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Thread | U'sual Champions League 2025 QF 1st leg - Deadline Tuesday 8th April 20.00
by mfb_cufc at 15:09 26 Mar 2025
A recap on how the Round of 16 finished
2nd leg results
BARCELONA 3 BENFICA 1
Barcelona win 4-1 on aggregate
BAYER LEVERKUSEN 0 BAYERN MUNICH 2
Bayern Munich win 5-0 on aggregate
INTER MILAN 2 FEYENOORD 1
Inter Milan win 4-1 on aggregate
LIVERPOOL 0 PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 1
AET Agg 1-1 PSG win 4-1 on penalties
LILLE 1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND 2
Borussia Dortmund win 3-2 on aggregate
ARSENAL 2 PSV EINDHOVEN 2
Arsenal win 9-3 on aggregate
ASTON VILLA 3 CLUB BRUGGE 0
Aston Villa win 6-1 on aggregate
ATLETICO MADRID 1 REAL MADRID 0
AET Agg 2-2 Real Madrid win 4-2 on penalties
THE FINAL GROUPS (16 out of 16 played)
(Tie-break: Most 3 pointers only)
Only three outcomes from the 2nd leg fixtures for Daniel, but an excellent 1st leg ensured he tops the group. Late drama for the other qualifying place, as bwildered gets the Dortmund 2-1 spot-on to grab that spot. This means current holder blueeagle leaves at the first stage this year.
Modestly being clueless about Europe didn't stop noah4x4 from being the rounds top scorer, after he had both the Bayern results spot-on, and added the Villa 3-0 for good measure. He is joined in the Quarter-finals by unitedwhites, who just happened to be the rounds 2nd highest scorer, as he had the Dortmund 2-1 spot-on, to add to the earlier Inter Milan 2-1. A great effort from Jorash63 to get the wins for Dortmund and Villa spot-on, and unfortunate for him he would have qualified from any other group.
The tighest group of the four was eventually won by mfb_cufc thanks to getting the Atletico 1-0 spot-on in the final fixture. Five outcomes each for basher2010 and thrillseeker, and it is the former who maintained his one point advantage to qualify for the Quarter-finals.
With Tropical_Us failing to post any predictions, this group became a vitual bye for the other two. By having the Barcelona 3-1 spot-on Lewis_1 topped the group, with the highlight for Sector4 having the Real Madrid 2-1 spot-on from the 1st leg fixtures.
This how the two groups look for the Quarter-finals
Quarter-finals 1st leg Fixtures All kick-off at 20.00. No more than two predictions the same as fellow group members, and all fixtures to be predicted at the same time please.
08/04/2025 ARSENAL v REAL MADRID
08/04/2025 BAYERN MUNICH v INTER MILAN
09/04/2025 BARCELONA v BORUSSIA DORTMUND
09/04/2025 PARIS SAINT GERMAIN v ASTON VILLA
There is a quick turnaound for the 2nd leg fixtures, and they will be on a separate thread on Thursday 10th April.
Good luck everybody. |
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Thread | Aidy Boothroyd .
by bwildered at 12:44 26 Mar 2025
Former Colchester manager Aidy Boothroyd has revealed he has Parkinson's disease.
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Thread | Seaweed news
by thrillseeker at 07:37 26 Mar 2025
My Seaweed supporting colleague just sent the following from their forum
Never want to see Goodliffe wearing our shirt again.
Hopper showed no goal scoring threat about him whatsoever.
Bonne added to his ever growing catalogue of glaring misses. Please god we don’t persist with him next year
Males me smile |
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Thread | Happy League 2024/25 Week 34 (of 38) - Deadline Saturday 29th March 15.00
by mfb_cufc at 20:31 22 Mar 2025
Week 33 results
BARNSLEY 1 CAMBRIDGE UNITED 1
Jonathan Lewis' s 92nd minute goal rescued a draw for Barnsley against Cambridge, who remain 12 points from safety. Only unitedwhites and Moor_Pinot got this spot-on, and nobody had the outcome. The other 22 predicted a win for Barnsley.
LINCOLN CITY 0 EXETER CITY 0
Exeter boss Gary Caldwell was sent off in this bore draw, as his side fail to have a shot on target. Nobody had this spot-on, but 4 did get the outcome.
MANSFIELD TOWN v LEYTON ORIENT POSTPONED Due to International call-ups
CARLISLE UNITED 2 BROMLEY 1
Callum Whelan's second-half strike handed Carlisle a vital win, not long after they had missed a penalty. 4 got this spot-on, and another 3 had the outcome.
FLEETWOOD TOWN 0 TRANMERE ROVERS 0
Tranmere extended their unbeaten run in League Two to five games following this bore draw, as Fleetwood manage a mere one shot on target. Nobody had this spot-on, though 6 did get the outcome.
