Liam_Richner

Six of the Best for Brighton HA

Published on April 21, 2013 by Liam_RichnerLeave a comment

Brighton have near enough secured a play off place after a crushing a relegation threatened Blackpool side 6-1 at the Amex on Saturday afternoon- although the seagulls can mathematically miss out on the top 6- Brighton fans can relax a little more now a four point window has opened between themselves and Leicester, who are sitting seventh at time of writing.

Will Buckley opened the scoring after just nine minutes for the seagulls, when he released a curling left footed strike past a helpless Matt Gilks into the top left corner. Not too long after it became two- nil when Matthew Upson, currently on loan from Stoke City, netted his first Albion goal. The game was over by half-time, as Orlandi danced through the Blackpool defence and rifled a shot into the far corner.

The rampant Brighton didn’t show any signs of resistance in the second half, as David Lopez added a fourth for the promotion contenders. But Blackpool grabbed an unlikely consolation; something for the travelling fans to celebrate even if it wasn’t going to affect the game. A cross from Tom Ince was headed into his own net by Dean Hammond. Gus made a couple of changes- bringing on Kazenga LuaLua and Bruno Saltor, indicating that the Brighton boss wasn’t going to hold back. And LuaLua was key to Albion’s fifth, as his cross was put in by Ashley Barnes- his first appearance since getting a seven match ban for tripping the referee in the Bolton game back in March. Barnes netted again late on to end Blackpool’s misery and Brighton’s jubilation.

A win against Leeds United next weekend will confirm the seagull’s participation in the Play-offs and the chance to gain the ultimate…. a place in the Premier League next season.

Sussex Smash Yorkshire in Season opener

Published on April 16, 2013 by Liam_RichnerLeave a comment

Sussex began their county championship campaign against Yorkshire at Headingly cricket ground. Sussex were looking to start strong in this season’s top division but Yorkshire, celebrating their 125^th anniversary, hoped to celebrate with a win.

Sussex were in full control on day one, bowling out Yorkshire for a low score of just 96. Debutant Chris Jordan was the hero of the innings, with figures of 6-48. And the team from the south coast finished the day on 104-2.

Sussex were bowled out for 356 in their first innings, with Joyce and Brown leading the attack for the southern county. They both scored 90’s on their way to cementing a huge lead for Sussex.

Yorkshire fought as hard as they could to snatch a draw but Sussex bowled them out for 248, meaning that Sussex won the match by a huge innings and 12 runs. The win leaves the county joint top of Division one, and a dream start to 2013.

2 German, 2 Spanish….But no English????

Published on April 11, 2013 by Liam_RichnerLeave a comment

The semi-finals of this season’s Champions League will be contested by four clubs representing two nations- Spain and Germany. So where does this leave English football as a pose to Spanish and German football. With no team representing England in the quarter finals this year, it seems that the football as hindered continentally whereas German football in particular has progressed.

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are the two remaining German clubs; compared to Barcelona and Real Madrid who are representing the Spaniards. All four teams have prevailed in games against British outfit which furthermore questions if England has the best league in Europe. Munich destroyed Arsenal at the Emirates in the last 16; although Arsenal did fight back at the Allianz. However the first leg display by the newly crowned Bundesliga champions proved that they are a force to deal with. In their quarter final, they stuffed Juventus 4-0 on aggregate, a team that had smashed both Chelsea and Celtic earlier in the competition.

Dortmund really showed their attacking force against Manchester City in the group phrase. The premier league champions were unable to hold back wave after wave of yellow and black. Players such as Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski destroy defences although the team only just managed to make the final four after two very late goals against Malaga gave them a 3-2 win.

Real Madrid have played Manchester City and Manchester United this campaign, and they were comfortable throughout- be it thanks to a little help from the referees. Jose has got his team playing again after a slow start and now hopes to achieve the ultimate objective for many Madrid coach, a 10^th European cup. The team from the Spanish capital overcame Turkish giants Galatasaary to make it to the Semis.

