Uhlsport Aquasoft Ergonomic Moulded Glove Review

With its striking blue and orange colour-way, it’s not difficult to miss Uhlsport’s flagship glove for the 2006/07 season. The developers at Uhlsport’s have been working overtime of late, and this glove is a prime example of how the company have come along over recent years.

Uhlsport’s first stroke of genius is the Aquasoft latex, the patented and exclusive latex that offers an amazing 40% more grip in wet conditions. The Aquasoft does the trick again and hasn’t let me down in any condition, this dispelling the frustrating myth that wet-weather latex’s don’t work in dry conditions.

Having used the gloves for two months (for six hours football a week), it has experienced the delightful variants of the British climate and has done a superb job, offering unrivalled grip throughout. The Ergonomic Moulded cut helped matters further, which makes those difficult catches that little bit easier.

Obviously the gloves felt at their best when the rain was pouring down and the ball in my hands felt very secure, so if it’s likely to rain in your neck of the woods then these are the gloves for you. Even more impressive was the fact that the gloves themselves are waterproof, thanks to High2Out technology (a breathable fabric membrane that is water and wind resistant) which means the gloves don’t take endless hours to dry after use.

The glove boasts an adjustable YCAP® TR flap, which gives a secure fitting but can be a little frustrating when the strap folds back on itself and leaves a little bit protruding over the Velcro. That said the glove remains nice and tight so there can be few complaints and purchase shouldn’t be discouraged, particularly when the glove is one of the most comfortable I have ever worn.

On the whole the glove does a terrific job, and excels in adverse conditions, making it a must for the winter months. At £59.99 the price may seem a little hefty, but it terms of quality and durability it is worth every penny.

Ratings:
Grip - 5
Durability – 5
Fastening – 3.5
Cosmetics - 4
Fitting/Comfort – 4
Overall – 4.5

Used by:
Heurelho da Silva Gomes (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands)
Mathias Schober (Hansa Rostock, Germany)
Alvaro Mesén (LD Alajuelense, Costa Rica)
Edwin Villafuerte (Sociedad Deportivo Quito, Colombia)

Buy your Uhlsport Aquasoft Ergonomic Moulded gloves here, available with free personalisation.

Danny plays for Selby College in the English Colleges Football Association, a league set up to provide 16-19 year-olds nationally an alternative route into the professional game – for more information see www.ecfaleague.co.uk

The Weekend Review

by Danny Wright

Gary Megon’s Bolton reign couldn’t get off to a winning start as they were held by Aston Villa at the Reebok, 1-1 the final score. Hotshot Nikolas Anelka fired the Trotters ahead with a superb free kick, but Luke Moore denied Megson a dream start. A shockingly low crowd was in attendance, only 18,413 brave souls making the effort to attend. Everton piled the misery on struggling Derby as goals from Mikel Arteta and Yakubu commended the Rams to a 2-0 defeat and a return to the bottom of the table, meanwhile news Spurs boss Jaunde Ramos couldn’t life his new recruits as Tottenham fell to a 2-1 defeat against Blackburn. Robbie Keane had given the home side the lead but Benni McCarthy and an injury time effort from Christopher Samba broke Spurs’ hearts as Brad Friedel’s heroics kept Spurs at bay.

At the other end of the table Arsenal reclaimed top shot as they snatched a point at Liverpool. Steven Gerrard scored after seven minutes as the Reds were indebted to the saves of Pepe Reina, who kept Arsenal out until the 80th minute when Cesc Fabregas poked home to rescue a point for the Gunners. Manchester United follow Arsenal close behind after their demolition of Middlesborough at Old Trafford, 41-1 the result after goals from Nani, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez double cancelled out a Jeremie Aliadiere’s header.

Chelsea handed out a demolition of their own, Sven’s Manchester City on the receiving end of a 6-0 thumping at the Bridge. Frank Lampard was Chelsea’s catalyst in the first half as his assists helped them to a healthy 2-0 advantage at the break thanks to Didier Drogba and Michel Essein’s goals. Stephen Ireland and Martin Petrov went close for City but they couldn’t convert as Drogba netted a second, as Joe Cole, Andriy Shevchenko and Salomon Kalou added further goals to complete the rout. Despite the defeat City remain in third place meanwhile Chelsea climb into the Champions League places in fourth.