PORT VALE 1 MORECAMBE 0
Port Vale moved to the brink of the League Two automatic promotion spots after an 89th minute goal from Ronan Curtis secured this win. 4 got this spot-on, and the other 20 had the outcome, with 11 going for a 2-0 in what was the weeks most predicted score.
After a late call from the BBC website caused us to lose the Mansfield game to International call-ups, the other five fixtures looked like heading for a complete disaster, with three bore draws not having any 3 pointers, and a Cambridge win giving no points for anyone, until late goals for Barnsley and Port Vale, put a bit of gloss to the week. They did especially for two members, unitedwhites and Moor_Pinot, who got 3 pointers from the Barnsley 1-1 and the Port Vale 1-0. With both also having the Carlisle 2-1 spot-on as well, they shared the honour of being the weeks top scorer, with a brilliant 9 points each. Best of the four who had one 3 pointer was BFG, who got the Port Vale 1-0 and the Lincoln and Fleetwood outcomes, to give him a decent 5 points in the context of the week. A specilal mention for Daniel in getting four outcomes, and only failing to get the Barnsley result for a full house. Another significant thing about that late Port Vale winner, was it saved ten members from firing a blank this week, by getting that outcome. Week 34 will now be a 7 game one, to make up for this weeks postponed fixture.
U'sual Champions League Just to say the details for the Quarter-finals will be out sometime next week.
In the Premier With the top two only having the Port Vale outcome, mfb_cufc maintains his 3 point lead over blueeagle. Just when it appeared unitedwhites had a stiff task to make the Charity Shield places, he produces a brilliant top scoring performance, to move him up a place, and more importantly to within 8 points of the the top two. Even though he dropped a place, thrillseeker also moved 3 points nearer to those Charity Shield spots, after he had the Carlisle 2-1 spot-on. Those good four outcomes for Daniel, and a useful 4 points for RSCOSWORTH, that included havibg the Carlisle 2-1 spot-on, has greatly improved their chances of being in the Premier again next season. A useful 4 points also for ghughes11, thanks to getting the Port Vale 1-0 spot-on, moved him 3 points nearer to safety, with the bottom five all relying on the Port Vale outcome to give them one point each.
In Division One By having the Lincoln and Port Vale outcomes, bwildered increased his lead by a point, as Jorash63, noah4x4 and Lewis_1 all get the Port Vale outcome, to remain 2nd, 3rd and 4th. The top scoring performance from Moor_Pinot moved him up a place to fifth, but more significantly moved him to within 4 points of the automatic places. Although he dropped a place, by getting the Carlisle and Port Vale outcomes, Tropical_Us now has a 6 points cushion to the chasing pack in the final play-off spot. They are still headed by Blue4U2 and wessex_exile, who both had the Fleetwood and Port Vale outcomes. They are now joined by BFG, after his decent week moved up a place. With all three only separated by the tie-breaker rules. Just a point further back is durham_exile, after he also got the Fleetwood and Port Vale outcomes.
THE TABLES (237 out of 280 played)
(Tie-breaker: Most 3 pointers, and then the first to post)
Week 34 Fixtures This is now a 7 game week to make up for the postponed game in Week 33.
BURNLEY v BRISTOL CITY
LEEDS UNITED v SWANSEA CITY
BIRMINGHAM CITY v SHREWSBURY TOWN
READING v PETERBOROUGH UNITED
BARROW v CHESTERFIELD
HARROGATE TOWN v GILLINGHAM
NEWPORT COUNTY v NOTTS COUNTY
Good luck everybody. |
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Thread | Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's
by durham_exile at 20:24 21 Mar 2025
Now one look at the fixture tomorrow and we would see a league Two clash between two sides vying to get promotion to League One. Nothing spectacular in that, the game is only worth three points and defeat either way doesn’t signify the end of the road for one of these teams in that aim.
Or does it?
Football has this amazing knack of throwing up a game at the optimum possible time.
An International break so Sky Sports + have the rights to screen it at 3pm (steady Ed), the opportunity for the Bantams to offer a fiver a ticket including the hordes of Colchester fans (1000) who will travel to Valley Parade. A crowd of 22,000 plus in the University of Bradford Stadium AKA Valley Parade, the largest since the stadium was rebuilt, bigger even than our game there in March 2023 when I sat amongst the 20,383 to witness a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Bantams.
Earlier in the season a 99th minute equaliser from Jamie McDonnell gave us a deserved point against Bradford at the JCS.
But tomorrow it will be something special. Bradford have just lost to Gillingham and Tranmere both 1-0 and lost their 10 successive home victories on the trot record. We are unbeaten in 13 games and looking for our 6th successive victory (we last won 10 in a row between December 2005 and February 2006 and we know what happened in May 2006).
