DSP WE League: Official Thread
Moderators: Bill_Abner, ScoopBrady
If you want, we can split the post into a results only league post and a general hook-up post. Or not. The good thing about having these posts for scheduling is that people have multiple opponents, so it's easy to get everyone at once in this thread. Maybe the best thing will be to keep everything in one thread, make announcements of availability in this thread, and try to keep the responses to PMs. Though I really don't have a strong preference either way. Any thoughts?
Match Reports
Newcastle United 2 AS Monaco 1
SOG 29, 15
TAR 12, 4
FK 1, 7
Cor 8, 2
Posses 49, 51
Scoring: Owen 23' Shearer 72' Chevanton 57'
Newcastle got back to its winning ways with a home victory over top of the table Monaco. Michael Owen put the Magpies up early, turning his man and putting what was really a stoppable shot on goal. Monaco's keeper made a hash of it, however, and it rolled in. The sides exchanged shots throughout the remainder of the half. Monaco took control in the second half, with Chevanton's goal capping off a fine run of play. Monaco was unable to maintaint he pressure however. On 72 minutes, Ramage played a pinpoint early cross to an unmarked Harry Shearer, who headed home the winner.
Great game, Jared. Neither of us finished particularly well but it was a fun one
Lazio 1 Newcastle 2
SOG 14, 24
Tar 5, 7
FK 0, 11
Corners 5, 4
Posses 51, 49
Scoring: Shearer 14' (FK) Ameobi 20' Boumsong 72' (OG)
Newcastle broke its 2-game road losing streak by besting Lazio despite a clumsy own goal from Boumsong. Newcastle looked the stronger side early. Shearer converted a 26 yard free kick beautifully into the upper 90. Five minutes later Ameobi struck a beautiful 35 yard snapshot into the very same spot, scoring a beauty that Peruzzi could do nothing with.
Lazio asserted themselves physically throughout the game, but poor finishing by Paolo DiCanio repeatedly hurt them. They were game however and their pressure paid off in the second half when Given passed to Boumsong only to see his clearance attempt ricochet into the Newcastle net. Peruzzi performed very well under sustained pressure down the stretch, but Lazio were unable to find an equalizer.
Good game, Mo. DiCanio couldn't hit water from a boat or that's a totally different game.
Newcastle United 2 AS Monaco 1
SOG 29, 15
TAR 12, 4
FK 1, 7
Cor 8, 2
Posses 49, 51
Scoring: Owen 23' Shearer 72' Chevanton 57'
Newcastle got back to its winning ways with a home victory over top of the table Monaco. Michael Owen put the Magpies up early, turning his man and putting what was really a stoppable shot on goal. Monaco's keeper made a hash of it, however, and it rolled in. The sides exchanged shots throughout the remainder of the half. Monaco took control in the second half, with Chevanton's goal capping off a fine run of play. Monaco was unable to maintaint he pressure however. On 72 minutes, Ramage played a pinpoint early cross to an unmarked Harry Shearer, who headed home the winner.
Great game, Jared. Neither of us finished particularly well but it was a fun one
Lazio 1 Newcastle 2
SOG 14, 24
Tar 5, 7
FK 0, 11
Corners 5, 4
Posses 51, 49
Scoring: Shearer 14' (FK) Ameobi 20' Boumsong 72' (OG)
Newcastle broke its 2-game road losing streak by besting Lazio despite a clumsy own goal from Boumsong. Newcastle looked the stronger side early. Shearer converted a 26 yard free kick beautifully into the upper 90. Five minutes later Ameobi struck a beautiful 35 yard snapshot into the very same spot, scoring a beauty that Peruzzi could do nothing with.
Lazio asserted themselves physically throughout the game, but poor finishing by Paolo DiCanio repeatedly hurt them. They were game however and their pressure paid off in the second half when Given passed to Boumsong only to see his clearance attempt ricochet into the Newcastle net. Peruzzi performed very well under sustained pressure down the stretch, but Lazio were unable to find an equalizer.
Good game, Mo. DiCanio couldn't hit water from a boat or that's a totally different game.
