard box on 61 minutes.

Midfielder Marc Connor finally rounded off their victory on 67 minutes with an effort from the edge of the area.

Linfield have notched up three straight wins and the title contenders occupy 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Tommy Turtle (Linfield)

Attendance: 2,098

Carrick Rangers 0 - 2 Linfield (Premier Division)

A highly polished performance from the Linfield players saw their team run out 2 - 0 winners over Carrick Rangers at Taylor's Avenue.

The match began in controversy with Carrick Rangers seeing a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances. Then followed controversy as Linfield were denied claims by striker Djordje Ranisavljevic for a penalty.

Ranisavljevic gave Linfield the lead with a simple finish from close in in the 39th minute. Things went from bad to worse for Carrick Rangers as winger Paddy Gray earned himself an early bath for persistent fouling on 70 minutes.

Midfielder Marc Connor finally rounded off their victory on 91 minutes with a simple finish from close in.

Linfield have notched up four straight wins and the title contenders occupy 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Kyle Hendry (Linfield)

Attendance: 3,458

Linfield 2 - 1 Glentoran (Premier Division)

Linfield showed their superiority in a 2 - 1 victory over Glentoran during their Northern Irish Premier Division game at Windsor Park, but they could and should have scored more.

An error from Glentoran's William Magee allowed striker Djordje Ranisavljevic to score a tidy finish. Midfielder Mark McWilliams doubled Linfield's lead with a shot from eighteen yards out on 71 minutes.

Young centre-back William Magee's 82nd minute strike proved the only consolation for Glentoran.

Linfield have notched up five straight wins and the title contenders occupy 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Mark McWilliams (Linfield)

Attendance: 14,786

Linfield 2 - 1 Bangor (Premier Division)

Linfield showed their superiority in a 2 - 1 victory over Bangor during their Northern Irish Premier Division game at Windsor Park, but they could and should have scored more.

Midfielder Marc Connor gave Linfield the lead with a tap-in in the 25th minute. Striker Tony Swales then equalised for Bangor in the 28th minute with an incisive finish.

Striker Djordje Ranisavljevic scored what proved to be the winner on 37 minutes with a free kick from the edge of the area.

Linfield have notched up six straight wins and the title contenders occupy 1st place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Jon Smart (Linfield)

Attendance: 12,174

Linfield 2 - 0 Cliftonville (Irish Cup 4th Rnd)

A highly polished performance from the Linfield players saw their team run out 2 - 0 winners over Cliftonville at Windsor Park.

An error from Cliftonville's Leon Larkin allowed striker Djordje Ranisavljevic to score a powerful close range effort. Midfielder Mark McWilliams finally rounded off their victory on 85 minutes with a placed shot.

Man of the Match: Ian Neville (Linfield)

Attendance: 24,374

Linfield 3 - 2 Glentoran (League Cup Qtr Final)

Linfield produced a good display this evening to see off the challenge of Glentoran at Windsor Park. A brace from Pak Ho-Ji helped Linfield to victory.

Striker Pak Ho-Ji gave Linfield the lead with a simple finish from close in in the 21st minute. Then followed controversy as Linfield were denied claims by Pak Ho-Ji for a penalty.

Striker Jim Kennedy then equalised for Glentoran in the 38th minute with a well timed close range finish. Pak Ho-Ji then added his 2nd goal of the game with an incisive finish on 50 minutes.

Glentoran's equaliser came through Osvaldo Ramos as he seized on Johnny Ralph's mistake to score a deflected effort from close to goal. Winger Mateus scored what proved to be the winner on 79 minutes with a smart diving header from close range.

Man of the Match: Pak Ho-Ji (Linfield)

Attendance: 9,752

Linfield 1 - 1 Institute (Premier Division)

Linfield fans came away from Windsor Park largely in good spirits after their match against Institute.

