Saturday, October 31, 2009

Brown 'to stay on as Hull boss'

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The luck will change - Brown

Hull City boss Phil Brown will remain in charge for next weekend's game with Stoke, BBC Radio 5 live understands.

Brown's future has come under intense scrutiny after the BBC learned Adam Pearson will rejoin the club as Hull's new chairman on Monday.

But Pearson has told Radio 5 live that he will not be discussing Brown's position as manager when the pair meet.

Hull are in the relegation zone after Saturday's 2-0 loss to Burnley but Brown said he expected to stay on.

Brown was appointed as manager by Pearson during his previous time in charge of the club.

Speaking immediately after the defeat by Burnley, Brown said: "I will speak to the owner [Russell Bartlett] later and on Sunday, and we will find out more on Monday.

"I expect to be manager of this club in the Premier League next year."

Pearson left Hull to join Derby County in October 2007, but left the Rams last week to "pursue new challenges". He will replace former Hull chairman Paul Duffen, who also resigned last week.

606: DEBATE

Pearson, 45, bought Hull in 2001 when they were in administration and was in the stands at Turf Moor on Saturday.

Brown was unhappy with the performance of referee Mike Jones in the match, insisting the game's four biggest decisions wrongly went against his team.

He felt the Clarets' opening goal came from a penalty that was incorrectly awarded and that his team were then themselves denied a penalty when Jones played advantage following a foul on Kamel Ghilas in the second half.

Brown also felt that Geovanni's free-kick, which was chalked off for a push in the wall, should have stood.

And he felt that the Brazilian, who was sent off for two bookable fouls, should not have been shown his second yellow card.

Having kept a calm demeanour during the match, Brown said afterwards: "The Burnley fans were baying for blood because of the first decision that went against us.

"If it stays 0-0 at half-time the game stays tight and I've got no qualms with their second goal - but at that stage it should have been 2-1 to us. Maybe you should start interviewing referees after the game.

Phil Brown
Brown was concerned with several refereeing decisions at Turf Moor

"You don't want excuses, you don't want reasons, you want referees to make big decisions. If he [Mike Jones] is going home thinking he's got the big decisions right I'm begging him to go home and watch Match of the Day tonight and tell me he's got them right."

Jones was the referee who awarded Sunderland a goal after the "beachball" incident against Liverpool two weeks ago.

Brown, whose team have garnered eight points this season - just one more than basement clubs Portsmouth and West Ham - added: "We're in a tight situation. We're in the bottom three.

"But the threat of relegation does inhibit good players. Saying that, I asked the players for a committed performance and I got one."

During his first spell as chairman of the Tigers, Pearson saw the side gain two promotions to rise from what is now League Two to the Championship.

He was succeeded by Duffen, who saw Hull climb into the Premier League in 2008.

While chairman of football at Derby, Pearson appointed Nigel Clough as manager and said he was leaving the club in good shape.

Poulter secures Singapore title

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD:
-10 I Poulter (Eng) -9 L Weng-chong (Chi) -8 S Hend (Aus), A Scott (Aus)
-7 G McDowell (NI), A Hansen (Den), C Schwartzel (SA)
Selected others:-4 E Els (SA), P Mickelson (US), J Rose (Eng)


Ian Poulter
The win was Poulter's first since the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan in 2007

England's Ian Poulter claimed his first European Tour victory since 2006 by winning the Singapore Open.

Poulter's final-round 72 put him on 10 under which was enough to claim a one-shot victory, with China's Liang Wen-chong in second place.

More to follow.

Yankees secure World Series lead

Alex Rodriguez
Rodriguez had struggled in the first two games of the series

The New York Yankees have taken a 2-1 lead in the World Series after coming from behind to defeat Philadelphia Phillies in game three.

After an 80 minute delay because of rain, the Phillies went 3-0 ahead with the help of Jayson Werth's home run.

But Alex Rodriguez hit a video-reviewed two-run homer in the fourth innings and the Yankees took the lead with three runs in their next visit to the plate.

Nick Swisher and Hideki Matsui also added home runs as the Yankees won 8-5.

The series remains in Philadelphia for game four on Sunday, 1 November.

More to follow.

Sunday's gossip column

Transfers Other gossip And finally

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are pursuing Ajax's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez and could pay £35m for the 22-year-old.
Full story: The Sunday Times

Chelsea are preparing a £25m bid for Valencia forward David Villa as they fully expect to overturn their transfer ban.
Full story: News of the World

But Manchester United are still interested in Villa and his team-mate midfielder David Silva and are lining up a £40m bid for the pair. (Sunday Mirror)

Cash-strapped West Ham are ready to listen to offers for defender Matthew Upson in the January transfer window.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Liverpool are favourites to land £10m-rated Upson and that could help the Hammers fund a deal to sign Bordeaux's Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh.
Full story: News of the World

Meanwhile, Liverpool will sell Ryan Babel to Ajax if they get £6m for the Dutch striker to help fund a new deal for keeper Pepe Reina.
Full story: News of the World

Roma full-back John Arne Riise has issued a come-and-get-me plea to former club Liverpool.
Full story: News of the World

The stuttering form of defender Rio Ferdinand could force Manchester United to go for Stoke's Ryan Shawcross.
Full story: News of the World

Birmingham are interested in signing Tottenham's out of favour striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.
Full story: News of the World