But forget about everything prior to this Saturday because it means nothing, we have won nothing yet. The important thing that matters is that we have 9 cup finals to play and only then can we look at the league table for the final reckoning.
Saturday 22 March 3pm Bradford Away – Sky Sports+
Friday 28 March 7:45pm Grimsby Home - Sky Sports+
Tuesday 1 April 7:45pm Gillingham Away - Sky Sports+
Saturday 5 April 3pm Notts Co Home
Saturday 12 April 3pm Newport Away
Friday 18 April 3pm Crewe Home – Sky Sports+
Monday 21 April 3pm Doncaster Away – Sky Sports+
Saturday 26 April 3pm Salford Away
Saturday 3 May 3pm Barrow Home
They can be the most important games since 2006 and DC and NC know that we are on the margins of achieving something special this season but it will not be defined by Valley Parade (although a victory will continue to shorten our promotion odds at the bookies).
Now DC is right to play down the game and to heap praise on the Bantams (but not too much). A big crowd can be intimidating for the Away contingent, but equally it can become a pressure cooker for the Home team. For long periods of that game in 2023 the stadium fell silent as Colchester threatened the Bantams goal and the tension was palpable. As I wrote earlier big crowds can also be a hindrance to the home side.
When we won at Sheffield Wednesday some years ago, the crowd became hostile to their home side as we demolished them 3-0.
One man who must stand strong tomorrow is the referee Mr Will Finnie from Luton. No homers please.
League Two table top seven:
Walsall 37 69
Bradford 36 66
Wimbledon 37 63
Doncaster Rovers 37 63
Notts Co 37 61
PV 36 61
COL U 37 58
The truth is that over the past three months we have crept under the radar and have not only closed the gap on those above us, but also have indicated that we have the right to be there amongst them.
Psychologically three points at Valley Parade gives us 61 points and places further pressure on those in the automatic positions. Graham Alexander knows all about pressure, he has seen it all in the game but so have the Cowleys. George Lapslie will also be a leading light for the Bantams tomorrow as will Sam Walker who might put his back out picking the ball out of the net!
The Bradford weather will be 14 degrees Celsius with light showers and light winds and some sunshine. The pitch will be challenging but we know all about that!!!!
It is unlikely that DC will make any changes to his starting XI:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Hunt
Read Iandolo
Anderson Payne Edwards
Taylor
Subs:
Smith Gordon Simpson Tucker Aboh Thorn Jolliffe
Much has been made of Bradford’s injury woes, but do not forget we are without Teddy Bishop, Samson Tovide and KVY and Jamie McDonnell is away on International duty.
It is possible that we might have Anthony Scully on the bench tomorrow, but we will see.
Now I have a ticket for the game, but it is unlikely that I will be able to make it. Sadly, I am unwell at present (and have been for some little time) and neither of my sons are available to drive me to the game. It is likely therefore that I will have to content myself with watching on Sky Sports +.
The faithful might be happy with that, I have been to 7 games this season and everyone has been a drawn encounter. I am very disappointed though not to be at VP.
The U’s can win tomorrow and will win tomorrow. 2-1 with Lyle Taylor on the mark with an Edwards classy long-range effort.
We do not need to fear the Bantams. A degree of respect yes of course, but we are there to show that we are not making up the numbers but deserve to be there on merit.
For those travelling, safe journey, enjoy the game and I will be cheering on the U’s from darkest Durham.
Don't forget your blue and white scarves.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Friday night trivia time
by wessex_exile at 19:03 21 Mar 2025
If the reported ticket sales for tomorrow are correct (at least 21k, possibly more than 22k), it's pretty much a nailed-on certainty tomorrow will be the biggest Tier 4 attendance we've ever played in front of. So, some topical questions to ponder over whilst watching England v Albania.
Q1 - name the four opponents that are currently ranked 1-4 in our attendance stats. One point for each, and a bonus point if you get them in the right order.
Q2 - name the opponent for our lowest Tier 4 attendance (not including the Covid lockdown matches).
Q3 - name the UK side that holds the record for a Tier 4 attendance. Bonus point for naming their opponent. |
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Thread | bradford city crowd figure
by oldman67 at 07:09 21 Mar 2025
Morning everyone city fan here in peace from sunny costa del yorkshire , it looks like we have close to a full house on saturday, whats your ticket sales going like should be a cracking atmosphere at V.P on saturday . |
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Thread | Off topic
by thrillseeker at 16:59 20 Mar 2025
Any one had recent experience of new kitchens?
Just started looking around - been to Howdens, Wickes and Wren so far.
Any one got any comment about the above or recommend elsewhere?