XBL Gamertag: RobVarak
"Ok I'm an elitist, but I have a healthy respect for people who don't measure up." --Aaron Sorkin
"Ok I'm an elitist, but I have a healthy respect for people who don't measure up." --Aaron Sorkin
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FifaInspected
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FifaInspected
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** CUP MATCH **
VFB Stuttgart - 3 AS Monaco - 2
shots 22/22
SOG 6/9
Pen 1/0
FK 3/4
Corner 6/2
Fouls 5/3
offside 0/1
Y-0/0
R 0/0
Posss 51/49
Sorin - Monaco (own) '9
unknown - Monaco
Thomasson - VFB - '38
Gronkjaer - ET
VFB Stuttgart seals victory in extra time.
Healing on the outside and still weeping on the inside I was able to muster up enough strength to follow the team on their trip this week. My experience in Spain painful in many ways. After 3 days in the hosptial, the long road of recovery has begun.. But enought about that.
It was a great week to be a reporter covering Stuttgart. First, the battle against Bayern (a team that they had only lost to previously) turned out very favorable as Thomasson was in brilliant form, finding the net 4 times . The stuttgart defense did their part, keeping the incoming crosses from becoming solid scoring opportunities. The team played very well as a unit and it certainly looks to me that as the season has progressed, they have figured out their chemistry and capabilities.
Next up was their second round cup match against AS Monaco. This was a match that 30 years from now, when I am sitting along the river with my grand children, i'll be able to tell them that I was there. The game opened with an own goal by Monaco at the 9 minute mark. Monaco leveled not long after. At the 36 minute mark, Thomasson put Stuttgart on top by sprinting past the Monaco keeper. We (stuttgart) hung tight with brilliant defense when it mattered most. A penalty was issued to Stuttgart in their box and the ball was placed on the spot. The stand-off ended with the stuttgart keeper holding his spot and making the save to preserve the lead. Instead of trying to the one goal lead stand, Stuttgart continued to attack and created a few more chances. Monaco found space down the left wing at the 71 minute mark and beat the Stuttgart keeper from a bad angle to level the match. The final whistle blew and the match headed to extra time.
Each team traded nice volleys, both were lasers but both were off the mark. Stuttgart started the second half of ET on the prowl and pressed deep into the Azure end, ultimately forcing a corner. The corner came with considerable pace and on the ground where it found the foot of Grankjaer who rang his shot off the inside of the near post and into the back of the net.
Stuttgart held firm and were victorious when the final whistle sounded.
VFB Stuttgart - 3 AS Monaco - 2
shots 22/22
SOG 6/9
Pen 1/0
FK 3/4
Corner 6/2
Fouls 5/3
offside 0/1
Y-0/0
R 0/0
Posss 51/49
Sorin - Monaco (own) '9
unknown - Monaco
Thomasson - VFB - '38
Gronkjaer - ET
VFB Stuttgart seals victory in extra time.
Healing on the outside and still weeping on the inside I was able to muster up enough strength to follow the team on their trip this week. My experience in Spain painful in many ways. After 3 days in the hosptial, the long road of recovery has begun.. But enought about that.
It was a great week to be a reporter covering Stuttgart. First, the battle against Bayern (a team that they had only lost to previously) turned out very favorable as Thomasson was in brilliant form, finding the net 4 times . The stuttgart defense did their part, keeping the incoming crosses from becoming solid scoring opportunities. The team played very well as a unit and it certainly looks to me that as the season has progressed, they have figured out their chemistry and capabilities.
Next up was their second round cup match against AS Monaco. This was a match that 30 years from now, when I am sitting along the river with my grand children, i'll be able to tell them that I was there. The game opened with an own goal by Monaco at the 9 minute mark. Monaco leveled not long after. At the 36 minute mark, Thomasson put Stuttgart on top by sprinting past the Monaco keeper. We (stuttgart) hung tight with brilliant defense when it mattered most. A penalty was issued to Stuttgart in their box and the ball was placed on the spot. The stand-off ended with the stuttgart keeper holding his spot and making the save to preserve the lead. Instead of trying to the one goal lead stand, Stuttgart continued to attack and created a few more chances. Monaco found space down the left wing at the 71 minute mark and beat the Stuttgart keeper from a bad angle to level the match. The final whistle blew and the match headed to extra time.
Each team traded nice volleys, both were lasers but both were off the mark. Stuttgart started the second half of ET on the prowl and pressed deep into the Azure end, ultimately forcing a corner. The corner came with considerable pace and on the ground where it found the foot of Grankjaer who rang his shot off the inside of the near post and into the back of the net.