Barcelona are well…Barcelona. Although this year they haven’t hit top gear in the competition and have had some scares along the way. Defeat to Celtic in the group stages followed by a 2-0 defeat in Italy to AC Milan showed the continent that this Catalan team aren’t as solid at the back as they were a few seasons back, and it took that little argentine to help secure a sixth successive season in the final 4 of the Champions League.

So back to the dilemma of the English clubs- they all played these teams at some stage and failed to win. But I believe the reason for this is because we have a far more competitive league. Our clubs play bigger games then our “friends” abroad. For example, Man United could have to play Tottenham on Saturday, Dortmund on Wednesday and then Arsenal the following Sunday- competing for the Premier League title. Teams like Madrid, Barcelona, Munich and Dortmund haven’t got competition in their leagues and can fully focus on Champions League glory.

I believe that England has the most competitive league in the world, because anyone can beat anyone and places in the Champions league are fiercely fought for each year whereas continentally you can tell who will make the champions league etc.

Tiger made Favourite for 1st major of the year

Published on April 8, 2013 by Liam_RichnerLeave a comment

After returning to the top of the rankings, Tiger Woods has unsurprisingly been made favourite for the forthcoming Masters in Augusta, Georgia this weekend. The American will be hoping to secure his fifth green jacket of his career come Sunday evening.

Tiger Woods won his first green jacket on April 13^th 1997, he became the youngest ever win of the major championship when he claimed victory. He completely outplayed the rest of the field on the greens of Augusta- winning the competition by 12 strokes.

It wasn’t until 2001 that Tiger Woods won the tournament for the second time; however this victory was closer than his previous win, with only two strokes separating him from runner up David Duval.

A year later and Woods won the tournament for a third time. Although Woods hit an average 71 scorecard on the final day, his previous rounds meant he managed to clinch back-to-back jackets by 3 strokes by Retief Goosen.

April 10^th 2005 was the next and up to now his last win at the Masters- and it was his closest victory too. He was taken to a play off by fellow American Chris DiMarco, and managed to beat him on the 18^th hole. That was Tiger Woods fourth jacket and his last to date. He is joint 2^nd on the list of most wins at the Masters, with the great Jack Nicklaus topping the list with 6 Masters Victories.

Tiger has been made 4-1 Favourite for the tournament this weekend; Looking for his fifth win in Augusta.

PSG: All about the Money?

Published on April 3, 2013April 3, 2013 by Liam_Richner1 Comment

After the 2-2 with Barcelona last night, many still fancy PSG to make the semi finals of the Champions League. This is a huge achievement by the club, who let’s not forget, were mingling in mid-table in Ligue 1 before the rich Qatar owners took over the club. The team from the French capital have revolutionised hope of domination both domestically and continentally but is it because of the players they have now in their team? More importantly is it because of the football or the money?

PSG are perhaps the most backed club financially in the world; the team that played last night in the Champions League quarter final against Barcelona cost around £250 million pounds. Obviously the owners want PSG to become the biggest club in the world- but are they just “buying” their way there, or is the football that the team play making the headlines?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the man leading the French club up front and the Swedish international is happy to be the man leading the team towards world domination. He was sold to PSG by AC Milan for 20 million Euros but the striker’s wages are what anger some football fans around the world. He is on a massive £250,000 a week but that’s not the end of it. PSG pay for the taxation for the striker’s home in Paris which means the Swede gets in fact around £500,000-600,000 a week.

He is however, putting the goals in for PSG- including a goal last night against Barcelona, but is the striker focused on the football or the money?

Another player to move to the French capital for huge amounts of money is defender Thiago Silva- again from AC Milan. He cost double the price for Ibrahimovic as the French club paid 42 million Euros for the centre half’s services. Another blockbuster contract sees Silva earn 7.5 million a year- just to kick a ball around remember!

Some will argue that even David Beckham has joined PSG for the money that he can donate to charity. At 37, Beckham hasn’t got the same legs as before and cannot complete a full match like before, but the ex-Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy midfielder proved last night against the Spanish giants that he still has what it takes to play on the biggest stage in European football.