Birmingham and Wigan played out a thriller at St Andrews, 3-2 the final score in the Midlands to lift Steve Bruce’s spirits and impressive perspective owner Carson Yeung. Marcus Bent had thumped Wigan ahead but Olivier Kapo leveled from the spot only for Birmingham and Maik Taylor to shot themselves in the foot, their comical mix-up costing them dear as Bent netted his second. The Blues rallied though and Liam Ridgewell leveled with Kapo popping up late on to steal the show with a fine strike.

Robert Green did his England chances no harm at all as he put in a fine shift to earn West Ham a point at goal-shy Portsmouth. The former Norwich man made several crucial saves to keep his side in it before saving Benjani’s last minute penalty to ensure a point returned to London. Earlier Nolberto Solano missed two chances worthy of winning ‘miss of the season’ award.

Kenwyne Jones was the Sunderland hero once again as he salvaged a point against Fulham. The Black Cats had fallen behind following Simon Davies long-range free kick and things looked bleak when Greg Halford was sent off, but Jones was right on hand to head home in the 86th minute.

Shane Long scored with his second touch of the ball after coming on as a substitute to give Reading a 2-1 win over Newcastle. Dave Kitson curled home a peach of a goal to give the Royals lead only for Michael Duberry to put through his own net to level things up, but thankfully for Duberry Long was on hand to tuck him a tidy finish.

Manchester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has joined Cardiff City on a month’s loan. The young Dane started the season as number one at Eastlands but has since lost his place to Joe Hart, and has joined the Welsh side to shore up a leaky defence that has conceded 15 goals in the last eight games. Manager Sven Goran Eriksson said “This does not mean Kasper has no future here, he just needs to get some games.”

Elsewhere Tottenham have parted company with goalkeeper coach Hans Sagers, who was dismissed alongside former manager Martin Jol earlier this week. Academy goalkeeper coach Perry Suckling will cover the role until further notice.

images - bbc.co.uk/sport

The Mid-week Review

by Danny Wright

Rampant Arsenal romped to a magnificent 7-0 over sorry Slavia Prague at the Emirates on Tuesday night. It was the Gunners 12th successive victory and equalled a European record for the biggest win in the Champions League, the Gunners seven goals matching Juventus' 2003 demolition of Olympiakos. In-form Theo Walcott grabbed a brace – as did the awesome Cesc Fabregas – with Alexander Hleb, Nicklas Bendtner and a David Hubacek own goal compounding Slavia’s misery. Jens Lehmann was left out of the side once again as Manuel Almunia kept another clean sheet, and it didn’t take long for the German to voice his frustration as he told German TV channel Premiere: "I think - and this is aimed at my dear manager - one shouldn't humiliate players for too long.”

Manchester United enjoyed their night in the Ukraine as they beat Dynamo Kiev 4-2. Rio Ferdinand headed after ten minutes and Wayne Rooney had doubled United’s advantage. Kiev found a way back into the game when Diogo Rincon nodded past Edwin van der Saar, however Cristiano Ronald restored parity with another just before half-time and a 68th minute penalty to seal the win. Kiev had one last rally through Ismael Bangoura, but the points were always going to be United’s.

Rangers impressive start to the Champions League group phase continued when they held Barcelona to a 0-0 draw at Ibrox. Trickster Ronaldinho rattled the Rangers crossbar, meanwhile Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry (remember him?) both went close but the hosts held firm. Daniel Cousin lashed a late effort wise and Barry Ferguson was inches away from sending Glasgow into raptures as he failed to connect with a Cousin cross. It wasn’t to be as Rangers push for next the phase gathers momentum.

Another team gaining momentum are Avram Grant’s Chelsea, who seem to be responding to Jose Mourinho’s exit in the form of results as they beat Schalke 04 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Florent Malouda squeezed a shot through Manuel Neuer’s legs to give Chelsea the lead with Didier Drogba securing the win with a diving header. Chelsea now top the group with seven points at half-way stage, the knock-out phase within the Blues’ sight.

Liverpool couldn’t build on their win at Everton at the weekend as they won’t down disappointingly to Turkish side Besiktas, 2-1 the final score. Sami Hyypia scored another own goal to put the home side ahead, with Bobo scoring the Turks’ second. Steven Gerrard’s late header wasn’t enough for Rafa Benetiz’s men, whose Champions League status now hangs in the balance.