Institute captain Ryan Jenkins gave Institute the lead with a fine header from point-blank range in the 25th minute. Striker Matthew Clarke equalised for Linfield after 69 minutes with a deftly executed finish.

Linfield are currently on a twenty match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 2nd place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Josh Barton (Institute)

Attendance: 12,164

League after 27 games

1^st Clifftonville 63 Points

2^nd Linfield 62 Points (game in hand)

3^rd Portadown 47 Points

4^th Glentoran 42 Points

So a cracking month for us only the institute game we dropped points, it now means we are in the driving seat for the title, win our game in hand we go two points clear, draw we go top on goal difference we just need to avoid defeat, in the domestic cups we made the semis of the league cup and the 5^th round of the Irish cup so there’s chance to do a clean sweep, in northern Ireland in my first season, we have 7 league games left before the split, which works the same in Scotland by the look of.

[acidmonkey]

February Update

Linfield 1 - 1 Glenavon (Premier Division)

Linfield could count themselves highly unlucky to only draw in their Northern Irish Premier Division match at Windsor Park.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Linfield were denied claims by Tomas Bielskis for a penalty. Full-back Jody Walsh gave Glenavon the lead with a good header from just inside the six-yard box in the 74th minute.

With time rapidly running out however, midfielder Mark McWilliams then scored a shot from the edge of the area to equalise for Linfield. Better late than never for Linfield and the fans were clearly delighted with McWilliams' impact.

Linfield are currently on a twenty-one match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 1st place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Mark McWilliams (Linfield)

Attendance: 12,169

Ballymoney United 2 - 2 Linfield (Irish Cup 5th Rnd)

Linfield could count themselves highly unlucky to only draw in their Northern Irish Cup Fifth Round match at Riada Stadium.

Striker Stephen Thompson gave Ballymoney United the lead with a tap-in in the 45th minute. Centre-back Ian Neville had a moment he will quickly want to forget about in the 60th minute when he contrived to score past his own goalkeeper.

Striker Djordje Ranisavljevic pulled one back for Linfield after 67 minutes with a well timed close range finish. Midfielder Mark McWilliams equalised for Linfield after 81 minutes with a tap-in.

Man of the Match: Mark McWilliams (Linfield)

Attendance: 1,011

Linfield 2 - 0 Ballymoney United (Irish Cup 5th Rnd)

Linfield enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Ballymoney United side at Windsor Park this evening.

Striker Djordje Ranisavljevic gave Linfield the lead with an accurate finish in the 23rd minute. Ranisavljevic completed the scoring for Linfield with a finish tucked away with consummate ease on 50 minutes.

Man of the Match: Djordje Ranisavljevic (Linfield)

Attendance: 13,723

Cliftonville 0 - 2 Linfield (Premier Division)

An efficient performance from Linfield saw them run out 2 - 0 winners over Cliftonville at Solitude.

Things did not get off to a good start for Cliftonville as centre-back Tommy Turtle seized on an error by Steve Thomas to score a well timed finish from close range. Winger Mateus finally rounded off their victory on 15 minutes with a smart diving header from close range.

Linfield are currently on a twenty-two match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 1st place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Kyle Hendry (Linfield)

Attendance: 8,000

Bangor 0 - 2 Linfield (Premier Division)

Linfield overcame a resilient Bangor side in the Northern Irish Premier Division game at Clandeboye Park this evening.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Bangor were denied claims by Daniel Ellis for a penalty. Striker Matthew Clarke gave Linfield the lead with a real poacher's effort in the 25th minute.

Centre-back Ian Neville finally rounded off their victory on 36 minutes with a real poacher's effort.

Linfield are currently on a twenty-three match unbeaten run and the title contenders lie in 1st place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Matthew Clarke (Linfield)

Attendance: 2,502

Unbeaten this month again as we went clear at the top of the league, and looking good for the title, 4 games before the split and we will be top come the split looking forward to the split and to get on with the business of winning the title, and then strengthening for a crack at getting in the cups we are still going well with a win in the Irish cup to make the quarter final, and the final of the League cup the all-Ireland cup is still to play. So plenty of trophies up for grabs!

