Sunday, 1 April 2012

#Pompey: The Story Of Portsmouth FC In 2012 As Told On Twitter - April

Introduction
If you've been following this blog you will recall that I thought it would be interesting to track the story of Portsmouth FC during 2012 on a day-to-day basis through those tweeting using the hashtag #Pompey.

When I started on January 1st 2012 it seemed like quite a good idea - but I wasn't sure if I would be able to see it through the month let alone the year!

The good news is that I've completed the first quarter of the year and what a quarter it was! Now it's time to move on to April. Enjoy.

Previous Months
You can see the #Pompey tweets from January by clicking on the link below where you can also read a little bit more about my thoughts at the start of this project. I've changed my approach to this since the start with such a rich vein of tweets on the #Pompey timeline. Originally I planned to pick a few tweets each day but I quickly changed that as the story unfolded.
January 2012 #Pompey tweets

You can see the #Pompey tweets from February by clicking on the link below:
February 2012 #Pompey tweets

You can see the #Pompey tweets from March by clicking on the link below:
March 2012 #Pompey tweets

So, here is the story of Portsmouth FC for April 2012 as told by you on Twitter and as I saw it unfold.
BlueThruAndThru

Note 1: the most recent tweet for each day is shown first in the lists below, so to read them in the order they appeared in the Twitter timeline start at the bottom.

Note 2: the tweets listed below are those of the accounts shown in bold text and the views/opinions expressed are theirs and not mine. I've not asked anyone's permission to record tweets here so let me know if you have any concerns about me doing that or if you'd like to just contact me and say 'hi' then I am @PompeyChicken on Twitter.


30/04/2012

@pn_neil_allen I see @brianhowe01 is making more Twitter noises over #Pompey buyout. If this one fails would be great to see him join Trust share scheme.

@pn_neil_allen Appleton expects Pearce and Halford to leave #Pompey by the end of today - and many more to follow. http://m.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/pompey-past/pearce-and-halford-will-be-just-the-start-1-3789162

@pn_jordan_cross Michael Appleton sixth favourite with Sky Bet at 12/1 to be next West Brom manager #Pompey

@footybookreview Soccerex European Forum - Manchester: The Financial Management of Clubs http://dld.bz/bpv8H #soccerex #Pompey #PFC #TrevorBirch

@ellesPFC some fans need to chill out about 'player loyalty' - if they didn't care why would they sign up to the PST bid??? #Pompey #fanpowerstadium

@markacheson It's sunny outside! This is as rare as hen's teeth, or someone not wearing fancy dress in a #Pompey away end!
@CrossvaderDJ Dashwood: #Pompey set to boot administrator via @Telegraph http://soc.li/MeYKuEb Poor article. No substance, just supposition w/out facts.

29/04/2012
@PN_MatthewBrown If England gave Hodgson the job, would WBA come in for Appleton? #Pompey

@NabilHassan79 #pompey boss Michael Appleton to return to Hawthorns as manager of #wba? Already had a spell there as caretaker boss. Could do a lot worse.

@Pompey_1Love Morning you sexy lot ;) just looked out our window looks like its gonna be a very wet journey back to #Pompey

@kjmarriott57 What a credit the #pompey fans were to football yesterday. With fans like that, you know that club will survive, and will be back. #nffc


@chimer1898 Reading all the match reports, feeling proud to be #Pompey. Hats off to fans who went yday, you're all legends! #BestFans


@Forest_Ablock @officialpompey fair play to all the #pompey fans who made the trip thought you were excellent throughout and #nffc were very respectful to

28/04/2012

@AgemOfSorts Such a good day out, yes, we lost, we're going down, but bloomin' 'eck we have a laugh doing it :D so much love for #Pompey & the fans xx

@officialpompey Michael Appleton says there will be a massive overhaul of #Pompey's squad this summer: http://tinyurl.com/73ss3ej #fanpowerstadium

@Kcommonsluvspie A special mention from an #NFFC fan to the travelling #Pompey fans today - I salute you ALL! Best of luck! #PFC http://pic.twitter.com/nwUf3Lr0

@Pompey_Royal Lost for words really. Mixture of emotions. Pride, fear, hope & anger but mainly pride. Let's save #pompey for ourselves & all future fans.

@officialpompey Full Time: Nottingham Forest 2 #Pompey 0
@officialpompey Blackstock meets Reid's corner to head home Forest's second - and still the #Pompey fans cheer
@officialpompey Goal: Nottingham Forest 2 (Blackstock 89) #Pompey 0
@officialpompey #Pompey fans don't seem to care, they celebrated the goal as much as the Forest fans! #fanpowerstadium
@officialpompey Cunningham's ball in, headed back by McCleary for Blackstock to poke home from a yard out #pompey
@officialpompey Goal: Nottingham Forest 1 (Blackstock 70) #Pompey 0
@officialpompey Attendance: 23,625 (2,319 #Pompey fans) #fanpowerstadium
@officialpompey Half Time: Nottingham Forest 0 #Pompey 0
@officialpompey #Pompey subs: Magri, Webster, Grant, Wallace, Futacs
@officialpompey #Pompey team v Nottingham Forest: Ashdown; Ward, Rocha, Mokoena, Rekik; Etuhu, Norris (c), Allan, Varney; Harris, Maguire 

27/04/2012
@pn_jordan_cross @ZoeAshdown1 take a bow. The driving force behind signing up 11 (and counting) #Pompey players for PST's community share scheme.

@pn_neil_allen #Pompey will bid farewell to almost all their players tomorrow. Sadly off the pitch those that caused this mess keep on haunting the club.

@pn_neil_allen Special #ff to @ZoeAshdown1 and husband Jamie who are doing an outstanding job. So far signed up 8 #Pompey players to Trust share scheme!!

@solentsport Ipswich boss Paul Jewell has confirmed the club has made an offer for #pompey defender Joel Ward


@NabilHassan79
Stuart Gray has left his role as assistant manager at #pompey – and could be reunited with Steve Cotterill at Forest, Nottingham Post report

@markacheson Michael Appleton calling for #Pompey pride tomorrow Reckon there will be loads, on pitch and in stands

@Pompey_Royal Possibly first ever article about #pompey in The Economist. Not a very impressive one either. #fanpowerstadium

26/04/2012
@NabilHassan79 #pompey boss Michael Appleton says he has urged his players to use Saturday's game as a chance to put themselves in the shop window.

@NabilHassan79 Here are the nuts and bolts of what went on today at  #pompey's creditors' meeting. Birch says 50/50 chance of survival:  

@pn_jordan_cross Stuart Gray is set to leave #pompey. It is understood the Blues coach is on his way from the club. More to follow at
 
@Hinks7 “@lewisstockford: 1 new message: (icelandic voice) hey lewis, its herman, pick up the phone ya dick head” ha ha The Herminator! #pompey 

@solentsport #pompey Appleton says he will have another talk with Gray. Refers to Administrator saying one of coaches Gray or Whittingham will go
 
@solentsport #pompey boss Micheal Appleton has hinted that coach Stuart Gray may not travel with team to Forest. "not in right frame of mind currently"
 
@pn_neil_allen After today's creditors meeting I am more convinced then ever the #pompey endgame will be Chainrai. Unless others intervene - and soon.
 
@iepeach So what's changed regards #pompey since before the creditors meeting? Judging by my timeline and those commenting - nothing!
 
@Bunkybowers RT @pn_neil_allen: Meeting over. Going to try to get things set out in Layman's terms now!! #pompey #pcm2012 we're screwed #laymansterms 

@pn_neil_allen Meeting over. Going to try to get things set out in Layman's terms now!! #Pompey #pcm2012
 
@pn_Rory_McKeown Small creditors could still be paid if Chainrai returns #pompey #pcm2012
 
@TonyHusbandBBC #pompey meeting ends with small creditor asking where is the £2500 promised to each small creditor last time.
 
@pn_Rory_McKeown Rep from Genesis says small creditors should be in creditors committee. He will represent them in committee. #pompey #pcm2012 

@TonyHusbandBBC #pompey creditor's committee nominated. Will be Portpin, PFA, PCFC (old co) HMRC, CSI.

@TonyHusbandBBC #pompey HMRC amendment voted down by creditors. PKF proposals go forward with unanimous backing, minus HMRC proposal.
 
@TonyHusbandBBC #pompey so they've finished voting on the HMRC amendment requesting a liquidation at end of process. 