PSG will no doubt be one of the biggest clubs in the world for years to come, but only because of the finances they have now- forget the money, and play the game.

Murray up to 2nd in world after Miami victory

Published on April 1, 2013 by Liam_RichnerLeave a comment

Andy Murray came from a set down to beat David Ferrer in the final of the Miami Masters to clinch the title and also a rise in the rankings to 2^nd position, replacing Swiss legend Roger Federer who is now 3^rd in the world.

The US Open champion is now only one place behind Serbian Novak Djokovic, who was knocked out of the Miami Masters in the quarter finals by unseeded Tommy Haas- a shock defeat to some extent. This gave the Briton the extra incentive to win the tournament.

Spaniard David Ferrer was the man attempting to ruin the party for Murray. Ferrer, seeded third in the tournament behind Murray and Djokovic, made the perfect start- finding himself 5-0 up in the first set and cruised to a 1-0 set lead.

Murray improved massively in the second set but Ferrer kept clawing back and when the score reached 4-4, Murray looked rattled and out of control. Ferrer didn’t make his dominance pay however and a poor game from him followed by an easy served game for Murray levelled the match 1-1 and we went to a final set.

All looked lost in the third and final set when Ferrer took a 6-5 lead and on match point, Murray hit a shot that was close to the baseline, as all the British fans watched their TVs, Ferrer called for a Hawk Eye challenge. The cameras showed that the ball was in and Murray supporters could breathe again. This gave Murray that extra bit of effort and the Scot won the tie break to claim his second Miami Masters.

Murray’s victory and rise in the world rankings will hopefully led him to a success clay season- perhaps the Scots weakest playing surface- and he can mount a serious challenge on the French Open, a competition dominated by Rafa Nadal. All we can do is watch and hope that Murray claims his second Grand Slam in France comes June 9^th.

Sunderland Sack O’Neill

Published on March 31, 2013March 31, 2013 by Liam_RichnerLeave a comment

Sunderland have sacked manager Martin O’Neill after just sixteen months in charge of the premier league club. Sunderland are on a abysmal run of form and find themselves just a point above the drop zone with seven games remaining.

O’Neill took over the Wearside club in December 2011, when the club found themselves in a similar position around the relegation zone. O’Neill’s first game in charge was a 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers at the stadium of light. The club pushed on to secure a mid-table finish.

In the summer of 2012, O’Neill spent big on both striker Steven Fletcher from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Adam Johnson from Manchester City. Many anticipated that Martin O’Neill would take Sunderland to new heights and hopefully achieve European football. However this season hasn’t materialised as planned and Sunderland are hovering above the drop zone and now searching for a new manager.

The timing of O’Neill’s sacking has surprised many. With only seven games of the season remaining, it’s difficult to see who Sunderland can bring in to make an instant impact and turn the clubs form around.

Whoever is O’Neill’s successor has a tricky start, with trips to Chelsea and Newcastle followed by a home game with Everton. Early bookmakers at time of writing have made Paulo Di Canio the shock front runner for the job just ahead of ex-England boss Steve McLaren and Mark Hughes.

Martin O’Neill leaves Sunderland with a win percentage of 38%.

Prior on the Rise

Published on March 29, 2013March 31, 2013 by Liam_RichnerLeave a comment

After his batting heroics in the final test against New Zealand, England wicketkeeper Matt Prior has risen in the ICC Test batting rankings. The Sussex player has achieved the highest ranking of his career to date and finds himself tenth on the illustrious list with only Alastair Cook the other England player in the top ten (7^th). To celebrate this achievement, I will look back at what I believe have been Matt’s best batting innings for England.

3) England V West Indies, 1^st Test, Lord’s Cricket Ground, 2007

Matt Prior was making his international debut after being selected ahead of Paul Nixon. Coming in at number 7, Prior scored 126* (*= not out) and became the first England Wicketkeeper to score a century on debut. He also became the 17^th Englishmen in history to achieve a debut century.