Celtic’s poor away form got the better of them once again as they went down 1-0 to Benfica. Benfica twice rattled the woodwork and it looked like the Bhoys would hold out, but Oscar Cardozo’s close range effort four minutes from time broke Celtic hearts.

In other news Steve Staunton has been relieved of his duties as Republic of Ireland manager. The news comes as little surprise following a poor run of form which saw the Irish slump the 32nd in the FIFA World Rankings. The FIFA Rankings won’t be pleasant reading for England fans either in the coming weeks as it was revealed today rivals Scotland may leap frog them into the charts, the Scots recent renaissance and the English slump causing the change. Scotland lie just two places behind England in 13th, with Steve McClaren’s men slipping out of the top ten into 11th following their defeat to Russia.


Look away now if you’re a Bolton fan as it was revealed today that Gary Megson (yes, the Gary Megson) will be interviewed for the vacant managerial post. The position came available after struggling Bolton released Sammy Lee after a poor start, something they seemingly want to continue under Megson’s stewardship.

images - bbc.co.uk

Boruc Stands His Ground

by Danny Wright

Celtic goalkeeper Arthur Boruc has refused to back down over his refusal to shake hands with Rangers' players following the Bhoys 3-0 defeat to their bitter rivals at Ibrox on Saturday.

The Polish stopper came under-fire for his unsporting gesture, but he defended himself in an interview with a Polish newspaper, saying he did not shake hands because he does not like Rangers - or their players.

He told Gazeta Wyborcza: "They were provoking me throughout the game. They were teasing me and they were trying to hurt me. "

"I don't have to love anyone. I don't like this club (Rangers), or these players."

Boruc's controversy with Rangers extends back before Saturday's flashpoint.

In February 2006 he was cautioned by police for gesturing at Rangers supporters during a Celtic victory, and in May of this year Boruc unveiled at flag at their rival's ground that proclaimed Celtic were the champions.

"We are enemies. We are fighting for the title and any form of friendship is out of the question" Boruc added.

image - bbc.co.uk/sport

Dida Ban Reduced

by Danny Wright

AC Milan goalkeeper Dida has had two-game Champions League ban reduced to one game following a successful appeal to governing body Uefa.

The Brazillian was banned for two games for breaching Uefa's principles of "sportsmanship and integrity" after a Champions league defeat to Celtic earlier this month.

Dida fell theatrically and had to be carried off on a strecher after being struck by an encroaching supporter - and although the contact was minimal - it was enough for the big stopper to collapse to the ground.

Milan however stuck by their keeper and have had the ban reduced, meaning Dida will be available for their clash with Shaktar Donetsk on November 6th.

image - bbc.co.uk/sport

The Weekend Round-up

by Danny Wright

Liverpool came up trumps in a controversial Merseyside derby at Goodinson on Saturday, Dirk Kuyt’s two penalties giving Rafa Benetiz’s side the win. Everton had taken the lead thanks to Sami Hyypia’s sliced own-goal effort, and the Toffees looked comfortable until Tony Hibbert was sent off for bringing down Steven Gerrard in the box. Mark Clattenburg appeared to be giving Hibbert a yellow until Gerrard intervened, the sanction upgraded to a red. Kuyt tucked away the spot-kick, as Everton had two stonewall penalty shouts of their own turned down, Joleon Lescott wrestled to the floor on both occasions. Phil Neville then thought he was playing in goal as he handled on the line to give the Reds a second penalty, which Kuyt slotted home under the despairing body of Tim Howard. Goal-hero Kuyt was lucky to still be on the pitch prior to his winner having lunged at Neville, the Dutchman’s x-rated challenge going unpunished.

Arsenal maintained their title challenge with an impressive win over manager-less Bolton at the Emirates. The Trotters shut out the imperious Gunners for 68 minutes until Kolo Toure crashed home a long-range free-kick. Teenage prodigy Theo Walcott made his mark on the game after coming on as a substitute, his cross setting up Tomas Rosicky to head home the winner. Arsenal lead second-placed Manchester United by two points with a game in hand, Arsene Wenger’s title challenge seemingly going unnoticed by the hoards of sports-reporting media.