@pn_neil_allen UHY and Portpin vote against HMRC amendment about liquidation. Vast majority of others accept. Games being played! #Pompey #pcm2012
 
@TonyHusbandBBC #pompey Gerald Vernon-Jackson urges vote on HMRC proposals. Looks like the room will get its way. 

@pn_neil_allen Now it is UHY v PKF over a modification put forward by HMRC. Faulds himself can't work out UHY's problem. #Pompey #pcm2012 

@TonyHusbandBBC #pompey David Hinchcliffe says getting golden share back is hindered by a liquidation. PKF feel it's a pointless argument. Lots of chatter 

@solentsport #pompey Creditors meeting- Administrator says as things stand, club only have enough cash to last until the start of June.
 
@pn_neil_allen Birch: Sale is season tickets won't affect cash flow as administration would not use that money. #Pompey #pcm2012
 
@pn_neil_allen Birch: Liquidation would mean club would lose its entitlement to parachute payments, even if it reforms. #Pompey #pcm2012 

@pn_neil_allen Lampitt asks for clarification of PKF fees. Trevor Watkins replies they are £190,000 up until the end of March. #Pompey #pcm2012
 
@pn_neil_allen Birch: Liquidation would see the ground become asset of liquidators. They will sell it as they see fit. #Pompey #pcm2012

@pn_neil_allen Faulds v Lampitt dominating. Faulds seeking answers for how the club has ended up like this. #Pompey #pcm2012 

@pn_neil_allen Lampitt: Even before CSI the club was not self sustaining. Foulds pressing this hard.  #Pompey #pcm2012

@pn_neil_allen Lampitt: Player wages brought down from £17m to £12m compared to last season.  #Pompey #pcm2012

 
@pn_neil_allen Birch on interest: No-one is making the noises that will convince me. I am still trying to keep them at the table. #Pompey #pcm2012
 
@pn_neil_allen Let's not forget that everyone attending represents parties who are owed money by the club. #Pompey #pcm2012

@pn_neil_allen Forget those associated with owners and directors. Sadly too many other familiar faces here stung yet again. #Pompey #pcm2012
 
@pn_neil_allen John Redgate is present too. Rather a sparse turnout at the moment compared to 2 years ago. #Pompey #pcm2012 

@pn_neil_allen Here is another. David Lampitt. #Pompey #pcm2012

@pn_neil_allen Roll up, Roll up. Here is Nick Byrom, former commercial director. #Pompey #pcm2012
 
@pn_neil_allen First arrivals at the creditors' meeting - UHY Hacker Young. No AA but Kubik and Mulgrew. #Pompey #pcm2012 

@lyzchambers Feeling very sad about my #Pompey today, other fans worry about prom/releg - we worry about our own existance, puts it into perspective :o( 

@DanBrett90 #Pompey coaches Guy Whittingham and Stuart Gray told that one of them will leave the club after the last game of the season. Simply wrong. 

@pn_neil_allen Feel so sorry for Guy Whittingham and Stuart Gray over this #Pompey news.  

@pn_neil_allen #Pompey creditors' meeting today at 11am. I'll be present along with @pn_Rory_McKeown giving live updates. Expect yet more drama.
 
@iepeach Hope that after the facts get laid bare this morning at the creditors meeting more people will wake up and smell the coffee. #Pompey

25/04/2012
@Lord_Palmerston After the mess @football_league made with #Pompey, why does anyone suppose FFP will be competently managed?

@MarwellDeZeeuw Kaka on for Madrid. Not been the same player since Glen Little ran rings round him on that fantastic night at Fratton Park :-) #Pompey

@NabilHassan79 #bbcfootball: More redundancies at #pompey, as creditors prepare to meet administrator Trevor Birch on Thursday:

@pn_neil_allen I'll be in attendance at the #Pompey creditors' meeting tomorrow. Bound to be bombshells. Allowed to Tweet so will keep everyone updated.

@FosterAdrian Mr Greg Clarke - if I was in your position and a club went bust on my watch I would consider it a personal failure. #pompey

@joemichalczuk Whoever next buys the club - their first job? Re-employing Linvoy Primus - club legends are the rock upon which we are built upon #Pompey

@pn_neil_allen Another sad day at Fratton with yet more redundancies, among them Linvoy. Surely has to be good news at #Pompey soon.


@mickwill FL chairman, Greg Clarke, has warned #Pompey he fears they are on the verge of liquidation Thanks for your help, mate!

@officialpompey West Brom have confirmed that Scott Allan will not be recalled early from his loan and can play for #Pompey on Saturday #fanpowerstadium

@pn_neil_allen Birch sets about ripping up the mammoth #Pompey wage bill.

@CharlieChapel Alan Ball passed away 5 years ago today. Gone, but never forgotten. RIP Bally #saintsfc #pompey #afc #efc #bfc #england

24/04/2012
@pn_steve_wilson The only #Pompey player since 2007 I have never interviewed...Tal Ben Haim. Even on USA trip last summer he refused to speak. Odd bloke.

@pn_neil_allen Ben Haim will leave #Pompey in the summer according to his agent. Fingers crossed.  

23/04/2012
@CrossvaderDJ An Indian gentleman was shown around #Pompey by Trevor Birch and co today. Make what you will of that.

@Kyle_Whitworth So first Donny write to us to say how good our fans are, now Derby have done the same? Does that happen at any other club? #pompey #bluearmy

@officialpompey #Pompey have sold more than 2,000 tickets for Saturday's match at Nottingham Forest: #fanpowerstadium

@Barlow31 Marlon Pack & Matt Ritchie in PFA L2 team of the yr both would have been useful for #pompey next year #fanpowerstadium

@pn_jordan_cross Norris: I want to stay at #Pompey

@officialpompey Elaine Giles - who has retired from #Pompey after 30 years of service - has thanked everyone for their kind messages:

@pn_neil_allen Appleton admits he expects Leeds target Jason Pearce and Joel Ward won't be at #Pompey next season.

@bobbeech At the moment you have a choice back the PST bid or face up to the fact #Pompey WILL be liquidated.

@bobbeech Have followed a few #Pompey conversations here is how it stands 1 just 1 party has said here we are we WANT the club that is the PST 

22/04/2012
@Pompey_Royal Despite on-field setbacks & off-field fiascos its been an honour to be a member of the #pompey family this season. Thanks all. Forest next!

@officialpompey Congratulations to @pompeyfcladies who beat Plymouth today to win promotion to the Premier League with a game to spare #pompey

@tomdearie #Pompey Not got round to filling in your form yet? Do it today and lets finally take meaningful ownership of our club. http://www.communitypompey.co.uk

@Barlow31 Sad to be relegated but so excited about the prospect of a fan run community club Consign all the dodgy owners to history & rebuild #pompey

@tomdearie #Pompey Feel sad at the wanton destruction of our club? Let's take complete ownership of OUR club http://www.communitypompey.co.uk - WE CAN DO THIS!!

@bobbeech Reality check for many #Pompey fans promotion next season is unlikely stability & a properly run community club is what we should aim for

21/04/2012
@pscanling @soccerdiva #pompey relegated but not yet liquidated. One more match, then what?

@DrJlo29 Very sad for pompey tonight. At least we will never boo our players though. Coventry should be ashamed. #Pompey

@DelenaPFC 1 step back three steps forward #pompey

@PfcBrad "Lets pretend we're going up! Lets pretend we're going up!" Fratton End rocking on relegation day. #Pompey #PUP #BestRelegationEver

@adamredman5 So there it is. Relegated due to the points deduction given to us by the same people that approved our buyers! #pompey #fanpowerstadium

@HarvBrowning23 #Pompey a club against the world. #Pompeytillidie

@DarrenHall07 No shame for #pompey. Rebuild, come out fighting. #WeWillNeverDie

@LyndaLister Football - what can be said :-( league 1 here we come #pompey amazing spirit show by the fans #fanpowerstadium

@Bunkybowers If we have a #Pompey next year I sincerely hope Michael Appleton is around to lead it

@ian_wfc #Pompey trending on twitter. Who'd have thought five years ago that Pompey v Crawley in the league might happen?

@ghm67 @stevebone1 share almost every memory from your column today great stuff, thanks #vftns #pompey

@JensonsBeard We Pompey fans really do have a unique way of dealing with things. No tears, no boos... just chanting, singing, dancing and smiles. #Pompey

@ghm67 thinks @stevebone1 should make his #VFTNS columns into a chronological ordered book it would be brilliant reading #pompey

@ZoeAshdown1 Sad sad day today, so proud to see my family on the pitch at #Pompey no matter what league we're in #bestfansever !