Thanks |
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Thread | Next weekend
by wessex_exile at 12:09 17 Mar 2025
A bold decision by Mat Sadler not to take the easy and to be honest justifiable decision to postpone Walsall's game next Saturday at Gillingham, with three first team regulars away on international duty. He will no doubt be relying on the U's to do them a massive favour.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cn048nx077ro
Valley Parade should be a 20,000+ crowd on Saturday with their 'all tickets £5 in advance' offer, even if at least 15,000 of those are already season ticket holders who don't get any benefit from the deal. Anyone know how many tickets we've sold? |
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Thread | Happy League 2024/25 Week 33 (of 38) - Deadline Saturday 22nd March 15.00
by mfb_cufc at 21:20 15 Mar 2025
Week 32 results
EVERTON 1 WEST HAM UNITED 1
Jake O'Brien scored a 91st minute equaliser to salvage a Premier League draw for Everton, and take their unbeaten run to nine games. Only Daniel and bwildered got this spot-on, and only oxfcolu had the outcome. 20 predicted a win for Everton with a massive 14 going for a 2-1 in what was the weeks most predicted score.
SOUTHAMPTON 1 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 2
Jorgen Strand Larsen scored twice as Wolves moved nine points clear of the Premier League's bottom three with victory over beleaguered Southampton. A great 8 had this spot-on, and a further 11 got the outcome.
OXFORD UNITED 1 WATFORD 0
Oxford claimed a first win in ten Championship matches with a narrow victory over 10-man Watford. 4 got this spot-on, and nobody had the outcome.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 HULL CITY 1
Play-off chasers West Brom were forced to settle for a point against Hull after drawing for the 18th time this season, more games than anyone else in the top four tiers. Well done to gerry_us for being the only one to have this spot-on, and nobody got the outcome. 22 predicted a win for West Brom.
WYCOMBE WANDERERS 0 WREXHAM 1
Sam Smith struck a late winner as Wrexham rose above Wycombe into second in League One. 3 got this spot-on, and another 7 had the outcome.
ACCRINGTON STANLEY 1 GILLINGHAM 1
Max Clark blasted home a 94th minute equaliser to rescue a point for Gillingham. A sublime 5 had this spot-on, and nobody got the outcome.
Another week that went to a similar script that many weeks have gone before this season, with few goals in the first-half, and late goals to put a different complexion on results. In fact there was only two goals in the first-half, one each from Wolves and Accrington. The late goals from Hull, and especially Everton and Gillingham, gave us another three 1-1's, to make it 37 for the season, and certain to end as top result again. As that is 10 more than the 1-0 in second. Something that wasn't similar to any other week, was the rarity of every game having a 3 pointer for the first time this season. They gave us a total of 23 overall, but in return there was only 19 outcomes. The only member who did well to have three 3 pointers was Lewis_1, the wins for Wolves and Wrexham and the Accrington 1-1, to make him the weeks top scorer with a magnificent 9 points. Three members had two 3 pointers. They were BFG. who had the wins for Wolves and Oxford, gerry_us, who got the Wolves 2-1 and the West Brom 1-1. They each also had one outcome, to give them both a decent 7 points. Also Tropical_Us, who got the Wolves 2-1 and the Accrington 1-1, to give him a decent 6 points. Best of those to have one 3 pointer were unitedwhites and oxfcolu, who both got the Accrington 1-1, and two outcomes, to give them both a solid 5 points each.
In the Premier After having the Wolves 2-1 spot-on blueeagle took over at the top again. In fact he was one of the ten who got a 3 pointer in this division, but remarkably none got more than one. He remained there for about an hour, as the Wycombe v Wrexham game was delayed due to a medical energency in the crowd. With mfb_cufc finally having the Wrexham 1-0 spot-on, he returned to the top again, and increased his lead by a point. Also getting that Wrexham win spot-on was thrillseeker, and he remains third. In fact the top half remains the same for the third week running. It is the bottom half, and those trying to avoid the drop, where all the big change is happening again. By having the Wolves 2-1 spot-on, ghughes11 moves up a couple of places to seventh. The Wolves win spot-on also for concordman, and he remains eighth. Getting the Oxford 1-0 spot-on moved Sector4 up a place, and out of the relegation zone again. He is replaced by burnsieespana, who after two top scoring weeks in a row, he could only manage the one outcome this week, but is only 2 points from safety. Another solid week from oxfcolu moves him off the bottom, as he continues to inch closer to safety. This means basher2010 drops to the bottom for the first time this season.
