0 Have your say The last thing Marcelo Bielsa would want is for Leeds United to let the occasion swallow them but any pretence of Saturday’s derby with Sheffield United being the next fixture in a very long line of them was blown out of the water by Pontus Jansson. “The biggest game of our lives” Jansson billed it on Tuesday and some in the stands at Elland Road will feel that way when the whistle goes. In a decade-and-a-half of simple living, the enormity of Saturday’s match ranks alongside that of almost any other Leeds have staged; a promotion contest which will settle nothing on the day but might come to be seen as definitive in time.The club have been working towards it since their 4-0 thrashing of West Bromwich Albion at the start of this month, aware that one pivotal clash with a top-six club was leading rapidly to another. Players at Leeds and Sheffield United have mentioned each other in passing, ever wary of being seen to … [Read more...] about Leeds United v Sheffield United: The biggest game of our lives, said Pontus Jansson. And Pablo Hernandez is ready for it.
Gaming
Why Port Vale’s high-pressing game is hard to pull off but so effective
What a week! I said after the Vale’s draw at Notts County there were signs we might just have turned the corner, but I didn’t expect John Askey’s team to follow that up with back-to-back wins. I did say we shouldn’t write off the Mansfield game just because they were near the top, but having beaten them I bet there were a few long-serving fans who were thinking ‘typical Vale, we’ll probably lose to Yeovil now.’ Instead the Vale have beaten them both and that will have given everyone such a lift - fans, manager and players. Back-to-back wins are so important at this time of year. I am not going to tempt fate, but Notts County and Macclesfield are going to have to put a real run together to catch the Vale, and that’s if Vale don’t continue the fine form they have shown this week. John made the point that he can’t magically give the players belief, that can only come from hard work and results. That gives you confidence, but … [Read more...] about Why Port Vale’s high-pressing game is hard to pull off but so effective
Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu insists he ‘should be dominating games’ for Jambos
Hearts hitman Uche Ikpeazu says he will put himself on the spot if required after being barred from taking penalties by Craig Levein. Ikpeazu was outstanding as he helped the men in maroon reach their first Scottish Cup semi-final since 2012. The 24-year-old scored the leveller in the 2-1 Scottish Cup quarter-final replay victory over Partick Thistle. But the striker blotted his copybook by spurning a second-half penalty when his weak effort from 12 yards – which would have given Hearts a commanding 3-1 lead – was easily saved by Jags keeper Conor Hazard. Levein revealed the former Watford star had an agreement with the club that he was allowed to take every penalty that he earned. But the Tynecastle manager joked the contract had since been ripped up in the wake of Ikpeazu’s howler. Ironically he had assumed the penalty responsibility from Sean Clare who had netted an earlier spot-kick to put Hearts 2-1 in front. Whilst Ikpeazu won’t shy away from hitting … [Read more...] about Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu insists he ‘should be dominating games’ for Jambos
Scorer Michael Nottingham’s Blackpool goal is more game-time
Michael Nottingham hopes his goal in the midweek draw against Doncaster Rovers will finally earn him more time on the pitc READ MORE: Lack of ruthless streak frustrates Blackpool boss Terry McPhillips The 29-year-old has made 34 Blackpool appearances this season but has started only twice in 2019. Tuesday’s cameo off the bench was only the right-back’s second appearance since January. He slammed home his fourth goal of the season to give Pool the lead against Doncaster but they were forced to settle for a point after Tommy Rowe dragged the visitors level. Nottingham said: “I’m very happy to get the goal but I’m just happy to get on the pitch and help out. “I’m disappointed with the result because I felt we were the better team and created the more chances. “Obviously I’ve been disappointed in recent weeks but the team is just so competitive. “I’ve just had to wait for my chance and it’s come here, and I think … [Read more...] about Scorer Michael Nottingham’s Blackpool goal is more game-time
Finnish President Fights Global Warming in His Last Hockey Game Before Hip Surgery
Click to find out more. President Sauli Niinistö sitting on a bench at the Kallio Ice Rink (Brahenkenttä) while preparing for a game of Save Pond Hockey in Helsinki on February 9, 2019. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today / Click to view gallery “Is the ice soft?” asked President Sauli Niinistö, 70, while sitting on a bench at the Kallio Ice Rink on a mild but windy Saturday in early February. He was wearing skates, blue jeans and a blue helmet. His white hockey jersey had number 17 emblazoned on the back. Above the number, big capital letters said: “Niinistö.” He pulled on his hockey gloves. He leaped off the bench like a young city rabbit. Was the ice soft? I couldn’t tell as I was wearing sneakers. I didn’t hear anyone replying to the president. Perhaps it was a rhetorical question? Nevertheless, President Niinistö now had a big smile on his face as he took a few spins on the ice. Someone passed … [Read more...] about Finnish President Fights Global Warming in His Last Hockey Game Before Hip Surgery