Tottenham, meanwhile, are keeping tabs on Peterborough striker George Boyd.
Full story: News of the World

Spurs are also interested in Udinese's Slovenian keeper Samir Handanovic. (The People)

West Ham look set to bid £3.5m for Lyon midfielder Kim Kallstrom.
Full story: News of the World Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy is set for a loan spell at Portsmouth in January. (The People)

Wolves hope to sign Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner for £2m. (The People)

Everton boss David Moyes intends to make a January move for Benfica youngster Javi Garcia.
Full story: News of the World

Moyes is also considering a £2m bid for Burnley winger Chris Eagles and hopes to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil for £2m in January.(The People)

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is chasing Espanyol striker Raul Tamudo. (The People)

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is confident of signing Wigan midfielder Maynor Figuera for £6m and also hopes to land Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham. (The People)

Celtic are tracking Sheffield United defender Matt Kilgallon and are poised to make a £1.5m move for the player in January. (Sunday Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

England winger David Beckham will consider his international future after next year's World Cup in South Africa.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is facing renewed speculation over his future after his side's latest loss, a 3-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday.
Full story: The Observer

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has revealed that he one day wants to manage Wales.
Full story: The Independent

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could be out for two months with a long-standing back injury.
Full story: News of the World

Meanwhile, Manchester United look set to keep faith with winger Nani and offer him a new £10m four-year deal. (The People)

Sportswear giants Adidas are leading the chase to win the naming rights for Newcastle's St James' Park.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

And Newcastle owner Mike Ashley says all the money raised from selling the naming rights will be used to sign new players. (The People)

Hull manager Phil Brown will be sacked on Monday after his side's 2-0 defeat to Burnley on Saturday. (News of the World)

Or, Phil Brown will be given more time to turn things around at the club.
Full story: The People

Premier League chiefs could dock Portsmouth £4m of their television broadcast money if they do not settle their debts with other clubs.
Full story: News of the World

Tottenham winger Luka Modric is facing a further month on the sidelines after suffering a setback in his comeback from a broken leg.
Full story: News of the World

Real Madrid are lining up Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho to replace current coach Manuel Pellegrini if he cannot turn things around at the Spanish club.
Full story: News of the World

New Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan has been given a £15m transfer kitty for the January transfer window. (News of the World)

Former Birmingham chairman David Gold has been approached by three clubs about returning to the game, but not West Ham. (Mail on Sunday)

League One Southend United have failed to pay their players on time for the fourth month in a row. (Mail on Sunday)

Mick Harford has emerged as a contender for the vacant manager's job at Grimsby. (The People)

AND FINALLY

Fans of the traditional World Cup song will be disappointed to hear the news that England boss Fabio Capello will not be allowing his players to produce one for next year's event in South Africa.
Full story: News of the World

Queens Park Rangers are set to make 14-year-old striker Raheem Sterling the youngest first-teamer in British football. (The People)

Bendtner faces four-week lay-off

Nicklas Bendtner
Bendtner signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal in September

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner faces at least four weeks on the sidelines after picking up a groin injury during the Gunners 3-0 win over Tottenham.

The 21-year-old Dane was replaced by Eduardo after 37 minutes of the north London derby at The Emirates.

Boss Arsene Wenger said: "He's got a groin problem, it's quite serious and he could be out four weeks at least."

Two Robin van Persie goals and one from Cesc Fabregas earned Arsenal the win which keeps them third in the league.

Bendtner has played 13 times for the Gunners this season scoring three times. His winning goal against Liverpool on Wednesday sent Arsenal into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.

The Dane joined Arsenal in 2005 from FC Copenhagen and signed a new long-term contract at the club in September.

Early errors punished, says Smith

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Smith encouraged by second-half fightback

England coach Tony Smith said early mistakes were ruthlessly punished in the 26-16 defeat to Australia in rugby league's Four Nations tournament.

England trailed 26-0 and though they responded well after the interval, Smith said: "We're disappointed, we left ourselves too much to do.

"Some of it was some very good play from Australia early on in the game but they exploited some areas in our team.

"If you just slightly show them the door they barge their way through it."

Smith felt his team had responded to a half-time dressing-down to give a strong reflection of their potential.

Inglis relieved to see off England

"We had a talk," he said. "We didn't like the situation we were in and we didn't like the scoreboard.

"We had to pull together and do something about it. A couple of opportunities we created could have given us an even closer game towards the end. We had too much to do in too little time."

The result took Australia above England in the competition table and their hopes of progress to the final now hinge on the clash against New Zealand at Huddersfield.

Australia coach Tim Sheens felt England gave his side a good fight after the break.

Sheens said: "I won't disrespect England by saying we took our foot off the pedal. There was an element of it but they are professional enough to know they can't do that.

"In the second half they rolled over the top of us. If they get the ball they're a big side and can really worry you."

Houvenaghel clinches pursuit gold

WORLD CUP SERIES, MANCHESTER
Venue: Manchester Velodrome Dates: 30 Oct - 1 Nov
Coverage: Watch live on BBC Two, the red button and BBC Sport website (UK only); live commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra

Victoria Pendleton

Pendleton pipped in 500m time-trial

Beijing silver medallist Wendy Houvenaghel put in a powerful display to win gold in the individual pursuit at the Track World Cup in Manchester.