As mentioned United trial Arsenal despite thumping Aston Villa 4-1 with a stirring display at Villa Park, the hosts going ahead following Gabriel Agbonlahor’s headed effort. United hit back though when Zat Knight allowed Nani’s cross to roll past him - Wayne Rooney on hand to tap home - and the England man was at it again to make it 2-1, his composed finish doing the damage. Craig Gardner’s calamity own goal put the game beyond doubt just before half time, as Villa had Nigel Reo-Coker and Scott Caron sent off. Ryan Giggs added a deflected fourth to compound Villa’s misery.

Man City remain in the upper echelons of the Premier League as they recorded their sixth successive home win, Brazilian’s Elano’s strike enough to see of Birmingham 1-0 at Eastlands, meanwhile Portsmouth enjoyed their fourth successive Premiership win to climb up to fifth, Wigan on the receiving end of a 2-0 defeat. Benjani and Glen Johnson scored the all important goals, with the former – quite worryingly – heading the top scorer charts at present.

Things look bleak at Middlesborough as they were defeated by Chelsea at the Riverside, 100% committed Chelsea-man Didier Drogba compensating for his mid-week whistle blowing by setting the Blues on their way to the win with a fine goal. Alex sealed the win with a rasping 30-yard free kick to help Chelsea up to 7th in the table.

Blackburn beat Reading 4-2 in an entertaining game at Ewood Park, Benni McCarthy’s double and goals from Roque Santa Cruz and a rocket (at first viewing) from war-horse Tugay giving Rovers the win. Kevin Doyle headed two consolations strikes for Steve Coppell’s men, who seem to be suffering second-season syndrome symptoms at present.

Fulham and Derby played out a 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage, Antti Niemi’s heroics saving the Cottagers from defeat as Paul Konchesky saw red for a flailing elbow on Craig Fagan. West Ham grabbed a fortuitous 3-1 win over Sunderland, Craig Gordon’s cruel own goal either side of Carlton Cole and Craig Bellamy’s strikes giving the Hammers the win. Kenwyne Jones had snatched an equaliser but it was West Ham who went home happy, condemning Roy Keane’s men to a lowly 16th in the table.

In other news, Rob Green has lifted the lid on his England frustration having being constantly overlooked for the Euro 2008 qualifiers, despite playing some of the best football of his career. He told the People: “I don't think that I've played any better than I have been. I've played worse and been in the team. It's difficult to understand why I'm not involved in the England set-up or even had a look in at all - I find that a bit harsh.”

images - bbc.co.uk & football.co.uk (Green)

Robinson Admits Error

by Danny Wright

Paul Robinson has admitted he was at fault for Russia's winning goal in England's 2-1 Euro 2008 qualifying defeat in Moscow on Wednesday night.

Robinson failed to hold Alexey Berezutsky’s shot and could only divert the ball into the path of Roman Pavlyuchenko, who promptly tapped in home to win the match.

The defeat leaves England's qualification hopes hanging in the balance having lead 1-0 in Moscow, and Steve McClaren's men must now beat Croatia and rely on Israel drawing or beating the Russians in next month's final game.

"For the second goal, I just didn't get enough on the ball," Robinson told Sky Sports News

"I got a hand on it but not a strong enough hand and the ball fell in the middle of the area. But we had chances as well to have gone further ahead at 1-0. "

Robinson's place in the England side has come under scrutiny following a series of errors for both club and country, with many calling for Portsmouth keeper David James to be recalled to the international fold.

McClaren stuck with Robinson though, and the decision could prove costly as England hope on a minor miracle in Israel next month.

image - dailymail.co.uk

The Mid-week Review

by Danny Wright

England’s qualification hopes hang in the balance as they were defeated 2-1 by Russia last night in Moscow. England had taken the lead after Wayne Rooney smashed home Michael Owen’s flick but couldn’t build on their advantage as Steven Gerrard and Sol Campbell missed easy chances. The Russians were to make McClaren’s men pay in the second half as they got a deserved equalizer, Rooney pulling down Konstanin Zurianov to win a penalty. The replays showed the incident occurred outside of the box, but this mattered little as Roman Pavluchenko slotted home, and the substitute was on hand to strike again as Paul Robinson failed to hold Alexei Berezutsky's shot to give the home side the win. England now have to rely on Israel holding Russia to a draw or defeat next month, meanwhile McClaren’s men must beat Croatia at Wembley to have any hope of qualifying.