2) Australia V England, 5^th Ashes Test, Sydney Cricket Ground, 2011

With the Ashes already wrapped up, England could afford to sit back and relax, this isn’t how Matt Prior reacted to the Ashes victory, and scored his first Century against the Australians. Having struggled in the previous tests for runs, Prior’s century helped England to a highest ever total in an Ashes innings (644). Prior scored the fastest Ashes Century since Sir Ian Botham in Manchester back in 1981.

1) New Zealand V England, 3^rd Test, Eden Park, 2013

England had struggled in this match, a game in each the winners would win the series. New Zealand looked on course for the victory as they left England needing 481 to win. The high order Batsman were bowled out quickly; leaving England on 90-4 going into the final day, but Prior managed to take hold of the test and scored 110* meaning England would end the match and series drawn.

Matt Prior can now be regarded as a recognisable batsman- if he wasn’t before, for both Sussex and England. He will hopefully build on his test ranking and become a force to reckon with in the upcoming Ashes series and county season.

Another Disappointing night…

Published on March 27, 2013March 31, 2013 by Liam_RichnerLeave a comment

England fans would’ve woken up this morning still disappointed by last night’s events in Podgorica. After a professional performance at bottom-ranked nation San Marino, the England camp will feel a little despondent after last night’s proceedings.

Like I mentioned before, England comfortably beat San Marino 8-0 at the Stadio di Serravalle. There is an argument still to this day stating that teams such as San Marino shouldn’t be in these qualification tournaments and teams such as England, Germany and Spain do not need these sorts of “training” matches in order to qualify for such an illustrious event (World Cup).

Podgorica is a hostile city in Eastern Europe. Montenegro itself has recently been involved in wars for independence and has a reputation of racism. Crowd trouble was a major factor that worried many ahead of this crucial fixture. This problem occurred earlier in the season when Montenegro played Moldova, as a Firecracker was thrown at the Moldova goalkeeper. This led to a major fine given to the country by UEFA.

Roy Hodgson’s selection was relatively similar to the side that defeated Brazil in a friendly earlier in the calendar year at Wembley. The situation before play was that Montenegro had a two point led over the three lions, although England’s goal difference was superior compared to their opponents. If England lost, then they faced a major challenge to win the group and would most likely have to settle for a play-off place. A win for England on the other hand, would be a significant step towards qualifying for Rio next summer.

The game started brightly for England and in particularly Wayne Rooney (who was sent off 17 months ago against Montenegro). His cheeky chip early on in the match was perfect in every way; too good in fact to go into the net as the ball agonisingly hit the post. England did eventually gain a much deserved lead as Rooney headed home from Steven Gerrard’s corner. The first half was dominated by the team in white, and the score could easily have been three or four- nil at the break.

But the oldest of all the sayings in football seemed to come into effect. Montenegro came out a completely different side, a side that looked more like the ones that the press and media had previously talked about leading up to the game and a team topping the group. The manager had made the side more attacking, making positive substitutions (eventually going 3 at the back!). As each minute passed, England fans were clinging on by the edge of their seats; each Montenegro shot was getting closer towards an equaliser. Vucinic and Jovetic were getting more and more into the game which caused problems for England’s backline. Eventually, after holding on against constant Montenegro pressure, England lost their lead with twenty minutes to play. A fast paced, in swinging corner was headed by Damjanovic straight at Joe Hart, who could only parry his save downwards towards the penalty area. It was like pinball in the area as England defenders tried to clear the ball but Damjanovic was there to stab the ball into the net. This sent the fans crazy- flares were being set off in celebration.

Roy Hodgson’s response was to bring on Ashley Young, his only substitution of the game. However, this failed to act as a catalyst and an England revival never materialised. Although Steven Gerrard was close to winning the game for England in the final minute as his free kick was only just pushed over the crossbar by the Montenegro goalkeeper.