@Tom_Overton Relegation is the least of my worries, all I want is a club to support next season. #pompey

@shaunnicholls86 Wow don't think I've been in such a surreal atmosphere celebrating relegation like winning the league. Proud to be #Pompey tonight

@DMinghella Portsmouth till I die. #Pompey

@tomdearie #Pompey Had rich owners, poor ones, reluctant ones, absent ones, pretend ones, liars, crooks & thieves. Could http://www.communitypompey.co.uk do worse?

@JohnSinnott Three years, 11 months and 27 days after beating Cardiff to win the FA Cup, Portsmouth relegated to League One. There's a story.....#pompey

@GDTrotman Relegated yet we still sing and have a laugh, wouldn't see that from any other club, bring on league 1, proud to be a #pompey fan

@pn_neil_allen Such dignity from the #Pompey fans today in the face of relegation. Send me your thoughts on the game and they'll go into Monday's News.

@Hartski #Pompey relegation brings us to a major crossroads. Right owners & Appy maybe Norwich example but wrong owners again then it could be Luton

@dfearnley #Pompey are relegated. We don't care, we just want club to survive. We'll be there no matter what league we are in. #wewillneverdie

@officialpompey "Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be, we're going to Shrewsbury," sing the #Pompey fans
@officialpompey Full Time: #Pompey 1 Derby 2
@officialpompey #Pompey's relegation is confirmed as Bristol City win 2-0 against Barnsley
@officialpompey Goal: #Pompey 1 Derby 2 (Davies (pen) 78)
@officialpompey Pearce brings down Ward in the box, although the #Pompey skipper thinks it's a dive (77 mins) #fanpowerstadium
@officialpompey Futacs finds Varney, who coolly drives the ball past Legzdins #pompey #fanpowerstadium
@officialpompey GOAL!!! #Pompey 1 (Varney 74) Derby 1
@officialpompey Attendance: 17,770 #pompey
@officialpompey Half Time: #Pompey 0 Derby 1
@officialpompey Buxton heads in Ward's corner at close range #pompey
@officialpompey Goal: #Pompey 0 Derby 1 (Buxton 41)
@officialpompey #Pompey subs: Magri, Webster, Mokoena, Etuhu, Futacs
@officialpompey #Pompey team v Derby: Ashdown; Ward, Rocha, Pearce (c), Rekik; Norris, Halford, Allan; Harris, Varney; Kitson

@davepfc1 Whatever happens today my love for #pompey will never die. 32 Years of ups and downs, this is merely a down but there will be more ups.

@duncanowen Don't know whether I'm excited or terrified by the prospect of todays game. #pompey #istillbelieve

@PFC69 It would be amazing if we stayed up, but it doesn't really bother me going down. I support #Pompey for who we are, not where we are. #WWND

20/04/2012
@bobbeech #ff all those fellow #Pompey fighters who've been fighting this battle for too damn long now but show no sign of letting up

@pompeygeoff who is the happier man he who braved the storm of life & lived or he who has stayed securely on shore & merely existed #pompey

@pompeygeoff keep all fat ladies away from fratton park tomorrow please #pompey #fanpowerstadium

@pn_neil_allen At the moment 14,850 tickets have been sold for #Pompey game with Derby tomorrow.

@bobbeech Big day tomorrow for #Pompey I BELIEVE

@pn_neil_allen Elaine Giles retires today. Lovely lady and great #Pompey servant. Deserves to be sent thanks to elainegiles@pompeyfc.co.uk

@officialpompey Tickets in the Fratton End have sold out for tomorrow's match #pompey #fanpowerstadium

@Mikey_White_99 Anybody else dressing up for next weeks match at Forest? #Pompey

@iepeach The possible bid for the club now has real momentum. Have you & all #pompey fans you know pledged yet? We really can do this together.

@markacheson Big blue hello to all #Pompey fans taking part in Blue Day today @officialpompey @pompeys12thman @pompeytrust #portsmouth

@davepfc1 Last home game of the season tomorrow. Praying its not the last time I'll ever go to Fratton Park after 32 years. #pompey

@Pompey_Royal There are some things you hate having to do but you know in the end it'll for the best. Like tweeting #fanpowerstadium #pompey for example.

@MrsKelster I think the tides are changing at long last! This weekend, can #Pompey also change their fortune & make this 1 of the best weeks yet :)

19/04/2012
@Mikey_White_99 Going to Nottingham Forest as Captain America! Getting the costume tomorrow. #Pompey

@pn_neil_allen #Pompey fans please read this from recent Sports Mail. Still think we should wait for owner rather than back the Trust?http://m.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/opinion/pompey-cannot-just-wait-for-a-knight-in-shining-armour-1-3711697

@Clearly_Confuse #pompey #fanpowerstadium just saying

@pn_neil_allen Luca Scapuzzi returned to Man City after asking to end his #Pompey loan two games early. Appleton keen to keep him but youngster has left.

@officialpompey Luca Scapuzzi has returned to Manchester City after making just two cameo appearances for #Pompey: http://tinyurl.com/d3ufwgd

@alexread11 The @football_league are investigating Reading's new Russian owners. So, you just never bothered with #pompey then?

18/04/2012
@Pompey_Royal Sometimes when watching Messi I get flashbacks of Albert McCann circa 1971. #pompey #fanpowerstadium

@pn_neil_allen Spoke to Birch today. 2 interested parties, nowhere near #Pompey bid. So want to keep waiting? Time for Trust ownership as time running out.

@BalramChanrai @iepeach They hoping some of them got some credit left on them... #Pompey #FanPowerStadium

@iepeach This cash for your old mobile thing with #pompey is some sort of joke right? £58M debt & they want old mobiles. Just don't get it & why now?

17/04/2012
@princessclairin Still processing tonight, #pompey just never give up. Alan Ball was right, we is a fightin' city! So proud to be a fan, wanna be an owner.

@JoshWarren22 Good result tonight at fratton park! That's the thing about #pompey they never know when to give up!

@PFC_Conference If we can win our last two matches, Bristol will need a win or two draws to stay above us! Play Up Barnsley, Burnley Play Up! #PUP #Pompey

@legardj #pompey still fighting for survival in every way. Michael Appleton has worked a miracle to hold the squad together #keepthefaith

@KoraBlagden We love you #Pompey we do, We love you #Pompey we do! ohhhhhhhhhhh #Pompey we love you! #Fanpowerstadium #PUP #Wewillneverdie

@pn_steve_wilson Decent display from #pompey. Pretty nervy in final few mins but keeps the distant dream alive.

@FrattonFaithful FT #pompey 2 #palace 1 - far post header from Halford wins it but nervy after needless pen conceded by Varney. Glimmer of hope remains!

@pn_neil_allen That's the thing about #Pompey they never know how to give up. And that's why this club will not die, despite owners doing their worst.

@OscarBoothby On a night that #Pompey clung on to the Championship, #Pompey ladies won the Hampshire Cup Final. Congratulations! #PUP

@jamesdemellow Would be typical if Barnsley do us a favour on Sat and we lose to Derby. I fully predict that to happen #pompey

@AGemOfSorts Live to fight/feel sick another day #Pompey #FanPowerStadium

@redtrainers The faint light of survival flickers on #pompey

@HelR10 we're clinging on for dear life. A mircle will be needed.... We can do this! #pompey

@officialpompey The great escape is still on #pompey
@officialpompey Full Time: #Pompey 2 Crystal Palace 1
@officialpompey Goal: #Pompey 2 Crystal Palace 1 (Ambrose (pen) 71) - Ambrose blasts home the penalty
@officialpompey Might actually be a Speroni own-goal as Halford's far post header hits the keeper and goes in #pompey
@officialpompey GOAL!!! #Pompey 2 (Halford 55) Crystal Palace 0
@officialpompey Half Time: #Pompey 1 Crystal Palace 0
@officialpompey Attendance: 14,847 #pompey
@officialpompey Allan's fierce 30-yard strike takes a huge deflection off Clyne to deceive Speroni and fly into the net #pompey
@officialpompey GOAL!!! #Pompey 1 (Allan 32) Crystal Palace 0
@officialpompey #Pompey subs: Magri, Mokoena, Scapuzzi, Harris, Futacs
@officialpompey #Pompey team v Crystal Palace: Ashdown; Ward, Rocha, Pearce (c), Rekik; Allan, Halford, Norris; Maguire, Varney; Kitson

16/04/2012
@Leverton1 Ahhh back in #pompey....don't know what it is but i do love this place.