The Ulster rider, who was the fastest qualifier, caught Australia's Josephine Tomic with a lap to go for the win.

There was also a silver medal and a new British record for Victoria Pendleton in the 500m time trial.

Pendleton, who won Friday's sprint, clocked a time of 33.838 seconds behind Australia's Anna Meares (33.632).

Pendleton was only riding in the non-Olympic event because she was without a partner for the team event as the only female in the Team Sky+HD squad.

"I'm not a 500-metre rider, I'm not a 500m specialist," said Pendleton afterwards. "I'm not about to start wasting my time on a non-Olympic event.

"But it's a massive personal best for me and on dropped handlebars it's the best standing (start) lap I've ever done."

Cornwall-based Houvenaghel finished second in China to Rebecca Romero, who is absent this weekend with the event poised to be removed from the Olympic programme in changes proposed by cycling's world governing body, the UCI.

But the 34-year-old was in imperious form in Manchester.

"This was just a chance for me to have a run out before the team pursuit on Sunday, which is my main event," she said.

Meanwhile, Sir Chris Hoy will meet Matt Crampton in an all-British men's sprint final later on Saturday after they won their respective semi-finals.


Team Sky+HD: Ross Edgar, Chris Hoy, Peter Mitchell, Victoria Pendleton, Jamie Staff

Team GB: Lizzie Armitstead, Steven Burke, Ed Clancy, Matt Crampton, David Daniell, Wendy Houvenaghel, Rebecca James, Jason Kenny, Chris Newton, Joanna Rowsell, Ben Swift, Andy Tennant, Geraint Thomas, Jess Varnish

Benitez defends Torres withdrawal

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez (right) gives striker Fernando Torres a pat on the back after substituting him in the defeat by Fulham
Torres (left) was substituted for Ryan Babel (right) at Fulham

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has defended substituting striker Fernando Torres in their 3-1 defeat by Fulham.

Torres has been nursing a groin injury and was taken off with the scores at 1-1 ahead of the crucial Champions League game at Lyon on Wednesday.

"It is a big risk if you keep a player playing if he has this problem so we wanted to protect Torres as we knew it could be worse for him," said Benitez.

"If you lose the player for 20 minutes it is better than for one month."

Torres played 80 minutes in the win over Manchester United last Sunday and was rested for the midweek defeat at Arsenal for a lack of fitness before returning to the starting line-up against Fulham.

He equalised for Liverpool but was taken off after 62 minutes at Craven Cottage.

Red cards were harsh - Benitez

"We knew that we had to change him," added the Spaniard, who also took off Yossi Benayoun late on. "In the last game he played 80 minutes and needed four days to recover.

"He was always training with pain. We knew that we had to change him but it was a question of when and we did it at the moment we did. I think that it was best for him."

However, Fulham forward Bobby Zamora cited Torres's exit as a possibly pivotal moment in the game for his side.

"He's one of the best strikers in the world and to see him go off the pitch is a massive boost for us and maybe even gave us another gear," he said.

The Reds had right-back Philipp Degen and centre-back Jamie Carragher sent-off within three minutes after going 2-1 down and Benitez insisted both were wrongly dismissed by referee Lee Mason.

606: DEBATE

Degen was sent off for a late lunge on Clint Dempsey, while Carragher got his marching orders for a professional foul on Zamora.

"I think the two sending offs were very harsh," said Benitez. "The first one could be a yellow card and for the second one Carragher definitely kicked the ball.

"Zamora was also saying he kicked the ball and we have to analyse this because it is a situation that saw us playing with nine players."

Benitez was also left bemused by the way his team let the game slip away from the after dominating the first half.

"We were in control at 1-1 and I was really surprised we made these mistakes," he added.

Carragher wants ref to review red card

The Reds boss was especially frustrated by Fulham's second goal when Dirk Kuyt kept the ball in only for the home side to earn possession and score.

"The second goal was a massive mistake and then shortly afterwards was the first red card.

"Today the main thing for me is 'how can you lose control of a game you are controlling everything of in the first half? That is something we have to analyse.

"Everyone involved has to take responsibility.

"We have to now prepare for the next game and try to lift the players to give them confidence.

"We have an important game in the Champions League and then we will have to continue in the Premier League."

Roy Hodgson

We deserved victory - Hodgson

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson believes his side deserved victory after having limited the threat of Liverpool and Torres while he was on the pitch.

"I'd like to think that people would be generous enough to say that it was a very good second half performance," said Hodgson.

"I thought apart from the goal we defended very well and our goalkeeper was largely untroubled.

"At the other end, especially in the second half, we created a lot of chances and could have had a penalty on another day."

France 12-62 New Zealand

France (6) 12
Tries: Martins, Vaccari Goals: Bosc 2
New Zealand (16) 62
Tries: Marshall, Perrett 3, Hohaia 2, Waerea-Hargreaves 2, Nuuausala, Sau, Goodwin Goals: Goodwin 9

Sam Perrett
Perrett capitalised as the French defence tired after the break

New Zealand's Sam Perrett scored a hat-trick of tries as France crumbled in the second half of their Four Nations encounter in Toulouse.

France were missing six players through illness, injury and suspension from the side beaten by England last weekend.

But they trailed only 16-12 after 42 minutes before conceded eight tries in a one-sided second half in Toulouse.

"We've got Australia next week so it doesn't get any easier," said France coach Bobby Goulding.