Stuttgart held firm and were victorious when the final whistle sounded.
Last edited by FifaInspected on Wed Sep 13, 2006 1:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
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FifaInspected
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Why don't we beta test our own category with 2 sub boardsJared wrote:If you want, we can split the post into a results only league post and a general hook-up post. Or not. The good thing about having these posts for scheduling is that people have multiple opponents, so it's easy to get everyone at once in this thread. Maybe the best thing will be to keep everything in one thread, make announcements of availability in this thread, and try to keep the responses to PMs. Though I really don't have a strong preference either way. Any thoughts?
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XBOX - Fifa Inspected
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FifaInspected
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Just a friendly reminder, folks; the full season deadline is this Sunday, 9/17. If you need an extension, that's fine, just let us know.
Also, only one of the 2nd Round Cup games has been played. Leebo and I are planning on playing tomorrow, and I'd love it if we could get the semifinals set this weekend.
As to separate threads, I really don't think it would be a good idea. I think a mix of posts in this thread and PMs and/or AIM is the way to go to get games scheduled. While I agree people should try to be more efficient with that stuff in here, and that the one-on-one back and forth should be done in PMs, I do think that separate threads would create more problems than would be solved.
Also, only one of the 2nd Round Cup games has been played. Leebo and I are planning on playing tomorrow, and I'd love it if we could get the semifinals set this weekend.
As to separate threads, I really don't think it would be a good idea. I think a mix of posts in this thread and PMs and/or AIM is the way to go to get games scheduled. While I agree people should try to be more efficient with that stuff in here, and that the one-on-one back and forth should be done in PMs, I do think that separate threads would create more problems than would be solved.
In a tug of war between DIV 3 permanant powers, Arsenal and Real Madrid, the inevitible happened...A draw....Aresenal took the lead on a Ljunberg goal in the 59th minute only to see Real Madrid coming storming back and score in the 60th as Beckham(NOT HIM! 
) retaliated...
Arsenal 1 Real Madrid 1
Ljunberg 59'
Beckham 60'
FUN! game Cloud...catch ya next season.
) retaliated...Arsenal 1 Real Madrid 1
Ljunberg 59'
Beckham 60'
FUN! game Cloud...catch ya next season.
Man City Ends Unbeaten Season With Win
Manchester City finished off their season in the DSPenultimate Division with a 2-0 vicotry over visiting Juventus behind goals from Musampa and Andy Cole. The win comcluded and unbeaten season for City, a season in which they dropped only four points and conceded only one goal.
Musampa started off the scoring with a shot off the outside of his left boot in the 8th minute. Despite chances for both sides, the score remained 1-0 at the break. In the 66th minute, Andy Cole was able to double the home side's lead with a classy, one time strike from the top of the box. Sinclair played provider, as he got behind the defense thanks to a perfect through-ball from Mills, and proceded to beat his man, allowing him to draw the last defender and the keeper towards him before laying it off for Cole. Man City looks forward to next season in the DSPremiership, while the Juventus loss ensured that Bayern Munich would stay in Division 2.
Man City 2 : 0 Juventus
Musampa 8'; Andy Cole 66'
SoG 15 : 12
SoT 4 : 2
Corners 2 : 1
Fouls 5 : 8
Offside 0 : 0
Possession 65 : 35
no bookings
no injuries
Good game, bubbaball. There were certainly some close shaves for the equalizer in the first half, but this game went the way the whole season has for me. The ball was just bouncing my way! Good luck next season. Maybe we will run into each other in the next Cup.
Musampa started off the scoring with a shot off the outside of his left boot in the 8th minute. Despite chances for both sides, the score remained 1-0 at the break. In the 66th minute, Andy Cole was able to double the home side's lead with a classy, one time strike from the top of the box. Sinclair played provider, as he got behind the defense thanks to a perfect through-ball from Mills, and proceded to beat his man, allowing him to draw the last defender and the keeper towards him before laying it off for Cole. Man City looks forward to next season in the DSPremiership, while the Juventus loss ensured that Bayern Munich would stay in Division 2.