In Division One That late equaliser from Everton was good news for bwildered, as by having that spot-on he remains top and stretches his lead by those 3 points. One outcome was enough for Jorash63 to remain in the other automatic spot, but only on the most 3 pointer rule from noah4x4, after he had the Oxford 1-0 spot-on. The top scoring performance from Lewis_1 keeps him in fourth, but more importantly moves him to within 2 points of the automatics. The decent week for Tropical_Us moves him up a place to fifth. The good recent run for Moor_Pinot came to an unfortunate end, but his blank week couldn't stop him from being in the final play-off place. But it is only on the tie-break rules from Blue4U2, who had the Oxford 1-0 spot-on, and wessex_exile, who got the Accrington 1-1 spot-on. Only one outcome for durham_exile, but he is still within one point of the play-offs. The decent week for BFG moves him right into play-off contention, only 3 points away. The decent week for gerry_us gives him hope, if that form can be repeated for the final 48 games of the season.
THE TABLES (232 out of 280 played)
(Tie-breaker: Most 3 pointers, and then the first to post)
Week 33 Fixtures The final International break this season, so it is 6 games from League's 1 &2.
BARNSLEY v CAMBRIDGE UNITED
LINCOLN CITY v EXETER CITY
MANSFIELD TOWN v LEYTON ORIENT
CARLISLE UNITED v BROMLEY
FLEETWOOD TOWN v TRANMERE ROVERS
PORT VALE v MORECAMBE
Good luck everybody.
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Thread | Cod Army to be battered by Superlative Super U's at Fortress JCS
by durham_exile at 09:07 14 Mar 2025
After a magnificent home victory against Port Vale on Tuesday night, the Super U’s are now unbeaten for 12 matches and have won the last 4 in a row.
The transformation under the Cowleys after the last four seasons of real struggle has been phenomenal.
League Table as of 14 March:
Walsall 37 69
Bradford 36 66
Doncaster 36 62
Notts Co 36 61
Wimbledon 36 60
PV 35 58
Crewe 36 56
Grimsby 36 56
COL U 36 55
Bromley 37 52
Our 10 remaining games:
Saturday 15 March 3pm Fleetwood Home
Saturday 22 March 3pm Bradford Away
Friday 28 March 7:45pm Grimsby Home - Sky Sports+
Tuesday 1 April 7:45pm Gillingham Away - Sky Sports+
Saturday 5 April 3pm Notts Co Home
Saturday 12 April 3pm Newport Away
Friday 18 April 3pm Crewe Home – Sky Sports+
Monday 21 April 3pm Doncaster Away – Sky Sports+
Saturday 26 April 3pm Salford Away
Saturday 3 May 3pm Barrow Home
Now I know comparisons are often onerous, but I can’t resist considering the current team with the side that Parky took up to the Championship in 2005/06.
Now don’t forget this was League One not League Two but this is how the 2005/06 table looked after 46 games. Top 15 places only:
Southend 46 82 Promoted
COL U 46 79 Promoted (W22 D13 L11 58 40 +18 )
Brentford 46 76
Huddersfield 46 73
Barnsley 46 72 (promoted via play-offs)
Swansea 46 71
Nottingham Forest 46 69
Doncaster 46 69
Bristol City 46 65
Oldham 46 65
Bradford 46 61
Scunny 46 60
PV 46 60
Gillingham 46 60
Yeovil 46 56
Our team on May 6th for that final league game was:
Dean Gerken
Neil Danns
Kevin Watson
Karl Duguid
Chris Iwelumo
Pat Baldwin
John White
Liam Chilvers
Scott Vernon
Jamal Campbell-Ryce
Subs:
Kem Izzet
Tony Thorpe
Mark Cousins
Gary Richards
Billy Clarke
Missing that day were: Aidan Davison, Wayne Brown and Mark Yeates.
Our last ten matches that season were: (Colchester score first)
Doncaster A 0-0*
Scunny A 0-0*
Brentford H 1-1
Nottingham Forest A 0-1*
Hartlepool H 2-0
Chesterfield A 2-2*
Tranmere H 1-0
Bournemouth A 2-1
Rotherham H 2-0
Yeovil A 0-0*
*Games that I attended.
It is impossible to accurately compare player by player and I’m not going to attempt that but the team that DC and NC have built can certainly achieve promotion to League One this season.
Could it also be argued that the 2024/25 team is actually better than the 2005/06 side.
Anyway, DC has more headaches squad selection wise with Fleetwood in Town on Saturday. Jamie McDonnell will be missing again and Teddy Bishop plus Samson Tovide must unfortunately be doubtful for the game.
The Cod Army led by Pete Wild and with Brendan Wiredu in their ranks arrive in good form unbeaten in their last four games. Earlier this season we took a point in a 0-0 draw at Highbury. The last time I travelled to Fleetwood was April 25, 2015, when we scored two goals in the last 6 minutes to turn around the result from 2-1 down to a 3-2 win.
On Saturday I think the U’s will ease to a 3-0 win to keep the magnificent unbeaten run going but also ensure a fifth consecutive win.