Winger Perrett was joined on New Zealand's try-scorers' list by Waerea-Hargreaves (2), Lance Hohaia (2), Junior Sau, Frank Nuuausala, Benji Marshall and Bryson Goodwin, who also kicked nine goals for a personal haul of 22 points.

The Kiwis next meet England in Huddersfield next Saturday.

Sebastien Martins and James Wynne scored France's tries and Thomas Bosc kicked two goals.


France: Villegas, Piquemol, Sadaoui, Duport, Bosc, Wymm, Vaccari, Shead, K. Bentley, Griffi, Elima, Touxagas, Fakir.
Replacements: Moly, A. Bentley, Martins, Gagliazzo.

New Zealand: Hohaia, Perrett, Matai, Sau, Goodwin, Marshall, Fien, Nuuausala, Leuluai, Moimoi, Soliola, Pritchard, Blair.
Replacements: Luke, Eastwood, Waerea-Hargreaves, Matulino.

Referee: Shayne Hayne (Australia).

Fisher sets up final against Kim

WORLD MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP, Spain
Venue: Finca Cortesin Golf Club, Casares Dates: 29 October-1 November
Coverage: Latest scores and reports on BBC Sport website


Ross Fisher
Fisher needed 39 holes to finally see off the challenge of Cabrera

Ross Fisher will face Anthony Kim in the World Match Play final at Casares on Sunday after his semi-final win over Argentina's Angel Cabrera.

English number one Fisher needed 39 holes to beat the Masters champion by one shot in Spain.

Fisher went from two up to one down with five to play, then won the 32nd and 33rd holes but was pegged back at the par five last when Cabrera birdied.

The pair played the last three more times before Fisher finally won.

He broke the Argentine's resistance with a fine approach shot to the green, while Cabrera conceded after failing to find it in three attempts.

606: DEBATE

"I fought back really well in the morning and then hung in," said Fisher.

"It means a lot to beat the Masters champion, he hits the ball miles and shows no fear."

Kim enjoyed a much more straight-forward 5&4 victory over Australia's Robert Allenby, three weeks after he beat the same player 5&3 in the Presidents Cup.

The pair have a famously strained relationship, after Allenby criticised Kim for allegedly staying out late before their Presidents Cup meeting, although both players insist that friction is in the past.

They were level with 13 to play, before Kim won five of the next seven holes, four of them with twos.

He also carded three birdies and pitched in from 101 yards for an eagle two at the 27th on his way to a comfortable victory, but said he was feeling the physical strain.

"I'm going to get some real rest tonight," said Kim afterwards.

"I need to get my legs into some hot water, I feel like I've been back-packing all week."

The winner of Sunday's final will take away a first prize of almost £676,000, with the runner-up having to settle for £405,000.

Singh knock sets up India victory

Third one-day international: India v Australia, Delhi: India 230-4 (48-2 overs) bt Australia 229-5 (50 overs) by six wickets


Mahendra Singh Dhoni (left)congratulates Yuvraj Singh
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (left) and Yuvraj Singh sealed India's win

Yuvraj Singh hit 78 as India powered to a six-wicket win over Australia in the third one-day international.

Australia won the toss and batted first with Mike Hussey 81 not out and skipper Ricky Ponting making a cautious 59 as opener as they reached 229-5 in Delhi.

India finished on 230 for four in 48.2 overs to take a 2-1 lead in the seven-game series.

Yuvraj struck eight fours and two sixes and shared 148 runs for the fourth wicket with Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The India skipper was 71 not out after scoring a match-winning 124 in the previous game in Nagpur.

The pair rescued the innings from 53 for three after Virender Sehwag (11), Sachin Tendulkar (32) and Gautam Gambhir (6) fell in swift succession.

Additional Articles


A friend and I have recently developed a passion for gold prospecting -- not simply the act of finding gold, but also the engineering behind gold finding methods, building custom equipment that's lighter and more efficient than the expensive specialty gold prospecting equipment found online. Though it's definitely an odd hobby :) there's nothing like hiking down to a river with a pick-axe, shovel, and random lightweight plastic home-assembled gold prospecting tools, and spending the day in the beauty of nature to see what treasures wait to be found. But more on that later. For now, lets get down to the basics of gold prospecting equipment.

The most common types of gold prospecting equipment pieces are the sluice box and the gold pan. Your average gold pan is very cheap, usually about $10. Black plastic is what I prefer. The gold shows up perfectly against the black. Sluice boxes, on the other hand, can get a bit pricey. Building a sluice is actually a lot simpler than it sounds. Using pieces of plastic cut into simple geometric shapes (squares and rectangles) we build a very lightweight sluice box from plastic simply by gluing the pieces together with plastic cement and waiting 24 hours. To find plans for building a homemade sluice box, a person has only to type in the phrase "sluice box plans" into the Google search box to find literally dozens of step by step plans for one of the oldest and simplest gold harvesting contraptions. A sluice box has a very simple design. It's just a box, after all. Who can't build a box? A lot of outfitters will try and sell you on lightweight, expensive aluminum, wanting top dollar for a simple sluice box. I say why pay the money when you can easily build a sluice with common materials.

But back to the sluice box for a moment. Lightweight plastic is easy to work with. As long as one doesn't buy sheets more than a quarter inch thick, it can be reasonably cut with an exacto blade. Add the cost of a can of plastic cement and you'll quickly have a homemade sluice box in a matter of hours.