[acidmonkey]

March Update

Linfield 2 - 0 Portadown (Premier Division)

Linfield enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Portadown side at Windsor Park this afternoon.

Striker Matthew Clarke gave Linfield the lead with a well timed close range finish in the 22nd minute. Linfield captain Jason Hill finally rounded off their victory on 34 minutes with a firm diving header from inside the six-yard box.

Linfield also saw their 53rd minute strike questionably chalked off.

Linfield have notched up three straight wins and the title contenders occupy 1st place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Jason Hill (Linfield)

Attendance: 12,197

Carrick Rangers 3 - 1 Linfield (Irish Cup Qtr Final)

Despite having the better of the match at Taylor's Avenue, Linfield were unable to profit as they went down to Carrick Rangers. The greater incisiveness of the victors resulted in a comfortable 3 - 1 scoreline against Linfield, who failed to turn their superior possession into goals.

Midfielder Ian Doyle gave Carrick Rangers the lead with a close range finish which was timed impeccably in the 11th minute. Centre-back Johnny Lavery doubled Carrick Rangers' lead with a weak close range effort on 43 minutes.

Then followed controversy as Carrick Rangers were denied claims by experienced striker Giles Kiely for a penalty. Winger Mateus pulled one back for Linfield after 53 minutes with a well timed close range finish.

With Linfield staring at defeat, there was controversy as striker Matthew Clarke then had a penalty shout turned down. Kiely completed the scoring for Carrick Rangers with a shot from eighteen yards out on 93 minutes.

Man of the Match: Steve Wilson-Cunningham (Carrick)

Attendance: 3,821

Cliftonville 1 - 0 Linfield (All-Ireland Cup Qtr Final)

Cliftonville's fans left Solitude wondering quite how their team had only managed to win 1 - 0. The match was certainly not one for the purists with neither side able to keep the errors out of their game.

Cliftonville's winner came through Brian Derby as he seized on Ian Neville's mistake to score a penalty. Linfield captain Jason Hill then summed up his team's performance by nearly gifting Cliftonville another goal on 30 minutes.

With Linfield staring at defeat, there was controversy as centre-back Ian Neville then had a penalty shout turned down.

Linfield had several clear cut chances but failed to make them count.

Man of the Match: Andrew Taggart (Cliftonville)

Attendance: 8,000

Linfield 1 - 0 Dungannon Swifts (Premier Division)

Linfield produced a good display this evening to see off the challenge of Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park.

With the game nearing an end, it was Jason Hill who scored a close range header to give Linfield the lead on 93 minutes. Hill's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

The match was remarkable for the number of fouls committed by both teams, seemingly more concerned with disrupting the flow of the game than playing it.

Linfield have notched up four straight wins and the title contenders occupy 1st place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Jason Hill (Linfield)

Attendance: 12,173

Lisburn Distillery 0 - 1 Linfield (Premier Division)

Linfield produced a good display this afternoon to see off the challenge of Lisburn Distillery at New Grosvenor Stadium.

The first incident of note was on 27 minutes as Linfield were denied claims by Djordje Ranisavljevic for a penalty. Midfielder Tomas Bielskis had a chance to score from the penalty spot for Linfield on the 43 minute mark but missed his spot-kick.

Linfield finally took the lead when striker Matthew Clarke scored an incisive finish on 46 minutes.

Despite having a number of corners, Linfield found little by way of success.

Linfield have notched up five straight wins and the title contenders occupy 1st place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Dave Ross (Distillery)

Attendance: 2,385

Linfield 1 - 1 Cliftonville (All-Ireland Cup Qtr Final)

Linfield fans will have been frustrated by their side's 1 - 1 draw with Cliftonville at Windsor Park.