Scotland couldn’t build on their win over Ukraine as they slipped to defeat away at lowly Georgia. James McFadden was denied a stonewall penalty when Blackburn centre-back Zurab Khizanishvili upended the Everton man, with Kenny Miller going close after good link up play down the Georgian left. The Scots’ early pressure counted for nothing though as 17-year-old Levan Mchedlidze headed home from a corner, and David Siradze scrambled home a second to end Scotland’s winning streak. Scotland must now beat World Champions Italy at Hampden to qualify.

Northern Ireland’s qualification hopes also faltered, as they could only manage a draw away at Sweden. The home side went ahead after 15 minutes when Olof Melberg headed home, but Nigel Worthington’s men hit back thanks to Kyle Lafferty’s superb individual strike. Mathematically Northern Ireland can still go through, but results need to go their way and they must collect maximum points from their remaining game against Denmark.

The Republic of Ireland limped to an embarrassing home draw to Cyprus, 1-1 the final score at Croke Park. Stelios Okkarides headed the Cypriots ahead after 80 minutes having spurned three good half chances, and it was left to unlikely scorer Steve Finnan to save Eire’s blushes with a fierce injury time volley. There were 15000 empty seats in Dublin as Steve Staunton’s men looked to avenge their 5-2 defeat to Cyprus in Nicosia last year, yet there were to be no heroics as the Irish miss out on another major international tournament.

Wales enjoyed somewhat better fortunes as they stumbled to a win over San Marino, Craig Bellamy and Joe Ledley scoring the Welsh before Andy Selva pulled a late goal back from a free-kick. The pressure mounts on under-fire manager John Toshack, whose side lie second bottom in their qualifying pool.

Romania, Germany, Czech Republic and Greece have already qualified for next summer’s championships, something many England fans will no doubt be envious of in their current state.

images - bbc.co.uk, belfastelegraph.co.uk

The Weekend Round-up

by Danny Wright

England gave their qualifications hopes a huge boost with a convincing 3-0 win over a poor Estonia side at Wembley. England never really got out of second gear but managed to score three past their beleaguered opponents, as Shaun Wright-Phillips got the ball rolling on ten minutes as his angled shots found its way through Mart Poom’s legs, much to the embarrassment of the Watford keeper. Wayne Rooney scored his first competitive England since 2004 as he deflected effort somehow crept home to make it two as the hosts turned the screw. Estonia did get on the score sheet – but much to their dismay it was in the wrong net as Taavi Rahn headed home from all of 20 yards to settle the tie. England can qualify for next summers championships should they beat Russia on the Moscow astro-turf on Wednesday night, but they will have to do it without the injured Ashley Cole who is set the miss the crunch clash. The nation hopes and prays Phil Neville doesn’t play instead.

Scotland’s renaissance continues as they beat Ukraine 3-1 at Hampden, with it looking likely the Tartan Army will be making their way to Austria and Switzerland. Alex McLeish’s men got off to a dream start as Kenny Miller headed home after three minutes, with the visitor’s hitting back through captain Andriy Shevchenko, but that wasn’t enough to ruin the party as James McFadden turned on the style; first he set up Lee McCulloch for Scotland’s second, and the Everton man hit the winner once again as fired home to seal the win after 68 minutes. Scotland head group B, leading Italy by one point and France by two who both their qualifiers against Georgia (2-0) and Faroe Islands (6-0) respectively to keep the pressure on the Scots.

Republic of Ireland’s qualifying chances look bleak as they fired blanks with Germany at Croke Park, a dour 0-0 the final result. The point was enough for the visitors to qualify, with Jens Lehmann playing his first game in a blue moon. The German couldn’t keep out of trouble though, getting himself booked for failing to give the ball back to the Irish players after a throw-in.

Wales capitulated to an embarrassing defeat to the hands of Cyprus, 3-1 the final score. John Toshack’s men thought they had found the tonic after James Collins tucked home a baby-faced Gareth Bale free-kick, but lackadaisical defending from set-plays cost the Welsh dear as Yiannis Okkas hit a brace and Konstantinos Charalampidis sealed the win.

Northern Ireland take on Sweden in Stockholm on Wednesday needing a win to boost their qualification hopes, but Nigel Worthington’s men will have to do without winger Keith Gillespie and Johnny Evans who pulled out of the squad earlier this week.