Man City 2 : 0 Juventus
Musampa 8'; Andy Cole 66'
SoG 15 : 12
SoT 4 : 2
Corners 2 : 1
Fouls 5 : 8
Offside 0 : 0
Possession 65 : 35
no bookings
no injuries
Good game, bubbaball. There were certainly some close shaves for the equalizer in the first half, but this game went the way the whole season has for me. The ball was just bouncing my way! Good luck next season. Maybe we will run into each other in the next Cup.
Cup Tie Report
Fiorentina 1 Newcastle 3
SOG 9, 21
Tar 4, 14
FK 4, 6
Cor 1, 9
Poss 53, 47
Fiorentina: Brocchi 67'
Newcastle: Shearer 44', Owen 59', Dyer 82'
No bookings or injuries
Newcastle advanced past a tenacious Fiorentina side in a physical battle. It was a scrappy affair, particularly in mid-field, but Newcastle's fortune in the attacking third proved the difference. The first half looked to be a hard-fought draw until Shearer pounced on a graceful pass from Michael Owen in the 44th minute. Owen drew more than his share of attention as he dribbled on the right wing before slipping a pass to a loosely-marked Shearer, who turned and fired past the keeper.
Fiorentina dominated possession in the first part of the second half, but couldn't manage to get Luca Toni onto the end of one of their many crosses. Newcastle struck again in the 59th minute. Jermaine Jenas' dazzling footwork broke down the Italian LB. Jenas penetrated to the edge of the 6-yard box and brought the ball back to Owen, who finished decisively.
Fiorentina responded quickly with Brocchi pouncing on a sloppy pass by Moore and driving a ball past the rushing Given. Given managed to get a hand to the ball, but it was not nearly enough to deny the well-taken goal. Michael Owen proved critical again in creating the insurance goal in the 82nd minute. He outpaced multple markers and played a low ball through to Kieron Dyer. Dyer chopped the ball past a sprawling keeper to notch the final goal.
Good game, Fan. You had so much of the ball, I can't believe that Toni didn't punish me on at least one of those good crosses. Good luck in the league.
Fiorentina 1 Newcastle 3
SOG 9, 21
Tar 4, 14
FK 4, 6
Cor 1, 9
Poss 53, 47
Fiorentina: Brocchi 67'
Newcastle: Shearer 44', Owen 59', Dyer 82'
No bookings or injuries
Newcastle advanced past a tenacious Fiorentina side in a physical battle. It was a scrappy affair, particularly in mid-field, but Newcastle's fortune in the attacking third proved the difference. The first half looked to be a hard-fought draw until Shearer pounced on a graceful pass from Michael Owen in the 44th minute. Owen drew more than his share of attention as he dribbled on the right wing before slipping a pass to a loosely-marked Shearer, who turned and fired past the keeper.
Fiorentina dominated possession in the first part of the second half, but couldn't manage to get Luca Toni onto the end of one of their many crosses. Newcastle struck again in the 59th minute. Jermaine Jenas' dazzling footwork broke down the Italian LB. Jenas penetrated to the edge of the 6-yard box and brought the ball back to Owen, who finished decisively.
Fiorentina responded quickly with Brocchi pouncing on a sloppy pass by Moore and driving a ball past the rushing Given. Given managed to get a hand to the ball, but it was not nearly enough to deny the well-taken goal. Michael Owen proved critical again in creating the insurance goal in the 82nd minute. He outpaced multple markers and played a low ball through to Kieron Dyer. Dyer chopped the ball past a sprawling keeper to notch the final goal.
Good game, Fan. You had so much of the ball, I can't believe that Toni didn't punish me on at least one of those good crosses. Good luck in the league.
XBL Gamertag: RobVarak
"Ok I'm an elitist, but I have a healthy respect for people who don't measure up." --Aaron Sorkin
"Ok I'm an elitist, but I have a healthy respect for people who don't measure up." --Aaron Sorkin
Lazio 1-0 Schalke 04
14-10 shots
9-4 on
9-9 fk
4-1 ck
1-0 os
50-50 %
Lazio and Schalke fought a bitter battle at Stadio Olimpico this evening. Most of the first half was dominated by Lazio in touches, if not in possession. The second half started in a similar fashion, until Lazio pressure paid off and Muzzi, coming in relief of an ineffective DiCanio got a head on a well-delivered corner by Filipini in the 66th minute. Schalke responded with a couple of golden chances, the best one coming on a corner kick volley that got plucked off the line by a Lazio defender.