DC is likely to be forced into at least one change with Samson Tovide possibly unfit. Hopefully Gordon and KVY will have recovered from the sickness bug.
Therefore, the team is likely to be as follows:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
Hunt Read
Anderson Payne Edwards
Taylor
Subs:
Smith Simpson Tucker Aboh Thorn Gordon KVY
Colchester weather on Saturday will be sunny, dry and 8 degrees Celsius but breezy. The pitch continues to be challenging but the ground staff will have been working hard since Tuesday night.
Colchester to win 3-0 to send out the message that we are no longer operating under the radar but are there on merit and growing in emphasis every game.
The faithful will be there in force with a 5,000-gate expected.
Enjoy the match.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Dementia in Football
by TheOldOakTree at 12:48 13 Mar 2025
It's quite sobbering to listen to this once hard man and general grade A 'nutter' talk about how his previous career might affect his family in the coming years.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c798x88l9j7o
I'm sure I'm not the only one that's had to nurse a parent through this terrible demise. Albeit a few years ago now, but it's a pile of crap and by far the worst thing I've ever had to deal with.
Windass managed to get three red cards in one match whilst playing in Scotland!!!! One for a second yellow, another for calling the ref a c@#t when he sent him off and a third for smashing the corner flag on his way to the dressing room, and we though Big Roy was bad!!!! |
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Thread | Valiant Super U's to overcome PV at the JCS tonight
by durham_exile at 10:40 11 Mar 2025
Another Away win, another resounding performance, this time against one of our bogey teams results wise in Cheltenham. Michael Flynn didn’t disappoint in his vitriolic post-match rant. Some of the most outrageous comments I have ever read from a Manager.
All I would say Michael is keep away from the Cheltenham festival. Should you venture along then “Honest Durham” could offer you the following nags.
The Ryanair Chase has “Hitman” on the card, whilst the Champion Hurdle has “Brighterdaysahead” but definitely save your money Michael for the Gold Cup and “Gentlemansgame”.
So, the Super U’s forge ahead and are now unbeaten for 11 games for the second time this season. The first set of 11 was ended with three straight defeats but this time the second set looks more decisive; the U’s are stronger and the support from the bench is far more effective.
The table also makes for pleasant reading:
Walsall 36 68
Bradford 36 66*
Doncaster 36 62*
Wimbledon 35 60
Notts Co 35 58*
PV 34 58*
Crewe 36 56*
Grimsby 35 56*
COL U 35 52
The teams with asterisks denotes those rivals that we still have to play. In fact, the Bantams game is boiling up to be an absolute cracker prior to Easter.
In fact, you have to consider that it is now any 7 from these 9 teams for promotion. We have 11 games to play with the possibility of three more games after these.
To put these statistics into context if we go back through some of the Col U records, we last reached the play offs in the truncated season 2019/20 when we finished 6th with 58 points from 37 games and lost to Exeter in the play-off semi-final.
Prior to that 2018/19 saw us achieve 70 points from 46 games.
2009/10 whilst in League 1 and we achieved 72 points from 46 games.
2005/06 was that halcyon season under Parky when 79 points from 46 games saw us finish runners up and gain promotion to the championship.
1997/98 and we achieved 74 points from 46 games in the old Third Division.
1995/96 and it was 72 points from 46 games and prior to that in 1991/92 92 points from 46 games in the Conference and promotion.
The prospect of more than 70 points from 46 games this season is an appealing one but we can do much better than that both points and position wise.
Tuesday 11 March 7:45pm PV Home - Sky Sports+
Saturday 15 March 3pm Fleetwood Home
Saturday 22 March 3pm Bradford Away
Friday 28 March 7:45pm Grimsby Home - Sky Sports+
Tuesday 1 April 7:45pm Gillingham Away - Sky Sports+
Saturday 5 April 3pm Notts Co Home
Saturday 12 April 3pm Newport Away
Friday 18 April 3pm Crewe Home – Sky Sports+
Monday 21 April 3pm Doncaster Away – Sky Sports+
Saturday 26 April 3pm Salford Away
Saturday 3 May 3pm Barrow Home
Of course, a 12th game unbeaten is the ultimate aim this evening. Port Vale will be difficult. We drew 1-1 at Vale Park earlier in the season. They are an uninspiring but forthright side and certainly hard to beat having only lost 6 games this season whilst winning 15 and drawing 13. Darren Moore can count upon former U’s defender in the shape of Connor Hall.
Now the JCS is at last becoming a fortress and tonight’s televised game is followed by another tight game on paper against Fleetwood, again at the JCS. Six more points ahead of the Bantams game and we could already be in the Play Off positions before we go to Valley Parade.