Leeds’ revival continues to gain momentum despite dropping their first home points of the season in a 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient. The Yorkshire club are now up to 12th place with 14 points having miraculously recovered from a 15 point penalty deduction. There was more good news for Leeds this week as keeper Casper Ankergren was awarded the League One Player of the Month Award for September, with manager Dennis Wise scooping the manager's accolade.

images - bbc.co.uk

City - Isaksson Not Leaving

by Danny Wright

Manchester City goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson is not leaving the club, despite recent rumours linking the Swede with a move away from Eastlands.

Isaksson has seldom featured for City since his arrival in August 2006, and is currently third choice behind promising keepers Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Hart.

The lack of first team action had sparked rumours that the 26-year-old would be on his way out of Eastlands, but City assistant manager Tord Grip has rubbished such reports, telling the Daily Mail:

"It is absolutely not true that we are looking to sell Andreas."

"If Andreas shows his best form in Sweden's next two games it is very possible he will get a chance soon."

image - bbc.co.uk/sport

Dida Receives Ban

by Danny Wright

AC Milan goalkeeper Dida has been banned for two matches following his theatrics in a recent Champions League clash with Celtic.

Celtic beat the European Champions 2-1 at Park Head, but the game was marred as a Celtic fan appeared to strike Dida having encroached onto the playing area.

It appeared to be little more than a cheeky slap; however Dida was stretchered off after going down theatrically following Steve McDonald's later winner.

The Brazilian has been fined for showing a lack of sportsmanship, meanwhile Celtic have also been fined £25,000 for showing a lack of organization and improper conduct of it’s supporters.

image - telegraph.co.uk

Injury Blow for Wales Stopper

by Danny Wright

Wales will be without influential goalkeeper Wayne Hennessy for their Euro 2008 qualifiers against Cyprus and San Marino.

The 20-year-old injured his hip playing for Wolves against Coventry at the weekend and has been forced to withdraw from the squad.

Hennessy has made an impressive start to his international career, keeping a clean sheet on his debut against Bulgaria in August.

Danny Coyne is also an injury doubt - he is only rated as having a 50/50 chance - with Derby's Lewis Price the main contender to take the number one jersey.

image - www.sportinglife.com

The Weekend Round-up

by Danny Wright

Arsenal returned to the summit of the Premier League as they beat Sunderland 3-2 in a thriller at the Emirates. Robin van Persie rattled home a rasping free-kick early on and Black Cat’s fans feared the worst when oaf-footed Philippe Senderos somehow stabbed home to make it 2-0. Ross Wallace hit back though, and power-house striker Kenwyne Jones equalized to shock Arsenal, but van Persie struck again to Sunderland’s dismay as Paul McShane saw red late on.

Manchester United follow Arsenal close behind after beating a spirited Wigan 4-0 at Old Trafford. The Latics had held out 53 minutes until Carlos Tevez struck, with a Ronaldo double and a Wayne Rooney strike sealing an impressive win.

Sven’s Manchester City are a surprise inclusion in the top four at present, currently lying a lofty third place after they beat Middlesborough 3-1 at Eastlands. Chris Riggot helped City on their way with an own goal, and a superb Elano strike doubled the home side’s advantage and the in-form hit man struck again with a delightful free-kick. Joe Hart couldn’t keep a clean sheet on his full top flight debut as Ben Hutchinson struck a consolation for Boro.

Liverpool occupy the remaining Champions League spot in fourth as they stuttered to a home draw against Tottenham, the game a 2-2 draw after Fernando Torres late-leveler thwarted Martin Jol’s men.

Merseyside rivals Everton fell 3-2 at Newcastle in a lively encounter at St James Park. Nicky Butt curled home a beauty to open the scoring, but Andy Johnson ended his barren goal spell with an equalizer only for Emre and fit-again Michael Owen to put daylight between the two sides. Shay Given scored a bizarre own-goal to give the Toffees hope but it wouldn’t rain on the Owen parade as England fans across the globe rejoiced.

Jussi Jaaskelainen did his utmost to deny Chelsea but his heroics weren’t enough as Salomon Kalou broke through to give Avram Grant’s side the 1-0 win. The Finish keeper saved from Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda to keep his side in the tie but his colleagues at the other end couldn’t do the business as the Trotters remain second bottom.