Scrappy game, Fab.
Good luck in your final matches!
14-10 shots
9-4 on
9-9 fk
4-1 ck
1-0 os
50-50 %
Lazio and Schalke fought a bitter battle at Stadio Olimpico this evening. Most of the first half was dominated by Lazio in touches, if not in possession. The second half started in a similar fashion, until Lazio pressure paid off and Muzzi, coming in relief of an ineffective DiCanio got a head on a well-delivered corner by Filipini in the 66th minute. Schalke responded with a couple of golden chances, the best one coming on a corner kick volley that got plucked off the line by a Lazio defender.
Scrappy game, Fab.
Good luck in your final matches!
Match Report
Schalke 04 1 Newcastle 0
SOG 9, 20
Tar 6, 8
FK 7, 7
Corn 1, 3
Posses 54, 46
Schalke: Ernst 24'
No bookings/no injuries
Newcastle's title hopes took a harsh blow as they were bested 1-0 by a sharp German side. Their inability to beat the German keeper means that they now must win out in order to challenge for the title.
Schalke came out at blazing pace. Newcastle were always one step behind early on and Ernst made them pay in the 24th minute. Givet broke through on the left, played a slippery pass into the box to Ernst, who had seemingly all day to adjust and drill a winning ball into the lower left corner.
Newcastle fought tenaciously, completely dominating the second half to the tune of 12 shots to 1, but were unable to find an equalizer. The German keeper made several blindingly good saves, and Newcastle compounded their own troubles by squandering a rare 3 on 1 break with poor passing. There was little doubt as to who garnered man of the match honors here.
Great game, FB. I just couldn't match the speed of your play in the early going, and it cost me big. Good luck down the road.
Schalke 04 1 Newcastle 0
SOG 9, 20
Tar 6, 8
FK 7, 7
Corn 1, 3
Posses 54, 46
Schalke: Ernst 24'
No bookings/no injuries
Newcastle's title hopes took a harsh blow as they were bested 1-0 by a sharp German side. Their inability to beat the German keeper means that they now must win out in order to challenge for the title.
Schalke came out at blazing pace. Newcastle were always one step behind early on and Ernst made them pay in the 24th minute. Givet broke through on the left, played a slippery pass into the box to Ernst, who had seemingly all day to adjust and drill a winning ball into the lower left corner.
Newcastle fought tenaciously, completely dominating the second half to the tune of 12 shots to 1, but were unable to find an equalizer. The German keeper made several blindingly good saves, and Newcastle compounded their own troubles by squandering a rare 3 on 1 break with poor passing. There was little doubt as to who garnered man of the match honors here.
Great game, FB. I just couldn't match the speed of your play in the early going, and it cost me big. Good luck down the road.
XBL Gamertag: RobVarak
"Ok I'm an elitist, but I have a healthy respect for people who don't measure up." --Aaron Sorkin
"Ok I'm an elitist, but I have a healthy respect for people who don't measure up." --Aaron Sorkin
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FabulousBastard
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Match Report
Toulouse 0 Newcastle 4
SOG 4, 21
Tar 1, 14
FK 9, 7
Cor 0, 3
Off 2, 2
Posses 47, 53
Newcastle: Ameobi 22', Bowyer 63', Emre 66', Dyer 84'
Injury R. Elliot (Yellow Cross)
Newcastle took one step closer to securing their second successive DSPremiership title after defeating Toulouse 4-0 on the Frenchmen's own soil. The first half was a physical affair, with Ameobi's goal coming off a bouncing rebound. Neither team was particularly dominant in the early going.
The second half saw Newcastle assert itself, with attempts on goal coming from all over the field. Lee Bowyer broke his duck with an 18-yard strike into the bottom corner on 63 minutes. Emre followed up shortly thereafter with a classy right-footed strike from almost the same spot. Substitute Kieron Dyer added a fourth with a sliding strike off a Jermaine Jenas through ball.
Good game, Fsquid.
Toulouse 0 Newcastle 4
SOG 4, 21
Tar 1, 14
FK 9, 7
Cor 0, 3
Off 2, 2
Posses 47, 53
Newcastle: Ameobi 22', Bowyer 63', Emre 66', Dyer 84'
Injury R. Elliot (Yellow Cross)
Newcastle took one step closer to securing their second successive DSPremiership title after defeating Toulouse 4-0 on the Frenchmen's own soil. The first half was a physical affair, with Ameobi's goal coming off a bouncing rebound. Neither team was particularly dominant in the early going.