The only thing left to do is find a river that has a reasonable amount of gold still hiding away. In California, that's pretty easy to do. Gold infested rivers are scattered all throughout southern and northern California. Different places have different levels of gold, but I'm assuming that those reading this already have a spot picked out.

See Also:

[Via Recreation & Sports]

Williams sisters reach Doha final

Venus Williams
Venus Williams repeated her semi-final win over Jankovic of 12 months ago

Defending champion Venus Williams will face Serena Williams in the final of the Sony Ericsson Championships after the sisters won their semi-finals.

Venus was in trouble after losing the first set against Jelena Jankovic and facing break points in the second.

But despite needing treatment on her knee, the 29-year-old battled back for a 5-7 6-3 6-4 victory.

Serena Williams led Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 0-1 in the second semi-final when the Dane retired with a stomach injury.

In a tight opening to the first semi, Jankovic let an early lead slip before recovering from a precarious position at 5-4 down with seven consecutive points.

The Serb held three break points and although Venus saved the first two with big serves, the American leaked a forehand wide on the third.

It's my last tournament of the year, so I am trying to give a thousand percent

Venus Williams

Jankovic served out the set and had a tremendous chance to move further ahead at 0-40 in game five of the second, but after two good Venus serves the Serb netted a backhand down the line.

Venus made her pay in the next game with a rasping forehand winner to lead 4-2 and quickly closed out to force a third set.

Jankovic gained the early advantage in the decider but Venus hit back and broke three times to serve for the match at 5-4, clinching victory with a forehand that dropped over off the tape.

"It's my last tournament of the year, so I am trying to give a thousand percent," said world number seven Venus.

"I wasn't feeling the ball very well in the first set, but I came back and had to make sure I played well against such a consistent player like Jelena."

Jankovic admitted: "Today there were more errors than winners. But that's part of the game. It's not easy to make winners, especially because Venus is such a tall girl. She makes two steps and she covers almost the whole court."

Bolton 0-4 Chelsea

Chelsea celebrate their third goal at Bolton
Chelsea's players celebrate their third goal at Bolton

By Jonathan Stevenson

Chelsea cemented their place at the top of the Premier League with a second four-goal thumping of Bolton in a week.

The Blues created a glut of chances but had to wait until the 45th minute for Frank Lampard to score from the spot after Didier Drogba was brought down.

Jlloyd Samuel was sent off for the professional foul and Chelsea doubled their lead when Deco curled home.

Lampard hit the bar before Zat Knight bundled into his own net and Drogba rolled in a well-worked fourth.

Bolton will be sick of the sight of the team from west London after the Blues dumped them out of the Carling Cup on Wednesday with a similar drubbing at Stamford Bridge.

Team is very happy - Ancelotti

Between the two sides there were 13 changes on show at the Reebok Stadium, but though the cast was different, the action was all too familiar as Chelsea dominated proceedings from start until finish.

Joe Cole found himself back on the bench despite a stunning recent return to the side after a long-term injury, but even without him Chelsea's midfield quartet of Deco, Lampard, Michael Essien and Michael Ballack had far too much quality for Bolton.

After Johan Elmander had headed an early chance over for the hosts they found themselves under almost constant pressure as Carlo Ancelotti's in-form side laid siege to their goal.

606: DEBATE
EmilioGraham

Having won their last four matches 4-0, 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0, Chelsea looked full of goals and they created four chances in the space of a minute as Drogba headed wide, Jussi Jaaskelainen saved expertly from Nicolas Anelka and Drogba and then Essien rifled just over from 16 yards.

Gary Cahill's slip to let in Drogba then seemed certain to lead to the first goal, until the wonderful Jaaskelainen brilliantly stuck out his left leg to prevent the Ivorian's shot from creeping in.

It seemed a matter of time, but still Bolton bravely hung on. Branislav Ivanovic's superb left-foot volley was ruled out as Ballack was standing in an offside position and then Anelka forced another save from Jaaskelainen at his near post.

Bolton's best route to goal was through the target-man play of Kevin Davies, and twice in quick succession he flicked on for Elmander, the Swede's first shot fizzing inches over and his second instinctively deflected wide by the canny Ricardo Carvalho.

Jlloyd Samuel brings Didier Drogba down
Drogba goes down under the challenge from Samuel

Just as it seemed Gary Megson's men had survived until half-time, the breakthrough finally came - and the cost to Bolton was even greater than going 1-0 behind.

Ballack's precision through ball sent Drogba away and in trying to make the challenge Samuel, who was the wrong side of Drogba, could only bring the striker down. He was shown a straight red card by referee Peter Walton and Lampard stepped up to coolly slot the penalty past Jaaskelainen.

The England midfielder clearly likes playing at the Reebok - it was there in April 2005 that he scored twice to earn Chelsea their first championship for 50 years in a 2-0 win.

The second half suddenly became an exercise in damage limitation for Bolton, but Chelsea's appetite for goals is insatiable at present and they poured forward against the flagging 10 men with relentless gusto.

Lampard praises Chelsea teamwork

Jaaskelainen twice saved brilliantly from Drogba, before Ancelotti's men doubled their lead with a lightning-quick counter-attack as Anelka fed Deco and he twisted inside a defender before slotting into the corner.