Of course, before I continue to way lyrical things are not all rosy sadly. Teddy Bishop is side-lined for several matches unfortunately. Jamie McDonnell will miss the next three games after picking up sufficient bookings (which accounts for 2 games) and being selected for the U21’s for Northern Ireland which means he also misses the Bradford game.
However, DC has options with Tucker available in defence and Manny Egbo able to play in midfield and of course Arthur Read is an old stalwart (written with affection) in midfield.
I don’t know whether Kells is available tonight but hope that all has gone well with the birth of his new baby.
Kyreece Lisbie has been loaned to Braintree which seems an excellent move for his development. For the first time in some seasons, we have an abundance of striking talent.
Samson Tovide, Lyle Taylor, Tyreece Simpson, Ken Aboh and Anthony Scully who might finally be available for the Fleetwood game.
DC could bring Hunt into defence and move Egbo into midfield with Read. Some of Egbo’s best play comes when he is running with the ball from midfield to attack.
Then we have Thorn, Gordon, Anderson and the brilliant Edwards in attacking midfield/winger positions.
Jack Payne, a contender for player of the season, is simply outstanding this season.
Weather tonight is likely to be 4 degrees Celsius, mostly cloudy with an 8% chance of rain.
So, what does DC do?
Something along these lines:
Macey
Hunt Tucker Flanagan Iandolo
Egbo Read
Gordon Payne Edwards
Tovide
Subs:
Smith, Anderson, KVY, Thorn, Taylor, Simpson, Aboh
Of course, Kells plays in defence instead of Hunt if available for selection.
A decent crowd can be expected (4,500) after more superb support from the faithful at Whaddon Road. Scoreline, a gritty hard fought 2-0 victory with Tovide and Edwards on the scoresheet.
The U’s are going up!
Enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Stop it! It's not big or clever.
by TheOldOakTree at 13:20 10 Mar 2025
................oh, sod it, let's go for it!
I'm wetting myself with laughter. Even more so now I've looked at the teams Wolves have got in the run in.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cjevk7pjg53o
Some of the stories I hear from former business associates about loyal supporters having boxes for 20+ years at PissPoorman Road, only to be royally shafted in the extreme when then got promoted, some of them I'm told couldn't afford the ridiculous increases so they asked for ordinary season tickets instead of their box, only to be told sorry they're all sold out.
You gotta love a bit of Karma |
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Thread | Sorry repost with a different link attached
by Madeira163 at 23:15 8 Mar 2025
Hi folks I hope you’ll allow me a second.
At the start of the season was diagnosed with the big C ( low down rear end )
I had not really publicised the fact.
However a few weeks ago my sister drops that she had signed up to swim 10k in March in aid of Cancer Research UK. My sister has not to minor health of issues of her own and by her own admission is certainly not a swimmer.
I know the amazing work CRUK do in fact my daughter and son in law are researchers for them.
I’m so proud of her and she has reached nearly £1800 so far.
Hopefully below is a link to her just giving page if you can spare a pound or to we would be really grateful. If you do donate if you could just say you’re from usual so we know who to thank .
Thanks for listening
Madeira 163 / Geoff
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/amandas-giving-page-4670 |
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Thread | Happy League 2024/25 Week 32 (of 38) - Deadline Saturday 15th March 15.00
by mfb_cufc at 23:05 8 Mar 2025
Week 31 results
NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1 MANCHESTER CITY 0
Callum Hudson-Odoi got an 83rd minute winner to earn Forest a crucial victory over their fellow Champions League hopefuls. Nobody got this spot-on, but 5 did have the outcome.
BRENTFORD 0 ASTON VILLA 1
Ollie Watkins settled a hard-fought encounter against his old club as Villa boosted their hopes of a top-four Premier League finish. Well done to Madeira163 for being the only one to have this spot-on, and a further 5 got the outcome.
SWANSEA CITY 1 MIDDLESBROUGH 0
Swansea's unbeaten run under caretaker boss Alan Sheehan continued as Eom Ji-Sung's fine goal dealt a blow to Middlesbrough's Championship play-offs hopes. Only burnsieespana and noah4x4 had this spot-on, and another 3 had the outcome.
STOCKPORT COUNTY 0 CHARLTON ATHLETIC 0
Promotion hopefuls Stockport and Charlton shared the spoils in this bore draw, as both teams could only muster a mere one shot on target each. Another game with no 3 pointer, though 3 did get the outcome. 17 predicted a win for Stockport, with 11 going for a 2-1 in what was the weeks most predicted score.
BARNSLEY 0 BLACKPOOL 3
Sonny Carey's brace led Blackpool to an emphatic win. No points for anyone from this game, with 21 predicting a win for Barnsley, and the other 3 going for a draw.