@iepeach Sorry - not wanting an affordability debate on here. Am just urging support & saying believe me when I say this is our chance #pompey
@iepeach Know so many fans myself that just 'haven't got round to doing it yet'. Get on it because there's never going to be a better chance #Pompey
@iepeach Come on #Pompey fans. We have momentum so please get involved in PST pre share pledge & help save our club. We really can do this. PLEASE RT

@Joeteb Really can't be arsed to look through my timeline for today have I missed anything #Pompey #Fanpowerstadium

@solentsport Tal Ben Haim and Benjani both still out, Kelvin Etuhu a doubt after a family bereavement #pompey

@solentsport Joel Ward and Jason Pearce both picked up knocks against Doncaster, didn't train today and are doubts for tomorrow against Palace #pompey

@dazza_nics Hoping the most consistent inconsistent side can please be consistent for just the last 3games! #pompey #plaaaaaaayuppompey #bluearmy #pup

@Pompey_Royal Fan buyout credit details released by Trust http://bit.ly/IMlQRL #pompey

15/04/2012
@thisfootballday 2003 With a side costing £2.25m #Pompey win promotion to the top flight with Todorovs goal seeing off #Burnley at Fratton Park #football

@ChrisLewis_1994 Loved the mass exit by the Spurs fans at Wembley. Brought back memories of 2 years ago. One of my favourite days as a football fan. #Pompey

@twounfortunates Some apocalyptic defeats for Spurs in semis - Everton in the Klinsmann era, Avram Grant's #pompey and now this #facup

@lyzchambers When chelsea beat #pompey at wembley we stayed to end to cheer our team, not like spurs! They're nearly all gone, not like its far to go!

@MrPoos Look at all the #spurs fans leaving before the whistle !! You may have lost but stay till the end! You would never see a #pompey fan leave

@willhuck Do #Spurs fans every stay until the end of #faCup semi-finals? Shades of 2010 against #Pompey. Stay and applaud your team!

@elljahnewman Spurs fans pouring out of Wembley when it all goes wrong. Kinda seems familiar #Pompey

@Frattoniser To help raise £30k for Pompey then you must register first at https://www.facebook.com/npowerfootballleague/app_177019582409952 to use #Pompey #fanpowerstadium or they won't count!

@PFC_Conference #Pompey fans may want to look at @npowerstadium tweets to get an idea of how to make more noise #FanPowerStadium

@savepompey1 #fact if #pompey manage to stay up this year it will be one of the greatest ever escapes in football #pompey #FanPowerStadium #pompey

@BarrettJonny Those more observant of you will have noticed me celebrating whilst being crushed on the Football League show #Pompey

@beiderbecks All fans think their clubs are special. Our club and fans are unique! #bestfansintheland. #pompey. #fanpowerstadium

14/04/2012
@Kia0rana When was the last time #Pompey won 4-3? Or scored 2 goals in 90th min? #Pompey #fanpowerstadium

@ElsieAssap need Bristol City to play really bad in their last 3 games or get 10 points deducted for punching a sanctury donkey at a team outing #pompey

@captjabba The fat lady has sat down #playuppompey #pup #pompey

@ClonestarJC Just ran through the house with my #pompey shirt over my head. My wife booked me.

@solentsport #Pompey striker Dave Kitson has told us he no longer considers himself a striker

@bobbeech Despair I can handle its the hope that kills me the epitaph for every #Pompey fan

@ShippSport The victory sends Donny down and keeps #Pompey in with a slim chance of survival.

@princessclairin @JflanaganJohn it's unlikely to change our fate, but I do love a good tussle with the grim reaper! #pompey #itsthehopethatkillsus

@Pompey_Royal Fantastic scenes as Appy applauds fans and tries on silly hats. A very strange day. #pompey

@pn_neil_allen Appleton has just gone up to the #Pompey fans to thank them for tremendous support. And he put a Papa Smurf hat on from the group of Smurfs!

@officialpompey Full Time: Doncaster 3 #Pompey 4 - unbelievable
@officialpompey Futacs makes himself space to shoot inside the box and strokes a shot into the bottom corner #pompey
@officialpompey GOAL!!! Doncaster 3 #Pompey 4 (Futacs 90+3 mins)
@officialpompey Pearce heads the ball back for Kitson to head home from virtually on the goal line #pompey
@officialpompey GOAL!!! Doncaster 3 #Pompey 3 (Kitson 90)
@officialpompey Attendance: 8,196 - around 750 from #Pompey
@officialpompey Coppinger cuts inside and his shot goes through Pearce's legs and into the corner #pompey
@officialpompey Goal: Doncaster 3 (Coppinger 68) #Pompey 2
@officialpompey Halford again rolls the ball gently to the keeper's left, but Woods can only fumble it over the line #pompey
@officialpompey GOAL!!! Doncaster 2 #Pompey 2 (Halford (pen) 65)
@officialpompey Cheeky penalty from Halford, who just nonchalently strokes it to the keeper's left #pompey
@officialpompey GOAL!!! Doncaster 2 #Pompey 1 (Halford (pen) 58)
@officialpompeyHalf Time: Doncaster 2 #Pompey 0
@officialpompey It's certainly an open game with chances at both ends, so there is still hope #pompey
@officialpompey Coppinger puts in a low cross and Ashdown saves Brown's shot, but Robert tucks home the loose ball #pompey
@officialpompey Goal: Doncater 2 (Robert 5) #Pompey 0
@officialpompey Coppinger swings in a free-kick from the right and Brown's header loops into the net #pompey
@officialpompey Goal: Doncaster 1 (Brown 3) #Pompey 0
@officialpompey #Pompey subs: Mokoena, Scapuzzi, Harris, Kitson, Futacs
@officialpompey #Pompey team v Doncaster: Ashdown; Ward, Rocha, Pearce (c), Rekik; Allan, Halford, Norris; Etuhu, Varney; Maguire

@MarwellDeZeeuw #Pompey on the relegation express (sponsored by Grolsch) to Donny. Battle for the Bottom. Championship doesn't get more exciting than this

@mikey1963 Play up #pompey Pompey play up. Let's make today a day to remember!

@notleefox Today is a grim day. Today we can mathematically get relegated to League One #Pompey #badtimes

@iepeach Good luck and have a safe trip to all the #pompey off to Donny today.

13/04/2012
@BileysMullet URGENT TRAFFIC ALERT M27 currently closed due to an accident caused by a wheel falling of the #saintsfc title winning bus #reading #pompey

@samwiltshire Could Hayden Mullins be the first player to gain promotion and get relegated in the same season? #pompey

@RITGK NEW POST - Jason Pearce Linked To Leeds United - http://rightinthegarykellys.com/2012/04/13/portsmouth-jason-pearce-linked-to-leeds-united/ #lufc #pompey #twitterwhites

@Clearly_Confuse Happy anniversary to my boobs 3 months old today! #pompey #fanpowerstadium

@pompeylive Sport: Birch reveals #Pompey needs new owners by June - http://ow.ly/ag51C

@markacheson Just finished really good webchat with #Pompey administrator Trevor Birch. You can replay it here http://bit.ly/HCSD6m

@pn_neil_allen Keep being asked about Kanu. He hasn't left #Pompey yet and trained as usual yesterday. Triallists Williams and Gyepes also still around.

12/04/2012
@pn_neil_allen Spoke to Jamie Ashdown today on his decision to join the Trust community share scheme. Classy gesture. His passion for #Pompey is obvious.

@JSweetman92 Forest away all payed for #pompey going to be one hell of a party on the last day of the season #winorlose #uptheblues

@pn_jordan_cross Rocha fit again for #Pompey ahead of Donny. Appy realistic about aims for season but calls for pride and professionalism from players.

@pn_Emma_Judd To clarify: Lithuanian prosecutors have told @portsmouthnews that charges still stand against former #pompey chairman Vladimir Antonov

@pn_Emma_Judd Apparently there are rumours that the charges against Vladimir Antonov, former #Pompey chairman, have been dropped. S'not true I'm afraid.

@TMT_Lawyer Sitting next to middle-aged man on #Pompey train to City, who's watching Glee on iPad. What's worse: that he is or that I know it's Glee?