Lampard was not finished yet as he left the Bolton crossbar shaking with a vicious 22-yarder that Jaaskelainen did not see, before Carvalho's centre from the left flew in off Knight under pressure from Ivanovic to make it 3-0.

Even accounting for the sending off, the gulf between the teams was stark and as if to underline this Chelsea scored a quite sumptuous goal in the final minute, as Deco chested on to Lampard and his backheel was slotted in by Drogba.

It was imperious stuff and on this evidence Chelsea look primed for a real tilt at winning their third Premier League title.


Bolton boss Gary Megson:

Megson happy with Bolton effort

"I feel the complete opposite of how I did in midweek. We had a real go - we weren't on top at any stage, but we weren't as flimsy as we were at Stamford Bridge.

"We had some chances, and for 43, 44 minutes we competed all over the pitch.

"Their first goal was a poor one to concede, though Didier Drogba has done well to engineer the penalty."

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti:
"Our results have been good, but we know it's not possible to win every game 4-0.

"It's dangerous to think like that, it can't happen. We must keep our concentration and try to play well for 90 minutes, that's all that matters.

"Right now we're doing very well, we're top and we want to win every game."


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Celtic 3-0 Kilmarnock

Celtic   3 - 0   Kilmarnock

Celtic striker Georgios Samaras
Samaras finished emphatically against Killie

Celtic answered criticism of their home form with a comprehensive win over Kilmarnock in the league.

After a good start, the hosts went ahead on 13 minutes through Aiden McGeady's goal from a tight angle.

Georgios Samaras bulleted a header past Cameron Bell shortly after the half-hour mark from Andreas Hinkel's cross.

Kilmarnock's Kevin Kyle was off target from three headers, before substitute Niall McGinn scored his first goal for Celtic with 12 minutes remaining.

The win takes Tony Mowbray's men three points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League, although Rangers have the chance to close the gap to one point with victory over Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday.

Celtic looked eager to put on a good show and made a whirlwind start, with Pat McCourt, Samaras and Scott McDonald all looking lively.

The Australian striker tested Bell in the Kilmarnock goal within the first 60 seconds with an opportune flick off Andreas Hinkel's cross.

And Celtic's sustained pressure paid off on 13 minutes as they got their first goal in four games at home.

McCourt drove inside from the left, his shot was deflected across the box to McGeady, who jinked past Craig Bryson to lash a fierce shot in off the far post from a tight angle.

McCourt made Bell save low soon afterwards, then ran past three players before sending another shot two yards wide.

Bell, making just his third appearance of the season, was alert to produce a fine reflex save when McDonald diverted Samaras' pacy cross goalward from close range.

But it wasn't long before the keeper was beaten again with a wonderful move on 32 minutes, which culminated in Hinkel picking out Samaras in the box, and the Greek striker powered a header high into the net from nine yards.

Just before half-time Kilmarnock's Kyle had a wonderful chance to get his team back in the game.

However, the big striker was badly off target with his header despite being just three yards from goal.

Killie looked more confident at the resumption of play after they had reverted to a more familiar 4-4-2 formation.

Kyle was presented with two more free headers, but could not keep either effort down.

The home side were unable dominate as they did in the first half, although McGeady made Bell stop well with a low shot from the edge of the box, before the Republic of Ireland winger was booked for simulation.

Jamie Hamill tried his luck from outside the box for Killie, but after nutmegging Landry N'Guemo beautifully, but his shot was wayward.

But Celtic got the crucial third goal with a fine strike by McGinn, which sped past Bell from just inside the box, and Zheng Zhi and Samaras both had efforts cleared off the line in the closing stages.


Celtic manager Tony Mowbray:
"I though the level of performance was very similar to Wednesday night. I think we controlled the game again - but today a few goals went in.

"Goals cloud people's judgement of matches, and I can understand that.

"I'm delighted for Aiden and that he got his goal. He's a class act and can do things other players can't.

"There have not been many days when I've been disappointed with Aiden - and Shaun - and then we've got Pat and Niall who can come in as well."

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies:
"We said to the players before the game that they were going to come at us.

"Celtic were excellent today. We just couldn't get near them.

"I thought we were better in possession in the second half when we had a go, and Kevin Kyle admitted he should have scored a hat-trick with headers.

"But when Celtic play like that they're difficult to contain, so I must praise our boys for sticking to their task."

Live text and stats

 

Saturday, 31 October 2009

Scottish Premier

Home Team Score Away Team Time
Celtic 3-0 Kilmarnock R
(HT 2-0)
  • McGeady 13
  • Samaras 32
  • McGinn 78

    Celtic

    • 24 Zaluska
    • 02 Hinkel
    • 05 Caldwell
    • 11 Fox
    • 22 Loovens
    • 06 N'Guemo
    • 17 Crosas
    • 20 McCourt (McGinn 66)
    • 46 McGeady yellow card (Zhi 82)
    • 07 McDonald (Fortune 66)
    • 09 Samaras

    Substitutes

    • 47 Cervi,
    • 38 Thompson,
    • 52 Caddis,
    • 14 McGinn,
    • 19 Robson,
    • 27 Zhi,
    • 10 Fortune