The second half saw Newcastle assert itself, with attempts on goal coming from all over the field. Lee Bowyer broke his duck with an 18-yard strike into the bottom corner on 63 minutes. Emre followed up shortly thereafter with a classy right-footed strike from almost the same spot. Substitute Kieron Dyer added a fourth with a sliding strike off a Jermaine Jenas through ball.
Good game, Fsquid.
XBL Gamertag: RobVarak
"Ok I'm an elitist, but I have a healthy respect for people who don't measure up." --Aaron Sorkin
"Ok I'm an elitist, but I have a healthy respect for people who don't measure up." --Aaron Sorkin
Match Report
Middlesbrough 1 Newcastle 2
SOG 10, 19
Tar 3, 13
Penalties 1, 0
FK 7, 2
Cor 2, 6
Posses 47, 53
Newcastle Moore 6' (OG) Shearer 12', Owen 78'
Bookings Lee Bowyer (Yellow card)
Newcastle United Football Club clinched their second consecutive league title by overcoming a tenacious Middlesbrough club in a game for the ages.
The tension was palpable, particularly on the faces of the managers, both of whom stalked the technical area for the duration of this tightly-fought battle. Newcastle was clearly seeking revenge for the 2-0 drubbing they received at St. James' Park earlier in the season, and Middlesbrough clearly had title aspirations despite being recently promoted.
Newcastle opened in most horrible fashion, with Moore knocking a low pass into his own net at the 6 minute mark for Newcastle's second OG in their last 3 games.
The Magpies turned to their talisman, Harry Shearer, to lift them out of their despondency and he responded just 6 minutes later. A beautiful through ball sprung Milner on the Newcastle left. Milner broke into the box and played a short square pass to Shearer who turned and fired a curling drive just inside the right post for the equalizer.
The game was an end-to-end affair from that point on. Newcastle was bound and determined to handcuff Middlesbrough's gifted playmaker Stewart Downing, and they did so...occasionally with extra vinegar in their challenges. Downing was not nearly as free to cross balls as he was in the initial engagement.
However shortly before halftime Middlesbrough was unlucky not to seize the advantage. A lightning-quick sequence saw Shay Given make a dazzling double save of a driving shot by Viduka and Hasselbaink's wicked follow-up header. Not out of the woods yet, only a timely intervention by Boumsong cleared the ensuing corner kick from danger.
The teams adjourned to the dressing rooms for halftime equally confident of grabbing a second half winner.
Shortly after the re-start, Middlesbrough had their chance. A lovely ball by Mendieta saw Viduka through to the edge of the box, where he was chopped down by perennial offender Lee Bowyer. Bowyer was cautioned and the referee pointed to the spot. Shay Given rose to the occassion again. Guessing lower right corner, he sprung onto the PK and denied Middlesbrough their deserved advantage.
Newcastle saw their good fortune and never looked back. At the 78' mark Harry Shearer played a through ball to Michael Owen. Owen captialized on a defensive miscue, one of the few by a solid Middlesbrough back four, and pounced. The little England international bore down on Mark Schwarzer and lashed a left-footed laser to the wide side of goal. The ball found its mark and Newcastle had the lead.
Middlesbrough attacked furiously down the stretch, but Newcastle could clearly taste the victory champagne and defended with equal fervor. As the referree blew full time, the sides exchanged shirts. Players and fans alike savored a game that would surely be a fixture of storytime at the local for years to come. And the Magpies once again emerged as league champs.
Pigpen, it's just too obvious to even say that game could've gone either way. Bad breaks on the pk and the Owen goal. On the other hand, at lest Downing escaped without injury And any game with 3 goals, a pk, an OG and a booking is a good time for all concerned LOL Good luck with the remainder of the season, and I'm looking forward to our games next season.
Middlesbrough 1 Newcastle 2
SOG 10, 19
Tar 3, 13
Penalties 1, 0
FK 7, 2
Cor 2, 6
Posses 47, 53
Newcastle Moore 6' (OG) Shearer 12', Owen 78'
Bookings Lee Bowyer (Yellow card)
Newcastle United Football Club clinched their second consecutive league title by overcoming a tenacious Middlesbrough club in a game for the ages.