Centre-back Andrew Taggart gave Cliftonville the lead with a good header from just inside the six-yard box in the 11th minute. Striker Djordje Ranisavljevic equalised for Linfield after 24 minutes with a free kick from the edge of the area.

Then followed controversy as Linfield were denied claims by striker Pak Ho-Ji for a penalty.

Cliftonville win 2 - 1 on aggregate.

Man of the Match: Andrew Taggart (Cliftonville)

Attendance: 20,465

Well the split is hear! I finished 6 points clear at the top the month was a disaster for us in the cups though as we bombed out of them all in one month, I don’t know what it is but we just weren’t good enough, the league is the main priority for me now we do have a cup final to play in first though but im confident of the league title

[deltablue]

Been going well in the league, shame about the cups.

[JackJCFC]

Unlucky in the cups but doing great in the league, hopefully you can make the CL next year!.

[acidmonkey]

Split Update

Linfield 4 - 1 Cliftonville (Premier Division)

Cliftonville succumbed to a 4 - 1 loss in this evening's Northern Irish Premier Division clash at Windsor Park. A brace from Mateus helped Linfield to victory.

Striker Matthew Clarke got Linfield off to a flyer by scoring a tidy finish on 7 minutes. Midfielder Sean Given then equalised for Cliftonville in the 9th minute with a well timed finish from close range.

Striker Djordje Ranisavljevic put Linfield in front in the 39th minute with a good header from just inside the six-yard box. Mateus scored with a close range finish which was timed impeccably in the 41st minute to extend the lead further.

There were no prizes for guessing who completed the rout on 70 minutes as that man Mateus popped up again with an incisive finish.

Linfield have notched up seven straight wins and the title contenders occupy 1st place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Mateus (Linfield)

Attendance: 19,885

Linfield 3 - 0 Bangor (League Cup Final)

Linfield enjoyed near total domination over a distinctly average Bangor side at The Oval this afternoon. A brace from Matthew Clarke helped Linfield to victory.

Striker Matthew Clarke got Linfield off to a flyer by scoring a powerful effort from the edge of the area on 3 minutes. Clarke added his 2nd goal of the game with a long range shot which curled past the goalkeeper on 45 minutes.

Centre-back Ian Neville completed the rout with a real poacher's effort on 66 minutes.

Man of the Match: Matthew Clarke (Linfield)

Attendance: 9,720

Carrick Rangers 1 - 2 Linfield (Premier Division)

Linfield won a hard fought battle against Carrick Rangers on a fine spring afternoon at Taylor's Avenue.

Striker Matthew Clarke gave Linfield the lead with a good diving header from close range in the 44th minute. Full-back Kyle Hendry had a moment he will quickly want to forget about in the 46th minute when he contrived to score past his own goalkeeper.

Midfielder Tomas Bielskis scored what proved to be the winner on 61 minutes with a powerful effort from the edge of the area. With Carrick Rangers staring at defeat, there was controversy as striker Brian Deas then had a penalty shout turned down.

Linfield have notched up eight straight wins and the title contenders occupy 1st place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Jon Smart (Linfield)

Attendance: 3,419

Linfield 4 - 0 Glentoran (Premier Division)

Linfield fans celebrated an emphatic 4 - 0 win at Windsor Park this afternoon. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Linfield's Djordje Ranisavljevic.

Striker Djordje Ranisavljevic gave Linfield the lead with a free kick from the edge of the area in the 20th minute. Ranisavljevic added his 2nd goal of the game with a header on 32 minutes.

Ranisavljevic added his 3rd goal of the game with a header on 52 minutes. Veteran striker Harry Kane completed the rout with a close range finish which was timed impeccably on 70 minutes.

Man of the Match: Djordje Ranisavljevic (Linfield)

Attendance: 14,816

Crusaders 0 - 3 Linfield (Premier Division)

An efficient performance by Linfield's players saw them confidently overcome a lacklustre Crusaders 3 - 0 at Seaview.