    Kilmarnock

    • 13 Bell
    • 04 Fowler
    • 05 Wright yellow card
    • 15 O'Leary
    • 07 Bryson
    • 10 Taouil yellow card
    • 11 Invincibile (Fernandez 46)
    • 12 Skelton (Flannigan 66)
    • 23 Hamill
    • 16 Kyle
    • 18 Sammon (Hay 45)

    Substitutes

    • 21 Robinson,
    • 03 Hay,
    • 08 Pascali,
    • 17 Owens,
    • 19 Flannigan,
    • 22 Kelly,
    • 20 Fernandez
    Ref: CollumAtt: 46,000
    CELTIC
    KILMARNOCK

    Possession

    • Celtic 67%
    • Kilmarnock 33%

    Shots on target

    • Celtic 16
    • Kilmarnock 1

    Shots off target

    • Celtic 3
    • Kilmarnock 6

    Corners

    • Celtic 11
    • Kilmarnock 3

    Fouls

    • Celtic 4
    • Kilmarnock 10
    • Final Result
    • Full Time
    • 90:00+2:54 The referee blows for the end of the match.
    • 89:51 Centre by Garry Hay, Mehdi Taouil takes a shot. Save made by Lukasz Zaluska.
    • 89:11 A cross is delivered by Mehdi Taouil.
    • 88:43 James Fowler produces a cross, Gary Caldwell makes a clearance.
    • 87:00 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Daniel Fox.
    • 86:28 Corner taken by Daniel Fox.
    • 86:15 Niall McGinn takes a shot. Save by Cameron Bell.
    • 84:02 The referee blows for offside. Glenn Loovens takes the indirect free kick.
    • 83:51 Niall McGinn is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Indirect free kick taken by Cameron Bell.
    • 83:15 Landry N'Guemo takes a shot. Cameron Bell makes a save.
    • 82:26 Corner taken by Marc Crosas, save by Cameron Bell.
    • 82:08 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Daniel Fox.
    • 81:43 Substitution Zheng Zhi joins the action as a substitute, replacing Aiden McGeady.
    • 81:25 Aiden McGeady takes a shot. Save by Cameron Bell.
    • 80:50 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Iain Flannigan from the left by-line to the near post, Lukasz Zaluska makes a save.
    • 79:11 Marc-Antoine Fortune takes a shot. Cameron Bell makes a save.
    • 77:09 Assist on the goal came from Andreas Hinkel.
    • 77:09 GOAL - Niall McGinnCeltic 3 - 0 Kilmarnock Niall McGinn finds the back of the net with a goal from inside the penalty area to the top left corner of the goal. Celtic 3-0 Kilmarnock.
    • 76:39 The referee blows for offside against Kevin Kyle. Indirect free kick taken by Glenn Loovens.
    • 75:28 Niall McGinn produces a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that misses to the left of the goal.
    • 74:47 Foul by Kevin Kyle on Marc-Antoine Fortune, free kick awarded. Daniel Fox takes the free kick.
    • 74:10 Jamie Hamill produces a left-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the target.
    • 73:00 Landry N'Guemo takes a shot. Save made by Cameron Bell.
    • 72:32 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Daniel Fox from the right by-line to the near post, clearance by Jamie Hamill.
    • 72:21 Niall McGinn takes a shot. Blocked by Ryan O'Leary.
    • 71:25 Aiden McGeady takes a shot. Save by Cameron Bell.
    • 67:01 Booking Aiden McGeady is booked.
    • 65:30 Substitution Iain Flannigan comes on in place of Gavin Skelton.
    • 65:14 Lukasz Zaluska takes the direct free kick.
    • 65:14 Substitution Niall McGinn replaces Patrick McCourt.
    • 65:14 Substitution Scott McDonald goes off and Marc-Antoine Fortune comes on.
    • 65:14 Landry N'Guemo fouled by Kevin Kyle, the ref awards a free kick.
    • 64:57 Georgios Samaras takes a shot. Save made by Cameron Bell.
    • 64:06 Aiden McGeady takes a shot. Save by Cameron Bell.
    • 63:17 Effort from deep inside the area by Andreas Hinkel clears the bar.
    • 61:58 Free kick awarded for a foul by Ryan O'Leary on Georgios Samaras. Direct free kick taken by Landry N'Guemo.
    • 61:32 Effort on goal by Jamie Hamill from just inside the area clears the bar.
    • 58:41 Foul by Ryan O'Leary on Georgios Samaras, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Marc Crosas.
    • 58:12 Foul by Kevin Kyle on Landry N'Guemo, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Lukasz Zaluska.
    • 55:58 Georgios Samaras takes a shot. Save made by Cameron Bell.
    • 54:47 Corner taken right-footed by Patrick McCourt from the left by-line, Kevin Kyle manages to make a clearance.
    • 54:42 Patrick McCourt sends in a cross, clearance by Frazer Wright.
    • 54:26 Andreas Hinkel sends in a cross, clearance made by James Fowler.
    • 53:43 Jamie Hamill delivers the ball, Kevin Kyle has a headed effort from close in and clears the bar.
    • 49:19 The ball is crossed by Craig Bryson, Kevin Kyle has a headed effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the goal.
    • 48:37 The assistant referee flags for offside against Daniel Fox. Free kick taken by James Fowler.
    • 47:42 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Jamie Hamill from the left by-line, clearance made by Glenn Loovens.
    • 46:44 Shot from deep inside the area by David Fernandez goes over the bar.