11/04/2012
@iepeach Well what a thoroughly depressing read the administrators proposal document was. #Pompey

@ZoeAshdown1 @pn_neil_allen @pompeytrust Pleased to confirm Jamie has sent his £100 to the community #Pompey escrow account - such a fantastic idea!

@Clearly_Confuse #pompey #fanpowerstadium .. #pompey #fanpowerstadium

@JordanHampton #Pompey have a debt of £58m!! Thats it, i think we're f**ked!!

@Matt_Smith78 Anyone seen @Clearly_Confuse today! Weird looking at tweets and not seeing #pompey #fanpowerstadium repeatedly! Lol #hasclearlybeenshutup!!

@markallaway Administrators PKF have released thier report it's 69 pages long read my new blog for a bullet pointed version! #pompey http://markallaway.co.uk/page7.htm

@TonyHusbandBBC #pompey Creditor's meeting set for April 26th.

@TonyHusbandBBC #pompey Administrator issues report to creditors. Still no firm bid and liquidation remains a possibility. Birch hopeful of a solution.

@Pompey_Pages Administrators still aren't ruling out liquidation, but are confident we can find a buyer before the money runs out. #pompey

@TonyDogTrainer 2 years ago I was at wembley watching #Pompey beat spurs. Today I'm preparing for league 1. How times change. #pompeytilidie

@markacheson #Pompey administrator Trevor Birch to answer questions on live webchat at http://portsmouth.co.uk 1pm Friday @officialpompey @pompeys12thman

@officialpompey An update from #Pompey's administrators: http://tinyurl.com/7p6zlgt

@ParkeronBantams @colinfarmery Relegation doesnt hurt after Sat result. At least #pompey dont go down crying last day like certain others. Lets just survive!

@Supermum0239PFC Calling all #Pompey and #Donny fans to have a party on Sat....before the inevitable happens. Let's all have a disco!

@taughtyourboyf The awkward moment when you try to use your #pompey season ticket to get in the door at work!

@ChrisBoots89 04.15am, I'm on a rail replacement bus service to London for work. Just cos I came to watch the #Pompey game last night. We didn't even win!

10/04/2012
@princessclairin And so it ends. Not with a bang, but with a whimper #pompey (apols to TS Elliott)

@Pompey_Pages Is it now an impossible task? #pompey

@hammersmithblue #Pompey need to get back to a book- balanced honest to goodness club. A club with a decent sized squad.

@jgepfc1988 #Pompey definitely going down now. Hopefully we can get new owners and sort out our club. Want to take my son to Fratton Park one day!

@iepeach Notwithstanding our points deduction our inconsistency this season has really done for us #Pompey So frustrating to watch sometimes.

@FrattonFaithful Spent most of the walk to Fratton Station discussing with other #pompey fans where we'll be going next season....

@PORTSMOUTHFCLEE I'm going to walk into the ocean til my hat floats #Pompey

@officialpompey Full Time: #Pompey 0 Millwall 1
@officialpompey Attendance: 15,837 #pompey
@officialpompey Half Time: #Pompey 0 Millwall 1
@officialpompey Nice finish from the striker, planting the ball in the bottom corner after making himself space to shoot on the edge of the box #pompey
@officialpompey Goal: #Pompey 0 Millwall 1 (Kane 37)
@officialpompey #Pompey subs: Magri, Scapuzzi, Harris, Benjani, Futacs
@officialpompey #Pompey team v Millwall: Ashdown; Ward, Rocha, Pearce (c), Rekik; Allan, Halford, Norris; Etuhu, Varney; Maguire

@iepeach Heaviest days post so far on the #pompey pre share pledge front.

09/04/2012
@Pompey_Pages This is definitely going to be a very very steep hill to safety now! #pompey

@colinfarmery We need to win our last five games. If we do that we should stay up. They're all winnable... #Pompey #glasshalffull

@PORTSMOUTHFCLEE The door is nearly shut on us now.with Bristol city and forest winning.only maximum points will do. #Pompey #FANPOWERSTADIUM

@Jack__Preston Huge game tomorrow at Fratton Park. #Millwall can secure safety by moving 8pts clear of relegation. Win for #Pompey would reduce gap to 6

@Jack__Preston Late drama at Ashton Gate opens up a 4-point gap between 21st place #BristolCity & the drop zone. #Pompey now move 9 points adrift of safety

@winchblue Relegation doesn't bother me - the club surviving and playing in whatever league is the only thing to be bothered about #pompey

@luke_mansfield The way results went today it will take a miracle for #pompey to stay up now #keepthefaith

@Joshyb123 Not a great day results wise for #Pompey just have to make sure we win all 5 of our remaining games.

@Markwatson23 Those results couldn't have been worse for #pompey, must win tomorrow to have any hope

@officialpompey So #Pompey are now nine points adrift of safety with five games to play - one more than their rivals

@officialpompey Full Time: Bristol City 3 Coventry 1; Doncaster 1 Burnley 2; Peterborough 0 Nottingham Forest 1 #pompey

@ABCheatle There's a huge relegation six pointer at Ashton Gate this afternoon. Bristol City vs Coventry. A draw would be ideal for #pompey.

08/04/2012
@sotonstu #saintsfc have to say, a day after the Derby I think it was a fantastic day yesterday and I hope there are many more #pompey #lovethegame

@TomDubber1 @billysharp10 Billy, apologies for the moronic abuse you have received, on behalf of all #Pompey fans who actually have a brain cell.

@Tomharding87 Its times like this you realise that not all #Pompey fans are bad : ) both teams fans have their idiots! #SaintsFC #Pompey

@X_LindseyLou_X Nice To See Everyone Unite Over That Disgusting Tweet ...... Even Gained & Followed 2 #Saints Fans #Pompey !

@tomc_1984 Top Day yesterday. Window fell out our bus on the way back, 2 wonder goals and a dislocated shoulder in celebrating Norris' goal! #pompey

@mikey1963 Not much more to say about yesterday except it was a stunning day and the boys done well. #pompey fans unreal as usual. All delivered.

@andyneat @officialpompey I think #jamieashdown has etched his name onto the 'Pompey hero list' after yesterday's performance. Out standing! #Pompey

@cassidy1980 Just seen my m8 Chris Maguire's goal v Southampton in the south coast derby,WOW !! Take a bow son what a strike,unbelievable game...#Pompey

@AshleyDavies4 David Norris what a finish!< 3 #strike #pompey @SammyPFC Still buzzing, what a day!! Love watching my boys play with such pride and determination :) lets hope we can continue this way!! #Pompey

@Jack__Preston As magnificent as today was, it's only one game worth a single point. Priority immediately switches now to #Millwall clash for #Pompey.

07/04/2012
@officialpompey Full Time: Southampton 2 #Pompey 2
@officialpompey Ball drops to Norris on the edge of the box and the midfielder lashes home. Get in! #pompey
@officialpompey GOAL!!!!!! Southampton 2 #Pompey 2 (Norris 90+4)
@officialpompey Heartache for #Pompey as Sharp bundles home. It's disallowed for offside, but then the ref and linesman have a chat and decision is reversed
@officialpompey@officialpompey Goal: Southampton 2 (Sharp 90) #Pompey 1
@officialpompey Attendance: 31,743 (3,034 #Pompey fans)
@officialpompey Half Time: Southampton 1 #Pompey 1
@officialpompey What a fantastic strike from Maguire, who lets fly from wide on the left and the ball arrows straight into the top corner #pompey
@officialpompey GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!! Southampton 1 #Pompey 1 (Maguire 36)
@officialpompey A corner only half-cleared, balls sent back into the box and Sharp pokes home and is then booked for his celebrations #pompey
@officialpompey Goal: Southampton 1 (Sharp 27) #Pompey 0
@officialpompey #Pompey subs: Magri, Scapuzzi, Harris, Kitson, Futacs
@officialpompey #Pompey team v Southampton: Ashdown; Ward, Rocha, Pearce (c), Rekik; Allan, Halford, Norris; Etuhu, Maguire, Varney

06/04/2012
@SammyGee74 For those going to St Mary's tomorrow stay safe and regardless of the result will be proud to be a Blue #Pompey #PUP #PTID

@HeyGeno Hoping everyone on both sides has a good day tomorrow. Stay safe and sensible people. #pompey #saintsfc

@PFCNick #Pompey expects everyone to do their best! #fanpowerstadium

@Chimes4PFC Can Pompey continue the sequence tomorrow, win v Birmingham, lose to Coventry, win v Hull, lose to Burnley, win v Southampton?? #pompey

@mickwill #FF Supporters Trust board working to save #Pompey @AshBeen23 @slowhandtrap @tomdearie @pompeytrust @dfearnley http://tinyurl.com/ct62nhy

@HarryH73 No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave #pompey #fanpowerstadium @officialpompey

@crstig If #saintsfc impose their style and tempo on the game they will win, but #pompey did a good stifling job at Fratton.