Striker Matthew Clarke got Linfield off to a flyer by scoring a lucky strike on 7 minutes. Linfield also saw their 35th minute strike questionably chalked off.

Centre-back Dean Stevenson ensured things went from bad to worse for Crusaders on 36 minutes with an embarrassing own-goal. The last goal of the game came from centre-back Paul Moore whose 69th minute own-goal will undoubtedly cause him some embarrassment.

Man of the Match: Rob Dowridge (Linfield)

Attendance: 1,668

Linfield 0 - 1 Portadown (Premier Division)

Linfield's players and fans came away highly disappointed from their 1 - 0 defeat at the hands of Portadown.

Things did not get off to a good start for Linfield as striker Scott Smith seized on an error by Rob Dowridge to score a tidy finish.

Linfield had a number of attempts at goal but their profligacy meant they didn't score as many as they maybe would have liked.

Linfield finished the season in 1st place in the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Man of the Match: Scott Smith (Portadown)

Attendance: 15,098

Well a good end to the season, partly was disappointing we lost the last game but im happy we managed to get the title sewn up and it gives us a crack at the champions league next season. And next year ill hope to get a better haul of silverware, as id prefer more than a double, especially with all the trophies available to us. was happy to see a player break our scoring record, but a goal difference of +64 shows how tight our defence was and how well our attackers did.

[acidmonkey]

Final League table

Top Scorer

[deltablue]

Looks good for that level.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Nice work Monkey.

[acidmonkey]

Breaking news

Reports coming out of Windsor park this morning say Linfield boss Andy Bell has resigned more on this story later.....

[acidmonkey]

STATEMENT FROM ANDY BELL

First of all I would like to thank the Linfield chairman for the opportunity to manage his great club and I would like to thank the fans for their support during an emotional time for me, but the lure of my home town club and the opportunity to move back to England after so many years working round Europe was just too good to turn down.

I applied for the job Previously and I was unsuccessful with my application due to Sunderland being unable to afford the compensation Linfield were requesting, this is the reason I felt I had to resign from my role as Linfield manager after a great season, winning the league in any country is an honour. But I feel this will be a real challenge for me, with the club so close to my heart, sitting so far down the English pyramid, when I last managed in League two over ten years ago with Gateshead I never expected to be back at that level of football, but I did know if the call from Sunderland ever came I couldn’t turn it down regardless of where I was Linfield, or otherwise.

Ive managed some of Europe’s biggest clubs in Real Madrid, Dortmund, Ajax and my short time at Roma. I feel the experience of the biggest stage in club football sets me up for this job I have a firm goal of where I want to take this club, and I’m in it for the long haul, This will not be a quick and easy task, we must build this up slowly, the Board are behind me and I expect to be given time to reshape the squads from top to bottom, ill be Bringing in my own scouting network some of the lads I’ve worked with previously to find us the best talent we can afford. As the finances at the club aren’t great this is all about this and I cant stress this enough, I’ll be running this club in a sustainable way, every player will have his price but I will only sell if I have a replacement of equal or better quality for the right price.

And I will be scouring the clubs around us for players as I intend to build a strong young squad who will serve us for years to come, this club deserves to be at the top of the English game it is the perennial sleeping giant and I can assure you all I’m here to make that a reality.

Finally with regards to the facilities these were built when I was young and living in the area, they were fantastic quality back then and I want the academy back to that level and its certainly something I will be discussing with the chairman, the Stadium also needs work to bring it back to its former glory as I can assure you there is nothing better than hearing back then 49k screaming mackems, but now with the extended ground we can have 55k screaming fans and it would make the club a fortress. However over the past few seasons we have has large parts of the ground closed we need to get our fortress repaired and back to former glories.

But as I have said this will be a long journey with plenty of lows, as well as my expected highs, I’m just happy to get the chance to sit in that managers office at the Academy of Light as its something I dreamed about as a kid for years.