Blackburn defeated unlucky Birmingham 2-1 at Ewood Park. David Bentley’s swivel and shot gave Rovers’ the lead and Benni McCarthy struck from the spot kick, with Cameron Jerome pulling one back for Steve Bruce’s men.

Elsewhere, Fulham suffered home defeat to Portsmouth. Two goals inside two second half minutes did the trick for Harry Redknapp’s mean, as Benjani and Hermann Hreidarsson struck to lift Pompey up to fifth in the table. Both sides were indebted to stopper’s Kasey Keller and David James respective contributions as their fine saves kept both sides in the clash.

Derby’s Premiership life doesn’t get any easier as they were felled by Reading 1-0 at the Madejski thanks to Kevin Doyle’s strike; meanwhile Craig Gardner scored a deserved winner to hand Aston Villa a win over West Ham in the solitary 3pm Saturday game of the weekend.

images - bbc.co.uk/sport

Boro Recall Stopper Turnbull

by Danny Wright Middlesborough have recalled goalkeeper Ross Turnbull from his loan spell at Cardiff. The 22-year-old had planned to spend the season in Wales but has been brought back to the Riverside as cover to Mark Schwarzer, Boro's only fit goalkeeper at present. Brad Jones has a thigh strain and manager Gareth Southgate only had 17-year-old Jason Steele as cover. Turnbull was second choice at the Bluebirds, team-mate Michael Oakes the current number one at Ninian Park.

The Mid-week Review

by Danny Wright

The Champions League game week-two constituted this week’s mid-week football action, and it was Rangers who embraced the European stage with a superb 3-0 win over Alain Perrin’s Lyon side. Lee McCulloch gave the visitors the lead, and strikes from Daniel Cousin and DaMarcus Beasley sealed a fine win. Rangers are second in Group E, only behind leaders Barcelona on goal difference.

Chelsea also enjoyed this week’s European action, lifting the gloom surrounding Avram Grant as Joe Cole’s vintage display earned the Blues a 2-1 win over Valencia. The hosts took the lead through David Villa as he beat Peter Cech to score, but Cole’s scrambled effort levelled things up. Cole then turned provider as he put in Didier Drogba to seal the win after seventy minutes, giving under-fire Israeli Grant a much needed boost.

Manchester United overcame a defiant Roma at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney’s first goal of the season giving Sir Alex’s men a 1-0 win. The clash was a far cry from the 7-1 drubbing handed out to the Italians in April as chances were at a premium, but it was Rooney’s effort that made all the difference as he turned and shot to give United the win.

Steaua Bucharest were defeated by Arsenal in Romania, as Robin van Persie’s strike gave the Gunners a second successive Champions League win. Arsenal dominated affairs but were frustrated by the hosts, Emmanuel Adebayor’s assist unlocking a resilient Bucharest side. Manuel Almunia kept his fifth clean sheet in a row, news that will no doubt delight the onlooking Jens Lehmann.

Celtic also savoured the European occasion, felling Italian giants AC Milan 2-1 at Park Head. The clash was marred however as Milan goalkeeper Dida had to be carried off on a stretcher after being confronted by a Celtic fan. The home team could be in hot water with Uefa, although the Brazilian appeared to suffer little more than a cheeky slap. Stephen McManus opened the scoring the Bhoys, but Kaka levelled from the penalty spot, however when Dida failed to hold a Steven McDonald shot Glasgow went into raptures as Celtic saw out the win.

Liverpool were the only British side not to win on Wednesday night, as they were somewhat shocked by French side Marseille at Anfield. Mathieu Valbuena’s fine strike after 77 minutes left keeper Pepe Reina with no chance as Liverpool failed to encapsulate their usually immaculate Champions League form.

Spurs and Aston Villa played out an incredible 4-4 draw on Monday night, the hosts recovering from 4-1 down and Paul Robinson’s error to snatch a point, Pascal Chimbonda, Robbie Keane and Younis Kaboul completing the comeback for Martin Jol’s men.

In the Championship, Charlton defeated Hull in an ill-tempered affair at the KC stadium; meanwhile there were wins for Watford, Plymouth, Coventry, and Barnsley. The pick of the games came at Preston who thumped sorry Southampton 5-1, with QPR failing to do the ‘win-under-the-new-manager’ trick as they were beaten 4-2 by Colchester, the R’s seemingly not responding to Mick Harford’s appointment.

images - bbc.co.uk/sport