BRISTOL ROVERS 1 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0
Rovers boosted their League One survival hopes when they ended a four-game winless run by narrowly seeing off play-off chasing Huddersfield. Only burnsieespana and noah4x4 had this spot-on, and only Madeira163 got the outcome.
AFC WIMBLEDON 2 NOTTS COUNTY 0
Ex U's loanee Alistair Smith scored one of the goals, as Wimbledon end their four-game winless run with a victory over their League Two promotion rivals, who only had one shot on target. Well done to bwildered for being the only one to get this spot-on, and a further 13 had the outcome.
CHELTENHAM TOWN 0 COLCHESTER UNITED 1
Substitute Harry Anderson's goal was enough to secure a win for Colchester, and keep their League Two play-off hopes alive, as they extended their unbeaten run to 11 games. A magnificent 7 had this spot-on, and another 8 got the outcome.
CHESTERFIELD 2 NEWPORT COUNTY 1
Chesterfield came from behind to win after losing their previous four games. A super 6 got this spot-on, and another 11 had the outcome.
SALFORD CITY 1 CREWE ALEXANDRA 1
Connor O'Riordan's spectacular strike earned a point for Crewe in a pulsating game that produced a total of40 shots between the two teams. Only Jorash63 and Moor_Pinot had this spot-on, and only burnsieespana got the outcome.
Jorash63 told me he had picked some tough to predict fixtures, and that is certainly how they turned out, with a number of surprise results. It was left to League 2 to save the week from being a complete disaster, thanks mainly to the wins for Colchester and Chesterfield, that went a long way to giving us a total of 21 spot-ons for the week. Four members did well to have two 3 pointers, with the best coming from burnsieespana, who had the 1-0 wins for Swansea and Bristol Rovers, and a good five outcomes, to make him the weeks top scorer with a fantastic 11 points. Also getting those wins for Swansea and Bristol Rovers was noah4x4, and with three outcomes he got an excellent 9 points. A decent 7 points for Jorash63, who had the Chesterfield 2-1 and the Salford 1-1, and one outcome. Finally a decent 6 points for concordman who got the wins for Colchester and Chesterfield. Best of those to have one 3 pointer was thrillseeker and oxfcolu, who each had the Colchester 1-0, and four outcomes, to give them both a decent 7 points.
U'sual Champions League Just a reminder for those in this competition. The Round of 16 2nd leg fixtures start next Tuesday 11th March, with the deadline 17.45.
In the Premier The lead has changed again, as mfb_cufc returns to the top after a week away, thanks to having the Colchester 1-0 spot-on. Despite getting the Chesterfield 2-1 spot-on, blueeagle has to settle for the other Charity Shield place. The decent week for thrillseeker helped to move him 3 points nearer to the top two. The rest of the top half remains unchanged. It is the fight to avoid relegation where the real activity takes place, with this being probably the most exciting ever in the Premier, though not for those involved. Two weeks ago burnsieespana was 13 points from safety, and needing something special to avoid the drop. Well, he didn't have to wait long for that special occuring, with two top scoring performances in a row giving him 20 points (9 more than anyone in this division), that moved him up another four places this week to seventh. To equal his highest position this season, last achieved in Week 3. He still has work to do though, as he is only ahead of concordman on the first to post rule, after his decent week moved him up a place to eighth, to give him his highest position this season. And only ahead of ghughes11 on the most 3 pointer rule. All three are only a point ahead of Sector4, who drops into the bottom three for the first time since Week 9. Despite having the Colchester 1-0 spot-on, basher2010 drops another place. The decent week for oxfcolu gives him hope of avoiding the drop.
In Division One Having the Wimbledon 2-0 spot-on kept bwildered top for the seventh week running, but it is only on the most 3 pointer rule from Jorash63, whose decent week closed him right up. The excellent week for noah4x4 moved him up place to third, and to within 3 points of the automatics. Also up a place to fourth is Lewis_1, as he was another to have the Colchester 1-0 spot-on. Another decent week for Moor_Pinot moved him up another place to fifth. Just the one outcome for Tropical_Us means he drops to the final play-off place. His lowest position since Week 12. Four outcomes for durham_exile keeps him contention, as does a solid week for Blue4U2, with the Chesterfield 2-1 spot-on. As with the U's, I'm looking for a late run into the play-offs said wessex_exile. Just like the U's a decent week for him, that included having the Chesterfield 2-1 spot-on, has improved his chances of that happening.
THE TABLES (226 out of 280 played)
(Tie-breaker: Most 3 pointers, and then the first to post)
Week 32 Fixtures
EVERTON v WEST HAM UNITED
SOUTHAMPTON v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
OXFORD UNITED v WATFORD
WEST BROMWICH ALBION v HULL CITY
WYCOMBE WANDERERS v WREXHAM
ACCRINGTON STANLEY v GILLINGHAM
Good luck everybody. |
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