[SRL88]

A big surprise there. I hope it turns out to be the right move.

[deltablue]

Looks like a labour of love coming up.

[JackJCFC]

Shame you didn't take them on a european journey but look forward to seeing what you do next.

[Fabio MVP]

You're not loyal and you don't keep your promises!

[Cleon]

I waited 20 hours for this announcement.

You've done the right thing and answered the saviour calls of the fans.

[AcidBurn]

Brilliant move really looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

[acidmonkey]

Facilities:

[JackJCFC]

Great move going to Sunderland, good luck!

[SRL88]

Cracking move there. Good luck .

[acidmonkey]

A big surprise there. I hope it turns out to be the right move.

Its got too there was no way ii could say no I had to come to the rescue

Looks like a labour of love coming up.

Yup my last club on FM12

Shame you didn't take them on a european journey but look forward to seeing what you do next.

Bit disappointed too but the challenge at Sunderland was too great

You're not loyal and you don't keep your promises!

You go away you!

I waited 20 hours for this announcement.

You've done the right thing and answered the saviour calls of the fans.

I hope so, hope im not sacked by them

Brilliant move really looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

Me too, me too

Great move going to Sunderland, good luck!

Cracking move there. Good luck.

Thanks guys

Im in the process of cashing in on my best player for some money, and im also building a young Pacey side

[Fabio MVP]

Average football club for the average football manager.

[acidmonkey]

Average football club for the average football manager.

Grrrr. don't make me come to Bosnia and hurt you....

[deltablue]

'Average' is generous to the club, but harsh on the manager

[markyosullivan]

Surprised to see Coleraine not in the Northern Ireland Premiership, what division are they and Ballymoney United in?

Good luck with Sunderland!

[acidmonkey]

Both in Division 1

[acidmonkey]

Well since when i joined we had only 11 senior players im rebuilding the squad and i thought where best to go but my old hunting grounds!

Players IN!

Alain Mahamat the Defensive midfielder started his career at Montpellier before dropping down into the amateur game, made an impressive 23 starts for Vitre scoring 6 goals grabbing 9 assists before i brought him to england Alain has a French second nationality

Andre Holmstrom the left back was brought in as cover from north of the border signed from Queens Park, will be very little except cover

Gonzalo do Santos Strong Centre back with great Determination and bravery signed from Vesoul where he made 33 appearences, started his career at Lens will be one of my main centre halfs

Raphael Renault The best of the lot i feel, the french centre midfielder started his career at Red Star before moving to italy where he played for Triestina, Siracusa and Lecce makeing 16 starts in Italy, last season he made 4 starts for an experienced Illzach side

Salim Mendy Also signed from Illzach Salim started his career at Nancy, before moving to Illzach where he spent 9 years as their first choice Right back,

Solomon Owona the young centre midfielder started his career at Racing he takes a mean penalty and has the strength and work rate to flourish in League two

Thibaut Lambert And finally Solomons former teamate, Thibaut started his career at Auxerre but failed to make an impact he scored 17 in 35 whilst on loan at Meyrin, before signing for Montagnarde last season where he got 10 goals in his 13 starts will be the perfect Foil for Agus

Others might think otherwise but i see the influx of french players as realistic as i spent years there, i have a knowledge of the country and im looking to bring in a few more too

[Cleon]

Some decent players there for the level you'll be playing at.

I like how you've brought familiar people in too with the knowledge you've built up, pretty realistic that for me

[markyosullivan]

Some good signings, should do well this season

[jaycar]

Good stuff :-)

[acidmonkey]

Some more....