    • 46:21 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Gavin Skelton by Andreas Hinkel. Garry Hay restarts play with the free kick.
    • 45:32 Direct free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
    • 45:32 Booking Frazer Wright goes into the book.
    • 45:11 Frazer Wright challenges Marc Crosas unfairly and gives away a free kick.
    • 45:01 The second half has started.
    • 45:01 Substitution David Fernandez on for Daniele Invincibile.
    • Half Time
    • 45:00+0:18 The match has reached half-time.
    • 45:00 Substitution Conor Sammon leaves the field to be replaced by Garry Hay.
    • 44:33 Centre by Mehdi Taouil, save by Lukasz Zaluska.
    • 43:44 The ball is delivered by Patrick McCourt, Daniele Invincibile manages to make a clearance.
    • 43:17 Short corner worked by Patrick McCourt.
    • 42:41 The ball is sent over by Gavin Skelton, Kevin Kyle has a headed effort at goal from close in which goes wide of the left-hand upright.
    • 42:17 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Gavin Skelton from the right by-line, save by Lukasz Zaluska.
    • 42:10 Mehdi Taouil produces a cross, Glenn Loovens makes a clearance.
    • 39:54 Booking Mehdi Taouil goes into the referee's book for unsporting behaviour.
    • 38:24 Georgios Samaras fouled by Frazer Wright, the ref awards a free kick. Gary Caldwell restarts play with the free kick.
    • 33:54 Gavin Skelton delivers the ball, clearance made by Gary Caldwell.
    • 33:23 Mehdi Taouil fouled by Aiden McGeady, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Gavin Skelton.
    • 32:37 Georgios Samaras fouled by Frazer Wright, the ref awards a free kick. Gary Caldwell takes the free kick.
    • 31:15 The assist for the goal came from Andreas Hinkel.
    • 31:15 GOAL - Georgios SamarasCeltic 2 - 0 Kilmarnock Georgios Samaras finds the net with a headed goal from close in. Celtic 2-0 Kilmarnock.
    • 29:24 Centre by Mehdi Taouil.
    • 28:51 Centre by Georgios Samaras, Jamie Hamill manages to make a clearance.
    • 27:39 Kevin Kyle is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Gary Caldwell takes the free kick.
    • 27:15 Handball by Kevin Kyle. Marc Crosas takes the direct free kick.
    • 26:57 Patrick McCourt sends in a cross.
    • 25:27 Georgios Samaras delivers the ball, Scott McDonald takes a shot. Save made by Cameron Bell.
    • 25:11 Craig Bryson delivers the ball, Gary Caldwell makes a clearance.
    • 24:59 The assistant referee flags for offside against Georgios Samaras. Indirect free kick taken by Jamie Hamill.
    • 24:15 Andreas Hinkel produces a cross.
    • 23:27 Jamie Hamill sends in a cross.
    • 22:34 The ball is crossed by Aiden McGeady, Craig Bryson manages to make a clearance.
    • 21:51 Effort from the edge of the area by Patrick McCourt goes wide of the left-hand upright.
    • 19:59 Conor Sammon sends in a cross, Daniel Fox manages to make a clearance.
    • 19:36 Andreas Hinkel sends in a cross, clearance made by James Fowler.
    • 15:50 Patrick McCourt takes a shot. Save by Cameron Bell.
    • 15:26 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Gary Caldwell by Kevin Kyle. Free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.
    • 12:39 GOAL - Aiden McGeadyCeltic 1 - 0 Kilmarnock Aiden McGeady finds the back of the net with a goal from close in to the top left corner of the goal. Celtic 1-0 Kilmarnock.
    • 12:00 Daniel Fox takes the inswinging corner, clearance by Kevin Kyle.
    • 11:54 The ball is crossed by Andreas Hinkel, blocked by Conor Sammon.
    • 11:06 Kevin Kyle is caught offside. Indirect free kick taken by Lukasz Zaluska.
    • 10:29 Free kick awarded for a foul by Gary Caldwell on Kevin Kyle. Jamie Hamill takes the direct free kick.
    • 9:54 The referee blows for offside. Cameron Bell takes the indirect free kick.
    • 7:50 Centre by Andreas Hinkel, save by Cameron Bell.
    • 6:50 Scott McDonald is ruled offside. Cameron Bell restarts play with the free kick.
    • 6:26 Ryan O'Leary is ruled offside. Lukasz Zaluska takes the free kick.
    • 5:10 Patrick McCourt challenges Frazer Wright unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Cameron Bell.
    • 4:47 Daniel Fox takes a outswinging corner from the left by-line to the near post, Frazer Wright manages to make a clearance.
    • 4:17 Patrick McCourt decides to take the corner short.
    • 4:10 The ball is swung over by Scott McDonald, blocked by Ryan O'Leary.
    • 2:02 Corner taken right-footed by Patrick McCourt from the left by-line, Kevin Kyle manages to make a clearance.
    • 1:54 Centre by Daniel Fox, Ryan O'Leary manages to make a clearance.
    • 1:21 A cross is delivered by Georgios Samaras, Frazer Wright gets a block in.
    • 0:53 Scott McDonald takes a shot. Save by Cameron Bell.
    • 0:08 Foul by Jamie Hamill on Scott McDonald, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Marc Crosas.
    • 0:00 The ref blows the whistle to begin the match.

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