Port Vale manager Neil Aspin said tonight's 2-0 win over Middlesbrough's under-21s was a small step towards getting back on track after Saturday's 6-2 defeat at home to Lincoln. Vale made it two wins from two in the trophy as goals from Ricky Miller, on six minutes, and Connell Rawlinson, on 66, gave them a comfortable home victory to follow up their 1-0 win at home to Burton in their opening group game last week. The result means Vale are through to the knockout stages whatever happens in their final group match, at Walsall on November 13. But, more importantly, Vale were able to get back into action after that mauling by league leaders Lincoln. Aspin made six changes including a start for James Gibbons who came through 45 minutes in his first game back after a hip injury. Gibbons played at right wing back in Aspin's 3-5-2 system that featured Connell Rawlinson and Theo Vassell either side of Nathan Smith in the back three. Aspin said: "Any win is good news after Saturday. "It is just … [Read more...] about Port Vale 2, Middlesbrough 0: Aspin encouraged as he checks players and system
Wales boss Ryan Giggs praises ‘outstanding’ captain Ashley Williams
By Dafydd Pritchard BBC Sport Wales at the Aviva Stadium 16 Oct From the section Wales Share this with Digg Facebook Google LinkedIn Reddit StumbleUpon Twitter Copy this link http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45884397 Read more about sharing. Wales manager Ryan Giggs praised captain Ashley Williams as "magnificent" after the 1-0 Nations League win in the Republic of Ireland.Williams has struggled for form with Wales and club side Stoke City in recent months.However, the 34-year-old centre-back steered a young, depleted Welsh side to victory in Dublin with an imperious display."Outstanding, man of the match by a million miles," said Giggs."I wasn't happy with the first-half performance - he was the only one really who showed the things I was looking for, winning challenges. "He was just magnificent, a real captain's performance. "I get asked all the time about the younger players … [Read more...] about Wales boss Ryan Giggs praises ‘outstanding’ captain Ashley Williams
Champions Hockey League: Cardiff Devils 5-6 Vaxjo Lakers OT
16 Oct From the section Ice hockey Share this with Digg Facebook Google LinkedIn Reddit StumbleUpon Twitter Copy this link http://www.bbc.com/sport/ice-hockey/45884395 Read more about sharing. Cardiff Devils ended their Champions League campaign winless after an overtime loss at home to Vaxjo Lakers.Lakers led 3-0 through Liam Reddox, Linus Fröberg and Kalle Johansson.Devils staged a thrilling recovery as Layne Ulmer, Joey Martin and Stephen Dixon scored, only for Janne Pesonen to edge Lakers back in front.Ulmer levelled before Martin's goal looked to give Devils victory, but Joel Persson equalised to make it 5-5 and then struck the winner in overtime.Devils lost 3-1 away to the Swedish side earlier in October but were hoping to turn the tables on Tuesday to register a first win in Group G and finish on a high.The Welsh club return to Elite League action this weekend as they continue … [Read more...] about Champions Hockey League: Cardiff Devils 5-6 Vaxjo Lakers OT
Wales beat Republic of Ireland to move top of Nations League group
Harry Wilson curled home a stunning free-kick as a depleted Wales side beat the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League. The Derby winger left keeper Darren Randolph rooted to the spot as his 58th-minute strike secured a 1-0 victory for a Wales team without Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. The win moves Giggs' side top of Group B4. A win over Denmark next month in Cardiff would guarantee Wales finish top of the group and secure promotion to League A. Until the goal, an error-strewn game had lumbered along in mundane fashion but once they had their noses in front, Giggs' youngsters rarely looked like surrendering their lead as the Republic's lack of creativity was once again cruelly exposed. Shorn of star men Bale, through injury, and Ramsey following the birth of his twins - the first time one of the two had not featured in a competitive game since the latter made his debut in 2008 - Giggs put his faith in 18-year-old midfielder Matthew Smith and striker Tyler Roberts, just a year … [Read more...] about Wales beat Republic of Ireland to move top of Nations League group
Blood Brothers, the Hawth Theatre
No matter how many times you see Blood Brothers - and how much you know what is coming - it still packs an emotional punch like no other show. This is my fourth time seeing the Willy Russell's classic - and it hasn't lost any of it's humour, drama or raw emotion. And it wasn't just the story and the songs that drew the Hawth audience in, it was the quality of the performances.After seeing a couple of Nolans and a Spice Girl, it was Linzi Hateley's turn as the iconic Mrs Johnstone. It is an incredible role and Hateley more than did it justice - she delivered that final song with such power, it didn't leave a dry eye in the house.But it wasn't just Hateley who shone. Sean Jones' (Mickey) portrayal from innocence to the depths of despair is nothing short of astonishing.Robbie Scotcher as the omnipresent Narrator was brilliant and menacing - by far the best Narrator I have seen. Sarah Jane Buckley (Mrs Lyons) and Mark Hutchinson (Eddie Lyons) are both great. But it might just have been … [Read more...] about Blood Brothers, the Hawth Theatre