Darren Smith well hes not going to set the world alight but he does have the stats in the places i like them to be for a centre back he has been broght in as we only had 2 centre backs in the squad, hes made only 55 appearances in his short career but i think he will make some more

Aymen Mathlouthi again not the best player in the world but will be adequate as cover, again another frenchman, played 33 times for Montagnarde last year scoring 3 goals with 6 MoM performances, willl be good competition

Matthieu Dumas the right winger my scouts said would be usefull, i agree as i have no recognized players for either flank and thats my current priority, started at st-etienne but made his career at AS Valencem with 254 apps scoring 54 goals which is a good return for a winger IMO

Claude Kone a decen enough striker who should thrive at this level with the teamwork, work rate and aggression he has, knows where the net is with 10 goals in his 24 appearences last year

Filipe Costa one of the better centre backs avilable and intrested will more than likely be a main starter, the only worry is he has only hd one season in senior football at Evrux where he made 229 starts, my scouts say he is a key member of the squad so im hoping they will be right

Michael Olum and finally a player my assistant says is one of the best at the club, will be back up to Renault i feel, but with his acceleration and pace at this level im hoping he will cause alot of problems,

Thats all the players ive signed so far, i only need 2 wingers one on either side.

[deltablue]

Should get a good start with those players, once they gel.

[Fabio MVP]

Sunderland finally playing in the league in which they should be playing long time ago! How did they end up in League 2? :confused: Manchester United refused to sell them and to loan them players they don't need anymore? Just don't ban me AcidBurn.

[Fabio MVP]

Raphael Renault The best of the lot i feel, the french centre midfielder started his career at Red Star before moving to italy where he played for Triestina, Siracusa and Lecce makeing 16 starts in Italy, last season he made 4 starts for an experienced Illzach side

I prefer Ford.

[AcidBurn]

Sunderland finally playing in the league in which they should be playing long time ago! How did they end up in League 2? :confused: Manchester United refused to sell them and to loan them players they don't need anymore? Just don't ban me AcidBurn.

You're beginning to push your luck(insert winky face thingy)

[acidmonkey]

August Update

Gateshead 1 - 3 Sunderland (npower League 2)

Gateshead succumbed to a 3 - 1 loss in this afternoon's npower League 2 clash at The International Stadium. A brace from Tony Agus helped Sunderland to victory.

Gateshead were nearly handed the lead in the 37th minute through Erwann Le Garrec's lapse in concentration but failed to capitalise. Striker Tony Agus gave Sunderland the lead with a strong diving header in the 54th minute.

An error from Gateshead's Elliott Lawrence allowed Agus to score a fluke goal. Midfielder Phil Campbell gave the Gateshead fans a glimmer of hope after 80 minutes with an effort from the edge of the area.

Young striker Bob McDonald completed the scoring for Sunderland with a real poacher's effort on 90 minutes.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Sunderland in July 2030 and has been in charge for 5 weeks.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)

Attendance: 3,707

Sunderland 1 - 0 Leeds United (League Cup 1st Rnd)

Sunderland had luck on their side as they played out an entertaining English League Cup First Round fixture against Leeds United.

Sunderland's winner came through Gonzalo dos Santos as he seized on George Kerr's mistake to score a diving header from within the six-yard box.

Sunderland were carved open a number of times but despite the ability of their opponents to create chances, they struggled to put them away.

Man of the Match: Russell Howard (Sunderland)

Attendance: 8,245

Sunderland 1 - 1 Morecambe (npower League 2)

Sunderland were held to a draw by Morecambe in a close-fought npower League 2 match played at The Stadium of Light.

Young goalkeeper Erwann Le Garrec suffered the ignominy of scoring a calamitous own goal in the 33rd minute on the clock. Striker Tony Agus equalised for Sunderland after 80 minutes with an accurate finish.

Legendary manager Andrew Bell joined Sunderland in July 2030 and has been in charge for 6 weeks.

Man of the Match: Tony Agus (Sunderland)

Attendance: 14,339

Aldershot Town 1 - 1 Sunderland (npower League 2)

Sunderland could count themselves somewhat fortunate to have escaped with a draw against Aldershot Town in their npower League 2 game at The Recreation Ground.