The tension was palpable, particularly on the faces of the managers, both of whom stalked the technical area for the duration of this tightly-fought battle. Newcastle was clearly seeking revenge for the 2-0 drubbing they received at St. James' Park earlier in the season, and Middlesbrough clearly had title aspirations despite being recently promoted.
Newcastle opened in most horrible fashion, with Moore knocking a low pass into his own net at the 6 minute mark for Newcastle's second OG in their last 3 games.
The Magpies turned to their talisman, Harry Shearer, to lift them out of their despondency and he responded just 6 minutes later. A beautiful through ball sprung Milner on the Newcastle left. Milner broke into the box and played a short square pass to Shearer who turned and fired a curling drive just inside the right post for the equalizer.
The game was an end-to-end affair from that point on. Newcastle was bound and determined to handcuff Middlesbrough's gifted playmaker Stewart Downing, and they did so...occasionally with extra vinegar in their challenges. Downing was not nearly as free to cross balls as he was in the initial engagement.
However shortly before halftime Middlesbrough was unlucky not to seize the advantage. A lightning-quick sequence saw Shay Given make a dazzling double save of a driving shot by Viduka and Hasselbaink's wicked follow-up header. Not out of the woods yet, only a timely intervention by Boumsong cleared the ensuing corner kick from danger.
The teams adjourned to the dressing rooms for halftime equally confident of grabbing a second half winner.
Shortly after the re-start, Middlesbrough had their chance. A lovely ball by Mendieta saw Viduka through to the edge of the box, where he was chopped down by perennial offender Lee Bowyer. Bowyer was cautioned and the referee pointed to the spot. Shay Given rose to the occassion again. Guessing lower right corner, he sprung onto the PK and denied Middlesbrough their deserved advantage.
Newcastle saw their good fortune and never looked back. At the 78' mark Harry Shearer played a through ball to Michael Owen. Owen captialized on a defensive miscue, one of the few by a solid Middlesbrough back four, and pounced. The little England international bore down on Mark Schwarzer and lashed a left-footed laser to the wide side of goal. The ball found its mark and Newcastle had the lead.
Middlesbrough attacked furiously down the stretch, but Newcastle could clearly taste the victory champagne and defended with equal fervor. As the referree blew full time, the sides exchanged shirts. Players and fans alike savored a game that would surely be a fixture of storytime at the local for years to come. And the Magpies once again emerged as league champs.
Pigpen, it's just too obvious to even say that game could've gone either way. Bad breaks on the pk and the Owen goal. On the other hand, at lest Downing escaped without injury
And any game with 3 goals, a pk, an OG and a booking is a good time for all concerned LOL Good luck with the remainder of the season, and I'm looking forward to our games next season.XBL Gamertag: RobVarak
"Ok I'm an elitist, but I have a healthy respect for people who don't measure up." --Aaron Sorkin
"Ok I'm an elitist, but I have a healthy respect for people who don't measure up." --Aaron Sorkin
Match Report
Fiorentina 2 - Arsenal 0
12 Shots 12
5 SOT 6
6 FK's 11
4 Corners 5
6 Offsides 1
51 Poss. 49
Goals: Fiore 15', Pazzini 34'
In a tough battle between D3 teams Fiorentina and Arsenal, a couple of well struck goals proved to be the difference.
In the 15' minute, Fiorentina's Fiore fired a Free Kick over the Arsenal wall in an outstanding effort. The goal seemed to deflate the Arsenal defence who gave up another score on a well taken volley from Pazzini from a cross into the box.
Arsenal had their chances but Henry could just not get on track on this evening.
Again..good game XXXIV.
Fiorentina 2 - Arsenal 0
12 Shots 12
5 SOT 6
6 FK's 11
4 Corners 5
6 Offsides 1
51 Poss. 49
Goals: Fiore 15', Pazzini 34'
In a tough battle between D3 teams Fiorentina and Arsenal, a couple of well struck goals proved to be the difference.
In the 15' minute, Fiorentina's Fiore fired a Free Kick over the Arsenal wall in an outstanding effort. The goal seemed to deflate the Arsenal defence who gave up another score on a well taken volley from Pazzini from a cross into the box.
Arsenal had their chances but Henry could just not get on track on this evening.
Again..good game XXXIV.