In the end, England had finished the night as it had started; they now have to win crucial matches away in Ukraine and home ties against Montenegro and Poland to win the group. Although the three lions are still undefeated, they haven’t beaten any of the “bigger” nations in the group, drawing all three games against Poland, Ukraine and Montenegro. Ukraine and Poland also closed the gap between themselves and the top two as they both won their respective fixtures. The winners of the game between Poland and Ukraine will find themselves only a point behind England who occupies 2^nd position in group H.

“It was a game of two halves”.

F1: Australian GP review

Published on March 21, 2013March 31, 2013 by Liam_RichnerLeave a comment

Last weekend, the much anticipated return of F1 didn’t disappoint. The opening round of the championship is one of my favourites, as you don’t know what to expect. Obviously pre-season testing give a slight indication of the quicker cars; but these never do tell the whole story.

The Australian GP in Melbourne is very much one of the most attractive in the F1 calendar. I love this circuit, as its one of the quickest tracks with plenty of excitement.

Qualifying had perhaps the most atrocious weathering conditions for many years. Heavy downpours and consistent showers took their tall and many cars were seen losing control- spinning into barriers and into gravel. Qualifying 1 was complete though, as unsurprisingly both Caterham and Marussia locked up the bottom 4 places on the grid, with Williams driver Pastor Maldonado the surprise driver to miss out on Q2, coming an unconvincing 17^th on the grid. The rest of the day was a washout, and red flags indicated that the day’s racing ceased for the day and were to resume early Sunday morning.

Sunday was much drier, but water still sat on the track. The most surprising incident was by McLaren Mercedes; who had been underperforming all winter. Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh made the decision to switch to super slick tyres to try and increase the pace of the McLaren car. This plan backfired however, and new driver Sergio Perez (making his McLaren debut) finished a disappointing 15^th on the grid. Jenson Button managed to scrap through in 10^th to Qualifying 3.

Qualifying 3 was dominated in particular by one team. Guess who?! Yes, Seb Vettel again finished pole, with teammate Mark Webber claiming the position next to him on the grid. A Red Bull front row lockout (again).

The race itself started as I hoped it would, a Red Bull mucking up. Although I didn’t feel some sympathy towards Mark Webber as it was not only his home race, but possibly his last. He could only watch as his slow start was taken advantage of by opposing drivers such as the Ferrari pairing of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa and Mercedes debutant Lewis Hamilton. Vettel himself though, had a solid start and lead the way in the beginning phrase. As the race played through, team strategies were the key to a successful race. Some worked, and others didn’t. Ferrari brought Alonso in early, and this played to their advantage as they managed to get past current world champ Seb Vettel. Lewis Hamilton’s plan for a 2-stop race backfired when his tyres failed to live with him. He was constantly getting caught up and overtaken and just didn’t have the pace, so he changed to a plan B, perhaps which denied the Briton a dream debut podium with the Mercedes team. Two driver’s plans of action worked magnificently. Firstly, Force India’s Adrian Sutil- who incidentally was making a return to F1 after 12 months out- decided on a 2-stop race and therefore finished an impressive 7^th, way ahead of the rather unconvincing McLarens. But the best strategy was that of Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen. He again, managed to complete the race with only 2 stops, and convincingly won the Australian GP; many seconds ahead of the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso and Red Bull’s Seb Vettel.

Overall, the F1 returned to viewers screens with a bang, maybe not as big as last year, but this will certainly be another season to remember, and possibly could go all the way.

AUSTRALIAN GP RESULT: 1) KIMI RAIKKONEN, 2) FERNANDO ALONSO, 3) SEBASTIAN VETTEL,

4) FELIPE MASSA, 5) LEWIS HAMILTON, 6) MARK WEBBER,

7) ADRIAN SUTIL, 8) PAUL DI RESTA, 9) JENSON BUTTON

10) ROMAIN GROSJEAN

RETIREMENTS: NICO HULKENBURG (DNF), NICO ROSBERG, DANIEL RICCARDIO, PASTOR MALDONADO