@crstig More pressure on #saintsfc tomorrow. Only a win will do. In reality, Appleton would be very happy to leave St. Mary's with a point. #pompey

05/04/2012
@iepeach Impressive & really encouraging start to pre share #pompey pledges. Lots still to be processed.

@solentsport Saturday's South Coast derby is now completely sold out, report #Saintsfc. If you're not going, there's live commentary with us. #pompey

@PompeyFCJaz So sad @GeorgeThorne29 has left #Pompey now! :( hope his ankle gets better !!!

@PFC_Conference MPs will call on government body to boost trust bid for Pompey http://tinyurl.com/7vusd2b #Pompey

@Chimes4PFC Happy birthday to @officialpompey, 114 years old today!! #fanpowersstadium #pompey

@mason_andy 20 years ago to the day. Can't quite believe it. #Pompey 's FA Cup Semi-final vs Liverpool. What a day!!

04/04/2012
@ABCheatle The Legend Alan Knight has resigned as manager of Dorchester. #pompey

@PompeyRyan92 #TheAmazingEveryday feeling of waking up and knowing you're a #Pompey supporter.

@officialpompey Chris Maguire has extended his loan spell at #Pompey until the end of the season: http://tinyurl.com/7hayn6q

@NabilHassan79 #Pompey Supporters' Trust spokesman Scott Mclachlan says they need to raise £8m to save Portsmouth: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17598239

@officialpompey @MarkKellett5 will be holding an exhibition of #Pompey art in Old Portsmouth next week: http://tinyurl.com/8a6479u

03/04/2012
@solentsport Premier League official Neil Swarbrick has been chosen to referee Saturday's South Coast derby between #Saintsfc & #Pompey

@NabilHassan79 Decent #pompey story coming in the morning on @solentsport and @BBCSport website.

@NabilHassan79 #saintsfc #pompey Over 30,000 tickets have now been sold for the south-coast derby on Saturday. Limited home tickets still available.

@pn_neil_allen Appleton recruitment drive firmly underway as he looks to #Pompey future. http://bit.ly/HKx3vu

02/04/2012
@officialpompey Ticket prices slashed for #Pompey's remaining midweek matches: http://tinyurl.com/896lqs8

@ellesPFC glad to hear that George Thorne should be ok for the southcoast derby on saturday!! #Pompey #FANPOWERSTADIUM

@officialpompey #Pompey fans who have bought match tickets for Saturday have until 5pm today to book their coach seats: http://tinyurl.com/84chhrl

01/04/2012
@officialpompey #Pompey Ladies won 2-1 at Gillingham today and need one win from their final two matches to clinch the title

@pn_neil_allen #Pompey loss to Burnley was bad enough, then George Thorne left ground on crutches with left ankle strapped. Big game coming up too!

@MrsKelster Are syndicate share forms (like the Lotto ones) something @pompeytrust can provide perhaps? Or look into providing? #Pompey

@Pompey_Royal Fantastic that so many want to be part of share offer - hope @pompeytrust can find way to help less wealthy #pompey fans join in ...

@DeeEee1985 Last time I remember losing 5-1 was to Brum in early 2006, and that result hurt. Ultimately, we went on to survive #pompey

@Pompey_Royal I can afford £1k+ but many can't and mustn't be alienated (again). @pompeytrust #pompey

@Supermum0239PFC I'm beginning to think someone switched the calender over a day early in the #Pompey dressing room yesterday!

@Pompey_Royal Clubs like #Pompey must belong to the fans, not the money men: Patrick Collins http://bit.ly/Hvd31g via @MailOnline @pompeytrust

Note 3: the tweets listed above are those of the accounts shown in bold text and the views/opinions expressed are theirs and not mine. I've not asked anyone's permission to record tweets here so let me know if you have any concerns about me doing that or if you'd like to just contact me and say 'hi' then I am @PompeyChicken on Twitter.

Friday, 30 March 2012

From Falmouth To Wembley: Toffees Set Up Merseyside Derby

It's time to catch up with my look at the 2011-12 FA Cup competition with the latest match summary from the FA Cup Quarter Final.

Those of you who have been following this from the start will know that back in the Summer of 2011 I started to follow this season's FA Cup with Falmouth Town.

As each round has progressed the FA Cup baton been passed as follows during this season's competition:

Falmouth Town AFC
Bodmin Town
Godalming Town
Maidenhead United
Aldershot Town
Sheffield Wednesday
Blackpool
Everton.

The simple notion here is that eventually one club will get to Wembley and you'll be able to look right back to the start of the Competition to see where it all started.

When I say 'get to Wembley' I really mean 'get to the FA Cup Final at Wembley'. Of course the winners of the Quarter Finals get to play their Semi-Finals at Wembley too, but it's the Final I'm referring to in the "Falmouth to Wembley" title.

You can see links to the match reports from the previous rounds at the end of this article.

FA Cup Quarter Final
Saturday 17th March 2012
Everton 1-1 Sunderland


FA Cup 4th Round highlights Everton 1-1 Sunderland
Source: Uploaded on YouTube by TheFACup on 18th March 2012

Everton's Assistant Manager Steve Round said after the game: "It's an opportunity missed, because we had a lot of the game. We are disappointed, but it is within our capabilities to win at Sunderland."

Sunderland manager Marton O'Neil said after the game: "We are a million miles from winning the Cup...it was a tough game and I doubt if the replay will be much easier. The only slight advantage we will have is being at home."

Goalscorers: Bardsley for Sunderland (12), Cahill for Everton (23)
Match played at: Goodison Park
Attendance: 38,875
Everton team: Tim Howard, Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, Johnny Heitinga, Leon Osman, Tim Cahill, Philip Neville, Marouane Fellaini, Royston Drenthe (replaced by Denis Stracqualursi in the 85th minute), Seamus Coleman (replaced by Magaye Gueye in the 72nd minute ), Nikica Jelavic

Sunderland team: Simon Mignolet, Michael Turner, John O'Shea, Wayne Bridge, Phillip Bardsley, Craig Gardner, Jack Colback, Sebastian Larsson, James McClean, Fraizer Campbell (replaced by David Vaughan in the 74th minute), Nicklas Bendtner

Next up in the FA Cup: Sunderland versus Everton in the Quarter Final replay

Interesting fact: Sunderland were without Lee Cattermole and Stéphane Sessègnon for this match because of suspension. They are available for the replay.

Reference
Sunderland are favourites for FA Cup replay after stalemate at Everton

FA Cup Quarter Final Replay
Tuesday 27th March 2012
Sunderland 0-2 Everton


FA Cup Quarter Final replay highlights Sunderland 0-2 Everton

Source: Uploaded on YouTube by TheFACup on 27th March 2012

Goalscorers: Jelavic (24th minute) and Vaughan OG (57th minute)

Match played at: The Stadium Of Light
Attendance: 43,140
Sunderland team: Simon Mignolet, Wayne Bridge (Fraizer Campbell, 63), Sotirios Kyrgiakos (replaced by David Vaughan in the 54th minute), Phillip Bardsley, Michael Turner, Lee Cattermole, Stéphane Sessegnon, Sebastian Larsson, James McClean, Craig Gardner, Nicklas Bendtner.

Everton team: Tim Howard, Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, Johnny Heitinga, Philip Neville, Marouane Fellaini, Darron Gibson, Leon Osman, Tim Cahill (replaced by Tony Hibbert in the 92nd minute), Magaye Gueye (replaced by Phil Jagielka in the 82nd minute), Nikica Jelavic (replaced by Denis Stracqualursi in the 87th minute).

Next up in the FA Cup for Everton: Liverpool in the FA Cup Semi-Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday April 14th.

Interesting fact: Tim Cahill scored against Sunderland for Millwall against Sunderland in an FA Cup semi-final.