Aldershot Town finally took the lead when striker Jim Charnock scored a tidy finish on 44 minutes. Striker Tony Agus equalised for Sunderland after 48 minutes with a free kick from the edge of the area.

Sunderland are currently on a three match unbeaten run and lie in 11th place in the npower League 2.

Man of the Match: Jonny Mellor (Sunderland)

Attendance: 2,364

Sunderland 3 - 1 Cambridge United (npower League 2)

A highly polished performance from the Sunderland players saw their team run out 3 - 1 winners over Cambridge United at The Stadium of Light. A brace from Kieron Marsden helped Sunderland to victory.

Young striker Kieron Marsden gave Sunderland the lead with an incisive finish in the 25th minute. Marsden added his 2nd goal of the game with a close range effort on 37 minutes.

Things went from bad to worse for Cambridge United as young midfielder John Pitman earned himself an early bath for a vicious foul on 62 minutes. Midfielder Steve Goodman added to an already bad day at the office for Cambridge United on 65 minutes when he managed to put the ball past his own goalkeeper.

Midfielder Daniel Ashong pulled one back for Cambridge United after 70 minutes with a well timed finish from close range.

Sunderland are currently on a four match unbeaten run and lie in 5th place in the npower League 2.

Man of the Match: Kieron Marsden (Sunderland)

Attendance: 14,081

Sunderland 0 - 1 Newcastle United (League Cup 2nd Rnd)

Despite battling hard Sunderland were unable to prevent a superior Newcastle United side coming away from The Stadium of Light with a 1 - 0 victory. The match was certainly not one for the purists with neither side able to keep the errors out of their game.

Journeyman midfielder Brian Scott gave Newcastle United the lead with a close range effort in the 19th minute. Full-back André Holmström then summed up his team's performance by nearly gifting Newcastle United another goal on 35 minutes.

Sunderland were nearly gifted a goal on 50 minutes through Scott Smith's lapse in concentration but they failed to capitalise on the opportunity presented to them.

Sunderland were often prevented from playing as they wanted to due to the number of fouls committed by their enthusiastic opponents.

Man of the Match: Brian Scott (Newcastle)

Attendance: 10,850

Yeovil Town 0 - 2 Sunderland (npower League 2)

Yeovil Town succumbed to a 2 - 0 loss in this afternoon's npower League 2 clash at Huish Park.

Striker Tony Agus got Sunderland off to a flyer by scoring a simple finish from close in on 5 minutes. With Yeovil Town staring at defeat, there was controversy as young striker Steve Marlow then had a penalty shout turned down.

Striker Thibaut Lambert finally rounded off their victory on 45 minutes with a close range effort. Things went from bad to worse for Yeovil Town as young centre-back Lewis Bird earned himself an early bath for persistent fouling on 88 minutes.

Sunderland are currently on a five match unbeaten run and lie in 2nd place in the npower League 2.

Man of the Match: Raphaël Renault (Sunderland)

Attendance: 2,990

A good start to the season I’m happy with how we have begun, three wins each one solid and two draws in the opening month were lots of players have to gel is never easy but last seasons top scorer is leading the way with 5 goals in 4 games, I think he will get mid-twenties for me this year at this rate, all the French lads are blending well, the cup was decent enough as we managed to get a upset of a win against championship Leeds who are 6^th in the second tier, before losing a narrow tyne-wear derby against another championship side, unfortunately we haven’t played any of the league favourites yet and we are expected to finish 7^th but we will see how it goes

[deltablue]

Can you clear up what happened with the 2 home league games in a row with Morecambe? One's got to be wrong. Was one a League cup match?

[acidmonkey]

Can you clear up what happened with the 2 home league games in a row with Morecambe? One's got to be wrong. Was one a League cup match?

i missed that, the 2-2 was the original result but my laptop battery died two days after the match so had to play it again with 1-1 being the result, (won it twice lost it once but i drew originally and a draw is the only result i would have accepted otherwise id feel wrong)