Reference
Nikica Jelavic sinks Sunderland to set up derby semi-final for Everton

Previous Rounds
You can read the match report from the Extra Preliminary Qualifying Round by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Falmouth Town AFC

and the match report from the Preliminary Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Bodmin Town FC

and the match report from the First Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Bodmin Town The Journey Continues In To Uncharted Territory

and the match reports from the Second Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Bodmin Town – The Giant Killing Continues As The First Round Proper Gets Tantalisingly Close

and the match reports from the Third Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Bodmin Town Pass The Baton To Godalming Town After A Replay

and the match report from the Fourth Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Give Me Five! The Gs Lose Heavily At Home To The Magpies

and a summary of the matches from the First and Second Rounds can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Time To Catch Up! The baton is passed from Maidenhead United to Aldershot Town and to Sheffield Wednesday.

and a summary of the match from the Third Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Owls Have A Hoot!

and a summary of the matches from the Fourth and Fifth Rounds can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Catch up time! The baton is passed from Sheffield Wednesday to Blackpool to Everton

BlueThruAndThru

Thursday, 29 March 2012

24/03/2012 Coventry City 2-0 Portsmouth: Pictures Of The Ricoh Arena

Here are some pictures I took at The Ricoh Arena for Pompey's crucial 'six pointer' against fellow relegation candidates Coventry City.

Welcome to the Ricoh Arena

A view of the stadium from car park C. As you can see the car park is separated from the stadium by a dual carriageway.

The footbridge from car park C to the stadium over the dual carriageway.

Home fans this way, away fans that way

Coventry City FC badge

The stadium has a casino attached.

You can see the statue of Jimmy Hill in this picture.

Entrance to the CCFC Superstore and Ticket Office.

CCFC garden gnomes!

Jimmy Hill statue

There's some more information about Jimmy Hill on a nearby window display


Coventry Evening Telegraph Stand

Looking down the back of the Tesco Stand.

Bicycle racks. There were a number of these around the site, although I didn't see that many bicycles! In the distance you can just see the memorial garden, it's a nice quiet part of the site, there were a couple of people sitting in the sun enjoying a few special moments.

Looking back along the Tesco Stand. Note the different memorial walls along this stand, each one is named after a famous former Coventry City player.

The Sky Blues Wall of Fame logo.

Play Up Bricks I - I was reading the various bricks and came across this one which I liked!

Play Up Bricks II - and then I found some more!

Corner of the South Stand

Ricoh sign over the front of the South Stand.

View of the Lloyds Pharmacy Stand, the players and staff had just arrived on the team bus.

The main entrance.

Inside The Ricoh Arena Before The Match

Picture I

Picture II

Picture III

Picture IV, note the big screen

BlueThruAndThru

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

Portsmouth Football Programme and Memorabilia Fair Sunday 25th April 11AM to 2PM In The Victory Suite

On Sunday April 25th I visited the latest Portsmouth Football Programme and Memorabilia Fair to be held at Fratton Park.

Flyer at Fratton Park advertising the latest Portsmouth Football Programme and Memorabilia Fair

If you haven't been to one of these twice yearly events but you have a love for football generally and the history of game then I would urge you to go to one. Even if you're not a serious collector it's worth a visit.

As I wandered around the various stalls, it was great to listen to and observe collectors 'at work': regular stallholders; familiar faces including ex-footballers and a World Cup referee; people deep in conversation about what had recently been sold at auction; the serious collectors with their detailed lists and spectacles perched on the end of their noses carefully thumbing through box after box; hearing time and again the question "Have you got....?" and more often than not the responding answers "Yes, it's in that box over there..." or "I haven't but try that chap over there...". There was a real sense of community.

The stalls make impressive viewing with all the memorabilia laid out on display, most of it easily accessible to handle, a good mix of colour and black and white images of days gone by.

The very expensive items such as rare matchday programmes from the 1940s and 1950s with their simple, standard covers are often on special display 'behind the counter', sealed in protective sleeves and available to view on request.

As an aside, football programmes can be interesting from a social history perspective - just take a look inside any example from the 1960s & 1970s and read the adverts for local businesses, cinemas, dance halls, the latest cars, alcohol and cigarettes! So different to today!

Some of the programme stands photographed towards the end of this Fair

Matchday programmes, teamsheets, books, pamphlets, cigarette cards, coins, stickers, stamps, pictures, magazines - the list is seemingly endless. You name it there'll almost certainly be an example of it at the Fair. If it's not there someone in attendance will know where to find it or will know someone who knows where to find it!

My main interest is matchday programmes although in recent years I've also started collecting books as well.

A recent purchase: the matchday programme from Lincoln City versus Portsmouth from the early 1980s

The Fairs are not only for adults of course. It's important to encourage the next generation of collectors and it's great to see father and son, mother and daughter, wandering around together, and hearing interesting snippets being passed down from one generation to another. Quite often children attending the Fair receive a free hefty bundle of programmes wrapped in seethrough plastic on arrival at the door - a mystery 'starter pack'!

This may all sound a bit geeky to some, the football equivalent of trainspotting! But to me it's more akin to enthusiasm, pride and passion, for the history of your football club and for football history generally.

Of course for fans of Portsmouth FC, a club with a rich history, there are always plenty of 'collectables' available to view and buy. But it's not all about Pompey and fans of every football club will enjoy the experience and find something to interest them. This is an event that transcends the traditional football rivalries, where any football fans, irrespective of the club they support, can stand side by side thumbing through boxes of programmes united in their passion for the game's history.

As great as it is to indulge and reflect upon the history and heritage of a football club like Portsmouth it does make you realise just how great a loss it would be for future generations if it no longer existed.

Fans of today are experiencing the history of tomorrow that will come together at Fairs like this one and I for one look forward to a lot more of both.

Collecting programmes - how do you start?
Starting a collection of football programmes is not as expensive as you might think. It's possible to buy many programmes priced between 40 pence to a pound, depending on its age, rarity and condition. An autograph or a special occasion may increase the price.

Listed below are some things I believe you should consider when attending a Fair. It's by no means an exhaustive list and I'm sure others will come up with things I've overlooked, but it's a starting point based on my own experiences.

(1) I would recommend having in mind exactly what it is you're after before you attend a fair. Attending 'blind' also has its merits, especially for a first visit but knowing what you want will focus your mind.

(2) Create a list and take it with you to the Fair - it will act as an aide memoire and will give you immense pleasure each time you strike through an item!

(3) If you haven't got one get a reference book where you can look up the exact date a game was played or even who played, that will help your search on the day.

(4) Build your list around themes although don't be surprised if you can't find everything in your theme on the day. Remember you're not the only collector out there and some themes will contain highly sought after or rare items! Select themes that are meaningful and personal to you.

(5) Some of my recent Pompey matchday programme themes have included: the biggest and lowest home attendances for each season; Portsmouth versus Southampton matches; big attendances for games Pompey played at Fratton Park in Division Four; Pompey games played on my birthday; and games Pompey have played on Shrove Tuesday or Ash Wednesday.

Some recent purchases: Portsmouth versus Southampton matchday programmes

(6) I've also had very specific programmes on my list for example: the last competitive game Sir Stanley Matthews played in at Fratton Park for Stoke City; Gillingham versus Portsmouth from the 1985 Milk Cup; and the famous Pompey fan 'takeover' of Anfield against Liverpool in the League Cup.

(7) Take a carrier bag or similar to hold all your purchases!

(8) Do a circuit of the Fair before you delve in, have a good look around, listen and observe. Talk to people!

(9) Have in mind how much you're willing to spend and take along plenty of loose change. Try not to get carried away or caught up in a WIFWML* moment. Get a sense of the value of what you're buying.

(10) View collecting as a hobby, not as a way to make a living, unless you are really serious!

(11) Don't forget that when you get your programmes home you will need somewhere safe, dry and secure to store them.

I look forward to seeing you at the next Fair at Fratton Park! Good luck!

BlueThruAndThru
* WIFWML = "I Wanted It For the Whole of My Life!" when you really didn't.

Tuesday, 20 March 2012

When Giving Everything Just Wasn't Quite Enough


An exhausted Joel Ward leaves the pitch at the end of the 0-0 draw between Pompey and Bristol City on Saturday March 17th.

This picture says a lot about Pompey's second half performance - Joel's clearly left everything out there on the pitch, he has given his all: the whole team did.

Nobody could fault the second half commitment of the players on Saturday and that bodes well if they can lift themselves again. Get something from the game against Birmingham City and who knows what might happen; momentum can build quickly once it gets going.

Let's make sure us fans do our bit and 'leave everything out on the field' too...PUP!

BlueThruAndThru

Sunday, 18 March 2012

From Falmouth To Wembley: Catch up time! The baton is passed from Sheffield Wednesday to Blackpool to Everton

It's time to catch up with my look at the 2011-12 FA Cup competition with the latest match summary from the Fourth and Fifth rounds.

Those of you who have been following this from the start will know that back in the Summer I started to follow this season's FA Cup with Falmouth Town.

The baton was passed from Falmouth Town AFC to Bodmin Town to Godalming Town to Maidenhead United to Aldershot Town and going in to the Fourth Round was held by Sheffield Wednesday.

The simple notion here is that eventually one club will get to Wembley and you'll be able to look right back to the start of the Competition to see where it all started.

You can see links to the match reports from the previous rounds at the end of this article.

FA Cup Fourth Round
Saturday 28th January 2012
Blackpool 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday


FA Cup 4th Round highlights Blackpool 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday

Source: Uploaded on YouTube by TheFACup on 29th January 2012

Goalscorers: Clinton Morrison for Sheffield Wednesday in the 52nd minute gave the Owls the lead and Kevin Phillips for Blackpool with a 93rd minute penalty to seal a replay.
Match played at: Bloomfield Road
Attendance: 14,042
Blackpool team: Matthew Gilks, Robert Harris, Chris Basham, Neal Eardley, Danny Wilson, Craig Cathcart, Keith Southern (replaced by Gary Taylor-Fletcher in the 53rd minute), Matthew Phillips, Ángel (replaced by Thomas Ince in the 79th minute), Billy Clarke (replaced by Nouha Dicko in the 62nd minute), Kevin Phillips

Sheffield Wednesday team: Stephen Bywater, Rob Jones, Danny Batth, Lewis Buxton, Mark Beevers, Liam Palmer (replaced by Jermaine Johnson in the 46th minute), Chris Sedgwick, Chris Lines, David Prutton, Clinton Morrison (replaced by Chris O'Grady in the 74th minute), Ryan Lowe (replaced by Jon Otsemobor in the 59th minute)

Next up in the FA Cup: Sheffield Wednesday versus Blackpool in the Fourth Round replay

Interesting fact: Nouha Dicko was signed from Oldham Athletic and made his Blackpool debut in this match.

Reference
Blackpool's Kevin Phillips on the spot to deny Sheffield Wednesday

FA Cup Fourth Round Replay
Tuesday 7th February 2012
Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 Blackpool


FA Cup 4th Round replay highlights Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 Blackpool

Source: Uploaded on YouTube by TheFACup on 8th February 2012

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway said after the game: "I thought we looked like a foreign team, we were that good. We didn't give them much of an opportunity at all but that can happen when your first two shots go in. That left the crowd a bit shell-shocked and I don't think they ever recovered".

Sheffield Wednesday Gary Megson said after the game: "They are a class act, they made our passing look laboured. They took their goals brilliantly, and that changes games".

Goalscorers: Matt Phillips (7 minutes)Lomana Lua Lua (14 minutes) and Ludovic Sylvestre (54 minutes)

Match played at: Hillsborough
Attendance: 10,274
Sheffield Wednesday team: Stephen Bywater, Jon Otsemobor, Danny Batth, Rob Jones, Julian Bennett, Reda Johnson (replaced by Josè Semedo in the 45th minute), Chris Sedgwick, Chris Lines, Liam Palmer, Clinton Morrison, Ryan Lowe

Blackpool team: Matthew Gilks, Danny Wilson, Alex Baptiste, Robert Harris (replaced by Nouha Dicko in the 85th minute), Neal Eardley, Ángel, Ludovic Sylvestre, Thomas Ince, Matthew Phillips (replaced by Gerardo Bruna in the 76th minute), Tresor Lomana Lua Lua, Kevin Phillips (replaced by John Fleck in the 64th minute).

Next up in the FA Cup for Blackpool: Everton (away)

Interesting fact: In August Blackpool lost on penalties in the Carling Cup First Round at Hillsborough.

Reference
Matt Phillips strikes early as Blackpool ease past Sheffield Wednesday

FA Cup Fifth Round
Saturday 18th February 2012
Everton 2-0 Blackpool


FA Cup 5th Round highlights Everton vs Blackpool

Source: Uploaded on YouTube by TheFACup on 19th February 2012

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway said after the game: "We are a million miles away from them. I thought my team would be better than that. Some of their players I've not really heard of. But their wide leftie [Gueye] was fantastic and Drenthe was fantastic. It wasn't embarrassing but it could have been a rout. Wouldn't it be nice if Dave [Moyes] won something?"

Everton manager David Moyes said after the game: "From the first day of my first year here, we wanted to win a trophy. We had six or seven chances to put the game to bed. We're desperate to win the final"

Goalscorers: Royston Drenthe in the 1st minute and Denis Stracqualursi in the 7th minute.
Match played at: Goddison Park
Attendance: 38,347
Everton team: Tim Howard, Tony Hibbert, Sylvain Distin, Leighton Baines, Johnny Heitinga, Darron Gibson (replaced by Ross Barkley in the 83rd minute), Philip Neville, Marouane Fellaini, Royston Drenthe, Denis Stracqualursi (replaced by Apostolos Vellios in the 88th minute), Magaye Gueye (replaced by Seamus Coleman in the 57th minute)

Blackpool team: Matthew Gilks, Craig Cathcart, Danny Wilson, Alex Baptiste, Robert Harris, Thomas Ince (replaced by Nouha Dicko in the 71st minute), Ángel (replaced by Tresor Lomana Lua Lua in the 72nd minute), Chris Basham, Ludovic Sylvestre, Gary Taylor-Fletcher (replaced by Roman Bednar in the 23rd minute), Kevin Phillips

Next up in the FA Cup for Everton: Sunderland (home)
Interesting fact: When Blackpool last competed in an FA Cup quarter-final, Harold Macmillan was prime minister, the Beatles were yet to be formed and footballers were paid a maximum of £20 a week.

Reference
Everton's replacement wingers send their team flying past Blackpool

Previous Rounds
You can read the match report from the Extra Preliminary Qualifying Round by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Falmouth Town AFC

and the match report from the Preliminary Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Bodmin Town FC

and the match report from the First Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Bodmin Town The Journey Continues In To Uncharted Territory

and the match reports from the Second Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Bodmin Town – The Giant Killing Continues As The First Round Proper Gets Tantalisingly Close

and the match reports from the Third Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Bodmin Town Pass The Baton To Godalming Town After A Replay

and the match report from the Fourth Qualifying Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Give Me Five! The Gs Lose Heavily At Home To The Magpies

and a summary of the matches from the First and Second Rounds can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Time To Catch Up! The baton is passed from Maidenhead United to Aldershot Town and to Sheffield Wednesday.

and a summary of the match from the Third Round can be found by clicking here ==> From Falmouth To Wembley: Owls Have A Hoot!

BlueThruAndThru

Saturday, 10 March 2012

06/03/2012 Reading 1-0 Portsmouth: Pre-Match and Match Action Pictures

Pictures Of The Madejski Stadium before kick-off.
Here are some pictures of the stadium taken before kick-off.

View of the West Stand

View of the North Stand

View of the East Stand

Match Action Pictures
Not a particularly good set of pictures I'm afraid but they give an indication as to the view of the match. Lots of blurry images!

Picture I - in the first half Pompey attacked the South Stand where the travelling Pompey fans were located.

Picture II - more first half action.

Picture III - Halford throws the ball infield to Hayden Mullins.

Picture IV - Pompey fan applauds.

Picture V - second half action.

Picture VI - second half action.

Picture VII - second half action.

Portsmouth versus Reading: Stephen Henderson, Aaron Mokoena, Ricardo Rocha, Jason Pearce, Greg Halford, Joel Ward, Hayden Mullins, George Thorne, David Norris (replaced by Dave Kitson in the 79th minute), Scott Allan (replaced by Marko Futacs in the 84th minute) and Luke Varney. Substitutes not used: Jamie Ashdown, Adam Webster and Kelvin Etuhu.
Attendance: 18.399
Pompey MOTM: difficult to award but Scott Allan had a couple of long distance shots that went over the bar in the second half and he would probably nick it.
Source: www.portsmouthfc.co.uk

BlueThruAndThru